As I enter my second-trimester, we are finally entering the fall/winter season here in Southern California. I’m looking forward to the end of the hot fire season and, hopefully, more rainy weather soon. We have mostly arid, windy weather here in the valley in the colder months.
Along with weather changes come skin changes as well. Even with the ongoing COVID pandemic, I attempt to wear makeup a few times a week and put on “not-loungewear” clothes every day. It helps separate the days and makes me check in on my body changes. My pre-pregnancy clothes are slowly not fitting me. I have an upcoming sewing project for my pants to see if I can add some “girth” and more support to my current clothes. I did purchase a fed plus-size items in the Target clearance section, but that’s another post!
Here is my second-trimester makeup routine, but please discuss which product/ingredient is acceptable during your pregnancy with your medical provider.
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Day Moisturizer
MARIO BADESCU OIL FREE MOISTURIZER is the moisturizer I start with after my morning facial cleanser. This version does not have a chemical sunscreen as an ingredient. My other moisturizer with mineral sunscreen, approved for pregnancy, tends to pill under this makeup routine. I prefer the matte feel of this moisturizer which makes it a great primer. It allows me to put on a more hydrating tinted moisturizer without feeling like they are fighting each other. I am aware that this is not a “paraben-free” product. Almost every US-based product is marketed as paraben-free. As a marketing professional, I tend to question trendy marketing statements. Is this statement an actual science-based benefit for me, or is this statement just selling you the latest trend? I’ve learned that 90% of the time, it’s the latter statement. Here is one of the articles I found to help me understand the science behind parabens in skincare: “SHOULD YOU BE AVOIDING PARABENS? THE SCIENCE” by Lab Muffin. Michelle, the blog author, focuses on the science behind some of the formulation and marketing. With a PhD in Chemistry, her blog is one great way to help you navigate authenticity within the beauty industry. ☆☆☆☆☆
Tinted Moisturizer
bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE™ TINTED MOISTURIZER – HYDRATING GEL CREAM BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 in (Buttercream 03) is a great tinted moisturizer for whenever I want to have sheer to medium coverage for Zoom video calls or small gatherings. I’m usually an NC 20 in the colder months. Buildable with a dewy finish, I find that it lasts about 4-5 hours on my oily skin without a primer. A primer extends the longevity of this product to about 6-7 hours. The tinted moisturizer provides excellent hydration for the dry cold weather. Recently, I stopped using makeup sponges to lessen my waste footprint. The application works well with a dense foundation brush. I always a buffing and tapping application method my Sonia Kashuk™ Essential Flat-Top Foundation Brush from Target for to blend this formula. ☆☆☆☆☆
Eyeshadow
MAYBELLINE COLOR TATTOO UP TO 24HR LONGWEAR CREAM EYESHADOW MAKEUP in High Roller is my go-to eyeshadow. It lets me skip the eyeshadow primer on my extremely oily eyelids. Using my fingertips or brush, I can quickly apply the eyeshadow to my eyelids. It is budge-proof, crease-proof, waterproof with up to 24 hours of staying power. The cream eyeshadow has supersaturated color payoff with a fast-drying formula. I don’t have to deal with any eyeshadow fall out on my foundation. It gives a bit of smolder to my everyday look. I can also use it as an eyeshadow primer base if I want to add a more dramatic look with other powder eyeshadows. My only wish is that it came in more colors! ☆☆☆☆☆
Eyeliner
PIXI BY PETRA ENDLESS SILKY EYE PEN in BlackCocoa is my newest discovery. They have been around for a while, but I just tried it out at my local Target in 2020. I’m always on the search for products that don’t breakdown on my eyelids or transfer. My pet peeve is looking like a raccoon by the end of the day. As a mom-to-be, I want something that works ALL DAY. I presently own these eyeliners in BlackCocoa, BlackBlue, BronzeBeam, BlackCaviar, and Pure24k. There is a learning curve with these eyeliners. You need to own a pencil sharpener to ensure you always have a precise application. I recommend the NARS Pencil Sharpener. Don’t cheap out on a good pencil sharpener. I do get lazy sometimes and apply with a blunt tip for an “intentional” smudgy look. They dry very fast, so I do not recommend these eye pens for a smoky look. ☆☆☆☆☆
Eyebrows
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS DIPBROW® POMADE in Dark Brown is my everyday eyebrow pomade. I keep going back to this product since it works so well. A quick flick of my slant brush gives me a natural brow. I can’t say much about this product that already hasn’t been said. My only issue is that I’m not a professional makeup artist, and it takes me a very long time to finish the product. You get so much in a tiny pot! New products under $10 have joined the market recently. So I’m going to chance it and try other products. I know deep down that you pay for quality, and this product defined the genre. ☆☆☆☆☆
Heated Eyelash Curler
I’ve been using Acavado Electric Eyelash Curler for about a few years now. With my tiny, straight, Asian eyelashes, it makes a difference when I go for a more natural makeup look. It helps with the curl staying power as well. The heater curler comes with a USB charging cord. Typically, I’ve had to charge it once a year. On the highest setting, I push my eyelashes through the channels and gently twist the curler to curl my eyes. My eyelashes usually stay curled after the first heat application. Then I set the curls by pressing my cold Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (highly recommended for Asian eye shapes). On the heated lashes. I let my lashes rest while I work on the other eye. I repeat the same process about twice on both eyes. I set both eyelashes with my mascara. I feel like there is a noticeable lift. ☆☆☆☆
Mascara
MAYBELLINE SNAPSCARA WASHABLE MASCARA in Pitch Black is my latest effort to find the perfect mascara for oily, Asian eyes. I read somewhere, Snapscara is a tubing mascara, but don’t quote me on that. As a mascara leader, Snapscara is Maybelline’s 1st pigmented wax-free mascara that features a zero-hassle, no clump formula. It comes with a tapered, curved brush that allows for easy application on my tiny eyelashes. It does require multiple applications for more volume, but the volume is noticeable. I don’t find it very lengthening as most tubing mascaras. There is a little flakiness at the end of the day, which can be unappealing when you find bits of it on your cheeks after a long day. Not a perfect mascara, but very close. I will repurchase this mascara in different colors. ☆☆☆☆
Blush
HOURGLASS AMBIENT™ LIGHTING BLUSH in Luminous Flush is described as a champagne rose color, which I prefer in the winter months. I tend to use more peachy tones during the summer. It has a dark pink color, but not too mauve, just enough pink to give you a bit of flushness. The staying power is terrific, lasting about 7+ hours on me. It is very buildable but also sheer at first swipe. The amount of shimmer may look scary in the pan, but it is not too noticeable after application. It just gives you a ‘luminous’ glow. ☆☆☆☆☆
Bronzer
HOURGLASS AMBIENT™ LIGHTING BRONZER in Luminous Bronze Light gives me the California sunkissed glow year-round, mostly around my cheekbones. It starts as sheer and very buildable, perfect for my transition from summer to winter months. I’m more light-handed with the product during summer and work my way up as my summer lessened through the winter months. It has some shimmer in the formula but does not come off as frosty on the skin. It glides smoothly over my acne scars, giving me a nice summer glow. I mostly use this on my cheekbones, blending it with my blush, to provide me with a slight contour around the face. I great product with at least a 7+ hours staying power on my oily skin. ☆☆☆☆☆
I know the 2020 pandemic has been hard on all of us, some more than others. It’s hard to find a sense of normalcy during these times, especially in the United States. Today is Election Day in the United States. While I have voted since the Clinton years, I know many people are voting for the first time. While I wish it were under different circumstances, I’m glad that more people are talking about doing their civic duty for their country. Aside from the presidential election, we should be more involved with our local and state policies. As a mom-to-be, I know these policies will affect my child and me for many years to come. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to vote. Your voice always matters!
Until next time,
Diana L.
diana luong 