The Super Simple 5 Product Make Up Routine

I'm such a product junkie. The thing is I love to look at all the makeup in the store and play with it and buy it and bring it home and look at it some more but when it's 7:30am and I can either sleep an extra 15 minutes or be Barbie I choose sleep every time. Back when I was in high school I'd wake up early and actually do my hair and makeup and think about what I wanted to wear but in grown up land that's just not how I roll. Usually I braid a couple small braids in my hair, put the whole thing up in a messy bun, throw on something to wear, which only ends up being fabulous most of the time simply because I have a really fantastic collection of clothes, then I do my makeup in the car (calm down, it's at stop lights...most of the time). Which is why I am on the constant quest for the most simple makeup routine with the least number of products involved. And I think I've reached a new high.

So I guess if you include moisturizers this is actually a 7 product routine but that's skincare so it doesn't count right? Regardless I'm so in love with my moisturizers I would marry them so I wanted to share. I use Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Gel Cream for my whole face. I tend to get too oily if I use heavy moisturizers and even though I probably shouldn't admit this I don't wash my face with cleanser as often as I should. In the mornings I usually just use hot water. I'm no aesthetician but I am fairly certain this keeps my skin from being too dry which means that I don't need to use a lot of moisturizer. Gels are my friend when it comes to my face. Unfortunately I am totally old now so I have to use under eye cream. This is a bit heavier than my moisturizer but works for me. I can also notice a definite difference when I start slacking and not using this daily. Also by Bobbi this one is her hydrating eye cream. She's obviously super creative at naming her products.


Then the real fun begins. My super special five step patented (not really) beauty routine includes foundation, concealer, luminizer, mascara, and the lip application of your choice. For skin I use Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation (I'm not kidding, that's it's actual name) and her creamy concealer. I like coverage without feeling like I'm wearing stage makeup so these two products work well for me.


Next up is luminizer which is like the unicorn of the makeup world. It's so incredibly magical. A unicorn is really just a horse with a horn and lumizer is really just sparkles with some color but somehow when their powers combine they become captain amazing.

I've mentioned this product before when I bought the lightest color but I loved it so much I came back for more and decided to try cutting out blush and using a luminizer in a tone similar to the blushes I like instead. Which was obviously genius of me. The thing about this product is it's fairly unique. Most highlighters or luminizers have very little to no color and are either very light or very brown depending on what skin tone you are shopping for. And blush is awesome but it's hard to find a really gorgeous blush with shimmer rather than glitter, and really, if you're older than twelve you're too old for glitter on your cheeks. But Nars has taken the best of both worlds and created a gel/liquid luminizer with enough shimmer and pretty to be a highlighter but enough color to work as blush as well. I bought the color "orgasm" which is a different take on their most popular blush color but as you can see it comes in a few other tones too. I hope they realize how great this product is and expand the spectrum.


After that is a quick pinch with an eyelash curler and some mascara. I started using Diorshow Blackout a few years ago and haven't looked back. It's pricey but if you pay attention to Nordstrom Sales a few times a year they do a buy two get one free mascara promo. It applies to all mascaras so you can pick up whatever you like as long as they're within the same brand. And mascara keeps forever as long as you don't open it and let air in (that's when it starts drying out). I tend to stock up a couple times a year and I'm good.

After that you can do whatever with your lips. My most favorite lip product in the entire world is Dior's Dior Addict Lipstick. I've written about it before so I won't bore you with my lipstick love but it's basically a lipstick that goes on like part chapstick/part gloss. You don't have to be careful about it bleeding or even look in a mirror to apply it but it has the color of a lipstick. Best of both worlds right here. Plus it comes in about 8 billion awesome colors.


UPDATE: About where to apply the luminizer, I apply it to my cheeks and up towards my temples because I am not super into the dewy look. I don't trust myself to not creep into shiny/Edward Cullen in the sun territory. Kind of the rule at least with powdered highlighters is to brush them on your cheeks, across your brow bone, down your nose, and on your chin...all the places the sun would most hit. Maybe it works but I don't feel the need to have a shimmery chin so I stick to my cheeks. One of my friends who came to the cabin with me though was super intrigued by this stuff and wanted to try it out. She used the lighter color on all those places on her face after I explained to her that's what you're "supposed" to do but I don't and she looked fine. She's also quite a bit darker than I am (as is everyone with the exception of albinos) though so that may have made a difference.

I just realized how uninformative that whole paragraph is but that's all I've got.

Summer in the City

I've mentioned before that I go through nail polish phases. I've been trying to get a bit out of my comfort zone since I tend to buy colors I love in the bottle but realize later I don't actually want on my fingertips. For some reason bright pinks always make me feel too flashy and Barbie but I'm officially in love with this new color.



Ridiculous right? I hate neon colors and this is about as bright and almost neon as you can get without officially treading into dayglo territory and I can't get enough. I usually change my polish color every week but I have a feeling I'm going to be wearing this one all summer long. I've also gotten mad compliments on how pretty my nails are even when they were chipped to hell. The polish actually lasts forever though. I had gotten my nails done May 4th and didn't get them done again until the 20th and yeah, they were chipped, but they weren't terrible.

The color is Primrose Hill Picnic by Butter London. Which is actually made in Seattle. I give them points for image design though.

Nail color that doesn't chip?

So, I'm a little late to the shellac nail trend but early last week after one of the days Lana came to work with me we decided to get manicures and try it out. If you haven't heard of it before shellac is supposed to be a long lasting nail color that resists chips for up to two weeks.

Here are my impressions:

It definitely does what it says. We got our nails done Tuesday of last week and it's now only a few hours from being Friday of this week and I still have no chips.

While I don't have chips I do have some tiny bubbles at the base of my nails. If I were apt to pick at my nails I could definitely peel the color off. Which Lana has done on two of her nails.

I got a pale pink color but Lana got a more dark hot pink color. What we both got was a gel like nail. The colors don't seem to apply opaquely which is kind of a bummer.

This stuff dries immediately. I pretty much can't do my nails at home because I get so bored and anxious I always decide they're dry before they are and then mess them up. Even in the salon I get all leg bounce-y and have a hard time sitting still. With this as soon as they're done painting you're done. I'm a huge fan of that aspect of things.

Since this is a fairly new thing the colors salons carry are all sort of boring pink and red shades. I usually bring my own colors with a preference for Butter London colors, weird without being too out there, but buying a bottle of shellac polish runs about $20-$30 which is more than even Chanel charges for a bottle of polish and what I use as my limit.

So, here's the day after they were done...


and tonight...

A Little Sparkle and Shine

I haven't worn eyeshadow for awhile. I always get tired of the way it changes color through the day and having to use primer to keep it from creasing. As much as I love products I don't actually like needing to take a lot of time to use them. I've just never been a sit down for twenty minutes and put on makeup kind of girl. Before I went to Seattle I needed to pick up a few of those makeup essentials, foundations, concealer, etc. There was this older woman who walked up right after me and seemed to be in one of those old lady hurries that they get in even though they don't really have anywhere to be. So I told the salesgirl she could go ahead and help this other woman first. Which ended up taking fooooooorrrrrrrreeeeeeeeevvvvvvvvveeeeerrrrr (I hope you're picturing Sandlot right now). While I was waiting for my turn I got to playing in all the makeup and decided I wanted to wear eyeshadow again. I tried on a few and fell in love with a "Metallic Long Wear Cream Shadow" by Bobbi Brown in Goldstone. But, it was all sold out. Lovely Sarah at Nordstrom offered to call me when it came in and hold it for me which I'm thankful for because their second shipment sold out in the two days it took me to go pick mine up. Anyways, it's gorgeous and has primer built into it so it seriously doesn't crease or change color at all during the day.

I'm also one of those low maintenance makeup girls who loves the idea of lipstick but isn't so keen on it in reality. Mostly because I spend the entire day wondering if it needs to be touched up or if I have it on my teeth or if I'm going to look like that crazy aunt who leaves lipstick on everything every time I take a drink. I like more "don't need a mirror" kinds of lipcolor. Bobbi makes these tinted lip balms and I found an awesome one that looks like I'm wearing lipstick but that I can totally put on in the car without looking. Mine's Pink Raspberry.


It should probably be noted that that gold shadow can be layered or put on more sheer. I tend to wear it in a day appropriate manner.

Also those gold rings are Lana and my friendship rings and I'm feeling like a three year old who has been fed pixie sticks, handed a puppy, and told we're going to Disneyland because she comes back from vacation today!

From the tips of my fingers...

Remember four months ago when Lady Gaga made "greige" happen on the September cover of Vanity Fair? Well someone should totally get me a magazine cover because I'm about to make beigrarple happen.

I bought this color, Muggins by Butter London, back in August and am just now getting around to wearing it. It's sort of a tan/gray/lavender color, it looks way more purple in the photo with flash than it does in real life. I'm pretty sure it's a new favorite though. I could probably use some cuticle oil too.



Also I think Day 3 of the photo month ("post a photo of the cast of your favorite show") is really stupid so I'm not doing it. My nails are probably more fun to look at anyways. If anyone cares I like Gossip Girl.

Butter

Butter London is one of my most favorite nail polish brands. They make somewhat out there colors but if you're looking for something wild or happen to find something in their selection that will work for a day to day polish it's guaranteed to be gorgeous.

I've posted before about my new found appreciation for tan nail polish and when this weekend it hit 60 degrees I decided it was close enough to Fall to break out the neutral.



This color is called Yummy Mummy and has a teensy bit of a cool tone shimmer to it but doesn't look sparkly or metallic when on. Here is an admittedly bad photo of it on my nails. I have a chip on my left hand and taking a photo with your left hand while trying to adjust the lens with that same single hand is more difficult than it would even seem. So this is what you get.

Fall Wish List

I cannot wait for it to get cold. I am so looking forward to tights and boots and it being acceptable to wear black during the day. I'm also looking forward to cocoa and pumpkin flavored things and Glee and Gossip Girl and holidays that get me time off work.

Whenever a new season comes it's hard to not notice a shift in mood, dress, activity, and more. I think some people get sad the summer has passed but there's so much to look forward to in Fall and Winter. Including these lovely things.

Pants! We can wear pants again! I love a great dark skinny jean. I live in them all year with the exception of Summer. They go with anything, look fantastic with flats, fit into boots, and can be dressed up or down. Don't listen to what anyone says, skinny jeans aren't just for skinny people.


Lola jean by iT! Jeans in Core Blue

I love wearing black opaque tights with boots in the winter. This dress would look fabulous with black tights, a black pea coat, and some brown leather or grey suede boots. Bonus, there are snaps in the back of this dress to make it fit tighter or you can leave it all loose and boho. Or belt it! Oh my goodness...the options are endless.


Solid Locker Room Crush Dress by Free People in Fushia

Oh hi, I'm just going to stand around looking effortlessly sexy. Don't mind me.

I would very much like to wear this with some slouchy brown leather boots.


Wild Horses Dress by Free People in Black

What is more fun in cold weather than a hot red lipstick? This one is by Dior and stays true to their magical formula that deposits color yet feels and acts like a gloss. I would actually trust myself to put this on without a mirror or liner and be fine.


Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick in Runway Red

I've tried the whole not being girly thing and it doesn't work for me. I love ruffles and lace and sparkle, albeit in a sophisticated way. This top is my ideal way to work a ruffle without looking too young. Throw a cardigan on with some skinny jeans and metallic flats and you've got yourself an outfit.


Sleeveless Layers Top by Free People in Plum

Well, this looks like pretty much the best hoodie ever.


Cosy Cinch Hoodie by Free People in Black

Boots, I loooove you. Seriously. Please be mine.


Billy Stud Boot by Frye in Maple

I would love to throw this on over a black tank dress with some brown leather boots and bare legs on a sunny fall day when it's not so much cold as crisp...perfection.


Cable Pullover Sweater by Free People in Blue

Can you ever have too much nail polish? Can you ever have too much Chanel?


Nail Polish by Chanel in Paradoxal

So, according to the Free People website this scarf is eight feet long. Which sounds about perfect to me. I hate buying scarfs that end up with these weird short little ends hanging down once you wrap them around your neck. This seems just right for snuggling into on those days when you are wearing a scarf for a reason.


Cable Ground Grazer by Free People in Violet

And, last but not least, I would like this haircut. But with bangs. And brunette.

A Sucker for Sparkle

I don't wear that much makeup, honestly I don't, but for some reason I am a Sephora addict. I think there's something about being a creative person with an appreciation for color that makes me just fall to my knees with my wallet held open as soon as I walk in that place.

Last night I had to go to Nordstrom to return a pair of shoes. I invited a friend of mine who lives near the mall. The pull of Sephora was too strong so before heading off to dinner we stopped in. I knew what I needed, need being used very loosely. All I went in with the intention of getting was a new pencil sharpener and some tan nail polish. Instead I ended up with two eyeliners, a blush, three polishes, and a pencil sharpener. That friend who came along? She bought nothing. Apparently she possess something called will power. I've never heard of it.

The benefit though of me being completely unable to say no to the most perfect pinks and liner that goes on effortlessly is I get to share my finds with all of you!

I already confessed how in love with gel blush I am right now. I can't get over how stupid I feel for not having tried this stuff out sooner. I've tested a few kinds and the Tarte gel blush is by far the most awesome. Right now they have a limited edition tenth anniversary color that is fantastic. It's a light shimmery (not glittery, big difference) pink that is meant to look perfect on everyone. I'm not sure if it holds true to that claim but it sure looks lovely on me.



Tarte also has a new eyeliner called EmphasEYES aqua-gel liner. It's very pigment rich and meant to not smudge or move. I was playing with it last night and tried it out on my hand. Forgetting to wash it off before bed, I woke up with it in the exact same place. Color me impressed.



It's also really soft so it goes on smoothly and pain free. I've never understood how people can use super sharp, hard eyeliner. The tip is tiny though so you still have the option to have a very fine line. The formula is gentle enough you can use it on the inner rims of your eyelids and, another plus, there's no sharpeners or brushes needed. I bought the plum and charcoal colors. The plum is a really gorgeous dark purple and the charcoal is a dark gray that's a bit softer than black. There are plenty of other colors as well though.

Nail polish is a huge weakness for me. It's usually fairly inexpensive, the selection is incredible, and there's not a lot of risk involved. I love nail polish.

I tend to go through phases though. I spent 2005 wearing a baby pink polish by Maybelline on my toenails. Summer of '07 was all about the shimmery orange polish on the toes for me. Fall and Winter '09 I snatched up every almost black Chanel polish available and worked the rocker chic thing. As soon as Spring of '09 hit I started wearing Mica Rose by Chanel and have only made a few brief detours from doing so since. Now though, I am way into tan. Shimmery, full of depth, a single layer more vastly changes the color, sophisticated, gorgeous tan. Last night, I was on a mission for the perfect tan to carry me into Fall.

I ended up with three colors. A slightly darker mauve-y tan with gold shimmer called Under My Trench Coat, a lighter silver shimmer tan called Run With It!, and green. I've never been someone who wears blue or green polish. I'm usually about subtlety and class. But this green...incredible. I really can't wait to wear it. It's a golden moss green that's even more gorgeous on than in the bottle called Leaf Him at the Alter.



Now who's going makeup shopping?

Glowy Dewy Model Skin

My mother never allowed me to wear makeup when I was growing up. This resulted in me sneaking makeup into the house then taking it to school where I would apply it in the bathroom before class. My first months of makeup wearing consisted of foundation that was too dark, silver eyeshadow, and mascara that inevitably wound up smeared around my eyes when I rubbed them, being unaccustomed to the whole makeup thing.

As I got older I became more apt at the art of beauty but have gone through my phases. At this point I'm all about simple, fresh, and clean. I don't wear eyeshadow or liner and while I love the look of lipstick and how it feels so old school glamorous I've realized it's a special occasion thing for me.

I've been trying to find some makeup that will work for summer. Less powder, more creams/gels that can handle the heat. While I've heard many lovely things about Tarte gel blush I've always been a little hesitant to put a big swipe of bright color on my face and hope for the best. I wish I would have gotten over that ages ago though because I can't see myself ever going back to a powder blush. This product is seriously fantastic. It gives gorgeous color, a great sheen, and blends incredibly. I've been using Blissful and Tipsy and I love both equally. I have very pale skin and they give the perfect glow.

Another thing that gives glow? Highlighters and luminizers. I've typically used some kind of golden powder but in my quest for liquid makeup I stumbled upon this luminizer by Smashbox. It comes in three colors and I chose 'flash' which is an iridescent pink. I ordered it online and when I opened it I thought it could only be bad news. It was sort of purple-y and orange and did not look at all like something I should be putting on my face but since Sephora has such an excellent return policy I figured there was no harm in trying it out. And I am so glad I did.

Seriously, this product is magic. It makes my face look like I have a personal lighting person following me around. Go. Try it.

J'adore

I love lip gloss. It's actually bordering on a problem at this point. I tend to be fairly brand loyal when it comes to some products but with lip gloss all bets are off. That being said Dior lip products are incredible. The Dior Addict Ultra Gloss has such a perfect texture. It's smooth and light and while some amount of stickiness is unavoidable in a gloss it doesn't leave you with that feeling that you shouldn't actually put your lips together lest they stick that way. It sort of feels like if you mixed half lip balm with half gloss. And the colors! Oh, you will never find more gorgeous colors. Dior has perfectly mastered the balance between the sexiness of a bold lip and the class of a more subtle one. It never feels like you're just adding shine to your face. All these glosses have pigment that is clearly visible with some shades being quite brazen yet always sophisticated.

These three colors are my new favorites. The top one is called Pink Trench and is a pale pink color with a pearl shimmer and is the kind of color you can throw in your bag and apply without thinking twice about it because there isn't really any way to wear it wrong.

The middle one is called Black-Tie Plum and is one of the coolest colors I've ever seen. It's definitely dark but because it's a gloss it's much more sheer when applied than what you see in the tube. For me this is more of an "apply with purpose" sort of color but it's a lot different than what I typically wear and I'm enjoying doing something slightly out of my comfort zone.

That last one is called Evening Rose and is my current most favored. It's dark enough to look a little sultry but also completely day appropriate. And, the best part, it has some gorgeous gold shimmer going on.