The Daily Makeup Routine

To start off, I need to emphasise the importance of a good skincare regimen. Only skincare can improve the texture of your skin, and that will result in a nicer application of makeup. I never want to cover the skin fully with makeup, only even it out slightly.

The Primer

YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHE ÉCLAT BLUR PRIMER

This primer is blurring, illuminating and a nice base for foundation. I typically don’t think most primers do much, but this and the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer are two I’ve actually enjoyed. It is silicone based, so if that’s something you don’t enjoy steer clear. A small pump of this is enough for my whole face, focusing on the T-zone.

The Foundation

revlon photoready candid natural finish anti-pollution foundation

This has been my go-to foundation for quite a while now. It comes with a pump which helps get every bit of product out – incredible! I apply it with a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. The coverage is decent without looking heavy. I use a very small amount for the whole face and diffuse it. The product looks very natural with a satin finish once on, and is long-lasting without it breaking up from oils throughout the day.

As you can see, my skin still peeks through and it doesn’t really look like there is any product on the skin at all. I use so little that it is nearly imperceptible beyond it evening out my skin tone ever so slightly.

The Concealer

PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer

This concealer works beautifully with the foundation. I use shade 001 Banana. It is very highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. The perfect concealer for the look I like to wear. I apply a little under the eye and around the mouth where my skins pigmentation comes through most, and make sure to blend it in well with a sponge. I also, without adding any more product, blend what product is on the sponge onto the nose.

The Highlighter

FENTY KILLAWATT FREESTYLE HIGHLIGHTER – HU$TLA BABY

I got this travel sized Hustla Baby in a mini set. It is weightless and longwearing, with a lovely cream-powder formula. You really have to watch your hand with this one. You can go from a subtle dayglow to light beam with one too many swipes. I pop this lightly on the cheekbones and the nose.

The Eyeshadow

BECCA VOLCANO GODDESS EYESHADOW PALETTE

To start on the eyes, I used Red Rock from my Goddess palette as a wash of colour all over the lid.

URBAN DECAY NAKED ULTIMATE BASICS PALETTE

Using a Sigma E38 diffused crease brush, I went in with shade Faith from the UD palette (a soft warm brown) into the crease and blended out the base shade extending the eye.

I then followed this up with some Hustla Baby in the inner corners of the eyes.

I also used this palette to very lightly fill in my eyebrows with shade Blackjack. I find very lightly using a black powder looks better with my dark wild brows than actual brow products. Usually brow products, even ones that are supposed to be cool toned are too warm or too brown for me, making it very obvious that I am wearing some product in my eyebrows.

ET VOILA!

Here is the finished look. Nothing too intense, but not non-existent either. A little natural, a little soft glam. My skin still looks like skin just better and the eye is the perfect level of subdued drama for daily wear.