Category: How To

It has been almost 3 years since I last did a step-by-step feature detailing what I did for make-up everyday. I’ve since changed up my routine but it is still quite fast – just over 5 minutes. My make-up these days is more about trying not to look like an old lady. Simple is good.

Step 1: Disguise the discolouration.

My current favourite is MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF35 (NC20). I use my fingers and dot it around my eyes, as well as over certain blemishes before pressing it in and blending gently. If I have time, I use a concealer brush (I own the Rare Minerals Heal & Conceal double-ended one).

Step 2: Building the foundation.

I currently use the BENEFIT Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup (Oil-Free SPF 25) in Cheers to Me Champagne. It’s a light-weight liquid foundation that comes with a pump which is great for keeping it clean! I use 1 full pump and a little more.

Then spread over my face with my fingers then followed by a foundation sponge just to even it out. I prefer a light coverage just to even out my skintone (you can still see some blemishes) instead of packing it on, unless I really have it.

At this point, my fingers usually get mucky with the leftover streaks of concealer and foundation. I have wet wipes on hand to clean up so that I won’t get them all over my other things.

Step 3: Framing the face (i.e. the eyes).

Gone are the days where I bother to shade and contour the eyes on a daily basis. I also tend to shy away from colours unless on special occasions. Maybe it’s an aging thing. Less is more?

To disguise the fact that I no longer have bright, sparkling youthful eyes, I opt for a peachy and neutral base around my eyes. Today I used a light beige-y colour by POUT called Miss Aruba (applied here with a Lancome eyeshadow blending brush). On some days, my eyeshadow of choice is REVLON matte 002 Peach Sorbet. Both are almost similar to my skintone and you can barely see colour.

I suffer from eyebrow woes. These days they look quite uneven because of a bad eyebrow embroidery job. One side seem to be fading faster than the other too! But even without this issue, I’ve always drawn my brows or coloured it in. I use the Natural Brow Pencil in 002 Dark Brown from Silkygirl. They used to have a lighter shade that I preferred but they’ve since discontinued it. I have no idea why.

My key trick is to use my pinky to stabilize my drawing hand and use a swift stroke. It works for me.

Step 4: Colour to the face.

I use the BENEFIT slant powder brush which I bought during one of their online clearance sale. It works well for most of what I need it for. I just ensure that I brush off the excess everyday to keep it clean. My favourite blush is the MAC Powder Blush Well Dressed Satin. It’s really light and almost invisible on my skin. I love that it is barely there but gives some colour to my otherwise overall paleness.

Step 5: Seal it in! Powder lightly!

I use MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC25. I find that by lightly patting some powder or brushing it on, it seals the make-up and helps to prevent early rub-offs.

At this point, I’m usually done and ready to leave the house. If I find that I have another 2 to 3 minutes, I’ll do my eye-liner, mascara and the lipstick (which can be applied anywhere actually).

Step 6: Eye-liner and mascara.

I’m loving the MAYBELLINE Hyper Sharp Liner (Black) for its price, size and firm fine tip. I’m in fact using my 3rd one now! If you’re a klutz like me with fat fingers, this marker-like felt tip makes it so easy! I start by drawing a short line, tracing the top lash line.

Then I draw it out a little longer and join a line from the bottom corner, forming a triangle.

The key thing to note is that your eyes are not exactly symmetrical. I know one of my eye folds thicker than the other so I have to do some adjustments so that the eyeliner artificially makes it look more even.

The mascara I’m using on a daily basis is the MAYBELLINE MAGNUM Volume Express (Waterproof) in Black. Cheap and good. I use the MAC Zoom Lash on special occasions because it takes time to put on the Prep & Prime, and then layering the mascara on, before drying.

The tip here is don’t pump your mascara because it introduces air in. Instead swirl it around as you pull the brush out, if you want to pick up colour. To apply swiftly, tilt your head back and wiggle the brush as you sweep it up. Start from the middle of your eye and try to get as close to the lash line as you can. I brush 3 times on each eye – middle, front, end. Just twice each time. Unless I have extra time, I don’t bother with the priming fibres or curling my lashes.

Step 7: Lipstick.

I almost never use a lipliner and I don’t think I’ve owned a lipbrush in years. The effect is too fake and defined. I just do a quick sweep. Sometimes, without the mirror. What I’m using here is a new lipstick I bought yesterday – CLARINS Rouge Prodige (102 Paradise Pink). If you’re like me, a MAC NC25, this is a gorgeous colour. My stupid Photobooth can’t truly show how pink this is. Unfortunately, for a purported long-wear lipstick that costs $35, this didn’t last even half-way through my Lor Mee breakfast.

And this is it! How fast can you do it? How much do you want? You can stop just at 5 minutes or continue for another 2 minutes for a little more definition.

So easy right?