I’ve always been more of a “less is more” person when it comes to makeup. In high school and college I was queen of the minimalist routine – Neutrogena soap, powder, mascara, and lipstick. Of course, that was the mid-90s, when grunge and hippie chic ruled. Now that I’m almost in my mid-30s, my skin has changed, so I’m finding that I require more products to get that “like you but better” look. However, I am pretty proud that I can put on my full face in under 10 minutes!
1. Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser – I’ve always had oily skin on my face – however, I’m not acne prone. This could be because I’ve whipped my pores into submission since puberty with copious amounts of Clearasil, Neutrogena, and other face washes. A few years ago I developed a case of milia on my cheeks, and my dermatologist prescribed an OTC 10% benzoyl peroxide face wash. I found this one and loved it. I has a cooling sensation when I wash, and helps keep my skin smooth.
2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer – The wash is great, but during the cooler months it tends to dry my skin out. I use this oil-free moisturizer all over to keep my moisture levels even.
3. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment – when I feel a pimple about to come up, I apply this right on the spot and presto! no pimple.
1. Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation in E40 (Peach Taupe) – this is the best mineral foundation I’ve ever used. It covers and completely evens out my ruddy cheeks, and gives me a great porcelain complexion without looking chalky.
2. The Body Shop Brow and Lash Gel – I have some pretty thick eyebrows. I’m constantly plucking and waxing to keep them from becoming two fuzzy caterpillars on my face, and this helps me shape them and keep them tame on a daily basis.
3. Rosebud Salve – LOVE this lip balm! I have the pot in my makeup case, and I keep a couple of tubes in my desk and in my purse. I apply this right after I put my powder on and then wipe it off before I apply lip color.
4. Wet n Wild Mega Protein Mascara – I LOVE cheap mascaras. Since you’re supposed to trash them after three months or so, I don’t spend my money on expensive ones. This mascara pumps up my sparse lashes without clumping.
5. Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows in Universal Beige and Suede – I wear these every day – the lighter color on the brow, the darker color on the lid. It looks natural but still polished.
6. Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten – I swipe a light layer over the other shadows to give my eyelids some sparkle. If I don’t feel like doing all three, I put this shadow on. There’s a reason why this is such a great shadow – it works on EVERYONE.
7. Sephora Kohl Expert in Brun Perfect – Black eyeliners look too harsh, so I go with a nice dark brown.
8. Stila Lip and Cheek Stain in Pomegranate Crush – This gives me a great flushed berry colored lip. It lasts most of the day, and I just swipe a bit of balm over it to keep my lips from feeling too dry.
This isn’t the only makeup I own, though – I have an entire case full of bright colored eyeshadows and lipsticks. This is just what I use for my everyday look. I feel like a bit of a product junkie now!
What do you use every day? Is there a product that you can’t go a day without using?
NOLA nerdgirl, fashion and beauty geek, sci-fi and steampunk fan, corgi caretaker, photography buff, chocoholic, professional bra fitter, and other assorted oddities.
