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Are you high maintenance? It’s okay, on some level we all are. It’s nothing to ever be embarrassed about, but maybe there are instances when you need your beauty routine to still be high maintenance but you don’t want to look like it’s high maintenance. Below are some products that I’ve been using lately to create a psudo-low maintenance look.
Face.
Prep with Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue ($28.00 // Sephora). Perfect to spot treat areas that need extra mattifying and to hide pores. It’s got a slight green cast that helps with color correcting also. This product is not technically a makeup primer, so you’ll need something else on top of it if you wish to prime (see below) but you can totally skip the Benefit if you don’t need the extra pore hiding or color correction.
Prime with a multi-duty primer like the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer ($37.00 // Sephora). This tip actually IS low maintenance because it’s going to prime, color correct, hide pores AND mattify. This particular one is for oily skin but there are many options to choose from. Find the one that best suits your skin type and buy!
Layer a medium-to-full coverage mattifying foundation on top of the primer such as NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint ($44.00 // Sephora). It’s mattifying (when you’re as oily as I am, all the mattifying things you can get your hands on is what’s best). The coverage is perfect and it feels/looks light.
Hide extra things like under-eye circles and melasma with IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Anti-Aging Concealer ($24.00 // ULTA Beauty). It hides the extra BS that won’t go away.
When I’m in major need of coverage I dust on a bit of IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation ($35.00 // ULTA Beauty) which helps cover a smidge more and keep it all in place. Can you tell I need the coverage?!
For extra mattifying I go in later at my oily areas with a bit of invisible setting powder. A loose powder will keep you even more matte but lately I’ve been loving the MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder ($27.00 // Nordstrom) because it’s quick and easy to tote around in my bag without making a mess. The Zac Posen release is shown below but it’s also available in the regular packaging.
Cheeks.
Start by bronzing. Technically this is a face thing but I put most of the product at the cheek area and then work it down the jaw line and at the temples so it’s light and natural. A new product I’m loving is the IT Cosmetics Sunshine in a Compact (shown) but it’s not out yet (IDK when, I’ll find out!) so until then check out the IT Cosmetics CC + Radiance Ombre Bronzer ($34.00 // ULTA Beauty). Sunshine in a compact is matte, whereas the Ombre is not… so you really could benefit from having both anyway. 😉
Blush is necessary no matter what the makeup look. It’s also important to change up the blush color based on outfit, skintone and even your mood. The new butterLondon BlushClutch ($39.00 // ULTA Beauty) makes that easy, particularly for traveling. In addition to the clutch there are three single shades available in Hibiscus, Violet and Tiger Lily ($15.00 each // ULTA Beauty).
What’s the sun matter if it’s not bouncing off a gorgeous highlight? For my look I used Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold (which also makes for a gorgeous shadow) but I believe it’s not available anymore. For a choice that’s just as golden try NARS Frenzy Dual-Intensity Blush ($45.00 // Sephora).
Eyes.
My lids are oily so I always prime them with something that will neutralize the color of the lids like Benefit Air Patrol ($29.00 // Sephora) as well as lock eye looks into place. Generally this is something like MAC Utterly Becoming Pro Longwar Paint Pot. Utterly Becoming isn’t available anymore but MAC Painterly Pro Longwear Paint Pot ($22.00 // Nordstrom) is a good replacement.
Your eye look will be fast, but look incredible. The new IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Essentials Matte Luxe Transforming Eye Shadow Palette ($28.00 // ULTA Beauty) is perfection for creating a neutral, simple look that you can do fast but have it look like it took much longer than it did. The six shades are matte but the Transforming Hello Light shade can turn them luminous and soft in a snap. Work-safe matte to happy hour glow time.
Below this palette is swatched twice. The first time the shades are matte, the second time I applied the Transforming Hello Light on top.
Finish up by lining the eyes with a dark brown eye pencil. I love Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($20.00 // Sephora) because they go on quickly and even when you’re using a neutral shade it makes an impact. For this look I used Stag, which came in a set, but two other faves are Bourbon and Hustle.
For mascara, say it with me, IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara ($24.00 // ULTA Beauty) every time. It’s literally that false lash look without the glue and fake-ness of it all. A time saver, for sure, but still looking like there’s that effort.
In this look I decided to try a new product on my brows – the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Brow ($27.00 // Sephora). It’s got the slanted tip for easy brow application as well as the spoolie brush on the other side. A special feature is a twist off that houses a small, sponge-tipped applicator already primed with highlighter. Keep it in place with a brow gel like Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22.00 // Sephora).
Lips.
The world is basically your oyster here. This look is so neutral that anything is wearable. Below I’m wearing COVERGIRL Punch Oh Sugar Lip Balm ($8.99 // ULTA Beauty). Bet ya thought I was going to say Chantecaille 😉
Now you’re ready! In the look below I’m wearing everything that I talked about above!
Are you high maintenance? What are your favorite products for looking low maintenance?
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Kristina | The Feminine Files says
Gorgeous look, that gold bar is like wow! I think I’m in the middle when it comes to high maintenance status.
Kristina | The Feminine Files recently posted..TARTE DRENCH LIP SPLASH LIPSTICK IN BIKINI
Bailey says
The Butter London blushes look so great! I love how everything come together.
Bailey recently posted..Beauty Reads | The 8-Week Healthy Skin Diet by Karen Fischer
MarciaF says
What terrific products. I want them all. I’m wearing Superhero today and I recently bought a set of 2 on QVC.
MarciaF recently posted..The Jojoba Company – Jojoba Bead Facial Cleanser and Natural Pigment Oil
Brooke says
My mom stole my backup and I panicked like no other lol Superhero is amazing!!!
Destany says
What a great look! I love your eyelook.
Destany recently posted..Jesse’s Girl Twist & Shout Lip Balm swatches and review
Brooke says
Thank you!
Stacie says
Haha! Love your title! Your choice of products are spot on lovely!! I consider myself to be low maintenance…. Actually, my hubby even agrees. Haha! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted..SEPHORA Play Box #8
Brooke says
I can get out the door in 5 but I’d rather not LMAO
Allison says
I’ve been curious about the new butterLONDON blush clutch because I love the shadow clutch. Pretty shades in it!
Allison recently posted..Lorac Giveaway Winner & Quick Shoutout for Jordana Twist & Shine Rock ‘N Rouge Moisturizing Balm Stain
The Beauty of Life says
I am SUPER low maintenance when it comes to makeup and barely wear any unless I’m going out!
The Beauty of Life recently posted..One Step (Literally) at a Time: My Broken Ankle Journey Thus Far
Lola Seicento says
What an amazing look, and great picks!
Lola Seicento recently posted..Rest in Peace, Prince (1958-2016) #PrinceRIP
Brooke says
Thank you!
Virginia says
I really like the MUFE Step 1 primer in Green. It blends so nicely and eliminates all the redness! It also doesn’t leave a green cast under foundation (which is a huge plus).
natasha lamoreux says
Love that IT Palette! Thanks for all the great reviews and advice. Love your blog.
Brooke says
Thank you, Natasha!!! <3