Living better, with less, that lasts longer. The idea of building a capsule makeup routine means downsizing the excess. Add touches of luxury to your beauty routine by purchasing products that you are actually excited about using! What do you truly need to create a beautiful face of makeup, with maybe one or two non-essentials that are just too lovely to pass up on? Read on to see my ultimate capsule makeup routine!
Capsule Makeup Basics
The most important step to building your new capsule makeup routine is the skin prep. A good prep is worth the years of headache that will come from skincare neglect. Plus, your makeup will absolutely look better for it. A moisturizer that I simply can’t live without is The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader.
I was working on a film set and met a lovely actress from Paris who introduced me to this product line in its early days. I remember going home and researching the products, the only convincing that I needed was observing her skin during my makeup application. Safe to say, she was glowing on and off the camera, and I became a Rich Cream cheerleader for life.
Since then, I’ve watched the Augustinus Bader products explode in popularity. They are now used and loved internationally by celebrity makeup artists. With sleek packaging and a science-backed formulation, this moisturizer is a must-have in any capsule makeup routine.
Complexion 101
There is one foundation that I have repeatedly gone back to for personal and professional use. The Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation is my ride or die. I have sensitive skin + rosacea, and this product consistently covers facial redness, never feels or looks heavy, wears all day, and does not break me out.
I exclusively use this foundation in my professional makeup kit, and have received the same overwhelming feedback from private clients to models on set. Their skin still feels like their skin, while looking its best. It is truly a your skin but better result. With a wide shade range and buildable coverage, this is my next must-have recommendation for your capsule makeup routine.
Pro tip: I apply this foundation with the ‘dot method’. Apply 1-2 pumps to the back of your hand or a stainless steel palette, and use your finger to apply the product in small dots around your face. Then, take a buffing brush and work the product in over top of your moisturizer with tapping motions for a flawless complexion.
Add Back Warmth + Color
My philosophy is that flawless makeup is nothing more than a balance of colors. My favorite way to create an undetectable face of makeup is to first neutralize the base through a global foundation application, then, add color back through cream contouring. And, please get rid of everything you’ve heard about a traditional contour- this step does not need to be heavy! I create a warm glow by applying blush on the apples of the cheek, chin, and tip of the nose. Then, I add dimension by placing bronzer along the eyelid and brow bone, hairline, and hollows of cheeks.
My hero contouring products that are a must-have when building your capsule makeup routine are the Merit Flush Balm and Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream. I apply these products in the same way I apply my base with the ‘dot method’. Blend with the same buffing brush in upwards motions to melt all complexion products together.
Eye Drama
I have a little inside joke with myself about applying eye makeup, which is that if you’ve found yourself blending eyeshadow for any longer than five minutes, you’re definitely in a plot hole. The reality is, beautiful eye makeup does not need to reflect the application style of 2016 (if you know, you know). It’s important to understand your eye shape and how to accentuate it in a few easy steps.
The first product that you’ll want to pick up is a Laura Mercier Caviar Stick. I love this product because it’s a true do-it-all hero. This cream shadow neutralizes darkness and discoloration on the eyelid (say goodbye to wasting your concealer)! It also gives a flush of color, has staying power, and is extremely user friendly. After swiping it on, you can blend it out with either your finger or any eyeshadow brush.
Following this step, you can apply your mascara with a touch of smudged eyeliner. I adore the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencils, and combine the shades ‘Limitless Brown’ and ‘Whatever Black’ on the lash line. These two shades balance eachother out and create an effortless and subtle smokey eye.
Pro Tip: If you have green or hazel eyes, consider choosing a burgundy mascara. Blue or brown eyes will pair well with brown or black mascara. Apply mascara from the mid-length to the ends of your lashes. You will see a more lifted effect when the roots of your lashes are not weighed down with product.
Brows + Lips
When it comes to brows, there is one product that never lets me down. The Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brow Gel is a game changer. Almost all brow gels I’ve tried are too heavy, too dark, etc and I was ready to give up on brow gel altogether until I found this. It has an ultra small brush that allows you to control where you are placing the product and how much you are using. The shades are also extremely true to life and don’t give that strange warm tint (blink if you know what I’m talking about). Last note to mention, it ironically lasts forever despite the packaging size.
I will keep the lips short and sweet. 2 products + 2 specific shades = the perfect everyday lip. Line your lips with the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in shade ‘Anywhere Caffeine’ and smudge. Then fill in with Mac Lipstick in shade ‘Yash’. Perfect lips, every time.
Final Touches to Your Capsule Makeup
Finish off your makeup application with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray for makeup that lasts all day. Go the extra mile with Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm on your décolleté for a fresh glow. The Major Glow Balm is a cult favorite and goes in and out of stock frequently, so if you find it, don’t hesitate! It is absolutely gorgeous any time of year and the scent reminds me vaguely of Baccarat Rouge 540.
You’ve Now Created Your Capsule Makeup Routine!
Questions on shade matches / application technique? Send me a message here
