Mommy Makeup Monday: My Mascara Rules

On Mondays, I share a tip, product or tutorial that will help you look polished and put-together quickly and with minimal effort.  You definitely don't have to be a rushed mom to benefit from these posts...anyone who needs to be out-the-door fast (and who doesn't?!) can appreciate Mommy Makeup Mondays!

Welcome to Mascara Week my lovely readers!  This week I will feature a post each day about my absolute favorite makeup product, which is obviously mascara :)

I chose Mommy Makeup Monday to kick off Mascara Week (instead of just putting up my first post on Tuesday) because even a busy mom has time for a quick swipe of mascara.  There's just no excuse ladies.  Mascara takes like 45 seconds to apply, if that.  Leave a tube out on your bathroom counter and swipe a coat on your top lashes after you brush your teeth.  In my opinion, it is the #1 way to look just that little bit more awake and refreshed, opens your eyes, and just makes you look prettier.

So.  That being said.  Here are my Mascara Rules!

1.  Follow proper hygiene with mascara.  I am making this my #1 Rule because it is SO IMPORTANT!!!!  I've heard women (and I've seen it featured on Pinterest, WTF??) say that they will drop some contact lens solution into an old mascara tube to get more life out of it, and I cannot fathom why on earth anyone would do this!!  These are your eyes you're messing with!!!  Just don't do it!  Toss your mascaras after 3 months, tops.  That's the industry standard as to when a tube of mascara is considered so full of bacteria that you really shouldn't be using it anymore.  If cost is a concern, go drugstore.  You can grab really great mascaras for less than $10!  And another hygiene point...don't share mascara.  Professional makeup artists use disposable wands in their mascara tubes so that there is no cross contamination for a reason.  You just never know.  (And if you're getting your makeup done at a place like Sephora or a counter in the mall, make sure they're using a disposable wand on you!)

2.  Don't pump the wand.  Swirl it while it is in the tube instead.  This reduces bacteria in the tube.

3. Application is important.  When you apply, look down into a mirror to do your top lashes.  Wiggle the brush at the base of the lashes and then pull it upward to comb through your lashes.  If you want a cat-eye effect, pull the brush outward as you swipe.  If you want to open up your eyes more and make them look rounder, swipe straight up.  One coat is really all you need for day time, but of course a second coat looks awesome too.  :)

4.  Wait to do your lower lashes until all your other makeup is done.  This way, you aren't blending concealer or anything else into your mascara.

5.  If you smudge, don't worry...just wait!  Waiting until any mascara that smudged accidentally on your face or top eyelid is 100% completely dry makes it much easier to remove it.  I know this seems counter-intuitive, but when mascara dries, it flakes off.  This means you won't just be moving it around your face even more, just causing black stripes.  After it's totally dry, just rub it off with a Q-tip.  If you use a gentle hand, you won't disrupt any makeup under the mascara smudge.

So those are my must-follow rules for mascara.  Stay tuned this week for tips on removal and to hear about some awesome mascaras that I recommend!

Thanks for stopping by :)  I hope you enjoyed and found these helpful!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

My Nail Polish Collection

Soooooo, yeah, I have a LOT of nail polish.  Some of these bottles are really old and I keep them for sentimental reasons.  Like...10+ years old.  Over the years, though, I've justified having this much polish because I can count probably on one hand the number of professional manicures I've gotten.  I always polish my own nails, with the exception of my wedding day and a few other really important events.  I'm super picky about how they're done, and I just prefer to do them myself.  Besides, I get bored after a few days of the same polish color and I like to switch it up.  So rather than regularly spend $20 on a mani, I often bought a bottle of $8 polish and called it a day.

In terms of storage, I keep in-season shades in my polish rack, which is hanging above my vanity in my closet.  I purchased mine off Amazon, although I do not remember which one is specifically was.  I believe mine is a 90-bottle rack and I paid around $50 for it.  You can get them on Amazon or Ebay in that price range easily.

I keep off-season colors in ziplock bags in a plastic storage container on a shelf in my closet.  They are easily accessed, because I do like to use neons in winter and black in summer occasionally.   (There are no nail polish rules in my book!) 

I should probably get a Helmer, huh??  Oh well!

Here are the shades I own and love :)

Light/Sheer Pinks

 

Top Row: Rimmel French Tip White, Revlon White on White, Revlon Starry Pink, Orly Bare Rose, Orly Rose Colored Glasses, Orly Pure Porcelain, Ciate Strawberry Milkshake

2nd Row: (all OPI)  Don't Touch My Tutu, Sweetheart, Bubble Bath, Take the Cake, Passion, Barre My Soul, Care to Dance, Steady As She Rose, Pink-ing of You

3rd Row: (all Essie) Marshmallow, Allure, It's In The Bag, Like Linen, Hi Maintenance, Prima Ballerina, Topless & Barefoot, Fiji, Sugar Daddy, Au Natural

Bottom Row: Sephora by OPI Bare to Be Different, Sephora by OPI Going Nude, Eh?, Sally Hanson Princess Pink, Zoya Romy, Sinful Colors Easy Going, Maybelline Ballet on Ice, Milani Angel Pink

Bright Pinks

(still working on my photography skills lol)

Top Row:  Essie Mod Squad, Essie Lights, Essie Chastity, Essie Watermelon, Sephora by OPI Access 24/7, Loreal B. Daring, Loreal B. Powerful, NYC Pink Promenade, Zoya Aria, Essence Plum Perfect

Middle Row:  (the first 7 are China Glaze) Bottoms Up, Sugar High, Ahoy!, Sexy Silhouette, Pool Party, Hang-Ten Toes, You Drive Me Coconuts; and Sinful Colors 24/7
Bottom Row: (all OPI) Meet Me At the Bonfire, Cajun Shrimp, Charged Up Cherry, La Paz-itively Hot, It's All Greek to Me, Cha-Ching Cherry, Santiago Sangria, Kiss Me on My Tulips, Flashbulb Fuchsia

Oranges & Yellows

L-R:  Essie Haute As Hello, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, Ruffian Fox Hunt, Ulta Sun-Sational

Reds

Top Row:  Sephora Formula X Ignite, Sephora Formula X Fahrenheit, Revlon Revlon Red, Revlon Firecracker, Essie Exotic Liras, Essie Toggle to the Top
Middle Row:  China Glaze Lubu Heels, China Glaze Pointsettia, China Glaze Riveter Rouge, Maybelline Night on the Town, Pixel (unnamed), Avon Ruby Slippers, Maybelline Succulent, Zoya Colbie
Bottom Row:  (all OPI) Dutch Tulips, Big Apple Red, Got The Blues for Red, A Man In Every Port-ugal, I'm Not Really A Waitress, William Tell Me About OPI, Every Month is Oktoberfest

Purples

haha clearly my photography skills still need help!

 Top Row:  Essie Island Hopping, Essie Bahama Mama, Essie No More Film, Sephora Formula X Haphazard, Zoya Marley, Zoya Julieanne, Ulta Celebutante

2nd Row:  (all OPI) Purple With A Purple, Anti-Bleak, You're Such a Budapest, Do You Lilac It?, Panda-Monium Pink, Talk About An Upgrade!, Louvre Me Louvre Me Not, My Auntie Drinks Chianti, Houston We Have A Purple

3rd Row: China Glaze Purple Panic, China Glaze Flying Dragon, China Glaze Grape Juice, China Glaze That's Shore Bright, Revlon Facets of Fuchsia, Revlon Perplex
Bottom Row: Finger Paints Pretty as a Portrait, Finger Paints Be A Pal-ette, Sephora by OPI What A Broad, Sephora by OPI I Don't Bite

A Few More Purples I Forgot In the First Picture ;)

L-R: Seche Vite Contemporary, China Glaze Seduce Me, Revlon Plum Seduction

Blues

Top Row: China Glaze Up All Night, China Glaze First Class Ticket, China Glaze For Audrey, China Glaze Midnight Mission, Essie Borrowed & Blue, Essie Smooth Sailing, Essie Bobbing for Baubles, Essie Dive Bar
Middle Row: OPI Ski Teal We Drop, OPI Can't Find My Czechbook, OPI Road House Blues, Illamasqua Raindrops, Butter London, Orly Blue Collar
Bottom Row: Loreal B. Fabulous, Sinful Colors Fly Away, Sinful Colors Midnight Blue (old!!!!), Revlon Royal, Ulta Bam-Blue-zled

Greens

Top Row: OPI Jade is the New Black, OPI Stranger Tides, Essie Navigate Her, China Glaze Emerald Fitzgerald, China Glaze Westside Warrior, China Glaze Re-fresh Mint, China Glaze Turned Up Turquoise
Bottom Row: Ulta Army of 1, Zoya Veruschka, Sally Hansen Emerald City, Hard Candy Sell Out (old!!!), Sephora by OPI Just A Fairy-Tale, Color Club London Calling, Butter London British Racing Green

Browns

Top Row: NARS Bad Influence, Essie Case Study, Essie Glamour Purse, Essie Lady Godiva, Zoya Codie
Middle Row: China Glaze Foie Gras, China Glaze Ingrid, China Glaze Fast Track, OPI My Private Jet (unfortunately not the holo one), OPI The World Is Not Enough

Bottom Row: Sephora by OPI Metro Chic, Orly Luxe, Orly Rage, Sally Hanson Golden Conduct

Greys

Top Row: China Glaze Icicle, China Glaze Hook and Line, China Glaze Pelican Gray
Middle Row: Revlon Carbonite, Sephora by OPI Run With It, Ulta Scene Steel-er, Ulta Concrete Evidence

Bottom Row: OPI Moon Over Mumbai, OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls, Essie Chinchilly, Essie Power Clutch

Blacks

Top Row: OPI Alcatraz Rocks, OPI Black Satin, OPI On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Middle Row: Sephora Formula X Umph, Sally Hansen Black Out, Sinful Colors Black on Black, Zoya Dovima

Bottom Row: Sephora by OPI Never Enough Shoes, Sephora by OPI Dark Room, Orly Naughty or Nice

Top & Base Coats

L-R: Essie Matte About You, Sally Hansen Gel Top Coat, Julep Polymer Top Coat, NYC Polish in Grand Central Station, Gelous Base Coat, Seche Vite Top Coat, Ulta Ridge Filler Base Coat

Glitters

 Top Row: (all China Glaze) Snow Globe, White Cap, Bat My Eyes, Twinkle Lights, Some Like It Haute, CG In The City

2nd Row: Essie Stroke of Brilliance, Essie Beyond Cozy, Revlon Girly, Revlon Whimsical, OPI Pirouette My Whistle, OPI Teenage Dream, OPI Gift of Gold

3rd Row: Sephora by OPI Jewelry Top Coats (l-r) Don't Be Eggnog-ious, Be-Claus I Said So, Not Your Average Turquoise, Only Gold For Me, Sugar Plum Fairies Gone Wild, It's Bouquet with Me; Sally Hanson Big Money, Sally Hanson Perky Pink
4th Row: Sinful Colors Call You Later, Sinful Colors Frenzy, Wet N Wild Kaleidoscope, Color Blast by Orly (unnamed), Ulta Tink-Her-Bell, Sephora Formula X Chaotic, Milani Gems
Bottom Row: (all Deborah Lippmann) Stronger, Let's Go Crazy, Candy Shop, Happy Birthday (mini)

That's it! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed :)  Please share your collections, too!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Best of Beauty 2013!

So many amazing products launched in 2013 that it was a little hard for me to really narrow down my top picks.  There were many products I didn't go for (Naked 3, really any of the MAC collections, Tarte Brazilliance, Maybelline Color Tattoo Pure Pigments...) but I also fell victim to a lot of new things, too!

So.  Since it was 2013....here are my Top 13 Products :)  (Some of these I know are not products that were launched in 2013, but they are all products that I personally discovered this past year.)

In no particular order....

1.  Sephora Formula X Nail Polishes.  The formula on these absolutely blew me away.  They're amazing.  They last longer than normal polish on me, and I find that I don't need to topcoat them.  The "new classics" shades seem to be the best formulas, but I've loved every one I have tried.  My 2 personal favorite shades are Haphazard (a dark neon purple jelly) and Ignite (a perfect classic red creme).

2.  Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Peppermint Lip Balm.  I am just obsessed with this stuff...that's really all there is to it!  It was the only lip product that really stuck out in my mind for this year.  I know it's a fairly recent purchase (early November), but I use it every single day.  It smells fantastic and gives the prettiest natural sheen.

3.  Hourglass Ambient Powder in Diffused.  I'm sure everyone and their mother is going to include an Ambient Power in their 2013 favorites, and I hate to be so cliche, but I honestly do just LOVE this powder.  I only have Diffused...which is meant to even out your skintone by reducing redness and to blur pores and imperfections.  I use this as an all-over setting powder, and I think it does exactly what it is marketed to do.  I don't see the powder on my skin (and you aren't supposed to), but I definitely notice a nicer complexion.

4.  Hourglass Ambient Powder Brush.  Before trying this brush, I thought it was for sure just a marketing ploy, but my opinion changed within 10 seconds of dipping it into my Ambient Powder.  It really, really does work better than any other brush I tried with the powder.  It keeps the product from flying up and out of the pan, so I feel less wasteful, and it does a great job applying a thin, even layer...just enough to make your skin look awesome but not powdery or cakey.  If I am going to be spending $45 on a face powder, I'm glad I spent the additional money on the brush that it really is meant to work wonders with.  You won't regret this purchase!

5.  The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer.  This is a great highlight.  It's the most pigmented powder highlight I've ever used, and the golden glow it gives is natural and gorgeous. 

6.  Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser.  Another product that I thought was probably a waste of money and just a marketing scheme.  After once use, though, man did I realize I was wrong!  This stuff actually works....and works much, much better than the liquid soaps I tried cleaning my Beauty Blender with.  I only use this on my Beauty Blender, so it will last me a while.

7.  Hourglass Veil Primer.  The best face primer out there...hands down.  It smooths your skin and actually does keep your makeup on all day.  It pairs well with any foundation, but it is beyond incredible when paired with #8...

8.  Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation.  Hourglass snagged 4 of my Top 13 spots this year...I guess you guys can tell what my favorite brand has been! ;)  They really do just make amazing products, and Immaculate is no exception.  This is HG foundation for me...I have never, ever used anything so amazing.  If you have oily skin, get your butt to Sephora today and get a sample of this stuff.  This is the only foundation that has ever stayed on me for 6+ hours without the need to retouch and that has also kept my blush/bronzer/highlighter from fading, too.  I stay matte and perfect all day long.  You absolutely cannot beat this stuff if you have oily skin.  (It isn't meant for anything but!)

9.  Urban Decay Eyeliner Vault.  Ohhhhhhh how I love this thing.  I have the original version, and while it was insanely expensive and probably really sort of a waste of money, I love that I own basically every single UD eyeliner out there.  And I actually do use most of them!  I find that experimenting with eyeliner is such an easy, fun way to add color to your look.

10.  Jane Water Resistant Eyeliner.  The first black pencil liner I've ever owned that actually stays on my waterline.  See my full review here :)

11.  Soleil Tan de Chanel Makeup Bronzing Base.  Loooooooove this stuff.  This is a product that is new to me, but has been talked about forever.  It is the only cream bronzer I've ever tried, but I can't say I feel the need to look anywhere else for a better one!  It's awesome.  It's very natural on the skin and I think it would suit anyone from the fairest girls to those somewhere in the range of a Mac NC/NW 38/40.  I love to apply mine with a damp Beauty Blender for a sheer wash of color.

12.  Red Cherry Lashes.  I discovered these over the summer when I found Jaclyn Hill on YouTube, and I am SO glad I did.  They're super duper cheap (like $3 a pair!!) and they look gorgeous.  I've used my #43s a few times already and they're still in great shape.

13.  Makeup Geek Eyeshadows.  I finally placed my first Makeup Geek order this year, and I absolutely LOVE Marlena's eyeshadows!  They're the quality of Mac's permanent line at 1/3 of the price.  My personal favorite shade is Creme Brulee, which is a warm brown perfect for blending out the crease.  And they're cruelty-free to boot.  I definitely plan to purchase more of these in 2014!

What made your favorites list this year?

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

Mommy Makeup Monday: My 2014 Beauty Resolutions

On Mondays, I share a tip, product or tutorial that will help you look polished and put-together quickly and with minimal effort.  You definitely don't have to be a rushed mom to benefit from these posts...anyone who needs to be out-the-door fast (and who doesn't?!) can appreciate Mommy Makeup Mondays!

 
So this technically isn't really a true makeup post, but I wanted to share my beauty resolutions in the mom context because they involve me taking more time for myself.  Obviously my daughter is priority #1, but I've really let a lot of things fall to the wayside these past 10 months, whether it be taking care of myself or doing things I enjoy.  

I guess the point here is if I can take 10 minutes a day, or a half hour a week, or whatever it is out of my momlife, anyone can :)

So Happy 2014!!!  And here are the things I'd like to work on this year.

#1 - DRINK MORE WATER.  Probably more health than beauty related, but it's no secret that drinking enough water helps your complexion and skin.  So I'll call it a beauty resolution ;)  My goal is at least 64 oz. a day, but the more the better.

#2 - STOP PICKING OFF MY POLISH.  For as long as I can remember, I've had the terrible habit of picking off my nail polish once it starts to chip.  More often than not, that's how it comes off instead of remover.  It's awful for my nails and because I usually do it unconsciously, it's annoying to find the little pieces of polish all over the house!

#3 - BE MORE DILIGENT ABOUT PEDICURES.  And I don't necessarily mean professional pedis.  I only go to the spa maybe 2 or 3 times a year to have a pro tend to my toes.  However, I have no reason at all not to care for me feet a bit more at home.  First on my list...stop walking around on my hardwood and tile floors barefoot!  It causes terrible calluses and cracks on my heels (that are often painful!) and I have no excuse for it.  Next up: moisturize, wear Vaseline + socks to bed from time to time, file my heels, deal with my cuticles, and keep my polish fresh.

#4 - CONTINUE SHOPPING MY STASH AND USING PRODUCTS UP.  This is something I've really been focusing on in the past 6 months, and I plan to continue it.  I really just have too much stuff, and it's been nice to use products up and see them be done.  Plus, it never hurts the wallet to find and fall in love with something you forgot you even had!

Image Source: PETA.org

#5 - BUY BUNNY FRIENDLY.  In 2012, I made (and kept!) the resolution to buy only cruelty-free makeup/beauty products.  I worked off of PETA's lists to determine which companies did and did not test on animals and only bought from those on the "safe" list.  (I can do a more comprehensive post on this subject - it's one I feel strongly about - but for brevity's sake...PETA's lists are not all-inclusive and you should do your own research into a brand, too.)  In 2013, I did not continue the resolution...really for no good reason other than I was pressed for time being a new mom.  Going forward, though, I'd like to continue being conscious of animal testing.  This means I must re-research and find new bunny-friendly companies to love...and it also means I may have to curb my love for MAC!  The lists are ever-changing, though, so my goal is to do my best to keep up to date on the topic and shop wisely.

So that's it!  Those are my 5 beauty resolutions for 2014.  What are yours?  I'd love to be inspired to add a few more :)  Have you been successful at any of my resolutions?!  Share your tips!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.

December 2013 Favorites! (And 1 Complete Waste of Money)

To wrap up the 2013 holiday season, here are my favorite products from this past month.  I do plan to do a blog post (but not a video) sharing my 2013 beauty favorites next week, but for now I just wanted to share the products I have been loving recently :)

Please share yours, too!

Products Mentioned:

Soap & Glory A Great Kisser Peppermint Lip Balm ($10)

I've talked this one to death.  You guys know I love it!!

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate ($30)

I finally broke down and put away my NARS Laguna Bronzer, and broke this baby out.  This is my favorite winter bronzer.  It's matte, the perfect shade, and it smells heavenly!

Naked Palette (the original!) ($52)

I've been giving this one a LOT of love lately!  It's just such an awesome range of colors...you cannot go wrong.

Avon 8 In 1 Neutral Palette ($7 on Amazon, but it's an add-on item, so it only ships when you spend $35+)

I found this little gem stashed away in my collection, and I've been loving it this month!  It is a little hard to find, since Avon does not sell it anymore, but if you can get your hands on it, it's really worth trying.  The colors are all shimmery, but the payoff is great and there is a good range of lights, mid-tone browns, and darks in the palette.  It's also really travel friendly, since it is a nice small compact with a mirror.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in 03 Blackened Brown ($9)

This was my replacement for Mac's Penultimate liner that I really didn't like.  It's a felt-tip pen style liner and I love it.  The color is pretty dark, but is still noticeably brown.  It's very very easy to use, too.

Jordana Fabuliner in Black (normally $6, but it's only $2.99 here!)

Basically the same as the Revlon pen liner, but in black, and way cheaper!

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($22)

I finally caved and bought this, and I'm so glad I did!  It does leave your brows a little crispy, but they don't look flaky or stiff.  It keeps each hair in place all day.

Trim Eyelash Curler ($3.49 on Drugstore.com, but I snagged mine in-store at Target for $1.99!)

WHAT AN AMAZING FIND!!!!!  OMG!  I only paid $2 for mine in Target, and it is the best $2 I have spent in a long time.  This little beauty makes my lashes look SO much curlier (they're naturally curly) and longer.  It works SO WELL, especially for the price.  I cannot rave enough about it.

China Glaze Poinsettia ($5 with free shipping on Amazon)

This is by far my favorite holiday red.  It's a perfect true red without any warm/cool undertones.  It's a cross between a jelly and a creme in my mind, an I love it!

Deborah Lippmann Candy Shop ($19)

I just HAD to grab this with my Sephora VIB $20 coupon earlier this month.  I've wanted this gorgeous pink glitter forever and it's finally mine.  :)  I have to admit, I expected the staying power to be a bit better, but the color is so fabulous I don't even care if I only get 24 hours out of a mani!

Diamoncel for Sephora #20 Coarse Foot File ($38)

I know this is stupid expensive for a foot file, but my feet need it, big time.  I am really super hard on them, and I have awful calluses, so I need something really heavy duty to help them out.  I wanted a metal file after having a professional pedicurist use one on me, and this was the 2nd item I grabbed with my VIB coupon.  If you have terrible calluses, it may be worth a shot.  It really smooths my feet down better than anything else I've tried.

Stridex Soft Touch Pads Maximum Strength (2% Salicylic Acid) ($8 for 180 pads at WalMart, but I got mine in-store...90 pads for about $4)

I wanted to grab these after hearing Josh Collier rave about them, and hoped they would help my clogged pores and redness.  I don't have acne, but I do have oily skin and a lot of discoloration.  I've only used them for about 2 weeks so far, but I definitely have noticed that my T-zone (where I use them nightly) is a lot smoother.  I'll update as I use them more, but for now they really seem great.

And the waste of money item is the Sonia Kashuk Brush Cleaner ($7).  The reviews on Target's website are a lie!!  It's just terrible...it really didn't clean my brushes well at all.  I tried it both as a spot cleaner (which just left a funky residue on my brushes) and as a soap-alternative.  I would not recommend purchasing this whatsoever!  Just go with Mac's Brush Cleaner instead, it's way better!

I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you all have a fabulous New Year's!

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.