
Several requests for beauty tips have rolled in over the months, and I've studiously ignored them just as I did
requests for jean-related advice. Why, you ask? Because I am
such an amateur when it comes to cosmetics and the complexities of beauty products and routines. I mean, I'm clean, don't get me wrong. I'm a well-groomed lass. But most days I wash up, scrunch some product in my hair, and leave the house with a wet head and a bare face. And everything I know about cosmetics and their application, I've learned from reading
Sonja's posts over at The Coveted. And I mean RECENTLY, people.
However, in thinking it over, I've realized that I do have an opinion or two about how to keep pretty. And you'll sense a theme in them almost instantly ...
1. Natural is better: No matter how resilient your skin/hair/body appears to be, you're always best served to choose products that have few ingredients, natural ingredients, organic ingredients. Mineral makeup, plant-based hair products, natural soaps ... all will do better things for your bod in the long term than chemical-laden concoctions.
2. Don't smoke: Yeah, yeah, I know. What fun is THAT? But seriously, if you want to keep your skin healthy and elastic, clear and fresh-looking, keep the smoking to a minimum. I would cough and hack like a noob if you handed me a cig ... and although I battle the hormonally-triggered acne, I have been told by doctor after doctor that I have youthful, healthy skin. And that a lack nicotine in my system is a contributing factor. I'm just sayin'.
3. While you're at it, watch that diet: We like to think that the products we apply to our exterior selves are the only ones that will affect the lustre of our locks and the glow of our complexions. Not so, not so! The more French fries and candy, pizza and Cheetos we ingest, the more likely a breakout. I
do not care about the latest study results claiming that chocolate is fabulous for your health. It's common sense. Junk food is called "junk" for a reason, and it will take the shine right offa ya. Indulge, by all means, but indulge on occasion! If you're subsisting on crap alone, you nails, hair, and skin will show it.
4. Minimize heat treatments: Another tip that will make me wildly unpopular! If you blow dry or flat iron your hair every day, it WILL rebel eventually. Hair needs rest. Commit to wearing it in an untouched bun, ponytail, or hat a couple of times a week. It will thank you.
5. Let your nails breathe: Manicures are gorgeous. But if you don't allow the living nail beneath to get some air and grow out naturally every once in a while, you'll end up with grotty yellow talons. My nails split a lot - more often when I'm eating badly - so I'll put a single coat of clear polish on them when I want them to grow a bit longer. But even
that comes off for at least a week at a time each month. More often, if I'm feeling less fancy and more earthy.
6. Play with makeup: I had never even APPLIED mascara to my eyelashes until about four months ago. And once I did, I understood why many women apply it daily. Do I apply it daily now? Hells no. It looks great, but feels ookey and I'm just too lazy most days. However, allowing myself to experiment with it was quite valuable, and now I can gussy on a whole other level when the occasion arises. Try something new in your cosmetics regimen every once in a while. You might love it, you might hate it, you might utilize it once a year. But you'll never know if ya don't branch out once in a while. Maybe you were born to wear a matte red lip ...
7. Be kind to yourself: Don't tan. Don't deprive yourself of sleep or water or regular exercise. Don't wear shoes that give you angry red blisters. Don't pull your hair back so tight you get a migraine. Don't stop wearing that bright blue eyeliner you love because some snob in your chemistry class made fun of you. Don't dye your hair over, and over, and over, and over. Don't use anything topical that claims it will get rid of your cellulite. Be smart about your beauty choices, and don't do anything that hurts, stings, burns, or feels bad/unnatural/unhealthy to you in any way.
Products I swear by:Kiehl's Marvelous Mineral Mascara - goes on, stays on, relatively clump-free
Kiehl's tinted lip balms - I only use petroleum-based balms, and this is my fave
Almay Smart Shade Blush - gives just a hint of color, very natural
Physician's Formula face powders - all minerals!
Nearly everything in the Garnier Fructis line - a really solid selection of hair styling products
Cetaphil facial cleanser - fantastically mild
Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade - fab for curly hair touch-ups
Aveda All Sensitive Moisturizer - the lightest, least greasy I've found
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo - once every other week, or even less
Well. Was that crunchy-granola enough for yas? Basically, anything beauty-related coming from me is going to encourage you to live healthy, use natural products, and minimize the impact on your body. Nothing remotely groundbreaking, but there it is.
If anyone is hoping for specific beauty info or tips, let me know. I can wrangle a guest post or two out of my more knowledgeable blogging compatriots.