a lovely living

This year has allowed (or required) many of us to stay home more than we typically are. Whether working remotely or being there with kids while they do school virtually, home is the place where it’s all happening. I have found that I am much more productive throughout my day when I am able to get a jumpstart. Trust me, this isn’t everyday, but I do make an effort to get up early, center myself in prayer, workout, shower and pull myself together. It sounds ambitious as I write that, but once you make it a habit, it actually becomes something you can look forward. Or maybe not! But I promise you’ll feel good afterward ;)

Part of pulling myself together means that I get dressed (even if it’s just loungewear) and put some makeup on. I frequently get asked about various beauty products that I use and although I don’t change my routine very often, I do add some things once in a while. I am by no means an expert in this area, but when it’s something you do everyday, I suppose we all become pros in our own right! Below is a visual of everything that I currently use on a regular basis.

Once I have a clean and moisturized face, I start by applying this Becca under eye brightening corrector. I have genetically dark circles and this product works better than anything else I’ve tried to even out the color. I then use Nars tinted moisturizer which has been a long-time favorite of mine. I don’t like the heaviness of foundation and this gives me the perfect amount of light-weight coverage. I had never been happy with any brush application until I found this one by Artis. I can’t tell you what a game changer it is. Their brushes can be used for liquids or powders and apply your makeup flawlessly! I also use and love this Artis brush which is a perfect size for applying my blush. The blush I use is Bare Minerals in the shade ‘hint’. When it comes to concealer, Bye Bye Undereye is my favorite, with a close second being Tarte’s Shape Tape. Regardless of which one I use, I’ve come to love applying Becca’s undereye setting powder afterwards. It has a way of locking in the concealer and giving it a nice matte finish. Hoola is what I use for my contouring which I apply under my cheek bones, along my hairline and on the sides of my nose. This highlighting palette is a newer item that’s quickly become a favorite. I apply this to blend and give an overall finished and almost airbrushed look. When it comes to eyes, you can find my three favorite eyeshadow palettes above. I use them all equally and have purchased the two smaller ones multiple times. Most days I use this eyeliner in Stingray, but only on my top lids. My long-time favorite mascara which is mainly due to the incredible wand is Benefit’s They’re Real. It does a great job of separating and lengthening my lashes. Finally, Most everyday I will add a mist of this All Nighter setting spray. Even if I’m not going anywhere, it still feels like a waste not to use it to lock everything in place. By the end the day, my makeup still looks fresh as I go to wash it off. Since I am home most days and wearing a mask if I’m out, I haven’t been wearing much lipstick, but when I do, this is one of my favorites in Anna. I do however, apply this lip balm often as it softens and adds a soft pink tint to my lips. One last thing to mention are brows. Since I had my eyebrows microbladed (best decision ever), I don’t do much to them outside of brushing and plucking as necessary. Previously though, I would use this volumizing gel as well as this eyebrow pencil to fill in the gaps.

For those that are on Instagram and would find it helpful, I saved a story where I walk through the application process and explain each step as I go.