After purging my wardrobe, I felt like a weight had been lifted and I couldn’t stop there. My clothing choices made me feel good, but I felt like I had to take it to the next level. So, I decided I should wear makeup.

To match my minimalist wardrobe, I knew that I needed an easy, minimal makeup routine.  When I was single I used to buy makeup all the time. Now that I have kids, there just isn’t that much time to sit and apply 100 different creams and powders every morning.  Curious what my routine entails? Keep reading!

Once again I’d like to thank Pinterest for this. I did a simple search for “easy makeup routine”, came across a post that introduced me to new products and I was off to Ulta.  The people at Ulta were super helpful, matched colors to my skin and helped me complete my look with lipstick and blush.

The Purge

When I got home from Ulta I knew there was one more thing to do. I had to purge my makeup.

My makeup collection was mostly 8+ years old. It was scary to think what was growing on those items! Into the garbage they went. The only things I saved were my MAC products, because if you bring back the cases then you get a free lipstick.

Once my makeup collection was back to basics I washed all of my makeup brushes. I don’t have a huge collection, but clean brushes feel like new. It was fast, easy and free!

My New Minimal Makeup Routine

So now that I have this makeup routine I’ve really been trying to apply it everyday. The only days I don’t wear makeup are Friday and Shabbos and Sunday, depending on weather and activities planned.  It really only takes 10 minutes to apply!

Face

I start my routine with (1) It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ in Light.  This is a light foundation- it’s not too cakey and leaves my skin feeling nice all day.  I used to put this on with my fingers, but found that the Up & Up Complexion brush works really well for blending the liquid in.

I have oily skin, so I set that with (2) Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent 001.  So far I like this powder.  There were so many choices of what color to buy, so I stuck with transparent because it won’t change the color of the makeup I already have on.  Next I cover up my dark under-eye area and any blemishes I may have with (3) It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer in neutral medium.  This stuff goes a long way, so I literally only use a tiny drop.  I’m honestly not sure if I’d re-purchase it, because I think it’s a bit thicker than I would’ve liked.

Eyes

Before I bought an eye shadow primer I did research and found that the (4) Wet n Wild Take on the Day Eyeshadow Primer got great reviews.  It was about $6 and after long 12 hour days, there are no creases in my eyes.  This stuff is awesome and the price is too!  The one thing I learned is that I have to put this on pretty early in my makeup routine because it takes a minute to dry.

All I know about eye shadow is that no makeup artist would only use one eye shadow.  They have to use at least 3, but probably use a lot more than that.  Since I didn’t know exactly what colors I wanted, I decided to opt for a palette, which I think is much more cost-effective than purchasing individual colors.  I really wanted the (5) Naturally Pretty Matte Palette by It Cosmetics, but it was way more $ than I wanted to spend.  I found a new one on Ebay for 20% off regular sale price and have been wearing it ever since.  I love the colors and I’m still learning how to mix them.

Lastly, I put on mascara.  I don’t know the difference between all the ones they sell and decided to stick with something basic like the (6) Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara in Blackest Black. So far it’s been great, but next time I need mascara I may do a bit more research.

Cheeks/Lips

After my face is prepped and my eyes are done it’s time to wrap up with blush and lipstick.  I put on (7) Tarte blush in Fearless.  This was kind of pricey, so I probably wouldn’t buy another one of their blushes, but the color is a nice pink/coral.  Then for lips I use (8) CK Pure Color Lipstick in the color Dollface.  This is the first matte lipstick I have bought and while I like the color, I’m still getting used to the texture of it.

The Finished Product

A little effort goes a long way. My new look makes me feel more put together, more confident and more like an adult. This is a new routine that has taken me a bit to get used to, but with all the time I now save choosing my clothing, I can now use that time for my makeup.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to put a full face of makeup on on the bus/train, but until then, I think this will work.

What special steps do you take everyday to feel good?

Until next time,
Shaindy