I’ve always felt a little clueless when it comes to makeup. I really don’t wear that much of it. This is due to two things. First, growing up in the islands, no one wore makeup — maybe it was too hot, or everyone was always sunkissed. So I missed the makeup lesson as a teenager. Second, I don’t like how my skin looks or feels with a heavy, full face of makeup. I just want something that elevates my natural look.
With that said, I have a routine – albeit a very short and simple one – and a handful of favorite products that make up my everyday look.
Making the time to do this quick five-minute routine — impacts my entire day. It’s not about vanity; I mean, sure, I like to look a little less tired and a little more pulled together, but having a beauty and skincare routine is more about taking a moment to do something for myself. When we commit to taking care of ourselves and keep that commitment to ourselves, it is significant enough to change how we live our life every day.
Below are the nine products that I currently use (almost) every single day —
1. GLYCOLIC FACE WASH // I’ll admit I wasn’t really someone that washed my face (I know, EKK!!), but ever since I was introduced to this product, I use it twice a day. I even use it at night (if I don’t shower) and endure the water running down my arms (which is one of the worst feelings, isn’t it?) because it makes my skin feel that good. It’s a gentle cleaner that helps improve your skin tone and prepares your face for your skin routine. It’s a delight to use and super effective.
2. AGE REVERSE DAY REPAIR WITH 30 SPF // Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product, so I make sure my daily moisturizer has SPF. I love that this moisturizer provides intense hydration, SPF 30, and knowing that while I’m running around all day, it’s helping reverse critical signs of aging (improving firmness, brighter/more even and therefore more glowing skin, improved skin texture)
3. LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER (NUDE) // I’ve used a lot of tinted moisturizers, and they all seem very similar to me, if I’m being totally honest. But I love that this one offers just the right amount of coverage — making my skin look smoother and giving it that glow. Sidenote: I use this BLENDING SPONGE to apply.
4. GUCCI WESTMAN CONCEALER (ATELLIER III SHADE) // I never used to use concealer — I felt like it was too thick and cakey and didn’t blend until I found this one. It’s perfect for brightening under my eyes and touching up a sunspot or blemish. It’s everything you want out of a concealer. As a side note: I’m generally not someone who cares about the packaging, but Gucci’s product packing and their magnetic close make putting your makeup on feel so lux and special — what I really appreciate amid my busy, often unglamorous mornings.
5. GUCCI WESTMAN “PETAL” BLUSH STICK // Especially in the winter, a little blush goes a long way. It wakes up my skin and makes me look alive. This blush stick blends perfectly — and you can also put it on your eyelids and lips for a little extra glowy touch.
6. LUMIFY EYEDROPS // My optometrist recommended these OTC drops when I asked how to get brighter, whiter — less bloodshot/tired looking — eyes. One drop in each eye immediately erases all redness and gives you that well-rested, woke up like this look.
7. ILIA MASCARA // I’ve tried nearly every mascara, and while I wish to go with a drugstore brand, this is where spending a little more money matters. This ILIA mascara has an incredible brush and makes my eyelashes look long without the heavy, clumpy effect.
8. GUCCI WESTMAN BRONZER // Everyone needs a little bronzer to add contour to their face and make them look a little sunkissed. I love how this goes on, the packaging, everything—such a delight.
9. NIGHTTIME — REBUILD 5 CREAM // At night, I wash my face and then put on this cream. I legit look forward to this part of my night all day. It has a pretty peonies scent (but not too strong), and the results are incredible.
NOT DAILY, BUT ALSO PART OF MY ROUTINE —
+ CORRECTING PEEL // Once a week, I’ll add this quick peel to my evening routine between my face wash and rebuild-5 cream. I love this night of the week because my skin feels so smooth and glowy. The results are addicting, so watch out.
+ EYEBROW TINT // I used to pay good $$ to get my eyebrows tinted every 4-6 weeks but to save $ without compromising results, I took the leap and tried my hand at tinting them myself. Honestly, I like the results more, it was SUPER EASY, and for only $7, I’ll be able to tint my eyebrows for the entire year. I like tinting them, so I don’t have to fill them in daily!
THINGS I WOULDN’T BUY AGAIN —
LIT UP HIGHLIGHT STICK — Maybe I don’t know how to use it, but when I try, I can’t tell the difference, so I just let it roll around in my cosmetic bag and regret spending the $$
SNAIL MUCIN — I wanted to like this so much because it’s new and inexpensive ($12!), and every influencer I follow said how much of a must-have it was, but it didn’t stand up against my current favorites — and made me break out.
#1 MASCARA ON AMAZON — The price is right, but it left my eyelashes super clumpy — just awful.
What is your skincare and beauty routine? I’d love to know!
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