BEAUTY
THE MAKEUP I ACTUALLY WEAR
I would love to tell you that my makeup routine has evolved dramatically since I last shared my makeup MVPs. It has not. I’m still firmly committed to makeup that makes me look like myself—just slightly better rested, a little more alive, and ideally like I know what I’m doing.
What has changed is the lineup.
Thanks to a lot of testing and some guidance from @mkbeauty, my current makeup routine is in a really good place. I try a lot of beauty products, but I’m surprisingly ruthless about what actually earns a spot in my everyday lineup. If something requires too much precision, too many steps, or any skill beyond blending it in with my fingers, chances are it won’t last long around here. The products below have survived the cut.
Some are newer discoveries (see: here); others I’ve repurchased enough times that I should probably have them on subscription (this, obviously). Consider these the VIPs of my makeup bag right now—the formulas I actually use, the shades I swear by, and the products responsible for making me look considerably more put together than I may actually be.
HOURGLASS HYDRATING SKIN TINT FOUNDATION
My makeup philosophy starts and ends with skin that still looks like skin. This gives me just enough coverage to even everything out without crossing into foundation territory. I want freckles, skin, all of it still showing—just the improved version. I use Shade 3.
SAIE GLOWY SUPER GEL LIGHTWEIGHT DEWY MULTIPURPOSE ILLUMINATOR
There is a very fine line between dewy and disco ball. This gets it right. I’ll mix one pump of this with my skin tint and apply all over my face. It’s the perfect amount of glow. I use the shade Starglow.
ARMANI BEAUTY LUMINOUS SILK HYDRATING FACE AND UNDER-EYE CONCEALER
There are concealers you own and concealers you actually finish. This is the latter. Creamy enough for under the eyes, substantial enough for whatever else needs hiding. I wear the shade 4.75.
MERIT BRONZE BALM SHEER SCULPTING BRONZER
I’m not trying to contour anything over here. I just want to look like I spent a few days somewhere warm. I use the Quince shade and it adds exactly the right amount of color.
HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER
Three powders, one palette, and somehow the fastest way to make my entire face look lighter and brighter. I swirl a big brush across all three and dust it everywhere for that soft, lit-from-within finish that Hourglass does so well.
ILIA MULTI-STICK CREAM BLUSH + HIGHLIGHTER + LIP TINT
Possibly the hardest-working product in my routine. A little color on the cheeks can rescue an otherwise very tired face in approximately ten seconds. I have so many favorites but this one from ILIA is probably my most-used. This shade Tenderly gives me that healthy, slightly flushed look without venturing into blush blush.
HOURGLASS LIGHTING BLUSH
I would normally run from a blush this bright, but somehow it’s become one of my favorites. Sublime Flush goes on so much softer than it looks—and gives me the best just-pinched color. I add just a quick pop to the apples of my cheeks when I need a little pick-me-up.
PATRICK TA MAJOR DIMENSION ESSENTIAL ARTISTRY EDIT EYESHADOW PALETTE
My eye-makeup ambitions remain extremely limited, so anything I keep around needs to be foolproof. I love a one-and-done palette. I use the top two shades for shadow and the bottom left corner is a great eyeliner.
YVES SAINT LAURENT LASH CLASH EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA
The goal: longer, darker lashes without looking like I am wearing a lot of mascara. This (brown > black) brown!) does exactly that, doesn’t turn clumpy halfway through the tube, and has earned repeat-purchase status.
MERIT BROW 1980 VOLUMIZING TINTED EYEBROW GEL-POMADE
I have neither the time nor the desire to construct an entirely new eyebrow every morning. A few quick swipes of this, however, does the trick.
KOSAS WET STICK MOISTURIZING SHINY SHEER LIPSTICK WITH CERAMIDES
My ideal lip product lives somewhere between balm, gloss, and actual color. Something I can put on without a mirror, reapply all day, and inevitably find floating around in three different handbags. This one qualifies. My favorite shade is Baby Rose.
SHOPPING LIST
