When it comes to fashion, I am neither on the edge of haute couture, nor am I a second-hand queen. I fall somewhere in the middle with my classic and simply sophisticated style. Most often I can be seen wearing my favorite pair of jeans, a t-shirt from Old Navy and an off-brand cardi I got from the local thrift store for a dollar. And of course my oh-so-comfortable Sperry Topsiders. In cool weather I will not be caught without one of my pashminas; usually a luxurious black linen...smooth warmth and uber-stylish.

However, my clothing style would simply be a veneer if I simply worried about my clothing. To me, beauty and style must come from within, or at least start with the skin. 

Every day for my cleansing routine I start out with a refreshing Tea Tree oil face wash from The Body Shop that gently washes away oil and dirt without drying out my skin. I use a lavender-infused witch hazel toner to take away any remaining impurities and to prep my skin for the wonderful Aveeno moisturizer that I think everyone should use. 

As for makeup, I no longer use foundation and concealer; a good facial regimen negates that need. The only foundation-type product I use the All In One Face Base, also from The Body Shop. It evens my skintone and mattes any shine on my face, and the compact is easy to carry around for mid-day touch-ups! 

Keeping with simplicity, I line my eyes with a brown pencil and then lightly brush over with a dark color; usually navy blue or dark green to soften the line and get a look that is appropriate for all day. A beige or pink-based light shadow plus some shimmer goes on over my lid and brow bone, followed by L'Oreal's Telescopic mascara; the best mascara $9 can buy, in my opinion. 

Finally, it is always wonderful to be followed around by a gently wafting scent all day, so I use The Body Shop's Moroccan Rose eau de toilette to tantalize both my nostrils and those of passersby with the lightly sweet scent of roses throughout the day.