Preppy Beauty: Less is More

CK Bradley, shown here on a magazine cover, epitomizes preppy beauty

Preppy beauty is always natural and minimal. Overly done hair and makeup are considered cheesy by Preps.

Skin
The lynchpin of Preppy beauty is healthy, glowing skin. The Prep knows that eating well (most of the time!), exercising and wearing a moisturizer with SPF makes her not only feel good, but look good, too. The Prep always washes her face before bed (even if she has been drinking Champagne all evening!) and has a standing appointment with her city’s top dermatologist.

Hair
Preppy hair is, for the most part, left the way God and nature intended it. Blunt cuts of chin length, shoulder length and mid-back length are acceptable. Ponytails and headbands are the most common variations from the unadorned, side-parted look. The luckiest Preps (many of them) are born with thick, straight, shiny hair in a blonde or dark brown shade. Preps that are curly, frizzy, or limp in texture usually favor ponytails. Preppy hair should not be colored (before age forty, that is).

Makeup
Makeup is minimal, if worn at all. The goal of Preppy makeup is not to look as though one is wearing makeup, but to look as though one has spent the day doing some invigorating activity in the sun. Flaws can be subtly covered with a bit of concealer, and a touch of blush or bronzer gives the cheeks a healthy glow. A swipe of mascara may be used to accentuate the eyes. Makeup should never be noticeable or “caked on.”

Scent
Generally speaking, perfumes are not Preppy. Many Preps have a favorite scent, usually discovered in France or Italy, but this is best saved for special occasions. If perfume is to be worn, it should be subtle. We repeat, subtle.