My Real-Life Makeup Routine: From Day to Night (and That Summer Glow)
Let’s be honest: most of us don’t wake up every day ready to do a full beat. But we do want to look polished, awake, and like we tried—even if that means just dabbing a little luminizer on our cheekbones while sipping espresso in traffic. I believe in products that work, not just ones that photograph well. And this post is a breakdown of exactly what’s in my makeup bag for every kind of day.
The Effortless Polished Look
My daytime routine is quick, clean, and skin-focused. I don’t like feeling like I’m wearing a mask—just enhanced, brightened, and put-together. Here’s what I reach for every morning:
• Concealer: Chanel Sublimage Le Correcteur Yeux
A little bit of this under the eyes and around the nose, and I look like I slept eight hours. It blends like skincare but has the coverage of a real concealer.
• Powder: bareMinerals Mineral Veil
Sets everything without looking dry. It’s that invisible veil that keeps me looking polished.
• Blush: Hermès Rosy Lip Enhancer in Rose Tan
This soft terracotta-rose warms up my face without screaming “blush.” It’s wearable and chic—what else would you expect from Hermès?
• Luminizer: RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
Dewy but never sticky. Just enough glow to fake hydration, even when I haven’t had enough water.
Eyebrow Combo:
• Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil – fine and accurate.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel – sets without crustiness.
• Eyeshadow: Natasha Denona Mini Nude Palette
I use one matte shade in the crease and maybe a touch of shimmer on the lid. Done.
• Mascara: L’Oréal Voluminous Original in Deep Violet
This is my ride or die. The violet hue isn’t “purple” in an obvious way—it just subtly brightens the whites of your eyes, makes your lashes pop, and somehow makes you look more awake. It’s one of those rare drugstore finds I’ve repurchased for years.
• Lip Balm: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
A little tint, a lot of moisture. It lives in every one of my handbags.
Same Face, More Glow & Structure
Evenings are when I dial it up. I still like to feel like myself, but the makeup is bolder and more defined. Think “dinner in low lighting” levels of glam.
• Add Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face
I love this product for its almost editorial finish. It’s glassy without being greasy. I’ll layer it over my RMS for extra drama.
• Change Mascara to YSL Lash Clash
Voluminous, bold, and very black. Perfect for events, date nights, or just feeling expensive.
• Eyeliner: Dior On Stage Liner
Liquid black liner with a precise tip—my cat eye never looked so symmetrical.
• Lip Liner: Sisley Phyto-Lèvres Perfect
This liner glides like butter and stays put. It also makes any lipstick look like it belongs there.
• Bronzer: NARS Laguna
Gives shape and warmth in a few strategic swipes. Not too orange, not too muddy—just right.
• Lipstick: Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat
The pigment, the packaging, the finish. One swipe and you’re a woman with a plan.
Glow Days: 5 Minutes, Finger-Only, Done
Let’s be real: some days, it’s hot, I’m late, and the last thing I want is a full face. On those days, I reach for these four essentials:
• Chanel Concealer: dab under eyes, around nose—just enough coverage.
• Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow: all over high points for that “just got back from Mykonos” effect.
• Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff: blend it in with fingers—gives life to the cheeks.
• e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil: makes lips glossy, hydrated, and a little bit extra.
Final Thoughts: Why I Use What I Use
I’ve tried a lot of makeup. I’ve worked with brands, backstage at fashion shows, and styled faces for real life and the red carpet. But what I’ve learned is this: the best makeup feels like skincare, performs like magic, and doesn’t demand an hour in front of the mirror.
Each of these products earned their place in my routine. Whether it’s the unexpected brilliance of a purple mascara from L’Oréal or the luxurious finish of a Kevyn Aucoin luminizer, these are the things that actually work—for real skin, real schedules, and real life.