On weekends and on days off, I can take up to an hour to do my make-up. I find it relaxing and an easy way to disconnect from technology. I put on some music but disengage from text messages, e-mails, and alerts.

SERENITY NOW. A moment to create. It's my therapy.

... But who actually has that much time on a weekday? No one. Sleep > make-up. Always.

THE STATUS QUO

I spend approximately 20-25 minutes in the morning doing my make-up. I'd like for it to be 5-10 minutes less. The biggest obstacle that I face today is that I have acne scarring. This also means hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin texture. I spent the bulk of my time filling in acne craters and concealing dark spots.

I'm in the process of bettering the clarity of my skin and reducing dark spots. Once I get that under control, I'll be able to let my natural skin do the work. I PRAY for the day that I'll feel comfortable with my own skin (if you have any tips, please let me know in the comments). 

At this moment, I have a few trusty helpers that have been integral in looking my best (and more importantly awake). I prioritize skin over everything else. Make sure you start with a clean face, moisturizer and sunscreen before applying make-up.

• Urban Decay Optical Illusion Primer: I love this primer; the fluffy whipped consistency goes on smoothly on my face. This primer contains rosehip oil which is a VERY effective promoter of cell turnover (i.e. better skin sooner).
   
• Burberry Fresh Glow Foundation: This foundation feels light and has medium coverage. It is just enough to even out my skin tone and has a subtle sheen that passes for a natural glow. It is never patchy, and blends easily. I often forget that I'm wearing it and is a must have item. The biggest con is that is expensive. I'm on the hunt for a more affordable dupe (let me know if you have a suggestion!).
   
• NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer: A cult favor. It is everything that women say that it is. It is pigmented, blend-able, and lasts for most of the day. The doe-foot applicator makes putting it on simple. It comes in a multitude of shades. Use for under eye circles and blemishes.
   
• Clinique Chubby Stick Highlighter: A stick-form highlighter is THE BEST. This one by Clinique is slightly shimmery (NOT sparkly). Blend it out with your fingers or fan brush on the high points of your cheeks and nose bridge - SO NATURAL. The stick format provides a lot of placement control.
   
• Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso: I swear that this shade looks incredible on almost everyone, regardless of skin color. The shade is the perfect blend of rose and peach. It gives you that sun-kissed flush. It's my #1 drugstore favorite.
   
• MAC Prep & Prime Fix+: I lock my make-up in with this finishing spray: it almost airbrushes the face, increases my make-up's longevity, and makes everything look more like natural skin. I spray this on very liberally.
   
• Finish with bronzer if you need it, tight-line your eyes with your favorite eyeliner and sweep on a couple coats of mascara. 

I am longing for the day where I can execute a simpler no make-up make up look. In the meantime, I am an avid fan of these products and fake a glow. 

What products have you tried for glowing skin? Let me know in the comments so that I can test them out too.

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