My Must-Have, Everyday Makeup Routine

I'm that girl that always does her makeup. My college roommate used to laugh at me for getting up about an hour and a half before class, to shower, put on makeup, and pick out an outfit that actually matched. I don't know, having my makeup done just makes me feel ready for the day and really sets my whole tone. Of course I like the following products, but honestly I learned SO much about them while writing this post. Isn't it amazing what we put on our faces every day, without even knowing what goes into each product? As I was researching, I also stumbled upon other bloggers' makeup routines and learned some new tips and products to try myself! Products below are listed in the same order I use them as part of my must-have, everyday makeup routine.Products are linked through each header and graphic. Any Amazon links I share are affiliate links. This means that the price of the item stays the same for you, but I receive a small commission of the sale which helps me keep my content free and this site up and running. Thanks for reading!

bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer

Using bareMinerals makes me feel like I'm doing something good for my face (I know it may not be the most chemical-free make-up out there, but it does less harm than other products). Its formula is free of preservatives and full of antioxidants and vitamins C and E. In the past, I never used primer before my foundation, but now this is a necessary step in my routine. I love how this primer is so soft and shimmery, and it really does make my foundation go on smoother and stay on longer. Some people even wear this primer by itself.

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream, Opal 01

This foundation has been another staple in my routine for awhile now (maybe even a couple years?). I love that it's lightweight but still gives me decent coverage without looking caked on. It's the perfect combination of a BB cream and CC cream. Bonus: it has SPF 30, which is great because I don't put on actual sunscreen every morning (I know, I should probably add this to my routine.) I think this foundation might be a bit oily for some people, especially in combination with the primer, but it works for me. You may even choose to wear this as your tinted moisturizer

Smashbox SPF 15 Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes Broad Spectrum, Fair/Light

I SWEAR by this concealer. When I hear those last few clicks of the tube, I try to get to Ulta as soon as that 20% off coupon hits my inbox. This concealer creates such a smooth complexion, doesn't crease throughout the day, and just really brightens up my eye area. It also "fades the look of dark circles instantly and over time, reduces the appearance of puffiness, visibly smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves firmness," but I'm only 26 soooo, I can only sort of verify all those things. The great thing about Smashbox is they create products specifically to make you photo-shoot ready all day long - so ladies getting married, try it out before the big day!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer, Light

If you've been rolling your eyes at the expensive products I use up until this point, good news! This bronzer is totally affordable but still feels high end. I started using this after reading great reviews, and it hasn't disappointed. Overall this shade goes on perfect and it's easily buildable depending on your preferred level of contour. I also think this bronzer works well for all-over color. Occasionally I put it on a little too heavy and it can look slightly orange, but I mostly blame user error on that one.

NARS Blush, Orgasm

Two words: cult. favorite. This blush is highly recommended across all kinds of blogs and beauty forums. Specifically this shade of NARS blush. It's coveted for working on almost every skin tone and providing the perfect peachy, golden glow. Check out this article about the most universally flattering blush. It is pretty pricey, so it may not be a repeat purchase, but I definitely love it.

NYX Cosmetics Make Up Setting Spray, Dewy Finish

Once all my face makeup is on, I finish it off with this refreshing, dewy setting spray. I love how it feels like the finishing touch, and it really does help my makeup stay put throughout the work day. In the world of setting sprays, the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting version is another cult favorite - and for good reason, it's awesome - but this NYX version is just as good in my opinion, and way more affordable.

Ulta Gel Eyeliner Pencil, Black Out

I love am obsessed with shopping at Ulta, but honestly I don't buy too many Ulta brand products. There's not a specific reason, I'm just drawn to other products more often. However, this gel eyeliner pencil is everything. It glides on so smoothly, and the color lasts all day. I love that I can sharpen it and get a perfect line, and it's easy to go over it multiple times while coloring in certain areas or correcting any coloring outside the lines... I highly recommend this one, and watch for the buy 1, get 1 50% off sale on Ulta products, which comes around pretty often!

Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara, Very Black

Oh mascaras. I've tried many different versions, expensive and affordable, and I can't say I'm going steady with any of them. Sometimes I splurge and try one of the prestige brands (like this IT Cosmetics Superhero one that I actually loved), and sometimes I go for the more affordable ones when my budget needs a break. And honestly, I think the more affordable ones often work just as well as the expensive ones, if not better. This Maybelline one is a newer one for me, but so far it's doing the job. I may try something new once it runs out, but right now I'm happy with it.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara, Very Black

This mascara is perfect to use in conjunction with another mascara. It has a teeny tiny brush that allows you to get to your bottom lashes and all the baby lashes in between. It doesn't do full, voluminous coverage, but it's great for really covering all your lashes and adding more depth after your first few coats of heavier mascara.So that's it! I know it looks like a ton of makeup and a crazy long routine, but honestly it goes by quickly in about 10-15 minutes. I try not to rush my makeup routine in the morning, because for me it's kind of therapeutic to go through the process and enjoy just taking my time, often multi-tasking around my apartment in between applications.What are your favorite must-have, everyday products? Tell me all about them!!Get happy gettin' your face on! xxSaraP.S. Oh my gosh, I forgot about lips! Probably because they're usually an after-thought. I love lip color, but I'm usually just throwing on some chapstick. If I do throw on a color, I choose from a variety of different brands and styles depending on my outfit and mood. I need to find a product to make part of my daily routine!