My friend S is a busy mom with a toddler & a kindergartener – she doesn’t have much time for make-up. However, I recently did her make-up for her birthday dinner – and she loved the compliments she received that night. She asked me to create a basic make-up kit for her – so that she could look her best with minimal time and effort. We spent this morning at the mall – and here’s what we purchased for her:
Gorgeous & Glowing in 3 easy steps:
Step 1 – The base. Use a moisturizing eye cream (Kiehls Avocado Eye Treatment), then pat MAC Studio Finish concealer under the eyes and on any dark areas. Buff NARS Sheer Glow foundation all over using Sephora Pro Airbrush. This NARS foundation provides such a luminous yet natural looking finish to your skin.
Step 2 – The eyes. Apply MAC Brule all over your lids. Press some matte liquid liner over your lash line (I love MAC gel eyeliner – but Wet n Wild liner is easier to use). Curl lashes with a Shu Uemura curler and apply Falsies mascara.
Step 3 – Cheeks & Lips. Apply MAC Gingerly Blush with a MAC 129 brush. Finish your look with a layer of Revlon Coral Reef on your lips.
She loves having a basic kit and a simple make-up formula to follow…it makes her life so much easier!
I tend to stick to formulas too – especially when it comes to outfits – most of my recent outfits seem to consist of H&M tops, Garage jeans & Old Navy boots! Oh well, it seems to work!
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| H&M tops, Garage jeans & Old Navy boots! |
I get a lot of questions about my Old Navy boots – I bought them last year in cognac & black (see this year’s version here) – I waited for a promo and ended up getting them both for around $30 each! They have waded through rain and snow – and are still going strong. I was excited to see the sleek cognac boot they came out with this year – and didn’t hesitate to order them with a 25% off code (ONMAPLE25 in Canada – code expires today). Hope I get as much wear out of them as I have with my current 2 pairs.
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| Old Navy Faux Leather Wedge Boots |
After our make-up shopping was finished, my friend and I went to H&M. I was able to find some GREAT accessories – these flower pins have both clips and pins, so they can be worn in the hair or pinned on clothes. I picked up a large selection – some are for me and the rest are for my daughter. I also found an adorable faux-fur collar and a hair sponge to use for sock-buns!
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| H&M flower pins/clips, fur collar & bun sponge |
Do you have a clothing or make-up formula that you stick to?
p.s. Don’t forget to enter here to win $50 of Perfectly Posh products!
I love the basic kit you created for her! These are all beautiful staples that anyone could use and benefit from! I've read so many great things about sheer glow. I'm tempted to either try that one, or mufe hd foundation. What do you recommend? My outfit formula is the same as yours Ella! Except I wear flats instead of boots because its much hotter here. I post most of my outfits from the weekend, when I can play a little more 😉
Funny that you asked about the NARS sheer glow and the MUFE! I was supposed to take another mom-friend out make-up shopping but had a hard time coordinating schedules. She ended up with the MUFE foundation – it matched her skin tone perfectly but it looked a little dry and powdery…while the Sheer Glow just looks indescribably luminous. I would definitely try samples of both – but from what I've seen, Sheer Glow is just so flattering – I'm thinking of trying it too once my acne scars fade.
It'a all about having a routine that works, that's for sure. I love your outfits and that Coach bag is gorgeous. You found some great accessories today too:)
Thanks – I was super excited with all my H&M accessories – especially the flower pins, I've been looking for those for ages!
You are such a good friend! I love the kit you created. 🙂
Thanks sweetie – I don't know who had more fun LOL – my friend loved being guided towards the right products – and I loved having a clean slate to start from 🙂
Love the kit you created. Great idea and how sweet of you to do for your friend! I have been thinking of trying the NARS foundation and recently heard about the Sheer Glow. Currently my make-up consists of Benefit, Urban Decay and MAC so I just wasn't sure about NARS. After reading your blog I think I will go ahead and give it a shot. I am a super busy mom, too, so if it works for your friend it should work for me ;)Thanks!XOJessy (fourseasonsstyle.blogspot.com)
Glad you liked the post – let me know how the NARS works out for you…I'm so tempted to get a bottle for myself too 🙂
Those Old Navy boots look a lot like the Loeffler Randall ones I've been coveting except much much cheaper. You'll have to let us know what the quality is like! xo, alison*elle
Will definitely let you know what it's like – I'll have to google the Loeffler Randall ones – you always pick the best bags and shoes!
Wish i lived next door to you because i also need a simple makeup routine. I am also a mom to a young child and barely have time in the mornings. Getting to work on time is a top priority, so sad. No time for makeup except slapping on some sunscreen/baby powder/eyebrow.Thise accessories are lovely finds. Your outfits are cute too. Happiness | Love | Possibilities | Sunshine
What a sweet comment 🙂 Simplicity is definitely key when we're short on time! If you want product suggestions – I would recommend a BB cream (moisturizer/sunscreen/foundation in one!) and a cream blush (either Maybelline bouncy blush or Covergirl ageless blush in lush berry) – the BB cream would be as easy to apply as a moisturizer, while you could pat on a bit of the cream blush on the apples of your cheek for a pretty glow.
Oh that kit is so great! I really should pair down my routine LOL! Can't help it though, I'm a product junkie! Those boots look great!
It is fun to create a simple make-up kit from scratch – but I've always loved having many options – especially for blush & lip products!
What a great friend you are Ella 🙂 I love MAC's 129 brush, prefect for blush as well as powder so 2-in-1! I need to try the Kiehls eye cream, esp since it contains avocado!
I love the Kiehls eye cream – it really keeps your eye area moist for a long time – so important for preventing lines I think 🙂
I love your style!
Thanks Jenn 🙂
I love love this post and the makeup kit you've put together for her. It looks like an amazing natural look. That pair of old navy boots are such a good buy as well. Hoping they still have them in stock!http://somedayhannah.blogspot.com
Thanks Hannah – I received the Old Navy boots and will be reviewing them on here soon 🙂
you always look so polished. i hope to look so put together when taking my kiddies to school. I usually look like a hot mess when taking DD to daycare lol!