My Everyday Makeup Routine
What’s in my makeup bag?
Not a whole lot, if I’m being honest. This year I found myself gravitating toward (and recommending to friends and family) the same 12 items over and over again.
Most days during the week, you can find me with minimal to no makeup on. Because I get so dolled up for events and shoots, I like to give my skin a bit of a break in between if I’m only running into the office or working from home.
My go-to look takes less than 10 minutes and feels nice and light on my skin for all-day wear.
If you love a feminine, dewy look, these items are definitely for you. Today I’m sharing my everyday basics for highlighting my natural features during the week:
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
This primer/moisturizer duo is the first thing I put on my face when I get ready in the morning. The consistency is silky, smooth, and soaks right into my skin. I’ll be honest, I was a little skeptical before purchasing because it’s a bit pricey, but a tiny bottle lasts months; you only need to use a dime-sized amount each day.
It helps my makeup go on flawlessly and makes my skin feel extra soft all day.
Shop it here
Smashbox Studio Skin
Shade: 1.1. This foundation is ultra lightweight and blends into my natural skin tone immediately. Some mornings all I want is a quick coverup of an irritated pimple, or to lighten up the dark circles under my eyes, so I simply add a drop onto a sponge (I use this one; it’s under $5) and blend it in that one spot.
On other days when I’m feeling a little more glam, I build the foundation into each area of my face for full coverage. It layers well, isn’t cakey, and lasts up to 15 hours.
Shop it here
No 7 Translucent Perfect Light Loose Powder
I dab this loose powder all over my face after my foundation to keep it in place and to prevent me from getting oily throughout the day. It gives my skin a matte look which I'm loving right now.
It’s also light diffusing (aka it reflects light to smooth and disguise flaws), and with cameras all up in our face 24/7 these days, who doesn’t need that?
Shop it here
Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer
Shade: Hotel Heiress. I have a confession for you; I have finally found my favorite bronzer of ALL TIME. As a self-proclaimed tan addict in the past, you better believe that I have tried all the things to make me look as if I just got back from a 10-day cruise in the Bahamas.
I love a soft, beachy glow and a good contour and this product absolutely nails both.
Shop it here
Bare Minerals (Blush) All-Over Face Color
Shade: Rose Radiance. I’ve been using this blush for years now because of how much product is packed into this tiny little container. I lightly dab my brush (this one; under $8) into the cap and tap off the excess so I can get just a hint of color on my cheeks.
The color is highly pigmented, shimmery, and perfect for a natural, feminine look.
Shop it here
Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights
Shade: Baked Starburst. Smashbox has been kind of taking over my makeup bag lately and I’m not mad about it one bit. I believe that this is technically a highlighter, but I honestly just dust it all over my face before I do my setting spray.
The mixture of shades is beautiful, and it gives me a Kardashian-level glow without going overboard or making me look shiny.
Shop it here
Anastasia Brow Wiz
Shade: Blonde. This brand has taking the brow world by storm, and for good reason. The eyebrow pencil is unlike any I’ve used before. It is super thin and easy to color in and shape my brows in under 5 minutes.
The problem that I’ve had in the past with other eyebrow pencils is that the color never really matched my hair. It was always just a bit too orange, or too ashy, but this one is just right. Blonde babes, get on board because this pencil will rock your world.
Shop it here
Tweezerman Lash Curler
Eyelash curlers don’t seem like a big deal in the “must-have” makeup department… that is until you try one that doesn’t have a cushion built in. Yikes! That shit hurts, ok? Don’t do that to yourself or your precious lashes. I’ve held onto this one for awhile now and I love how gentle it is and how much volume it gives my lashes with just 2 quick squeezes.
Even if it’s the only effort I’m putting into my “look” for the day, I’ll grab for this curler because it opens my eyes up and highlights the natural fullness that Rodan & Fields Lash Boost has given me.
Shop it here
Two Faced Better than Sex Mascara
I jumped back and forth for a long time between different types of mascara and honestly, I hadn’t stuck with one for more than a single tube until I met Two Faced Better than Sex. The thickness and length that it adds to my lashes is no joke.
I take my time and swipe it on every lash, then let it dry for a minute or two before going back and layering it on the ends and outer corners to open up my eyes even more.
p.s. If I’m shooting or going to an event, I use no. 113 Wispy Lashes by Ardell and then add a layer of this mascara on top to blend my real and fake lashes together. Even if I’m not wearing any eyeshadow, this automatically adds next-level glam.
Shop it here
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
This is one of my favorite products of all time, hands down. If I had to chose 3 makeup items to use for the rest of my life, this would be one of them. I don’t know what I would do without this setting spray.
It keeps my makeup in place from the moment I put it on until I’m wiping it from my face. I’ve never had any issues with it fading, cracking, or melting (even through tears, pouring down rain, eating/drinking, sleeping, etc.)
I have gifted this spray to almost all of my friends and family at this point because I firmly believe that everyone needs it.
Shop it here
Ulta Beauty Automatic Lip Liner
Shade: Bare. I love this lip liner because it’s inexpensive and it’s the perfect base for any natural or nude lip.
This is Ulta Beauty’s brand and they carry a ton of different shades to pair with higher end lipsticks and glosses.
It glides on smoothly and lasts all day without the hefty price tag of a designer brand.
Shop it here
Bare Minerals Gen Nude Buttercream Lip Gloss
Shade: Totally. This is another product I have sworn by for years now. I absolutely always have at least 2 tubes with me at all times, and I love how effortless the neutral and pink shades are. The gloss is the perfect consistency and isn’t sticky or too thick.
I add a swipe on anytime I leave the house, whether I’m completely bare-faced, or dolled up for an important event.
Shop it here
Photos by Jade Nikkole Photography
If you have any questions about this post or want more details on a specific product, DM me on Instagram or comment on my latest photo and I’ll answer right away!
Want more beauty-related posts? Check out my Q&A Beauty Edition and Pre-Wedding Beauty Routine and Tips!
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xo Anna Elizabeth