Hi! I love your face! 

You should too, because it’s the one you were given and that means something. You carry the genes of your ancestors in the design of your lips and the curve of your cheeks. History is there, in your body. That’s beautiful.  Maybe your face is wider than you like, maybe there are scars. There are tools and products to help with these things and I’ll share some of them with you. What you need to realize is that you could slather your skin in three inches of foundation, and coat your lashes with wonderful, goey mascara but if you don’t like your face the makeup will wear you. There’s something unnervingly beautiful about a woman who is comfortable in her skin. She may not even be traditionally beautiful, thin, or striking, but she pulls your eyes because…there’s something!

That something is confidence. 

Unless you have the money and will to visit plastic surgeons to restructure your face, this is the one you have. Accept it. It belongs to you and you can decide how you want to present it. For the record, this is not a sponsored post. I don’t do those. These products are the ones I believe in that have worked for me.

I have bad acne. I was approached by a friend to use Rodan and Fields about two years ago, and that’s what I use to keep my skin clear. I believe in their products and if you can afford them they WORK!

Before you put on makeup and in order for makeup to work, you need to take care of your skin. If you can’t afford skin care, try Witch Hazel as a toner. I used it for years before I could buy Rodan and Fields.

I use a Derma Roller.

A derma-roller contains hundreds of tiny needles. When in use, these needles create micro-injuries on the skin, which in turn sends collagen and elastin production into overdrive to compensate as it heals—leaving your complexion tighter and plumper than it was beforehand. This makes it an ideal method for filling in fine lines and wrinkles, thickening and plumping the skin under the eyes (thus diminishing the appearance of dark circles and bags). Micro-needling is also a very effective treatment for acne scars and discoloration since it penetrates the skin so deeply. Plus, when used in conjunction with a serum (as it should be), it boosts ingredient absorption up to 90%.

How to use it: Take your derma-roller and gently roll it over your skin vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, rolling twice over your cheeks, forehead, chin, lips, and neck. No need to press too hard or put yourself in pain—apply as much pressure as you can comfortably tolerate. Take special care on your lips and underneath your eyes, as this skin is especially delicate.

Step 1: Moisturize

Kiehls lotion for moisture, but not oil. I have combination skin. I also have eczema. I use this on my face before I apply my makeup. It smooths and allows your skin to be moisturized enough to allow foundation to adhere.

Step 2: Brushes 

These are the brushes I use. I have a couple really good ones for foundation. Because it takes a good brush to get you that airbrushed look. You can probably find more affordable ones at Sephora or Ulta.

Step 3: Foundation & Concealer 

My color for foundation and powder is: NW20 I use the smaller concealer brush to and the Select Cover Up underneath my eyes, and to cover any discoloration or redness. Then I use Studio Fix Foundation over my entire face and neck using the flat top foundation brush. The trick is first to smooth a layer of it everywhere, once you have the layer add more makeup to your brush and dab. The dabbing part with get the foundation in your pores and give the airbrush look. The last step is to brush Studio Fix Powder across the top of the foundation with the powder brush. Now you have your painted face.

Step Four: Blush & Highlighter 

I use a bronzer as my blush. I am fairly olive skinned due to my Portuguese heritage, so pink blush doesn’t have a striking effect on my face. I brush the bronzer up along the bottom of my cheekbones settling on the apple of my cheek. Then I add the highlighter to the top of my cheekbone (go light on the highlighter) and tip of my nose. The effect is to look sun-kissed. And when I wear highlighter I get compliments from strangers all day long. It’s really pretty.

Step Five: Eyebrows & Eyelashes 

Let first tell you that I get threaded. I don’t like waxing. Once you have neat eyebrows you can fill them in with my favorite eyebrow pencil! And let me tell you, I have tried dozens. This one is easy to use and is lasting. As for lashes; I use Rodan and Fields Eyelash Boost to lengthen and strengthen. You’re always asking if I have fake eyelashes. No! But they get by with a little help from my Lash Boost. It’s pricey but I’ve yet to see a person it doesn’t work on. I put it on my husband and his eyelashes shot out within two weeks. One tube lasts four months, that makes the price sticker more bearable. Here are my eyebrow pencil and mascara brands.

Step Six: Lips

I wear either nudes or mauves on my lips. Usually in matte. But lips are fun! You can wear all sorts of colors depending on your skin tone and what you’re comfortable with. Experiment! My favorite MAC colors are Yash and Velvet Teddy. 

Step Seven:  Super Secret Finishing Trick

Not gonna lie, I have never shared this product with anyone, not even my close friends. This is my favorite part of makeup. I discovered it accidentally and I don’t think I use it for what it’s meant for. But if you take a small make-up brush and dab some of this across your cheeks, nose, and chin you will look like a lovely, dewy princess. No kidding. It makes you dewy. Think post sex, post beach, post the best day of your life. Dewy magic. To all of my friends, sorry I failed you.

Okay guys, that’s it! I don’t wear eyeshadow and I only wear liner on special occasions. This routine is my everyday face. It takes me about ten to fifteen minutes to put it on each morning. Remember to dab that foundation!