My Work Week Makeup Routine {plus Tips for Looking Glowy & Awake}

Hello Again!

I'm back with another work-appropriate makeup post! Makeup is one of my passions and I find it very therapeutic to put on my skincare and makeup every day. I will always take time on my makeup, but styling my hair-not so much! 

                                       

During the work-week, I focus less on intricate eye looks and more about making my skin look fresh and glowy and my eyes more awake! This is much needed--especially after a week with a few 7am meetings!

I documented this routine over two work days, so you will notice I switch shirts! Also, please disregard the pink walls. This is what we like to call "the Pink Room". It was a former nursery in our rental house that we intended to paint and never did. Thus, "the Pink Room" became my beauty room/second guest room.

First, I start off with a few of my glowy skin essentials. Usually I will start with a light moisturizer (I love the Origins Gin-Zing line-the moisturizer and eye cream smell like oranges). 

Next, I may prime my skin or mix in liquid highlighter in with my skin base. Becca Cosmetics liquid shimmering skin perfectors are a game changer for looking dewy and like you are always perfectly hydrated. 

If I am priming with one of these glowy primers (also by Becca- I got these two in a value pack to try them both), I will skip on the skin perfector/liquid highlighter. If my skin is feeling extra dull, I'll double up! 

                                         

My go-to foundation/skin base has been this Urban Decay Naked Skin One and Done Hybrid Foundation. I got sold on this big time by a salesperson at Ulta, but it did not disappoint. 

It is the perfect mix between a lightweight tinted moisturizer, a BB cream and a foundation. And a little bit goes a long way! This bottle has lasted me over two months and I use it almost every day. 

When I'm not using this, there are several drugstore alternatives that also work well. I have used the Garnier Fructis BB Cream for years. 

                                         

Next, I apply my concealer. Maybelline's FitMe concealer (from the drugstore) is up there with any high-end concealer I have tried. It blends out easily, brightens under eyes and covers blemishes. 

It looks a little crazy how I put it on (like warrior paint), but this technique highlights the high points of your face while concealing a few blemishes and dark circles.

                                         

Instead of immediately powdering my face and areas that I concealed, I will use my other face powders (bronzer, blush and highlighter) first, in order to not get too cakey and matte. I bronze in the hollows of my cheek bones, under my chin/jawbone, on the sides of my forehead and a little on my nose. This helps bring some life back into my face. 

I will even sweep some of my bronzer in the creases of my eyelids instead of eye shadow. I love products that can multi-task! 

Here are a few of my favorites: Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer, Physician's Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Light Bronze , Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Next, I'll add some highlighter (my favorite product) and blush. I highlight the top of my cheek bones, the bridge of my nose, my cupid's bow and the inner corners of my eyes. I swear highlighter is mostly what makes me look awake day-to-day.

Becca Cosmetics is the go-to highlighter company, the powder Shimmering Skin perfectors are life-changing and last forever. I also love the Tarte highlighters, and there are many good ones in the drug store now! 

You want to try and find one that does not have glitter, which would not be work-appropriate. All of Becca's highlighters can provide a subtle shine and can also be built up to pack a punch.

                                         

Next, I load up on mascara. If I'm really in a rush or wearing minimal makeup on the weekends, mascara, brow gel, highlighter and a lip balm are about all I wear. This mascara is magical and under $10!

                                         

Next, I put on my forever must-have... brow gel. That might sound extra, but I can't live without it. My roommates in college used to joke that I wouldn't brush my hair all the time, but I would always brush my eye brows. 

I have thicker eye brows, so I was thrilled that full eye brows are in style right now. I sometimes fill them in a bit with brow powder, and then I put on the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel. I used to think it was ridiculous that people swore by this $22 clear brow gel, but I re-purchase now whenever I'm out. It lasts for at least 3-4 months and it is like glue. 

                                         

Usually for work, I'll throw on a long-wearing liquid lipstick. I featured several of my favorites in this Wearable Work Lipsticks post. Pictured is Wet and Wild's Rebel Rose.

                                         

I will finish off with a little translucent powder in my T-Zone and wherever I applied concealer. I am not picky about powders. This drugstore option is my go-to.

 My last step is to finish off with some setting spray. Another step that I used to think was unnecessary, but I love how it feels and finishes my makeup. This step truly makes my makeup last all day. This is another Wet 'n' Wild product--they have stepped up their makeup game!

 And this is the final look! As you can see, my week day look doesn't change much. I may add a little more eye shadow or switch up the lip, but I can do this look in about 10 minutes and then I'm out the door!

What is your must-have beauty product?

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