The other day, I went to the cosmetics section of a department store and ended up getting a full-face makeover from a beauty advisor.
Originally, I just wanted them to help with eye makeup, but since I was already there, I figured, “Why not go all in?” So I asked for the full treatment from start to finish.
And you know what? I actually learned quite a lot.
So today, based on that experience, I’m going to share my updated 20-minute makeup routine!
The 1-minute makeup routine I wrote before was all about speed.
This 20-minute routine is for when I actually want to look kind of decent—it’s a totally different use case.
Also, for context: I’m a Japanese office worker. And nope, I’m not doing a timeline this time. Too much work. Sorry! lol
1. Skincare (toner, serum, lotion, etc.)
In my 1-minute makeup, I only used toner.
But after visiting that department store, I ended up buying a serum. These days, I try to remember to use it. I mean, I’m a lazy person and often break out from being, let’s say, a bit unclean… but I want to fix that now.
Honestly, I probably should’ve been using serum even in the 1-minute version. My bad…
They also introduced me to facial oils—apparently, if you have hardened clogged pores, applying oil helps soften them before makeup. Sounds useful! …But I didn’t buy it, so I’ll skip that for now.
2. Primer
Same as in my 1-minute makeup. I apply it vaguely and call it a day.
3. Concealer
Skipped in the 1-minute version, but yep—it really does make a difference.
I use an orangey shade for dark circles and the corners of my mouth, and a green-ish one for pimples or redness. Then blend it all out with a brush.
(Yes, I finally bought a brush set. Before this, I was using my fingers… Turns out tools really matter…)
4. Foundation
The beauty advisor suggested I try cushion foundation, which sounds great—but I don’t own any yet.
So for now, I’m using powder foundation with a brush. I did place an order though, so just waiting for it to arrive!
5. Contour
I use a powder with both light and dark shades.
Dark goes on my forehead, under the cheeks, and chin. Light goes above the brows, on top of the cheeks, nose tip, and chin. I just kind of dab it on without thinking too hard.
6. Face Powder
Apparently, you’re only supposed to use a tiny bit.
I was told I overapply everything. 😇 I tend to go heavy to hide pores, but apparently, I’ve been overdoing it.
So now I just lightly dust powder with a brush under the forehead, on the cheeks, nose, and chin.
7. Eyebrows
Turns out my brow pencil might be a bit darker than ideal—maybe something lighter than my hair color would be better. But I don’t have a lighter one yet, so I’m still using what I’ve got. As long as the pencil tip is sharp and easy to draw with, I’m good.
The method is the same as in the 1-minute routine: define the lower line clearly, shape the arch, fill in the middle, and blend with a spoolie. Done.
8. Eyebrow Mascara
In my 1-minute routine, I always skipped brow mascara because it’s easy to mess up.
But hey—this is a 20-minute routine. I’ve got time to fix mistakes now, so let’s do it!
Since I dye my hair, I realized that even a pretty light brown actually looks natural on me. Who knew?
9. Eyeshadow
As before, I start by applying a primer-ish base to both eyelids.
I used to go really light with eyeshadow, but when I watched the beauty advisor apply it, they used like three times more product than I usually do—and yet it didn’t look overdone at all.
So I decided to be brave and give it a try. Turns out, applying color beyond the crease makes it actually show up and look much better.
Now I think I’ll start using shimmer shades more boldly, too.
10. Eyeliner
I never really used eyeliner before—didn’t own any, thought I was bad at it, just avoided it altogether.
But according to the beauty advisor, it’s all about practice.
So lately, I’ve been trying it out. They said it’s best to rest your elbow on a desk and draw the line from the outer to the inner corner, gradually filling in the gaps between the lashes.
If I can at least line my upper lash line, it already starts looking legit.
11. Mascara
Apparently, it doesn’t have to be jet black! Inspired by that, I switched to a softer brown shade that matches my eyeshadow better. And yeah, of course lashes look more defined when you apply mascara. That’s just how it works. lol
12. Blush
Blush always felt too risky—I thought it would make me look like I overdid it, so I avoided it entirely.
But after getting a lesson on how to apply it, I think I can actually pull it off now.
You start at the outer cheekbone, brush inward toward the nose, then bend the motion like a “く” and sweep it down toward the bottom of your ear. That’s how I was taught, and that’s how I do it now.
13. Lipstick
I used to only wear darker shades, but the beauty advisor suggested that lighter colors might suit me better. And guess what—they were right! Apparently, I naturally have a lot of redness in my lips, so when I go too dark, it just becomes too much.
So I bought some new ones—light pink, apricot tones, that kind of thing.
And we’re done!!
When I showed my mom, she said, “This is so radiant!” Honestly, she even suggested I could wear this look to work.
…Which sounds great in theory, but for that to happen, I’d need to actually wake up early. So yeah—the real challenge isn’t the makeup. It’s the schedule. lol
Hopefully this one’s a bit more useful than the 1-minute version!
See you in the next post! 💄✨