glitter is for adults

Anyone who knows me well knows I am completely obsessed with glitter. I tend to leave it out of my beauty routine to avoid looking like a 90's tween with glitter eyeshadow, but when it comes to nails I think it's fabulous!

fun!

My mom understands my girly love of glitter and gave me this Sally Hansen nail polish in 'Rockstar Pink'. Needless to say I'm in love!

You can layer glitter polish on top of regular polish, but I prefer to do 2 coats of just the glitter. If you're shy about glitter, try just one coat because it will be super subtle.

'Rockstar Pink' won't be coming off my nails any time soon...

the sunless tanning industry boom

splurge vs. steal: mascara

As much as I love buying expensive beauty products because of the luxury associated with them, there are some amazing, cheap drugstore options.

The one thing that deters me from trying a new product at a drugstore is that you can't test out the product before purchasing because everything is sealed in its package. However, Walgreens will allow you to return a used cosmetic product if you're unsatisfied with it. 

Some times I stumble upon amazing drugstore products when I'm traveling and forget to pack something important, like eyeliner or concealer. Most of the time when I purchase a drugstore cosmetic it's because it was recommended to me personally, was mentioned on a blog or mentioned in an article.

I have two favorite mascaras: one is They're Real by Benefit and the other is L'Oreal Voluminous. They both make my eyelashes look longer and thicker, but L'Oreal is less than half the price (and maybe even better). I don't usually purchase They're Real - it's given to me as a gift about once a year but I wouldn't buy it myself because it's not better than some drugstore options.

battle of the wands

It's more difficult to justify buying expensive mascara because mascara is something that you should throw out about every three months, so it doesn't last long. For now I'm loyal to my drugstore L'Oreal mascara, but then again, I haven't tried DiorShow yet.

dior lip glow

I had been lusting after Dior Addict Lip Glow for months years. A couple of my friends had the original pink color, and the classy-looking balm seemed like something Audrey Hepburn would wear so naturally I had to have it.

According to Sephora, Dior Lip Glow is "formulated with color reviver technology" which basically means it's magic (no, really). The color of this sheer balm turns into a unique shade based on the chemistry of your lips so it looks slightly different on everyone.

The balm has SPF 10 and feels incredible - like finely crushed pearls (if that's the smoothest thing ever).

so damn *chic*

I got the Coral Lip Glow instead of pink because it was supposedly a limited edition version at Sephora when I went, which was perfect because I gravitate toward corals over pinks with regards to blush and lip colors. The color is super sheer and delivers the perfect amount of color that looks so natural and pretty - other people will probably think you're wearing a clear balm and your lips are just that good.

The only downside to this balm is that it costs $32. I'm embarrassed to admit I spent that much on a lip balm because I know it's absurd. But, treat yoself? 

bronzing for beginners

I bit the bullet and decided to try a beauty video. It's my first one, so it can only get better from here (right?)! Hopefully this video is helpful - let me know if you have any feedback!

the great outdoors

Spring has officially sprung and I cannot get enough of it. When the weather is nice, I'll find any excuse to be outdoors and soaking up the sun - against my dermatologist's wishes. 

It's time for baseball and lacrosse games, music festivals, outside beer drinking, golf, porch-sitting and cookouts. This means it's also finally time to breakout creamy, lightweight makeup and put away the heavy winter makeup.

This weekend, I am going to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Not only will I be outside from sun up to sun down watching golf (so pumped!), it is going to be sunny, hot and humid. Whenever I go to a sporting event, especially one outside, I try to do minimal makeup. How silly would it look to show up to a golf tournament or any of the activities above wearing a full face of makeup? There is no sense in going all out with your makeup if you'll be outside for a few hours or more because you're going to be sweating, eating and drinking so it'll most likely melt or smudge - not cute.

In order to make sure you look naturally pretty all day and night long when spending time outside, pick products that are light and creamy; waterproof and products that contain SPF don't hurt either. This way even if you're sweating in the hot humidity your makeup will stay in tact without reapplication.

These are the beauty products I'll be wearing at The Masters:

All of these are creamy and lightweight, which means they won't leave my face too much

Stila Stay All Day HD Illuminating Beauty Balm - I'm bringing this because it's super light but provides a thin layer of coverage to blur imperfections. Plus it has SPF 30 which is a major plus. No one will be able to tell I'm wearing anything on my face but it will even out my skin tone while providing a dewey look.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee - I've raved about it before, but I'm obsessed with this cheek color. It provides a sheer pop of natural-looking color and stays on literally all day long.

The Body Shop Concealer - I've used this thing down to a nub, but no worries I have two more waiting to be opened! I've been using this creamy concealer for a couple of years because it works on my under-eye bags as well as blemishes. You'll have to pry this from my cold, dead hands in order for me to stop using it.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara - It's not waterproof, but it stays on pretty dang well. I never have to worry about this mascara melting transferring to my eyelids and it gives my stubby eyelashes some serious length.

Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Eyeliner - I am a HUGE fan of gel liners because they don't come off unless you want them to. It's also easier to get gel liner closer to your lash line compared to a pencil, which looks more natural. This one is a gorgeous bronze color I use often.

Estee Lauder Cream Shadow - I think I might have cried when I saw this cream shadow in Golden Sands was discontinued because it is the absolute best. It stays on all day and I use it as a base for other shadow, or on it's own and it looks awesome either way. It's the only light gold cream shadow I have found and liked because there aren't any pink tones. This Estee Lauder Shadow Paint might be the closest thing.

Spring is the perfect excuse to stock up on some creamy, long-lasting products you'll use throughout the Summer. Have a light hand when applying your makeup to ensure as natural of a look as possible, especially if the event is during the day. Now go have fun!

weekend beauty detox

The Sunday Scaries are real and I hate them. I am extremely jealous of people who often have "Sunday Funday" because I feel like it isn't possible. Between sleeping off one too many drinks from Saturday night coupled with the anticipation of a busy week makes Sunday almost worse than Monday to me, and all I want to do is hide in my bed with a box of Cheez-Its. 

As much as I hate Sundays, laying around and being lazy after going out all weekend is the perfect time to detox. Every Sunday I wake up to my skin not looking especially fresh since it's dehydrated and neglected from Friday and Saturday. The combination of beer, junk food and not taking off my makeup before bed doesn't exactly make my skin glow.

I always start Sunday by washing my face and taking my multi-vitamin/fish oil vitamin. I take these every day except usually forget to on Friday and Saturday because there are too many fun activities, especially when it's Spring outside! Even if these vitamins aren't actually making a difference with my skin I don't care because it makes me feel better; placebo affect, anyone? 

Lazy Sundays are a great time for doing a face mask as well. I personally like The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask because the tea tree oil makes my skin feel zingy and refreshed. Most face masks only need to be on your face for 20 minutes but somehow it's difficult to prioritize a mask during busy week days, so save it for Sunday! 

My personal hangover cure is Mexican food. Not only does it taste good, but spicy foods will get you to drink more water than you usually would. Water, a.k.a. the "elixir of life," is never a bad thing to chug especially if you're feeling/looking less than great. A shower never hurts either.

If you're one of those lucky people who doesn't dread Sundays because you're always having fun, good for you. For the rest of us, slap on some face cream before bed and you'll be right back on the beauty track come Monday morning.