I got a question on my formspring page today so I decided to make an entire post about it because it’s a frequently asked question.
Here is my skin makeup routine, step by step:
(I am REALLY sorry about the formatting and I’ve tired everything to fix it and can’t 🙁 )
1. Moisturize freshly washed skin with Neutrogena Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
all over skin. I brush my teeth as I wait for it to sink in.
2. Next, I use my Sigma Foundation Brush to apply MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 to any red areas of my skin (the sides of my nose, between brows, around corners of mouth- anywhere I have unevenness or pigmentation…or a blemish.) Note that I also apply the concealer to my eyelids as a primer. I like my eyelids to have an even look and this helps to achieve that.
3. Next I apply MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (my color is C3) with Sigma’s powder brush to my entire face and bringing it down onto my neck and into my hairline so there are no obvious lines (this isn’t as common with powder formulas, but still). I always use a big powder brush to apply Studio Fix because I believe it gives a more airbrushed and flawless finish.
4. After my powder, I apply my concealer and eye highlighter to my eye area. Please note that you can do this before applying the powder, but sometimes it’s nice to do it after because the “glow” will show more. I’ve been using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Brightening Eye Perfector Concealer Pen
, which I really like. I apply it directly from the tube and then use a Sigma eyeshadow blending brush to blend it. I know that sounds odd but I recently saw a YouTube Guru do it and it’s a nice way to get a soft, blended sort of diffused look.
Yesterday though, I purchased a new Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector
and also the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Concealer
.
I can’t do a full review because today is the first day I used it, but I will say it is very creamy when it goes on so I have to be careful to use just a tiny amount to get the desired look. Here is the highlight/concealer pen swatched:
I got it in the color “light”. Above is with flash and below is without.
I truly think all women should be using highlighting products for their skin. It makes a big difference- it can awaken tired eyes, perk-up a tired complexion and add brightness and warmth to your skin and features.
The other concealer I got is the Dream Matte Mousse. Here it is swatched:
and blended…
Here is the Age Rewing concealer and highlighter on my eyes after an entire day at work (so this is what it looked like at 6:30PM- I applied it at about 7:30AM)
So basically I apply a dot of each side of the concealer/highlighter and use the brush to delicately buff the product into place. Please note I have Benefit’s “Eye Bright”
pencil on the inner corners of my eyes as well.
5. At this point I would do my eyes, but I have another post about that here.
6. After my eyes, I apply my bronzer. My HOLY GRAIL bronzer is NARS “Laguna.”
I use once again my Sigma large powder brush to apply it. I am not a contour kind of girl. Some women only use bronzer as a facial contouring makeup, but I just use it to add warmth to my skin. So I apply it to my hairline/upper forehead, my nose, my cheeks and a tiny bit on my chin with whatever is left on the brush. You must also apply this to your neck sparingly so it’s all even.
7. After the bronzer, I use NARS’ The Multiple in “Luxor”
on my cheek bones. I literally just use the product right from the tube and apply it in a line on each cheekbone. Then I use my finger to blend out. I recently added this to my daily routine and love it. I was previously not highlighting my cheek bones, but then I rediscovered my love for the NARS Luxor and decided to add it in.
8. After highlight, I use Bobbi Brown blush in “peony”
on the apples of my cheeks. It is my holy grail blush. I own other blushes, but this is the one that makes me feel the most pretty, so I use it the most often.
That’s it 🙂
If you have any questions about my skin makeup, please leave me a comment OR ask me on formspring.
Thanks so much for reading and have a lovely evening!
xoxo,
Veronika.
Wow! Almost 12 hours later and your eyes look perfect! Do you typically have oily eyelids? If so, do you find your makeup listed above helps to prevent creasing?
anjali- I do get oily eyelids but i find the MAC concealer topped with MAC e/s in "blanc type" keeps them pretty ok. I will sometimes blot them with a kleenex midday but they aren't out of control oily. My t zone gets oily though.
Also- I've heard amazing things about bobbi brown longwear cream shadows though…i'm trying those next 🙂
Thank you so much for posting your makeup routine! I always enjoy to hear what makeup people are using! I can't wait to hear your review of the Maybelline products once you have used them more. My next makeup purchase is going to be NARS Laguna; I have never heard a bad thing about it!
This was a fun post to read! I think I'll do the same later this month 😉 It's always good to compare routines, and is very helpful!
Veronika–the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer/highlighter is actually one of my holy grail products! However, I do apply the concealer first, powder over it to set it and then apply the highlighter last. You may want to try that method to keep the creaminess at bay while still getting the "glow" from the highlighter. But, I have to say, your eyes looked great at the end of the workday! Thanks for sharing you skin/makeup routine! 🙂
I was flipping through my new Ulta brochure thingy that came in the mail and saw the Benefit eye bright pencil and thought of you. I think it was on sale or something, and I'm going to go try it out this weekend! I have something similar, but it's too white & shimmery for my liking.
Thanks for the tips! I use the Maybelline concealer/highlighter and really like it. It's a great affordable find and a little goes a long way. I put the concealer on first, then powder, then use the highlighter on top though.
i was wondering if i should use a brightening cream for my eyes? i have even skin tone and never get dark eye circles. do you think it would make a big difference if i wore a brightener around my eyes? i have never used any highlighter/brightener product. frankly i am very confused on the subject lol maybe you could do a post about it sometime.
carolina- i dont have dark circles either but i LOVE the brightening effect the highlighter has on my entire face 🙂
Thanks so much for posting pictures of your results with the Maybelline Highlighter/Concealer duo. I've always had dark undereye circles and have tried the Neutrogena makeup "pen" that you mentioned and then switched to the pricier Benefit Boi-ing and have been using that for the past few years. While I love how well it conceals my dark circles, it tends to be heavy and doesn't really brighten my eye area but rather just covers the circles (and it tends to look better with a face full of makeup rather than just worn alone under the eyes, and I wear foundation very rarely for special occassions). I purchased the Maybelline product a day ago and really love the result I got with it. It blends incredibly well, is not heavy like the Benefit product (and is less than half the price!), and really does brighten up my entire face by just swiping a bit around my eye area. So thanks for mentioning it, documenting your experience with it, and piquing my interest!
PS – I got a great result by just dotting the concealer and highlighter and blending together with my ring finger. I've found that using clean fingertips gives me a better, more even result with my makeup than using brushes or sponges do. But that's just me. Your makeup looks great the way that you do it, so whatever works!
Diana- thanks so much for your comment! I have been loving this product too! I do use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply it but i love it 🙂 glad you like this product, it's a keeper!
rebecca- you read my mind. I've been so busy this week but I am planning on posting a blog tonight 🙂