Signature makeup looks

If you're like me and have a go to makeup look you're not alone. Often I go for nudes because my favorite thing to do, is rock a bold lip with a neutral eye. You can buy a low end set or a higher end and work it! Often the palettes offer a wide range from shimmer to matte and a darker shadow for smoky shading.
A good lower end and wallet friendly version is maybelline the nudes or physicians formula shimmer strips nude collection. Add a pop of nude wear blush,  also from physician formula and finish with their highlighter and you're set to glow! 

A higher end brand like bobbi brown also delivers and with so many ranges in her collection you really can't go wrong. My personal favorite is smokey nudes palette. It's brand new and absolutely gorgeous! You'll get high mileage out of this palette and pairing with her brightening blush friends will be asking how you are so glowy! Bobbi also offers a learning section on her site so you can't go wrong with picks! 

Skin detox

August Is the time of the year I like to do a ritual skin detox and get prepped for fall. A few try it's on my wish list:

-Peter Thomas roth skinstant mask magic, a trio
-FRESH flower power kit
-glam Glo instant camera ready skin kit
-algenist hydrating essence skin toner
-Boscia tabuki beauty oil

Do you do a skin detox at the end of summer too?

Lipstick or gloss girl?

Do you prefer lipstick or gloss? Honestly I love lipstick. But the fact that the new formulas out there have me re thinking about using gloss. Before,  ugh. The stickiness drove me away. I hated battling my hair getting into it and messing my makeup up. But the new formulas pack a punch. You get the benefit of the glossy look but without the stickiness. Some quick hits:

L'Oréal color caresse wet shine stain in rose on and on. Goes on like a lip stain but dries with look of a gloss.

NARS lip gloss in angelika. They recently overhauled their entire gloss line and reformulated their glosses. Now they're even better and long lasting without the stickiness. 

Ysl rouge pur couture glossy stain in pecche cerra cola.  It goes on kind of watery but packs a punch. You will be amazed at the results!  Super shiny and long lasting. I know,  because it lasted through coffee and brunches.

Revlon moisture stay balm in Cannes Film. ..gorgeous colors and so moisturizing!  Dries like a balm and shines without sticking.

Have you tried the new formulas?  I think the lip gloss revolution has only begun and I can't wait to see what comes next! 

The nude makeup look

Thinking of trying out the new nude trend?  Worried it will wash you out? If you stick to pink champagne based hues, it will not wash you out. I think the nude monochromatic look is gorgeous and gives you a "I just woke up like this" vibe. Quick hits include:
Urban decay naked 3 palette.  This rose gold palette is perfection. The minute I saw it I needed it. Still am obsessed over it!
NARS duo in silk road. Matte with a bit of glam
Maybelline THE nudes palette. With a range of hues it's a bet that you'll find a perfect one that works for you and bonus, some darker hues if you're feeling a smokier look.

As a rule when doing nude, don't use super dark liner it will take away from the product of the overall look. Switch to brown or copper instead. Fill your brows in and some light blush and you are good to go!

Garden in full bloom

For a while I waited and waited while I watered,  weeded,  and watched for the growth to hit. Finally,  I'm starting to see lots of color! Zinnias are getting HUGE, which I love.  Sunflowers are forming the heads now, and almost all my coneflowers,  susies, and phlox are bloomed!  Here's a dreamy peek

Pore obsessed?

If you're like me and getting a wee bit older by now you've probably started obsessing with pores. There's a range of products low to high end that will help you out with it though!  And some are affordable!  Quick hits:
-loreal Paris youth code pore vanisher
-clinique correcting serum
-dr jart detox pore penetrator

And quick makeup fixes to help minimize on the spot if you're impatient like me:

-tarte Amazonian clay finishing powder
-smashbox photo finish primer, helps to fill in the pores for a smoother finish
-make up forever high definition finishing powder

Favorite shoe brands

I have a few favorite brands I just really love. Season after season,  the styles can't be beat.  There's always something on my wishlist of theirs!! NINE WEST is my top favorite, followed by Jessica Simpson and Steve Madden,  and lucky brand. As far as shoes go I don't brand hop, mainly because once I find a versatile brand I love and it fits perfectly every time, it locks my loyalty in. And so I often find way too many I love from just a couple brands!  Steve Madden makes the best boots and Jessica Simpson makes the cutest heels. And for the versatility of all heels, NINE WEST takes the cake every season. Especially when they have collabs with INSTYLE, awesome things happen! Lucky brand I already own so many ballet flats from. They're buttery and soft, and a great half point price tag where you aren't sacrificing cheap for quality.

Blush

Are you a blush addict? One of my favorite makeup items besides lipstick,  is blush. You can go from sweet and barely flushed to full on glowing and "just took a walk in the crisp fall air". Don't let fair skin scare you away! I think the biggest fun of it all is how the bright color pleasantly surprises you by how subtle it looks out of the pan. A few quick faves of mine are:
-NARS orgasm, NARS Mata hari, and new attitude. 
-tarte in tipsy and blushing bride
-smashbox halo in "in bloom"
-maybelline dream bouncy in peach satin

Peach is a universal shade and looks good on everyone!  So if in doubt,  go with peach.

Blush on!!

National lipstick day

Are you a lipstick lover?  Do you only wear for special occasions or daily?  I'm an addict. I confess. I can't NOT buy new tubes even though I have so many!  Probably 20. Okay maybe 30. But there's just so much fun in trying out shades. And with the multitude of options out there,  what are you waiting for?? Get exploring! You'd be surprised how a simple lipstick can totally transform your look. My current 3 faves: Lancome color design in wannabe,  a flirty raspberry color,  NARS schiap,  a matte pink, and urban decay revolution in streak,  a soft muted rose pink

Makeup wish list

I have quite a few I want to get that my sights are set on!
-Nars lawless blush, mauritanie multiple, desemonda, europa, and pheobe dual intensity shadows,  night porter liner,  and dolomites shadow duo.
-BENEFIT they're real! push up liner
- MAC a novel romance collection is so good!
-Smash box cherry smoke collection,
-tarte after dark palette  is so beautiful 💋
Come on wallet! !!! Catch up with me please!

Today's garden check up

I usually check and water my garden early morning every day. Upon today though,  I am pleased to see so many things beginning to bud and bloom! My morning glory completely climbed the light post and the sunflowers are to my chin in height.  The zinnias have heads,  the black eyed susans do as well. My rose of Sharons have flowers and my coneflowers are all in bloom! The excitement is really building! It may be a late summer garden but I will have until fall to enjoy all this too..which means longer bloom time- so worth it! I can't wait to see how it looks all together,  which isn't so far off in the distance now

Moisturizers

As part of my daily routine I never go without a moisturizer for my face!  I've been a long time user of olay complete all day moisturizer, with spf 15 and formulated with vitamins E, B3 and C. As you age it gets more and more important to moisturize before makeup application and bed time. It guarantees a smoother application and the spf built right in cannot be beat. And before bedtime I use olay regenerist serum for a nightime anti aging boost. I love the serum it's a cushiony silky texture and soaks in quickly. Considering the genuine surprises from people thinking I'm much younger then I really am, I'd say the products are incredibly worth it's use

Favorite fall essentials

I have a few go to favorites I look forward to slipping back on come fall!  My biggest is my riding boots,  they go with everything!  Second is my comfy cashmere sweaters. .super light but so warm, which are great for layering. I also love wearing my leopard loafers and leopard anything is a fall long time favorite. Right now we are so close to august and I cannot wait!  September 1st is my rule- no fall makeup or clothes til that magic day!

Some of the best nudes for lippies

You can never go wrong with a nude. Classic everyday and just as good with a smokey eye or natural makeup. I've tried a few and depending on my mood/needs I use them
Fresh sugar lip in honey- one of my most hydrating favorites actually. Especially when lips are a bit dry I swipe this buttery formula on.
Urban decay revolution in RUSH- just a hint of mauve but so subtle, super moisturizing and it doesn't wear off quickly
Revlon color stay mineral gloss- in timeless nude. This has been around quite a while but it's a little bit more work to find but it's a great color with a hint of peach
L'Oréal color riche in rose taffeta. Sheer wash of color and super moisturizing. It's one of my daily go tos, especially in the fall
If you're like me and can't wear super light nudes these are the nudes for you. I'm not quite fair but not quite olive I fall in the middle of it so mauve and peach undertones look best on me.

Foundation or bb cream girl?

Some people prefer foundation and some go for a tinted moisturizer ( bb cream) and some switch it up. Me, personally,  have been a devotee of the bb craze. I love it! I don't wear foundation,  never have,  so I really loved the boost of benefits as a 5 in 1 benefit balm and anti aging moisturizer. To boot, it sports SPF so it's been a winner for me all around. A little highlighter and my look is set! Easy breezy glowy skin!

Highlighters

With the practice and use of highlighter,  you can achieve a great glow any time of the year. From medium end to low,  there are many great alternatives. I've tried them all and depending what I'm going for, I use accordingly.
Low end- physician formula has a great one, and it is not too shimmery or light, it's actually just right and a matte finish
Medium- benefit watts up or high beam. Watts up is a lovely champagne hue, and high beam is a pinky beige that casts a lovely light
NARS 413 BLKR is another medium end brand that delivers. The beauty of this is you can do both, illuminate OR highlight. You can mix in with foundation for a glow boost or alone as a highlight. It is a multi functional product.
I love all of mine and usually I switch from cream or liquid to powders for fall and winter.

Makeup switch up

I always switch my makeup from glowy to matte each year. Now, I am not a foundation wearer at all. However I use tinted moisturizer (bb cream) during spring and summer months and once September hits til march? I'll be using matte thank you. I have 2 products that achieve my looks and they're super cheap but effective. For my glowy summer look I use garnier BB cream and for the fall I use maybelline dream matte. I love the idea of switching up the skin finish each season!

Eye creams or gels

Since becoming a mommy the dark circles and puffiness has become my badge.  Over the course of past three years I have used garnier and aveeno Rollerballs and eye gels.  Recently sephora gratis gifted me an ole henrikson ultimate lift eye gel. The results? ?

HOLY crap.  Just exactly that. My eyes look better in the course of one use. I've used it 4 days now and I actually was commented how fresh I looked. Not tired, but energized and fresh!  You can feel the product working. Now,  this is a godsend when you're also a chronic allergy sufferer and I mean it when I say I've used product for years and nothing has touched my bags. Granted the product is pricey but it takes very little to apply. Really,  this jar will last awhile. Over all I'm incredibly impressed and definitely will purchase down the road. Thank you sephora!

Favorite products

There are just some things every woman loves,  tried, and won't go back once again to the cheaper stuff. I have a few I just really absolutely love. Fresh sugar lip is one. I love the buttery, hydrating formula and the sheer lip tint. I haven't used an ordinary chapstick since,  and each Christmas I buy the mini trio sets. I just LOVE them! Another is the Peter Thomas roth Firm-X peel gel. There's just no comparing. My skin glows for days after use. You massage on and you can visually see the dead skin cells lifting off. Gross,  I know but super cool. Lastly I really love my olay regenerist serum. Silky and smooth,  it has a really nice cushiony texture I love. It sinks in fast and no irritation. NARS eyeshadows are my addiction. There's so many colors I want but they're so worth the splurge. I am a product junkie but I really enjoy trying all the new products as soon as they're out!

Fall makeup collections

Are you one who really looks forward to the collections the makeup world brings?  I do, and I get so excited!  I love the campaigns and the looks and seeing how it's Implemented by fashion weeks looks. Currently I'm setting sights on the sneak peeks of a couple I've seen so far.
NARS night caller- a dynamic blend of blush, taupe,  and purple toned collection that is reminiscent of the urban chic woman
Ysl leather fetish- a smoky blend of classic taupes and red lips
CHANEL etats De poetiques-  determined by the classic preppy beauty of tweed blazers and blush cardigans.
DIOR Trafalgar- Bordeaux and pinks marry in one class act of a palette
Smash box cherry smoke- another Bordeaux and pink palette but think very film noir with matte undertones
I look forward to the official launches and can't wait to try it all out!

Fall traditions

Do you have seasonal traditions?   we have a summer one but I'm super excited about fall. Especially now that our little one is older I have a few things I want to do.
Hiking-we hadn't gone for a long time being pregnant last year, busy,  and tired. This year I really want to put time aside to foliage peep more.
Festivals- we have never gone to a foliage festival yet actually!
Corn Maze - what was a huge product of fun in my childhood,  I want mine to experience and enjoy running through!
Pumpkin patches and hay rides- we did do this last year but our oldest wasn't as aware, I'm excited to see how she does this year
pancake breakfast and morning walks -there's nothing like it

Do you do these things for tradition too?

Project bucket list

Do you have a project bucket list?  Do you save them on pinterest?  I can be creative but seeing visuals of ideas helps me take an idea and put my own spin on it. And so,  in doing that I've compiled a bucket list of things to home improve.  First I feel like switching the bathroom paint up. I really love some of the gorgeous bathrooms on there and the mixture of greens and golds really gets me. Toddler room decorating is another. I want to decorate my little ones rooms but nothing all themed because kids you know will often change their minds. A gallery wall for our living room is another. I love how the galleries look on pinterest. Lastly pressed flower art looks beautiful and would add a shabby chic vibe. As a mom my "me" time is when I can craft away and finally hang or display my projects!

Fall fashion

It's so close to my favorite time of the year!  I'm not a fan of summer.  But fall?  I adore it. Spiced lattes, pumpkins,  leaves littering the ground,  and the crisp air. There's just something about it that speaks to me. It's poetic. Life begins all over again.
Another best part?  The clothes. I love a cozy sweater and riding boots. Out of my entire wardrobe,  autumn outfits are my favorite. A few things that are always a trend:

Leopard anything. I have leopard loafers and I'm DYING to get them back on my feet.
Riding boots. Easy chic. You can't ever go wrong with a good classic riding boot
Plaid shirts- each year I think I found the prettiest but then I change my mind and want a new pair. This year I'm thinking green and blue
Pea coats- for whatever reason I'm obsessed with jackets. I love em. I always want more blazers especially.  But a pea coat will always be a classic. If you don't have one, you're missing out

Each year I stalk everything and plan out a few new wardrobe additions. This year on my list?  Burgundy pants,  a new classic loafer,  and a trench.
Right now, fall is constantly on my mind and I cannot wait for next months fashion magazines to hit the shelves. There's nothing like the thick September issues!

Beauty oils

Do you or have you tried the recent oil trend? From hair to skin it's flooded the market with its amazing potential. I have a few experiences and from my experiences,  I know I definitely am loving the results.

Hair: I have tried garnier marvelous oil. I loved the 5 action elixir and I'd put it on before bed as a overnight treatment for my ends and post shower on my ends.  Result?  After my recently bleached and dyed lighter hair it helped. Majorly

Skin: I've used two products and they packed a punch. For cleansing I used garnier oil cleanser. I like how it smells and how silky it felt. It has become routine to massage the oil in at night while thinking over the day,  and it's something I actually really look forward to in my routine. It cleans without the tight dry face afterwards and leaves it soft. Then I massage tarte maracuja oil into my face. I love how radiant skin looks with its use. My face is also less oily. It's true, oil fights oil. 

Coconut oil: I grab from the organic aisle at the grocery store. In fact,  it's a great multi use product from shaving to hair conditioner to moisturizing.

I really enjoy my oils and I've enjoyed the benefits and much healthier skin because of it. I don't think the oil based skincare market will be going anytime soon

Favorite flowers

Do you have a favorite perennial or annual you plant and look forward to its blooms each year?  I really adore sunflowers. Last year I planted a sunset mix and I LOVED how it turned out. This year I can't wait to have this view again!  They're slowly growing,  and in just a few short weeks it will be a view in my life again

Pinterest projects

Do you try out pinterest projects?  Decorating a home can be so expensive. I love the ideas I can take away from pinterest or take an idea and add my own direction to it. Have you done recent projects? I have!  And I really love how it turned out!

Makeup refresh

Do you change your makeup with the seasons?  I do. Often, I opt for a natural,  glowy look for the summer followed by a bold tangerine or coral lip. For fall,  I really love a matte complexion with a raspberry or red lip. Winter, I really adore shimmers with a subtle pink lip. Spring,  I look to pastels. Right now,  it is summer,  so it's all about the glowy look.
Here are a list of some of my go to favorites:
NARS blush in ORGASM. There's no going wrong with this shade. It gives you such a beautiful ethereal glowy look. Bonus,  it's universally flattering on every one! Perfect for a bridal look
NARS Sugarland eyeshadow duo. Matte and shimmer shadows play out a lovely natural look
Benefit watts up highlighter- a glowy look isn't complete without highlighter.  I run under brows,  across forehead,  and temples.
No summer look is complete without at least 30 spf. I love L'Oréal silky sheer lotion for that.
Above all, primer is a must. If you don't use it, your makeup simply won't look it's optimum. If you don't prime,  you pay the crime! ☺ SMASHBOX photo finish is my personal favorite.
Lastly,  if you haven't discovered BB cream by now, you really need to! This tinted moisturizer has spf AND 5 benefits of use. I never go without my BB! Personally,  I use garnier BB cream. I've used it for 3 years and ive liked that one the most.

Do you like to switch your looks up too? 

In suspension

We have arrived at the time of the year when all spring bulbs and bloomers have expended their show for the year. But yet, its the in between time where you wait until the award winning perennials gear up for their much waited and anticipated show. The spectacular burst of color, that will carry on into late autumn with their displays. 

Lately, i have been stopping to check in daily to see the changes slowly but surely taking place. I see my echinacea, newly transplanted, surely budding. A stray petal filling in with color, much like how the sunlight seeps in slowly, gradually, and blink again, the entire sky is filled. i see my zinnias, small just a week ago, tripled in size. My hollyhocks, planted early in the hopes of a couple blooms this year. I cant wait to see how it pulls together this year. One day, the buds are completely closed and green. I love the surprise of stopping by and going OH!! We have petals all over suddenly! Its the best kind of surprise, because you never know when nature will begin its concert. So, I wait. And i check in daily. Right now, theres a lot to look forward to. And i couldnt be more excited to see how this years' progress pans out 

xoxo