New Make Up

Over the past few months I've added some new products to my makeup drawer. Some of them I picked up  just shopping, some from my sister and some from someone on IG promoting. 

Sidenote: I get encouraged and questioned all the time about why I don't take this blog & my IG account bigger and be a real 'influencer'. First, I don't have a clue how! Send me help! And, I do not want to compromise my honest content to become a commercial (no offense!). But I would love explore growth without the 'sales pitch'. Again, send me help!

Make up is important to me. I'm not a natural beauty kind of gal. It makes me feel confident, pretty and put together to enhance and add color to my face. 

Even Vivian loves to primp! She got this play makeup set for Christmas and absolutely loves it.

Here's what I've added and love ...

Primer - A must have so that your products perform the way they should. I chose this one for it's illuminating properties.  In the Winter skin can be dry and dull.  A slight glow (NOT shimmer) is youthful and appears healthy & hydrated.  This product is light and truly holds my makeup together.

Bronzer & Highlighter Duo - This is a mini size, which to be honest isn't mini at all.  I often purchase mini sizes to try out a product without the investment. The bronzer isn't too dark or orange and a soft match for my fair complexion. It's buildable to achieve your level of contour.  Highlighter is one of my favorite products.  I love the glow it gives.

Setting Powder - This is a loose powder so a little extra care is required so that you don't make a dusty mess. I feel that this is a bit better at controlling shine and it doesn't add any tint than this one that I also use. 

Blush - I am an over-blusher.  I believe it's because I'm so fair that I like a contrasting colorful cheek.  I'm blessed to have a gal pal that was honest and let me know I was borderline clown looking with my intense rosy cheeks so I've backed off (thanks BR!). This blush in color Luminous Flush is subtle and light reflecting. 

Mascara - I actually threw away my eyelash curlers! This mascara lengthens and curls. No more of my lashes being plucked out by that contraption ever again!

Setting Spray - This is magic! It's like hairspray for your face. It's light and not at all sticky. But my goodness it really holds your makeup in place.  With taking a mask on and off and snuggling all over my darling I don't want my makeup rubbing off. 

Lipstick - I have to giggle a little that I'm still painting my little lips despite being hidden under a mask. Force of habit! I have such tiny pale lips that I insist on coloring them boldly. I like traditional lipsticks for the saturated color. Lipglosses can be sticky and don't last very long so I stick with just layering them on top. Stains can be very dry so when I find a long wearing lipstick thats soft and hydrating I get very excited. This one has a slight luster to it and very smooth. I chose color 452 Emilienne.

I also love these hydrating sticks!

Here are the other products I use.  You can read more about makeup I use on This Post This Post & This Post.

A tray full of beauty!

Foundation Primer | Foundation  the bottle pump is a must! | 

Setting Powder | Bronzer-Highlighter | Blush

Under Eye Primer | Concealer | Eyeshadow Primer | Eyeshadow Palette | Eyebrow Powder | 

Eye Liner Pencil | Liquid Eyeliner | Mascara | Setting Spray

Lipstick | Lip Balm

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Makeup

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Smile Style

Gals, I hope no matter your place I hope you had a very blessed Mother's Day.

I spent Saturday visiting my Mamma with Vivian for the first time in months and it mended my very broken heart from missing her.  And Sunday, I was privileged to teach my 'borrowed children' in our virtual Sunday school class, worship with online church service and spend the remainder of the day playing and having dinner outside.  I try and live al fresco! Grateful to my husband for celebrating me, especially after 2 overnight shifts at the hospital. 

Nothing makes my smile bigger than my family. As genuine as the happiness that makes it, is the lipstick that makes it so bright.  I always always have color on my lips. They are super small and pale so it really makes a difference on my appearance! While nudes and matte finishes are all the rage, I prefer saturated color and shine.

Even on days at home when I take a break from a full face of makeup, I have on lip color.  

It prevents me from completely scaring myself when I walk past mirrors 😳

So here are my go-to's for giving my smile style ...

Clockwise Left to Right:

1. Giorgio Armani Red- This is a creamy stain that's rich without being dry.  It lasts nearly all day and layers great under a glass if you want to add a little shine.  This is what I wear the most in my outfits pictures on this blog, evenings out and to church.

2. Tarte Lip Balm - I discovered this must have last Fall and it is indeed a MUST.  It is made of healthy ingredients and truly hydrates making my lips so soft.  The only thing that's not my favorite is that the color is extremely sheer. Most gals love this aspect but my lack luster pout needs all the pigment it can get. It is what I wear most at home and on top of my saturated lip colors.

3. Nars Satin Lipstick Pencil - This an long lasting pencil in saturated and vibrant colors. I like this one for something fun and different in the warmer months.  I will keep my eyes softer and more neutral when I wear it.

4. BareMinerals Lipstick - I wear this one in color Bloom during the day and second to my red lip color. It's a neutral but saturated with a hint of pink pigment.  It lasts all day and doesn't rub off on Vivian which is my favorite because I can't resist covering her with kisses!  I'm on my third stick I love it so much. 

5. Too Faced Lip Injection - I inherited this one from my sister. It will give your lips lots of tingle! I layer it on top of my lipsticks when I'm getting all gassed up.  It's a fun product and definitely worth trying if you have a petite pout like mine. 

6. Buxom Lip Cream - This one is a creamy gloss in a bright pink - 'Berry Blast'.  I love this thick colorful gloss for a softer pretty look during the day. 

7. BareMinerals Shimmer Lip Gloss - I've been wearing this one in color 'daredevil' for over 10 years. It's a berry color with a hint of sparkle. 

I'm clearly a creature of habit when it comes to my lip sticks but every now and then I do like to try new ones - this is one I want to try. 

Dress Your Smile Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Prime Time

Good Monday Morning! Gals, the time change sprung me into a fog.  I'm normally bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5am but today was a struggle.  I feel very off so tonight an early bedtime is a must to get me back to my early bird self.

I may not be a beauty expert (thankfully there's some honest-to-goodness ones out there Lindsey is my fav and she recommended these) however makeup is important to me as I never leave home without it unless I'm going to the gym. The older I become I'm growing to appreciate that God made all of his creations beautiful however a splash of color boosts my confidence and makes me feel pretty. So I put my best foot forward with the help of some really good products.

I've shared with you my daily make-up favorites here on this post & this post.  I invest in good products because they are healthier for my skin, last longer and quite frankly do their job. But I've come to realize that they were really doing their job to the fullest because they were missing the 'glue' that holds them to my face.

Gals, it's prime time I share with you the importance, no necessity, of primers!

Primers are the base layer that adheres your makeup to your face allowing it to stay in place, last all day and enhances the pigments.
I can't express enough what a game changer primers are! It comes down to this, why invest in great makeup if you're not going to allow it to reach it's potential.
It's like wearing a great outfit without the proper undergarments.

Here are the primers I use and that come highly recommended ...

Face

I chose this one as I have some redness and it really does help! I feel confident their entire primer line that includes hydrating & smoothing options is great! I REALLY want to try this one as I've heard it's amazing and may once I finish what I have.

Under Eye

This is MAGIC!!! This product hydrates, smooths and reduces puffiness. I literally can't live with out it.
It should be given to Mammas at their baby shower because nothing gives you tired eyes like motherhood ... but I haven't met a Mamma yet that doesn't feel that it's completely worth it!!!

Eyes

I recently started using this pot of primer in color 'painterly' and very happy with it.  There's a lot of product so it should last for a very long time. My shadows don't smear or flake and the colors are more saturated. I used this one for well over 5 years and it was great too.

Lips

This isn't a primer necessarily but it's the best for keeping your lips hydrated and soft so that your lipsticks wear smoothly.

Dress Beautifully in Primers on Your Pretty Face

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Make Up Magic

TGIF! I find that gals are either putting their feet up or running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.  Which ever one you are I have a little beauty magic to sprinkle your way.

Now, I don't claim to be a makeup guru, I'm fashion all the way but I do find it a priority to color my face and coif my mane.

This time of year is excellent for stocking up on beauty products or even trying new ones because retailers are offering lots of sets at discounted prices. They also make great gifts for the gals in your life.
Tip:  Split up beauty sets (lips, perfume, nail polish) for stocking stuffers/gift bundles 

Note: Some of these are recommendations from the fab makeup artist/fellow Charlotte blogger Lindsey Regan Thorne. She shares awesome tips and products - follow her on Instagram! 

Wearing everything below in this fancy car selfie :)

Here are some products I've started using this month and love!

Brushes

This is the perfect time of year to get a new brush set!  Kits are everywhere at great prices.

You can buy all the best products but if they aren't applied right you're missing on the benefit.

Brushes have specific functions and really do apply your products better! 

This brand is all the rage and we actually just got a store here in Charlotte. I find them very affordable.  

Under Eye Primer

This is MAGIC!  Mammas, you NEED this in your tired life! Trick is to not be sparing when you use it.  Actually get a little chunk and smear it under your eyes. It hydrates, smoothes and brightens. Then apply your concealer.

Concealer

I use this one above and have always applied with my ring finger but am now using this brush from the kit above and it works much better.  It's less goopy. I've also heard great things about this concealer.

Tip:  I use a shade or two lighter than my skin tone (which is VERY fair) to add extra brightness

Eyeliner

I have green eyes (got them right from my Mamma) and love that they're not so common like my red hair.  Purple/pink shades are my favorite to highlight them and this eyeliner really does just that! This color alkaline is more of a red purple as opposed to the blue purples I've been using and it really makes them pop!

This pencil is smooth and doesn't smear.

Tinted Lip Balm

This stuff is a game changer and essential for this dry time of year.  It has very little tint (I normally like a lot of color) and truly hydrates and softens.  Perfect for during the day.  This is a must!  I gave one to my sister who rarely wears makeup and she loves it! Go get you one or three :)

I hope you gals have a wonderful weekend with a heart full of the Christmas spirit and love of Jesus!

Dress Beautifully with a Little Magic on Your Face

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pretty Palettes

TGIF! Gracious has it been hot this week.  Let me clear, I did say HOT! Down here in the South we often skip those transitional temperatures and just jump right up to hot.  Which means we've had to adjust our outside play time and my running schedule a bit.

Today we officially started prepping our garden. Talk about adding another domestic task to my list UGH but I'm trying to make the most of my time here at home and there was already a built in garden with raised beds so I really want to keep up the legacy the previous owners left us.
I've even been composting a bit. #woah
Bring on the mater sandwiches!

Carrying my heart on my hip

Another change now that I'm out of the office is that I wear a lot less make up.  I said less not none.  Let's be real I do not wake up looking like a pretty pretty princess.
I basically skip the eyeliner, lighter & less eyeshadow and a lipgloss/tinted balm.
I mastered a 5 min face b/c #momlife doesn't allow for a leisurely beauty routine.

An already put together palette of eyeshadows and face contour shades makes that 5 min face super easy.  And I like to change up the shades for summer and winter.

These are some palettes I think are just the ticket for a beauty  pick me up!

Eyes:

I have this one in 'Magnify'. The purples go great with my green eyes. The shadows themselves stay on great even when I don't use a primer, don't smear and are just pretty. And there is only 5 colors so that makes it easier and there aren't 5 other colors you'll never use.

You can't go wrong with a naked palette!  My fav is this one.  I've been using it for 6 years now.

Face:

This finishing powder palette creates pretty lighting over your face.  I'm very intrigued by this brand and it's pigments.  I may be try their blush too!

This is an all in one face palette.  Blush, bronzer and highlight. This one I like because it's doesn't have too much shimmer.  I believe it's important to tone done the highlight once you're in your mid 30's because you don't want to draw attention to any of those fine lines.  Remember in high school and college when we used to glitter our faces and chests??!! #blessourhearts

This face palette is super easy. Blush and bronzer with built in highlights in both.  This blush shade has been all the rage for years! I used to wear it all the time.

While I wear make up every day I don't have a big hoard in my vanity drawer.  A new palette to freshen things up is a nice treat :)

Dress Beautifully this Summer with a Little Color & Shimmer 

XOXO Sarah Louise