When it comes to my makeup, I like to keep it as simple as I keep my skincare routine. I do the main/basic things and I’m on my way. So, basically, less is more for me.

I think makeup should not change the face (looking at you, heavy contouring), but rather enhance features or hide some imperfections. Also, unnaturally dark eyebrows or heavily penciled brows are a no-no — they make any face look older and harshen. Basically, eyebrows shouldn’t be much darker than the color of one’s hair.

Another “principle” of mine about makeup is the look of foundation. If you can easily tell from a somewhat distance that I am wearing foundation, then I’m not wearing it right and I don’t want it.

FOUNDATION + TINTED MOISTURIZER

With that said, I think there are a lot of great skin foundations out there, from affordable to expensive ones. However, I have found that the “base”, aka what you use under your foundation, makes all the difference. On top of that, a makeup setting spray can make or break it — I swear by the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray!

Speaking of… I heard many great things about the Estee Lauder double-wear stay-in-place foundation and remembered to buy it several months ago. I love it overall, especially as it diminishes the look of pores, and it’s not heavy, however, I don’t find it mattifying for my oily skin. Even with that, my makeup stays intact in Florida’s humidity, so I’m still a fan. I’m in 2N2 Buff.

This Revlon ColorStay foundation though is, dare I say, better than the previous one? For my skin, at least. It looks natural, which we established, is important to me, but it also keeps my skin shine-free, making it a major winner. I tried it before (in winter) and didn’t like it, so it’s got me wondering what changed. But I think this might be the better option for summer (it’s what I use these days), and I’ll keep using the Estee Lauder one in winter.

From time to time, I also use this Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless (it used to be my go-to years ago when living in California). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it and I still love it, however, it’s not the best for hot and humid climates like Florida. Again, it’s a foundation I’d use in winter only.

When I don’t want to wear foundation, I love this Neutrogena tinted moisturizer with retinol and SPF. It’s lightweight, and natural-looking, and I swear it makes my skin look better. Plus, it’s super affordable! I’ve been happy with it so far and haven’t felt the need to look for anything different at this time.

For concealer, I use this Revlon Colorstay one and always, always apply it (and my foundation) with the Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge.

EYEBROWS

Eyebrows are probably one of the most impactful features on someone’s face, and finding the right shape is the first thing one should focus on. If you have trouble determining what suits you best, I recommend seeing a specialist to figure it out — you can always maintain them on your own after. With that said, I’m not a fan of overly done eyebrows or the penciled look and like to use a brow gel and lightly fill in any gaps with a pencil. That’s it for me.

LASHES

I am a fan of big and full lashes but am not a fan of fake eyelashes. Most times, they look unnatural and we already established that I’m a fan of natural makeup. With that said, this is how I keep my eyelashes strong and full naturally.

I use the voluminous Lash Paradise mascara (the waterproof one in the summer or humid days) and have used it for years as I love the brush. Tip: if your mascara is too “wet”, airdry the brush for 15 seconds before applying. The latest reviews of this mascara aren’t glowing though, as they seem to have changed the formula (why do brands do this?), so I may have to look into other options once I need to replace it.

I don’t generally wear eyeshadow, however, I sometimes use blush (a lighter color) as eyeshadow to brighten my eyes a bit.

BLUSH + BRONZER

When it comes to blush, I adore an illuminating one as it instantly gives a youthful glow. I alternate between this BareMinerals highlighting blush and a now-discontinued Bliss gradient illuminating blush. For bronzer, I use this BareMinerals one.

LIPS

For lip product success, it once again comes down to the “base”, aka, the state of your lips. I use this overnight lip sleeping mask to ensure smooth and hydrated lips. Plus, I love a bold lip and still use liquid and mattifying lipsticks that are now discontinued (I loved them so much that I bought them in several colors and multiples) and I’m still going through my “stash”. I’ve recently started using this Estee Lauder matte lipstick — they last all day but you’ll still need to reapply if you eat with it on.

Shop them all here.

What’s your makeup philosophy? What products are your must-haves?