My New Mom Makeup Must-haves

When the time came for me to go back to work after taking maternity leave, I really put a lot of effort into revamping my makeup routine. It was important to me that I still look and feel like my pre-baby self. I needed products that would be quick/easy to apply, long wearing, and baby proof, while still resembling how I wore my makeup before Nate came along. Through some trial & error, I've found a handful of go-to products that are a key part of my new routine. Enjoy!

1. Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème & Kat Von D Lock-It Brightening Powder || These two work amazingly when I pair them together. The concealer formula is great - not cakey, doesn't crease, and the coverage is excellent. Kat Von D explains how well the coverage is by covering up a tattoo in a demo video. I set the concealer with the brightening powder. It's so lightweight and is also not cakey. I can wear this all day and not get any under eye creases. These are a perfect duo for those sleep deprivation induced under eye circles!

2. Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color || Oh man. These are a game changer for me. I've found that when it comes to using makeup brushes, I'm super slow at applying eye makeup. The concept of the Nudestix brand is quick, on the go application that you can do with your fingers or a brush. These Eye Color pencils are a primer and shadow in one, so that eliminates another step. They are long-wearing, waterproof, and they dry quickly, so make sure to apply and blend fast. They stay put on my eyelids and don't crease even after wearing them all day. I bought these in several colors, but I find that I consistently reach for Gilt (gold shimmer), Angel (light rose gold shimmer), Nudity (rose gold shimmer), and Twilight (gray-taupe shimmer). I use Lilith (champagne shimmer) every day to highlight my brow arch and the inner corners of my eyes. Taupe is the only matte shade I have and I use it as a crease color.

3. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara || Since Nate's been born I find myself spontaneously crying (or at least getting teary-eyed) a lot more than the pre-baby days, lol. Like I just look at him and start crying because I love him so much. (Someone please tell me I'm not alone here?! haha) Anyway, I used the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara before baby and now I've switched over to the waterproof. I think they are both great! They both give great lash length and volume without clumping and don't flake throughout the day.

4. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray || The final step in applying my makeup is to set it with this spray. It really keeps everything where I placed it in the morning so there's no midday meltdown from sweat, oil, or sticky baby hands.

5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick || These lipsticks are amazing! They go on so smoothly and evenly. Even though they are matte shades, I don't find them to be too drying on my lips. They stay put, don't bleed off of your lips, and will last through eating, drinking, and those sticky baby hands (again). I especially like these for a red or berry lip color where smudges and bleeding would be really obvious. I have them in the shades Outlaw (brick red), Nahz Fur Atoo (blood crimson), and Exorcism (ripe blackberry). I'm thinking about also getting either Lovesick or Lovecraft (both mauve nudes).. To be determined!