It's no secret that makeup can help us feel confident and put-together, but for many of us, the process of applying makeup can be stressful. That's why I've developed a simple and calming routine that I follow every day to apply my signature makeup look.
In this blog post, I'll share with you my daily makeup rituals and the products that I use to make this process enjoyable and stress-free.
My Daily Elegant Makeup Rituals
Before I even start applying makeup, I set the mood for my makeup routine. First and foremost, I make myself a cup of warm coffee or tea. I find that this not only energises me but also makes me feel happy and warm inside. Next, I light an incense stick or candle to create a pleasant aroma. I have a large selection to choose from, and I always take the time to smell each one and decide which scent best matches my mood for the day.
Other items that I always have on hand include hair clips to keep my hair out of my face, a mirror, wet wipes, and a box of tissues. I also keep my essential makeup products on a marble station so that I don't waste time deciding which items to use each day. My makeup routine is simple and basic, with mostly liquid products because my skin is very dry and thin. I find that using liquid products helps to avoid a cakey or lined appearance.
Step 1: Prep My Skin with Caudalie Beautifying Water
To start my daily makeup routine, I use Caudalie beautifying water, a refreshing and hydrating mist that can be used before or after makeup application or throughout the day to bring a luminous effect to the face. This beautifying water is made with 100% natural ingredients, including organic grape water and essential oils of rose, mint, and rosemary. It helps to prepare my skin for the next step in my routine by providing a burst of hydration and radiance.
To use, I simply spray the mist onto my face and neck, holding the bottle about six inches away from my skin. I then gently pat my skin with my fingertips to help the product absorb.
Step 2: Moisturise with Shiseido Wrinkle-Smoothing Daily Emulsion
As my skin is dry and thin, I always follow the beautifying water with a daily cream under my eyes and on my face. I opt for the gentle Shiseido wrinkle-smoothing daily emulsion, which easily absorbs into my skin, leaving it feeling smooth and moisturised.
This emulsion is designed to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing long-lasting hydration. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin to plump and firm the skin, as well as a mix of antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. To use, I apply a small amount of the emulsion to my fingertips and gently massage it into my skin, starting from the centre of my face and working my way outwards.
Step 3: Brighten My Eyes with Amber List Cream and Lumify Eye Drops
For my eyes, I use Amber list cream, either in stick or liquid form, to create a lifting effect and reduce the appearance of dark circles. This product is formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid to help reduce puffiness and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes.
To use, I apply a small amount of the cream to my under-eye area and gently pat it in with my fingertips. I also use Lumify eye drops to open up my gaze and make my eyes look fresh throughout the day. These drops are designed to reduce redness and make the whites of your eyes appear brighter and more radiant.
Step 4: Protect My Skin with Shiseido 50 SPF with Tint
My daily makeup routine involves using Shiseido 50 SPF, which has a tint in it, as a cover-up for my face. This product not only protects my skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but it also provides light coverage to even out my skin tone.
To use, I mix a small amount of the Shiseido 50 SPF with my fingertips before applying it to my face. The warmth of my hands helps to blend the product more easily, creating a natural and seamless finish. I also apply this product underneath my eyes to prevent new freckles from forming.
Step 5: Frame My Face with Benefit Brow Products
Next, I move onto my eyebrows, which I believe are an essential part of framing the face. I use three essential products from Benefit: brow powder, primer, and brow gel, along with a clean brush to brush and fill in any gaps in my brows.
First, I apply the brow primer to my brows to help the powder adhere better and last longer. Then, I use the brow powder to fill in any gaps and shape my brows. Finally, I use the brow gel to set the powder and keep my brows in place throughout the day. My goal is to create a natural and even look that enhances my features without looking too harsh or overdone.
Step 6: Apply Eyeshadow and Eyeliner
In this step, I move on to my eyes, using a palette from Dior that has brown and beige shades to create a natural look. I start by applying a basic beige eyeshadow on my eyelids to keep them dry and to help my eyeshadow stay intact throughout the day. It's important to use the right shades for your skin tone, and I avoid colours that don't look good on me due to my warm undertone.
Next, I use my fingers to apply the lighter shades on the front of my eye, up until the middle, and a brown shade over here on the side. I only apply the darker shade from the centre of my eye to the end, as it makes my eyes look much lighter and more alive.
After applying eyeshadow, I use an eyeliner from Nyx in a brown colour to create a beautiful, correct wing. I use a brush to blend the liner, and I may add a little bit of extra eyeshadow if needed. When shooting, I go a little bit extra with eyeliner, as the camera loves when there's a lot of makeup, light, and things. Remember not to pull your eye when applying eyeliner, and unlearning bad habits can be difficult.
Step 7: Use a Gentle Glow Highlight for Cheeks
Moving on to my cheeks, I don't use bronzer because I have a cool undertone and bronzy colours don't look good on me. Instead, I use a gentle glow highlighter from Chanel, which has a creamy texture and is easily absorbed. It gives me a natural glow and is great for daily use.
To apply, I add a little bit on the sides of my cheeks and sometimes on my collar bones for an extra glow. I usually don't use blush because I tend to blush naturally, but this highlighter works perfectly for me.
Step 8: Use a Mix of Lip Liners to Create a Natural Lip Colour
As for my lips, I don't usually use lipstick because it tends to wear away throughout the day. Instead, I use a mix of lip liners to create a natural lip colour. One of my favourite liners is number seven from the brand Cold, which is a beige ish-brownish colour.
I apply it over the lip line and smudge it with my finger for a natural look. I like to build up the colours by adding different shades and mixing them together to create the desired colour. To add some spark and glow, I use Laneige lip mask as a lip balm on daily use.
To create an elegant signature makeup look, it's important to find products and colours that work for you and stock up on them. Keeping your makeup station minimal and organised saves time and makes daily application easier. With practice and patience, anyone can create a signature look that boosts their confidence and enhances their natural features. You can watch my Youtube video on this topic here.