I admit it, I am a recovering makeup junkie.
Just ask Annie about the millions of eyeshadows, mascaras, lip glosses, and skin products that have cluttered up my bathroom drawers (and my bedroom drawers...and my bag...and the glove compartment of my car...) since the ripe age of eleven. I didn't even necessarily wear all of the various products I had, but I sure loved collecting them. In 8th grade, I was all about the bright, shimmery lip glosses. 9th grade introduced me to gold eyeshadow, and by 10th grade it was heavy eyeliner and ChapStick all the way. College years have forced me to purge my makeup collection, only sticking to those products that I use every day, plus a few special ones for when I feel like glamming it up. Now I stick to a routine--casual, natural makeup during the day, and more fun, dramatic makeup for nights out. There are three classic makeup looks that every girl should know how to emulate; the Natural Look, the Smokey Eye, and the Bold Lip. Here is a run-down of these three major looks, brought to you by the Poor Couture (with a special thanks to Jessica Alba for being our muse.)
We'll start with the most classic makeup look of them all:
The Natural Look
Skin: Healthy, glowing skin is the most important element of this look. If you're lucky enough to have Jessica's perfect skin (which most of us are not, sadly) all you really need is a touch of bronzer. I've had some truly great success with Physician's Formula brand bronzers. Available at any drugstore, these bronzers offer a range of shades and smooth, easy-to-blend formulas. Not to mention they are all hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist approved. There are even bronzers with sun protection, and ones that are completely organic. NICE. And most importantly? Every product is under $15. Bargainistas rejoice.
For those of us who need a little more help creating that flawless face, never fear. For medium coverage, tap a little bit of concealer (Almay Clear Complexion Concealer, $7.74, is a great non-comedogenic drugstore option) underneath eyes and on top of blemishes BEFORE applying bronzer. Be sure to select the correct color (too-light or too-dark concealers will only draw attention to the problem) and thoroughly blend into the skin. Most drugstores will accept returns on opened products if you choose the wrong color-so when buying drugstore cosmetics, hold on to that receipt!
If that still doesn't feel like enough coverage, consider applying foundation. Dry-skinned ladies should pick a hydrating liquid formula, while oily gals will have better luck sticking to powder foundations. If you find yourself in this maximum-coverage group, I highly recommend you visit a professional makeup counter or dermatologist to ensure you are purchasing the proper formula for your individual skin type. Foundation is definitely something that's worth the splurge, especially if you're wearing it often. The last thing you want to do is worsen the condition of your skin! Spend the money on a product that will keep you looking your best.
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| Physician's Formula Bronzer |
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| Almay Clear Complexion Concealer |
Eyes: A touch of mascara is all you need to make your peepers pop. Clear mascara is great for a totally bare look--try Maybelline's Great Lash Clear Mascara and Brow Gel, $4.99 at any drugstore. This product can also be used to keep those eyebrows looking neat and tidy like Miss Alba's above. If the clear mascara thing isn't your style, amp things up a little with a pigmented mascara. Darker skinned girls can handle the harshness of black mascara, but if you're fair, avoid looking like a raccoon by choosing a brown or dark-brown mascara. My personal cheapie drugstore favorites are Maybelline's Colossal Lash Mascara, $7.47, and CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara, $8.50. Both are available at any drugstore, and work great when layered on top of each other. Apply 2 thin coats for a fluttery fringe.
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| Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara |
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| Maybelline Colossal Lash Mascara |
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| CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara |
Lips: Keep your pucker looking smooth and moist with a coat of your favorite hydrating lip balm. Pick one that leaves behind a lightly glossy finish to truly emulate Jessica's look. My absolute favorite pick is Nivea Kiss of Moisture Lip Balm, $2.99 at drugstores. Not only does this product leave your lips kissably soft, it also gives your mouth a glossy glow that will last.
When it comes to the natural makeup look, less is more. You're trying to enhance what nature gave you, not mask it. The best way to recreate this look is to take care of your skin--drink plenty of water, wash your face twice a day, moisturize, and use products that are compatible with your skin type. Come up with a skin-care routine that works for you and stick with it, and always be sure you are using makeup products that won't irritate your skin. You glow, girl.
Keep an eye out for 3 Fail-Proof Makeup Looks, Part 2: The Smokey Eye, and Part 3: The Bold Lip!
Janine :)
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