Makeup & Mondays

Oh Mondays...  

I'm down to just today and next Monday where I don't have to be at work.  Seriously?  Is summer really that close to being over?!?  As excited as I am for going back to school, I do really love the laziness of summer vacation.  I was working on some things last week and realized I didn't even know what day of the week it was!  

I've also realized how I wear a lot more makeup in the summer...  Weird, yes.  BUT, it's because I typically have more time to perfect my look before going out.  During the school year I have a pretty quick, but thorough routine perfected.

I thought I'd share a few of my makeup essentials and the things that I reach for when I'm in a hurry in the morning.  These would also be the items I'd take if I were going out of town for the weekend and just wanted to take the essentials.

Not everything pictured is a complete favorite of mine, so I'll try to tell you which products are my real faves.  Some are just what I'm currently trying / using / have on hand and am trying to use up.  I use a mix of high and low end products...  I think the most expensive item I use is $30 and the least expensive is just $1.

Here's the low down:

I start out with a primer.  I never believed in primers until I tried one last spring.  As someone with oily skin, I've seen a huge difference in how my skin looks and how my makeup lasts.  (Tip:  I put on primer and then do my hair...  I don't know if it really helps, but I like to let the primer set for a few minutes before I put anything on top of it.)

Through trial and error, I've been mixing my Clinique Stay-Matte Foundation with the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and it's actually worked really well.  I wasn't a huge fan of either product on its own, but together they're a winning combo!

For concealer, I always use something under my eyes and then touch up spots that my foundation didn't even out.  I've currently got the Clinique All About Eyes and Benefit Erase Paste (which is a mini from this set.)  I'm not gonna say the Clinique is my favorite, but this tube will last me forever so no complaints there!  I really like the Benefit one and have several of these minis, so I'm set for concealer for a while.

My next step is powder...  I go for pretty much any brand that is either on sale, helps control oil, or both. (I think my favorite brand is Physician's Formula, but my Target stopped carrying it, so I've been trying out others recently.)  This blush and bronzer duo is $3 from ELF and is really good if you're looking for a cheap and easy go-to.  (It's also an expensive dupe for the Nars Orgasm / Laguna duo.)  When I'm in a hurry, I tend to grab colors that are universally flattering.

For my eyes, I like a quick routine of primer, eye shadow, liner, and mascara.  The current primer I'm using is from ELF and for only $1 I feel like it gets the job done.  This Ulta eye shadow in Lustre is a total all-time favorite-- I'm on my second one!  It's a perfect everyday neutral and the one I reach for if I'm in a hurry.  I also like this Clinique palette that I purchased at Sephora last fall.  It's got a good range of colors and is also a good pinky neutral to reach for.  I then go for either a dark brown or black eyeliner and top off the eyes with some mascara.  (I love free gifts and sampler packs so I can try different mascaras...  I'm currently loving this one from Buxom.)

Finally, I finish off my look with some neutral lips.  I recently picked up some new neutral Revlon Lip Butters and I also love this gloss / balm from Buxom.  Neutrals are also the best to keep with you in your purse or at work.

So, my best tip for makeup on those Mondays when you're struggling to get out the door on time?  Go for universally flattering neutral products that will look good with whatever you're wearing.  I know this look may be a lot for some of you out there, but I hope that no matter what you can take some of my tips for yourself!

PS ~ In the midst of getting ready for school I didn't do links to the products online like I usually try to.  If you're interested in specific products or where I bought them, leave a comment and I can give you more info!