Tag Archives: Summer Beauty

Summer Beauty Wardrobe Recap

September 6, 2017

3 months, 41 products and endless combinations later, here we are.

This beauty wardrobe was so much more than just makeup: it’s like a time capsule and goal-setting expedition all in one. At the start of the season, I shared what my summer had in store: a trip to Sweden and Finland, a wedding/girls trip in Mexico, a momentous birthday, a move (that has been filling my to do list up ever since it happened).

Check. Check. Check and Check.

There was also this momentous hair day I had in Stockholm.

I read 18 books, watched all of Parks and Rec and am fulfilling my last summer goal: volunteering with One Tail at a Time. This one came together at the last possible moment; I start volunteer training in a week! They are doing such amazing work and I cry often out of joy and sadness at what they do for pups (and kitties, too). They just went down to Houston to help with Harvey dogs and I want to do all I can to support their efforts.

Dare I say having a beauty wardrobe helped me focus more on life? I didn’t completely achieve my goal of buying no beauty products but I did way better than I thought I would. I like the structure and being able to really experiment with what’s in my makeup bag. After all, I got it for a reason, yes? Enough looking at pretty things, I want to dirty them up and incorporate them into how I live. I’m in the process of transitioning to my fall beauty wardrobe and am planning on applying the lessons I learned about my beauty habits into the upcoming season.

I think I try to convince myself I like things that I know deep down aren’t for me. For reasons that I’m sure you can relate to: the packaging is pretty, I love the brand, the color is stunning, it works well for other people. Insert ____ reason here. Why do we try to convince ourselves we have needs just because of wants?

LESSONS LEARNED

I prefer black liquid eyeliner. In fact, I really missed mine this season. Don’t get me wrong: my Kat Von D Tattoo liner in that espresso-ish brown got plenty of use but I really love black. And pencil eyeliner? Nope. Not something I reached for.

Palettes are overwhelming. It’s like option overload and I shut down. I also don’t think a palette that mixes in cream and powder options is for me. The powder gets in the cream and also expire sooner. Guess what? I built this palette. As in, went to a MAC event and got to design this palette at no cost to me. I’m pretty sure deep down I knew I didn’t like mixing these products, yet I did anyway. But why??

I really like complexion products. Complexion options don’t overwhelm me, in fact, it’s comforting. In July, I added in Make Up For Ever’s Ultra HD Foundation when I started working with the brand. It rounded out my options in a way I think I needed all along. Also, I had a late in the season attachment to Too Faced Born This Way concealer.

Trying new mascara is fun. It was time for a new tube in June so instead of replacing my Maybelline Lash Sensational that I started off with, I tried the L’Oreal Lash Paradise and treated myself to the Dior Pump n Volume because self-control is hard, guys. I loved both. Wore them both regularly all summer.

WHAT I USED MOST

My most used are definitely my most loved.

RMS Lip Shine in Honest 4-eva. I will let a out a YAY for nearly finishing it. I’m going to keep it in my purse until it’s gone, it won’t last through fall but for a few more weeks I bet. I think I used this almost every day. I’d say I’d replace it but for now, I’m going to work through some other products I have.

I wore Cloud Paint almost exclusively. Sorry, other blushes. Dusk and Beam were on my face almost every day I wore makeup. I wore them together, separate, mixed in with MAC Strobe Cream, with bronzer and without. I put them on four bridesmaids when I did makeup for my friend’s wedding in Mexico. Somehow, I still have not finished these tubes which goes to show you how necessary owning a tube of Cloud Paint is. (you know I can help you out… glossier.com/reps/laurie if you haven’t gotten the memo!)

It Cosmetics CC Cream is synonymous with summer. I am almost finished with my tube and stand by the assertion that this is the best of any BB or CC cream on the market. I wore Medium, but can also get away with Light.

Rust colored eyeshadow looks good on me. All of the colors I included were in the peachy bronze family and I only wish I had more eyes to wear them all every day. All last week, I wore NARS St Paul de Vence. It started out in the week as a wistful reminder that it was one of my favorites and quickly turned into a challenge. I tried new combos, layering and it cemented its status as one of the best NARS duos I’ve worn.

Having a flesh toned neutral eyeshadow is clutch. One of my most used products wasn’t even in my initial plan: the single MAC eyeshadow in Grain.

Haloscope. That is all. This was one of the products I replaced with a new tube about halfway through the summer. I’m considering just putting this into the ‘staple’ category with my eyelash curler and Boy Brow because there’s no way I’ll ever not include this in future seasons.

WHAT I OVERLOOKED

There’s a theme I’m noticing: I don’t really prime my face with makeup products. Skincare, yes. I mist, tone, serum, moisturize and SPF and by the time that’s all done, I really don’t want to wear any more “base” layers. I did use my Juice Beauty Illuminating Serum on the weekends but on my most days I skipped this step. I think it may be more of a summer phenom. I’m definitely going to try and work in the Juice into my next wardrobe.

I also only wore Glossier Gen G in Leo a handful of times. Every time I wore it, I loved how it looked but I kept forgetting. The lesson here is that less is more when it comes to lips.

WHAT I CHANGED MY MIND ON

Do you ever get it in your head that you really love something and then you have to come with terms that isn’t true once you really try it out. That is me and this Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet foundation. Here’s the thing: the formula is awesome, it makes my skin feel and look flawless but only for a short window of time. It’s so frustrating! I leave the house and I feel great. A few hours later, I look in the mirror and look really blah. This is a tough realization but necessary.

Another item I thought I’d wear nonstop was this Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Peach. It’s too orange and the dewy factor fades quickly. I barely had enough eyes to wear my favorite shades much less one I’m just kinda ‘meh’ on.

WHAT NOW?

Some of these products will officially retire. Like my Born This Way concealer, which is leaking from the top so I can’t travel with it. Some will carry over, like Haloscope. Others will go into my my simplified beauty storage, like St Paul de Vence.

My goal is not to start from scratch every season but rotate in things I have and also what’s inspiring me for the season.

I know the idea of capsule living is something a lot of people are experimenting with. I see this sort of in that vein but am inviting frequent change and limiting the rules. I’d be really interested to know how you choose the makeup you wear and if you change it up. Does anyone want to beauty wardrobe with me for fall? I’m going to reveal my plan for fall soon. Can’t wait!

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.

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.

Summer 2017 Beauty Wishlist

May 23, 2017

Cleaning out my beauty closet was so satisfying (catch up with that here!) More like random boxes in cabinets, products stuffed in drawers, stacked in bins all for the appearance of having a place. But it was all just taking up space.

Before figuring out what my summer beauty wardrobe is all about, I want to consult with my ever expanding wishlist. In the beginning of the year, I attempted to curb unnecessary beauty spending by writing down what I want. I’ve heard others have a lot of success with this method – essentially, don’t buy without talking to yourself about needs/wants first – and I wanted to see if it could work with me. It did, until it didn’t. Like everything you want to get better at, you gotta put the work in. Ignoring the list and not being honest with yourself are a recipe for failure. I’m all about accountability: I’m bringing it online.

I’m putting some parameters around my process. First, no more Instagram shopping. Easier said than done? It’s a dangerous place! Seriously, I had a whole post dedicated to this and it is a very real thing. Sometimes those beauty buys end up being my favorite, though, so it just means I need to give myself a pause before adding to cart is all.

Here is what I can’t stop thinking about for summer. Beauty on the brain!

New Becca. Every summer has a palette. Last year, I was all about the Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Face Palette. I’d probably still be using if it hadn’t broke on me. All of the powders fell out, basically. Super disappointing YET I’m totally eyeing up the Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette. I consider it my greatest proof of restraint that I haven’t gotten it yet. The Shimmering Skin Perfectors are no joke and there’s a new one in this palette called Beach Nectar. I think it might be better than Champagne Pop. I’m honestly surprised it’s still available because these things tend to go fast. (read: Please, just go away already and stop tempting me!)

Cream Everything. Especially this RMS Mod Collection Palette. Did you guys know RMS has palettes now? I have so many of her pots of color so seeing them grouped in one chic palette is calling out to me. It has Master Mixer and Living Luminizer, two Lip2Cheeks and even the Cocoa Lip and Skin Balm. It’s reminding me how much I love RMS.

Summer-proof lashes. It’s like waterproof but easier to remove. I love my Maybelline Lash Sensational but it is really hard to get off. I appreciate that it doesn’t budge but it’s not even waterproof and I have a three-step routine to get it all off. Traveling can be a real pain. One of my long-standing favs is from Kjaer Weis (see it in action here) – it’s organic and chic as hell. I have the outer packaging (it’s refillable!) so would just need to get a refill. Another mascara I’ve heard nothing but raves for is from Wander Beauty. Has anyone tried? The reviews I’ve seen make it seem like a hidden gem – volumizing, curling, no flaking, long-lasting, lengthening. Seriously? That’s all the things.

Glow Makers. My name is Laurie and I can’t stop acquiring illuminators. The NARS summer collection with Charlotte Gainsborg has a particularly attractive gel cream that can take the place of makeup. Adding fuel to the fire is its limited edition status. And, then there is the Milk Makeup Mars Holographic Highlight. This one has a peachy golden hue that reflects with a slight hologram in certain lights. Every time I see someone wearing this, I’m always way impressed with the reflection. It’s not purple like other holographic highlights but more natural.

What is on your list for summer? Do you wear more, less? Cream, powder? Very curious to know if you switch it up. Also, I don’t want to hear anything about the Chrissy palette. Seriously!

top photo by Emily Prendergast