10 Ways to Look More Polished

Since we are already on the subject of looking professional, especially at work, I found an old article from InStyle magazine that I saved and thought I'd share it with you all! I've added and changed a few things from the original article but I hope you enjoy.



Manage your Mani/Pedi

Whether it's from the constant tapping on keyboards, your blackberry or gardening. Having chipped, dirty nails is a sure fire way to look lazy. Mani/Pedi's can cost anywhere from $15 and up. If you choose to color your nails, bring your own nail polish. It's a lot more sanitary! While  most salon's don't charge for nail polish, a French manicures will usually cost you a few more bucks.. If you can't afford to splurge on Mani/Pedi's in salons, have a girls night and paint each others nails! Pedicures....optional.

Don't Forget your Signature Scent


Smell is the strongest sense associated with a memory. I think everyone will agree. Every time I smell Tres Flores and shoe polish I think of my papa immediately. It takes me back to childhood. So while you're out there making yourself unforgettable to others, (in a good way, I hope!) why not wear your signature perfume?!

Skip the Scrunchie


The next time you pull your hair into a pony tail, instead of reaching for the same hair tie or scrunchie, why not use a beautiful faux tortoise barrette and channel some Jackie Kennedy? Remember to keep it classic and simple. What's that? You say you have a niece that just joined the Cheerleading squad? Perfect. Give your scrunchie's to her.

Lose the Shine


When makeup artists use the word "polished" they don't mean oily. They mean a clean, finished look that is neither dewy or too powdered. If there's one makeup product to splurge on, it's your foundation. M.A.C, NARS, Makeup Forever and many other brands have wonderful choices for all skin types. Don't hesitate to ask any makeup artist, they should be able to help you. If you have oily skin like I do. Use a primer before applying foundation, "set" your foundation with a good powder and carry oil-absorbing sheets to help soak up any oil throughout the day. Don't have any oil-absorbing sheets? Use the toilet seat sanitary covers, they work just as well!

Practice your Posture

You don't need to be erect and stiff to be taken seriously. In fact, I think if you walk around like that, you look silly. The goal is to be poised and natural. Try standing with your feet 4 to 6 inches apart, then imagine a balloon tied to the top of your head pulling everything up. A good way to limber up those back muscles in to lay on the floor and make a "snow angel" motion with your hands. I am so guilty of bad posture! So don't feel like your the only one.

Find Your Beauty Routine


Find a good go-to eye and lip combo. You want colors that are pretty, modern and that compliment your features. Try to stay away from anything too trendy. Save that for the club!  A great way to shave off a few minutes in your daily routine is to find makeup products that do double-duty. I personally love, love, love Benefits cosmetics! They have lip/cheek stains that look beautiful and they come in a travel-size so you can throw them in your purse and touch-up your face throughout the day!

Plan Ahead


Everyone nowadays is busy, but don't make that an excuse for grown-out roots, split-ends and unruly brows. Put a little money aside and schedule an appointment once a month for professional services. This helps you get organized, nab the most convenient times for you and avoid those days your favorite stylist goes on vacation.  Get your hair waxed, colored and cut and you'll not only look more put together but you'll feel better! When you feel good, you look good!

Travel-size


Your daily routine can wreck havoc on your hair. The commute to work or school, rain, sun, wind, humidity or that freak dust storm (we seem to having lots of those in Phoenix!) can ruin anyone's hairdo. Keep travel-sized hair tools and products with you for quick touch-ups. Now I'm not saying you should carry around a blow-dryer in your purse, unless you want to, but if you have a desk or locker at work/school why not keep an extra one in there?

Wake Up In Time To Get Ready


Now... I am the worst at waking up in the morning. Unless it's something I really can't wait for, I'm a total grump. In a perfect world, we'd all be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the start of the day but alas, we're not. To help with the early mornings, try to wake up with positive thoughts. Take a cue from the Dalai Lama, who reflects for a few minutes, on all the positive things he is blessed with. Don't hit the snooze button either. Take time in the morning hours to read, eat a delicious breakfast, excercise, drink a cup a freshly brewed coffee. When you think about it, rising early is more beneficial!

COLORS


Admit it, not everyone can pull off certain colors. Or maybe you've already found that color that others complement you on but don't want to wear it. Whether it be your skin-tone, features, hair color, eye color etc...there are colors that will complement you and make you look even more fabulous! After high school I was really into Metal and wore black...all the time. I hated bright colors. Eventually I grew out of that and started experimenting with different colors. I found that people loved when I wore red and blue, it looked good on me! Now my boyfriend thinks the colors I pick are too bright! The point is, if you're not quite comfortable wearing color yet, try a just a pop of color! A purse, your shoes, a funky eye shadow or bright lipstick. Just remember you want it to complement you. Be fearless! As Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy says, "Don't be afraid of color, Lord knows I'm not!"