I think when you are a makeup and beauty addict, changing up your routine is just part of adding to your collection. And it is a lot of fun! But, for me, something a little more drastic happened between 2020 and 2021 in terms of my favorite types of formulas, and the levels of coverage I am comfortable wearing every day. I really approach my daily look in a completely different way.
Here is how my daily makeup has changed:
Concealer
NOW: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops - Buy for $34.00
Ok, ok, I know these Glow Recipe drops are totally not concealer. But I haven't been wearing any! Instead, I have been using these drops for a radiance boost that camouflages imperfections instead of covering them up. They also provide a great base for my makeup and a nice dose of anti-redness niacinamide.
THEN: Billion Dollar Brows Flash & Filter: Highlighter & Concealer - Buy for $18.00
I still love this effortless concealer. It has two shades and is creamy and perfect for using a little or a lot (see below). I will still totally utilize this stuff on fancier days or extra spotty days, but for now I am fine without it.
Obviously, this is a drastic change. I used to use A LOT of concealer! (I promise I blended out these stripes too.)
Foundation / Base
NOW: Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm - Buy for $36.00
I absolutely love this stuff. Somehow it is the perfect shade for me and evens out my skintone without adding a lot of coverage. And it has SPF30 inside which is a major plus in my book.
THEN: IT Cosmetics CC+ Full -Coverage Cream with SPF 50+ - Buy for $39.50
While I still really love this formula, I just don't need full coverage anymore. Maybe I never did? Hmm. It does get extra points for being an SPF50 cream though!
I feel like you can see the difference here. Both sides look nice, but the CC cream on the right is obviously heavier and almost enhances my pore size and texture. The BB cream on the left has a radiant finish and smooths my texture.
Powder
NOW: * crickets *
Well, I don't use powders daily anymore. I still can see myself applying them if I need my makeup to last all day, but for the most part, I don't need that right now.
THEN: Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Setting Powder - Buy for $34.00
This is such a great powder if you do need one! It is light, non-cakey, and the puff applicator combined with the mesh sifter inside makes for a perfect application every single time.
Blush
NOW: Glossier Cloud Paint in 'Puff' - Buy for $18.00
2019 Megan was very anti-cream blush, mainly because they didn't work well over my heavier foundation and powder under or on top of a formula like this was a mess. Since I use a lighter BB cream these days and no powder, cream blushes help me create this very natural flush that I love! Glossier's formula is more like a creamy gel, but it isn't thick at all, allowing me to use just a little for a hint of pink or more to build up the color.
THEN: Kat Von D Lolita Blush & Eyeshadow
I was sad to find this shade was discontinued because it is such a goodie! Both a lip and cheek formula, this dusty brick pink is sexy and so wearable. I have to be a little light-handed on my cheeks, but I always loved applying it with a larger fluffy brush. Even though I don't wear a lot of powdered blush right now, I will be keeping this one for the days I do!
I still love both of these looks. And since most of you know I am a blush addict, I am sure I will continue to use both cream and powder, though cream is my preference right now.
Highlighter
NOW: Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter - Buy for $30.00
THEN: Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter - Buy for $30.00
FOREVER: Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Twinkle Highlighter - Buy for $30.00
This has been my favorite highlighter for years and I don't see that ever changing. It is just the perfect balance of radiance and shimmer, and it is milled so finely that it never feels like too much. It also smells so good and applies just as well with a brush as it does with my fingertips.
I love you, always, forever.
Eyeshadow
NOW: Habit Cosmetics BRIGHT LIGHTS Vegan + Organic Creme Highlighter in 'Starchild' - Buy for $28.00
I am obsessed with cream formulas that can be worn as shadows or highlighters. This is my current favorite because I think the lilac shade is so cute and its an easy and subtle way to wear purple lids. The formulas also feels more gentle to the delicate skin of my eyelids.
THEN: A Powder Shadow Palette (the one used in this post is the now discontinued Too Faced Palm Springs Dreams Palette)
Don't get me wrong. I am still absolutely obsessed with my big, fun, and colorful powder shadow palettes! They just feel more like a special occasion sort of deal for me now. They also require a little more time and finesse than my creams.
While both of these shades and formulas are flattering, I can't recommend trying out cream formulas enough if you have been on the fence! I think you will love them too.
Mascara
NOW: PAT McGRATH LABS FetishEyes Lengthening Mascara - Buy for $30.00
This is a newer obsession thanks to my recent IPSY Glam Bag X delivery. It is a very easy mascara to love. It has a great scent (weird but worth mentioning), creates length and volume with one swipe, and doesn't irritate my eyes over time. The look here is a little more whispy and natural that I used to aim for, but I love how it opens my eyes.
THEN: Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara - Buy for $26.00
This mascara adds a little more volume and drama than my new favorite, so if you still want that big bold black lash look, I highly recommend this mascara still.
You can really see the difference here along the lash line.
Brows
NOW: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel - Buy for $24.00
THEN: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel - Buy for $24.00
No real change here. I cheat on my Gimmie Brow sometimes with Glossier's Boy Brow, but I always come home. Just a few flicks and my patchy brows are filled in beautifully while still looking a little wild and bushy.
It's great for just a little shaping and filling.
Lips
NOW: Glossier Balm Dotcom - Buy for $12.00
This is such a basic product but I love it dearly. Especially since I wear a mask so often now and I hate when the inside is covered in lipstick smears! The shade above was a limited edition but most of the Balm Dotcom flavors have a fun little tint to them. They add just enough color without creating a mess inside my mask or across my face.
THEN: Touch in Soul Pretty Filter Soul Velvet Lipstick in 'Seoul Rose' - Buy for $16.00
Hey, you all know I am all about a bold lip. It might be my favorite makeup statement! Alas, right now it just isn't working. The last time I wore a bight lip under a mask I ended up with all over the tip of my nose!
I am really looking forward to the days coming soon where I can rock these bold shades every single day!
2021 vs 2020
I still love both of these looks. And, frankly, 2020 taught me a lot about how much makeup I need to wear vs how much I enjoy wearing. I learned I actually don't need a ton of coverage when it comes to foundation, and that my face looks and feels better with something on the sheer side. I also learned to love the versatility and comfort of cream formulas, especially ones that have multi-uses. I think last year was about me learning to lean into a "myself, but better" approach to makeup, though I am looking forward to 2021 bringing more occasions to go all out with shadows again and rock those bright lips!
Has your daily makeup routine changed from 2020 to 2021? What products did you leave behind? What are your new favorites?
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