But fear not! Thanks to the magic of makeup, I am generally regarded as a reasonable attractive person. Only my family, my boyfriend, my roommates and some close friends know the truth.
Here's what I've been using lately:
Philosophy Hope in a Jar, $39 for 2 oz. Confession: I just recently began using moisturizer on a daily basis. My rationale was, since I already have oily skin, wouldn't adding more moisture be totally counter-intuitive? But, no. Moisturizing on the reg is an excellent habit to get into today. Your skin will thank you when you're older.
Hope in a Jar has a cult following, and for good reason. I love the whipped texture, how smoothly it glides on and how quickly my skin seems to absorb it.
Estée Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, $35. This foundation. Is. The shit. I've been using it for a week, and I'm totally in love. I hate the feeling of heavy foundation, and when I wear this, it really feels like I'm not wearing anything at all. But, at the same time, it provides solid, medium coverage. Applying it with a brush yields the best results, but in the mornings I usually just use my fingers which works, too.
It's available in a daunting 16 colors, so I'd definitely recommend visiting a department store makeup counter (I went to Macy's) and asking for help picking out the perfect one. You'll never want to use anything else. Trust.
Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer, $29. Here's where the not-being-a-beige-blob thing comes in. Pixiwoo (hot British sisters who do YouTube makeup how-to videos) has a great contouring tutorial. She makes it look easy, but the more you practice, the better you get at it. The secret is to a.) have a VERY light hand and b.) take a clean brush when you're done and blend, blend blend.
This is a solid bronzer, and the shade is similar to the natural shadows in my face. I sweep some of this under my cheekbones and on the sides of my nose with a MAC 168 brush, and voila! I've faked a better bone structure than I actually have.
Bonus: this also makes for a great medium-brown eyeshadow that's perfect for subtle, daytime makeup. I love products that can work double-duty.
Edward Bess All Over Seduction, $38. I had heard awesome things about this brand but was too lazy to schlep uptown to Bergdorf Goodman to try it. So, I was thrilled when the Sephora in Union Square began carrying the product I was most curious about - a highlighter called All Over Seduction. And I was impressed - it's super-creamy, with sheer-but-buildable coverage. Best of all, it's subtle and not overly shimmery. I use this on my cheekbones and browbones for a nice sheen.
Korres Blush, $24. Lastly, I sweep this blush in Peachy Pink on my cheeks. It's pretty, but not particularly long-lasting. I'm close to running out, so I'm going to give Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush a try next.
So, there you have it: my daily makeup routine. Any products I simply must try? I welcome recommendations - leave 'em in the comments.
