Natural Beauty Gift Guide: What I Use Everyday to Achieve A Natural Makeup Look
Hello, beauties! I've recently received a good amount of feedback asking for my "go-to" makeup look. It's quite funny to me because I don't really think that my "natural/everyday" makeup is anything special because I am so used to getting glam for my job! However, this year I've really learned the importance of "less is more." And now, more than ever, I've noticed that makeup artists have been focusing on the beauty of skin and applying fewer products. My friend & fellow model Rosa Barney taught me some life-changing techniques that have totally transformed my "natural" beauty routine as well!
Here are the products that I use every day– whether I am going for a more natural look or going for a more dramatic look, I ALWAYS start with these products. I will be featuring some of these products and how I use them on my Instagram Story so please head on over to @CaralynMirand to see those. I will save them on my profile for a week! Full disclosure: I am NOT a professionally trained makeup artist, I just sit in the makeup chair and LOVE all things makeup. I like to think that I have an "insider's scoop" into what the professionals are using but I am definitely not a professional! I just have a passion for the industry and sharing with you! :)
The font in bold and all images are clickable- so you can shop the products by clicking either one of those!
Step 1 // Prime & Prep
With cleansed and moisturized skin, I first apply a primer. Let's talk about primers for a minute: I was incredibly skeptical about primers- whether they really work or not. Let me tell you, after many trials, I've discover that primers actually do WORK! Especially if you are going for long wear, you'll want to be sure that you're applying an even base to your skin before applying more makeup. This Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is the one primer that I've seen makeup artists use over and over again. It is worth every penny because it makes your skin feel velvety smooth and one bottle will last you a good amount of time.
Step 2 // Apply Your Base
BB creams and CC creams or Beauty Balm creams and Color Correcting creams are NOT all created equal. I've had the opportunity to try over a dozen of these products and these are my two favorites. BB/CC creams are great alternatives to foundations because they are buildable- which means that you can apply your desired amount for either light to full coverage.
This Beauty Balm Instant Solutions® SPF 35 by Trish McEvoy has changed my skin. It's an all-in-one skin perfector that instantly primes, brightens, evens, hydrates, controls oil, rejuvenates and protects skin. It's a little pricey but it is truly magic- it works great alone without primer (as it has one build in) or underneath foundation for a full coverage look that will last you ALL DAY LONG!
If you're looking for a less expensive option, this Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+ by IT Cosmetics is my second choice. It applies a little thicker since it was designed to have fuller coverage. This color-correcting cream provides full, flawless coverage and protects skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. It is clinically shown to increase hydration, smooth texture, and enhance brightness. The breakthrough formula never creases or cracks and instantly camouflages skin imperfections including dark spots. I like to wear this more during the summer months or on vacation, since I like having a higher SPF on my fave while I'm in the sun!
Step 3 // Conceal
Sometimes foundation or BB/CC cream just doesn't cover everything that it needs to! Cue the holy grail of makeup– concealer. I'm not sure what I'd do without it! Sometimes when I'm feeling REALLY lazy, I'll just apply concealer and curl my lashes. These two concealers have been my longtime favorites, I keep going back to them. One has a creamier consistency and the other is more matte- depending on what look you're trying to achieve.
Step 4 // Set The Wet
I didn't realize how important it was to SET YOUR FACE! This means you need to set your bb creams, foundation, concealer with a translucent powder. Think of it like this: not using a setting powder is like not using hairspray after doing your hair. Anytime you apply anything wet to your face, you want to make sure you are setting it. Translucent powder locks in makeup for long-lasting wear, without adding weight or texture. You can use a loose powder or a pressed powder- depending on your preference. For travel, I like a pressed one but I keep a loose powder at home too.
Step 5 // All About The Eyes & Brows
This step really depends on how motivated you are. At the absolute least, I will curl my lashes with my SHISEIDO Eyelash Curler and apply Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift underneath my eyes for a bare (but still awake) look. Next, I apply Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials Brighting Eyeshadow Primer. This work really well underneath eyeshadows, to keep them in place all day OR alone just as a nude base for your lids. From there, I will add in this Intense Gel Eyeliner Pencil in the upper lids underneath my lashes, if that makes sense. I could seriously do a whole blog post on this liner- it has changed my life. Instead of swiping in a line like you normally would, you dot it. Check out my Insta Story for a better visual on how to do this!
Now onto mascara- I recently discovered this lash curling mascara, and to be honest with you I've never gotten so many compliments on my lashes. It is UNBELIEVABLE. Its a better-than-waterproof tubular curling mascara formula that comes off with warm water. It wraps, amplifies and curls each and every lash while resisting moisture so that it keeps its just-applied look until it's intentionally removed. When you're ready to wash it off, the mascara slides off your lashes with only warm water. You have to try it- I cannot go back to regular mascara after that!
For brows, I like to just use this Benefit tinted brow gel to keep the hairs from looking too wild.
Step 6 // Glow & Bronze
If the winter blues have got you feeling pale and sad- look no further, these two products are my go-to's year round. The Milk Matte Bronzer Stick for the face and body provides instant hydration and a glowing look- all in one. It's so easy to apply and rub in with fingers or a brush. Now, if you're looking for a glow-y palette that DOES IT ALL- look no further. I was extremely skeptical of the BECCA X Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette but it is really amazing. It has a bronzer, blush and two pressed highlighters for you to mix and match with. You can literally apply it anywhere on your face, depending on what kind of look you're going for. I often use the highlighter as an eyeshadow if I'm feeling fancy!
Step 7 // Add A Lip
I almost always forget this step, especially if I'm in a rush because I am typically just a Blistex Lip Medex kinda girl. I usually apply my lip in the car when I look in the mirror and realize I have a full face of makeup on and a pale lip. These lip products below are a few of my favorites that I have bouncing around in my purse at all times so that I can apply on the go!
And that is my seven step easy-peasy natural face! Very curious to know what you think about this! Would you be interested in more of these? Please leave a comment below!