Everyday Simple&Natural Makeup

After a lot of work I've finally found a makeup routine that works for me. It's still not perfect and there's a couple of products that could be swapped out and improved, but the finishing effect is pretty good (at least in my opinion). Plus, the whole look is quick to put together and really natural.

This last month I've gotten out of the habit of priming, so I start with concealing. For a while now I've been using the Garnier Pure Active 2 in 1 concealer, which I've mentioned in my September favorites, and which I still really like. For highlighting the under eyes, which for me is one of the most important steps in the whole routine, I've been using a new product, the Dior Diorskin Star concealer. I received this as an early Christmas gift from my uncle, and I was in awe. Never had I imagined owning such a luxurious product-IT'S FROM DIOR! (sorry I still can't get over how amazing that is). Along with being extremely expensive, it's also a great illuminating concealer- even though there are cheaper options I would recommend instead of splurging so much money. Another present from my uncle (who really spoiled me) was a Sephora foundation brush, which I actually use to blend in all my concealer.

Based on dermatologist recommendation I've switched to powder foundation and I've been trying out the Revlon Nearly Naked one. I apply it using another Sephora brush (yet another generous Christmas gift from my uncle) and I've been quite liking it. As the name would suggest, it is light coverage and really natural, but it's also buildable. The only downside is that I picked up a shade a bit too dark (thanks to bad advice from the employ at the shop), but thankfully, once it's all blended, it's not really noticeable. To set it in place I use my trusty Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - which I've mentioned in my 'best purchases of 2014'- and which helps my makeup last all day and contain shine. I didn't mention any blush or bronzer because, although I love them, I often tend to skip them when I'm in a rush.

From left to right: Duane Read powder brush(my first ever real makeup brush, which I still use for powder- I don't have the courage to throw it out); sephora mineral foundation brush; sephora foundation brush; mac 217 eyeshadow brush

Moving on to eyebrows and eyes. I start off with my Kiko Precision Eyebrow pencil. I think that this is great if you're just starting out with brows, like I am, because it's cheap and not too pigmented. On a day to day basis I usually only use the brush end just to organize my brows. For my eyes, I start by using my beloved Elf Eyeshadow Primer (mentioned in a previous favorites post), and I then just blend a bit of eyeshadow in my crease using the Mac 217 brush. The eyeshadow often changes, but one I find myself often going back to is the Mac eyeshadow in Quarry, a really nice matte shade.

To finish off the eyes I use my Wet n Wild pencil, which I've had for far too long and never fully got along with. Depending on my mood I will either use it on the lid as a smokier eyeliner, or just use it to add definition to the waterline. Last but not least I curl my lashes and add the Maybelline Big Eyes mascara- I love that this mascara has a separate wand for lower lashes, such a neat idea! To complete the whole makeup look I've been loving Baby Lips, which is so unlike me since I usually reach for more pigmented lipsticks.