Makeup: An Amateur Perspective

 *The top shelf of my vanity is where I store my makeup.  I have three small baskets that I use to separate eyes, lips, and face products*

Although I really like makeup, I'm am so far from a pro it's not even funny!  I like couponing (yes, another hobby of mine) so I get many items really cheap but I only use maybe 25% of it. Lol!  I don't have to dress up for work during the week so I keep my makeup very basic...foundation, nude eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, and sometimes blush.  I don't like to look like I have a lot of makeup on so I try to keep it light and natural.  This is a look at what I look like most days during the week.

See, nothing flashy at all, barely even looks like I have on any makeup.  I have tried a few different foundations over the years from liquids to mineral powder.  However, about three months ago I bought the Maybelline Fit-Me Foundation Stick (#355) and I have fallen head over heels in love with this foundation.

My face is naturally shiny and shockingly this does help control my shine during the day.  I'm not completely shine-free but it's the best foundation I have used that claims to control shine.  I simply apply lines evenly across across my face and then use my mineral foundation brush to blend it in.  It goes on really smooth and matches my skin tone perfectly!

As for my eyes lately I have been using the Wet n Wild Fergie palette that I received in my Ipsy subscription glam bag.  I mainly use the nude color (top left) and sometimes the peach color (top right) and the dark brown in the middle when I want to mix and add a little more interest to my eyes.  But for every day wear, I just wear the nude color all over my eyelid and in the area under my brow.  I'm not exclusive to any brand when it comes to my shadow, this is just what I have been using the past couple months.  I also have used/use Cover Girl and Bare Minerals shadows.

I have also tried a number of liners and the one I love best is by Physician's Formula and it's an Felt Tip Eye Marker.  It goes on really smooth and dark with the first application. 

As for mascara I have a few that I rotate in and out just depending on which one I get my hands on first.  But if I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Maybelline Mega Plush Volume Express.  I like this mascara because it doesn't clump, it separates my lashes very well, and it does not make my lashes hard and stiff.

LIPSTICK! This has been my passion lately and I still don't wear it every day. Hahaha!  I'm sure I have about 15+ different lipsticks and they are pretty much all in the same shade family.  I like to try different colors but I stay in my lane and stick with shades that look good on my skin tone.  I mainly wear dark pinks, various shades of purple, and red!  With lipstick I am not loyal to any brand, I buy what I think looks good.  In my arsenal I have Mac, Mary Kay, Victoria Secret, Revlon, Covergirl, NYX, Milani, and more I'm sure that I am missing.  If I had to choose one brand of all that I have tried, I would probably go with NYX (purchased from Ulta) because they are inexpensive and their colors are really saturated.  *Tip: To help your lipstick last longer, apply foundation or concealer on your lips before applying your color.*

I'm still playing around with different colors and brands of blush so I don't have a favorite or even one that I use often.  I don't really like blush because I'm afraid of looking like a clown, but I know I need to use it to add some color to my face.  I also want to learn how to do my brows.  I have all of the items needed to do them but no matter how many Youtube tutorials I watch they just come out looking a mess.  But, I am not giving up, I will keep practicing until I get it right.

At the end of the day it's always important to remove all of that makeup and clean your face before you go to bed.  I use the Almay makeup remover wipes and then proceed with my normal cleansing routine to make sure my face is clean.  My face is prone to break outs so I try to prevent as many as possible.

What makeup tips do you  have?  What are your favorites?