One Minute Makeup
Some people get ready at a vanity. Others use the visor mirror.
Let’s be frank: most days I’m doing a quick makeup job in the car, rushing the kids to school or running errands. The eyeshadow and highlighter kits stay in my special occasions makeup drawer, only to see the light of day when I’m traveling. Vacation me is much more glamorous than regular weekday me.
On this ordinary Wednesday, I present to you, my daily makeup routine. And please know that I use the word “routine” in jest here. There is no routine. This is me slapping this on in a parking lot while also finishing the dregs of my morning matcha. The goal of this makeup rOuTIiNe is to help me feel a little more put together so no one suspects that I was still dead asleep just 15 minutes prior. Behold my car face and the entire contents of my bag:
1. Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Hydrating Vibrant Lip Colour in Pulse // 2. elf Primer Infused Blush in Always Rosy // 3. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara // 4. NYX Brow Glue in dark brown // 5. Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation in Fawn
Here are the five face things I’m loving lately:
An expensive lip color in an unexpected color: Big fan of a bold lip here. Not a big fan of spending $48 on one lipstick but hear me out! Did you know that in a recession, luxury lipstick sales go up? It’s true! It’s called the Lipstick Index and it’s been studied at length. When people feel the pinch during economic downturns, they’ll make themselves feel better about it with small indulgences. What I’m saying is don’t blame this on my weak will and inability to stand strong against high pressured sales tactics. Blame the economy.
Blush that looks like flush: If I could only have one of these makeup items, I’d choose this $7 blush, but I should probably keep that quiet. Every time I love a makeup item enough to hit silver, it’s discontinued. Always Rosy must be a good shade for a lot of people because it’s the only shade my local Target stocks. I like this one because it doesn’t have glitter and no one has ever said, “I like your blush today!” which means I’m either putting it on in a way that no one likes and therefore would never compliment —or— I’m approximating that no-makeup makeup look adequately.
Mascara and brow gel: I’m a philanderer when it comes to mascara and brow gel. I like to try them all and rarely stay loyal to one brand. Even when I find great ones like these — these don’t flake, clump, or smear and they’re easy to remove— something flawed inside me still wonders if there’s something better out there for me. And honestly? I like all mascaras and brow gels about the same except for the two-step kind of mascara where you have to put on a base coat first. If I only have one minute to do my makeup and the lashes and brows are half of that, I’m not coating my lashes twice. Gosh, if only I were a cyclops. I could get this getting ready time down by 25%.
Set it and forget it foundation: I used to work at the Clinique counter in college & we were right across from the sweet, older ladies who slung Estée Lauder. I kid you not, there was a constant queue of ladies coming to ole Estée for their Double Wear. Despite it being the best selling foundation in the country since the 1493 (probably), I wrote it off because I assumed it was for mature skin only. Well… WHO HAS MATURE SKIN NOW? The last time I was in Ulta, I matched myself to this shade to see if it could cover up my melasma spot without a base of concealer. It aced the assignment. I’m only 20 years late, but I finally understand the hype. It lasts all day, concealer or powder needed. I bet my younger skin would have liked this too. It’s not just for the olds! But also, the olds know what’s up. And since I’m one of the olds now, trust me. My opinions are fact.
HELPFUL DETAILS:
I am 45 years old, with type IV skin & melasma. My skin is balanced (not too dry, not too oily) & I use tretinoin 2-3 times / week.
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