Tag Archives: beauty

OTC Makeup

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I have recently gotten a little obsessed with makeup. Which is weird because I don’t wear much and it is so humid and hot that wearing anything is a challenge. As a result of watching a lot of youtube videos I have discovered some drugstore ‘dupes’ of great designer makeup products.

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1. Maybelline Master Prime Primer – I bought the illuminating version and really like it. I, personally, prefer the texture over the Smashbox primers. It is more of a thin lotion consistency. The illuminating part is not overpowering. I often do not use this over my entire face, but more over areas were I have larger pores or want more highlight.

2. Maybelline Master Conceal in 20 Light – This is supposed to be similar to the MAC Pro Longwear concealer which if you watch any makeup tutorials on youtube, this is a favorite for concealing/contouring/highlighting. I squeeze a little onto my finger tip and then rub my two fingers together to warm the product. I use this predominantly under my eyes and it absorbs and blends nicely.

3. e.l.f. small stiple brush – I love this brush for applying foundation. Particularly in the summer, I blend my foundation (I use Revlon PhotoFinish) with a moisturizer and then use this brush to work into my skin. I like that I can apply very little product evenly over my face and build coverage as needed. I always used to my fingers but I prefer this method and feel like I can use less product.

4. Suave Dry Shampoo – this is an old favorite. I find the smell of the new versions of the Suave dry shampoos to be atrocious, so I stick to the original. You can’t beat it for the price.

5. Tarte ShowStopper palette – This is not a drugstore product but a brand new palette that I absolutely love. I really don’t need anything else in my makeup bag…it has it all! I’ve been a huge fan of Tarte matte bronzer ‘Park Ave Princess’ and recently LOST mine which sucks. Kate @ Small Things Blog had this palette on her instagram feed a few weeks back so I looked it up. It contains my favorite aforementioned bronzer, a fantastic highlighter (think dewy versus sparkly), a full size blush, and great pigmented eye shadows which can be used for a natural daytime look or a smokier eye for night. See my instagram feed for a pic of the colors! The palette is a little smaller than a CD.

I am too lazy to link all these items, so you’ll just have to google if you want to see prices/buy. Sorry. No liking to knowing it over here. #badblogger #duh

;lkjlaks;jfd

Blonde Beauty

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I have a hair appointment tomorrow morning and I cannot wait to be blonde again. This short stint being a brunette was fun for a hot minute, but like most things shiny and new…it faded quick. Literally. The color right now is a coppery hot mess of grossness. I hate it.

I have been getting BirchBox for quite a while now. Every time I think it is starting to suck and consider canceling, they hit me with a good box. Tricky little minx.

The Amika Nourishing Hair Mask is really really good. I haven’t tried a lot of fancy hair masks, but this one is definitely the best of any I’ve received in my BirchBox or tried over the counter (aka drugstore brands). It smells amaze and my hair felt great and truly healthier after using. Win.

I, personally, really liked this tinted “all-in-one” moisturizer by Mereadesso. Supposedly it acts as a moisturizer, primer, serum, and eye cream. Plus it is tinted so that is an added bonus to even skin tone. I just really liked the consistency and how it felt on my skin. I can’t say it offered a ton of coverage, but enough for errands and to avoid looking homeless.

A friend of mine is selling Beauty Counter products and she sent me a bunch of samples. Two of the products are so so good. First, the Lustro Face Oil 2. I legit want all of the oils. I’ve had some cheap face & hair oils and they definitely do not have the same consistency nor absorption as good ones. This one smells good and absorbs perfectly.

Second, the Nourishing Cleansing Balm is one of the best products ever, particularly if you have dry skin. It seems strange at first, but it literally melts into your skin while removing dirt and makeup, and then your skin feels so supple and hydrated.

If you are feeling mature and wanting to invest in your skin, these are great products and a great line in general. My wrinkly old face needs all the love it can get.

I’m sure I’ll share my blonde roots tomorrow on insta (oxymoron…?)

Hope none of you were injured trying to procure some #LillyforTarget!

Updates

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As you learned in my previous post, it is hard to stay connected in this world without internet and good cell service. I am once again lounging at my empty in-laws house. They are away for the week and I would like to say we are house sitting as opposed to squatting. Either way we are making ourselves at home, and I am so thankful they do not mind. Our biggest challenge being keeping Rolo from destroying something. Last time, he ate their Direct TV remote. Whoops!

House update: The painters have come and gone except for a few remaining touch ups. I was so excited only to be disappointed by their quality of work. And supposedly one of them got bit by a brown recluse spider while at our house. Geez loueez. Our final electrical inspection is today, and hopefully that means we will have power back on tomorrow. Our countertops are being installed on Thursday. Things are happening! Every single light fixture is finally purchased, all the paint colors have been picked out, my sofa & chair are being dropped off at the upholsterer this week…it feels good. Next up: choosing new hardware for the kitchen cabinets, finally deciding on new floors, getting our gas lines hooked up, more painting.

Product update: I’m still using Cetaphil moisturizer from head to toe and my skin has never been better. Recently, I switched to a new oil facial cleanser and absolutely love it.

Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil

I wasn’t really looking for a new face wash as I was happy with Cetaphil, but saw this and decided to give it a try. It takes off ALL eye makeup in an instant and leaves my face feeling hydrated and clean. And it smells good, and after using so much bland no scent Cetaphil, it is a nice change.

Add to Cart update: With all the house expenditures, I have reeled in my shopping like never before. However, I have made two rather large purchases recently.

Rachel Pally ‘Jazz’ Maxi

I bought this for a friend’s January wedding. I loathe being cold, so I started searching for long sleeve dresses and ended up finding this gem. It is so fantastic and I got a ton of compliments. Right now it is on major sale via Amazon. You can expect the same comfort level as with any Rachel Pally number and it is plenty long for you tall girls.

Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ Camel booties

These booties are in no way new as I have been longing for them for a couple years now. Unfortunately they rarely go on sale and spending $500+ on them was just not in my budget. When visiting my bff in Atlanta, I decided to try them on and they were so comfortable and definitely the most flattering bootie this short, stout legged lady is ever going to find. But again, not on sale. So I have stalked them on eBay and the web in general, basically just giving it up because I really only wanted them in camel. Until one day last week I see some chick on Instagram had just bought them and decided to check out the company she bought them from {Emporium DNA}…long story made long is that they were 50% off and had my size. SOLD. They still have a few sizes left on the website {36, 37, 37.5 — FYI these run almost a full size small}.

I think that is enough for now…have you scored any good end of season deals? Do tell.

A success story

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I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday. Mine was quite nice. We spent a lot of time on the water, caught and ate fresh flounder {which is perhaps the best thing ever}, booze cruised, fine dined with friends, and generally enjoyed ourselves.

Most of us do a lot of pinning, and for those that don’t, I have created boards for you. I love it when I actually read or hear about Pinterest ideas that really worked, DIYs that weren’t total fails, and recipes that were actually delicious.

My latest Pinterest success from The Dramaterialist:

See my before & after for both a blush and a bronzer on Instagram.  A perfect project for those mornings when you are up early and feeling productive. It really took no time at all and I was happy with the results.

Recent recipe success includes: Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two, Avocado & Tomato Salad, Sante Fe Chicken, Breakfast Casserole. Next on deck, I have a giant container of blueberries and this Blueberry Cream Cheese Crostata sounds like the perfect summertime dessert…or breakfast. Check out my recipe board on Pinterest for the links to these great recipes and more.