5-Minute Face || Natalie

April 1, 2014April 1, 20141 Comment

Check out my guest post on Pretty Wednesday today!

I am over the top excited that my friend and fellow blogger, Natalie, agreed to show me around the world of makeup a few days ago. She does such an awesome job of combining ‘worth it’ department store makeup with ‘it’s the same damn thing’ drug store products. I have learned so much from her over the last year or so of friendship and am honored she would share her knowledge here.

Hey there! I’m Natalie from The Natalie Diaries.

Any gal, married, single, with 3 kids or one fur baby can always use a quick way to get herself looking fabulous in the morning so Melissa and I thought it would be fun to share a few tips on how to get there with you. Here is my version of what I like to call The 5-Minute Face.

First, I prep my face with moisturizer. I like…

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Happenings

March 25, 2014April 1, 20147 Comments

Last weekend, my mom and sister came for a visit. I took a half day off work Friday so we could gallivant around the city, try on mini-hats at Joann Fabrics and drink “skinny” margaritas that necessitated Splenda packets. Really, the goal was to knock a few items off the ol’ wedding to-do list and have a little fun while doing so. We scoured the city for a perfect off-the-rack blush toned bridesmaids dress for Megan. Turns out, it doesn’t exist. We pissed off the girl manning the Nordstrom Rack dressing room by bringing additional items into the stall after the initial batch. Literally, I thought she was going to kill me, even though I was SUPER smiley. GOSH. We bought discount fashions at H&M and I made friends with the cashier at Love Culture (a shop for girls 10 years my junior). I was toting my Tory Burch around all proud and sh*t and the cashier girl was like, “My Mom wants one of those Tory Burch purses.” So I guess I’m a Mom now and have NO business shopping at places like Love Culture. Anyway, here is what I got:

Every time I go to the MAC counter I inevitably end up swatching the lipsticks. You see, I am relentless in my search for beautiful lipsticks and the Cremesheen formula at MAC has me hooked. So, while Megan was trying on 73093 pairs of shoes at Nordstrom, I decided to make good use of my time by doing the same with lipstick. As I surveyed the rows of pinkish hues, a beautiful bright shade caught my eye – Sunny Seoul. Anyone else have this shade? I tried ‘er on and after showing Nan, she said, “That shade actually looks really pretty on you!” Like WTF Nan!? So all the other lip colors I wear are hideous? So of course, I bought it and I CAN’T STOP wearing it. I do notice it feathers/bleeds a bit so I may have to invest in a coordinating pencil, or that NYX Wonderpencil or something.

Like the patch of self-tan I missed?

On me

Bryan and I are watching the 7th season of Dexter and here are my thoughts thus far… Thank GOD LaGuerta and Angel got divorced, that was one gross couple. Plus, I couldn’t stand the way LaGuerta said Angel like “Ahnhel”. Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) looks more like an alien than ever. The story is going crazy since Deb found out Dexter is a serial killer and I can’t decide if I hate that she knows. Also, the babysitter? She dresses like a common hooker but is supposed to be this good girl? I don’t get it. Also, I am dreading the series finale because I hear it is terrible. And I just realized that I have said nothing nice about this show. Oh well.

Source

Also, I randomly sprayed this stuff on my skin at Macy’s and am now obsessed and need 40 gallons.

Andthatisall.

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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?

Extensions

January 27, 201411 Comments

Are extensions trashy?

I used to think so.

In my brain, certain connotations attach themselves to gals sporting extensions. Face-slapping silicone boobies, acrylic nails and probably a guest appearance on The Bad Girls Club. If you have ever seen someone with bad extensions and a high pony, surely you can understand my point.

Oh Brit.

But then. Then I see a picture like this:

or this

I am not saying the women in these pictures are wearing extensions, but these days – I would not be surprised. You can’t swing a cat in Hollywood without knocking the extensions off every day-time TV queen, DWTS D-lister or Bachelorette hopeful. Apparently our own hair is no longer good enough.

So I look at these pictures and then I look in the mirror. SHAME. Despite my relentless attempts to achieve that certain un-done Serena van der Woodsen perfection, I am nowhere near close. Not even Jenny Humphrey close.

Serena wins

On a day-to-day basis, I could care less if my hair looks anything beyond mediocre. But on my wedding day? Yeah, I am aiming for editorial. Cover-worthy. Pinnable, Real Housewife worthy locks.

So all the sudden extensions aren’t looking so trashy anymore.

Immediately I can rule out the kind that fuse, bond or track into the hair. Too much of a commitment. So then I am left with the popular clip-in extension option, friends to many YouTubers and Beauty Bloggers alike.

BUT. Can I do it? Do I resign to the fact that I am willing to PAY to clip someone else’s hair to my own? Well I did it to my Christmas tree so…

Opinions are welcomed.

The Sunshine Award!

November 25, 20135 Comments

It’s a sunshine day!

A big bear hug to Debbie for nominating me for this award. Please go over and check out her blog for amazing reviews on beauty and makeup products…not to mention two ADORABLE chihuahuas who I want to kindnap…(jk kindof).

Behold! The 11 questions I was asked to answer:

1. What inspired you to start your blog?

I wanted to learn WordPress to help broaden my “professional” skill set, but honestly my love for writing is what has kept this humble little blog chuggin along. I always have felt that there are too many blogs out there, be it beauty, lifestyle, fashion, healthy living, etc. where everything is moon-pies and rainbows. I happen to favor (both in life and on the internet) those folks who aren’t afraid to keep things real. And that, my friends is what I have aimed to do on my blog.

2. What’s the best beauty advice you ever got?

When in doubt, add more blush.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

West Richland, Washington! JOKES. I would (and will) go to New Zealand…and walk the path to Mordor. Wearing a cape. And I’ll do my hair like this:

4. What one beauty product can’t you live without?

I look like a mutant alien when I am bare-faced so this one is a toughie. I would have to say mascara, just because it transforms me back into a human. A close runner up would be deo. For the B.O.

5. Do you have any pets?

GAH! Don’t ask. The short answer is no. The long answer is that unfortunately my fiance and I both work full-time and therefore, cannot devote (what I feel to be) the appropriate time to a dog (the only pet I would consider having). One day, I will rescue a chihuahua (or 7 of them) and I will name her/him Mordecai after Richie’s pet hawk in The Royal Tenenbaums.

6. Do you prefer going out or spending a low-key night at home?

Toss up. I luurrve going out, but a night at home is oftentimes just what the doctor ordered. If I am going out, I tend to favor shopping at Lush, eating crab cakes, drinking gimlets or seeing Disney on ice. A great night at home would include a $7 frozen yogurt with absolutely no fruit toppings, Pretty Little Liars or anything on ABC Family, You Tube, the fireplace, candy crush, candy and one of Bryan’s enormous hooded sweatshirts from college which I will inevitably spill froyo on.

7. What’s the best meal you ever had?

Another toughie. I would have to say our meal at Merriman’s in Kapalua while we were in Maui was top notch. It was comprised of scrumptious bread for the table, warm crusted goat cheese and charred ahi.

Either that or the time I ate 3 beef supreme chalupas at 2 am on New Year’s Eve in college.

8. What is your favorite skincare product?

Confession: I am dangerously close to the big 3-0 and I really don’t have a skincare routine. GASP. I need help and WOULD LOVE any recommendations down below. My skin type is dry to normal and my skin concern would be preventative wrinkle care so I don’t have to get 390,23423 rounds of Botox. GO!

9. Who’s your favorite YouTube Beauty Guru?

I would have to say Louise, from Sprinkle of Glitter takes the top spot. I also love her bestie, Zoella.

I watch these two relentlessly and not necessarily for their beauty know-how, but just because they are hilarious and awesome. For straight up makeup application, hauls and what-not I LOVE Jaclyn Hill. Her winged eyeliner vid is seriously life-changing.

10. What’s your favorite makeup look?

Bold, winged liner with a subtle shimmery (think Stila kitten or MAC vanilla pigment) shadow and a bright pink lip. Also plenty of Soft and Gentle highlight.

11. In the last week, name one thing that made you smile?

My fiance dancing in the kitchen. Watching the YouTube video of that girl falling on the ice (below). Getting my November Ipsy! Talking to my mom about what kind of vanity I want for Christmas. Texting with my 3rd sister, Rachel about Thanksgiving!

Travel Beauty Bag: Maui Edition

November 11, 20132 Comments

Greetings Lovelies!

Today I thought I would share the contents of my makeup and toiletries bag whilst in Maui. After a million and one trips of bringing a thousand mascaras and 763 eyeshadow palettes, I have learned m’lesson. Like Mowgli, I only need the bare necessities.

So here. They. Are.

Makeup

Covergirl Eyeshadow Trio in Shimmering Sands – Such a classic. Had it since high-school. The colors are pigmented and look gorgeous together.
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer – My favorite go-to matte bronzer for contouring my face.
Anastasia Eye Brow Pencil in Ash Blonde – Really want to upgrade to the Brow Wiz, but not until I use up this pup.
Coola Tinted Sunscreen in SPF 20 – I really liked this organic sunscreen. In fact, this is the kind of sunblock they offered at the Spa.
Covergirl Ink It Eyeliner in Black – Love this eyeliner. Stays put and is VERY black.
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light – One of my all-time favorite concealers. I love the setting powder and the multitude of shades was nice to have.
B enefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation – LOVED this foundation for Hawaii. SPF 25. Oil-free. BRIGHTENING. Perf.
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle – Holy grail highlight.
Benefit Cha Cha Tint – Sample from Ulta. Loved this on my cheeks and lips. Definitely used a chapstick with SPF though.
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural – Holy grail face powder. Beautiful, natural looking finish.
Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara in Black – New-to-me mascara from Sephora. Just meh. Worked nicely but would not repurchase.
MAC Pro-Long Wear Concealer in NW15 – Holy grail concealer. Does. Not. Crease.
Origins Vitazing Moisturizer – Favorite moisturizer for the summer time. Subtle tint-release and really brightening.
Essence Silky Touch Blush in Sweetheart – This blush really IS silky. I loved this really natural color on my skin.

Beauty Products

Biotin – Gotta take my pretty pills.
Kenra Volume Hairspray – Such a nostalgic smell for me. Reminds me of getting ready for homecoming in high school. And the formula is nice.
Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Bronzing Body Lotion – SUCH a beautiful and delicious smelling lotion. Absolutely obsessed.
Moroccon Oil – Holy grail hair oil. Nothing else will do.
Pssssst! Dry Shampoo – This is just meh. Not as good as Batiste.
Dove Deo – Smells great, but not as good as this one.
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sunblock in SPF 20 – Obsessed with the smell. The shimmer is pretty but I wouldn’t re-purchase this formulation.
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray – Have YET to find a beach spray I’m in love with. This one is ok and added a little oomph to my already salty locks.
Q-Tips – Duh.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion – No crazy smells and does the job.
L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion in Deep/Dark – My favorite drugstore self-tanner BY FAR. Just wish it didn’t have the sparkle because it is INTENSE.

Mkay that is all. What do you bring on vacation?

October Favorites

November 1, 20132 Comments

Aww YEEAH.

Y’all ready for this?!

*cues Jock Jams*

Makeup

Whilst in Maui, I picked up two items that I have been on an ongoing search for. We wandered into Longs Drugs and of course I couldn’t resist a trip down the makeup aisle. Here’s what I found:

This Bonne Bell Lip Lites color is hugely popular with beauty gurus and 10 year old girls all over the world. The color looks real nice over the top of MAC Creme Cup and yeah, it smells delicious.

I have been wanting to try the Jordana eyeliners given the line’s great reputation but alas, the brand is only sold at Walgreens and it’s mostly all nail polish. In Maui, they had the ENTIRE line of Jordana so I happily snagged this eyeliner. It reminds me alot of the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen but it is way more pigmented.

This I brought with me from home and was a sample I received from Ulta. I only wore makeup out to dinner in Hawaii, since during the day we were either swimming in the ocean or in a pool. I don’t fuss with the waterproof mascaras because it’s too hard to get off. I surrender to the fact that I look like one of those hairless cats and just move on with my life. This stuff came in handy when we were dashing out the door to grab coffee and I wanted to look not so much like a corpse. I just brushed a few strokes on my cheeks and lightly tapped it in to my skin. It also works great on the lips with a coat of chapstick with SPF.

Another free sample from Ulta! I got two of the lightest shades and was able to start with the lighter and transition into the darker as my face got more color. I really enjoyed this foundation while in Hawaii: it has SPF 25, no oil and it is brightening (I have dry skin). It performed beautifully, especially on the nights where went out for drinks at sunset. I have yet to give it a try since we have been back since I remain true to my MUFE HD Foundation, but it was definitely a hit in the tropics!

Other Stuff

Confession: I have a very itchy scalp. It makes no sense, really. I wash my hair a mere two times a week, so you’d assume my scalp would be oily, if anything. However, after the 4th or so day of not washing my hair, my scalp becomes SUPER itchy. Like fire ants are on my head. Thus, I decided to pick up a shampoo to treat my condition. I remember using Neutrogena T-Gel as a kid and it smelled like DEATH. This shampoo smells like coconut and nourishes my scalp. And it’s like $4 so yeah. WINNING.

Confession 2: I enjoy men’s deodorant. Always have. Always will. I know the aluminum is killing me but I refuse to fall victim to B.O. In high school, I would wander into Abercrombie and spray myself with Fierce, just OBSESSING over how good it smelled. This deo I picked up in a pinch one afternoon at my local QFC in the travel section. I have now grown fond of the smell, very fond. It smells like men’s soap. Simple as that.

I picked up this little set of teasing combs at Target and am glad I did. After a 3-day no-wash my hair starts lookin a little limp. I enjoy taking a section towards the middle-back of my head and teasing, with the help of my beloved Tres 2 hairspray. Then I just comb another small section of hair over that and pull it into a pony. Just gives it a little somethin.

Last, but certainly not least are these AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS Kashi bars. I was on the hunt for my favorite pumpkin pie ones, but they were sold out (tis the season). I could literally have an entire pack of these. It’s like a candy bar, only good for you. I should have handed these out for Halloween instead of Snickers! Or maybe not…