As the holidays approach I thought I’d share my go to holiday face routine. This makeup lasts through eating, drinking, and all other holiday festivities, and can be achieved with affordable products and in a timely manner.
I love doing my makeup and always have. The process of getting ready is so relaxing for me. It’s my time to feel like I’m a fancy Youtube influencer with places to go and people to see!
I start my “getting ready” process by washing and moisturizing my face. Because I have such dry skin, it is really important for me to treat my skin well before I heap on loads of makeup. It helps the longevity and overall look of my foundation as well. Though, those of us with oily or combination skin should also start with a fresh, moisturized face.. we're trying to prevent wrinkles people!!
I start with a primer- I use both a “pore filling” and moisturizing primer, but lotion works just as well. This step helps create a barrier between my skin and my makeup, and in my mind, helps save me from breakouts later.
After I’m moisturized, I apply my foundation and concealer, and occasionally cream contour as well. I use liquid foundation, with a medium to full coverage, and a full coverage liquid concealer, but there are plenty of great powered options as well, if you're looking for a lighter base. I apply my foundation first, followed by concealer, under my eyes, along the sides of my nose, and on my chin. I apply my under eye concealer in an upwards motion toward my temples to create a more angular shape for my round face. If I am wearing cream contour for the day, I apply small amounts along the hollows of my cheeks, at the end of my eyebrows (hollowing my temples), and along the sides of my nose. Contouring is helpful to create shadows where you might want to hide certain aspects of your face. For example, I hate my Italian nose, so I always add a little bit of bronzer to the sides to slim it down. After blending all of my creams, I apply a base layer of translucent powder all over my face to lock in all of my work and ensure my face won't rub off on unassuming relatives- I speak from experience… sorry Uncle Kevin, my face did NOT look good on your shirt.
I then apply all of my power bronzers, and pack a layer of powder underneath the places I want to lighten and create crisp lines: along my nose contour, underneath my cheeks, on the outer edges of my under eye, and on my chin. I apply a lot more powder than I would usually use because the excess powder works as an eraser for any bronzer that has strayed from where I want it, or a highlight for places on my face I want lighter. I dust it off after a few minutes with a large brush.
Next comes eyes.
Again I like to create a “cat-eye” sort of look with my eye shape to make them appear more lifted and angular. I do this by applying a warm brown tone all over my crease, and blending it up into my bronzer. Following this I usually will apply a winged eyeliner, to further emphasize my desired eye shape. The last step I always do for my eyes is a light, off-white shade in my inner corner. I find this opens my eyes up where I may have closed them off with eyeliner or dark shadow, and also creates a “doll eyed” look.
I am a dramatic false lashes girl through and through, but mascara will work for this look just the same. A tip for applying false lashes: be sure to trim the outer corner of the lash to your eye shape before applying, and allow the glue time to dry and get tacky before applying to avoid glue
all over your face. If you’re not applying lashes though, I would keep the eyeliner to a minimum, as it makes your lashes look smaller if they're not seen above your eyeliner.
I always finish my face with a shimmery blush and highlight at the high points of my face-the bridge of my nose, the tops of my cheeks, and my chin. My favorites are Milani "Rose D'oro" and Maybeline Master Chrome in gold.
For lips, I'm partial to a warm, bronzier nude, because I'm my mother's daughter, but for the holidays I also love a bold, red lip. I find liquid lipstick and a good lipliner create the best, most long-lasting lip combination. Layering a gloss on top of a dry liquid lip will create a forever lasting glossy pout. For those of us that prefer the softness of regular lipstick or even tinted chapstick, I find using a lipliner and a little bit of translucent powder helps it last longer.
I hope the holidays treat everyone well, as it's no secret they will be different this year. Take the time before the stress of family gatherings to pamper yourself and make sure you're feeling good. Whether this be applying a full face of makeup, an amazing scented lotion, or even just taking a second to listen to music and be by yourself, DO YOU GIRL! Happy holidays!!