My Conscious Everyday Makeup Essentials

Cover photo by Manuel Taboada

As a beauty enthusiast and product tester, I have more makeup products than I can use. However, there are a few that I keep reaching for every day, no matter how many others I have from the same category. Here are my conscious makeup essentials for everyday looks.

Despite having fewer makeup products than every other beauty YouTuber or Instagramer, I still have more makeup than I should have. As I constantly purchase new products for reviews, I keep using and comparing formulas with upcoming launches.

Even though there are brand new launches every week, I’ve become more selective over the years. So, nowadays, I only purchase launches that fit within my style and needs (combination skin, neutrals). And, most of the time, only a few weeks/months after these were released. I also watch a lot of reviews on YouTube to figure out if it’s worth the hype or if it might be a good fit for me.

However, no matter how selective I am, now and then, I end up with a product that is overrated and not worth my money.

Without further ado, these are my everyday conscious makeup essentials.

Dior Backstage Foundation

My favorite “your skin but better” foundation. Photo credit: The Sustainablist

I fell in love with Dior’s Backstage Foundation the day a Sales Assistant applied it on my face at Sephora. It looks so natural that it’s just like my skin… but better.

I’ve started by using the shade 1N. However, during the reformulation earlier this year, Dior came up with new shades for this formula, and the new 0,5N is my perfect shade (even during and after the Summer months).

In terms of the new formula, it feels even lighter. While the previous formula had to be applied in circular movements, this one requires some tapping to prevent foundation lines on the skin and get a better result.

Despite the difference, this foundation remains my go-to when I need to make up for myself. I love that it’s so lightweight that I don’t get that heavy sensation after wearing it for over 10 hours, which is incredible!

Dior Forever Concealer

When it comes to concealers, I have been using the ones from the Dior Forever line for nearly a year now. Thanks to the recommendation of an SA at Dior’s Covent Garden store when I was in London last year.

According to her, the Dior Backstage concealer formula is more mattifying, and the Dior Forever one would give me a more natural finish.

I find this formula incredibly comfortable, even when I’ve been using it for hours and my under-eye area looks natural. And that’s what I’ve been up to: a very natural look.

Another thing I love about this formula is that it is available in many shades. My current one is 0N.

Nudestix Bondi Belle Cream Bronzer

My go-to Nudestix’s Blush and Bronzer. Photo credit: The Sustainablist

While I’ve been using Nudestix cream bronzers for over a year, it wasn’t until this summer that I found my perfect shade.

Despite loving Nudestix’s Bondi Bae bronzer, I found their shade Bondi Belle (launched this year) better suited me. Looking more natural and sun-kissed.

I have very fair skin and am constantly reapplying my face sunscreen, so this is the only way of getting a hint of tan (I am still quite skeptical of venturing into self-tanning products).

Given that I have a lot of texture on my skin (due to years and years of severe acne), I find that cream products are easier to blend and look more natural.

How do I apply it? I lightly dab the brush on the top of the product (I am using the brush 06 from Sephora) and then lightly tap it on my skin. Repeating the process a few times. This way, I end up with a more natural finish, and I find it even easier to blend out.

Nudestix Sunkissed Cream Blush

In case you’re wondering, the same thing happened to me regarding the cream blush.

I’ve started using the Cherry Blossom Babe shade from Nudestix, which is stunning. But I haven’t been able to stop using its Sunkissed shade since it launched this year.

Nudestix’s Sunkissed Pink Cream Blush is the most natural pink blush, like what my cheeks would look like if I were slightly flushed after spending some time in the sun.

After my disastrous first experience with a cream blush, I tend to be quite picky these days regarding the shades I purchase. I want these to look natural yet with the right amount of pigment. That means getting the job done in one go without having to discharge it or spending some extra time building up. 

How do I apply it? Similarly to what I do with the Nudestix bronzer, I slightly tap an angled brush on top of the product (brush 04 from Sephora) and then gently apply it on my cheeks and nose. I usually dab the brush on the product twice. And then, with the same brush, I carefully apply a very light coat of a fine powder blush - just to set it.

Nonetheless, I tend to skip this last step when I am in a hurry.

Liquid Highlighter

My favorite liquid highlighter. Photo credit: The Sustainablist

I prefer highlighters that perform like a “glow from within.”

I don’t like highlighters that are too noticeable or have chunky particles. That’s why I have been a fan of Tarte’s Shape Tape Glow Wand, in the shade Sunbeam, for a few years now.

It’s easy to apply, with just a few light taps with the fingertips. 

This product is quite similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter. Despite the latter being cheaper in the long run (because it comes with way more product), I prefer the Tarte’s format - as it is sleeker, and I won’t get nervous about using an expired product for months. 

Despite loving this product and being one that I repurchase repeatedly, lately, I’ve been skipping this step - especially on office days. I prefer to spend those extra seconds applying the bronzer or the eyeshadow.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

The best setting spray I’ve tried so far. Photo credit: The Sustainablist

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray might be my favorite beauty discovery of the year.

Coming from past experiences like Urban Decay’s All Nighter (that I am not particularly fond of the smell) and Tarte’s Shape Tate Stay Spray (that still made my makeup transfer), I needed something that wasn’t just reliable but also pleasant in terms of application experience.

And when it comes to the Charlotte Tilbury’s setting spray, it ticks all the boxes. 

Not only does it set the makeup without making the skin feel tight and uncomfortable, but the mist and the smell are pretty pleasant.

The only inconvenience? The price. The smaller size (34 ml) retails for 19,99€ and the largest (200 ml) for 49,99€. 

Given its performance is totally worth the splurge. I’ve started by purchasing the travel-size one and just bought the 200 ml bottle. Because I can tell it significantly impacts my makeup routine.

Eyeshadow Primer

My reliable eyeshadow primers. Photo Credit: The Sustainablist

Regarding my eye makeup, I always have to apply a light coat of eyeshadow primer - no matter the price tag of my eyeshadow.

Why? Because I have combination skin and eyelids that are on the greasier side. And if I don’t do so, my efforts (combining and blending out different shades) will go to waste in a heartbeat.

Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filtr’r Amplifying Eye Primer has been my go-to for a few years. Most recently, I’ve been putting Urban Decay’s Primer Potion to the test, which works just as well.

Besides being a fan of both formulas, I enjoy Urban Decay’s applicator better, as it makes it easier to apply the right amount of product.

I find myself quite often applying a light coat of Glossier’s Cloud Paint (on the shade Puff or Dusk) to set my eyelid and add a hint of color before applying a powder eyeshadow - instead of using one of the eyeshadow primers I’ve just mentioned. 

Rare Beauty Cream Eyeshadows

My favorite eyeshadows from Rare Beauty. Photo Credit: The Sustainablist

Despite being a recent find, Rare Beauty’s All of The Above Weightless Eyeshadow Sticks became an immediate favorite and everyday essential.

I love everything about it: the shades, the elegant shimmery particles, its lightness, how easy it is to blend out, how good these look in the end, and how long-lasting they are.

I’ve reached out for these often lately, especially on office or school days, as I don’t have much time to play with different shades and textures.

Mascara

A mascara is the one step that is always present in my makeup routine, given how easily it enhances my look.

Here are the top 3: Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes - Volume 2 Mascara, Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara, and Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer.

I prefer buildable mascaras that allow me to create a natural eye look.

Lip product

The lip products that I use the most. Photo Credit: Manuel Taboada

I spend little effort on my lips, especially on office days. I usually go for something more neutral with a hint of tint. Something like “my lips, but better” is also easy to re-apply on the go or my desk.

My go-to is usually Givenchy’s Le Rose Perfecto (for a natural hint of color) or L:A Bruket’s lip balm.

Blotting Papers

As someone with combination skin, my skin turns shiny throughout the day. So, I can’t go by without blotting papers.

I have tried different brands, and usually, there isn’t much difference. However, I tend to be especially picky with the package these come on. Some of these opened inside my bag, and several blotting papers went to waste. 

My favorites at the moment are the Invisimate Blotting Papers from Fenty Beauty. Despite getting the job done wonderfully, these come on a roll (so we can decide the size of the sheet), and the package is small and sturdy.

The problem? The refills aren’t as cheap as other blotting sheets in the market and are often sold out. 

What about you? What are your everyday makeup essentials?