So, we all have our favorites. I wanted to share with you the products I’ve come to love because as I get older, I’ve found myself changing up what I use daily and in some cases, using different products and taking care of my skin way better than before. I want to start by sharing what I use on my skin before I get to the eyes. This post will cover primer, foundation, under-eye make-up, and bronzer.
I typically start with Smashbox primer. I started using a primer a few months ago and am now a believer. It smooths out the skin and allows foundation to stay radiant longer. Next, I apply my foundation by first spraying it on a Soho Bamboo Kabuki retractable brush. I’ve been using this brush for years and it’s stayed great. I found it at TJMaxx a long time ago, but it’s also available at the link through Amazon.
I’ve been using the same foundation for about five years. I’ve never found one that compares. It is not super high coverage and kind of transparent, but it’s amazing if you, like me, aren’t into the extremely heavy stuff. It is a Christian Dior airbrush foundation, namely “Airflash Spray.” It can be purchased at department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s or at everyone’s favorite– Sephora. Yes, it may be a little pricey, but it lasts for MONTHS. If you’re into higher coverage, you can spray the foundation directly on your face, but I like to spray a little on the brush and blend that way. I use the following shades: 300, 302, and 400, depending on my current level of tan!
Recently, I discovered what I think is probably one of the BEST under eye concealers out there. I’ve always just used a basic CoverGirl cover stick for brightening around my eyes, but this one takes the cake. In my Ipsy bag (monthly subscription– you receive 5 or 6 beauty products in an adorable cosmetic bag each month for just 10.00) a few months ago, I received a sample of Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination— and I LOVED it. I used it every day and when I started to run out, I ordered a large size tube from Sephora! I like to use very light shades in the under-eye area, but the sample I received from Ipsy was medium. I read in the reviews that the light shade is way TOO light, so I ordered a full tube of medium. I apply it to my ring fingers and softly apply it under my eyes and blend with a Beauty Blender (Mine is from TJMAXX for $2.99– you may want to check there first). This product makes me look so awake, when in reality, I am not so awake when I get up at quarter after 5 in the morning! But I bet I could fool ya with this stuff though! 😉
I’ve never been a powder type of chick, but thanks to my BFF Ally (she’s from Laguna Beach, Cali and was a make-up artist for MAC at one point), I’ve been introduced to the world of “baking.” Now, I still don’t really use much powder, but I do apply it to the under eye area post under eye concealer to prevent creasing and keep my eyes looking bright. I use a small brush and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. It just kind of sets and blends the under eye area. This powder is super light weight and there is so much in the container, with the small amount I use, I think it might last me five years. Seriously. Then, I just kind of let it set there for a few minutes while I do my eyes. Easy.
I don’t use blush. I’m not into pinky cheeks, but I do like to have color. My favorite bronzer for years and running is Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. I don’t even remember when I started using it or how I found it; I just know it’s the best. I even got Erin hooked and it’s the only one she will use too! For starters, it’s a nice deep bronze color and not orangey. It comes in three shades, depending on your level of tan. It’s smooth and matte and doesn’t make your cheeks look shiny. Last but not least, it smells like chocolate– not that fake chocolate smell that your LipSmackers smelled like as a child either, good, creamy milk chocolate. And when you brush it on your face and some gets in your mouth, you won’t even complain. I don’t. Yeah, that’s right, I’ve eaten it– not on purpose, don’t worry.
If I have extra time, I sometimes use the Trestique Highlight Stick, another Ipsy discovery. I apply the stick high on my cheek bones and blend. I occasionally finish with a product I got in my Ipsy bag a long time ago, Bella Pierre Mineral Blush in Autumn Glow. It just adds some shimmer and radiance without dulling your glow, like a traditional powder might do, because it’s a bronzy shade.
I set my foundation at the end of my make-up routine with Sephora Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray. It just sets your make-up so that by 3:00, you don’t look like you taught math to high schoolers all day. Oh wait…
At night, a few times a week, I apply GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment. Ally tells me I need to moisturize because I’m getting old and will get wrinkles if I don’t [sad face]. Some moisturizers smell SO weird– even have fishy type smells and honestly, I can’t deal with that. This is one I’ve had for about two years– still on the same container. It’s a “mask” technically, but doesn’t need washed off. You just leave it on to soak in over night. To me, it’s more of a moisturizer. AND it smells like brown sugar & cinnamon– which is one of my favorite scents! Oh, but don’t eat this one.
My new favorite getting ready song (shout-out to my sister, Kaitlyn, who is always finding good songs) is Every Little Thing by Russell Dickerson. I jam while I get ready in the morning with my make-up, curling iron, and coffee. It gets me to some level of cheerful during those dark & gloomy early hours of the day! If you love country music, it’s a must listen. That’s all for now. I will be writing about all of my favorite eye products soon!
xo,
Ash
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