Updated Makeup Essentials

 Time for me to do an update on what my makeup routine looks like. This is tried and true after like 5-6 years of the same routine. It is mom with young kids friendly (only takes me about 5 minutes to do the whole thing, which I sometimes find myself doing before the next videoconference).

This does not include skincare, which I am still working on perfecting! If anyone has any good ideas for skincare routines in high sun exposure areas hit me up. 

I don't believe in spending more than you need on makeup. If you have the basics, you're set. Sometimes spending $20 gets you the same results as spending $60 on a makeup kit. Sometimes it's even better. 

1. Eyeshadow palette with 3 colors: 1 dark shadow, one warm medium brown/almond, and 1 white/shiny highlight color. Should come with its own mirror and brush for maximum portability and durability. I don't like palettes with 8+ colors because who has time to decide on colors in the morning? You'll end up using 3-4 daily anyways. My palette was maybe $30 from MAC (MAC Look in a Box - All About Beige), I've used it for almost 7 years and it still has a year or two left in it.  One of my best purchases. Here it is below (it is no longer on sale unfortunately). 

I recently shopped for a replacement as it's getting really hard to get product out anymore (I "hit pan" a long time ago!). I found it surprisingly hard to find a palette with a) only 4 colors - because if you have more you won't use them, b) a mirror, and c) a useable brush. 

2. Foundation - $20-30. Right now I use a powder foundation from Everyday Minerals. I use this because I am in a hot climate. This is a more cost-effective version of Bare Minerals and works beautifully. Costs $17, with a $17 kabuki brush (so $32 total). I've used it now for 1 year and it looks like it still has another 5 years left.  

3. Concealer stick or liquid concealer, $15-20. Still looking for a good one with the right amount of cover. 

4. Occasionally, lipstick or tinted lip balm, $5. Lipstick is everywhere! I don't do more than natural lips so I don't need something more long-lasting, although if lipstick is your trademark you will probably be spending more here. 

I don't use an eyeliner anymore but I might start again. This would bump up the sum by another $20. Mascara just doesn't do it for me - I inevitably get the color transferred to my lower eyeline at some point and it becomes a pain to remove. 

Total: $85, or $105 with an optional eyeliner.