Make Up 101

"You are going to think I am really stupid but..."

This is how my very wonderful, thoughtful and intelligent ex roomie started out our phone conversation a few months ago.

Given that she is a fabulous friend, a successful lawyer, and an all around amazing person, I laughed without knowing what was even coming. And assured her there was no way.

"I need help with my make up. Like, complete start over. I'm still wearing Covergirl from Junior High and I'm 30 years old."

Of course, I giggled a little. Side note: there is nothing wrong with Covergirl. Her point being, she was using the same few staples she started with 15+ years ago. And she wanted to up the quality. It was time to get real! And I get it.

I had to quickly remind her that I am by no means a professional (duh), and that my knowledge base and product recommendations come from my preference, experience and opinion only.

That being said... obviously I wanted to help! Are you kidding me?! Talk about a kid in a candy shop. That would be me at Sephora/Ulta/any product store.

So we planned to hit Ulta together when she got into town. As I thought about this, I realized there are probably a LOT of people out there who don't read product reviews, follow make up artists, or watch you tube videos of how to style your make up and hair. I know a lot of people get into this, but a lot just don't. And for that reason, I wanted to write this post.

If you would like to invest in a few great products, but the thought of Ulta or Sephora completely overwhelms you, keep reading! You may be able to pick up a few starters based on this list. Also, ask for help! Someone you know loves make up. And if not, the ladies at Sephora and Ulta are always so awesome. I learn something new every time!

Face:
Well, I love Bare Escentuals. Sorry not sorry. I have been using it for 9 years and I really never plan to quit. So yes, I recommend it. And you know what's great? I would recommend it to people,  even like my friend, who have no experience with foundation. Guess what?! No experience needed. I hooked her up with this starter kit. It's truly a great deal as you get ...

Mineral Foundation - (great coverage. easy to use. I promise.)
Warmth - (not bronzer. just… the key to glow.)
Mineral Veil - (the topper as I call it. lock things in. make your skin radiate!)
Primer - (for use on skin after moisturizer and before foundation)
foundation brush - to apply foundation!

 Which is a $116 value for $49. It's a steal.

I do have a few other recommendations if you are totally against mineral powders as your sole foundation.

I think Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation is pretty freaking awesome. Again, I am not into liquid foundation but if  you want to take the time, try this one!

Another option if you don't feel like coverage is an issue... try a tinted moisturizer. I have never been into this but I hear this one here gets a lot of attention! Any other recommendations?

Blush:
I went off course and bought an Ulta Mineral blush. I recommended it for her and I also bought it for myself. And I am super impressed. It stays on great and I love the shade! To each their own. I say find a shade you like and who cares what brand it is!

in "Tulip"

Next, eyes. I'll tell you what I told my friend. I have spent a lot of money on mascara over the years. Fancy mascara. Drugstore mascara, Vegan mascara. Blue mascara. Black. Blacker. Brown. Volumizing. Lengthening. Fibers. Everything!  And here's the thing.... I can't say it's mandatory to spend all your money in this department.

I look at make up investments in terms of time. How long am I going to use this product before it should be tossed? How long does the actual product last? Mascara (with everyday use) actually has a pretty short shelf life. And even if you don't wear it everyday, the tube tends to dry up. If you are still using mascara after 3 months, throw it. I don't want to get into the details, but bacteria, eyes, transferring bacteria, gross, etc, you get it. Just toss it.

Eyes:
And as far as quality, I have used expensive mascaras I am impressed with as well as drug store mascaras I am impressed with. So, your call. A few of my favorites across the spectrum are from this to this (a cult fav).

Same principle with eyeliner, if you wear it. I still say one of my favorite eyeliners is Revlon Colorstay! But that's just me. There are great (more expensive) options as well. And I'm not knocking them. :)

On to eyeshadow. Again, this is my opinion. I used to buy the little $4 -7 palettes from Target or any drugstore and try different shades, different brands with no real direction. And it adds up! My friend wanted to buy a quality, reputable palette that would last her a long time. I know that $54 seems like a lot, but you aren't going to be running out and replacing this very often. And you can't beat the colors. And quality. Naked 2 all the way!

And while I'm at it, it would be a smart investment to have some eyeshadow primer on hand. My favorite is THIS one.


Brows:
So, most novice make up wearers (and myself, to be honest) don't do much with their brows. It's kind of an afterthought. I only recently started to fill my brows in more and I feel like it completes the look a little better. So, if you are interested, I would start with something very inexpensive (like e.l.f).  Or, just use a matte, brown eye shadow. Easy enough. Also, seek out videos on youtube. There are so many bloggers who have youtube channels. Google is your friend!

Lip:
So... some people hate the feeling of lipstick on their lips. Or anything gunky. I totally get it. My friend is one of these people. I recommended Benetint!

In "Rose"

 It's no different than wearing chapstick but gives you a really fantastic color. Great for a "starter" lip color. I will say, experimenting with lip stick colors is super fun. I actually don't have a brand preference myself ( I frequently use MAC or Clinique) but... I have loved some pretty great drugstore colors over the years. To each their own on this. Find a shade that boosts your look! And makes you feel good about yourself. That's what lipstick is really about, right?!

One of my favorite lipsticks in "Plumful"
Don't mind my chipped nails. That's just real life. 

Brushes:
So, I have always used the Bare Minerals brushes as I feel like they hold the makeup the best. My last brush purchase was the precision face brush, and I still love it. But, if you are starting out, Real Techniques is where it is at.

The brushes are quality and will give you great coverage! Not to mention, super affordable.  A few of the brushes I have and some other products I use are pictured below!

Woo! So, that was a sort of long post. But if you are looking to ditch your old make up bag and start fresh, grab a pen and paper and write down a few of these products! Chances are, you will love them. And if you don't, ask someone for a product to benefit your specific needs. 

Good luck! 

Things I Should Have Mentioned Before Now...

It is a serious offense to the makeup world that I haven't talked about my love for the Bare Escentuals mineral makeup line. Serious. 

In 2008 I was visiting my aunt in Phoenix. We were doing some light shopping in Scottsdale and I wandered into Sephora. At the time, Lincoln didn't even have a Sephora (I know! Can you imagine?) Anyways, I had heard of the Bare Minerals line but I never actually used it. I purchased the starter kit box. Long story short, I have never looked back (in terms of makeup choices, of course). 

Bare Minerals is HANDS DOWN the best foundation/concealer/face makeup I have ever come across. I literally haven't changed from this product in 5 years. I have tried other foundations, even liquid foundations, and I am simply unimpressed. Bare Minerals has the amazing ability to conceal and protect your skin. It is smooth and natural looking and I "feel" like I do not have makeup on. I could go on and on and on...but the point is... it is my absolute favorite. 

While visiting Emily in Iowa City, we decided we should get our skin matched at Bare Minerals in case we were wearing the wrong shade. Emily (already a Bare Minerals user, obviously!) had previously mentioned that she had switched to the compact foundation and had purchased this amazing new precision brush to accompany it. I was a tad bit hesitant about the compact foundation. My mind reverted to the Cover Girl compact that I carried in my purse in high school, and visions of orangey powder rubbing off on all of my clothes began to surface. Gross. 

Anyways, while we were in Bare Minerals, I had them rematch my colors with the compact version of Bare Minerals.....

And they used this brush to apply it...

And... big surprise.. I loved it. This brush is AMAZING. It is so soft and it works fabulously with the compact. The compact formula is almost exactly like the regular loose foundations, except it supposedly lasts longer. I am not sure how much longer it lasts (it claims 12 hours) but I can vouch for the fact that when I have this makeup on and my face gets wet, or I am sweaty from the gym, it does NOT come off. So good, almost to a fault (but that's why I have my handy Clarisonic). 

Anyways, my ramblings have gone on long enough. I was LONG overdue for a new brush (read: I still had some of my originals and the last one I purchased was almost 3 years ago. Ew. ) If you already use Bare Minerals, definitely try the compact with the precision brush. You will not regret it. 

Lastly, if you haven't tried Bare Minerals, PLEASE. I'm telling you... it will change your makeup life. Your makeup routine will be cut in half...this is the easiest application routine you will come across. You cannot mess it up, and I'm telling you, it will make your skin look 99% better. Seriously, run into Sephora and buy the starter kit. It comes with all of the application brushes you will need and a few shades of foundation and concealer. And the lovely Sephora employees are always very willing to match your shade for you so you don't have to guess. I'm telling you... 

Ok, I'm done. 

Mascara Debates

Mascara is a staple. For most girls. For myself, I prefer to always have mascara on. It's kind of like wearing deodorant... it's just necessary.

A couple of years ago I fell in love with this mascara made by Benefit called "They're Real!"

The girl at Sephora told me that until I tried this mascara, I was not really living. That may have been a tad bit dramatic...but I also think she may have had a point. This stuff is THE BEST. I know I say that about a lot of products....but keep in mind... I buy and try A LOT of products as well. This is researched information, guys! (girls?)

A few pointers about this stuff:

• If you can see from the picture, it is a "hard bristled" brush. Some hate, some love. I love this. It makes it so much easier to apply without getting the despised "globbing."
• This mascara is amazing with two coats. If you are going out and want a little more of a dramatic eye, a second coat of this stuff will do the trick. 
• LENGTH LENGTH LENGTH! If you need length, this mascara should be at least tested by you! 
• Stay power. Will.Not.Smear. 

Of course, because this is not a drugstore mascara, it will cost you about $23. Not the greatest, not the worst. Because of this price... I have resorted to a "switching out" method. My method is this: when I am going places like school, work, gym.... drugstore mascara. Does anyone really care if my eyelashes look extra long there? Probably not. So, in these times, you cannot go wrong with:

Lash Blast is made by Cover Girl. You can get it anywhere.  (Walmart, Target, Walgreen's...etc.) This mascara is still fantastic. It has the same characteristics as "They're Real," such as:

• Hard bristles (great for lengthening and separating!) 
• Volume and length
• Stay power 

Lash Blast will cost you anywhere between $4-$7. In my opinion, it is a great idea to have a better quality mascara (trust me, you can tell the quality in the formula!) such as "They're Real," on hand, for going out and other "more important" events. This is a win-win... you don't have to try and commit to a mascara, and you can get longer use out of BOTH!

*Disclaimer- I probably buy a new mascara to try at least once a week. I have a problem. I am always looking for something better. However, these have been trusty favorites for 2+ years...so that has to say something, right?

Hurry out to your nearest Sephora (or shop online!) and grab a tube of "They're Real." I highly doubt you will be disappointed!

Sweet Friends & Fun Products

These last few weeks have been painful for me. Mentally painful of course. I am so excited to finish this degree up, yet insanely unmotivated as well. Sometimes I blankly stare at my computer for hours, wishing this research would complete (and write) itself. Wishful thinking of course.

 These are the reasons I have been slacking at Sweet and Modern... But… 7 weeks. SEVEN WEEKS. I can make it.. especially with the help of my sweet friends! On Saturday I was laying on my floor surrounded by tons of journal articles and trying to match up my sources. Needless to say, I was ready to throw my computer through the nearest window…when.. one of my fabulous friends rang my doorbell. In tow, she had  a sweet little care package from Sephora. Just seeing  a Sephora bag typically brightens my mood… how well does she know me!? I was SO excited to dig through and check out all the random products she got me. And, as I type this, I am carefully sampling all of the products one by one. Today, I used my new Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate. I LOVE this stuff! It's very moisturizing and has a pretty pink tint to it that I really fancy. If you are  in the market for a new lip balm, I would suggest trying this stuff.

Any product of any kind makes me so happy, especially when it comes during stressful moments, and from a wonderful friend! So thankful for my friends and the people who have listened to me whine day in and day out. (Sorry.. only 7 more weeks…)

Have a great week!