UPDATE: This post was written in 2016, but I went back through in 2022 to update any discontinued products with my new favorites (they’re italicized). Also, dead at these weird faces I’m making LOL! 🙂
Right after “what mascara do you use?!” [this one] the most common question I am asked is “what kind of makeup do you wear?!” I am always happy to spill my favorite products + tips with others, so I figured it was about time to share them with you guys as well! 🙂
My everyday makeup routine is so easy, and can be completed in 5 minutes…seriously, I timed it. And fun fact: I use all drugstore makeup! I’m not against high end or pricier products by any means, but I believe that anyone can achieve an equally as gorgeous, flawless face …for a 1/4 of the price. 🙂
I love to play around with fun looks, but on a day to day basis, I really don’t do anything crazy. I’m going to walk you through each step of my routine + share the products that I use! [Prepare for some bizarre photos].
Are you ready?! Here we go…
Step 1. Moisturize. This oil free moisturizer is my absolute favorite, it’s a CVS dupe for Neutrogena’s version (here is another one I currently love). I have pretty bizarre combination skin, but this product works really well for me + keeps my face hydrated all day long. Plus it has SPF. 🙂 I apply it all over my face + neck.
Step 2. BB Cream. For everyday, I prefer BB cream over foundation. This anti-acne Garnier BB Cream in shade Medium/Deep is so lightweight + provides pretty decent coverage (here is another one I currently love). Using my fingers, I just apply it over my face + neck to even out my skin tone.
Step 3. Concealer. Revlon’s Photoready Concealer is my go-to (currently love this one too)! I prefer cream concealers to any other kind + have been loving this one [in shade 001, Fair] for probably 2 years now! I apply it under my eyes, between my brows, down my nose, above my upper lip, and over any discolored areas or blemishes. I usually blend with my finger or a damp beauty blender.
Step 4. Powder. Once all of your wet products are applied, you *must* set them with a powder! This step is so crucial + often skipped by many. For winter, I’ve been using + loving Maybelline’s FIT Me Powder [in shade 120, Classic Ivory]. I apply it all over my face + neck.
Step 5. MY FAVORITE PART… BRONZER!! Thank you, Jesus! Honestly, this step makes me so, so happy! I dust bronzer around the perimeter of my face, down my neck + over my décolletage [if I’m wearing a scoop or v-neck shirt]. I switch up my bronzers all of the time because I go through so many of them. In this tutorial, I’m using Milani’s Even-Touch Powder Foundation in shade 06, Caramel (currently loving this one in “Sunset Striptease” too)!
Step 6. Contour + blush. This Elf Contouring Blush + Bronzing Powder palette was such a good find (here’s something similar)! I use the bronzer to lightly contour my nose + cheek bones. I then dust the blush over the apples of my cheeks. 🙂
Step 7. Eyebrows! Okay, maybe I take back my bronzer statement, this might be my favorite step. Filling in your brows makes such a difference! Once CVS stopped selling New York Color products, I started using a Milani pomade, but I recently came across an NYC display + stocked up on my favorite taupe pencil! (Disregard the previous products, I’ve been using THIS $3 brow pencil for 4+ years and it’s the BEST!)
Step 8. Eye shadow. This Wet N’ Wild trio is perfect for everyday (so are these)! Just light, neutral colors.
Step 9. Time to make your eyes pop…with mascara! Obviously, I use my favorite! Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express mascara in the shade Blackest Black [non-waterproof version].
Step 10. Lips. I am a chapstick junkie! For everyday, I’ll either use a NYX butter balm, or this combination here. Just a regular chapstick [any flavor] with NYX Butter Gloss in shade Vanilla Cream Pie .
And that’s it!!
A little before and after action for you…

This routine may seem like a lot of steps to some, but once you’ve got it down, it really doesn’t take very long at all. Many days I’ll even skip the blush, eyeshadow + mascara. But never the brows…and never the bronzer! 😉
And just a little FYI…all of the products TOTAL cost just under $70 [that barely covers most high end foundations]! I like to stock up on these items when they go on sale, I come across a coupon, or when I receive a few of those wonderful CVS extrabucks. 😉
I hope you guys found this post helpful! My everyday look is just meant to even out your skin + give your face a little life. Like Aunt Becky always said…
Oh so true.
How long does it take you to do your makeup everyday?
What are some of your favorite products that use regularly?
XOXO
You are seriously the prettiest!!! I love that you use all drug store makeup! — XO!
Right back atcha, girlfriend! I do have + love some of the pricier makeup, but I save it for nights out or fancier occasions. For everyday, I’ve got to be a drugstore junkie or I’d go broke! 😉
I feel you there!! Everytime I purchase an expensive product I die a little inside. And my wallet gets extremely mad at me hahaha
LOL!!!
I always thought Blush or bronzer? I love that you use both, I feel like when i do I end up blending them together I look like a hot mess… I need help on step 6 lol. Btw I’m getting addicted to your blog!
Thank you so much!! That made my day. You can definitely do both, but if I had to choose… bronzer all day!! You just need a bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks – otherwise, I totally know what you’re saying about how they blend together. You’ll get it with a little practice, but anytime you want some assistance, I’m happyyyy to help! 🙂
You are just gorgeous, and you do look flawless and really the only place you look like you are wearing any make up is your eyes. Well, done! My mom use to say the same thing as “Becky’s” mom. Funny, my mom can’t put on make up to save her life. 😉 I love that you are using all drug store products. I also love Fit Me and Wet and Wild. I use New York mascara… I don’t know if I could pull off those amazing long lashes without an evening gown. Between shower, hair, and make up I can be ready in 20-30 mins. 😉 Runway ready as always. You are amazing!
Ok, without addressing each one – thank you ALL of those very sweet compliments!! That is funny about your Mom! I remember watching that episode of Full House when I was younger + having that line just stick with me! All of the Maybelline FIT Me products are awesome, I love their foundation as well! And don’t sell yourself short…fab lashes can be pulled off by anyone! Any time… any place! 😉 Also, 20-30mins to get ready is ideal! I can usually get ready for a normal day in about that time…although I prefer to shower at night to catch some extra Zzz’s! As always thanks for reading, and again for the really sweet words! It means a lot!! XOXO
Love this!!!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed!! :):)
Perfect everyday routine love!! I loved this post as always!! I totally need to pick up some of these products!! I need to start an everyday easy makeup routine haha!! And PS… can we talk about your lashes!!! BOMB!!! Best lashes ever girl!!
Hahaha thank you!! Yes, I did luck out with lashes – I’ve got to take it easy with mascara… too many coats and it gets crazy lol. But all of the products are really awesome – many have been on repeat in my routine for years! Thanks for reading, girl! XOXO 🙂
I’ll take half your lashes haha…jp!! But seriously haha!
If I could share, I totally would!!! 🙂
Seriously, where’d you get those eyelashes? You’ve been blessed girl. Lol. My go-to makeup products are mostly from MAC. I use both a Mary Kay and MAC concealer (not at the same time, of course), MAC foundation, eyeliner, brow pencil and lip gloss. For lipsticks, I use Wet n Wild and Olay moisturizer for my skin The CoverGirl clump crusher mascara and different brand eyeshadows which I don’t wear very often. Your makeup looks flawless by the way!
Thank you!! I LOVE Olay moisturizers, I often go back and forth. And what are you talking about!? Your face always looks so fresh + flawless!! Looking forward to seeing it in person!! XO
Muah!
I love that lip combo..! I must say you look gorg without makeup.. no wonder it takes only 5 min 🙂
xo
Jamie
http://www.jamieeverafter.com
Aww, thank you that’s really so sweet!! I’ll go barefaced whenever I’m home, or have a day with no meetings. I really don’t like to wear a ton of makeup, but it’s crazy how even the tiniest bit can make you feel so much better!
Love this! I love a quick makeup routine. Thanks for sharing! I also like how you still look like you after the makeup. It’s not a dramatic transformation and highlights your natural beauty. Perfect for everyday wear.
Haha thank you so much! Yes – for me, that’s the goal with makeup…to use it so that you look like a better version of yourself. 🙂
Great ideas and routine! 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
I don’t apply make up often. But I love this. It can save a lotta time for me everyday! You are so pretty! x
Thank you, that’s really sweet. And yes, it is quite easy! I’ll admit – some days [especially ones where I’m lounging at home or don’t have any meetings at work] I totally skip everything but moisturizer! 🙂
Woah! That’s awesome!
LOVE!!!!! You look amaaaazzee…. That BB cream is pretty amazing!!! Do you use an illuminator or just concealer?
Thank you! LOVE this BB cream. And no illuminator for everyday, just concealer 🙂
You’re so beautiful!!! <3 I don't even want to admit how long it takes me to do my makeup…but it might, mayybee be around 30-45 min. because I enjoy it so much! 😉 I'm glad you mentioned that BB cream though, I've been wanting to try it but thought it might feel heavy. I love those Elf duos & the Wet n Wild trios. I even just did a blog post today reviewing five of their different trios! Lol. And I think you've definitely talked me into trying that Maybelline mascara. I tried it so long ago, I can't even remember. But your lashes…and brows 😉 are perfectt!!!
Thank you love. that’s very sweet. 🙂
Love this! It’s awesome to see you can look beautiful and have a simple routine with affordable products!
Thanks girlie!! Yes, simple is the way to gooo! 😉
Your makeup look is absolutely gorgeous and it is also perfect for any time of the day. My current favourite mascara is Lancome Hypnose Mascara. I love your blog and if you feel free, then check onto my blog https://lifestylebites3.wordpress.com
Aww thank you so much! I’ll definitely pop by your blog!! 🙂
Thanks you so much
Oh my gosh so stunning! I love the bronze look you have such long eye lashes! 🙂 Jealous!
http://lifestylefinesse.com
Aww, thank you so much!! Very sweet! 🙂
Flawless! Thank you for the tips, girlfriend. Xo.
Aww, thank you, love! Like you need them though! 😉
So pretty! I love how it only takes five minutes for such a flawless makeup!
https://flauntsite.wordpress.com/
Thanks girl! 🙂 Having a quick makeup routine is so clutch for me!
Love this! I am totally the same way with my makeup! I have a routine and can get it done fast! I love seeing new products and am totally going to have to try that BB cream!
Hey there-
Thank you for this walkthrough! I have never been a huge makeup wearer, but I have been looking for an easy everyday routine. Do you have any tips for how to buy the correct colors of concealers/creams/powders/lip gloss? I’ve tried the back of the hand thing, but I still have a hard time getting it right.
Beautiful! Do you have an eye makeup tutorial as well?