Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a sensational weekend!
Every few months, as the seasons change- I like to check in and share my makeup collection/routine and the things I wear on my face almost-daily. I love to experiment with colors and trends, while still attempting to coordinate with my wardrobe and the weather.
Living in New England and having the luxury of four distinct seasons- that means I typically change things up with my clothing, my hair and my makeup every 3-4 months- and Winter is no exception!
This time of year, I stick to full coverage foundations and lighter, frostier shades of highlighters and eyeshadow since my skin is at it’s palest during the Winter months and it’s easy for me to look overdone with darker-than-necessary tones- but I let my boundary pushing side shine through when it comes to choosing brighter and bolder lip shades. It may look and feel like a frozen tundra outside on most days- but that doesn’t mean my entire face has to look that way, too! I need a pop of color here and there!
If you’d like to take a look at my past collections- here’s my SUMMER 2018 ROUTINE, and my FALL 2018 ROUTINE. You’ll see some returning favorites in this post, for sure- but there’s a few new things I’ve been making good use of, too!
Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Foundation: This is one returning favorite that is pretty much a must for me throughout the Winter. Fenty is one of the few brands that not only have foundations that match my skin tone perfectly- but also offer long-lasting and comfortable coverage at a reasonable price point.
This foundation in particular gives me a lovely, matte finish that covers any and all imperfections and makes contouring and adding subtle hints of color to my eyes and lips a lot easier than other foundations that leave behind shine or aren’t full-coverage. Rihanna saves the day yet again!
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Milani Cosmetics Strobelight Insant Glow Powder in “Afterglow”: When it comes to highlighting/contouring in the Winter- I try to stay away from anything too bronze, too pink, or too peachy. Again, I’m super pale this time of year (and any time of year, really-) so I lean more towards iridescent, pearl tones to make my cheeks, eyes, and bone structure to pop.
This lightweight, shimmery powder with build-able coverage gives me a beautiful Winter glow that makes me look vibrant and awake without reflecting like a disco ball. This is definitely going to be in my makeup bag again when next Winter rolls around, too!
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Quad in “Charcoal Smokes”: Okay, so I have to be honest here and say that I don’t use *all* of the colors in this quad- as lovely as they are. The darkest shade, to be used for liner- hasn’t been touched. The light blue/silver, medium and dark grays, on the other hand- I use all the time to create a neutral, flattering smoky eye with a touch of iciness that acts as a sharp contrast to the darker tones in my wardrobe.
And whoever said that people with blue eyes shouldn’t wear blue eyeshadow were wrong, by the way. As is the case with anything- healthy moderation is key- and I believe the light blue in this easy to blend quad makes my eyes really stand out in a good way!
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
MILK Makeup’s KUSH High Volume Mascara: Another returning favorite from my collection and current mascara champion is this cannabis oil-infused, lengthening and thickening black mascara from MILK Makeup. I’ve already gushed at length about how fantastic this mascara is- from how it transforms the look of my lashes to how it simultaneously conditions and softens them as I’m wearing it.
It’s truly something you have to experience for yourself- so if you haven’t tried this mascara yet- get out there and do it right now!
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
Doucce Relentless Matte Lip Crayon in “Winterberry”: One of my year-round lip looks, practically trademarked at this point- is a bold, highly pigmented red lip. In the Spring and Summer- it’s glossy and shiny- but in the Fall and Winter I am all about mattes. Given that my skin and lips tend to be dryer in the colder months, of course- I turn to products that will not only make me look smoldering (even when it’s snowing out!) but also be comfortable and hydrating, too.
Doucce’s soft, rich red lip crayon does just that- with long-lasting wear and no feathering or “bleeding” as the day/evening wears on. I can eat, drink, kiss and be merry- and not have to worry about constant re-applications.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
NYX Lip Lingerie in “Cabaret Show”: Of course, not every occasion calls for a sultry red lip- and when I’ve got a meeting, a conference, or a daytime event that requires me to present as a little more subtle- I wear this pigmented dusty rose shade as a liquid lipstick alternative.
While this color isn’t as bold as the red crayon, it’s still deep and rich and keeps me from looking washed out the way lighter shades or no lip color at all would this time of year. I’m a huge fan of NYX and their entire ‘Lip Lingerie’ line- and this is definitely one of my favorites.
[ MORE INFO HERE ]
And I think that’s it for my Winter Makeup Collection! Of course, there are a few things not pictured since I mix and match every other day- like concealers, eyeliners, etc. but what’s pictured above is the core of my seasonal assortment this year!
I’m off to get some work done at my office and try not to think about shoveling myself out of yet another snowstorm this week- but of course I’d always love to hear about your own Winter makeup routines/collections if you’d like to share ’em! Feel free to drop me a line, leave a comment, etc.
Here’s hoping for an easygoing week ahead!
xx
– Ashley –
Blondie Birdie 