I really, really hate to get up in the morning so I am usually running late. I definitely prefer a natural look for my skin, and as I have said many times before, it is much better to have good skin and wear less foundation so that is what I do. I can’t wear eye shadow. Ever. I have sensitive skin, called atopic—which means that many things irritate it like brushes, strong fragrance etc and I live in extremely dry climates. No matter what I do, no matter what kind of shadow or brush I use, my eyelids get irritated, red, and rashy if I ever wear eye shadow for even one day, and they stay that way for months after even one application of eye shadow. Also, I use a retinoid (currently Refissa) and of course daily sunscreen on my eyelids and have for years. So the lids are actually pretty good and tight for 57. So I haven’t worn eye shadow or eyeliner for years. Again this fits with my philosophy that I would rather have good skin on my eyelids, than wear cosmetics on them. They actually look better without shadow or liner.

Since I am always running behind in the morning, I want my cosmetic application to be quick. I want them to stay on all day. I rarely touch them up during the day, except that I sometimes reapply lip color once during the day. Once is my limit. And I hate to shop so I want something I can either buy online, or pick up when I absolutely have to go to the drug store or grocery store. There is absolutely no way I am going to drive to the mall and shop at the cosmetic counter. It is fine if you like to do it. I don’t.

My goodness the list of things I hate is getting pretty long….hate to get up, hate to shop, hate to reapply makeup, hate to style my hair, hate to dress up. Oh, well.

So I use, in order of application:

1. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel to my face and neck about 3 times a week. It gives me a natural color, isn’t sticky, dries quickly, and I can also apply to my body if I want. Since I use our Correcting Serum, Antioxidant Exfoliant, and Refissa my skin is nicely exfoliated so the tanner goes on smoothly. Applying self-tanner to exfoliated skin is the key to getting a natural look. I buy it online at Sephora.com (4.4 oz $33)

2. Then I apply Dr Elaine’s Antioxidant Mineral Powder in Tan with applied with one of our sponges that we supply free with the powder. It gives a great, natural finished look that I love. I never use a brush to apply mineral powder. I go get it from the storage room, but you can buy it on our web site or in the office. (.32 oz $36.00)

I blend it down my neck and be sure that I pat it on the eyelids and the inside corners of my eyes. Then I take a 100% cotton ball and blend it into the hairline, and wipe the excess of my eyebrows.

3. I do need lip color and I have a great find that I have been using for about 5 years. It is Cover Girl Outlast All-day Lipcolor in #556 Berry Preserve. The box comes with 2 lip products—a color and a moisturizing topcoat. The color is called All-Day Colorcoat and the topcoat is called, appropriately, Moisturizing Topcoat.

It really does stay on all day! This color is great for me and looks very natural. I load the applicator, but then wipe the excess off against the rim. If you apply too much it does flake later in the day. Then I apply the topcoat. I have tried many of the other “all-day” lipsticks, many expensive lipsticks, over the years. This one is by far the best for me. About half the time I will apply it once again after lunch, if I am work.

I get it at Walgreen’s. (2.3 ml and the set is $9.99 but fairly often you can get 2 for price of one at Walgreen’s and then I stock up) But note: you are not allowed to go to the two Walgreen’s I frequent—on Georgia in Amarillo, Texas or on Tatum and Shea in Phoenix Arizona—and buy it all up! Use your own Walgreen’s, or another drug store or the grocery store. I don’t go to those places.

4. Then I curl my eyelashes before I apply mascara. If you curl them after, like you are often told to, you get more lash breakage. But I heat the eyelash curler and it curls the lashes just like a hair curling iron. I use a Shu Emura eyelash curler heated with a hair dryer on hot but tested for temperature on my wrist just like a baby’s bottle. It makes the curl last all day. You do have to be careful because the metal heats up quickly, and if you apply it too close to the skin you could burn yourself.

My lawyer wants me to remind you not to heat it up like a hot poker and stab yourself in the eye and then blame me. He says you should do this at your own risk.

But it works.

Shu Emura really is the best eyelash curler, I order mine online from Sephora.com ($16.00).

5.Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Classic Volume Brush #100 Blackest Black. I use the straight brushes, I don’t like the curved ones, and don’t need them because my eyelashes are already curled. Sometimes I will splurge on Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express (sic, weird name, I wouldn’t have chosen it) straight (non-curved brush). Occasionally I will use the waterproof if needed, like for graduations, funerals or swimming, but for daily I use the non-waterproof. The waterproof ones do dry the lashes a little more.

You really don’t need expensive mascara. If you want to pay $40 for a tube, go ahead, but it is not any better than Maybelline. Really.

I buy mine at Walgreen’s ($5.49)

6. Recently I got a little carried away with eyebrow tweezing. I know, I am always going on about my pet peeve, tweezing too much. Guilty as charged. So when I do, I use Smashbox Brow Tech - Taupe/Soft Brown eyebrow powder and apply it with Smashbox Angle Brow Brush #12.

I order it online from Sephora, and for confidentiality it comes in a plain brown wrapper ;)

Smashbox Brow Tech ($34.00), Smashbox Angle Brow Brush 12 ($20.00)

7. For special occasions I apply our Mineral Glow in Blushing Shimmer for a subtle glow. .32 oz ($32.99)

So that is it. I timed myself this morning and it takes me 3 minutes, start to finish. Quick, reasonably priced, reliable, products easily obtainable, and lasts all day. Mission accomplished. Natural, polished and beautiful every day.