It’s a rare moment that I make a big beauty purchase without consulting my good friend Elena Leong. A true beauty buff—and  industry vet—Elena has tested more lotions and potions than you would think were even humanly possible, both on the job and off.

Along with her instinctual beauty know-how, she has a polished sense of style that always seems to meld classic looks with twists that are seasonally on trend. And in a laid-back city like San Francisco, where it’s all too easy to blur the line between casual and office-appropriate, she’s managed to figure out just the right balance.

Name: Elena Leong

Age: 34

Occupation: Merchant at Sephora

Where I live: Lake Merritt, Oakland, Ca.

What I’m wearing: “Bebe satin blazer, Paige Denim gray skinny jeans, Carlos Santana platform shoes, Marc Jacobs quilted Stam bag in Pewter.”

Why this is my favorite outfit: “ I love pairing my favorite blazer with a pair of skinny jeans and heels because it’s perfect for work and after-work cocktails!”

Where I wore it: To the office.

How I would remix this look: “On a brisk day, I would add a scarf and change my heels for flats.”

Best Beauty Tip: “Never sleep with your makeup on.  Thoroughly wash your face before going to bed – every night.   Your skin will thank you for it.”

The one beauty product I can’t live without: “My Temptu airbrush foundation because it creates a flawless look in a matter of seconds.”

My best new beauty product discovery: “Urban Decay’s All-Nighter – this keeps my makeup in place and looking fresh all day and into the night.”

Biggest beauty myth out there: “Thinking that you don’t need to wear SPF on an overcast day.  Sun damage, which leads to aging, can occur even during cloudy days.”

Biggest fashion splurge: “A new Marc Jacobs handbag every year.”

On most days, you can find me …. : “In front of my closet scouring through my beauty products for something different to try out.”

My favorite shopping destination: “Endless.com— for the ease in browsing and free shipping both ways!  I love online shopping as I can do it from the comfort of my own couch without having to fight the crowds, stand in line or wait for a fitting room.  Plus, when I receive the purchase on my doorstep, it always feels like I’m receiving a gift!”

My personal style mantra: “When it comes to getting made up, there is such a thing as too much.  Keep it simple on most days, and go the extra mile on special occasions.”