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.)!
