My Everyday Makeup Routine

I have tried many different brands of primer, from drugstore brands all the way up to high end primers. None of them made my makeup stay on and sustain throughout the day. So I decided to try and use lotion.

For this, you can use any lotion. I use an equate moisturizer for mine. I have never had makeup stay on my face as long or as well with any other primer other than lotion.

It also helps with keeping skin clear. The moisturizing part of the lotion helps keep skin smooth and clear.

The next step is liquid foundation. Sometimes, figuring out liquid foundation can be the hardest part of your makeup routine to find. I know, in my case, I went through dozens of brands and so many colors to finally figure out what worked the best for me.

Some promise SPF, some are hydrating, but do you really know if this is true? I feel like there is no way to know, other than by trial and error.

The liquid foundation I use is Smashbox 15 Hour Wear. I find this foundation very light, which I love. I don't like when my face feels heavy or like a I have a layer of oil on it. This also hydrates as well, which when paired with lotion, is great for your skin.

My next step is to apply under eye concealer. I have an issue with dark circles under my eye and I try to my best to conceal them.

For this, I use Bye Bye Under Eye by It Cosmetics. This concealer works amazing. I don't have to use a lot, and I can tell the different almost immediately after putting it on. It can also blend very well into your liquid foundation, to make a seamless look.

The next product I use is brow filler. I have very faint, small eyebrows. So I don't want a product that makes them super dark. That is why I love this product.

I use Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo. With 11 different shades, there are many options depending on your skin tone and how dramatic you want your brows to look. Each pack comes with 2 colors, and they blend very well together to give you a great look.

Next I prime my eyes. I often thought that this was unnecessary, so I have tried to take it out of my daily routine. Unfortunately, when I did this, my eye makeup would get very clumpy throughout the day and my eyeliner would fade.

So, I started using ELF eye primer. This stuff is absolutely amazing. With it only being $1, I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. It helps my makeup stay in place all day.

My next step is eye shadow. When I went through high school, this was always something I skipped. I didn't think it was necessary. However, once I got older (and smarter), I decided to give it a try. Well now, knowing what it can do for my eyes, I am obsessed.

For my eye shadow, I use Urban Decay Naked Palettes. I have all 5 palettes and rotate them everyday. This way I can get use out of all of them, and they each have their own unique shades. They also each have colors that work during the day and night.

My next step is eyeliner. I always switch between gel, liquid pen, or purely liquid liner. Each one is great for certain looks, so it really just depends on what look you want to go for.

For my eyeliner, I use Smashbox Angle Gel Liner. This eyeliner comes with an angled brush, which is evident by the name. This is a gel eyeliner, which work really well when I put eyeliner just on my upper lid.

My next step is my mascara. Again, there are so many options for this. There are different colors and it seems that each one does something different, whether your looking for length or volume. Like liquid foundation, finding your perfect mascara is harder than you think. It is usually done by trial and error.

For mascara, I use Too Faced Size Queen. This has a large, fluffy brush which I feel really volumizes my lashes. It also spreads the mascara evenly on all of my lashes.

After mascara, I usually put on another layer of liquid foundation to make sure I have the coverage that I want.

Next I put on bronzer. There are two different options for bronzer usually; powder and liquid. Both have positives and negatives. I personally use Lorac Tantilizing Bronzer. I like the dimension it gives me on my face, but it isn't super bold like liquid might be. I apply the dark color around the outside of my face and under my cheekbones. Afterwards I use the highlighter color above my cheekbones to give me contouring.

Next, I apply blush. My blush color changes throughout the year, depending on season and colors. Right now, because it is fall, I use a golden blush.

My blush that I use I actually got from one of my ipsy bags that I receive every month. This color is called Autumn Gold and is by BellaPierre. It is a loose blush and it applies easily. I love it during the fall because it brings a nice color to my face the compliments my outfits.

Next, I use settling powder. This is something I just recently started using, and I can tell a large difference since I started using it.

What I like about this product is that it evens everything out. I don't have to be as meticulous with my bronzer and blush because this product evens everything out. It also gives my skin a nice, smooth finish.

The powder I use is Urban Decay Loose Setting Powder. Although I use this everyday, the same jar has lasted me about a year and a half.

Lastly, I end my routine with a setting spray. Again, I just recently started using this product. I absolutely love this. It gives me a refreshing feel and I know my makeup will stay in place.

The product I use is Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray. This product smells and feels amazing and I know I can count on it.

I also will apply an extra layer of mascara. You can decide how much you want to apply depending on your lashes and the look you are going for.