‘I’ve never gotten more compliments.’ The makeup routine I keep coming back to.

The way we put makeup on our faces each day is a finicky thing.

Over the years, the way I apply my makeup, and the products/tools I use has changed. Rapidly. 

The beauty industry, in all its might, could influence me to cut off a finger for the sake of a perfect application. I'm that easily influenced. 

Watch: Tried and Tested: The 10-pump foundation hack. Post continues after video.

In saying that, I've tried a myriad of products, application tools and techniques to solidify my makeup routine. 

Sometimes, I've fallen short. My makeup has definitely looked patchy at times. My eyeshadow has sometimes not been blended well. The lips have definitely been way too overlined (I'm still unlearning that).

Basically, I was (and still am) a work in progress. 

But in the last six months or so, something has clicked. My makeup has never been better, or more long-lasting. I've never gotten more compliments.

So I thought I'd share with you the products I use and how I apply them to my face. Because after all, sharing is caring. 

The perfect products for a flawless face base. 

Foundation has always eluded me. A product that might be someone's ride-or-die could be the foundation that breaks me out. In fact, my favourite foundation of all time recently just got berated on social media and yes, I've been defending its honour dutifully but it's an incredibly difficult task. 

So I thought I might break down the pros and cons for my top 2 favourite foundations of all time. 

Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation in Vienna.

A not-so-flattering photo of me wearing my favourite foundation, the Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation. Image: Nars/Supplied.

Would this list be complete if Nars were not on it? I highly doubt it. 

This foundation was my awakening. The first time I used it, I couldn't believe how lucky I had been to nab it for myself. It felt like I had won the lotto. It's creamy, long-lasting, buildable and softens down to a wearable matte once applied. It's basically perfect, but there are downsides. 

It's exploded the three (!!!) times I have travelled with it in my suitcase. Nars is known for its annoyingly unreliable packaging (despite being iconic) though, so take that with a grain of salt. 

It also has been disparaged online in the past for feeling 'drying' on skin. I've never had this issue as someone with a combination of both dry and oily skin. For some, this would definitely be too full coverage. 

For me though, I use a beauty sponge (I love this one from Made By Mitchell) when I want to go for something more skin-like. Any other time, I use a flat-buffing brush like this one from IT Cosmetics for $78, or this one from MECCA for $20. 

KVD Beauty Good Apple Full-Coverage Transfer-Proof Vegan Serum Foundation in Medium 048.

Another one of my favourites! Image: Seophora/Mamamia.

This foundation from KVD Beauty replaced my Nars foundation easily when I got it. It's full-coverage, easy to blend (with a brush) and I have never gotten more questions about what I have on my face. 

It's perfect in my eyes, and my sister's eyes as well. Because she stole it from me! Alas, I will get a new one but the pain will last forever. 

After speaking with a few people, I was told it might not be the best foundation for drier skin types because it dries down to a matte finish. Once again, I have combo skin so I have never experienced this. Another downside to this KVD Beauty Foundation is that your family or friends might love it too and snatch yours. 

Huda Beauty Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer in Royal Icing 1.1 Neutral.

Image: Sephora/Supplied.

Move out of the way Tarte Shape Tape, Huda Beauty has you beat... by a mile.

It's creamy, doesn't crease and possibly has the most coverage from any concealer I've personally ever tried. 

I recommend it to everyone I meet. My shade was a little too light (that's what happens when you shop online people!) but I make it work. The applicator tip is hefty too and bigger than most, so I personally use a concealer brush to apply mine. 

I pop a little in the corner of my outer eye, a little in my inner eye and a line down my nose that I blend out for a little reverse-contour trick I found on TikTok.

I use a smaller amount by applying with a brush instead of the applicator it comes with. Image: Supplied.

The best powder products to make your makeup last longer. 

There are so many face powders that work for different skin types. I like to look matte and know that my makeup will last for as long as I need it to (for me, that's around 10-12 hours). 

Here are a few of my favourites. 

Kim Chi Beauty Puff Puff Pass Powder in 04 Peachy.

It's easily one of the best powders on the market. Image: Glam Raider/Supplied.

I love an under-eye that has a pinky-looking finish (don't come for me). It suits my skin tone better than a banana-coloured powder and it adds brightness to the skin. 

This one from Kim Chi is only $32 and it has lasted me for six months. I have another shade in 'Translucent' that I use to powder the rest of my face. 

The powder comes with a powder puff that pushes the makeup into my skin and creates a, dare I say it, flawless finish. 

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in Light.

Image: iHerb/Mamamia.

This powder is affordable and it works a treat. If you're on a budget, or prefer to shop in store (this powder is available at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse), then this one is the way to go. 

I've found loose powders work best when I work it in with a powder puff like this one from Glam Raider which comes in a pack of two for $12.

The best lip liners and lip glosses. 

Look. Everyone has a lip liner they love and adore. I've seen people use the same shade for 10 years. I personally have a few favourites as well. 

As someone who always, always, ALWAYS lines my lips before applying anything else, I've gone through more than a few. I also overline my lips, so it is important to me that it is pigmented and lasts for a while. 

Here are a few of my favourite lip pencils, lip glosses and lipsticks.

Mellow Cosmetics Gel Lip Pencil in Rose. 

Image: Mellow Cosmetics.

These bloody lip pencils will be the death of me. I LOVE the ones from Mellow Cosmetics because they are so creamy, they're almost like lipstick in pencil form. 

Benefit Cosmetics Desert Retreat Butter Balm. 

Image: Benefit/Supplied.

I love a little bit of colour on my lips, as well as some major shine. This one from Benefit Cosmetics is beautiful! This baby is fresh to the market and boy, is it good.

And here is the finished look:

Image: Supplied.

I keep it relatively basic when it comes to bronzer and use the Benefit Hoola Bronzer and Blush Duo in the shade Hoola Caramel and Terra. I also use the same shade on my eyes as I am BASIC AF. 

Overall, I focus primarily on making sure my face looks smooth, as nothing is more important than a flawless base. 

And while there's nothing better than loving our natural skin, it's nice to glam yourself up every once in a while too.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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