The 5-Minute Face

003

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
To begin my 5-minute face, I start by applying my trusty Anessa Perfect Essence Sunscreen and then apply the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in “Terre Neuve.” This is a re-purchase item for me and I got a the newest lightest shade 00 “Terre Neuve” this time around. Applying a tinted moisturizer as a base for a 5-minute face is perfect for natural coverage and evening out of the skin. Because it applies so easily and quickly with minimal blending action, it’s great for when you’re on-the-go or in a hurry in the mornings.

Benefit Ooh La Lift
To brighten the under-eye area, I applied the Benefit Ooh La Lift and blended it in using a small synthetic buffing brush. I have a separate review coming up on this product, and I highly recommend it for brightening and prepping the under-eye area. You can see it in action in my recent Full Face of the Day post.

Illamasqua Powder Blusher – “Katie”
For blush, I’ve rotated out of my usual blush “Well Dressed” by MAC and am back to my Illamasqua Powder Blusher in “Katie,” which is just another cool-toned baby pink shade. It’s smooth and buttery and doesn’t take much effort to blend. Every time I take a long break from these blushes and I come back, I’m reminded how great it is. Totally recommend.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Demolition” & Random Japanese Eyebrow Pencil
For some definition along my lashline (lower and upper), I used Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Demolition” and smoked out the ends to make it look more natural. For my brows, I used a random eyebrow pencil that I bought at the Asian market. It doesn’t really have a name but claims to be able to hold for 24-hours. It’s very long-lasting, but I can’t say that it lasts for 24-hours since I don’t ever leave my makeup on for 24-hours! The pencil is just waxy enough to give me color and keep the eyebrow hairs in place. So far, I really like it.

Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Bone Black Fiber & Kiss Me Heroine Volume and Curl Mascara
It’s pretty self-explanatory what my eyelash routine normally is. I curl my lashes with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which I like much better than the Shiseido Eyelash Curler. The Shu curler fits my lid shape better without pinching and pulling. The Shiseido curler is too flat and I find it uncomfortable to use. For the lips (not pictured), I just applied the La Mer Lip Balm and headed out the door. :)

What do you wear when you’ve got 5 minutes?

Illamasqua Powder Blusher – “Katie”

For the past few months, I’ve only been drawn towards pink blushes. In fact, I’ve neglected to use any of my peachy-pink blushes, coral blushes, and anything that isn’t even remotely pink. Perhaps this is because I think pinks flatter my skintone more — but, regardless, I’ve found a new pink-favorite. While I was on my Illamasqua kick, I picked up a powder blush from their line for a change called “Katie,” and it’s the perfect milky-pink shade ever.

katie

The color doesn’t appear to be that unique. In fact, the blue-toned, milky pink color is actually quite bright and can look too doll-like if applied with a heavy hand. Illamasqua blushes are already very pigmented and are long-lasting. So I feel like I have to be extra careful with a color like this since it can be chalky when over done. This shade gives you such a pretty glow, even though the blush itself looks quite matte. It’s a very young and innocent kind of pink, and I like to wear it when my eye makeup is a bit heavier or smokier than normal.

However, this isn’t a universal shade and won’t work well for those with medium to dark skintones. Also, with those with olive skintones, this will probably turn out to be chalky and gray-ish on the skin. In terms of skintone, I’m very fair and wear the lightest shades in nearly all ranges of foundations on the market. My undertones are strictly yellow, which is why I think this blush works for me. Asians with heavy yellow tones in their skin may not be able to use this — but I’m not saying that you can’t. I love this shade, but it certainly isn’t the same as my beloved MAC Well Dressed — my all-time favorite, number 1 go-to blush.

Retails for $26.00 USD.