I have to say that although I have been wearing makeup since junior high, I have never been very brave when it comes to makeup. I lean toward a more ‘au naturale' look, less is more, right?!. I have to be honest… that doesn't mean that I don’t love makeup or skincare products. In fact I have a small obsession with them.
I have found a great way to explore makeup and skincare options is through a Birchbox subscription. I blame my mom for my obsession with it. 🤷♀️ I was at her house one day and she was like have you ever heard about this…it's only $10/month. 🤦♀️ and it was all over. I immediately pulled out my phone and started my subscription. Most months I have to fight Camryn for what’s rightfully mine {the joy’s of having a daughter} and other months when I'm not so crazy about the items, she is the lucky winner.
If you've never tried Birchbox, you certainly should! Here’s a link - https://www.birchbox.com/invite/danica. {It looks as though the price may have gone up a few dollars/month for new subscribers but I would say it’s still TOTALLY worth it.} Makeup samples, skincare products, hair products, perfumes, sunscreens & more depending on what you sign up for. It's such a great way to try before you buy! In fact, that’s how I have found some of my favorite makeup and hair products.
I know it’s hard to think about makeup some days… like as a busy Mama some days you can barely get out of your own way, let alone think about putting on makeup. I think the key to your makeup is that it should be SIMPLE {and not take up too much of your time}. With that said, here are the BASICS that I use on a regular basis – I can put on my makeup in minutes if I need to {although I typically spend a little longer than that}:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind – Concealer – LOVE this product. A super concentrated treatment concealer with applicator, great for dark circles & fine lines. (typically less than $10)
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara – I must confess, I was previously a lover of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara… until of course Benefit Roller Lash Mascara came along in a recent Birch Box and I was SOLD! Although it’s a little pricey, it’s worth every single penny! As I mentioned earlier, I am not a big makeup wearer – so I feel like a splurge on the few products I do wear/like is totally worth it. The Benefit mascara has a 12 hour stay put formula and also curls & lengthens! Who doesn’t want longer lashes?! {$25, available at Ulta and Sephora)
Tarte Waterproof Brow Mousse – One of the most essential features when completing your makeup is your brows! Don’t forget your brows! I didn’t realize just how important it was until I started doing it a number of years ago. Totally finishes your look. And if you are typically a brow pencil kinda girl, I strongly urge you to try this Tarte product! It comes with its very own brush and is super easy to apply, and natural looking. {$29.00, available at Ulta and Sephora}
Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush – Once upon a time… before I realized that not all products were created equal or for everyone I used bronzer because that’s what teen & early 20 somethings did. I used that up into my thirties not really realizing that bronzer wasn’t appropriate for my skin tone. Whoopsie! It wasn’t until I had my colors done in my 30s that I realized I was supposed to be going for a “Snow White” look when it came to make up {w/my dark hair… think rosy cheeks, light eyeshadow, filled in brows, pink lips, etc…} And what a difference it made?! It was then that I started exploring PINK {trust me I was like “me, pink blush?! Grandmas wear PINK blush… but girlfriends – when you get your makeup colors right, you’ll know it!! And won’t need a to spend a ton of money either!} That is when I found this blush by Physician’s Formula that I really like – an array of pinks instead of one solid, heavy shade so it goes on a little more subtle. Makes that pink a little easier to handle. 😊 {Less than $15 and available at Target or online at physiciansformula.com}
Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Face Powder – I have been using this powder forever and ever, amen. I purchase it in the translucent shade so it works regardless of the time of year/skin tone. Great for that last layer before I apply my blush to absorb some of that extra shine. {Less than $15 and available at Target or online at physiciansformula.com}
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with Sunscreen SPF 15 - I happened upon this while browsing Sephora one day with Camryn. I, again, am more of an 'au-natural' girl when it comes to makeup and DO NOT love heavy lipsticks. I prefer more of a gloss or stain - just a enough color to notice but not enough to say "Hello... I'm HERE!" This has been perfect. I decided the shade Honey which is a great neutral. I also purchased the Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment in Dream which gives your lips an amazing natural pink glow. {And if you have SUPER dry lips like me - this product is a must, especially in the winter months}. While it's a bit pricey at $26/tube, I think it's worth every cent. {Available at Sephora)
IT Cosmetics CC+ Illumination {Color Correcting Illumination Full Coverage Cream & Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum plus SPF 50+ UVA/UVB} - Those damn bloggers on Instastories… that’s all I’ve got to say about this product. BUT thank you! My skink HATES me as I have gotten older. Like seriously hates me. Uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, you name it… I have acquired it. This product does a great job reducing the appearance of that mess and also protecting my skin from further damage. It’s a total win as far as I am concerned. {Even better… it comes w/ it’s very own brush for application, what more could a girl want?!} {$39, available at itcosmetics.com and Sephora}
One last little tidbit… have you ever heard of a kabuki brush? I use mine to apply my concealer & also to help blend my foundation. I LOVE it. There are a number of brands/versions (flat vs. rounded, etc.) – however – I went for a middle of the road version for my first and have been completely satisfied for what I need it to do. {available at your local Target or wherever you purchase your makeup}
As for organization… I have to say I have a cute little acrylic organizer but I prefer to store all my daily makeup in a makeup bag rather than have it all set up nice & pretty. The reason… I always love to be ready for a day out, night out, get away, etc… I mean who wants to be out/away and think “Oh shit… I forgot to pack the XYZ…” If you always have it ready to go in your makeup bag, you’ll never have to worry. I save the acrylic organizer for makeup that is used less frequently or the little samples that come via the Birch Box that I would like to try out.
How you organize your makeup is a matter of preference - if you have a collection of makeup, often times a makeup bag for everyday storage isn't the most practical as you'll be constantly digging for the products you want/need to use. In this case, acrylic organizers can be really helpful to sort out various types of makeup for ease in finding/using your products. And again... if you're more basic {like me}, a makeup bag is sufficient while still allowing you ease & access to your everyday products without the frustration of digging through tons of products.
How do you store your makeup? And what are some of your favorite products? - I would love to hear your tips & tricks and makeup favs at orderlybydanica@gmail.com