I’m as basic as it gets when it comes to hair and makeup. It’s mostly because I’m always on the move and most often running late. Plus, I’m a big fan of the non-makeup makeup look. Also, who has the time to stop by every makeup counter in a department store to test a full face worth of makeup? It’s exhausting. So “tousle, swipe and go” has pretty much the extent of my beauty mantra for as long as I can remember and I’ve happily stuck to the same few beauty products over the years. But with the recent launch of Target’s Beauty Concierge program, I thought it was about time I update my regime. What is a Beauty Concierge you ask? It’s an in-store expert who is on hand to advise on all things beauty related. Just think of them as your beauty bestie so ask, ask, ask away. Like, should I be using gel blush or creme blush? What’s the darkest, easiest to apply liquid liner out there? Should I be using a makeup sponge? Sometimes I need just a tad more coverage than tinted moisturizer, what should I get? Here is what I learned . . . 

Let’s start with the hair. Thanks to my friend and hair stylist, Nichole Kreps at Barrow Salon, I’ve got a few styling tricks up my sleeve. Like when adding waves to your hair, grab one small section a a time, wrap it around the open barrel of a curling iron (front to back) and leave about 1/2″ of the end of the hair out, pulling that section taut. Hold for a few seconds, release and give the hair a light tug to release and ease the curl. Easy peasy. But since I often subject my hair to heat, Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day was suggested as a way to not only protect my hair from heat damage but also to prepare my hair for styling right out of the shower – especially I tend to air dry my hair. After curling, tousle and spray with L’Oreal’s Elnett, which provides strong but flexible hold all day long.

I love these gold bobby pins from Goody – a great way to hold back your hair while applying makeup or to keep them swept aside if you’re growing out your bangs!

And now . . . makeup.

Sometimes I need a bit more coverage than the tinted moisturizer I normally use. Target’s Beauty Concierge recommended Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth. Not only does it come in lots of shades, it’s oil free, lightweight and has buildable coverage. Apply with a dampened makeup sponge and pat into the skin.

Liquid eyeliner is my jam but I’m always looking for new ones to try. I prefer felt tipped liners with a high pigment that lasts, especially since I have more oil prone eyelids. I love Maybelline’s Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner, which was one of several recommended to me. I bought 2 – one to keep in my bag for that on-the-go application!

Add cheek stain (Pixi Cheek Gel for that long lasting flushed look), lip balm (Baby Lips, all the way), a swipe of mascara and I’m out the door. For less than $100.

(Photography by Ashley Batz. Hair tips by Nichole Kreps of Barrow Salon. This post was sponsored by Target Style. All opinions are my own)