Hooray! I love getting sunscreen questions because, well, I love sunscreen. It’s a huge, huge part in anti-aging and in generally looking gorgeous and amazing five, ten, fifteen years into the future (he’s the worst example ever, but I found out actor-slash-manboy Paul Rudd uses SPF every day. I’m convinced that’s why he hasn’t aged a nanosecond since his Clueless days). Anyway! I never understand when people don’t want to wear it because there really is a sunscreen for every skin type. Here are some of my favorites….

• Boscia: Just received a sample of this. Feels sheer and light on the face, formulated with no preservatives. 
• Murad: A good, basic, daily SPF. 
• Olay: I love that it’s SPF 50. Great for drier skin. I love this entire line with an undying passion, I’ve been using it for, like, a decade. 
• L’Oreal Paris: For those with sensitive skin. 
• Clarins: Super sheer, layers well under makeup. A good drugstore dupe for this is Neutrogena… I know several makeup artists who use this as a primer.

Some sunscreen reminders: remember to wear it every day, even cloudy ones (clouds only provide SPF 4, from what I remember). And apply it to the backs of your hands and neck always. I often suggest people opt for a less pricey sunscreen in favor of one they’ll use more generously. Slather it on—you’ll be glad you did! 

Okay, kindly allow me to amend your statement to: “I will not wear short-shorts ever.” That is simply not an option in the workplace (at home, on the weekends, after hours: wear all the short-shorts you want. At work, mais non!). Other no-no’s: anything too bosomy (I love the old-lady-ness of that word), bandage dresses, Uggs, flip-flops.  Honestly, most workplaces are so air-conditioned that it’s not totally unrealistic for you to be wearing your fall or spring clothing in the office even on a 90 degree day. The first key to cute summer office style is layering: Little jackets (even a moto jacket!) or sweaters to throw on over sleeveless tops paired with skirts (pencil or full are my silhouettes of choice for summer). The second key? Easy dresses, especially shirt-dresses. I recently got a black and white gingham dress from this site that I’m looking forward to wearing if it ever gets warmer, sigh. 

Ha—you’re not alone! I too feel lost when confronted with the numerous choices sent to me on a daily basis. But in fact, that wealth of choice has helped me figure out what my perfect daily routine consists of. Here are a few of my must-haves for a light, fresh face: 

• tinted moisturizer or BB Cream (let’s all be honest—BB Cream is basically a fancy name for a juiced up tinted moisturizer): CK One, Boscia, Nars are my favorites. 
• mascara: I prefer a long but natural look and Eyeko, Covergirl, and Benefit are my #1 choices!
• lipstain: I actually swipe on a few layers of Tarte (Amused if you’re into brighter pinks, Charmed if you want a softer look) before I put on the rest of my makeup. When I’m done with my makeup, I blot off the excess. My new obsession is also this product from L’Oreal. It begins with a glossy finish but leaves a stain that lasts all day. 
• a touch of something on cheeks to bring dimension and life to the face. To be honest, when I was your age I didn’t wear blush because my cheeks were naturally rosy and full of youth and promise (sigh). Now that I’m in my—eep—30s, I wear blush because I need to. If I were your age, I’d probably just put a touch of illuminator on the cheekbones. This one from Nyx is great, if you don’t want to splurge on Nars. 
• powder: a touch—the teensiest dusting—of it on the t-zone just to prevent shine, if you’re prone to it. I use Make Up For Ever since a little goes a long, long way and it lasts all day. 

And that’s it! I know makeup can feel intimidating but really, it’s all about fun and experimentation! Go out there and enjoy yourself, you’ll get the hang of it.