The Only Makeup Products You Need for Everyday
Okay, ladies! We live in a day and age where girls are packing their faces with pounds of makeup, sculpted brows, baking, strobing, overlined lips, not being able to see their skin through their makeup. I feel like everyone wants to look the same these days and many do with these same techniques. You get the picture. Anyway, whether you’re just starting out with makeup or are puzzled as to what products you really do need, I am here to tell you that these are the only products you need for your everyday look, not specifically the brands I use but the type of products. To feel put together and presentable doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend hours getting your face ready. And, as a mom of three myself, I need to be smart about my time and get ready quickly.
Primer
I love a good hydrating primer (applied after a skin care routine). Let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger. Our skin needs extra hydration as it matures (internally as well as externally). A hydrating primer is applied to the entire face and neck prior to applying the foundation. It creates the perfect canvas for your makeup application and your makeup lasts all day.
Foundation
A lightweight yet decent coverage foundation is key here. If your skin is dry or have fine lines and wrinkles, you need a creamy/liquid foundation to give you that dewy youthful glow. Stay away from powders unless it’s a translucent powder for certain areas. I’ve used many different brands throughout the years, from drugstore to designer foundations, and I always end up coming back and restocking this one. It’s made of the most amazing consistency formula of creamy yet buildable coverage. Apply the foundation to the entire face including your under eye using your fingers then tap with a brush or a damp beauty blender to go over it and blend everything.
Concealer
Concealer under your eyes should not be covering half of your face (aka the famous upside down triangle). Opt for a creamy concealer that’s one shade lighter than your foundation. Dot concealer onto your undereyes and inner corners and with your ring finger tap tap tap (KEY TIP HERE IS TO TAP) onto your skin, not rub or swipe. Concealer should not be applied with a brush or a sponge as it absorbs the product instead of applying. I love using this for the undereye circles - it’s light, fluid, and buildable. For spot concealer, you would need a thicker pasty formula like this one.
Contour/highlighter duo
I love a good multipurpose product that does the job well and saves you money and time. A matte contour shade and highlighter in one can be used to swirl the products together to add a more glowy look for that sun kissed look. Or, applied separately as a bronzer to play down areas as needed and the highlighter to accentuate and pop where needed. The contour is a simple technique to make something appear smaller or hide the flaws. For example, I use it on the side of my forehead and jaw bone to make my face appear less rounded, if that makes sense. And a couple swipes of highlighter above the cheekbones and bridge of the nose does wonders.
Brow pencil and brow gel
I cannot step out of the house without filling in and setting my brows. I have managed to grow out my over tweezed eyebrows however, they still need depth and definition. The amazing brow wiz is so easy to apply and the best part is that you don’t need to sharpen anything since it’s a mechanical pencil with a spoolie on the other end. And, of course, setting the brows with a clear gel is a must to avoid your brow hairs brushing down.
Eye pencil
On a daily basis, I rarely have eyeliner on the upper lid. I apply eye pencil on the outer top and lower waterline and believe me when I say this does wonders in making your eyes pop. This one has been a favorite of mine for years.
Mascara
I apply a quick one to two coats of mascara to the top lashes and only the ends of the lower lashes. I’ll explain more in the video coming up next week. I’m always trying out different brands and still haven’t figured out which is my favorite yet.
Lipstick or tinted balm
I normally wear tinted lip balms or a nude lipstick. Sometimes, depending on my day, perhaps I’ll outline and fill in my lips with a lip liner then apply the lip balm just so that I avoid reapplying for a longer period of time. But, again, it really depends on the day and my mood.
(Optional) Blush
I’m not huge on blushes unless I’m going to a special event. I use the contour duo on my cheek bones that is sufficient for everyday wear.
Notice I didn’t mention eyeshadow. I don’t really wear eyeshadow on my normal daily routine. I may or may not apply some of the contour duo and highlighter on my lids and that’s it. I learned from my makeup artist days that many girls and women don’t really know how to apply eyeshadow. So, if that’s the case for you, then let me tell you that the contour/highlighter duo is the perfect velvety formula for the eyes. It’s simply a fail-proof product for your eyes. The darker shade is enough to give you depth and the highlighter to accentuate your brow bone. That’s all you really need.
I hope this list helps you to overcome some of the overwhelming amount of information on makeup these days. You really don’t need much. Makeup is not a trend—it’s about accentuating your gorgeous features. What matches you in application as well as color is not going to be suitable for another woman.
What are your go-to products? Let me know in the comments below.
xo,
Salpie
