Every Day Makeup Routine

It's been a while since I shared my every day makeup routine, and since it evolves over the years I thought I'd share what I use on a daily basis.

If I'm running out to go shopping or getting ready for work in the morning, my basic routine is applying primer before using NARS concealer to my dark under eye circles and any other problem spots (thanks adult acne!). I then apply foundation which I'm happy to say I recently switched back to MAC's Studio Fix in NC40 and blend in the concealer. Next, I apply NARS blush in Deep Throat, and add some skin perfector across my cheekbones to brighten up my look before completing my look with my eyes.

For my eyes, I go without eyeliner during the week and just use mascara and some of Benefit's Eye Bright in the inner corners to help me look more awake. If I use eyeshadow, I am usually reaching for one of my Naked Palettes (2 and 3 are my favorite). I finish off the look with some light gloss and head out the door.

Some days, I go bare minimum with some hydrating primer, concealer, foundation, mascara, and blush.

The addition of shimmer skin perfector, eyeshadow, eye bright, and gloss are to just top off the look when I'm not in a rush or have meetings set up for the day.

What is your go-to daily look?

beauty Becca Benefit MAC Maybelline NARS Sephora Too Faced Urban Decay

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Battle of the New Primers

I have been on the hunt for a good primer especially with the hottest and most humid months of the year fastly approaching. I've used Benefit's POREfessional and Stay Flawless in the past, and while both worked nicely, neither gave me the all day coverage I was looking for. I would say the Stay Flawless worked better than the POREfessional, but no where near the 15 hours they claim for it to work. I'd say more like 4-5 hours before I'm reaching for the oil blotting papers.

After a recommendation from the fabulous Deborah, I purchased the Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer during Sephora's Spring VIB Sale. I must say this primer is fabulous for illuminating my skin and hydration, however I still find myself reaching for oil blotting papers by lunchtime. It definitely works better than other primers I've tried in the past few years, but I still haven't found "the one". 

I've also tried Maybelline's Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser recently when I picked it up from Target *of course*. I will say it's definitely not a primer, and unfortunately I didn't see a difference in it minimizing my pores at all. I was hoping that it would compare to Benefit's POREfessional, and it definitely fell short. So much for wishing for a cheaper dupe.

I will say that it was great in smoothing out my skin before applying primer and then my regular makeup. But it just felt like an unnecessary extra step in my skin care routine, and I was disappointed that it did nothing to minimize my pores or control oil. 

What primers have you tried out lately? Any fails or total wins?

beauty Maybelline primer Too Faced

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Sephora Spring VIB Sale Wish List

I love stocking up during the various VIB sales throughout the year, as a lot of the items I'm usually lusting after are not exactly cheap. Saving 15-20% is a nice way that Sephora says thank you to their "very important beauty insiders" that they know will continue spending money in their beautiful store.

I've had a lot of items sitting in my online loves list for a while that I'm hoping to pull the trigger on with my 15% off this week:

1. Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit - I've been intrigued lately by the art of contouring, and this palette is beautiful.
2. Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Sticks - Ever since Katie mentioned how she was able to perfect the art of contouring with these handy little sticks, I've been thinking that maybe this is the way to go instead of the palette.
3. Sephora Collection Contouring Brush - of course one will need a contouring brush if springing for the palette as well. A painter can't paint without a paint brush...
4. Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette - I've heard nothing but amazing things about this all-in-one travel palette. I've been a huge fan of all three Naked Palettes, so I'm sure I'd love having everything I need all in one place.
5. NARS Dual Intensity Blush - such a beautiful two-in-one blush palette that will give you a soft beautiful glow.
6. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo - I've been on the hunt for a good clarifying shampoo, and I've heard this one works wonderfully and smells great.
7. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - just what I need for healthier and shinier hair that'll stand up to the Florida heat and humidity this summer. Plus you know it's great when it's on Allure's Best of Beauty List for 2014.
8. Clarisonic Mia Replacement Head - I can always use a replacement brush, as I use mine every day.
9. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer - I've been so let down by so many primers in the past few years, so when the fabulous Deborah recommended this one to withstand the Florida heat I knew I had to add it to my wish list. *fingers crossed*.

What do you plan on buying during the spring VIB sale?

Bumble & Bumble Contouring NARS Sephora Sephora Collection Smashbox Too Faced VIB

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