Pretty Little Secrets Series: 1. Beauty Routine

We all have our daily routines — from makeup, hair and clothes to schedules, organization and planning. Each step of the way, we are just trying to figure out life one day at a time. In the Pretty Little Secrets Series, we'll be diving into the raw, honest truth about topics that you care about — life advice, tips and tricks, and so much more! For the first installment of the series, we decided to look into the wonderful world of makeup! Some of us consider ourselves true beauty gurus, while others get frustrated with the idea of even picking up a brush in the first place. We decided to go beyond the hype of products like the Better Than Sex mascara and Milk highlighter and found some products that are not only less talked about but, shockingly, work better too. Consider it our pretty little secret!

For the first product, we wanted to find the ultimate lipstick. It needed to have color that lasted throughout the day without drying our lips out. The lipstick that managed to last during an entire day at the beach while staying as wet as the ocean itself was Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips lipstick collection. Pictured here is the color of “Liv It Up.” It is perfect because it is a pink that has just the right amount of pop. The formula contains antioxidants, which will soothe and plump your lips. Not to mention, it happens to be Meghan Markle’s go-to!

The challenge we took upon ourselves was sorting through highlighters. The ultimate “goals” with makeup is showing off dewy, youthful skin, and a highlighter truly helps to maintain that. Look no further than the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed highlighter. Here we used the shade “Moonstone,” which had a beautiful, not-overdone shimmer that was just the right balance of warmth and brightness. Some highlighters can look a bit chalky, but the semi-gold undertones help to ensure that does not happen. It also makes a glow on the cheekbone instead of a simple wet effect, which to us looks better in the long run.

BECCA

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

For the third product, we had to look into something that no one has talked about. It is the ultimate game changer! A company called 100% Pure created a BB cream that contains SPF 15, antioxidants, and more. Due to natural ingredients like raspberry seed oil and aloe, it seeps into your skin more readily. Most foundations and BB creams are filled with a lot of processed, unnatural ingredients that clog pores and cause you to breakout. This gives your skin not only vitamins, but also the ultimate dewy, photoshoot-ready complexion. It is insanely light to the touch and will surely bring compliments for days. The best part is the lack of cakiness at the end of the day. It even lasts during the most intense hikes! Trust us — we tested it while climbing up Masada.

This fourth product is for the days that you got no sleep and may have a few breakouts. We tried the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It can cover up the most difficult spots on days when you believe that no product could possibly get the job done. It comes in many shades, so you have the option to pick which one works best with your skin.

This fifth product will have people questioning you constantly about where you get your lashes done. That is right! They will think you have eyelash extensions after just one use of Sephora’s Outrageous Curl Dramatic Volume and Curve Mascara. Not only will it change your eyelash game, but it is way cheaper than big, name-brand mascaras. Also, it does not flake off the way a lot of overhyped ones, like Better Than Sex, do. You will thank us later!

Sephora

Outrageous Curl Dramatic Volume and Curve Mascara

The sixth product is an eyeliner unlike any other. It will last you even if you are swimming in the pool! Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon is the way to go with your future eyeliner purchases. The formula allows for a smooth, glide-on texture that still looks bold even after a full night’s rest. Disclaimer: You should not sleep in your makeup, but it does still look incredible if you do with this eyeliner.

If you want to change up your brow game with a lighter, more natural finish, then try out the Bobbi Brown Brow Kit. The shadows and tiny brush allow you to make gentle strokes to fill your brows to be the next Cara Delevingne. You will never go back to brow pencils again.

Last but not least, you must purchase the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. It is incredible how a simple mist can help your full face of makeup last through anything from a workout at the gym to a long night of dancing. We promise you will not regret getting this.

These makeup tips will change the game for you the way they have for us in ways you could not even imagine. We cannot wait for you to see what’s in store for the second part of the Pretty Little Secrets Series as the secrets continue to unfold. Until next time!

Cover graphic by Johanna Hilpuesch and Cally Crocco

Photos by Arielle Berlinsky