My biggest makeup/beauty accomplishment was finally getting back into makeup after not being very interested in it throughout most of 2016, and also, with that, figuring out that I could do my makeup in a relatively short amount of time (it is possible!).
Because prior to last year, I’d always had it in my head that in order to do beautiful makeup — and I know that beautiful is a subjective term — but in order to do fantastic brows, eyes, base makeup and lips, it had to be this complicated, time-consuming process that required two hours at a minimum, because that’s how long it always took me.
But early last year I read something by Sir John (@sirjohnofficial), who’s one of my makeup heroes. He does these understated, elegantly natural but simultaneously glam looks that blow my mind, and he said that one of the things that helped his career early on was the fact that he was fast and could get makeup on the models very quickly.
So, basically, every time I put on makeup last year, I gave myself 15-20 min max to do whatever the look was, whether it was something basic to go to the library for story time, or glam with lashes and everything. I gave myself 20 minutes, and that was my cutoff.
I learned that I still have a lot to learn, but now I can do a lot of makeup in 20 minutes. Much more than I could before.
A few things really helped. The first thing, and I think it’s the biggest thing, is that I learned to look for opportunities to combine products, and to view products perhaps in a way that you don’t usually see them traditionally used in YouTube videos, where it’s all step by step, where you do foundation first, then you do concealer, then powder, and you put everything all over your face.
So now when I want to wear heavier coverage, sometimes I’ll mix my concealer into my foundation to save myself a step, instead of applying them both separately.
Also, I learned that bronzer is surprisingly flexible. I learned that I can just use bronzer on my cheeks to warm up my skin, add some structure, even though I’m not a big contouring person, and then I can skip the blush. Bronzer goes a long way, and I also embraced using bronzer as a crease color, which I know I’ve talked about before, and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun! is my current fave and has been for a long time. They have a satin finish, so they reflect some light and don’t look flat, which also means that you don’t have to spend forever and a day blending them, and they don’t look super powdery or heavy. Plus, a pan will last you FOREVER. I’ve had my pan of Give Me Sun! for years, and I’ve barely put a dent in it.
Hourglass also makes one called Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Light that’s a tiny bit shinier than the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, so when I want to look extra glow-y and healthy, that’s the bronzer I use.
Also in the time-saving vein, but with a lot of complex looks, gradients are a big deal — the transitions from one color into the next, light to dark, that kind of thing. A lot of the time, you’ll see them done using a multi-step process, with lots of individual eyeshadows seamlessly blended into each other. One thing I learned last year and do all the time now is that you can use the same black pencil that you tightline with, and run it along the top of your lash line… I only do it halfway, from the outer corner to the midpoint. I’ll do a thin line — not too much, because if I do too much, it’s too much to contend with. Then I’ll smudge the edges with a brush. Then, I’ll take a cream shadow or a creamy pencil in a different color — something lighter, like a taupe, gold or bronze — and do a thick line all the way across the top lash line, from the inner corner to the outer corner, so it’s layered on top of that black. Then I’ll blend everything together with my finger, and I’ll have that look of that gradient without a lot of complicated doohickery.
Note: If you aren’t a neutrals person, you can also do this with colors. Like, you could do a darker purple for your liners, and then a lighter purple for your cream, so black doesn’t have to be in the picture. It’s more about the concept of using a darker liner with a lighter, creamier pencil or eyeshadow.
What are you biggest beauty goals for 2018?
I’m still nowhere close to being Sir John, but I would love to be able to do my own level of glam looks in the same amount of time he can do his.
Oh, gosh, I’ve tried it a few times… I can’t do it yet, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get there. I want to be able to do the looks he does on celebrities and posts on Instagram, but I want to do them on myself in 20 minutes, haha.
I don’t know if that’s possible. That’s a superhuman amount of time, but maybe 30 minutes? I want to be able to do looks like that in 30 minutes (!). That’s one of my goals for 2018.
I also want to learn how to do some different hairstyles, instead of always falling back on the same beachy waves, like maybe more things with braids… That’s all I have on that one so far.
Oh, and this one’s so minor, but I’ve never been able to work it out. I’d like to figure out how to apply individual false lashes (it’s really hard!), because I prefer the look. I think it looks more natural than doing a full strip. I’ve attempted it before (and I failed, LOL!). I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, so that’s one of the things I want to figure out.
How about you? What was your biggest makeup/beauty accomplishment of 2017, and what are your biggest beauty goals for 2018?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Happy New Year! I think my biggest accomplishment and goal are similar since I still need to work on it. This past year I got rid of a lot of makeup that I didn’t use enough or love. And I’ve tried to be much more critical before buying something new, considering if it really fills a gap in my collection. And lastly, returning not just things that are disasters or I strongly disliked, but stuff that I like okay but don’t really love or that take too much work to get a result I’m happy with. It’s so easy to get sucked into all the beautiful new things, so I’m still not perfect at it but I’m working on it.
Hi Nicole,
That’s such a smart idea to return things that you only feel lukewarm about. Thank goodness for good return policies, right?
Happy New Year to you too. 🙂 Hope 2018 is a great one for you!
I’m not sure that I’ve made any big makeup discoveries in 2017 but I did become more invested in toners and essence. It’s certainly helped my skin quite a bit. I look less tired and a bit fresher/younger. Skin feels better to the touch as well.
As for 2018, I have two major goals which have subgoals I guess:
1. Get healthier all over. How is up in the air, but I’m starting with trying to increase my water intake.
2. Sunscreen! I’m on a mission to find a daily sunscreen that is good for my skin as well as effective. I need one for face and one for body. I want it to be as much skin care as it is sunscreen, not clog my pores or make me look like the tin man after an hour, nor dry my skin out (as so many matte sunscreens do). I’d prefer natural ingredients and CF. I think I’m going to start in the Korean/Japanese arena and hope I get lucky!
Not natural, but check out Olay ProX moisturizer with sunscreen. It’s what I been using past 2+years.
My mom uses that sunscreen and she loves it, by the way.
This year so much was out of my control. Something happened to my face and I haven’t worn a lippy other than plain balm for nine months and it was hard for me since my lips err on the pale side and I don’t like the way it looks on me. I had no choice in the matter so I had to get over it. Instead, I’ve improved/quickened my eye makeup application. I’ve got my fave looks and I’m sticking with them 🙂 in the new year I also want to get better with my hair because I’m terrible at styling. Here’s to hoping 2018 is a good year for us, and soon I’ll hear from my derm if lippies are in my immediate future. I hope so.
Hi Savannah,
Keeping my fingers crossed for you. When do you find out the news from your derm?
Accomplishment: several (rocking purple eyebrows, finding my perfect nude lipstick, buying and wearing shiny gold eyeshadow because YOLO) but I guess the biggest one is getting my hair and makeup done for my first bodouir shoot this summer. It was vintage style so I had victory curls and everything! It was transformative.
Goal: I have a weird line below each of my eyes I’m going to try to tackle. I’ve already been researching eye creams via Google and my friends. It makes me look tired so I’m hoping to remedy it if I can! Also, I’m very open to eye cream suggestions!
Hi Jaclyn,
I’m in need of a new eye cream, too, so if anyone has one they love, I wanna hear about it!
Also, in sad news, all of your delicious ginger cookies have all but disappeared from my house. 🙁
Haha, that is good news! My weight lifting competition is on the 13th and I plan on making a batch ALL FOR MYSELF afterwards. 😀 I’m seriously looking forward to eating all the things once it’s done!
My biggest accomplishment was I finally began using highlighters. Baby steps but it was worth it!I have had so much fun at Sephora and Ulta playing in highlighters….My goal for 2018 is to move out of my comfort zone with eyeshadows as I am a creature of habit with just using neutrals. Baby steps…..
Hi Robin,
Yes, baby steps! Use them to embrace color. How about starting with a colorful liner? Something purple or blue to wear along your upper lash line? If you need a recommendation I’m happy to give you one.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Karen! May we all have a blessed 2018 🙂
I think my biggest beauty accomplishment this year has been taking skincare seriously. I have mild rosacea and my skin was always pretty blotchy, so I used to be very focused on covering up my redness. After some painful trial and error, I found a routine that mostly takes care of the blotchiness and allows me to rock bare skin or very light coverage on the regular 🙂 I mean, my skin is by no means perfect or even close to it, but it’s the one I’ve got and, as long as I don’t look like I just exited the world’s most intense HIT class (why, rosacea, whyyyy), I’m pretty comfortable with the way it looks.
Sending you my best wishes!
Hi Jules,
That’s great that you’ve found a way to help manage your rosacea. Isn’t rocking bare skin/light coverage liberating? It’s a wonderful thing. Would you mind sharing your current routine? I know a few ladies here in the comments mentioned that they have rosacea, too, so it might be helpful to someone!
Hi Karen!
It IS super liberating. I love it letting my skin breathe. As for my routine, of course I’ll share it:
1) Cleanser: in the mornings and evenings, I’ll cleanse with some Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water. If I’m wearing waterproof mascara, I’ll use the Clinique Take the Day Off Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips beforehand. If I’m wearing more makeup than usual, I’ll use the Clinique Take the Day Off Balm before the micellar water.
2) Serum: I use the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. This was a weird discovery, as it’s not advertised as a product for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin (at least not in Brazil)… I got it in sample size for my Sephora birthday set and, in a moment of desperation, thought “what the hell”. Total game-changer. It’s pricey, but one drop covers my entire face, so it lasts a solid seven to eight months for me.
3) Eye cream: a tiny dab of sweet almond oil. A lot of the eye creams sold in Brazil have caffeine in their composition, which makes my skin go craaazy. However, I go into Beetlejuice territory real quick if I don’t moisturize my eye area, so this was the solution I came up with.
4) Moisturizer: Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream (despite the name, it doesn’t make my oily T-zone any oilier, and it takes care of the dryness around the rest of my face).
5) Exfoliation: Once a week, I’ll use the Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask. The price makes my eyes water, especially given its size, but since physical exfoliation is a no-no for me (my skin reacts to cotton the same way most skins react to sandpaper, so…) and most chemical exfoliants are too harsh, this is the only product in its category that’s worked for me thus far. Even though I’m pretty happy with my routine, if any rosacea gals or guys have any product/life tips on this step, my wallet and I will thank you forever!
Sheesh, that was long. Sorry! I hope this is helpful and that you are having a great start to your year.
Oh my gosh, don’t apologize! I love seeing the details in everyone’s routine (I guess I’m a voyeur that way). Plus I’m sure this will help someone reading with rosacea build a wish list. Few things:
1) Funny you should mention that Clinique eye makeup remover because I absolutely love it. LOVE IT. So much so that I just did an unsung heroes post on it. Great minds think alike. 🙂
2) Caudalie is one of my go-to brands. I have that serum and it’s gentle and lovely. When I need some TLC I use it. I also love the brand for their face and body moisturizers.
3) Ahh, blue tansy! I’ve been hearing so many exciting things about that ingredient.
That’s cool that you’re in Brazil. How long have you been living there?
Hi Karen! Happiest of new years! It’s so cold here (-20 with wind chill! Brrrrrr.) Even Bree won’t go outside!
What Was Your Biggest Makeup/Beauty Accomplishment of 2017?
I think my biggest accomplishment was learning to not wear it? Can that be considered an accomplishment? I feel like, since I was 13, I really used makeup as a shield to really hide my face and insecurities, instead of really using it for kicks, giggles and to highlight my features. It’s been a real process to just let go and go from full coverage to medium coverage to light coverage to nothing except maybe concealer and mascara to just then…nothing. I don’t think some of my extended family saw me without makeup until this year!
What Are Your Biggest Beauty Goals for 2018?
I’d really love to learn how to get my show makeup and hair down to under an hour. It always takes me 1 1/2 hours which I always think is too much time. I was always the person who was ready for school in a half hour so for me, 1.5 hours is like, “How do I shave it down? Can I get rid of something or put two steps in one?” That’s always the tricky part for me! I’ll have to work on it on a day I have energy to waste!
Hi Kate & Bree,
Happiest of new years to you, too. I hope 2018 is off to a wonderful start for you.
Isn’t embracing minimal makeup so liberating? I used to cringe at the thought of running even the shortest errand without at least a little something on. Now I’m cool with going bare-faced. It’s just another part of my personality and I’m happy to embrace it.
Hmm, I think whenever you do makeup for a big event you kind of have to assume it’ll take more time. Are you doing highlighting, contouring, the whole bit? I find that’s always a place I can shave a few steps. Simplifying eye makeup totally saves time, too. Keeping it down to one or two shadows really helps if you’re pressed for time. If you can get away with it, you could also incorporate multi-taskers, like using the same powder eyeshadow to fill in your brows and line your eyes, that kind of thing.
You know, I don’t actually contour? All photos you see of me in show makeup is foundation, concealer, cream blush (usually in stick form, although I miss my Stila. Rarely powder because who has time when I can use my fingers?), powder on my undereye circles (so that concealer stays), lip liner, lipstick, eye primer, Naked Basics (the black over liner), Naked 1 (3-4 colors tops), mascara and cream eye liner. Rarely highlighter; I’m naturally greasy in summer. My hair is mousse, hair tie, bobby pins, hair net and hair spray. I start throwing out steps with my hair if pressed for time, but I hate it because I get terrible helmet hair. Honestly, there needs to be Aquanet for Equestrians (Equanet? Ha ha ha.)
The main colors I use for the eyes is Virgin in the inner corner, Naked and Buck in the crease (sometimes only Naked), Sin on the lid and Darkhorse on the outer vee combo. Perhaps I need a reinvention. One not so dark. HA HA.
This year I finallly learned how to fill in my patchy, crooked brows! I also learned how to use my fingers to put my eye and cheek makeup. It feels very French and saves me at least 10 minutes which I use to get my son ready in the morning. My 2018 goal is to learn how to style my hair in a pinch.
Hi Gail,
Ahh, oui! Applying with fingers feels very French, I have to agree. Do you use cream products? I find they’re the easiest and most forgiving when I’m in those gotta-get-out-the-door-now situations with Connor Claire.
Hm, my biggest accomplishments… I guess being more experimental and trying things I usually wouldn´t wear to challenge myself and discover new things.
And goals… Improve, master false lashes, do more with my hair and have fun!
Yes! Good for you for pushing yourself outside the box. I know it’s hard when you’ve got the little ones and limited time.
Happy New Year and I hope 2018 brings you great things.
Accomplishment: I didn’t buy any drug store makeup that wasn’t cruelty free. The only non-CF high end makeup I bought were a few things from MAC and a MUFE palette. I bought more indie brand stuff this year, instead. Overall, I spent less money on makeup this year than last.
Goal: I’m cutting out MUFE completely. I only occasionally bought the Artist Shadows (my favorite eyeshadow formula), but I’m not impressed with the recent re-formulation, so that ends that temptation. I don’t feel so bad about MAC, as I approve of the Viva Glam Charity and their back-to-MAC program (good for the environment). But I will probably continue to to spend even less with them this year.
Hi Rachel,
I’d love to hear about any cool indie brands you discovered!
I’d love to share with you! In 2017, I finally got around to trying Fyrrinae (as amazing as they say), My Pretty Zombie (beautiful shadows and blushes), Beauty Bar Baby (the purple highighters! OMG!), Black Moon Cosmetics (the Cosmic Eye Dusts and Black Metal liquid lipsticks are to die for), and ILNP Nail Polish (gorgeous shades and amazing finishes). I’ve also been very happy with Medusa’s Makeup’s sub box, which I started getting in 2017. I love their Glitters, Eye Dusts, and MetalAF lipgloss, especially. (The only think I really hate from them is their mascara.)
New brands that opened in 2017: Apocalyptic Beauty (etsy) — Fantastic, and they just launched a monthly sub box, Black Beauty Cosmetics (etsy) — still small, but very nice vegan shadows and amazing glitter eyeliners, Living Dead Beauty (just opened in November; I have an article coming out on them soon) — great liquid lipsticks and they’re launching eyeshadow palettes soon , and Dreaming Tree Soapworks — everything I’ve gotten smells good enough to eat and is amazing quality. That’s what stands out off the top of my head.
Let me know if you want links to any of them or have any questions.
This year, I am going concentrate more on my skincare than makeup. I feel my dry skin needs more love and hydration. I would even splurge on skincare if I need to as I find I don’t need much when it comes to eyes and cheeks. I still am searching for the right base, but will deal with that once my skin is where it needs to be.
Happy New Year to all!
Happy New Year, Jane! I hope you and your family have a year full of blessings!
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I’ve been thinking of you because it’s been in the minus tenish F range and I know how you love the cold! 🙂
I think my biggest accomplishment was probably finding a better routine for staying on top of my pores. And also, shockingly, applying BB cream with a brush instead of my fingers. Not a big deal but I do prefer the finish.
I don’t really have any goals for this year but I will try to wear lip color more often and keep working on getting thicker brows. You’ll be happy to know that I wore red lipstick twice over the holidays. I did make it more of a stain with Kleenex but, baby steps. HAHA!
Aww, Kim! I feel like a proud mama right now. What red lippie did you wear?
It was Smashbox Be Legendary Bing. Though, aggressively taken down with the Kleenex and clear lip balm jelly slathered on top (my fave Anna Sui, which of course was only available in the 2014 holiday collection). 🙂
I LIVE for Sir John!
Hi Annemarie,
Oh my gosh, isn’t he the best?! I love his style. It’s classic but glam at the same time! I don’t think I’ll ever be as fast as him but dare to dream, ya know?
I think my biggest beauty-related accomplishment for 2017 was getting serious about skincare. I’m turning 42 in a couple of weeks and, while I still have great skin (thanks for the super skin genes, Nana!), you can see tiny lines creeping in and one or two little patches of discoloration. My second biggest accomplishment was stretching beyond just the basics in my makeup, adding things like brows and highlighter.
This year, I want to master my old nemesis: eyeliner.
Hi Suzanne,
I’m with you on getting serious about skincare. I’m seriously thinking of doing Obagi sometime before the year’s end, probably in the fall (that way I have time to get quotes, research different docs and save $$$). Before that I plan to get a prescription for Retin-A and dagnabbit, this time I’m sticking to it! 2018 will be the year.
My biggest accomplishment was getting into a good stride with my skincare. I stopped listening to all the so-called experts and started paying more attention to how my skin reacted to things. It made it easier to narrow it down and declutter. As a result I’ve become so comfortable in my skin there are days that all I wear is clear brow gel, mascara and a lipstick. It’s liberating. I save the 30 to 60 minute glamour makeup sessions for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and other going out occasions.
Hi Tatiana,
Please share your skin care routine! I’d love to know what you are using and loving.
My biggest accomplishment was giving up eyebrow threading and learning how to pluck my own brows comfortably. I live in a rural area and rarely made the travel to get my brows done, so it was more out of necessity than anything… My goal for 2018 is to find more cream products that stand up to the winters here (it’s been DRY and windy, temps regularly reaching -20 every day). I need something that lasts all day but sits well on dryer skin. I also hope to get a few more holy-grail lip glosses, for that same reason.
Hi Raeanne,
Figuring out how to pluck your own brows is huge! I do my own too, mostly because I’m a control freak. I also like being able to tend to them without having to deal with the growing out phase.
Regarding a cream for dryer skin, I’ve heard great things about Belif True Cream Moisturizing Bomb:
https://www.sephora.com/product/the-true-cream-moisturizing-bomb-P394624
I really want to try it. I have dry skin, too, by the way. 🙂 Right now I’m using Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream – Very Dry Skin (the one in the blue jar). I like it and have been using it for years but really want to mix it up.
What was your biggest makeup/beauty accomplishment of 2017, and what are your biggest beauty goals for 2018?
Biggest beauty accomplishment is setting up my routine for skincare and cutting down my basic routine from 30-45 minutes down to a solid 15 minutes.
My biggest goals are cat eyes, eyeshadow looks, and highlighter ( i need for for all heaven and earth along with Zeus to be able to see it)
Hi Ericca,
LOL regarding the highlighter. Have you ever tried the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Powders? When applied wet they have that “can be seen from the heavens above” quality.
I’m curious to know about your skin care routine! How did you manage it shave it down so much?
Happy New Year!
I had to cut out all the serums and essences down to 2 or 3 . I also pat dry because letting them air dry or fan it was not the business but when i reread my sentence I did not mean my skin care routine which has been cut down but my makeup routine for going to work. lol
Btw, I do have Becca highlighters. I think I over blend but now i will try them wet. I will be looking like a machine in 2018 (jk)
Happy New Year pretty lady! I think I really got my everyday full coverage look dialed in this past year, and I just change up eyeshadow colors/application depending on how I feel that day. It takes me roughly 20 minutes start to finish, which was okay when I was only getting ready for work. Now with the baby coming oh so soon, my goal for this year is finding a quickie routine that gives me the coverage and definition I want in 10 minutes (or less!) – for the days when I actually bother.
I also dialed back my spending and was very picky, sticking with a lot of tried-and-true rather than buying the “maybe this is better” stuff, and I think it paid off! I have an even better idea of what’s worth the money (Anastasia’s brow wiz) and have found cheaper alternatives for others that I can skimp on (like brow gel).
Thanks, Trude! Happy New Year to you, too. How was the NYE celebration? Did you end up falling asleep on the couch at 10?
It was fun! Just a few friends, lots of good food. I managed to make it to midnight, thanks to sleeping in that morning, but everyone left soon after and I think I was in bed by 12:30. 🙂 The benefits of hanging with other 30-somethings!
Just wait until everyone is 40-something. I turn into a pumpkin at 9:30 now, LOL!
Are you officially at home now and prepping for the baby? Or are you still working?
LOL right!? 🙂
I’m still working…my goal is to be done by the 19th, but we’ll see. They’ve interviewed for but haven’t officially hired a replacement for me yet. Not like they haven’t known since October, but you know… I’m trying to not burn bridges. But this week I’m at 34 weeks and the fatigue and general discomfort (which isn’t even a strong enough word, is it?) is really starting to set in! Every morning it’s harder to get up and get ready for work! So I’ve prepared and done as much as I can, but if they can’t hire someone there’s only so much I can do! It’s very weird though, preparing to leave a full time job for something completely different.
No seriously! I went to a dinner in SF last month and when the entree hadn’t come out by 8:30 I was, like, HURRY UP ALREADY I NEED TO BE IN MY PAJAMAS! Haha.
Girl, hang in there. I know the last part is the hardest part of the journey, especially when you want to go to bed for the night at 4 (#truth), but try to enjoy the quiet and lack of chaos as much as you can. And if you can swing it go to the movies a bunch of times. I’m dead serious. Because it’ll be about two, maybe three, years before you’ll be able to go again.
I understand about not burning bridges, that’s a smart play, but yeah, and some point they’re going to have to get stuff together. I guess all you can do is prepare as much documentation for the next person, yeah?
Thanks for the words of wisdom!! I’m treating myself to a prenatal massage, pedicure and then a movie this Saturday, and I can’t wait. Although there’s so many other things I could be crossing off my to-do list, I hear all you mamas talk about taking the time while you still have it, so I’m going to guilt-free, dammit! 🙂
I’m 100% behind on this! Indulge in as much “me time” as you can because once baby’s here it’ll be a while before you can really focus on yourself. And enjoy having long stretches of time to do what *you* want when you want. That goes away for a while, too (I miss that the most). Will your hubs be taking paternity leave as well?
Most definitely. And I’m so grateful I get to stay home (even though I’ll be doing some 1099/remote work) – I have no idea how women manage to come back to work and maintain their sanity.
He’ll probably take a week or so, depending o how things go. He’s been saving up vacation time for just this purpose! And his office is about 3 minutes from our apartment so he might start going in for a couple hours at a time before then, because he’s the worst at being idle. 🙂 But my parents will be coming up and staying with us too, and my in-laws are about 25 minutes away so it’s not like I’ll be left alone anytime soon. 😉 Did you have to fight off family and friends?
Hi Trude,
My parents were kind enough to offer, but since El Hub freelanced from home at the time as well I was lucky to have him with me. It was ROUGH those first few months, and Connor was a relatively easy baby. The 3 a.m. feedings are the hardest, especially when you start to feel really run down.
Take a nap today!!! Or two naps, even.
2017 accomplishment – learning about wigs and how to wear them (due to chemo-caused hair loss). I’m still not really confident in wearing them, however.
What I would like to accomplish in 2018 is decent application of cat-eye liquid eyeliner.
Hi CL,
Cat-eye liquid liner is totally doable if you take it in small steps. I like to do a layering technique where I map out the angle of the liner and the thickness with a pencil and the tip of an angled brush. Once I get the shape I want, I go over the pencil with a liquid liner.
Another trick I like to line the upper lash line with a liquid liner and then take a clean angled brush to drag out the ends to form the flick. Using the brush gives me more control.
Occasionally I’ll do a single line in one fell swoop, but I’ll have to correct one of the flicks because I’ll inevitably end up with one higher than the other!
*Ignore me while I drool over that eyeshadow in the first video*
Accomplishment:
Making and sticking to a skincare routine! I’ve been so, so good about sticking to my skincare for the last year and it really shows. I’m still super red but I’ve come to terms with the fact that skincare can’t fix that, and focused on my skin texture instead and it’s super smooth (with occasional hormonal acne – what can you do!). I’m still tweaking my skincare but I feel really good about it.
I’ve also finally started to “do” my hair more often. I had it in a lob for most of the year and now it’s in a bob, and I’ve finally figured out how to style it quickly and what products work well. For years I was just too lazy to figure that all out and so I just wouldn’t do anything with my hair but I’m glad I took the time to experiment!
Goals:
I want to use more color! I have tons of fun colored eyeshadows that I want to use more often. I’ve started watching some smaller beauty YouTubers and I find a lot of them are far more adventurous with color than the huge YouTube celebs, and it’s so inspiring!
I also want to pan at least a few products and use up at least 3 pencil liners (I almost never use eyeliner but I have a ton of them – whoops!). Again, I heard about “project pan” from some YouTubers and it sounds super appealing to me, so I’m going to try to do that.
Finally, I’d like to wear sunscreen every day. Even though I can tan instead of burn, I’m still super fair and I want to avoid premature aging (and cancer, obviously). If anyone has any great sunscreen recommendations to wear under makeup, I’d love to hear them!
Hi Katie,
Right? Sir John is the best.
What’s your budget for the sunscreen?
Probably not too high end, the idea of $40+ sunscreen wigs me out! I am fine spending $20-30 if it means having high SPF with a nice feeling on my skin, though.
I love how even Sir John’s most OTT glam looks still have a cool, not-trying-to-hard kind of vibe to them. Like with the eye look, he kept everything else so low-key and casual and it makes the eyes stand out even more. Or on the second video, the skin is so flawless and perfected but the eyes and lips are understated. He just makes the models look so good.
Got it. I use Drunk Elephant Umbra physical sunscreen and love it. It’s tinted though so it might not work for you. They also do an untinted version that’s $30 (here’s the link).
For years I used and loved Shiseido’s, which is $36. Layers beautifully under makeup and lasts forever.
I’m really embarrassed to put this out there but here goes…In 2018 I’d love to finally golfer out how to use the gorgeous shadows in my UD Naked Basics 2 palate. I bought it a year ago and haven’t touched it because I’m too scared! I look at the pans and shut it again. I haven’t a clue where to start. I’ve looked at a couple of YouTube videos where they use it, but I’m still scared.
I have pale skin and green eyes – what do I do?!!
Yours helplessly…
My 2018 make up goals include finding some great more natural products for everyday and saving the “chemical stuff” for date night/church. I am hoping to continue dialing in a solid skin care routine as well—Especially finding a great serum for day. Been using Good Genes at night and loving it!
I thought I was the only one who thought about this every new year! Last year my accomplishment was to try new items/colors I have always been curious about, while limiting my safe/go-to purchases- I don’t need another red nail polish or MLBB lippie. Similar goals for this year. I am branching into highlighters and bronzers, things I never paid attention to before. Recommitment to quality skincare and upping my game on masks, serums and sunscreens. Lofty goals are always there, too. Mastering false eyelashes and tightliner always seem to make my list but I never get around to it.
So happy new year!
And my first resolution is to take part in these Monday polls on a regular basis 🙂
2017:
My hair is growing and I still need to figure out how to style it properly (blowdryer and straightener most of the time). I found a great stylist/ colorist who helped me go through the in between phase.
Also after a long looong search I found a great tinted moisturiser by Nars. Colour is great, texture fantastic, easy to apply and includes SPF. This plus a little bit of bronzer, concealer, good brows and mascara and I can – nearly – rule the world or at least the day.
For 2018:
I need to master a great blowdry, my hair gets frizzy as soon as the air gets humid, so this will be a challenge.
In addition to this I want to use the products that I have “collected”, btw thanks for the recommendation of the Chanel lipstick with the red packaging, color and texture is fantastic and it feels so ladylike.
Ooh, I love the NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer! Is that the one you’re talking about? It’s got such a lovely texture on my skin.
Yes, it’s the Pure Radiant… I was not sure about this one or the Velvet Matte but tried it on my trip to London in February last year. And the Pure Radiant had the better texture and color. Light to medium coverage, that’s what I wanted.
Hi Daneiela!
Happy New Year to you, too. Glad to see you here in the Monday Poll and looking forward to reading your answers in the new year. 🙂
So, I have a couple ideas for doing a blow out. It really helps to have some kind of product in your hair first to protect it from the head and to smooth out the strands when you’re blowing it out. Are you blowing it straight? R+Co makes a great one Park Ave Blow Out Balm. Then take your blow dryer, remove any attachments you have to the nozzle (because you want to maximize the area that the heat can come out of the nozzle) and blow your hair dry to about 80%. Put the nozzle attachment back on so you can funnel the heat onto individual sections as you use a boar’s hair round brush to blow it out. HTH!
Thanks Karen! Every time I get a new colour/ cut I watch what the stylists are doing for more tricks and tips. But as I have really lots of hair it takes so much time till I’m done. But when I took the effort it is okay for 2-3 days (plus 2 more days with a pony tail!).
That’s a smart thing to do! You should ask your stylist for tips while they’re styling your hair. I do that all the time when my friend Alis does my hair, and I’m always learning new things. It’s been years since I’ve done a blow out (I usually air dry now, too lazy, LOL!) but I used to do it two, sometimes three times a week. The muscle memory is still there. Oh, and if you have thick hair (I do too), a boar’s hair round brush will be your blow out’s BFF. 🙂
Happy new year to you and your family, Karen! Giving big, big hugs to Tabs
This post and everyone’s comments are really helpful. Your 2017 goal may be the 2018 goal I just realized I needed! I don’t wear eyeshadow and lipstick daily (or weekly and monthly, sometimes), but I take a lot longer than needed to perfect my routine (brows, base, mascara/liner). I’m going to keep your tips in mind
My other 2018 goal is to “shop my stash.” I’m proud that I haven’t bought new color cosmetics and worn too many full-face looks this year, so I want to revisit what I already own and have /fun/ this year. I recently took a Sephora smoky eye class and it upped my eyeshadow confidence /immensely/! Perhaps I’ll go for those Sir John looks this year, too, ha!
That said, I’m proud that I kicked up my skincare game in 2017 without going spend-crazy and want to continue that this year. I found a (HG?) BHA (Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Pore-Refining Treatment With 2% BHA, y’all, GET IT) among a few other discoveries, technique and product-wise
Katie!!! I was just looking at that Paula’s Choice product because everyone raves about it. I’m upping up my acid toner game this month. I just bought the famed Biolgique Recherche 1970 toner and I now want the Paula’s choice one. Is there anything else from her line that you love? I’m also thinking of grabbing her Vitamin C booster, too.
Karen (and everyone else reading)!!! The Pore-Refining Treatment was heaven-sent to me for my top skin concerns: clogged pores and uneven skin texture. (I haven’t tried the popular Biologique Recherches, so I can’t compare that.) My skin is brighter and more resilient because of it
I’ve tried samples of Paula’s other famous BHAs and they were fine, but I had better results with the water-y texture and dry-down of the Pore-Refining Treatment. The trick, as with any skincare product, is to stick with for six weeks – yes, even through the purge (associated with “acids” and related acne treatments) that occurs between weeks two-four. I /pat/ it on after cleansing my face, and – second important trick – wait about ten minutes for it do its gunk-clearing before continuing the rest of my (night) routine. Every product that follows penetrates and functions WAY better
I also love Paula’s other BHA for the body (that can be used for the face in a pinch), RESIST Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA. I’ve considered getting her Vitamin C booster. What do you like from her line, Karen?
I haven’t tried anything yet, believe it or not! Just never got around to it. But I’m very interested in her Pore-Refining Treatment as everyone raves about it. I’ll put her body items on my list as I’m always looking for great lotions, and if I end up grabbing the Vitamin C Booster I’ll definitely let you know how it goes. 🙂 Trying to finish up my bottle of Drunk Elephant Vitamin C serum first…
Did you know her products are available at Nordstrom?! I just found this out and am excited because I love their generous return policy.
Hi Karen and Happy New Year (albeit a little late…)! My biggest makeup accomplishment in the past year was wearing lip color on a nearly daily basis. I have a number of soft matte creams in various nudes from various brands and I decided to just do the lips and complete my look even if I’m only watching my nieces. It’s been the perfect oomph to get my day going right. As for this year’s makeup resolution, I plan on using up products and doing some culling of my stash and also using body lotion on a daily basis. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we have many days where even if it’s not raining, the air is still damp and we don’t dry out as quickly. Which makes me sound like a slug…
Happy New Year to you, too, Holly! Have you started culling the stash? What were the first things to go?
I have a hard time trimming down because I tend to hoard, so when I find myself wavering I picture my ultimate goal: an organized space where I can find everything and everything in there is something I love.
I hear you about the hoarding! I started last night, actually, throwing out old mascara (which I hadn’t used for waaaay too long but what if I had a mascara emergency??) and old eyeshadow singles. I did rediscover some shades I plan to work into my looks: gold, teal, and an ultraviolet which is the Pantone color of the year. Also, are you planning on doing a makeup challenge like you did last year? I enjoyed it & now I have a much better phone with a much better camera!
Hi Holly,
I do the same thing with mascara. And liner. And everything else. At this moment I have two near-empty tubes of Benefit clear brow gel in my makeup bag that I just need to get rid of already. SIGH. Gonna do that when I go back upstairs (note to self).
Ya know, I didn’t think about doing a challenge this year because I haven’t been reading Allure lately (which was where I got my inspo for last year’s challenge). But I might! Thank you for reminding me.
I would say my biggest accomplishment was finally honing in on what I know works and enjoy using. I decluttered a LOT of product and quit buying so much makeup that would just sit there. My goal for 2018 is to continue hardcore pursuing skincare. I’ve started having hormonal breakouts monthly and my mission is to figure out how to prevent it. I fell in love with a regimen the last few months of 2017, but I need to tweak and perfect it. As I get older, I realize how important it truly is. Also I need to get back into wearing SPF every. single. day. I’ve been lazy on that front. Its too important to ignore! There is no point in fussing over serums and creams if I’m going to allow my skin to be damaged by UV rays all day.
Hi Angie,
I slack on putting on sunscreen too. Got out of the habit of doing it when I was pregnant (I went super minimal with skin care) and have yet to fall back into it consistently. I’m trying though! Is your current skin care regimen lots of steps?
Happy Thursday to you. 🙂
My biggest beauty accomplishment of 2017 was actually learning how to apply my own makeup properly! I was never taught how to do it and when I had to do my author headshots, I figured ‘what the hell’ and signed myself up for a one-on-one makeup application class. It was really, really helpful and now, I feel like I can do my own makeup when I need to.
Second biggest accomplishment is healing my skin. My skin has been barrier disordered for the past few years. I’ve been seeing an esthetician for over a year at this point and upped my regimen to see her weekly for LED treatments in the last couple of months. My skin is way better now – rosacea is almost gone, breakouts and dryness under control. It might be the pregnancy but who knows? Hoping it won’t go away 2018!