Beauty Bits

I have been a makeup lover for nearly half of my life and still love putting it on nearly every single day. I first started really getting into makeup in my early 20’s and then worked in the makeup industry for the next 10+ years before starting my blog 13 years ago. Putting on makeup everyday is less about feeling like I have to and more about the ritual of it and how enjoyable I find it to be. I love how it’s a way to enhance your best features while making you look presentable and put together. Makeup is form of expression for me and while I love to experiment with new products and new looks, I do have those everyday makeup essentials that I always use. Those essentials are less brand specific and more product category specific such as wearing a neutral eyeshadow everyday and always applying a bronzer to give my skin a bit of warmth and radiance. If you are new to makeup or just want to re-evaluate your current makeup routine, it’s best to identify what are your everyday essentials. What are those makeup products you use on a regular basis and then you can decide on the brand or formulation that you like. I thought I would share my own everyday makeup essentials if you need some suggestions or a place to start.

Everyday Makeup Essentials

Sunscreen

Sunscreen every single day is a non-negotiable and there are so many great ones that I love and use. One of the newest additions to my sunscreen lineup but an instant love was the Naturium Dew-Glow SPF 50. This does not surprise me however because nearly every product I have tried from Naturium is amazing and the price points are SO AFFORDABLE! While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is mildly dewy but still settles down to a skin-like finish. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. I can skip moisturizer on the days that I use this because it preps my skin so well for makeup.

Skin Tint

As I have gotten older, I definitely find that lightweight foundations and skin tints look better on my face. I have tried this L’Oreal Tinted Serum Foundation before but had the wrong shade so this time I got the correct shade and fell in love with it even more. It’s designed to be lightweight skin tint with skincare benefits – most specifically hyaluronic acid which helps hydrate the skin. It’s not thin and runny like a serum and has a thicker texture much like a foundation. But product names aside, the texture is still lightweight and super easy to blend.

Concealer

I use concealer every single day but only where I need it which is under my eyes are a bit around my nose. The formula I use most often is the Natasha Denona HyGlam Concealer. Upon applying this serum-like concealer, the first thing I noticed was how creamy and hydrating it felt on the skin. It glides right on and immediately made my under eye area feel moisturized. It contains a combination of botanical stem cell actives that reduce puffiness, hydrate and help to brighten dark circles immediately and over time. Because the formula is so creamy and smooth, it is a dream to blend.

Brow Pencil

Brows frame the face and without them my face does not look finished. My go-to brow tool that I have been using for nearly 12 years is the Hourglass Brow Tool in Soft Brunette. The color is perfect for my dark hair and the formula is long-wearing so it lasts all day long regardless of what I’m doing.

Mascara

Even though I have naturally dark lashes because of my dark hair, I still need the added definition of mascara. Personally I love a super inky black formula that gives volume and drama. I’ve experimented with tons over the years but have settled on tubing mascaras as my personal preference. Tubing mascaras do not flake or smudge like regular mascaras and the formula I really enjoy is the Tarte Tubing Mascara.

Neutral Eyeshadow

Regardless of whether it is daytime or nighttime, my eye makeup will always be neutral shades. LOL It’s what I enjoy and is the easiest to wear for multiple occasions. But if I want something subtle and easy to wear every single day, I like to opt for a cream formulation in a subtle taupe shade with a satin finish. Trinny London’s cream eyeshadow in Mystery fits the bill perfectly and is a color I reach for all the time. The formula is a bit dry so it doesn’t stay too creamy on the lid and dries down quickly with no creasing. I rarely wear eyeliner but if I do, I prefer to use an angled brush with a dark eyeshadow pressed along my lashline. Jones Road makeup also makes one of my most worn everyday neutral eyeshadows – Golden Peach in their Just a Sec cream shadow formula.

Cream Bronzer

Applying a bronzer every day is less about making me look tan but instead adding some warmth and radiance to my complexion. The Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer is perfect for this and truly one of my favorite products ever. The name “Skin Enhancer” can be a bit confusing at first and even had me pausing a second to figure out exactly what the product was supposed to do. In short, it is a form of a cream bronzer but is very sheer and can be used on specific parts of the face or all over to give a subtle warmth. There is no shimmer to the product but it does give the skin a healthy glow.

Cream Blush

While bronzer adds some warmth, I still want my cheeks to have a natural flush on the apples of my cheeks so blush is an essential part of my everyday makeup look. In fact, I would rather skip the bronzer in favor of blush if I had to pick. I prefer a cream blush over powder blush because of its ease of use and how natural it looks on the skin. I love the Rhode Pocket Blush because it’s a formula designed to give a diffused wash of color with a satin finish. They are a lightweight formula that melts into the skin easily without leaving a tacky or greasy feel. I find it best to apply them with a brush instead of swiping them directly onto my skin. I can control the intensity this way and they blend easier for me.

Setting Powder

Setting powder was never an essential for me until I tried a formula that truly blew my mind. The Kosas Cloud Set Powder specifically in the shade Candy is absolute perfection. It’s a talc free formula that begins as a mousse and once it is baked becomes an ultra-fine sheer powder. Talk about blurring and smoothing – holy cow! It’s absolutely amazing how well this powder sits on the skin and manages to mattify without making the skin look too flat or dull. I bought the pink shade and it is perfect for brightening. I only apply a light layer under my eyes and throughout my t-zone for a subtle blurred effect.

Tinted lipstick/balm

I can’t think of a time throughout my entire day when I don’t have some form of a lip product on. Glossy balm/lipstick hybrids have been gaining popularity over the past few years and I am so happy they have. Most of these formulas are super moisturizing but still provide a ton of pigment. The Hourglass Glossy Balms are richly pigmented but feel very comfortable with no stickiness or tackiness. The color range is stunning and the plumping effect is minimal so there is no discomfort. It’s hard to even pick a favorite shade at this point because I love and wear almost every color. Lip liner is not an essential for me but I do use one frequently for added definition.

Foundation Brush

Included in my makeup bag are the tools I use to apply my makeup. Using the proper tools makes all the difference. A foundation brush is a must have for me and my most used is this Hourglass foundation brush and this BK Beauty foundation brush (code: MAREE10).

Blush/Bronzer Brush

The next brush that is essential for me is a blush and bronzer brush. This is the brush I use to apply my cream bronzers and this is the brush I use to apply my blush. (Use code: MAREE10)

Eyeshadow Brushes

I could maybe get away with using a sponge or my fingers for the complexion products on my face (though I honestly never would), but eyeshadow brushes are a non-negotiable. I like this one for applying color to my lid and this one for blending color in the crease. (Use code: MAREE10)

How to Find Your Everyday Makeup Look

Once you have found your everyday makeup look, then you can begin exploring the different brands and formulations that you prefer. This will also help you decide what to invest in and which products you are willing to splurge on. Here are a few helpful tips:

Find images of inspiration

Whether on Pinterest or social media, try to find makeup looks that you love. This will give you an idea of your own personal makeup preference and style.

Visit a makeup counter or makeup store

While so much is available online, there is nothing like a good ol’ fashioned makeup consultation or a basic makeup lesson. It is how I learned and how I was able to get more knowledge of makeup techniques. You can visit a department store, Sephora or even a local salon for help on understanding your skin tone, the order of makeup application and how to achieve the looks you want.

Start small

You do not have to revamp or identify your everyday makeup look all at once. Order a few eyeshadows that interest you and try them out. It may take wearing that shade for a few weeks to determine if you like it, but once you know you can then move on to the next category or product.

Research different brands

Is there something specific that you want out of a brand? Are you wanting cruelty free products? Vegan products? Make a list of the brands that fit your own criteria and then look at the products that they offer.

I’ve been a loyal fan to the Mother Science brand ever since first trying their Molecular Hero Serum. They sent it to me in a press mailing and to be honest, it took me months to try because I like to ensure I properly test new skincare products for an appropriate amount of time. I like to remove any similar products from my routine and add the new item in and use it consistently for at least 2-3 months before assessing the results. Once I finally gave it a try, I loved the formula and how it made my skin look. It faded my dark spots and uneven skin tone and made my skin look absolutely amazing. It has been in my routine ever since.

The hero ingredient in the entire Mother Science range is a powerful antioxidant called Malassezin. It reduces free radical damage leaving the skin smoother and firmer. And improves the skin moisture barrier. A healthy skin barrier is one of the most important things in keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.

After the Molecular Hero Serum, Mother Science released their Retinol Synergist serum that targets fine lines/wrinkles and helps speed up cellular turnover. What has made this retinol serum so effective in my personal routine is the added ingredient of Malassezin which helps support the skin barrier. So I get the effective benefits of retinol without any irritation or redness.

Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer Review

The newest product in the Mother Science skincare range is their Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer. A great complement to their two serums and a product that can easily be added in to any skincare routine. It harnesses the fantastic benefits of Malassezin with added ingredients such as growth factors and peptides to really strengthen and support the skin barrier. Regardless of your skin concerns, strengthening and maintaining a healthy skin barrier is one of the most important aspects on any skincare routine. This post will give a more thorough review of the Molecular Genesis Moisturizer and who I think would benefit from it. If you do decide to try it, you can use my discount code: MAREESYE for 15% off.

The Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer is a formula that can easily be added into any skincare routine because of its universal benefits in helping to smooth, strengthen and hydrate the skin.

Packaging

The packaging for the Molecular Genesis Moisturizer is understated and minimal which I love. A simple glass jar with a twist off lid.

Price Point

Mother Science as a brand is priced at a more moderate to slightly luxury pricepoint. Personally I think this moisturizer is well priced at $68 for 1.69 oz. I do have an ongoing discount code (code: MAREESYE) which will get you 15% off the entire site!

Texture

This is a very rich and nourishing moisturizer. The texture is quite heavy but does absorb almost immediately when applied. It does not leave the skin feeling tacky or greasy afterwards but instead well nourished and hydrated.

Skin Type

Products that help strengthen and support the skin barrier are beneficial to all skin types but those with oily or combination skin types may not prefer a thicker texture moisturizer. It does not feel heavy once on the skin but that is definitely a personal preference. If you have dry, normal or a mature skin type, I definitely think you will love the rich and cushiony nature of this moisturizer.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in the Mother Science brand is Malassezin which helps to strengthen and fortify the skin barrier while also helping to brighten. Growth factors boost collagen and elastin while copper peptides target fine lines and wrinkles and reduce redness. It also contains hyaluronic acid to give instant hydration, squalane to lock in that moisture. And lipid concentrate to restore essential lipids preventing moisture loss.

Benefits

The Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer is designed to smooth and firm the skin by targeting fine lines and wrinkles. It helps slightly brighten and even out the skin tone while intensely nourishing the skin and strengthening the skin barrier.

How To Use the Mother Science Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer

AM/PM

The Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer can be used both morning and evening as your final step. In the morning you will use it after your serums but before your SPF. In the evening, you will use it as your last step after all your serums and treatments. If you do want to use a facial oil, I personally prefer my facial oil after my moisturizer. So you would use it after the Barrier Repair Moisturizer.

Layering with other Mother Science Serums

The Molecular Genesis Barrier Repair Moisturizer is designed to be used with both the Molecular Hero Serum and the Retinol Synergist Serum. If you are using all three products, here’s how you would use them in a routine. Morning: Molecular Hero Serum and Molecular Genesis Moisturizer. Evening: Molecular Hero Serum, Retinol Synergist and Molecular Genesis Moisturizer.

Incorporate into any skincare routine

What I love so much about the this moisturizer is how easily it fits into any skincare routine even if you are not using any Mother Science products. It’s a rich barrier support moisturizer so it will give you the nourishment your skin needs to stay healthy and strong. Especially if you are using multiple active ingredients such as retinoids and/or acids, this moisturizer will help be the perfect final step to protect your skin barrier.