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

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

Friday 5: Beauty Arsenal

TGIF! Whew this week has been a rough one. Though I had more moments than I'd like just trying to hold it all together there were also some awesome wins! You have to work hard not to let the light of the great stuff be darkened by the not so good stuff. Stop and count your blessings!

When it comes to tackling tough hair days I rely on a few key tools and products to bring it to life so I can at least tackle the day looking good.  Since I don't take it easy on my mane with curling irons, hairdryer, hairspray to combat the daily sweat sessions and a mere twice a week washing, I have to use a few tricks to spruce it up.

Regardless of your schedule no one has time to spend hours coiffing. And with hair as thick as mine a blow out twice a week is as much as I can muster. And it's healthier to skip a few days.

So no matter how crazy life is - you can hide it!

My beauty arsenal ...

Hairdryer  ||  1" Curling Iron  ||  3-1/2" Round Brush  ||  Dry Shampoo  ||  Hairspray  || 

Hairdryer:  Well, if you follow me on Instagram you saw that #thestruggleisreal.  My hairdryer was held together with masking tape after I dropped it on our slate bathroom floor! I've since replaced it with this one.   It's made of a softer plastic so it should survive the beatings.  I use the concentrator attachment to help shape my hair and focus on the roots.  It's key to drying out the sweat around my hairline after the gym.

Curling Iron:  I use a 1" size and close to the highest heat setting.  I try and only curl my entire mane on wash day and maybe a bit for touch ups on day 2 or 3. By using a smaller barrel iron I have smaller curls on day 1 and day 2 they've fallen, looser and just right!

Round Brush:  This big barrel brush is essential for drying my hair with volume and straightening out my natural curls.  It's also great for lifting the roots so I can dry the sweat out on the in-between days.

Dry Shampoo: LIFESAVER!!!!!! This has changed my life! Best dry shampoo I've ever tried.  I buy several at a time for fear I'll run out and can't find it.  I've tried multiple scents and love them all.  It adds texture, major volume and truly refreshes my mane.  You'd never know I hadn't washed it in several days. I shake it, spray it on my roots and rub it in vigorously with my fingers and Ta Da!

Hairspray:  I've tried a variety of cans and this one is so far my fav.  I don't like my hair to be crunchy and plastered but I need it to hold and still move.  I'm also a bit particular about smell.  I like to wear perfume so I prefer all my beauty products to be unscented as to not compete. This hairspray is just right; not too firm, flexible and truly holds with a nice smell. I try to use it sparingly as heat and alcohol dry out your hair and I want to protect it as much as possible.

So there you have it, the tools I use everyday for coiffing my lion mane.  From the curly day 1 to the low pony on day 4, I use these to create hair styled beautifully.

Dress Your Hair Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Vanity Fairest

There's something so pretty and feminine about a vanity table.  It's not just a place for primping but rather to sit and reflect.  Vanities are almost a thing of the past - hence you're sure to find them at antique shops.  For me, vanities evoke the image of a mother powdering her nose, applying rouge to her cheeks or perfume behind her ears while her little girl sits in admiration.  Vanities have a sense of past time and tradition, mine especially.  

Side Note:  My favorite vanity is that of Scarlett O'Hara's in 'Gone with the Wind' - that scene in her gaudy red dress #epic 

In today's era bathroom counters are a gal's vanity. Myself included.  I mean who wants have make up mess on furniture and we all know a big mirror and natural light from the window is essential.  Not to mention outlets and countertops are needed for the heated styling tools we use on our hair.  It's just practical to primp in our bathrooms today.

What I do use my vanity for is jewelry, perfume and my quiet devotional time. 

This vanity is actually a desk.  It was a part of the bedroom suit my Mamma had a child which was handed down to me at about age 6, then when I went to college it became my little sister's and now I have the pieces back in our new home.  I remember my Mamma using it as a desk to pay bills and write letters and how I used it to do my homework and create art projects as a kid.

I love that it's back in my world.  I have countless memories with this piece.  Something I did when incorporating it into our home was to add the mirror that originally pairs with the long dresser of the suit.  That piece is in our guest room.  

I also placed it on my side of the bed to act as a bedside table until I find a matching set I love.  I shared our bed and custom linens earlier in this post.  That was the start of furnishing and decorating our boudoir.  It's been a much longer task than I ever anticipated!  

This vanity was repainted with gold trim and brushing by my mother decades ago but over the years it's seen a lot of love and needs a fresh coat. I just can't bring myself to do it.  Distressed furniture is not my style at all but those chips, dings and scratches are memories. 

What makes this vanity so special is it's heirloom elements.  The fabric on top at one time covered a vanity table that belonged to my grandmother.  Her vanity was a simple table top. So that I could access the drawers, I neatly folded one side under.  She was and always will be my inspiration so I find it sweet to think of her when I see the light roses of this cover. The oval mirror tray was also hers.

The bride & groom figurine along with the crystal perfume bottle and crystal ring holder were gifts from Mr's parents.

The drawers house trays of baubles and other things like my bible, devotionals, books, and a flashlight.
I like to do my devotionals sitting at my vanity because it's a quiet space with lots of special reminders.  It's my nook.

Speaking of sitting, this chair cushion was in shabby shape until I decided to recover it.  I left the original fabric underneath for sentimental sake but went a bit on the modern and fun side when choosing a textured leopard fabric.  It was surprisingly easy to do.  The cushion unscrews and all you need is a staple gun to attach.

Perfumes are just lovely!  The bottles and floral scents tickle all the senses in a happy way.  I find perfume to be fancy.  My all time favorite is the original Chanel Chance Eau De Parfum.  I've been wearing it since high school an have no intentions of ever changing my signature scent! My Mamma gifts it to me for Christmas.  She also gave me the Coco Mademoiselle.

The round gold bottle is Kate Spade's 'Twirl'.  My gal pal and I each bought a bottle while on vacation because we loved the light scent. Sadly it's discontinued. The last bottle is Mr's cologne.  My Mamma gifted it to him as well.  There is something so handsome about a man that smells good.  He practices medicine so he only wears it on date nights and for church so I'm sure to be found sitting extra close to him on the weekends :) My favorite men's fragrance is Chanel's Bleu De Chanel.  Mr always puts it on when we are out shopping in a department store.  I'm going to have to get him some for Christmas.

These framed pictures are of my Mamma in her wedding dress and of myself in my wedding pearls.  I find pictures of brides to be the most beautiful.

The Chanel box was a gift from Mr right before we left Charlotte when moving to the military base over 3 years ago.  He wanted to gift me something nice to soften that sadness of leaving.  I keep special notes and trinkets in it.

The lamp is tall because as you read in my post about our linens, our bed is extra high and it fits the space.

It's not uncommon to find sweet Scragley sitting in my vanity chair.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery!

Create a space in your home that's special to you with heirlooms or just pretty things that make you smile.  Every gal needs a place to go to, to feel pretty and spend time with herself.

Vanity Tables: Here - Here - Here - Here 

Dress Yourself and Home Beautifully with a Vanity

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

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 

Skin Care

Beauty regimens have changed a lot over the years.  I remember my grandma using cold cream and big powder puffs.

Today there are creams to color correct, make wrinkles disappear and the best part most contain sunscreen! (it's the sure fire way to avoid those aging lines and the 'C')

My skin is super sensitive, prone to blemishes, and has a lot of redness.  So, I need products that can keep my skin clean but with out harsh ingredients that can irritate. 

So here's what I use everyday ...

Makeup Remover Towelettes: These really do remove ALL my make up! It's really important in preventing breakouts. 

Clarisonic Mia:  This is a Gem!  I use it everyday.  It exfoliates and leaves my skin super clean. 

Cleanser:  I started using this because almost all of my makeup was bare minerals.  I've stayed with it because it's free of Parabens and other irritating chemicals. 

Eye Cream: Again, a fan of products free of chemicals.  It's calming and reduces puffiness. 

Moisturizer:  I use this jar of dry skin hydrating cream because I do have dry skin which can make break outs worse.  I like that it's thick and extra moisturizing with out leaving my skin greasy.

Redness Treatment:  This is fairly new to me but I'm happy with it.  Being a red head I have very rosy skin primarily in the T-zone areas (nose & surrounding skin, and chin).  It's tinted and you only need a tiny bit. I wear it under my make up but on days like weekends when I want to be more minimal and natural I wear it alone. It give a slight bit of coverage.  It's also free of harmful chemicals. 

Tip:  Change/wash your pillowcases every few days. Think about it, your face rubs and lays on them for hopefully 8-9 hours every night and bacteria and dirt can build up on your pillow. 

Make sure your hands are freshly washed before touching or applying products to your face to also prevent the spread of bacteria and dirt. 

What products are a part of your beauty regimen??

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

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

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

Wednesday Words - Wear Red Lipstick

I LOVE Red Lipstick!

My Grandma always wore red lipstick and my Mamma still does.

These Gals are Classic Beauties and my Fashion Inspiration!

Red Lips are Glamorous and yet perfect for everyday wear.

How to Wear Red Lipstick:

- Lips should be moisturized (wear Chapstick to bed)

- Prior to applying make sure lips are clean and free of product

- Lightly add face powered/foundation to create a nude canvas

- Line lips (optional)

- Starting on the inside apply lipstick in small stokes 

- Add Gloss for a Shiny look

I like lipsticks with a more orange undertone but consult your favorite make-up counter to find a shade that's right for you 

* Keep your makeup minimal when wearing Red Lipstick (less is more!).... Your Red lips will pop  

        - neutral light brown eyeshadows

        - Soft eyeliner

        - Natural light blush 

XOXO Sarah Louise