A Simple Everyday Makeup Routine, From the Experts (2024)

We all have piles and piles of makeup, more than we actually need, but how do you know what’s worth keeping, what products you should be using, and what you may be using incorrectly? Well I had quite the Sunday yesterday. I had an amazing Skype session with makeup artist Troy Edwards through Maestro Market, a new online platform that directly connects you with affordable experts of all kinds. He walked me through an easy, everyday makeup routine using products I already own, and taught me step-by-step how to apply them correctly. He started off by getting to know my style, both in fashion and beauty, and then came the fun part. We literally went through every single makeup product I own (not kidding, every single product), and sorted them into piles:

For each item, he had me explain what I like and don’t like about the product. Then he told me which pile to put it in. It felt so good to get rid of so much crap that had just been sitting in my makeup box. Once we finished sorting the makeup, he gave me a one-on-one lesson on how to use the products we chose to keep. Let me tell you, I thought I had been doing my makeup all right, but I was so wrong. Just the slightest tweaks made such a huge difference. Take a look:

Step 1: Foundation

Since my skin is dry, we decided my NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizerwas the best way to go. I had always applied it with my hands, but he showed me how to use my liquid foundation brush. First, you use your fingers to dab the product in 4 spots on your face. Then use the brush to blend it. On your forehead, brush back and forth. On your cheeks, brush down and away from the center of your face. And on your chin, also brush back and forth.

Step 2: Concealer

While I’d been using this Benefit Boi-ing Concealer for some time, it often felt thick and cakey under my eyes. He showed me an awesome trick that really blends the product smoothly. Add a drop of moisturizer to your brush before adding the product. Then dab the product about 4 times under your eyes. Smooth with the brush, then use your middle finger to lightly dab underneath your eyes. The heat of your finger helps blend the concealer even more for a really natural finish. I also have been a huge fan of this Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat brightener. I love theluminouseffect it has on the skin.

Step 3: Powder

I had no idea but I’d been using the wrong brush to apply my powder for way too long. I had this small kabuki brush from bareMinerals that he recommended I use instead. He said to apply it in circular motions to buffer it into the skin for a natural look.

Step 4: Bronzer

Now this is where he really blew my mind. With all of the contouring talk out there, I had gotten so confused on how to really use my bronzer to the best of its abilities. He recommended to avoid contouring during the day as it’s meant more for poor lighting like on stage or for a night out. I had also been using the wrong brush for this as well. Bronzer should be applied with a large fluffy brush, which I already owned but never used. Swirl the brush in the product, tap the brush so some product comes off (important!), then start with your cheeks. Sweep the brush up and down starting at the outer part of your cheek, working your way in. Repeat on the other side. Then finish with your forehead, chin, and neck.

Step 5: Blush

Yup, you guessed it. I was using the wrong brush for this as well. Blush requires a fluffy yet dense brush like the one I use below. He also got me to try a new color I’d never tried before. I’d always opted for more peachy tones, but this petal pink is really pretty too and works with my skin tone. Smile and apply to the apples of your cheeks.

Step 6: Eyes

It was great to learn a simple eye makeup routine for everyday. First, I start with a “bone” colored shadow and cover my entire lid. If you have a fluffy shadow brush, use that, but I didn’t so I just used my finger. Then pick a taupe color and use a denser shadow brush to dab, not sweep, the product at the bottom of your lid and work your way up to the crease. This is a great way to not only avoid getting product on your cheeks, but to also layer shadow to control how intense you want the color. He approved of the way I applied my eyeliner (woohoo!) with an angled brush, a bit of water, and powder liner. He recommended navy for my blue eyes. As for mascara, he recommended dabbing the wand on a tissue first, then wiggling it at the route of your lashes and sweeping up.

Step 7: Lips

Last but not least, lips! For everyday, he recommended a really pretty combination of light pink lipstick (bareMinerals Moxie Lipstick in Speak Your Mind) and coral gloss (bareMinerals Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter). I also admitted my fear of bright colored lipstick and he showed me a great way to apply them that isn’t overwhelming. Just dab the lipstick on your bottom lip and rub your lips together for just a hunt of color. Then add gloss to bring out the color a bit more.

And you’re done!