XOXO Bianca

I like to have a polished and glamorous look most of the time. One secret I have learned over the years is that it does not take a lot of products nor does it need to take a lot of time to achieve this. As I have streamlined how I approach my makeup (when I wear it), I have learned what works best for me and I look forward to sharing some of those insights with you!

First off, I cannot reiterate enough: avoid foundation wherever you can. Ultimately, it can come off looking cakey and if it is not the exact color match for you, that makes it even less attractive. I have learned over the years to avoid foundation wherever possible and work on using concealer strategically. I use concealer under my eyes and on any red spots that I might have. I also use it as a base for my eyeshadow and apply a thin layer of it on my eyelids to prep them for eyeshadow.

Favorite concealer: Benefit Cosmetics Boi-Ing in Light 1

My next step is eyeshadow. Recently, I have been loving the Sephora Collection eyeshadows (Made in Italy!) and the amount is just enough for when you might run out, you are looking to find another color again or just want to replace. I think they are perfectly priced, too. In the photos above, I am wearing shade Twinkle Twinkle.

Favorite eyeshadow: Sephora Collection in Twinkle Twinkle

I usually apply mascara immediately following. For me, I have been a long time fan of L’Oreal’s Voluminous Original – I heard a celebrity once describe it as the “don’t fix what ain’t broke” of mascaras and it’s true. I have tried many different mascaras, and for the price range of what is out there, you get a great effect on your lashes. There is really no downside to this particular mascara. I just make sure that I clean the brush off occasionally so the product does not get too clumped on the brush. I focus on making my outer lashes stand out which gave the winged effect in my photos.

Favorite mascara: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original in Black

After I have my eyes all done, I move on to cheeks and use a pink lipstick (yes lipstick) or a cream blush on my cheekbones. I always smile when I apply so I am making sure that I am applying the product evenly across the apples of my cheeks. Currently, my favorite cream blush is Sephora Collection Flushed Blush in Cloudy Pink.

Favorite cream blush: Sephora Collection Flushed Blush in Cloudy Pink

The very last step (and perhaps most fun) is lining my lips and finishing with lipstick. I have many different shades of pinks and reds in my lipstick collection, so I like to mix together colors often. Sometimes, on the rare occasion, I find a shade of pink that I just find absolutely stunning and that shade right now is Milani Cosmetics lipstick in Rose Hip! This color has a vibrant quality without it being too neon. I also can downplay the brightness with a more mauve toned lip liner. The lip liner that I love the most right now with this lipstick is Sephora Collection in Rose. This lip liner has such a wonderful pigmentation and glides on perfectly.

Favorite lip liner: Sephora Collection in Rose

Favorite lipstick: Milani Cosmetics in Rose Hip

There you have it… not too many products and not too much time spent! Your makeup should be what you love to put on and wear, so make sure it works with your style and you’ll be good to go! I don’t focus too much on trends, I focus on what makes me feel my best.

xoxo Bianca