Back To School Beauty Basics

As you go back to school––thinking of equations more than eye shadows––your daily beauty routine should be streamlined and affordable.

1. If your skin is together, going barefaced some days isn’t an issue–– it’s a break! To look natural go natural. It all begins with skin care. Stress and overload can make its way onto your face. Breakouts are common and easily avoidable. Cleansing your skin with Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser treats breakouts without harsh Benzoyl Peroxide. Murad also addresses redness and irritation and helps heal.

2. Mineral foundations are still on the rise and companies are beginning to master the art of perfecting richer skin tones in their color lineup. Mineral no longer means ashy or ruddy for warmer skin tones. I love, love, love Black Opals Mineral Brilliance Powder Foundation. Fragrance and talc free, hypoallergenic, and light diffusing, it’s like being lit by candlelight at all times.

For the best quick and non-committal day-to-day look, a few soft complimentary neutrals are the way to go. Colors that compliment your skin tone and allow its richness to show through are key. Think warm browns and bronze shadows, rich berry stains, and mocha glosses.

3. To go with a trendy color, here’s a celebrity makeup artist’s secret. Sometimes, it’s just Wet ‘N Wild, the drugstore staple known for its fruit colored shadows and rainbow spectrum of polishes. Occasionally my clients will want to try out a daring shade, so they grab Wet ‘N Wild. When they discover the amazing pigment and texture, they keep using it! You don’t always have to pay to play.

4. For back to school hair that’s easy to manage, choose a cut and color you can maintain easily. For quick, salon-free touch-ups, a flat iron is a must. True, the best ones can be a bit pricey, but going flat iron in place of one hair appointment makes it pay for itself! With a Solano flatiron, the heat goes to 450 degrees to smooth even the most stubborn frizz. If smooth isn’t your thing, keep your braids or locks looking fresh and healthy in-between salon visits with shine spray. This brings luster back to your hair and mimics a healthy glow.

With a nice clutch to throw your basics into, along with these tips and tricks, you’re ready to take a smart, affordable approach to beauty back to school.

TASHA REIKO BROWN

You've seen Tasha's work on the leading lights of Hollywood. She’s created eye popping editorial beauty for Vanity Fair, Elle and Flaunt; runway magic for top designers Badgley Mischka and Richard Tyler; and radiant faces for the Oscars, Golden Globes and countless red carpet events.

Find Tasha on the Web @ www.TashaReikoBrown.com.