Back to the makeup basics

After what seems to be the longest holiday break in history (and my son doesn’t even go back to school until TOMORROW), I have a major case of beauty burnout. Between more out-of-town visitors and get-togethers than I can even remember without looking back at my iCal, I need a break. I haven’t blow-dried my hair or put on a full face of makeup this much since, well, last holiday break. (December is like awards season for Floridians.)

So, I’ve made a vow to keep my personal maintenance to a minimum for a while, but that definitely doesn’t mean I’ll be eschewing the makeup altogether. It means I’m paring down, and keeping things simple by using concealer just where I need it, no-tools-necessary sticks for a subtle pop of color on my cheeks and eyes, a light swipe of mascara and a tinted lip balm. Fortunately for me, I received Juice Beauty’s Phyto-Pigments Luminous Lip Crayon in “Montara” a few weeks ago, and the timing couldn’t have been better.

This chubby pencil looks super-pigmented, but alas, it’s not. Instead you get a slight berry stain and not-too-glossy sheen in a super-moisturizing formula. (It can be layered for more color payoff.) Featuring plant-derived pigments, fruit stem cells for skincare benefits, cold-pressed oils for nourishment and hydration, and a base of organic botanicals (instead of petroleum and the like), it’s also a “clean” way to go. If you feel like you need a beauty break too, it’s just what the doctor (or makeup artist) ordered to get back to business for the new year.