I ❤️ makeup.
As I’ve gotten older and actually learned more about makeup, the purpose of each product and their application, I’ve grown to love it even more. There is just something about a trip to Sephora or the Nordstrom beauty counter than can bring some sunshine to a gloomy day.
During this quarantine/self-isolation/shelter-at-home time, I’ve been noting what I’m learning and what is actually necessary for my life. Despite my love for makeup and the multitude of products I have, it turns out I don’t really need all of that. Originally I was an all-the-steps, take 30 minutes to do my makeup kind of girl. There’s been no real need for that the past few weeks.
At first, I did take a few days of no makeup. I quickly found out that wearing even a little makeup made me feel more like myself and my days seem more normal. Having something in my life that felt the same while everything else felt anything but gave me peace. So, I took some time to identify the products I use to conceal, correct or highlight, and devised a basic quarantine makeup routine. Here are the products I’ve been using most days.
Skincare
This isn’t a post about skincare, but the best way to prepare your face for makeup, whether it’s for using three products or thirty is to have good, clean skin. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
Eyes
I almost always use a brow product of some sort, even if I’m wearing no other makeup. I have very light brows and you wouldn’t see them without a little help. I recently discovered the L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen. It’s easy to use and wears well. I wear the shade blonde.
One of the easiest products I’ve found to bring a little color to my eyelids is the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize cream eyeshadow. You could wear it alone or add another eyeshadow shade for more definition. I love it all on its own. I adore the shade Marie Antoinette and apply it with my ring finger. It’s long-lasting and extremely easy to use. If color isn’t a need, I like to dab on Painterly, one of Mac’s Longwear Paint Pots. If it’s a Zoom call day and I feel like I need just a touch more, I’ll accentuate with ColourPop’s Going Coconuts palette. It’s super affordable and consists of an array of long-wearing cool shades.
Mascara rounds out what I put on my eyes on a basic day. For me, it’s about as vital as a brow pencil. I’ve been switching through three different mascaras lately because my lashes are super fussy and need all the help they can get. My current faves are the Thrive Instant Last Extensions mascara, Drybar X IT Lash Blow Out and Princess Lashes from Essence.
Face
I struggle with stubborn dark circles under eyes and seem to constantly be looking for a solution. A couple of months ago I discovered Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Vanish Color Corrector. It’s not a concealer, but it does such a great job covering up my dark circles. It’s a little pricier than a concealer, but a little goes a long way and it’s definitely worth it! I use the shade Fair.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about not going through my normal makeup routine is not wearing standard foundation every day. I’ve loved being able to use products with lighter coverage. The three I’ve been using lately are the Cover Girl Dream Fresh BB Cream in the shade Light, the Charlotte Tilbury Healthy Glow tinted moisturizer and the SuperGoop CC Cream Daily Correct in the shade Light. These all help to bring a little color and even out skin tone. The Cover Girl and SuperGoop both also have an SPF included. The Charlotte Tilbury one is great for when you want a little extra glow.
I like to also add a little color to my cheeks. I’ve been using the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic blush in Pillow Talk. I’ve had this product for several months now and it still looks brand new. Although I haven’t used this product yet, I’ve heard lots of great things about the Cover Girl Clean Fresh Cream Blush.
Finally, I add a touch of lip color. My two current faves are Flower Beauty’s Petal Pout in Spiced Petal (it’s a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk) and ColourPop’s Just a Tint in Waikiki. They’re both moisturizing, subtle and give a hint of color.
That seemed like a lot to type out, but it’s really just brows, eyes, lashes, face, cheeks and lips. Maybe you’ll find inspiration for your basic makeup and/or a new product to try.
Share with me what your makeup routine has or hasn’t been like during this stay-at-home time and what products are your go-to’s for quick makeup.