Every time I start on a makeup post, I silently smirk at myself. Because for years and years, beauty for me was special occasion only. I would go dayssss without a stitch of anything, and it was not out of protest or thinking that I am so stunningly beautiful sans a little concealer. It simply wasn’t a part of my lifestyle.

I have recently come into the perfect balance of my beauty life. That moment when I am in my glorious main bathroom, music blasting, wineglass full in anticipation of a great night out is simply sublime. It is a small reminder to enjoy all of it, not just the main event. Remember, my little angel face?

Makeup is now a (mostly) daily habit and I have a collection of products/brands that are no-fail favorites. Let’s get into it!

• NARS— if I could afford an entire face by this divine brand, my list would be a singular bullet point. Alas, let’s narrow in on some faves. Obvi, the light reflecting eye brightener is a must. I also purchased a blush palette during the holidays that is all main character energy. I have an arsenal of lip pencils that have been sharpened into nubs which are thrown in every purse. A Nars surprise— their very fun TikTok account!
• Jones Road Beauty has taken over my life! I wrote the most unhinged customer review a few weeks ago that was equal parts cringe and pure awe at the magnificence of Bobbi Brown. If you have not yet purchased a miracle balm, what in the hell are you waiting for?! I am deeply devoted to the shade Tawny and wait all day to dip my little finger in that giant, luxurious pot. It offers a glow from within that only could have been created by a woman. Close second is the hippie stick that is rife with lavender, patchouli and sunflower seed oil.
• A brand new addition to my Anastasia brow powder is Hourglass’ arch brow pencil in medium brown. It is perfect for touch-ups and adding just a bit of ooomph to a brow look. The packaging is top of the line, sturdy enough to brave the chaotic elements of my purse, which was discussed here!
• When it comes to a lip, I am Dr. Frankenstein. I add a bit of this, with a little swipe of that and top it off with a little more here. No two lips are ever the same. My current formula is to slightly overline the Cupid’s bow with either a NARS deep red or Merit’s perfect brown in L’Avenue, followed by a strong swipe of Twig or Whirl from MAC. I’ll end with either a Bare Minerals gloss (the best!) or a bit more brown.
• I have started keeping my most-used makeup in wooden organizers in my top drawer— a game-changer for making the process feel more seamless and intentional. Lips and cheeks in one section, face and brushes in another. Sometimes, you gotta keep it stupid simple!
• Not for the face, but for the first time in a while, I have added a new scent element to my decades-long base of patchouli, sandalwood and musk in the form of florals! Riddle is a wildly popular brand with a wide range of scent profiles. I stumbled into Poppy and Voyeur and have been swiping them on like a fool. Poppy is my favorite of the two with notes of orange blossom, lemon, rose and ylang ylang. Another perfume stumble-upon is the Jean D‘Aigle cologne in scent Naturale courtesy of Ann Mashburn DC. The $40 bottle is massive and so luxe and ready to be sprayed on anything— moving or not!

Voila! My beauty routine— or some of it— in six parts. Tell me what you’re into these days! Xx