Simple Makeup for Women Who Don’t Wear Makeup

Easy Makeup for the Woman Who Doesn’t Wear Makeup

For years I didn’t wear makeup. When I was young, I didn’t know how to apply it correctly so I looked like a clown with blue eyeshadow, bright cheeks and a foundation line. (I could never match my skin tone!)

After I got married, my husband liked the “natural look.” Then when I started having babies I never had time for that. I invested in good haircuts, but that was about it.

Then I had a girl. And she grew up to be a young woman who loved nail polish and makeup. In an effort to share her interests, I began wearing some. I would let her do my makeup and surprisingly, she was really good!

Last year I read Madame Chic and for some reason the chapter on makeup clicked with me. I now have an easy routine that takes hardly any time. If you already wear makeup and know what you are doing, move along. You won’t learn anything new here. But if you don’t wear makeup and are feeling like you want to give it a try but don’t know where to start, this tutorial is for you. I will share two with you. One that is bare bones and one that has a bit more to it.

These are the products that I use. You can adapt and find others but the “ingredient list” is this:

1. L’Oreal BB Cream. I’ve tried a few other brands but this is by far my favorite. It is like magic. It comes out white but when you apply it, it matches your skin tone! I used to use “medium” in the summer when I had a tan, but I mostly use “light” when I don’t have any color.

2. Cover Girl concealer stick. I learned about this from The Pioneer Woman. I use it for both an under eye concealer and a lid primer. My eyelids are naturally dark so this lightens them up.

3. Mary Kay Spun Silk Mineral Eye Color. It doesn’t have to be MK but this light pinky/cream color is my favorite. You can brush it all over the lid and leave it at that or you can combine it with other colors.

4. Cover Girl Mascara. I don’t LOVE this mascara but it works fine. It’s new to me based on a friend’s recommendation.

5. Eye brush. I have these Elf brushes that are inexpensive but do the trick.

So now that you know what you need, let’s move on to the tutorial.

Begin with clean and moisturized skin. At my age I need the moisture but you may be able to get by with just the BB Cream. Apply concealer to eyelids and under the eyes. I use my ring finger to spread it and get it just so. Here’s a close up of the BB Cream. See how it looks white when it comes out? Dot it around your face and begin blending. I have tried using a brush and a sponge but I prefer to just use my fingertips. Next, apply the eye shadow all over the lid, using a brush. Once you do that, it’s time for mascara. My friend, Sarah, who is better at makeup than I am, recommended this one. Years ago, when I would occasionally wear makeup, say for a Christmas party, I would NEVER, EVER wear mascara. I have long lashes and didn’t need to accentuate them anymore (so I thought). Then Annie started wearing it and I tried it. Now I’m sold. Can I just say how awkward it is getting these pix? Okay. Moving on.

So for short and sweet I would stop there. But if you want to go a little more, here’s what I would add:Same ingredient list as before but add the following:

1. A few more brushes. The Elf ones are $1-$3 each at Target. An affordable way to ease into this.

2. Powder. I used to use loose but now I have this pressed one.

3. Bronzer. It adds a bit of color and definition.

4. Blush. I’ve had this Clinique one for YEARS! I know. You shouldn’t keep makeup that long. Yeah. Uh huh.

5. A darker contrast eye shadow. I have this Mary Kay Espresso I like.

Beginning where we left off before, add some powder all over to set your BB Cream.

Then you can add the blush. I like to smile real big and apply the powder to my cheeks. I prefer a pinky color. Then I add some bronzer for contouring. Makes me look like I have hollows in my cheeks. Just a little bit in the hollows of my cheeks. I suck in so I can see exactly where to put it. Next, to create a little depth and some drama, I use the darker eye color on the brow bone right above the crease. Use the small pointy crease brush. 
Use the blending brush to blend the harsh lines. I have long eyebrows (which I have shaped by threading) so I need to comb them into place with a brow brush. Almost done! Sometimes I stop here. When I want even more drama, I add an eye pencil. I don’t do the popular wing and I don’t use liquid, but I might use blue or purple liner when I want to be crazy! I just follow the lash line. I don’t do the lower lid or the water line. This one is inexpensive.

Finally a little lip color. I like these long lasting ones because I always forget to reapply. First you apply the color. Then let it dry before applying the glossy layer. And that’s it! Perfect lips that don’t come off on coffee cups or husbands! That’s it! You can do it! All ready for the day!

When I take the time to “put on my face” I feel more put together which makes me more confident! Can’t we all use a little more of that in our lives?