Makeup artist, Lipstick Angels founder, and eco-beauty expert Renata Helfman has worked with clients like Jennifer Jason Leigh. Determined to make luxury natural products more accessible to the public, Renata founded Vert in 2007, the first eco-chic beauty boutique in the nation.  Here, she shares her Five Rules For Life.

1. Give back.
One of my favorite quotes is “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” This really sums it up. Can you imagine a world where everyone actually does something kind every day?

2. Listen more, talk less. 
There is so much to be gained by being an attentive and thoughtful listener. When I started working with cancer patients I realized how important it was to just “be in the room “ and listen . I now do it as I walk through life. It has made me not only more aware in my business and personal relationships, but also a more sensitive and compassionate person.

3. Ask for what you want. 
We are sometimes reticent about asking for what we really want and expect others to read our minds. Define what you want and ask for it!

4. Smile.
I recently have gone through the painstaking journey of wearing adult braces! My teeth are straight now and I find myself smiling more. Interestingly, I feel my new smile has made me happier. Smiling is contagious!

5. Do what you love.
If you have not found that special thing that brings you joy and satisfaction, it’s okay but KEEP LOOKING. In fact, the journey to get there is often the most interesting part.

Thanks, Renata! Stay tuned for more Five Rules installments.

 “Five Rules,” is a series on Rouge18 in which I ask others to share their five rules for life about anything and everything. You can learn a lot about a person by reading which five things govern their actions, no?