the jeremy edit

a 3x no-makeup routine that instantly makes you natural...and a completely different person. only five steps is all you need.

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Now, let me say this: I am not a professional makeup artist by any means, but I truly want something that can be suited for all occasions. Or just using it as an everyday routine. Although I am somewhat of a newbie when it comes to all things makeup, I think I have gotten better in terms of what shades I’m using that match my complexion. And what’s crazy is that I got into the routine, starting with the Glossier concealer. Back then, there was a significant problem of hiding my dark spots. It felt permanent, and it will not come off somehow. Maybe some of you have been there before. I needed something that could cover up for a special occasion, because it would be so annoying to see acne scars appear on my face. A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G.

Fast forward to a year and a half later, and I have pretty much incorporated a lot of products that benefit my skin a lot. But I talked a bunch about it on my old posts.

Today’s a bit different, and this one I have been trying MANY times to do a makeup routine that many ended up not working out. With trial and error, I found the one that’s extremely simple for everybody, while also feeling as if you are a whole different person (think of it as a 2.0, an illusion, or an alter ego). Without any thick layers stacking on your skin's barriers. Just effortless, 3x no-makeup routine. I call it the Jeremy edit.

Now the name is quite random because obviously that’s not my real name, but why did I call it ‘Jeremy’ instead of my real name? Well…long story short. During my first few years in America, my parents were thinking of having another kid (unfortunately, it didn’t happen), and had some thoughts if I would have either a brother or a sister. One of the names was ‘Jeremy,’ yet eventually, my cousin overheard their conversation with some other family members. He began teasing me with the name ‘Jeremy’, and lead to becoming my worst nightmare as an 8-year old. It continued for a long time, like it didn’t go away immediately, until I stopped caring about it (‘cause hello, my parents are old, too late!). The name came to mind again when I finished getting ready to go out to San Jose. Originally, I didn’t want to label a code name because that would be somewhat corny, but that day, my face looked a lot different than my usual homebody-unfiltered face. My skin looked healthier and glowed, and acne scars weren’t visible at the time. Hence, this edit came to mind. With only five steps, you really don’t need to add more. And you can even lessen your steps to keep your skin natural and minimal. Even better when there are active skincare ingredients: the best of both worlds.

Let me show you a guided step-by-step routine to achieve this look, starting with…

step 1: primer + spf tinted skin tint

To start off, you need a base. Before everything in my routine, a primer is needed. REFY’s Blur and Hydrate primer is the one I use to prevent some oiliness throughout my skin, and the metal applicator is cooling to the touch. I know so many people don’t like the consistency and texture of foundation. Too thick, cakey, and may have chemicals that harm acne-prone skin. A skin-tint is a better alternative that’s lighter and provides light-to-medium coverage. Not to mention, many products have SPF that combines the protection of preventing UV rays. I, myself, go out a lot, and I like to have something that will combine the needs of enhancing my complexion with the essence of using a sunscreen. Here I use MERIT’s ‘The Uniform’ Sunscreen in Shade 20, which I use two pumps (the size of a pea). Applying it on my cheeks, chin, and forehead, by using my hands (acting as if I’m using a facial sunscreen). That’s it! Skin feels breathable and lightweight, plus it sinks in without leaving streaks.

The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (shade 20): MERIT. $38.

Blur and Hydrate Primer: REFY. $36.

step 2: concealer

Let me put you with this holy-grail concealer that literally is so addicting to apply again and again for every routine you’re doing. Seriously. The Slip Tint Radiant Concealer by SAIE is by no means one of the BEST concealers in the market right now. It glides on beautifully and creates a natural look that forms like real skin! There are a lot of active ingredients that also benefit your skin’s dullness and sensitivity, such as Hyaluronic Acid for instant hydration and Rice Bran peptides for brightness. I was a little skeptical at first trying this product because this is medium coverage (thanks to the patch test), and my skin already fell in love with it after the first use. I just put it on any dark spots I have, as well as under my eyelids, to brighten my eyes. A great application to use after a skin tint, and sometimes that's all you need for your base.

Slip Tint Radiant Concealer (shade 10): SAIE. $28.

step 3: brows

I’m a sucker for brows, therefore I gotta make sure my brows are intact to create that 90s slick back look (or at least I’m trying to achieve that look lol). I have been on the hunt for a good brow range recently, and REFY nailed it when it comes to perfecting brows. Brow Sculpt, Brow Pomade, and Brow Pencil are the ultimate holy trio (though sad story, I lost my Brow Pencil in Japan, which I don’t know WHY it disappeared when I put it on my toiletry case SMH). I first begin by prepping with Brow Sculpt to slick back those brows, followed by a few swipes of the Brow Pomade, and topping off with filling in sparse areas of the Brow Pencil. The spool and brushes of these brow products really do help in making the brows look healthier and sleek.

Brow Sculpt: REFY. $26.

Brow Pomade (black): REFY. $22.

Brow Pencil (black or dark brown): REFY. $22.

step 4: 0.5 or 1 of an additional product(s)

Okay, this step may sound confusing at first, but let me walk you through how to complete this step. Often, when you put on layers of additional products, chances are it doesn’t feel natural anymore, especially when you want to wear it on certain occasions, like a date night or on a vacation. For this step, you can do it two ways: use half and half on two other products (i.e., highlighter, blush, etc.), or use one other product of your choice. I gravitate more towards the highlighters simply just to achieve the glowy effect on my skin (even though it’s already radiant as it is). I have several options of highlighters, which I both enjoy. One is Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick (shoutout to my friend Khalil for putting me on to this stick!) and SAIE’s Glowy SuperGel. Both work wonders, and are kinda addicting the more you put them on. Not to mention, you can put this on your collarbones. It’s kinda hard choosing what’s best for my routine for that day, because it’s THAT good. For this one, I used SAIE on my cheeks and applied it softly to create the instant glow. And the full size is perfect to use this on my shoulders, neck, and bits on my chin.

Lit Up Highlight Stick (Nectar): Westman Atelier. $48.

Glowy SuperGel (Warmglow): SAIE. $29.

step 5: lips

Ending the routine, we have the lips. You can use any lip product you may have to top off your look, or if you want to be simple, just use a regular lip balm of your choice. For some of you who want to be a little fancier, REFY’s Lip Buff and Lip Gloss combo will give you that plumping + exfoliating effect without the lip injection. But again, that’s completely optional.

Lip Buff: REFY. $20.

Lip Gloss (clear): REFY. $20.