My Everyday Makeup Routine

May 28

I've spent a lot of my life sitting in makeup chairs. After years of modeling, I've been lucky enough to work with so many talented makeup artists on everything from very natural commercial looks to full glam, beauty shoots, runway, and campaigns. And while I'm definitely not a professional makeup artist myself, I've picked up a lot along the way.

I've learned which steps actually make a difference, how much product you really need, and perhaps most importantly, that good makeup doesn't have to mean more makeup.

My everyday routine is pretty simple, and a lot of it is influenced by what I've watched professionals do over the years. So instead of simply sharing what's in my makeup bag, I wanted to share some of the things I've learned that you can use in your own routine, too.

Start With Less Foundation Than You Think

One of the biggest things I've noticed from working with professional makeup artists is how intentional they are with foundation. Instead of immediately covering the entire face with a heavy layer, they'll often build coverage where it's actually needed. The result looks so much more natural.

I've started doing the same thing at home. My current go-to is Haus Labs Foundation in shade A64. I'll start with a small amount, blend it well, and then use my Ogee Concealer anywhere I want a little extra coverage, especially under my eyes or on areas I want to even out.

I've learned that I don't necessarily need another layer of foundation when a little strategically placed concealer can do the job. It keeps my base looking more like skin while still giving me the coverage I want.

What I've learned: You can always add more. Start with a lighter layer of foundation, use concealer where you actually need it, and build from there.

Bring Dimension Back Into Your Face

Foundation can naturally flatten some of the dimension in your face, which is where bronzer and blush come in. I use Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer in shade 3 Tan to add warmth, focusing around my forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Then I add Pat McGrath Divine Rose Blush to bring some color back into my face.

Something I've learned from watching makeup artists is that placement can matter just as much as the product itself. Experiment with where you're applying your blush and bronzer rather than automatically putting them in the same place every time.

What I've learned: Think about enhancing the natural shape of your face rather than following every contour or blush-placement trend you see online.

You Don't Need a Complicated Eye Look

For everyday makeup, I'm almost always wearing neutral eyeshadow.

I use Makeup by Mario Eyeshadow because the neutral shades give me enough options to create definition without feeling overly made up. You also don't necessarily need five different shadows to create a finished eye. A little definition through the crease and around the lash line can go a long way.

What I've learned: Learn what enhances your own eye shape. Once you understand that, you don't need to recreate a completely different eye look every morning.

Curl Your Lashes Before Adding More Product

This is such a small thing, but it makes a difference. I use the Dior Eyelash Curler before mascara to open up my eyes.

If I want a little more drama, I'll follow with Dior Maximizer 4D Lash Primer before applying Dior Mascara. For a normal day, though, you don't necessarily need all three.

What I've learned: Before adding more makeup, see what you can accomplish with technique. Curling your lashes, blending a little longer, or changing your placement can sometimes make a bigger difference than another product.

Work With Your Brows, Not Against Them

Brows have gone through a lot of trends since I started modeling. I've learned that I feel most like myself when mine are relatively natural.

I like brushing them into place with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze and keeping the overall look soft and groomed.

What I've learned: Trends come and go. Your natural features don't need to change every time the beauty cycle does.

Find Your Version of a Go-To Lip

For me, it's a nude pink. I use Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick & Lipliner in Nude Pink because it works with most of the makeup I wear and doesn't require much thought.

Your everyday shade might be completely different, and that's the point. Once you find a lip combination that makes you feel polished and works with most of your wardrobe, save it. Not every part of your beauty routine needs to be reinvented.

What I've learned: Having a few things you know always work makes getting ready so much easier.

Build a Makeup Bag Around Your Life

I used to think having more products meant having more options. Now I'd much rather have a smaller collection of things I genuinely know how to use.

I keep my everyday products together in my Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Bag. It makes getting ready easier at home and means I'm not completely reorganizing my beauty products every time I travel. Before buying another product, ask yourself: What role is this actually filling in my routine?

If you already own three products that do essentially the same thing, you might not need the fourth.

What I've learned: A well-edited makeup bag is much more useful than an overflowing one.

The Best Makeup Advice I've Taken From Modeling

If I could sum up what I've learned from years of having my makeup professionally done, it would be this:

Makeup should work with your features, not make you feel like you need to replace them. I've seen firsthand how transformative makeup can be, and I love that side of it. But I've also watched incredibly talented artists create beautiful looks using surprisingly little product.

That's influenced the way I do my own makeup more than anything else. Start with less. Blend. Pay attention to placement. Figure out which colors make you feel good. Invest in products you'll actually use. And don't feel like you have to buy something simply because everyone online is talking about it. Your routine doesn't need to look like mine.

My hope is that seeing what I've learned and what works for me helps you figure out what works for you.

You can shop my full beauty edit here if you'd like to see everything currently in my makeup bag. And if you have a beauty product or makeup trick you swear by, leave it in the comments. I'm always happy to learn something new, too.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use, love, or would recommend.