Tag Archives: Makeup Bag

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!

The Makeup I Actually Wore on Vacation

June 19, 2017

It’s a wrap on vacation! I’m back from Sweden and Finland. It’s kind of crazy to think my last day at work was June 2 and now it’s June 19. A few weeks away was exactly the escape I needed. I’ve always had an affection for Scandivian design, and now it’s developing into a full-fledged obsession.

We spent most of our time in Stockholm and took a trip to a Helsinki as well. It’s approaching midsummer (a bug deal in that part of the world) but it was actually quite chilly. I kept on seeing 90+ degrees in Chicago so I was happy about it, except when it was raining.

We used our Away carry-on suitcases and didn’t check any luggage. For once, I didn’t overpack makeup. I really didn’t have that luxury and by now, I know I don’t need that much. I could have brought less, sure, but I used everything I brought.

I didn’t bring everything from my summer beauty wardrobe but packed items from it. It was really nice to use the same makeup and gave me a true immersion into the world of beauty wardrobe-ing. While we were in Stockholm, I saw news of the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette. Obviously I totally want but am deferring to my rules to help me put that in check. It’s almost a relief! And, the rational part of me remembers that I actually have several items in my summer wardrobe that are really similar.

I wore IT Cosmetics CC Cream during the day – the added SPF is a major draw when you’re spending the entire day outside. The coverage on this is unreal and it has some nice reflective qualities. After spending the entire day out, we got into the routine of napping, showering and getting ready again at night. The sun doesn’t set until around 11 (even later in Finland!) so it always felt like we were going out early. Vacation brain is awesome. When I did my makeup for night, I kept it really simple with just a few drops of Glossier Skin Tint and Stretch Concealer.

Another every day was NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer and Cloud Paints in Dusk and Beam. I used a flat foundation brush to apply the Cloud Paints and I’ve been really into the finish it gives versus my fingers. I ran out of my It Cosmetics Skinny Brow Pencil on the last day of vacation – grateful it didn’t happen sooner. I like to layer some strokes under Boy Brow. I have a MAC brow pencil that I intend to replace this with instead of buying something new.

I also kept my eye makeup pretty basic. I packed a single MAC eyeshadow in Grain that wasn’t *technically* in my beauty wardrobe but it’s because I didn’t want to bring the big face palette. During the day I’d sweep it on without any primer – despite bringing my NARS Smudgeproof eye base. Grain is the perfect skin colored pearl – it doesn’t look like color on my lid so when it got a little oily it took on a glossy look.

Most nights I used Ilia Next To You. Sometimes I’d layer it with the NARS duo in St Paul de Vence. I also used Bite Beauty Multistick in Blondie on my eyelids and lower lash line. I took a tiny liner brush and concentrated it on the lower lash line as well. It totally defined my eyes in almost an invisible way – I could tell my eyes looked more open but couldn’t tell I was wearing any makeup. I could have used less lip color. I wore Balm Dot Com and Gen G in Leo nearly every day.

I’m only a few weeks in to my beauty wardrobe, and I’m loving it. I’m excited to try new ways to use these colors. I’ll be honest, too, it feels good to use things up! I know this sounds backward but there’s nothing better than a well loved tube of lipstick nearing the end. Right?

The Perfect Makeup Bag?

December 19, 2016

I saw a Kickstarter this summer for a new makeup bag concept called Kusshi. They call it the “Perfect Makeup Bag’ for the modern (/busy) woman. OK, intrigued. That’s me! The premise: solves everything wrong with your current makeup bag. You know how most makeup bags sit upright? Well, Kusshi’s zippers go all the way down the side so you can folds down flat and see all of your product. There’s a zippered pouch, two super handy mesh compartments to help organize your pretties. They even rethought the brush roll –different sized slots so you can store lipstick, eyeliners and other makeup beyond brushes.

I backed two beauty Kickstarters this year – Drifter Organics and Kusshi – I’m pretty pleased with both of those decisions.

I got my Kusshi in the mail just after Thanskgiving and couldn’t wait to give it a go while I went to Miami. The zipper down sides are a game changer. I don’t really have to take anything out – it’s all just there, flat for me to see. Kusshi is good for travel, sure, but I see this appealing for at home if you keep all of your products in a makeup bag. I wouldn’t say Kusshi fits more or is compact – but it makes it easier to do your makeup and keeps you organized. However, this is a sturdy bag. The nylon is thick (it also comes in leather) and sturdy. I’ve shattered makeup before (see my sad NARS blush from my August trip) so protection is key.

I opted for the black nylon and also got the leather clutch cover for my brush roll. There’s a ton of different combos – I believe all linings are red, hoping to see more options soon.

I packed this full. I only brought two base products – my Glossier Skin Tint (– > see my rep page to shop with me on Glossier!) and the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Totally overdid it with the concealer but it won’t be the first time. Full disclosure, after I snapped these pictures I tossed both the Light and Medium Glossier Stretch Concealers in there because I didn’t want to be without them for 10 days. And you know what, I’ve already used them both so NO REGRETS!

Vacation Makeup Bag: Miami Edition

February 19, 2013

When you live in the Midwest, it is practically a medical necessity to travel south to a warmer climate for even a few days. By mid-February, I’m usually at my breaking point with winter. This year, my husband and I are seeking refuge in Miami. Per usual, my vacation makeup bag is packed to the brim. Here’s a peek at what I brought!

My favorite travel bags are the Stephanie Johnson ML Traveler, and I’ve had it in the Kyoto pattern for years. It fits a ton and has four different compartments which appeals to the perpetual organizer in me. I’m testing a few new products, the Tarte BB Tinted Primer and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, so brought both. The other face products are Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact and Benefit fakeup, which I’m digging so far. Jouer Bronzer in Suntan will be necessary on this trip and I couldn’t decide between Benefit Fine One One and Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain (a Valentine’s Day gift from my husband!) so I packed them both. Eyes are minimal. I brought my favorite Tarte cream shadow in Shimmering Bronze, a few NARS neutrals (Alhambra!) and CoverGirl Clump Crusher. The lip of this trip is Becca Ultimate Colour Gloss in Miami Vice. Because, obviously, right?