Friday Favorites: Makeup

 TGIF! This week was another special one full of Summer fun.  The highlight was definitely having my Mamma visit our home which included a sleepover in our newly (almost complete) decorated guest room that was full of giggles! 

Growing up my Mamma always put her face on each morning. It was part of presenting herself for the day  in a polished and colorful way. I take after her when it comes to style and beauty (and countless other ways!!).

Here are the make up products I wear and love ...

Eye Primer - I've used this one for years now and it really provides a base with coverage and holds my shadows all day with no creasing or smearing

Eye Shadow Palette - These colors are neutral with a mix of shimmers and mattes that really make eyes pop

Face Primer - This is a new one to me and it was love at first use! First, it smells so so good! It's smooth and really. holds my foundation and other products together on my face all day.

Foundation - This one is the BEST I've ever worn. It also smells so good and very creamy and natural looking.

Under Eye Concealer - I've been using this one for years. I use the tiniest amount and it lasts for over a year!

Finishing Powder - I use this one on my T-zone only. It holds my makeup together and reduces shine.

Bronzer - This is a cream and I don't think I can ever go back to a powder. It's a great color that compliments even my fair skin for a more natural look. I press it into my skin under the cheekbones, sides of my forehead and nose. And it also smells good :)

Blush - I've tried a lot! I prefer an orange color and one that saturated that stays all day. This one does just that with just a tiny bit of product. And it's a fabulous price and will last since you need so little.

Highlighter - This one is new to me and has a beautiful luster but I'm still deciding on how much I love it. It has a unique shimmer and there are several shades to try.  I've used this one for the past few years.

Eyebrow - If I wear nothing, I at least color my eyebrows in! This pencil is great and a great price. It's challenging to find one in an auburn color.

Eyeliner - I use this pencil daily. It's a good rich warm brown that makes my eyes pop but in a soft way. I still love liquid liner as it was my go-to for ages but now I save it for evenings and stand out occasions.

Brightening Liner - I added this product for my lower water line this year and it's magic! It brightens my eyes and face.  Its a nude color which is more subtle that others that are white. 

Mascara - Gracious I've tried a lot and this one is the winner! It's not dry or clumpy and really lengthens.

Lipstick - I'm a traditional tube of color gal! I like saturated color that lasts. This one is a mix between traditional lipstick and a stain. It is long wearing without being dry. 

Setting Spray - I swear by this. Add a few sprays and your makeup will last all day long!

All of these products I use in small amounts and last for 9 months to years! 

As pretty as make up is, my Mamma reminded me of this ...

The best cosmetic you can wear, is your smile!

Dress Beautifully Smiling in Your Makeup

XOXO Sarah Louise

5 Minute Make Up

Happy Monday! Let's talk make-up shall we? I love make up and feel more confident and pretty when I wear it. It doesn't have to be complicated and I like it to simple enhance my features over masking them. I also have to be fast #momlife

I recently added a few new products that are now staples.

Here's what I wear for an easy day time look:

Shimmer Gel Eyeshadow - I have one of these in a lighter shade but just added this color 'Dark Glint' and am obsessed. You just dab a little on the lid and go (or layer on top of a full shadow look). It has just a hit of neutral brown and the sweetest sparkle. 

Best $20 you'll spend!

Primer - I added this recently too.  I've been wearing primer for a few years now and it isn't optional gals. It's the glue that holds makeup on your face. I see it this way, if I'm going to invest the time and money into makeup, I want it to be there and do it's job. Primer makes this happen.  I prefer a matte one because my face tends to get shiny throughout the day. This one is light and smooth.

Foundation - this has been a good one for me for many years. It's light, lasts all day and has a natural look to it. It evens my coloring out without completely masking my face.

Setting Powder - this is a new top favorite. It is marketed as blurring and I will say it really gives a nice blurring effect while setting and controlling shine. I plan to stick with this forever.

Cream Blush - I love cream blushes for they're ability to stay all day. Powder blushes tend to rub off (probably from smooching and snuggling all over Vivian). They have a hydrating and luster look. I think they're especially great in the winter when our skin is dryer.

Mascara - gals, I've tried so so many and keep coming back to this one. It doesn't dry, flake or smear. It elongates and curls. It's just amazing!

Eyebrows - This is a bargain buy but you wouldn't know it. Eyebrow colors can be tricky, especially for us redheads.  I've been wearing this one for over a year now and have several spares in my makeup drawer so I'm never without. The color isn't overwhelming and I find a pencil is softer for a natural look.

If I'm out for an occasion I'll add eyeliner & eyeshadow into this routine.

One thing I'll never ever go without, regardless if I put on anything else ... Lipstick! 

Dress Beautifully in a Natural, Easy Makeup 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easy Summer Hair & Makeup

Gals, the HEAT is on! Literally, the temperatures are expected to be over 100 the next two days.  My weather app has a red exclamation icon with ‘Excessive Heat Warning’ beside it. Got it, be prepared to melt!!  But is one ever really prepared to feel like they’re cooking in the devil’s kitchen?

Even this past weekend as I was vacationing with my husband on Kiawah Island I was faced with Summer’s high heat and humidity. Not only does my skin feel like it’s on fire but I sweat and my hair grows and frizzes to a level where I look like Simba the lion king. #facts

I’ve surrendered my beauty routine because battling against heat and humidity is one I’ll loose every time costing me time, energy and effort I’ll never get back.

So, I skip the blow dryer and wear my hair natural. I apply a minimal level of makeup to add a little color, glow and definition but that also protects from the sun (VERY important).

Here are my go-to Summer products for a simple, natural and glowy look …

Hair Cream

I’m not an expert and haven’t tried a lot (my sissy gave me this one)

If you have a recommendation for a curl cream that’s soft, anti frizz & defining 

PLEASE SEND!

Tanning Lotion

I use this 1-2 times a week only on my legs to take the edge off the glow

Because I don’t tan, my billions of freckles do however darken and enlarge creating the illusion of color

Glow Sunscreen

I love this for my face because it has a tinted luster.

Just a tiny little enhancement plus protection.

This brand of sunscreen is amazing!! So many products.

Concealer

I use the tiniest dab under my eyes

Gel Shadow

I dab this just on my eyelids for a bit of color and shine

Bronzer - Blush- Highlighter Palette

2 of my gal pals use this and I had to try it.

It’s simple for adding color and shimmer

One gal uses a big brush, swirls them all together and applies all over her face - that’s one way to do it.

Personally I keep them a bit more separated but not with an exact contour placement. 

I lightly swirl and sweep across my forehead and cheeks.

Mascara & Eyebrows

Do NOT leave my home with out them!

They define and awaken me, especially with my coloring (they’re practically invisible)

Eyeliner

Optional since I believe a minimal look is fresh in the Summer 

I opt for a soft color like light brown or this plum in a pencil

Lipstain

I like stains because they last ALL day. You can apply the gloss throughout.

The more color you add the bolder but I mostly just dab a bit for all day pink.

I encourage you to lighten your beauty routine for one that’s easy and can withstand the heat!

Dress Your face & Hair Beautifully in the Summer

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

But First Makeup

TGIF! Gals, I hope you've had a great first week of Fall, even if you're like me and having to pretend there's a chill in the air. More like desperately wishing since it's been in the 90's!

I haven't shared a beauty post in a while so I thought I'd let you in on what I'm wearing on my face these days.  I'm a creature of habit for the most part but I occasionally change it up / add something new.  Most of the time it's because the product I've been using for 10+ years is discontinued #bitter.  There's been a few and I'm still not over it!

I do wear makeup 99.9% of the time.  It's become much softer now that I'm older and out of the office. But I'm not comfortable in my own skin without it and I'm perfectly ok with that.
I know pretty is as pretty does! #amen
BUT I feel more confident and happier with a little color so I wear it.

I'm going to share these in order of how I apply them ...

Under Eye Concealer - I don't battle dark circles but being as fair skinned as I am I need to conceal.  This stuff is AMAZING!  Lightly pat a tee tiny amount and it stays put all day.

Foundation - I've been using this one for a couple of years now and love the even coverage.  I have quite a bid of redness to my face and it does a great job of giving my skin an all over tone.  Now, the brush you use is just as important as the product.  I use this one for a soft smooth finish.
Also the pump top (annoying you have to buy separate) is well worth it. This bottle lasts me almost a full year with daily usage!

Finishing Powder -  this one is a bargain and creates a matte finish setting the concealer and foundation.

Bronzer - Blush - Highlighter Palette -  I bought this one I believe in the Spring on a Sephora sale and have been quite happy with it. The bronzer isn't too brown for my fair face and I love the coral tones of the blushes. The highlighter adds just the right amount of glow :)

Eyelid Primer - I've been using this for over 10 years and it really does a great job of holding the eyeshadow in place and making the colors richer.  I also think it makes you use less shadow.

Eyeshadow - My go-to is Urban Decay's Naked 3, the pinks are perfect to compliment my green eyes. But like most big palettes I use several select colors on the regular while the other half are rarely/never used.  I added this smaller palette of purples, again great compliment to green eyes this year and actually use all the colors depending on the occasion. It comes in many other color families.

Eyebrow Powder - Having red hair means that my eyelashes and brows are very light so I need to add color and thickness.  I've been using this cake powder for several years now and am clearly very happy with it. I use a flat brush to apply it.

Eyeliner - This one is new and for nearly 2 weeks I've been happy with it. I wore black liquid liner until this year and am happier using lighter shades and pencils for a softer look.  This one is in a dark purple (black violet) which again compliments green eyes.

Mascara - This one is new too.  I've been using it for about a month and very happy.  I've been struggling with mascaras because mine was discontinued UGH after trying 3 others this one is my favorite and I plan on sticking with it.

Lipstick - This one is new this year too.  It's more of a pink- nude color (bloom) and in a matte finish. I like bright red lips, but again am moving more towards a softer look. It stays so long and doesn't dry at all.  This will be a forever lipstick!
Bonus:  It doesn't come off on Vivian when I cover her in kisses 😘

With soooo many product lines and options out there make up can be OVERWHELMING.  Use what you like and keep the amount of products simple.  You don't need 7 eyeshadow palettes!

FYI: one of the MANY things motherhood has taught me is how to do my makeup in 5 min flat!

May we all wear happy smiles like Vivian's with her play doh!

I hope you have a wonderful first weekend of Fall!

Dress Your Face Beautifully

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

Mamma Monday: Magic Beauty

Now that I'm a Mamma my time is not my own - Vivian Louise clearly rules over my schedule however I'm working so hard to create a routine that creates pockets of time while she sleeps for productivity and that allows us both to get a good night sleep. Read the book BabyWise (it's taken us much longer since she was a preemie but I'm seeing progress!)

Since time is limited I do not primp to the full extent that I used to.  Also being on maternity leave I don't have to be dolled up every day. But, gals it's not my style to be in yoga pants with my hair in a bun all day.  It makes me feel good to spruce up, even just a little every day.

So these days I have mini primp sessions.
Confession: sometimes they don't happen til mid morning ... ok at the latest early afternoon.  I have to get my work out in first.

My beauty products have to be high performers because the lack of sleep has a high impact. So I want to share with you products that have 'magic' abilities to make me feel and look beautiful despite the absence of beauty sleep.

Under Eye Concealer: Like I said, MAGIC!  Just a tiny amount and my green eyes are bright and wide awake.  This tube will last you forever.

Nail Polish:  I can't stand for my nails to be naked.  I like them short and filed (long nails gross me out). I try and use the time while I'm pumping to paint them.  My favorite polish color is 'Clambake' by Essie.  I'm pretty sure this is my 4th bottle.

Dry Shampoo: My whole life I've never washed my hair but every few days.  It's incredibly thick, dry and naturally wavy so there's no need.  And who has time to blow dry and style a lion mane more than that?? I use this dry shampoo on days 3 & 4.  Beyond that I wear a hat!  It smells so good and truly refreshes my mane.

Mascara:  I've been wearing this mascara for at least 9 years.  I have super pale eyelashes so with out it my eyes look very odd. It makes the world of difference.

Brow Powder:  Along with my eyelashes my eyebrows are very pale (red hair problems) and thin. Brows really frame the face so by filling them in you add great definition. I've been using this product for several years now.  It's a cream powder that I feather into my own brows with a brush. It's also the only one I've found that matches my red hair.

Liquid Lipstick: This is more like a stain.  It's creamy and intense on color so it will last all day long. I put it on very lightly and use gloss on top throughout the day.  My lips are small so it helps to add strong color.


While I'm not putting on a full face on the daily, these few products make a huge difference.
And for the days that my face is all natural there's camera filters :) haha

Dress Beautifully with a Mini Primp Session

XOXO Sarah Louise

Everyday Face

I get asked A LOT what kind of make-up I wear.
I find that over the pass year I've been more open to trying new products but there are always those that will remain my 'go-to' for an everyday face.

I do try and choose make-up that is face 'friendly' meaning free of icky chemicals. I have very fair and sensitive skin that is prone to blemishes ugh! I also combat redness in my face, primarily in the T-Zone area.

What's on your everyday face??

Foundation: it CC Cream - I use this brush to apply.  I love that it has sunscreen! 

Bronzer:  I love Bare Essential products for their natural ingredients & this bronzer add the perfect sun kissed glow. 

Blush: I jumped on this shade because it seemed every gal pal I have was using it. Now I know why!

Highlighter:  I apply with a fan brush in a c-shape from the underneath eyes/top of cheeks around on temples to right above mid-eyebrow and above my top lip in the center bow.

Eye Primer:  I've been using this one for probably 10 years!  It holds the shadow in place and saturates the shades.

Eyeshadow:  I have green eyes so I like the pinks & purples to make them pop.  This palette was in my stocking last Christmas over a year ago and it looks like it may be around for another! 

Eyebrow Filler:  It's super hard to find brow filler in a red shade & my brows are super light (red head problem) filling them in adds major definition! This one is super affordable & lasts forever.

Note: I curl my lashes prior to liner and mascara

Eye Liner:  I used liquid black from 19-30 years old! I loved the dark definition. I still use it but I've opted for a more softer line for day wear.  Again I leaned on my gal pals for recommendations and several use these jars of gel liner applied with this brush.  Hesitant to invest tons of money, my sis recommended this drugstore jar.  I compromised and splurged on the brush, as I feel brushes are key to application. 

Mascara:  I used this in my mid-twenties (back when it was $18, my have times changed!) and then switch to Bare Minerals and have been super happy with it the past 5 years.  Like most gals sometimes we get the itch to find something greener so I went back to my old fav this month.  It's great for separation and length but I'm going back to BM's. "If it's not broke don't fix it!" 

My lashes are so light they're practically see-through so I need all the help I can get!  Always wear black ladies if you want to bat those lashes like Minnie Mouse! 

Tip:  Purchase where you can return. Nothing's worse than being stuck with a pricey product that doesn't work for you.

Make Up is a Gal's Best Friend (& Hair Color)! 

Remember God made you BEAUTIFUL - Make Up just Enhances What's Already There :)

Happy Primping!

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