This foxy chick is my friend Lindsay Sue Johnson, formerly of Minneapolis and now a resident of New York City. We had a French class together way, way back in the day and became friendly after I expressed my envy of her Marc by Marc Jacobs pear necklace. I got to stay with her when I visited the city a few years ago and was overwhelmed by how pretty she was naturally; just give the girl a pop of blush and she’s gorgeous. She let me in on her secrets.

When did you start wearing makeup?
I started wearing makeup when I was young for dance recitals. Maybe around the age of 3? In terms of wearing makeup on a daily basis, I started around the 7th grade.

 Who taught you/what products did you use?
I taught myself how to put makeup on. When I first started wearing makeup, I primarily used drugstore brands. I remember in the 7th grade, every girl wore CoverGirl powder. Around 8th grade I got really into this AOL message board called “Makeup Advice for Teens.” It was basically a message board for girls to post product reviews and what makeup they wore each day. I learned a lot of tips and tricks from those girls. It was then I started using department store brands. I used to save up babysitting money to go to Nordstrom or Sephora to buy brands like Urban Decay, MAC and NARS.

What is your greatest beauty strength?
My greatest beauty strength is probably my hair because I don’t do anything to it. I literally wash it at night and let it dry as I sleep. I think another strength of mine is my determination to go to the gym 5 days a week. I think staying healthy and eating proper meals are key in terms of beauty. Also, I drink a lot of water. I get crabby if I feel dehydrated, so I’m constantly downing water. 

What is your daily beauty routine? In the morning I prep my face with Clean&Clear face lotion and Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector SPF. I then dot Lorac’s concealer under my eyes and over any trouble-spots. I lightly dust my entire face with MAC Studio Fix. If I wear eye shadow, I typically wear Urban Decay. I then coat my lashes with Maybelline mascara. My cheeks get a dusting of bronzer (NARS) or blush (MAC). I darken my eyebrows a bit with Lorac’s eyebrow palette. I usually wear Nivea’s lip balm under lipstick/gloss. For lipstick, I’m currently obsessed with Tom Ford. For gloss, I love NARS. Before I leave the house I spritz on some Miss Dior Cherie. At night, I wash my face with Clean&Clear and my Clairsonic brush. I wear Sheseido’s Bio-Performance cream and sometimes use their eye cream if I remember to. I wash my hair with Head and Shoulders shampoo and condition with Garnier Fructise. Once or twice a month I make a hair mask with avocado and olive oil. It hydrates my hair and makes it super shiny. I almost always have my nails painted. I have a weird obsession with getting my nails done. My go-to polishes are from brands like Deborah Lippmann, Essie and OPI. 

What are your favorite products? What can’t you live without? I don’t think I could live without Lorac’s concealer that comes in a pot. I heard they are discontinuing it and I’m super bummed! I also love Sheseido’s Bio-Performance cream. It makes my skin feel so soft and supple.

Who are your beauty icons?
I love MKA’s ability to rock deep, rich lip color and a prominent brow. Also, if I were blonde, I’d want to be Ashley Olsen blonde. I also love Daria Werbowy’s look; sunkissed and fresh-faced. Kate Moss, Jane Birkin, Brooke Shields in Blue Lagoon.

What’s a beauty trend you’d like to see disappear forever? Bleached hair/eyebrows on non-blondes.