“When it comes to beauty I’m no expert but I know what works best for my skin (after years and years of trial and error of course). I like to keep my beauty routine fairly simple and quick, especially since I have such a busy schedule. As a full time real estate specialist, part-time grad student, and blogger I try to simplify every aspect of my life– including my beauty routine.
My beauty mantra has always been less is more. When it comes to day-time make-up I try to keep it light and simple and for a night out with the girls I love a good smokey eye (using Urban Decay’s Naked Palette of course). Most importantly always take care of your skin by investing in the right products and services. Rather than buying that trendy piece of clothing that you might get sick of in a few weeks, make an appointment for a facial or a good hair protein treatment instead.
My routine pretty much consists of washing my face with Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. It helps keep your skin looking radiant and alive. It rejuvenates skin and gets rid of dead skin cells. Moisturizing with Decleor Hydra Floral Hydrating Fresh Emulsion. I live by this face cream. It’s a little on the expensive side but worth every penny. It reduces my pore size and makes my skin feel SO smooth and soft. Not to mention, I love the way it smells. Using eye cream in the morning, also by Decleor. This one my by far my favorite and helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. It also has a cooling effect when you apply, so I love that it can wake me up a little in the morning too. Mixing Bobbi Brown tinted moisturizer with a highlighter (Nars Illuminator Orgasm). After, I apply under-eye concealer, which is my SECRET weapon for hiding those dark under eye circles. I finish and seal the look with powder (I have been using Smashbox’s Halo Powder for years). It doesn’t make my skin oily and best of all it reduces the appearance of wrinkles. My go-to blush is Maybelline’s Dream Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting. It’s super affordable and the pinky/flushed glow it gives is just too cute to pass up. A little Revlon Liquid Eye Liner Pen and Tart mascara and I’m good to go. At night, I use Simple Cleansing Facial Swipes (they are the best and also take off eye make up so easily!!!), and yes I get lazy at night and hate washing my face.
Some must-have products I am currently into right now include Tart Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara and Maybelline’s 24 Hour Super stay lipstick (stays on for hours and hours, even after I eat a meal). I never leave home without either, so I highly recommend both!
When it comes to beauty indulgencies I like to invest in my skin and hair. Maintaining that special glow in your skin is so worth investing in oxygen facials every other month. The best part of the facial is the steam they put on your face, which is infused with tons of vitamins and minerals (they quickly get absorbed into skin). I typically go to Nectar Skin Bar in Georgetown. For my hair I try get protein treatments every time I go in for a trim or color treatment at Alchemy Salon in Silver Spring (my stylist is Mary Ann). Since I have highlights, my hair tends to get brittle fast so using protein helps strengthen it and makes it super shiny and silky– this is a must for ladies.
The best beauty advice that I could give you is to hydrate your skin. Drinks tons of water and get oxygen facials once in a while. Another beauty tip that I swear by is to heat up your eyelash curler (I use Shu Uemura) with a blow dryer before using it. Trust me, when I say it makes a huge difference. Almost as good as wearing fake lashes. Just make sure it’s not too hot before using it.”
Sara is the blogger behind StyleMBA.
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