AM to PM with Susanna Quinn

Meet Susanna Quinn: writer, philanthropist, mother and wife of Jack Quinn. The native Washingtonian has worked on Capitol Hill as a research assistant, legislative aide and deputy chief of staff. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, The Washington Times and The Huffington Post. Susanna is involved with many charitable organizations including Meridian Ball, which she has co-chaired, and the Children’s National Medical Center Gala. Today, she dishes on her must-have makeup favorites, secrets to flawless skin and a kick ass beauty mantra.

Susanna Quinn

Susanna’s AM Beauty Routine:
“I wash my face with Donell Creme Wash Face Cleanser using the Clarisonic Brush and I apply vitamin C gel, La Mer tinted SPF and Aquafor on my lips. And even if I have no plans to leave to the house, I spray on perfume. I always loved the way my Mom smelled and, one day, I hope my kids have that same memory of me. I have worn Prada Amber for years but I mix in Prada Candy and Balenciaga’s new scent , L’eau Rose. Sometimes, I spray just one of them and sometimes, I mix them.”

Currently in her makeup bag:
La Mer tinted SPF which doubles as a light foundation
Bobbi Brown Powder Pink crème blush
Nars Cheek Palette and Nars Deep Throat blush
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder
Nars Atlantic Eyeliner Pen
Loreal Voluminous Mascara
Bobbi Brown Black Navy eyeliner
Nars Majella Satin Lip Pencil
Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Nougat and Pink Sugar
Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Gloss in Essense
Sexy Mother Pucker Lips Gloss

Current obsession:
“I am obsessed with sunglasses.  Squinting causes eye wrinkles so I wear them all year and all the time. Currently, I rotate between Ray Ban wayfarers and Chanel aviators– both which I have outfitted with prescription lenses.”

Susanna Quinn

Her beauty mantra:
“You have the same skin you entire life, so take care of it. Being kind can make anyone pretty and being mean makes anyone ugly.”

Favorite go-to salons in the area:
George at the Four Seasons for hair (Ishmail Tekin) and make-up (Carl Ray).
Georgetown Nails for manicures, pedicures and eyebrows.
Bluemercury for makeup.  Myla is a great advisor.

Her PM routine:
As soon as I am home for the day, I wash my face with Donell Creme Wash or Cetaphil.  I have been using Epionce Renewal Face Creme for years but recently, I discovered MyBody Anti-Aging Growth Factor. I have always had a hard time removing eye make up so I use Natura Calina Shea butter at end of night to get rid of remnants and it doubles as eye moisturizer.

Skincare essentials:
After every shower, I use Natura Calina Shea Butter on my legs.  Thanks to Sheryl Lowe, it was my greatest skin discovery of 2013. My skin feels reptilian if I forget to use it. I also rub it on my son after his baths. And Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 60.

Favorite hair product:
My husband’s American Crew pomade to tame frizzy hair.

Best makeup application secret:
I always spray on Caudalie Beauty Elixir (it’s water with essential oils) after I use powder and blush. It finishes my face so it doesn’t look caked on and tired. But be sure to use before eye make up application.

Go-to red lipstick shade:

Laura Mercier Sexy Lips, Rouge Dior Lipstick in Prune Daisy (spiked with conditioning hyaluronic acid).

Favorite nail shades:
Pale Pink: Essie Minimalistic
Red: Essie Really Red
Dark Red: Wicked

Nominate your favorite Washingtonian beauty gal for my AM to PM series. Email kara@thebeautyminimalist.com