02.26.2014
Make Up For Ever HD Blush

IMG_0177

Blush has never really been my thing, I can’t lie.  It’s not that I don’t like the idea of having some color on my cheeks, but basically because I have rosacea (e.g. rosy cheeks without blush), I’ve always just honestly been scared of the idea of adding a splash of pink to my already-red face…it’s a thing.  I was recently introduced to a new blush, an HD (high definition) Blush, if you will, and I gotta say…color me impressed.  At first I was intrigued by the idea that the blush is HD because, at least in my mind, anything HD is cool and hi-tech, but then I started getting tons and tons of compliments after the makeup artist put some on me which instantly had me SOLD.  So what’s the deal?  MAKE UP FOR EVER HD BLUSH is a cream blush (which can also be intimidating) and its formulated with a balance of oils, waxes, and powders that makes the blush really glide on your face easily.  What’s also cool is that it can be worn over or under makeup, meaning if you’re not wearing any foundation (lucky you), you can still wear the blush without looking like a clown.

And speaking of clowns, here’s the best and most universal way to apply blush:

  • Choose a full, rounded blush brush (like Make Up For Ever 158 Double Ended Sculpting Blush, featured in the photo above, which you can also use for contouring)
  • Apply the cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks in a figure “8” motion
  • Sweep from the top of the apple downwards, then up and back towards the top of the ear
  • Set the blush (especially if you feel like it’s REALLY bright) with a pressed powder (like Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder), which reduces shine, slightly mattifies the skin, and softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. By the way, this pressed powder is best applied with a Kabuki Brush.

And, if all that seems like way too much work for you (hey, I get it), you can always just apply cream blush with your fingertips…just don’t go nuts.

IMG_0190

Make Up For Ever HD Blush 210 | Make Up For Ever HD Blush 410

 

IMG_0196

Gea isn’t amused by cream blush

01.21.2014
90s beauty: my high school beauty routine

90s beauty

 

I’ll be honest when I say that I was certainly NOT a beauty expert back when I was in high school; in fact, I didn’t even care.  I would read Seventeen, YM, Teen, Teen People, etc. and completely skip over the beauty section to go right to fashion. I mean…wow how things change, and with that said, even though I wasn’t particularly passionate about beauty, I DID have my go-to products.  Putting this post together was truly a hilarious experience and I giggled at the site of these products, ALL of which I would still TOTALLY use.  Just saying…

1. Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner: The brand has since re-done the packaging (this is the old version) but I’m still in love with the scent, and when they say that you associate smell with memory, they are NOT lying.  I had a flash memory of being late to home room the last time I used this shampoo…it was both scary and awesome at the same time.

2. Wet ‘n Wild White Eyeliner: I don’t know why on earth I ever though white eyeliner, SOLO WHITE EYELINER AND NOTHING ELSE, was ever an ok look, but I did.  If memory serves, I thought the white line would make my eyes look bigger but in reality, guys just wondered why I had white lines drawn on my top eyelid.  Ahhh, the teen years…

3. Bath & Body Works Pearberry Body Splash: The scent of Pearberry was my jam in high school; of course, everyone had their favorite scent, but there was something about the Pearberry scent that I just LOVED, and still do.

4. Bonne Bell Lip Smackers: It’s still a classic but it was definitely an obsession for everyone in high school and I distinctly remember having a cupcake-flavored version that made all the girls jealous.

5. Hard Candy Nail Polish: Back in the day Hard Candy was a high-end nail polish and retailed for $18 a bottle which, for a high school student, was big bucks.  I had a few select shades, one of which was called “mermaid” and was teal green. #memories.

6. Avon Odyssey Perfume: My mom bought me this perfume at a friend’s Avon party and I don’t know why I asked for it but I distinctly remember LOVING the scent.

12.30.2013
Obsessed: Sleek Makeup i Divine eye palette

sleekmakeup_sunsetpalette001

The sucker for packaging is taken to a whole new level when it comes to this Sleek Makeup i Divine eye palette.  The waffle pattern reminds me of my thermal pajamas as a kid, and that’s a good thing, gotta say.  The colors are super pigmented and I really love all of the shimmery pinks and taupe colors- they’re perfect for an everyday eye (hello, similar to Stila’s Kitten shadow), and then there’s that whacky bright blue for when you wanna get a little weird.

12.18.2013
Inspired By: Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil beauty products

 

Coconut oil…it’s the new thing in cooking AND in beauty.  Beauty Guru Michelle Phan rounded up some fun ways that you can use actual coconut oil for some DIY beauty products (e.g. as a makeup remover, body scrub, etc.), but if you’re lazy like me, you just want to buy beauty products that already have coconut oil IN them. Thank you very much.  So what are the benefits?  Well, the oil is extracted from the meat of the coconut and it just so happens to be jam packed with vitamin E and good-for-you fatty acids that work together to help your skin and hair in a myriad of ways. Case and point being coconut oil is a great antioxidant AND anti-fungal/bacterial.  Done deal. Here are a few of my favorites:

1// Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil Treatment

2// Organix Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist

3// Bumble and Bumble Creme De Coco Shampoo

4// Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme

5// ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Mango Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo

6//Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee

SHOP THE POST

12.16.2013
Reader Question: How Much Do I tip for beauty services?

Beauty Tip Guide

Hey Jamie!

Would you ever consider doing a blog post on how much to tip for different beauty services (nails, hair, waxing, etc.)?  It’s so confusing!

– “M”

Hi “M”!

Yes, yes it is.  I totally agree with you- it IS confusing.  My personal policy is “when in doubt, go with 20%,” but I put together this quick guideline, which also works.  🙂

xo,

Jamie

11.27.2013
Inspired By: Olive Oil

Inspired by olive oil

Olive oil is absolutely a major staple in my diet, not only because it’s easy and delicious, but also because it has a myriad of health and beauty benefits.  For starters, the original cultivation of olive oil is said to date back to the 7th century B.C.  (yep B.C.!) and it’s not just good on Italian food; olive oil contains a massive amount of antioxidants that help to rejuvenate, hydrate and restore the skin and hair.  Here are a few of my favorite olive oil beauty products:

1. Bobbi Brown Lip Balm

2. Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado & Olive Oil Triple Milled Soap

3. Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist

4. Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak

5. Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum

6. Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Gentle Cleanser

11.20.2013
Obsessed: Paul & Joe Limited-Edition Eye & Cheek Color Set

paul and joe cats

 

I was going to wait until I start posting my holiday gift ideas (after Thanksgiving, cause I’m not INSANE), but I just couldn’t wait to talk about this fan-effing-tastic Paul & Joe Limited Edition Eye & Cheek Color Set…cat-themed, of course.  I want to be clear when I tell you that I’m probably never going to actually use the blusher stick because, really, I just like starting at the little cat face top and my lips would absolutely destroy it’s cuteness.  Regardless, this set is a must-have for any cat lover/girly girl; You get the cute cat bag, an eye color duo, an eye gloss and a blusher stick…and for only $65, mind you.  Get it now, available in two versions: Sugar & Spice and Gingerbread.