Product Drive By

What's a product drive by you ask? Well, I just made it up. Typically when I write a review, it is detailed and comes with a few months of experience behind it. The truth is, I test out so many products every week and they don't all make the cut. But some of them just aren't my thing - that doesn't mean they aren't great products. And sometimes I find products that I like to use occasionally for certain events. And sometimes I find products that I add to my most used line up. Those are the good ones! But what I am saying is, the items I am sharing today are products I just tried recently and do not have as much experience with. 

So keep in mind…these are my opinions and recaps of my short lived experience using them. 

You may have noticed that I posted my Estee Edit voxbox from Influenster on Insta this week. I am in no way claiming to be an expert on these products, but I did have some initial thoughts to share. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

| Pore Vanishing Stick

$28

Easy to use, however, not impressed! I didn't really notice any vanishing of the pores. Full disclosure, I only used it twice. But I think that's enough to tell!

| Beam Team Bronze Hydrate + Glow 

$42

This product is interesting to me simply because I am normally not into the super dewy type of makeup - I have my own oily skin to do that for me! I liked how it absorbed into my skin without being oily- and it gives you some SERIOUS shimmer without being too Jersey shore-esque. The top of the cap flips open for a extra bronzy highlighting beam. Conclusion, I would maybe wear this to the pool or lake mixed with sunscreen. Or to run errands. It's just not my thing for daily wear. 

| Barest Lip Color "In the Buff"

$22

I actually really like the color! The formula is nothing to write home about. It came off on my cup about 5 minutes after I applied it. 

| Flash Illuminator  (**WINNER**)

$28

I have to say, here is where I was impressed! This stuff packs a serious punch as far as highlighting goes. The formula is so sheer but you have to use very little to get a really nice highlight! Have to say, I think I am going to keep this for daily use. I read that a lot of people mix it in with their foundation as well. 

And… Cara of Kindly Unspoken  shared earlier this week that she added CoverGirl Intensity Me eyeliner to her repertoire so I had to try it, too! If you follow Cara, you know her eye makeup (and all makeup!) is always totally on point. And I LOVE that she posts super affordable items. 

I've mentioned before that as far as mascara and eyeliner go, I am not much of a brand snob. I basically always use Revlon Colorstay eyeliner and my mascara choice is usually Loreal. These items can always be picked up at drugstores or Walmart/Target. The reason I wanted to try this one is because Cara mentioned the applicator is designed to do thin and thick, winged lines. And I have been looking for something to make the wing application a little easier. So of course, I grabbed it. 

I wanted to kill two birds with one stone - therefore I used my Estee Edit pack (nothing else on my skin!  No foundation! Just a little blush! ) AND I did a before and after with the Intensify Me liner. I was so impressed with the applicator on the Intensify Me liner and the ease that I could apply a winged tip. I didn't go very thick, but it would have been incredibly easy to. This liner stays on REALLY well and I love how it added a little more intensity to my eyes. Most likely a repeat purchase! (Thanks Cara!) 

As you can see… not a lot of coverage but a whole lot of glow!

Can you tell which side I used the liner on? 

Thanks for stopping by!!!

xoxox

Confessional Thursday

 

I missed the confessional last week and so this week, I am FULL of confessions. Well, sort of. My confessionals tend to stay around the same topics.... here goes.

I confess...


...I didn't start working out again until yesterday. After the flu bug took me out I was like blah. For 5 days straight.

...I finally finished off the GS cookies. They are gone. No more to be ordered until next year. It's kind of a relief at this point. My body is probably going to go into shock.

...that I really don't know all there is to know about makeup. I am still learning everyday! I'm not a professional, just a lady who loves to buy and experiment! But...I talk about revamping your make up bag HERE.

...I don't follow politics anymore than I have to. And by have to, I mean the information that people force me into conversation with, or things I see while browsing the WWW.  Sorry, but it's too overwhelming. What I do see and hear sounds awful. And I am not going to subject myself further. Ignorance is bliss.

...I made meatloaf for the first time ever last night. It was really, really good. At least that's what my husband reported.  If you want a new spin on an old favorite, I would highly recommend this one. Ree, you never let me down.

...that I am seriously considering giving away a large chunk of my clothes. My laundry pile every week and storage issues (and trust  me, I shouldn't be having storage issues) is indicating I have more than I need. Has anyone done the capsule wardrobe? Or something similar? I  need a guide.... I have a hard time giving up pieces of clothing.

Thanks to Jess @ The Newly blog for hosting this super fun link up every week. I LOVE reading all of your confessions! What do you have to confess this week? Let me know in the comments!

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! 

Weekend Recap

So... typically a Friday staycation would be fabulous. But my unplanned Friday staycation involved the flu bug (yes, the real flu. All of it. Including awful body aches that made me completely useless) ...so NOT my plan! And also not a staycation. I probably said 10 times on Friday, "I don't want to be sick!" because I am swamped at work. I actually needed office time to stay on track! It was very frustrating. However... it was 24 hours and done.



How I felt about the flu on Friday.

I didn't feel 100% back to normal (food was not super interesting...) but I pulled it together and we met with friends for breakfast on Saturday, which was amazing. And even more fun... I got to help my friend Ashley with making over her make up kit. She actually threw away her make up bag and started over (hello FUN!) with me at Ulta on Saturday. I'll recap her make up bag in a post in the future!

Saturday afternoon I attended an event in Omaha called Pursuit of Passion. Woo! Sounds interesting, right? It totally was! I was super nervous about going alone and second guessing why I had signed up. BUT... it was totally worth the time. It was very encouraging and interesting :) I would highly recommend! And you can follow Julie's blog about intimacy in marriage HERE.

Sunday I had a baby shower brunch for a dear friend and it was fabulous. Nothing is more exciting than a baby on the way!

The rest of the day Clay and I bummed around... I FINALLY bought these sneakers and am already in love with how comfortable they are! This wasn't the color I meant to get but I was super excited about them when I saw them!

We ended our day with wings, pizza and beer at Oscars (only the best!) And Better Call Saul, of course.

Minus the flu bug, it was a really great weekend!

And now it's Monday. And it's so beautiful out! And The Women Tell All is on tonight. So basically it's a great day.

Did you do anything fun? Buy anything fun? Share in the comments!

The Small Things...

It really is always the small things that are the most meaningful.

This past weekend I was able to celebrate one of my closest friend's bachelorette party, and subsequently catch up with a lot of friends.

Sometimes there is nothing better than a full day of girl time-- and we certainly maxed out on that. Lunch, pedicures, supper* (see below), drinks, presents, out on the town...all in all, a GREAT day.

Maybe it's just me, but one of my favorite things is getting ready to go out together. The bathroom is packed with products, make up, curling irons, hair spray... and there is a lot of chatter. I can see how this actually sounds like a nightmare, but it makes me nostalgic for college days when getting ready together in a bathroom, with multiple other girls, was the norm.

It helps that I get strangely excited about new products and make up, so naturally this setting has a certain appeal to me.

Anyways, my good friend (and also ex roommate) Kate and I share a love for make up. We both received Naked2 for Christmas (YAY) and have discussed our passion for other products that we both believe are absolutely mandatory. Kate told me at one of our workout sessions that she also received NARS blush in Orgasm. Like so many of my favorite items, I have read that this blush is simply THE BEST. To be honest, I typically do not even wear blush as my bronzer (or warmth in Bare Minerals terms) does a pretty good job. But, regardless, it's good to have a blush handy. It was just one of those purchases I had not made yet. Of course, I was envious (in the healthiest way possible :) ) that Kate already had the blush.

So- as Kate and I are rustling in each other's supplies and comparing and contrasting, Kate announces that she just so happens to have a sample sized NARS blush in Orgasm. And that I can (wait for it...) HAVE IT.

Okay ladies, consider my day made. Kate was laughing at me because I literally bounded across the room to hug her. Seriously, it's the little things. Anyways, I really do love this color. It almost looks like it would be too bright/pink, but it's a great shade and requires very small amounts to do the trick. And in case you were wondering, the "sample" Kate gave me is actually really good sized and will probably last a long time. I strongly recommend giving this blush a try. If you didn't know this already, Sephora will always give out samples of any of their products to try before purchasing. Yet another reason to love that place.

So many wonderful things this weekend, and my new blush was just (another) cherry on top! Thanks Kate!


________________________________

*On a slightly unrelated topic, is it dinner or supper? Some of the girls were laughing because several of us refer to the meal that takes place mid day as "dinner" (instead of lunch) and the last meal as "supper" instead of dinner. Some of the ladies were joking that they couldn't attend "supper" since they had no idea what that was or what time it was at. Is this a regional situation? This doesn't necessarily make sense as most of us are from the same area. Hmmmm... random thoughts. If you have any input, please do share.

Happy Monday!

Secret Camouflage by LM

I feel the same way about concealers and foundation that I do about mascara...even though I have my absolute favorite go-to, I still always think there could maybe, just MAYBE, be something better out there. 

Well, I read a lot of positive reviews about Laura Mercier products. Many of my favorite beauty bloggers have noted it to be "their absolute favorite." If you read this blog, you know that I live and die by anything Bare Escentuals. Their products are equivalent to a first born child for me... they do no wrong in my mind. So...I always feel a little bit unfaithful when I try a different foundation/concealer. But I had to know. 

I picked the Laura Mercier-make up counter-helper-lady's mind for about 20 minutes before I decided what would be a worthy purchase. According to her, their most popular product is their "Secret Camouflage." This very helpful woman informed me that LM's motto is that your skin should "appear absolutely flawless" (hmmm..this seems unachievable) ...but ..sign me up! Anyways, she showed me the product, which looks like the below image. 

She color matched me (I ended up being a #2), and explained that you actually mix the colors (on your hand) before applying it to your skin, with a brush. The combination of the yellow tint with the pinkish tint is apparently the "secret" part of the camouflage.

As previously mentioned, I love, love, LOVE Bare Escentuals. The majority of their products are a very fine, loose, mineral powder. For that reason, I am always hesitant to try any cream based concealers or foundations. I will hand it to LM on this product.. .I have never experimented with a cream based concealer that is so lightweight, non greasy, and matte. Almost the second this product touches your skin, it is dry, and almost takes on a powdery consistency. Consider me impressed!

But, here's the disappointing (I guess?) news. I still love my Bare Escentuals the most. I can't help it. Also, this could be because of the winter conditions and the devastation that is ensuing on my skin (read: MESS), but this stuff is not working with my dry skin. The product itself is VERY drying, and so lately, when I have tried it, it doesn't really absorb well and kind of looks weird and flaky against my skin. 

In conclusion, if you are looking for a serious concealer, I would definitely consider this purchase. It will run you approximately $32, which seems a little steep, but makeup-counter-lady said her concealer lasted over a year. That's $32 dollars worth, right?! 

For the time being, it is just not a good fit for me. However, I think me and LM SC (Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, obviously) will be reuniting in approximately 4 months... when summer rolls in. 

What are your favorite concealers? Foundations? Does anyone have any MUST have LM products? Let me know...and happy Tuesday!

Love, 

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.