Beauty Routine Update

As 2015 came to a close, I found myself becoming a bit lazy when it came to my morning beauty routine. Most mornings, I slicked my hair into a wet bun after a workout and a shower then applied minimal makeup—just foundation, blush and concealer. In 2016, I plan to update my daily beauty look to a more subtly glam look. Here are a few of the products I have added to my collection in order to step it up. Do you have a favorite new product? Do tell!

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Set: These eye shadow sticks are so easy to apply, and come in a six pack of perfectly shimmery neutrals. For a typical weekday look, I have been swiping on the Rosegold shade with a bit of black eyeliner. For the weekend, I’ll create a neutral smokey eye by adding the Khaki shade on the outer corner and crease. Voila!

Tom Ford Black Orchid Perfume: Smelling is believing with this scent. Everyone from cab drivers to my morning barista has commented on this rich, spicy fragrance, and it lasts all day long. File this under: a must smell scent.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation: I have been a long time user of this medium coverage foundation in Beige 30, but my love for it has been reinforced by my recent introduction to the beauty blender. I know this magical little sponge is nothing new in the world of beauty,  but, again, I was so lazy in Q4 with my regimen and just never got around to trying one out. Game changer.

Chanel Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette: Confession: I have been using the original Naked palette for years now without switching it up. This Chanel palette had be at hello, because I can use the two darker shades to create an eyeliner for my water line and the two lighter ones as highlighters for the inner corners. On a typical day, I just add mascara to this equation and go.

Bobbi Brown Brick Compact in Cranberry: Much like my eyeshadow, I have been using the same blush—Orgasm by Nars—for years. While it’s a great color, it’s always nice to switch it up. I love the shimmering shade that results in mixing all of the shades in the brick compact together. This definitely wakes up my look after a late night.

Hourglass Ambient Light Palette: One of my best friends introduced me to the wide world of highlighters on a girls trip a couple of years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Consider this palette by Hourglass the ultimate in adding a bit of contour. I’ve been using the top right shade on my cheekbones and adding a bit of bronzing color with the bottom left shade. I would love to hear how you are using this palette if you have it!