Everyday Makeup Routine

With temps in the high sixties and no rain, it was a good day to wear my new gray cotton cardigan. It runs true to size and is a very easy-to-wear style, but don’t pair it with black since it sheds fibers heavily. I purchased a size medium here. After each wearing, I turn sweaters inside out and hang them on a felt hanger to air out for a couple of days. Before folding them away, I check for pills and use the fabric shaver here if needed.

The jeans are no longer available, but these are similar, and the tee is here. The bag and heels are old, but similar items are here and here.

The day’s activities included grocery shopping and later meeting friends for a veggie pizza. I apply makeup sparingly and with a light hand for a casual daytime look.

The layered pendant necklace is here. The earrings are here.

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Skincare is always my priority. I have been using Beautycounter since 2017, and my routine is here. I don’t apply all of these products every day or all year, so I detailed them in order of use. Makeup always looks best on well-cared-for skin.

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I do not own the proper camera equipment to show you step-by-step makeup techniques on my face, so I’ll use sketches on paper. I will explain each step and link to the products used.

After cleansing, serum, and moisturizer, I start with the brows. I used light feather strokes in two colors to make my overplucked brows appear fuller and darker. I follow the natural line and fill the too-high arch from below. Always use the spooly end to blend and brush brows into place. I first used the taupe pencil here and then added a few hairlike strokes with the cool grey pencil here.

The eyebrow shape and color make a significant difference, so I take time to ensure they look natural, not harsh. I learned about symmetry and balance for filling in brows here.

1 – 2 Eyeliner is next. I apply this black pencil on the top waterline, into the top lashes, and slightly above the lashes. Follow the lashline without extending past it in either corner. I draw the outer corner upward from the last eyelash base, not outward. Lines that turn downward are never a good look for eyes or lips. Any makeup applied to the lower lash line can look too harsh.

2 – Eyeshadows – I use the color Chamois in the inner corner for the first eye shadow and blend it across the lid. I use the color Soft Black with a tiny brush to blur the top of the lash line where I added eyeliner earlier. I use a small flat brush to apply the color Cocoa to the lower portion of the top lid, keeping the color above the eye and not extending past the outer corner or the center of the eye above the pupil. I use the color Storm here to blend the outer edge of the eye up from the lashline to the crease and toward the center of the eye above the pupil. Use a clean blending brush to fade the edges. I have very sensitive skin, so Merle Norman’s eyeshadows are some of the only ones I can use; however, most colors are sold out online. The last product I apply to the eye area is mascara to the top lashes only. My mascara is here.

3 – 4 Line the lips, but don’t go to the corners. Blot with your finger to soften the lines. Fill in with color or lip balm. A soft, natural, dewy lip for the day is my goal. I used the pencil color Cranberry here and Plum True Berry lipstick here in my look for today.

Finally, I used Miracle Balm in the color Flushed here on my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. I often use it on my lips as well. The product gives my skin a dewy, natural glow since I don’t use foundation, concealers, or powder blush.

I share what works for me and often explain why, hoping the information will help you find what serves you well. As in fashion, makeup can be used to highlight your best features. The magic happens when we find what works best for us. The shopping links on this website may allow me to earn a small commission without cost to you.