polished . . . michelle simpson

Finding our October Polished girl was perfectly simple (and fun!) . . . we turned to our beautiful friend (and former Modern Ink market editor) Michelle Simpson.

Tell us about the first makeup product you remember purchasing.

Aquanet hairspray.  I wasn’t allowed to wear make-up, but I could contribute to killing the ozone layer. I grew up in the 80s . . . what can I say?

What has been your favorite beauty trend?

Skinny jeans.  I can dress them up or down and most people can wear them as long as they have the right top for their body type.

Boho Chic.  I just love long beach-y hair, very little make-up, and clothes that just flow with your body.  It looks so effortless and sexy, yet I can never pull this look off no matter how hard I try. I’m just too complicated.

And . . . what has been your least favorite beauty trend?

Crimped hair. I don’t care if you’re a super model, NO ONE can sport it.  It makes me cringe whenever I see it.

Heroin Chic. Drugged-looking, emaciated women sporting dark circles–need I say more? The media has an enormous influence on us. Depicting and glamorizing women in this light was, and will always be, extremely harmful.

What has been your biggest beauty mishap?

Cutting my hair into a bob–I looked like a mushroom head.  My hair is super-curly and it always puffed out, no matter what I did and how many products I put in to tame it.  It was horrible.

Who do you consider to be your beauty icons?

Anna Dello Russo. She’s known for wearing clothes straight off the runway no matter how daring it is. She is an inspiration and really knows how to work different patterns and textures into an outfit. Her outrageous sense of style and designs are exceptional, making her outfits look like a piece of art.  I really appreciate and respect when a person takes risks and doesn’t care what others think.

Edith Hay was a cinematic stylist and worked on over 1,100 films. Her work was epic and she’s dressed the best. Pure icon.

What is the best beauty advice anyone has ever given you, and who gave it to you?

My aunt taught me how to pluck my eyebrows when I was 16. She opened my eyes to a new world. Being Hispanic, I should have started plucking at birth. She’s a genius.

A friend told me to wash my face with microfiber cloths. You just use water, no soap, and it takes off your make-up and waterproof mascara. It’s so easy and doesn’t dry out my skin.

Always wear sunscreen.  The last time I went “tanning” was when I was 22.  I’m not against spray tan by any means, but I’m a big believer in protecting my skin. Preserve, preserve, preserve.

What are your five beauty must-haves?

-I am shoe obsessed, but if I had to chose one it would be black four-inch stilettos.

-Moroccan oil for my hair.  I’ve been using this since I was 13.  Keeps my hair shiny, healthy, and thick.

-Poppy by Royal Apothic. This scent calms me for some reason.

-Layers.  I layer absolutely EVERYTHING!

Tell us what’s in your makeup bag.

My make-up bag changes as often as my outfits.  This is what I use to give myself a {natural} look. Today I have:

Physicians Formula Peachy Glow organic bronzer

Paint Pots by MAC

Studio Finish Concealer by MAC

Living Doll blush by Hard Candy

Voluminous Million Lashes mascara by L’oreal

Studio Fix powder by MAC

Waterproof Flashy eyeliner by Sephora

Almay liquid liner

Make-up brushes by MAC sizes, 153, 224 & 116