I've been meaning to post my foundation routine for so long now- While doing my make-up for the wedding last weekend I decided it was time- I was so pleased with how my make-up turned out for that day, even in the 100 degree heat and humidity, it inspired me! I'd love to know all of your routines as well, so feel free to tell me :-)

Let's begin.

For starters, I usually don't use any sort of face primer. I've tried Smashbox's primer before and just felt like it did nothing amazing for me. I did, however, pick up the exact same primer in the green formula, which is marketed to combat redness. Sometimes my cheeks and fo-head get red-ish as the day goes along and this stuff works pretty well at masking that. If I don't use that, then I'm most likely picking up my Mac's Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone. The older I get the more my pores on my inner cheeks get bigger it seems. Jerks.

This stuff REALLY works at filling in those tiny spaces- I'd recommend this product to anyone who wants a more even foundation application.

Next: The Foundation. I currently alternate between three brands/types of foundation. Also, for reference, I have combination skin- dry around the cheeks, nose and slightly oilier on chin, nose, forehead.

For all foundation I use a brush to apply. I used to use my fingers- and still do for when I'm getting ready in the morning because it's quick and easy! A brush, for me, applies the make-up heavier and provides more coverage, which I like for special events, occasions, etc. Heavier make-up never bothers me and I SO love the airbrushed look, if it's "natural." Meaning blended evenly and the right shade.

I use MAC's 109 Small Contour Brush. This isn't branded for foundation, but I used to be an AVID watcher of all YouTube make-up guru's and several raved about application with this smaller brush. I've never used a stippling or flat foundation brush, but I wouldn't switch now- I'm too happy with this one!

The information below is simply my opinion, so take it how you will.

#1: MAC's Studio Fix Fluid
My Color:NC40
Coverage: Heavier side

This is the foundation I used for the wedding seen in this photo. This is probably the one I grab when I'm going out and wanna look "smoking;" ;-) It applies heavy, even with a light hand- but you're skin looks FLAWLESS. I'm wearing it in this photo as well- along with some sweat, so keep that in mind- ha!:

#2: Make Up Forever's Mat Velvet+
My Color: I forgot. It's a 40 something number.
Coverage: Medium- heavy

I wear this to work every day. I use my fingertips and blend small dots. It works well, but by the end of the day I can tell it's wearing off. That's not to say it always does that, but definitely seems to fade quicker than MAC's. If I use a brush and more product it stays PUT and I've gotten several compliments when I've worn this. It really does mattify those oiler spots on my face. I buy mine from Sephora!

#3: Natural FX Water Based Foundation
My Color: Can't remember either. Oops.
Coverage: Light-Heavy

I bought this after I got an itch for something new to try- this was what the Sephora sales associate suggested. I told her I liked the full coverage look and she directed me to Natural FX's water based foundation. According to her- this was first used for burn victims to cover up their scars and burns. I TRULY love the way this foundation looks when applied with my brush- but since it's water based (better for your skin!) I notice that it melts fast, and it's so ODD, but it MAKES my skin feel wet and oily sometimes. :-/ Everyone is different though, and the great thing about this product is its diversity to be applied light or heavy.

After I apply my foundation I like to use some sort of loose powder to set the face. The two I own are Make Up Forever's HD Powder and Smashbox's Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder. I use a kabuki brush for both powders.

#1: MUFE HD Powder
"Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones."

I agree. I like the stuff and it for sure mattifies my face, but I feel like I tend to get oily when I use this? May just be in my mind. The HD factor? Not sure about that. I don't notice any high-definition coverage going on. Not sure I'd re-purchase this, but it's at LEAST worth trying once!

#2: Smashbox Halo Powder

This is a - and I quote- "multi-tasking makeup that provides sheer coverage and delivers anti-aging benefits- the formula contains 48 bio-available minerals, 11 amino acids, a powerful peptide and Smashbox's patented hydrogel technology for sustained release of moisture.......Alright- whatever they just said. LOL! I like it. It comes in 3 shades (light, medium and dark). I have medium and it blends very well with my foundations and skin color.

I love the packaging and how you can control the amount of powder that comes out of the teeny holes! I used this for the wedding and more often than not. It makes my complexion look stellar, I think!

This is usually where I'm finished and I apply my blush, eye shadow and lip color/gloss. For BFF's wedding and a few trial runs beforehand, I used this product, CS Super Sealer, which I read about from the gorgeous and make-up talented, Andi @ Saltwater Dreams. She used this with her make-up on her wedding day and I was very impressed- even through heat, her make-up looked FANTASTIC!

So I picked up a bottle. It claims it inhibits sweat if used under make-up and keeps make-up in place when spritz on top after application.....I agree with the latter. For me- the sweat kept coming. My forehead beads up like you wouldn't believe! If I could afford botox up there to stop the sweating, I would! Sometimes I even use....get ready....deodorant on my forehead to combat sweat. Yeah. It's true.

Anyway, this stuff works wonders at keeping your makeup in place, though! I spritzed some on my BFF and myself before the wedding and I think our makeup looked great well into the evening. She liked it!
If this makes sense: when I spray it on, my face feels tighter for a second or two- not sticky hard; more like that stuff is "gluing" everything in place. For special events, I think this is a MUST have. The price is around $10 bucks I think, give or take a dollar. I can't remember the website, but just Google it and you're all good.

And that's it- my routine for work/going out. I'm so lazy in the morning's and I like to keep everything simple- unless I feel like I have to "impress" someone (you know what I mean!)- I'm in a cube all day, so why not be comfortable. When I go OUT, I'm ALL about being glammed up- so much so that my friends seem to have this joke that "Jenny will be dressed up- even for a BBQ." I don't think that's true...although, somehow I think MY idea of casual compared to some others, is all skewed. For example: I don't own real casual shirts. I have tons of Chi Omega (sorority) t-shirts and I LIVE in them when I'm at home, but the majority of my shirts and tops have some sort of embellishment or detail- I have no plain tops.

Off topic- and so now I'm ending this post because it's gotten long. Hopefully you guys were half interested! :-) Tell me what your make-up routine is like and some of your favorite brands (be it foundation, blush, eyeshadow, etc.)!