Sunday, June 28, 2015

Makeup basics from a rookie

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the countless brands and selection in the makeup isles? I know that feeling quite well myself. I've always said it, I'm not a full makeup kind of woman! Seriously, I have always tried avoiding makeup because I suck at applying it, and suck even more at purchasing it.
 Over the years I've had my go-to basics, such as mascara and lip gloss; but as I grow more beautiful (that's right! I'm not growing older but rather more beautiful, (and I don't care who disagrees lol), but I know I need a few more 'touch-ups'. I've never liked seeing women with cakey faces, you know what I'm talking about, women who rather than enhancing their beauty, they completely change their faces with a TON of makeup. I'm not like that! and hope to never be.

I've been blessed with good skin (thanks mom and dad) however nature doesn't stop its course and has no reservation when it comes to giving us the good ol' aging process.  I've always hesitated to wearing makeup (other than mascara and lip gloss), but after seeing what a great job many of my friends do (particularly Sarah) I had to try a few things.

Here are some, rather inexpensive items I just purchased to 'try' and practice before committing to more pricey options (I mean, why spend money on great quality if I don't even know how to use it right?)

Here's what I purchased at Target:
Brow pencil (Rimmel), corrector (elf), triple eye  shadow (elf), & pore filler (NYX). I have always had visible pores and I wanted to see my options, since the one I used to wear for a while is a bit pricey.

Here's the face I started with (your eyes!!!!, I know) I do admit I was wearing a thin coat of mascara, I put it on as a habit before realizing I had to take my before pic aaaaannnnnd didn't really have a whole lot of time to wash my face again and start all over.


(The above pictures are my before)

I had nothing on my face other than that coat of mascara, and so it began. I used the pore filler first (light coat), let it set in a bit, then I used the corrector under my eyes and a bit on the eyelid, I started with a sponge and didn't like that it absorbed most of it, I tried a soft brush to finish and that helped better.

After the corrector I used my basics, True Match powder & a bit of bronzer below my cheekbone. Then came time for the scary part, defining and filling in my brows (I hated this part!) I like my natural brows, but they've always been thinner on the edges), I did very soft-short strokes up and to the side, I only did this to fill them in and not to draw new brows (I just can't see my face with full, unnatural brows). Then came the eye shadow, I have always loved natural and bronze colors, I used a bit at a time and blended the heck out of it :) don't ask what type of brush I used, I tried most of the ones I have.  And I finished with a natural lipstick my sister gifted me (from 'it' cosmetics) and another coat of mascara.


Here's what I ended with: 




All in all, I really liked the final result, it looks more put together but natural. My brows were a big difference and only by filling in a bit.

My honest two cents: if you are very new to makeup, or are trying to branch out into a new product, try one less expensive first, I'm finding out that often times they'll give you very similar results, I'm not about to dish out $20+ for a product I might not even like or use again (brow pencil for example!) so for $6 this was a great find, it was very soft and easy to apply too, keeper!. The corrector was not very easy to work with and I might not use it often (but hey but for $3 it was worth the practice!). The eye shadow was GREAT! and for $3, it's definitely a keeper! The pore filler ($14), was really good, but I'm not sure I'd let it and the concealer overlap because they left this cakey feeling and I had to wipe it off.

Four new products for me to try, and I liked them all. Good buys and at a great price.



Friday, June 26, 2015

June style challenge: week 3

Week three went to amuse me even more :) I love this challenge and if you haven't seen the full post, please check out my Instagram account (link in my bio).

Day 15: Linen and Lace 

I skipped day 16, theme was Pinspired, I simply didn't have time to search pinterest for ideas, sorry, busy bee. 

Day 17: Nude, blush, dusty rose


Day 18: girly gingham


Day 19: red lip classic


Day 20: here comes the sun! 


Day 21: bow tie for dad!


Excited for the last week!!!!!!

June Style Challenge week 2

Here are my #ootd posts for week two of this instagram challenge (link in bio).

Day 8: In the garden

Day 9: splurge vs steal



 Day 10: oversized


Day 11: belted in


Day 12: Fruit salad


Day 13: statement short


Day 14: brds of a feather


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

In black and white...

Recently my best friend from high school, our husbands, and I, went out to celebrate our high school graduation anniversary (you know, our 10th yr :) lol).

Dinner was delicious & drinks perfection! We went to a great Peruvian restaurant, ME LOVES PERUVIAN FOOD!


Now to what I wore, a black and white ensemble, with a touch of orange (in honor of our HS colors: black and orange). My dress is from JustFab (I adore the dress!!!). This hi-low dress is light and airy, and I just felt.... beautiful!

 The shoulder straps were a bit long and made the bodice fit a bit off on me (but that"s because I have a higher natural waist); I took in an inch on each strap (on the back) and that was all it needed! This is one of those outfits that even though they are not glamorous, or super chic, it makes you feel great, and that's what a great garment is supposed to do!





The shoes were a gift from an amazingly generous shoe-loving friend, Patricia. The minute I saw the dress, I knew I had the perfect shoes!


My earrings and bracelet, I got from a local jewelry crafter.

I'm blessed to have shared a beautiful friendship with this amazing woman for over 20 yrs. Her strength, courage, and determination are inspiring! Love you amiga!!

Monday, June 8, 2015

June style challenge

I joined a style challenge on Instagram, and I have to say, I'm liking it!! Here's the recap of the first days of the challenge.

First, here's the challenge, and hosts:
 Day 1: Pinstripes and grey 'jail' stripes.
 Day 2: Golden goddess, gold is in the details!
 Day 3: Colorblock cutie
 Day 4: watercolors
Day 5: Monograms and graphics
 Day 6: gladiators or espadrilles
Day 7: whiteout