Beauty Scenario Tag

March 14, 20142 Comments

Hello my looooves!

Big internet hugs to Heather, from Coconut & Cotton for tagging me! This one’s gonna be a hoot.

1. You have to get rid of all your foundations and you can only keep one high end and one drugstore, which do you keep?

For the sake of “the tag” let’s just say I currently have all my favorite foundations right now. I would EASILY keep the Makeup Forever HD Foundation in shade 118 and L’Oreal True Match Lumi in Soft Ivory.

2. You go for an interview and the lady interviewing you has lipstick on her teeth. Do you approach the subject or ignore it completely?

IGNORE. All. The. Way. Don’t know about you, but when someone tells me “you have lipstick on your teeth/mascara on your eyelid/etc.” and then I go look in the mirror and it’s like one minuscule speck of misplaced color, I’m like OK, YOU IDIOT. I mean, for God’s sake, TELL ME if there’s like an enormous bat in the cave – but one little lipstick smudge? Keep that sh*t to yo’self.

3. You’re not feeling yourself and need a pick me up. Which lipstick do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful?

Most def MAC Viva Glam Gaga in Shade 1. The blue undertones make my teeth look white and it’s perfect.

4. You go back in time for a day to your teenage years, how would you do your hair and makeup differently?

First, I would have bought my self a right-fine push-up bra and shimmied to all my classes. Then, I would have refrained from the use of butterfly clips and shimmery pastel eyeshadows to match my baby tees. I would slap myself for being besties with the tanning bed and make myself wear actual lipstick. Not Bonne Bell rollerballs.

hahaa so ridic

5. You ask your hairdresser for a shoulder length Pixie Lott hair cut, but they hear wrong and give you a pixi cut. Do you a) Smile, say thank you, leave and call your mom hysterical b) Cry in the chair and things get awkward or c) Complain to the manager and demand a refund.

I would just commit murder, plain and simple. Or arson. My Ernie-shaped face could NOT handle a pixi. In reality, I would pick A. Then I would get extensions.

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Hahahhaaaa (Me as NeNe)

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Just, yes.

6. Your friend surprises you with a 4 day city break and you have 1 hour to pack. Which ‘do it all’ palette do you pack in your makeup bag?

What a great friend I have! I don’t own a palette with everything, but I would probably grab my Too Faced compact which contains a blush and two eye shadow colors. Kinda like the one in this set:

One of the shadows can also double as a highlighter, then all I really need is mascara and concealer. And eyeliner. And lipstick. Crap.

7. Your house has been robbed, don’t worry everyone is safe, but your beauty stash has been raided. What’s the product you really hope is safe?

Blimey! My Naked 3 palette, my Nars eyeliner and my MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1 (because it was limited edish).

8. Your friend borrows your makeup and returns it in awful condition. Do you a) Just pretend you haven’t noticed b) Ask them to repurchase it or c) Secretly do the same to something of theirs?

I don’t have any friends as makeup obsessed as me. My sister is though. And since we are sisters I would definitely call her out. So I guess B or C. Hahaa. She is DEFINITELY the more careful one, so it would probably me that would ruin it.

Battle of the Wedding Makeup

March 7, 201415 Comments

Today I’d like to discuss a subject which makes up about 75% of my wedding anxiety…ME.

Married, single, straight, gay, we ALL want to look like a million bucks on our wedding day. Any makeup enthusiast will agree that selecting the items I plan to smother all over my mug on the big day is a big ass decision. To some, this may sound ludicrous…”it’s just makeup!”. Others would simply leave it to a professional.

WHAAA??

I have considered both schools of thought, trying to take the “less is more” approach or maybe even hiring a MUA who will come over and airbrush my face. Two problems: 1.) Less is definitely NOT more, are you kidding me? and 2.) Our wedding is kindof a destination affair and I have ZERO connections to the beauty community in Walla Walla. And. I’m not about to entrust my face to a complete stranger who doesn’t know how to deal with my lazy eyelid and large nose!

I digress.

All of this adds up to the fact that I will be doing my own makeup on my wedding day, which will cause enough anxiety (thank GOD for Xanax). As a result, I will need to be armed and ready. With an arsenal of tried and true, bullet proof products that I can count on. Like the Marines.

Here is my proposed cavalry. *Oh, and please weigh in, in the comments!

FACE

Primer – Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum vs. Smashbox Photo Finish

The Smashbox primer I have tried before. It has that silicone feel on the skin, which I happen to like. I have heard rave reviews on the Hourglass primers and selecting this contender since it is free of SPF.

Foundation – Makeup Forever HD Foundation VS. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

The MUFE HD recruit has been selected for it’s blissfully perfect appearance on the skin and the fact that it does not break down. I haven’t tried the Estee Lauder double wear, but it is revered in the beauty community for having crazy coverage and excellent staying power as well.

Setting Powder – Bare Minerals Mineral Veil VS MAC Mineralized Skin finish Natural

Both I have tried and both, I like. I want to use a product that doesn’t completely mattify, but keeps me shine-free.

Bronzer – Benefit Hoola Bronzer VS MAC Bronzer in Give me Sun

I have used both of these bronzers. Hoola is great for sculpting and looks great with many skin tones. Give me Sun is just gorgeous and I think looks better with a bit of a tan. I will be in a very tanned state, but obviously still want my contour to look natural.

Blush – BH Cosmetics Glamorous Palette VS Mac Well-Dressed or Peaches

I have the BH Cosmetics palette and can probably achieve a nice peachy-coral glow with ease. However, although I don’t own a MAC blush, these two shades are strong contenders.

EYES

Eye Shadow – Stila In the Light Palette VS a custom MAC Palette

I LOVE my Stila palette but am very intrigued at the idea of creating my own “bridal” 4-pan MAC palette. Hmmm…

Lashes – Velour Lashes in Strike a Pose VS. Esqido Lashes in Voila Lash

I should also mention that (of course) I will be wearing eye primer, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner and mascara. I’m not an idiot.

So what do you think? Do you have any experience with any of these products?

February Favorites

March 5, 2014March 4, 201413 Comments

I KNOW, I’m super late. But don’t be mad.

And really quick – can we talk about the season finale of Downton? I have so many questions. Where is God’s name is Michael Gregson? And why won’t Mary just choose the cuter guy (Gillingham) like we all want her to?

Also – I FINALLY got through Breaking Bad and all I want to do is talk about the finale. But. Anyways.

Onto the favorites.

Beauty

Treehut Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Brazilian Nut

It’s official – I have hopped on the sugar scrub band wagon! And now that I have safely arrived at the exfoliation station (see what I did there?) I am never looking back. The smell of this product is insane. Like something you want to lick and ingest into your entire being. I can’t help but grab myself a good palmful and squish it playfully between my fingers before I slather it everywhere and inhale, deeply. The result is baby-soft, wonderfully perfumed skin that is also perfect before self tanner.

The Comforter Bubble Bar from LUSH

This product just makes me happy. The shape, the color, it’s immense size. I used a chunk in Whistler after my epic ski day and was immediately enveloped in a blanket of sweet majesty. The name totally suits the product, this baby is so COMFORTING. To me, it smells sweet with a hint of a fruity note – oh. And it turns your bathwater purple. So yeah.

Makeup

Origins Ginzeng Brightening Mascara

Not sure why they call this mascara “brightening”, however it is a great mascara. It’s nice and black and gives my lashes volume and length. I have been using the sample size but would consider upgrading to the full in the future.

BH Cosmetics Glamorous Blush Palette

Sister Megan gifted me this 10-pan palette of glory for Christmas. The shade range is drastic and most of the colors are pretty wearable, for me. I have particularly enjoying the shades: top row, 4th from the left AND bottom row, first on the left.

Essence Eye Sorbet in Illuminating Hazelnut

I randomly came across this eye product at Fred Meyer while I was picking out a Valentines Gift for Meg. I LOVE that Essence stuff has testers – drugstores should really start doing this! The swatch was like BAM and my heart started beating #beautygirlproblems. It is pretty pigmented for a whipped, gel-like creme shadow and it delivers some SERIOUS shimma.

Lancome Juicy Tubes in Moulin Rose

My wonderful soon-to-be Mother in Law gave this for Valentines and I have been wearing it non-stop since. It actually smells like roses but has a subtle, sweet flavor. Since I am OBSESSED with anything rose – this is a major hit with me. The color is pretty sheer but I just love the staying power of this formula on me.

Randoms

Vikings

SO NOT ME. But the shows that Bryan will actually sit through are few and far between, so I will take what I can get. Basically, if he wanted to watch a show about dung beetles I would be like, “I’ll get the popcorn!” but Vikings is actually quite good. It’s on History so there’s no boobies and although it’s gory, it’s not like Saving Private Ryan or anything.

The SUN

It is fiiiinally still light out as I get off work at 5 which makes me SO happy. This can only mean that spring is right around the corner! Which in Seattle means more rain :(. But then, it is summer and I will have a freak-out.

MISSES

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

DOG POOP Source

Note to Ipsy: STOP including these bogus, wimpy little mascaras in our monthly bags. NOBODY likes them and this is the second god-awful mascara they have sent me. This mascara gave me barely defined, thin, HORSE eyelashes.

Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer

In the words of Randy Jackson, circa 2007 “this was just aight for me”. Maybe I have camel skin, because this cream does absolutely nothing in the way of hydration. Perhaps this would be a better choice for someone with really oily skin?

Jordana Best Lash Supreme Mascara

I was SO pumped to try this little sucker out. I even made a special trip to Walgreens . SO many YouTubers and beauty bloggers rave about this formula, but it gave me those little spidery bits at the end of my lashes that go all jagged. I will use it up and try to concentrate it towards the base of my lashes, but overall I am disappointed. #poop

What have you been loving lately?

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The Liebster Award: Take 2

February 19, 20142 Comments

What appropriate timing!

Oscar Sunday coming up and I get nominated for another Liebster Award? Move over Meryl. Take a seat, Ms. Bullock. There’s an up-and-comer and she’s taking the world by storm!

Big thanks to the lovely Brandi of That Saucy Mama for the nomination.

If you care to read more about the specifics of the Liebster Award, see this post.

Here are the 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What made you want to start a blog?

Originally it was to document my fiance Bryan and I’s life together in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted to write about our adventures in the mountains, my learning to ski, recipes and everything in between.

2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?

OMG What a great question! So many schools of thought here. I suppose at this prudent, nesting stage in my life, it would be Restoration Hardware. BUT. The other sides of me would scream “SEPHORA!”, “BERGDORFS!” or “TAAAARRRGET!”.

3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?

Errday my friends.

4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?

DUDE. These questions! Toughie. Dead or alive I am assuming? Honestly, my favorite music to listen to is all from Musicals and/or Disney. Does Ariel count as a musician?

5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?

Several things. A cocktail. Ellen DeGeneres. My fiance. Talking to any member of my family. Sandwiches. Texting my friends ugly pictures of myself with “the claw”. Serial killer literature. Or of course, baby monkey.

6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?

USER all the way. And while we’re on the subject, let’s bring back the rotary dial!

7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm…)

MAC Saint Germain lipstick. All. The. Way.

8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?

I love reading mommy blogs because one day I will be a mom and I will need all the help I can get. My favorite posts to write are probably vacation re-caps, because hey, I just got back from vaca b*itches!

9. What is your go to type of outfit?

Well, this is obviously seasonal. However, right now I would have to say, Gap skinny jeans, a slightly baggy sweater, boots, a scarf and my new Tory Burch purse :). But of course, you’re never fully dressed without ~~a smile~~ diamonds.

10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?

I get more of a kick outta baking. Namely cupcakes. I make a mean salad dressing, I suppose. And these are also a favorite of mine to make.

11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?

Half full forever. Nay, brimming! OVERFLOWING.

Dance with life, people. Dance with life!

The Lipstick Tag

February 18, 20148 Comments

FINALLY!

I tag devoted solely to lipstick, which is SUCH an important part of my life 🙂

I was tagged by the lovely and talented Heather, of Coconut and Cotton. She does great makeup reviews, OOTDs and lots more – thanks Heather!

Here are the questions:

1. How many lipsticks do you own?

Errr…ummm….probably close to 30. AND I NEED MORE.

2. What was the first lipstick you owned?

Well, the first lip product I owned dates back allll the way to 6th grade. Where I kept a menagerie of the latest from Bonne Bell stored comfortably in my pencil pouch. Favorites:

The first actual lipstick was a from a Clinque Bonus Time that my mom got, in Sweet Honey.

3. What is your favorite lipstick brand?

High end would be MAC for sure. Drugstore would be the Wet’n’Wild ones for $1.99.

4. What is your most worn lipstick?

Definitely Mac Creme Cup and Mac Viva Glam Gaga 1.

Creme Cup

Viva Glam Gaga 1

5. What is your favorite finish?

In terms of MAC, I would say Cremesheens are my go-to. Otherwise, I like a satin finish.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?

I just bought the MAC lipsticks, from the Fantasy of Flowers collection. Check them out here.

7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?

Surprisingly, only seven. Here we have:

Wet’n’Wild lipstick in Think Pink, Mac Viva Glam Gaga 1, Mac Fleur D’Coral, Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss in Fuchsia Sparks, Too Faced Glamour Glass in Sex Pot, Em Cosmetics Lipstick in Posh and Lancome Juicy Tubes in Simmer.

8. What is your favorite red lip color?

I usually stick to red tinted lips, because I usually end up looking like a hot mess with a true red lip. Here are my faves:

Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet (easy to wear)

Wet’n’Wild Lipstick in 24 Carrot Gold (more orangey-red)

9. How do you store your lipsticks?

I have a couple acrylic holders, as seen here:

But mostly they are just everywhere. In the car, in my coat pockets, coming out my ears, etc.

10. Which lipsticks are you currently lusting after?

SEVERAL.

Nars Schiap

YSL Rouge Volupte in No. 7 Lingerie Pink

MAC Lipstick in Pink Noveau

Lime Crime Lipstick in Coquette & Babette

And that’s it folks! I tag anyone who is reading and luuurves lipstick.

New Mac Lipsticks

February 11, 20148 Comments

YOU GUYS.

Rarely do I get this excited about makeup.

…okay that was a lie.

BUT SERIOUSLY. I always start wetting my pants when a new collection at Mac comes out. The Archie Girls one. The Riri one. The Christmas stuff was SO gorg. I could go hog wild. And I don’t mean that figuratively. I would actually like to roll around in Mac products. Like a pig.

But I don’t. Because that would be ~~too good to be true~~ weird. Instead, I sensibly ogle the products, remind myself not to be materialistic and think of the people staying in Sochi.

But when I see a collection like this, I simply have to partake. When I see a collection screaming, “NATALIE!! We are your favorite colors!! LOOK HOW PRETTY WE ARE!!” I simply cannot ignore. I mean, just look a’these shades:

Source

Stop it, Mac.

Even though I wanted to leave the store with a large shopper filled to the brim, I remained my prudent self. With these two lipsticks (because you see, I cannot say no to lipsticks).

As you can see, both of the lipsticks (as well as the rest of the colors) are lustre finishes. My favorite Mac lipstick formula is Cremesheen, but whatevs.

First up: Rose Lily

At first, I thought this was going to be similar to my ALL TIME HOLY GRAIL Viva Glam Gaga 1.

But sadly, it is not. The color is quite sheer, which is to be expected with a lustre. The above pictures are making the color look richer than it really is. I find I cannot build it up like I can with the Gaga lipstick (also a lustre). It’s pretty, but maybe a bit too sheer for me.

Next, Fleur D’Coral

This shade is just beautiful. It reminds me of Coquette, by Lime Crime (which I am dying for) but I don’t think it’s near as pigmented. Similar to Rose Lily, it goes on pretty sheer but I find this shade a bit easier to build up the color. I think this would be so gorgeous with tanned skin (or in my case fake tanned). It just screams spring and summer to me!

Here they are, side by side:

Sorry about my orangey lighting but it’s just me and my iPhone.

Have you tried anything new from Mac?

January Favorites

February 5, 20142 Comments

And Happy February! Where does the time go?

As of late, I have lots of favorite things. From food, to makeup to dog breeds – I have been loving on so much these past couple of months. And oh yeah, the Seahwaks. There’s those guys, too.

Makeup

1. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

I have wanted this blush, literally, for over a year. However, Milani is sold nowhere. So when I went home for a little wedding planning, I went to the Kennewick Fred Meyer and finally found this beaut. I’m a little early for this springy, peach-colored blush but it is just SO gorg. I couldn’t help myself.

2. They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit

Only like one coat OMG

I recently tried the sample size of this mascara after receiving my Sephora birthday gift and oh lawd. Since I go through mascara faster than Justin Beiber in a drag race, I usually stick to drugstore brands. Because of this mascara, I might actually fork over the $23 for a full size tube.

3. L’oreal True Match Lumi Foundation in Soft Ivory

BY FAR the best foundation I have tried from the drugstore. Bear in mind, however, that I am on the dry to normal side and I luurve me a dewy, glowing finish on the skin.

1.) Lancome Juicy Tubes in Simmer

One of my best pals (and my cousin’s wife) Karen graciously dropped me off a bag of Lancome goodies she received in a Christmas set but couldn’t find a use for. This was just one of said goodies (I am loving them ALL, btw). Friends, if you ever have this problem I AM YOUR GIRL. The color is subtle, yet totally gorgeous and it has decent staying power for a lipgloss.

Awkward up-close me trying to show the lipgloss

Other Beauty Faves

1. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Cream

I mentioned this night cream in a recent haul from Ulta. The consistency is quite thick and ulta-creamy…definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I love the smell, and so far, it is keeping me super hydrated through out the night.

2. Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

What a mouthful! (TWSS) I have sworn by the Heat Tamer spray from Tresemme for over a year now. I recently ran out of the original and decided to try this formulation instead. So far, I am very impressed. I have noticed way less breakage lately and it smells REAL nice.

3.) Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner from Lush

Yes that is my computer on the edge of the tub.

Products from Lush are what dreams are made of. Or at least my dreams. The store itself is like passing through the pearly gates – aromatics fit for the Gods and friendly angels with miracle potions at the ready. It is also THE BANE OF MY ~~EXISTENCE~~ wallet. Luckily, two men from the Nash clan know a junkie when they see one and lovingly fed my addiction over Christmas with gifts cards. A recent highlight has undoubtedly been this completely necessary product.

I say that jokingly, of course because nobody NEEDS a body conditioner (or multiple magic sets…anyone?). However, I ask you, I beg you , nay – I IMPLORE you to drop the $32.95 +tax on this tub of majestical brilliance. Your skin will thank you.

Randoms

1. Downton Abbey

I’ve only been through the second episode of the new season and lemmejustsay – Mary is kindof a major beeyatch. Like how she doesn’t want to hold her baby and gets all mad at Carson? Come on, Mare.

Also, Lady Edith is gettin’ pretty. Which is nice to see, because really, she is TOTES the ugly duckling which I can unfortunately very much relate to.

Season 1 VS. Season 4

Ok maybe some things never change…

2. The Seahawks

This was my first ever season of football as a real live fan. Normally, I’m like:

But this year was different. Bryan and I faithfully watched every single game this season and rooted on those Hawks like our lives depended on it. Then the coolest thing happened: they were like, beating everybody. All the sudden I was screaming at the TV every Sunday, which I have NO business doing because other than the color of their football capri pants, I have no clue about football. Then they beat the 49’ers and this city went CRAY. Then they won the Superbowl and people went INSANE. I have never seen anything like it. SO amazing.