Tag Archives: Beauty Wardrobe

The Holiday Beauty Wardrobe

December 5, 2017

For one month only!

The way I’ve been working this beauty wardrobe is on a seasonal basis. And this would be the time I get ready for the next edition, however, December is in a world of its own. Plus, nearly half of mine will be spent in Miami so I’m not ready to hunker down for winter just yet. I know my winter wardrobe will be simple and skin-centric so I’m going to get glitzy now.

My approach to the holiday beauty wardrobe is classical, the same way I view the holidays. I like a tradition. I still hang ornaments I made in the 80s on my tree, all right?

The holiday beauty staples, as I see them.

Red Lips.

First things first. I aspire to wear my reds more. I just am not an everyday red wearer but the mood strikes often in December. The more noticeable, the better. I’ve got the new NARS liquid lip formula in Starwoman to put to test and Rihanna’s Stunna Lip Paint, which is supposed to be the one perfect universal red for everyone. With a premise like that, how can I not? I also made sure to put a bright red MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in there for support, along with the first step of Dior Sugar Lip Scrub. It’s a balm, it’s a tint, it’s a scrub – it’s all three and it’s perfect!

Gold.

This is starting off like a templated holiday ribbon. I’m OK with that. Because, I’m bringing back the Marc Jacobs Dew Drops highlighter in the golden peachy color. This is a total build your own adventure. Sometimes, I’ll use this as a base or mix it in. The highlighter is imperceptible when mixed in with the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – my foundation of choice this month – but you will notice a difference. The best kind of makeup! I’m also carrying over some complexion staples from fall: Glossier Skin Tint, Stretch Concealer and NARS Soft Matte Concealer.

I’m also bringing in gold undertones with the return of NARS Orgasm (x2). I’ve bene thinking about this blush lately so knew it was time to break it out for holiday. I’ve had my compact for yearsss and I love it (totally still good… it’s powder!) I know Orgasm is crazy popular but also polarizing – I’m in the love it camp. I’m including the powder and liquid blush version for use together and individually. I find the liquid is a more subtle, almost highlight version and it’s unbelievably pretty when layered. My girl Jordan at Petite Modern recommended it and I’m so glad I picked it up.

You pick glitz.

Think shimmer that goes beyond your regular acceptable definition. My way in is with my eyeliner. Sparkly eyeliners. Sparkly eyeliners, guys! Who am I? But, honestly, Maybelline blew me away with their metallic ink liquid eyeliners. They sent over all of the colors of the rainbow and I of course gravitated to the graphite and black shades. They’re deep inky shades with a hint of glimmer – exactly what any woman of any age would feel good wearing. Coat the lashes with Marc Jacobs O!mega Lash and feel like a present.

Lips are the next obvious sparkle ‘em up landscape. For those days where I’m going red, I plan to layer the sexiest combo: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick and the sparkly, glitzy, yet totally woman of a certain age, Fenty Gloss Bomb. Like her Lip Paint, Rihanna declared this the universally flattering gloss. There’s not a ton of pigment in it but what is a translucent-ish brown so it isn’t going to give anyone concealer lips. I dare you to find a better combo.

Party purse

You could say this is clutch … I WILL LAUGH AT THIS JOKE EVEN IF YOU WON’T. I always like to have a few always in the bag options for when you need to touch up on the fly. For me, this isthe MAC Next to Nothing Powder Compact (the mirror is key), RMS Uncover Up and highlighter. I’ll be doubling up on the latter with Glossier Haloscope in Moonstone and Ciate Dew Stick in Glow. When in doubt, layer them together. The Ciate is much more ‘wet’ and transparent whereas the moonstone is pearly and reflective. I like how they complement each other.

Contour or not

Listen, this isn’t for everyone. It’s not even really for me. Yet, I can’t help but trying my hand at it with the Burberry Contour Pen in Light/Medium. It was an ITG Top 25 inspired buy.

It’s so creamy, you could almost blend it all away. It works on eyes, too. Takes down the intimidation factor and the extra-ness of contouring to a normal level. I also watched this helpful tutorial from Burberry’s Wendy Rowe that also convinced me this was a need. I also added back in my trusty NARS Laguna for moments when I just want bronzer.

Day to night.

We’ve got a few holiday parties to go to and I know we’ll take advantage of nights out in Miami. Therefore, day to night! I lead a very day to pajamas life, happily, so this is a total shift in my day to day. Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks make it so easy to instantly smudge up a smoky eye. I’m really into the new matte formula – the shade Cobblestone is the perfect taupe base to build on!

I’m adding the Juice Beauty cream blush in Flush – a very dewy nude. As a rule, I like to touch up for night with cream formulas since they give skin a healthier bouncy look. This is my pick! It’s also really perfect for every day wear. It’s a nice balance to all of that orgasm cheek color I picked as well. Also, if I’m touching up my complexion after a long day, I like RMS Uncover Up since the coconut oil formula revives the skin as well versus looking like you’re piling on.

And, my favorite party trick, is Chanel Stylo Eyeliner in Eros, a popping burgundy. I think the color was limited, but I can’t help but use this every time I get. These eyeliners are probably the only pencils I like (they twist up versus sharpen) because they don’t smudge. I remember watching this video last holiday from I Covet Thee when she applied this for a day to night look over her existing eye makeup and I’ve replicated it ever since. Pat a little ColourPop Truth (the creamiest powder shadows there ever were) on the lid and then go to town with Eros. DONE!

Told you this was going to be extra.

This Lip is My Jam

November 15, 2017

Major kudos to everyone that successfully works from home and changes their clothes/wears makeup everyday. Last week, I worked remotely and found it near impossible to take off my Glossier sweatshirt for anything but a bath. I was the very definition of bum all week. It was both lovely and terrifying.

I’m back to changing my clothes more regularly and ventured into my fall beauty wardrobe a bit more as well. My Dior Cushion is all but dried up and I’m going to wait on opening the next disc until a future beauty wardrobe. Perfect time to use the bareMinerals Bare Pro liquid foundation. I like to buff in with in a dense fluffy brush on just the areas I need it. It’s easy to wear, like all bareMinerals base products, but it is a true foundation – this stuff will cover. I like to apply foundation before any other base products – I know everyone has their own order. I follow up with concealer, in the event I need less.

I also don’t put foundation near my under eye area. I went in after with my Onomie concealer, buffing that in with a small flat Real Techniques brush under the eyes, around the nose. That stuff is mega brightening and has a fluffy light consistency that I love. It’s the opposite texture of Glossier Stretch, which I also love, but more so on the skin than under my eyes because it is mega dewy.

In my lazy slumper, I also got off the healthy eating track. I blame my boyfriend for stocking our freezer with a Costco size pack of frozen pizza. That is my weakness. I love frozen pizza! And now I have some breakouts to show for it. Worth it? Ehhhh, in the moment, yes. Nars Soft Matte Concealer is the concealer of all concealers for a breakout. I use my ring finger to press and blend on any spots. Color match is the key to this one – I’m a perfect match to custard, it has the right amount of yellow to balance out the redness. It perfectly conceals and has incredible staying power, two musts if you’re covering a zit in my opinion.

I decided to break out the Wowder as well, dusting on the center of my forehead, under my eye and on any blemish I covered. Wowder photographs really well.

I used my trust Tilbury Film Star — side note, I’m thinking of getting the contour and highlight wands in liquid form next, if it’s as good as the powder I think I’ll love it — on my face and eyelids. I decided to skip most eye makeup and let lips be the star of this look. I curled my lashes and put on a few coats of Maybelline Lash Sensational. This mascara is the very best – that lift!

The perfect almost moody fall lip is Glossier Gen G in Jam. It looks like a deep blackberry in the tube but is more raspberry on the lips. This can be built up, a choose your own intensity adventure. This tube is from when it launched – I love the shade, but I know there have been some Gen G packaging improvements since. Still that simple skinny balmy tube but more protected in there.

The sweater is from a few years ago Everlane. It’s no Glossier sweatshirt but it’s just as cozy.

Fall Beauty Wardrobe Heads West

October 23, 2017

A woman spun out of the finest silk makes the strongest robe. This line stood out to me when I devoured Eve’s Hollywood on the flight to LA. It was the book my friends and I decided to read together for our trip to LA. A vacation book club is a fun tradition my friend Lindsay started when we went to Mexico together earlier this year. And we always try to base our choice off of the destination.

Traveling with friends is different than a vacation with your partner. I’m sad it’s over. Since the spring, I’ve been looking forward to a trip to LA with my dear friends. One lives in Chicago, so I see her regularly, and the other in Northern California and I miss her so much. I lean on these ladies for laughs, advice and strength. They are my strong robes.

It was a much needed four day getaway. The highlight was all of the food we ate, with a close second just being able to hear the sounds of the ocean and see a western sunset. There was one night when we took a Lyft to Manhattan Beach during rush hour to make a dinner reservation and ran from it to soak up the sunset. We had about two minutes to spare and it was.WORTH.it. It wasn’t so much of a makeup trip, but I did pack a fair share of options from my fall beauty wardrobe. I’m realizing that so many of my additions this season are base and concealer versus color and that’s what exciting me most. It’s also more bronzer heavy than my summer beauty wardrobe. Mainly because I use Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar as contour, blush and eyeshadow. This felt especially appropriate in the LA heat.

Some days I used my Glossier Skin Tint and layered over Dior Dreamskin Cushion for a little more glow and SPF power, especially on our hike. I skipped concealer under the eye most nights (we were well rested!) but I did layer NARS Soft Matte Concealer on redness, around the nose and a few travel blemishes. Always travel zits. Without fail, there’s always one reminder that I was on an airplane for several hours.

I did incorporate a little bit of color with Bite Multistick in Cerise on lips, cheeks and eyes. But, the go to lip combo was a mix of Bite Beauty Lip Pencil 10 and Glossier Rose Balm Dot Com.

Since I’ve been back this past week, I’ve been using mostly the same makeup. I had a moment the other day where I realized that I’m halfway through my beauty wardrobe. Fall is flying by. It’s clear that there are a few things that I just don’t need to own and a wish list that is growing for the holiday season.

The Fall Beauty Wardrobe Reveal

September 19, 2017

Planning my first fall beauty wardrobe has been almost as fun as thinking about wearing sweaters again. I didn’t start planning out my fall beauty wardrobe until almost the end of August. I knew I craved the return of black liquid liner but wasn’t as intentional about the next steps as I was with summer. Right before Labor Day, after a cleaning binge, I went through my makeup and selected items that were exciting me and that I missed. There were quite a few “yessss, I have this already,” moments that almost felt like I was shopping. You all know that ‘new new’ high that comes when you buy something. Satisfying but gone in a flash. This was decidedly better. My plan to “trick” myself may actually be working well. But, I did buy a few things also that I’ll point out.

Fall fell into place after a cozy weekend at home after what felt like back to back travel. Ultimately, it’s a return to classics. The makeup I know and love with a luxurious twist. A beauty wardrobe that will be reliable on sleepy mornings (it is so dark right now when my alarm goes off!) and also makes me feel really amazing on those nights I take myself out, as I plan on doing often the next several months. And, obviously, the kind of makeup that complements the prelude to cozy sweaters.

I decided organizing by product type was a capital B bore, so I’m filtering it by mood. This is what my fall beauty wardrobe looks like on my counter. A perfect balance of classic, autumnal and luxe.

CLASSICS

L-R, top to bottom:
Dusk / Skin Tint / barePro / Wowder / Haloscope / Stretch Concealer / Easy Baked Eyeshadow / Smudgeproof Eye Base / Paint Pot / Grain Eyeshadow / Boy Brow / Trestique / Sheer Lipstick

These are the workhorses of my makeup bag. My NARS smudgeproof eye primer, brows and wear everyday eyeshadows.

No surprise, there is also a ton of Glossier in here. Skin Tint and Wowder will be in every beauty wardrobe, as will Boy Brow and Haloscope. I also included Cloud Paint in Dusk—couldn’t get enough of it in summer—and Stretch Concealer. These truly are my favorite beauty products, and I’m so not saying that just because I’m a Glossier rep.

I’m also testing out the new barePro Performance Wear Liquid – bareMinerals is an instant classic when it comes to complexion. This is a new launch and I’m so excited to see how it wears. I’ve tried it a few times and first impressions are positive.

I also have a tiny nub of one of my fav lip colors of all time: Armani Rouge Sheer in 502. I think I’ve been holding on to it but now is the time to use it. Why do I have a habit of using a lipstick almost all the way and then clinging to it for (not even joking) years. Candidly, this may be past the point of expiration but I’m not throwing it away. It doesn’t have a funk sooooo… yeah.

I learned a lesson during the summer: I like a simple eye. No palettes in sight here. I’m planning on a heavy rotation of MAC’s Soft Ochre Paint Pot, which is great on its own, and Urban Decay’s best eyeshadow color, Easy Baked. You know Half Baked that is in so many of the Naked palettes? This is its less brassy sister shadow. Also carried over MAC Grain because it was a summer necessity.

FALL FALL FALL !

L-R, top to bottom:
RMS Content / NARS Dolomites / Rockateur / Multistick in Cerise / Gen G Jam

My color story for fall is quintessential fall. Berries all the way. Is there another way to be? I’m most excited about my RMS Lip Shine in Content. This was one of those “yesss” moments when I was looking through my beauty drawers. It flexes as a cheek color, too. Reminds me of a glass of wine. I also brought back a combo I loved a few years ago at this time of year: NARS Dolomite Eyeshadow Duo and Benefit Rockateur Blush. Sadly, Dolomite is limited edition so I don’t think you can get it anywhere now. Also, I tossed all of my old Benefit blushes in the great purge of spring 2017 and this was the only one left standing. Here’s to seeing if I still love it as much as I used to.

A LOT OF LUXE

L-R, top to bottom:
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar / Onomie A.C.E. / Chanel Bronzing Base / Tom Ford Eyeliner / Nars Soft Matte Concealer / Onomie Bright Concealing Elixir / Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick / Surratt Eyelash Curler / Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara / Glossier Rose Balm dot Com / Dior Dreamskin Cushion / Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil / Luminous Silk Foundation / Juice Illuminating Serum / Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner

Ahhh, a touch of luxury. This is about 45% of my beauty wardrobe, so perhaps more than a touch. I’ve got quite a few complexion products in here. Allow me to explain, as it may seem counterintuitive to my less is more mantra. I have been intentionally wearing less face makeup but I like different options depending on my mood. This is entirely reasonable to me – sometimes I’m in the mood for a cushion compact and other times mixing up a liquid concoction. When Emily Ferber (darling beauty editor at Into The Gloss) shared her summer beauty routine, I was struck by how perfect her skin appeared and noted that she was using NARS Soft Matte Concealer (an early fav of mine this year) and Dior’s Dreamskin Cushion. So, I picked up the Dior and have to say it is every bit as perfect with the NARS Soft Matte as she explained. I’m also testing out, c/o the brand, Onomie’s Bright Concealing Elixir and the A.C.E. Illuminating Treatment which is kind of a highlighter, kind of a concealer. In the short time I’ve been in my fall beauty wardrobe, I’m having so much fun playing with different combinations.

I included the Juice Illuminating Primer. I struggled to use this the summer because it felt like extra weight on the skin. It’s not heavy by any means but I really didn’t do any form of priming in the heat. Now, I use a flat foundation brush to apply before my makeup and I can’t imagine not including in my routine. It really shines under that Dior compact, let me tell you.

I also included two rose scented lip balms because what is more luxurious than rose. Glossier’s Rose Balm Dot Com makes me feel fancy. They pair particularly well with a bit of Bite Beauty’s Lip Pencil in 10, which is just slightly mauvier than my natural lip color.

There’s quite a few newbies making their debut. There’s Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzing Makeup Base, which is as large as a compact disc. It’s the only bronzer I included. I wanted a departure from my Laguna for fall since that felt so summery to me. Also, the reformulated Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara. I picked this up from my friend Lauren who is a Beautycounter rep. I really liked this when it launched the first time so am curious how this version will fare – supposedly less smudging, thought that was never a problem with me the first go around. And, the SEXIEST lipstick ever: Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick. It has a vintage feel and I couldn’t not try it in my favorite color: a rosey nude, obviously. And, last, for my return to black liquid liner I decided to reenter in the most over the top way: Tom Ford. Here’s hoping it’s as good as everyone says.

I’m so excited to keep experimenting and will share updates along the way. Anything you’d like to see more of?

I’ve been sharing all of my beauty wardrobes on Instagram – I would LOVE if you’d join with me. #FallBeautyWardrobe on Instagram is ours for the taking. Show me your fall beauty!

Fall Beauty Wardrobe Inspiration

September 15, 2017

Pantone was right, ya know. I didn’t quite see it happening, when they chose Greenery as the 2017 Color of the Year. But everywhere I look, I see greenery. On Instagram, obviously. Big fan of #MonsteraMonday over here. Everyone’s desks are lined with succulents and draping pothos. I even bought an aloe plant at the grocery store because they merchandised it so well. The Washington Post probed why exactly millennials are so plant obsessed. To fill the void in our hearts, they allege in the headline.

I need look no further than this greenery fixation than my own house. Since I moved, I’ve filled my house with new plants to nurture. The highest maintenance being my Maidenhen fern which requires misting several times a day. Plant caregiving beats scrolling Facebook, which usually only serves to frustrate me.

I looked back at Pantone’s note on Greenery and was struck by this, “A life affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.”

While I was planning my fall beauty wardrobe, I took stock of my physical environment. I’m fully in our home now, in all of its green glory. It’s just what you do when you have unobstructed light in all four directions.

This is not a coincidence.

Now that the stress of moving has passed, I’ve started filling my months ahead with activities that align with my personal passions. Many of them solo, by choice. Book readings, talks, concerts. It’s something my boyfriend and I both are doing. We love doing things together, but he is not into Julien Baker or David Sedaris so I gave him the out. There was a time where if I wanted to do something, I would ask someone if they wanted to go and if they said no try and find someone else. And then, sometimes, decide not to do it because I’d be alone. When you can detach yourself from that +1 mentality, it’s really freeing. I’ve also got a girls trip to LA next month and I’m so excited for the getaway. While I love the time to myself, trips like this are the best.

The beauty wardrobe I’m building for fall is the backdrop to what I hope will be a really fun and fulfilling few months.

I pulled together my mood board, which influenced my choices.

At the core, simplicity. Fewer items than I included in summer. A return to black eyeliner – so much so I could kiss it! – and a hint of red, a color I don’t normally gravitate toward. I saw this red jasper necklace from Michelle Starbuck and instantly gravitated toward the color. The Laura Berger print is called personal mountains and I love the sentiment and repetition of shape. I can’t wait to show you what I’m wearing for these glorious fall months. That’s coming up in the next post. I’ve fully transitioned my beauty wardrobe but actually enjoying the end of summer delayed me from sharing it earlier.

Image credit from top row L-R:

It’s the final (summer beauty) countdown

August 16, 2017

I’ve gone through phases with my summer beauty wardrobe. On one hand, I might have given myself too many options and on the other, just enough so I didn’t feel limited. It’s all psychological isn’t it? Really, though, I’m truly loving this experiment and got excited when I realized I should probably start thinking about fall. I’m going to stick with summer for another three weeks, just past Labor Day.

I did a mini audit of what I’ve been using and realized there’s some things I’ve used almost every day and some things I’ve barely touched. I’m going to do a rotation and make the most of my summer beauty.

First, things I’m close to finishing up.

I’m almost coming up empty on my IT Cosmetics CC Cream and Glossier Skin Tint – these have definitely been my summer workhorses. The coverage on the IT never ceases to amaze me. I’m also almost done with my NARS Velvet Gloss Pencil in Frivolous. I’ve gone through a handful of these over the years but for such a low maintenance pink color, it’s high maintenance to use. They need sharpening often. And, they are pretty glossy, so they will fill your sharpener with gloss. Regardless, I’m really glad I included Frivolous in summer. It’s the perfect I’m wearing makeup but you can’t tell lip color. I keep it in my purse and then usually curse when I pull it out and it’s a stubbie.

As for makeup I haven’t really used…

There are some surprises in here. My custom MAC palette. I made a point to put it on my bathroom counter now. I think with the move and travels, I haven’t given it enough love. It’s big and doesn’t fit in my travel makeup bag. I wish I had a slightly smaller size that didn’t have Cream Colour Bases in it. Cream products don’t last quite as long and looking at it every morning reminds me of how wasteful I am.

Ilia Cucumber Stick. Isn’t that weird? I was sure I would use this nonstop but the truth is it confuses me. Is it a toner? Skincare? Should I use it when I wake up to wake me up? Do I reapply it over my makeup? I’m deeply torn on the right way to use it. I feel like I missed a huge opp to bond with this by not bringing it to Mexico. I so needed the refresher in that heat.

MAC Strobe Cream. Nothing against you, MAC, I promise you’re a fav. It’s just that I haven’t used this peachy strobe cream more than a few times. I think I’ve wanted less on my face and I equate this more with winter beauty. When I want a strobe-y moisturizer under my makeup.

There have even been a few additions.

I apparently go through eyebrow pencils at rapid pace. I finished the It Cosmetics Super Skinny Brow Power in June and then broke an Anastasia replacement (not user error – super frustrating). TrèStiQue sent me their brow pencil, which has a built in brow setting gel not dissimilar to Boy Brow. However, Boy Brow is a perfect color match and I prefer the texture. The combo of the two has been working great for my brows.

I’ve also tried a few new mascaras. I knew this would happen because I was almost finished with my Lash Sensational and was looking for something easier to remove. Funny, I did not choose formulas that were easier to remove but I’m still pleased with my options. Dior’s new Pump’n’Volume formula has been such a worthy splurge. I also love L’Oréal Lash Paradise – the wand has really dense soft bristles that grab on to lashes well.

Last, I’m trying some new complexion products. I’m working with Make Up For Ever and am remembering how much I love the Ultra HD foundation. This isn’t so much new as it is a classic. I brought it to Mexico with me and ended up using it on four of the bridesmaids (we’re all about the same shade – Y245!)

I’ve also been testing Glossier Wowder. My first impressions are the packaging is straight genius. It has what Glossier calls trampoline mesh instead of those little holes that sift powder usually unsuccessfully. And the inside of the lid is custom fitted so it fits over the mesh circle. It’s dream packaging! I am trying it out now and going to be comparing it to my RMS Tinted Unpowder, which is what I’ve been using for years to set and reduce shine.

I’ll do a full recap when summer wraps. Definitely learning more about what I really love.

All of the Nail Polish I’m Wearing This Summer

August 9, 2017

The thing about moving is that it sucks. No matter how much you prepare or get ahead of the packing, it is still a mad dash at the end. About 36 hours after our move, I went to Mexico for a friend’s wedding. During the move, all of my toe nail polish cracked away and at the last minute I had to find where I’d packed it to try and fix. Thankfully I found the polish but not the nail polish remover, so I just refreshed versus starting new. And then I returned from Mexico and the sand and constant soaking in a pool destroyed my color. So, naturally, I just put another coat on top. Currently rolling around town with about six coats of LVX Argonne on my toes. And you know what? It looks alright. Priorities right now.

This begs the question: At what point after a move is it no longer acceptable to be living out of boxes? We are still painting our walls so it all just feels so in-between still. I just want to paint my nails and watch Bravo with a glass of wine like any self-respecting 35 year old. It’s still summer and I’ve got beauty wardrobes to maximize. I extended my makeup wardrobe to my nails. It made instant sense to me to curate a palette for my fingers and toes. I have a lot of polish, much of it goes unused. I’ve set a similar goal with my seasonal nail wardrobe: use it, see if I love it and if not, reconsider the space it takes up in my home. Sometimes polishes go bad, apply unevenly or just aren’t a match. That’s apparent right away with nail polish, I find.

For my peachdrenched summer, I also applied the same color principles to polish. I abandoned the standard summer fare of bright corals and pinks and instead went for subdued peach variations and shades of green. For good measure I added a few nudes. Every season needs at least one.

THE PEACHES

Not a bright in sight. It made for an alternative July — while everyone else was trying to track down a bottle of Essie Clambake, I was opting for OPI Freedom of Peach. It has a muted quality that makes it interesting to me. This color was part of OPI’s Fall 2016 DC collection, a total standout for me. A lot of the colors I chose for summer are from that collection.

I mixed in some pastel for those moments I wanted to feel extra summery. Essie Peach Side Babe has a sheer quality to it but satisfied my craving for “bright.” Same with Jin Soon Vogue Rose – which has a pinkier vibe when on the nails. That latter is something exclusive to this 125^th Anniversary Vogue Birchbox collab (a majorly good box!)

THE GREENS

If you haven’t been putting olive green on your toes, you are missing out. I’ve always loved this color but had a mold complex in the context of my feet. It actually looks modern and pairs well with the cognac colored sandals I wear nonstop. LVX Argonne and OPI Suzi The First Lady of Nails are similar but distinct enough that I wanted to include both. Argonne has a creamier more sage hue while OPI is darker. The other green that I love is also from LVX Oasis. The color in the bottle is the color on nails – I really like that about LVX polishes. It’s a vivid hunter green. With other deeper greens I’ve tried in the past, they can almost look black or indistinguishable in indoor lighting.

THE NUDES

I purposefully went for nudes that weren’t the color of my skin. OPI Pale to the Chief is much lighter whereas OPI Inside the Isabelletway is a caramel color. Through nail wardrobe-ing, I’ve realized that Pale to the Chief is probably going to go to a new home. The color just doesn’t do anything for my skin – it draws attention to cuticle imperfections and washed me out. Big fan of Inside the Isabelletway, though. I wore that color a lot last fall and can see myself carrying it over this year, too. Last, and this is a major keeper, is OPI Barefoot in Barcelona. This color has been in the OPI range for a long time and I can totally see why – it’s a pinky nude that has a chameleon quality. It looks good with everything on everyone, I’m convinced.

Of all these shades, only one did not work. I feel pretty satisfied with that conclusion and am going to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure soon with these colors. Because I still don’t know where my nail tools are.

What’s In My Summer 2017 Beauty Wardrobe

May 31, 2017

If you’re just joining me here, make sure and catch up with yesterday’s post all about the inspiration for my summer beauty wardrobe. I’m calling it peachdrenched because, well, it’s very peachy! This is a tone that I’ve always liked on my eyes because anything that leans slightly orange-ish always makes them look even bluer. And, when I started looking through my products, I realized I had a lot of peach. I’ve mixed in tones of bronze and beige to balance it out and am so excited with the final list.

Presented to you in the order I actually apply my makeup! Side note on that: I’m fascinated by people who can do their eye makeup first.

Prep and Prime

ILIA Cucumber Water Stick | MAC Strobe Cream Peachlite |Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer | trèStiQue Magic Mattifying Balm & Blotting Sheet Duo

Skin prep is key in summer. I’ve got quite a bit here, actually. The ILIA Cucumber is something I recently picked up – I always love how ILIA’s summer collections are so functional for how you live in the summer. I can’t wait to use this to refresh or prime skin on a really hot day. The Juice primer is something I loved when I first got (from Gwyneth’s collab) but in typical fashion found that I wasn’t using it at all. Part of the Beauty Wardrobe is to use and love the things I’ve invested in. I got a sample of the trèStiQue and have been saving it for the weather to warm up – it’s so useful for touch-ups! I actually apply highlighter just after concealer, so technically Haloscope is out of order. But, sometimes I do apply it before any face makeup!

Face Makeup

Glossier Skin Tint |Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet | IT Cosmetics CC Cream

My plan is to wear less makeup this summer. But, for when I do, I chose the formulas that work well in the summer. Glossier Skin Tint is an always on for me – I use it alone (because it’s perfect!) but also mix it with other foundations, too. The Chanel is really lightweight and has a velvet satin finish. I love how it wears on my skin in the heat. I’m guessing I’ll use this entire CC Cream – I did last summer. It is the best of any BB/CC cream and helps you skip a bunch of steps. There’s SPF, it primes, conceals, covers and even gives you a glow.

Conceal

Glossier Stretch Concealer |Too Faced Born This Way Concealer | Glossier Haloscope Quartz

Stretch Concealer is another staple that I’ll always use. I’ve also included Too Faced Born This Way because I really like the liquid formula under my eyes. I picked this up last year and it’s gotten hardly any love since. Another note on why I included Haloscope in Quartz as my only highlighter. It’s all I really need – betting I’ll need to replace it mid-summer, though, it does last a long time.

NARS Sunwash Diffusing Bronzer Laguna

I think it took me more than a few years to finish my original Laguna bronzer so it was with MUCH delight that I replaced it with this special edition version. I just started using it and love how soft the finish is.

Blush

MAC Melba Blush | MAC Cantaloupe Blush | Glossier Cloud Paint Beam, Dusk | Bite Beauty Multistick Blondie | Olio E Osso No. 2 French Melon Stick

Last spring (as in 2016), I built a custom MAC palette. It’s the only palette I’ve included for summer. It has everything in it – cream highlighter, cheek and eyeshadow. The two blushes are awesome with this color story and will be nice if I want a powder option. Let’s be real, though, I’m probably going to wear my Cloud Paints almost every day. Multi-use products are so awesome in the summer, so I also included a Bite Multistick in a neutral beige and the Olio in melon.

Brows

NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base | It Cosmetics Brow Power Super Skinny |Glossier Boy Brow

I always do my brows before I do any eye makeup. Again, it helps me see if I even want to wear any at all. Out of habit, I always put on a little eye base. NARS is the only one that really works for me.

Eyes

This was the hardest part to narrow down. But, it’s also the category that I try and obey expiration dates so I’m including a lot of cream-based products in here to use up. And, the NARS duo is something I’ve hardly used since I got. I’m excited to experiment and layer the two shadows. Noticeably missing: black eyeliner!

Powder

RMS Tinted “Un” Powder

I use this under my eyes and around my nose, depending on the day. It’s the best finishing powder and one of those always on products for me that will be in future beauty wardrobes.

Lips

I’m getting back in the groove with gloss. The NARS in Bimini is from a few seasons ago and (surprise) it’s gotten no love from me. I also use the Glossier Lip Gloss on my eyelids – it’s not intended for that, but I like it and find it wears well.

And, there you have it: my summer beauty wardrobe! It’s going to be a great summer of beauty. Can’t wait to try something new with these combos and figure out if this whole narrowing down for an entire season helps me use what I love and keep me from needlessly buying more beauty products.

Summer 2017 Beauty Wardrobe Inspiration

May 30, 2017

Today is exciting! After much consideration and beauty product purging, I am embarking on a new adventure: the beauty wardrobe. Every season, I will shift my makeup bag to coincide with my needs and wants for the season ahead. A set of products – some old and some new – that I will use for that entire time. Every season has a look. And every year that look varies. I’m certain that when I look back in photos, I’ll see the fall of 2015 as my brow renaissance. And, hello, does Tangerine Tango not make you remember 2012 in a certain light? Pretty sure we’re in some minimalist wonderland at the moment – hindsight will make me see it better, I’m sure.

Are you wondering why a full season? I’ve tried weekly makeup bags or monthly rotations and had limited success. Take this spring, for example. I used Cloud Paint in Haze almost every day because it matched the look that inspired me for spring. A week or month wasn’t enough time with it for me. I’ve been testing the beauty wardrobe on my terms to see how it worked for a season. And while I tried new stuff, I’ve largely been using the same makeup since March. A three month season feels like the perfect amount of time to really settle in with my makeup and get to know it more. And, use it!

The rules of the Beauty Wardrobe. They’re loose … because it’s beauty and beauty is fun.

#1: I will always test new Glossier. I’m a rep because I am a true devotee. Also, they fall in to the staple category for me with much of their line. When it comes to Glossier color, though, I will be narrowing down the makeup I use from their existing line in my beauty wardrobe. But if something new hits, I’m going to try.

#2: Voids can be filled. I can choose to add something to my beauty wardrobe if I need to. Again, my goal is to approach beauty more intentionally. I’ll be wish-listing things on my mind in an effort to understand why (or if) I really want them.

#3: Staples can be replaced. If I run out of things, I’ll replace them. This covers things like Boy Brow, Eyeshadow Primer, etc.

Summer 2017 Beauty Wardrobe: Peachdrenched

Proactively planning my beauty wardrobe fits so well with my love of planning in general. I’m type A-ish. It’s also drawing inspiration from my real life. I need a beauty wardrobe that will fit with what I’m doing. I’ve got a lot going on this summer and kept those life experiences in mind when planning. For starters, I’m going to Sweden and Finland (this coming weekend, actually!), turning 35, moving (again, ugh), going to a wedding in Mexico, volunteering at an animal rescue shelter, going to see lots of live music. et-cet-era!

Inspiration. There’s always that time when spring still feels like winter and you’re longing to feel warm. All spring – especially in Chicago – I think about the season ahead. I think anyone in the Midwest can relate to that feeling. On a particularly frigid evening, I watched a beautiful fiery sunset. I remember I was in an Uber, fighting fading daylight on the way home from work and we headed west and I saw an orange sky with stripes of peach and white. By the time my drop off came. It was gone. That’s how I feel about summer overall, it flies by.

Textures. I’m going for natural and imperfect. I’m aiming to maximize my days with less makeup. Sometimes skipping mascara and instead smudging cream shadow around my eyes. I mean, Violette has me coming around to the idea of using my fingers more, though I’m cautious. But I’m all for seeing what less precision can create. Summer is for sweat and dew whether you want it or not. I’m choosing to embrace it with my beauty wardrobe.

Tones.The peach I’m drawn to is sometimes a little muddy, with beige and bronze mixed in. Think of it as millennial pink’s cousin. I’m also weaving in tones to evoke greenery, no doubt in line with what Pantone envisioned we’d all be craving. I’ll bring it in literally with nail polish but also the idea that my makeup will breathe and be more natural.

Temperature. Warm, no greys or charcoals in sight. This is a warm weather look and feel in the truest sense.

Tomorrow, I’ll show you what products I’ve selected for my summer beauty wardrobe! In the meantime, you can see the rest of my inspiration on my summer board.