Easy Everyday Makeup Routine

Feeling and looking your best doesn't have to require tons of time or effort. That is why I have developed a makeup routine in the morning that is not only quick and simple but very effective. It is easy to achieve and doesn't require much skill. The BEST part...it is long wearing and COMFORTABLE. Doesn't really feel like I have anything on my skin. Please see the link below for the video tutorial of my routine. In this post I'm going to talk more about the products I use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0FAvJp0tOo&feature=youtu.be

Some of the tips I have for an effective but quick makeup routine:

- Keep your everyday makeup easily accessible along with the tools that you use.

- Form a routine and do the same thing every day (of course add in some fun extras if/when you have time).

- Keep it simple and let the makeup enhance your natural beauty!

- Focus on making the skin look radiant rather than creating a crazy eye look.

Moving on to the products I use (in the order I use them):

#1 Primer: Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Defend 30 SPF

Retails: $9.99 at Ulta

I don't use this primer for the purpose of making my makeup last longer. I simply use it for the benefit of sun protection. I think most of us have heard of how harmful UV rays are to the skin. Not only does it cause cancer potentially, but it increases aging. I don't know about you, but I am trying to reverse the effects of aging not progress in the opposite direction. I am still exploring SPF options but for now this one does not break me out (I currently have acne prone skin due to pregnancy), does not have a white cast, and doesn't smell like sunscreen!

#2 Concealer: TruBlend Undercover Concealer

Retails: $10.99 at Ulta

This concealer, in my opinion, is very comparable to the Tarte ShapeTape. It is very full coverage without being too thick. The consistency is the same as the Shape Tape. I haven't really noticed much creasing under the eye. (I crease under the eye no matter what I do). Before Shape Tape was the only thing I used that had very minimal creasing, but this concealer gets the same job done at a much cheaper price point!

#3 Setting Powder: Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

Retails: $46.00 at Ulta

I am in LOVE with this setting powder. I have not found a drugstore product that even remotely compares. I have combination skin that leans more dry. The only place on my face that gets oily is my nose and that only happens in the summer. The rest of the year I am just dry. This powder does not exaggerate my dryness or make me look like a crusty HOT MESS. It gives the skin a radiant finish and I love to use this not only to set my concealer but also to set all over the face when I use liquid foundation.

#4 Foundation: J. Cat Beauty Aquasurance Compact Foundation

Retails: $13.99 at Ulta (online only)

I've never been a fan of powder foundations until I tried this one. It is medium to full coverage and looks so nice on the skin. Throughout the day it melts into the skin and gets even more beautiful and skin like. The natural oils that you produce really melts this stuff right into your face and I don't notice any breakup! It does look a little dry initially, however, once you apply some dewy setting spray or just give it time to settle in it looks so NICE! The shade range isn't the greatest, but if you can find a shade I highly recommend it. Otherwise, makeup forever has a similar product that I've heard was even better. (I'd hope so. It is much more expensive!)

#5 Bronzer: IT Cosmetics Sunshine in a Compact Matte Anti-Aging Bronzer

Retails: $39.50 on QVC and it comes with a powder brush that I never use

I guess I'm kind of an old lady and I shop on QVC. I have ZERO shame! I do not think you can find this product anywhere else. I love this bronzer because the shade works for me when I'm at my fairest and I can also build it up and use it when I have sunless tanner on! The pan is HUGE and you get lots of product. It has a matte finish and does not exaggerate my texture from acne scaring. Most of my scarring is right on my cheeks where I would place bronzer so I try to stay clear of anything with a shimmer in it. It blends out very nicely. It isn't overly warm in my opinion and works great with my skin tone.

#6 Blush: Wet n' Wild Blush Color Icon in Mellow Wine

Retails: $2.89 Target

As I said earlier, I have lots of texture on my cheeks and for most cheek products I like to keep it matte. This blush is so very affordable and so very effective! It is very pigmented, the color is very flattering, and it is long lasting. Can't beat that, am I right? I actually bought this when my husband, J.P., and I went out of town for our anniversary. I left my ENTIRE makeup bag at home and this is when my pregnancy acne was at its peak in severity. I made J.P. take me to the nearest drug store and I loaded up on affordable makeup to get me through the weekend. I have used this blush non-stop ever since!

#7 Brow Pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Retails: $21.00 at Sephora

If I use anything high end it is because I have not found an affordable dupe that can come close to comparison. This is definitely one of those products. I love how precise the tip of the pencil is and that it is long wearing. What I find with drug store brow products is that they are easily wiped away. They are too creamy and not very long lasting.

#8 Highlighter: Pixi + Rachh Loves - Layers Highlighter Palette

Retails: $24.00 at Target

I mix the two large pans together (Tee and Clutch) and apply to the highpoints of my face. Now I know I said I have a lot of texture on my cheeks and I stay clear of anything shimmery. Thankfully, my texture starts right below the area where I would apply highlighter so all is good in the world! Since my skin is dry I definitely want to give some luminosity make to it. This highlight is so beautiful. You can really make things POP or can keep it subtle and more natural looking.

#9 Setting Mist: Pixi by Petra Glow Mist

Retails $20.00 at Target

This mist takes any powdery mess and really melts your makeup into your skin. This does NOT prolong the wear of your makeup. You really need a setting spray that has alcohol as one of the main ingredients for the purpose of longevity. But because of my dryness, I can get away with using this spray and my makeup still stays on all day! (I think the aquasurance foundation in itself is why it wears so well). The mist is very fine and won't ruin your makeup when you apply it!

#10 Mascara: Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara

Retails $4.99 at Ulta

Want an affordable mascara that packs a major punch? This one will do the job. It is seriously THAT good. I have crap eyelashes and this stuff gives me serious volume, lift, and actually holds a curl. I really don't know what else to say about it except you NEED to try this.

#11 Lip Balm: EOS Organic Stick Lip Balm Fragrance Free

Retails: $4.26 on Amazon 2 pack (I got this at Walmart but couldn't find a link)

The best part of this product to me is that it is fragrance free. I HATE fragrance in products and I don't really need my lips to smell like an artificial, chemical filled sugar cookie. I stick with a colorless lip product on most days to keep my lips adequately moisturized and for the ease of its use.

#12 Elf Lip Plumping Gloss in Mocha Twist

Retails: $6.00 on the Elf Website

This gloss is Ultra shiny and not obnoxiously sticky on the lips. It is a gloss so there will be some tackiness involved, but it isn't overly tacky to the point of extreme uncomfortability. (Not sure if that is a word but I just made it as one.) This shade is a my lips but better shade for me. It looks amazing on its on and on top of several of my lip products! I throw this on when I want to add a little extra fun to my look.