Finally! A winning combo!!

YSL Crème Eyeliner

The best eyeliner ever – I should have been using a crème formula all along.  This is the easiest and most foolproof way to really get the black liner deep down into your lash root thus really allowing your eyes and lashes to pop.  It stays creamy and doesn’t flake at all.  Not to mention it’s smudge proof, water proof and wears for 24 hours.  I’m applying it with this brush from Bobbi Brown:

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bobbi-brown-ultrafine-eye-liner-brush/3066175?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=bobbi_brown_ultrafine_eye_liner_brush:278969&cm_pla=personal_care_accessories:women:makeup_application&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=4af53806-e5b6-11e3-83e2-001b2166c62d&origin=pla

 

http://www.yslbeautyus.com/Effet-Faux-Cils-Creme-DEyeliner/3365440073838,default,pd.html?srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=34-189453151-2

Spa Day (at home)

This shower gel makes me feel about as close to a spa day as I’m going to get while standing in my own shower.  It’s aroma therapeutic and tones, refines, and conditions your skin.

 

http://www.clarinsusa.com/en/tonic-bath-shower-concentrate-with-100--pure-plant-extracts/C020101004.html

 

I follow up with Clarins body oil to get my skin really feeling and looking good!  Heaven!  Even with a barking dog, a crazy baby, and a messy husband! 

 

 

http://www.clarinsusa.com/en/tonic-body-treatment-oil/C020101003.html

In a parallel universe you could also just treat yourself to one of these truly glorious $7 soaps which also moisturize, cleanse and detoxify skin!  They are always on hand in our home -- I love to leave them for guests.  Just one of life's little $7 luxuries...

 

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0060NKL2S/ref=pd_luc_sim_01_01_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Naked

Urban Decay Naked 2

I’m totally late to the party and cannot believe I refused to submit to this trend earlier – big mistake.  Huge.  This palette is perfection.  I still thought of Urban Decay as a makeup that was glittery & punk that I used in my high school days when, admittedly, I had no effing clue what I was doing.  I’m here to tell you, this brand has come a looong way.   These shadows are like velvet, the selection is fabulous, and they all blend effortlessly.  There are matte shadows and shimmer shadows, ones to be used as a liner, highlighter, or for the crease.  They are all gorgeous and I was really amazed at the shadow staying power as well. 

 

http://www.sephora.com/naked2-P302916?skuId=1393636&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=0mMnEBa0&pcrid=44870228319&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en

The Look Part II

Trish McEvoy Eye base

A smooth creamy product that looks equally as good alone as it does under your shadow.  Trish’s base brightens, conceals darkness and imperfections, and isn’t the least bit drying.  It locks in my shadow all day & if I wear it alone, I love the clean/bright velvet like finish it leaves on my lids.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/trish-mcevoy-eye-base-essentials-brightening-eyeshadow-primer/2867667?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=trish_mcevoy_'eye_base_essentials'_brightening_eyeshadow_primer:160210&cm_pla=makeup:women:eye&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=301e8fb6-d16d-11e3-91da-001b2166c62d&origin=pla

Armani Eyes To Kill Waterproof pencil

I love this Armani pencil – it goes on almost like a liquid liner and stays smooth and comfortable for 16 + hours.  It never flakes, migrates, or irritates my eyes.  Although it is waterproof, it doesn’t take too much effort to remove it from your lids.  The built-in smudger does a killer job of blurring the line and giving you that messy/rocker-ish kind of look.  The thinnest of thin line at the base of your lashes can totally add brightness and highlight to your peepers. 

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-armani_us-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=A715&cm_mmc=Mercent-_-CSE-_-Google-_-EyestoKillWaterproofEyePencil&cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-GooglePE-_-any-_-any&cse=gab_google&mr:trackingCode=38667210-B8F9-E111-8AE9-001517B1882A&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&gclid=CKHAtKjHi74CFUcV7AodaikA_Q&bookmark=41172

Quite often, I leave it at that but, I do like to add a hint of this pretty taupe shadow from YSL to kind of soften the look and further smudge the liner in a bit.  I use it on the bottom too.  It has just the slightest hint of subtle shimmer and is probably the prettiest eye shadow EVER.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&tag=micromfp7-20&index=aps&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=Yves+Saint+Laurent+Ombre+Solo+Lasting+Radiance+Smoothing+Eye+Shadow+-+%23+02+Cashmere+Brown+1.8g%2F0.06oz

 

**I will say I’m eagerly awaiting a shadow and eye pencil from a new brand (to me) called Surratt.  It may be a total lifechanger… stay tuned.

 

The Look

I’m trying my best to emulate a certain look for Spring/Summer this year.  In essence I’m wanting a  bare lid, rimmed with smudgy black liner on the top and bottom, and glowy light skin.  This week I’m going to review the products I’ve purchased recently, my older tried and true products, and some little tips I’ve picked up along the way to help me achieve this fresh faced look. 

The key to this look is a) multiple “lotions and potions” to give my skin that light, dewy & fresh feeling b) a killer eyebase because I suddenly have oily lids  c) a fabulous black liner preferably water proof and easy to smudge d) a brow pencil for definition and finally e) a bronzer for depth.  *Optional - matte shadow for the lid crease or a wash of light shimmer shadow for day.

Let’s start with 2 new products that are helping me get the “glow” I’m striving to achieve.

 

By Terry Celluloarose CC Brightening CC Lumi-Serum

This is a luminescent, line blurring, imperfection camouflaging, skin plumping serum.  It’s non greasy and absorbs into the skin immediately.  This formula can be used under moisturizer, on top of moisturizer and likewise with your foundation.  A true multi tasker that’s non-drying and creates a gorgeous sheer wash over the skin leaving you with that lit-from-within ethereal look. 

 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This is hands down my best beauty discovery of the year.  This amazing and super refreshing spray instantly plumps, tightens, and invigorates your skin.  I spray it over and under my makeup.  Sprayed on top of your finished face it gives you that dewy polished fresh faced look we all crave.  Sprayed on naked skin it instantly wakes your complexion up & creates the perfect base for your normal makeup routine. 

I’ve found the older I get, the less makeup I like… however, while I consider myself to have pretty good skin, I’m just not one of those people who can cruise into the office completely bare faced with just a touch of blush or mascara.  (Bar Refaeli is my ultimate skin crush)  I need a bit of help getting that no makeup – makeup look, non-Israeli supermodel that I am!

 

http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=00505032967258

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Beauty+Elixir+_22231.htm

 

Frizz Free

Living Proof Frizz Smoothing Kit

As most of you know, I do not style my own hair.  I rarely wash it myself but, due to a case of mild eczema I’m having to wash it myself more often.  I also run into an issue where I’m forced to take matter (or hair) into my own hands while I’m traveling.  I am a big fan of the Living Proof line as a whole so I decided to try this travel kit last night instead of just buying all the full size products.  Plus, the travel kit will come in handy when I head to the beach next Sat.

I washed my hair with the shampoo and gave myself a good scalp massage, used the conditioner, towel dried hair, applied the cream from roots to ends, further towel dried, ran my fingers through to comb and went to bed.  I’m so lazy!!  I woke up this morning with incredibly smooth silky hair and not a hint of frizz or flyaways.  For the record, my hair isn’t really frizzy per say but because it is so thick with so much natural body it turns into a nightmare in humidity of any sort.  Seriously, recent rain in Nashville has had me looking in the mirror in total disbelief & it’s not even 75 degrees!! 

I read other reviews that claim these products dried out their hair – my hair can be slightly dry & I did not notice this at all – quite the opposite.  I cannot even imagine how lovely my hair would have looked had I actually had the motivation to blow dry it.  Five stars!!  I predict this kit will be a life saver at the beach. 

http://www.sephora.com/no-frizz-smoothing-frizz-fighting-travel-kit-P377001?SKUID=1478973&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=pla00002&pcrid=38582139137&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en

Santa Rosa Spring Break

I cannot wait to hit the beach with this sweet soul in just a few short weeks.  (also in tow, my baby, perhaps a dog or two, my hubby and hers…)

 

Because I’ve been craving down time & relaxation on a white sandy beach… I’m packing only the comfiest of comfy essentials. For the first time in my adult life I’m not worried about reservations, the cutest coordinated outfits, a schedule, etc.  My beach suitcase is basically going to consist of maxi skirts, cut offs, flat sandals & flip flops, baseball hats, loose tanks and light cardigans. I’ll admit it feels kind of free to have no plans!

 

I’m dreaming of us all sipping mimosas together on Easter Sunday (Easter brunch was the one thing we actually did plan) taking in the view of the ocean from the gorgeous patio at our fav Seaside restaurant (Vue).  I’m thinking for that particular occasion I might step up the dress a notch and wear something to this effect:

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.heidimerrick.com/

 

http://www.revolveclothing.com/citizens-of-humanity-x-revolve-rocket-in-studded-indie/dp/CITI-WJ1073/

http://www.toryburch.com/abbe-flat-espadrille/51138469.html?start=10&cgid=shoes-espadrilles&dwvar_51138469_color=001