Friday Beauty - Pretty in Pinks

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything beauty. To be perfectly honest, I haven't really done anything super beautiful around here lately. I rarely wear makeup anymore, I hardly get the chance to paint my nails, and I only wear lipstick when taking blog photos. I'm a fraud. A sham. But I've never claimed to be a beauty expert. I just simply blog about the things I've tried, dislike, and truly love.

So when I opened the recent Sandra Lee magazine, a magazine I purchase monthly, and saw their Blooming Beauty spread, I was inspired! It's all about pretty little pink cosmetics to try and I want to try them all! Then it got me thinking about the pinks that I use often in the spring and summer, so I created a little college of all things pink! Read on....

I love MAC lipsticks and one of my favorite spring colors is Girl About Town (upper left corner). It's actually the first bright pink I ever purchased and I never looked back! And if I'm wearing it on my lips, I should probably wear it on my nails! Girl About Town comes in a nail lacquer and I'm so excited!! But I'm loving Show Orchid (bottom right corner) that was featured in Sandra Lee. It verges on purple, but it's simply lovely! Lastly, I really want to try their Playland Casual Colour in Young At Heart. It's a lip and cheek color in one, which is definitely a must-have for your handbag cosmetics! Nothing like a multipurpose touch up in a cute little tub!

When I get to polish my nails, I gravitate toward pinks for spring. Essie is a go-to and Cascade Cool is new for spring (bottom left corner), one I love wearing for a subtle hint of color. For a big pop of color, I'm loving the new Love Sheen from their Silk Watercolors collection (upper right corner). 

I'm a huge Clinique fan. As you all know, I swear by their 3-Step cleansing program and I frequently wear their cosmetics. They now have a cheek contouring palette that I would love to play with. I'm not sure how to contour, so I'm thinking I need a tutorial, and I'm totally up for the challenge. And those cute little pods are dual-sided lip treats that have a sugar-smoothing scrub on one side and a tinted moisturizing balm on the other. And the Pink Framboise is gorgeous!

Actually, all these shades of pink are gorgeous and there is no way you won't be pretty in pink. Side note: Did you know that this year is the 30th anniversary of Pretty in Pink? One of the best 80s movies, in my opinion, and who didn't love Duckie Dale!?! 

Okay, I digress. Are any of these hues going to be on your spring and summer makeup radar? I know they are on mine! Seriously, I can't wait to test out some of these products and report back. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it right?

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Fall Makeup Transition

 Transition. It's a word we use in fashion when moving from summer to fall. When talking about transition, we generally talk about how to transition our wardrobe from one season to the other and how to utilize the contents in your closet to work both seasons to your advantage. Today, instead of talking about how to transition your wardrobe, I thought we would focus on how to transition your makeup.

For summer, I add brighter colors to my lips and nails. And, I go one step further and brighten up my eyes as well. I tend to go with pale purples, creams, and taupes so that my overall look is lighter. But when fall rolls around, it's out with the pinks and in with the reds and bourdeauxs.

So what should one do when it's mid August and your starting to mix olives and navys into your daily look? It's time to start wearing richer tones. You don't have to throw out the pinks or reds. Actually, one should NEVER throw out red. Instead, reach for a pink in a more raspberry tone and reds that move toward maroons. 

 Below are my picks from my own makeup bag! Take a peek.

Laura Geller Beauty Color Drenched Lip Gloss in Raspberry Roast/MAC Ruby Woo/

NARS Shanghai Express/MAC Kissable Lipcolor in Flaunting

ail color is another great way to transition your makeup. My favorite fall color, although I do wear it all year round, is OPI's "You Don't Know Jaques". But I also love dark reds and black!

 Essie "Flowerista"/OPI "You Don't Know Jaques"/Chanel "Black Satin"/OPI "Mat-adore Red"/

Essie "Shearling Darling"

 Lastly, it's all about the eyes! I love dark browns and olive tones. Mixed with black liner and several coats of mascara, all eyes will be on you! 

 Laura Geller Beauty Creme Glaze Trio in Golden Set/Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tentation Cuivree/

MAC 6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadows

What is your favorite way to transition your beauty from summer to fall? Do you go with richer colors in deep shades or do you continue to use brights all year long? Let's discuss!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - After Sun Products

As most of you know, I just came back from a week at the beach and I took full advantage of that time! I soaked up the sun as much as I could and I was rocking the best tan! One of my best since my life guarding days so that's saying a lot! I was safe about it too. I wore sunscreen with 30 SPF, sat under our canopy when I needed a breather, and reapplied sunscreen when needed. And for those who really know me, know this is very uncharacteristic of me! 

But with all of that, I did over-indulge one day. I still wore sunscreen, and sat under the canopy when needed, but on this particular day I wore a suit that was cut much differently than the ones I had been wearing. Fresh skin was exposed and it seemed no amount of sunscreen was going to help! By late afternoon, I was sporting a slight burn in those areas that hadn't seen sun in a very long time. What did I do post sun exposure? I applied my product to help soothe the burn. 

I love the Banana Boat after sun lotion. I've been using it for years. The lotion is thick, soothing, smells amazing, and really helps extend your tan. On the other hand, the aloe vera gel is something that I use when the burn really needs a cooling agent. This burn wasn't that bad, but had I known my mom had this with her, I would have definitely applied immediately.

  

So what do you do when you don't have these products at your finger tips or under your bathroom sink? Look no further than your kitchen. Have a bottle of white vinegar in your cabinet? Then you have a sunburn soothing product on your hands! Simply apply with cotton balls to the over-exposed area and it will sooth the burn. It stinks, but it works! What do you think about that? I would say that's a pretty good beauty and kitchen hack, no?

What do you do when you get a sunburn? Please share! Everyone needs a little summer sun product advice. Including this beauty blogger!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

My DIY - July Fourth Nail Art

I'm not sure if nail art is still on trend, but I still like it! And, I like to dabble in it. But I'm not very good. They say practice makes perfect, but I don't have a whole of time on my hands....pun intended! So I drew some inspiration from Pinterest and decided to give a couple of cute nail art styles a try. 

Here is what I used:

For the first round, I used OPI Red, Essie Blanc, Essie Butler Please, and Revlon Night and Degas. I painted the majority of my nails red, using my ring and thumb as my accent nails. Those, as you can see, I painted with Blanc. I used the Revlon Night and Degas to create the stripes and totally went free hand. If you want a more professional look, tape off the stripes and paint. Just like you would a wall. I dotted the white accent nails with Butler Please and OPI Red. And that's it. Super simple and kind of cute, no?

For the second round, the only color I didn't use was the Revlon polish. But, I added Nicole by OPI  Rainbow in the S-Kylie. (I think this might have been from the Kardashian Collection.) I randomly polished nails in the red, white and blue polish, and went back over them with the glitter. I love how it gave them a little firecracker look! Or sparklers. I love those things!

 And last year, I did this cute design. A little here and a little there. A fun pattern that was totally whimsical!

With the fourth fastly approaching, would you give these nail art designs a try? If you have already, please share! I love to get inspiration from others!

Here's to the old Red, White, and Blue!

Friday Beauty - High Heels and a New Lip Color

 Dress: Target (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor (similar); Booties: Ann Taylor (similar); 
Handbag: Kooba (similar); Necklace: The Zoe Collective; 
Bracelets: Jessica Simpson/Fossel/(similar)Gift;

Shades: Prada (gift/similar); Lip Color: Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Lovesick

I know that in my Friday Beauty posts I normally bring you some kind of product I'm currently using or interested in trying. But today, I'm talking about what makes me feel beauty and that is wearing high heels! I've worn heels for years and I kind of took them for granted. They were just another pair of shoes I wore to work, out to dinner, for a girls night, or shopping. Now, I wear them on special occasions or days I know I'm not going to the zoo, the farmstead, or anywhere that McKinley and I might go. And I miss wearing them. I feel like I'm neglecting my heel collection!

Over the past week, I've had the opportunity to wear heels twice and I've loved it. And in today's look, I felt especially beautiful. Maybe it was the awesome day I had with my son, the cute sundress, or the fact that I wore heels. It was a combination that just worked. I know it will sound completely superficial, but when I put on a pair of heels, I just feel different. More confident. More womanly. More beautiful.

 

 

Dress: Target (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor (similar); Booties: Ann Taylor (similar); 
Handbag: Kooba (similar); Necklace: The Zoe Collective; 
Bracelets: Jessica Simpson/Fossel/(similar)Gift;

Shades: Prada (gift/similar); Lip Color: Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Lovesick

A cute dress doesn't hurt either. And I can't talk about Friday Beauty without talking about my new Revlon lip color. I love it! I purchased the Colorburst Matte Balm in Striking a while back and really like it. So much that I decided to try another. Recently, I purchased the Colorbust Balm Stain in Lovesick. I love how it feels when you first apply. It goes on smooth and doesn't leave a sticky residue. And it actually stains the lip. I don't need to reapply often. It leave my lips a slight pinky hue and still feels as smooth as when I applied. Definitely worth the purchase!

What makes you feel beautiful? Is it a new pair of shoes? A fun lip color? Or something super easy like rolling the windows down and just letting your hair blow in the breeze? That's a good one too! That carefree summer feeling makes just about anyone feel beautiful, no?

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty: Honest

 The Honest Company. I've heard and read about the Honest Company simply because of actress Jessica Alba, but I never really thought to try their products. Founded in 2011, the company is all about honest products that are organic, without chemicals, and eco-friendly. I have never really been an organic girl. Then I had McKinley. I use Johnson and Johnson because they've been around forever. I wasn't really all that picky about diapers, but I preferred Huggies to any other brand, and I always used their wipes that were chemical free. He drinks organic milk and all his baby food was organic in nature. However, I never thought to try anything from Honest during his infancy. I wish I had. Have you seen how cute their diaper designs are?? Adorable!

Now, I'm a regular user of most of their products! I signed up for their essential bundle about three months ago and I've been mixing and matching my products each month. I'm using cleansers for the house, lotions and wipes for McKinley, and various body products for myself. My favorites so far are the organic bug spray, the organic body oil, the honest wipes, and the gel hand sanitizer. I love the household cleansers, but since this is a beauty post, I won't talk specifically about them. Just know they're good.

The sunscreen is thick and applies smoothly, but I find it to be bit greasy. When I applied on McKinley, I noticed instantly that his hair was oily from the application at his neck and face. When I use Water Babies, I don't see that happen. Something I could over look, since bath time is nightly in the summer, but something I wanted to pass along. I love that fact that there are zero scents. The bug spray is slightly scented, but it's not that chemically smell you get from other brands like Off. It's clean, and best of all, it works!!! We used it for the first time over Memorial Day weekend and he was bug bite free. Going to stock up on this stuff!

In this month's bundle, I added a few new things. I'm going to give the organic deodorant a try. I'm leery! When I think organic, I think it's not going to work and that I'll be a smelly girl within an hour. But, I will never know until I try. I spritzed this the other night and it smells amazing. Not overpowering, like it's the only scent I would be able to wear for the day, and I'm thinking I won't have the white powdery residue to contend with all summer. I'll keep you posted.

I'm always looking for a good lip balm so I'm going to give these a whirl as well. It's a cute little pack of three and the two scented ones smell great! And for Mother's Day, I got a freebie so I'm passing it along to my mom to try as well. (I also sent her the organic body oil and she loved it too!)

Honestly, this company is great and great to work with! The ordering process is super easy, you can change up your bundle monthly to suit your needs, and it ships every four weeks, but you can adjust the time frame in which you need it. So many products to chose from that you really can go completely organic for the entire family!

If you are currently using their product line, tell us what your favorites are. If not, are you willing to give them a try? Which ones might you use? Let's discuss!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Some New Favs

I recently browsed the beauty aisles of Target looking for a few things for a trip we took last week. My initial search was for a waterproof mascara, something I don't ever wear, but needed. As you know, I'm not a fan of the Maybelline Great Lash, so I headed to Cover Girl to see what they had to offer. I decided to go with Lash Blast Volume. Based on the packaging, the "mascara formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big-lash look." That's what I'm looking for in a mascara so I decided to go for it. I loved it! It gave me a big lash, didn't clump, and went on with full coverage. Nothing like the Maybelline mascara. I loved it so much I bought the non-waterproof as well. It's my new daily mascara! 

Beauty Note: Because waterproof mascaras are just that, I find them hard to remove with makeup removers. This mascara wasn't any different. Because we were on the road, I used Neutrogena makeup remover towlettes. I bought the travel size packs since they lay flat! It took off some, but I still felt like I had a layer on my lashes.

Whenever I travel, I like to have nice nails. Clipped, filed, and with some sort of polish. I usually get a gel manicure. That indestructible mani is the best! However, I'm on a budget and I'm not allowing myself trips to the nail salon. I remembered seeing an ad or commercial for the new Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish that states it works as well a gel mani without the light. I'm always game for trying new products, and since I needed a hefty polish, I gave it a go. I went with Birthday Suit, I wanted a more natural nail color, and the recommended top coat. I loved the color! It's a very pale peach and totally neutral. It lasted six days, claims to last 14, and it would have lasted long if I hadn't decided to go for a different shade! I'm obsessed! I bought Pink Tank and Blacky O. I'm currently wearing Pink Tank and it's so cheerful! (Check Instagram later for look at the polish!)

Beauty Note: When applying Birthday Suit, I needed three coats to achieve the color I wanted. Apply more or less for the color you desire. Also, I would recommend buying the Step Two Top Coat. It's intended to go with the polish to give you that gel mani look.

I am so happy with my new drugstore finds! I'm psyched about my new mascara! I've been on the hunt for a few months, and I think I've found the one. The new "gel" mani is great! My tiny investment in a few colors, and one top coat, will last me all spring and summer. I will probably add a color here and there, but it's so much more economical than a visit to the salon.

Any new products that you're currently using and loving? Share them with us! I'm always looking for something new and reader recommendations are the best! 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Jergens Natural Glow

 Are you ready for spring? Me too! I loved having a huge taste of it a for several weeks. We had some amazing weather that had me wishing my legs were tan enough for shorts. But because we're only in March, my legs are Casper white and I wouldn't be caught dead in shorts! I immediately stared thinking of the quickest way to get a little color without heading to the tanning beds. Let's be honest, in my youth, I lived for tanning beds. But now that I'm older and wiser, or just seriously afraid of all the damage I may have already caused, I'm steering clear of those things. 

Because I'm a 40 something, I remember when self-tanners came out and everyone walked around streaked and orange. So bad, right? And because of said memories, I'm scared to death of try self-tanners again! I see others walking around with a healthy glow, and when I ask about it, I'm told it's a recent spray tan, both standing booth and professional spray, or self-tanners from their favorite brands. In the past, the only self-tanner I've tried is the Jergens Natural Glow daily moisturizer but I never really had any success. It never produced that gradual tan. I didn't like it or dislike, it just never gave me the results I expected.

 So while trying to obtain a slight tan for KCFW last week, I scoured my bathroom cabinet for a bottle of my Jergens natural glow. I couldn't find a single bottle! I happened to be looking for a certain lipstick, and while moving around several makeup bags (yes I have more than one or two), I found a trial of the Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow moisturizer. It was three sample packets for days one through three so I decided to give it a go! Or should I say glow....

So here I am on day one. All pasty white and ready to get my glow on! I applied the Day 1 sample to legs and arms and waited for the tan to grow.

Day two has rolled around and I'm not much darker. I apply the sample to arms and legs and wait for the gradual tan to appear..... 

Then comes day three. What's this I see? A little bit of color? Yes, but if you look closer, it's a little orange in color! Not the color I'm really striving for when I think of natural glow. I'm thinking sun-kissed. You know, that bronzy look. Not that orange glow.

And if you look even closer, it's darker in all the wrong places! 

And splotchy and uneven. I applied in downward strokes and repeated in the same pattern back up. I also made sure to go back over and smooth it out by using circular motions. And I was careful around feet and knees. It sure doesn't look that way, does it?

Oh, what's that on my towels? That's Jergens Natural Glow! Even my husband wanted to know what was all over my towels. I have more glow on my towels than on my actual body! 

The good news in all of this is that if you don't like the orange glow, that's okay, just use your washcloth, a little soap, and some elbow grease and it all comes off! The rough patches become a little less dark and the color starts rubbing off your legs and arms as well. I think I'll give myself another scrub, wait a few more days, and try another round of self-tanners. I'm on a quest to find the right product that gives me that bronze look of having just stepped foot off the beach! 

Have you tried Jergens Natural Glow? If so, what was your result? Any self-tanners that you love and would recommend? Right now I have the L'Oreal towelettes waiting in the wings. Let's hope I have better results!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Rouge Coco

 What can I say about the House of Chanel. The clothing, her style, the cosmetics line....all enviable! I've worn Chanel cosmetics for years! I love their eyeshadow quads, I own more than I care to mention, and I'm a huge fan of their lipsticks. About a month ago, I stopped by their counter and chatted with my favorite makeup artist, Madeline. (If you get a chance, swing by the Halls Chanel counter and set up an appointment with her. She's amazing!) She told me about the re-launch of the Rouge Coco lipstick line and I couldn't wait to test it. 

 Not only is the formula new and improved, the reinvented version of Rouge Coco is more expressive than ever with a new formula and vibrant color spectrum, the names are all new. Well, new to us. The colors are broken into five categories; Artists, Lovers, Friends, Muses, and Family. And, to take it one step further, they are all named after someone in every category! How great is that! You must have been someone incredibly important to get a color named after you! I recently tested Jean and brought her home! I love the new formula and the color is perfect for spring! A berry, that leans more toward purple, that feels so luxurious on your lips! I just want to know who Jean was. According to the chart, she (or he) was an artist. Their influence must have been epic!

Have you tried Chanel's cosmetic line? If so, is their lipstick on your list of products you currently use? If not, head to your local Chanel counter, or ask for Madeline when visiting Halls. It might be a little on the pricey side, but it's totally worth the spend! A lipstick that will last and a friend for life!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - No Dry Time Nails

I love to do my nails. I love getting manicures and I really enjoy doing them myself as well. I've loved experimenting with nail art, but it hasn't been too extensive in design. But the thing about doing your nails is that you have to wait for them to dry. And I mean wait. Like a couple of hours and who has time for that?!? If and when I actually do my nails, I paint them at night after everyone has gone to bed. I'll paint them, work on the blog, watch a little TV, and then I'm off to bed. Usually by then they're dry. 

Then there was the invention of the gel polish. I love getting a gel manicure! It lasts for about two weeks, is instantly dry, and you can be as rough as you need to be without a worry of chipping the polish. The down side to the gel mani is that you have to go back into the salon to get it removed. Sure, you can do it at home, but the process is long and it really dries out your cuticles. And, if you're like me, you usually just peel it off which is horrible for your actual nail bed. Oh, and you have to pay roughly $25 a visit for application. Mani's aren't cheap!

The best solution of all was the creation of the nail polish strips! They are an absolute dream come true! I've been using them for a couple of years and I've tried most the brands on the market. I love Sally Hansen's Nail Effects. They are really easy to apply, come in various colors and nail art creations, and the obvious no dry time is the ultimate reason to love! The little box comes with everything you need. The nail strips, cuticle pusher, and instructions for application. I love an all-in-one beauty buy! The Maybelline nail strips work pretty much the same way, however you file off the excess instead of peel like the Sally Hansen version. It doesn't come with anything but the strips and instructions.

 

Then Jamberry entered my life. Jamberry are Nail Wraps that are made of high-quality vinyl. They are long lasting and they are applied with heat and pressure--no chemicals, no odors, no smudging, no dry-time! The wraps can last one to two weeks on fingers, and up to six weeks on toes! They are latex-free, cruelty-free (never tested on animals) non-toxic, and gentle on your nails! For anyone who is leery of harsh chemicals around children, this is the product of you.

I started using Jamberry after my aunt held a Facebook party about a month ago. I love the catalog of nail wraps, which is quite impressive! And the online parties are so much fun. There are daily games, prizes to win, and a huge door prize at the end of the party which my mom won during Mandy's party! The application is a little more difficult than the previously mentioned products, but there are tons of YouTube instructional videos to assist you. Because they are heat activated, you need a hair dryer, but Jamberry does offer a cute little heater for purchase. You also need a cuticle pusher, manicure scissors to cut off the excess, and a nail file to file off the ends. I haven't quite gotten the knack of applying them, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I still highly recommend them because they do live up to their guaranteed longevity. Honestly, this is the way to go in the world of manicures.

Have you tried any of these nail wraps/strip products? If so, which ones? Any not listed? Tell us about them. Which is your absolute favorite? 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Dry Shampoo

This is going to sound so gross, but I don't wash my hair every day. And, I may or may not wash my hair every couple of days. To be honest, because I have naturally curly hair, the experts say that it's not good for us to actually wash our hair on a daily basis. We have drier hair than most other textures so we need all that oil to keep it healthy. So, if on the fourth day I finally wash my hair, I feel like I'm doing it a favor! I blame the "experts".

So what do I do to combat the oil on the second and third day, dry shampoo! It is the best invention ever!! It really does soak up the existing oil without drying out your hair. And I've found that when I straighten my hair, it's actually fuller after using dry shampoo. They even make dry shampoo specific for curly hair! I get the best of both worlds!!

I've been using dry shampoo for years, I've even converted my mom, and I've tried a ton! Expensive, non-expensive, and name brand, off brand. And I have to say that the non-expensive work just as well as the expensive! Not shocking, huh? So I've compiled my existing brands and sharing them with you.

Blowpro was an item in a gift bag that I had all but forgotten about. When I tried it, a huge clump of powder proceeded to fall out of the bottle. I wasn't expecting that at all! If I were going to simply use powder, I would reach for the Johnson's Baby Powder. The original dry shampoo! Seriously, if you are in a pinch, or don't want to buy any, just use baby powder! Just be careful when using it. Because it's a powder, it will definitely be visible on any dark clothing you're wearing! And if you're a brunette, you have to be super careful because you'll look like George Washington. Blondes are so lucky!

The L'Oreal can was empty so clearly I liked it. Not sure if I thought I could spritz one last blast or what, but lucky for me I had it for the photo. I didn't leave a white residue and worked well. I don't use the TRESemme for curly very often. It's a mousse consistency so you have to watch the amount you use. Start small and add as needed. My favorite so far is the Suave! It's super inexpensive, works really well, adds tons of volume, and smells like grapefruit. It doesn't linger, but it's a nice, light scent for the remainder of the day. And no residue once you've brushed it through your hair. It's a great bang for your buck!

While we're on the topic of not washing your hair, I'm not washing mine again today! That's day two and I'm relying on Suave to get me through! (I didn't need it yesterday since I washed it so late the day before.) We're running late today and I just don't have the time. Thank goodness for dry shampoo!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - Clinique Cleansing Brush

 Cleansing Brush; Liquid Facial Soap; Foaming Sonic Facial Soap; Dramatically Different;

Repairwear Under Eye Cream; Superdefense

It was a happy Valentine's Day earlier in the month when I received my own Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush! My mom gave me this amazing gift and I've fallen victim to its awesomeness! If you haven't jumped on the cleansing brush bandwagon, now is the time to do it!

I started using the brush immediately, I'm on week two or so, and I've seen such a difference. And I feel a difference too. I told my mom after the first use that I honestly felt like my skin was already soft. I told her thought I was crazy for thinking that after one use, but she confirmed I wasn't. She has been using hers since January and she felt the same result. The Cleansing Brush is a dermatologist-developed sonic brush that offers deep yet gentle cleansing for skin. In one cleaning, it sloughs off all the dead skin. And the two bristle types target cleansing in hard-to-reach, contoured areas of the face where dirt hides, as well as an angled tip that purifies pores and thoroughly cleanses your T-zone.

The brush is waterproof so it's great for the shower! You simply apply either the liquid face soap or the foaming sonic facial soap, in a small amount, and let the bristles do all the work! The bristles are not rough on the skin, but you do need to follow the recommendation first time use. 

After that, you follow up with the 3-Step program designed for you. 

 Cleansing Brush; Liquid Facial Soap; Foaming Sonic Facial Soap; Dramatically Different;

Repairwear Under Eye Cream; Superdefense

I can say that I've had a few breakouts but nothing horrible. They were in my T-Zone so clearly the brush is working! I'm not kidding when I say to take the plunge, make the splurge, and get yourself a cleansing brush! You won't regret it. Your skin will thank you. And, it will be the best investment you make this calendar year!! 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - A Cold

I am currently suffering from either a really bad cold or a horrible sinus infection, but I just can't seem to find time to go see the doctor. Maybe next week. So instead of a beauty post, which I'm feeling nothing of the sort, I'm just going to provide you with the items I'm using while trying to survive this week! 

What are your go-tos when feeling sick and tired? Here's hoping I'm on the mend by next week!

Happy Friday, Beauties! Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!

Friday Beauty - Red Lips

Finding the right red lipstick can be like finding a needle in a haystack. However, Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift seem to have had zero problem finding their favorite! I used to be highly intimidated by lipstick, reds especially, but then my mom visited a MAC counter in the late 90s and brought home Del Rio. I was hooked! But just like finding your prince, you have to kiss a lot of toads! I've tried my fair share of red lipsticks, but I've finally found the four I wear the most. 

The trick to finding the right shade, is to pick one that doesn't appear to yellow your teeth when you smile. If it has even a hint of coral in tone, walk away! You want one with more of blue-red base. This will give you a darker sheen, but it will give you a 1,000 watt smile! Below are my four go-to reds! 

Left to Right:

L'Oreal Extraordinaire by Colour Riche in Ruby Opera

Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Red Drama

Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo 

They range from sheer to full on color. The L'Oreal is the sheerest all of four. It's not sticky like a gloss, but goes on with that same gloss feel. Angel Red is also sheer, but with a little more color. Red Drama is full color that's deep in hue. And Ruby Woo is a matte that lasts all day, a ruby red, and MAC's number one selling red! I love it. I've put together a little collage below!

As for Taylor and Gwen? Taylor has been known to wear Lip Perfection Lipstick in Flame from Cover Girl. As for Gwen, she has used L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red. Great drugstore brands that have already been color tested and approved!

Are you a red kind of girl? Want to be one? Start sheer, and if you love it, go bold! You won't regret it!

Happy Friday, Beauties

Friday Beauty - A Smokey Eye

 Over the weekend I attempted my first smokey eye. I've read about how to apply them over and over and over again, yet I've always been so fearful of trying. That is until I purchased the Clinique All About Shadow Quad in Smoke and Mirrors. It literally has a step by step guide on the mirror and corresponding numbers on the shadow liner. They even number the sponge applicators that are included. Now, I'm not an applicator kind of girl. I use brushes and have for years. I feel the shadows go on a lot smoother and it's easier to apply more or less color when needed or desired. In my opinion, the sponge applicators just seem to soak up the shadow. 

In the first photo, you will see all the tools I used (they are what I use on a daily basis), and I will touch on how I used them during the application process. This really is the easiest smokey eye you can ever do!

I have my quad, all of my brushes, my concealer, my MAC paint, mascara, and Clinique primer. Did you know that Clinique made a primer? Me either and more on that in a different post.

 

First up, I always, always, always use a primer on my lids. ALWAYS! It just highlights the shadow and doesn't allow it to settle into the crease after a full day of wear. Honestly, if you aren't using one today, you should be! I swear by the MAC paints.

Here's the quad and your step by step guide. Just apply the shadow where the diagram indicates. So easy!!

 

 

Apply the highlight color to just below the brow bone and just to the top of your crease. I used a flat wide brush when applying my highlighter.

 

For step number two, use a fluffier tipped brush to really get in the crease. One important tip, wherever you apply the shadow is where it will be its heaviest. I try to shoot for just off the corner of the crease and blend out and in from there. If you're using the sponge applicator, go light at first and add more as needed!!

  

Use the same brush for step number 3 and start applying from the inside corner of the crease and blend toward the center.

Once you have applied both steps 2 and 3, go back in with a fluffy blending brush to combine. You don't want to see definitive lines from where you started and stopped both shadows. Work in a circular motion while blending.

Step four is the eyeliner shadow. I love a shadow liner and I've used one for as long as I can remember. You have complete control over how much, or how little, you use at one time. And, it goes on so much easier than an eyeliner stick. Use a small angle brush to apply. (If you are using the applicator, apply using just the tip.)

I load up the brush and start from the dead center of my eye and work my way to the outer corner. I work with tiny brush strokes as I go. Almost like I'm connecting dots. Reload the brush with more shadow as needed. Once I have the line I want, I reload my brush and then start from the inner corner of my and apply to the middle.

For a smokey eye, line both the top and bottom lash lines. For the bottom, I start at the outer corner, staying as close to the lash line as I possibly can, and go to just past the center of my eye. Blend, blend blend! You don't want to see your bottom lash line liner!

Then load up your lashes with your fav mascara. I've been using Maybelline Great Lash for about a month, not a fan, so for this look I went with Clinique's High Impact Mascara. A new mascara, a sample provided by Clinique, that I'm currently testing. 

I am one who hates to see spider eyes, think Tammy Faye Baker, so I go back in with a mascara brush to smooth out any clumps that have formed. Plus, I try to make them as full as possible.

 And here is the final look!

When going with a heavy eye, keep everything else light. I went for a very light, sheer blush, and nude lip. You want only one thing to shine in this look and that's the eye! For my cheeks, I used Stila Convertible Color in Lillium. For my lips, I used Chanel lipstick Rouge Coco in Sycomore and gloss #237.

What do you think of a smokey eye? As intimidating as you thought it would be, or easy as pie with the help of this Clinique quad? Other brands that offer this kind of shadow are L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Revlon. Great drugstore brands that won't break the bank! 

I can't wait to hear your stories! Share them with all of us!

Happy Friday, Beauties!