Makeup Monday - Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Beat the Heat by eegrego160 featuring smash box

Every winter we proclaim " I can't wait for summer weather." Then, when summer comes, we wish for some relief from the heat.

Anytime you are out in the elements during the summer you risk your makeup melting from the heat. I also have lately been experiencing "my own personal summer" which causes my makeup to melt twice as fast - lol.

What's a girl to do? There are actually several trick/tips that I have learned over the years:

• Try using sheer foundations instead of oil-based foundations. The oil-based ones tend to melt much faster and they just feel HEAVY.
• Wear waterproof mascara and foundation. They can be a bear to clean off at night - unless you use makeup wipes. Yet, they work perfectly to prevent your eye makeup from getting into your eyes. 
• Use a little primer. Let the primer set before putting on your foundation - at least 2 minutes. Trust me, primer is a life saver. 
• Use blotting papers. I'm not one to reapply my makeup, but I will blot to get the greases off my face.  This may not be conventional, but I sometimes use paper towels. I take one paper towel and lay it on my face and smash it in (ever so lightly). It really gets the greases off while leaving your makeup in tact. 
• I tend to use less foundation in the summer because my face tends to get some sun just from riding around in the car. If you can go with out a foundation, then you should. You can use concealer on your trouble spots. 

I hope you can use some of these tips to beat the heat. Which ones do you use? 

Makeup Monday

nails by eegrego160 featuring deborah lippmann

Moroccanoil styling product, $46 / Deborah Lippmann / Julep nail treatment / Essie , $16 / butter LONDON Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil / Blade Rubber Stamps Blade Rubber Stamps Blade Rubber - Corners Scroll..., $4.82

One of my must-have items is cuticle oil. I am obsessed with cuticle oil. It makes my nails always look fresh - even between fill-ins or new manicures.

 I have several different brands in various dispensers. One of my all time favorites is a $4.99 bottle from Sally Beauty. I have had the same bottle for at least two years. It's huge. It comes with a brush and I keep it on my vanity.

 Every time I wash my hands, I put on my oil and hand lotion. I have a tube with a roller ball from Julep that I keep on my desk at work and in my purse. This one is quickly becoming a favorite of mine because of the scent alone. It reminds me of the spa at the Aria hotel.

 I also use my oil on my tootsies! Gotta keep those toe cuticles looking good, too.

 I love looking at different photos of polish colors on non-celebs. The one thing that bothers me is when the cuticles are dry and just plain raggedy. Nothing (except the polish island) can make your nails look worse.

 I posted the Moroccan oil as a possible cuticle oil. Why not? It's oily AND it smells delicious! A little pricey for cuticle oil, but what the hey!

Another one that I used a lot was one by Deborah Lippman. Again - the smell is divine.

 Happy Monday!

Makeup Monday - Fragrance

Source: shop.nordstrom.com viaKaren on Pinterest

I can't believe that I am actually doing a post about fragrance. It's not that I don't like a beautiful scent or a nice manly cologne on my husband. I do - it's just that some scents bother my asthma.

Not all scents - there actually is no rhyme or reason to it. Some florals bother me while others don't.
One  scent that doesn't seem to bother me is a coconut scent - LOVE smelling like a tropical island.
You'll probably laugh, but I wear suntan lotion as a scent sometimes.  Yesterday, I had a few people tell me they loved my scent. I had to chuckle because it was only $6.99 at Meijer - LOL.

One of my long standing favorite scents is Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.  I have  loved this scent for years. Does anyone remember the Trend Shows that Nordstrom used to do? I think they still do them in major cities, just not Indy any more. Anyway, that was wear I had my very first encounter with FlowerBomb. Fell in LOVE. It's a sweet, clean scent. The fragrance notes are: Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli. 

What's your favorite scent?

Makeup Monday

My husband likes me without makeup. I say that is a frightful sight. I don't wear a lot of makeup anyway. Just can not see going out without a bit of something.

We recently heard a radio spot about the age that your daughter should be allowed to wear makeup. We don't have human kids. So, this won't likely be a concern for us. Coco, our yorkie daughter, has been known to jump on the vanity and "steal" our items. One of the items she seems to like is my Chanel mascara!

Anyhoo, I couldn't remember how old I was when I first started wearing makeup. I think maybe 16
or 17? I don't see anything wrong with a little girl (8 or 9) wearing a bit of clear, flavored lip gloss. How old were you when you started wearing makeup? What about your daughters? When will/did you let them?

I look back at old pictures of me wearing makeup and think "HOT MESS".  I think if you are going to let your teenaged daughters wear makeup, you should let a professional makeup artist do it. They can give them tips and pointers on looking natural.

Source: falseeyelashessite.com via lori on Pinterest

And please, PLEASE stop with the super big butterfly fake eyelashes. I think a few pieces to give fullness is okay. BUT I have seen some ladies wear them so heavy that they can't keep their eyelids up. That can't be comfortable.


Here some some photos of some famous or infamous people with and without makeup. Thoughts?

Source: funnyleaks.blogspot.com via Josie on Pinterest

Courtney Cox  - I like her both ways....

Source: google.com.au via Conrad on Pinterest

I love Pink.... a smile will do wonders for you!

Source: addisabram.wordpress.com via Verna on Pinterest

Eva Mendes - Just gorgeous with or without


There are plenty of pictures on the web of celebrities who have been caught without makeup at bad times.  I didn't want to showcase those. Only the ones where the stars don't look much different and sometimes better than without makeup.

Maybe one day I'll post my own with and without.

Makeup Monday

Source: thezhush.blogspot.com via Erika on Pinterest

I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was a pretty accurate reading of me and my lipstick. I am slanted - close to the original shape.......
Which are you? Does it hold true?

Makeup Monday - Makeup Wipes



Photo Credit: MAC website

Working out right after work and don't want to carry your all of your cleansing products with you? Why not try makeup remover/cleanser wipes. I have dry/normal skin. So, I tend to lean towards the ones with a moisturizer . I love these things.  They are also  great for to use when you just don't feel like removing your makeup at night. If your skin is super sensitive, please test these out first.  They come in all price ranges and I've listed a few here:

• MAC Wipes: $26 for a 100 count
• Neutrogena $8.19 approx.
• Olay Total Effects $7.99 approx.
• Dove Daily Hydrating Cleansing Cloths $5.69 approx.

Keep in mind, these prices are approximates. Pricing will vary based on your location and wipe count.

Do you use makeup wipes? If so, which brand do you use?



Makeup Monday - Mascara



Chanel Mascara
Photo Credit: Nordstrom

Maybelline
Photo Credit: Maybelline Website



I'm always looking for new makeup items. However, it seems that I always go back to my old reliables. Case in point - my mascara. There are two brands that are my favorites:  Chanel and Maybelline. Higher end and lower end, but both do the job for me PERFECTLY.  There is really no rhyme or reason to when I use either.  The Chanel mascara brush is exquisite. I love that it has a rubber brush which allows you get right up to the lash line. What brand of mascara do you use?

Makeup Mon - Makeup by Sparkle

I had the pleasure of working with Sparkle Myers on her 30th birthday a few years ago. Sparkle is as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. She was an absolute delight to work with.  At the time of her party, she was working on her makeup company, Makeup by Sparkle.  In the last few years, I have seen MBS (Makeup by Sparkle) take the Indy makeup scene to another level! Not only does MBS offer makeup application, they have their own line of cosmetics.  They also offer Client education not just a consultation. MBS will customize a beauty strategy for YOU - complimenting your natural beauty.

 Brand new to the site is SUMMER 2011 GET LIPPY. Vibrant colors that pop for your lips with fun names like Posie, Saucy, Glama and Risky Me. Of course, you all know how much I love a good foundation primer. Well, MBS offers one of their own. Can not wait to try it!  Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to join MBS in their support of the Make Me Over for a Cause Event on June 27th from 6PM - 9PM at 45 Degrees ( 765 Mass. Avenue - Indy) 
All proceeds benefit the Indiana Minority AIDS Coalition.

All Photos from the website of Makeup by Sparkle

Makeup {Bag} Monday

In an effort to make my bags a little lighter, I've started thinking about what I carry in them. Do I really need my nookcolor ALL the time? Probably not. I wrote about how heavy that thing is. I love it - really, I do, but it's HEAVY. Do I really need my LV checkbook every time? Probably not. Who writes checks anymore? Oh, I'm not giving it up. Just don't need it in my purse. One thing I can not  won't remove from my bag is my makeup bag. It not only holds my makeup, but other girly and not so girly  essentials - ADVIL, nail polish, pens (don't want to mess up the lining of  my bags). I have a few favorite MU bags, but tend to gravitate towards my clear Michael Kors. I purchased it a while ago from Nordstrom.  So, I am not sure you can still find this one. However, there are many other clear ones to choose from. I also have a few Kate Spade ones, but this clear one seems to be my go-to bag.
Here are a few others you may like that are available now:

Tory Burch

Kenneth Cole

Makeup Monday - What's that Smell?



Photo Credit: Molton Brown website

The other day at work someone asked me what I was wearing - referring to a scent. I actually wasn't wearing anything - scent wise that is.  I can't wear most fragrances because of my asthma. It sucks because I used to love all sorts of fragrances. I finally had to stop wearing them because it was just not worth the constant coughing (my form of catching my breath). Anyway, there are a few scents I can wear. It's quite random and mostly in the form of a lotion. No sprays allowed.
Thankfully, I can still wear one of my all time favorite scents - COCONUT or most things that smell of a Caribbean vacation. I was thrilled to read in InStyle mag about Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue. The caption reads "Using this exotic flower scented hand cream is like a mini-vacation in the middle of my workday". SOLD! Who doesn't need a mini-vacay in the middle (or any part) of your workday? I know I do.



I first tried Molton Brown products while  staying in a hotel somewhere. It's been so long I don't remember where. What I do remember is how wonderful the products smell. Not to mention the packaging. The company was founded in 1973 in London as a hair salon.
You may purchase their products on line here or in Indy at Saks.

Makeup Monday - Smashbox

Photo Credit: Smashbox Cosmetics website

Photo Credit: My awesome iPhone

I posted briefly  about the Try-It Kit from Smashbox a few weeks ago. I kept thinking about how perfect it is for traveling. All for only $19 (a $52 retail value). Yesterday, I purchased it from Nordstrom at Circle Centre Mall in Indy. As you can see it is a cute little group of products. I am a huge fan of the Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This stuff works. I'm not the type of girl who checks her makeup every hour. Heck, who am I kidding? I am more of a twice a day girl - after applied and then again about halfway thru the day. Trust me, I have tried to be that girl, but I just forget. That is why this foundation primer is perfect for me. My foundation stays put. Really. The  trick is to put the primer on and wait a minute or so to apply your foundation.

I am not kidding you, every product in this kit is awesome. The Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx is delicious! I love eyeliners that go on smoothly. They MUST glide on or it's history. This one is a glider and a keeper. The Onyx is a bit dark for me. My hair is naturally auburn (actually it was red when I was younger) and I usually go with dark brown eyeliner shades. The one in the kit is a bit dark for me, but I'll use it for evening wear.
The lip enhancing gloss in Illume is a gorgeous nude shade with flecks of sparkle. It's not sticky like some other glosses.
I haven't tried either the Hyperlash Mascara or the eyelid primer, but I am sure they are equally fantastic. The eyelid primer instantly smooths and perfects lids. I can't wait to try it.
My mascara of choice is Chanel, but this one may just do the trick.

Here are a few tips from The Smashbox website:
Be sure to use both sides of the Hyperlash Mascara wand for maximum-impact lashes. Step 1: Brush to lift and volumize. Step 2: Comb to lengthen and define.

Create a stunning smoky eye with this kit! Simply dab Photo Finish Lid Primer onto lids, then apply a thick line of Limitless Eye Liner to upper and lower lashlines, and finally smudge using your fingertips.

Please see individual product pages.

Makeup Monday - Bronzers and Caribbean Blue

Bobbi Brown Bahamas Photo Credit: Nordstrom

 I am a big fan of bronzers and use them as my blush. I found this great combo  by Bobbi Brown on-line at Nordy's today. Dontcha love it? It comes with a Mini Bronzer Brush, Bahamas Illuminating Bronzer Powders and Gold Coast Lip Glaze - all for $55. 

Dior - Nirvana

I am a bit obsessed with the color blue right now. Caribbean blue to be exact. All in anticipation of our upcoming cruise. This Dior Nirvana is perfect. Mind you,  it's probably not a color that I will wear to the office (accounting). I'm thinking more of on our cruise wear. How fun would this color be on the beach?

Makeup Monday

Some of my favorite makeup brands are Chanel, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier and Bobby Brown. I don't wear a lot of makeup - usually just foundation, bronzer (as blush), eyeliner and mascara. Smashbox has an awesome foundation primer (Photo Finish Foundation Primer)  that I used to use all the time.

Photo: Nordstrom

 I was just perusing the Nordstrom website for my new bronzer. Smashbox has a super cool "Try It" kit. It contains deluxe samples of Photo Finish Lid Primer, Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume, Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Hyperlash Mascara and Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx. All for - get this - $19. The retail value is $52. So, this is truly a deal.

Here are a few of my favorite makeup products:
 

What are your favorite products?
Be sure to check out our Makeup Monday series for  give aways, highlights on local and national makeup artists, makeup finds and so much more every Monday.

Makeup Monday - EyeMAX Cosmetics & Beauty Boutique

eyeMAX Studio eyeMAX Studio  In the past, I've looked into the prescription eyelash extender, Latisse. You know, the one that Brooke Shields promotes. For some reason, I never got much past requesting more info thru the mail from the company. Imagine my surprise when I received an invite from Kiralee Hubbard of eyeMAX for the launch of her new item,  eyeMAX lash! This natural, non-prescription formula is safe for even the most sensitive eye. You only need apply once daily to the base of your eyelid - just like applying eyeliner. Each tube will last several months. Best? Results may be seen in as little as 2 weeks!   eyeMAX lash How can you get a tube? Well, you can  purchase a tube at the eyeMAX lash Launch Party here in Indy. Kiralee Hubbard, the brains and beauty behind eyeMAX Professional Makeup Not only will you get a chance to purchase makeup items by eyeMAX. You'll get to see the coolest makeup studio  here and meet Kiralee herself. Details: When: April 21st Where: eyeMax Professional Makeup Studio             6503 Carrollton Avenue             Indianapolis, IN 46220 Time: 5PM to 9PM            Not in Indy? The product will be available online very shortly. Be sure to sign up for emails here.  Be sure to tell her Erika sent you! Photo Credit: eyeMax