My Everyday Makeup Routine

I love when bloggers take you "behind the scenes" of their makeup routine. It's a great way to learn about new products as well as drugstore products that actually work! You also get to see what they look like before they get all dolled up, and I'm a sucker for "before and after" transformations. Most of my products are indeed drugstore brands, like Maybelline, Revlon, and Covergirl. My more pricey items are my powder, concealer, and eyebrow pencil (but they all last a very long time). Other than that, I stick to the cheaper stuff because it means I get to buy more and try different things more often. I don't think I've ever spent more than $30 on a product! You don't need to break the bank in order to look nice! ;)
So, here's how I do it. Sometimes my routine is slightly different, but this is it about 95% of the time. Sorry for the disheveled hair by the way, I literally just woke up when I decided to do this.

Before I put on any makeup, I try to remember to put on sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must everyday! I currently use Aveeno's Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen since my mom just gave me a bunch of samples, but any sunscreen with a high SPF will do (preferably an oil-free one). Then, I put on Maybelline's Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser which goes on as a clear base (which is why I didn't photograph it) to help smooth out my skin complexion.

No beauty department has ever been able to completely match a foundation to my skin. There have been some that came close, but I can always tell when it's a shade off after I get home. This is why, for most days, I use a BB Cream. Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream (I wear the light/medium color) blends into my skin perfectly, and it's so light that I don't even feel it throughout the day!

For concealer, I use Being True's Protective Illuminating Concealer (in medium). I got this concealer YEARS ago, and I still have the same one. It has three separate shades inside the compact: one that I would use for my dark under eye circles, one for blemishes, and one for discoloration. You don't need to use a lot at once, a small dab on my finger is all it takes for me. I use my fingers for all my liquid makeup since brushes/sponges tend to soak up most of the product. I make sure to wash my hands first though!

I don't understand why people would ever pay extra money for a liquid eyeliner. They all look the same to me! I use Almay's Liquid Eyeliner in black, and I've been using this brand since middle school (ever since those first Avril Lavigne days, lol). I always go for the winged look, and Almay's applicator makes it super easy to draw on. I also have this same eyeliner in brown for a more toned down look.

About 2 years ago, I walked into Ulta looking for a new powder, and a lady who worked there asked me if I wanted something to give me a glow or something matte. I said matte and she led me to this, Studio Gear's Invisible Pressed Powder (in medium). It takes away some of the excess shine on my face, and it doesn't give me that caked-on appearance that some of my old powders would give. I love it! I apply it all over my face with a Bare Minerals' Full Flawless Face Brush.

Filling in my brows is something fairly new to me. I already have dark brows, so this was never a high concern for me. But while shopping with a friend one time at Sephora, I saw her buying this nifty tool. She has dark brows like me, but hers are always on point. So I played copy-cat and got the exact one she got, Anastasia's Brow Wiz (in dark brown). I make sure to use a light hand when applying, otherwise I could come out looking quite scary. The Brow Wiz also has a little brush at the other end for shaping your brows and blending the color.

Another brand recommendation from a friend. For blush I use Sephora Collection Colorful Blush (in Rose Petal). I think I've had it for almost 2 years, and I still haven't grazed the bottom yet! I apply it with my Clinique Angle Brush (which is so old I don't think they sell this kind anymore, but they sell the updated version here) by starting at the apple of my cheeks and brushing up along the cheek bones (smiling in this dorky fashion helps).

After curling my lashes with my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (the best curler ever), it's time for mascara. I love to try out different mascaras, especially the cheap ones you can find at any old drugstore. But this one, Maybelline's The Colassal Volum' Express Mascara (in black), is always the one I go back to. I use it for my lower lashes as well instead of putting on eyeliner. I used to wear eyeliner on my lower lids in high school, but it made my eyes look smaller & there was too much black going on. Just using mascara is way less harsh!

Okay, so it's not technically a lipstick, but it feels/looks like one so whatevz. My cousin was using this one day at a family get together, and I thought it was so pretty! It's Revlon's Colorburst Matt Balm in Sultry. After trying it on and loving it, my cousin let me keep it. Family is da bomb. It's very easy to apply, and it goes on super smooth. It also lasted a really long time for me, like almost all day. I already wanna go and try out the other colors!

And that's pretty much it! All this takes me about 15 minutes or 20 if I'm doing other things like fixing my hair or brushing my teeth, haha. If I'm getting more dolled up to go out, I'll add eye-shadow to the mix and maybe a bolder colored lip. I also sometimes use my Covergirl TruBlend Liquid Foundation (in Creamy Beige) that I found in the sale bin at Target. It's a bit heavier than my BB Cream which is why I don't use it that often.

Hopefully this was helpful or at least mildly entertaining for some of y'all! Playing around with makeup is fun for me, so I'm always on the lookout for new products to experiment with! What are some of your makeup essentials?