Throughout the years I have gotten question after question about my facial and makeup routines. I thank you for the compliments, but my routine is really nothing special! I am really not much of a beauty junkie (Jessica amazes me with her beauty posts!), and I attribute any glow that might be peeking out of my skin to BareMinerals. I don’t leave my house without it : )
Back in 2008, I went to BlogHer and got a makeover from the Bare Esencuals team. I was so impressed by the natural and fresh look that I bought the starter kit as soon as I got home. I’ve been hooked ever since and supplement with inexpensive eye makeup and lipstick.
Before I get to makeup, I absolutely love Alba Sea Minerals Cleanser. Mostly because of the smell, but also because it’s a great middle-of-the-road cleanser. While it’s not totally green, it’s on the greener end of the spectrum. I love Alba’s Sea Moss SPF 15 Moisturizer too, but after showers I’ve been using the Wholistic line and loving that since reviewing it on KERF. It leaves my skin so dewy.
I’ve also started using Arbonne’s Corrective Eye Crème since my friend Brett is a representative. I like it so far, but I still have wrinkles fine lines ; )
I’ve also been using Neutrogena’s Pure & Free Liquid SPF 50 for my face. Again, it’s not the most pure on the market, but it’s great for under makeup and I like the way it goes on a lot. Plus I’m really happy with the higher SPF.
OK – on to the makeup!! I love my pull-out IKEA drawer to keep it all organized ; )
Favorite earrings and hair things up front
Everything has its own cubby –
I’m into Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle for a really neutral lipstick and Victoria’s Secret’s Lipstick in Melt for a bolder look. I also wear a lot of tinted lip balm but I am SO not a gloss girl. Way too tacky (as in the texture not the look!) I’ve tried so many glosses and just don’t like how they feel (although I love how they look). Plus I much prefer putting on a stick over a wand or my finger.
So back to the foundation of my routine – ha!
This foursome is the greatest. I bought a starter kit back in the day and got them all together along with the brushes. It’s really the best deal if you’re starting from scratch.
Original Foundation in Fairly Light | Warmth {Blush/bronzer} | Mineral Veil | Pure Radiance Shimmer
Of those four, the Warmth is the most magical. If I only wore one thing on my face, that would be it. It instantly gives a flushed glow and stays with you all day.
Eyes are next.
On my lids I’ve been hooked on Covergirl Shadow in Tapestry Taupe for years. It’s just the right shade of neutral with just a touch of shimmer. So cheap too!
On top I’ve been glamming it up with the BareMinerals High Shine Eyecolor in Glisten. It’s nearly the same shade as the Tapestry Taupe but has 10x the shine. Love that the wand is built in.
My sister gave me this NYX roll on shimmer in Platinum for Christmas and I love it for a bolder look too – it’s nice and silvery bright.
Lastly, I just love Covergirl’s Natureluxe Mousse mascara. It’s the perfect blend of lengthening, darkening but with absolutely zero clumping, a fabulous feathery brush that doesn’t bend and a formula that never bleeds under my eyes – even in the shower. I suspect, however, that it’s going out of stock because I can’t find it in stores. I just ordered a few more through Amazon! I also picked up a Covergirl Perfect Point Plus black eyeliner when an expensive liner ran out and am just as happy with this. In my opinion, so long as it’s self sharpening and goes on smooth, I’ll take the cheap one any day.
In the back there are my perfumes. My all-time favorites are Chanel {Coco, Chance, Allure} but I’m out right now and have a big collection of bottles so I’m holding off on restocking. Really into Gucci Guilty, Juicy Couture, Dolce & Gabana The Rose and Burberry Brit.
See told you it wasn’t fancy! I guess I’m a BareMinerals Covergirl blend with a mist of juicy guilt.
CG Perfect Point eyeliner is amazing. I have used it for years… I haven’t found anything that works so well at such a good price. It even stays on my water line pretty well.
Love this post, and yes, you do have very pretty complexion! 🙂 One of our best friends became an Arbonne consultant and turned Kaci and I on to their products. For almost two years, we’ve been using their face wash, tinted daytime and nighttime creams, concealer, and blush. But then I’ve been hooked on Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, Maybelline mascara, and Pixi eyeliners. My make-up routine is really simple too, but I think that’s the best. A simple switch to a richer lip color, and you’re already set for evening wear. After attending a seminar on skin cancer last spring, I decided to find a sunscreen once and for all that I can wear daily and not feel greasy all over. I found and have been using Aveeno Naturals sunscreen, and I really love it. It applies well and then with my lotion over top, I still don’t feel the least bit gross. Thank you for this post!
I am going out TONIGHT to buy some Warmth! The flush it gives to your cheeks is so natural and flattering.
I love reading about other people’s makeup routines! I also like the more “natural” look, I don’t feel like I’ve really been able to pull off the whole smokey-eye thing. I also want to look into the Revlon lip butter! I’m also very anti lip gloss for the same reason. I can’t stand the tacky feeling and my hair sometimes gets stuck on my lips if it’s windy! Gross!
Thanks so much for sharing Kath!
PS – super jealous of your pullout makeup drawer!
Wow, i have even less makeup than you, but you always look good in your photos, I’ve been thinking about a bare minerals makeover for forever, but still haven’t gotten around to it…someday!
Wow Kath, I don’t know how you make Bare Minerals look so natural! I had an acquaintance in college who always looked like she put her makeup on with a trowel; when we stayed in the same hotel room I saw she used Bare Minerals. Then my mom got a trial done with it and looked so heavily made up and fake. Is there a trick you use to keep the bold colors like warmth looking light and natural? Maybe it was just the heavy hand of the sales clerk who applied it for my mom – I may have to rethink bare minerals for myself!
I’d blame color matching? Or maybe just using too much. I’ve always felt like it was way lighter than a liquid foundation
I’ve had the same problem with this line. The sales woman even told me I shouldn’t buy the foundations.
Oh, shoot- meant to add- have you tried the Bare Minerals line called Buxom? I use their eyeshadows, which are named after dog breeds. They last for over 24 hours easily (I know from long travel times) and I once used one color for over 2 years before running out. “Mutt” is a super flattering neutral taupe if you want to give it a try; it has a touch if shimmer!
I haven’t seen those before, no
I love mineral makeup! I’ve never liked makeup that feels too heavy or cakey.
I’m addicted to bare minerals too!
Do you have a link to the ikea drawers? I love those!!
No they are just part of their custom closet line – I don’t know if you can buy them online
Oh darn. Thanks anyway!
Thanks for telling us what you use, but I’d love to see a video of how you apply these products! Warmth always looks so harsh when I apply it and I’m interested in your tips on how to make it look so flattering.
Ooohhh! I would love a video, too! It really is helpful to see the “how.”
On another note, you totally inspired me to clean out my make-up drawer last night! 🙂 I still can’t believe how much I tossed!
Omg!! I wish we lived nearby so we could be friends (lol – not stalkersish. Seriously)! I love Bare Minerals – I have using it for 5 years and love the warmth and mineral veil.
i’m with ya on the minerals! love the stuff. i do use a different brand called everyday minerals. have used them for years now & think they’re great! my routine is quite simple too, and as i move towards using cleaner products, i notice i’m spending less $ as well – same goes for household cleaning products.
I love Bare Minerals! The Jane Iredale mineral makeup is also really good. I am also totally hooked on Revlon lip butters. I think that I own nearly every color!
I’m glad I saw your comment here, because you are totally my (natural) make-up guru now hahaha
Bare Minerals is amazing. I swear by it every day. I’m not much of a make-up junkie either, but I’m definitely going to use some of your suggestions from this post. New make-up ideas are always so fun! Thanks 🙂
I used to use Bareminerals, but no matter how little I put on the brush, it resulted in a fine layer of powder ALL OVER my counters! I couldn’t keep up with the clean up!
I’ve never used bare minerals, but I LOVE the CG natural luxe mascara and have been super bummed that I haven’t been able to find it for a while. Why do good products get pulled from production?!
I would also love a tutorial video!! I use the same foundation and blush as you, but I can never get it to look as good as yours! What is your tip?
I love Bare Escentuals, I remember how impressed I was the first time I bought and used the started kit (waaaaay back in 2002? yikes!).
Have you ever thought of using an eyebrow pencil? It’s a simple step but it really helps to frame the eyes and looks polished. (I have light blonde hair and find that the Stila Stay All Day waterproof Eyebrow Pen in Light is a godsend!)
What a great post! I love these type of posts to see how other mommies/woman go about their daily lives. You do have a gorgeous complexion 🙂 Would you be able/willing to do a post some time in the near future about your daily/weekly housecleaning routine? and how you stay on top of the household chores with a baby? I would love to hear about that!
you are so organized, Kath!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
Juicy guilt? I don’t get it. Am I just really slow? Lol.
Can I just say your organization skills is one of my fave things about your blog. I love how everything has its own spot.
Referencing the perfumes
great colors!
would love to see a youtube of you applying it.
what do you use for your eyebrows?
I love the pull out drawer, for those of us always the go do you have any suggestions for a travel bag or tote?
I like the Sonia kusak (sp?) Ones from target
I’m a long time reader, but I don’t comment very often. I just wanted to thank you for all the products you review on your blog. I trust your opinion so much, and as a result I have made the switch to all of the following products: Shaklee, soap nuts, alba sea minerals, and bare minerals. I’m having my first baby in August, and his nursery is complete with Mazen’s crib, rocking chair, and changing table from Ikea 🙂 Thanks for posts like these!
🙂
I am addicted to that CG eyeshadow too! exact same color.. i can not find anything else like it! but for the price, why would i want to??
I am so jealous of the organization. It looks so pretty!
Love that you use Bare Minerals! I’ve been using their foundation for over 10 years now, since I was in high school! And I also use drug store eye makeup, it works just as well as the more expensive stuff I think. If you have a problem with eye shadow creasing or falling off, I do recommend the Urban Decay eye shadow Primer Potion, it’ll make your eye make up last alllllll day, it’s amazing!
I use the Bare MInerals Fairly Light foundation, too! I have a pretty uneven complexion, so I don’t leave the house without it. But so many people are surprised that I even wear makeup everyday. I guess it really does look natural! I used to use the Warmth and ran out a few years ago, then totally forgot about it. This post reminds me that I should stock up, since I’m a little on the pale side 🙂
I LOVE this post! It’s fun seeing what cosmetics other people use.
I really like the Alba line of facial products…like you said middle of the road green and the price is just right! I also like the Say Yes to Carrots facial products, but I use plain Organic Argan oil to moisturize.
For makeup, I like Makeup Forever foundation and a mish mash of other cosmetics lines for lipstick, eyeshadow, etc.
I bought BareMinerals to do my own makeup for my wedding, and I’ve never switched back! I used to have acne prone skin, and I’ve seen a noticeable difference in my skin. One time my husband watched as I put my makeup on, because he thought it was fascinating.. Love seeing what other gals do!
I love this post! Thanks so much Kath! I used to use Bare Minerals a few years ago but I recently switched to a different brand. I still use the mineral veil (LOVE this product!). I use it under my foundation to help keep down oil and also when on top of my makeup when I’m done applying everything. Sometimes I brush it into the hairline just a bit so my face stays dry and the makeup lasts all day!
I still have the warmth and I think I will try it again and see how I like it 🙂
Bare Minerals Lash Domination mascara is magical!! It makes your eyes really pop and is also really healthy for your lashes too. But then again, I love anything Bare Minerals. It’s dangerous going in that store.
My favorite perfumes are Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren Romance, and Calvin Klein Euphoria. Mmm!
any tips for brows?
LOVE BareMinerals! This reminds me that I need to organize my makeup 😛
I LOVE Arbonne products!!! I haven’t been the most faithful buyer though…lately I’ve been using pure argan oil…which is amazing! Have you tried it?
Love Bare Minerals! This last time I switched to the compact foundation – the ‘Ready’. So so recommend the splurge. Also prefer the precision face brush that goes with it. It’s just not as messy but gets the job done. Try it out next time you’re refilling.
I LOVE that pull out drawer. Our ensuite is super tiny, but we could seriously get something standalone with drawers like that to put in the one corner beside our shower. Thanks for the Bare Minerals suggestion because I really want to revamp my make-up collection and go greener (it’s pretty much the only area in my life that isn’t green and I think I’ve just turned a blind eye cause I know it will be pricey – and given that the make-up I wear now – MAC – was pricey to begin with too!). I think that starter kit sounds perfect, but how did you know what colours to get to match your skin; especially if ordering online?!
I think I have my work cut out for me, but it’s all good work 😉
I had the makeover person choose my colors. You can get it at sephora and utla too and they can help
I use makeup maybe once or twice a year–always figured that there were more fun ways to spend my time and money! So I have to google whenever I try to understand just where each type of color is applied, heh. Is the Warmth blush/bronzer the strong orangey blush we sometimes see on pictures of you?
A couple times over the past year, I’ve tried BB creams. Some purport to have skin-improving qualities (which I seriously doubt they have)–not that you need them for that purpose, but they often combine sun protection, moisturizer, and tint–have you tried any of those, is there anything you can recommend?
Hi Lea! I use BB cream frequently, mainly because I was living in S. Korea where BB was invented and thus I just had to be trendy and try it:)! I liked the all in one idea and the brands there really did feel and look nice. But now after returning Stateside I find many of the US brands feel very oily to me. I tried the Olay version and I DO NOT recommend it. It felt very greasy! Good luck on your hunt!
Your organized drawer is fantastic. I need to get better storage for my products. It will go a long way in my morning sanity.
Kath, you’re so awesome! Thank you for showing us your simple makeup routine! You gave me some great ideas and maybe some new makeup to try!
I enjoyed reading this and looking through the pictures of your makeup drawer – so neat! I’ve always wanted to try BareMinerals but I’m the kind of person that is always reluctant to try new skincare/make-up products. However, after reading your thoughts on BareMinerals products – I’d love to try them! Thank you, Kath! 🙂
GRREAT post Kath! I wanted to know the secrets to your skin and now I feel like I’m on the “in”:) I have not tried BareMinerals but think it is time to give them a go. We’ve recently moved to Hawaii and the island is just putting my skin out of whack. What was working feels too heavy now that I great the sun and sea every day (hey no complaints but still I want to protect my mug). I can’t wait to test run a few of yours and see if they might do the trick!
Thanks for letting us peek into your make up drawer. They are so neatly organized. Mine is a mess. Needless to say, I can’t find half the stuff when I need it. Needless to say, I find them when spring cleaning all dried up or past their end by date. LOL. But, really I need to better organized. I love your simple make up routine and and I got plenty of ideas just reading through your post. thanks for sharing, Kat.
Love this post! I am so clueless when it comes to makeup. I was wondering what you do for concealer – do you use the Bare Minerals powder? I have terrible dark circles under my eyes.
Thanks!
Yes I just use the fountain with their concealer brush
Lol, this is definitely fancy where I come from! Although I bet you if I stayed in the South (where I was raised) I would have a makeup routine like this! I’ve got some exfoliating face wash that my friend makes and some face cream that I make and that’s about it! Perfumes I’d probably buy just for the beautiful bottles they come in; I’ve got a super sensitive nose and can never handle them. Couple drops of essential oils in vodka and water is pretty much my go to.
Yep, I’m a Bare Minerals girl and have been for years! I keep trying other stuff, breaking out and then coming back (I’m stubborn like that). I do find that Bare Minerals can be too drying for me during the winter months. However, I did discover their Primer and that seemed to help. I also LOVE Burberry Brit. My daily perfume is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace but I use Burberry for an evening out. 🙂
Your skin is more a reflection of your healthy eating than the products you use.
Loved this post. I saved it in my Feedly for over a week afterwards because I wanted to track down some of your products. I found the mascara on clearance at Face Values (built in to my local Bed Bath and Beyond) and bought two. I might go back for more before it sells out because I loved it that much! So awesome. I had used a CG mascara before but it always ran under my eyes. When you find a new one to replace the Nature Luxe will you update? I trust your recommendations. I also tried the Lip Butter per your review and I love it! I generally steer away from lip stick but this one is great. I am also going to try out Bare Minerals. Thanks!
Holy cow! You are SO organized. I can only dream