Daily makeup routine: face basics.

Time is so, so precious in the morning.  Especially December mornings.  Has anyone else experienced that absolute dread that comes with waking up on a dark December morning?  I'm so ready for the winter solstice and for light to start coming back into my life again!  

Ok, morning drudgeries aside, I wanted to share my quick, 5-minute makeup routine that I use on a daily basis.  If I find myself with an extra few minutes, I might try something a little more artsy, but most days, this does just fine.

I start by prepping my skin.  I cleanse with Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, then tone with Clarifying Lotion 3 (more like a liquid astringent).  Then, I take a dab of Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, and a pea-sized dollop of BB Cream.

It look-a-like-a this...

Then, I swirl them all together and apply to my face with CLEAN fingers.  Some chose to use a foundation brush, but I find that using my fingers works better.  The warmth from my hands helps the foundation sink in quicker and with more evenness.  The trick is to cover smaller areas at a time (ex: just around the jawline, or from the temple to the cheekbone). 

Give this a minute to sink in, or else the next steps will look cakey.  Meanwhile, line eyebrows with a brow pencil.  I use Ulta's brow pencil (haven't really tried any others!).  I use short, quick strokes, working my way from the inner brow to the outer brow.  I NEVER draw a big line from one end to the other.  The idea is to make short strokes that fill in the spaces yet look natural.

Once you're done lining and your foundation has set in a bit, brush on bronzer and blush.  For bronzer, make a "3" shape on each side of your face.  Meaning, starting at the side of your forehead, come down and around your cheekbone, and then down and around your jaw, making a "3" on each side of your face.

And that does it for the face!

OK, now moving onto the eyes.  This is where I spend the most effort.  I feel like my eyes are the most important detail for makeup.  If I had great lips, well, I might spend more time on them.  For me, it's eyes.  

I always start with some kind of cream shadow.  I swear it makes my shadow more vibrant and last longer.  I love Mac's Paint Pot in Fresco Rose.  It's a nice, natural pink that is beautiful alone or layered under shadow.  I swirl my finger in the pot and apply it on my lid to just above my crease.

Now for the fun part!  I got this Dior eyeshadow palette in "Earth Reflection" over a year and a half ago, and it's still going strong.  I forget how spoiled I am to use it until I try another brand of shadow that flakes, falls onto my cheekbones, or creases in 5 minutes.  These colors were made to last and blend BEAUTIFULLY.  I'm still finding new ways to play with it, too.  I apply the upper left goldish color to my lid and slightly above.  Then, I apply the lower left dark brown color to the corner of my eye, using little patting movements, and drag it along my crease to close to the inner eye.  I don't worry too much about blending in this step, and it looks a little silly.  After I finish both sides, I gently use my ring finger to blend the colors.  I'm left with a subtle smoky eye that is so appropriate for daytime.

Curling my eyelashes is something I've just started doing this past year and it makes SUCH a huge difference!  I've never been disappointed with my lashes, but now I love them.  Here's my method: start near the root, clamp and hold for a few seconds, then move up slightly, clamp, and repeat all the way to the end of the lashes.  Immediately apply mascara. 

My lips don't have a routine.  At this step, I head downstairs and fill up a coffee cup that I impatiently awaited while doing my makeup.  So, the lips get a touch of whatever's in my purse once I get to work!  Usually, the only other thing I'd add is a touch of chapstick!

So, that's it.  The basic makeup routine.  What's yours like?  Do you spend more or less time getting ready?  What's your everyday makeup move that you can't leave without?

My staple skincare products

I'm a big fan of Clinique for basic skincare.  I use their 3-Step System like it's my religion.  My skin needs a ritual, or else it gets strange on me... like way oily or sudden breakouts or randomly dry in places.  To find a skincare regimen that actually works for me is like stumbling upon a gold mine.  However, no matter how great I've got it down, my skin always takes a sharp turn during the changing of seasons. 

Recently, I've noticed that my BB Cream doesn't sink in like it usually does, and I have to use more.  Thinking about it for a while, I realized that my skin wasn't getting enough moisture.  So, I went to visit my sweet friend at the Clinique counter (she's so great -- short, spunky red hair and a cancer survivor with a great story!).  She recommended this Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.  She suggested I put it on after moisturizer and before makeup.  So, I did that for a while... and then I realized that it mixes awesomely with my moisturizer and BB Cream.  I make three little dots on my hand, swirl them all together, and apply with my fingers.  The Moisture Surge is packed with hydrating (but not oily!!) qualities that make everything sink in PERFECTLY.  The true test for me is if I run my fingers across my face several minutes after applying, it should feel clean and almost squeaky -- NOT slick and greasy. 

As a bonus, I got this little All About Eyes Rich cream.  I've been dabbling in the world of eye cream.  (Now being in my mid-20s it's all about prevention.)  It's super packed with moisture and I pile it on at night. 

It took about a week of diligent use of these two newbies into my repertoire, but now I feel (and see) a major difference.  No more icky breakouts!  Proof is in the pudding...  I'll hardly EVER post a bare-faced photo, but I'm happy enough with my results that I want to share!

Does your skincare routine change seasonally?  What do you have to tweak?  Any suggestions?

Tuesday Ten: Beauty Circuit

I'd like to share the top ten things that have been in my beauty circuit recently!  Energizer Personal Care sent me an amazing package filled with their newest products for the summer (items 1-5), and I was happy to try them out.  The rest are some of my own personal favorites. 

1. Hawiian Tropic Silk Hydration (SPF 30): Since warm weather (and shorter hemlines) are on the way, I really want to make sure I'm protected from the sun.  Unlike earlier years, I'm really careful about my skin.  It's the one accessory you'll never take off!  ;)  Right now, it's the only sun protection with extra luxurious hydrating ribbons to keep your skin protected and moisturized.  I put it on like lotion after a shower.  It has just a pleasant hint of that sunscreen smell!

2. Playtex Sport Body Wipes: I think these could be one of the most amazing products of the year. They're designed for the on-the-go type, serving as a quick refreshment for when you need it! I've been taking long, brisk walks for exercise recently, and if I need to zip off somewhere right after I return, I'm sure to freshen up with one of these. They're alcohol-free, and really soft. :)

3. Playtex Sport Tampons: What can I say? These are great. Nothing should hold you back during that time of the month! Nothing! Especially with summer coming up, I will be SUPER active. Summertime is my playtime.

4. Shick Quattro for Women Disposable Razors: For me, summertime is also travel time. I can't wait to go to New York this summer! When I'm out of town, I want to have the same luxuries as I do at home. I trust that these will keep me feeling smooth and beautiful while I'm away. Even though they're disposable, they have four blades, just like the ones you'd buy for a permanent razor.

5. Skintimate Shave Gel in Strawberry Tangerine Twist: I'll admit, I've been a soap and razor girl for quite a while. I think this stuff changed me! It's really thick and foamy, and smells beautiful! With its olive butter and Vitamin E, it nourishes while shaving. Ready for shorts!

6. Clinique BB Cream: Originally sweeping the Asian markets, BB creams are like thick foundations that act as a physical barrier from the sun. Hold on, it sounds thick and goopy, but it's not. It actually goes on very thin and blends with my skin perfectly. Better yet, it stays smooth and fresh all day long. Usually I feel like I need a touchup after 3pm, but with this, I'm good until the end of the day. I'm in love!

7. John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner: I feel like it is a constant chore to find a good shampoo and conditioner. I want something better than just the plain old drugstore brand, but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Oh, and I have highlights. What about them? I love this combo! I use them every time I wash my hair (every 2 - 3 days) and I noticed a change immediately. My highlights had more dimension and my hair had more shine after just one use. Did I mention that the smell is heavenly? I think I'm a devoted follower.

8. O.P.I. Top Coat: Though it might seem like a given, this is one of my favorite products. I'm really rough on my hands between doing dishes, gardening, and crafting. It's tricky to make a nice manicure last. When I top off my polish with this stuff, it lasts at least a few days longer. Or, when I want to rock a more natural look, I swipe on a layer of this and my nails look shiny and healthy. It's a must-get!

9. Clinique New Clarifying Lotion 3: I never knew that one could chemically exfoliate. It just wasn't an option, in my mind. When I exfoliate, it usually means rubbing a harsh, gritty cream on my face to the point of sensitivity. Not so great. With this, I apply some to a cotton ball and run it across my face.  It gives a slight tingly sensation, assuring me that there is, in fact, exfoliation happening, even without the gritty stuff!  I use this as part of Clinique's 3-step system.

10.  e.l.f. Eyelash Curler: All my stubborn life, I've thought, "No, I don't need an eyelash curler. I have nice, long eyelashes already!" Well, boy was I wrong. While I am happy with what nature gave me in the eyelash department, they're so DRAMATICALLY different when I curl them! Now, I never skip a day. The best part is that this is RIDICULOUSLY affordable.