Updating a Minimalist Make-Up Routine

A few months ago, I shared my minimalist beauty routine with you – a bit of mascara, lip balm, maybe some blush and I was good to go.

This spring I’ve begun to take my look from ‘minimalist’ to ‘minimalist plus’. True, true, still a much more subdued routine than some – but for me, this is big news!

I think that there are two main reasons behind this:

1) That I’ve been spending a lot more time reading fashion and beauty blogs – and seeing the looks that others pull together is inspiring

2) A funny thing happens when you start moving through your early 30s…you need a bit more help than before!

Here’s the ‘minimalist plus’ look I’ve adopted

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Kat von D concealer, NARS Pigalle lipstick, NARS Rue Saint-Honoré eyeliner, Stila eyeshadow, Benefit They’re Real! mascara. Tools: Sephora eyeshadow brushes, eyelash curler, Sephora #56 foundation brush.

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I’ve become a convert to the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Over the last few weeks I’ve not received any compliments on my foundation…but I’ve been told several times that my skin looks fabulous. Success! A little concealer helps out under the eyes and on the occasional spots. But I love that my freckles and natural colouring still show through.

A new addition to my collection is NARS eyeliner in Rue Saint-Honoré, a great navy blue. I still can’t beat Benefit They’re Real! mascara though – I think it’s here to stay. My Stila eyeshadow has been with me for years (far longer than recommended…but it’s discontinued and I love it too much to let it go).

And the finishing touch – NARS lipstick in Pigalle. I’d seen Cheetah is the New Black‘s declaration of love for NARS Napoli – but my search for that particular shade was fruitless. Quite alright though, because I fell in love with Pigalle – the perfect neutral for me.

So there you have it – how I’ve updated my minimalist beauty routine (while still sticking to a rather natural look)

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Is your look a minimalist one? Minimalist Plus? Slightly more involved? I’d love to hear your recommendations.