Get Ready With Me: Long Wear Makeup and Curls

Soooo….I chopped a few more inches off of my hair.  Those of your that have done this before know that this is a blessing, and a curse.  It’s easier to handle, and can be a bigger pain because now I HAVE to style it on the daily.  Nevertheless, I’m currently digging it!

My goal is to always make things as easy as possible in the morning.  I love long wear makeup, and curls that last me a few days.  I put together a get ready with me video that shows you just how I achieve that!  Enjoy!

Products used:

Hot Tools 3/4″ Curling Iron
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW15
MAC Lip Pencil in Soar
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brûlée
Air Spun in translucent
Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Medium Brown
Loreal Paris Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter
ShadowSense in Mulberry
ShadowSense in Garnet
ShadowSense in Sandstone Pearl Shimmer

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Chic in Pink

Cardigan | Dress | Tights | Heels

I’ve been pushing myself lately to beef up my business attire with quality pieces, without breaking the bank.

**Enter Amazon**

I cannot tell you how many compliments I received when I wore this outfit.  The dress is incredibly comfortable – be sure to size up if you’re in between sizes.  It has some ruching around the hips and tummy area which helps hide the “mom pooch,” and comes in a ton of colors.  This dress is an awesome staple for your wardrobe and is such as classic little black dress.

Pair the dress with a soft petal pink waterfall cardigan and classic rights, you’ve got yourself the perfect office attire.  The tights are legit the best pair I’ve worn.  Let me just say, don’t be afraid of wearing anything from Spanx.  These tights suck you in, in all the right places and the texture of the tights are super soft.

Let’s talk about these pumps for a second.  First of all, I can’t stand to wear stiletto heels.  I have never felt comfortable in them, and my feet always kill me when I would war them.  These Sam Edelman pumps are pretty dang comfortable, and have a sturdy block heel that makes it easy to wear these all day long.  And just for PSA purposes, these shoes are like $30 cheaper on Amazon compared to other stores…run and grab a pair!

**This post does contain affiliate links, however, is not sponsored by Amazon in any way.  All thoughts and opinions are my own**

The Perfect Laptop Tote

Shirt | Jeans | Tote

With my latest promotion at work I am in a position that requires me to carry a “work appointed” laptop.  I travel between multiple facilities and needed to have a laptop tote that was essentially an all-in-one so I wasn’t carrying multiple bags.

After searching for the perfect option that fit my needs, I was able to narrow my choices down to this affordable tote from Amazon that is a laptop tote, purse, and wallet all in one.  It has so many compartments it makes my little organization heart happy.  I love that it is neutral, is affordable ($29.99), has a shoulder pad to prevent the painful sensation we’ve all felt the longer we hold a bag on our shoulder, and durable/washable material.  I would also say that this could be a great diaper bag.  There is a holder for a water/baby bottle, which I love to use for my coffee tumbler while I’m on the go – priorities.  I highly recommend it!

**this post may contain affiliate links**

Squeaky Clean: a Review

For the past few months I’ve been slowly replacing my empty products with brands that offer a “cleaner” alternative.  I’ve never been the type of person to care much about the ingredients in my daily use items, but, now that my kids are getting older and using things like deodorant, I’m more aware of the fact that if I don’t want them putting something harmful on or in their bodies, why would I?  When my sweet friend reached out to me about giving Monat products a try I was very intrigued by the products.

I had heard of the company before (hadn’t tried the products until now), and am a big believer in supporting those with a small business so this was pretty much a no brainer for me.  After doing some more research, I found that Monat offers products hit all of the check points for me.

Here is just a bit more information if that wasn’t enough to blow your mind:

“Monat is the first anti-aging haircare line, aimed at nourishing the scalp to ensure healthy hair growth. They’re botanically based (carrot seed oil, red clover extract, meadow foam seed oil) and none of them include sulfates, parabens or phthalates.

The products are all made in the USA, vegan, leaping bunny approved, and concentrated so you’re paying for product and not for water!

We also offer a 30 day money back guarantee and personal customer service through your market partner.”

The whole process is super easy.  For those of you who have not tried these products yet, all you do is take a super quick test that helps pair the products to meet your dream hair needs, place an order, and start using once they arrive!

After taking the test, I got a response that the 6 items you see above were what my color treated, dry-ish hair needed in a major way.

Hair Transformation Masque – this product lives up to its name.  It has a very lightweight feel to it, smells great, and leaves my hair feeling super smooth.

Colour Enhance Perfectly Platinum Shampoo and Conditioner – I love the deep purple shade of this shampoo.  Although I haven’t noticed a significant change in my blonde, I do appreciate that it doesn’t dry out my hair which other purple shampoos have a tendency to do.

The Champ Conditioning Dry Shampoo – this product also lives up to its name.  I honestly can’t even describe how awesome this dry shampoo is so I’ll just go back to the early 2000’s…it’s bomb.com

Frizz-Fix Smoothing Hair Primer – on days I want to have sleek, straight hair this is really great at keeping the fly aways and frizz at bay.  It’s not too heavy, and left my hair feeling silky.

Revive Shampoo – my hair can tend to fall flat on occasion so keeping volume in my hair can be a challenge.  I used this shampoo the other night and dried my hair using a flat paddle brush and had the best volume I’ve had in years!  I love that it legit makes my hair squeak when I wash my hair with this shampoo – makes me feel extra clean haha.

I have to say the first time I used the shampoo I was a little skeptical.  I had been used to shampoo sudsing up like crazy with each use, and this shampoo does not do that straight out the gate.  I do love that a little product goes a long way, and all of them smell delicious.  My kids love to sniff the hair masque because they think it smells like how sweet tarts taste haha.  Although I love all 6 products I received, I have to give a huge shout out to the dry shampoo.  It’s like magic in a bottle, y’all!  It smells SO good, doesn’t leave any residue behind, and doesn’t weigh your hair down – freakin’ love it so much!

Although I do not sell these products, you can snag them from my sweet friend Tawney!  She is such a huge help and is a haircare guru!  Head here to get your Monat products today!

**I received these products for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own**

My Version Of A “Mom Wardrobe”

Tee | Jeans | Shoes

Jeans, t-shirts, and simple tennis shoes are my love language.  I feel most comfortable when I am dressed casually and have the ability to chase after my kids without worrying about getting dirty, or, breaking my ankle by running in heels!

I’ve been loving graphic tees lately, especially when they revolve around some of my favorite bands.  Paired with some staple jeans and crisp, clean white tennis shoes and you’ve got yourself what I like to consider my “mom wardrobe.”

What are some of your “mom wardrobe” staples?

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Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation – A Product Review

**I received this product complimentary for testing purposes.  All thoughts and opinions stated in this post are my own.**

pat mcgrath sublime perfection foundation
 

Happy Tuesday, friends!  Comin’ in hot with new product review for y’all!

As you all know, I’m a big fan of beauty products and am always on the hunt for the latest and greatest.  I am happy to announce that Pat McGrath is gearing up to release a hot new line of products that fall under the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection line.  There are a handful of products about to be released, but, I was lucky enough to be provided a complimentary foundation to test out and try!

I have been using this for the past 3 days and can honestly say that it’s my new favorite!  Here is the description of the hot new foundation per the Pat McGrath site:

Mother’s instantly iconic foundation builds weightlessly from a sheer veil to flawless medium coverage in 36 universal colour choices and five shade levels custom-curated for all skin types, tones and undertones. The second step in Mother’s SUBLIME PERFECTION SYSTEM delivers a customisable couture finish that brings the runway to real life in a few powerful drops. Silky and luxurious, it feels creamy to the touch and delivers controlled, easily buildable coverage. Self-setting, post-perfecting and longwearing, its sublime satin finish lasts all day.

SUBLIME TECHNOLOGY 

This nourishing formulation is crafted with a Vita-Serum Complex designed to help fight the formation of wrinkles by preserving the hydrolipidic film barrier of the skin. This complex boosts hydration by activating the natural production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Diamond Core Powder Technology improves skin texture by optically smoothing and blurring the appearance of fine lines and imperfections. An illuminating soft-focus pigment blended into the formula converts and scatters light, emulating the effect of a healthy, youthful complexion. Formulated without parabens, talc or fragrance. Oil-free.

My personal review:

PROS – First of all, I love how lightweight the foundation is.  It has great medium coverage with buildable coverage.  As you can see in my before image, my skin has a natural pink undertone with rosy cheeks (thank you broken blood vessels!).  The pigment is pretty amazing so a little goes a long way which I appreciate.  I think it’s great that this foundation comes in 36 different shades (I am in Light 1 for reference) so there is something for everyone!  The foundation is very thin in consistency almost like a serum, and gives the most beautiful satin finish – a glow from within appearance.

CONS – I would recommend setting the foundation with a powder.  It does not ever truly “set” in my experience despite the claims which does not place it in the long wearing category for me.  The price point is on the higher side at $68 (which is typical for a high end product).

Overall, I would totally recommend this product.  Although there were a few cons to this foundation I don’t think those cons are deal breakers and believe that this foundation is legit.  I will definitely be purchasing a replacement when this one is gone!

 

A Deal You Can’t Pass Up!

Okay.  Let’s get straight to the point here, people.  The Treasure & Bond Platform Wedge Sandals are on SALE.  I repeat, the Treasure & Bond Platform Wedge Sandals are on SALE!

treasure & bond platform wedge sandals, nordstrom

This is huge for a few reasons.

  1. The cognac color way is 35% off which I have never seen that color way on sale like that.
  2. These wedges are drooled over by many, and are super cute for the Summer season.

I ordered mine this morning and highly recommend you run and grab a pair before the sale ends!

**this post may contain affiliate links**

My Go-To Lip Combo

nude lip combo, nix creme brûlée, Mac soar

Lip Liner | Gloss

I can honestly say that I receive the most beauty related questions over anything else on a regular basis – which I LOVE!  I’ve always loved helping others find things that they love, or, that makes them feel good about themselves.

Although I don’t always wear the same lip color/combo on the daily, I do always have my “go-to” lip combo that I take with me anywhere…I may, or may not have multiples of each.  I always gravitate towards nude lip shades because they pretty much go with anything, and they’re appropriate for any occasion.

When I was introduced to MAC Cosmetics Soar Lip Liner many moons ago, I instantly fell in love.  It’s the perfect pinky nude that would look amazing on all skin tones.  Top it off with a “your lips but better” butter gloss and you’ve got a match made in heaven!

As shown above, in just 5 simple steps you can achieve the same look!  I line my natural lip line on the top and bottom lips with the Soar lip liner, then fill my lips in just slightly while leaving the centermost portion of my bottom lip bare (this will help make your lips look fuller), once that’s completed I swipe a thin layer of my favorite NYX Creme Brûlée on and I’m on my way!

See?  Easy!  What is your favorite lip combo?

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Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale Top Picks Under $50


Save up to 50% during our Half-Yearly Sale! Now through June 2 at NORDSTROM.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year….oh wait.  But in all seriousness the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale is like an early Christmas to me and I always love scouring the site for killer deals.  I have compiled my top picks under $50 all in one location here for you that range from, intimates, shoes, and obviously some clothing.  I know that not everyone is willing/able to drop hundred of dollars on a single item so I wanted to keep everything affordable for this roundup.  Everything will be linked (view all items left to right) below so be sure to snatch up what you want because things do sell out quickly!Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale Top Picks Under $50

Zella Live In Pocket 7/8 Leggings ($35.40) – I snagged these to give them a try.  I have heard wonderful things about the Zella brand and can’t wait to give these a try!

Zella Uplifted Sweatshirt ($29.40) – Although the weather is getting warmer, I love the perfect lounging pieces and you can’t go wrong with a sweatshirt on those gloomy Summer days.

Madewell Medium Canvas Transport Tote ($46.80) – This is a mini version of the tote I have and I love how durable and functional this bag is!  It literally caries every necessity, and the quality can’t be beat!

Vans Gingham Sneaker ($35.96) – I have a few pairs of Vans and have always loved the comfort, and simplicity of the design.  These will be a nice little addition to my shoe collection.

Caslon Slubbed Tee ($19.49) – I could literally have a closet full of basics and this tee is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  I love that mustard has become a neutral so you can just about pair it with anything in your closet!

Caslon Boyfriend Chino ($35.40) – I definitely believe that everyone should have a simple pair of chino’s in their closet.  The slate grey color goes with anything and they look super cute with heels, or, tennis shoes!

Gorjana Luca Mobile Earrings ($38.98) – These earrings are just fun.  I kind of want them in silver and gold!

Treasure & Bond Sannibel Platform Wedge Sandal ($49.90) – loving these wedges something fierce!  They would go great with the grey chino’s!

Hinge Pleat Detail Linen Blend Blouse ($29.49) – so cute and feminine.  This blouse would be great with jeans, shorts, skirts, and slacks for work.  I love a versatile top!

Levi’s High Waist Shorts ($48.65) – Another Summer staple.  White shorts are a must!

Madewell The Boardwalk Ankle Strap Sandal ($47.60) – The perfect neutral pair of sandals for any occasion (would look adorable with the high waist shorts, and the T-Shirt Dress).

BECCA Cosmetics Cupid Kiss Lipstick ($14.40) – Nude lipstick for the win!  This would be an awesome, and easy go-to option for your makeup bag.

Kut From The Kloth Denim Jacket ($44.49) – Speaking of denim jackets…this is a great staple as well!

Caslon T-Shirt Dress ($35.40) – I love t-shirt dresses so much!  You can dress them up or down, and I would totally pair these with a simple jean jacket and my favorite pair of Chuck’s (not on sale, but, still fits within the budget of $50).

 

Free People Adella Longline Bralette ($22.80) – the most loved bralette by all influencers is on sale!  Run!

Sole Society Destin Faux Leather Backpack ($41.96) – Backpacks are all the rage right now and I totally get the trend!  I would definitely sport this backpack!

**This post does contain affiliate links, however, this post is not sponsored by Nordstrom.  All opinions are my own.**

Top 5 Picks For Achieving Voluminous Hair

 

I have been on the hunt for the perfect products to help boost the volume of my hair and have narrowed the search down to products that truly do an amazing job, and have some serious staying power.

IGK Beach Club Texture Spray – Although this is technically considered a texturizing spray, it gives really great grip to the hair that helps provide stay power for whatever style you’ve chosen for the day.  I was gifted this spray many moons ago in my OG blogger days and loved it so much I have replaced it a few times over because I love the look it gives my hair.

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast – Not only does this smell absolutely delicious, but, it gives UH-MAZING volume to your hair!  I would not recommend using this on your roots as it can get quite heavy, but, spray in an upward motion from the base of your hair to create the desired volume you wish…even if that means giant southern hair haha.

Design.Me Puff Me Volumizing Cloud Mist – Although this is fairly new to me, it has been a MAJOR game changer.  It is legit not for the faint of heart when it comes to boosting the volume of your hair!  One little puff is all it takes as you section your hair, and you will never know what hit you!  It will give you some crazy texture, but, will give you the best voluminous result you’ve ever dreamt of.

Aquage Uplifting Foam – This is such a great root volume booster!  I use this each time I get out of the shower and spray a thin like in cornrow-like sections around the crown and massage into the scalp.  When you go to dry your hair, using a large round brush, or, drying your hair with your head upside down will really help the effect of this foam.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray – Honestly this spray can be used for multiple things which is why I love it so much.  I have used this as a root booster, and all over spray to help “thicken” my strands as well.  It definitely gives your hair some texture, but, not so much that it will weigh it down.  It is awesome for those that enjoy backcombing their hair!

**this post is not sponsored in any way, but, may contain affiliate links**

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