Breaking Down My Makeup Routine

I finally shared my makeup routine on Instagram stories two weeks ago and y’all loved it. I didn’t think I would get as much feedback from it as I did, but after sifting through a ton of questions, I think it’s best to break things down step by step on a blog post and talk about my favorite products.

I use mostly drugstore products. One reason is because I’m not sure which products to invest in, so I stick with more affordable makeup and then make the transition once I do a little research or hear overflowing great reviews. I also like that drugstore products are affordable and get the job done. I will defend a few high-end products though that really go above and beyond. Those products are detailed in the post below.

1. Remove makeup residue and wash face - I use Garnier Micellar Water to remove excess makeup. I switched from a makeup wipe to this and have found that it does a much better job of not clogging my pores. To wash my face, I use a bar of Dove Gentle Face Soap. I apply it to a Clairsonic brush head and work it into my skin using plenty of warm water. Pat dry.

2. Apply Maybelline BB Cream - This acts as a foundation and a primer for my face. It does a great job of covering up all of my pesky acne scars and also has pretty great coverage for being a BB cream.

3. I have to say, I was blessed with good genes that make my skin pretty resilient. I never had a big problem with cystic acne until I was in my later college years, mostly due to stress. I curb that with a hot compress, Mario Badescu Drying Lotion and a jade roller.

4. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - For those stubborn or redder spots, I use concealer to cover them up. I don’t love caking on a full face of foundation, so I opt for tackling tough spots with concealer instead.

5. Covergirl TruBlend Loose Mineral Powder - I then use a large powder brush to apply loose mineral powder all over my face. It sets my BB cream and concealer and helps blur imperfections. It’s also cruelty-free!

6. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer - Now onto cheeks.I start by bronzing the hollows of my cheekbones. A little goes a long way, just make sure to blend. I also apply this to under my jawline, my chin and my hairline.

7. Covergirl Classic Color Blush - Still on cheeks, I use a blush brush and apply a little blush to both cheekbones and blend it out. Remember that natural blush doesn’t just happen directly on the cheekbone, so be liberal with where you apply it.

8. Tarteist PRO Glow to Go Highlight - I’ve upgraded from ELF highlight to Tarte and I love it. I apply highlight (the best makeup product, in my opinion) right above my cheekbones and in the inner corner of my eyes, by my tear ducts.

9. Eye shadow - I say eye shadow in the most generic sense of the word because I have no clue how to apply eye shadow and I don’t care to become an expert. I usually apply either a drop of Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer to the lid and blend, or a combo of neutral, shimmery colors. I never get too extravagant because then I get very close to messing it all up!

10. L’Oreal Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner - Right up there with highlight, I love liquid eyeliner. It’s easy to apply and long lasting once you get the hang of it. I’ve used this for four years now and don’t plan on switching anytime soon. I always start ¾ into the eye, never at the inner corner. I also add a very small wing to the outside of the lid.

11. L’Oreal Lash Paradise - The best drugstore mascara and I absolutely stand by that. Comparable in result (and packaging) to Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara, this it affordable and yields great results. It works well with the L’Oreal eyeliner as well.

12. Maybelline Tatoostudio Brow Pomade - My world changed when I learned how to fill in my eyebrows. I use the Maybelline Pomade because it’s so simple to use and easy to erase if you mess up a little bit. I use a small brow brush for application and call it a day. I also use the light brown color rather than blonde, because it matches my bottom layers of hair.

13. Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer and Too Faced Peach Frost Highlighter - I combine these two at the very end of my makeup routine to contour my nose. I swear contouring the nose changed everything. I start by applying two parallel lines of bronzer on the edge of the bridge of my nose. I blend them out, and am careful to not get bronzer on my nostrils. I then highlight the middle of the two lines with the Frost Highlighter, highlight the tip of my nose and my cupid’s bow.

14. LaNeige Glowy Lip Balm - The last step is applying a little LaNeige Glowy Lip Balm. I have three of these, that’s how much I love them. They hydrate your lips but give the sheen of a beautiful gloss. Worth every cent!