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It doesn’t take much to look polished and put together but it does take intentionality. There are certain details that may seem inconsequential, but make a world of difference in your final look and overall appearance.

Consider these 6 categories and remember, it’s all in the details.

Makeup

I focus my time and energy on skincare over makeup. When it comes to makeup, the more natural the better, in my opinion. Makeup should be used to enhance your features. I feel strongly that a fresher, lighter look translates to a more vibrant appearance. Even if you have less than perfect skin (what’s “perfect” anyway?) trying to cover with more and more makeup is not ideal. Promise.

Makeup cues:

• There is nothing worse than your skin and makeup looking shades different. If you wear foundation, CC cream or tinted moisturizer, you’ll want to ensure you’re properly shade matched. You can go into your local department store to get shade matched. It will absolutely be worth the trip. If you already have a product that is shade matched to you and you’re looking to try a new product, you can utilize Sephora’s online “Find My Shade” tool This is super helpful. Ulta has one too.
• If you’re seeking to make an impact, go for it! But go bold with one component, meaning you don’t want to do a smokey eye and red lip.

Clothing

Create an index of go-to outfits that you can easily resort to. For me, when I’m not working, I’m typically at the ball field watching my boys during their sports activities, running errands, or lounging at home. So I opt for tshirt and jeans, solid lounge sets or Athleisure wear. When I have brunch plans or a date night out with my husband, I select dressy shorts or pants and a flowy blouse. I also love a dress. This is what I gravitate to; the key is to find what works best for you. I love Cuyana’s philosophy of fewer, better. This means invest in quality “go-to” pieces that you can wear over and over again and just opt for fewer items. This lends to a less packed closet and greater ease when deciding what to wear.

Two key clothing tips:

• Make sure your clothes are pressed or steamed- wrinkles can instantly cheapen your look and it’s such an easy remedy. I purchased this steamer and have been happy with it after countless uses. I like it because it’s no fuss and portable- I originally purchased this for travel. Now I use it regularly at home as well.
• Always “fluff” your clothes as you would fluff pillows and throw blankets prior to guests arriving to your home. After getting dressed, front tuck your top, roll your sleeves, sturdy your collar, cuff your jeans. It’s like the finishing touch.

Nails

Whether or not you prioritize getting your nails done at the salon or you do them yourself,

Keep these two key pointers in mind:

• If you wear polish, make sure it’s never chipped.
• Ensure your nails are always neatly filed and clean.

I personally prefer a muted neutral color. Funny Bunny by OPI is my go-to color-I get asked about it all the time!

Hair

This is probably the area in which I struggle the most because I have naturally curly, thick hair, and a lot of it. So keeping it contained can be challenging. I’ve found that a sleek hairstyle works best for me.

These specific pointers which will work with any hair type:

• Whether it’s tucked behind your ears, in a pony or somewhere in between, you’ll want to keep your hair out of your face. I have some great -and most importantly, easy-to-achieve- hairstyles- saved on my Polished Hair Styles pinterest board. You’ll be amazed at how these styles come together in a matter of minutes and most definitely make you look put together.
• I keep this finishing stick in my makeup bag. I love it because it’s non-greasy, the size of a mascara wand, and works great to tame those pesky baby hairs at the hairline. I have so many- it’s a problem! This works well fortunately. I also came across this styling tamer which is extremely effective; I apply with a toothbrush

Jewelry

I always opt for gold. It is classic and works for all skin tones.

You really only need a few key peices:

• Watch-go for a gold or leather strapped option.
• A classic stud such as a diamond/cz or pearl is always classic and clean looking. When you’re looking to switch up your earring, you can’t go wrong with hoops- a small or medium sized hoop is super versatile.
• A bangle or dainty necklace will finish off the look.

Your Presence

Appearance aside, the way we compose ourselves speaks volumes. I could dedicate an entire blog post to this topic alone, but I’ll keep it brief and share a few tips.

Consider these starting points:

• Keep your posture in mind. I regularly remind myself to roll my shoulders back and look up.
• Be kind and respectful to everyone you encounter.
• Aim to be inclusive in all interactions.
• Seek to make others feel comfortable; a warm and genuine smile is one of the easiest ways to do this.
• I love recommending books I have enjoyed. This book gives great insight into the way we communicate, interact and connect with others. The author provides great takeaways as it relates to behavioral tools (posture, cues, tone of voice, et cetera). I’d love to hear from you if you read this!

To conclude, you will be able to achieve a polished and put together look and presence by putting the aforementioned tips into practice.

I so appreciate you reading this post and I’m grateful for your support of The Empties Archive.

Be sure to pass this along to a friend!

xo,

Alexandria