My Current Makeup Routine

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my current makeup routine, and with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing and Amazon Prime Day starting tomorrow, I thought this would be a good time to update and republish this post.

I don’t do all of this every day, but I do use most of it on a regular basis. I always feel better with a full face of makeup.

Current Makeup Routine: Face

Foundation Primer: I don’t always use one, but when I do I like the Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer (also at Nordstrom). I’m more likely to use this under a mineral powder foundation. I also use this EltaMD tinted sunscreen under my foundation.

Foundation: I’ve experimented with quite a few over the last year or two, and I like several that I’ve tried, but none so much as the La Mer soft fluid foundation. It’s ridiculously expensive, and I realize not everyone wants to spend three digits on foundation, but I’m often asked how I get such glowing skin and this stuff really has a way of making your skin look luminous. I use 22 NEUTRAL in the winter, and 32 BEIGE in the summer.

By the way, if you’ve been curious about the iconic Créme de la Mer and never wanted to invest, there’s a really good little trial kit that’s part of the #NSale. They actually have a few, but the products in this one are my favorites.

Other Foundation Options: If the La Mer price tag is totally out of range, I’m also a big fan of MAC Studio Sculpt. It’s a bit heavier than the LaMer, but it goes on easily and has a nice finish. Another one that is good for those with more oily skin is Estee Lauder Double Wear. I tried it and liked it okay, but it was too drying for me personally. A lot of women love it, though, especially in summertime. I apply my liquid foundations with this BK Beauty brush.

I also often use Jane Iredale PurePressed Base, especially in the summertime when I want a lighter look. It’s buildable, and it lasts all day if you spray it with their Balance Hydration Spray. I use Latte in the summer and Warm Sienna in the winter.

Another nice lightweight option is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. This product has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. It has more coverage than your typical tinted moisturizer, and it’s lightweight and has a really nice finish.

Concealer: The concealer I’m currently using is the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear, but I also like the tarte creaseless concealer.

Powder: I love I.T. Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores for a setting powder. It smooths everything out and gives my skin an airbrushed finish.

And sometimes I just use the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base on top of my foundation. (I’m currently doing that because the Latte color is a bit darker than my foundation, and it matches my neck and arms better than the foundation alone.)

Blush: For years, I used this Nars blush that is currently part of the #NSale, and it’s a good one! More recently, I’ve been using the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores in Naturally Pretty. It’s a little brighter than the Nars, and I especially like it in the summertime when I’m a little more tan.

Bronzer: If I use bronzer (sometimes I skip it) I use the tarte Shape Tape Glow Bronzer with brush from QVC.

Highlighter: Again, I don’t use this every day, but when I want a little extra something, I brush on a bit of the tarte Shimmering Light Highlighter in Champagne Glow using a cheap fan brush similar to this one. It also works well for brushing off fallout from your eye shadow.

Current Makeup Routine: Eyes

Eyelash Conditioner: This isn’t really makeup, but I wanted to include RevitaLash because it’s how I have such long, full lashes. It’s also on a two-for-one deal at the #NSale right now.

Eye Shadow Primer: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer is the holy grail of eyeshadow primers. When I use this, my eyeshadow doesn’t crease and it stays strong all day.

Eye Shadow: Most recently, I’ve been using this MAC Cosmetics 5-Pc Everyday Favorites Collection from QVC but I also love the tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette.

When I want a more natural look, I use the Perricone MD No Makeup Eyeshadow. I love how it gives my eyelids a soft, natural look and covers up any discoloration.

Eye Liner: Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack (it also comes in this set from QVC). I use this to line my top lid, and it also works well for tight-lining on the inside of the lid. I do not put this on the bottom, though. If I do anything on the bottom, I take some eyeshadow and lightly apply with the Laura Mercier smudge brush.

Mascara: I either use MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara (it also comes in this set from QVC) or tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara. The tarte is a little better at volumizing, but it can get clumpy. The MAC does an amazing job separating and lengthening, and I find the skinny wand easier to use, but my lashes don’t look as thick as they do when I use the tarte.

Eyebrow Pencil: I cannot live without my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mechanical Brow Pencil in Ebony. Even though I’ve had microblading, I still need to touch up my eyebrows sometimes, and this brow pencil is very precise and natural looking. I buy these two at a time because they run out without warning, and I can’t be without it.

Current Makeup Routine: Lips

Lip Liner: I love the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Pencil in Pillow Talk (also at Nordstrom).This is the only lip liner I’ve tried that prevents my lipstick from bleeding into the skin around my lips. It goes on super soft and easy, and you can use it to build out the appearance of fuller lips. (I use the Pillow Talk Original under all my lipsticks.) I line my lips and fill them in lightly with this liner to help my lipstick last longer.

If you’re a fan of Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, don’t miss this #NSale beauty exclusive at Nordstrom.

Lipstick: The Hourglass Girl Lip Stylo Lip Crayon in Activist is my current go-to, but I also love this Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Duo Set that’s part of the #NSale for like the 3rd or 4th year running. I used mine up, so I just ordered a new one so I have an option to the Hourglass.

Lipgloss: I use MAC Lipglass in Love Child or Candy Box, or the Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss in Dolly on top of every lip color I wear. Both add a nice sheen to the lips, and they’re moisturizing without being sticky. The Buxom does tingle a bit, but I can’t say I notice it plumping my lips. If the tingly feeling bothers you, go for the MAC Lipglass instead.

Makeup Storage

I used to keep my makeup in this travel makeup train case from Amazon, but I recently bought this makeup storage case for the top of my counter, and I love how it keeps everything organized and accessible. And I store my skincare products on the bathroom counter in this revolving acrylic makeup organizer.

I also love this lighted makeup mirror, which is part of the #NSale, and I just ordered this one for Instagram Story makeup tutorials because I can attach my phone to it.

I think that’s it! Let me know if I forgot anything.

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