I’ve been wanting (needing!) to do a makeup refresh for a long time. Here’s why:
My hodgepodge of makeup odds and ends finally became too much for me to sort through. My eyeliner was down to a stub of a pencil. I was using only sample foundation that was neither my shade nor a coverage that was right for my skin. This eye shadow trio circa 2012 had officially run its course.
Finally, I couldn’t hold off any longer. I needed new makeup and I wanted something quality that was right for my skin. With those goals in mind, I booked a 45 minute makeover at my local Sephora. They offer 45 minute sessions where they completely do your makeup from cleanser to finishing powder as long as you commit to a purchase of at least $50. Knowing I was certainly going to spend that, I eagerly signed up, then arrived at the mall at 10:40 completely barefaced and ready to learn.
My 33 year old face in all its natural glory!
I was assigned to Candice and had a blast chatting with her through each of the steps. First up, was cleansing. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this part as much as I did. Candice asked when the last time I exfoliated was and I just started laughing. She knew right then her work was cut out for her.
We used these products before we even looked at makeup. The Rose Stem Cell Cleanser smelled nice, like a subtle rose petal. Next up was the Kate Somerville Exfoliate. I was honestly expecting the feel of that old school apricot scrub we used at slumber parties in the 7th grade, but this exfoliate was gentle. I could feel fine grains in it as I gently massaged it into my skin for 30 seconds. Candice explained ideally I should be doing this twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
My skin felt quite refreshed after that, but I felt absolutely glowing after the Rose Stem Cell Gel Mask. From there she used both Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Cream (again, the scent is lovely!) and a Radiance Serum.
Talk about feeling pampered! I really liked the products they chose and they seemed to work, as my skin felt completely refreshed and rejuvenated. However, I am going to a dermatologist in the near future to discuss skincare, so I wanted to wait to talk to them before I committed to any skin care products.
Can you see how my face is glowing though?!
Next up Candice used a high-tech camera to take 3 pictures of my face in different areas. Then Sephora used its makeup magic to generate the perfect shade of makeup for my face. From there you can choose what kind of coverage you want, what ingredients are important for you to have or not have, brand, skin type, formulation, etc, etc, etc.
I went with a medium coverage and defaulted to Candice’s opinion on the rest. My concern was having coverage that did not settle into/highlight forehead wrinkles because I’m overly expressive and my face shows it. Here’s what we decided on:
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream : because it is easy and quick to apply with your fingers and offers medium coverage, which was just enough to even out my skin without seeping into wrinkles/pores.
NARS Concealer : I hadn’t owned concealer since college because I didn’t know what to do with it. Candice taught me that I should not be putting my foundation on the skin directly under my eyes. Instead, leave uncovered until I’ve applied foundation or tinted moisturizer then dab concealer in the area and gently pat to blend. Whatdoyouknow, it worked!
Laura Mercier Foundation Powder : I was hesitant about having a powder as well because I really try to stay away from that thick, caked-up makeup look. However, I was promised it would just give it a smooth, non-shiny finish and hold everything in place longer, so I went for it. I really do like the way it made the final product look.
Next up were eyes. I instantly fell in love with
Benefit’s World Famous Neutrals Kit : it comes with two creamy eye shadow colors that Candice used as a base/primer on my lids. She said I could just wear the subtle color with the slight shimmer on a daily basis or use the other powders in the kit to kick things up a notch. I appreciated the limited options that all worked together and the colors really looked gorgeous on my eyes.
Anastasia Brow Definer : My eyebrows really do need a little defining, as the are sparse towards the outer eye. Candice used the pencil trick to figure out where they should start, end and arch, then used the attached brush to brush my brows. I loved the attached brush because now I can finally throw away my old mascara wand I had been using! She used the angle brow pencil to fill them in and though it was a bit much for everyday wear, I appreciated learning how to fill them in for occasions and how to define them a bit more for day to day.
Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy : I’ll be honest, I feel a little silly that I bought a lip serum. It sounds so hoity toity. However, I told Candice I never wear lipstick because I’m a little self conscious about how dry my lips get when the weather cools down and I feel lip color exaggerates it. She used a brown sugar lip exfoliate on me (which I really liked but feel I could get the same benefit from mixing coconut oil and a little brown sugar at home) but then she applied this serum and I fell in love. It truly felt like drenching my lips in moisture and think it is exactly what I need to get through the winter months.
Bite Lipstick in Rhubard : Since I never wear lipstick, seeing it on my face made me feel bold and daring. It took some getting used to, but I feel like lipstick is that thing that was missing from my routine that makes a big difference. I really loved the color for fall and feel it compliments my coloring.
So enough talk, here’s the finished look!
It was exactly what I was after- a day to day look that I could pull of rather quickly that would make me feel more pulled together and grown up, with tips on how I could pump things up a bit more for special occasions.
This is in no way sponsored by Sephora, but if you are after a fall makeup update like I was, I highly recommend finding a Sephora near you and doing the 45 minute makeover. I felt pampered and really feel like I was able to ask a lot of questions and get some great information and recommendations. Though I still won’t be fully “done up” everyday, it feels good to have some quality products in my arsenal that are ready to go.
Oh! One funny thing I should add. Mascaras are a hot topic and though I liked the one they used on me, I have yet to find something that can compare to my drugstore favorite, L’Oreal Telescopic.
I really need to do a lash before and after so you can see the awesomeness of this mascara!
I’m excited to be going into the fall season and our upcoming family pictures with these products and am excited to learn more about skincare soon with my dermatologist. It’s easy to lose a little of yourself in the young-kid years and a little pampering and TLC now and then can make a huge difference!
Share with me..
What is your hands-down favorite beauty product?
Do you ever switch things up or stick by your tried and true routine/products?
This post is not sponsored but affiliate links are used. That means if you make a purchase I will receive a small commission without any increased cost to you.
Jennelle says
Mascara! I use Maybelline Full N Soft waterproof. I’ve used it for over a decade, and though I venture out and try new things, I always come back to it. My eyelashes are completely blonde, and I just don’t leave the house without mascara.
I recently started wearing lipstick. I loved the look on others, but since it was a pain to constantly reapply and it got all over everything I rarely wore it myself. A friend turned me on to LipSense, and now I’m OBSESSED. Cara at Maskcara just blogged about how awesome it is, too! I signed up to be a distributor because I wanted alllll the colors. 🙂 If you are looking for something that will last all day and moisturize your lips (I swear!), let me know – I’d love to send you one to try out! (P.S. I’m not a creepy random salesman at all – I’ve been reading your blog for years, and I live in Matthews!)
Lauren says
I think you look just as beautiful in your before photo (seriously…I’m a huge fan of no makeup!)….but really love that lipstick color and you got me hooked on that mascara. Mascara and lipstick are just about all I wear even when I do put on makeup once a month and you can’t beat the price of that one!
Did you decide on the gray dress for photos?! Why is it SO hard to pick out outfits for pictures!
Brittany Dixon says
I think I’m leaning gray dress but hoping to have everyone try on their outfits one more time tomorrow before our pictures on Sunday (they got delayed due to weather). I hate picking out clothes for the family- so stressful!! And thanks for your kind words, as always. Just saw your insta picture from a wedding you guys went too and you look gorgeous!! Hot mama!!
Lisa O says
You look gorgeous, not too overdone either which is always a fear when a pro does it! You’ve inspired me, I need to find a local equivalent. Being a mum, you often resort to “that’ll do” make up… I always have CC cream and mascara on, but would love to feel a little nicer. I think you look beautiful regardless with your huge smile and bright eyes (and kind heart, most importantly!) but how fun to jazz things up a bit! Love this different post.
Heather says
Hey, Brittany! The look is awesome, they really did a nice job. If you are still looking for a gentle cleanser and exfoliator, I would love to send you some samples of Beautycounter products!
I am a long time reader and I know that indregients and product safety are very important to you. Did you know that the Cosmetics Act hasn’t been updated since 1938 and that there are over 1,300 chemicals in personal care products that haven’t even been tested for safety in the United States but are banned by the European Union?! Crazy, I know.
We are just looking to get safer products in the hands of everyone. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with!
Here is my site: http://www.beautycounter.com/heatherwarner
Cheers!
Nicole says
I agree – the Beauty Counter line for skin care and makeup is amazing! While I know all the products Sephora used are likely wonderful products, the first thing I thought of when you profiled each item she used on you was the safety of them.
Heather says
Yay! Love seeing another Beautycounter fan out there!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Heather- thanks for the info! I have heard a lot of chatter about Beautycounter and am definitely interested in learning more about the products. Is it make up and skin care? I’ll be honest, I really want something that works with anti-aging. I go natural as much as I can (eating organic, cleaning products, etc) and would love to do it with skincare too if I can find something effective. Thoughts?
Cara says
I love that lipstick color on you! I just about never wear lipstick, but it really does add something! I have had the same beauty/makeup routine for about 5 years now. I have tried a time or two to switch it up and I just keep coming back to the same thing, it just works! Hands down my favorite product is Smashbox camera ready primer (Imagine the BB cream but without color). It really lays a nice foundation for the rest of my make up. I would like to try the tinted BB cream version tho for days I don’t want to add much else. Also, Dior mascara. I have tried many others and that one just works wonders as well as stays put without irritating my eyes!
jen says
You are so gorgeous with an without the makeup. I also love that World Famous Neutrals eyeshadow kit and I’ve been loving BB cream lately. I’m using Trish McEvoy but will have to check out the Smashbox. ALSO – I’m a big fan of drugstore mascara as well and I’ll have to try your fave out!
Thanks for sharing all of this. Fun post.
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Jen!! I am actually calling Terri soon- I really want to meet with her after how gorgeous your skin has looked! Fingers crossed she can work that same magic on me 🙂
Jenn says
I do agree, you look lovely in the before and after photos for sure! I was a late bloomer when it came to make up. I never wore it until I got my first job. Now I wear it every day – except weekends (I do put it on for church tho! :))
This looks like so much fun. I want to discover more about foundation because I only wear eye make up (that’s about all I have time to get on my face before the kids start crawling into the bathroom with me!) but I think I would like a light coverage just to smooth out my face colors.
Now I have myself wondering when WAS the last time I pampered myself!?!?! Hmm.. looks like I will have to talk to hubby and let him know I will be booking this soon!
Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks for the kind words Jenn! I was a late bloomer with make up too… and as I said, I still don’t know what I’m doing but it was so much fun and I think every women (especially moms!) should do it. It was really fun to feel “dolled up” again 🙂
Liz T says
I agree that lipstick really makes a difference in looking put together or not! I love Stila lip stain/lipsticks as they don’t wear off as quickly. My absolute favorite is the neutral “Dolce.” For foundation, I’ve been using bareminerals and like it alright. I think it provides a light coverage without looking caked on the way some liquid foundations do IMHO.
Hair is more of a trouble for me. Having a baby makes me not want to wear it down as she’ll easily get her slobbery fist intertwined with it, but keeping it up all the time isn’t quite the “finished” look I’d prefer.
Arianne says
You look so pretty! I think that lip color looks perfect on you. I know what you mean about lip color sometimes being intimidating, I actually just recently purchased some for the first time and I’m so glad that I did. Thanks for sharing though, I’ve already bookmarked a few of the items you linked!
Heather says
Oh, the Apricot scrub from St. Ives! Absolutely used to use that! Ha ha! I love Mary Kay’s Lash Intensity mascara – hands down the best lengthening mascara I’ve ever used – amazing volume and it’s not clumpy! I also just found out about LipSense and I’m hooked on that now too. I really need to find a good foundation that I love, though.
Brittany Dixon says
Now I want to look into LipSense! Thanks for the rec- a few people seem to have good things to say about it!
Cassie says
Makeup is a luxury I’m skipping right now. But even in my heyday, it was normally just BB cream or tinted moisture, mascara, and chapstick. Haha! I am always on the lookout for great drugstore skincare and haircare though… without all the chemicals though.
Jeannie says
I really like the way it came out! I may have to do this as well since I’m horrible with makeup. Btw where is ur long sweater from? I love it.
Brittany Dixon says
I think the sweater is from Nordstrom juniors department but from two years or so ago. It has holes in it but I still love it 😉
Jerrica says
I don’t leave the house without my face on. I have used bare minerals for over 12 years. Sometimes I branch out and try something else but I never like it. I use their bb primer which is amazing. My favorite product ever. Their concealer is bomb and then just some powder foundation and setting powder. It’s such a quick and easy routine. I am a mascara-a-Holic. I tried the telescopic last time you mentioned it but it is very wet and clumpy on me. I like drier mascaras and I swear every time I go to target (weekly), I have to try another! Ohh and I am a lifelong Avon glimmersticks eyeliner user. Don’t mess with a good thing 😉 You look fantastic! I’m excited to try the lip serum! Thanks for sharing! Have you ever tried the ipsy bags? It’s a makeup subscription where they send you 5 new products each month-sample sizes. It’s pretty fun and seems like a treat when it comes!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I love the sound of new makeup product samples, I’ll have to look into that! And yes, I’m the same way with mascara- always excited to grab and try a new one! I’ve used Bare Minerals off and on over the years too. I feel like it’s a really good quality option!
Jessica says
That lip color is perfect on you! I don’t wear much makeup but think defining the brows and a bolder lip make me look and feel more put together with minimal time and effort. I love using Burt’s Bees chapstick as a base and layering on 100% Pure’s fruit stains – clean ingredients and high quality performance!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh fruit stains sound cool; I’m going to look into that- thanks for the info! It’s amazing what a difference lipstick makes. I’m still in awe.
Julie says
I am going to do this! I definitely need help hiding the bags/wrinkles under my eyes & finding the right makeup for my skin. Thanks so much for the great idea!
Monika says
So pretty! I love Sephora – I can’t go in there without spending embarrassing amounts of money haha. I want to try that lip serum now because I feel EXACTLY the same about my lips!
My fave mascara is Dior Iconic – that and NARS tinted moisturizer are my go-to’s every day for work. If I want more coverage, I use Bare Minerals matte powder foundation as well as two different concealers and their finishing powder. NARS lip pencils are also amazing.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
You look just as beautiful without makeup as you do with it!
Marci Gilbert says
I have been reading a lot more about skincare and makeup than I used to a few years ago. I read an amazing local Houston blog if you’re interested. For your face before makeup, remember to use either a foundation with SPF that contains Zinc oxide (It Cosmetics does, Nars does not) or a base sunscreen like Elta MD. And if you’re going to the dermatologist soon, ask about a prescription retinoid.
Brittany Dixon says
I hear Retin-A is where it’s at for anti-aging. I can’t wait to learn more about it! Thanks for the input!!
Amy says
So pretty! Love that lip color! Oh and I def use drugstore mascara. I’ve bought expensive ones and I just don’t see a difference!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
Love the makeover! But what really stands out is how good you look completely barefaced! I definitely do not look that good without makeup on. Any skin secrets?
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh that’s so nice of you because I feel like my bare face is so splotchy! Finding a new skincare regimen is on my list actually. I’m meeting with a derm in the next month or two and will definitely report back.
Emily says
Just wanted to check in and say how fresh-faced, natural and gorgeous you are in the no makeup pic — love the freckles! Glad you had fun with the makeover, though. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much Emily! Freckles and a birthmark to boot- haha! I appreciate your kind words <3
April says
wow! I love the after look, and that lipstick color is beautiful! But you are one of the lucky ones who looks beautiful without any makeup! Although it is always nice to try a different look now and then and to feel put together. I love DiorShow mascara…I wore it on my wedding day and swear by it!
Brittany Dixon says
What a sweet compliment- Thank you!! I’m quite smitten with the lip color myself. It makes me feel so pulled together. I haven’t tried the DiorShow but now I want to now- I love trying new mascaras and if it’s wedding day worthy then I must try it!
Cindy Nelson says
Will have to try that Telescopic mascara. I like the Loreal products too. I haven’t seen this one.
Brittany Dixon says
Hope you like it as much as I do- it’s great for length and even better that I can snag it at Target 😉
Katie says
I just dumped all my products for a whole array of BeautyCounter. The stuff is amazing. I’ve been using it for about a week. I just couldn’t stand the thought of putting boatloads of chemicals on my face anymore, especially because I strive to eliminate those from our household in the way of buying as much organic foods as our budget allows and paring down our cleaning supplies to things like vinegar and baking soda. I hate to be a debbie downer but I’d check out Beauty Counter and try their stuff as well. I just ordered from their website. Do a side by side or something, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the mainstream beauty products versus the more natural stuff. Although I hear ya on the mascara, sometimes it is hard to find something that tops a fav.
Brittany Dixon says
Not a Debbie Downer at all! I would like to learn more about ingredient lists for make up because I’m certainly very aware of toxins in cleaning products and food and like to avoid them when possible. Learning more about this topic is certainly on my list- thanks for weighing in!
Lisa says
Hi Brittany! You look beautiful–your Sephora consultant nailed it. I work part time at Nordstrom, for the Bobbi Brown counter. If there’s ever any makeup or skincare questions you have, I’m happy to help! I feel like it’s the least I do, considering a full 60-75% of my meal ideas come from your blog!
Having makeup and skincare that we enjoy using always makes us feel so much prettier and more confident. I always notice that when I’ve taken 5 minutes to put on a little concealer, fill in my brows (I use the Nars concealer that you purchased, and the Anastasia brow pencil too!) and put on some lip balm before dropping my daughter off at school at 8:25, I’m so much more likely to stay and talk a bit with the other moms!
Off to get my preschooler ready for her day–
Have a good one friend!
Lisa
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Lisa- what a kind offer- thank you! I’m having a little difficulty figuring out how to shape my brows but like you said, I’m enjoying feeling a little more pulled together. It’s like lipstick lets me pretend I have my life all figured out- ha! 😉
Chelsea says
Hey Brittany!
Did you actually end up purchasing everything they used on you? If so, how much did you spend? I know Sephora comes with a pretty hefty price tag! You look fantastic with and without make up, though! I love how they were still able to keep you looking like you!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! <3 I purchased it all expect the mascara (I still love my telescopic). I don't remember exactly how much it cost, but if I had to guess, it was probably around $200.