VIDEO here in my IGTV. Wow – it’s been a few years since I’ve posted my makeup routine! Some things have not changed (it’s still all neutrals, under 10 minutes, and easy enough for makeup novices) but I’ve been slowly switching out former go-to products with more effective new finds and more clean options.
Everyday Makeup Products from my Video
Some of these are admittedly on the pricier side, but they last me a very long time. As you can see in the video, I apply each product fairly lightly and it takes a while for me to even make a dent in most of these!
1. Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (Sephora; Nordstrom) in shade #6
FYI, Sephora’s “shade finder” using my old foundations as reference points worked well for me. Foundations ALWAYS have mixed online reviews and this is no exception, but I personally have more dry skin to normal skin and love this. It’s fuller coverage but feels very lightweight, and lasts all day for me if you set it.
Applied using: either small taps with a slightly damp beauty sponge, or, I prefer buffing foundation on in small circles and strokes using a flat top foundation brush as shown in my video (I love the Sigma F80 Kabuki brush; available at Nordstrom or Sigma). Using a brush like this is always much faster for me!
2. Concealer
Clean at Sephora: Kosas Creamy + Brightening Concealer (Sephora; Kosas) in shade #5
Read more about the brand’s clean-focused mission and ingredients here. This concealer is super creamy and non-drying indeed, and I’ve been liking it better than the popular NARS option in my opinion (I was shade “custard” in NARS). Most unhappy reviews I read about this mentioned yellow undertones, which works in my favor because I love how it suits my skin tone. The shade I have runs a tad on the lighter side, as #5 is labeled Medium, but it’s comparable to some medium-light concealers I have in other brands.
Applied using: tap lightly with a very slightly damp Tarte sponge or Beauty Blender.
Tarte Shape Tape (Tarte; Ulta) – use code SECRET20 for 20% off and free ship! I used Kosas in my video but must share this one as well. If speaking purely from a functionality standpoint, Shape Tape is still my favorite under eye concealer for brightening and great coverage. In the summer I use their shade medium sand, and in the winter I use 274 light medium sand which is very close to Kosas in #5.
3. Setting Powder
This has probably become the most important step of my makeup routine. If your concealer isn’t staying all day, if your bronzer or blush is blotchy or is your eyeshadow isn’t blend well, a good setting powder might be all you’re missing. For my quick everyday routine I skip eyeshadow primer, so applying some powder to my eyelids makes a HUGE difference in my eyeshadows applying smoothly and blending well.
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Pressed Powder (Sephora; Nordstrom) – in shade 2 / Medium. Huge fan of this – it’s finely milled and provides a truly airbrush-like finish over foundation and concealer. I pat this with a powder brush right after applying under eye concealer and use it all over my face and eyelids. This feels silky smooth on my skin and helps powder bronzers, blushes or shadows apply seamlessly on top. I still do use loose powder for certain purposes, but pressed is so much less messy!
Applied using: My silver handled brush is this IT airbrush powder brush. Or use your beauty sponge from applying concealer, or any medium fluffy powder brush like this one.
4. Brows
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo (Sephora; Nordstrom) – in Ebony. I use this daily yet it still lasts for ages (just got a new one after maybe 2 years?). I use a very light hand with this powder to not end up with starkly colored brows. As seen in my video, I start by defining the bottom edge of my outer brows, then the top edge of my arches, then fill in the area with small brush strokes, working my way towards the center of my forehead and getting lighter. Finish by using the spool end to brush out the powder for a more natural look.
Applied using: Anastasia #7 brush (Sephora; Ulta)
5. Eyeshadow (read Step # 3 first)
Clean at Sephora: Ilia Eyeshadow Palette (Sephora; Dermstore) – in Warm Nude. I’ve been so happy with this, I’ve added several Ilia products to my “try list” as a result. This is talc-free unlike most eyeshadows, and all of the shades are actually wearable and flattering for me. The hues are in a beautiful mix of 3 different finishes (matte, satin, and metallic) that go easily from day to night looks. The palette itself is also slim and compact!
Applied using: NYX eyeshadow brush or any fluffier shadow brush like this one by It Cosmetics.
6. Lash Curler
Shiseido Lash Curler (Sephora; Ulta) – I’ve tried a couple over the years, and this is still the best for my eye shape.
7. Liquid Liner
Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner (Sephora; Ulta) – my holy grail liquid liner that I can’t stray from! Great staying power yet removes easily using my other holy grail Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover.
8. Mascara
I’ve been skipping mascara for my simple everyday face, also to also speed up my makeup removal process at night. I’ve tried a whole bunch over the years and still prefer my old favorites from Too Faced and Lancome (the Hypnose Drama Waterproof one is the only one that really holds a curl for my stick-straight Asian lashes). Below is my favorite out of more clean-focused options I’ve tried, but with a caveat.
Clean at Sephora: Milk Mini Kush High-Volume Mascara (Sephora) – I specifically chose the mini version of this mascara because some reviews mentioned that the brush in the full size was big and the packaging was a bit heavy. I also prefer to buy mini mascaras to avoid drying out and waste, since I don’t use it daily. This mascara truly makes my lashes longer and fluffier and feels lightweight, BUT it does start smudging onto the under eye area shortly afterwards – I wipe it off with BiFacil before going on about my day without further issues, but that’s obviously not ideal. If you also use this mascara and have found a solution, or have a clean mascara you love for short straight lashes, let me know!
9. Bronzer
Clean at Sephora: Lawless Velvet Matte Bronzer (Sephora) in Golden Hour – I’ve been seeing more and more about this clean-focused brand and am excited to try more products from them! This is well described, since it’s finely milled and truly applies velvety smooth but with a matte finish. I have the lighter shade, but I could have gone for the darker Blazed. I brush on several sweeps of this and can likely use less in Blazed for a more pigmented bronze.
Applied using: Brush in the video is an old one from Sephora Collection – closest one available now might be their Pro Bronzer Brush #80.
10. Lips
Mac Lipstick (Nordstrom; Ulta) – in Velvet Teddy. This neutral lipstick has been one of my everyday go-to’s for years. For me it’s the perfect “my lips but better” shade and is very forgiving when applied quickly.
Not Shown in Video: Treatments, SPF, Tan Drops
Clean at Sephora: Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 (Sephora; Dermstore) – Super popular but for good reason. Note this is not a conditioner. I use it prior to shampooing & conditioning about once a week, and feel like it’s made a difference on my colored hair that was getting brittle. You can get the smaller size to try out – while it’s still pricey, it’s a lot less than salon treatments!
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (Sephora; Laneige)- oldie but goodie and lasts a long time. I’ve yet to find a lip mask I like better than this one so it’s always on my repurchase list during these infrequent sales. I put this on before bed (smells so good) and wake up with well hydrated lips.
Clean at Sephora: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops (Sephora) – I mix one to two pumps of this to my Elta MD SPF (see my post on facial sunscreens), more if I’m going without foundation for the day. These are a nice but fairly subtle tan and the ingredients are supposed to provide skincare benefits. The color won’t really show up if you wear fuller coverage foundation over it, but for lighter makeup looks it adds a bronze glow. I also don’t know if this color will show up if you have darker skin to start with.
Clean at Sephora: Isle of Paradise Tan Drops (Sephora) – I got this when the sale started so have only tested them out for a week on my face, arms and legs, but am very happy with the product! The difference between this and bronze drops above is the Drunk Elephant bronze drops come out a tan color already add an instant, more subtle bronze and wash off with your makeup at the end of the day. The tanning drops on the other hand are clear, and are like self tanners that take a few hours to “develop” and turn deeper in color after applying to your skin.
Like other self tanners, you must wash your hands after applying to avoid your palms turning very tan. The color that develops on me is a nice tan, not orange, and hasn’t been rubbing off on my sheets or pillowcase. The color from tanning drops is also buildable if you apply more the next day. I got “medium” and do have to apply several drops to my lotion make a visible difference in color, so would actually get the darker color next time and hopefully use need less product!
Hair Update
I’ve been getting a lot of questions on my looser waves, so wanted to mention a few updates from my voluminous curls tutorial! I mostly still follow that process using the same products and tips for volume, but started using this 1.25″ Revlon curling iron with a clip (also at Ulta) instead of clipless, also I brush the curls out with my fingers after they cool to form softer waves.
Hi Jean! Love your blog posts. Just wondering if the clean products listed in this post okay for pregnant women to use?
Hi Jean,
For the Charlotte Tilbury foundation, do you use 6 warm or 6 neutral? I have very similar skin tone as yours and I’m trying to figure out which shade I should buy. (It’s my first time buying proper foundation so I have no point of reference for what shade I use for other brands.)
Hi Natalie, I use 6 Warm. Though, if you’re comfortable going into a store that sells the foundation I highly encourage asking for a take home tester sample before buying since it’s your first time buying.
Hi Jean! Thank you so much for this detailed post! I just ordered a bunch of your recommended products and am excited to try them! Now wondering how I will store them!
Do you keep your make up out on the tray? Or do you put them away in a drawer? Also, with the makeup brushes out, do they get dusty? Sorry for all of these questions from someone who hasn’t wore makeup in a long time but keep on staying organized! 😛
Hi Betty! I keep the ones I use everyday out on the tray for easy access. For the brushes, I keep them in the brush holder as pictured and I wash them every week so haven’t had any issues with dust. xx
Hi Jean,
First of all congratulations to you and your growing family 😄!!! So happy for you guys!
So I see you have an Ilia blush stick I was wondering what shade you bought since we have similar skin tone and if you like it?
Thank you, Jacqueline!! I got the Ilia multi-stick in the color “At Last” but I’m not sure how I feel about it yet, as I also got the Milk Makeup cheek and lip stick and have found that to be gliding on a little easier and you get more product for the price point.
Hi Jean,
Thank you for the beauty tips. They look manageable to a makeup newbie as me.
I have a couple of questions please and would love to have your input.
1. I have blackheads on my nose and was wondering what beauty care (cleansing and makeup) I should do to minimise their appearance.
2. I tried your tip on using corn starch on the hair to prevent oiliness. It works! My hair looks less oily on day 2. But I still have an itchy scalp. Would you have any tips on that, please?
Thank you in advance!
Stay safe and healthy.
Hi Kate, I’m definitely not an expert on this but I use a clay mask occasionally which can help draw out impurities like blackheads. For an itchy scalp I would recommend using a shampoo formulated to address that issue. I like using Oribe’s Serene Scalp shampoo and my husband likes Head & Shoulders. Hope this helps!
Did you also use the Oribe shampoo while you were pregnant?
I did (and currently do!) use the Oribe while pregnant, but of course it’s up to your discretion what ingredients you’re comfortable using when you’re expecting.
Hi Jean! Thank you for this post! Did you color your hair again, by any chance? It looks great!
I love that eye shadow palette. And Ilia makes a great concealer.
Thanks for the advice! You said in the winter you use Tarte Shape Tape 274 in light medium sand. What do you use in the summer or other seasons?
I use regular “medium sand” which is just a TAD darker than light medium sand yet still suited for my more yellow skin tone. Actually it doesnt really matter seasonally, just how tan I am and this winter I have gotten very minimal sun so had to switch to light medium sand!
I’ve been looking for a “clean” setting powder for quite some time, any recs? Unfortunately, the Charlotte one has parabens T.T
I haven’t tried any of the powders from more clean focused brands as I still have plenty from Laura Mercier, etc. I really wanted a pressed one and haven’t seen a great alternative option yet.
Hi, Jean, you are beautiful and a pleasure to follow. Thank you for your posts.
My favorite mascara for lower lashes is the Mac extended play in gigablack. It really covers the lashes and doesn’t leave raccoon eyes. 😉 The Milk mascara is one of my faves but I, too, prefer the mini. Another favorite is hypnose drama by Lancôme. Ultimate is faux cils longest lash mascara by Chantecaille but it’s super expensive.
You can get the Elta MD on the Premier Look website at a discount if you sign up for emails. It is one of my favorites as well as the Skin Medica.
Thank you again for your posts. Stay safe and well!
PS – baby Nori is a doll!
Hi Cleta! Thanks for sharing your insight! We apparently share several favorites as I mentioned the Hypnose Drama as well. DO you use anything with the Milk mini to help minimize smudging?
I’ve been eying the Ilia palette and you sold me on it. Have heard such good things about that brand. I also am really liking 100% Pure products. Will do a post on that soon.
I’ll have to look into 100% Pure, thanks!
100% Pure definitely Jean- for both eyeliner and mascara. I’ve used both for years and my panda eye days are gone! 🙂
I have to try your tutorials!
Briana
I will definitely try that lipstick shade, been wanting a nude color that was more pink than dark and that fit my skin tone. Thank you for sharing!
For makeup remover, I recommend using jojoba oil! It’s all natural, removes makeup VERY easily, and can be used anywhere from hair to skin to cuticles.
Hi Anabelle, I have a bottle at home and will test that out!
I use First the L’Oréal voluminous lash as one coat after I curl my lashes. I do a light swipe where I curled my lash so my curl stays, then on the ends of my lash I use thrive cosmetics mascara. It’s the best and doesn’t really clump, but if you use it alone it will weigh your lashes down.
Oh I have heard SUCH good things about causmetics mascara! Will have to include it in my next order, thanks for the reminder!
I have been using Tarte Lights Camera Splashes mascara for a few years now. I’ll try something else now and then but always go back. I do have short straight lashes which I curl and this mascara does not uncurl which I’ve had happen with some. I also like that it’s waterproof but is easy to remove at night, although I have not actually gone swimming with it. I will say that I do need to comb through sometimes or wipe the brush with a tissue but it’s worth the extra bother.
Thanks for sharing, Diane!
I really adore this super easy make up!
Miki x
Thank you so much for sharing!! I love your posts. This is so helpful. Any advice on eye shadow applications for us Asian girls who don’t have the eyelid fold? Have such a hard time making myself not look like a clown.
Hi Jess, do you follow my friend Jen at frmheadtotoe? She has several monolid tutorials!