How I’ve updated my makeup routine for post-grad life

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RevlonPhotoReadyatRA #CollectiveBias

Aside from adopting two kittens, one of the most major life changes I’ve experienced recently is starting to work full-time. Gone are the days of chunking all of my classes between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and having swaths of free time in the afternoon! And I certainly miss those free afternoons. As much as I’m a morning person, I’m such an afternoon person. I love the middle of the day, especially when it’s nice out. There’s nothing quite like it and, now, five out of seven of my afternoons a week are spent in an office at work. Fortunately, I really like my job.

Unfortunately, I miss afternoons. That’s not all that’s changed. Another has certainly been my beauty routine! My makeup set up is now a vanity and lots of storage drawers combination whereas, in college, it was my-entire-desk-top and my top desk drawer. But my routine itself has changed, too.

Here’s how I’ve updated my makeup routine for post-grad, full-time job life.

1. I’ve gotten rid of products.

Today, I pseudo-Marie Kando’d my room, which basically is just a fancy and probably false way of saying I got rid of a bunch of crap and organized other crap. One of the things I also did was toss makeup that’s so freaking old and makeup I truly never use because I don’t love it. Some products fit into BOTH categories, which made the process a lot easier.

I tossed a $50 palette! And probably $300 worth of lipstick. And as much as it sounds wasteful, a lot of those have been gathering dust for quite some time. And it’s only motivated me to make smarter purchases in the future.

2. I store my makeup out in the open and in clear containers.

I’m (unfortunately) the type of person where if I don’t see something, I forget about it. This applies to food, beauty products, and probably actual people and things. It’s why I set so many reminders. It’s why whenever I buy groceries I always finesse them to the front of the fridge and cabinets. Clear storage containers are my lifesaver.

It’s also why I’ve begun storing my makeup in ways that help me to see what I own. I keep my palettes all in view in letter organizers and I keep my top 20 lipsticks out on display in a holder. Maybe it’s not the best utilization of my space, but it’s truly the only way I’ll actually get maximum use out of my makeup.

It’s definitely helped me to use more of my products and to stop buying duplicates. This brings me to my next point…

3. I rotate products.

The two things I rotate most often are eye shadow palettes and lip colors. My entire routine other than eye shadow and lip color is more or less the same every day.

I rotate the products that I love to purchase most and the ones that bring me the most joy. I couldn’t really give a crap about switching up my blush color. I don’t care which highlighter I use. I have holy grail foundation, concealer, powder, brow, and mascara products. But I find so much joy in using palettes and lip colors I’d forgotten about.

4. I stick to products I know and love.

I’m not one to experiment with products these days. As much as I lovelovelove makeup, I’d rather repurchase my tried and true basis instead of splurging on products I’m not entirely sure I’ll like, let alone love.

Some of my new tried and true products have been Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation™ and the Revlon PhotoReady Candid Concealer™. Since I have fair skin, sometimes I struggle to find foundation and concealer that’s light enough for me without being super pink or oxidizing and becoming orange. They’re both nice and creamy and easy to blend. Plus, the foundation has ~ a pump ~ which is my favorite type of packaging for foundation as it leads to less of a mess and a hassle.

Plus, they can be built up for more coverage, which I appreciate. And it’s also pretty cool how the Revlon PhotoReady Candid Concealer™ has caffeine for a built-in pick me up that helps relieve under eye puffiness bags and dark circles. Its doe foot applicator is handy, too, because I don’t need to waste any product on my fingers. It’s also very affordable, so be sure to go in-store to your local Rite Aid for additional savings on Revlon products.

5. I try to check the ingredients on products.

I’d been doing this with haircare products for quite some time, but I’ve recently begun scanning makeup labels, especially when it comes to foundation and concealer, the things that I wear daily and slather all over my face.

Fortunately, the Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation™  contains anti-pollutants and anti-blue light ingredients. It’s also infused with green tea, vitamin E and aloe. Fortunately, it doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes and oils, making them pretty great for sensitive skin.

6. I wear long-wearing and comfortable lip colors.

My resolution in 2018 was to stop buying and wearing lip colors that aren’t long-lasting. Namely, no more eating a burger or breakfast to find that there’s lipstick all over my chin and teeth. And by the end of 2018, I decided to only wear lip colors that were comfortable, too. So no more chapped, peeling, crusty liquid lip colors in my collection, no sir!

I don’t reapply lipstick during the day because I’m busy at work and I truly can’t be bothered. That’s why I like the Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint. I’m wearing the shade “Berry Lit” and I love the stained look it gives my lips. It goes on like a balm and dries to a comfortable matte shade. Plus, since it’s infused with coconut oil it doesn’t dry out my lips.

That being said…

7. Having a salary has made me more conscious of my makeup-buying habits. 

I’ve always been a huge proponent of drugstore makeup and beauty products. I grew up on them. I live for them. Sometimes they’re the best in their category. When it comes to foundation and concealer, in particular, I am fiercely loyal to drugstore brands. They work for me so well and I never feel guilty about repurchasing them.

When it comes to your makeup routine, figure out what’s worth splurging on for you. I don’t splurge often because I’m confident in my affordable products, but when I do splurge it’s on an eye shadow palette I’ve been lusting after for at least a few months or a perfume that I couldn’t pass up.

8. All in all, I’ve found my perfect routine. 

Moisturizer first, always. Primer, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, brow powder, brow gel, highlight, eye primer, eyeshadows (usually at least four to seven, yes, really), liquid liner, mascara, lip color, setting spray. Did I catch everything?

If I’m in a rush, I can bang out the routine in 10 minutes. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it makes me feel unstoppable.

You can find the Revlon PhotoReady products at your local Rite Aid on an end cap display or in the beauty aisle!