These products form my iconic makeup look that has stood the test of time- here's to NARS and Happy 30th!
I start off with the soft matte complete foundation. This is a medium-to-full coverage matte foundation with oxidation-resistant (contains a blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants which help control the appearance of excess sebum to prevent shades from shifting due to oxidation as well as helping defend skin from pollutants, free radicals, and blue-light exposure that can contribute to the appearance of excess sebum) which lasts 16 hours! I use shade Fiji which is a light to medium shade with warm undertones. How to use: I use the Pat, Press and Blend approach: I dispense a small amount on to the back of my hand. One drop is enough when applying with your fingertips. PAT it using your fingertips. I like to start at the center of my face and gently PRESS the foundation on to the skin. I then use a stippling motion to BLEND outward. I'd recommend working in small sections, focusing on one area at a time to get the best coverage. It feels weightless and I can blend easily. It looks smooth with a natural soft-matte finish that feels comfortable. It has a Hydramatte Balancing Complex which helps mimic a healthy-looking complexion by balancing the appearance of excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated with a combination of Micro-Algae Extract and Bio Hyaluronic Acid. I see my skin looking smooth and bright as a result so you don't need to compromise your skincare for makeup!
I then use the Soft Matte Complete Concealer. This is a high-coverage, matte concealer with a blurring, soft focus effect that wears all day. I use shade Macadamia which is for medium skin with peach undertones. It is weightless and natural looking. It conceals dark spots, undereye circles, redness, and breakouts! It doesn't settle into fine lines or pores either as it has supportive Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid which plump the look of the skin. It also contains vitamins A, C and E so you can get your nutrients whilst looking glam! It has a soft-focus effect that helps blur imperfections by absorbing and refracting light. How to use: I use my fingertips to warm the product and press into my skin. I then use a stippling application to areas with more texture. This includes places like acne scars, pores, and wrinkles. I use brush #12 to layer.
I then use the award winning air matte blush in shade rush (a peachy shade). This is an airy, mousse blush that transforms into a velvety powder. It feels weightless and comfortable on the skin. It gives even coverage and is easy to build so you can tailor the blush to your look! It contains a Colour Diffusion Complex which blends silky polymers and micropowders to give a soft-focus finish by diffusing colour. How to use: I'd recommend using brush #16 to build the colour intensity and layer. This allows your blush to have versatility- it can look sheer all the way to full! You can also use your fingertips to apply this in case you misplace your brush and you are in a hurry!
I then use the light reflecting pressed setting powder to lock my makeup in place and give a glow. I use the shade Crystal which is clear. It has vitamin E to guard against dryness as well as optimising light reflection to fade fine lines and pores! Its photochromic technology adjusts to new light so you never look washed out! It feels weightless on my skin too and gives a mattifying effect. How to use: when I first get a new compact, I use #13 and swirl it several times to soften the powder. I then tap off any excess and use a sweeping motion to apply. When targetting smaller areas, like under the eyes or around the nose, I use brush #15.
I then use the bronzing powder in shade Laguna 00 (a very light bronze with neutral undertones). It gives a warmth to my skin and lasts all day! It smooths the skin and feels comfortable on my skin. How to use: I swirl onto the apples of my cheeks, blending outwards and upwards along the cheekbones. I then sweep a bit on my forehead and the bridge of my nose. I continue applying it in a circular motion, continuously blending as well as blending into my neck to avoid any harsh lines.
I curl my eyelashes using the eyelash curler. I gently place them on the base of my lashes for a natural lift. After this, I apply the climax mascara which is smudge proof and buildable. It doesn't clump and gives me an intense look if needed with volume! It gives a creamy feel to my lashes and my lashes don't feel stiff after using it. How to use: I start by coating the top and bottom of my upper lashes, using the brush to wiggle through. I then concentrate applying it on the root and the outer lashes. If you don't want to use an eyelash curler to give you a lift or you simply don't have time, I'd recommend holding and lifting your lashes for 5 seconds when applying the mascara. If I'd like to add a more dramatic look to my eyes, I use the tapered edge of the brush to coat the bottom lashes with.
Lastly, my lips! I use my favourite lipstick- the afterglow sensual shine lipstick in shade 209 (on edge) which is a warm pink colour. This lipstick not only gives shine but 8 hours of hydration (containing mango and shea butter to smooth dryness) so acts as your lip care too (containing antioxidants to protect your lips)! It doesn't feel sticky on my lips and gives them a fuller look as well as feeling lightweight upon application. I like to build the colour from sheer to medium as well as adding Afterglow Lip Shine in shade Triple X (crystal clear gloss) for an added shine effect. This contains pomegranate, jojoba oil and raspberry seed oil which conditions and protects your lips.
How would you define this routine
My iconic makeup look
Describe the different steps of your routine
foundation, concealer, blush, setting powder, bronzing powder, mascara, lipstick