SOJO2

I am a self-proclaimed medium maintenance woman. A Street-heart. Low key geek chic. A tomboy at heart who enjoys cleaning up nice. This is me. And I know there are others like me (or I, like them).

I used to think maintaining myself strictly in regards to healthy hair and clear skin was enough. Products overwhelm me. I made an attempt once to purchase make up and dropped 200 dollars at Sephora at the tender and unknowing age of 19… only to never be able to fully achieve the look the make-up artist gave me that day in his chair. Needless to say, I scrapped the idea of ever trying make-up again for years.

I keep it minimal. Half by choice, the other half by default. I don’t have a knack for applying makeup. I’m not really into powders or concealers. I always thought mascara sufficed for my eyes and a bit of sheer gloss for my lips. However, as I got older, between my career and having a demanding social life (for the sake of business) as well as a personal life, I did begin to realize that my face photographed “worn” at times. Often I feel like the mirror is that friend who doesn’t have the heart to tell you that you don’t look as good as you think you do. I feel as though it lies to me since I’m always content with my appearance when I look into it. The camera, however, is my home girl who keeps it 100 percent. Unfiltered photos are the truth. The harsh truth, but the truth nonetheless. Finally last year, I got into the habit of placing this awesome Mary Kay concealer on my face (which also acts as a tint) and I love it. Sometimes, when I want to spruce it up, I also apply a bit of blush. I do lipstick on occasion as well. Overall, my idea “evening” look includes my tinted concealer, a bit of bronzer and/or blush, mascara, and a slick pout.

However, I still have not gotten into the idea of the “everyday look”, which is of course, applying makeup daily in order to achieve the natural look. I admire the women who can do this. Their patience surely does have its rewards as seen in their beautiful end results. Perhaps one day this can be me or perhaps in no way is this ever meant to be me. If you can relate to the above and just want to learn how to better maximize your bare minimal, here are the few things I incorporate into my daily routine that help me to achieve a look that is at least half way decent, yet all the way natural.

1. Vitamin E Pills for Hair, Nails, and Skin. (400 IU) — take twice a day with meals.
2. Water. (64 oz.) — I hardly drink that much. I am trying!
3. St. Ives Naturally Clear Blemish and Blackhead Control (2 x’s a day)
4. Nivea Cream (1 oz.) — use right after you wash your face in order to avoid it drying out.
5. Satin Bonnet — To ensure manageable hair in the morning
6. Vaseline for lips” (Use As Needed) — Which is often for me!
(I also use Vaseline at times to save me in between my eyebrow appointments. I call it eyebrow gloss and it helps make my arch higher while smoothing down the unruly extra hairs).

In the meantime, this is me everyday. But I will say this, for most social settings, I am quick to carry at least: my trusty mascara, my lip gloss and my Vaseline. I find myself using those tools most times when I step out.

What are some of your tools for achieving an effortless look? Do tell!

SOJO

Image Credit: The Queen Of Medium Maintenance, Tracee Ellis Ross