Happy Valentine’s Day! Thought I’d share an overview of my daily routine:
1/ After a quick facial rinse, I apply a standard SPF-free moisturizer like this Dr.Hauschka Quince Day Cream and then let it settle in by figuring out what the hell I’m going to wear for the day (about 5 min).
2/ Then, I apply Jouer Anti-Aging Moisture Primer and let that sit for another minute (while I’m actually putting my clothes on).
3/ Next comes Shiseido’s Hydrating BB Cream for the so-called added skincare benefit and SPF. I don’t really buy into BB claims, but this is an all-around excellent alternative to foundation. It looks and feels quite faint while subtly hiding skin imperfections, which is nice for everyday wear.
4/ I then move on to a light touch of concealing with Charlotte Tilbury’s The Retoucher – I only use the slightest bit under my eyes for an added brightening effect.
5/ Then put on some Dior Crème de Rose. It moisturizes my lips nicely while adding a hint of the prettiest pale pink. This stuff doesn’t last long, but I really love the natural milky color I get with it.
6/ I then wait a little to let all these light layers sink in before I apply a light dusting of Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation (note: my version is actually the older “Boudoir Powder”), which is perfect for my dry winter skin.
7/ I’ll add a slight touch of color by contouring with my ultimate favorite Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder and Nars Douceur Blush (Can anyone tell me why the hell Nars disco’d this blush? It was the best thing ever! I prefer it to Tarte’s Exposed…can anyone offer other suggestions?)
8/ Anyway, movin’ on – I’ll fill in my brows with the cult classic Anastasia Brow Wiz (in Medium) using extra light strokes for a natural effect. I’ll then line the rim of my eyes with MAC’s Eye Kohl (Smolder) – not a favorite, but I’m stuck with it until I use it all. It simply isn’t black enough for my taste and doesn’t apply smoothly. I’ll also do a quick rub of Stila’s Smudge Crayon in Smoke and smoke it out a bit. It’s a beautiful, shimmery khaki color that’s not too intense for the office – I do run this along my bottom lash line too. Occasionally, I do a winged liner with the MAC pencil (and a brush) and trace along that line with black eyeshadow (i.e. MAC Carbon).
9/ I’ll finish my eyes with my favorite mascara cocktail – Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion Mascara and
L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara – great for thickening + lengthening.
10/ And lastly, I add a touch of Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Biscayne Park, the prettiest nude ever.
I’ll usually end up with something like this (minus the not so fancy waves)…but of course, let’s be real, I didn’t wake up like this. (Total time: 30 min – includes everything – hair, getting dressed, etc!)
