This article is the first one I wrote detailing my current skincare routine, including foundation. I’ve since changed a few of my products and process. Check out my most up to date skin care routine!
With the No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes you can rid your face of impurities, tone your skin, remove make-up including waterproof eye make-up, as well as moisturize all in one swipe. Their compact size is suitable for travel and best of all, they’re very inexpensive. I especially love using these if I’ve come home after a long night and don’t want to go through the hassle of cleansing my face. Normally I would break out if I go one night without implementing my proper cleansing regime, but these wipes definitely do the trick!
The basis to any good routine is to make sure you hydrate the skin, even if you’re prone to being oily. Lack of moisture will trigger your skin to produce more oil and make it even more of a task to keep your foundation in place throughout the day. Out of everything I have tried thus far, Benefit’s Dear John moisturizer was the most hydrating. Most moisturizers will state right on the bottle if they’re meant for dry, oily or normal/combination skin. Otherwise, the rule is generally that any gel-based cleansers or moisturizers are created for more oily skin types and rich and creamy moisturizers and cleansers are best suited for dry skin types. Another great thing about Dear John is that it comes in a 60 ml glass jar which is more than most moisturizers on the market. The one thing I love about this moisturizer is how it instantly absorbs into the skin. There is absolutely no greasy feeling or added shine after applying this product which is an added bonus if you’re in a rush and want to apply your primer and foundation immediately afterwards.

Benefits:
- Vitamin B5 known to soften skin
- Vitamin E Acetate known to fight free-radicals responsible for skin aging
- Sodium hyaluronate moisturizes skin and locks in moisture
- Marshmallow root smooths out the surface.
- Cucumber extract includes antioxidant and moisturizing properties.
As for my primer I have been using Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation primer and Anti-aging serum by Cover FX. It is an “anti-aging” primer that repairs, hydrates and smooths the skin to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores. This particular formula also facilitates blending and extends the wear of your foundation. It is suitable for normal, sensitive or dry skin types and is oil free, fragrance free and does not contain any parabens. I apply this directly after my moisturizer with a foundation brush or my fingers and it always leaves my skin with a nice glow.
The foundation I have been using recently is Renergie Lift by Lancome in Porcelaine 10 (NC). As we all know, foundation is one of the most crucial products that we can implement into our daily beauty regime. I have tried many different brands over the years and this has been my favorite one to date. I think it is important to start addressing anti-aging in your early to mid-twenties, so I chose something that would aid in the prevention process, as well as give me high coverage and an overall healthy radiance. The best consistency for dry skin types is a liquid foundation. I have tried using mousse and powder foundations, but they usually leave my skin looking flaky and even more dehydrated. I always apply my foundation with my fingers and usually build up the intensity of the product with a few applications depending on the amount of redness I have. For an extra glow, I usually add a couple of drops of Eclat Miracle Serum of Light Complexion Illuminator By Lancome into the mix before applying.
Benefits:
- Instantly lifts away the appearance of lines and fights against wrinkles
- Lets skin breathe and prevents makeup from setting into lines
- Skin looks smoother, feels firmer
- Erases signs of fatigue for a flawless, younger-looking and awakened complexion
- Protects from environmental damage known to cause premature aging.
Technology:
- Micro Lift Network: extra-fine dispersion of waxes forms an imperceptible shaping network on the surface of the skin, helping to fight against the relaxation of tissues that causes wrinkles.
- Flexible Micro-Bubbles, act like nanoscopic flexible pockets of air for skin to breath and prevent makeup from setting into lines.
- Energizing botanicals: blend of caffeine, ivy and corn extract helps stimulate skin to fight against signs of aging.
- Reflective Micro-pearls play with light to create an optical radiance effect.
- Pure Vitamin E Nano-capsules and SPF 20 Sunscreen.
As for my concealer I tend to use two different products to acquire an even complexion. For under the eyes my favorite product is the Smashbox HD concealer in Fair. It utilizes soft focus pearls to deflect light and minimizes the appearance of blemishes and fine lines. I really love how brightening this product is and it is always my go to concealer when I’m feeling especially tired or dark around the eye area. Another perk is how well it transfers on camera. I often use this on photo shoots and it always gives the models a very bright and rested appearance.
For the rest of my face I will always rely on my trusty Erase Paste in number 1 by Benefit. This is one of the best high coverage concealers I have ever come across. It literally has the consistency of a paste, so the amount needed to cover up any discolorations or blemishes, is very little. This concealer will not only last you forever, but it will always get the job done without any added assistance from accompanying products. When applying erase paste, I take advantage of the warmth of my fingers to dab it onto my problematic areas and I find it usually blends into the skin with little to no effort.
I know most people with dry skin do not like to set their makeup with a powder, but Cover FX Setting FX will certainly change your mind on the matter. The formula is so lightweight and provides a diffused and flawless finish. It never looks chalky or dry and still allows the natural radiance of your skincare and foundation to shine through. To apply this, I use a large powder brush and dust it over my entire face to ensure my foundation and concealer stay in place all day.

Last but certainly not least is “Dew Me” Moisturizing Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay. I stumbled upon this about a month ago and was instantly impressed. This is the perfect antidote for drier and combination skin types because it moisturizes and holds makeup flawlessly for 16 hours. It keeps foundation from settling into fine lines and prevents powder from becoming cakey. Just shake the bottle before use and spritz it on after you’ve applied your makeup and you’ll look radiant and hydrated all day!
I hope this helps some of you who have similar skin concerns. Feel free to leave me a comment below if you have any further inquiries!










at 8:39 am
Hey Ashley!!!
Nice blog post ^_^ I have been hearing a load of great things about the Cover FX stuff, really wanna try it out now!! Also I like the look of the Smashbox concealer…. Think I just may need to treat myself to a new undereye concealer today!!
Siobhán.
xx
at 4:44 pm
Hey Siobhan!
Thanks for taking the time to read through it all. It is quite a long post, but I’m glad you enjoyed it! Cover FX is a brilliant and versatile makeup line that caters to people with sensitive or damaged skin, as it was originally born in a hospital. The cream foundation is lovely as well. With a couple of loaded applications it even has the ability to cover tattoos! If you can’t get any over in Ireland, let me know and I’ll send you some!
The Smashbox concealer is really worth the investment. A little goes a long way! Let me know how you like it 🙂
Ash
at 5:38 pm
Hey there!
A friend of mine posted a link to your site on Facebook, and considering it was the video to your vintage hair, it drew me in instantly. I have never really been the type for make-up (I never learned to officially put it on, aside from liner and mascara), so your site is kind of like a godsend - I’m trying to learn! We seem to have similar skin, so I’m hoping maybe some of these products will help me ease into the transition of little to no make-up to make-up. Thanks for sharing! =)
By the way, for the erase paste - do you put it on before, or after your foundation for cover up?
-Ash (2!)
at 11:22 pm
Hi!
That is so nice to hear. Thanks for the compliments! I’m glad they could be of some help to you. I usually use the erase paste after I’ve applied my foundation for a little more coverage. If you have any other questions, just let me know!
Ashley
at 7:29 pm
Hey!
Thank you for this amazing post! I’m definitely going to write all these down so I can check them out personally!
I was wondering, does the Dear John moisturizer have SPF?
Thank you!
at 1:38 am
Great. I’m glad I could be of some help! Dear John does not have an SPF, unfortunately.
at 12:49 am
Hey Ashley! I was just looking around your website, and I’m loving this blog post! I’m in love with those no7 makeup removing wipes! they do miracle with waterproof makeup and they are so gentle with my sensitive skin. Glad you like them too!
at 8:04 pm
Great, informative blog post! Sound like we have similar skin so I’m looking forward to trying some of these things. Especially that foundation, as I’m still on the search for my holy grail foundation.
P.S. I’m a huge fan of your videos…oh, and your hair! Gorgeous!
at 12:08 am
Thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful. Please let me know how it works out for you 🙂
at 12:10 am
Thanks, Isabelle! They’re wonderful. They’re the only wipes I’ve found that don’t cause my skin to break out. They’re also incredibly gentle around the eye area. Definitely a staple in my everyday regime!