Everyday Instagram shows us girls with smokey eyes, false lashes. and extreme contour. Their makeup is beautiful (and in my humble opinion a work of art), but for me it is a lot for everyday (especially at my office job). Personally, I prefer to look a little more "natural" day-to-day and leave the super dramatic makeup for nights out and special occasions. That being said, here is my step-by-step guide to perfect everyday makeup.
Tools You'll Need:
Products You'll Need:
Step 1: Skin Prep
After I have washed and moisturized my face. I apply a small amount of Chuda Healing Hydrating Cream*. It is super moisturizing and great if you have dry skin or fine lines. I put it on before my primer. Chuda creates a smooth surface which leads to the flawless application of the rest of my makeup. I then use Milani Cosmetics Prime Perfect as a primer. It helps my makeup stay in place throughout the day and has rich creamy formula that feels great on the skin.
*Full Disclosure: I received a full size version of Chuda Healing Hydrating Cream from the company for free. At $150, I know it's a huge splurge. I found a loophole for my budget savvy readers though! Get the travel size version. I have been using it daily for months and have barely put a dent in it, so a little goes a long way!
Step 2: Foundation
I used to be a die hard powder foundation girl. I have since changed my views on the matter and have switched over to liquid. When picking a liquid foundation it is important to take note of its finish. If you have oily skin you should look for products that have a matte finish. If you have normal to dry skin you should use foundation that has a dewy finish. You want to choose something that is the opposite of your skin type as it will combat your skin's natural tendencies throughout the day. Matte will keep oily skin from getting shiny and dewy will prevent dry skin from looking dull.
I have been using Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation (Dewy +Smooth) and I am obsessed. Don't let the drug store surroundings fool you, this foundation can hang in the big leagues. It has great coverage and an amazing flawless finish (in both matte and dewy) that lasts throughout the day.
I apply it by putting a dime size dollop onto the back of hand and then dip my foundation brush lightly in it. I apply all over my face in a circular buffing motion. The key is to layer it. Don't glob all of the product on the brush in one shot, instead swipe light layers across your face and repeat the process until there is no more foundation left on your hand. This gives you a natural finish.
Step 3: Conceal
I have terrible dark circles, so before I use regular concealer I apply Makeup Forever Ultra HD Color Correcting Concealer. I put a pea side amount on the back of my hand and blot it under my eyes with a beauty blender. I keep repeating the same blotting motion until the concealer is completely blended out. Then I swipe Revlon Photoready Concealer under my eyes and over blemishes (if any) and blend it out with a the same beauty blender.
Step 4: Blend
To get an all over flawless finish, I will spray my beauty blender with a setting spray* until its damp and blot my face. This gets rid of any imperfections and blends your concealer and foundation perfectly. It also gives your skin a glow and sets you makeup in place.
*You can also dampen the beauty blender with a little warm water and achieve same effect.
Step 5: Brows
Brows are so important. They frame your face and complete your makeup looks. How or why we ever thought differently is beyond me. I wasn't blessed with thick brows so I use Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade* and an angled eyeliner brush to fill in mine in. To ensure that my eyebrows look both full and natural I start by filling in my natural brow line. Then I draw in a small amount of product outside out its natural line to create an arch and the illusion of thickness. It is important to build the product up and keep layers thin. You can go from brows on fleek to overdrawn super quickly.
*Depending on the state of your natural brow you may be able to get away with just using a pencil or brow gel to shape your brows.Step 6: Eye Liner & Mascara
To line my eyes I start with Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner, then I go over with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner to darken it. Both eye liners last literally until I take them off at night which is great for any girl on-the-go who hates to reapply.
For mascara, I have been using Milani Bigger & Bigger Lashes Mascara. It's amazing. I love Milani in general, but I had never tried their mascara before. It creates natural and full volume. My lashes have always been long, but unfortunately never thick. This mascara makes up for that problem!
Step 7: Contour, Highlight, & Blush
For a natural contour I use Pür Cosmetics Cameo Contour Dual-Ended Stick on my cheeks. Since it is cream based, it doesn't have a harsh finish. I lightly dab the round side of my beauty blender on the darker shade for a small amount of product and pat it gently against my cheekbone. To define where your cheekbone is, suck in your cheeks. It's a silly trick, but it works! Blend out the product until its a subtle shade only slightly darker than your skin-tone.
Next I highlight with a mix of Urban Decay Naked Illuminating Shimmering Powder in 'Aura' and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Gold Deposit'. I start with the lighter pearlized shade (Aura) then layer the golden shade (Gold Deposit) over it. I use my fan brush and swipe it across the highest point of my cheekbones and stop where my contour begins. Always go light to dark when mixing highlighters to get a glowing effect. To give the illusion of a straighter/thinner nose I swipe a little of both highlighters across the bridge of my nose with the fan brush.
Lastly, I apply Nars blush in 'Super Orgasm' with my blush brush. Your blush should fall right between your contour and your highlight. Basically it should overlap a little over each of them.
Step 8: Set
Once you are done with everything, spray a generous amount of setting spray to ensure your makeup look stays fresh all day. I use NYX Dewy Finish setting spray. It leaves me with a dewy glow. The brand also has a matte finish which is great for people with oilier skin.
Step 9: Lips
You can wear lip balm or do a bold lip. It really is whatever you're most comfortable with. I alternate between MAC 'Stone' Lipstick and Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist 'TBT' Lip Paint the most. Occasionally I'll go for a bold lip color, but it depends on my mood.
Use this a guide, but don't feel forced to follow these exact steps. Also, swap out products for the ones that you like the most. Your perfect everyday makeup routine is the one that works best for you!
What is YOUR everyday makeup routine? Share in the comments below!
