This week, I started a new job. If you read my previous post, you know that last year was pretty rough for me in the employment arena. The bright side of all that time off, was it allowed me to make some necessary self improvements and spend time reorganizing and decluttering my life.
My new found free time was particularly beneficial for my skincare and makeup routine.
A little background.
I am not, by any definition, what one would call a ‘beauty maven’. Growing up, I had very little interest in makeup, learning to paint my nails, or even braiding my hair.
My mom never wore makeup, so there weren’t many tips or tricks to share as I became older and started wearing it on my own. (In my house, the rule was no makeup until you turn 16…so strict).
Gratefully, in college I had friends and sorority sisters who gladly did my makeup before events (and sometimes even before class). Their talent much surpassed my own and in hindsight, I probably should have paid more attention to their application tips and tricks before I graduated.
After college, I continued to struggle finding a makeup routine and ‘style’. To be really honest, the extent of my routine had been a little tinted moisturizer, some mascara, chapstick and (since the days of social media) a really good filter to do the rest.
So, during my self-imposed downtime between jobs, I decided it was time to start doing makeup research. I watched countless youtube tutorials and read a ton of blog posts about makeup application techniques and product recommendations.
I also made a few too many trips to Sephora for products that promised to help me recreate these gorgeous looks. I tried really hard to master these ‘new’ skills. However, I ended up scaring my boyfriend more than a few times with my new ‘look’. Yikes!
So after much experimentation, I settled on a minimalistic every day look that I love and I am sharing it with you today.
Since I recently started working again, this has become my go-to makeup look for the hospital. I wanted to look professional and presentable, but continue to embrace the minimalistic look I had been rocking when I was ‘on vacation’ (aka unemployed).
Also, I am chronically late to everything, so I wanted something quick and easy I could put on before dashing out the door. This look takes less than 10 minutes.
At work, I am usually hidden behind a mask, so the less product that sits on my face all day, the better. It gets hot working in the OR and when you are wearing a mask, you are constantly breathing/re-breathing hot air. It accumulates near your face and sort of melts your products into your skin, and not in a good way. So, I try to use a minimal amount of products, and choose clean ingredients to help decrease my chances of breakouts and clogged pores.
Here’s my go to hospital look:
1. Pixi Glowtion Day Dew: This glow lotion/primer is awesome. I squirt a couple of pumps on my hands, rub them together and then smooth it all over my face. It’s a primer and subtle highlighter combo so it gives a nice base glow. It’s available at Target. ($22 for a 35 ml tube).
2. Beauty Blender: I use this for applying the rest of my makeup. It’s fairly goof proof, easy to use, and reminds me of sponge painting. Available on Amazon ($18 for the classic pink beauty blender). Also available at Sephora ($20 for a classic beauty blender sold without a cleanser).
I usually clean my beauty blender immediately before I use it. That way I know it’s clean and it’s already damp before I add product to it, so it blends beautifully.
3. Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer: I apply this to my under eye area with the pointy end of the beauty blender. I apply it everywhere I normally put on eye cream. I use the shade 16 N ‘light neutral’. You can find it at Ulta ($27) or on Amazon ($37).
4. IT Cosmetics ‘Your Skin But Better’ CC+ cream: This goes all over my face, with the large round end of the beauty blender. (Since I already used a primer with highlighter in it, I do not use the CC+ illumination cream, but if your primer doesn’t contain any highlight, you should try the illumination version of this cream.) I use shade ‘Light’. You can find it at Sephora ($38) or on Amazon ($30).
5. IT Cosmetics “Bye Bye Under Eye” Corrector: Yes, it’s more concealer. I’ve got dark circles under my eyes and I need a second application of concealer to hide those bags! I dot this just under the darkest areas of my eyes and blend with the pointy end of the blender. I use the shade ‘Medium’. You can find it at Sephora ($24) or on Amazon ($22).
7. Mascara: I use Maybelline One by One Volum’ Express Mascara in ‘very black’. This version is NOT waterproof. If I want waterproof, I use Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara in ‘black’. I apply one coat to my top and bottom lashes. Available at Ulta ($7) and on Amazon ($11).
8. Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm: This is my go-to for lips! It’s a staple in my purse and gym bag. If you’ve ever watched the Candice Swanepoel makeup tutorial, this is the same product she uses under her lipstick. I use it as my regular lip balm/lip color. Available at Walgreens ($3 each) or on Amazon ($10 for a 3 pack).
That’s it! The whole look takes me under 10 minutes. (I don’t usually fill in my eyebrows or put on blush on the days I am at the hospital. I also reserve using a dramatic lip color, my contour kit, or drawing on those Cara-esque eyebrows for a night out.)
Ok, so let’s talk cost. If you were to buy all of these products at once, your up front cost would be around $140. Now, assuming each of the tubes/containers only lasts one month (most of them will last much longer) your daily cost would be: $ 4.67.
That’s a pretty good price in my opinion. It definitely doesn’t break the bank, but it allows me to look put together and polished in a professional setting. Win-win!
I’ve linked to each of these products throughout the post for your convenience. You should also be able to find them easily at your local Sephora or Ulta stores (and of course on Amazon).
What are some of your go-to beauty products you use each day? Let me know below! I love trying new products!
I'd love to hear your thoughts!