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

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

Spring Polishing

The key to impeccable style is in the details.

Sure you can add jewelry, belts and scarves to a accessorize but lacquered nails truly polishes the look.  Polishing takes effort, planning and time. It shows that you go the extra distance.  Personally, I can't stand for my nails to be naked.  I have micro-mini hands and in turn itsy bitsy nails, so I like the added color to help them look pretty.  

All polish is not created equal.  I save money by skipping manis & pedis and opt to manicure my own nails. I splurge on quality polishes that are free from harmful chemicals.  I also am particular when selecting my colors, I stick to the pinks & reds; colors that are classy & appropriate for a professional setting - save the crazy colors for teenagers! 

To make my paint job last I keep my nails trimmed fairly short & filed and always use a good base & top coat. 

Now that spring is here, it's out with the dark polishes and in the with pastels and bright colors. 

Here are some favorites from my collection for spring:

Butter Shades (left to right): Orange - Soft Pink - Coral

Essie Shades (left to right): Pink - Lavender - Ivory - Hot Pink - Blush

Dress Beautifully in Spring Polishes

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Polish Party

I Love Nail Polish!

It's somewhat of an addiction.

I believe that adding color to your nails is such a feminine finishing touch.  It's an intentional expression that shows you put forth effort with your appearance and in styling your look.  I mean let's face it, it takes effort and planning when it comes to polishing.

You have to prep - removing current color, manicuring - cut and file, patience - painting layer on layer and a statuesque existence for a good 15 minutes.  

Truth:  I do my own nails.  I can change the color as often as I want/need and it's a major cost savings!  I was shocked at comparing the cost of frequent manicures along with what I was spending on bottles of polish.  I do treat myself every  now and then especially as an outing with my gal pals :)

I have micro-mini hands (my wedding rings are a size 3.75) and tee tiny nails (think little girl size) so I feel that nail polish adds some much needed beauty. On the plus side, a bottle of nail polish lasts since my nails are so small.

All nail polishes are not created equal.  It's a bottle of chemical pigmented paint that you put on your body so I'm thrilled to find quality products that are less bad for you. Just with all products some adhere, shine and are stronger than others.  I'm deeply in love with Butter London Nail Lacquers!  The brush is super small for paining my tiny nails and they are free of harmful chemicals.  They aren't cheap but they are better for your nails and making healthier choices are always a good idea.  I pick my shades carefully and retailers like Ulta & Nordstrom will accept returns should the shade not compliment like you thought it would.

Note:  In a professional setting keep your polish traditional (no neon or glittered shades).  Also, if they are chipping it's better to go bare (Keep a bottle of remover/cotton balls in your desk drawer).

Here are Some Favorite Winter Shades from my Collection:

From Top Left Clockwise: Royal Purple || Blood Red || Classic Red ||  Red Wine ||

Dusty Pink || Dark Green || Brick Red || Navy || Top Coat || Base Coat || 

Dress Your Nails Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise