Everyone has their morning routines and a ritual that makes them feel ready for the day. For many people this is taking a shower, working out or having an early morning cup of coffee. For me, my “ready for the day” ritual is doing my makeup. I just don’t feel complete if I skip that step. It is not that I feel that I need to wear makeup but rather that I really enjoy the process of applying makeup, and of course I appreciate the final outcome as well. Applying makeup is an art form to me, a way to express myself and have a moment in the morning to do something I enjoy.
When I had my daughter it was really important to me that I still made time to squeeze in my beauty routine in the morning. Not only does it help me feel like I’m ready for the day and can conquer anything the day will throw at me, but it also lets me hold onto something that I enjoy separate from being a mother. As much as I LOVE being a mom, those little pieces of my individual identity are really important to me.
Luckily my daughter is not a morning person so I typically get to enjoy this time while she is still sleeping. I know that it is not that easy for everyone. Many children are early risers and require a great deal of time and attention in the mornings. Several moms would also (understandably) prioritize getting a few more moments of rest over completing a beauty regime. Believe me, I understand, but I’m going to share my everyday routine with you. It hits all the basics and only takes about 10-15 minutes depending on your experience level.
I am going to walk you through the step by step of my everyday look. Steps can of course be removed or added to your preference. I will also be including the specific products that I use and like a lot. I use a variety of expensive brands to standard drug store brands. Through my many years of trial and error I have found that the old adage “you get what you pay for” is often true but not always! There are actually certain products that I prefer the drug store brand over the name brand options I have tried.
Here’s the list of the products I use:
Primer: Too Faced Hangover RX
Concealer: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
Foundation: Revlon Colorstay
Setting Powder: Covergirl Clean Professional
Bronzer: Tarte
Blush: NYX
Highlighter: Luna Calypso
Eyshadow: Manna Kadar Fantasy and Beaute Basics Satin Taupe
Brow Pencil: Avon
Eyeliner: Avon
Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Big Shot
Brow Highlighter: the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
Application:
Step 1: Apply primer to entire face
This primer smells great and also hydrates my skin while also lengthening the wear of my foundation.
Step 2: Apply concealer to under eyes
I love this concealer because I naturally have very dark circles under my eyes and the lack of sleep that comes with an infant certainly hasn’t helped. The formula for this is very thick so it has amazing coverage.
Step 3: Blend foundation on entire face
I prefer a full coverage foundation but in the summer when I want to show off my freckles I use a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation. I use my hands for this foundation but will also use a beauty blender.
Step 4: Use powder brush to apply setting powder over entire face and lightly under eyes
This step isn’t necessarily needed but it helps to keep my face from getting oily throughout the day and also sets my makeup for the day. I use a full coverage powder for extra coverage but a translucent will work just as well.
Step 5: Lightly brush bronzer using a small brush below the jaw line
This step isn’t crucial by any means. I have a round face and it’s my quick version of contouring.
Step 6: Apply blush to apples of cheeks and blend up using a blush brush
I prefer to use lighter pink/peach blushes. It helps add definition to my face facial structure and also makes me look a little more awake.
Step 7: Dust highlighter over blush, bridge of nose and cupids bow (dip above your upper lip) with a highlighting brush
This is, again, my quick attempt at contouring. If the blush you are using already has a shimmer in it then you can skip applying it over your blush. This step is not vital but it does add a nice “awake” look and I can always use help in that department.
Step 8: Using an eyeshadow brush apply light eyeshadow to the inner half of the eyelid and the darker eyeshadow to the outer half of the eyelid, blending together in the middle
I use a dual brush and put the light eyeshadow on one side and the dark eyeshadow on another.
Step 9: Apply eyeliner
I typically create a wing effect with my eyeliner. For a more natural look this step can be skipped.
Step 10: Fill in and highlight eyebrows
Full eyebrows are in style right now but my eyebrows are naturally thin so I just use an eyebrow pencil to fill in my natural brow line. I then use highlighter under the arch of my eyebrow.
Step 11: Apply mascara
I usually use two coats to add a more definition.
This process takes me about 10 to 15 minutes each morning and it makes me feel beautiful. Sometimes as moms we don’t take time to do things just for us. This is one of those special things that I do for myself. Maybe you can’t spare 10 minutes each day, try using a little make-up on the weekends or maybe just adding some eyeliner and a nice lip gloss to your routine each day will make you feel good. Splurge a little on yourself, You deserve it!
