Everyday Makeup Routine: Staple Products

I am always interested to learn about everyone's staple products. Trends will come and go, but an everyday routine shows products that are reached for often enough to make them special. The following are products I find myself reaching for on an everyday basis. 

Aveeno SPF moisturizer

I first prime my skin with a moisturizer with SPF. I have been using this Aveeno one since high school. It doesn't break me out (a lot of others do..), it moisturizes, but most importantly: it protects. The sun is the primary culprit in aging skin. If you want to look younger later, protect your skin now!

Nars Sheer Glow foundation and the new Real Techniques sponge

I talk about Nars Sheer Glow all the time. A beautiful, natural finish with some coverage for days when your skin isn't perfect (which mine like never is..but that's why this is so good haha..) This Real Techniques sponge is new and AMAZING! I have never tried the Beauty Blender. I just couldn't buy into the sponge thing until I tried this one. I got mine for about $8 at Ulta and let me tell you, it will change the way your foundation looks. You wet it, squeeze out the excess water, and blend in foundation by bouncing it lightly on the skin. It keeps the coverage, while not being cakey and fake-looking. I honestly prefer all my foundations applied with this sponge. The end result is MUCH more natural.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer 

If I just had to own one concealer, it would be this one. It is so versatile. It covers blemishes perfectly, while also being creamy enough for underneath the eyes. I am almost through my first tube and I will repurchase when I run out. I also like to blend out my concealer with the pointed tip of my sponge. The only downside is the packaging. Nars packaging is so sleek and pretty when you first purchase, then it gets so dirty! This concealer has to be the messiest thing in my collection.

All concealed and ready to powder!

Nars Light-Reflecting Crystal Setting Powder

I will admit this product is strange. The texture is very different, but the finish is perfect. It makes the skin matte, sets makeup, and imparts a glow-from-within look that I love! They sell a loose version of this too, which most people seem to prefer. I like the pressed as it is less messy. There is a slight film when you first buy it though. Just really work your brush into it the first few times and you will be good to go. 

Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow powder

A matte bronzer with a silky, easy blendable formula and Chanel packaging? Yes, please. I got the color 40 when they came out last August and have used it consistently since.

Bronzed and ready to go!

 Chanel Cream Blush in Revelation 

Blush is one thing that I change so frequently, so I don't have a specific product to mention. I got this blush for Christmas and it is so easy to work with. It blends like a dream; I just use my fingers. The peachy-pink is a good day-to-day color that matches any look. 

Nars Pro Prime eyeshadow primer

This is amazing for oily eyelids. I like the Urban Decay one too, but this one seems just a little bit more matte. If I want my shadows to last all day, I reach for this.

Benefit Gimme Brow

This was another stand-out release of 2013. I remember hearing so many amazing things about this product that I was so excited to check it out. When I got to the store, it was sold out! This product sells out for a reason. It is basically a tinted brow gel with thickening fibers to make your eyebrows fuller. I use this by itself on days when I can't be bothered to spend a lot of time on my brows. I have a review of this product here.

Mac eyeshadow in Satin Taupe and Quarry 

Satin Taupe on the left, Quarry on the right

This is an eyeshadow combination I reach for often. I use Satin Taupe all over the lid and on the lower lash line. I then add Quarry into the crease, which is a matte purple-brown. I find this combination suits my blue-green eyes and is natural enough for an every day look.

Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in black 

I have had this product for a while now and it has yet to dry out. It lasts all day long and is a little more natural than liquid liner. I use a Sigma E05 brush to apply this. Depending on my mood, I wing my liner out. Today I was feeling fancy, so I did a more dramatic wing. One tip: every time you use gel liner, use alcohol to clean off the brush. Once the gel liner drys onto the brush, it is much harder to control the line and you can end up looking crazy...trust me, I know. 

Diorshow Mascara in black

This is a staple in my collection. I love voluminous lashes and this product seriously delivers. Between this and Loreal Voluminous, I am set. One tip I recently learned is after you apply your mascara, tilt your wand vertically and apply mascara to the center of your lashes. If you concentrate most of the product on the center of the lashes (as opposed to the ends) you will get a wider, more awake look. It is kind of hard to explain (and to photograph), but hopefully the following pictures help! This is easier with mascaras that have a drier formula or you have had for a few weeks (so the product is more dry).

Mascara is focused on the center of the eye, right above the pupil

 Maybelline Baby Lips in cherry/red

This gives a very natural, slight red tint to the lips. It is also very moisturizing. I do change my lip products daily though.

Here is the finished look! A natural look for everyday wear. 

*If you wanted to change this look quickly to transition for night, you could add a metallic cream shadow to the inner waterline. I used Jouer cream eyeshadow crayon in Baroque. This color is a golden-brown with a metallic/shimmer finish. This will really intensify the eyes and make the overall look more sultry. 

I would love to hear your staple products!
xxChris