Makeup-less and Frustrated

                                                     

Dear Nicciknows,

I am a 23-year-old, pale skinned red head who has no clue what am I doing when it comes to make-up and application. I have gone to various counters before, but my hectic schedule mixed with general un-
excitment in what professionals have done to me has rendered me makeup-less.  I own one of everything - one mascara, one blush, etc that I whip out for the most basic application when needed.

I think I need some help. I am advancing in my political career and there are moments when meeting with elected officials requires a bit more then Walgreens pressed powder....I am wondering if you have 
suggestions about great moderately priced products that I can invest in to create a great everyday look that can be spiced up for the occasional night time affair.  I can have troublesome skin at times 
(on the oily side) and my look is usually pretty casual - Politics is mostly long hours spent behind a desk.

I'm becoming more of a grown up, and I think my makeup attitude needs to grow up with me!

Thanks!

Signed,

Makeup-less and frustrated

Hi there,

Well I thank you for your candid questions. I think other readers can benefit from your questions as well! Here are some pointers for you. For every day, I would keep it professional chic.

1) Try using a tinted moisturizer with SPF to protect that fair skin of yours. I recommend MAC Select Tint SPF 15 in NC20 or NW20 ($25 at Macys.com). It will even out your skin and still have a very natural finish. To combat your oiliness, use your pressed powder over the top.

2) Next, you'll want to add some color to your skin. You can use a bronzer and dust it lightly in a 3-shape on each side of your face and a bit down the center too. A moderately priced one to try is Almay's Bronzer in Sunkissed ($8.99 at Drugstore.com).

3) For someone with your hair color, mascara is key! It will open up your eyes tremendously. Try Lash Power in Black from Clinique, you'll love it. ($14 at Clinique.com)

4) I'm envisioning a glossy honey-colored lip for you. Try MAC Creme Lip Liner in Summerfruit ($14 at Macys.com) with Maybelline New York's Shine Seduction Lip Gloss in Nude Glow ($7.99 at CVS.com)

5) Round your new look out with a touch of blush. Try a Loreal True Match Blush in Barely Blushing ($9.86 at Drugstore.com). Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and sweep upwards like Nike swoosh, to give yourself a bit of a lift.

Hope this helps!

xo,

Nicciknows

Comments

[Jenny Nieto Carey]

Hi Nikki,
I love your blog, and especially your suggestions for inexpensive beauty products that look and feel great!
I wanted to suggest Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer in Sunkissed. I use it alone in the summer to enhance my tan (also works well in covering tan lines when going strapless!), and mix it with a blush in winter to add a little more warmth. It's $12.79 at Walgreens. I have sensitive skin and it works great. Just another option for your readers!
Jenny