Emma's Everyday Styling Routine

Elsie and I get asked every now and then about our everyday styling routines. I'll be the first to admit that I am no makeup expert. But I love trying new products and techniques and over the years I have developed an everyday makeup and hair routine that I am comfortable with and that I feel works best with my features. Today I thought it would be fun to share my routine, along with all the real products I use.

In the morning I wash my face and apply a moisturizer with SPF 15. I have gotten in the habit of wearing a little sunscreen everyday in the hopes that one day my skin will look as good as my mother's. Dream big, I say.

I apply concealer to my under eye circle areas and if I have a blemish I usually blot on a little concealer to that as well. (Side note: When is this blemish thing going to be over?! I thought by my mid/late 20s I'd be done with all that.) I am currently using CoverGirl Invisible Concealer in Fair. I then apply foundation to my entire face and try to blend it on my jaw line and neck. Currently using NYC Liquid foundation. The NYC makeup brand is super inexpensive so it suits my thrifty heart.

I then brush bronzer just below my cheekbones. They say matte is best but I tend to like a little sparkle in my bronzer, it's the 90's child in me. I'm currently using Jane shimmering bronzer.

Next, I apply a touch of blush to just above my cheekbones. I read once that this makes you look less tired. Sold. I've been doing it ever since. For blush I'm currently using Wet n Wild in heather silk.

On to the eyes: I actually do wear eyeliner almost every day. I line the outer two-thirds of my upper lids and just dot in a little bit on my outer lower lids. For a special night I sometimes add a lot more liner and a tiny cat-eye effect. My current eyeliner is Bonne Bell Eye Style Precise Eyeliner in Basic Black.

For eyeshadow I like use at least three neutral tones. I usually buy one of those multi-packs of eyeshadow so everything goes well together; currently using Benefit Cosmetics Big Beautiful Eyes Palette. I brush a tiny bit of darkest brown into the outer edges of my lids and blend toward the center. Next, I add the second darkest shade to the center of my lid and blend. Last, I brush on the lightest shade from the inner corners and blend toward the center. It's a lot of blending but I've found this helps to make the shadow look a little more natural.

Mascara. You gotta have mascara. Even on days I'm giving my face a rest from make up I usually still wear mascara and lip gloss. I'm currently loving Rimmel Scandaleys Mascara in Extreme Black.

Now I add a little lipstick. I tend to wear a lot of darker neutrals/browns for everyday wear. I get adventurous now and again with reds and pinks but most days I play it safe with a bronze brown lipstick. I'm currently loving NYC Lipstick in Caramel.

Last I add a bit of powder to set my look and keep things matte. I really love L'Oreal Paris True Match Powder in soft ivory (this also has SPF 19, double win!). I have oily skin so powder is nice, you don't want too much sheen. I press my lips together as I powder around my lips and chin. I've found that this helps my lipstick stay in place longer.

Now let's talk hair. I have straight, limp, lazy hair. That's the card I was dealt in life. And since I have oily skin, my hair, especially around my hairline, gets greasy looking fast. To combat this tragedy I use dry shampoo. I LOVE my dry shampoo. I don't know what I ever did without it. My favorite brand is Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo. Simply spray a little in, brush out and boom- clean looking hair. Most days I curl the ends of my hair and spray in place. I also like to rock a braided crown now and again, especially if it's rainy out.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my everyday styling routine. I tried to add links to products I could find online, or very similar products. Thanks for letting me get a little girlie with you. Elsie will be sharing her everyday styling routine in the near future as well. xo. Emma 

Comments

[Charley Taylor]

Ahhh, Emma! We are the same age and I'm still dealing with blemishes as well! Really when will it stop...

http://thecharleygirl.com

[Bethany Susan]

You are so stunning and I love learning about peoples' beauty routines! Thank you for sharing!

[Tania]

That is really cool and really real!!! - love it

[Chickything]

I love the photos!

[Bohemian Kate]

Emma, I have a trick for you that might help you with your acne. I wash my face with raw organic honey and almost never break out. I've also told my friends who have problems with acne about this, they've tried it and said it has really, really helped their skin.

I wrote an article about it here:
http://www.bohemiankate.com/2011/10/honey-facial-wash.html

Btw, you look stunning...I'm definitely going to try that dry shampoo because I have the same issue with oily skin and fine hair. It drive me nuts! Thanks for the tip :)

[Carlee]

This is a great post. I love bronzer. I have a hard time getting down a makeup routine. But I definitely need too. These are also really lovely photos.
Carlee

http://allthingsaveragegirl.blogspot.com/

[MissGates]

Great tips, Emma!! I agree with a previous commenter that the bronzer looks a little much- you have great cheekbones, but the bronzer takes away from them :( Keep with the blush high on the cheekbones, though- it'll make them seem even higher!

[Miss K]

Great post - thanks for sharing your make-up routine!

[Elyse]

Ah - thanks for showing a new way to use that Benefit eyeshadow. I LOVE mine. By the way - I will be 39 (eeeek!) this year and still get the odd spot or two, but the upside is - having oily-ish skin means....less wrinkles. Woohooo.

[Meghan]

dang lady, i wish i looked as good made up as you do au naturale!

meghan
alionheartblog.blogspot.com

[Kelsey from {ps:heart}]

You look so beautiful with and without make-up! Thanks for sharing your routine and fave products...I'll definitely be trying out that mascara!

[Pink Ronnie]

You make it look so simple, Emma.
You are simply beautiful.
That is all. :)
Ronnie xo

[angie mcroberts]

Emma you are so beautiful! Your look is so fresh and natural. I love it!

[Marina]

Like it! Look amazing! Beauty!

xx
biskvittka.blogspot.com

[Jenny Stokes]

Love this. I have a hard time knowing how to apply eye shadow, so this post is PERFECT. Lovely.
jennybodell.blogspot.com

[Irene's Closet]

super nice, very usefull!! :)

xx
www.ireneccloset.com

[Heather]

If u figure out the age when the blemishes stop drop me a line! I'm coming up on 32 and I just started Proactiv because I am that frustrated with the constant breakouts! I don't even wear makeup more than once a week.

[Sabrina]

How cool! I need to get an eyeshadow set, too. Currently I only use matte cream coloured shadow because I don't know what else to use :D

x
Sabrina
http://apixiesviewonfashion.com

[Chrissa ~ a tad bit creative]

Thanks for sharing your tips, Emma. I need all the help I can get when it!!

[Katy]

I think you look lovely without your make up too Emma! What a great tutorial though I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to Elsie's too. I like the way your hair has a dip dyed effect is that intentional or are you growing out your colour?