Of course a full makeover that brings out your best features will make you look and feel fabulous, but when there’s no time for the full treatment, having a few essentials on hand will help you with a do-it-yourself makeover. Here is a list of items to keep stocked in your vanity in order to get that quick put-together look:
1. Velcro Rollers: Velcro rollers are great for giving hair height or shape. Roll dried hair with them and add a little hairspray to the roots. Once rolled, blow-dry again. Let the curlers cool as you do the rest of your makeover. Alternatively, you can use the cool feature on your hair blower to cool the hair before removing the rollers.
2. A Ceramic Flat Iron: A flat iron helps to tame unruly hair or to give your hair a modern look. You can flat iron your whole head of hair for a straight style, or you can tame specific areas like around your hairline. You can also use a flat iron to add height by lifting the hair at roots with the iron.
3. Gentle Face Cleanser: A quality facial cleanser is important for use both before bedtime and in the morning. It’s important not only for removing makeup, but for removing pore clogging pollutants, allergens and body oils that have may have gathered on your skin. A good quality facial cleanser also wards off damaging free radicals, the organic molecules responsible for tissue damage that brings on signs of aging.
4. Moisturizer: At the very minimum, after washing your face, apply moisturizer. One with a built-in sunscreen is even better. A moisturizer will help your skin to stay healthy and young by keeping it hydrated, moisture sealed and protected from damage caused by free radicals, contaminants or UV rays.
5. Foundation: Foundation creates a clear canvas on your face by covering up flaws or splotchy skin. Use over your moisturizer. Choose one that matches your natural skin tone, preferably one with a built in sunscreen. Again, choose one that has properties that will help protect your skin from damage. Blend it in gently. Once applied, it should not be visible.
6. Concealer: A concealer is a neutral shade cream or pencil used for covering skin imperfections. Use one that is a shade lighter than your foundation. When dabbed under your eyes to cover dark circles, the concealer will lighten and brighten your skin giving you a more wide-awake look. Easily dab on and blend concealer on blemishes or visible wrinkles to minimize their appearance.
7. Eyeliner: A simple grey, brown or black eyeliner pencil is a quick and essential tool that will help give definition to your eyes. Eyeliner accentuates and beautifies even the dullest looking eyes, almost instantly. Gently stroke it on along your eyelash line. For close-set eyes begin applying it mid-way on the bottom of the eyelid, and spread it to the outer corner. For wide-set eyes, apply the eyeliner starting at the inside edge of your lower eyelid, and don’t bring it all the way to the end.
8. Mascara: Double coats of mascara applied to your top lashes will give your eyes a wide-open appearance. Use it sparingly on bottom lashes. Mascara will take you from looking like you just got out of bed to a more finished look.
9. Blush: After applying foundation, you will need to brighten the canvas of your face. Smile and brush a flattering shade of blush high on your cheeks. Blush tends to mimics your own blood circulation and, when applied correctly, will give you a healthy energetic glow.
10. Lipstick: Take your lips from bland to luscious. Keep a lipstick shade in your vanity that can be used with multiple outfits. Choose one that is similar to the darkest rosy tone in your skin. Lipstick will give your lips a polished, feminine look and help them stay protected from drying out.
These 10 basic items are all you need to give yourself a mini-makeover that boosts professionalizes your appearance and helps to boost your confidence. Concentrating on the basics, as described above, will take you from bland to beautiful in no time.