Five on Friday: Beauty…The Makeup Tutorial (and Essentials)

OK, this is technically not five different things, but I struggled this week, so I’m sharing something else instead. Based on comments from the cabin getaway post, it looks like I owe a few of you a makeup tutorial so I can share my go-to products for when I play “dress up”. I already told you all about my favorite everyday beauty goodies a few weeks ago (you can read that edition here), so now on to my tried and true beauty tricks, and products I love for when I get to go out on the town (which doesn’t happen frequently enough I might add). I tried to recreate the exact process I go through when I put on the full face, and have included step-by-step (yes, I apply my makeup in steps) instructions below, too! And of course, thank you so much for all the sweet comments…yall know how to make a girl’s day.

First comes the daily moisturizer and that’s a must…especially one with SPF in it to combat the sun. I use Clinique Even Better Moisturizer and love it because it keeps my skin hydrated as it tends to get dry during the day…if I am out of that, I go with Loreal Revitalift which is just as good in my opinion. Then I apply Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with a makeup brush. I have found this works better and makes for a more even application. Next up is the concealer which goes under my eyes (ALWAYS), and then other areas where I might have a blemish, skin spot, etc. After that I follow up with foundation and I recently switched from Makeup Forever to Smashbox Halo Liquid Foundation. Both are VERY similar so I will probably continue to switch it up. For this I use a different makeup brush and start at my forehead and work my way down.
Step 2: The Cheeks and The Eyes
See how we are working our way down the face?? Next up comes the bronzer…yes, I wear bronzer in the winter because I hate feeling “ghostly white” and I tend to think bronzer works better than plain pressed powder. I use Too Faced Bronzed and Poreless and apply with a BIG makeup brush. If I’m on the bargain hunt, I use Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer and I like it for everyday use. Then I move to blush..ya’ll know I love me some blush, and pink is my favorite hue. I actually use a combination of blushes…first is the powder by NYX and I love the Powder Blush in Rose Garden, and then I apply a small bit of the Blush Stick by NYX in Pink Poppy for that dewy, glowy cheek stain.
Then it’s on to the eyes. I start by applying Loreal Infallible Eyeliner in Carbon Black, and then move on to eye shadow. I switch it up between by Urban Decay Naked Two Palette and the ELF eye shadow kit (which is AMAZING for a fraction of the price!!). Then it’s on to mascara, and I know I exclaimed my favortism for Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara, which still holds true. Finally, it’s on to filling in the eyebrows (because mine are very blonde in color) and I don’t use anything fancy here..Maybelline Master Shape in Soft Brown is my go-to.
Step 3: The Lips
You best believe I don’t ever leave the house without lipstick/gloss on my pout. Chapped lips are a big no no!! I start with a fairly light lipliner and I have found the NYX Lip Pencil/Crayon works well and lasts a long time. My newest obsession is Too Faced La Creme lipstick in Nude Peach.
That’s it…we’re done. Gosh that seems like a lengthy process, but I assure you, this is a routine I can have done in less than 10 minutes, it just takes practice. Plus, I hope this shows that you don’t have to buy ALL expensive products to have makeup that looks good and stays put.

Happy Friday friends!!! Be sure to link up below and make sure to stop on by Darci, April, and Christina’s blogs to see what Friday fun they are posting about, too.