Beauty Basics!

If you read my Lipstick Review from a few posts back, you know that I'm a girl who has always loved to glam it up! Even though this is the case, I tend to get into a beauty routine that really works for me, and I roll with that same look for a long time. Seems to work, because I always recieve random compliments on my makeup, and questions on what my staple choices and brands are. I'm no beauty guru, these are just my personal fabulous finds! So, without further ado, I give you my top 9 beauty basics and steps! 1. First, I always start out with an original primer from Bare Minerals. Their pump bottle lasts me about 2 months, seeing as I only use about a pea sized pump each time. Primer is a very important step, because it ensures that your makeup sets well and lasts longer through the day! 2. When it comes to applying makeup, I use Bare Minerals precision brush for foundation, and rounded brushes for the blush and mineral veil. 3. My staple foundation is Bare Minerals original powder. I find that loose powders stay longer than liquid foundation, and won't melt off (insert Wizard of Oz flashback) or collect in the fine lines or creases on your face. 4. I tend to have slightly darker circles under eyes, so I use a small amount of the Bare Minerals stroke of light liquid concealer under my eyes. Don't swipe it into the half-moon under your eyes, instead blend in the form of a downwards triangle. This helps to prevent it caking under your eyes. 5. To finish it all up and make sure it stays in place, I use a light layer of Bare Minerals mineral veil on top of my finished coverage. 6. For a bit of color, I like to use Bare Minerals fruit cocktail blush on my cheeks. 7. I always use a waterproof eyeliner, (you never know when you'll watch a good tear-jerker or get caught in the rain...) and my favorite is L'Oréal telescopic liquid liner. I find that a liquid liner is always more dramatic than a crayon or pencil. 8. My ALL TIME favorite mascara is Makeup For Ever smoky extravagant. This mascara will literally last you forever (hehe, get it?), and has super lash extension powers! 9. Lastly, I use Maybelline baby lips chapstick. I love this product, because it keeps my lips hydrated and also has a pinky sheen color to it. I hope that you find your own perfect beauty routine, and brands that you trust and love! For lipstick reviews and advice, visit my older post titled Lipstick Reviews!

Considerations Of A Shopaholic!

My "Fall Haul" from yesterday! Preparing to bundle up for cold comfy days, and stay professional and warm for work! Although clothing shopping may be my ultimate form of therapy, it's not always as easy as I make it look ;) Coming from a Class A Shopaholic, trust me when I say that it can be equally as stressful as it is relaxing. Thankfully, you have my experience and expertise to ensure your shopping trips always benefit your closet, budget, and fashion credibility! First, always make sure you're prepared with a good attitude, your personal allowance of cash, a coupon hoard, and a full stomach. Side note: I personally hate the thought of the person in the next fitting room enduring the loud gurgles of my growling stomach, and considering offering me their stashed granola bar... Anyways...when starting off, I like to stick to the brands that I am most loyal to first, then work my way down to the so-so brands. This way, I get all major purchases down first, and decide from there if I should continue to shop or drop! Always, and I mean ALWAYS try something on before you purchase it. I cannot stress enough how important this is. #1. All clothing fits each person's body type differently. Don't assume if it looks great on her that it will work the same magic on you. #2. You could have the wrong size, wrong color for your skin type, or all together wrong idea of what you wanted. #3. The return policy of that store may be strict, and you might not able to return it later if you discover your purchase was a mistake. No one likes getting home and not being able to hang that shiny new purchase in their closet because they ended up disliking it! I'm a big fan of the "huggable" method. If I adore something enough to want to wrap my arms around it and not let go, it's meant to come home with me. My mom has said that's how she knew I was serious in wanting something since I was a child, and has proven true into adulthood. If it's not a "huggable", then don't overhink it and move on. When it comes to coupons, make sure you've got the motherload of options on you. Sign up for mailed coupons, or emailed if you prefer prior to shopping at that store. I NEVER purchase anything at full price, because #1. It is not worth that full price, it is marked up a large percentage from the manufacturing price. #2. You can get more for your money. #3. Do you really want to pay $75 for one blouse? You should also take other things into consideration like, "should I really buy another cardigan when I already own 10?", or "how many more black items can I possibly fit into my wardrobe?". Keep a good variety going, and purchase staples that you know you need, or new styles you have been wanting to try. Always look over your clothing previous to buying it. Working in retail, I can't tell you how many times I find makeup-stained, snagged, or torn clothing on the salesfloor from all the times it has been carelessly tried on. Just give it a quick look, and you will save yourself an embarrassing trip back for an exchange. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help! Take your mom, your sister, your friends, or ask a sales associate if you need backup. 99% of the time they aren't working commission, and genuinely enjoy using their fashionable opinion to help you look great. Lastly, make sure you have a fun time! Don't be too harsh on yourself if at first you can't find the perfect fit for you, just keep looking until you've hit the jackpot. After all, in the end you will come out with a refreshed wardrobe, and that's something to be excited about Happy shopping, xoxo!

Mermaid Inspiration!

Today I overheard a slice of a conversation on the radio that ended with, "It seems like every girl on the Internet these days wants to be a mermaid. " It's actually pretty true, from The Little Mermaid themed weddings, to the hair trend that fades from green to blue to purple. Let's just say that I started a trend that really caught on ;) But seriously, I've always been fascinated with anything nautical. I blame it on the fact that I was practically raised on the water, being a 5 minute drive from the beach my entire life. Now although it sounds like I spend my time prepping to be cast as the next mermaid in a big film, I'm actually a fashion blogger, designer, stylist, and illustrator. Being a creative person, I'm constantly being asked what inspires me most. The answer is plain and simple. My heart resides at the beach. My imagination thrives with the ebb and flow of the water, the soft sand on my skin, and the gentle breeze. I find inspiration in the elements of the beach and the creatures that reside there. My childhood was spent near the water, and those raw emotions are what I go back to time and again to inspire my designs. Nearly anything can inspire a design. It could be a color that really caught my eye, the texture of a beautiful fabric, or me simply placing my pencil to paper and letting the free thoughts flow. Sometimes it starts with an image that leads to the idea. With that being said, I rounded up a few of my favorite images into a mood board along with the resulted designs of my own. Also below is my very first piece of clothing that I designed and made from scratch! Mood boards or color stories are what fashion designers use to inspire the direction their upcoming collections. It can be anything from fabric swatches, color swatches, or images. A "Mermaid Mood Board" is a favorite of mine, and always kick starts the creative process for me. Maybe it will be provide a "light bulb moment" for you as well!