My Daily Beauty Routine

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Like many women, I love beauty products. I love trying the newest trends and products, to see whether they live up to their hype. Regardless how much I love beauty, it has taken me years to find my unique style and the products that work best with my skin tone and complexion. After years of experimenting, these are the products I rely on each day to go from “just rolled out of bed” to office ready.

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As you can see from the array of products, I fully embrace the splurge/save mentality. Certain products, such as moisturizer and foundation, I find are worth investing more whereas I tend to save on dry shampoo, lip balm, and mascara.

BASE

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – I start my morning routine with this oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.  My skin feels hydrated and looks vibrant within minutes of applying. I love that this moisturizer absorbs quickly and serves as a perfect base for my makeup.

Olay Total Effects Dark Circle Minimizing Brush -  Next I apply a few swipes of this cream under my eyes to minimize fine lines, bags or circles. Even though I sleep eight hours most nights, I appreciate the camouflage this provides.

HAIR

Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment – Next, while blow drying my hair or styling it, I put a small amount of this nutrient filled oil on the ends of my hair. It helps smooth my hair and provide just a bit of shine. A little bit goes a long way so even the small bottle will last weeks.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – I discovered this dry shampoo the first weekend I stayed with Charlie. She swore by it even though it isn’t brown, which I always thought was a requirement for us brunettes. The fresh scent and light formula can take my “just a bit oily at the roots” hair to fresh and full of body in just a few sprays. I spray a bit along my roots and then come through on days when I don’t have time to hop in the shower.

FACE

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Ochre – Once my hair is done, I focus once again on my face. My mom and I are both loyal fans of this tinted moisturizer. It gives me a refreshing glow while providing sun protection and moisturizing benefits.

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder Rich Vanilla – Since my skin tends to get a bit oily, especially in my t-zone, I lightly apply this powder that helps set my moisturizer and keep everything in place. I do find that I need two different shades, one for winter, and another, darker one for summer as my complexion changes so much during the year.

Laura Mercier Pink Bronze Duo – After using NARS Orgasm combo for years, I was introduced to this last Spring as a lighter option. Using a large makeup brush, I apply a mix of both colors to my cheeks each morning for a little extra pop of color.

EYES

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner – Since trying liquid liner three years ago, I’ve never looked back. I love that it gives my look just a little more polish while helping my eyes pop. The narrow, pen applicator allows even clumsy hands to apply a perfect line.

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow – After applying my eyeliner, I add a few swipes of this nude shadow. While many would probably wear it as a base, I like the hint of color it adds to my eyelids while diminishing any veins or darkness.

Dior Show Maximizer Lash Primer – Unfortunately, I have short, stubby eyelashes. There is no denying it. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from nightly growth serum to artificial lashes in hopes of making them appear longer and fuller. Who knew that a small tube of primer could give me better results any of my previous experiments? I received this from Sephora two months ago and have been a believer ever since! After using it, co-workers and friends thought I’d invested in false eyelashes! If “Mrs.. Stubby Lashes” is getting this question, it’s clear that this primer works!

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara – Another drugstore favorite is Cover Girl mascara. I’ve worn their mascara since they introduced lash blast a few years ago. Their latest formula provides both length and fullness, something that has paired perfectly with my eyelash needs. Made with natural beeswax, I like that this mascara doesn’t clump or leave my lashes feeling soft and brittle.

LIPS

Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer – A new item in my makeup bag, I stocked up on this new Clinique lipstick when I was home in March. I couldn’t decide on one color, instead splurging on three. The neutral, Bare Pop, has become my everyday lip color as it’s a warm nude with just a hint of shimmer – perfect for my complexion. Even though it is lightweight, the formula is super hydrating and lasts longer than most nude lipsticks.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment – I wear this when I don’t feel like dealing with lipstick. The tinted lip balm is perfect for any day of the week and provides moisture and just a hint of color.

DOLCE&GABBANA Lipgloss Intense Color Lipgloss in Secret – When I want more color, this gloss is my favorite option. It is easy to apply, has a vibrant shine and the vibrant coral adds some fun to my otherwise neutral face.

DOLCE&GABBANA Light Blue Fragrance Pen – After working in the beauty and fragrance industry for six years, fragrance is something I can’t leave home without applying. While I rotate between four or five fragrances, Light Blue is my perennial favorite during the warmer months. A light, crisp, citrusy fragrance it isn’t overpowering and lasts longer than most of my fragrances.   

To see other items I’ve included in my beauty routine previously, check out these two posts:

Disclosure: This post contains ShopStyle links affiliate links, but as you can tell from the post, that doesn’t have any influence the products I featured! Also, Cover Girl and Dolce&Gabbana are brands owned by my employer, Procter & Gamble.

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What’s Inside My Makeup Bag

In between the traveling and early morning workouts, my makeup bag has been getting a lot of use these days. In fact, over the past 2 weeks I only did my makeup at home one morning! Since I’m spending more time applying makeup in gym bathrooms and hotel rooms, I’ve taken a bit of extra time lately to stock up on my makeup bag essentials. I tend to buy travel size products so all my favorite beauty items can squeeze in my small makeup bag without weighing down my purse or gym bag.

It’s been over a year since I shared the insides of my makeup bag and surprisingly only one item is the same – my mascara. A beauty product lover, due in part to my job in the industry, I always find myself experimenting with new products and color combinations.

My 10 Makeup bag essentials Here are the 10 makeup items that I swear by these days, in order of application!

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation PrimerLaura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum 20Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation PowderDolce&Gabbana bronzer in desertLaura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in lotus pinkEyeko Skinny Liquid Eye Liner in blackNaked3 Eye Shadow Pallet by Urban DecayBenefit They’re Real MascaraCover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm cupcake twistDolce&Gabbana Dolce fragrance pen

What’s the one makeup item you can’t leave home without?

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My Makeup Bag Essentials

Today as I was getting ready at the gym I realized how far I’ve come in regards to my makeup bag. Just a few weeks ago my co-workers and friends were laughing at me for lugging a huge makeup bag when in reality I only use a few key pieces. This weekend, I finally downsized and am loving the convenience of one single, small makeup bag which holds all my necessities.

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Here’s a quick look inside my makeup bag and the key items that are part of my daily ritual.

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From Left to Right:

Laura Mercier Eye Color Duo Guava/African Violet: The colors apply easily and compliment my greenish-hazel eyes.

Dolce&Gabbana Crayon Intense Eye-Liner in Stromboli: The Dolce&Gabbana liners have the perfect consistency. The color goes on smooth, is rich, lasts all day, and smudges easily for a day to evening look.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural: I find that this provides the perfect amount of coverage over the tinted moisturizer, especially when applied using the kabuki brush.

Sephora Pro Kabuki Brush: I’ve searched high and low for a inexpensive travel size kabuki brush and after three failed attempts this one has worked wonderfully. It’s a bit more expensive than others but has lasted 6 months and cleans easily with soap & water. The dense bristles apply powder evenly and thoroughly.

Olay Total Effects 7 In 1 Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer: This magic moisturizer hydrates, provides coverage, leaves skin luminous, and fights the signs of aging with vitamins! What more could you ask for especially when you consider that you get a moisturizer, anti-aging and coverage for under $20!

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Base in Wheat: Until two months ago I had never jumped on the eye base band wagon. But, when a makeup artist showed me just how powerful this base was and how “flawless and finished” my eyes could look was with just this and mascara, I was sold. The base evens skin-tone, hiding redness or darkness on the lid while holding color in place longer. The wand applicator makes application easier too!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer: Some times a girl can’t always get 8 hours of beauty rest. Instead of announcing to the world just how tired I am, I cover it up with this concealer. It blends easier than many other I’ve tried and the color matches my skin-tone almost perfectly.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint- Plum Mint: I’ve had this for ages but only recently discovered it in the bottom of my makeup bag. I love it for touch-ups during the day or an added pop of gloss, shine and hydration after applying my color. It has a hint of color and a huge burst of minty flavor that I swear is strong enough for an afternoon energy jolt! linique Chubby Stick in Fuller Fig

Benefit They’re Real Mascara: Every day when I apply my mascara I think of Tina, Anne and Theodora! I first tried this mascara almost a year ago during our Mohegan Sun wine+beer weekend. We were a little bit tipsy after a fun afternoon but even with a bit of haze I immediately saw just how powerful this mascara is on my stubby, short lashes. Since then I’ve been absolutely hooked and have gone through four tubes! It never clumps, goes on easily, and the dark brown is rich enough to add color but not too dark for work and everyday use.

Question: What is your favorite piece of makeup these days?

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