Hello, my name is Nicole. I’m a blogger and a mother of two, and I get dressed and wear makeup every day.
Am I in the minority among my fellow bloggers? Among my fellow moms? Sometimes it seems that way. I just feel better when I take the time to get ready in the morning, plus I like the feeling of being able to get up and go at a moment’s notice. And bonus: I’m not embarrassed to answer the door!
Here’s what I tend to use on a daily basis. It seems like a lot when it’s all written out, but I’m done in five minutes or less.
Moisterizer/SPF
I used to love Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer – Combination/Oily but they changed the formula recently and I’m not happy with it. It used to help control oil, and now it almost seems I’m worse off when I use it. If you have a recommendation for an alternative, I’d love to hear it.
Concealer
I like Boi-ing by Benefit. It covers circles and blemishes, and I use my ring finger to apply it.
Foundation
I have used MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC20 for years, after my friend Tyrone (yes, you’re reading that right) recommended it to me. I’ve experimented with other brands and finishes (in fact, I’m eying MAC Studio Tech), but I always come back to Studio Fix.
Blush
I love blush. Bright pink cheeks are so cute! I like NARS Blush in Desire, but if I’m in need of something more understated, I choose Deep Throat. (Golly, NARS is risqué.)
Eyeliner
I like the sharp precision of liquid eyeliner (I started using Écriture de Chanel after Ree gushed about it, but now her post seems to be gone). Sometimes though, I also like the softness of smudged pencil, and in that case I use ALMAY Intense I-Color Eyeliner in Black Pearl.
Eyeshadow
I usually skip this step because I feel like eyeshadow just isn’t a good look for me. It’s likely that I just need to learn how to apply it in a more flattering way. One color that I do like quite a bit though is MAC Satin Frost.
Mascara
Maybelline Great Lash, Very Black. A classic for a reason.
Lipstick
My favorite! My friends don’t tend to wear lipstick. I guess it’s seen as old-fashioned? No matter. I brand-hop and experiment with color all the time. I wrote about my quest to find my perfect lipstick shade, and I’m still loving Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Daring Pink as my go-to, everyday color. A few other recent favorites: MAC Lady Danger, NARS Funny Face, and Maybelline Hooked on Pink Lipgloss.
* Edit: A lot of people wonder about wearing lipstick and having a baby that you want to smooch all day. I just withhold my affection in the name of looking good. Kidding! I skip the lipstick most of the time and just swipe it on before I leave the house.
Makeup Brushes
I use MAC brushes. Quality tools make a difference.
So tell me… am I in the minority? Do you wear makeup everyday, sporadically, just on special occasions, or not at all? And if you have favorites or tips, please share!
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I wear makeup every day. I sometimes put it on while sitting on the couch and watching my toddler son. He’s picked up a few tricks- if he grabs the blush brush, he knows just how to pat it on. And he hilariously presses the eyelash curler (a MUST!) against his face. So cute.
I have combo/oily skin and have been using this for several months: http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Sayer-London-Facial-Moisturizer-SPF25/dp/B000GW55BG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1306272100&sr=8-1
I am very happy with it.
I am a stay at home writing mom and I absolutely get dressed, fix my hair, and put on make-up every day. I can’t function without doing those things.
Totally get ready every day too. I almost feel weird when other moms talk about not showering until their husbands get home or something. I’d hate that! I used to use Maybelline’s Great Lash too, but now I use Maybelline’s The Falsies. So awesome! Also a Bare Minerals girl, and I like Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray concealer. Totally gonna try that eyeliner!
I’m not a mom, but I do work at a summer camp all summer long (in VA, where it’s very hot and humid) and I always wear makeup. Every day, unless I’m sick. I hate the feeling of not having it on – I tend to touch or rub my face more if I know I don’t have makeup on, and that makes my face red and irritated, ugh. Plus I am so with you on the answering the door thing — I always like to look presentable because you just never know what’s going to happen next! :)
I wear makeup everyday :) You have some great choices.
I love Simple Kind to Skin light moisturiser for my oily skin.
I wear makeup every day. I keep it simple but always wear lipstick and blush. My mom does the same and did so when she had young children as well.
I use the Mac Studio Fix and Nars blush, too! I use Clinique’s gel liner; and I am constantly trying out new mascaras, but I always come back to CG Exact Lash.
Thanks for all the cool recommendations! I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t get ready w/ makeup every day and many time have been very scary looking when I have opened my door! I think I am probably in the minority about not getting ready each day.
I think its super cool that you do! I’m even going to consider trying getting ready every day straight for a week..you know to try and see if it improves how I feel! Especially since you said it only take 5 minutes!
~ Ali
~ Ali
i generally use olay regenerist with spf.
on days that i don’t want spf i use clinique moisturizing gel.
I get cleaned up and dressed every day. I’m totally comfortable in my skin and rarely wear makeup but if I was a makeup wearer I’m sure I’d put it on. For many people not wearing makeup is a conscious choice rather than a lack of time.
I am with Ali on this one. I even went so far as to get nice false lashes (with a fill required every few weeks.) With my built-in mascara I’m much more comfortable with zero make-up. I also to think it’s better for my skin to wear it less frequently. Either way, I will try it for a week too and see how it goes!
I am a mother of one, but I do work part time so I’ve never had a problem getting up and dressed to go in the morning, even if we’re staying home.
I just recently – for my 31st birthday – had my ears pierced! And now I am obsessed with earrings. So to balance out my earring obsession I have started wearing lipstick or gloss on a daily basis, just cause it makes me feel somewhat dressy and put together.
Plus I want my baby boy to think that his momma is pretty :)
I wear makeup everywhere but the gym. I don’t always wear eyeshadow and blush, but I always wear foundation, concealer, mascara and tinted lip balm. I use Bare Minerals, so the foundation seems really light to me. I have no advice about the moisturizer since I use the same brand. I did switch to the oil cleansing method for washing my face and have been really happy with the results.
I almost never wear makeup, except for special occasions. I feel gross when I wear makeup (that probably sounds weird to most of you). But it took me a long time to get rid of some serious acne, and I try to use as little on my face as possible. I also have sensitive eyes and can hardly ever wear eye makeup. But I am completely comfortable with myself and the way I look. My husband loves that I look the same waking up, and I do not have to paint on my face like some women I know. However, I do have to shower and get dressed every morning. I won’t leave the house without a shower!! ;-)
I’m like this too! I don’t wear a lot of makeup (I’m not that into it, despite working in cosmetics for a while, and my husband likes a clean face better too), but I always have to shower and do my hair. I make sure my brows are in order, always use concealer if I have blemish spots, and get dressed in something polished (unless I’m gardening, then I do it afterwards). I just don’t like feeling like a mess and I find that I get a lot more done if I’m feeling ‘ready’ and in ‘go mode’.
Funny… I was just thinking about this and thinking I’d like to write a post on it. I wear makeup just about every day, too, even though I work from home. I just switched to Bare Minerals foundation, which I really like, then Maybelline Great Lash mascara in brownish black, and Hawaiian Bath & Body lip balm. Oh – and for moisturizer sunscreen – Aveeno for sensitive skin.
p.s. Thanks so much for the write-up on Babble!
I’ve been using Olay for years and noticed that my skin had been changing in reaction to it – much more oil. I wonder if it’s not me but the new formula? Hmmm.
I don’t do my makeup everyday (because I’m lazy) but when I do I go with a full face. The funny thing is people tell me that they think I wear very little makeup.
I’ve been using Bare Minerals foundation for a couple of years now. When I’m feeling like I need something a little less matte and more dewy I go with Stila Illuminating Foundation. I love Loreal Mascara. I’ve recently tried a couple of the Cover Girl Lash Blasts and *hated* them. For eyeshadow I use a combination of produts depending on my mood. Sephora’s branded quads are some of my favorites. I also like Body Shop’s colors and the trios from Cover Girl in their taupe/brown palette (I have a hard time finding browns I like). I don’t wear blush because I’ve got crazy rosy cheeks on my own. For my lips I usually use a Revlon gloss, but I’ve gotten back in the habit of using lipstick and I’m loving some of the pretty pinks from Cover Girl. I just bought a bright pink because I hear that’s *the* color for spring but it feels too daring for my corporate job so I only wear it on the weekends.
I don’t wear make-up, but not because I have kids or work at home. I’ve never felt that it does anything to enhance my beauty, or make me look beautiful, period. It all gets smeared, runny and cakey so quickly that it seems like a waste of time (to me and my life). I also feel it detracts from who I am, like I’m trying to hide myself, or like there’s something wrong with my naked face. (Hahaha! Wouldn’t that be funny, if women going without make-up was considered as scandalous as walking around without a shirt on?)
I never wear make-up. I never got in the habit when I was a teen so here I am in my thirties and I am “ready to go” any time. I’m never embarrassed to answer the door with lack of make-up either, it’s all about what you get used to I suppose.
I gotta say, it’s very freeing to not wear any.
Nothing against all the people who do, they look great, but our bathroom is less cluttered, I don’t have to carry anything with me beyond a wallet plus I save money.
Plus I wonder if it’s gotta be better for skin in the long run not to put so much artificial stuff on it, I know there are some natural alternatives to old style make-up now a days but still I wonder. Moisturizer is enough for me. I’ll see how I look when I’m 70, haha, might change my mind then.
I love being make-up free, husband loves it, it’s nice to be remember make-up is optional.
I am a first time mum to a four month old little girl. I always put a bit of makeup on. I always wear foundation, concealer, mascara, blush and gloss. I don’t wear very much but I feel more polished and prepared for the day when I have it on. I really like Iredale mineral powder, very natural finish and great for sensitive skin. I am very pale so when I don’t wear makeup, people always tell me I am looking tired!
I’m with you on wearing makeup everyday, though tend not to use concealer and foundation very often. I noticed that dramatic change in Olay’s moisturizer formulas too, but for some reason my skin loved it–I use their Complete Ageless Skin Renewing Moisturizer SPF 20.
In the summertime, I tend to like Coppertone’s Oil Free facial moisturizer with SPF 30.
Also right there with you on Mac’s foundation and NARS–LOVE their lipsticks and eye shadows.
Good luck with the moisturizer hunt ;)
No you are not the minority! I have made it a point ever since my bean was born (10 weeks ago) to shower and get make-up on every morning. It makes you feel much better about the day!
Mommy of 2 small children. Horrible dresser but my face is fabs.
-Olay Definity Daily Scrub
-Olay Definity Intensive Moisturizing Cream (yeah, I’ve got oily skin but this works great, day or night! go figure!)
-Revlon Photo Ready Foundation -NO PORES! Amazing!
-MAC #30 Brush (white and black foundation brush) splurge but makes my foundation perfect in 40 seconds flat! no joke!
-MAC Blush in “Well Dressed” the absolute perfect pink
-Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara- wears great, thick long lashes in one swipe, doesn’t flake and washes clean in JUST water!
-vaseline on my lips- natural lip color rocks. keep it!
i’ve tried every prestige to drugstore brand they have. this is what works for my super sensitive combination pinkish splotchy skin. makes my face super flawless.
i have not solved the pms blemish. i need an awesome spot treatment if anyone has.
I do wear makeup every day and I am totally obsessed with the videos from U.K. based makeup artist Lisa Eldridge. I first learned of her from the blog whoorl. There are loads of videos but I especially liked the skincare and natural makeup look ones.
http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/8825/an-everyday-make-up-look/
Best facial moisturizer I’ve found, ever!! –
http://www.origins.com/product/3858/13004/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Moisturizers/VitaZing/SPF-15-Energy-boosting-moisturizer/index.tmpl
I can’t rave about it enough. Perfect dewy/youthful glow. It gives a slight color to your face like a tinted moisturizer, so if I were tanner I could wear it by itself, but since I’m pale I have to put some foundation over it. But it’s chock full of vitamins and makes my skin feel & look great.
I LOVE that you wrote this! I recently became a stay-at-home mom/freelance writer. I’m home all day with my one-year-old daughter, and I was wondering if I was just crazy for feeling like I need/want to put makeup on every day. But like you said, I feel more prepared for the day and able to go do anything at a moment’s notice. Thanks for making me feel not so crazy!
i am not a mom yet, but i do not go a day without make up. My routine is very similar to yours and only takes about 5 mins and i feel its worth every second. it makes me feel good and look so much better and frankly i have never met a lady who could not do with at least a little mascara. so…good for you..keep on being lovely!
I wear makeup any day I’m out of the house usually – sometimes I feel like I look sleepy or ‘undone’ without it, although my makeup regimen isn’t heavy by any means.
I’m very interested in any makeup recommendations for oily/problem prone skin, as I’ve unfortunately inherited skin that feels like an oil slick by the end of the day. (Sexy.) I recently started using a tinted under-eye concealer by Garnier and have been very happy so far; I’m going to be trying out a Bare Escentuals sample from a friend soon, but I’m very interested in finding a light, pore-minimizing foundation/sheer oil-absorbing powder that won’t make my face rebel.
I’m constantly brand-hopping when it comes to mascaras. I used Great Lash Blackest Black for the longest time and can’t remember why I strayed, but I’ve yet to find a mascara I love though I’ve tried at least 3-4 brands in the past year. I’m hesitant to buy anything Cover Girl for semi-political reasons, although I have been tempted to try some of their products. I suppose I need to do more research and keep my eye out for blogged recommendations :)
I’m with you. I have two children (3 and 1) and I MUST have a shower and do my makeup in the morning before I go out, every day. Even if I don’t leave the house at all, I still put on make up. Kinda habit from working at a store that sold make up when I was 18 but also for myself as I feel more put together and ready to go. I do foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eyelash curler, most days mascara & eyeshadow. My daughters play around in the bathroom or my room while I’m getting ready and watch and 3 yr old wants to ‘help’ and pretends to do her own but I won’t be letting her wear make up til she’s MUCH older!!
I used Nivea Q10 daycream for ages and found them ok. Using olay too so can’t suggest anything else.
I don’t wear makeup–but wish I did. Sometimes I must look like I am just a rundown shell of the person I used to be. And on my 30-before-30 list, I have learn to put on makeup. I’m just looking for a brighter, more awake look–I think my middle school students are starting to wonder if I sleep ever!
I wear makeup everyday. Even when I was deployed and on an airplane all day long, I wore makeup… essentials include concealer, mascara, and lip gloss. For moisturizer I use Aveeno and I LOVE it. it has 42spf too. they also make a night time moisturizer that I really like. I’m not skilled at the art of eye shadow either… sometimes, when I’m in a rush I use Clinique’s touch tint for eyes. just dab it on with your finger! wear alone or under eyeshadow to help the eyeshadow stay on longer.
I do! I wear makeup every day…and usually it happens during my daughter’s morning nap. I get in a quick shower, dry and straighten my hair, and put on everything from concealer to mascara….and you’re right, it doesn’t take long. I also feel better if I’ve got a cute pair of jeans on too, even if I’m just going to be around the house all day. 95% of the reason I do this is to make me feel better…but I also know my husband appreciates that I make an effort to look nice when he comes home too. :)
I wear makeup every day. I can’t leave the house without it…but my routine is 5 mins, like yours. I also use the same moisturizer as you, as well as Studio Fix in NC20 and Great Lash. Great product recommendations :) I’ve gotta try that eyeliner, it looks LOVELY!
I wear make-up every day!!!!!!
My favorites are:
eye creme–Clinique All About Eyes
Moisturizer–Philosophy Hope In A Jar
Foundation–Bare Minerals Foundation
Blush–Bare Minerals “Faux Tan” and Bare Minerals “Glee” + Mineral Veil
Eye-liner–Buxom Eye liner–dark brown
Mascara–Cover Girl Falsies —THIS IS THE BEST MASCARA I HAVE EVER USED!!!!!!!
If I leave the house without makeup on, I’m either sick, or didn’t sleep well. And if I’m not wearing any, people I know always ask me why I look so tired. Which just makes me feel worse about the fact that I didn’t make the time to cover up the dark circles under my eyes.
My routine is concealer under my eyes , a powdered concealer in the summer & a liquid one in the winter, some bronzer under my cheek bones, pink blush, mascara and lip balm, sometimes gloss or lipstick if it’s a special occasion. But lately I’ve been keeping my lips nude.
As for brands, I jump back and fourth all the time, always trying to find a better product. I really like this Lise Watier powder which can be applied dry or wet http://tiny.cc/tza6m
I was wondering , what kind of perfumes do you wear? If you wear any at all.
I wear makeup every day. I wouldn’t if my skin wasn’t splotchy and I didn’t have a crazy pair of dark undereye circles. Blame those on the baby. I wear Bare Minerals and it doesn’t take long, along with some mascara. If I have an extra minute I may go all the way and do eye shadow and liner. Right now I’m loving red, red lips. I like Zuzu lip gloss in Caliente. It’s a big, bold red; but looks so fresh for spring.
On days I’m home with my little one I get up at the crack of dawn so I can bathe, dry and flat iron my hair, and put on a five minute face of makeup before my husband leaves for work. I don’t think I’ve actually gone out of the house without makeup on since before high school. Perhaps it has to do with watching my mom put her makeup on every day. My sister is the same way.
Most of my friends are surprised to learn I wear makeup as I really don’t wear a lot. It is just enough to make me feel human. ;)
I have learned that it is important to get dressed for success, even if I am staying home to write. Makeup included!
Fun topic! As a freelance writer I don’t wear makeup everyday, but I do wear lip gloss and curl my eyelashes. For a moisturizer replacement try Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base…love it. Only bummer…it has no SPF. Here are some of my other faves:
- Foundation Chanel Vitalumiere or Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
- NARS Blush (Deep Throat/Crazed)
- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
- Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara (Very Black & Waterproof)
- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (Soft & Gentle)
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
- Neutrogena Mineral Sheers for Eyes
I’ve been using Mac Studio Tech for about 3 months, and LOVE the coverage. The only thing I HATE about it is that I get extreme acne when I use it. The kind of acne that makes you look like you go to high school. I’ve never had acne like this before, and I hate that its doing this to me. It covers SO well. So I’m thinking of switching to Studio Fix Powder instead.
I use makeup almost everyday, but only put it on in the car. I’m trying to stop that.
I’m with you! Makeup, everyday. Just five minutes or so – I otherwise don’t feel like myself without it! Lately I’ve also been facing the day wearing my favorite dresses and skirts (even though most of my Mom activities could really be done in sweats, I’m not a sweats kind of girl) and I find that I feel SO MUCH BETTER, happier, and open to possibilities that the day can unfold before me when I dress up a bit. I feel feminine, and even if it’s just the mailman the grocery clerk and my family that sees me that day, I swear the day passes more beautifully by such a small thing. Most of the time, it encourages me to go and be somewhere new with my boys. Besides, I think an easy but elegant maxi skirt is just as (more!) comfortable than yoga pants.
ps – I switched my moisturizer recently to Say Yes to Carrots Daily SPF, it’s so light and sinks into my skin so nicely! It’s at target and won’t cost an arm and a leg but competes with lots of the pricier stuff I’ve tried before. Love! If you read paulaschoice reviews, she gives it a glowing review.
I’m newly a mother of one, but before I was ever pregnant I gave myself an amazing gift — I got comfortable with how I look without ANY makeup. I still wear makeup when I feel like putting it on, but my everyday face is a little serum and sunscreen and a waxed brow — and that’s it. I am NEVER embarrassed to answer the door this way. I look pretty when I look like me!
Count me in the wear makeup and get dressed every morning club. I’m a work at home and homeschooling of three. I even wear dresses often. I shop online for almost everything, so I can’t be receiving packages in my skimmies!
http://www.drugstore.com/clean-and-clear-advantage-acne-control-moisturizer/qxp164344?fromsrch=moisturizer+with+salycitic+acid
I really love this moisturizer–really keeps my skin soft without giving me breakouts.
You inspire me! I WISH I wore make-up and did my hair every day, but alas, I am one of those moms who just doesn’t seem to find the time each day. I still aspire to pull it off, though. Someday, when I’m a grown up like you…
I dont wear make up every day – mainly cos I am lazy – but a few other reasons too! I do find it hard to find good make up that doesnt lead to break outs in the end!And also i work alot in either he middle of a field – or in a kitchen lol
I am a product junky! I try tons, but there a few items that I always stick with:
* Rhonda Alison Daytime Defense (a mineral physical block SPF 30 moisturizer) – use it every day
* ARC Lighten Face – a lightweight lotion that supresses melanin (naturally) and goes on fluidly. I use this in the summer, but a heavier moisturizer for the dry winter, even though my skin is not dry.
* Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation
* Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends (blush) – I think this is the only product I purchase off the drugstore shelf, but I haven’t seen it lately, and I’m worried it’s being discontinued. I like the ‘healthy’ color when I’m feeling peachy, and the ‘fresh’ color when I’m feeling pinky. :) I’ve tried all the expensive blushes, including Nars, but I prefer this.
* Note: I don’t wear mascara daily, because I have my eyelashes tinted black every 5 weeks.
* I have many tinted lip glosses I wear, but don’t have a fave that I always go back to. After reading your routine, I may branch out and give lipstick a try. :)
* Anastasia brow powder to define my brows
* I use my Shu Uemura eyelash curler every day every morning after warming it up a bit with my blowdryer. I keep a second eyelash curler for emergencies. Curling my lashes makes me look awake!
I am mom to a 5-year old and I never consider leaving the house without makeup. I care how I look and I want that to show. Even though I go for the fresh-faced look, it still takes effort. 5-10 minutes is worth it!
I am a stay-at-home mom and wear makeup every day. My kids are school-aged now, but I also did it when they were small. Definitely feel in the minority among my peers, who all go quite bare-faced. And I try to do gloss, but I just don’t feel as finished as when I use lipstick. I also wear Nars blushes. Lately I like the Aveeno Naturals SPF 30 Moisturizer.
I’m an everyday makeup kind of girl, whether I leave the house or not.
As for moisturizer, the best thing I’ve found so far for my combination skin is Clinique Moisture Surge. I find Clinique’s dramatically different line to be dramatically disappointing, but moisture surge is gold in my book.
http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY4918/PROD13291/Skin_Care/Moisturizers/index.tmpl
Some Other Favorites:
– MAC shadows (when applied over a “Painterly” paint pot base they hold perfectly from morning til washing my face at night)
– Estee Lauder doublewear line of foundation (powder or liquid)
– Clinique High Impact mascara
I would never wear makeup at home. I know that most women wear it for themselves, but I think it often becomes part of a culture where women are meant to look and act a certain way.
Another, much shallower, reason is also that I have never found a foundation that a) is perfect for my skintone and b) I don’t get blemishes from.
Ironically I have actually worked in a cosmetics shop, so I have tried a lot of different brands.
I like that I am quite comfortable going out without makeup, or with, depending on my mood. And for me it probably has to do with my mother never wearing makeup.
I do like to wear it when I go to a party, especially eye shadow in bold colours.
For mascara I swear by Diorshow. I sometimes try other brands when they are on offer, but it invariably ends with measly results, that quickly turn into panda eyes. And whenever I go back to Diorshow, I kick myself for ever having doubted it.