[UPDATE: This story was originally published on April 17.]
Who runs the world? Girls. Specifically (if we do say so ourselves), San Francisco girls. Seriously though, it’s no secret that we love supporting our local ladies. And for the latest installment of Real Girl, Real Beauty, we’re bringing you the prettifying secrets of not one, not two, but four S.F. lovelies who are killing it career-wise and looking oh-so stunning while they're at it.
We’ve asked our bevy of successful Bay Area beauties what products they can’t live without, how they turn a basic look up a notch, and even a few things they might have been embarrassed to admit. This city may be a hot spot for natural beauty, but don’t get it twisted — these local stunners put in the work, too! Along with beautiful portraits of the ladies themselves, we've got all their get-gorgeous secrets for you to copy, stat. Because while we know it's what’s on the inside that counts, looking hot on the outside definitely doesn’t hurt, either.
![01_Angelica3]()
Angelica modeling some fuchsia lip color (and a matching scarf) out in her garden.
Angelica Benjamin, HR Generalist, Co-Founder of Digitally Chic
Where do you find your beauty inspiration?
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I really admire unique, confident women. It takes a lot of courage to stay true to who you are, and not conform to what you are told you should look like. There is something to be said about how effortlessly Queen Latifah radiates confidence and individuality. Everything she does is so graceful. She definitely gives me the strength to accept and embrace my differences — and be proud of who I am."
![02_Angelica7]()
A few of Angelica's go-to products!
What beauty products do you absolutely swear by?
"Clinique’s 3-step System (or pretty much any skin care product they make), MAC products (I live at the counter), Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Nivea’s Firming Lotion Q10 Plus is literally heaven in a bottle, Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub, and Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil."
What’s your go-to beauty look?
"Something light and pretty always does the trick. I prefer to use MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish. It has very minimal coverage, and a hint of color. So, your face can breathe throughout the day. On top of that, I add black eyeliner with a thicker winged edge, matte peach blush with an added layer of shimmer, defined brows, and a pop of color on my lips. MAC has an amazing finishing spray called Fix+ — after my makeup is done, I spritz to set, and I'm ready for the world!"
![angelica_3]()
Angelica's array of amazing lip products. Wowza!
What beauty trends do you steer clear of?
"I steer clear of anything that alters my natural self — like tanning, plastic surgery, lip injections, or Botox. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?"
![04_Angelica4]()
Smile!
What’s one thing you splurge on in the name of beauty?
"Mascara! I’m pretty sure I go through a tube of MAC’s Haute and Naughty Lash every week. It can get pricey, but you can’t put a price on fabulous lashes."
Photographed by Christine Ting
Who runs the world? Girls. Specifically (if we do say so ourselves), San Francisco girls. Seriously though, it’s no secret that we love supporting our local ladies. And for the latest installment of Real Girl, Real Beauty, we’re bringing you the prettifying secrets of not one, not two, but four S.F. lovelies who are killing it career-wise and looking oh-so stunning while they're at it.
We’ve asked our bevy of successful Bay Area beauties what products they can’t live without, how they turn a basic look up a notch, and even a few things they might have been embarrassed to admit. This city may be a hot spot for natural beauty, but don’t get it twisted — these local stunners put in the work, too! Along with beautiful portraits of the ladies themselves, we've got all their get-gorgeous secrets for you to copy, stat. Because while we know it's what’s on the inside that counts, looking hot on the outside definitely doesn’t hurt, either.
Angelica modeling some fuchsia lip color (and a matching scarf) out in her garden.
Angelica Benjamin, HR Generalist, Co-Founder of Digitally Chic
Where do you find your beauty inspiration?
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I really admire unique, confident women. It takes a lot of courage to stay true to who you are, and not conform to what you are told you should look like. There is something to be said about how effortlessly Queen Latifah radiates confidence and individuality. Everything she does is so graceful. She definitely gives me the strength to accept and embrace my differences — and be proud of who I am."
A few of Angelica's go-to products!
What beauty products do you absolutely swear by?
"Clinique’s 3-step System (or pretty much any skin care product they make), MAC products (I live at the counter), Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Nivea’s Firming Lotion Q10 Plus is literally heaven in a bottle, Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa 60-Second Manicure Hand Scrub, and Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm With Pomegranate Oil."
What’s your go-to beauty look?
"Something light and pretty always does the trick. I prefer to use MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish. It has very minimal coverage, and a hint of color. So, your face can breathe throughout the day. On top of that, I add black eyeliner with a thicker winged edge, matte peach blush with an added layer of shimmer, defined brows, and a pop of color on my lips. MAC has an amazing finishing spray called Fix+ — after my makeup is done, I spritz to set, and I'm ready for the world!"
Angelica's array of amazing lip products. Wowza!
What beauty trends do you steer clear of?
"I steer clear of anything that alters my natural self — like tanning, plastic surgery, lip injections, or Botox. Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?"
Smile!
What’s one thing you splurge on in the name of beauty?
"Mascara! I’m pretty sure I go through a tube of MAC’s Haute and Naughty Lash every week. It can get pricey, but you can’t put a price on fabulous lashes."
Photographed by Christine Ting