Note from Maria: After seeing Mellisa’s awesome makeup I asked if she’d be willing to give the rest of us some tips! Post contains affiliate links. You know that saying “I woke up like this?” If only that was true. Getting ready doesn’t have to be an all day affair with some quick and easy makeup tips. I’m going to give you a 5-10 minute all in one way to add to your natural beauty.
First and foremost is skincare. Wash your face when you wake up with a mild face wash. Next you want to use a great moisturizer this will keep your skin nice and happy. If you have oily skin you want to look for something that says “oil free” and if you have sensitive skin look for something that says “sensitive”. Let it sit for a few minutes to really soak into your skin.
The next great item you can use is a BB cream. The “BB” stands for Beauty Balm and it’s your go to all in one. It contains a primer to protect your face from the makeup and make it last longer, an SPF, and it evens out any imperfections in your face (discoloration, dark spots, pimples, scars etc.) You can easily apply this with your fingers.
Next to add a bit of color you will want to apply a bit of bronzer to your face but use a very light hand to start out with. You can get a “matte” bronzer if you don’t like sparkle or you can get one with shimmer in it if you want to look a bit shiny. You will want to apply it to the outsides of your face and a bit on your cheeks. Just sweep some lightly in the hollows of your cheeks along with your forehead and jaw line. Then go ahead and apply some blush to the apples of your cheeks, again light handed – you can always add more.
For an everyday look I just like to apply a few coats of mascara to my upper and lower lashes. If you are going out feel free to put on some eye shadow with some eye liner, then apply the mascara as the last step for your eyes.
You can add a few more things depending on what you feel comfortable with or if you have a few extra minutes to steal for yourself. If your eyebrows are a little scarce or uneven you can use an eyebrow pencil to fill them in and shape them. Also think about adding lipstick, gloss, or even just lip balm for a bit of a shine.
Lastly get a setting spray and spritz your face. It will make sure that your makeup is not going anywhere.
You can find everything you need at stores like Walmart, Target or any drug store. Also there is a store called Ulta which sells all kinds of makeup, haircare and skincare items to fit any price range. If you are a newbie Ulta would be a great option because there are associates that can answer any of your questions and help you choose the right products for your budget and skin type/color. They also offer great free samples, coupons, and sales all year long so be sure to sign up for the Ulta rewards program. The more you spend the more points you earn to use as cash in store. (I find most of the time I can actually get makeup a lot cheaper at ulta then anywhere else.) Also I’d like to point out that if you buy something from Ulta and it doesnt work for you it can be returned for your money back even if you have opened it and used it.
The most important thing to remember here is that we are all beautiful and makeup is meant to just add to our natural beauty. If at first it seems hard or confusing just keep practicing. Makeup can always be washed off so have fun with it.
Melissa is married to her high school sweetheart and is a mom to 2 boys who seem to be fearless. She enjoys cooking, organizing, reading (when she can find the time), finding deals, living a greener life style, and makeup.
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. 
Sounds so simple! I will have to try the BB creme. It sounds like that would totally replace a foundation?