MINERAL BASED MAKEUP AND HOW I FAKE THE PREGNANCY GLOW

Since being pregnant, I've tried to switch most of my skincare and makeup line to more natural products. Finding good, mineral-based makeup can be tricky, but I finally found a line I love: Jane Iredale. Every product I've tried has been fantastic, exceeding my expectations for quality, color, and coverage. Here are a few products I'm loving:

THE BASICS:

1. Concealer

I knew a good, mineral based concealer was missing from my routine, but I didn't know just how badly or how much of a difference it would make for me. I don't think I'll ever go back to being a non-under-eye-concelear-user again. I like the design of this product; the twist function is as quick as can be, and I love the brightening, wide-awake effect. No doubt I will be using this like crazy in the middle of my sleep-deprived nights/days with a newborn. I wear shade No. 2.

2. Primer

Even just from a few weeks of use, I can already feel a difference in the texture of my skin from using this product. I wear this primer everyday under my makeup. I started using it mainly to smooth pores before my foundation application, but I've found that when I wash my face at the end of the day, my skin feels smoother and less flaky than my usual rough, winter appearance. It took me a while to realize the connection, but I love the results and am impressed by this multi-functional product. 

3. Foundation

Jane Iredale makes a few foundation formulas: Amazing Base (a loose powder), PurePressed Base (a compact, pressed foundation) and Liquid Minerals (a liquid mineral foundation). All three are excellent and have different benefits. My favorite is Liquid Minerals combined with Amazing Base for the coverage and versatility. The brush you use with the Amazing Base and PurePressed Base really does make a difference, use a flat-head brush for more coverage and a standard brush for a lighter dusting. All three look natural, have SPF, and the coverage is good and buildable. The shade I wear is Warm Sienna.

HOW TO FAKE THE PREGNANCY GLOW

People talk about this "pregnancy glow" that is supposed to happen while carrying a growing child. This is most definitely not happening for me, but I can fake it with a few key products.

1. Blush & Highlighter

To give my cheeks more color I wear this blush in Whisper. The formula has a slight shimmer built in which I like, and the color is a warm peach. To enhance the highlighter effect, I use this highlighter in Rose Gold. The product is highly concentrated color and shimmer and best used sparingly. I tap out a tiny, small amount, and work it into my brush and go from there. A little goes a long way, and the effect is that coveted, slightly reflective, lit-from-within glow.

2. Hydration Spray

This product sets my makeup and adds a "dewy" look that I love. I love that it's full of antioxidants and good things for my skin, while making my makeup last longer and look fresh and natural.

So glad to have found this line! Perfect during pregnancy, and the quality is so good I'll continue to use it post-baby as well. What are your favorite natural skincare and makeup products?