how i do my makeup

lonestar southern makeup routine

Friends, I am so thrilled to finally be sharing a full, in-depth post on how I do my makeup! This is a post that has been highly requested by y’all for the longest time, and in honor of the Sephora Spring Bonus sale that starts tomorrow (!!!) I figured it was the perfect time to finally put this together!

Before we dive into my personal beauty routine, let’s quickly cover all the important info on the Sephora Spring Bonus sale. Why? Because so many of my holy grail products are included, and these products hardly ever go on sale at any other time in the year. What you need to know…

WHO

The Sephora Spring Bonus event is exclusively open to Beauty Insider members! Aren’t one? No worries! All you have to do is input your email address and a few routine facts about yourself HERE.

Funny story – I signed up in like… 8th grade and my points have racked up since then. It’s the easiest and best thing, y’all!

WHAT

10% off Sephora site-wide

Do you know what that means? This miracle Dyson hair dryer (that I use!), this perfect, mega-popular scent and so many more products that never, ever, ever go on sale are all included!

WHEN

April 20-23

WHERE

Sephora Online

WHY

Like I mentioned above, beauty products typically never go on sale. That’s why I recommend using this to stock up on the products you use every day, and try out higher-ticket items you’ve been wanting to try out!

HOW I DO MY MAKEUP

Now, let’s move on to my makeup routine! I wouldn’t call this routine an ” every day” look, simply because I don’t wear makeup every day. I’m an all-or-nothin’ kinda girl! So heads up – this routine is a bit a more involved than your typical swipe of mascara and dab of blush process. But since I am a far-cry from a beauty expert, it’s all simple and easy to apply!

What I love about it is that it looks lovely, natural and put-together without being “cakey” or excessive. Here’s a little before and after to show you what I mean:

lonestar southern makeup routine

Intrigued? Then let’s move into a step-by-step walkthrough of how I do my makeup. Below, you’ll find info on the products I use, what they do, how I apply them and why I love them. Let’s get started!

1. Moisturizer

Without fail, the very first step to my makeup routine is a rich moisturizer. I’m currently using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream which I adore. I’ve also used and highly recommend the TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream (less expensive) and the Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream (great if you’re looking for a lighter moisturizer.

By starting off with a moisturizer, I make sure I’m giving my dry-prone skin the nutrients it needs to stay looking fresh, dewy and bright all day long.

2. Primer

Like I mentioned above, I am by no means a beauty guru, so it took me a while to jump on the “primer” train. To me, it seemed like an extra product (and waste of money) that I didn’t really need.

OH BOY, y’all. How wrong I was! If you’ve been feeling the same way, let me open your eyes to one of the best beauty tricks out there. A great primer (I recommend the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer) smoothes your skin texture and preps your skin to hold makeup in place all day long. Ever notice your makeup starting to look smudgy and worn by the end of the day? This primer fixes that!

I used to use this Smashbox primer to combat redness, but didn’t find it incredibly effective. This pore-minimizing formula, on the otherhand, has become my go-to for the past year and gives my face a beautiful, silky smooth texture after application. (You only need a pea-sized amount!)

lonestar southern makeup routine

3. Foundation

Foundation can be scary, because if you get it wrong the whole world can tell! For the longest time, I stuck with a powder foundation because it seemed less intimidating to me. What I hated, however, was the powdery look it gave me!

So after hearing so much hype about the IT Cosmetics CC cream, I decided to purchase a small travel version (this time last year, actually) to test it out myself. I haven’t looked back since!

A little goes a long way with this little tube of magic. The color may scare you when you first dab it on, but use a beauty blender (I know it’s expensive for a sponge, but worth it) to dab it into your face and you’ll immediately see a huge transformation! It hides imperfections and problem areas and gives off a stunning, non-red, photo-ready finish. I don’t think I’ll ever switch away from it!

Plus, it has SPF 50+… praise! I wear the shade “light.”

4. Concealer

I’ve tried just about every creamer out there and I’m convinced there’s non-better than the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

Why I love it? It conceals without caking and looks dewy instead of cakey. I hate anything that’s too heavy, and found this one to be just right! I use the shade “Vanilla” to swipe underneath my eyes, to dab on the redness around my nose and chin and to cover any problem spots or breakouts.

5. Setting Powder

After applying so many liquid-based products to my face, I like to set things with this Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I shake the teeniest bit into the lid of the container, swirl my powder brush (highly recommend the MAC 120 Full Fan Brush) around it a couple times, tap off the excess and casually sweep it all around my face.

It does exactly what the name says it will… “sets” everything and keeps my makeup in place all day! Since I use so little, it doesn’t add any sort of powdery look to my face, and instead keeps things dewy and fresh. I use the natural finish.

6. Bronzer

Let me make a quick confession. This girl doesn’t do conture! It’s too high-level for me, y’all. I just can’t seem to figure it out.

What I do know is that a well-applied dash of bronzer makes all the difference in giving you a sunny, fresh glow! (And guards against that cake-face look we all want to avoid.) I’ve tried just about every bronzer out there, and love the Bobbi Brown Bronzer in “Natural” most of all!

Since it’s so pigmented, I love that you only have to use a little bit of product to get the look you want. I sweep it over my cheekbones, the top of my forehead and down the center of my face for a sun-kissed effect! Heads up – this brush that I use does a great job of applying the product, but isn’t the softest.

7. Blush

During last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I picked up this Bobbi Brown Palette. I can honestly say I use it every day! For blush, I use this brush to dab the shade “nectar” onto the apples of my cheeks. I’ve found that deeper blush tones work best with my skin tone, and love that this one looks incredibly natural.

8. Eye Primer

Another primer?! Yes, y’all. They work wonders!

My mother, sister and I all use and swear by this Laura Mercier Eye Basics primer in “linen.” It keeps my eyelids from getting oily at the end of the day (ew!) and keeps my eyeliner and whatever other eyeshadow I apply in place! The color is so pretty that oftentimes I won’t even wear eyeshadow over it. If you don’t have this little magic-worker, I highly recommend!

9. Eye Shadow

Little by little, I’m getting better and better at eyeshadow. I’m a far-cry from Kardashian, but have learned the colors that look lovely and natural and how to apply them!

I’d recommend this Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette to any eyeshadow novice. It has simple, lovely completely natural shades (nothing crazy, here) that take me from office to date nights to weddings and everything in between. My everyday use involves sweeping the third shade, W.O.S., all over my eyelid and then using this brush (the fluffier of the two) to sweep the fourth shade, Naked 2, into my crease.

For a heavier look, I’ll bring the two far-right shades into my crease and outer corner of my eyes. Again, this palette has everything you need and nothing you don’t!

10. Eye Liner

Maybe it’s the Dallas girl in me, but I love a good, rich line of liquid eyeliner. Since I have narrow eyes, it makes the biggest difference! (Look at the photo on the right to see just how much of a difference I’m talking about.)

I know liquid eyeliner can be scary, but I love the clean, neat look it gives. Practice makes perfect, and I’ve had plenty since I’ve used this exact product since my senior year of high school. I went to get my makeup done for prom, and the artist used the Lancome Artliner in the shade “noir.” I have, too, ever since!

I apply a line across my lid and then sweep it out for a mini cat-eye. That’s it! I don’t apply any on my lower lashes for a bright, open-eyed look.

10. Mascara

Everyone has their favorite mascara, and the Lancome Hypnose Drama is mine! I’ve used it for years now, and love the mega volume it gives without being flakey. I apply quite a few layers, and clean up any that I got on my eyelid with a damp QTip!

10. Brows

I truly believe I have the craziest eyebrows in all of the world. They actually grow up into points on the side, and for the longest time I let them go free. (Mom, why didn’t you step in!!!)

Because of that, I’ve tried brow product after brow product and the only one I’ve really loved is the Anastasia Brow Wiz in “ebony.” (I tried the lighter shades at first, but they all looked too “colored” on my face. This simple, non-fussy dark shade is best, in my opinion.)

Since it’s a pencil, it allows you to be hyper-precise with where you’re filling in and lets you create shape easily. I always end up adding a bit of a faux arch to my right brow. After application, I usually take a bit if toilet paper and sweep it over my brows so they don’t look too heavy.

11. Highlight

Like I said, I don’t do contour, but I’ve found a dash of highlighter is easy and foolproof to apply, and makes such an impact in a dewy, non-cakey look.

My favorite? The MAC Hyper Real Glow Palette. I was sent this by the MAC team, and immediately fell in love because it is so pigminted. All you need is a tiny bit to achieve that pretty glow!

I get one dab of the middle shade and sweep it on the very tops of my cheekbones, along the top of my forehead and down the center of my face. Voila! Dewy perfection in ten seconds. (Look at these next few photos to see the difference it makes!)

12. Lip Care

It’s far too expensive, but I’m helplessly addicted to the FRESH Sugar Lip Treatment. If you’re looking for a little treat yoself moment, indulge in this lip magic! It has the most heavenly smell, taste, and best of all, feel!

My lips get especially dry in the winter months, so I have the FRESH Lip Polish on hand for a quick fix. It gets rid of those gross, dry skin pieces and leaves your lips feeling and looking plump and soft. Game changer, y’all!

13. Lip Color

Friends, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite beauty product… Chanel Rouge Lip Color in “merry rose!” My friend Oliva had this on one night, and once she told me how much she loved it I ran out and bought it the very next. It has since become my go-to present for friends. Everyone loves it! The perfect, natural nude that doesn’t wash you out and lasts all day!

To apply, swipe the color side on both lips and wait for it to get sticky. Once it does, apply the gloss to take away the stickiness and give you the prettiest sheen! The gloss will need to be re-applied throughout the day, but the stain will stay!

There you have it, friends, my go-to makeup routine! These are tried and true products I’ve used for forever… once I find something I love, I stick with it!

Don’t forget that many of these products will be on sale starting tomorrow. Make sure you’re signed up as a Beauty Insider (so quick and easy) to get 10% off Sephora site-wide through the weekend.

Would love to know if you’d like to see more beauty content, and if so, what it is you’re looking for! I hope you enjoyed today’s post, y’all. Besos!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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8 Comments

  1. Allie said:

    I look forward to this sale every year! I love your makeup look, you look so pretty! I can’t wait to try that lip color. The CT ones are really great too if you’re looking for something new, I love pillowtalk. xAllie
    http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    Published 4.19.18 · Reply
  2. Samantha said:

    The CC cream looks amazing on you! Also, I think you might’ve convinced me to buy that lip color – so flattering. Thanks for sharing! Xo

    Published 4.19.18 · Reply
  3. Danielle said:

    Love this makeup routine because it’s so similar to mine. I’ve never tried any sort of primer, but I’m now interested to see what it does for me! I’ve been looking for a good highlighter for a while and your MAC palette is calling my name! I’m a diehard liquid eyeliner girl, too — it’s the only kind that looks good on my tiny eyes. Thanks for such a lovely post!

    Published 4.19.18 · Reply
  4. Holly said:

    This is such a beautiful look, so stunning! I am with you on the importance of moisturiser as I have such dry skin, it can be a nightmare so a deep moisturiser is a must. Love the sound of It cosmetics CC cream, I love foundations with a light but good coverage and this looks perfect. Will definitely be ordering that soon! Thanks so much!

    Holly from The Art of Being Holly xo

    Published 4.20.18 · Reply
  5. Allie said:

    One of my fave blog posts you’ve done! I try my best at makeup haha, but I’m no pro! Loved all the products you talked about for a simple look that seems doable :) Thanks for sharing!

    Published 4.20.18 · Reply
  6. Kelsey said:

    Love this! You’ve made it so helpful and easy to follow. A beautiful and natural look!! Would love to learn more about your skincare routine/what you put on your face when it’s no a makeup day!

    Published 4.6.20 · Reply
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    Published 5.22.23 · Reply