Today I wore this summery look to run a couple errands and drop off Coywolf at her first day of summer fun/school. I used lots of Chanel, with a mix of new and old faves, because I love the way they handle color. They use juuuust enough, so you don’t go from zero to rodeo clown in a hummingbird heartbeat.
Swatches and details on the key products down below.
Key items
Base: All I’m wearing is a 50/50 mix of It Cosmetics CC+ Illumination and Oil-Free Matte Tinted Moisturizers (the shade I wear is Tan), which I applied with my fingers on top of Aveeno Baby Sunscreen. No setting powder, no concealer.
I like the way this base looks and feels, especially when it’s hot out, because I get medium coverage with minimal product. My pores feel like they can still breathe, and the makeup stays put no matter how much I sweat. Of course, you could go for either Illumination (which works wonders as an under-eye concealer, by the way) or Matte, but I like to mix the two because HI, MY NAME IS KAREN, AND I LIKE TO COMPLICATE THINGS.
If mixing doesn’t sound appealing to you, then I recommend going for the Matte, but still adding one or two drops of your favorite liquid highlighter (MAC’s Strobe cream is the best for mixing into foundations, IMHO).
Eyeshadow: The Chanel Les Beiges Natural Eyes palette is SO GOOD. The eyeshadows have the smooth glide of gel-powder hybrids, and you can blend any combo of the colors with just few windshield wiper swipes. If you love the Chantecaille cream shadows in pots (which are fantastic but very $$$), these Chanel shadows have a similarly creamy consistency and light-as-air appearance. You won’t find any of them, even the shimmers, settling into fine lines.
Brows: Speedy brows! This was my first time trying It Cosmetics Brow Power Micro Universal Defining Eyebrow Pencil in Universal Taupe, and I’m LOVING it. There’s a super skinny twist-up pencil on one end to draw precise lines, and a stiff brow spoolie on the other. I did these brows in a minute, and it was completely non-stressful because the pencil deposits a good amount of color, but yet it’s mellow enough to not look harsh or blocky.
Cheeks and Lips: I love how Chanel’s cream blushes blend right into your foundation without lifting it up or moving it around. I also like how they never look obvious. The blush I’m wearing here is an older one that looks like it isn’t around anymore (No. 25), but there are many other creams available on the Chanel site.
The lip combo is Rouge Allure Ink (Chanel’s lightweight liquid lipstick) in Amoreux, topped with Rouge Coco Gloss in 172 (semi-sticky but long-lasting).
More pics!
Everything I’m wearing in this look
- It Cosmetics tinted moisturizers (Matte and Illumination mixed together) in Tan
- It Cosmetics Brow Power Micro in Universal Taupe
- Chanel Cream Blush No. 25
- Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Sheer Powder in No. 40 (worn as bronzer)
- Chanel Les Beiges Natural Eyeshadow Collection
- Chanel Dimensions De Chanel Mascara (excellent for epic lash length and lift)
- Chanel Eyeshadow-Liner-Kohl in Contour Graphique (a dark navy that’s perfect if you like a darker liner but don’t want the harshness of black)
- Clinique Pretty Easy Liner
- Chanel liquid lipstick in Amoureux topped with Chanel Gloss in 172
- Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in No. 40
I think this is a real life everyday makeup look. I don’t know if this kind of makeup bores you to tears, but I could spend all day talking about wearable stuff. If, however, you’re all about big glam (false lashes, lots of shimmery and colorful eyeshadow, etc.), I feel you. I love that too. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Brandee says
Karen
This combo looks freakin fantastic on you!!!! I often use the it cosmetics regular cc cream as concealer as it lays nicely even over previously powdered makeup; I’ve gotta try the illuminating one now
Kristen says
I love these sort of effortless looks for the summer!
Kim says
I love the wearable looks because they’re all I ever do! 🙂 Chanel just looks so upscale and this is a great look for everyday. I hear you on the summer skin, as well. I don’t like the feel of anything on my face but it’s even worse in the summer. I wish I could just wear sunscreen and call it a day!
Michelle says
I love easy summer looks and currently use the Elf BB cream but was curious about the IT cream so thanks for sharing. You did forget one important detail though… what are you wearing? I love anything striped.
BTW I started more weight exercises so I hate you because I am sore but I love it. 🙂 Also I checked out Plyo workouts and am not sure my bad knees and back can handle that. Getting old stinks! Anyway thanks for the encouragement!
Karen says
Oh, good for you! The soreness is a good thing. Means you’re getting stronger! Don’t forget to stretch those muscles and take time to recover (recovery is so key).
I can’t remember if you’ve tried any of the bodyweight only videos yet? THEY’RE BRUTAL!
Anywho, regarding the stripes, it’s an old dress from LOFT from a few years ago (you can see it here in this outfit post). LOFT seems to do similar things every summer so I bet you could find something that has the same vibe. Or you could probably get something similar from Ann Taylor or Universal Thread at Target.
Jane says
I love that summer look. I have been so on the fence about that Les Biges eyeshadow palette because I want to repurchase the Clair Obscur quad and can’t justify buying both. I did recently purchase the Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in #40 as well to use as a bronzer (actually, my mom bought it for me). I have been wearing the Les Beiges Tinted Moisturizer as well for my daily dose of sheer coverage and sunscreen. I am in doors most of the day anyway.
Enjoy the summer!
Karen says
I like both the palettes but I have to say, this new one is next level in terms of flexibility. I feel like I can do so many different looks!
Have you tried the Chanel cream blush yet? It’s very good!
Eileen says
Karen, you look lovely, relaxed, and content in this softer, less contrived look. It is perfect for a busy mom. You look great!
Karen says
Thanks, Eileen. This is the stuff I usually wear for everyday. It’s not nearly as exciting on camera as the big drama looks with everything and the kitchen sink but I think they’re interesting and fun in a different way (I just hope other people like to chat about these types of looks too, I don’t want to bore you guys, LOL).
Eileen says
This is not boring to all! Not everybody wants high drama or technicolor dreams every single day. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy working a bit of color or sparkle into my neutrals and there are times when I want a more statement making look, but for everyday chic, you got it just right. Your refined look speaks volumes about self-confidence; so much more so than the overly painted on Instagram looks that some women try to hide behind. Those are a lot of fun, but they are masks. There are times when we want to look more genuine. Fortunately, it’s just makeup and washes off, so we can do both ?
And isn’t that Les Beiges palette gorgeous? So many options in one convenient palette makes this a real winner in my book.
Jasmin says
The look looks great! I really need to try out some more Chanel products!
https://jasminlen.blogspot.com/
Jasmin
Jennifer says
I love this look on you, it’s very pretty. I have that IT CC + Illumination. I feel like it could spread more easily but the 50+ sunblock sells it for me. It’s nice to be able to put it on and go and not wait for my sunblock to dry before I put on a face cream.
Tatiana says
Very pretty look. I love that Les Beiges shadow palette. Do you know if it’s permanent or LE?
I tried the It CC cream and couldn’t stand it. It has a funky scent to my nose and it felt too heavy on my skin. I like my products to feel like nothing on my skin.
Eileen says
Hi Tatiana,
Like the other 9 pan palettes designed by Lucia Pica, this one for Les Beiges is a limited edition. It’s been a huge success so who knows how long Chanel will actually keep it around.
Karen says
You’re the best, Eileen!
Tatiana says
Oh gosh, now I need to decide if I’m gonna break my no backup rule to get another.
Chelsea says
You look fresh and summery which is definitely what I’m going for!