“I wake up in the morning and use SUPER Clarifying Activator Treatment Prep to refresh and tone my skin. Then I use Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, a light lotion, and apply makeup. I stick to a light foundation or tinted moisturizer (nothing better than Laura Mercier), add bronzer, mascara, eyeliner and a lip balm.

I like to keep it pretty simple during the day, and if I have an event to attend, will apply more coverage (I’m loving Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation), thicker eyeliner (obsessed with a winged look), and a bolder lip. The lipstick I’m currently using is NARS in Schiap, but my long-time love is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance.

At night, I use my Clarisonic to clean my face and Kate Somerville to remove eye makeup – it takes off makeup while thickening lashes! Then I’ll apply my fave Dr. Dennis Gross moisturizer (really seems to calm my skin) and any acne spot treatment I need (trying EradiKate by Kate Somerville these days). I might put on an eye cream if I remember (I use this Kate Somerville one now). But usually I just brush my teeth and try and get some sleep.

I have sensitive/combination skin and worry about acne, so a lot of my routine revolves around keeping that under control. I’m pretty loyal to Dr. Dennis Gross and Kate Somerville skincare products because they seem to help the most without irritating my skin. I love Clinique’s Superbalanced foundation. It’s always been very good to my skin – the coverage I need without excess oil.”

Beauty 101: “When I watched this video on how to clean your makeup brushes, it was eye-opening. I knew washing your brushes was important, but I didn’t do it that often. Now I wash them every week. It also took me a while to realize I needed to use an eyebrow pencil. I don’t know why I never thought of it before! A perfectly groomed brow really does create such a put-together look.”

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"I'm obsessed with Lancome mascara. It gives you perfectly bold, voluptuous lashes."

"I can't live without Le Metier de Beaute eyeliner. Seriously! Best. Eyeliner. Ever."

"Lately, I've been obsessed with Emma Stone. I always love her hairstyle and eye makeup."

"When I need a great mani (especially for Shellac), I go to Patsy's Nail Bar."

"Another wonderful hair salon and is home to Michelle Obama's personal stylist."

Liz Fassbender (@ejfass) is owner and editor of the fabulous DC fashion and lifestyle blog, So Much to Smile About.

Want to nominate a DC notable to be featured on Politics of Pretty’s weekly AM to PM series? E-mail Kara[at]politicsofpretty.com