when it comes to beauty, hair and make up products, i don’t use a lot of them. i wish i had some sort of fancy skin care routine because it’ll probably save me a whole lot of wrinkles and issues in a few years, but i’m also kind of lazy and can’t handle more than five or ten minutes in front of the mirror each morning with my routine. to this day, even after several hours of make up and hair classes we were required to take during my dancing days at juilliard, i still struggle with simple stuff like eye liner. so i just don’t bother. ha! i swear, if you just stick on a little lipstick each day, you’ll feel and look put together even if you don’t have a touch of eye make up on! it’s my biggest secret. (or maybe i’m not fooling anybody but at least *i* feel put together…) but lipstick is a whole other blog post, because i could go on and on there…
sometimes when i’m asked about what hair and make up products i use each day in emails or comments, i feel like i’m tricking you! because i don’t know what i’m doing, so why would you ask me! but hey, it’s fun to pretend every once in a while like you’re an expert, so i thought i’d share what i do love and use in my everyday. there aren’t many, just five. and here they are!
1. YSL concealer stick this is hands down the best concealer stick i’ve found. after washing and moisturizing my face in the morning (i’m a cetaphil and aveeno girl for my face soap and moisturizer- nothing too fancy) i just dab a few dots of this stick under my eyes and blend it in with my finger. i was born with some very sleepy/purple-ish bags under my eyes and this stick helps conceal them better than anything else i’ve tried over the years. they have a few different shades, i use shade #2.
2. brow powder (and this brow brush) over the past few years, i’ve grown out my eye brows and fill them in a bit with some brow powder. i love the look of a fuller brow, and have loved this powder. i apply it with a brow brush.
3. sacha juan intensive hair oil maybe it’s because i’m a serial-hairstyle-changer, but i can’t keep one style or hair color for very long because it’s just too fun to change it up! so this hair oil has been saving my life since i put my hair through a lot. i use about a nickel sized amount and rub it into my ends every evening before i head to bed, whether it’s wet or dry. it doesn’t make it greasy, it just absorbs through the night.
4. dry shampoo this is my other hair product that i can’t get enough of. my hair is on the oilier side naturally, and while it’d be cool to go like 7 days without washing my hair like some girls, that just isn’t in the cards for my head of hair. but, i sometimes get away with 3 days thanks to this stuff. it’s a powder base, so i sprinkle a bit into my bangs or roots on day 2 and day 3 and i’m done! it also lasts forever. i’ve been using the same canister since april and i’m still running strong.
5. shellac manicures my last big beauty product is definitely my biggest splurge, but as someone who usually picks at and bites her nails, it’s been a life saver. shellac gel manicures. i don’t want to go back to a regular polish manicure, since it takes so much time and usually chips within the next day or two. a shellac gel manicure will last me two solid weeks without chipping or cracking when i get one. and since there are nail salons on every other block here in the city, i’ve been able to find them on the cheaper end, so it’s not too terrible. it’s also become my me time, heading to the salon every few weeks for my manicure, so i really enjoy the entire process more than most might.
do you have any beauty products you can’t live without?
The hair oil sounds interesting…as this is my biggest concern…my hair..I’m never happy with it….thanks for the list. ;)
http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Like you, I’ve two children and a third on the way, so time is precious:) we live in Europe so choices are a bit different but I love the Swiss brand kerstin Florian and the make up always Laura Mercier,
As a French, my must have would be my perfume though, Éclat d’Arpège de Lanvin:) love ur blog, Sandra
Thank you for this post!!
i’ve been waiting for it!! :)))
Yes i agree, lipstick is the answer for anything
There is nothing like YSL touch eclat!!! I love it too!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
I am such a gigantic shellac fan these days… I’m in total agreement with yuo there! I’m a nail-biter and it is the only thing that has stopped me! And I’ve found that even between shellacs (as sometimes I can only afford to have it removed rather than having a new coat added) I have stopped altogether. Total game-changer!!!
I’d like to take my makeup routine down, but need to improve the quality of my skin first by finding a cleanser/moisturiser routine that doesn’t make me break out!!! I just can’t crack that one.
http://jemimajaneblog.com
Love this post! I am exactly the same, I use just a hand full of my favourite products and I’m happy about that! I also have the same brow powder and I love it. I’ve been using it for months and its still pretty full and it doesn’t cost much time yet creates such a difference in your face, its perfect! You are absolutely gorgeous Naomi with or without the lipstick ;)
Liefs,
Yara
ah, you look good with minimal makeup naomi :) and bold lips is so you!
wow, you manage to look amazing with so little effort!
i need to try the YSL cover stick, cause i too was born with purple eye bags. well ok, maybe they appeared a little later… ;)
thanks for writing this blog, it’s nice to see a mum (and dad) of small children enjoying your time together as a family and a couple. you have a great attitude toward life.
i must try that concealer. I’ve had troubles finding one that doesn’t get a cakey and weird. Plus the hair oil for my ends is a must try, I’m so bad about heat and color damage, and have been trying to treat my hair a little nicer!
http://www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com
I love that you really don’t wear a lot of make up! though, you really don’t need it, either. I have been contemplating trying a dry shampoo for a long time but never knew which one to try. I will definitely have to check that one out.
love, arielle
a simple elegance
Cool post! Numbers 1 and 3 are totally my beauty must haves as well! :)
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
Anastasia brow pencil, Cerave face wash, marula oil for my face & eyes and an eyelash curler. For real.
Dry shampoo is a must for me too! I’m usually running late and so I need to constantly have some to hand!
Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
xx
Try moroccon oil for your hair…AMAZING! YSL is def my must too!
Thank you for sharing! I love YSL concealer stick too. Also I can’t live without Givenchy Mat Soft Compact Face Powder, it’s so good for everyday!
And I just wanted to ask do you use any night cream or another skin care?
I agree with the Shelac manicures. Those are a must have! I love trying out different polish colors. I always feel so put together when my nails are all prettied up! :) Another must have for me is Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe , Herbs, and Rosewater. YUMMMMM…it is so refreshing to my skin and it sets my makeup just right!!!
Mac Eyebrow Liner (in dark brown)
Carmex Chapstick (must keep this lips nice and healthy)
Ponds moisturizing Cream (I have been using this cream for over 15 years)
Black mascara (always a must no matter where I’m going)
I must say…I LOVE your blog! Beautiful family and your blog just makes me smile every time I read it. Thank you for sharing your life with us!!!
I will have to try the hair oil!,,, looking to find something comparable to Moroccon oil!
Shellac manicures are the best thing on earth. I can imagine it’s even better for a momma whose hands are always extra busy! For the record, you always look beautiful, even if its only due to a swipe of lipstick.
Lauren
http://www.spacebyLV.com
I’ve spotted that dry shampoo all around the Internet lately, and I’ve been thinking I need to give it a go! Dry shampoo is a life saver. My most loved beauty product is Josie Maran’s 100% pure argan oil. I have dry skin that is prone to hormonal breakouts. This stuff keeps my skin hydrated and plump, but doesn’t irritate my spots or clog my pores. I slather it on before bed. I can’t recommend it enough!
The What’s In Between
Lipstick post please!!! :)
I’m such a minimalist when it comes to what I put on my face…and body!
The creams I had been using during the summer are too lightweight for this cold blast, especially since I like to go running. However, thicker, oilier topicals clog my pores and then I break out. I was thinking of trying Aveeno as I have heard such great things about them.
Last year, I had terrible skin allergies due to a combo of the cold weather and products I had been using at the time. That’s when I started washing with a bit of baking soda mixed in with my facial wash. It worked like a charm and I have been breakout free for the most part since then.
As far as beauty routines go, my three must haves are sunscreen – even in the winter and on cloudy days I apply. Brow gel, as I have thin eyebrows, and either gel shadows or one coat of mascara just to freshen my look up. I do feel prettier with a little makeup, but I have to say, I am pretty comfortable with myslef and don’t mind stepping out rocking the ‘natural’ look once and a while.
Thanks for sharing your tips, Taza! I have to try that hair oil and dry shampoo.
xo
Absolutely obsessed with anastacia stuff! It’s the best!
Michaela
http://Www.lifeofaladybear.com
I am still looking for the perfect dry shampoo, what’s this brand you are using and is there a store known internationally (I live in France and soon will be in Switzerland) where I can buy this?
FreeCarnation
i definitely thought i was the only one who couldn’t get away without washing hair. i’m lucky if i get two days. i have to wash mine everyday because i can’t stand for it to look/feel greasy. i’ll definitely try that dry shampoo.
also, not that i’m an expert – geez, can’t even imagine what those amazing people know, but i’ve been using Burt’s Bees facial cleanser because i have such uneven skin tone. i have these crazy blemishes and my skin is never even. i’ve only used this a month or so but i really like it. it seems to help. i have sensitive skin and this has cleared up some dark spots on my face that i’ve seemed to have for years.
http://www.burtsbees.com/Brightening-Daily-Facial-Cleanser/02288-00,default,pd.html?cgid=brightening&start=1&q=#start=1
i’m excited to read what others use because i’m not the greatest in the make-up department. i love posts like this, thank you!
my routine is just as minimal!! would loooove for you to do a whole post on lipstick – i love your bright & vibrant shades!
http://www.bigbrownblog.com
your brows are to die for! #browgoals
xoxo, kiely
http://www.pocketofblossoms.com
Dry shampoo is a must-have for me too! never know when you might need it!
I love dry shampoo but I haven’t tried this brand. I am for sure going to give it a go!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
I really liked your idea of wearing eyelash extensions! Are they expensive and do they last a long time?
they are a pricier splurge for me that is sometimes fun to get for special occasions or events! my eyes definitely look more awake when i’ve gotten them done and i can see how they can get addicting!
As a working mum of 2 young kids, I only have 5 mins a day or less to apply makeup before I’m rushing off somewhere. So I only use Maybelline concealer and powder, that’s all! Oh and lip balm too. ;)
http://smittenbyangels.blogspot.com
I love that you mentioned shellac. There really is NO OTHER option as a mom on the go. I would like to also recommend for your little E, which I use on my daughter, when doing her nails for fun…drying drops. They sell them at Target and dries regular polish in a blink of an eye!
I’m all about the gel manicures, too! You need to write that lipstick post! Whenever I go into Sephora to try to get a lipstick consultation they always try to get me to go with the Sephora brand.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
I love a simple beauty routine. I haven’t heard of some of these so I’m definitely going to give them a try. Thanks for the recs!
http://www.kristajacobs.blogspot.com
Love using brow powder! Just started and it make a huge difference. I also have been seeing YSL concealer for a few weeks now on other blogs and now feel like I should go and try it.
I would never know you are a low maintenance person, you look great in all your pictures!
Leslie
http://www.alifewellconsumed.com
I’m still looking for a great dry shampoo, so I’m looking forward to trying this one. Plus, that packaging! I agree, please do a lipstick post, you always have the best colors!
I’m not a huge nails person, but maybe check out Jamberry Nails…SO many options, so cheap, and last really well. ( yiu can order online, I think) My best tip for mama’s on the go..and coconut oil for everything!! :)
Sunscreen! It doubles as my moisturizer and is the only way I hope to avoid wrinkles down the road. It can’t be skipped.
I’m a chronic dark circles, looks like i haven’t slept in years, gal. And then I found this (link below) anti-puffiness eye roller and it’s worked magic! I use it every night after I have cleaned my face and every morning before putting anything on my face.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-Anti-Puffiness-Eye-Roll-On-0.5-fl-oz/21146144
http://hillcollection.blogspot.com/
i would love to invest in the at-home shallac manicure! it sounds awesome!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
Tell us how you make your hair too!! Specially your crown braid!!
i will! i love crown braids!
I hear ya about the Shellac Manicures! Love em! such a splurge but I don’t care, I have to go every 3 weeks or so.
EVERYONE seems to be pushing the YSL concealer. I will have to scoop it up and try it out.
I too am a dry shampoo and shellac mani-ac.
I use the sachajuan dry shampoo that comes in a dark spray for my dark hair. It smells good and does the trick so I don’t have to wash my hair more than once or twice a week. Such a time saver!
And with a little one due at the new year I have already let my +1 know that regular manicure appts/me time should be expected. Similar to your note about lipstick- having nice, neat and shiny nails makes me feel put together.
thanks for sharing!
xx Ly
I love how simple your routine is! REN’s balm cleanser is a staple in my routine!
Thanks for sharing! I use plain old baby powder mixed with cinnamon (redhead!) as my dry shampoo and it works pretty well, though I am like you and my greasy hair can really only stand 3ish days between shampoos. I’d love to try something that would make it last longer.
i’ve never heard of this sort of method! that is fascinating! i wonder if use girls with brown hair could get away with a cinnamon dry shampoo. bet it smells amazing!
thanks so much for this!
Nice post!
http://thejoycediaries.blogspot.com
Love it. –Hanna Lei
You should try Arbonne! Amazing, healthy and safe products for the whole family! MY ID is 14530606 and you can sign up to get 20% off every purchase as a preferred client.
I knew it!!! You are just that gorgeous. I would love to see a lipstick post though. I’ve never really gotten in to lipstick. Maybe it’s time to start. If there as one thing I could not live without it would have to be sunscreen. Algenist makes a great one.
i need to use sunscreen more on my face, honestly. i’m nervous about my sun spots. a lipstick post would be fun to put together! i just might have to do that. ;)
I love dry shampoo. I’ve looked into trying the brand you have!
Christina
http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com
I so need to buy that dry shampoo! You are the second person to recommend it….I think i just need to get it. I too can’t get away with more than 3 days besides the fact I think its gross cause my hair is too oily
thanks for sharing this. i noticed your brows a while back when you introduced the app with that close up shot, i got brow envy (a new thing) & was very curious how you got yours to look so nice.
i LOVE NYX BB cream. it’s very inexpensive at 13$ or so, it gives me great coverage (i like full coverage) and is moisturizing, even in this cold weather it gives me a perfect dewy look without looking too dewy. i have tried my share of BB creams and this one is by far my favorite. i share about it with anyone who will listen. side note, guys don’t care a lick about BB cream.
also, Eminence products are pretty much life changing. can’t praise them enough!
I use the same brow powder and I love it. I was skeptical at first that it would make that big of a difference but it does. I must try that YSL concealer everyone raves about it.
I’m right there with you-I change hair colors and styles all the time! It’s addicting. But as a natural brunette, in regards to using plain baby powder as dry shampoo, I’ve been doing this method for years. I find with darker hair, if you put baby powder on the roots and rub it in at night, when you wake up, the powder isn’t noticeable at all! Just my method.
As far as makeup go-tos, I have to have my lip tar (from Sephora-lasts all day, even with chapstick over it), eos chapstick, and liquid eyeliner for my top eyelids! I also just started using benefit brow powder about a couple weeks ago and I love it, makes SUCH a difference! Thanks for the recommendations!
I love the same brow duo that you’ve listed and I’m also a really great fan of cetaphil! One of my go-to lip products is my Clinique Chubby Stick!
great post!!
http://www.agoprime.it
Super interested in the Shallac manicures! Maybe I will take a look into purchasing when I am home in the US for the holidays this year! Thanks for the tip!
rae of love from berlin
i definitely have noticed you always wear lipstick, even if we are just going to the playground. And you do always look put together! Wearing lipstick everyday is definitely something I’ve learned from you.
Hi Naomi! Post suggestion: how do you ” prepare” your oldest kids to the arrival of the new sibling? How do you tell the news and how was your experience on telling it to a girl and now to a boy. How do you handle first days at home, etc. i believe you are a pro on the subject now, please share your thoughts! :-)
Thank your for posting these! And pretty, pretty please post your lipstick picks someday! I can’t believe how much money I’ve spend trying to find pretty shades that will stay put. I’d love your advice.
Loved this post! I’ve been looking for a good concealer, will definitely need to try out the YSL one!My new find has been the Benefits They’re Real mascara, makes them full and amazing!
Ps. Please oh please do a lipstick post!!
~Bev
http://bevedlybev.blogspot.com/
wait so do you do your shellac at home or at the salon?
yay! thanks for sharing! I’ve been wondering about brow powders recently as I’ve just grown mine out too, so happy to get a suggestion
Would love a lipstick post! I seem to only wear lipstick, too. You’re right, you can throw it on and feel put together even if it’s all just a ruse! Do you have any suggestions on how you keep your lipstick on throughout the day? Mine always fades so fast! I’ve tried baby powder and a few other “tricks” but haven’t found the perfect one just yet! Would love to know your “secrets”
Oh girl, I have 3 ages 3 and under, so I am SO with you on the 5-10 minutes getting ready! I may have to give that concealer a try!
I have literally been a lifetime nail biter/picker until recently when I tried Jamberry nails. Have you heard of them? They are super fun nail wraps, easy to apply, absolutely no chipping, and there are a TON of styles to chose from. They also have ones for little girls–my 3 year old loves hers. :) You can always email me if you’d like a sample. (Although I TOTALLY get that your manicure time is your YOU-time. So necessary) :)
Shelac is poison for your unborn baby. Can’t believe your specialist didnt tell you!
Taza, love this post! Especially the dry shampoo. Could you also do a lotions/creme/ bedtime routine post!!? I am in the market for a new eye creme and would love to know what you use!!! <3