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Did I ever mention just why I am on this minimalism kick?
Two reasons, actually. First, and probably less excitingly for you, my partner and I are saving to start our own business. Namely, the kind that is outside of the house and requires hefty overhead payments.
But on a more blog-related front, I’ve been really trying to figure out how I want to live over the past year or so. I refreshed my wardrobe and captured my personal style. I rearranged my apartment so it fits our lifestyle better than it ever did. And I started being less obsessive about masking my real, human face under a crap ton of makeup.
I still love makeup, but these days I am wearing considerably less of it. Likewise, I am also becoming more content to use the same products all the time, rather than feeling like I need to wear something different every day just because I have it. It has made my morning routine so much simpler and less stressful. Everything I need is right there where I need it, nothing more, and nothing less. It leaves me with more time in the mornings to do other things, like read, write in my bullet journal, and perhaps even do something with my crazy hair.
To have a closer look at my current Spring Minimalist Makeup Routine, keep on reading!
the PRODUCTS
Cover FX Illuminating Primer >> [SEPHORA]
Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector >> [SEPHORA]
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer >> [SEPHORA]
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent >> [AMAZON]
Benefit Hoola Bronzer >> [SEPHORA]
Nars Blush in Orgasm >> [SEPHORA]
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Ash Brown >> [AMAZON]
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base >> [SEPHORA]
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara >> [SEPHORA]
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine in Radiant Rose >> [AMAZON]
some EXTRAS
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick Foundation >> [SEPHORA]
Smashbox Eyeshadow Duo in Golden Hour >> sample
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Rhubarb >> [SEPHORA]
the FACE
Thanks to my oily skin, I’ve always been into super matte foundation. I’m talking foundation with built-in powder, plus a dust storm’s worth of powder on top. I wanted my face looking as dry as the Sahara, because I knew it wouldn’t last long anyway. Long story short, I realized that look wasn’t doing me any favors.
Recently I’ve been a lot less focused on covering up my real face and embracing it instead. Instead of stamping the life out of my natural dewiness, I’m letting it shine, literally. And instead of trying to give my cheekbones visual plastic surgery every day, I’m dialing back on the contour.
A healthy and glowy base
I start with an illuminating primer all over my face, but concentrating on my under eyes and cheekbone areas. I like Cover FX Illuminating Primer, but L’Oréal Magic Lumi Primer is basically the same thing. Once that’s on, I apply a thin layer of Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done. It’s a super lightweight BB cream that gives just the right amount of skin blurring and tint without looking too heavy.
Next I like to add a touch of brightness underneath my eyes with Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. I used to drag this all the way down my cheeks, down my nose, on my chin, and on my forehead. I might as well have spackled my entire face with the stuff! Now I apply as little as possible just to my darkest areas. I set that with a small amount of powder. Dab the powder lightly where you are oiliest, which for me is right in the center of my forehead and the tip of my nose. Not all over my entire face like it’s going to fall off.
Subtle color
I’ve been keeping the colors subtle to match my natural and glowy skin. I still apply Benefit Hoola Bronzer so I don’t end up looking like a corpse, but I use a much lighter hand. Instead of pinching the brush and applying a heavy contour line in the hollows of my cheeks, I simply fluff some color in the general vicinity of my hollows and across my mountainous forehead.
Top the bronzer with a natural, peachy blush. Nars Orgasm is a classic, and has just the right amount of sparkle so you can confidently skip highlighter.
the EYES
I used to spend a loooong time perfecting my eyeshadow, because I thought if I didn’t do it Jaclyn Hill style, then was I really even doing makeup at all? It was a ridiculous thing to think, and I’m glad I’m over it.
Natural brows
I am so over the painted-on eyebrows that I lusted over since 2015 but could never really perfect. After years of wrestling with brow pomade, I am back to the good old-fashioned pencil and I’ve never been happier. NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Ash Brown is my go-to because of its precise tip, non-smudgy formula, and much more palatable price tag than Anastasia Brow Wiz. I fluff the pencil through my brows and make minor adjustments to try to make them match, but I’ve accepted that I’m no Eyebrow Picasso, so it is what it is.
The best mascara
Since my eyelids are exceptionally oily, I apply a thin layer of Nars Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base to keep everything smudge free. I then pile on several layers of my favorite mascara, Urban Decay Perversion to make my eyes stand out and make up for the lack of eyeshadow.
If all else fails, I’m not opposed to sticking on some falsies to complete the look.
Feeling extra?
Some days, I’m just feeling extra and I really want to add some color to my lids. But even then, I don’t go crazy like I used to. To keep with the glowy theme, I sweep a light colored shimmery eyeshadow onto my eyelids, and then blend the edges with a slightly darker shadow that’s either matte or only lightly shiny. Basically anything will work for this, and right now I’m using a Smashbox sample I received, um, somewhere. Not sure where.
the LIPS
Ditch the lipstick
For the most part, lipstick is now reserved for special occasions. I stick to a lightly tinted gloss for everyday wear. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine is my current favorite because it doesn’t make my lips any drier than they already are. Glosses are also super easy to reapply while out and about without a mirror. Try doing that with your pigmented lipstick! Actually, don’t try it; I’ve done it and the result isn’t pretty.
…Or maybe wear the lipstick
Perhaps part of my reason for wearing less lipstick recently is that my lips have been having almost weekly meltdowns. I swear, they’ve been offended by everything lately. When I do want to wear lipstick, I always go for my Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipsticks because they are made from all food-grade ingredients so they are probably the most healthy lipsticks you can buy. Plus, they are packed with color and a delightful fresh orange scent.
That’s all for today!
Like this post? Check this one out too >> 8 Realistic Ways To Practice Minimalism in the New Year
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time ♥︎
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FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.
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