Top 5 Morning Routine Essentials
Hello again! Today I am going to take you guys through my top 5 products that I use everyday! My morning ritual consists of crankiness, grogginess, and a strong need for a lot of coffee! So as I am drinking my morning coffee I am doing my make-up. And let me tell you, no one (or at least I don’t) has time in the morning! I’d rather sleep. However, I cannot go to work looking like a complete mess, so with these 5 products I am out the door in 10 minutes. Some days it takes me longer cause I’d just rather enjoy my coffee and take my time.
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
1. NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer in Custard – $30.00
I love this stuff! I use this each and everyday, it’s a must! I use this concealer for dark under-eye circles. Its something I have struggled with for many years, and since I basically NEVER sleep enough, I always have them. However, this concealer makes it look like I do actually sleep! I do not really use this for covering up anything else, so I cannot speak to how well it does with acne or other things but for under eye circles its great! Unfortunately, at $30.00 a jar it’s on the expensive side. It will last you a while though (for me it lasts about 6 months). I used to use the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer before but got this one as soon as it came out because of the jar. The Radiant Creamy was also very good but you loose a lot of product between the bottle and applicator and with that price, you really need all you can get out of it.
I have tried to find a cheaper alternative but have not been able to. I have tried the LA girl pro, which people are in love with. I am not! I have also tried the NYX Professional Makeup Dark Circle concealer and that one does not work for me either. A touted dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy is Maybelline Fit Me concealer, so that one is next on my list to try!
If you guys know a better one that’s a dupe or just a better concealer with a drug store price, please let me know!
Photo Courtesy of Rimmel
2. Rimmel Scandleeyes Mascara -$3.79
I need a little Mascara to perk up my look and make me look more awake in the morning. I love this one! I used to be a die-hard fan of the cult favorite Dior Show mascara ($29.50). Again the price tag on that one is quite steep so I figured I would try to find something comparable for less, and after a while of searching, I did! This is by far my favorite drug store mascara and I have been using it for years! I have short lashes and look for lengthening as well as volume. This one works great and it doesn’t flake off either! The best part is the price, it retails for $3.79 at Target and Amazon.
Photo Courtesy of Sephora
3. belif The true cream Moisturizing Bomb – $38.00
I need my moisturizer every morning before I put my make-up on. This is a great lightweight moisturizer (gel sort), which really does keep you hydrated as long as it says it does, a whopping 26 hours! It does not have SPF but for that I have a separate product, which we will get into another time. I have tried many-many moisturizers, and most of the ones I’ve tried have broken me out or make my face too greasy. I have very oily skin and for some reason most moisturizers with SPF break me out. I also cannot use anything mattifying because those give me horrible white puss filled pimples.
So this is one of my favorites, its lightweight, absorbent, has a very light scent, and is a perfect make-up base.
Photo Courtesy of Colourpop
4. Colourpop Brow Precision Color (Dope Taupe) – $6.00
I have tried eyebrow pencils, brow shadows and brow gel. This is the best brow color and tamer! It’s a nice taupy brown with no red tinges. I use it with an angle eye shadow brush and in 30 seconds my brows are filled-in and ready to go! A strong brow is always a must. You can make your brows lighter or darker depending on the occasion and the rest of your make-up but this product is great for any occasion. I used to use Anastasia dip brow ($18.00) but I actually like this better, it goes on more smoothly and is a light brown color without any red tint. It’s also much cheaper.
Photo Courtesy of Colourpop
5. Colourpop Super Shock Cheek- Blush – Drop of Hat $8.00
I love blush! It’s an absolute must for me! Having color in your face makes you look alive. This particular blush gives you a burnt sun kissed look (depending on how much you put on of course). It’s my favorite blush for summer and winter. If you use a light hand it gives you a nice dewy glow since it has a pearly sheen. If you use a heavier hand it really does look like you’ve been out in the sun for a while and have a slightly burnt cheek going on but in a really pretty way. A similar but more expensive option is Ambering Rose ($24.00) by Mac. Ambering Rose is even more pigmented and gives you that same sun kissed look, but you have to be careful how much you use because its not forgiving and you can quickly start to look like you had a heat stroke. The best thing about Colourpop has international shipping so they can ship your products anywhere for $10.00, so you do not have to be in the U.S to get it.
**Disclaimer: Now for the fun legal part. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above. These are my personal thoughts. Some affiliate links and ads may appear on my site, and if you purchase something through those I will be paid.
