My Real Everyday Makeup Routine -- Critiqued by an Esthetician (Here's What She Found)

Most people develop a makeup routine and stick with it for years -- adding a product here, swapping something there, but never really stopping to ask: is this actually working? And is there a better way?

On a recent episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, I did exactly that. I brought my entire everyday makeup bag and did my full routine live while my co-host Monina, licensed esthetician and makeup expert -- watched, paused me, and explained the why behind every step. It was equal parts educational and humbling, and I learned things I genuinely had no idea about.

You can find the custom makeup foundation/skincare here and all the rest of the products mentioned here.

Step 1: Moisture Layer Sunscreen by RIMAN

I always start with sunscreen -- the Moisture Layer Sunscreen by RIMAN, broad spectrum SPF 50 with a beautiful illuminating finish. No white cast, no oily look. Just a healthy, glowy base before anything else goes on.

The active ingredient is Avobenzone 3.0%, and Monina pointed out that this matters more than most people realize. Sunscreen actives fall into two main categories: zinc oxide and avobenzone. Some people are genuinely allergic to one or the other, so if sunscreen has ever irritated your skin or caused reactions, check which one is in your formula and try switching.

Sunscreen always comes first. Non-negotiable.

Step 2: Milk Hydro Grip Primer

I applied the Milk Hydro Grip Primer on only one half of my face so Monina and I could compare the finish side by side. It is a non-silicone formula that grips without feeling sticky -- great for oily skin -- and I like that it does not have that heavy silicone feel most primers do.

What happened partway through applying my base? It started to pill on the primed side.

Monina's take: most likely a formulation conflict between the primer and my sunscreen. Certain formulas just do not layer well together, and the gripping ingredient in this primer may have reacted with what was already on my skin. It does not mean the primer is bad -- it means testing compatibility matters before committing to a combination.

Primer fills in pores and uneven texture so foundation glides on more smoothly. If yours pills on you, try waiting longer after your sunscreen before applying it, or experiment with a different formula. And if your skin is already well-moisturized, you may be able to skip it entirely.

Step 3: Sheer Glow BB Cream + IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow

For my everyday base I layer two products: the Sheer Glow BB Cream by RIMAN Incellderm and the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow in Light. I apply both with my fingers, which Monina confirmed is completely fine as long as your hands are clean.

Quick breakdown for anyone confused about BB vs CC: BB creams usually contain skincare ingredients -- hydrators, brighteners, or SPF. CC creams focus on color correcting and evening skin tone. Neither one is a replacement for foundation if you want real coverage. They are more of a tinted, skin-improving layer that makes your skin look better without looking made up -- which is exactly the vibe I am going for most days.

Step 4: Moderne Beauty Custom Blended Foundation

On days when I want more coverage, I reach for my custom blended foundation from Moderne Beauty. I apply it with a beauty blender on a cushion compact and spot-treat specific areas rather than doing a full application over everything -- a smart way to build coverage only where I need it without going heavy all over.

If you have never tried a custom blended foundation, it is genuinely worth exploring. You can find out more at modernebeauty.com/custom-blends.

Step 5: Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour + Rare Beauty Happy Soul

For everyday contour I use Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour in Soft Bronze. On days when I want something a little deeper, I layer in the Rare Beauty stick in Happy Soul. I apply both with a combination of fingers and a synthetic angled brush.

Monina's note on the brush: synthetic bristles matter any time you are working with cream or liquid products. They blend more smoothly and do not absorb the product into the bristles the way natural hair brushes do.

One trick I love: after I finish my cheeks, I use whatever is left on the brush to lightly sweep my hairline and temples. It adds depth with no extra product and takes about three seconds. I later come back and set both the contour and the blush with powder -- more on that below.

Step 6: Rare Beauty Liquid Blush in Encourage

I have had my Rare Beauty blush in Encourage for almost two years and I am nowhere near finished with it. That tells you everything about how concentrated it is.

My technique: one dot on the back of my hand, spread it slightly with my finger, then tap and pat onto my cheeks. No swiping, no loading up a brush. Just gentle tapping.

Later I set it with NARS Power Blush -- and this is the layering trick Monina shared that I am now never going back from. Cream or liquid blush underneath, set with a powder blush on top. The result is color that stays all day without fading, without looking dry, and without settling into fine lines. The cream keeps everything looking fresh and hydrated. The powder locks it in place. If your blush disappears within an hour, try this.

Step 7: Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder

I use the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder as my highlighter, and Monina had something interesting to say about this one because it actually goes against the standard advice for mature skin.

The general rule is to avoid powder products on mature skin because they settle into fine lines. That is true of a lot of powders -- but not this one. The Hourglass formula blurs. In areas where fine lines are starting to show up, I have noticed this highlighter softens them rather than drawing attention to them.

Application is everything here. I use a big fluffy brush, dip once, and use that single dip for both cheeks. Monina's tip: dab both sides before blending so each cheek gets an even amount rather than one side getting most of the product. If you have tried powder highlighter before and felt like it was aging or too heavy, try a much lighter hand and a larger brush before giving up on the category entirely.

Step 8: Tarte Glow Wardrobe Highlighting Eye and Cheek Palette

For evening looks or when I want more dimension, I bring in the Tarte Glow Wardrobe Highlighting Eye and Cheek Palette. My warning on this one: if you swirl your brush all the way around the whole palette the way social media tutorials show you, it is too much pigment. I lightly tap into each of the four shades separately for a more controlled, buildable result.

Step 9: GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

I use GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum, normally at night, applied like eyeliner along my lash line. I also tried the GrandeLASH Sensitive formula for about eight weeks because I am around chemicals and heat tools constantly and have dealt with mild irritation in the past.

Honest review: the Sensitive formula did not give me the same results. I usually notice growth within a week of using the regular formula. Eight weeks in with Sensitive and I noticed nothing. I switched back to the original about a week ago and I am already seeing growth with zero irritation.

If you have sensitive eyes, my suggestion is to use the regular formula at night only. You get the full benefit without wearing it all day.

Step 10: GrandeMASCARA Conditioning Peptide Mascara

On everyday low-maintenance days I use GrandeMASCARA Conditioning Peptide Mascara. The reason I do not use a lash primer with this one: the peptides need direct contact with the lash to actually condition and support growth. Using a primer first coats the lash before the peptides can get to it, which cancels out the benefit.

On days when I want a bolder, more dramatic eye, I switch to the Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer followed by a separate mascara. Two different goals, two different approaches.

Step 11: Eyeliner Options

I did not apply eyeliner in this episode since I had just put on the lash serum, but here is what I reach for depending on the look. For a defined everyday line I use the Sephora Collection 12HR Colorful Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner in Dark Brown -- retractable so I never need a sharpener. For a softer shadow effect under the eye I use the NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Rich Mechanical Liner Pencil in a taupey metallic finish. One gives a clean line, the other reads more like a natural shadow.

Step 12: Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener Concealer

I reach for the Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener Concealer occasionally for under-eye coverage. My shade is slightly peachy, which Monina confirmed is exactly right. Peachy undertones cancel blue -- and blue is what shows up in under-eye shadows. A concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone will cover the darkness less effectively than one with a slightly warm or peachy cast.

Day to day my glasses cover most of my under-eye area anyway, but for photos, events, or glasses-free days, this concealer makes a visible difference.

Step 13: Sephora 12HR Translucent Setting Powder

My final step is the Sephora 12HR Translucent Setting Powder, applied after everything cream and liquid is fully blended. I do not apply it all over -- I go lightly in the spots where I want less shine. Monina noted that if you have oily skin, all over makes sense, but if your skin is normal or on the drier side, targeted application is plenty. Over-powdering dry or mature skin is one of the fastest ways to make makeup look cakey.

The powder sets everything so nothing transfers or melts throughout the day as your skin warms up.