We Want to Know: Beauty

This week's focus is on beauty. I wish I had better answers, but I'm not exactly a beauty junkie. I love clothes and makeup and all that, but only if I can buy it for practically nothing. (Like the SUPER cute jacket I got yesterday for $9!)

1. What is your "can't go without it" beauty product/cosmetic?

If I oversleep and need to run out the door in two minutes or am just feeling lazy, I usually smudge on some concealer and mascara.

2. Do you apply make-up before or after doing your hair?

I guess before, but I don't really do my hair. Seriously, I don't even brush it because that makes it poofy. I go to bed with it wet, run some product over it in the morning, and I'm done.

3. How would you describe your personal style?

Lazy/busy mom chic? Even though I work in a somewhat high up office in state government, we have a casual dress code. I'm always in jeans (or my new chorduroys) and flats. On top, it's usually a cardi or some sort of embellished tee and maybe some jewelry to fancy it up a bit. I love clothes, but I love comfort more.

4. How long goes it take you to get ready each day?

I always shower at night because I get up at 6 (or 6:20) and need to be out the door by 6:45. In that time, I dress myself and Logan, put on my makeup, brush three sets of teeth, make sure Logan has his lunch and backpack, get everyone's coats on, and pile all my clowns into our little car. So, I don't know, maybe 10 minutes of that might be spent making myself up. I have it down to a science: concealer, eyeshadow, eyelash curler, mascara, eyebrow pencil, blush, and done. It sounds like a lot but I don't really do anything fancy for work, so I can get through it pretty fast.

5. What is your one pamper, just for you, beauty splurge?

I really don't splurge on beauty products. I never spend more than $8-10 on makeup (hello Covergirl and Maybelline) and rarely even that much because I just wait for sales. I use Pantene Brunette Expressions shampoo and conditioner - usually around $5 each. I've tried more expensive hair products but they always suck and then I'm mad about having wasted the money on them. I DO use Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm - it was about $16 - but I guess it can't really be considered a splurge since it's lasted me over a year. I don't get manis or pedis. I dye my own hair with Revlon Colorsilk in Medium Auburn - around $3 on sale. Again, I've tried pretty much every brand but nothing else has made my hair as shiny, soft and vibrant as colorsilk. I read some survey in a beauty magazine that named it the #1 home coloring product, so apparently I'm not the only one who knows how awesome it is. Also, I get my hair cut at our local SuperCuts every 4-6 months or so. Right after Viv was born, I was in need of a cut and seriously low on cash, so I went there out of desperation. My stylist was amazing and the cut she gave me was at least equal to if not better than my previous cut from a fancy spa and salon that nearly bankrupted me. I think I only spent $30 at SuperCuts. Needless to say, I've never gone to anyone else since.

I'm probably making myself sound like a hot mess, which may sometimes be true, but I'm generally pretty pulled together. I bathe and shave regularly and never leave the house in pajamas (anymore). I might not be super stylish or trendy, and I certainly don't spend a lot of money on clothes or cosmetics, but I think I look pretty good and my husband has no complaints. In the end, as long as you feel confident - which I do most days - that's all that matters.

This week's questions were fun! Check out Mamarazzi, Crazymama, and Alicia aka Queso to link up your own answers!