Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Go-To Low-Key Makeup

I'm terrible at doing my makeup quickly. Every morning, I take at least 15 minutes. Sometimes, when I'm feeling especially sluggish or relaxed about the time, I can take up to half an hour. I don't like to be rushed. I've seen a friend do her whole face in a few minutes and it made me realise why that could never be me. She approached the act of putting on her makeup as I would doing the dishes or vacuuming the carpet — a necessary chore that yielded desirable results, but something preferably over and done with ASAP. On the days that I don't feel like doing my usual routine (normally on the weekends, holidays or on the rare weekday off), I've developed a go-to look utilising fewer products and a more minimal, easygoing approach. Can't say that it takes me any less time though.





The look is all about cream products, cutting out brushes and using the hands. Bronzy lids, softly defined eyes, peachy-pink cheeks and glowy skin. After cleansing and moisturising my face, I whip out my beloved Essence Eye SoufflĂ© in Pas Des Copper and place a thin layer all over the eyelid. Lightly applied, the slightly peachy/coppery, light-to-medium bronze is almost what I imagine MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot would look like on me if I were very fair. This cream eyeshadow is amazing. It was dirt cheap (something like $3.50) and the best beauty bargain ever. I've had it for 15 months and it hasn't hardened in the slightest (the same cannot be said for my Maybelline Color Tattoos, as much as I adore Bad to the Bronze). The texture is still creamy, soft and so easy to blend. It has this understated metallic sheen without being exceedingly shimmery or gritty-looking and frosty. Pigmentation is excellent and it lasts all day.

Next, I line my upper lash line with the Savvy by DB Luxury Liner in Shimmering Slate, extending the line a little past the corner of my eye, but not too high up. When I first discovered the Luxury Liners early last year, I bought every colour in the range, then 3 backups of Shimmering Slate. That's how thrilled I was with them. I've tried a whole bunch of eyeliner pencils to mixed success, but the Luxury Liners have proven to be solid all-rounders. I just don't use Shimmering Slate on a daily basis because I prefer felt tip eyeliners for my upper lash line, and I find black too severe for my lower lash line (my usual choice is bronze). Here however, in the interest of simplification, I run Shimmering Slate very lightly along the lower lash line (stopping three-quarters of the way in), then lessen the intensity by smudging it with my fingers.

Then comes mascara. I normally curl my lashes beforehand, but if we were to stick to 5 products, I'd cut out that step. The wand of Max Factor Masterpiece Max really gets to all your lashes, holds curl, builds volume but doesn't clump. It's one of the few mascaras I've repurchased, and will continue to in the future.

Moving onto my base, squeezing a bit of the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) onto the back of my hand, I start from the centre of my face and work outwards. So long as the skin has been decently moisturised first, this stuff sinks in and doesn't cling to any dry patches. What I like about it is that you can go back and apply more to specific areas where you want more coverage, without messing up the original application or having it look cakey. The consistency is almost like a liquidy moisturiser than a straight up foundation. It leaves a dewy, brightened, slightly airbrushed finish while still retaining the look of your natural skin. Perfect for low-key makeup when you still want to even out the skin and appear more fresh-faced and awake, but can't be bothered with full-on foundation.

Finally, now the skin's more uniform, it's time to add a bit of colour back in. Enter Stila Convertible Colour in Gerbera, the ultimate pastel-leaning peachy-pink. I cannot say enough good things about this blush. Love the colour, love the way it seamlessly applies to the skin without any harsh edges or unevenness, love the healthy radiance it imparts. Pop some on to both cheeks, blend with the fingers, and off you go.

52 comments:

  1. I think we're all guilty of starting small with our make-up routine, realise we use too much, cut down and then start re-introducing loads of products again. Or at least I am haha!
    I love the look of that blush, and must try out that mascara. I love Max Factor mascara in general anyway :)

    xoxo

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  2. I always do my make-up quick in the morning normally I just keep it basic unless I feel more relaxed to do more like eyeliner :-) I normally stick to foundation, mascara and highlighter as my main essentials for the day :D great post and I will need to try the max factor mascaras xx

    www.krystelcouture.com
    GLAMGLOW GIVEAWAY

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  3. Ditto. I don't like to rush especially when it comes to makeup. I also usually use 4-5 makeup products but still end up consuming over 30 min to 1 hour applying it. I've been trying the pen concealer from Essence, since I've noticed you have a couple from that brand, have you used it? What other face products can you recommend from that brand? How about their liquid foundations? :)

    Thanks a bunch!

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    1. I've never tried any concealer from Essence, but I heard the pen one is pretty good! Sorry I can't be of any help with recommendations - I haven't tried any Essence foundations either. I have one blush from them which was part of the Cherry Blossom Girl range which is really good for the price - similar to Benefit Sugarbomb. I heard that the Mystic Lemon eyeshadow is a cheaper dupe of NARS Albatross :)

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  4. I'm terrible too because I love to apply my makeup leisurely and slowly. When I'm on a rush I also opt for a cream shadow xx

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  5. In a rush I skip my eyeliner. My eyeliner keeps getting thicker and thicker if I apply it under time pressure haha. x

    Shang J.| The Feminine Crusade

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  6. I enjoy the time to get ready so much so I don't mind waking up a bit earlier in the morning so I have more time to apply make up, the process is such relaxing for me. :D
    But when I'm in a rush, I usually skip liquid eye liner and use my pencil eye liner because it is more foolproof and I apply my BB Cream instead of foundation with my fingers to make it faster.
    I love MAX factor mascaras.. I have the clump defy ( my HG ) and 2000 calories which both I find really really good. :D

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  7. hahhaa! that used to be me too! and you take on styling the hair and then it'd take me like 40 minutes to get ready X_X but then i got lazy and now it takes me under 10 min haha
    that paint pot sounds amazing and indeed, 3.50 is a bargain :O !!!

    alex @ carouselstreet.com

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  8. I like to take my sweet time with makeup, too. Even for my "basic everyday" makeup (face primer, tinted moisturizer/"bb cream", setting powder, blush, mascara) seems to take me at least 15 minutes to do.

    I usually avoid cream products, they seem to really dislike me! But, I have a new love for one of MAC's paint pots :)

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  9. I really the Garnier BB cream
    Cheap and awesome! :) x
    Http://LilyAvenuee.blogspot.com

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  10. I always find myself in a rush when applying makeup so it's extremely convenient when I have a travel makeup bag that consists only of the essentials for me to use. The Garnier BB Cream looks like the perfect size for travel purposes and sounds like it works great as a concealer too. And omg, that Stila cream blush is so pretty! I still need to try cream blushes! :)

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  11. I love the Garnier BB Cream, I just wish there were more ranges as I have to blend like crazy to get it to look ok on me as it is a little too dark, it is however a gorgeous product.
    Love the look of Stila cream blushers and I've heard great things about Maxfactor mascara, that one in particular!
    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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  12. I really want to try Garnier BB Cream, I always hear good things. Great post :)

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  13. I've just picked up gerbera, can't wait to use it :-)
    http://wwwclairabelle.blogspot.co.uk/

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  14. I like to take my time when it comes to applying make-up as well. Especially if I'm putting some effort into my eye make-up. I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to that! :D

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  15. The cheek color is very beautiful! I've been meaning to try that garnier bb cream for a while now! I think I'll try it soon!

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  16. I LOVE the Max Factor Masterpiece Max mascara :) x

    underbluelights.blogspot.co.uk

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  17. I absolutely agree with you. My make up routine can't take me less than 20 minutes! That Stila blusher looks so good... :)

    MyMakeUpCompulsion

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  18. I'm definitely with you on the amount of time spent on makeup everyday; I'm just not cut out for a 3-5 minute face even when I'm going extremely minimal!! I just love the process of doing makeup and really enjoy that time in the morning. Sounds like you've got your minimal look down pat though!! I can never stick to the same thing even when going simple so I applaud you haha :)

    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  19. I tend to take more time with my skincare routine than with my make-up. For just my basic "face" I can get everything finished a 5 minutes, but on the weekends I tend to take a bit more time and enjoy the process.

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  20. I'm the same way as you, I wish I had an endless amount of time to do my makeup!I really like the color Stila blush, I tend to grab cream blushes too when I'm rushing since they are so effortless xx

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  21. I just bought the garnier bb cream, quite excited to try!:)

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  22. Well I think this routine you use you right now is the one I use every day, obviously not the same products but in essence only the basics, if I had to learn to do it quickly because I must get up very early to go to college and my time is limited.

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  23. Great picks! I say screw the brushes too when in a hurry. I'm not buying any more cream shadows now but should have gone Essence over Maybelline, based on your reports. Was so sure that the Essence was going to be crap! I detest dry rings around the edges of cream pots. And you're lucky to be able to get away with BBs. I always need the full foundation no matter how rushed I am.

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  24. These products look a very natural look! Heard the garnier bb cream is good!

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  25. I feel so lazy for wearing makeup this simple all the time... I wish I'd bought the Garnier BB cream when it was half price at Priceline in the last sale to give it another go! And forever regretting not snagging Pas de Copper. I recall you saying the Savvy liners were reformulated- is this the new formula or the old version?

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    1. I saw that half price sale, fantastic price. Not sure when they'll have another 50% off it, but who knows!

      Yeah, this is the old formulation. I haven't tried the new one (not sure how different the black is, but the bronze looks definitely different in colour) but I want to eventually. Just looking for the right sale since I didn't manage to find any stock of the bronze one when PL had their 40% sale.

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  26. I use that Garnier bb cream on a daily basis as well- I just love how easily it blends in and it gives such a decent coverage all whilst being so accessible as well. I might head down to pick up the pas de copper sometime if it is still available.. I have way too many bronze colored shadows but you can never have too many :)

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    1. The eyeshadow was part of the limited edition Ballerina Backstage Trend Edition - so unless your Target still stocks super ancient collections, unfortunately it's likely no longer available :(

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  27. I have the Garniner BB cream in the oily skin formula and I adooooore it.

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  28. I am GREAT with RUSH makeup, I do it almost every day! LOL
    What I'm not good with is taking my time makeup, that I believe I suck at.

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  29. Oh I adore the Garnier BB cream! It is part of my daily makeup routine :) It's very runny but it makes it easier to apply and blend for a natural finish.
    x Court
    http://madeinmarcelle.blogspot.com.au/

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  30. I agree with you on the quick routines :) I have been so pressed for time lately, thanks to uni! I love the garnier bb cream, the quality is amazing for the price.

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  31. Loved the post, you won't bellive how much similar is my everyday look, garniew bb cream (the other one, that ppl don't like), MAC Rubenesque, Indianwood or Maybelline Bad to bronze, eyeiner, mascara and mostly a peachy blush .. :)

    Haven't tried anything by Savvy, any specific products you recoomend ? I wanna try the Luxury liners now ..

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    1. LOL the other one that people don't like haha! I know which one you mean. I haven't the old one, but it seems that it didn't get as much positive feedback as this new Combo/Oily skin formulation. But at least it works for you :)

      I haven't tried that much stuff by Savvy by DB recently. Before they relaunched the whole line, I tried a few baked eyeshadows, powder eyeshadows, mineral blushes, liquid eyeliner and eyeshadow pigment. Not thrilled with any of it, though the baked eyeshadows and mineral blush were okay. The liquid eyeliner was rubbish, powder eyeshadows were extremely mediocre (tossed them) and eyeshadow pigment was too fiddly for me to care to experiment with them that much (they came in this weird liquid eyeliner packaging but with a rounded tip). The Luxury Liners are the only product from them that I think is amazing. I have recently bought a matte lipstick (Bali), but the texture is pretty dry, though I do like the colour a lot.

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  32. I don't understand why people that love beauty would rush over doing something so fun. I take my time, I'd sacrifice other things (like hair) but my makeup needs to be done right : )

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    1. Totally with you on the hair. Pretty much everything has taken a backseat to makeup, including my interest in clothes.

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  33. I can never do my makeup quickly, because I like to do something different everyday and always use multiple eyeshadows :P but this sounds like a pretty everyday look, and sounds quick and easy! xx

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  34. Ahh that Stila convertible colour looks soo gorgeous!
    And my Essence cream eyeshadow is solid and not creamy :( Maybe I got a dud.

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    1. If you're referring to the Stay All Day ones, they are crap LOL. But the one I wrote about is the "eye souffle" one which was released as part of the Ballerina Backstage Trend Edition. Essence seriously need to do more of those. I have 2 Stay All Day eyeshadows and I seriously hate both.

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  35. Great picks! I love spending time to wear makeup- it's so relaxing and a great way to have some "me time". I love the choice of cream eyeshadow, they are just so easy to blend and wear, and are very forgiving if application isn't perfect! Loving the pretty blush shade, and I really need to try these Savvy eyeliners!

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  36. I usually take my time doing my make up in the morning because it's something i really enjoy and it helps me to actually get out of the house. Otherwise i'd just sloth all day at home in my Pjs :3 Even then, for my day to day make up it doesn't take me too long, i can usually do it in 5-10 minutes. Especially for uni/work i keep it pretty simple.
    My routine changes depending on my skin, lately it's been treating me a little nicer c: my latest daily products have been: illamasqua skin base, lioele eyebrow pencil, mac select moisture cover concealer, l'oreal bb blush/illamasqua naked rose, curling lashes + mascara and whatever lip product i feel like that day or none at all. I've actually been skipping liner lately because it makes my lashes appear longer naturally :3
    gosh i think i need gerbera, did i mention it's my favorite flower too? along with tulips c:

    Ă  la foliee

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    1. It must be a sign then! :)

      I wish I could make Naked Rose work for me - it looks very ruddy on my cheeks and reddish. I don't know if I just suck at applying it or if it's because it's just so pigmented?

      I really want to try Illamasqua Skin Base! Heard great things about it and it's one of Sam from Pixiwoo's favourite foundations :)

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  37. Putting my face on for the day is always something I look forward too and take my time with. I struggle with trying to condense my efforts into a quick routine, it's something that doesn't suit the pleasure of apply makeup - almost therapeutically. I think these choices would be similar to what I envision my self trying to use if I was pressed for time.
    <3 Carolyn

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  38. I love Essence Eye Soufflé in Pas Des Copper, i'm rationing mine out very very slowly because im so afraid that they won't release anything similar. My Bad to the Bronze hasn't dried out too badly, nowhere near as the Taupe. Nice post :)

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    1. I know what you mean, the Stay All Day eyeshadows are terrible in comparison to it :( I don't know why Essence doesn't release more shades with the same formula, or better still, just release it :p I don't ever use the Tough as Taupe one so I can't check if it's dried up horribly. My Bad to the Bronze is so dry though, bits of it have come apart from the main blob because it's that flaky.

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  39. I have been so lazy lately, concealer and mascara is all I will use ahah!

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  40. if i put on makeup, it takes me forever in the mornings. sometimes i can do concealer or foundation in five minutes but everything else takes way longer! So most often i just don't wear makeup or just a bit of tinted moisturizer!

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  41. I can`t find that Garnier BB cream here in the Philippines! :( I hope I can find it somewhere here.

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