All Day Makeup Directions

Need your makeup to last more than 6 hours? Here's how to do it and what to use. A few weeks ago I went to a wedding with pretty awful weather conditions and here's how it held up.

2 PM freshly applied

4 PM after an hour in a stuffy un-air-conditioned church for an hour

9 PM after an outdoor reception 90° with extreame humidity followers by a torrential down pour!

1. Clean your face, excess oil under your makeup won't help it stay. Use an exfoliating wipe with glycolic acid to help get rid of dead skins cells too. I use Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Deep Dive Cleanser and Nip + Fabulous Glycolic Fix Pads.

2. Moisturize! Give your makeup something good to stick to.  I use Thomas Peter Roth Max All Day Moisture Defense Cream and for my eyes (they need it too if you want that concelor to stick) I use Insta Natural Eye Gel.

3. Prime everything. For my eyes I use Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance for my face I use NYX Pore Filler, Benefit Porefessional works great too, and if I want a little extra shine I mix L'Oréal Lumi in with it.

4. Use a primer spray on top for extra stick such as Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Mist or Physicians Formula Aragon Oil and Coconut Water Primer.

5. More expensive eye shadow usually lasts longer but NYX holds up well. I usually use Too Faced for a long day. The pictures below are Tarte Swamp Queen Pallet (get the details).

6. For long term foundations you want Estee Lauder Double Wear or Revlon ColorStay Makeup (this held up really well for a long hot wedding...see pictures unedited so you can see the time and weather progression.).

7. For long lasting blush use a cream like Stila Convertible Color topped with a powder like Physicians Formula Aragan Wear Blush.

8. Use a setting powder like Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder or Laura Mercia Translucent Setting Powder.

9. Finish with a spray like Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray.

10. For lips you need a long lasting stain I used NYX Lingerie but I also like Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick Color. I prime with foundation then apply two generous coats and let it dry for 20 minutes before eating or drinking.

Good luck!

Instagram #ootd Roundup August 8th-14th

First week as a stay at home mom again and boy was it long. We also celebrated our friend's Joel (The Dinosaur Man) and Michele's wedding. It was a wonderful 3 day celebration in Annapolis. Here's what I wore...

Monday: Errands

Walmart Skull Tee (mine's sold out but here's a similar one for $14)

New York and Company Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans (these aren't ripped but they are on sale for $29)

Topshop Platform Sandals $85

Nordstrom Sole Society Tote $59

Alice Evans Designs Cuff

ETSY Monogram Pendant Necklace $17

Thursday: Library

Charlotte Russe Tank $10

Charlotte Russe Skinny Boyfriend Jeans $18 (on sale)

Halogen Lace Up Flats $90

Stella Dot Cluster Bracelet $59

Bauble Bar Alpha and Ice Pendant Necklace  $36

Target Crossbody Satchel Bag (I found this on major clearance sale but here's a similar one for $30)

Thursday Night:

Nordstrom Lush Tunic $34

Ann Taylor Loft Lace Shorts $30

Dr. Scholls Leopard Sandals (mine are ancient but here's a similar style from Aerosoles for $50)

Kate Spade Mini Crossbody  $100

Charlotte Russe Stacked Cuff $6

Charlotte Russe Layered Necklace $6


Friday: Errands

Old Navy High Neck Tank $10

New York and Company Cropped Jeans $25 (big sale!)

Havaianas Silver Sandals $39

Nordstrom Sole Society Tote $59

New York and Company Tassle Necklace $8 (big sale!)

eBay Cat Eye Sunnies $9

eBay Silver Chain Bracelet $2

eBay Silver Twist Bracelet $3


Friday Night: Hen/Stag Party

Target High Neck Swing Dress (the blue is sold out online but here's the red for $35)

Old Navy Gladiator Sandals (sold out for the season but here's a similar pair from Nordstrom Rack for $50)

Classic Coach Crossbody Leather Bag (Tradsey has my exact one for $50!)

Mom's Silver Bracelet (here's a similar style from ETSY for $60)

GG's Crystal Bracelet (here's a similar style from ETSY for $48)

Saturday: Wedding

New York and Company Peplum Top and Skirt (mine's sold out but here's a similar one from 6pm for $173)

Tory Burch Foldover Clutch Bag $395

Cole Haan Peep Toe Heels $127

Tory Burch Cuff $175

New York and Company Necklace & Bracelet (I bought this outfit in the spring so it's all sold out but they have some pretty pale pink jewlery on sale for $8 right now)

eBay H Bracelet $8

Nordstrom BP Sunnies $12

I have to also talk about Michele's Fabulous Dress for the Hen/Stag Party from Rent the Runway! Check it out.

Fall's Must Haves at TJ Maxx Right Now!

I had a 30 minutes to kill the other day so I stopped into TJ Maxx to see what they had to offer and they had loads of fall's must have pieces for seriously lower prices. Check it out. TJ Maxx on the right, instagram style blogger on the left.

Green blouse and burgundy bag as seen on @cmcoving

Grey cut out Booties as seen on @emilyanngemma

Peasant Blouse as seen on @mrscasual

Plaid Flannel Shirt as seen on @alyson_haley

Ripped boyfriend jeans as seen on @miamiamine

Blue floral peasant dress as seen on @Nordstrom

Casual gray sweatshirt as seen on @cmcoving (love this one!)

I also found a few great beauty products recommended by @aliceevansgruff and @emilyanngemma

Get to TJ Maxx and get ready for fall!

Summer #ipsyglambag Reviews

Ok so I signed up for itsy a few months ago and a friend warned me the samples would pile up then get tossed and I'd quit...I'm close but not quite there. I have gotten some good stuff but mostly it goes in a pile for my sister. The big flaw in the system is that if you find something you like it's so obscure you can't get a full size product easily. Here's what I've liked and what I have tossed over the past few months.

May

Hikari Bronzer
The colors are great but the way they are layer out in the compact you can't easily separate them on a brush and an angled sharp contour brush or a bit fluffy blush brush. I also didn't think they swirled well either. However I have successfully used this as an eye shadow so I'm keeping it.

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara
It's a nice enough bold but not over the top mascara. I'll keep it and see if it grows on me.

Mellow Cosmetics Lipstick
This orange color was weird and this lipstick was just fine but a really strange color. It'll likely get tossed. Doesn't last long enough and application is tricky.

June

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Lounge
Great color but it needs to be potted so that irritating. It's a bold green and copper shade and I love that but it's not for everyone.

Vinsanti Kajal Eyeliner
I am not a fan of these types of eyeliner I either want felt, gel, or a pencil I tried this and it was mushy and light it's going to my sister.

Boo Boo Cover-Up
I liked the consistency and spread more then I wanted it to buthe with practice this was a good under eye concelor but I didn't like it any where else and did nothing for a zit.

DLS Baked Highlighter
This is one of the best nearly full size samples I've gotten because it's a color I don't have (bright peachy pink). I liked it a lot.

(This photo is the Boo-Boo Cover Up and the highlighter.)

Klorane Waterproof Floral Make Up Remover
This is very effective and very oily. It leaves a residue that prevents you from putting anything on top of it. Fine for removal but terrible for touch ups.

July

Banana Setting Powder
I liked this a lot. It was not quite as sharp as my stark white powders from Make Up Forever or Tarte and my make up lasted a long time. That being said I don't think I liked it enough to pay shipping and handling on it from the company's website especially since I don't know anything about their other products. It's a big sample it'll last awhile.

Make Up For Ever Excessive Lash
I like this. It's bold and lengthening but it's also a bit clumpy and a little stiff. I'll keep it but I wouldn't buy it.

Since I started writing this is have decided to cancel since they have sent me two Nail polishes in the last two months which I have listed as something I don't want. They have too many competitors to take that laying down. Maybe I'll check out Birchbox while I get back on the Sephora Play list (you need to sign up as soon as you come up they only hold your place for like 48 hours). If you want make up to play with and aren't as picky as I am IPSY Glam Bags are great you also get hair products, facial care and brushes. You get to pick a profile, in theory you will get less bold colors if you choose that you're less adventurous. However apparently saying no hair or nails is just a request they mostly don't follow. You can check it out at www.ipsy.com

Instagram #ootd August 1st - August 7th

Last week of teaching at HCC usually I'm super ready for it to be over but this year I'm sad. I had great kids, great classes, and great aides. Now it's back to being a full time mom and gym rat. Who knows what adventures Kindergarten will bring for both of us. I also went to a Ellicott City Fundraiser on Wednesday. In case you didn't know I live 10 minuets from where the deadly flash flood destroyed our precious Main Street and took two lives.  Read about it on the Baltimore Sun. If you'd like to donate to help rebuild this historic street head over to the Ellicott City Partnership. Here's my outfits.

Monday: School

 

New York and Company Tee $15

New York and Company Cuffed Shorts $20

Charlotte Russe White Flip Flops $5

Stella Dot Monogram Pendant $69

eBay Rose Gold Bracelets (screwhead, nail, turquoise rivets) $18

eBay Rose Gold Round Sunnies $3

Longchamp Le Pilage Mini Tote $95

Tuesday: School

New York and Company Tee $15

Old Navy Denim Jean Shorts $13 (most sizes are sold out)

Charlotte Russe White Flip Flops $5

Kate Spade Bucket Bag (Nordstrom is sold out but JET has it for $212 but I should point out I returned mine because it was really stiff and hard to carry but it's super cute)

Nordstrom Bar Necklace (sold out but here's a similar one from ETSY for $34)

eBay Streach Tassle Bracelets $3

Greek Key Bracelet (mine's from Greece but here's one from JTV for $40)


Wednesday: Fundraiser

Ann Taylor Loft Tank $15

New York and Company Rip and Repair Jeans $70

Fringe Sandals (here's a $20 pair from Payless or a $63 pair from Shopbop)

Nordstrom Red Bucket Bag $55

eBay Spike Bracelet $1

Stella Dot Sahara Necklace $49

Forever 21 Curved Bar Necklace (mine's old here's a similar one from KHOLS for $21)

Nordstrom Sunnies $12


Friday: School

Nordstrom Lush V-Neck Tee $24

New York and Company Cuffed Shorts $20

Havaianas Flip Flops $26

Long Champ Le Pilage Large Tote $145

Stella Dot Horn Necklace  (discontinued but here's a similar one from Bauble Bar for $32)

Stella Dot Cluster Bracelet $59


Sunday: Church

Lula Roe Carly (love this new style here's the link to my dealer Olivia Finke)

Old Navy Open Toe Booties (they're mostly sold out online but give them a few weeks and they're still in stores)

White House Black Market Tassle Necklace  $55

Nordstrom Tote $60

eBay Cat Eye Sunnies $9

Instagram #ootd Roundup July 25th - July 31st

It was stupid hot last week and I'm ready for 95 degree weather to be done. But despite the heat we celebrated my sister's marriage at The Ale House Columbia and My pastor Mike's wedding at Lovely Lane Methodist in Baltimore. We also saw Cirque Du Soleil Kurios on Sunday. Here's what I wore:


Monday: My Sister's Wedding Party

New York and Company Skirt (Mine is sold out but here is a similar one for $30)

Nordstrom Lush Tank $34

DSW White Wedges $45

eBay Flower Bib Necklace $4

eBay Sunnies $2

Alice Evans Designs Clutch and Cuff

Tuesday: School

New York and Company Racerback Tank $6

New York and Company Linen Shorts $16

Haviains Flip Flops $28

Longchamp Le Pilage Medium Tote $115

Victoria Emerson Wrap Bracelet $34

eBay Initial Pendant Necklace $12

New York and Company Sunnies $8


Thursday: School

 

New York and Company Tie Dye Tee $15

New York and Company Denim Cuff Shorts $20

Adidas (mine are old but you can buy colored superstars from Foot Locker for $55)

Longchamp Le Pilage Large Tote $145

SheIn Y Necklace $3

Stella Dot Wishing Bracelet $19

New York and Company Sunnies 48

Saturday: Wedding

New York and Company Kimono Maxi Dress $40

Net-A-Porter Espadrilles $110

H&M Straw Clutch $18

Forever 21 Flower Crown $6

New York and Company Beaded Bracelet $8

Alice Evans Designs Cuff

Nordstrom Gold Bib Necklace (sold out but here's a similar one for $32)

 

Sunday: Cirque Du Soleil

 

Forever 21 Stripped Dress (mine's old but here's a similar one for $13)

Adidas Superstars $60 #NSale

Longchamp Le Pilage Mini Tote $95

ETSY Quartz Bar Necklace $36

eBay Screwhead Bracelets $12 eeach

Tarte's Swamp Queen Pallet Looks

For my birthday I got the Tarte GRAV3YARDGIRL Swamp Queen Eye & Cheek Pallet. Check her out on Youtube she's kind of awsome. Anyone who can catch gators and do killer make up is ok in my book. Anyway I'm in love with this pallet which you have to get in store at Sephora or Ulta and they are extremely limited but really awesome. It has 9 eye shadows that range from bronzy oranges to mauve purples, a strong bronzer, a lovely blush (although the shape makes application tricky), and a high lighter. I tired out her day and night look and here's how it turned out.

Day Look

The day look uses both the bronzes and a little mauve. I liked the look but because her skin is so pale it has a little different look on my tanner skin. I really felt it needed a black liner to make my brown eyes pop. the brush it comes with is ok but I ended up switching to my smahsbox eye shadow brushes. Overall I think it was a perfect daytime look and I love that this pallet has all the cheek and eye colors I need.

To complete this look I wore to my sister's wedding party on Saturday I also used the following products:

To prime: Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Argan Oil and Coconut Water Primer (smells kind of musty but I like it and it feels refreshing) then I applied NYX Pore Filler over top.

Eyes: I started with Too Faced Shadow Insurance then I followed the Swamp Queen Day look directions but I added Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum to my top lashes. For my eyelashes I started with Lancome Cils Booster XL Enhancing Mascara Base to prime and followed it up with Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Statement Mascara. I used NYX Tame and Frame Tinted Brow Pomade on my eyebrows. (note the photo is not the same mascara)

Face:  First I did my dark circle trick (directions here) but I used Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer instead of the e.l.f.. I used Tarte Hybrid Gel Foundation (I love this foundation it is so natural looking and you don't need a lot of product, make sure you blend well). After applying bronzer around my forehead, on my temples, on the sides of my nose, under my cheekbones and along my jaw bone, highlighter above my cheekbones, and blush on the apples of my cheek from the pallet I finished with Make Up Forever Microfinish Powder. The bronzer is strong use sparingly, the blush is tricky to get on a fat round brush but the color is awesome.

Lips: I started by applying e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in TEA ROSE and followed it with e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in NICELY NUDE.

Night Look 

The night look was very pretty but even more so then the day look it did not have the same impact on my dark skin and eyes as it does on Grav3YardGirl. But it worked well for my birthday dinner look. I'd probably add black eyeliner next time.

To complete this look I used the following products:

To prime: The same as the day look.

Eyes: The same as the day look. (note the photo is not the same mascara)

Face: Instead of my tired and true Tarte Gel I tested out a new foundation Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin ($13). Some people say this compares to Estee Lauder's Double Wear ($40) for all day coverage. The verdict is still out on all day but it did last the 4 hours of dinner. Unlike most cheaper formulas it didn't require a quarter sized drop of product but more like a nickle so I liked that. I blended it with NYX Honey Dew Me Up on a soft blending sponge. I added color just like the day look and finished with Urban Decay DeSlick.

Lips: I lined my lips with NYX Slim Lip Pencil in ESPRESSO and then covered my whole lip in NYX Soft Matte Cream in COPENHAGEN.

Overall I think both of these looks turned out well and I look forward to trying more.