Loving & Hating

It's Hump Day! It's been a week already and Friday can't come soon enough. We're over here just trying to survive Luke finding his way to the corner of his crib every night and getting STUCK. So. Tired. This too shall pass. Just as quickly as he learns something new or we have a tough couple days, it turns around!

I haven't shared anything recently that I am loving so I thought I'd share some today & then on a funny/lighter note some things that are just not at the top of my list.

LOVING

Beauty

Urban Decay Liner + Lipstick in 'Gubby'. It has a metallicized look & I just love it. I have been pairing both with this Buxom lip cream. It tingles a little bit which I like. This combo looks so pretty with a tan...high shine but still a nude lip.

Becca Soft Light Blur Powder. This is so light and perfect to put over your CC cream or foundation just to smooth everything right on out.

Benefit Roller Lash. I have sworn up and down how I hate those little spikey mascara wands. But, Benefit proved me wrong. I bought a small version of this just to try. It is SO good. It curls, lifts, lengthens and doesn't flake! Makes these tired momma eyes look a little bit more awake.

Shows

Is anyone watching "Very Cavallari?" I remember watching The Hills & Laguna Beach in college and thinking how much I disliked Kristin. Anyone else? She was the mean party girl and she just wasn't cutting it for me. I now follow her on Insta and love her cooking stories. Everything she makes looks SO good. She also has her jewelry line, Uncommon James and she has a shoe line?! Girl is killing it. 

Netflix -- "Anne with an E." I so love this show. It is based off Anne of Green Gables. She is the sweetest and her vocabulary kills me. If you watch, you know. I have also half watched "Better Call Saul." B LOVES it and has been binging it when Luke goes down at night. It's pretty good and ties right back into Breaking Bad. If you haven't watched Breaking Bad...GO! It was so good and so intense and we were obsessed. 

Upcoming Trips

I have a work trip coming up at the end of August. I am super excited to get back to the office for a few days and see my teammates along with my sales guys. 

Also, we have a girls' trip booked for the first weekend of November for Siesta Key! Who's been? Any good rec's on restaurants, bars, things we must do? We are all excited to escape and lay on the beach!

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Miscellaneous

COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!! We have a projector room in the new house so I know all the games will be going down there. With all the treats and beverages! Go Gamecocks!

HATING

#PPHL aka POST PARTUM HAIR LOSS. Y'all, it's EVERYWHERE. When does it stop?! MAKE IT STOP. I have to vacuum so dang much. Brushing my hair, washing my hair, blowdrying....it's flying everywhere. LOL.

There is not enough time in the day... really! Working, Momming, Cleaning, Cooking, phew! I'm grateful for the life I have but man, I just can't get it all done. Once one thing is done, I move on to the next the next day. Some days there's piles of laundry, other days piles of my hair. What can I say? REAL TALK. 

100 degree temperatures....all week. Along with my first electric bill for the new house. YIKES!

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Leave me some of your recent loves or things that are just irritating to no end. HA! 

Battle of Beauty: Drugstore Foundations

We all know the wide range of beauty products out there -- some good, some not so good. Some people spend a lot on their make up, and some choose not to. And that's okay. I get it. Especially if you aren't someone who wears a lot to begin with or doesn't wear it on a daily basis (work from homers --- raising my hand). This is going to be the first part of my beauty series: drugstore foundations!

A couple weeks ago, I hit Ulta and headed straight over to the drugstore area. Literally, I had no method to picking up the foundations that I did other than choosing more well known brands that could be found no matter where you go, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, etc etc. I was actually pretty surprised with my findings...honest. To be totally transparent, I did no prior research to buying these, and I applied these all the SAME way. I used my Beauty Blender and the same primer (I got this as a sample and I am OBSESSED!).

Here are the four that I chose to test.

1. COVERGIRL Clean Liquid Foundation  This was my least favorite. First thing being is that it doesn't have any type of dispenser. You twist of the cap and then what? Carefully pour it on the back of your hand? Pour it on your beauty blender? No thanks. Also, it had a weird smell. Coverage was eh. Color range was about 12 different ones. Not bad but not great. It was also the cheapest of all 4 foundations. {$}

2. NYX Total Control Drop Foundation  This was in my top 2. You use a dropper to dispense which I liked. It also is very liquid-y but goes on great. The finish is powdery/matte. Coverage was wonderful, and I likened this to my not so cost friendly Laura Mercier foundation that I LOVE. One thing I will say about the NYX....do NOT use a mattifying primer. First time I tried to apply it, I used this primer (which I love ESP for the summertime). While it is a great primer, it does not match well with this foundation. Use something a bit more hydrating (like this one), and it will go on flawlessly. Shade range is phenomenal on this one with a total of 29 colors. {$$}

3. L'OREAL True Match Lumi Foundation This foundation is very nice. It does give a luminescent finish if that's what you are looking for. I would say this may not be the best foundation for someone who has super oily skin (especially during the summer); however, it is great for winter/spring in my personal opinion. I tend to run on the oily side so while I still liked this, it wasn't at the top of my list because I know it would be sliding off my face once this Texas heat hits. The shade range is decent with a total of 15 colors. It also has a pump for dispensing which I really like. Also contains a broad spectrum SPF of 20. {$$}

4. REVLON PhotoReady Airbrush Effect Foundation  This was a great foundation. It is described as medium to full coverage which I completely agree with. It, too, is a pump dispenser like the L'Oreal foundation. The consistency is thicker on this one however on the skin, it does not feel heavy/cakey. It also has a broad spectrum SPF of 20. It gives a bit of a luminescent finish but nothing like the L'Oreal. The one drawback to this one is that the overall shade range is less to be desired with only 6 colors (WHAT?!). Luckily, they had a shade that worked for me. {$$}

Overall, the Revlon and NYX foundations were my favorites. They stayed on. They covered well. And the price points were not bad at all. Neither of these 2 products caused any breakouts when wearing them. And I have worn both multiple times because I do like them so much. Be sure to let me know if you have tried or currently use these or are going to try. Are there any others out there that are off the charts? Send me your recs!!

All that glitters is {Rose} Gold.

The first thing I think about when the holidays are around are sequins, glitter & glam. You start seeing it everywhere in the stores. The holiday season really is the best time to sparkle & adding a little bit to your makeup routine for the all those parties you are attending makes it all that much more fun.

I originally saw this shown over on Lindsey Regan Thorne's instagram. She used it on one of her brides, and it was so pretty. I picked some up and have been loving it. I use just a little bit on the inner corner of my lid and pat it out to blend. It can take a rather "plain" eye to a GLAM eye in milliseconds. And let me be the first to tell you, a little goes a LONG way. It definitely helps justify the price.

I was just looking online and there are so many colors...8 total!! The color I chose is called "Kitten Karma." It has a rosey gold tint that has gone with everything I have paired it with. They do offer a true gold as well. I promise, even if glitter isn't your thing, this is just so stunning for parties/events, and you can wear as little or as heavy as you want.

How do you jazz up your holiday makeup? Is it lashes? A bright red lip? Or do you love a little glitter just like me? Everyone deserves to shine....so treat yourself.

The most affordable lip liner you NEED.

Happy Tuesday!! This weekend kicked my butt. We had friends in town from Thursday to Sunday and had a fabulous time. Sunday night we had a concert and didn't make it home until almost 12. Add a 5:30am workout in on Monday morning andddddd stick a fork in this momma. Anyways, back to why I am writing you today.

You need this lip liner. It will be the best $0.99 you ever spent. No, really. Most lip liners are on the shorter side....for what you pay & the color you get, it's amazing. I paired it with a clear gloss, this Urban Decay gloss (Lindsey Regan Thorne raves about this & I couldn't agree more! Go follow her on Insta. You won't be disappointed), and this Lorac gloss. Let me tell you, it looks good with EVERYTHING.

I found this lip liner through Cam Wimberley's (Southern Charmer) Instagram post. Probably the realest person & mom to be I've ever followed...follow her. She's HYSTERICAL. I picked it up at my local grocery store (I'm not kidding) and I have totally fallen in love. I have a smaller upper lip, and the liner helps it look fuller. It is really pretty and think it is a GREAT buy for Fall. Even though I love my higher end make up, I still am not afraid to throw in drug store brands.

So check it out and let me know what you think! I promise your husband won't question your $0.99 spend. ;)

Beauty Gift Guide $50 and Under!

Hi friends! It has been a bit quiet here and I do apologize!! Life has just been busy & I think you can all get that. Today I have rounded up for you some beauty gifts all under $50 for that special lady in your life...or for yourself. Ulta has some pretty good gift collections so I started there first. Some of these I own & some I wouldn't mind having.

[1] Bare Minerals Nude and Nice Mini Nudes
These all look so pretty and under $20. I'm sorry that brings you to $3/gloss. That is unheard of unless you are buying drug store brand and even those will run you at least $6-$7 depending on the brand!

[2] Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub and Lip Balm
An exfoliator and color in one compact? Yes please! I think this explains itself. I am always rubbing my lips down after I do my makeup because of fallout and this would be awesome. There are other colors as well but I am partial to berry's.

[3] Tartlette Tease Palette
I have this palette and have raved over it. It has so many pretty colors; some shimmer that is JUST enough without being too much. You can really take just this palette on a trip with you and have so many different looks...day to night!

[4] Tartlette Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette
If you are looking to spend more & only want matte shadows, this is for you. This is a gorgeous 12 color palette, and I would love to receive it as a gift...hint hint B!

[5] Benefits They're Real Mascara duo
This gives you a full size and a travel size. This is a great mascara that I have in my makeup bag. You can't wrong!

[6] Too Faced Sexy Lashes Rain or Shine duo
Another great brand of mascara..."Better than Sex" including the same but in waterproof. I have used this one too & loved it.

[7] Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
It's all the rage...highlight and contour. I am a bit scared to buy a full kit but I wouldn't mind it as a gift. Isn't Christmas about getting gifts that  you wouldn't normally buy yourself??

[8] Tarte Sculpted Cheeks Deluxe Blush set + Brush
Four blushes & a brush. Tarte does awesome makeup & they're safe. The colors in this kit are really pretty & it is such a great deal!

[9] Essie Winter Mini Collection
Who doesn't love polish?

[10] Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Who doesn't need another make up sponge? These are easy stocking stuffers and for all the contouring, highlighting, blending that we girls do these days...having more than one is a necessity.

[11] Sugared Vanilla Mason Jar gift set
Bath products that smell so sweet? Yes, please. I love getting to suds up with something so sweet. And then when you get out of the shower...your bathroom usually smells like it too. I love stuff like this in my stocking! Oh, and you get a mason jar cup!

[12] Luxe Relaxing Bath Bomb
I don't take baths too often but this bath bomb interests me. This plus a glass of wine would be a fantastic way to decompress after entertaining for the holidays!

Current Beauty Favorites

Happy Hump Day! I wanted to share my current beauty favorites with y'all. I always love hearing about others' faves. It's a good and a bad thing because then I usually end up at Sephora, Ulta, or Nordstrom with a list in hand. Anybody else??

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
I love this stuff, and it has been my go to concealer for quite some time now. I always have two different colors in my make up bag: one for under eyes (lighter) and one for spots other places on my face. It goes on like a dream and blends beautifully. I wear Vanilla under my eyes & Custard for other spots on my face.

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot
I wear this on my lids as a base/primer in the color "Painterly." It is a very natural color and to me has somewhat of a powder finish. I just tap this on with my ring finger and blend. It looks great under your eye shadows. I have also worn just it by itself on my lids when I didn't want to wear full on eyeshadow. Another color from this line that would be good as a primer is "Soft Ochre."

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Setting Powder
I love the Tarte line. I really think they do nothing wrong when it comes to makeup. This setting powder is awesome and I dust it all over my face after I have applied my concealer, eye primer, & foundation. It keeps everything in place that had a "wet finish."Also, the Tarte line is free of parabens & phthalates.

Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara
I got this as a sample at Sephora & it has really blown my mind. No pun intended. It goes on a little wet but dries like a dream. It definitely gives you volume; You can wear it by itself without adding an eyelash primer and you are going to get lots of volume and good color on your lashes. When I am done with this, I will definitely be purchasing the full size.

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in 'Violet Orchid'
I picked this up at Nordstrom recently. I just told the lady I wanted a Fall blush. The color can look daunting just by itself in the packaging but when you put it on it is SO pretty. I use a very light hand when applying because it is pretty pigmented. It stays so well on your cheeks & gives a gorgeous pop of color.

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in 'Soft Brown'
I think every woman out there is using some form of Anastasia products. This powder for your brows is great. It has a lighter and darker color to help with creating shape and filling in. It looks natural & stays put. I have thin eyebrows so this has been wonderful to help make it look like I have fuller brows. This line comes in 11 different combos so you are sure to find what you need color wise.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers
This stuff is awesome if you are not wanting to wear foundation. It is described as an "illuminating tinted moisturizer." It has broad spectrum SPF 30. Also, oil free! This is not full coverage, obviously. I will wear this during the day with a little concealer, and I am good to go. I am currently wearing shade Fair to Light 20.

I hope everyone has a great rest of their week! Let me know your current faves. It is one of my all time favorite things to hear from a girlfriend about a fabulous new product they're using.

Thursday Beauty Favorites

Happy Thursday everyone! Sorry for the silence on here this week. Work has been busy and a work party on Monday night really did me in for Tuesday...oops! I thought I would share with y'all some of my favorite beauty favorites today.

O N E
Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is awesome. It is SUPER matte. For a girl who is a. very oily & b. lives in the South. This is a must. It's a bit pricey but I have had mine for a while (maybe almost a year?) and I just ran out. You need very little.

T W O
I think everyone and their mother has probably heard of or tried the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask. Yes it is pricey but it makes your skin feel oh so good! I actually have the mask on now as I write this! For some reason right now my skin is acting crazy and breaking out and also has a couple of rough patches. Like WHAT? I will be 29 on Sunday and you would think I am a hormonal teenager. UGH!

T H R E E
This palette is the ONLY palette I brought on my trip. I swear Tarte does everything fabulous. I grabbed this while standing in line at Sephora one day and it has a great set of colors to carry you through any trip. Really...you can keep it subtle or totally glam it up with just this small palette. Love love love it. I literally use it every day.

F O U R
Lastly is this mascara by Mac, False Lashes Extreme in Black. I think I originally got a sample in a Nordstrom grab bag and was hooked. It makes your lashes look SO long and SO beautiful. It's a must buy. I have piddly lashes so this really amps them up.

What are your favorite beauty buys right now? I am such a sucker for make up these days and love to try out different stuff. I'd love to hear what you are wearing or have tried and liked. Be sure to leave a comment & let me know. Hope y'all have a great Thursday.

xoxo,
Haley

Hurry up!

I can't wait to get one of these little pretties in the mail come end of May! 

Have y'all tried one of these? I am SUPER excited to see what's in store. 

xoxo,

H

P.S. Tomorrow is FRIDAY!