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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

A Cozy Winter Hat and a Haul

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Oh man Target, you get me every time! I walk in for batteries and leave with a shirt, lamp, hat, foundation, dog toy... and whatever else caught my fancy. Shit, I am officially on a Target ban until December... then it's time for Christmas shopping and well I can't be stopped!

But since I did a little damage and bought a few things I'm excited about, I thought I'd share them with you here. Also there is 1 thing I purchased elsewhere but I'm going to share it with you all here :)

Let's start with this hat, I love it! I have such a problem with hats, they are always too big for my abnormally small head (it's an issue people!). I bought this one in Target's kids section and it fits like a dream, yay! I'm all for the beanie look with my hair poking out, so cute.

Now, before we get to the beauty stuff I have to tell you all about my amazing lamp. I know, a lamp Amber? But yes, a lamp! It's got mercury glass balls (hmmmm) and is lovely. I don't have a picture yet, but if you're in the market for a pretty floor lamp you should check it out HERE.


Okay, onto the good stuff. I am currently using the ELF loose powder to set my makeup and thought I'd try the not-so-messy pressed version. TBH I'm not blown away by either, but they do set makeup and they're cheap, so here we are. Let me know if you know of a great setting powder, especially for under the eyes. 




Finally, I had to buy some jeans and Target's High-Rise Mossimo Jeans are my absolute faves! These are the black jegging version (here) and they are so soft and comfy, perfect for winter. They're more of a faded black/gray which I like. I own a lot of black and these go without turning me into a goth girl, which is just not my thing.

These jeans were a little too long though, so I snipped off the bottoms (I'm a rebel like that) and created my own frayed hem jeans #stylin!

For a long time (years?) I've been searching for the perfect concealer and foundation... and have yet to find it. But on my search I heard about this Bare Minerals concealer (mine is in fair) and I thought maybe it would help with my massive dark circle problem. I look like a gorilla kicked my ass every morning. Rough.

Ok so there's good news and bad news with this concealer. Bad news first... it is no good under the eyes. It settles into lines, moves around and creases even after powder and a setting spray. Onto the good news - this is awesome as a quazi-foundation. I put it on my forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin and blend. It has about a medium coverage and blends into the skin so beautifully and I feel it last really well too (after some powder and setting spray of course). 


Overall I'm really happy with my purchases and feel a little more prepared for Winter and the cozy months.

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What's on your shopping list for Winter?
Do you have a favorite concealer or foundation?

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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

My 5 Favorite Fall Trends!

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Fall Wish List




This fall I've been inspired by embellishment... which, if you know me, is crazy talk. I'm usually pretty neutral with my style. I still love a classic look - I type this in a blue blazer and black loafers, BUT sometimes you have to branch out.

And this season there are so many beautiful textures, hardware, and shapes. I'm just like a kid in a candy store; I love them all and can't pick just one. But for you, I've nailed down my top 5 favorite fall trends and pieces that I would love to own! So let's get to it:

1. Shearling

First, I already bought this coat, that's how absolutely fabulous it is. I'm praying for colder weather so I can wear it! Damn Colorado is still in the 60s/70s. 

This moto jacket is oversized so you can where it over your sweaters with no trouble. On my 5'3" frame it hits right at my butt (flattering) and is large without looking sloppy. The faux shearling runs all the way through the inside, even down the sleeves. I think this is going to be so cozy, if it ever gets cold :)

2. Loafers

I'm a woman obsessed. Loafers of all kinds, colors, shapes, and textures! I do have a few black pairs, but I'm lacking loafer personality in my wardrobe. These 2 would add a bit of pizazz to my feet. 

The leopard print caught my eye as all things leopard do (problem?). They are that classic shape and very close to the Gucci loafers that have been everywhere. The nude I like because just like nude heels they would elongate your leg a bit, and it's just a relief from black (but I can still wear with black!). 

3. Embroidered Jeans

Okay, okay these are crazy, I know it, you know it. But I don't care because they thrill me! I saw these at Nordstrom and they completely drew me in. They're just beautiful and would add so much fun and color to my otherwise neutral wardrobe. And why not have some bright flowers and birds in the dreary months? If you like this trend but want a little less everything, these are a great option too.

4. Flared Sleeve Sweater

I'm really into all things cozy and sweater right now. Because even though it's been warm here, the mornings are cold, and my office is chilly. I've been loving all the embellished sweaters lately that offer a little style to an otherwise plain winter staple. 

This sweater is just classic enough that I wouldn't feel silly in it, but the sleeves just add a little something special. 

5. Velvet Boots

I don't know where I'd wear these, or what with. But I love them! They seem so luxe and gorgeous. They also make me think of Christmas shoes from the 90's... you know those flat black velvet things with Christmas embroidery on the tops (now that I think about it let's bring those back!). I remember my mom had a pair and they were festive and fun and so grown up. 

These boots may be the even-more-grown-up version of those shoes of my childhood. And that midnight blue color seems mysterious and sexy. Yes, I need these in my life.

These are the trends and pieces I'm loving for this Fall and Winter. What trends have you most excited?

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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

My Current Everyday Makeup

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This post contains products that have been sent to me for review and products I've purchased myself. All opinions are my own.

Ahhh Monday mornings! Or any morning for that matter - Always a mad dash to get ready for the day. And to be honest, although I always wear makeup to work, I want to spend as little time as possible on it. I've edited my routine down to the essential products that take little-to-no effort, are fool proof, and I know will look good.

See below for my everday makeup look that's quick and painless!


As you can tell it's pretty simple. I try to even out my skin tone, add some color, define my brows and eyes, and go. And don't mind the blank stare... it clears up after my morning coffee. 

Also, I like to keep everything in the same color family, it takes all the guesswork out. Below are the products I used for this look:




Face

I can't seem to find a foundation I really love, so I've just been using a concealer; under the eyes, around the nose, on my forehead and chin. I then spray the setting spray and blend. This helps it stay longer and blend easier. I top off te under-eye concealer with a peach-toned one to cancel out my nasty blue cirlces.

I powder (not shown, see it here) mostly under my eyes and on the t-zone. Then for bronzer and blush - I've been doing both with this Physician's Formula palette as it's fan-freakin-tastic! Especially with my new brush (see below).


Eyes

I love this palette from It Cosmetics for an easy eye look. Everythings neutral and blends so well. For this look I used the pink tones all over the lid and a light purple to define the outer corner.

Next, brown liquid eyeliner just on the outer third of the top lashes. I think this adds definition but isn't as difficult as lining the whole line... or god forbid a flick! I also take brown shadow from the palette and pack it onto the liner to blend it out and make it less harsh. Add mascara... lots of mascara.

Eyebrows - oh have I learned the importance of brows! I use this Hourglass pencil to shape and fill-in the brows (this thing has lasted forever, definitely worth the $$$). I go over that with the Essence brow mascara - which is brillant!

Lips

If you follow me on this blog you may know that I am not a lipstick fan. Don't get me wrong, I'll keep trying them but they're not my favorites. 

This lipstick was sent to me by Bdellium Tools in the color Helen of Troy to try. So I gave it a shot. It's a great neutral pink and goes with this look great. Also it's not too matte or too shiny and not drying at all. The wear on this was impressive too, it lasted about 3-4 hours on me (a win for sure!). So even though I may not reach for this all the time, I do think it's a really great product and worth a look at for you lipstick ladies. 

Brushes

Bdellium Tools (pronounced dell-ee-um, if you want to know!) sent me 2 brushes and a lipstick to try for review. I already own a Bdellium fluffy eyeshadow brush that is well loved and well used. It's amazing quality so I jumped at the chance to work with them and try out some of their other brushes. Their Bambu lines are cruelty-free and in multiple fun colors. I am partial to the green - but they have yellow, pink and purple as well.

They brushes they sent me are:


Both brushes are great quality, haven't shed, and are sturdy.

The 990 is definitely the star of this show. It's absolutely amazing! I used it for my bronzer/contour in this look. It just blends the product in so easily, it's like a dream. I couldn't believe it at first - but the soft pliable bristles don't grab too much product and help effortlessly sweep it on your face. Needless to say, I'm in love <3

The 760 is much more confusing to me. It's very very tiny. I think this brush would be really suited for someone who either uses a gel liner or draws individual hairs when filling in their brows (I do neither). For me, the best option was to use it to pack shadow over my liquid liner. It did this really well and was really precise, so it definitely did it's job. But I wouldn't recommend going out and buying it only for that.


I love this look as it a quick 5 minute makeup that makes me look done, awake, and ready to tackle the day... a perfect cover to the half-asleep zombie person I really am at 5:00 a.m!


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Do you have any favorite brushes?

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