This might as well be another "makeup lately" post, because I've been reaching for these products nonstop. During the week I go for a super subtle look - I want to enhance my features and look more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but I don't really want to look like I'm wearing makeup. I feel like it would be impractical for my job to be wearing a full face of makeup, all though I do go more "all-out" from time to time.
I start with a really light base - something like the Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint is perfect. It's got their original Sunshine Oil in it, so it's super moisturizing and glowy. This makes it the perfect everyday base, and it also has SPF 30. I love that it's in the click-y rollerball too, so it's super easy to apply. Time is usually of the essence on weekday mornings.
To conceal my undereye circles, I've been exclusively reaching for the Onomie Bright Concealing Elixir.* Since it's formulated as part eye cream, part concealer, it doesn't even look or feel like you're wearing makeup. But somehow, it does an amazing job at covering dark circles. With consistent use, it will diminish them over time as well.
The ultimate low-key brow product is the Glossier Boy Brow. I use the shade Brown and I can't go a day without using it. It defines the brows in such a natural way, making it look like your own brows, just a little more bushy and a little more beefed-up. I only have one backup tube left, so I'm going to need to get on that.
I don't always wear eyeshadow on a day to day basis, but when I want a little something extra I love the Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Tint in Nude Smoke.* It's a neutral beige shade that is only slightly darker than my skintone, so it truly is a "no-eyeshadow" eyeshadow. It's my go-to during the week because it stays put all day even without a primer, so it's great to swipe on and go.
For mascara, I've been all about the Pixi Black Lacquer Lash Primer.* It's a deep black color so it can be worn on its own, and that's my favorite way to use it. It really defines and fans out the lashes, so I don't even miss my usual volumizing mascaras. It's a definite "I woke up like this" lash look.
I always have to add something to my cheeks, and lately I've been loving the BECCA Beach Tint in Fig - it adds the subtlest flush to the cheeks, and while I don't use it much on the lips, it performs well there, too. I love the dusky pink shade of Fig because it goes with everything. I just dab a little between my fingers and then dab it on my cheeks. It's pretty foolproof.
I can't go a day without some highlighting action, and on my more subtle days I go for something like the rms beauty Living Luminizer. It adds the most natural-looking glow with no sparkle or glitter. If you're looking for something less icy in tone, I'd definitely recommend the 24/7 Touch Up Skin-Perfecting Cream. It's a peachy-beige cream that adds the most perfect dewy sheen to the skin. Both of these brighten up the face without looking too obvious.
Subtle lip products are kind of my thang. For something really barely-there, I go for a layer or two of the Glossier Generation G in Cake - it's the perfect peachy nude shade. The matte, balmy formula of these give a blotted look to the lips that looks super natural and pretty. If you want a more traditional lipstick, look no further than the bareMinerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipsticks. There's so many nude shades to suit any skintone. My favorite of the bunch is the shade Strip, which is a rosy brown nude. It's pale enough to be a nude lipstick, but the rosy shade keeps it from looking corpse or like "concealer lips."
What are your favorite subtle makeup products?
*Some products mentioned have been sent to me for consideration, but all opinions are my own. Please see my disclaimer for more information.
