Spring Makeup Favorites
Spring Makeup
Favorites
Every year I like to share an update on my makeup routine. Although my application process is generally the same, I want to switch up my products every now and keep things feeling fresh and new. Above you’ll see a mix of both, some items I’ve loved and have purchased for years, and some are new and quickly become fast favorites! I’ll be sharing a condensed step-by-step tutorial of my application on my Instagram Stories today, but I've listed them below if you prefer to read through the steps! I’ll also have them saved to my “Makeup” highlight. I believe that makeup is art up for interpretation. I personally really enjoy applying makeup and experimenting with new things, but if that’s not your jam, that’s okay too! Feel free to read through and adapt/ignore whatever steps feel right to you.
instructions:
STEP 1: PRIME + PREP SKIN
At the very least, be sure to cleanse, moisturize and apply SPF to your skin before applying makeup. I like to mix my serum or moisturizer with DiBronzi Bronzing Drops for a nice bronzey glow since my face is typically lighter than my body. For SPF, I’ve loved Glowscreen SPF or First Aid Beauty’s new Mineral Sunscreen (less iridescent than the Glowscreen). Then add Hourglass Veil Mineral primer. It lays so nicely on my skin. I’ve tried dozens of primers, but I keep going back to this one. It’s been in my kit for well over six years. I’ve also liked Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer; it’s more of a gel-like consistency.
STEP 2: APPLY EYE PRIMER
I’ve talked about this eyelid primer for years; it’s my absolute favorite. I wear the shade “Bare.” To prevent creasing, you want to make sure you apply it to dry and clean eyelids. Some days I will wear the primer, nothing else because it provides a nice natural look, but it also is an excellent base for applying shadow that lasts all day. I’ve done a little research, and if you’re not ready to splurge yet, this $7 option has good reviews and seems like a good alternative.
STEP 3: COVER + CONCEAL
I’ve played around with Many foundations; I continue to return to this Smashbox one for extended wear. CC + BB creams are also great; I find myself continuing to go back to this one for everyday use. When applied with a damp beauty sponge, it goes on nicely for medium to full buildable coverage—currently wearing Medium. I’ve recently tried Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation; it’s a lovely silky formula. After applying all over my face, I’ll go in with concealer (shade Custard) to see which spots need additional coverage (usually under the eye and blemishes). I’ve been using this one for years, and it works best when warmed up onto your skin, so I’ll apply it with my ring finger. For finding your perfect shade, Sephora has a great shade finder and so does Lancome’s site.
STEP 4: SET THE WET + BRONZE
Keep in mind that whenever you apply liquid to your skin, you want to “set the wet” product with powder. This has significantly helped me, and I’ve noticed my makeup holds up better all day long with minimal touch-ups. I’ve tried a slew of pressed powders, and Laura Mercier’s are my favorites. I use her Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes, which WAKES me up and adds an extra brightening effect! I love bareMinerals’ Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder for a pressed option. I keep that one in my purse for on-the-go touch-ups. For special events and long days, I’ll use MAC’s Prep + Prime spray. I like to play around with my bronzers and apply them in a “3” formation on my forehead, cheek, and jawbone. I have previously loved and sometimes still use this Milk Matte Cream Bronzer in Baked shade. But if I’m being frank, this Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder has completely rocked my world. It gives the most beautiful natural color; a little goes a long way. I wear shade 03. I also love Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze & Glow palette. I’m on my fifth one; it’s genuinely one of my favorites.
STEP 5: BLUSH + HIGHLIGHT
I use the lighter side of the Filmstar palette mentioned above to highlight the cheekbone, bridge of my nose, and underneath my brow bone. It’s become my signature; no other highlight compares to me! I’ve tried and haven’t been able to find a perfect look for less, but this $7 option has fantastic reviews for being similar. I also like to smile and apply a touch of this bronzer blush (blonzer) on my cheeks (shade Kiss of Pink).
STEP 6: BROWS
I shared a few weeks ago that I LOVE to use this brow gel (shade 03) and recently learned a new way to apply it that makes a big difference. Before combing hairs in the direction, you’d like them to go in, brush them the opposite way first. This allows the product to get on there and gives the appearance of a fuller brow.
STEP 7: EYES / LASHES / LINER
How much I do of this step is often determined by how much time and “done up” I’d like to look. I discovered this mascara a few years ago, and it’s INCREDIBLE when you don’t want to deal with flaking or the dreaded “raccoon eyes.” It’s a tubular formula, so it comes off in little ‘tubes when you take it off.’ I highly recommend this for anyone who has issues with flaking/smudging. I mostly use it on the bottom lashes but often on top.
I also have been using this eyelash primer for over a year, and I LOVE it. As far as mascaras go, I love to switch it up and lately have been loving MAXIMIST Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara and this high-volume mascara.
Before applying mascara, I’ll gently dot this gel liner (shade Arabian Nights or Black) in between my lashes. I’ve shared this a few times but keep in mind you’re not applying in swipes, just dotting for a subtle definition.
Sometimes I stop there; I’ll keep going and add eyeshadow. I recently purchased this mini palette in hopes of finding a better travel-friendly option, and I use it nonstop, it has the prettiest shades, and I always receive compliments on it whenever I wear it. You can use a little, or you can mix and blend a lot. As far as brushes go, I have purchased this under $15 set of brushes which isn’t the best quality, but it is good if you’re looking to build your kit. I also love bareMinerals brushes which are cruelty-free, and Sephora’s own brand of brushes which are reasonably priced.
STEP 8: ADD A LIP!
To bring the look together, I’ve loved this long-wear lip color from Revlon in shades “Your Majesty” or “Eyes On Me.” When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use lip liner. I wouldn't say I like the feeling of dry lips, so I always have this Ultra Repair Lip Therapy nearby. I’ve recently shared my list of favorite lipsticks in this recent post! I would also like to add this Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm. It gives a beautiful tint and lots of hydration. I started with the “Hibiscus” shade and purchased “Strawberry” - I love both!
I hope you loved this post! Feel free to leave any of your favorite spring makeup products or finds below. I’m sure others would love to hear! Be sure to explore more beauty favorites on the blog for more inspiration and feel free to leave any questions below. As always, thanks for reading. xx CMK