A makeup artists 7 minute makeup routine

I work in the corporate world and like so many others, I have limited time during my morning routine. My 7 minute makeup routine is all I need in the mornings to prepare for work. Being a qualified makeup artist has taught me a few tricks of the trade for a quick beauty regime.  I have spent time choosing the right products and the correct colour pallet before hand and of course, using the correct application tools which allows me to do my 7 minute routine with ease.

1. Skin Care – I cannot stress enough that the basis of any beauty regime is good skin care. More than half the battle is won if you are looking after your skin. That’s why I always (and I mean always) take my makeup off the night before. In the shower, I wash my face with my Kiehls Ultra Cleanser to remove any residue makeup and its gentle enough on the skin that it doesn’t dry it out. A quick spritz of toner and a good day cream with an spf. I also always add a Spf 50 on top of my cream. Prevention is better than cure. If your skin is looking a bit dull, I highly recommend using the Dermalogica Daily resurfacer that gives immediate results after cleansing and before toning.

2. BB Cream – An essential product for a quick beauty routine is having products that double up. A good BB cream (Beauty Balm) with built in SPF gives my skin a quick plump up and smooth surface and acts as a primer. If I am feeling like a bit of extra coverage, I add a layer of my Givenchy Fluid Foundation. I apply the bb cream with my fingers and then blend with a blending sponge.

3. Eyes – I sweep dark brown eyeliner on the tops of my lids, keeping my eyes closed. This is a quick way to add liner in one move  to both the top and bottom lines. I also use the eyeliner to gently fill in my brows. I recommend using a colour palette that enhances your eye colour. The Almay and Revlon Palettes work well. Alway try and use full size eyeshadow brushes. A good option is the Avon Eyeshadow brush that has a eye smudging tool attached. Use 3 – 4 colours max, a light overall colour, a semi dark colour over the bottom half of the lid and a darker colour in the crease of the eye. You can also opt for a highlighter on the brow bone. I finish off my eyes with Bio Nike Brown Mascara available at Dischem for work days as it doesn’t clump or smudge and lasts all day. It also separates my lashes and colours my lashes with little application.

4. Cheeks –   a cream blusher is easy to apply with the fingers and I add a smidge of blush powder over the cheeks, on the cheek bones. Again, using a full size angled blush brush makes a difference. Applying colour to the lips and cheeks is the easiest way to liven your look.

5. Lips – It has taken me many trials to get the perfect work lip colour right. I have finally found a colour that goes with every outfit I wear and is naturally nude. Take your time in finding the right colour for your complexion.

6. Setting – You can either set your makeup with a translucent powder or a setting mist. I opt to only use the setting powder on my t- panel and my chin so that I keep the dewy look from the bb cream on my cheeks. I also use a setting mist from Ulta which helps the makeup remain throughout the day and gives me added protective layer of moisture.

Till Next time

Xoxo

5 Tips for Bad Beauty Days

Even models have the occasional bad day when they wake up looking tired, eyes puffy and their skin appears sallow or blemished, breakouts seem overly obvious and nothing seems to help. Here are our top 5 tips for bad beauty days inspired by Bobbi Brown.

1. Add moisture – when we are dehydrated or our skin is dehydrated, it can look older and less alive. Double your H20 intake for the day, avoid caffeine and use a double strength moisturizer. We recommend the Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, an iconic light textured moisturiser that retains moisture, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and well balanced.  For an added hydration boost add vitamin C to your water.
2. Skip the full makeup application – adding a full face of makeup on a tired face can enhance the tiredness. Rather opt for minimal makeup. A concealer, beauty balm, pink blush (preferably a cream) and gloss with a light handed application of mascara. This will give your face the boost it needs. Heavy eyeliner can make you look more tired. Try curling your lashes to open the eyes up. We recommend Vichy Idealia Beauty Balm with SPF 25 for a sheer glow and its “anti-grey” illuminating technology or Bobbi Brown Beauty Balm SPF 35 for a slightly more covered look but still gives all the added hydration benefits of a BB Cream. Remember to blend. 

3. Concealer tricks – We recommend the Catrice palette concealer available from Dischem that offers five shades in one palette. Cover and even out blemishes with the beige shades, cover up redness with the green shade and dark circles with the pink shade.  Use a concealer brush for application, the brush should have firm but soft bristles as this will be used on delicate areas under the eyes.  

4. Highlight– to lift tired eyes sweep a highlighter across the brow bone under the eyebrow, highlight the cheekbones and your cupid bow. This will lift these areas and make them appear more awake. We recommend any light colour concealer or shadow to do this. This handy face map shows you where to apply the highlighter.

5.  Bright lips – the easiest way to brighten the face is by adding a splash of bright lip colour and gloss. This will immediately illuminate the face and instantly refresh a tired look. At least once a week, brush your lips with your toothbrush to exfoliate the lips. Always apply a good moisturiser to lips. We recommend an argon oil based wax for best results. To ensure long wear, apply a light layer of foundation or BB cream to the lips before applying colour, this will also have the added benefit of reflecting the tube colour of the lipstick.

Till Next Time XOXO