There’s something comforting about having a go-to makeup routine. It’s your secret weapon for days when you’re in a rush but still want to look flawless. For me, it’s all about achieving that polished, natural look without spending hours in front of the mirror. Today, I’m walking you through my everyday makeup routine—step-by-step. This look is perfect for work, school, or any day when you want to feel your best without going overboard.

Before we dive in, I want to emphasize that good makeup starts with good skincare. I’ve already shared my routine in Skincare 101, so check that out if you’re curious. Once my skin is prepped and hydrated, I jump into my makeup routine.

Step 1: Primer—Setting the Stage

I always start with primer to create a smooth, even base for my makeup. My go-to is the e.l.f. Poreless Primer, which works wonders for blurring pores and giving my skin a velvety finish. It’s affordable, lightweight, and feels like silk on the skin—what’s not to love?

Step 2: Bright Eyes with Color Correction

Dark circles are no match for the Huda Beauty Color Corrector. I apply a small amount under my eyes and tap it in gently using an angled brush. This step instantly brightens my eyes and preps them for concealer later.

Step 3: Foundation with a Flawless Finish

For foundation, I keep it light with the NARS Foundation. A small amount is all I need to even out my skin tone. Instead of using water to dampen my beauty blender, I spritz it with Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray. This little hack ensures the foundation spreads beautifully across my face, giving a radiant, airbrushed finish.

One key detail: I avoid applying foundation directly under my eyes. Skipping this step prevents my concealer from looking cakey later and keeps everything fresh.

Step 4: Concealer Magic

Now for the real game-changer: concealer. I use the Too Faced Born This Way Concealer under my eyes, applying just enough to brighten the area. Here’s a trick I swear by—I let the concealer sit for a minute before blending it. This allows the product to thicken slightly, providing fuller coverage without creasing.

Step 5: Contour and Blush for Dimension

While waiting for my concealer to set, I grab my creamy contour palette and sculpt my face. Contouring adds warmth and definition, which I love for everyday wear.

Next comes blush, and let me tell you, the Juvia’s Place Liquid Blush is everything. I apply it to the highest points of my cheekbones, brushing it upward for a lifted, fresh-faced look.

Step 6: Lock It In with Setting Powder

Once my concealer is blended, I grab my Laura Mercier Setting Powder to lock everything in place. I apply it generously under my eyes and across my face, letting it “bake” for a few minutes while I move on to my lashes.

Step 7: Lashes That Wow

Lashes are essential for completing any look. I start by curling my lashes, then add a coat of mascara. To elevate the look, I apply lash clusters. These give me that soft, flirty vibe without the drama of a full strip lash, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Step 8: Final Touches—Blush and Lips

After dusting off the setting powder, I like to layer on a bit more color using Juvia’s Place Powder Blush. It adds dimension and ties the whole look together.

For my lips, I keep it simple yet chic. I line them with NYX Lip Liner in Mauve, blending the liner inward for a soft, natural gradient. Then, I finish with Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick in Crush—a gorgeous pink that’s perfect for any occasion.

And That’s It!

This routine has become my holy grail for busy days. It’s quick, effective, and leaves me feeling confident without being overdone. The best part? Each step is easy to customize based on your personal preferences or the products you have on hand.

What about you? What’s your go-to makeup product or step that you can’t live without? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

My Go-To Makeup Routine