Makeup

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.

Patrick Ta Beauty has steadily grown in popularity over the past few years and as someone who owns quite a few of his products, I can definitely see why! Patrick Ta himself is a celebrity  makeup artist known for his glowy glam looks on numerous celebrities and influencers over the years. He finally started his own makeup line a few years ago and it’s quickly garnered a very loyal following. His products have been hit or miss for me. There are some products like his Plumping Lip Glosses that I really love, while I was slightly disappointed in the Patrick Ta Glow Balm and the Patrick Ta Eyeshadow Palette.

His Major Headlines Double-Take Creme Blushes are a hit for me and I have two colors already and would love to add more over time. While there are tons of blush options on the market, these particular blushes are unique because they offer both a powder and creme option in the same palette. The pigment on them is beautiful and I thought I would review the shades I have and give you my opinion on whether I think these are worth the splurge.

Patrick Ta Major Headlines – Double-Take Creme

The Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo (that is quite a mouthful LOL) is a compact duo of powder and creme formulas designed to be a long-wearing blush formula that imparts a naturally radiant glow to the skin. What makes these unique is how Patrick Ta suggested they be used – stating that he recommends applying the powder blush first to the cheeks and then tapping on the creme blush over. Obviously you can use these however you see fit and what works with your makeup routine, but it is a different take on applying blush by using the cream product last. Additionally these are a richly pigmented formula designed to layer easily and last all day.

Patrick Ta Blush Duo Review

Price Point

The brand is positioned as a premium mid range beauty brand though I think the prices of these blushes are reasonable for the quality. The blush duos are $38 for .21 oz of creme and .14 oz of powder.

Packaging

I really do love the rose gold packaging that he uses and feel that it really feels and looks quite luxe. The creme blush in the duo is covered with a little plastic lever which prevents it from drying out. Personally I use the cream blush more than the powder so I would love if he offered them in singles at some point in the future.

Shade Range

Patrick Ta has spoken about how he strives to make his shade range as inclusive as possible for every skin tone and I definitely agree with that. There are currently 16 shades in the Blush Duos and there is definitely something for everyone – from neutral everyday shades to bold vibrant shades.

Pigment

True to his career as a makeup artist, these blushes pack a lot of pigment in them which I appreciate. That being said, they can be built up or sheered out if you want so there is a ton of flexibility when using them.

Longevity

I definitely agree with the brand’s claim that these are long-wearing. And even if you don’t want to layer both shades together and only use one blush in the duo, both the powder and creme formulas are each very long lasting and will stay put until you take them off.

Finish

Most of his blush duos are a satin finish though his newer blush shades seem a tad more matte in their finish. Obviously the creme formula will appear more dewy on the skin because of the creamy consistency. But the powder formula does look smooth and radiant on the skin as well.

How to Apply Patrick Ta Blush Duo

Start small and build up

As I shared, these colors pack a serious punch of intensity. So start with a small amount on the cheeks and blend out towards the hairline. If you still want more color, add on a second layer.

Apply the Powder Blush First

This is what Patrick Ta suggests when applying the blush duo. The creme formulation is much more radiant so it does leave the cheeks looking more glowy when used last.

Apply the Powder Blush Using a Brush

Applying the powder blush with a brush is the only way I would recommend applying. A medium sized blush brush is all you need to dust it lightly over the cheeks. If you find that your powder blush is sticking to your foundation, dust a light layer of loose powder over your cheeks first and then apply your powder blush.

Tap the Cream Blush Over Top

If you are starting first with the powder blush as Patrick Ta suggests, be sure to tap or dab on the cream blush over top rather than buffing it in. Dabbing the product on versus rubbing it in will allow it to be applied more evenly and not move the product underneath. You can use a damp makeup sponge or a flat top makeup brush to dab on the creme formula.

Patrick Ta Blush Duo Swatches

The two shades that I have are Not Too Much and She’s Blushing. Both are quite subtle and perfect for everyday. Here is the full list of shades available and a short description of each:

• Just Enough – soft blue pink
• Not Too Much – soft rosey taupe
• She’s the Moment – soft tangerine/golden peach
• She’s Vibrant – bright pinky coral
• She’s a Doll – bright neutral pink
• Oh She’s Different – deep plum
• She’s Giving – vibrant blue pink
• She’s That Girl – soft pink
• She’s Flushed – soft peachy pink
• She’s Blushing – dusty rose
• She’s Wanted – rich berry
• She’s So LA – bronzed nude
• She Goes to the Gym – cool mauve rose
• She Left Me on Red – warm vivid red
• She Knows Who She Is – terracotta
• She’s Seductive – warm mauve rose

More Patrick Ta Products I Love

Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Gloss

The Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Glosses are a high shine and hydrating plumping gloss designed to make the lips look fuller, poutier and more voluminous. There are two different types of formulas – sheer and rich in the range. Some colors have shimmer and others are a cream flat finish. These are definitely a thicker type of texture so they are a tad sticky when you apply. The pigment on the rich shades are quite intense and really deliver a great color payoff. Because of the thicker nature of these plumping glosses, they do last longer on my lips than other similar formulas.

The creme formulation delivers really intense color payoff which I love and can easily be worn alone. The sheer formulation is definitely more sheer and doesn’t provide much pigment. Some of the very pale or very sheer shades were not my favorite. And I don’t necessarily think they are worth trying. The brighter sheer shades such as Full Syringe and 2 CC’s are absolutely amazing and make the lips look like glass.

Patrick Ta Bronzer Duo in She’s Statuesque

For those that want both a powder and cream formula, this is a great option. The top one is cream and the bottom is powder. However I rarely use them together which I guess sort of defeats the purpose. LOL Many people use the cream first and set it with the powder. Though I recently saw a TikTok where Patrick Ta himself used the powder first and then dabbed on the cream formula with a sponge and I think I may try that. The cream formula is nice and really cool toned with a slight gray undertone which I absolutely love. The powder bronzer is much warmer so blending the two together is a nice combo.

Other Cream Blush Formulas I Love

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Blush Cheek Tint

Initially these feel somewhat similar to the NARS Afterglow blushes. But as they blend out, you can definitely see they are more pigmented. Not too much that it becomes difficult to blend them out, but just enough that  you know they will be long wearing. They have a soft satin finish and has a slight blurring aspect to them as well. You have some time to play with them when you first apply. But once they dry down, they are incredibly long wearing.

Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush

The Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blushes are a liquid blush formulation that have a skin like finish when applied and last up to 12 hours. They are easy to build up to achieve maximum color payoff or can be sheered out to give a wash of color. There are 7 shades currently in the range with a mix of coral, pink and berry tones. For those that like a blush with moisture and need that extra bit of hydration for their skin, these Unreal Liquid Blushes would be a great option. Because these are so pigmented, I recommend spreading out that one drop so you are only picking up a small amount of it at a time. This way you can better control the color and application. It’s best to start small and build up to your desired intensity.