The Perfect Foundation Routine

My make up collection seems to have recently almost doubled in size, especially in the foundation and skincare end. I just keep buying new foundations, primers, lotions & potions and have really found some gems. I’ve recently found a foundation routine that is pretty much full proof to stay the majority of the day, or the night as you party away!

Step 1. Primer 

I have always had primer in my kit, yet I’ve never been a religious user until now! These 2 beauties have only come into my collection in the last 6 months yet both have become a daily essential for different reasons. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer €32

This was one of the first beauty product my mom bought me back when I was in my early teens and experementing with make up. Thinking back it was a pretty extravagant product to buy a beginner as to be honest I hadn’t a breeze what it was, or how to use it but mum has always been a bit of a gifter. Now I have a ‘wee’ bit more expereince in the make up department it is the perfect addition to my collection. This primer will create a clear canvas and hold your make up all day long. It’s an incredibly durable primer that will reduce fine lines and pores for a flawless finish, but I have found myself breaking out due to the addition of silicone so make sure to exfoliate after you use it. 

Mac Skin Base Visage €27

I’ve had this primer for a while and am still as in love as I was at the beginning. I got a sample of this a couple of months back from my local MAC store and instantly fell in love. This primer, unlike the Smashbox one, gives a beautiful glow under foundation instead of a simple primer effect. It is perfect for a beautiful glow, especially for a night out! It also does contain silicone but unlike the Smashbox I don’t break out as much with this. 

Step 2. Foundation 

Mac Studio Sculpt SPF 15 €36.50

I was initially using this foundation as a daily go to but have found it quite heavy to wear and have moved it to the night time collection. My tastes in foundation have changed and I really think I have to invest in Face & Body some time soon. This foundation is very full coverage and awfully long wearing! While it sounds ideal for a day time go to, it can look quite heavy and unless work over primer I’ve noticed it can crack into wrinkles and lines. That being said its definitely a go too. It is a spf so night time photos can sometimes have a glare but I have yet to find that with this foundation. Have any of you ??

Nars Sheer Glow €40

Now I’m not going to lie, this wasn’t my favourite foundation at all. When I first bought it I found it to dark for my skin tone, enter darker tan, and to be honest I just didn’t feel it lived up to the hype that some bloggers have portrayed, that however has all changed. In the last few weeks I made it my mission to use it up as I wasn’t going to let it got to waste. When applied in patches, cheeks, forehead and middle all done separately, it can create a totally different look. It must have simple dried to fast the way I used to use it, but now it blends perfectly into a foundation both perfect for day and night. 

Blank Canvas F20 Brush €15

This has been my holy grail for ages. I recently picked up a new one at the Irish Beauty Show and its honestly the only foundation brush I use. This beauty buffs in my foundation unlike anything I’ve ever used and if your in the market for a new brush this has to be on your list! 

Step 3. Concealer 

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer €12

I bought this concealer a few months back due to an emergency conceler during a very dark circle time in my life! At the time I hadn’t heard very much about it, but recently it seems to be on every beauty bloggers radar! I’ve been using it daily since I bought it and loving it more and more every day! It really reduces the sign of dark circles, and as I bought it in a lighter shade it also works as a highlight under my eyes as well. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge €8

I have been using this sponge not only to blend my concealer but also to finish up my foundation and ensure everything is blended perfectly. I bought it a good while ago now, and i can safely say it was worth the €8. I know I should replace it as it’s now looking quite haggered and stained but recently I’ve been hearing a lot that  the new formula of the sponge isn’t as good as the original and doesn’t blend as well. I’m so upset about this as I really wanted to repurchase this beauty. 

 Step 4. Setting Powder

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation €36

I actually blogged about this powder in my last post so make sure to pop over to read an indepth review of it (quick spoiler – I loved it!!). I’ve been using this powder daily since I was lucky enough to be sent it to review. It is an incredible powder to only set my concealer but to also keep my foundation set all day! It works in conjunction with my primer to create a beautiful foundation base. I apply it with an unbranded fan brush I bought many many years ago but havent had the heart to replace as its incredible!!! 

Hope you enjoyed this post, I’m so tempted to do a foundation routine video to go with it, is that something you would be interested in??

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