…These are all the fancies (or lack of fancies) that I use to decorate my face. From this high quality collage, I’ll elaborate a little bit about my daily cosmetic routine. Although I’d love to look like model every morning, my lack of motivation and general laziness (at times I just don’t have time) mirrors my beauty routine. I’m the no-fuss kind of girl. Polished and simple. I rarely use eyeliner, which I’ll explain why later. Above is a visual of what works for me, which as you can tell, is why I still use these products almost daily (with the exception of two products). If you are looking for an elaborate review of dozens of products..let’s be real here. I’m not your ideal candidate. But for y’all who need a simple, roll out of bed (to class..) formula, voila! Let the festivities begin!

After I sulk out of bed, do all the contacts and teeth brushing business, my face is in need of some cleansing. WATER cleansing. That’s right, no facial cleanser for the morning. Having dry skin, all I need is a little splash of water. Think about it, how much dirtier can a face get laying on a pillow? Yeah, not much. After that, I apply my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. This is by far, my favorite facial lotion. It leaves my skin smooth, moisturized, and fresh. I use this both day and night after cleansing.

Afterwards, I use my Sonia Kalshuk all-purpose powder brush to put my i.d. Bare Minerals Foundation on my skin. This one’s a little SPF 20 travel-sized sample in Summer Bisque that I got in a Sephora Sun Kit. I got it on sale last summer in a little bag containing a bunch of SPF goodies, and I’ve really liked it so far. It doesn’t leave my face dry like other face powders, as long as I apply facial lotion on before (which I always do, otherwise my face is tight and uncomfortable). A side note about the brush: it is fantastic for its price. I got both the contour and powder brush (contour pictured above) for less than $15 total. The quality is top-notch for a Target line and the bristles are not synthetic. SO SOFT. Just make sure to clean them regularly. Plus, the handles? Comeon.

As for the Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, I use this product occasionally. I just find it a hassle to wash it off, as it needs a makeup remover pad to completely take off. I really like the feel of it though, and it’s best in the winter because in the summer, it can feel heavy. If I use this, I skip the powder. Next, I use my Shiseido eyelash curler. The cosmetic salesperson at the Nordstrom counter told me it’s voted the best curler in America, and I have to agree. It doesn’t pinch and the curl lasts all day. Pay a little bit more for this lash curler and you wont’ look back.

Ok, don’t get bored yet! You still here? Sweet. If I had to pick, the Dior Mascara in Blackest Black is by far my favorite mascara ever used. It never clumps, EVER (unlike all those mascaras that claim to not clump and then gives me spider lashes). It gives me full, lengthy, and clump-free eyelashes. I would recommend this product to anyone. And when I can’t afford the luxury (or when I’m at school and only my mom has a tube), I stick with Maybelline’s Full N’ Soft Mascara (nonwaterproof). This product is very light and doesn’t have that icky, crunchy feel of normal mascaras. It comes out clump-free and very natural, which is perfect for those done but not overdone kind of days.

For lips, I usually go with my C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, which works for everything. My friends think I’m weird because it looks like I’m applying lip balm to my hand. To show that I’m even lazier, I don’t carry my lotion and Burt’s Bees because it’s “heavy,” and opt for this instead. All-purpose baby! It smells good too. When I’m feeling good, I really like reds and deep pinks for lipstick colors. I don’t have a favorite brand or product in mind for lipstick, but it’s definitely a staple as well. I usually like a little bit of lip color for more polish. And finally, eyeliner will complete the look if I’m feeling adventurous. Usually, I don’t apply liner because it’s time-consuming for me (cause I’m a klutz and I screw up a lot) and irritates my eyes (which are dry often).

AND FINALLY, moving onto night routine.. Cetaphil and Clinique’s Liquid Facial Soap Mild are my go-to cleansers. They are very gentle on my sensitive skin and I feel very refreshed after using those products. I forgot to include my exfoliator in the collage, which is St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub. It smells THE BEST, seriously, THE BEST. I use this once or twice a week, but usually once because my skin is very dry. To follow up, I rarely use my Clinique Toner Level 1, but only when I see and feel dead skin cells in certain areas on my face.

SO here it is for ya. My face concluded in a couple paragraphs. Not too shabby right? I hope that helps to give some insight onto what products might also work for you. I also hope I didn’t bore you to death about my beauty routine. To sum up, I’m going to list all the products below with their approximate price and retailer. Hope you enjoyed my post and until next time folks.

My products:
1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $24, Nordstrom/Macy’s
2. Sonia Kalshuk Contour Brush, $8, Target
3. i.d. Bare Minerals Foundation in Summer BIsque with SPF 20, unknown price, Sephora
4. Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse in 240 Natural Beige, $9, CVS
5.  Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $18, Nordstrom
6. Dior Mascara in Blackest Black, nonwaterproof, $22, Sephora
7. Maybelline Full N’ Soft Mascara, nonwaterproof, $6, CVS
8.  C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, $3(I got this on sale, regularly 6), Bath&Body Works
9. Cetaphil cleanser, $6, Target
10. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild, $16, Sephora
11. St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub, $5, CVS

 

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