I'm not a beauty blogger. I'm a five-minute face and out the door girl. I'm guilty of going to work with wet hair in a bun. I spent a decade in a military environment where all of this was 100% acceptable. But now that I'm in the real world, I've realized that a little effort can go a long way, and I've found a few favorite things as a result. So if you're a fan of simplicity, that's what I've got going on right now!
Face.
First off, I started using
Tarte Cosmetics primer, concealer, and foundation. I was in a Sephora store in San Francisco two years ago, and I was in the market for a new foundation regimen. I recently added the BB cream as my primer. I use the BB cream first, and it makes my skin feel hydrated and smooth. Then I use the concealer on blemishes and under my eyes. Then I brush on the foundation! I feel like this provides much better coverage than my old Bare Minerals routine, and I don't get as many dry patches of skin, especially around my nostrils. I also use a bronzer and illuminator for contouring, and I think it has made a big difference!
I've learned that my eyebrows make a huge impact on the overall look of my face. Unfortunately, mine are sparse! I was at a local salon getting my makeup done, and they introduced me to the
Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil. I really do believe it will work on anyone's brows, and it goes on so much easier and more naturally than a powder or actual pencil. I think I'm on my 3rd pencil, I use it so much! And there's no sharpening either.
I've also started using oils on my face to moisturizer, instead of lotions. I know, it sounds counterintuitive to clear skin, but they've made a huge difference! I love the citrus sent of the oils sent to me by
Trusted Health Products. I haven't mentioned it until now, but I've been using these since July.
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Oh, and one more thing for face, sort of...
I LOVE this
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner set that I got at Sephora. It makes my brushes smell like vanilla! And it's rinse-free, so it really does make it so much easier to clean makeup brushes, especially my foundation brush. I know that it's annoying to have to clean your brush, but think about how much buildup and skin and stuff must be on there!
Hair.
I'm lightyears behind in knowing how to do hair. Seriously, the only thing I do well is a ponytail! But because I get so many compliments when I wear my hair down, I'm trying to blow-dry and style it at least twice a week. But that meant I needed some tools to make it easier for me.
First off, I love
O&M Original Detox Shampoo. Maybe it's partially the smell, but I just love how clean my hair feels after this! I don't even use conditioner anymore. After showering, I towel dry my hair and add styling cream or oil treatment. I also sometimes use a frizz spray. Most of my products are by
Benniefactor, from my local salon.
Secondly, I invested in an amazing hair dryer. My sister claimed that this made all the difference, and she wasn't lying. I went from taking 30 minutes to dry my hair with my old Conair to 15 minutes with my new
Bio Ionic Power Light Pro dryer. That plus a round brush = success for even this tomboy!
Lastly, I use a
Bennifactor styling spray. It holds my hair together without making it stiff, and it smells so amazing you feel like you came from the salon.
So there you have it! How a former tomboy throws on a 5-minute face and a 15-minute hairdo. BOOM. Old dogs can learn new tricks.
