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Home » Personal » me

Building self confidence – Makeup tips

Published: February 2, 2014 | Updated: November 12, 2019 | By Ashlee

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So a few months ago I talked about building self confidence since falling into a lull in my life.  So I made the goal to get dressed every day, instead of hanging out in my PJ’s and while I still have PJ day’s (today) it has totally helped get me get out of my rut.  So next up was to add makeup back into my routine.

I love make up, and I have always had it around for like date night.  BUT I hadn’t bought myself something new or exciting in awhile, it was boring and I was still feeling BLAH.  Remember how I mentioned I got called a MAN 3 times in one month?  I was feeling pretty UN pretty and non feminine so wearing make up changes all that.  You just can’t put on make up and not feel more feminine and confident!  It’s all about bringing out your natural beauty!  SO I invested in some new make up and it’s amazing what a difference it makes.  Just 15 mins of make up and I just feel better!

building-self-confidence

Now my way of doing makeup isn’t like “the only way” in fact it’s just what works for me.  BUT a few of these new products might rock your world like they did mine!  Seriously the under eye concealer is a MIRACLE worker (I get 6 hours of sleep on average, sometimes less, so I really put it to work) I’m linking to Amazon because that’s where I do pretty much all of my shopping, but they are affiliate links so if you click on them and buy something I will make a few pennies!

makeup-tutorials
So here is my make up bag for you, I will say quality make up is worth every penny and so are quality brushes.  Brushes that don’t get misshaped or leave bristles all over your face. Rather than buy a full set I just buy brushes as I need them, good quality brushes last forever.  About once a week I wash them with my face wash and let them dry and they are as good as new.

my-makeup

So brushes, moisturizer, light foundation, primer, under eye concealer, HD finishing powder, contouring kit, paint pot, eye shadow, blush, eye liner, mascara, lipstick and tweezers (and if you prefer a make up sponge instead of a brush I love the shape of this one)

eyebrow-shapes

Eyebrows, I follow the simple nose-eye rule for my brows.  The outside of your nose through the inside corner of you eye is where it should start (we don’t love uni-brows, but we don’t want to over pluck either).  The outside of your nose through your pupil (looking straight on) and that’s where your arch should be.  And finally the outside of your nose to the outside of your eye and that’s where your brow should end! (mine end a little short because they just don’t GROW there)

best-face-moisturizer

Once I get my strays plucked (including the hairs that grow in the mole on my chin – blech).  I love love LOVE this Embryolisse Concentrated Lait Cream SO much! It feels AMAZING. It’s light, so I don’t feel all greasy. I seriously love it and won’t every use anything else. I’ve had this container for 6 months now and It’s barely gone, a little goes a long way.

makeup-primer

Then my skin tone is really light but I have these bright red splotches, BAH, no one wants that!  So I knew I needed a primer of some sort to even out my skin tone. I have tried about 5 brands over the years and my favorite is this Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer.  It’s super light (sensing a theme? I like light make up over heavy) and the nice thing about quality make up is a little goes a long way.

makeup-foundation

And carrying on with the quality light make up theme this MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation is rockin.  See how LITTLE I use?  Mine is Warm Ivory, cause I’m pale as pale can be…  You can use your fingers to put it on, but I decided to try out this foundation brush… DUDE, I love how evenly it goes on, not necessary, just a splurge!

-dark-circles-under-eyes-concealer

ALRIGHT, if you have dark circles under your eyes like me this Eve Pearl Concealer Trio with CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!  Seriously!  SERIOUSLY! I get the light/Medium (cause I’m pale, like ghost).  You start by brushing a little of the darkest shade into the darkest area of your under eye area, then tapping it (not rubbing) until it’s spread into place

makeup-tips-best-concealer

Then go the shade lighter, I tap it into place (rather than brush it over what you just did) and blot/tap it again.  AND if you still have circles then go to the final shade (I only use it in the winter when I go from pale to translucent).  I like using he brush to get it into place because a small brush can get into place easier than trying to only use my finger.

makeup-dark-circles-under-eyes-concealer

Before and after under eye’s – because the light is so good it’s hard to REALLY tell what a difference it makes but I look half dead without it.  It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in how you look!  Even when I do a rush job on make up, and only do the basic’s I ALWAYS do this!

organic-makeup-finishing-powder

Once I’m done with all the “wet” make up I use this Extreme CloseUp HD Finishing Powder.  It says its a 90 day supply but I’ve had mine for over 6 months and BARELY used any.  It’s super fine and feels like SILK. I actually use tape to close up most of the holes so when I shake some out even less comes so I don’t feel like I’m WASTING any.  It sets up all the “wet” make up and now I can add all the powders without anything sticking or catching.

contouring-makeup-sculpting-kit

If I’m in a hurry I totally drop the contouring, BUT I do like that little bit that it add’s.  There are a ton of different brands out there, I would get something matte, not glittery, and it’s mostly about getting the right SHADES for you. You want it to be subtle, not change your coloring or be to extreme. I start with the darker shade with an angled brush and do it in the hallow of my cheeks, the sides of my nose, under my jaw and around my hair line by my forehead.

contouring-makeup-highlights

Shake off the brush and use the lighter shade on the bridge of my nose, the center of my forehead, my jaw and cheek bones and my chin.  It just helps bring out the awesome shape of your face (or create some shape to your face).  I use the MAKE UP FOR EVER sculpting kit but there are a few good brands out there.

makeup-tips-blush

Now for the FUN PART!!! COLOR.  Finding the right shade of blush can be tough, pink blushes tend to turn orange on my skin, but peach colors turn pink and look amazing.  I used to buy super cheap blush, but I ended up using a ton of it and was never happy.  SO on the advice of someone wiser than me I bought more expensive blush, Marc Jacobs Shameless bold blush.  DUDE, it’s been 6 monsh and I still have the ridge marks across most of the top cause I’ve used so little.  QUALITY IS WORTH IT!  When applying blush is simple, smile and spread the blush from the apple of your cheeks back a bit.  NOT 80’s back to your hair line, and NOT too close to your nose, like 2 finger widths away.

makeup-mac-paint-pot

Another optional item is this MAC Paint Pot Soft Ochre.  It goes across your eye lids and holds your eye shadow, it also make the colors stronger and bolder.  BUT you can’t blend the colors quite as well.  It also helps your eye shadows last ALL day!  BUT sometimes you want a lighter look, or sometimes you just don’t want to bother.

makeup-tips-eye-shadow

EYE SHADOW!  I stick with the same thing for all my other make up, but eye shadow is so much FUN!  I own a TON of different eye shadows.   I stick with purple because it brings out the GREEN in my eyes.  What is the favorite shade in your eyes, and how do you bring it out, stick with THOSE colors!  Like green shadow brings out the honey color in brown eyes, purple brings out green, etc…  I love color, the color wheel and complimentary colors.  It’s amazing what an extreme difference changing your eye shadow color can be for your eyes.  I also love neutral browns for more relaxed days.

Your eye shape will determine the best places on your eyelid’s to put different shades.  I’m big into the darkest shade in the crease, spreading out a bit on my outer eyelid.  Then medium shades on the lids and my lighter shades in the brow area.  Just play with it!

makeup-eye-liner-maskara

Eyeliner and mascara!  Top right no eyeliner, top left eye liner (purple).  Eyeliner can help change your eye shape and help open up your eyes a lot.  Play with starting at the outer edge and bringing it in just a bit, middle, over the middle, all the way to the inside and decide where it looks best on your eye! I taper it off in the center just above the pupil.  For the lower eyelid I just add a little of the eyeliner just PART way in the inner part of the lid, NOT outside eyelashes.

Mascara… GAH there could be a book just on mascara’s.  As long as it doesn’t clump I’m happy.  Because Mascara needs to be replaced more often I tend to stick with a slightly cheaper brand, BUT I’m happy to try anything you guys love and recommend.

makeup-before-after

Add the lipstick or stain and I’m DONE!  Before and after,  Like I said before I like my make up light, so you still see all of ME moles and everything, just me boosted.  If I stuck with the neutral browns for my eye shadows it really wouldn’t look to crazy! I like having the focus on my eyes, obviously!

It takes me about 15 mins or less to do my make up, esp since I do the same thing every day so I’m used to it.  What are your favorite makeup tips? And the product you couldn’t live without?

while confidence comes from within sometimes you can help it along by taking care of the outside, my makeup routine that helps me feel more me

Related Posts:

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    Natural Beauty - Brave and Beautiful
  • Building Self Confidence - Clothes
    Building Self Confidence - Clothes
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    My Mommy Style - Choosing Joy

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About Ashlee

With the right tips and tricks, I believe YOU can make, bake, or create anything. This is what I love to do - make some awesome, teach you how, and give you that boost of culinary confidence you need to rock your own kitchen! Read more...

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  1. Ellie

    February 2, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Nice Tutorial – you make it look so easy!!! I tend to only wear make-up for evenings out too. But I’ve thinking about getting into make-up more and have been trying a few new techniques. Now I think I’m ready to buy what I need – under eye concealer and a contouring kit. Thanks for the tips!!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:31 am

      thanks! I’m certainly not a “professional” but figured i love seeing how other people do their make up so someone might find something useful in what I do. And SERIOUSLY the under eye concealer was the most expensive item on the list, but has been worth EVERY penny/dollar!

  2. Meagan

    February 3, 2014 at 3:54 am

    Love this! I hardly ever wear makeup. In my pre-kids, more self-awareness days, I never left the house without it. But now, “meh”, I usually have someone’s snot all over me anyway LOL. Anyway, I’m in love with your purple eyeliner, and I had no idea about the paint pot- eyeshadow holder. I seriously think I’ll invest in that. I hate it when my eyeshadow fades!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:36 am

      I still go grocery shoping and stuff without make up, in fact I drop the kids off at school in pj’s with no bra and usually shoeless! I do add the bra for shopping, but there is something about getting all pretty that makes me feel more confident and strong, and powerful even, know what I mean? and I’m all about colored eyeliner to bring out your natural eye color! And when you try the paint pot just be careful not to add too much eyeshadow, a little goes a long way with this stuff holding it on!

  3. Karina

    February 3, 2014 at 6:06 am

    Ash, first of all you look beautiful without make up too! And I love this post about Bulding self confidence… I have my days where I feel just like this! Love the tutorial and I’m pinning it for later so I can try it out :)! Xo

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:37 am

      awww thanks Karina!~ I still totally go out without make up and know I look fine, but getting all gussied up and making a big deal out of myself makes me FEEL like a big deal, so confident and strengthening, know what I mean?

  4. Summer

    February 3, 2014 at 6:26 am

    Ashlee you are beautiful!!!! Great Tutorial, I just love all of your tips. I think I will try some of them out.

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:38 am

      Thanks Summer! I’ve always loved makeup and getting all dolled up, it’s so much fun being a girl sometimes!

  5. Briton

    February 3, 2014 at 7:47 am

    You are so lovely, Ashlee! I can’t live without blush and mascara- I’m also ghostly pale and my lashes are blonde!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:39 am

      love blush and mascara too! and something on the lips, a good gloss if I’m not doing a full look!

  6. Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!

    February 3, 2014 at 9:11 am

    I am like retarded when it comes to makeup, so I am excited about this tutorial! Pinning! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:40 am

      HA! well your freakin adorable so you totally don’t need any, but if you want we can go make up shopping together! I took Jess out to sephora a few months ago to find the right foundation color and we ended up with a full on makeover! it was SO fun!

  7. Laura Muir

    February 3, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Ashlee,

    You look fabulous! I seriously can not believe that someone could possibly mistake you for a boy. They must be blind… One time I was riding in an elevator with my baby girl years ago (she was in a dress with a bow on her head) and the dude that walked onto the elevator actually called her a he twice!! I’m like, seriously? Some people are so dumb!! Open your eyes people!!

    I love this tutorial! That concealer trio looks awesome! I might have to give that one a try! Mine runs out so quick… You are gorgeous, so don’t let anyone tell ya different!

    I think spending some time on yourself every day can make the world of difference too! Thanks for sharing!

    Sincerely,
    Laura Muir

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:41 am

      it doesn’t help that I was not all dressed up too, I was in more casual clothes at a park with my kids one time, at the drive through once, etc… but STILL, it was rough. and yes this concealer is AMAZING!!!

  8. Si

    February 3, 2014 at 10:28 am

    Hey. I’m with Laura. I can’t believe you were mistaken for a man!!
    You are a natural beauty. Really. Great features. Beautiful eyes, great eyelids, I would KILL for those.
    Great tutorial. Iike to see what routines others use. I’m a makeup minimalist, but love Bare Minerals products!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:42 am

      thank you so much! I have always been happy with myself and the way I look, but 5 babies, extra weight and just not pampering myself added up and became a bad habit. I think it’s more about taking the time to spoil yourself than the actual wearing makeup part of it it all, know what I mean?

  9. Miss Angie

    February 3, 2014 at 11:10 am

    Great tips, and I LOVE the hair! So awesome!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:43 am

      why THANK YOU! I love it too (obviously) it’s the longest I’ve had a hair style because it just FITS me so well!

  10. trisha

    February 3, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    I adore your purple hair! I had some but it washed out!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 6, 2014 at 2:44 am

      GAH, it fades SOOOOO Fast, I redo it every 3 weeks, full bleach and dye. it starts off SUPER bright and fades to this loveliness, then fades a bit too much and I start all over again! It’s worth it though!

  11. Shannon

    February 11, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    I think you’ve got plenty of confidence in order to share a makeup tutorial! I got into a terrible rut working at home and not having to dress up or put makeup on. I’ve realized that just a little effort makes all the difference in how I feel. Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 20, 2014 at 2:05 am

      thanks! and yes, it’s amazing how little things can make such a different in our self perception and yet even then we still don’t do them. Even if I just get some blush, mascara and lip gloss on I feel so much better!

  12. The Funster

    February 12, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Ashlee,
    Another quality post (like the post on silver leaf fondant lace wedding cakes)! You are most definitely the epitome of self confidence and poise, especially with purple hair, how cool is that? Thank you for your very informative post!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      February 20, 2014 at 2:20 am

      Thank you so much!

  13. Danielle

    February 25, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    Okay, hate to admit it but I TOTALLY needed this LOL I’ve been stuck in a rut with make-up, and afraid to venture into the ‘unknown’. This was uber helpful, so thanks!

    Reply
    • Ashlee

      April 14, 2014 at 11:34 pm

      you are so welcome! It’s nice to try something new and get out of the same old same old!

  14. laura

    July 8, 2019 at 11:57 pm

    Seriously the under eye concealer is a MIRACLE worker (I get 6 hours of sleep on average, sometimes less, so I really put it to work)

    Reply

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