This is The Makeup Cocktail That Gives Me Airbrushed Skin!
I am very realistic regarding what I expect from my makeup routine and makeup products. I live in reality that my skin will not EVER fully look like a photo-shopped version of what I find on Pinterest, in my latest issue of Vogue, or even in my Instagram feed full of filtered versions of real people.
My pores will always be a little bit obvious, makeup will always settle a little bit under my eye bags, and will also settle in my deep forehead wrinkles and elevens in between my eyes…which are not going away anytime soon. *Fun fact - the latter is because I am resistant to Botox. I used to get Botox treatments from the age of 37 to 40 years old until it just stopped working on me. Complete full stop - even after doubling up my doses. It was a sad day because I loved Botox! This is why I have worn bangs now for over 6 years - ha ha a ha!
But moving on, I am constantly reminding myself that these age-related issues with my face are, in fact, OK and perfectly normal for everyone. And although perfection and glass-smooth skin will never be the end result IRL (in real life) with my 46-year-old face, a “perky” and “radiant” complexion is actually what I strive for.
I believe this is entirely possible with the right products and techniques, as I show you in this before and after collage below of my skin. This is the best representation to show you how well the following steps AND products work TOGETHER.
Keep reading to find out the products, order, and techniques that when used together can create the perfect “skin cocktail,” to achieve flawless-ish perky skin success…
TL;DR
Jennifer shares how to achieve flawless, airbrushed skin
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
This is The Makeup Cocktail That Gives Me Airbrushed Skin!
Start with clean, exfoliated skin
I know I’m beating a dead horse, but the skin prep is the most important part of the makeup laying beautifully! I am a loyal double-cleansing gal. Could be my dry-as-a-desert skin issue, but also I think it’s because I wear so much makeup, that this is the most effective way to get it ALL off without stripping my skin of natural moisture.
I repurchase and repurchase the Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil, $10, (I have all my girlfriends hooked on this stuff) and apply it first to remove all surface makeup. Then I go in with the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, $38 to finish it all out - the smell is divine and my skin feels silky after using both.
Then, if you’re brave enough with a steady hand, use these Amazon gentle razors to de-fuzz the face and get the dead skin off. Men shave their faces daily so why the stigma that women can’t do it?? It’s the ultimate way to get super smooth skin that loves to welcome skincare afterward. Especially my Glow Recipe Watermelon Pore Tight toner, $35, applied with a cotton round is such a lovely skin finisher after cleansing and de-fuzzing! (is that even a word???)
Shop the Post
Focus on hydration plus a skin primer
I am just over the moon that they made my favorite luxury moisturizer with SPF! The Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream with SPF 30, $140. I apply a nice layer of this and rub in good giving my face a good face massage. Once this has dried down, then I apply a light coat of the iconic Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth and Blur primer, $42.
Once this has set, I’ll apply a light veil of loose translucent powder, Laura Mercier Ultra Blur, $48, on top of the primer, by using a stippling motion with my compact powder brush. No swiping - use a stippling motion here! I know this seems too early to be applying the powder before the foundation - but I promise, it works to make the primer work even better and fill in tiny fine lines even better.
Shop the Post
Layer cream-based products to enhance your natural glow
Now it’s time for the layering of the products to achieve a more even skin tone. To get a more airbrushed effect that isn’t too makeup-y, I love using the L’Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, $19. I’m wearing shade 3-4 and applying it with a buffing foundation brush makes it look even better.
The addition of concealer to spot treat any redness or age spots, then of course under the eyes is a must. You can’t leave out the dark circles if you want your face to appear perky and well-rested! I stand by the tried and true drugstore Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser, $11, in shade 115. I’ve never been disappointed when I go back to this formula for great hydration and sheer enough but still covers like a dream.
Shop the Post
Top off that radiant complexion with contour + highlight
To keep things looking beautiful in real life, I stuck with these cream products. Adding a bit of warmth and contour to the bone structure was achieved with the tarte Sculpt Tape, $36, in shade “cool bronze.” Cooler bronzes look more realistic as they are more ashy in tone rather than orange, which mimics real warmth and shadows.
And to really cap off that radiance, the Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter Beauty Wand, $42, in “Pillow Talk” placed high up on the cheekbones, above the contour, and center bridge of the nose works wonders for a realistic glow. It’s beautiful because it enhances with the perfect amount of subtlety and is not too glittery which can emphasize texture.
If you prefer to try a cream highlighter with a lower investment, the e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighting Wand, $9, can get the job done too.
Shop the Post
Details on my finished look: my happy bright neutral pink Patrick Ta cream blush, $36, in “She’s A Doll” // the it Cosmetics Confidence in a Serum gloss, $26, in “self determined” // And nothing like enjoying “a cocktail” in a comfy 2 piece loungewear set like I wore in this post! I get MORE compliments on this Amazon set, $36, whenever I wear it. I’m wearing a small and am definitely wanting to get another color for fall. // I added more of these Etsy lucky charm jelly bracelets, $35, to my wrist in champagne gold. I can’t get enough of these bracelets that do not tarnish or turn. // My almond nails are thanks to the peel and stick Impress nails in shade “brushed pale.” They make a quick manicure so easy! // My chain link Sandals are Shein and my phone case is from Velvet Caviar.
Will you try this skin cocktail? What products do you find give you airbrushed skin IRL?? If you want more of my secrets, check out this older post on how to look great with less effort!
Shop the Post
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared a tea-infused martini and finger sandwiches on Fridays with Oscar. Click the title or image below to read the article.
What a fun post! Gorgeous results! I really like what you say about not expecting perfection as we age. My goal is to look like the best version of my almost 71-year-old self I can manage! Thank you for always showing new (affordable) products and methods.
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this post and that my mix of product price points fits with your needs. Thanks for taking time to comment Rhonda!