Neutrals, Plaid and Pink: The Preppy Beauty Look of My Dreams

For me, the preppy look possesses a few key elements: even skin, a glowing pink flush, a light wash of rosy eyeshadow, full and feathery brows and, of course, the aforementioned glossy baby pink pout; I’ve found some beautiful options in the drugstore, prestige and luxury categories–all from Walmart–that create this look in mere minutes.

Balanced skin with a touch of bronze. Getting a softly flushed cheek is apropos for the preppy look…it’s polished without being overdone.  

Max Factor Pan Stik 60 Deep Olive

I started my look by applying a bit of this iconic foundation in the center of my face to even everything out. Concentrated and creamy, a little goes a long way to create fresh canvas.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow 26 Sun Beige

 I used the included sponge applicator to press this glowing finishing powder (the ratings on this are stellar!) all over my face to further even my canvas. It creates a seamless base that doesn’t look the slightest bit powdery.

Jecca Blac Sculpt & Soften Palette Medium

For touch of dimension, I lightly blended this creamy contour duo into the hollows of my cheeks and perimeters of my face and used the lighter side as an under eye concealer. I am very impressed with the lightweight and crease-free coverage of this pairing.

Laura Gellar Montauk Escape Face Palette

 Featuring a bronzer, blush and four neutral shades, this palette is excellent for creating a refined face in seconds. I used the powder bronzer along my cheek bones and focused blush application on the apples of my cheeks.

Rimmel Jelly Blush in Peach Punch

For subtle impact, I dotted a modicum of this glowy cream on my cheeks…this bouncy blush imparts a lit-from-within look that is ethereally pretty.

Swatches of base and face in direct sunlight.

 

Rosy eyes with a nude glimmer are complimented by an array of pure pink lip options. It has varying finishes and levels of depth, collectively contributing to my perfect preppy beauty world.

L’Oreal Color Riche Pocket Palette in 102 Avenue des Roses

 This quad features pale rose, rosy taupe, shimmering cool pink and rich brown shadows in a diminutive palette. I applied all four tones for the prettiest take on a pink eye I’ve encountered in a long time. 

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow 997 Eternal Sunshine

 I tapped a touch of this gilded hue up to my brown bones for additional illuminating. It applies smoothly and doesn’t budge.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Instead of using this for a traditional cat eye (which, in my experience, isn’t the slightest bit preppy), I used the fine tip of this indelible liner to tight line my upper lash line for a nearly invisible effect that yields significant impact.

Maybelline NY Brow Fast Sculpt 260 Deep Brown

 I swept this through my brows for a voluminous effect that rivals some of the more expensive brow gel formulas I’ve purchased.

L’Oreal Air Volume Mega Mascara

Two coats create fluffy and full lashes that look lush yet natural. 

Wet n Wild Gel Lip Liner in 6590 Doll in Love Again

 I applied this peachy pink liner (actually, a very rare color for lip liner in my experience) all over my lip line as a base and love its smooth application and lasting finish.

Jane Iredale Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain in Forever Pink

 For moments when a sheer wash of natural pink is called for, this translucent gem is a must! I love that it can also be blended onto the cheeks for a coordinated flush. 

Maybelline Lifter Gloss 001 Pearl and 006 Reef

I have been reading so may good things about this new gloss and can confirm that it’s every bit as resplendent as reported. Packed with hyaluronic acid and illuminating color, Pearl is an cool icy white and Reef is an opaque peachy pink that looks delectable on its own or over nude liner.

Guerlain Shine Automatique 202 Mi-Mai

Luxuriously hydrating with a neutral pinky nude wash of color, this lipstick will flatter a spectrum of skin tones in a single swipe.

Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Beaming Strawberry

Worn throughout this post, this buttery rich light pink lipstick offers immense color payoff and otherworldly shine. I now want to pick up more shades and this formula is beyond. 

O.P.I. Natural Nail Base Coat

 For moments when I just want a clear coat (which never goes out of style, by the way), this base is brilliant. My nails feel stronger and protected and the glassy shine is simply gorgeous

O.P.I. Infinite Shine 2 Fall-ing for Milan

 This frosty taupe nude feels so right for the autumnal season and, while not distinctly preppy, has a classic appeal in its own way.