Makeup for Dry Winter Skin

I finally bit the bullet, put on my big girl pants, and bought some real makeup. I have been scared of speaking with an expert about makeup for awhile, for several reasons. I am not a huge fan of my skin, I don’t like spending lots of money on my beauty routine, and it is difficult to pull yourself out of a rut! But, I did it. While Davis was in school this week, I went to Sephora and asked one of the staff to help me out.

My skin is mostly dry, especially in the Fall and Winter months, but still prone to breakouts.  I also have melasma, especially on one side of my forehead, from pregnancy and hormones.  I have some areas of redness and uneven skin.  And the dark circles under my eyes are rough.  I also have wrinkles.  I am just not one of those girls that can go many places without makeup!

I had considered buying the Smashbox CC cream, which I posted about on Friday. She said that it is great, but not for dry skin! She applied some on my hand to give me proof. I need something with a more dewy finish. So, I sat in the makeup chair and had a mini makeover. Here are the products she used on my face:

1. First, she removed the makeup I had on with this toner by Lancome.  It is awesome!  I am adding this to my wish list as well.
2. Primer. This sets the tone by giving your skin a slight glow, and it feels so smooth.  I did not buy this, simply because I was trying not to buy everything at once!  It is great, though.  Another item on the wish list.
3. Laura Mercier foundation in Ivory. I have read only positive things about this brand of makeup, and the reviews seem to be true! I did purchase this foundation.
4. To apply the foundation, she used this brush, and applied in gentle circles, sweeping out to the edge of my face. I did not buy this brush set, but it is certainly on my wish list!  They are brushes that give an airbrush finish.
5. Tarte concealer is my new best friend. I have awful dark circles under my eyes, and neither the stress of life, nor my tired eyes, seem to be going away. I have tried to cover them up myself, but when she applied this Tarte concealer to my under-eye circles, I knew it was a game-changer!
6. Anastasia contour kit. I own this, but I am intimidated about how to apply it. She made it seem simple, and it truly added to the shape of my face. She only used a tiny bit along my cheekbones, at the top of my forehead, and then some of the lighter color at the top of my cheekbones. That little bit made a big difference! She used the blush brush from the brush kit I mentioned above.
7. Blush. She used a mauve-y Smashbox matte color, which I really liked. I did not need any blush, so I will save that purchase for next time.
8. Laura Mercier Highlighter. The girl who did my makeup urged me to buy this, even if I did not buy any of the other items. I did end up buying, because it is just so pretty. I love the highlighted look at the top of my cheekbones.
9. Mascara. This is one that I found at Target after a recommendation from a friend, and I’ve been happy with it. I did not spend much time on my eye makeup before taking this picture. 
10. Brow mascara. Another Target purchase! I need something simple and self-explanatory for my eyebrows. I am just not the type of person who is awesome at beauty, so eyebrows are intimidating. This mascara is a one-step deal – and no powder. I like the look of powder, but again, my talents lack.

Here I am after leaving Sephora. My hair looks rough, but I wanted to give a true picture of what the makeup looks like, and you know there’s nothing better than a car selfie. 😉

So there you have it! I honestly don’t think I will ever go back to my mineral powder. Oh, and just to be perfectly real with you all….yes, this makeup cost more than I’m used to. I decided to return some purchases I had recently made for a few new clothing items so that I wouldn’t feel so guilty about buying expensive makeup. (Girl problems!)