Five Looks - The Work Appropriate

The second look to master, the Work Appropriate, is the look I get asked about most (you can find the first look here).  This application should happen on autopilot with one hand free to deal with everything that inevitably comes up while trying to get out the door, so I like to keep it simple while still making an impact.  The goal for this is to look pulled-together without trying too hard or needing more than a couple of touch-ups throughout the day. My go-to builds on The Minimalist: tinted foundation, concealer, cream blush, powder foundation, powder bronzer (used on the face and as eye shadow), brows, eye liner, mascara, and lipstick, then I set everything with a setting spray.  In my bag, I keep a travel-sized bottle of setting or refreshing spray, along with lip gloss, blotting papers, and concealer.  You can always go with a soft (or no) eye liner and a lip with a little punch, or focus on your eyes with a more intense liner and a natural lip, or go bold or neutral with both eyes and lips – this look is so easy to customize.

Five Looks - The Minimalist

A good wardrobe has a few versatile, basic pieces: an LBD, a structured blazer, a crisp oxford.  These staples are the basics for several different scenarios, from the office to a wedding guest.  Your makeup wardrobe follows the same arrangement; foundation, concealer, mascara, and lipstick are the building blocks for endless “outfits.”  With that in mind, here is the first of five makeup looks that, once they become second nature, will give you a solid repertoire for any situation. I feel that too often we’re shown images that have been over-doctored, so all of the photos for these looks were taken in natural light with an iPhone - no fancy lighting, filters or lenses - so you get a great idea of how the makeup will turn out.

The first look, The Minimalist, is a quick go-to for weekends or running errands.  It's a simple routine that will enhance features enough to show that you didn’t just roll out of bed.  I apply a tinted foundation, a little gel eyeliner, fill in my brows, add a touch of concealer around my nose and eyes, mascara, and a little lip gloss or lip balm.

Samples.

While working at a makeup counter, a co-worker asked her customer if she would like to sample any products.  The customer, loudly, replied, “SAMPLES!”  I assume she either a.) became really excited about getting free stuff, or b.) would take whatever she could get, but I literally could not contain my giggles…which quickly turned into uncontrollable laugher…which dissolved into tears. You had to be there.

We all like to get something for nothing, but when it comes to makeup and skincare, I’ve learned through trial-and-error that it’s best to aim for quality over quantity.  Here are some tips accumulated over the years that should help you the good stuff for free.

1. Sign up for rewards points.  While rewards points programs can be found almost everywhere, my favorite is the Sephora VIB program. It’s free to join, and you are able to get truly decent products to try before you invest in the full-size product – or to use as travel versions of your favorites.
2. Sample with a purpose.  If shopping at a department store, know that sales people have one objective: to sell.  If you are (or at least seem) generally interested in buying a product, you should be able to get several samples before committing.
3. Don’t buy something just to get something for free.  Sign up for email alerts and social media updates from your favorite brands and stores to know when they have free shipping, specials, and Gifts-With-Purchase.  Here’s the catch: you have to have a lot of self-discipline.  If you spend $50 just to get the GWP when you only needed $27 worth of product, it’s not a good deal.  Be patient because, especially around holidays, a great opportunity will show up.

Some of my beauty booty:

Malin + Goetz = found holiday free shipping via an email alert

Jouer Cosmetics = sometimes companies just need to unload product – on you

Sephora = Purchased the concealer, everything else was free + free shipping