Makeup Makeover

When we went to the White House Correspondents Dinner last month (recap here), I got my makeup done before the event. I'm not a big makeup person, in fact, as you might have read here if it doesn't come from the drug store (with a few exceptions), it probably isn't going on my face. 

But after having a professional work her magic, I realized it was probably time for a refresh.  So I made the investment and went home with Laura Mercier foundation primer, eye basics, nude smoky eye palette, mosaic shimmer bloc, second skin cheek color, and a cheek colour brush. The only things I wanted to stick with in my routine were Missha M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream, which is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 42 from Korea (it's amazing), and Blinc mascara (both products get two enthusiastic thumbs up). 

And while I may have had a professional do my makeup once and I'm armed with all the right products, I'm by no means an expert. For me, the eyes are the toughest part. Thankfully the interwebs are there to help me out. Bobbi Brown has a great everyday eye tutorial. 

And now that I've made the investment, I should probably be better about cleaning my brushes. According to Real Simple, which is a legit source in my book, you should use a spray to clean them weekly, and do a more thorough cleaning monthly....let's just say I'm due since I haven't cleaned the brushes since I bought them over a month ago (I literally ordered a spray off Amazon in the midst of typing this post). 

And one last thing, I keep all my makeup in this handy acrylic organizer from The Container Store (the OCD in me gets excited just saying the name, The Container Store). 

It's super convenient for trips to the gym or car travel. I don't have to pack everything up into a cosmetic bag - just grab and go. 

How much do you spend on your morning makeup routine? Any good tips or products I should know about?