We all have those mornings (some more often than others) where no matter how much sleep you got or how much night cream and eye gel we’ve slathered on, we just wake up looking….blah. The dull, lackluster skin, the red eyes, the dark circles. And to top it off, maybe you don’t have the time or energy for a full face of makeup, and you just need something quick, yet effective, that will get you out the door while allowing you to look like you’ve got it all together and then some. Well that’s what I’m here for! So here is your step by step guide to looking fresh and awake without breaking the bank or the clock (or the mirror).
First, eye drops. Something that reduces redness, like Rohto Redness Relief eye drops (my personal fave) will be the biggest help when trying to make tired, red eyes look more vibrant and awake.
A brightening primer is where it’s at here. I love L’oreal Magic Lumi primer or Maybelline Face Studio in Blur+Illuminate are some great options. If you’re on the oily side, I suggest Rimmel Stay Matte primer and then highlighting later on. One step at a time!
Next stop is foundation. Or concealer. If you’re not someone who wears foundation regularly or you just don’t really need it, not only are you a lucky duck, but then you can probably get away with a light layer of concealer, or even a BB or a CC cream. Some great ones that I always have handy are ANY of the L’oreal TruMatch (Lumi, regular, or even the mineral powder), Maybelline Fit Me foundation or concealer, Pond’s Luminous BB Cream, or Physician’s Formula all make great options. For more full coverage, I would recommend using a flat top kabuki style brush like the Elf powder brush, or even the Real Techniques Expert Face brush. If you’re looking for a more sheer, airbrushed coverage, a damp sponge like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is perfect. Or if you feel the opportunity to splurge, the BeautyBlender is great too.
Next up is bronzer or blush. For long wear, I would recommend doing the following: once your cream based products are applied, use a light dusting of a translucent powder, and then apply your powder blush or bronzer on top. Creams and powders don’t mix well and will break down. But a translucent powder gives any other powder products something to grab on to, and helps with the staying power so it’s not pulling a disappearing act by lunch time. I love the Rimmel Natural Bronzer, and Nyx Blush in Pinched for a youthful glow that makes you look fresh, awake, and lit from within.
A very important step is brows. And this is where you’ll find a multitasking product comes perfectly into play. For this, my fave is the Hard Candy Brows Now, which has a fiber brow gel on one end, and a highlighting stick on the other. Brow gels and mascaras are great for setting, filling in, and making sure they stay in place. Now, flip it over, and use the highlighter in the corner of the eye, and just under the brow bone. Even in the center of the eyelid to open up the eye.
Next, curl your lashes, and use a lengthening mascara and apply one to two coats. The goal is that wide-eyed, long lash look. I love the L’oreal Double Extend mascara, and Covergirl Lash Blast Length or Clump Crusher mascaras. When presented with the choice between volume and length, I almost always choose length. Apply to top and bottom lashes.
All that’s left to do is lips, and this is where my absolute favorite products come in to play, my MLBB’s if you will. Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle is one I reach for on a daily basis, as it gives that perfect hint of color without looking like you’re trying too hard. I also love me some Revlon Balm Stain in Honey or Adore. Just a quick swipe of these buildable products leaves you with a perfectly natural yet slightly pumped up pout that’s PERFECT for running out the door!
Enjoy these tips, comment below with some of YOUR favorite products, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito
Xoxo- Donna
Affordable Gorgeous 