TheStyleGeek.com

If you’re looking for someone to give you makeup tips, I’m not your girl.  The most I experiment with my makeup is switching between black or brown eye shadow and liner, depending on my outfit that day.  When it comes to a skin care regimen, I’m equally as boring: cleanse and moisturize.

For years, I’ve struggled with acne, an oily t-zone and foundation that just doesn’t match my skin tone; so when I find products that work for me, I stick with them.  After years of experimenting to try to find the right skin care and makeup products, I’ve finally found a few I can’t live without.  Here’s my list of favorites for the face:

Makeup-

Almay Intense I-Color Eye Liner- Glides on silky smooth and comes in a variety of colors that match Almay’s Intense I-Color Eye Shadows (another one of my faves).  If you have brown eyes like me and you’re feeling really adventurous, try the purple amethyst eyeliner and corresponding shadows.  So pretty!

Mary Kay Medium Coverage Foundation- Not too heavy, not too light.  It’s truly juuuusssstttt right.

Youngblood Mascara- This is a mineral mascara that takes lashes to new lengths.

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush- The sherbet color gives just the right amount of tint to your cheeks.  (Geez, I’m starting to sound like Goldilocks here!)

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder- Rids your face of shine with just a few brush strokes.

Skin Care-

Ponds Cold Cream Makeup Remover- There’s a reason this has been around since my grandmother was my age.  Nothing removes makeup better.

Mary Kay Timewise 3-in-1 Cleanser- You can do away with the astringent and the moisturizer.  This one bottle does it all.

Mary Kay Timewise Day/Night Solution- While the 3-in-1 cleanser really can be all that you use, I’ve noticed a few laugh lines lately and need all the moisturizing I can get.  Depending on the time of day, I apply the proper solution and couple it with the Age Fighting Moisturizer for added hydration.

Mary Kay Timewise Firming Eye Cream/Eye Revitalizer- The one place I’ve noticed lines the most is around my eyes.  The firming cream works overnight to get rid of wrinkles and the revitalizer goes on in the morning to decrease puffiness and dark circles.

Seriously, pretty much all of these products have changed my life–or at least my skin; so if you’re pulling your hair out over acne or you aren’t satisfied with the way your makeup looks, I’d suggest giving these products a try.

If you want a few more specifics about the Youngblood products, you can contact Linda over at Starbrows or if you want some details on the Mary Kay stuff, contact Erica Munger at ericam (at) marykay (dot) com.

Alright. Let me level with ya: I’m not as stylish as I try to make you think I am.  (My college friends are shaking their heads in agreement as they remember my freshman year uniform of kacki pants and cardigans.) Don’t get me wrong, I’m fairly decent at putting together an outfit–a “talent” that I’ve really only developed in the last year or so–but I’m not so good at all things beauty related.  You know, hair, makeup, nails, etc.

When it comes to that stuff, I tend to do the same thing every day: hair down and straight (if I wake up more than 20 minutes before I need to leave for work) or hair up in a bun (if I didn’t feel like getting out of bed); foundation, blush, mascara and black, brown or navy eyeliner depending on what color my outfit is; clear polish on the fingernails; and a prayer that no one bothers to look down at my neglected toenails.

I DID put “paint nails regularly” and “experiment with makeup” on my 2010 to-do list, but Lord have mercy, that thing’s about a mile long now and so far those two items have fallen by the wayside. Until now…

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with the fabulous Linda of Starbrows, and our conversation completely changed my thoughts on the importance of all things beauty related in developing your personal style.  Linda is not just your average esthetician, she is an eyebrow designer and a beauty guru!

Seriously! Check out her website and her blog and you’ll see what I mean.  Her three part series on shaping eyebrows with “perfect precision” will make you think twice before letting an inexperienced manicurist at the local nail salon rip hot wax off your face; and her 10 Reason Why Brazilian Waxing is Worth It are (almost) enough to make me man up and endure the pain.

After two hours of chatting with Linda, I’m thoroughly convinced that a cute outfit is only part of the style equation.  (So far, the equation is 40% outfit, 40% confidence and 20% beauty.) In fact, I’m making it a personal challenge over the next month to make sure my hair is done, my makeup’s on, my nails are painted and my brows are waxed! After all, what’s the point of dressing cute, if the rest of you doesn’t look the part?

*Photo courtesy of Google Images