Daily Beauty Routine

It has been a LONG time since I’ve done a beauty routine post, so I decided to do an update since some of my products have changed. I have to be honest about something, as much as I love a good deal on clothing, I am much more willing to splurge on beauty products. I justify my spending on beauty products based on the fact that they are in use every day! I have had trouble skin for over 7 years now, and although I’ve come close to a perfect routine that keeps my skin fairly clear, I’ve never had naturally flawless skin. I break out easily from stress, and if I’m not breaking out, I usually have discoloration and my skin type is very oily. Finding the right products for my skin has always been a problem, but I’m always willing to try new things. Here is my current routine:

Facewash: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser I have used Cetaphil for a long time and this is comparable because it leaves you feeling fresh without being too harsh on the skin. It also is a smaller bottle than Cetaphil, so it doesn’t take up as much room on my bathroom counter (which I feel like I’m always trying to make more space).

Daytime Moisturizer: Meaningful Beauty Antioxidant Day Creme This is a day creme I’ve been using for a few months now. I really love it because it seems to hydrate my skin enough to last through the day without getting too oily. This is hard for me to find, so I think I’ll be sticking with this Day Creme for awhile. It feels a little heavy at first, but after blending it in it feels like you don’t have anything on. Be sure to check out other reviews to help you in deciding if this product would be good for you. There were a couple reviews that said it made them break out, but I haven’t had this experience. Also, SPF in a day creme or moisturizer is a must!

BB Cream: SKIN79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream Triple Function This is the second BB Cream I’ve tried and I have to say I love it. I decided to try it based off of all the reviews Kristina from Pretty Shiny Sparkly had on BB Creams and based off her everyday beauty routine. I’m so glad I tried it because I really love it! I just need a small pump and it gives really good coverage. Again, because I have problem skin and break out frequently from stress or what not, I also use a foundation to add extra coverage on problem areas.

Foundation: Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation (Flesh) is my current foundation that I’ve been using for a little over a month now. I’ve had great success with coverage after applying a small amount of the BB Cream and then a little of this foundation to more problem areas. I’ve heard great things about this foundation in general and for the extra coverage to help conceal blemishes it works well!

Highlighter:   Benefit Cosmetics sun beam I wanted to try something different from my typical powder-based bronzer to add some highlight and color to my face (especially during the winter). It works well to highlight around the eyes or on the cheekbone, but doesn’t look unnatural at all. I love it and only have to use a little bit each time, so it will last me forever! (See more tips on how to apply with this video)

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (in Adored) is an amazing blush that I’ve almost had for a year (and barely made a dent in). It is so colorful and takes very little to highlight my cheeks. I love bright pink blush and this color has been amazing to give me a bright cheek while still looking natural. I would highly recommend this shade and this brand of blush if you are looking to try something new.

Eyeshadow: I talked about the Naked Palette in my first beauty post and it is still around and going strong! I love all of the colors and the browns are my go-to shades every day (and Dark Horse works perfectly for my eyebrow shade as well). Although a couple of the colors like Sin and Half Baked are getting low, there are plenty of other colors to use. I love to mix two or three shades together to create a slightly different eye each day.  I haven’t tried the Naked 2 Palette, have you? Any suggestions on which palette I should buy next?

Eyeliner: I used to be strictly a pencil user, but as I grew more and more in love with the cat eye (done so perfectly every time by Lauren Conrad who is my beauty idol) I knew I needed to find a great liquid liner. I am in love with how simple Stila Waterproof Liquid Liner is to apply with a soft applicator. The color is rich and lasts all day!

Mascara: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I haven’t found a brand name mascara that does much better than drugstore mascara, which is why lately my go-to has been Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Falsies Flared Waterproof Mascara. It gives you the perfect lash with a couple coats… and for a more intense look, apply a couple more for some statement lashes. Note: This mascara is difficult to remove from your lashes at the end of the day… to me it is still worth the great look I get, but if you don’t like spending a lot of time trying to get off the mascara, I wouldn’t recommend this!

Eyelash Curler: Perhaps sounds dumb that I’m including this in my routine because maybe it’s a DUH sort of thing? Well I just wanted to say that I use my Revlon Beauty Tools Lash Curler all the time. It just makes my lashes look that much better! A couple of ways I make the lashes curl better with a curler: 1) Use hot air from blow dryer on lash curler or place curler on curling iron/straightener to give it a little heat… the heat helps curl your lashes. Be careful though… I have burnt my eyelid before when I get too excited! Let it cool off a bit first. Another alternative is while you’re drying your hair with a blow dryer… blow on your lashes for a short period of time and immediately use the lash curler!

What is your current beauty routine?