All Day Beauty with Neutrogena

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Raise your hand if you have limited time to get ready in the morning.  I sure do.  Mornings around here are hectic, especially when school is in session, and as a busy mom, I only have about 10 minutes to get myself together.  So, I’m always trying to come up with a beauty routine that makes me feel great in as little time as possible.  I need a look that’s quick and easy, but will last all day.  Here’s one of the most recent makeup routines I’ve tried using Neutrogena products and my honest feedback about it!

Step 1: Moisturize with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15.
This is the exact kind of product I look for because it’s one thing that does two jobs.  It hydrates my skin and keeps me from having dry flakes {which I tend to get around my nose} and at the same time it offers me sun protection.  I’ve told you before how concerned I am about protecting my skin because of the number of moles I have, so I never let the sun touch my face without having SPF in place.  This eliminates the need for sticky sunscreen, and it also doesn’t cause my skin to break out like some of the brands of moisturizers do.

Step 2: Apply a light coat of Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Liquid Makeup {SPF 20}.
I know some of you are thinking, “I don’t do foundation,” because you think it feels caked on and gross, but trust me, this doesn’t.  It’s light and smooth and it does exactly what I need it to do, which is even everything out.  I tend to get dark circles under my eyes {tired, much?} while other spots may be red, and of course I have a few freckles and moles too.  This makeup has a tone correcting complex which just basically makes the skin tone look the same all over.  Again, it’s one product that does two jobs; it covers and protects.  I like to apply mine with my Beauty Blender…it’s my most favorite makeup applicator ever!

Step 3: Line the eyes with Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner.
If you’re not a fan of eyeliner, you can skip this part, but I feel like it makes me look more awake and I’m a sucker for a little cat-eye.  It makes it look like I spent way longer on my makeup than I actually did.  For an everyday, daytime look I like the Pewter eyeliner rather than a striking black.  Now, I’m going to tell you a neat little trick I learned from someone famous.  When I was in NY filming the New Voices of Beauty video, we had a chance to sit down with the Senior Beauty Editor of Lucky Magazine, Maura Lynch.  She told me that her trick for getting a perfect cat eye is actually to start your line by working from the outside in!  Start with the “tricky” part and draw the outer edge first, then come back and line your lid.  It works like a charm.  Thanks, Maura!

Step 4: Curl those lashes and apply Healthy Volume Mascara.
Wait, what is that in my hand?  A medieval torture implement?

Of course not!  Although it sure looks like one.  It’s my eyelash curler.  Mine cost a whopping $1 and I use it every day.  I know some of you do the same while others aren’t convinced.  All I can say is that for me, it takes about ten seconds to do and it makes a difference in the way my lashes look, so I keep doing it.  Except that now I can’t help but think of the horror stories a few of you shared on our Facebook discussion…thanks a lot!

And now for the mascara… I’ll have you know I re-took this photo several times to get one where my mouth wasn’t hanging open.  You know yours is open when you apply mascara too.  What is that about?!  Meanwhile, I honestly do love this mascara.  It’s not clumpy and it really gives my lashes the appearance of being longer and fuller.  It’s my current fave.

Step 5: Add Moisture Smooth Color Stick!
You all know I’m a sucker for lipstick and lip gloss that looks like a giant crayon.  I love the way it goes on, and I particularly love the color of this one I bought; Plum Perfect.  It’s somewhat neutral but pretty and polished at the same time.  The plus is that it tastes good…the minus is that it does have a taste to it, so that can interfere with my frappuccino enjoyment.  My solution is to apply it after my coffee fix.  Hubby actually noticed the first time I wore this color and told me how much he liked it…there’s a win for ya!

I can do all this in the 5-10 minutes I have to myself and I can count on the makeup to stay put and look great all day long.  I really do put these things to the test, so I can tell you that I apply this around 7:30 AM and don’t even have to freshen anything up before hubby comes home at 5 PM.

If I had to pick a favorite of these products, it would definitely have to be the Healthy Volume Mascara.  I’ve tried a LOT of different mascaras, and this one does an awesome job.  I use it every day because I love the way it makes my lashes look and it doesn’t come off on my cheeks like some other brands do.  {PS: You can save 10% on it at Target, as well as 10% off all Neutrogena products through August 16 with this offer from Cartwheel!}

I like having a routine that’s simple and quick, as well as understated.  I don’t want to feel like I have a ton of product on my face or look overdone; I just want to look natural and feel confident.  Do you have a similar beauty routine?

Here’s a fun look at how Nashville star Hayden Panettiere uses some of these same products for her own all-day beauty routine on her days off.

For more tips and inspiration, Target is holding a special Beauty Concierge event where you can talk in person with a beauty expert who can give you guidance about what products are best for you.  The event begins August 24, limited quantities available.  Check with your local Target store for Beauty Concierge day and times.  {Doesn’t that sound so fun?!}

I’d love to hear about your everyday routine!  Did you find any of these tips helpful?