Make Up on the Daily

Cooler temps call for not only dark polish and new lipstick, but an update to the daily makeup routine is in order. I avoid as many forms of skin make up as possible when its 90 degrees and humid, but come September, I cant wait to apply a good BB and some cream blush. Being the product junkie that I am, I cant resist trying anything that Birch Box supplies. A few of my daily favorites that still keep my morning routine down to 10 minutes:

1. Skin- I am a big fan of Tarte's BB Cream. I've tried a few brands, but this one does not cause breakout, is all natural, has physical sunscreen (as opposed to the chemical formulas I avoid like the plague), and is relatively full on coverage for a BB. I set it with a tiny brush of the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores power.

2. Cheeks- I love the Nars Multiple in Maui and Orgasm all year long. I add a bit of Benefit Watts Up highlighting stick to the tops of my cheeks in the fall for a tiny hint of office appropriate shimmer.

3. Eyes- You have already heard me rave about It Cosmetics new Bye Bye Under Eye corrector and their concealer on top. I also love the Bobbi Brown concealer duo for a quick touch-up during the day. For my lids, I love the Urban Decay Naked palette, I've used it for over a year and still go to it everyday. I work a small amount of Bobbi Brown chocolate eyeliner into my top lashes, and a light coat of Clinique High Impact Mascara.

4. Brows- I fill my brows with a Trish McEvoy pencil, but really, any brand would be fine. I then use Benefit Gimme Brow to plump and hold them in place all day.

Any new products I'm missing out on? Tell me!

Beauty 101

Even before I had a baby, when I was a busy law school student, I've always been into my morning routine. I can't really have a good day if I don't step out of the house in a coordinating outfit, and at least some basic makeup. My daily essential are simple but also transforming (ie a night of no sleep, too much wine, or not enough coffee can be camouflaged).

Eyes: Chanel's quad is amazing. I also love the Naked original palette. For concealer nothing beats the tarte color corrector (I wear light/medium).

Brows: I never even thought about my eyebrows until I turned 30. Now I feel like I cant leave the house without at least some pencil. Most days I use the Anastasia double ended brush and their new pomade called Dipbrow to lightly fill and hold my brows in place. This stuff is better than any tinted gel I have ever used.

Skin: tarte's BB is my daily go to, I use Lancome's Teint Idole when I'm going out. For cheeks I love the Naked palette in Flushed, and tarte's cheek tint in blissful. I also like the Nars' The Multiple in Orgasm and Maui. Sometimes I sweep a little Clinique loose powder on top, but in the winter I usually avoid powder.

Lips: Where to begin. My current favorites are either Chanel's all day liquid in Light Rose, or Nars' Audacious formula in Raquel or Anita. On top I will add a coat of Nars' gloss in turkish delight or orgasm. I also like MAC from time to time, but less so since I've discovered the Chanel and Nars Audacious formulas.

Scent: I used to have 8-10 different perfumes on hand at all times. I have pared this down to 3 great options- Ralph Lauren for year round, J.Crew Arquiste No. 31 for fall/winter, and Chanel Mademoiselle for special events (or a day I need a little extra help).

What are some of your daily go-to's?

In Review: Under-Eye Corrector

In my never ending search for the perfect under-eye concealer, I've tried hundreds of products. I still like the Bobbi Brown corrector and cream concealer I mentioned last year, but I have  anew holy grail. Tarte products are all natural, and have no chemical ingredients that so many beauty brands still contain. I am already a huge fan of their BB primer, so its no surprise that this newest addition to their line up is a win. The CC under-eye corrector is amazing! It goes on smoothly yet is super pigmented, and actually covers my horrendous circles better than anything I've tried. Its $24 which is modest in the beauty market, and I can tell the small compact will last a while. I've already purchased a second to keep in my purse. It settles into lines a a little but can be patted out with a ring finger easily as needed. I highly recommend you give this a try.

Happy Hump-day!