Three days a week, I teach a first grader 30 minutes from my college campus. This requires me to get up, dressed and ready, eat breakfast, and be prepared to teach before 8 am so I can drive to the school and be on time. The other two days of the week are just as tedious with three classes back to back before 2 pm.
My mornings are JAM PACKED.
We're going into week eleven and I've finally figured out the essentials to looking a little more awake for the long days. Here are my top 5 must-have products in order of necessity.
1. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
This stuff is awesome. While it costs $7.94 up front, it lasts forever and it has amazing results. I apply this under my eyes and on any blemishes or redness I might have going on.
2. bareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Pressed Powder Foundation
At $30 for a powder, it isn't the cheapest thing out there, but it lasts forever and it provides enough coverage to even out my skin tone and makes it look like I took all this time, when in reality, I just threw on some powder. I apply this all over my face after my concealer and the results are awesome.
3. Elf Clear Brow Gel
At $2, you can't go wrong with this. I don't fill in my brows every day but I do like to comb through them and this stuff is great for just that. It holds them in place all day without making it feel like I've put plaster on my brows.
4. Mascara
I use a combination of Ulta's Amped Lashes Volumizing Defying Mascara and Benefit's Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara. Let me tell you - I firmly believe mascara makes the most difference when applied and these two give me a natural look while also making me look awake and professional.
5. Maybelline Brow Drama Pro Palette
When I do fill in my brows, I always reach for this gem. I use the share soft brown and it matches my natural brows perfectly. I also love how this comes with wax and powder so depending on how bold of brows I want I can cater what I use.
If I want to go further with my makeup look, I always reach for Tarte's Tartlette in Bloom palette. It has all the essential colors I need for my go-to natural look and the palette smells amazing. I also love a good nude lip gloss like Ulta's Tinted Juice Infused Lip Oil in Tea Rose; this one also does a great job at moisturizing my lips which is needed with the cold weather coming up.