Makeup Essentials of the Moment

Jordan and I spent the afternoon wandering around in town and unfortunately it was too cold to get an outfit picture while we were outside. To make up for it, I thought I would post some pictures that were taken over winter break. I did not include them in previous posts because usually I am a little nervous about close ups and end up not including them. Also, I do not wear much jewelry so close ups for detail shots are not often necessary. Either way, I think these pictures show the makeup that I have been wearing lately, which makes them relevant! My makeup is a mixture of mostly these products (I do not wear them all at once!):

1. I usually wash my face with a cleanser a from Shiseido, I like their Pureness Deep Cleansing Foam. It is a gentle cleanser that lightly exfoliates and helps to keep your skin clear and blemish free.
2. Next I moisturize using a Cetaphil Moisturizer. My favorite is Cetaphil's DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion For Dry Sensitive Skin. It is perfect for fighting winter dryness and keeps my skin feeling so hydrated throughout the day.
3. I then apply a sunscreen from Shiseido, I like their Urban Environment Protection Cream.
4. Finally I apply Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment.

When I am putting on makeup:

1. First I apply Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 from NARS.
2. After, I usually apply foundation, either Laura Mercier's Cream Smooth Foundation or NARS Sheer Matte Foundation with a moist wedge sponge. If I only want a little coverage I will sometimes add some foundation to my moisturizer.
3. Under my eyes and around my nostrils I apply YSL's Touche Éclat (sometimes I only apply this for makeup, I am sure you already know it works amazingly!). If I need a little more coverage and I am not using a foundation I will either use YSL's Multi-Action Concealer or M·A·C's Studio Sculpt Concealer.
4. For definition and warmth I use Bronzer from Shiseido.
5. If I am wearing blush I like to use YSL's Blush Radiance.
6. For a highlighter I use The Multiple in Orgasm from NARS.
7. On the inner rim of the bottom lash line I like to apply Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd from NARS (a white eyeliner).
8. I then apply a liquid eyeliner, either Eyeliner Stylo from NARS or I make my own using a liquid eyeliner brush, Trish McEvoy's Finish Line or Laura Mercier's Tightline Activator with Laura Mercier's Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony.
9. For mascara I use Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara from NARS.
10. On my eyebrows I use an eyebrow pencil from NARS for added definition. If I want stronger brows I apply M·A·C's Eye Shadow in Corduroy (when doing this I think it looks best with either a natural look or with a bold lip) using an eyebrow brush.
11. On my lips I start out with Aquaphor for smooth, soft lips (I apply a lot of it before I start doing my makeup and then wipe it off before I start applying a lipliner). For lipliner I use Shiseido's Smoothing Lip Pencils because they have such beautiful color and double as a brush for applying lipstick. For lipstick, lately, first I apply M·A·C's Pro Longwear Lipcreme in a purple shade called Goes and Goes. In the middle of my lips I then apply either YSL's Rouge Volupté in a pink shade or a pink lip gloss.
12. The last thing I apply is Shiseido's Translucent Pressed Powder, either with a big brush or a powder puff.

Winter Beauty Essentials

Although I have been slowly replacing my makeup for the colder months I went all out and picked up most of what was on my list. So exciting and refreshing! I am a Shiseido/NARS/YSL girl if you couldn't already tell! What's on your list of winter beauty essentials?

Red Lipstick: easy application tips

Step one: Buff your lips with a tooth brush (some people apply a lip moisturizer like Aquaphor to their tooth brush or lips first). 

Step two: If you are like me and just simply buff your lips or you like to use the moisturizer while you buff, after you have finished step one liberally apply Aquaphor (or a similar product) to your lips. Leave it on while you do the rest of your make up.

Step three: When you are finished with your makeup and are ready to put your lipstick on take a tissue and wipe off the Aquaphor. You lips will be nice and soft. You can apply a thin layer of lip moisturizer again if you want to. Aveda Lip Saver is a nice product because it has SPF 15 in it. 

Step four: Apply a light foundation base. I find that using a dab of  concealer from a concealer stick from Yves Saint Laurent works well.

Step five: To make your lips pop, using a highlighter like the Touche Eclat from Yves Saint Laurent, your lips and blend. Also, for even more definition trace your lips with a white pencil. Some people like to do this at different points in their processes so do this step whenever you think works best for you.

Step six: Apply lipliner (some people may like to skip this part but I think it is necessary). I like the lips stick pencil/brush from Shiseido. 

Step seven: With a lipstick brush or just the lipstick, apply the lipstick. 

Step eight: Blot your lips five or six times.

Step nine: With a lipstick brush (you do not have to but I think it is a nice tool to have here because this is the most serious application part) reapply your color. 

Step ten: take your finger and wrap your lips around it (that sounds oddly sexual but it will prevent the lipstick from getting on your teeth.

You are ready to go!