12 hr shift makeup routine

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Looking for makeup routine recommendations... I have very oily skin and an uneven skin tone with redness. My everyday makeup routine just does not cut it for me while I'm at work. Less than halfway through my shift I'm oily and red and look way more run down and exhausted than I actually feel which really doesn't help when it's 3am and all you can think about is sleeping. Tips? Brands you'd suggest?

Also, going "all natural" is not an option ������

Thanks!!!

Specializes in Dialysis.
This is going to sound so gross but I found it on Pinterest, it works! Instead of buying super expensive make up primer, I use Monistat Anti-Chafing cream, not kidding,. It's $8/tube and lasts for months. It's the same ingredients as many of the major make up primers, It works too good, I have had to tone down my make up application because it sticks to the primer so well. I am oily/dry depending on season and it works well for both.
I wondered about this...going to have to try it. I use Almay Smart Shade for a base then a mish-mash of other products depending on my mood
Specializes in Emergency Department.

My skin is so sensitive that I hate wearing much makeup. I usually just put on NYX spot concealer and bare minerals powder. This is my routine every day, whether I am at work or not.

I am so tired at 6AM that I stick to a fairly simple concealer and powder routine. Add some waterproof mascara/eyeliner and I'm good to go. I'm not trying to impress anyone, just want to avoid looking like a total zombie.

NYX setting spray in Matte finish is the best. However, if I had extra $ (CNA starting nursing school here) I would buy Urban Decay!

Have you tried using blot sheets? Those are life saving for me.

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have oily skin as well. I use Revlon Color stay foundation for Oily/Combination skin and it works wonders. The formula isnt thick but provides great coverage. I don't even need concealer anymore. I've also realized that the more or better I moisturize the less oily my skin gets. Having dry skin will definitely cause your skin to compensate. I use 2 moisturizers, Cetaphil Face moisturizer and Palmer's Facial Moisturizer, both with SPF.

Second on the anti chafing gel as primer. WAY better than MAC and smashbox for a fraction. I also work 12's. If your skin is truly oily the best primer you will ever use is Milk of Magnesia(feel free to google and YT for yourself). Get name brand not store brand (it matters). Also, get a small bottle as it goes thick before you can use it all. Put it on with a brush. It will literally suck up all of the oil on your skin and leave your makeup fresh and dry. also use lancome teint idole 14 hour foundation and it is flawless after 12 hours. Also get a lid primer if you do eyeshadow. I have found the smashbox 24 hour shadow insurance and wet n wild fergie both work well.

Specializes in Med/Surg/ICU/Stepdown.

Long wear foundations are your friend: the thicker, drier the formula, the better. Always, always prime, but if you're oily, stay away from silicone based formulas.

Gel or liquid liners will be longer wearing than pencil. Same goes for mascara: waterproof is the way to go. Lip stains/tinted balms will help bring some color, and also add moisture without being obvious.

Grab a good translucent powder to set everything into place and then mist with a setting spray.

Personally, I always wear my signature winged liner (baby wings at work, though) and lightly contour. Just because I'm wearing scrubs doesn't mean I have to look like one.

This is right up my alley, ladies.

Just because I'm wearing scrubs doesn't mean I have to look like one.

Preach, girlfriend!

I personally only wear face makeup (other than blush) on special occasions. I believe this is due to struggling with acne growing up. I also can't stand matte foundations, however I always recommend l'oreal infallible for those with oily skin looking for a matte finish that lasts. My makeup routine for work includes under eye concealer, occasionally spot concealer PRN, a lil blush, and a crap ton of mascara (when it comes to eyelashes go big or go home).

Specializes in Cardiology.

I like Estee Lauder double wear foundation for 12 hour shifts with bare minerals bronzer to finish. I used to use Smashbox mattifying BB cream but it barely lasted me 6 hours. I don't wear mascara to work, sometimes it can irritate my eyes so I just don't bother. I also like to keep clean n clear oil blotting sheets on hand, those are my fav!

Great advice here. But I hate wearing makeup even though my skin is far from perfect. I can't imagine wearing primer, foundation, setting powder, broncer, eyeliner, shadow, mascara etc etc...I only wear so much makeup like once a year for new years eve (if I'm not working) or for a hot date lol

Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

When my nose and forehead gets a little too shiny I take out a cuppla bigazz alcohol wipes and degrease the real estate. Remember to keep your eyes closed for a few seconds so the alcohol can evaporate or you'll burn a few too many layers of cornea.

Specializes in Ortho, CMSRN.

I like Loreal's true blend, or color match. Can't remember what it's called because somehow, I managed to lose mine :( I guess I'll have to go try and match my shade all over again. I like Elf (dollar or two an item) for blushes, brushes, powder and eyeliner (LOOOVE their plum eyeliner!). If you live in Texas, Fiesta Grocery stores have a MUCH better selection than Walmart. My HANDS down favorite item came in my birchbox a year or two ago and I have remained purchasing it. Elizabeth Mott, Tints and Sass lip stain. AWESOME Stuff! It lasts for about 6 hours and I can put my regular chapstick over it.

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