The Everyday Face

26 January 2012

For some time I've been meaning to do a makeup related post. In particular I wanted to show you my usual daily routine, not that it's all that interesting mind you, my love of M.A.C sees to that! I figured that you see everything else I wear though, so why not see the stuff that works the magic every day!

I'm a big fan of MAC makeup and use mostly their products for my face. They seem to have serious staying power, my face looks pretty similar at the end of the day to how it looked in the morning. Which I think is amazing, by that I mean the makeup not my face. Obviously. No one is that vain are they?! I also love their huge scope of colours so much so that I find it veeeeery difficult to ever walk away from the store empty handed! There's always one more colour I just really want!

What you see in the pictures below is the stuff I use for my everyday natural (-ish) makeup look. It's probably about a fourth of my total collection. Yeah, I love makeup. There are a couple of products I use from other brands, but not many of those are used for day wear.

Although MAC and the other products I use are all on the more expensive side I think it's worth it for something that I wear day in day out. Also I need very few re-applications (if any!) which in the long run probably makes it better value for money than some brands that you need to touch up several times a day.

Face: Clinique Moisturizer, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat and MAC Foundation. MAC Blusher 'Dainty', MAC Mineralize Skinfinish 'Soft and Gentle'
Eyes: MAC Eyeshadows. MAC Zoom Lash Mascara 'Fast Black'.
MAC Eyeshadow: Left - 'Gleam'. Right - 'Honey Lust'. Front - 'Mystery'. Eye Pencil: Black - Dior
Lips: MAC Lip Conditioner - 'Petting Pink'. MAC Lipstick - 'Angel'.
Now, I'm by no means a pro and so I'm not going to attempt a tutorial or anything fancy like that but I will do my best to explain the usual routine I follow. Here's how it goes:


~ Moisturize face with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing lotion. Been using this for years and I think it's great for combination skin. I tried various face primers and moisturizers but I didn't like any of them as much as this. Simple but it does the job!

~ Use Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in number 1 to lighten the dark circles (caused by staying up too late blogging) under my eyes. Conceal any skin imperfections with MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC25.

~ Apply MAC Pro Longwear or Studio Fix Foundation. I like to add a tiny amount on each cheek and the middle of my forehead then work it onto the skin using brush number 107. I got told I should do it in circular motions so I try to remember but to be honest I'm usually running late so method goes out of the window on this one just a little bit.

~ Use MAC Mineralize Blush in 'Dainty' (a soft pink with a slight shimmery finish) on the cheeks and a light sweep over the chin and eye socket using brush 131. Sometimes I change the shade but generally this is my fave.

~ Lightly pencil in eyebrows following the natural shape using MAC Eye Brows pencil in 'Fling'. My eyebrows are naturally very pale but I only started penciling in my eyebrows about three or four years ago and I think it makes a huge difference to my face.  I highly recommend everyone tries penciling in their eyebrows at least once if you haven't already. Go to a make up counter and ask them to do it for you as a trial if you don't want to splash the cash to test the look.

~ With brush 239 apply MAC eyeshadow 'Gleam' or 'Honey Lust' to the whole eyelid working up to the crease and blending it out.

~Take Dior Crayon Eyeliner in Black and apply a thin line to the upper eyelid. No idea why I don't use a MAC eye pencil. I think I received this as a gift and it's good so I just never got around to changing!

~ Blend MAC 'Mystery' eyeshadow (a greyish brown) on the outer corners of the eyelid and across the top of the eyeliner line using brush 228.

~ Use a very fine brush, 209 to apply a darker shade of eyeshadow, usually 'Brun' (blackish brown) or 'Black Tied' (Black with a slight silver sparkle) in a line across the eyelash line of the upper eyelid. Add a touch in the outer corners of the eye.

~ Try to avoid getting my eyelids (seriously struggle with this for some reason! No depth perception clearly!) as I use my eyelash curler to add a bit of shape to my lashes. Apply MAC Zoom Macara in 'Fast Black'. No idea how it's really different from regular black, apparently it's a more intense black though?!! There was me thinking black was...well....black!

~ Highlight the top of my cheekbones and eyebrow arch using brush 168 and MAC (yeah, told you I use a lot of MAC) Mineralize Skinfinish in 'Soft and Gentle'.

~ Finish off the whole lot with slick of 'Petting Pink' Lip Conditioner or if I'm feeling a bit fancy 'Angel' Lipstick both from...yep, you guessed it....MAC!


And that not so simple routine is what I do every day to make me look much prettier than I woke up looking! Haha!

What products do you use on your face? Do you have a set routine that you do most days?

xxx


Follow Ugly Duckling

62 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SORRY my phone went crazy! As I was saying! Thanks for this post, I've always thought you were a beautiful swan :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. gorgeoussss! i'm a complete MAC addict! and i love Angel! so amazing!
    looking pretty as always!

    hugs, xo
    *BARBIE-BOMBSHELL.BLOGSPOT.COM

    ReplyDelete
  4. your skin looks flawless! thank you for the tips! i think i need to follow your eye shadow and blush regimen :)

    -megan

    ReplyDelete
  5. You always look really gorgeous, I love how you do your makeup. It looks so fresh, feminine and natural.
    Love this post!
    xx


    The Urban Umbrella
    xoxo


    http://urbanumbrella.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. You're so lovely <3 I think you stick to this daily because it looks purrfect darling!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for posting! I love hearing how other people do their make up. And oh my goodness the MAC counter is such a dangerous place. I love their eye shadow displays. I think it's something about how the colors are set up so they transition from one color to the next -- totally sucks you in. It's so hard not to buy something!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you just hit the nail on the head. It's like a beautiful, very detailed rainbow in front of me and I think there's a small chance my subconscious is trying to make me re-create it!

      x

      Delete
  8. You look great, all the products really compliment you. I also have an everyday routine that I could probably do with my eyes closed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you've done a post about it feel free to leave a link here, I'd love to see how other people do theirs!

      x

      Delete
  9. thank you for sharing yours products :)
    now i know how to create your look
    which looks amazing EVERY SINGLE TIME!
    i love the lipcolor hun

    xoxo
    Melina ♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. you always have a natural glow and look so lovely

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely natural look! Your skin looks fab!
    xxx
    www.miabellaluna.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. As if you can't hear it enough - You look great! I love your makeup routine and all products MAC.

    Thanks for sharing pretty girl!
    xo
    thoughtsbyapetitebrunette.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. my sister in law just bought me my first ever MAC lipstick- it stays on pretty much all day, even when I have eaten. Love it.

    next2mee@hotmail.co.uk

    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are really ace! What colour did you get?

      I'm sure you'll find yourself acquiring more now that you have your first one! hehe!

      x

      Delete
  14. I've wanted MAC Dainty for ages! This is a beautiful everyday look :) Gillian x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow so much make-up! So pretty~ *o*

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your skin looks so flawless! Lovely :)

    http://beautyandablogger.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  17. Perfect natural look. To be honest I don't have any MAC products anymore as I am a mummy on a tight budget ;)
    Maybe I should start saving to get some ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Children are a lot more important than makeup so I can totally understand that you don't have any MAC. I can't say I'd be able to prioritize my money that well right now which is why I guess I know I'm not ready for kiddies of my own yet! Hehe :)

      Mind you, with the amount of MAC I have, I reckon I could get a year or two out of it at least!

      x

      Delete
  18. you look gorgeous! i love how simple and light this make up is:) and i love all of your past nail tutorials -- great blog!! followed

    xo

    http://dressedupallligators.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great product choices, you look really fresh and pretty!

    XO,
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ooh, I'm really enjoying Angel at the moment and your finished lip look looks lovely. I think I need that lip conditioner in my life! Did you see my giveaway? You might be able to add another beauty to your MAC collection! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't see your giveaway yet, nope. I'll stop by and have a look, especially if it includes MAC! I mean...how could I resist?!

      x

      Delete
  21. Ooh! I love this! The finished look looks marvelous! Mac is so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  22. beautiful blog- im following now =] the pink lip looks gorgeous on you

    My Blog: Boho Vanity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, glad you like it. Thanks for following me too :)

      x

      Delete
  23. I've heard that MAC is good so it's good to hear from someone who uses it! Do you have a favorite kind of eye makeup remover? I can't find any good stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually just use 'Simple' face wipes. They get everything off without the fuss of using soaps, cleansers and water etc. I do have some Clinique Eye makeup remover in a balm form. You scoop a bit out, gently rub it in and then wash it off. It is very good but I never get around to using it, I always choose ease! The face wipes are sooo easy and they're cheap too which is helpful since I seem to spend so much on the makeup! Haha!

      x

      Delete
  24. I like MAC too. They make good foundation. You look so pretty and natural. The lip color is pretty. Good job with your everyday makeup.

    www.thegirlieblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm a big fan o MAC as well! Although I don't find them that expensive considering the high quality :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, exactly what I mean. Good value for money :)

      x

      Delete
  26. your blog is really inspiring.
    i'm following you & i'd be happy if you'd have a look at my blog and tell me what you think. maybe you could follow back :)

    xxx

    http://pulcinellata.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  27. yaaaay I've been waiting for this post!! I love your makeup :) So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think you're like me, MAC obssessed!! :)
    I love your makeup and I love that Touche Eclat by YSL too! I'm your new follower, & I think you'll like my nail tutorial I've posted, so please come by when you have time, would love you to follow mine too!
    xoxo
    Sooji
    http://glam-mania.blogspot.com/2012/01/cobal-glitz-nail-tutorial.html

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh this post makes me want to try MAC even more now! I still haven't made the jump to MAC products cause I am scared I will go crazy!Also, I don't even know where to start.... I have been eyeing a couple lipsticks though =) You look beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love how it's glamorous AND natural looking! I use MAC foundation too, it seems to have the best staying power, and it's less expensive than other brands for the same quality. What's not to love?

    xoxo

    Ashley

    http://textbooksandtofu.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Cuuuuute post!
    Lovely blog!
    Following! Follow back? <3

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love MAC! I just discovered your blog! and I must say that I really like! I love your style, compliment is very special and inspirational! if you golook at my blog there is also a Dior giveaway:

    http://therightmixoffashion.blogspot.com/2012/01/dior-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. nice stuff, love your make-up equipment!!

    xx nicol

    girl, check, follow, whatever you like:
    www.fashiontnt.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. great blog, I read a long time. invite me if you feel like you can follow my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  36. HAHA, yeah that is quite the routine! but it does leave you looking fantastic so who cares :)

    And MAC, dont get me started on MAC!! i love them,by far the best brand out ther!! and the colour collection is awsome!!

    love K

    ReplyDelete
  37. Many beauty products in common!!! xoxo from Rome

    CHANEL GIVEAWAY on WWW.ROCKANDFROCK.COM

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love it!!
    You are absolutely beautiful,
    so that natural look is PERFECT on you hun!

    <3,
    Dana

    ReplyDelete
  39. great love it !!
    you look gorgeous ^^
    im already following you so plzz follow me back in "bloglovin&fa&cebook " thanks
    http://fashionmadimoizelle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love Dainty it is such a gorgeous blusher!!! Great collection, I have my super jealous on!

    dp
    xx

    www.inanityandthegirl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. AMAZING post - Mac Blush in Dainty looks absoloutley gorgeous!! I need!
    x George
    frecklie.blogspot.com - dont forget to enter my giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  42. OMG, you have an amazing makeup collection and I totally agree with you how MAC products are so worth it, definitely wish they were a little less expensive though. hehe

    Great post!

    xoDale
    http://www.savvyspice.net/

    ReplyDelete
  43. wow what a great collection :-) it really looks professional ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the collection you have . It finishes on your face flawlessly.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I like your blog!

    Follow me I'll follow back!

    thatculinarykid.blogspot.com

    Thanks <3
    -Larissa

    ReplyDelete
  46. your so pretty xx

    Anyone follow me and i will follow you back xxxx
    @MissLauren____
    Follow me xx

    @MissLauren____
    https://twitter.com/#!/MissLauren____

    http://missslauren.blogspot.com/
    http://ravingbeautyx.blogspot.com/

    Follow me x

    ReplyDelete
  47. Almost a replica of my daily routine! Though I think most women will have a similar one. It's a clean, fresh look, and it looks beautiful on you!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love all your makeup, so jealous! And your face always looks fresh and flawless!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wow you look gorgeous!!! So not an ugly duckling!!! =D

    xoRose

    http://teacupsanddresses.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Love MAC, and you look so natural and so flawless


    http://yuliconversations.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by, please leave a comment! If you have any questions I will respond here so check back soon!