With my skincare and foundation routine being one of the most requested tutorials, I thought I would do an updated post on my current regime. It’s difficult to give people a concrete answer about certain products because I am always experiementing with something new. Finding a successful skincare and foundation routine often comes down to a lot of trial and error. Everyone’s skin is different, so what may work for me, might not be as effective for you.

To keep my skin looking clear I’ve been using Neostrata’s Oil-free Gel cleanser. I was a little skeptical to use the oil-free version because I have dry skin, but it was reccomended to me by a friend so I thought I’d give it a try. I noticed a vast decline in the discoloration and amount of blemishes on my skin within the first week of including this cleanser into my regime. I thought it would dry out my skin, but I found that it worked beautifully as long as I remembered to moisturize.

To moisturize my skin I decided to stay within the Neostrata line and try out the Hydra Infusion cream. The cream is a much better option for anyone with dry skin, especially in the winter months when we all need a little extra hydration. After letting my moisturizer sink in I then apply my Smashbox Photo Finish primer. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and preps the skin to give it a more smooth appearance. You should always wait in between applications before applying the next product to ensure that everything has been absorbed. This helps to prevent any blotchiness once you move onto layering other products such as your foundation.

After the primer has been absorbed I apply my Lancome Renergie Lift foundation in Porcelaine 10 (NC) with my Sedona Lace flat top buffer brush. I use circular motions to buff the product into my skin which results in a more natural finish. The Lancome Renergie Lift foundation includes an SPF of 20 and gives the skin a soft satin finish. I often suggest purchasing foundations with a satin finish to my clients if they’re on the dry side because it will leave you with a more healty and radiant glow.

The next step is to conceal any perfections left showing through the skin. I start by concealing my under eye area and for this I use the Smashbox High Definition concealer. I use a similar method to the triangle of light where I dot the product starting at the sides of my nose and out towards the temples. Next I take my fingers and pat in the product, using the warmth of my skin to help warm up the product and blend more seamlessly. This particular technique really highlights the face and allows for a more bright and awake appearance. This concealer works wonders because it is a light weight moisturizing formula, that also includes soft focus pearls that reflect the light and help to diminish the appearance of blemishes and fine lines.

As for concealing the rest of my face, I always reach for my Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Palette. I love this palette because it includes a green color corrector that combats redness as well as four other shades suitable for fair skin. I use the same method for applying this product as the Smashbox HD concealer and just pat it on the areas I feel need more coverage. To set my cream products, I use Cover FX’s translucent setting powder in light. This product utilizes mica which is derived from mica crystallines and because of this it acts as an optical diffuser that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines by reflecting the light. It also leaves a semi-radiant finish which looks wonderful in natural lighting.

There are some days when I feel I need a bit extra coverage and the redness is still showing through and for that I use the Smashbox Halo Yellow Color Correcting Hydrating Powder. This yellow powder works amazingly to correct any redness in the skin, even without the use of other products. I find this product incredibly unisex because you can dust it on without noticeably wearing any make up but it still treats the affected area and tones down any discoloration you may have.

Once all of these steps have been completed I move onto blush and a highlighter. The blush I have been using as of late is the Lise Watier Bronze du Desert and Clarins Illuminating blush in 02 Soft Peach. Both the Clarins and the Lise Watier blushes are soft peach tones that are very complientary for red heads and really add a warmth to the skin, especially if you’re very fair. As for my highlighter, I tend to switch between my MAC mineralize skinfinish in Soft and Gentle or Smashbox Soft Lights in “Shimmer”. I find Soft and Gentle a little more on the subtle champagne side which goes beautifully with any peach blush and the Soft Lights high light a very silver like pink tone, which is comparable to Benefit’s High Beam and is usually best suited to pair with a cooler toned blush.

Products Used

Skincare

  • Neostrata Oil-free Gel Cleanser
  • Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract

Face Preperation

  • Neostrata Hydra Infusion Moisture Cream
  • Lancome Genifique Eye
  • Avene High Protection Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
  • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Face Routine

Lips

  • Smashbox nude lip liner in fair
  • MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl

I hope everyone has found this breakdown helpful. If you have any questions, leave a comment in the section below and I’d be glad to answer any questions you may have!

 

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