Morning Glory
I usually only have five minutes to throw on my makeup before I dash to class early in the mornings. As another semester and another year begin, I have made it my goal to wear simple, chic makeup everyday to class. If you want to make this your resolution as well, here are some products that will have you out the door in time to grab a coffee before class.
Easy on the Eyes: Clinique 3 Minute Eye Kit, $28
The simplicity of this kit is what makes it genius. The mascara, dual-ended liner and highlighter pencil and eyelid primer work wonderfully together. The mascara creates daytime drama, the liner glides on effortlessly and the highlighter accentuates the eyes when placed under the brow bone and at the inner corners. In addition, the primer is great for making your usual eye shadow last all day. This kit has everything you need to subtly emphasize your eyes to prove less makeup can have more impact.
Multitalented Maven: Nars The Multiple in Riviera, $37
This sheer pink stick is a multitasker. You can use it smudged under the brow bone as a highlighter, blended on the cheeks for some soft color or swiped across lips for a matte mouth. The pint-sized stick is perfect for throwing in your gym bag after a workout to enhance your newly flushed cheeks. You’ll be ready in record time with this three-in-one product.
Fragrance Fanatic: Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball, $20
A few sprays of fragrance in the morning fade before lunchtime. I use a rollerball version of Marc Jacobs Daisy in the morning and throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up anywhere on campus. Roll it over the pulse points on your wrists, behind your ears and the backs of your knees for a quick fragrance refresher.
Lip Lock: Korres Cherry Full Color Gloss in Red 52, $16
I have countless lip glosses, but this is one of the best. Red 52 is a sheer cherry red that provides the perfect amount of color and shine. It’s ideal for doing a fast, fail-proof red pout in seconds. Put lip balm on lips first to smooth and soften for a more even application. Top with gloss and then blot with a tissue. Reapply a second coat of gloss for long-lasting color. Now you can head out the door looking confident and sophisticated.
Couture Color 11.17.09
I’m obsessed with beauty products. I’m always looking for the perfect product, and once I find it, I look for an even better one. But sometimes I just want to add a few new products to mix up my makeup palette. I recently headed to the makeup mecca that is Sephora to try out some of the season’s latest offerings. I love indulging in makeup because the results are evident: I walk more confidently, flirt more openly and smile more widely. Here, I offer my list of designer makeup picks that add a little kick to your usual makeup routine.
Mascara: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Sapphire, $19.50.
Like most women, I wear black mascara every day. I was itching for something new, so one night I swiped on my new sapphire mascara and went to Rams Head for dinner. Friends who saw me said it was an unexpected yet flattering change from basic black. Whereas black mascara emphasizes my lashes, blue mascara makes a nice contrast. Blue mascara is surprisingly wearable, and it completely changes your look with minimal effort. Looking at it in the tube can be scary, but the blue makes eyes look whiter and brighter—always a plus when you’re running late for an 8 a.m. class.
Liner: Bobbi Brown Creamy Eye Pencil in Jet, $20.
The color in this pencil is more intense than any other I’ve tried, and I love its deep, pitch-black color. This is the only eye pencil I have used since I made the switch to cream liner a few months ago (Thanks to Urban Decay Ink for Eyes). Bobbi Brown creates makeup that always manages to look both modern and classic, and this product is no exception. The pencil glides smoothly across lids in a precise line and comes with a built-in smudger if you want to mix it up and do a smoky eye effect. This pencil pulls double duty whether you’re heading to Davis to study or to Franklin for a date.
Eyeshadow: Dior 1-Couleur in Argentic, $27.50.
This eyeshadow is not for the faint of heart. The shimmery silver shade is perfect for adding some drama to your usual going out routine. Keep the rest of your makeup simple so your eyes have all the attention. Paired with black mascara, this powder and its tiny flecks of shimmer will look great for grabbing a late-night drink at East End Martini Bar with some girlfriends.
Blush: Yves Saint Laurent Crème de Blush Soft Blush in Powdery Rose, $38.
I am usually a patron of powder blush, but I’ve recently started experimenting with cream versions. This blush is a cream-to-powder, so I immediately loved how silky it felt to apply. This is great for winter cheeks because it glides evenly on skin without sinking into dry areas. Lightly swipe some on with your fingers for a natural, healthy glow while you study in Starbucks. No matter what the weather is like outside, you’ll look rosy all winter.
Lipgloss: Lancome Juicy Tubes Gloss Set, $39.50.
Lancome’s ever-popular Juicy Tubes are micro-sized this season. The slick formula gives lips an unbeatable shine and sheer color. As an avid lip gloss fan, I always keep one on hand. These petite glosses make it easy for me to slip one into my tiniest clutch for a night out at Top of the Hill. If your idea of dressing up is jeans and a cute top, slip one into your pocket with minimum bulk. Either way, the result is glossy and glamorous.