As a beauty writer, I am constantly on the hunt for the latest and greatest in beauty products, trends, and inspiration. But sometimes it’s good to get back to basics and remember that some of the most important and effective beauty routines don’t have to require hours at the salon or big bucks. Thanks to my daily beauty regime and continuous beauty research, I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite and fairly simple beauty tips.
1. You Sunscreen, We All Sunscreen
Wear zinc-based sunscreen daily. It may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your skin protected from the sun is crucial in avoiding both wrinkles and skin cancer, both big beauty no-nos. While there may be much debate on whether natural (zinc-based) sunscreen is better than chemical-based sunscreen, I prefer to stick with the natural brands and this is why.
2. Big Bang Theory
Rihanna, take note. People with larger foreheads tend to look better with bangs. No matter how many times I have tried to rock the middle part, my forehead always seems to get in the way. Fringe or side-swept bangs are great for balancing out big foreheads, and gives your hair instant style.
3. Prime Time
Before applying your eye shadow, use a skin-tone primer. It will diminish any veins or discoloration as well as set your eye makeup. Best of all, some primers can even be used as eye shadows, great for girls on the go. Check out my list of the best eyelid primers HERE.
4. Elongate Your Lashes
Mascara application can make a huge difference in your overall eye-makeup appearance. Make sure you apply your mascara of choice from root to tip in a zig-zag motion. Once you’ve applied your mascara, go back and make sure you get both inner and outer corners of your lashes as well as the very tips—it will make your lashes look both thicker and fuller.
5. Oil Be Gone
As someone who has always struggled with overly productive oil glands, finding an easy solution to wipe oil away during the day seemed like a mammoth of a task. My mother (and direct source of my oily skin) introduced me to oil-blotting papers when I was a teenager. They work, you can use them after or before you’ve applied your makeup, and the results are immediate.
6. Damage Control
If you have damaged hair and you’ve been using a lot of hot tools, it’s highly likely your damaged hair is a direct result of the tools you are using. Before straightening or curling your hair, be sure to use a heat protector. Just spray it on before styling your hair and prevent more damage to your locks. It works, really.
7. Out With the Old
Clothes and accessories can be a long-term investment, but not makeup. Don’t confuse your Chanel purse with your Chanel foundation, and try to make it last well passed its expiration date. The effectiveness and amount of bacteria that can grow in your makeup make it a six-month investment, at most.
8. Remover Without Remover
In case you’re out of nail polish remover and don’t have time to make it to the beauty store, use clear top coat and remove it using a cotton ball. It really works and is a great alternative to regular remover.
9. Filling in the Follicles
Unless you were blessed with incredibly thick, Brooke Sheilds-like brows, chances are you have a few spots to fill in. Use a matte eye shadow that matches your brow color or a brow pencil to fill in any thin spots and create a full, shapely brow in seconds.
10. Fresh Feet
Use a pumice stone in the shower to prevent dead skin from piling up. It will make your pedicures last longer, and your feet will always look their best. For some extra pedi pampering, use a moisturizing facial mask on your feet to keep dead skin cells away and your feet feeling their freshest.
