Makeup Essentials for a Five Minute Face
Quite honestly, I'm totally fascinated by those insane contouring makeup tutorials that flood Instagram these days. Admittedly it might stem from my deep love of Ru Paul's Drag Race (and on a large scale, my sincere respect for the art of drag), but all I know is that I can't get enough of watching makeup masters somehow use orange lipstick to cover dark circles to the tune of the latest Drake song. But the reality is, I'm a five-minute-face gal when it comes to my own routine.
I've finally found my perfect "desert island" products that are multi-purpose, easy to use, and give a pretty natural look.
Photo via Sephora
Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
I use this in lieu of a foundation. It's just enough coverage to even out my skin tone without camouflaging my freckles. It's super creamy and easy to blend in without having to use any crazy brushes or tools (I just use my fingers) or a magnifying mirror. Plus, it's got built-in broad spectrum SPF 30 and helps heal imperfections. Pretty much the Holy Grail if you ask me. I haven't found anything better so far.
Photo via Sephora
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
If I need a few spots extra covered (ie: under eye circles/bags or blemishes) I use a dab of this concealer which has ingredients to hydrate skin and diffuse light, which helps reduce the appearance of those imperfections.
Photo via Cruelty Free Kitty
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Gelee
I love a multi-purpose product, and this moisturizing stain is equally great on my cheeks and lips, leaving bright but sheer color. It's packed with coconut water so it keeps skin plump (yes!) and it's waterproof so it pretty much carries me through the day.
Photo via Noto Botanics
Noto Botanics Hydra Highlight
Dewy and glowy is my preferred complexion, so I only want to use products that are moisturizing (I practically never wear anything powdery). This highlighter contains shea and cocoa butters to hydrate, lavender to soothe, and mica to subtly shimmer. I use a finger to tap this lightly on the tops of my cheekbones, just beneath my brow, and in the inner corner of my eye.
Photo via Glossier
Glossier Boy Brow
As someone who came of age in the 90s, I'm a victim (self-inflicted, mind you) of over-tweezing. That said, I may never grow the brows of my dreams, but I can get a little closer to them with a few swipes of this gel that thickens and tames, with a slightly glossy finish. It helps your brows have good hair days every day.
Lead photo by Emma K. Morris
