I am not, by any means, venturing into Beauty Blogging. There are way too many talented people out there who do a great job. But I do like to see what people use, especially on a regular basis so I’m going to show you mine.
I developed Rosacea a few years ago and my doctor recommended using a mineral foundation instead of liquid. He also put me on Oracea and a metro gel. The metro gel dries out my face so I use it sparingly instead of twice daily. One tried-and-true item that works for me is the Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar. It keeps my flare-ups to a minimum, especially when I miss taking the Oracea.
I’m still trying to find all my favorites to use but this is what I use right now. I start with Smashbox Photo Finish Color Corrector and then add my Philosophy Hope in a Jar A to Z Cream in Medium. Next is my Benefit Boi-ing Concealer. I am so happy Benefit added more shades as the Medium is perfect. Some days I’ll add the concealer under the A to Z Cream and that will be it for the day. My absolute favorite eye shadow is in the Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes. The pink alabaster shade is my FAVORITE EVER. I’ve tried to find something similar in other brands but it’s just not the right shade of pink. I use every single bit of this shadow until the container is empty. I use the second shade on my crease most of the time and rarely use the third dark brown shade. I really with Benefit would just make the pink alabaster shade and sell it separately. I’d buy it in bulk!
I curl my lashes with a heated curler and only add mascara when I’m going out. I use one of three lip items with my favorite being the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Bel-Ami. It is the perfect neutral lip color for me. I also use Fresh Sugar Rose’ and Benetint.
When I need a little more coverage I will use a pressed foundation that I apply with a mineral brush. Currently I’m trying out Cover FX and Studio Fix by MAC. I prefer the MAC but I still think both colors are a little light for my skin. When I take pics I can see a difference in my face color and my arms or legs or even neck. I’ve noticed that Benefit’s PoreFessional gives additional coverage to my Rosacea Flare-ups so I’ll add that on top of the Smashbox Primer when needed.
The Urban Decay Naked3 Pallette is great to keep your eyes neutral but still add a bit of fun. I don’t really venture too much from neutrals on the eyes. My go-to mascara is They’re Real by Benefit. If I’m in a hurry I can use this without curling my lashes.
So that’s my make-up routine. I would love to hear what you use. I am actually hearing great things about IT Cosmetics and their Redness Correcting Creme and Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, my two biggest problem areas.
I need a makeup organizer..thanks for mentioning Amazon. I have many friends who love the Urban Decay eye palettes! Good job of beauty blogging!!
Thanks Pam! It's nice to be able to see everything instead of digging around in a drawer or make-up case.
I just bought the Naked 3 pallette and have liked the colors so far. I'm not 100% sure they are perfect for my skin tone but the colors are soft and pretty and perfect for a natural, everyday look. I've had the original Naked pallette for longer than I should admit and love it, but I've been wanting something different.
I've been trying to find a good undereye concealer too. It feels like a neverending process of getting the right formula and color.
FshnOnMyMind – I am all about a neutral eye. I totally agree about the concealer. Especially when you've had a few really bad sleepless nights and nothing will help.
Audrey, thank you for this fun review!! I happened to be near a Sephora for a dr. appt. this morning so stopped in to see the Benefit eye palette — this was a GREAT recommendation! Before kids, I was kind of a makeup junkie and hated palettes b/c I'd always use up one part before the others, but now, the easier the better and all of these colors are great. The two lighter shades, I'll use like you do, and I will definitely use the dark brown for eyebrows and eyeliner. And now in my 40s, I am finding more and more uses for concealer…
Although I do like palettes now, I have the Naked 1 or 2 palette and it's too big; great colors but not a fan of that huge variety.
And as for blush — I always skipped the blush until my 40s; now I feel like a need a little color. My go to is definitely Chanel Contraste Powder Blush; if you haven't tried it, I highly recommend. There are always gorgeous shades, and even the colors that you don't think will work end up looking surprisingly natural and pretty.
AudreyS – So glad you like the Benefit pallette. It is my absolute favorite. I have started using a little of the dark brown on my brows. I've tried a Chanel blush before and was allergic to something in it and cause my cheeks to break out so I had to stop using it. Thanks for the rec though.
I agree with audrey,love,love my chanel blush!
Two products that I love because I have a small patch of eczema on my face are the Shiseido Honey Bar soap and the Lotus Moon organic honey purifying mask by SMB Essentials. With these two products, I don't really have to use my steroid cream at all. For a good coverage foundation, Dior Capture Totale, and I have found the YVES SAINT LAURENT, Touche Eclat to be a great cocealer. The Lancome Blush Subtil Palette has a nice contour color included (it tones down the pink) so that you don't
have to use a different product. The two "pink" palettes have a contour that is not orangely at all (and my skin picks up any "orange" color quickly). I love the Naked 2 Palette, the Naked 3 has too many pinks, which tends to make my eyes look too tired. I love your make-up organizer – I'll have to go see if I can find it on Amazon. Thanks!
CC – I have heard great things about the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat. I will definitely try that. I don't have a regular mask that I use so I'll give the Lotus Moon mask a try.
I like that the Fresh has spf in it. I'll have to check those out at Sephora. I've been immune to the Urban Decay love on Instagram becaus I barely use the MAC shadows I have. I love seeing what other people use, so thanks for sharing.
Gigi – The Fresh gives a nice tint to the lip. I caught your Beauty picks page and will give the Bliss Triple Oxygen mask. My girlfriend gave me the Dior Addict Lip Glow for my birthday and I love it!