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

Friday Favorites: Skincare

TGIF! Dressing beautifully isn't just about your outfits and accessories. Your beauty regiment is an equal element of style.

Skincare can be epically overwhelming. There are so many brands/lines that claim to do ALL the impactful things.  There's also the all natural chemical free lines.  So where do you start?

Well I decided to ask my dermatologist because he's the expert in skin.

He actually recommended products that are easily accessible and affordable.
I've been using them and have to say I'm happy with them.

Fun Fact:  I used to be a chemist #nerd. And I often collaborated with the company's cosmetic devision and learned a lot about beauty products.

So here's what I've been using ....

Facewash - I've been using this for years and it really helps ward off breakouts

Daily Exfoliant - I've been using this for a couple years now and it also helps in maintaining clear skin.

Face Moisturizer - This brand was what my dermatologist recommended for skincare that wasn't medical grade. Medical grade is amazing but I'm not ready to make the financial investment just yet. This one is light and has ample SPF.

Eye Cream - I've been using this for several weeks now and really like it. It's light.

Night Cream - Your body does a lot of work overnight to heal from all the day time stresses of working out and exposure to life's hardships so a stronger moisturizer makes sense.

Retin-A - My dermatologist prescribed me this low dose to help with breakouts but it also helps combat wrinkles! I use it before my night cream every other or 3rd night.

Deodorant - My sister got me this one for Christmas because she's the all natural type and constantly is trying o save me from chemicals. I've been using this one for close to a month and so far ok but not sure it's worth the higher price.

Body Lotion - This one is light and healthy.

Cheers to a Fun Weekend!!!

Dress Beautifully with Healthy Skin Care

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday 5: 5 min Face

The 5 min face was the beginning of learning to primp for me and it’s been a practice I’ve continued.  My Mamma taught me how to apply my makeup.  Despite her instruction, I struggled in the beginning and it was embarrassingly a bit loud in my high school years (think bright blush and blue eye shadow ekk!)  because I had not yet matured to the realization that makeup is for enhancing your natural beauty not to be used like paint on a canvas. Over the years I’ve added to my makeup routine with eyeliners, highlighters, primers etc…

Subtlety is key gals.  God made our faces beautiful so makeup should simply define and highlight.

I’ll admit during the work week and for church I put on a full face but now that it’s Summer I like to keep it simple on the weekends and while on vacation.  It’s also healthy for your skin to lighten up on the products.

Mr loves it when I’m more natural.  Most menfolk do.  The more casual your dress, hair and makeup are the more your natural beauty shines!

So here are my 5 favorite products for my 5 minute face:

Foundation

My gal pal introduced me to this foundation and I’m sold for life!  Yes, it’s a bit expensive but it lasts over 6 months and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.  It’s light weight yet provides great coverage all day.

Blush

This blush is award winning!  It’s a peachy pink with a slight luster giving all skin complexions a perfect rosy cheek.

Brow Powder

Having red locks means that my brows are very light in color.  They’re also very thin.  I believe that eyebrows are very important as they frame the face.  I had a hard time finding a product that would complement my hair color and look natural.  This powder is light and really makes my eyes and face more defined. I use a flat brush to apply into my natural brow adding just a bit of darkening and depth.

Mascara

I’ve been wearing this one for many many years.  I’ve tried so many other and I always come back to this one.  I have found that mascara is a very personal thing for each individual gal. I don’t believe there is a one mascara fits all.  You have to find what works for your lashes.  Think of it like your hair – we all have different elements to work with.  This mascara lengthens and separates.  I don’t really need the volume.  I do not use waterproof as I feel that it is harsh on your lashes and causes more breakage because it’s so hard to remove at the end of the day.

Lipgloss

Another long term staple, this gloss has enough pigment for my liking and stays on the best.  I’m a lipstick gal all the way because I like saturated pigments that last.  I have tiny lips and need all the color I can get.  I also like the purple-ish color.  It’s softer than my go-to classic red and perfect for when I want a more natural look.

Foundation  -  Blush  -  Eyebrow Powder  -  Mascara  -  Lipgloss  

Dress Beautifully in a 5 Minute Face 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Faux Tan

There are Few Times when Faux is Better than the Real Thing ... In this Case Faux is Actually Better!!

For this Fair, Freckly Red Haired Gal, Faux Tanning Offered the Impossible Summer Glow

I Love my Freckles - I call them 'Sun Kisses'.  I'm Sprinkled Head to Toe in Orange Spots that Multiple and Mush Together Under Sunshine Giving me a Splotchy Hint of Color.  

I'm just not made for Bronzy Brown Skin but I can Fake it :)

I've Tried all Kinds of Sprays Lotions & Wipes over the Past 7 Years, and I'm Pretty sure I've got this Body Painting Down to an Art 

You can also try Spray Tanning Booths or a Personal Air-Brushed Tan at a Salon.  I Opt for Spray Tans when Vacationing for an All-Over Color when I'm Strutting in a Swimsuit.  
Note: Be Careful if you're a Water Baby it may Wash it off!

Faux Tanning is like Make-Up, it's a Personal Preference.  Thankfully over the Years there has been lots of Advancements and Product Lines to choose from that No Longer give you the 'Umpa-Lumpa' Orange Look. 

Here are Some Factors to Consider when Choosing a Faux Tan:
- Tint - Allows you to See Application Placement
- Smell - Dont' Torture yourself with an Offensive Scent 
- Application - It should be Easy to Cover and Absorb Quickly 
- Transfer Resistance -  You Want it on Your Skin not Your Clothes & Furniture 
- Color - A Shade Darker than Your Natural - Orange is Not Natural nor is Dark Brown if Your Fair

These are Faux Tan Products in my Beauty Shop

1. Sally Hansen - Leg Make-Up 
    This is not Faux Tan, It's a Body Spray-paint
    I spray it on my legs in Pieces - Rapidly Rubbing it in
    I like this Product more for Winter when I want to Skip Panty Hose 
    It's Great for a Special Occasion when you Need 1 Time Color

2. Bare Minerals - Body Tanner 
    This Tinted Lotion Absorbs into the Skin and Lasts for Days
    Multiple Applications will Intensify Color
    It's Paraben Free, Doesn't Smell Bad (to me), & Tinted for Application
    If transfer to Clothing happens it washes out Completely! 
**FAVORITE** It's been a must in my Beauty Regime for over 5 years!
    
3. Bare Minerals - Face Tanner
    This Product is Very Similar to the Body Tanner
    It's a Lighter Intensity - Eliminates the Need for as much Make-Up
    Use Sparingly - Try Mixing it with your Moisturizer 
    
4. Loreal - Bronzing Towelettes 
    Great for Travel - Less Messy over Lotions 
    Wipes are not Tinted so Apply Carefully 
    Absorbs into Skin and Lasts for Day 

 St Tropez - Body Moisturizer  is next on my list to try - Heard Great things!


Tips for Fool Proof Faux Tanning:
1.  Exfoliate Skin 
2. Shave Skin Where Appropriate
3. Skin should be Clean, Dry & Free of Other Products
4. Apply in Sections Thoroughly
5. Concentrate on Main Areas - Lightly Apply Residuals to Feet, Knees, Elbows for Blending
6. Wash Hands Frequently During Application to Avoid Stained Hands
7. Allow Product to Absorb before Dressing
8. Avoid Sweating & Water Exposure
9. Wear Sunscreen when Exposed to Sun (Remember You're not Really Tan)
10. Re-Apply for a more Intense Bronze

Ladies Choose Faux Over Real when it Comes to Tanning.  

It Doesn't Include Wrinkles, Painful Burns or Harmful Cancer Causing Side Effects!! 

Faux is Fabulous!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Orange is the New Pink

Orange You Glad it's Friday??!!! ehhhh Super Cheesy but Seriously I Loooove TGIF!

Fridays are Relief!  Relief from Hard Sweat Sessions at the Gym, Brain Exhaustion from Days at the Office, and Balancing Everyday Obstacles & Stresses.

The Honeymoon/Vacation/Celebratory Approach I've taken with Weekends is as Enthusiastic as Ever.

I'm Almost Equally as Excited about Primping - I'm a Prissy Gal Always Have Been

Orange Beauties!

Pinks and Reds are the Go-To for Lipsticks, Nail Lacquers and Blushes.

I Favor the Oranges.  It's an Overlooked Shade that I feel Brings Brightness to Your Face. Corals also add a Glow to Bronzed Skin (Ladies Avoid the Damaging Rays & Opt for Sunscreen & Bronzer to Achieve a Sun Kissed Look)

Having Red Locks and Lots of Orange Tinted Freckles, the Corals have Complimented me Well.  But Blondes & Brunettes look just as Beautiful in Orange as the Gingers

This Summer Try an Orange Shade on Your Nails, Cheeks & Kisses! 

Orange Found in my Beauty Shop 

Nail Lacquers - Butter & Essie

 Blush - Bare Minerals

Balms Stain - Revlon    Moxie Glosses - Here & Here

Who's There? - Orange Cosmetics

XOXO Sarah Louise