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For as long as I can remember, I've always preferred navigating through life using simple methods. Now, simple doesn't always mean easy or comfortable. In this instance (as it relates to beauty), my idea of simplicity refers to a more cost-effective approach to living while being a capitalist consumer in this day and age, without the dire need or desperation to run your bank account dry. Of course, the more expensive something is, it means, perhaps, that it is of better quality. But, that isn't always the case. I strongly believe that great results can be achieved even with low-cost products, catered to consumers who might not always be among the affluent 1% of the world that have the capacity and means to splurge on luxury goods.
This consumer philosophy of mine guides me when I purchase makeup products, or clothes, jewelry, and so on. That is not to say that I would never purchase anything 'expensive'. I feel the word "expensive" varies in understanding depending on the individual and their financial capacity. I am quite frugal to a certain extent, especially when it comes to things like grocery shopping. But, with beauty products, I tend to splurge just a little bit only because I am very particular to the needs of my skin. However, so far, I've always kept my purchases within 'drugstore makeup' convenience. My everyday makeup routine is very simple, unless on special occasions where I do try to look a little bit more glammed up. I'm working on putting out a video tutorial that will go into much more detail about my routine. But for now, I thought I would just share some of my everyday (and simple) beauty tips, as well as some of the drugstore products I am currently using.
1. PREP & PRIME: Skincare is very important to me, and sometimes even more important than a full-on makeup application. I mostly prefer to go around barefaced or with minimal makeup (with no foundation applied). The skincare brand I am currently using is Garnier. I've been obsessed with their relatively new Green Lab Collection. The products in this collection are just much more enhanced. Right now, for prepping my skin, I've been using the Garnier Green Labs Serum Pinea-C SPF 30 and the Garnier Moisture Rescue Face Moisturizer Gel Cream. I also occasionally use the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Vitamin C for cleansing my skin and for makeup removal. So far this products have worked very well with my skin, and help me keep a basic yet satisfactory skincare routine. I most in love with the Pinea-C Brightening Serum. It's honestly such a great product that gives your face such an almost perfect natural glow. The primer I use currently is the COVERGIRL TrueBlend Base Business Primer. This is my go-to primer that I've used for many years now.
2. CORRECTING: Up until now, I actively used a concealer and various correctors for concealing dark spots and blemishes on my face. But now, I've only been using a BB Cream in place of that. My favorite is the COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream. This product is lightweight and gives me the coverage I need for an everyday natural look. The best method of applying a BB Cream is to use it in the way you would use a concealer, with a focus on achieving a light/natural look, covering the spots or places you would like to be concealed. Using a BB Cream will certainly help you nail the 'no makeup' look. For a simple everyday makeup routine, foundation isn't always needed. Going foundation-free and opting for a BB Cream or full coverage concealer will help you get more comfortable with your skin if, perhaps, you're someone who feels a little insecure without a full face of makeup on. That's okay. It takes one small step after the other. Today you could go with a BB Cream or a concealer product. Tomorrow, you could then try going out with no makeup at all! Well...maybe just a little bit of makeup is still okay. We want to look alive, at least!
3. THE FULL FACE APPLICATION: These days, given that I get up so early for work in the morning, I never really have the time to apply a BB Cream or concealer. So, I'll break it down for you, what my current everyday makeup routine really looks like:
EYES: After I finish with my quick skincare routine (only two products involved), I move on to my brows. I cannot for the life of me leave the house without filling my brows in. I think I'd just look crazy, really. But, anyways, the product I use is the Maybelline New York Tattoo Studio Brow Pomade in the shade 'Deep Brown'. This pomade has been so great in helping me create a natural look with my brows. The pomade has a tinted, rich moisture and it also long-lasting. You never want to go too heavy on your brows, because it could make or break your whole look or facial expressions. Brows should look soft and natural, filled in lightly only to cover up the sparse areas without much hair. Then, after I'm done with my brows, I use a brow gel to set them in place with the QUO Beauty Brow Defining Gel (an equally good product). The next step is mascara. Another thing I certainly must do everyday is mascara. It just helps my eyes look awake. My favorite mascara right now is the Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara. If you want to achieve an everyday day glam that's not too dramatic, but still gives your lashes that 'pop factor' you desire, this mascara is the way to go.
LIPS & CHEEKS: Putting make up on helps us look put together and alive when we need to. And for this reason, it is important that I apply some form of liquid lipstick and blush. Rimmel London Stay Satin Liquid Lip Color is truly my favorite lip product, and I hope it never gets discontinued. I'd honestly be so upset. I can't do without this product. I often apply it lightly on my lips and on my cheeks for an added 'human flush'. The texture is smooth and blends in easily on the skin. I can vouch for this product. It is an absolutely great purchase if you're willing to substitute your matte lipstick for a smooth, lightweight satin lipstick.
SETTING POWDER: Since I don't really use a concealer or bb cream everyday, I still need something to set all that make up on my face. I like to use the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder in the shade 'Coconut'. I use my pressed powder very lightly, even more so, as a concealer. I swipe a little bit of the product on my right middle finger and apply it under my eyes, on the bridge of my nose, my t-zone, and on my chin. These specific spots are more likely to produce oil when in contact with heat. I especially apply the powder under my eyes to conceal those treacherous eye bags of mine.
SETTING SPRAY: Finally, after every bit of application is done, I have to set my face with my NYX Radiant Finish Setting Spray, another favorite of mine. It is a professional and durable product that gives your face a natural shine like an afterglow. This setting spray is needed in your everyday make up routine. And now, you're all done and ready to take on the day!
Over the years, I've learned that you don't always need a full face of expensive makeup products to look or feel beautiful. To each their own, really. Everyone should always do what makes them incredibly happy and comfortable. But, for me, I think wearing less makeup has helped me appreciate my natural face more. This is the only face I have, and I'm okay with it, really. I like my face a lot. It's not incredibly gorgeous or perfect, but, it's mine. It's unique, as all our faces are. With all that said, I hope you can find the courage to forgo your foundation or concealers every once in a while, and leave your home with that natural beautiful face of yours. It's the one you've got, so, rock it!
Thank you for making it this far. Thank you for being here. I'll see you in the next story, friend. Stay beautiful, always.
Warmly, Grace.
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