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Thursday, March 27, 2014

La La La - Make Me Pretty

 

I started dabbling with make-up in my early 30s when I noticed I didn't look like myself anymore in photographs.  Funny how you need make-up to look like yourself as you get older.  And it wasn't until this year that I really got into it (as in reading and watching make-up tutorials).  I think a lot has to do with all the blogs I now read!!  So, "thank you" to all the blog ladies for beautifying me!  Anyways, I thought I'd share with you what I consider to be basic, non-overwhelming must-have products for those late-bloomers like me, or anyone who's on a lookout for a change or two in her make-up routine.  

BB Cream - I lol'd at my mother when she told me she uses something called "BB" cream, and that it replaced her foundation.  Well, mothers are always right, especially mine. I'm hooked on my BB cream.  You just have to find the right shade for your skin tone. 

creme blend blush - I've been dabbing this onto my cheeks for years now.  I LOVE it.  It gives you just the right amount of that flushed-pink and youthful look.  Plus, it lasts longer than powder blushes. 

eye cream - I once had an expensive eye cream that was too strong for my skin, leaving bumps around my eyes.  This Kiehl eye cream got rid of that problem. It's very light and feels cool on your skin.  Btw, You must use eye cream if you are past the age of 27.  YOU MUST.  I started too late.  Don't you make that mistake! 

luminizer - Is there anyone who doesn't want a dewey look?  I've been looking for the right product and this is it.  I saw this product on Emily's Cupcakes & Cashmere as one of the top 10 products she purchased in 2013.  Yup, I bought it right away.  At first, I was extremely angry because I didn't think it did anything.  After a couple of Youtube searches and tutorials, I learned that you have to really DAB it (not rub it) onto your cheekbones.  Now, I see the dewey effect of this and LOVE it.  I gave mine to my mom and bought another one.  It's that good, guys!  

primer - I received a sample sized tube of this and didn't use it for awhile just because I really didn't need another step in my make-up routine.  Once I started using it, I noticed how my make-up lasted a lot longer, especially around the eyes.  I also noticed that it really keeps your eye make-up from smudging. I now wear it almost every day.

eyeliner - My friend Nancy recommended this to me.  She's one of the wisest women I know, so of course, I bought it.  It was indeed a wise thing to listen to Nancy.  

smokey eye shadow/eyebrow filler - I have been told by many make-up artists to use a shade lighter than my hair color for my eyebrows. Well, I always looked like I had eyebrow fillers on. Can we say awkward?! All changed with this product.  It's an eyeshadow for that smokey sexy look, but I use it as an eyebrow filler.  A big "thank you" to the Nordstrom make-up artist who finally saw and resolved my eyebrow struggles.   

eye shadow palette - There's a lot of hype around the Urban Decay's Naked series.  To my surprise, the hype is all that and then some.  I use the colors marked with * every day.  The other colors - I can see myself wearing on more fun and fancy nights (too bad there are too few of those).  

eyeliner brush - You MUST get this if you use gel eyeliner.  You have so much control over how you want to draw your lines.  

eyebrow brush - The same comment as above.  Just make sure to blend in the eyebrow filler into the brows so that you don't end up looking like a semi-angry samurai. 

eye shadow brush - This is an excellent size brush for coating the entire crevice of your eyes.  Use smaller brushes like the one included in the Naked palette for contouring. 

cheeks & everywhere brush - I love this brush.  It's perfect for any light dusting over your highlighting areas:  cheeks, nose, forehead, around the edges of your face.  

eyelash curler - I don't have this yet.  But I hear so much about it that it's been on my Amazon wish list for some time.  I will most likely take the plunge sometime soon, seeing how I've become a total make-up addict this year.  

Hope this was fun and helpful~~

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

White Out



Lately, I've been obsessed with finding clean white pieces for my closet. It began with a search for a pair of white jeans, which I haven't owned since junior high. Btw, is it me or are jeans just ridiculously expensive?  Lucky for me, I was able to find a pair that fits me really well at the Loft. And can I tell you how affordable it was?  Less than $40 after my little coupon. Speaking of the Loft, they've been knocking it out of the ball park for the last couple of seasons. I'm obsessed! 

Other pieces I bought are the jacket and tee above.  I'm eyeing the dress to go on sale. (Have you noticed how Pinterest sends you emails whenever your pins drop in price? The dress is pinned and hopefully, I'll get one of those notices soon.) 

It snowed last night here in the Philly-burbs. But we are expecting a warm Saturday. Wherever you guys are, hope you are weathering through the last days of the winter safely and with optimism for the spring to come. 

ethereal (dress) // effortless (jeans) // reminiscent (tee) // reflective (jacket)

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Spring Ready Already

So, we had more snow yesterday!  Seriously?! So what's a girl to do but cheer herself up by dreaming of a spring closet makeover.  I'm totally lusting after everything above!! Btw, happy belated St. Patty's Day!!  I celebrated by eating a regretful amount of Irish soda bread and Kerry butter. :)

stripes & leather// smart satchel// pretty sandals// easy crossbody// soft flats// lace & denim

Saturday, March 15, 2014

She Sees He Sees

  SHE SEES

  HE SEES

Hi there! Did I say I've been really uninspired lately?  
Well, here's a little "hello, I'm here and I miss this place too!". 

What are you doing this weekend?  I'd love to watch Wes Anderson's latest 'Grand Budapest Hotel'. Of course, the hubs, who actually does appreciate Anderson films, wants to watch something else, '300 Rise of Empire'.  It's a total she v. he situation :)  

Have a great weekend~~ 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Tippi No?


Hello to you and Ms. March! 
February has been one snowy month, resulting in me eating my way through the snow days (something about snow and comfort food) with my brain becoming too lax and without much creative juice. 
Well, March is here and I have hopes of all of that changing.  But one thing that will not change is the continued growth of Tippi sweaters in my closet.  I confess - I just ordered 3 more from J.Crew (on sale, of course!).  And that'll make the count to 6.  Yup.  I'm not ashamed.  This sweater is so comfy and suitable for 3 seasons out of the 4 - spring, fall and winter. It's also perfect for both work and play.

Do you have anything in your closet you tend to buy in multiples?  
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