Beauty Basics: Makeup Routine

Welcome to the third installment of the Beauty Basics series! Today will be a bit of a lengthy post as it is focused on the contents of my makeup bag, though I hope to keep the writing short and let the pictures speak for themselves. As a blogger and someone who takes a keen interest in experimenting with different makeup styles and techniques I love reading about others products and routine. Thus, today you lovely readers will get a glimpse into the contents of my makeup bag. 

Step #1 starts with the primer, foundation, concealer, and a highlighter. 

I LOVE the Rimmel London "Stay Matte" primer though Rimmel's "Fix & Perfect" is fabulous as well. As someone whose skin tends to get oily later in the day I have found that starting off with a primer is vital to my makeup lasting longer and appearing less shiny. 

After primer comes my liquid foundation. For the longest time I have been using Maybelline "Dream Pure BB 8-IN-1 Beauty Balm" clearing perfecter in the Light Sheer Tint. This line has two versions of the foundation, one without Salicylic Acid and one with it, I prefered to use the one with the Salicylic Acid because it is nice to use a foundation that has a treatment for acne. However, I recently wanted to try something new and also needed a lighter color (problems of being pale) so I have recently been using COVERGIRL "Tru Blend i 1" liquid makeup base. So far I am loving the feel of this foundation as well as its shade and lasting capabilities. 

After I apply my foundation I use a concealer to cover up any problem areas and use a lighter concealer as a highlighter to brighten my face. For a concealer I have been using the Maybelline 15 fair concealer. I had also used the Clinique acne solutions "Clearing Concealer" but the color did not work for me. As for a highlighter I absolutely LOVE Maybelline "Fit Me Shine-Free +Balance"foundation stick. This stick works great to use in specific areas of my face as a highlighter and also cuts back on shine. 

After I have used my primer, foundation, and concealer/highlighter I then blend in my Clinique loose powder "08 Transparency Neutral" to finish off the base look and blend everything together.  

Step #2 Blush

Now for the blush. I tend to match my blush with my eye shadow. Therefore, if I have a pink tinted or colorful eye shadow I go for the e.l.f. "Mellow Mauve." However, when I go with a natural eye color or a gold I choose to use the e.l.f. "Candid Coral" shade. 

Step #3 Eye Shadow

As for eye shadow my routine and look varies by outfit, day, feeling, and technique. Most often I tend towards a brown or tan from any one of my pallets whether that be an Estee Lauder pallet or drug store Pro Fusion "Natural" pallet. I also LOVE the e.l.f. gold shade called "Enchanted". Whatever shade I use for the day I always finish off the look by highlighting right above my brow with a Maybelline white and blend it together with whatever color I chose. 

Step #4 Brows

Brows are finished off by using COVERGIRL brow & eye makers pencil in "Soft Blonde" or "Light Brown." After using that to color in my brow (that sounds quite odd to write) I then blend it in with a brow brush to make it look more natural. 

Brushes:

When it comes to brushes I am not all that picky when it comes to brands. My grandmother gave me a set of her old Mary Kay brushes which were in perfect condition and I have been using those for a good while. My powder brush and blush brush are Mary Kay. My shadow brush (which I use for loose shadows and blending) is from Artistry. My blending brush is the e.l.f "Small Stippling Brush." I have also started using a pink blending sponge to apply my foundation and I love how it blends everything together smoothly. 

Have you used any of these same products?

What are some of your favorite drug store brands?

What is one makeup product you cannot live without?

-Madison