There are days when we can’t help but feel under the weather, days when we just need a little more help than usual to feel like ourselves again. What would you say if I told you that perhaps your makeup bag holds the key to a brighter day?
Makeup has always been a source of inspiration and self-expression for me, but mostly a fun tool I go to when I need to cheer myself up. Doing my makeup is a time when I can be creative and relax – a therapeutic ritual dedicated to myself for a more self-confident, happy me!
Today I will share with you my mood-boosting makeup routine. A simple and quick step by step that will lift your spirits, revitalize your complexion and get you looking and feeling beautiful inside out! I invite you to give it a try and discover the transformative power of makeup!
STEP 1: Prep And Prime
A primer is a great addition to any makeup routine. It doesn’t only help your makeup stay put for longer but also evens out any texture issues or discoloration on the skin creating an even canvas to apply your foundation flawlessly.
Maybelline New York master prime primer base
STEP 2: Foundation And Highlighter
For my base, I like to make a little concoction between a liquid highlighter and a liquid foundation to make the coverage of the foundation more sheer, and as a result, a more luminous natural-looking base. A great tip is to apply the formulation with your clean fingers as it melts the product into the skin seamlessly. Don’t forget to always take your foundation down to your neck and up to your ears and hairline for an even look.
Mac Cosmetics face and body foundation
Mac strobe cream – goldlite
STEP 3: Contour And Bronzer
Contouring is a corrective makeup technique mostly used on stage and film sets popularized by celebrity makeup artists for stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. Contouring helps you define facial features and correct any imperfections by playing with the natural shadows of the face. When used correctly, it can deliver amazing results. I use this technique in a very subtle way to bring dimension back into my face after the application of my base products. You can use cream, liquid or powder formulations. Whichever type of contouring product you choose, it should be applied on the points of your face’s structure that normally create some depth – such as underneath the cheekbones, jawline and the sides of the nose. Blending is key here to obtain a natural sculpted visage.
Next we move onto bronzer – to set the contour application and bring the skin back to life. Here, we recommend you choose a neutral shade that looks natural and complements your skin tone. Apply bronzer on the perimeters of the face emulating a number three shape and across the forehead and bridge of the nose for a sun-kissed glow effect.
Clinique chubby stick sculpting contour
Tarte Amazonian clay matte waterproof bronzer
STEP 4: Concealer
Concealer is one of those products that makes a great difference on how your makeup looks. When well-blended and strategically applied it instantly makes you look more awake and fresh. We recommend you choose a hydrating formula for the delicate eye area and pick a shade one tone lighter than your skin for a lifting and brightening effect. To set your concealer in place use a finely mild translucent powder. However, before setting your undereye area make sure there are no visible creases or fine lines because of excess leftover product that may have settled – simply dab with your finger until the product spreads and the creases or fine lines are gone.
Too Faced born this way super coverage multi-use sculpting concealer
Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder
STEP 5: Make Me Brows
Your eyebrows are the frame of your face. When well-groomed and sculpted they lift your expression and define the look of your makeup. Remember that brows are supposed to be sisters and not twins, so don’t overthink it! With natural hair like strokes follow the natural line of your eyebrows. Start by filling in the middle or you could start with areas with gaps where you need the most concentration of product and slowly move towards the front of your brow, towards your nose.
NYX Professional Makeup precision brow pencil
STEP 6: Eye Definer & Mascara
With the same bronzer and a fluffy blending brush, apply some of the product into the crease of your eyelids to define your eyes. Finish up the eyes by curling and coating lashes top and bottom with mascara. Here, you want to start at the root of the lashes wiggling all the way through the tips for extra volume and length.
L’Oreal Paris paradise mascara waterproof with castor oil
STEP 7: Blush Those Cheeks
Apply your blush to the apples of the cheeks upwards towards the temples and whatever is left on your brush, apply it down the bridge of your nose for an overall healthy blush.
E.L.F. beautifully bare blush
STEP 8: More Highlighter
For a touch of luminosity apply highlighter on the highest points of your face – cheekbones, brow bones and the bridge of your nose for a natural glow. As a final touch, spray your visage with a skin refresher water mist for long-lasting beauty and radiance.
Mac Cosmetics mineralize skinfinish – soft & gentle
Mac Cosmetics PREP + PRIME FIX+
STEP 9: Lipstick
To finalize a “cheer me up” makeup look, add a pop of colour with a rich and moisturizing tinted lip stain. Lip stains offer a touch of colour that looks more natural.
Yves Saint Laurent vernis à lèvres pop water – rouge splash
