I’ve always enjoyed keeping up with new online businesses and entrepreneurs in the District. Case in point: Stephanie Olvey, a former Living Social employee that left the corporate world to launch her own business, Fortique. Stephanie came up with a stellar idea: an online marketplace for creative entrepreneurs to sell services (think personal styling, photography, interior design, event planning, among other like jobs). How cool is that?
When Stephanie reached out to me proclaiming her love for all things beauty and my blog, I was supremely flattered and impressed with her growing knowledge of makeup (she has a Birchbox subscription to prove it!). The drugstore beauty junkie says she likes to splurge on select products but she’s dedicated her life to “discovering affordable beauty treasures.” From frequent salon visits to her simple skincare routine, Stephanie divulges about her daily beauty regimen.
Her AM routine: “I start my routine by washing my face and lightly exfoliating (2-3 times a week) while in the shower (the steam makes it feel like a facial!). I avoid drying my face to keep it moisturized and add a dollop of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. I have dry skin, and it worked for my Grandmother! I follow that up with some eye serum and a light SPF 15 moisturizer.”
Skincare essentials: “Cetaphil, Cetaphil, Cetaphil! I use it for cleansing and light or heavy moisturizing. I also use Garnier 3 in 1 Wash, Scrub, and Mask, and VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum.”
Currently in your makeup bag: “Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, Wet-n-Wild Eyeshadow from CVS, Maybelline One by One Volum’ Express Mascara, and theBalm Hot Mama Blush. All of this lives in my Vera Bradley Travel Cosmetic bag.”
Current obsession: “SensatioNail home shellac kit! I used to pay to keep my nails shiny and polished, but now I do it myself. If you have a steady hand and the patience to remove the polish yourself, it’s totally worth it. Now I have friends and family asking me to do their nails.”
Her beauty mantra: “Listen to your mother. When she tells you to drink water and wear sunscreen, it’s probably because she wishes she did when she was your age.”
Favorite go-to salons in the area: “I’m a hair nut. I see my hair stylist Dan at Silk Salon & Spa in Clarendon every five weeks to make sure my color and cut is just right. Perhaps that’s why I had to start doing my own nails.”
Her PM routine: “I don’t do well with nighttime routines, so I keep it simple with generic-brand makeup remover wipes. I foIlow that with another dollop of Cetaphil, and I’m ready for bed!
Summer hair routine: “I have thick and frizzy hair that can’t decide if it wants to be curly or straight. Growing up in humid Florida, though, I learned a few secrets. During the spring/summer, I like to curl my hair with my Sedu straightening iron in fairly tight curls, spray them with anti-humidity spray, and let them drop into loose curls and eventually beachy waves. The ceramic iron keeps the hair smooth, and the curls keep my hair from doubling in size from the humidity.”
Best makeup application secret: “Beautyblender sponges! I love the contours for applying foundation around the eyes and nose, and it makes makeup look airbrushed.”
I feel naked when I’m not wearing… “MASCARA! I have blonde/invisible eyelashes.”
Photo credit: Laura Fruchterman
