Current CF Simple Makeup Routine for Dry Skin

After I decided not to do a project pan this year and to simply focus on the products that I enjoy using, I was going to share my favourite cruelty free dupes so far. But, as I sat down to plan, I realised that was stifling my options. Some of the products I’ve been using the most, and my VE/ CF replacements aren’t necessarily dupes, some are simply new favourites, so today I’m sharing my recent cruelty free makeup routine.  

I have dry and sensitive skin, so my go-to routine is fresh and dewy. It’s quite simple and light and I use mainly cream and liquid products. If you’re oily, you probably want to skip this one.  

As I mentioned in my beauty wrap up post last year, I am still slowly finishing off some of my non-CF products and a couple of those are still in my daily routine, so if I don’t mention a particular product/ step, it’s because it’s not cruelty free and I’m no longer mentioning/ promoting products that aren’t CF.   

And, as always, each product will have either a VE or CF next to it indicating its CF status.  

Cruelty Free Simple Makeup Routine

Face 

SPF 

Okay, not technically makeup, but it’s a very important step and I don’t typically use primer, so the SPF I opt for under my makeup is quite important.  

I’ve primarily been using the SOS SPF (ve – previously gifted) as a light serum SPF. It’s hydrating without being greasy and wears well under the vast majority of foundations.  

Foundation  

I’m slightly reluctant to mention this as the shade range is terrible and the lightest shade is far too dark for me, but I tried so many new foundations last year trying to replace my MUFE Water Blend and they were all terrible, this is the only one that comes close, so I’m using it despite the shade flaws.  

I’m talking about the Morphe 2 Skin Tint (ve). 

And because it’s only a skin tint, if I use a couple of drops, it’s sheer enough that the poor shade match isn’t too noticeable. Especially in winter when a high neck top can cover a lot of makeup sins. If I’m applying more than a sheer layer, I either add some lightening drops or mix it in with a tiny bit of one of my other foundations.  

But this sits on the skin like you’re not wearing anything, wears and blends beautifully. I just wish it came in more shades.  

Concealer  

Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer (ve)

There’s a trend here. This is also far too dark for me. But, thankfully, it’s a little bit lighter than my new favourite skin tint so at least my makeup routine is consistent.  

This concealer is one of the only hydrating concealers I’ve ever used that isn’t either still too dry for my undereye area, or hydrating but creases in 3 seconds. My undereye is too dry for powder, even with a hydrating concealer, so I rely on the texture of my concealer a lot.  

And this one does the job perfectly, even with all day wear there’s only a tiny bit of creasing and it doesn’t get too dry. Once again, shame about the shade range.  

Cheeks

Blush 

Colourpop Blush Stix  (ve)

A long, long time favourite at this point. I use these almost daily. I love how this formula blends and how natural and healthy it looks even if my natural skin does not look its best on that day.  

Elf Duo (ve)

Quick shoutout to these from Elf. I wear the Colourpop Stix 9/10, but if I do opt for powder, it’s mainly these duos.  

Bronzer/ Contour 

Illamasqua Cream Pigment – Hollow 

Colourpop No Filter Foundation Stick – 85c (ve)

The Illamasqua cream pigment was a very popular contour shade for people with pale skin years ago, and I stuck with it. 

As for the Colourpop stick, I like using a foundation stick as I find it easier to get both the right level of pale and the formulas tend to be fairly easy to build or sheer out. I typically use bronzer/ contour products under my foundation to soften them slightly against my fair skin anyway and find blending my foundation over this foundation really easy.  

Highlighter  

I don’t always wear highlighter these days, because I opt for a dewy base and cream cheek products, I don’t always find it necessary. But if I’ve used a powder blush, or my skin is extra dry that day, I’m still faithful to what remains of my Becca Pearl, but for a product that hasn’t been discontinued, the highlighter side of the Elf duos, or Wet n Wild in Blossom Glow (CF).   

Eyes

Eyeshadow  

Almost anything – I was very very thankful that 90% of my palettes in my collection were already CF when I decided to switch to cruelty free makeup, so I can still pick just about anything. On an average day, I prefer neutral-cool tones, so either neutral browns or slightly cool taupes (not greys). But I vary my neutral palette of choice day to day, although the Too Faced Natural Matte (CF) is still a staple in my collection.

Recommendations please!! Bobbi Brown Caviar Ink was my go-to for about a decade and I never really strayed. Does anyone have any suggestions for a CF gel liner in a brown-black rather than a black or warm brown?  

Lips  

A lot of my favourite lipsticks weren’t cruelty free, and I’ve been trying to use some of those up before I start buying more, and my favourite liners are Charlotte Tilbury, which are cruelty free anyway. So I haven’t experimented much with new lip products.  

But I’ve been keeping my eye out for more CF and vegan options, and I picked up a bunch of the Essence ones. They have two formulas, a firm wooden pencil and a creamy twist up liner. Now, I prefer a waxy pencil to use with lipstick, but sometimes wear a firm wooden pencil over my full lip with a balm, so wasn’t against trying them even though I knew the formulas wouldn’t be my top choice.  

The formulas wear well and each come in a great shade range. I wouldn’t say they’re the best ever, definitely aren’t replacing my CT ones anytime soon, but they are roughly £1 each so if anyone is looking for a new budget formula, these ones are great.   

Have you tried any of these products? Or do you have any suggestions that you think I’ll love too?  

Until next time, 

Sophie 

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