All about that Base

Hey Everyone,

 

Todays post is all about my new base routine, I’ve been mixing up my base routine for a while now and I think I’ve finally settled on one I’m obsessed with! This is a really in depth discussion of my base routine and all the products I love to use. Any questions just ask and don’t forget to let me know what your favourite base products are!

 

Eye Makeup if from my #tbt Naked 2 post.

To start I like to prep my skin really well. I usually do this 10-15 minutes before applying makeup to ensure my skin has soaked in all the good stuff! I like to being with the PIXI Glow Tonic to wipe away any residue and dirt from my face, I then like to go in with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum, I only use 3-5 drops and gently pat it into my skin. I then add a light layer of my favourite moisturiser – Cetraben Lotion.

 

Eye Makeup is from Urban Decay GRWM post.

 

Primers

After my skin care has settled in, I start with primer. I use a rotation of 3 different primers depending on my skins needs. I use Benefit POREfessional if my pores are looking a little large or if I want really matte skin, I usually only apply this to the T-Zone and the apples of my cheeks. I also like Smashbox Photo Finish Colour Correcting Foundation Primer Adjust. Or if my skin is feeling very dehydrated I’ll use Kat Von D Lock It Hydrating Face Primer. These are all good primers depending on when you’re after, but it’s important to always use the right primer for your skin.

 

If I’m after a super dewy look I’ll use a liquid illuminator, such as the Tanya Burr Cosmetics Face Illuminator at this stage.

 

Foundations

I have a few tried and tested foundations that I’m obsessed with! I currently love Too Faced Born This Way, NARS Sheer Glow and No7 Lift and Luminate, but no matter which one I’m using I always use a damp beauty sponge to apply it. My current favourite sponge is the Barley Cosmetics Definer Soft Sponge*. I like to pump the foundation on the back of my hand and then use the sponge to dab it around my face. I like to keep the majority of the product close to the centre of my face and my cheeks, as this is where I need most coverage. I also try not to apply too much/any foundation around the eye area because this can lead to your concealer creasing.

 

Eye Makeup is from KISS Summer Party GRWM post.

 

Creams

This is an optional step. If I’m going for a super flawless base and a more dramatic look then I like to cream products. My favourite tool for this is the Barely Cosmetics Definer Hard*. My current favourite product for cream contouring and highlighting is the Urban Decay Shapeshifter. This is super handy as it has all the shades you could possibly need and it comes with both creams and powders!

 

 

Cream Contour: I like to use the first shade for cream contour. I’ll apply this to the hollow  of my cheek bone, only about 2 inches along and then use my sponge to blend it out. For more depth I’ll repeat this step again.

Cream Correcting: I like to use the third and fourth shade to colour correct any darkness under my eyes, I usually use my foundation sponge to apply and to blend.

Cream Highlight: I use the fifth shade to highlight along my cheekbone, brow bone and tip of the nose.  If I’m feeling a little extra I’ll also do the cupids bow!

 

Concealers

At this stage I like to move onto my concealer. I love NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer or Tarte Shape Tape. I’ll dot the concealer under my eye, and extend it a little in an upside down triangle shape before blending with a beauty sponge. I always set my under eye area immediately using the Kat Von D Lock It Brightening Powder, I like to apply this liberally under the eyes for a super brightening look. It’s also a great hack if you haven’t applied your eyeshadow yet, as it catches any fallout.

Once my under eye area is sorted I apply concealer to any other areas or blemishes that need the extra coverage.

 

Powders

I’m just one of those people who cannot function unless they have properly set their foundation. I’m sorry but it’s true. This is a necessary step for me, and I use a lot of different powders along the way!

 

After concealing I like to set my entire face. I’m currently using the Kat Von D Lock It Setting Powder, honestly it’s not my favourite and I prefer MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural in Light! I use this powder with a large fluffy brush and try to pat it down so I don’t disturb the makeup underneath.

 

If I feel my skin needs a little more colour to it I’ll add some bronzer, I usually use Soap and Glory Solar Powder Bronzer for a nice natural looking bronze. I try to use the ‘B and 3’ method this is where, using a large fluffy brush, you sweep the bronzer in a 3 shape over your face, this ensures you hit the forehead, cheek and chin area for a natural bronze glow.

I then like to go back into the Shapeshifter palette to finish highlighting and contouring.

Contour: I like to use a small brush, like the Sigma F05 and dip into the second shade, this is a medium contour shade so it is perfect for covering a slightly larger area. I apply this along the contour of my cheekbone, stopping around the outer-to-middle of the eye. I then go in with the first shade, this is the deep contour shade. I apply this on a small definer brush like the Morphe M460 and apply this to just the first 2 inches of contour. I’ll go back into the first brush (with no additional product) to blend.

 

After contouring I’ll go back to the Kat Von D Lock It Brightening Powder and apply this under my contour to tidy up the line. I don’t really bake with it, but I will leave it there for a few minutes to help brighten the area.

 

Eye Makeup is from Urban Decay GRWM post.

 

Highlight

This is my absolute favourite step. I don’t like a gaudy or glittery highlight but I do love a good glow. I have several favourite powders highlights that I use and I’m obsessed with them all! Some of my absolute favourites are Moon by Makeup Obsession, Laura Geller Baked Gelato Vivid Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey, Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm, MAC Extra Dimension Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft Frost and MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle. I find that using a cream highlighter underneath makes any highlighter on top look great, but for that extra pop I’ll spray my brush with Fix+ before applying.

 

Finishing Touches

If you made it this far I’m sure you noticed that I like to use a lot of powders, to help combat the cakey face I like to first dust off any excess powder using a large (clean) duo fibre brush and then I go in with a setting spray. My favourites are MAC Fix+ and Urban Decay All Nighter. I find that this step just helps to add more dimension to your face and helps your makeup look less like a mask and more like skin.

 

I’d love to know what your favourite base products are!

 

Love,

Charlotte xx

Instagram: @charlotte_tudge_makeup

Facebook: Charlotte Tudge Makeup

Twitter: @charlottesbblog (note the 2b’s)

 

Disclaimer: Products with an asterisk (*) have been sent to me for consideration.