Makeup Monday

I'm often asked about my daily makeup routine. Though the amount of products and labor intensity varies according to mood, plans and time allotment, my day to day look is generally consistent: clean face, rosy cheeks and lips, defined upper lash line. Keep in mind that while this is a simple look and can be achieved with just a few products, the main benefit of the various, seemingly superfluous makeup products is longevity. That, and a seamless finish. Most of this is thanks to the use of primers. I can not recommend them enough! It's like putting gesso on a canvas. Not only does it provide a smooth base, it also helps your makeup stay put. I'm going to show you the long and short of my daily routine:

Ultimate beauty routine - for longevity and a flawless finish:

These are the brushes I use for this look:
1) Small, flat (looks pointy here but it's not) concealer brush (this one is ELF from Target, $1)
2) Stiff, angled brush for brows (this one is Sonia Kashuk from Target)
3) fine tipped, bent eyeliner brush (this one is Sonia Kashuk from Target)
4) regular blush brush (this one is a MAC SE, but any medium to large blush or fluffy brush will work)



Let's start with my face:
1) After moisturizing, I apply a small amount (one pump) of Smashbox photo finish primer all over my face.
2) I apply concealer where needed, using the small concealer brush and in this case, Christopher Drummond concealer. (tip: you can also use your foundation as concealer - use the stuff on the lid, which tends to be a little thicker).
3) I lightly dust MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light all over my face, using my regular blush brush.
4) I apply MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Refined on the apples of my cheeks. Any blush will do!


I prefer my brows to be more defined, so I fill them in with eye shadow, in short strokes. I set them with clear mascara.


Next, eyes!
1) I use a concealer brush (or my fingers...which is what I normally do) to apply a primer to my eyes. I use MAC paint pot in Bare Study, which has a subtle shimmer. This keeps my eyeliner from budging, and if I wear shadow, it keeps it from creasing.
2) Using the bent eyeliner brush, I apply MAC fluidline in dipdown (a dark brown) on the upper lashline, only on the outer 3/4, gradually increasing the thickness toward the outside of my lids.
3) I finish with a coat of brown mascara (this one is Prescriptives) on both the upper and lower lashes.


Finally, my lips. I apply a nude lipliner along the edges of my lips and blend with a brush (this one has two ends - liner and brush - $3). I then use my finger or a brush to apply my favorite lip product, Julie Hewett's cheekie cheek and lip shine in Bette. Done!

I know it looks intense, but it takes less than ten minutes and lasts all day. If I'm in a rush or don't plan on being out all day, here is
the abridged version:

A dust of powder, touch of blush to the cheeks, swipe of mascara, smudge of lip stuff, and of course, my brows. It looks pretty similar, but the difference at the end of a long day is extreme. If you ask me, the primers and couple of extra steps are absolutely worth it!

Love love,
Keiko Lynn