Miss New Beauty

Make up is fun for me. I like to try new colors & products. I find that taking care of your skin along with adding color to your face is an essential part of your overall appearance. I adjust the shades of eyeshadow, lipstick and blush that I wear to compliment my outfit and season (but not too much - I'm a creature of habit).

Here are some new beauty products I've been wearing lately ...

NAVY EYELINER - I remember my Mama wearing navy eyeliner, I think it was because Princess Diana wore it.  I picked this one up on a whim and have really liked wearing it.  I keep the line dark and thin.

FACE TANNING DROPS - these are awesome! For decades my face has been hidden from the sun with sunscreen & hats so not only have my millions of freckles faded but its natural fair color is very bright! I add a drop of this to my face lotion at night and wake up with a bronzed glow! 

I find this allows me to feel more confident being bare faced.

Tips: wash hands immediately - I avoid my T zone - use makeup remover for any concentrated areas.

FACE MASK - I started using this Clarins face mask last year and decided to try this one on a recent sale promotion. It's amazing! It's cooling and really refreshes the face. I apply this in the mornings.

FACE SERUM - I also started this and find it moisturizes, adds glow and is healthy.

REDNESS SERUM - I have redness around my nose and chin and have always been bothered by it.  I've been using this for a while now and find it really helps!

PINK LIPSTICK - I'm very inspired by the show Palm Royale's 60's style.  The fashion is so colorful and the makeup has such a cool retro look. I was on the hunt to replicate the frosty light pink lipstick and found this one in shade Gentlemen Prefer Pink on a random trip to CVS! 

As with fashion, I'm always excited for new pretty things to try.

I encourage you to incorporate a new color or skin care product to your routine for summer!

Dress Your Face Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorite: Swan Beauty

 TGI-Fall! Everywhere I look I see things getting refreshed. Front porches are decorated with pumpkins & mums, God's creation is a bit more colorful with the changing leaves and our wardrobes are cozier with jeans and jackets for the hint of chill we have in the mornings (hoping it starts to last a little bit longer). 

I like to put a new spin on things every now to keep it fresh, especially with my style.  I'm all about the classics but adding a little new is rejuvenating and keeps my look interesting & modern. 

My Mamma and Grandma were the opposite, they stuck with the same hair, style and make up their whole lives ... I've got a lot of that in me but branching outside the box is fun! 

That's what I did a couple weeks ago when I took advantage of a makeover session with a local beauty business, Swan Beauty.

Me driving home with the prettiest makeup!

Gratitude to Swan Beauty & makeup artist Julia (she has the best tips!)

This business is so personalized in that they take your information they collect from an extensive online questionnaire along with your wants/needs and recommend products specific to YOU! Your very own virtual makeup stylist! 

I'm no minimalist when it comes to makeup and I try and stay current with new products thanks to my sister & IG. I've been a follower of Swan Beauty's co-founder Lindsey for years! 

This concept intrigued me as I would have a dedicated professional helping choose makeup that is best suited for me and my coloring.  They even provided application tips.

I have a big red lion mane on my head & I'm sprinkled with freckles all over which is not an average palette for choosing complimentary makeup shades. The experts at Swan Beauty looked at my unique beauty and listened to my likes, dislikes and wants. They not only offered products to fit but showed me how to apply them! 

Every gal is created with her own distinct beauty that deserves to shine and this company encourages that! 

Here's what I asked for - a look that's light, enhances my features and feminine.

Every box comes with a card showing you how to use the specific products!

Here's what was in my box of beauty:

1. Foundation - this one is light weight & has ingredients to promote healthier skin. It feels great and covers without completely masking my face. The foundation I was using was great for coverage but I found was heavy and thick at times. 

2. Brightening Setting Powder - It really locks in my foundation and concealer.  I want my face to look bright without being shiny and this does the trick. No matter how tired I may be #momlife my makeup won't let you see it!

3. Cream Blush - this is a game changer! It stays on all day and give a healthy luster to my cheeks. I don't think I can go back to a powder.

4. Eyeliner - this is a pencil & the biggest change for me! I've used black liquid liner winged on my eyes for 20 years!!! That's right two decades.  I told the talented gal, Julia, who worked with me on my makeup that she couldn't pry it out of my hands but that I was open and willing to try something softer. And truth be told I haven't worn my liquid liner since! I'm sure I will for special occasions but I'm embracing the change and the lighter softer look.

5. Lipstick - I love saturated color (no nudes for me) especially because I have small lips.  She picked out the prettiest shade of pink that's creamy and lasts.

Wearing my new makeup to church 

I feel like my face looks softer, fresher and just all around prettier! My make up was hand selected for ME by experts that know A LOT about products and genuinely love helping women feel beautiful.

Swan Beauty is a place for quality products and amazing brands, including some of my favorites Armani, Chantecaille, Peter Thomas Roth and Saint Jane. 

Your face is what you show to the world and 

it's wonderful to feel confident and pretty when I share my smile.

Dress Beautifully in Pretty Makeup

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Fall Everything

This picture was from the archives circa 2015

TGIF & Fall! According to the calendar we are in a new season, although the South holds on to Summer temps for quite a lot longer. I feel like Fall's the most popular season. Gals just love their spiced lattes, pumpkin flavored everything from Trader Joes, cozy camel sweaters, boots and felt hats. Sigh I'm not on the train.  I'm a Spring gal through and through! This gal just loves new flower blooms, outdoor tea parties, egg shaped candy, pastels, frilly dress and sandals. 

I do however embrace the new found morning & evening chill, cozy layers and richer colors. I can't wait to be in the mountains in 2 weeks to see the leaves changing their colors and hike in the crisp fresh air. 

Here are some pretty pieces that feature Fall beautifully ....

Pink Rancher Hat

Woven Hobo Bag

Western Denim Shirt

Sweater Vest

Love layering these

Fair Isle Sweater

Love all the colors & nice to add a printed sweater amongst all the solid

Poncho Cape

Patchwork Maxi Dress

Quilted Jacket

4 color options

Relaxed Corduroy Pants

Just brought these home & so comfy!

Lace Up Boot

All about the lace up lug sole trend for booties

Clogs

Have and love these!

Suede Belt

I've had this on my wish list for a couple months now

Gel Shimmer Eyeshadow

I wear 03 brown bijou 

Heart Earrings

under $15 so cute & light

Picked these up this week :)

Make sure where ever you are, 

what ever you're doing and 

who ever you're with

You laugh!

Dress Beautifully for Fall

XOXO Sarah-Louise

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

Primped & Polished

I remember watching my Grandma and Mamma primp everyday with mascara, blush, red lipstick and  always a shiny coat of polish on their nails. Now, my Mamma was a nurse so there were times that painted nails weren't practical.

When it comes to beauty, I'm a DIY gal (it's about the only creative skills I have). I can count on one hand the number of manicures I get in a year.  I find it to be expensive, time consuming and I enjoy changing the color every week as part of my Saturday routine so that they're nice and pretty for church.
On that note, I don't spend on any beauty services other than haircuts 4 times a year.  And there's the Vivian element, Ryan works nights and weekends so I save my babysitting for more important things, like gathering with my gal pals.

It is said that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".  Well, I'm blushing because my Vivian imitates so much of what I do, including my beauty routine.

I believe that simple, polished beauty is the most poised.  With maturity I've come to appreciate those very lessons my Mamma and Grandma worked so hard to teach me when it came to beauty and style.
You want people to see you, not your makeup!

I wish the adolescent me would have never picked up that ice blue eyeshadow and bright pink blush. 
I used to overcompensate for my youthful appearance those first several years of my career with dark eyeliner and overly fussy hair. 
Sigh lessons learned

So here's what I think make for a pretty polished look that will enhance the beauty God gave you without the 'made up' look.

Face: healthy clear skin requires very little coverage.  Mine is prone to breakouts so I choose products that help keep that issue at bay. (especially now that I'm trapping it with a mask).
I use this face wash, daily exfoliant, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen!
I highly recommend using Vitamin C & a retinol.

I love almost every single thing about Jackie's style ... her hair was a bit too coiffed

Makeup: A CC cream topped with a setting powder, a touch of bronzer & blush, filled brows, matte eyeshadow, soft eyeliner and a mascara is all you need. And don't forget a soft lipstick (avoid the high shine glosses).

Princess Kate has the most beautifully style hair!

Hair: Soft and effortless. Forced hair styles just scream that your trying too hard and it can look harsh. Messy or untouchable hair isn't timeless.
I like classic headbands and barrettes to hold it back, nothing too trendy.

Polish: I believe you can wear colors outside pink and red but keep your nail shape natural and shorter.

I wear these thin gold hoops practically daily for years.  

They make a shiny statement without overwhelming.

Accessories: Let your jewelry reflect your personality. For example, I like daintier pieces because they are proportionate to my petite structure.  I also like vintage baubles as I have an affinity for things with a story and my style is traditional.  My sister has more of a natural style and likes beaded jewelry.

Our Sunday Best Yesterday

I do wear a little extra color on my face on Sundays

Extreme styling dates yourself and I promise you'll look back shaking your heading wondering what you were thinking.  I'm all about staying current with the trends but in small doses and in moderation. Let your clothing embrace the trends and keep your makeup and hair timeless.

Dress Beautifully with Polished Beauty

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

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