Beauty Bits

The year is already half over so I love to look back and share what my favorite items were from beauty, fashion, accessories, etc. Rather than breaking this up into multiple posts, I thought I would put all my favorites from the first half of 2026 in one post! These are all items that really impressed me and would continuously recommend over and over.

Best of 2026: January – June

Makeup

Westman Atelier HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick in English Rose

If you don’t love a full coverage lipstick and prefer something with just a hint of color, these new Westman Atelier HydroBalm lipsticks are definitely worth trying. They give a sheer wash of color (but still enough to show up) and feel incredibly nourishing on the lips. It was actually this particular color, English Rose, that made it a monthly favorite. This manages to be the perfect shade of cool toned rose without being too pink.

Versed Lip Frame in Dash

More brands are launching these contour style lip liners which thrills me to no end. I struggle with using a traditional lip pencil and drawing a straight line. With a thicker contour liner, you get a smudged soft look from the first application. No harsh lip liner lines with this. This color Dash is a soft neutral pink that adds just a hint of color to the lips.

Colourpop Eyeshadow Stix in Socialite

I’m a one and done eyeshadow queen so I am always looking for new single shadows to use day to day. This eyeshadow stick formula is creamy and smooth while staying put for the entire day. The shade Socialite is a shimmer finish but looks closer to a satin finish when fully blended on the lids.

Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

An absolute dream for mature skin! This concealer truly blurs in the most amazing way. The finish is more satin that matte or radiant so it gives a soft focus luminosity to the skin. In addition to the incredible blurring properties, it is very long wearing.

OneSkin OS-01 Lip Shield SPF 15 in Bare Blush (discount code: MAREE15)

I love everything OneSkin does so I knew I would adore this new lip launch. And I was right! But I didn’t just adore it – it immediately became a monthly favorite. The color is the perfect neutral everyday pink that I can wear with any makeup look. It feels nourishing with no tackiness (and no weird sunscreen scent).

Givenchy Prisme Libre Pressed Powder (shade 2)

Pressed powders keep getting better and better. I am not someone who likes to use any powder because it doesn’t look great on my mature skin. This is one of the few exceptions that truly works for mature skin and it’s concerns. It’s blurring, helps to slightly mattify but still leaves a soft luminous finish to the skin.

Ilia Beauty Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Adorn

Most of the eyeshadow colors I gravitate towards are champagne or rosy in tone, but I wanted something more in the cool taupe family. This shade was absolutely perfect and applies beautifully.

Violette_FR Lip Nectar Hydrating Lip Stain in Pois de Senteur

This is a gorgeous hydrating lip stain as the name suggests that hydrates and leaves a gorgeous subtle shine to the lips. The color I chose is a bright raspberry that looks great alone or layered under another gloss.

Hung Vanngo Glossy Lip Hue in Behind the Scenes

These are an intensely pigmented glossy lip lacquer that looked too good to pass up. LOL I ordered a bright pink (no surprise there) and immediately fell in love with it. The formula can be a bit messy so only apply a small amount because it can get too thick and goopy if you apply too much.

Tatcha Melting Lip Balm in Reddo and Pinku

Another tinted lip balm?? This was my exact thought when I received these. And then I tried them. Immediate 10/10. The texture is silky, smooth and creamy while leaving a nice natural finish on the lips. Nothing too shiny or glassy. Both colors give just enough tint to the lips to wear alone but can also be layered over another lip product.

Sarah Creal Beauty Blurring Pressed-Mousse Blush in Love Bites

If you don’t want something dewy or anything that leaves a glowy finish, this Sarah Creal cream-to-powder blush formula is a must try. It is one of the most beautifully blurring formulas I’ve ever tried while still leaving a soft focus powdery finish. As someone who is usually a glowy cheek fan, this has become one of my favorite blush formulas.

Kulfi Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil in shade: Rose

The most unique lip formula I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a lip oil but dries down to a stain that lasts all day long. I love wearing it alone or layering it under another gloss. The finish is natural and the shade Rose is the perfect everyday neutral pink.

Rhode Pocket Bronze in Pebble

These bronzers were the launch of the season! I am a HUGE fan of the pocket blushes so I had high hopes for these new bronzers. Thankfully they live up to the hype for me especially the shade Pebble. It’s a rosy toned bronzer that is nothing like any of the bronzer shades I own. It looks gorgeous on fair skin and doesn’t turn orange or skew too warm.

Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Pink Sunset

I feel a bit late to this one but these blush balms from Summer Fridays are amazing! Easy to blend with just enough pigment and surprisingly more long wearing than I anticipated. The color I have is Pink Sunset which gives my cheeks the perfect pop of color that looks healthy and fresh. For my mature skin friends, this formula (and shade) is a must try.

Mutha Pucker Up Lip Plump (discount code: MAREE15)

It feels like a new tinted lip balm is launching every day so I didn’t expect too much from this new one from Mutha skincare. That was until I tried it! The formula is beautiful. Silky smooth with a good amount of pigment and no tingling feeling though it does give a slight plump to the lips. My favorite color is Talk Cherry to Me which gives my lips the perfect pop of pink.

Skincare

Remedy Derm Dissolve Cleansing Balm

The first thing that jumped out at me about this cleansing balm is how FAST it removed my makeup. Usually cleansing balms easily break down my makeup but it does take a bit of massaging it around to really ensure the product is fully removed. This cleansing balm worked almost immediately cutting through all my makeup and removing my mascara within a few seconds. And the price point is under $20 which makes this cleanser even better!

Rhode Peptide Lip Boost

I love almost everything I’ve tried from Rhode so it’s no surprise that I immediately fell in love with this new lip mask. It’s VERY thick but it repairs my lips incredibly well.

OneSkin OS-01 Lip Mask (discount code: MAREE15)

I must own a millions lip balms and lip masks currently but this newest one from OneSkin is what I’ve been wearing to bed each night. Formulated with their proprietary OS-01 peptide, this lip mask deeply hydrates all night long. I wake up in the morning and my lips still have some on from the night before!

Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source

This is the only skincare product I have tried from Sarah Creal but it is a best seller for good reason. It’s one of the most hydrating and plumping essences I’ve ever tried. It is best used after you have cleansed/toned, but before you apply your serums. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands so you can press it gently into the skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply.

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

This is one of the most beautiful sunscreen formulas I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a nourishing hydrating serum rather than a traditional sunscreen. It wears beautifully under makeup and leaves a fresh radiant glow to the skin. A must try for mature skin!!!

Rhode Pimple Patches

Even after loving nearly everything Rhode launches, I still am always skeptical about the efficacy or performance of the products. These patches looked quite gimmicky so I wasn’t sure they would really work well. I used one on a large painful blemish I had and by the next morning, it was nearly gone. Since then, I use them on any stubborn breakouts I have. They have replaced ALL of my pimple patches.

Dieux Air Angel Peptide Plumping Gel Cream

I’ve shared my LOVE For Dieux Instant Angel over and over so I didn’t think I could love the lighter formula as much. Clearly, I was wrong! The Dieux Air Angel formula manages to be just as amazing but in a texture that works perfectly for the warmer months. Though it is thinner in texture, it is still formulated to deliver intense hydration and nourishment which makes it a dream for dry skin in humid climates.

Oliviaumma Milky Resurfacing + Brightening Toner Pads

If you love milky toners, you NEED this toner pads immediately. I love using a toner pad in my skincare routine after cleansing but before I apply my hydrating essences/toners. These are nicely saturated and give the skin an instant boost of hydration. My skin feels plump, supple and perfectly prepped for the rest of my routine.

Biodance Collagen Peptide Jelly Mist

Korean Beauty continues to be on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to skincare. This new collagen jelly mist from Biodance is a perfect example. It’s a solid jelly in the bottle but turns to a liquid mist when sprayed onto the face. It’s one of the most unique products I’ve tried this year. The mist itself doesn’t feel sticky or tacky but instead plumps and hydrates the skin immediately. This will be an immediate repurchase as soon as I run out.

Fragrance

Phlur Cherry Stem

I ordered a travel size of Phlur’s new Cherry Stem scent during the Sephora sale without ever smelling it and hoped for the best. Thankfully it is even better than I imagined and ordered the full size. It’s a rich black cherry scent mixed with plum nectar, ebony wood, sugared jasmine and a hint of leather.

NOYZ Only Human Fragrance

I’ve never tried anything from this brand before but now after trying this one fragrance, I want to order more scents! The best way to describe this fragrance is a skin-like gourmand. Top notes are pink pepper and italian bergamot. Middle notes are waterlily and bamboo. Base notes are vanilla bean and cedarwood.

Commodity Milk Orchid

With notes of fig milk, vanilla orchid, magnolia, warm cotton and coconut cream, this is a soft floral vanilla that feels creamy rather than too sweet.

Orebella Nectar Dew

I didn’t realize that I was a fig lover until recently when two of my favorite fragrances both happen to contain fig! This is a hair/body mist which is perfect for the summer but doesn’t last as long as traditional perfumes. Even though it isn’t as long lasting, the scent is amazing. A fruity floral with notes of fig, pear and peony that smells light and airy.

NOYZ Rinse Cycle

I already fell in love with NOYZ’s scent Only Human and am equally obsessed with this new launch. It’s a fresh, clean musk scent with notes of guava, pear, cherry blossom, sandalwood and vanilla bean.

Nopalera Dulce de Cuerpo Perfume (discount code: MAREE10)

My fragrance preference is usually gourmand or fruity scents so I was shocked that I loved this perfume so much. It leans more smoky/earthy but is balanced out perfectly with a bit of creaminess. I have NOTHING like it in my collection but find myself reaching for it non-stop. Top notes are sweet earth. Middle notes are incense, amber and violet. Base notes are copal, vanilla and sandalwood.

Salt & Stone Body Mist in Lily & Yuzu

A relaunch for Salt & Stone which is absolutely perfect for summer. With top notes of green apple, yuzu and bergamot. Middle notes of matcha, bamboo and jasmine. And base notes of lily, musk, cedar and amber. It’s a gorgeous fresh citrus scent with an aquatic twist.

Bodycare

Saltair Body Wash in Driftwood

I already love the Saltair body washes and have included them in many monthly favorites. For my favorites, it was this particular scent, Driftwood, that made me choose it. With notes of bergamot, driftwood and sage, this body wash smells fresh, woodsy and comforting.

Joonbyrd Moon Swim Hydrating Body Wash (discount code: MAREE20)

This is a new-to-me brand that I discovered recently. It’s a body care brand focused on utilizing skincare ingredients to treat and nourish the skin. The brand was founded by a dermatologist so the formulations all have a skincare approach to body care. This body wash feels so silky smooth that I wasn’t sure it was a gel at first. LOL The scent is amazing leaving just a hint of it after my shower. It lathers up perfectly without stripping the skin.

Saltair Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum

I love hyaluronic acid for the face so it makes sense to add it to my bodycare routine. Hyaluronic acid is great because it helps the skin retain moisture so your skin will stay hydrated for longer. I love applying this on damp skin in the morning after my shower. It’s lightweight and absorbs instantly while leaving my skin feeling intensely hydrated.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm (discount code: MAREE20)

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has been my holy grail cleanser for more than 10 years. It’s no surprise that the new body version of this cleansing balm impressed me just as much. It’s thick but lathers beautifully giving my skin a deep cleanse without it feeling stripped. I have been reaching for this more than ever in the summer to help me get off all the excess sweat and sunscreen that I have on.

Hair

K18 HeatBounce Heat Protectant

I only wash my hair 3x/week so on the days that I don’t wash it, I needed a heat protectant to use on dry hair. This was recommended to me by my hair stylist so I ordered it during the Sephora sale. It’s absolutely amazing though it took me a few tries to figure out how best to use. Because my hair is so thin, I spray it into my hands and then onto my hair so I can control how much I apply. Only two sprays is needed for my entire head but it really protects my hair. It leaves it looking shiny and my curls seem to last longer.

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

I’ll be the first to admit that I did not like this dry shampoo upon first trying it. It has been recommended to me so many times so I had really high hopes. But I hated the way it made my hair feel after the first use. However I was determined to find a way to make it work. I discovered that if I spritzed it onto my fingers and massaged it into my scalp, I got better results. Only 1.5 spritzes is all I need but I’ve never gotten volume at my roots like when I use this! It does help absorb oil but the instant volume I get is insane + it lasts all day.

Clothing

Thirdlove ComfortStretch Back Smoothing T-Shirt Bra

I have a larger chest (32E) so I take my bras very seriously and need something with support. This bra does just that while also delivering on it’s back smoothing claim. There are TONS of sizes available so if you are someone who struggles to find great bras, this is definitely one to try.

GAP High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Jeans

It’s been a long time since I’ve worn GAP jeans but I saw this pair and took a chance. They fit like a dream and I love that they come in different inseam lengths. I ordered the petite which can be hit or miss because I’m 5’4?. Thankfully it was the perfect length to wear with flats or heels.

Sezane Rym Blouse

Welp, I influenced myself on this one. I saw this blouse and shared in as a great blouse to get for spring. After sharing it, I kept thinking about it and went back to order it for myself. It already arrived and can confirm it is even more beautiful in person.

With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Blouse

I can never own too many striped blouses. They are so easy to throw on with trousers or jeans and instantly look put together. This was a new-to-me brand discovery this month. The fit on this blouse is perfectly drapey while the collar stays stiff and upright.

DL1961 Karmine Refined Wide Leg High Rise Jeans

Finding the right pair of white jeans is always a struggle so when I do, I have to share!! The white on these is perfect and not transparent which is always a challenge. The fit is a slimmer wide leg that looks classic and timeless.

Spanx BoostUp Cropped Tank

I can’t stand a fitted tank if I’m on a walk or doing something active. This cropped tank is so comfy, lightweight and perfect for summer activities. I survived an elementary school trip to an outdoor nature center in 97 degree heat wearing this tank.

Madewell Smocked-Waist Midi Skirt in Poplin

I shared a few months ago that I was on the hunt for a white midi skirt to wear throughout the summer. I tried a few different brands but ended up loving this style from Madewell! It’s the perfect length with pockets and a lining for additional coverage.

Express Linen Portofino Shirt

It seemed like Express fell off the map for a few years but they are back now which makes me very happy. Some of my favorite and most worn basics in my closet were from Express so I am thrilled to see them making a comeback. Their Portofino shirts are a permanent style that they make in various prints and fabrics. This linen one fits perfectly, doesn’t gape in the bust area and has a button to help secure the sleeves in a 3/4 length which is my preferred length. I’m wearing it in this post and highly recommend it for anyone needing summer workwear blouses.

Spanx Stretch Twill Wide Leg Pants

I am always on the hunt for pants that aren’t jeans but still can look polished. These wide leg twill pants check all the boxes for me. The petite length is perfect for me to wear heels or flats. The style can easily be styled for the workplace or for a more casual weekend look.

Spanx BodyLine Sheerious Full Zip Jacket

I didn’t think this jacket would be a favorite but I have been wearing it more than I thought I would! It’s sheer so it is the perfect summer evening jacket when I want something light and airy. I brought it with me on a recent road trip and wore it every single night when it got a bit chilly. Since the fabric is so light and airy, I can fold it up to fit in my tote bag to have it with me in case we went inside somewhere with air conditioning. I cannot recommend it enough!

Jewelry

LUV AJ Marais Wave Ring Set (discount code: MAREE20)

OMG THIS RING!! It’s a set that you can wear separately or stack all together. I have been wearing it stacked together because it is truly a stunner. If you love statement rings, this is the perfect ring to add to your collection.

PDPaola Olga Mini Hoops

PDPaola has become one of my favorite jewelry brands because her pieces are all so unique but still wearable for everyday. I fell in love with these earrings as soon as I saw them. They are not too long and feel weightless on my ears – highly recommend!!

Aurate Lab Grown White Sapphire Edwardian earrings (discount code: MAREE20)

I own quite a few pieces from Aurate because they make gorgeous jewelry pieces that I can also wear day to day. These small drop earrings look stunning and much more expensive than they are! Very lightweight and sparkle like real diamonds.

Mignonne Gavigan Norie Necklace

Mignonne Gavigan makes many of my favorite statement necklaces. This one felt like the perfect blend between neutral and colorful. The base collar is neutral in tone but there are pops of color in the form of the charms. I have been wearing it non-stop since I received it and always get questions in my videos about where it’s from.

Accessories

Freyrs Naples Sunglasses

I have not changed up my sunglasses in yearssss but am obsessed with this style. It’s a slight cat eye but doesn’t look too trendy. It’s definitely a style I can wear forever.

Parisa Wang Gabrielle 35 Bag

This bag could easily cost double or triple what it does because of how luxe and beautiful it is. Parisa Wang as a brand focuses on making modern luxury pieces without the insane markup. Their bags are crafted in the same ateliers as many of the world-renowned fashion houses, but don’t come with the same exorbitant price tag. They produce their bags in small batches and are sent directly to the consumer rather than utilizing middlemen which can often drive up the cost. The quality and detail of the Gabrielle bag is absolutely stunning. It is probably why it’s one of their best sellers.

Etoile Oval Toiletry Case

I’ve been keeping all my daily makeup in this toiletry case. It fits everything and looks so chic.

Dolce Vita Mylee Heels

These sandals check all the boxes for me as the perfect spring/summer heeled sandal. Casual enough to dress down but embellished enough to dress up for special occasions. Neutral so they look great with any outfit and a low, walkable heel.

Lo & Sons Aoyama 2 Nylon Crescent Crossbody Bag

After using this bag on multiple major outings these past few months (amusement parks + elementary school field trip) where I needed to bring ALL the things, be hands free and find what I needed quickly, I had to add it to my monthly favorites. There are SO many compartments so it’s easy to organize all your belongings. The best part though is there is a side pocket separate from the interior that was an absolute game changer for needing access to things quickly.

Sardine Terra Fawna Sunglasses

I adore the print on these sunglasses as they are neutral in tone but the pattern makes them look so much more interesting.

Lifestyle

Cumulus Cold Coffee Machine

My husband and I are iced coffee lovers so this cold coffee machine was a must have! It brews iced coffee, cold brews, nitro cold brews, etc so if you are someone who prefers cold coffees, this is a must try.

Hello Carepod Humidifier

I’ve tried quite a few different humidifiers over the years but end up getting rid of them at some point because cleaning them is a nightmare. I actually saw an Instagram ad about this brand and hoped it would really be different despite my past experience with other “easy to clean” humidifiers. I can confidently say after using this for more than a month AND cleaning it, it’s the BEST! No tricky crevices that will grow mold without me noticing and it is truly a breeze to clean.

Sockerbit Gummy Candy

I am a HUGE gummy candy lover so want to try all the brands I can. These are absolutely delicious and come in so many cute shapes and flavors! If you are a gummy candy fan, you must order a bag to try.

I have been a makeup lover for nearly 20+ years now and can apply a full face in my sleep at this point. LOL But it took me a long time of trial and error with techniques and application for me to find a method that worked for me. Applying your makeup in a certain order is key and I have a step by step makeup routine that I follow nearly every day. Following these steps helps me maximize the effectiveness of the products as well create a look that is polished and well blended.

I know it can be confusing if you are just starting out or aren’t as familiar with makeup application, so I will share my step by step routine of exactly how I apply my makeup each day. What products I use first, second, third, etc. Obviously this is my personal preference and other people could have differing opinions on the correct order. But this has been working for me for nearly 20 years so it’s tried and true for me. Here is a step-by-step application guide that you can follow to help clear up the confusion and streamline the process.

What Order to Apply Makeup

Step 1 – Prep Your Skin

This may seem like an inconsequential part of your makeup steps, but ensuring your skin is nicely prepped before makeup is key to longevity and having your makeup look more natural overall. I will do my entire morning skincare routine first thing but I like to make sure my skin is well hydrated immediately before I apply any primer or foundation. Often my SPF can prep my skin nicely for foundation. But if I don’t apply my foundation right after my SPF then I will use something to add a bit more moisture to my skin.

For this step, I have been using the Rhode Glazing Milk to prep my skin and add some moisture. That added bit of moisture really helped my foundation and all my makeup products apply much more smoothly. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, then the rest of your makeup will never look its best. Even for acne prone skin, it is important to ensure the skin is moisturized. There are tons of oil-free moisturizer options that help to add moisture but don’t feel too heavy on the skin.

Step 2 – Apply Your Primer

Please note that you do not HAVE to wear primer if you don’t have one you love. But if you do use a primer, this is the time to apply it. There are a ton of different primers available that do all sorts of things. So it’s important to find one that suits your skin type and your skin’s needs. Since I have dry skin, I love adding an illuminating primer to give my skin a bit of a glow before adding my foundation. If you have oily skin or plan to be out in the heat, opt for a mattifying primer or a primer that has a good “grip.” This will keep your foundation from moving all around during the day.

How Long After Primer To Apply Makeup?

You don’t have to wait more than a minute or two after applying your primer to put on your foundation or complexion products. If the primer specifically states that you should wait longer, be sure to follow the instructions. But if not, it can be applied immediately after.

Step 3 – Apply Foundation

This step is one of the most important steps of my entire makeup routine because my foundation will create a blank canvas for my face. No matter what other products I put on, my foundation will play the biggest role in how my makeup looks throughout the day. My biggest tip in applying foundation is to start with a small amount and build up as you need it. Especially if you are using a foundation that offers medium coverage or full coverage, it’s best to start with a sheer layer and build up. Some people only apply foundation where they feel they need it. And others (like myself) apply foundation over my entire face.

I like to apply my foundation to the four main parts of my face and blend it out from there. I will put a bit on each cheek, my forehead and then on my chin. You can use either a brush or sponge depending on your preference. Then begin the blending process in the center of the face and work your way out.

Step 4 – Apply Concealer

The foundation/concealer application step is often one that can be the most confusing because everyone has an opinion on which way works better. But for me personally, I like to apply concealer after my foundation. Use concealer to cover a dark under eye area or areas of your face that foundation did not. If I apply concealer first, I will often use too much because I’m trying to conceal a ton of different areas and then adding foundation on top of that is way too much for me.

My foundation usually will cover everything I need and I will only use concealer under my eyes to brighten my dark circles or if my foundation did not cover a specific blemish, then I will dab on a touch of concealer. If you use a color corrector under your eyes, this would also be the step to apply it. In terms of concealer shade, I like something that matches my skin tone almost perfectly rather than choosing something too light.

Step 5 – Eyeshadow Primer

I use an eyeshadow primer nearly every single day to help my eyeshadow stay on longer so this always goes on before I apply eyeshadow. I like to use a designated eyeshadow primer rather than an eyeshadow stick as my base. Often primers are designed to last longer and help with any creasing or fading throughout the day. This eyeshadow primer is still one of my favorites and one that I have been using for nearly 10 years.

Step 6 – Apply Eyeshadow

My chosen eyeshadow often dictates my entire makeup look so I will usually begin there. The only time I will choose to do my eyeshadow before my foundation/concealer is if I am doing a dramatic eye look and I am worried there could be fallout on my cheeks. If that is the case I will do my eyes first, clean up any product fallout and apply my foundation + concealer. However my daily makeup looks are quite natural, so I will do my eyeshadow after my complexion routine.

Step 7 – Apply Eyeliner

I don’t wear pencil liner or liquid eyeliner. But if you do, I like to apply it after all of the eyeshadow is blended.

Step 8 – Apply Mascara

After I have completed my eye makeup, I will add a few coats of mascara.

Step 9 – Brows

Doing my brows is actually my least favorite step of my entire makeup routine (getting them even is always a challenge LOL). But it has to be done so I will apply my brow product after mascara. If there is any foundation or makeup on your brows, give them a quick wipe before applying your brow products. This is the final step of my entire eye makeup look.

Step 10 – Loose Powder/Pressed Powder

I don’t apply loose or pressed powder every single time I do my makeup. But if I plan on doing so I will apply it at this step. Most of the time I will only apply powder down the center of my face (t-zone) because that is where I will get shiny (if I do). If my foundation is especially dewy or moisturizing and I want to apply a powder bronzer/blush on my cheeks, I will also apply powder there because I find that a powder bronzer/blush blends better when there is already powder on the face. I used to use a fluffy powder brush to apply my powder. But lately, I have been having more success with a powder puff and pressing the powder into my skin. I find that it looks less visible and lasts longer.

Step 11 – Bronzer

Bronzer is a great product that can sculpt your face and add warmth to the complexion. I usually will use either a cream bronzer, liquid bronzer OR a powder bronzer. But if you want to use both, it is best to apply the cream bronzer first and then set that with the powder bronzer. Everyone applies their bronzer in different places so find what works best for you.

I personally only apply bronzer to the outer portion of my cheeks to add some warmth. Some people like to add a bit of bronzer to their forehead along their hairline which is naturally where the sun would hit you. Be sure you are blending enough when applying it to the forehead so that there is a seamless transition from where the bronzer ends. Try to choose a shade that isn’t too dark either or it will create too much of a contrast and not look natural.

 Step 12 – Blush

I like applying blush right after bronzer onto the apples of my cheeks and blending out towards the hairline. I will use either a cream, liquid or powder blush depending on my preference for the day. Some people will use the same technique with blush as they do with bronzer, going in first with a cream blush and setting it with a powder blush to help make it last longer. I have tried that occasionally. But often it can be too much product for me to wear. I prefer to choose just one formula to apply – either a cream or powder blush. The bronzer formula that I have used can dictate the blush I choose because a cream blush blends better with a cream bronzer and a powder blush blends better with a powder bronzer.

 Step 13 – Highlighter

I am a three step cheek gal regardless of the type of makeup I am doing. I always love to apply a bronzer, then a blush and finish with a touch of highlighter on my cheekbones. And I like to add it after I have finished my entire cheek look and tap a bit of it on my cheekbones and slightly over my cheeks to add some glow. I don’t like to add it too close to the corners of my eyes so it doesn’t emphasize any fine lines. Highlighters used to be so bold and intense when they first became popular. But over the years, so many sheer and natural formulas have come out that give the skin a soft summer makeup glow. For the most natural and skin-like highlighter application, I recommend tapping it on with your fingers or with a damp makeup sponge.

Step 14 – Lip Liner

To be honest, I was never a huge lip liner user for most of my life. It always felt unnecessary and an added step that didn’t really make a difference. As I have gotten older, I do feel that a lip liner is a must have daily to help define my lip line better and give my lips more definition. You can either use lip liner just around the edge of your lips. Or if you want to help your lip color last longer, apply it all over the lips. Typically lip liner formulas are quite pigmented and long wearing. So even if your gloss or lipstick has worn off, your lip liner is still there.

When applying lip liner, use short feathery strokes rather than drawing it on like a pencil. This looks more natural and soft and requires less blending afterwards. Usually once I have applied my lip liner, I will smudge it out just a bit with my finger to soften the look even more. I try to follow the natural shape of my lips rather than lining too far outside the edge of my lip.

Step 15 – Lipstick

For many people that aren’t fans of lipstick, they would probably skip this step and throw on a gloss or lip oil as the final step. I love blending lip formulas together so I love applying a lipstick before an oil or gloss. Adding a medium to full coverage lipstick can also aid in ensuring your lip combination lasts longer throughout the day. You can apply it directly from the tube. But another great tip to add just a hint of color is to dab your lipstick on the lips for a softer look.

Step 16 – Lipgloss or Lip Oil

If you are a three step lip lover like myself, this would be the final step – adding your lipgloss or lip oil. I am not a huge matte lip lover so I prefer a tad bit of shine most days. Adding a lipgloss or lip oil can definitely decrease the longevity of your lip combination because it will make the product move around. If this is a concern, my best advice would be to add it only to the center of your lips and blot it around. This will add just a hint of shine but not enough to really disrupt the rest of the formulas you are wearing.

Step 17 – Setting Spray

If you are a setting spray user, this is the step where you would apply it to your completed makeup look. Some setting sprays are great for helping your makeup last longer and some are great for simply adding some moisture back into your skin. Especially if you have used a ton of powder products on your face, using a hydrating setting spray or even a hydrating mist can help minimize that overly powdered look.

How To Layer Makeup

Prep Your Skin

Making sure you prep your skin before makeup with the proper skincare is key for having your makeup layer more easily. If your skin is well hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, your makeup will blend seamlessly and look better.

Apply Liquid and Creams Before Powders

Powder products are best layered over liquid and cream.

Start With Thin Layers

You can wear a full face of makeup and make it feel weightless on the skin by applying the products in thin buildable layers. You can always add more as needed. But it is best to start with less and add more as you want.

Order of Makeup Application For Beginners

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

This is always important so your makeup blends better and looks more natural.

Step 2: Apply Your Foundation or Complexion Product

Evening out the skin tone with your complexion product will give you a nice blank canvas to work off.

Step 3: Swipe a Light Shadow Across the Lids + Mascara

I like to do my eye makeup first before lips or cheeks even if I am doing one eyeshadow or just mascara.

Step 4: Buff Your Bronzer and/or Blush Into the Cheeks

You don’t have to use both especially as a beginner so choose either bronzer or blush and apply this next.

Step 5: Choose Your Lip Color

Add the lip color of your choice to finish the look.

Step 6: Setting Spray

Even as a beginner, finding a setting spray that can help extend the wear of your makeup is key. Use it as the very final step for your entire look.

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to find my everyday makeup essentials here!