I’ve been meaning to write this post for quite some time as friends and colleagues regularly ask me what my fave foundation is, or what concealer I recommend for covering dark shadows.

Of all the everyday makeup posts I’ve written over the years, this one showcases a routine that’s been on the go for ages. I’m talking actual months… unheard of 🙂

I’d like to say this is down to busy mornings and not having a lot of time to doll around etc., but if I’m being brutally honest it’s because at the grand old age of 32 I know what works for me and what doesn’t.

Tinted moisturisers and shimmery eyeshadows are out, and medium-full coverage foundations and soft matte shadows are in. I avoid makeup that makes me look old/crepey/dry and I embrace makeup that makes me look fresh, youthful and dewy/glowy.

In a nutshell, anything that makes me look less old is in 🙂

So, let’s cover this in three steps; skincare/SPF, face makeup, eye makeup.

SKINCARE

My skincare routine in the morning is very simple.

I cleanse my face in the shower with Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel and cleanse again with Garnier Micellar Water once I’m sitting at my makeup table.

I then apply my current favourite eye cream from Shiseido, along with my current moisturiser; Aesop Hydrating Cream. If I feel like my skin is looking particularly crap, I’ll bung on some Lancomé serum before my moisturiser.

I then give everything a minute or two to sink in and apply a thin layer of Clarins SPF50. Done!

FACE MAKEUP

I’m obsessed with Esteé Lauder Cushion Stick Foundation (full review here) so that goes on first.

I usually dab it all over my face and then blend with either a Beauty Blender or a Sephora #55 Foundation Brush. Sometimes I go back in with a second layer if I feel like I need the extra coverage.

I then apply Bobbi Brown Corrector under my eyes as it gets rid of the bluish/grey shadows, and follow-up with Kat Von D Lock-It Creme Concealer (which is bloody amazing – full coverage/not cakey, although you have to keep an eye on the undereye area as it can crease a little).

By Terry Sun Designer Palette comes next and acts as my bronzer/contour, blush and highlight!

EYE MAKEUP

I pat a tiny bit of concealer across my eyelids and then apply one or more colours from my all-time favourite eyeshadow palette; Stila – Eyes Are The Window.

Honestly, it’s the best palette ever – great shade selection, great quality, great for travelling. I literally use nothing else!

This is followed swiftly by L’Oreal Perfect Slim Liquid Liner (I’ve been using this for years and years), Tarte Mascara and a quick application of Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick in Goldstone.

The shadow stick is key, as I feel like it pulls everything together, makes you look very ‘done’ and a little bit of gold under the lower lashes is flattering on everyone.

Reading that back, it might sound like lots of steps/products but I get it done in less than 15 minutes and they all fit neatly inside my little makeup bag 🙂

Of course, as happy as I am with this routine I’m sure it will all go out the window in a few weeks time once I’m back in Ireland because; A) BOOTS! and B) my skin will no doubt shrivel up and die in the cold.

Thank you for reading, and if you have any makeup recommendations please send them on 🙂

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