All About My Hair & Makeup

I’ve gotten numerous request from followers to do a post detailing my makeup & hair routine. I must admit, although I’m the ultimate girly girl, my beauty routine is not all that exciting if you ask me. I’m not a brand snob when it comes to products and I’m also a stick with what works type of gal. I’ve used the same products for YEARS! When it comes to my hair, I’ve worn it in the same style literally since college…I graduated college over 7 years ago lol. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But you guys asked, so of course I want to give the readers what they want. Here’s a complete, detailed list of everything I use for my entire makeup application & daily hair routine. Let’s jump right in…

Makeup: Like I stated earlier, I’ve used the same products for years. I know there’s tons of great brands out there, but I don’t like the trial and error process of finding something that could possibly work better. So I stick with what I know. I’ve also got my makeup routine down to about 15-20 minutes. I just don’t have the time anymore for an hour-long makeup application.

• Primer: As we all know, primer is a base for foundation that allows it to go on smoother and last longer so it’s a MUST. My go to primer is the Too Faced Primed & Peachy Matte Primer.. It’s the one primer I’ve tried out so far where my makeup last at least 5-6 hours before it starts to get a tad bit oily. It also doesn’t dry out my face which I love.
• Foundation: I’ve used Mac Studio Fix Fluid for as long as I can remember. It’s creamy, long wearing, and full coverage. The only downside to this foundation is they don’t have a shade that matches my skin tone perfectly. I’m in between NC44 & NC45. So I get the lighter shade and just use a darker finishing powder to give me the perfect color combination.
• Powder: I use MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in DARK after I apply my liquid foundation to give me the perfect color to match my skin tone. It’s very lightweight and gives your foundation a smooth flawless finish. You can also wear this by itself on a hot summer day when you aren’t wanting a heavy makeup application.
• Blush: I use MAC Powder Blush in color Raizin. This is a matte blush that’s neutral and great for an every day look. You can wear this blush year-round. It gives your cheeks some dimension and color without looking too made up.
• Concealer: I still use the LA Girl Pro Concealers for highlighting and light contouring. I know these were hot on the makeup market years ago, but they still work great for me. Not to mention they are like $5 each. For highlighting I use shade “medium beige” and for light contouring I use shade “dark cocoa.” I haven’t mastered the whole contouring thing, but I mainly do it under my check bones to accentuate them more.
• Setting Powder: Another oldie but goodie, I use the Ben Nye Luxury Powder to set the highlighted areas. I know in the past few years a ton of options have become available for setting powders, but I just love this one. It gives me a brightness under the eye, a matte finish, and keeps my makeup in place all day.
• Eyebrows: I use the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in color 6. I used the Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil for a while but with it being a skinnier brow pencil it would run out super quickly. A sales rep at Ulta recommended that I try the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil and I haven’t looked back since. It’s a little bit thicker and last way longer. I use my concealer to clean the brows up some.
• Eyeliner: The Tarteist Double Take Eye Liner is the best! It’s a waterproof liquid eyeliner and pencil eye liner in one. It goes on very smooth and is very dark.
• Lashes: I cannot live without my individual lash extensions. They make life so easy. They have really simplified my makeup application because I feel like you don’t need much else when your lashes are poppin. I get them done at Lush & Co Spa & my lash tech is Tina. Tell her I sent you!

Hair: I’m not experimental at all when it comes to my hair, I’ve worn the same style for almost a decade. I’ve been getting my extensions done by the best hairstylist in Houston since I was in college.

• Extensions: I haven’t crossed over to bundle hair or wigs yet. I’m almost embarrassed to say I still use beauty supply bag hair. Can you see how much I don’t like change yet, lol? The brand I use is Remy Velvet in a color 1B, 12 & 14inch hair. I like my hair very full so I typically use 2.5-3 bags. I get a full “sew-in” with minimal leave-out around the part.
• One thing I believe that’s helped me maintain healthy edges and leave out with wearing extensions for years is that I wrap my hair EVERY night. This also helps with making my extensions last 2-3months and still look great. Every 2-3 months I will take down my extensions and trim my natural hair. Sometimes I’ll immediately do a sew-in again or give my natural hair a break for a few weeks.
• When wearing my hair straight I use a Chi Flat Iron. When wearing my hair curly I use a Revlon curling iron I’ve had for years. I don’t know the specifics for the curling iron besides that I got it from Sally’s Beauty Supply years ago.
• My hair stylist is Karen Ibe. She resides in Houston, Texas. If you’d like her contact information shoot me an email and I’ll send it to you.

Well there you have it! That covers everything. Maybe one day I’ll get fancy enough to record a video of me getting ready. Until then hopefully this provided some insight to my makeup and hair regimen. Thanks for reading.

As Always…Love you All,

Courtney N. Williams