Quantcast

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

beauty rut-ine

{This is a long (wordy) post, but I hope you can make it to the end, because this girl (ME) needs help getting her beauty routine act together!}

I had my first "make-over" at 13, and walked away from the Clinique counter looking like a baby hooker. While I didn't let that early hiccup with makeup stop me from experimenting with different looks as a teen, or later working at a Clinique counter, I have now fallen into a beauty RUT (hence RUT-ine instead of routine). As I mentioned yesterday, I have a hard time trying new products because 1. I like what I already know 2. I feel bad trying expensive, full size products and am too polite to return them (do people actually return used beauty supplies!?)... so I pretty much have used the same brands/items for the past 5 years, simply purchasing a refill (on auto-pilot) of the same item when it runs out.

I have combination-oily skin (i.e. blackheads on my chin, wrinkles on my forehead... let me tell you it is pretty awesome !!), and the brands I have found that work best with my finicky skin type are Bobbi Brown and Clinique... not to say that I have even extensively branched out from these lines, but I tried them and they work.

I am a pretty low-maintenance gal when it comes to my "beauty routine"... and I think my boyfriend would actually agree with that (my requirements for snuggling maintenance are a whole different issue), and as such have my "everyday" make-up application down to 3 minutes max!
My everyday make-up is very natural, with a hint of shimmer. 
After using Clinique's 3 step system for combo-oily skin (Type 3), I apply a daily sunscreen, followed by concealer around my eyes, and a sweep of shimmer block on my cheeks. I finish with a coat of black mascara, a pass of brow shaper to coerce my never-waxed brows into shape, and a little color on my lips.
For night time events and special occasions, I do like to "spruce up" my make-up with a little drama... big eyelashes, rosy cheeks, and kissable lips (the lip stain I use is boyfriend approved - not sticky, and not transferrable!)... but I still don't know how to apply eyeshadow... the idea of attempting a smokey eye seriously makes me nervously laugh!
In addition to my everyday make-up, I add a hint of cream rouge (right now Bobbi Brown pot rouge in Calypso Coral) to the apples of my cheeks, line my eyes with liner and apply faux eyelashes coated with a lash boosting mascara to help incorporate my natural lashes, and color my lips with either a long lasting red lippy (Estee Lauder Double Wear in Stay Scarlet) or a lip stain (Cover Girl Outlast lip stain in Plum Pout). A splash of perfume, using Michael Kors Very Hollywood right now, and I am good to go!
I definitely get a A+ in hair laziness... these are seriously the only products I own (with the addition of two tools - a Chi straightener, and a basic blow dryer). My favorite shampoo is 2-in-1 Head&Shoulders... yes, you read that right. My awesome stylist at the fancy salon I frequent can't believe it either - but this $4 bottle of suds makes my hair softer and silkier than any of the expensive Bumble&Bumble, Redken, or salon brand shampoos I have used in the past. 
The most done my hair gets is a quick blow dry, and either straightened or curled with my Chi (15 minutes tops). If I go to these lengths, I spray the heck out of my 'do, and usually wear it again the next day with the help of the magic that is dry shampoo (I have tried out several, and this one is stellar at oil absorption, and smells amazing!)
Usually my hair is washed at night, towel dried, and sprayed the next morning with Bumble&Bumble Surf Spray to accentuate my naturally wavy texture... easy. peasy.
Shampoo // Dry Shampoo // Hairspray // Beach Spray
While I am not very adventurous at trying new beauty products, there are some that have gotten such rave reviews that I really want to see what all the buzz is about. I want to stop paying so much for salon mani/pedi treatments, and really get good at doing my own at home with quality polishes. The Clarisonic Cleaning System promises to get rid of my blackheads... seriously, I should already own this. The new movement is barely there skin coverage with benefits is the Beauty Balm Cream, and Clinique seems to be making a superior product. Moroccan Oil - if Padma uses this stuff and gets those results it should work for me... right!? Lastly, while I am only 24, I want to start preparing my skin for beautiful aging... both my grandmothers have flawless skin and claim that slathering their face/neck in creams is the reason... I think the pore minimizing/skin refining promises of the Idealist cream is something that would be perf for my combination skin.
Essie Wedding Season Color Collection // Clarisonic Cleaning System // Clinique BB Cream // Moroccan Oil // Estee Lauder Idealist Cream
Ok - I shared all of this, so that we could get a conversation going about what your routine is like. Do you have any GO-TO products? What is on your beauty wish list? Any recommendations/tips from other gals with tricky combination skin? 
Help a sister out!

UPDATE: Thank you for all your wonderful advice today! Also, I just read a post by Jules about her natural beauty routine, and she has some great information! Check it out.

36 comments:

  1. 3 minutes is pretty quick!! I need to do better at make up - I could probably use  a lesson or two!  My makeup routine for day is that same I'd do for a wedding!  And I have tried that dry shampoo but I still have greasy hair and need to shower the next day!  

    ReplyDelete
  2. How do you like the shimmer brick? I'm not really a huge fan of shimmer, but since summer is coming up I could maybe deal with it. I like the colors though, and am looking for a more bronze-y blush so I can eliminate a step in the morning (with each day, i'm getting lazier...) and it's on my list of possibly blushes to try.

    Is it really sparkly? Does it have any color?

    Also, I love my clarisonic! I, too, have blackheads ( so gross) and I'm still trying to figure out an ideal facewash routine, but the clarisonic is helping and has made my pores slightly smaller, too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would die without my Clinique products.  I have a whole skincare routine I do every.single.night.  It takes forever, but the results are worth it.



    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/


    Twitter: @GlamKitten88
      

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Jess! I loved this post! I know what you mean by not wanting to move outside your comfort zone. My skin has been awful these past few months and I had to change my entire routine. It is still a work in progress. I have a couple of suggestions, so I apologize if my response is pretty wordy! First, have you heard of Birchbox (http://www.birchbox.com/ )? It is a great way to find new products without buying the entire bottle.  For $10.00 each month, you get a box full of great beauty products to try out. Most are sample size, but usually you get one full size product too. I found an amazing face primer that I bought for myself as well as fun lip glosses and hair treatments. Check it out if you haven't before! I totally recommend it.
    Also- I have been using a new product by Dr. Alkaitis for my moisturizer. It is actually his soothing gel- which has cut down on my breakouts and helped hydrate my skin alot. It is all natural and organic. I highly recommend his products.
    I use the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal (http://www.sexyhair.com/products/healthysoy/index.aspx?p=eed3ded9-75ed-4788-895d-603b73babafb) that is made with the same argan oil as the Moroccan oil treatment. I have used both, and much prefer the Healthy Sexy Hair version. It is cheaper and lighter and doesn't leave a film in my hair like the Moroccan Oil product did.

    Wow- that was a lengthy comment!

    Hannah

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hannah, Thank you so much for this wealth of information... You don't even know how much I need it!
    I just got my first BirchBox this month (see yesterday's post), and am liking it so far... I got a new night cream that is really nice... but too early to tell if it is the One
    I will definitely have to try out Dr. Alkaitis' products, an the Soy Renewal Shampoo too!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes, Clinique is pretty amazing! Do you use any of their anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant creams? I am just curious... I want to start some preventative measures... but don't really know where to start!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, pretty sure I could do my make up in the dark. I don't pay a lot of attention to my eyes - no liner or shadow, so that definitely helps to speed the process along! 
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I really like my shimmer brick... it is an acceptable amount of shimmer (not sparkle) for daytime in my opinion... I use the Bobbi Brown blender brush and sweep down the brick to pick up all the colors, and then make a pass from my temple to the apples of my cheeks. Occasionally, I get ambitious and pick up just the darker color for under my cheekbones, and use the lighter color for on top of my cheekbones... my attempt at "contouring". I also use the shimmer brick on my arms, legs, chest for night sometimes, and the individual colors make great eye shadows too! Over all I love the color of the classic shimmer brick, but they are always coming out with different variations that I am curious to try!

    Good to hear another great review on the Clarisonic... smaller pores!? Sign me up!xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow 3 minutes?  My beauty products are very minimal, since I'm not much of a makeup person (just the essentials), but I love Neutrogena products.   Their makeup feels light and natural and their facewash is the best I've found!

    xo, Yi-chia

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can do my makeup in about 5 minutes if I'm going for a daytime look. I don't change up my look much day to day unless I'm going out at night. Then I'll add more dramatic eyeshadow. My routine works for me so I haven't changed it up much :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Enter my giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bobbi Brown is the BEST - -I use that brick and the lotion every single day. I'm also pretty low maintenance/consistent with my beauty routine! 
    -Ashley
    whatisatwist.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have the same oily skin problem. I also get acne and my skin is sensitive. Yes it's a happy face. But honestly I think I've perfected my regimen after years of trying a kazillion things. The thing that's worked best for me so far is Boscia's Clear Complexion Cleanser with Botanical Blast and I've found that their Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel is THE BOMB. I swear I'm not getting paid to say this, but they are miracle workers. Try a sample at Sephora and let me know what you think of both! P.S. I'm sorry but I laughed at baby hooker! These women are awful! 

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ooh thanks for the tip Yi-chia! You're make up always looks so natural and pretty!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Go us! Being low maintenance make-up girls! I would be interested to learn how to apply eyeshadow, but is just seems so daunting, and I don't look like "me" when it is applied... 
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Yes, Bobbi Brown is amazing. I have one of her make-up books, and it actually makes me feel better about having a more low-maintenence, natural beauty routine. I don't know what I would do with out my shimmer brick... it is unlike any other product!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you so much for your suggestions... good to know I am not along in my skin issues, but wonderful to hear that you have had success with these products! Definitely going to make the trip to Sephora soon to try out these babies! 

    And seriously, my mom made me go home and wash my face after my first make-up appointment, because she couldn't look at me without laughing! so tragically awesome 
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hey! You have such great style so I awarded you the Liebster Award. Click the link to see what it is
    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/2012/05/shh-dont-tell-my-doctor-liebster-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Omg I just realized how long this actually is - so.freaking.sorry.  I can just ramble on about skin and beauty products forever, apparently!

    ReplyDelete
  19. First of all, get the Clarisonic!!!  It will dramatically help your skin!  I use it every single day!! It's helped my skin sooooo much!  Secondly, have you ever tried Bare Minerals?  I have super oily skin too and it has done wonders for me.  I have been using it for YEARS!!  Also, try the Make Up Forever HD Finishing Powder.  It helps set your make-up and give a flawless look.  Lastly, high five on the Head & Shoulders!  I use it too and LOVE it!  Great post, Jessica!!
    xo,
    Shanna

    ReplyDelete
  20. fab post! i also use the cover girl lash blast mascara and love it! have a fabulous day!
    xx heidilife full of loves

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am definitely the same, I use the same products over and over due to my laziness. My go-to product though is sweet almond oil. I live close to the Arctic so it's pretty dry up here, and I put it on before bed every night. It makes my skin nice and soft plus it helps with wrinkles. And you can use it on your hair too. 

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! I'm impressed! I'm more of the 'having more products than I can handle' type.
    If you're thinking about trying out eye shadow, I would recommend the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It's basically fool proof. The colours all go together, look great on their own or mixed. And its great for travel.

    Happy Shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Laura - best comment ever... I am going to pull up this comment and reference it on my next product shopping trip! Thank you so much for this wealth of information!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. No - I think everyone else should read this too! You are the best!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you for the great tips Shanna... I think the Clarisonic will be my next beauty purchase!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ooh - I love the smell of Almonds! That sounds wonderful Roxie! (but I cannot imagine living close to the Arctic... I bet you don't have any humidity there!)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ooh thanks for the great tip!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great, complete cover of all things beauty products!
    I want to try that Bumble & Bumble spray. I've heard its good :)

    Enter to win a $50 voucher for Dark Horse Jewelry! Trendy Teal

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am so clueless when it comes to make up, so it was great to read this :) And LOVE that Essie wedding collection - so pretty!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray 

    ReplyDelete
  30. Maria @ LolavsBenitoMay 24, 2012 at 6:58 AM

    I love your selection! And I agree with the shampoo selection... each one has its own and it all depends on your particular hair, so if Head&Shoulders works for you, then cheerios to that!

    Cheers on a beautiful blog ;)M

    lolavsbenito.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh, that's good to know! I'll have to visit Sephora again and do some test runs :).

    And yes, seriously, the Clarisonic is worth the $$$!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am so glad it's actually helpful - I swear I didn't mean to hijack your whole post! :)  I'm totally inspired by your great post - I think I'll do a post about my beauty routine/recommendations in the near future! 

    ReplyDelete
  33. I  love reading about other's beauty routines. They're always so varied! I used to be a beauty product junkie, but have since tried to do samples and read reviews online about what I think will be best. I think I've got it paired down pretty well! I would definitely buy the Clarisonic Mia, it is so worth it! It's great to use at the end of the day to take off all your makeup. It has made my skin so much clearer and brighter! Worth the splurge for sure. Love your blog!

    Cheers, Elizabeth @ The Corner Apartment

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i'm glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

    Here is my webpage christian louboutin black pumps

    ReplyDelete
  35. bookmarked!!, I love your web site!

    My blog ... cheap oakleys

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx