The Less-is-More Makeup Routine That Brightens My Eyes
I wasn’t always “good” at makeup. In fact, I’d call myself pretty average—until I spent enough time in wedding green rooms, watching makeup artists at work. That’s when I realized the one golden rule everyone followed: the less product, the better.
Over time, I found a way to make makeup work for my wheatish skin tone, my not-so-cooperative under-eyes, and my constant need to look camera-ready—without looking cakey. The result is a routine that’s soft, glowy, and deceptively simple. Here’s my breakdown.
Concealers That Changed the Game
Concealer is my hero product. If I had to pick one step that makes me look alive, it’s this. Over the years, three standouts have become my go-tos:
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer (Shade: Biscotti)
My absolute ride-or-die. Smooth, hydrating, and so effective that I don’t even need a corrector anymore. Two tiny dots under the eye, blended with the lightest strokes of a beauty blender, and suddenly my dark circles are history. If you struggle with puffiness or discoloration, this is a lifesaver.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Shade: Ginger, Medium 2)
I use this as my “brightener.” It’s slightly lighter, so when I want a little more lift—say for full glam days—I layer this on top of the Too Faced. It makes the eyes pop without looking heavy.
Typsy Beauty Concealer (Shade: Whiskey)
A really good dupe for the NARS in terms of finish. The formula is creamy and dewy, though I’ll warn you: the chunky packaging hides how little product you actually get. Still, it’s a great everyday option.
2. The Foundation That Works When I Want It
I’m not a daily foundation person, but when I want that extra coverage, I reach for the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation (Shade: Dulce de Leche). It’s seamless, flattering, and perfect for camera days. On regular days, I skip foundation entirely and let concealer + powder do the job.
3. The Powder That Keeps It Together
Creasing under the eyes is my biggest fear. To prevent that, I use the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Oube Birthday Edition Powder—the purple-toned one. It’s not just about setting anymore; the lavender hue adds a subtle brightening effect that works beautifully on Indian skin tones. I used regular powders before, but this one has been a real upgrade. Just the tiniest touch with a puff under the eyes keeps everything smooth and awake-looking, without drying me out.
4. Blush = Non-Negotiable
I’m a blush girl. No matter the look, it’s always blush-heavy. My absolute favorite is the Typsy Beauty Rose-Shaped Blush—creamy, dewy, and so easy to blend. It gives that soft, hydrated flush I love.
But here’s the trick: I always mix powder and cream for the perfect finish. I first use the Benefit Hoola Beach Vacay Bronzer + Blush Duo, which adds just the right warmth, and then layer the cream blush on top for that glazed, sun-touched glow. The combination looks especially beautiful on camera—fresh, dewy, and never flat.
5. Mascara, Always
Even on “no-makeup” days, mascara sneaks its way in. It instantly opens up the eyes and ties everything together. I’ve recently been loving the Benefit Cosmetics Badgal Bounce Volumizing Mascara—it adds volume without clumping and gives my lashes that soft, lifted look that makes all the difference. One coat, and I instantly look more awake.
6. Setting Spray = The Final Touch
A good setting spray is like an Instagram filter in a bottle. I’ve long loved Urban Decay’s All Nighter, but lately, the Milk Hydro Grip Setting Spray has been giving me the kind of dewy finish I can’t resist.
Urban Decay’s All Nighter
Milk Hydro Grip Setting Spray
7. Glosses & Lips (The Fun Part)
I’m a gloss loyalist. A typical routine goes like this: a velvet matte lipstick underneath, topped with a gloss for that plump, juicy finish. My regulars:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bombs & Gloss Oils (the “Heat” version is unbeatable)
Typsy Beauty’s Glacier Glow Tint for days I want just a soft wash of shine.
My Big Makeup Mantra
At the end of the day, everything I’ve learned boils down to this: go lighter than you think you need to. Lighter pressure with your blender, smaller dots of concealer, less powder. It doesn’t just look better in real life—it photographs better too.
So while people assume I’m piling on product, the truth is: it’s the opposite. It’s all about being strategic with a few staples—and knowing that sometimes, two dots of the right concealer can do more than ten layers of anything else.
That’s my little playbook. Whether you’re shooting content, attending weddings, or just trying to look awake for Monday meetings—less is always more.
