A Simple Make-Up Routine + Tips & Tricks I Learned From My Visit To Sephora Inside JCPenney

Last week I ventured into Sephora inside JCPenney to have a make-up makeover and was quite surprised with the outcome. Truth be told I don’t know much about make-up (or hair). Over the years I have learned the bare minimum and have acquired a taste or look rather that I can do in under 10 minutes. It involves zero ‘contour’, ‘baking’ or whatever the standing make-up trend is these days. I wear no eye shadow, foundation or eyeliner. Pretty much I’m the most boring person for the job BUT the sweet Sephora Area Education Manager (AEM), Yadi, saw otherwise. She saw a mom who is always in a rush, though desperately wanted to still feel confident. She saw a girl who was interested in make-up trends but was too scared and didn’t have the time to play around with them. Most importantly she saw a woman who deserves a great and quick look … plus a little pampering too!

I settled into the chair and this is what I learned. For me a good blush is key and a full brow is necessary. I also have to curl my lashes and the base of my make-up routine MUST include a SPF. The new (or new to me really) trend I wanted to learn about was using a ‘highlighter’. To achieve a subtle glow if you will. The outcome was a look that updated my current one. For a simple make-up routine that offers subtle coverage and a fresh sun kissed look I’m your gal!

Yadi, my AEM, was perfection. She was so kind and answered all my questions. She had an answer/product for anything I asked about. I have been going into Sephora for years now, always entering a little overwhelmed. Each time leaving a little more skilled than before. This last time was my best visit yet. I feel 100% more confident in my make-up routine and even a little more skilled in a few new beauty trends! I also left with a few new products that have undoubtedly simplified my daily routine which I’m honestly most excited about. As a mom time to myself is limited, especially in the morning. I need a quick make-up routine that still makes me feel good about myself but also allows me to apply it while having my babe tug on my leg.

Below I’ll take you through my updated make-up routine and the tips and tricks I learned from my visit at the Sephora inside JCPenney!

First and foremost cleansing the skin is key. I’ve learned that starting with a proper clean face will allow your make-up to set on your skin correctly. It also offers a bit of pampering in the morning. I love taking a few minutes to wash my face, tone and moisturize my face. I even play a little music quietly while in the bathroom by myself too. Just to help zone out and be with just ME. During my visit, Yadi me a few great options on skin care. While I have my own skin care routine down, I did learn about a hydrating spray by Caudlie. This spray is ideal for hydrating your skin prior to adding your moisturizer. It helps tone your skin and offers a refreshing minty feel. I bought the travel size but I know I’ll be going back to get the large version! After the spray I apply a moisturizer with SPF.

As I mentioned I don’t wear foundation or concealer. But I do like a bit of coverage. I love using the Bare Minerals face powder as it creates a great even look and keeps my oily skin in check through out the day. I just a light layer of this before adding bronzer and blush.

During my visit I was introduced to the BECCA palette that Chrissy Teigen created. The pallet offers a bronzer, blush and two highlighters. I’ve never had a make-up palette before mostly because I’d never known how to use all the options within the pallet. Yadi was able to educate me in using all the options and I loved them all! I use the bronzer option first and apply it starting at my temples and bringing it down below my cheek bone. You’ll want to create a ‘C’ shape. Doing this I learned helps frame your face nicely. In short it “contours” your face with out doing so with heavy make-up. Its like the basic of all basic techniques for a quick, subtle defined look.

I then use the blush on my cheeks. I have really high cheek bones and have always been a fan of using blush. I love the look on myself and I really enjoy the blush option from the BECCA palette. I use an angled brush and start at my cheek and swipe upwards. I love the bright sun-kissed look it offers!

You can use the highlighter within the BECCA palette to add a glow or use the Benefit “Watt’s Up!” highlighter. I bought this because it is small and easy to travel with. For example if I go to the beach or camping I definitely won’t wear any face make-up. Though I might want to have a nice natural glow. I’d bring this product along. It is really easy to use too. I learned that you want to apply your highlighter on the highest points on your face. So you’d want to apply this on the bone beneath your eyes, on the bridge of your nose and on your ‘cupids bow’ which is in the middle of your top lip. You’ll want to do this because the light will catch at those points on your face the most. Once you swipe the product on your face, use your ring finger to blend it in. I also learned that using your ring finger to apply/rub in product into your face offers the least amount of pressure. Also when applying eye cream you’ll want to use your ring finger and do a light tapping motion along your under eye. This will increase blood flow and help decrease eye puff.

You know that one thing you can’t live with out when doing your make-up. For some it is mascara, foundation or a bold lip? You sort of feel naked if you leave your house with out it? For me that would be filling in my eyebrows. I have a great brow shape, though they are patchy. I have to fill them in. I love using the Anastastia dip brow for my brows and on my visit I was introduced to the brow definer pencil! It is amazing and incredibly simple to use. It also has a brow brush on the other end so essentially when traveling I only have to take this one product along instead of two. I basically outline my brown and then fill it in using small strokes mimicking the direction of my eyebrow hairs. You can go as bold or light as you’d like.

While I do enjoy a bold lip on occasion, for everyday it is just unrealistic for me. A simple, clear lipgloss with an SPF is necessary. The Fresh Sugar lipgloss is my favorite! I have a few so I’m never with out one. I keep one in my purse, car and on my nightstand! It offers a nice sheer gloss and sun coverage which is important!

Now, this look fits me but I hope it helps you nail down a routine that fits your own style and time. We all are different and to achieve different things. I enjoyed my time at Sephora inside my JCPenney so much, I am thrilled to share it all with you! If you get an hour to yourself and are interested, I’d definitely recommend heading in to chat with an AEM about products that might work for you. It might also be fun to take another mom friend with you for a fun pampering date.

The bottom line here is that as mothers we offer up ourselves, our time and general well-being to our family. Day in and day out we continue to be selfless. In all honestly, we are happy to do it! Though we deserve to feel good (and look good) while doing so! We end up being better moms when we take the time to care for ourselves once in a while.