Monday, February 1, 2010

Fast Paced Face

Since returning to work, I've perfected my makeup application to a slapped on job that looks like I spent the time. (My hair, however, is another story and basically reflects the lack of time spent.)
I own so much makeup and love to play with it, but I also have a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning. I set out my clothes the night before. I shower the night before. I do everything to make it so I can essentially roll out of bed and out the door within a ten minute time span.

In the week of returning to work, I've whittled down my routine so that I use a very limited number of products, yet allow for a little color variation depending on what I'm wearing. This is also great for traveling because it means packing a minimal amount of items, yet still having on a full face of makeup. And while I admire those of you don't wear any makeup, I'm just not that person.
Now I should add that when it comes to makeup, I do feel that costlier products do a better job--for a lot of reasons. I'm all for buying generic just about everything, but when it comes to something I'm going to put on my face... I've found that brands sold at cosmetic counters or at Sephora really DO work better than brands sold at Walgreen's. Because they are better quality, you do not have to use as much during an application, nor do they require much touch up during the day, so there is a balance. Also, BRUSHES ARE YOUR FRIENDS. Sponges are inferior for applying both eyeshadow and foundation. Not interested in spending a small fortune on brushes? Sonia Kashuk brand at Target is pretty good for the price. (Interested in spending a small fortune on brushes? Talk to me.) Also, for those of you who don't know, I have done a fair amount of wedding makeup, and if you go here, and click on the slideshow that says C'est Moi Salon, I did all the makeup for that shoot. So while I'm not formally trained, I do have a tiny bit of experience on which to fall back.

For my easy full face, I gather the following items:
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Foundation
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (I used Pink Quartz for this look, but any of them will suffice)
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge
Chocolate Gel Eyeliner
Mascara
Also, a foundation brush, a cheek brush, two eyeshadow brushes, and a liner brush.

And start with a bare face, which I have decorated with hearts in an attempt to distract you from the bags under my eyes.
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Just for fun, I timed myself. From start to finish, it takes three minutes to go from scary face... to a much more polished look. I like polished. So do my students, who would recoil in shock and horror if I walked in looking like that first photo. UNLESS I carry a frame of candy hearts around my head. Oh, and I really do not like full on face shots and so it was hard for me to not put a candy heart frame on this one, too. And actually, I think that this picture is a better representation of how my makeup looked because it's not such a harsh shot, but also it's only half my face because I'm not really good at taking photos of myself.
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The best part of this is that so many of the items are multi-use. I used the shimmer brick for my cheeks and my eyes, using the darker brown strips for the lashline and the pink for a browbone highlight. The pot rouge was applied to both my lips and cheeks. I use a moisturizing foundation so I don't need to apply moisturizer. Bobbi Brown is great about making a lot of products that can fulfill two or more uses. Bobbi Brown did not pay me or give me anything for this, I just really like her products. But if she'd like to pay me and/or give me free products, I wouldn't turn that down.

I hope you learned something, if not just "Wow, Erin spends a lot of money on makeup." What are your makeup tips and secrets?

23 comments:

Sidnie said...

I love Bobbi Brown & Bare Minerals. My two go-to cosmetics brands. I know there are more brands out there that are awesome too, but when it comes to makeup, I like being loyal.

The only tip I have other than invest in great brushes, would be to either go with killer eyes or lips. If you go with red red lips, have a neutral eye...

Kaycee said...

Oh my goodness your candy heart border KILLS me!! Thanks for the Monday morning giggle! (and it really is distracting!)

I am very, very similar to you. I teach a zero hour (I start TEACHING at 6:35am) and I live a half hour from my school. (I am sure I have mentioned that to you before, I will probably say it again. I am just shocked everyday that I have to teach that early) I am not a morning person. At all.

So just like you I shower the night before, pick out my clothes, etc. I have a quick make-up routine too (and very neutral). I am, however, more lazy than you because I just don't change my colors. At all. I know, I'm awful. I do very neutral peachy tones on my cheeks and eyes and it goes will my skin tone and really there is not an outfit it clashes with. I love love love Bare Minerals - it has helped me SO much with this. So quick and easy and lasting. I am intrigued by the Bobby Brown Bricks you have been talking about though - I may need to try those!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I still need guidance one of these days. You are too cute, tho.


Steph

Crooked Eyebrow said...

You are gorgeous and you need to blog tutorials.

just sayin'
and then go shopping with me, you know, once a paycheck comes in.

Kristin said...

sigh. one of these days i really must learn this stuff. will you teach me, yoda? (i promise, it will probably require more than one lesson. ;p)

Anonymous said...

Wearing makeup scares the crap out of me. That's why I don't do it, LOL! I probably need it though...my skin is so ruddy.

You truly are a beautiful person, you know that right?

Cameron said...

Do you just use the foundation under your eyes? That is totally my problem area....

(Oh, and the second Flickr photo has a broken link for me, just fyi.)

Bari said...

I too heart makeup - specifically Bare Minerals (I haven't tried Bobbi Brown). I usually go heavier on the eyes and leave the rest a little more neutral. And I hate lipstick but love gloss-too bad I usually chew it off within the hour. The funny thing...I spend a fortune on my makeup, too, but I always buy the cheapest mascaras :) Right now I'm loving this Almay One Coat Nurishing Triple Effect Waterproof mascara because the wand has really short bristles on one half and longer ones on the other. Plus, it DOES NOT come off without makeup remover. And I feel so bad for you middle school teachers who have to be to school so early.

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

Bare Minerals are my saving grace. After I got married I had the attitude of "I'm married, so I don't have to impress anyone." Nice, huh? But now I'm trying to have the attitude of "He's worth it." and the fact that EVERYtime I go out without makeup on, I run into someone from his work. I can't have them thinking that my poor hubby married a skuzz. :) But it's really har to get back into a make up routine. Since I homeschool, just taking a shower is a step in the right direction. :)

Glad you survived your first week. I've been thinking about ya, and wondering how it went.

Stillmary said...

Wow! I love your 'results' (half) photo. Beautiful! (The second Flickr photo had a broken link for me too). Anyway, I love your tips and I'm wondering where one might purchase either Bobbi Brown or Bare Minerals. Thanks for he really helpful post!

keli [at] kidnapped by suburbia said...

you so purty!!! xoxo

Kim said...

I just don't know much about makeup. I typically only wear makeup to Church on Sunday and if Jeremy and I go out on a date (once, maybe twice a year!). So, it is pretty limited. I just buy stuff at the store and it always consists of bronzer powder for spring and summer, a light blush for fall and winter, eyeshadow and mascara.
I would love it if someone would tell me what to buy and then show me how to apply it well.
I am almost 33 years old, but I still don't know what to do w/ makeup. I feel like I'm 13!

Candi said...

I can't see the second photo...

But you inspired me to talk about make-up on my blog today. I have a shout-out to you on there. ;)

nora said...

Love the candy heart border - so funny! Just found your blog and always love reading what other teachers are thinking.

Favorite makeup? Stila with Benefit brushes. Their eye shadow in kitten seems to make my whole face look awake - like I drank too much coffee - which is good, since i need it!!

Thanks!

april said...

I get away with as little as possible. Seriously. Hopefully I don't scare too many people.

Unknown said...

Can you please just come do my makeup? You know like I the days I actually wear it (for church and playgroups and the occasional date night...) K, thanks! :)

Unknown said...

Oh p.s. You look gorgeous and are very talented my friend!

Elizabeth @claritychaos said...

So do you not use an undereye concealer? Just foundation? And what type of brush do you use for foundation? I use brushes for eyeshadow, but I never use foundation. (I have some, but am sort of scared of using it.)

Julie said...

If I ever have money, I'm hiring you to be my personal make up lady.

InTheFastLane said...

I wear it...but it doesn't take me more than three minutes, because....i need help :)

Love said...

my tip and secret is NONE.

i use cheap products that don't last and i never learned to apply them.

MAKE-UP PARTY, PLEASE.

Love said...

ps--you're beautiful.

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