**note from author : Not all products mentioned in this article have been personally tested by the author unless stated otherwise. Some products are mentioned as examples for readers to be aware of the brands out there.
Thursday!!! Sizzling hot!!! The weather is getting seriously hot these days and all I want to do is stay in an air conditioned room and just drink my favorite Sugarcane juice!
I have so many reader questions that I answer directly, but one question caught my attention! I wanted to give this a special space as I know a lot of you have good tips to share too! So don't be shy and click the comment button and fire away!
Question for the day:
I envy girls who have enough time in the morning to do their makeup! I can't seem to have enough time in the morning. I have to wake up early, rush for work! Any tips or ideas on how to look good in less the time? Thanks.
AMW says ---
Wonderful question! As you all know, aside from being a blogger, a make-up artist, a wife and a daugther, I do have a full time job! And this full time job demands me to be on time! Where I live, I have to travel approximately an hour (or more with traffic) to get to my work place. So spending time right in front of the mirror early in the morning is never an option for me! What to do when you're pressed for time? There are 5 steps I think that works to look gorgeous for busy girls like us! Read on....
1. Create your base
After your regular skincare routine. Apply tinted moisturizer with your clean fingers, sponge or a foundation brush. Tinted moisturizers are the best way to go as they can moisturize your skin, even out your skin tone and has SPF which works as sun protection as well.
Some tinted moisturizers to try ---
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer
Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer
Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint
What AMW loves to use ---
L'Oreal UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50
I've tried all 3 variants from L'Oreal, though this is meant to be a sunblock, I like the
Even Complexion variant which has a bit of tint. I use this when I'm in a rush as it does even out my complexion while giving me protection from the sun! I love the light feel it gives on my skin with a healthy radiance.
2. Setting Powders
For oily skinned individuals, choose an oil free setting powder. For dry skinned partners out there, you can skip this step.
You can choose either pressed or loose base on your preference.
Some setting powders to try ---
Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
Guerlain Meteorites Powder for the Face
Lancome Ageless Minerale Perfecting and Setting Powder
What AMW loves to use ---
I actually prefer my setting powder to be really sheer and natural and pressed version. In my case, it's the "baked" version. I actually finished up (finally) my Mac Mineralized Skinfinish Natural and I use it as a setting powder and re-touching powder. I love how I can layer it and it never cakes on me! Great for all skin types!
3. Blush/Bronzer
Powder blush/bronzer is the easiest way to go. Use a large fluffy brush for a natural flush. Or use a medium-sized blush brush to sweep onto the apples of your cheeks for a healthy and more obvious "glow".
Some blushes to try ---
NYX Powder Blush
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Blush
Clarins Powder Blush
Revlon Powder Blush
What AMW loves to use ---
I've been reaching for this palette for a quick blush every now and then. I like how I can easily change the intensity of my cheek color. I like using the light pink and bright pink shade on my cheeks! If I've used too much, I can easily top it with the highlighting powder included in this palette.
Some bronzers to try ---
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Nars Bronzing Powder
The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer
Elizabeth Arden Bronzing Powder
What AMW loves to use ---
This has never failed to be my ultimate favorite bronzer! I like how it stays on my cheeks and how natural it looks on my cheeks! With just a swipe or 2, my cheeks glow like I just hit the beach!
4. Pencil Eyeliner/Mascara
Whichever is more important for you, you can choose one or if you have time to spare, you can choose to apply both! In my case, I can survive the day without mascara but I can never survive the day without an eyeliner to give my eyes the "depth" I want and the wide-eyed look that I've been trying to fake on sleepy days!
tip: You can choose colored eyeliners or mascara if you're in a rush as it gives an instant color on your eye area!
Some eyeliners to try ---
The Face Shop Automatic Eyeliner
Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils
What AMW loves to use ---
I know I've
said this a million times, if you're looking for no smudge, no mess,
long wearing eyeliners! You can always go for liquid or cream liners.
But if you're in a hurry, pencil liners are the easiest way to go.
My least smudged pencil liner up to date is the MUFE aqua eyes, I use this everyday alternating brown and black!
Line the upper
lashline with your favorite eyeliner making sure to stay close to it.
Pencil liners are easy for unsteady hands! You can skip lining the
waterline if you have watery eyes or if you want to make sure you won't
end up with panda looking eyes!
Some mascaras to try ---
Maybelline Volum' Express Lift-Up Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast
Diorshow Mascara
Eyeko Mascara
What AMW loves to use ---
I haven't repurchased this, but looking back on all the mascaras I've used, this works really well in lengthening and volumizing my lashes and I don't need to spend too much!
5. Lipgloss/Lipstick
Choose your favorite lipgloss that's not too sticky or a lipstick that's moisturizing. I prefer using a tinted lipbalm as it moisturizes really well while giving me the natural pout!
Some lipsticks or lipglosses to try ---
Estee Lauder Kissable Lip Shine
Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick
Becca Glossy Lip Tint
Mineraux Mulberry Lip Color
What AMW loves to use ---
I can never rave enough about these inexpensive lipsticks that performs! The wide range of colors that's enough to make me want more! I like the fact that these lipsticks aren't too drying as compared to other lipsticks I've tried.
My ultimate favorite on the go lip balm! I love how moisturizing it is and it gives out a subtle hint of "just been kissed" lips!
Now, doing this post is even longer than me putting on make-up early in the morning for 1 week! *laughs* I hope you find this post useful! I am sure there are more tips out there! Do share! This is an open space for all of us!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
