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    There are both ups and downs when packing for a vacation. There's excitement for the upcoming getaway but also sometimes a bit of stress over packing, planning, and getting everything organized at home before leaving.

    The weeks before I head off on a trip, my nights are often filled with stress dreams about leaving behind my toothbrush or forgetting to pack underwear. So I like to prep well ahead of time with lists. One might consider it excessive, but the more lists, the better in my opinion! This includes to do lists as well as specific and separate packing lists for clothing, accessories, and toiletries. Reviewing these lists a few weeks ahead of time helps ensure nothing gets left behind!

    Today I want to talk in particular about packing makeup. As someone with a tiny suitcase and a huge makeup bag, things get a little tricky when it comes to packing. I usually am only away for a long weekend, so it's okay that my makeup bag takes up half of my suitcase, however, there are times when this just isn't going to fly.

    So to solve the issue, I got these adorable little makeup bags from Express. I was super excited to use these little guys until I realized my work was not over. I had to somehow fit all my necessary makeup into these baby bags!

    The one good thing about heightened security (other than, you know, being safe) is that all liquid cosmetics go into the little plastic bag. This means more room for other dry products in these makeup bags, which also leads to the bags staying cleaner.

    If you're a makeup junkie like me, you'll find it hard to leave behind so many products, but it's necessary to pack light. The largest product I'm bringing with me is my Kat von D Shade and Light Contouring Kit. After I made the decision to bring that, I decided to start with the most essential items. This includes foundation, brow makeup, mascara, eyeliner, and powder. Since I still had plenty of room I added a small eye shadow palette (Urban Decay Nude Basics) and blush. As far as tools, I packed contour, blush, and eye shadow brushes and an eye lash curler.

    This probably seems like a lot but it was really cutting back for me! It also fits in these three small bags so it works just perfectly. It seemed to really work well when I was traveling, so I wanted to share how I pack my makeup in case any of you struggle with it like it do!







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    Like many makeup addicts, I heard about the yellow blush trend and immediately had to tried it out for myself. The first time I experimented with it I had already put on a full face of makeup, which I did not photograph for the blog. Today's look is a more cohesive look, as I paired complimentary colors with the yellow blush. 

    I chose a navy eye shadow mixed with a beige. For a smoky effect, I lined my lower lash line with the navy shadow. As much as I love experimenting with makeup, I can't seem to stray much from my trusted winged liner look. So again, this look contains just that. One of the reasons my looks almost always include wings is because they always vary just slightly, which makes every look unique. 

    The yellow blush trend is an interesting look, however it's not something I see myself incorporating into my daily looks. So rather than buying an entirely new yellow powder, I dug up one of my older Sephora eye shadow palettes and used a combination of a bright matte yellow and a paler, shimmery yellow. As you can see in the photographs, I kept it very light so as to keep the look wearable. I had errands to run, so I didn't want to go too crazy with the color! I added a plenty amount of illuminator on the top edge of the blush to emphasize the look. 

    Because the rest of my face is fairly bold, I wanted a simple lip color. This is Revlon's Wink for Pink, which I remembered being a bit paler than it actually is, but I like the way it works with the other colors anyway. This trend was really fun to try out, but I can't say I really want to try it again. Perhaps I'll try another shade of blush next time like blue or purple! 

    Thanks for stopping by!








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    For my birthday this year, I decided to treat myself with a few new beauty products and fashion pieces, as it's been a while since I allowed myself to get something new (aside from the basics). I also have a few upcoming vacations that I need to prepare for, so I thought why not start working on my vacay wardrobe now? I'm very excited to feature a few new dresses and spring/summer pieces on my blog, though today I'm starting out with a lipstick I recently picked up.

    Urban Decay's Backtalk has been my favorite lipstick for the last year, hands down. The texture is absolutely perfect for my lips as it's incredibly moisturizing while still providing a matte finish. (You can see it in action here.) So, naturally, I decided on the same lipstick for new shades.

    This is the first birthday I've been an Ulta member, and I was very enthused by the birthday month perks they offered. It included a $10 coupon, a free gift, and double the points for any purchase made during my birthday month. Clearly, Ulta was calling my name, so I hopped on over with my mama to do a little bit of shopping. I ended up at home with this gorgeous light peach tone, called Unicorn. I did my research online beforehand, so I knew just the shades I was looking for. As I swatched it on my hand in the store my mom said, "You need that," just as I said "NEED." Done deal.

    As for the look itself, it's pretty simple. I did my basic face routine, foundation, contouring, blush, brows, and then used a peachy brown eye shadow from the L'Oreal Nude palette. I essentially lined my eyes with the color instead of using eyeliner. This gave my eyes a lighter look, which is a nice change of pace for this time of year. I also really like the color combinations, as the lipstick and eye shadow are different, but both have a peachy tone to them.

    (Side-Note: My hair is messy in these shots, I know. This was a bit before I got my haircut, and as usual I had waited about a year to get it trimmed. So, I was incredibly annoyed with my hair, and just messed it up, in hopes to disguise the flat, lankness of it. Luckily, the messier look actually worked with my makeup. Just a little FYI! Makeup and hair can work together!)

    Hope you enjoy this look and it gives you some springtime makeup inspiration! xx






    Highlight: NYX Liquid Illuminator Born to Glow
    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light

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    I'm beginning to give up hope that spring will ever arrive in Seattle. It's already May 1st (happy May!) and things are still gloomy as ever. I'm not going to pretend that the overcast skies and the monotonous rain doesn't bring me down from time to time. One thing I can almost always count on to make me feel a little better is doing my makeup. There is something soothing about applying makeup and something gratifying about successfully achieving a look. 

    Today's look is fairly simply, though I had fun with it because I used fresh colors that are reminiscent of spring- or, you know, what spring should look like. I used a simple pearl eye shadow to keep things really light. This color comes from the L'Oreal Palette Nude 01 and is one of the less pigmented shades in the bunch. It provides just enough noticeable shimmer without being too overbearing or bold. Atop this pearly shadow, I applied my signature small wing eye liner look. Unlike most of my looks, I did not apply black pencil liner to my lower lash line. Instead, I took the same pearl eye shadow and dabbed it underneath my eyes for a fresh, doe-eyed look. I emphasized my mascara by applying multiple layers on both my top and bottom lashes. Without the typical liner under my eyes, I can look a bit washed out, so the emphasis of the lower lashes helps frame my eyes. 

    As for my face, I ignored all my blushes, which is hard to do with all the pretty pinks and peaches I have! Instead, I just focused on a bit of light contouring, particularly just below my cheek bones and my jaw line. Unfortunately the lighting in these photos makes my face appear much darker than my neck and chest. There may be a slight difference in shade, as I've stuck with my same foundation shade since I was sun-kissed last summer. However, it's very obvious in these photos. Disappointing, but I will have to play around with my camera to see what makes the contrast so noticeable!

    Anyway, the final touch is this gorgeous purple pastel lipstick. When it comes to fashion, purple is pretty low on my list, however I love, love, love purple lipsticks. Strange how things work like that! This purple is called Power by NYX. It's a bit difficult to wear as it doesn't have much staying power, but if you're in a position where you can reapply throughout the day, I would recommend this one! It's moisturizing and just plain beautiful. 

    So, this is how I combat the pain of overcast skies and the lack of pretty spring blooms- bring the fresh feeling to my face! Hope you enjoyed. xx






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    I work in retail, so this weekend I found myself working through the mayhem of yet another holiday sale. The Easter sales combined with the sunny weather here in Seattle, brought out the masses, so things were especially busy. Saturday was my long day, and I wanted to do wearable makeup, appropriate for all hours of the day (since I was at work all hours of the day). But I also wanted to do something a little more than just my basic makeup look. It was the first weekend it's finally felt like spring, after all! 

    So I decided on a simple, soft smoky eye. It ended up being the perfect option for a long, hard days work because it kept my eyes popping even when I started to feel a bit tired or felt my allergies acting up. When I'm out an about for a long time, I prefer to use a long-lasting, moisturizing lipstick (read: more expensive) so that I don't have to worry about reapplying it. This is Urban Decay matte Backtalk, which is my favorite lip color at the moment, not only because of the color, but because it stays on my lips for an incredible amount of time. I was really happy with how this look turned out, and it was the perfect look for a long and busy Saturday!









    Get the look

    Highlight: NYX Liquid Illuminator Born to Glow
    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light

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    Hello! I'm back with another beauty look. I've always been intrigued by 60s fashion and as my love of makeup has grown throughout the years, so has my interest in 60s makeup. There is something so cool and fresh about mod makeup and the techniques used, despite the fact that the trend is some 50+ years old. I love a good mod look, especially some of the more extreme looks worn by Twiggy and Pattie Boyd. I did this look before I headed off to work, so I did keep it a little more subtle. This look has more "shades" of mod beauty, rather than being a full blown mod glam look, however it's a good starting point and I've got all the basics down. Below I've outline what's important for achieve the look. 

    In order to create a good mod beauty look, there are a few general rules that will help you succeed. First, the most important aspect of the whole look is the eyes. The goal is to enhance the eyes and use techniques that make them look really big. This is why there's often a significant amount of white around the eyes, as the color helps make the eyes "pop" and subsequently look bigger. In my particular look, I applied white to my waterline as well as on the inner and outer corners of my eyes. Dramatic eyeliner helps in keeping the look fresh and bold, another characteristic that makes mod makeup unique. Below I've linked to the Maybelline eyeliner I used to achieve such a thick, crisp line. Some of the more dramatic applications include drawn on lashes on the skin just underneath the lower lash line. 

    As for the face, it's best to keep things subtle. I used a light hand when contouring, as mod looks play up the youthfulness of the face. I also only applied an under eye brightener to minimize the circles under my eye. Other than this, I added no highlighter or bronzer, as a matte face, again keeps you looking youthful. 

    Last but certainly not least, the lips. The lips can make or break the mod glam look. As with the face, a matte lipstick is a must. I went with a very light pink with a slight purple tint, as the color works really nicely with my skin tone and compliments the white eyeliner. Anything light would be a good option, including pinks, peaches, or nudes. It's best to follow the natural shape of your lips to maintain the youthful feel. No overdrawing! After this I dabbed my face with a pressed powder, and voilà, the look was complete! 

    Hope this helps for anyone who's looking to glam things up with a 60s inspired beauty look!





    Products 

    Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in Very Black
    Highlight: Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light 

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    Hi friends! I'm back with another review. This time I wanted to share my thoughts on Burt's Bees lipstick. Burt's Bees has long been one of my favorite brands for lip balm, creams, and cleansers, but it wasn't until recently that I dipped into their makeup collection to test out the waters. I was really interested in seeing if their lipsticks were of the same caliber as there unbeatable chapsticks. 

    For starters, this lipstick is very moisturizing. So much so, in fact that every time I rubbed my lips together I thought I was messing up my application. However, every time I looked in the mirror, it was still in place... a good sign! The lipstick earns a definite A+ in the moisture department, from me. 

    Below you can see what the color looks like on me. Despite how moisturizing it is, the pigment is a little splotchy. With some of my favorite lipsticks, I'm able to swipe it on, blot, and I'm good to go, however this one took a little more effort. When I first applied, the color was darker in some spots and almost sheer in others. I was able to get it to even out, however it did take a little more work than some of my lipstick from other brands. 

    Some of the ingredients include sunflower seed oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, all of which aid in smoothing and softening the skin. It's made up of 100% natural ingredients. You can't beat that!

    Bottom Line: I really like this lipstick and I will most likely be purchasing it in other shades as well. The moisturizing effect is what really sold me on this one, as that is one of the biggest factors I look into for lipsticks. 



    Burt's Bees Lipstick- Ruby Ripple

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    It's almost the weekend! Who's excited about it? I don't work a normal 9-5, and often work both Saturday and Sunday, but there is just something about the weekend vibe and everyone's mood that makes these work days extra enjoyable for me. I don't have anything big planned for this weekend, which I'm actually excited about. It seems that I've been running and running for the past few weekends, and so I'm looking forward to relaxing just a little bit.

    Now, about this beauty look- I'm so pleased with the way this look turned out. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no makeup expert. I use my blog as a sort of documentation of my progress and a way to stay motivated to try out new looks. I often feel that it's "two steps forward, one step back" with my application progress. I know it takes an incredible amount of practice to get really great at doing makeup. Between time constraints and, I'll be honest, sometimes just plain laziness, I'm not very consistent in trying to master application every day. Nonetheless, I'm very proud of how this beauty look turned out and it's ones like this that remind me that practice does make a difference!

    This is actually the second ombré lip I've attempted and I'm happy to say that this one turned out substantially better than the first. Yay for improvements! You can check out my first one here, and see for yourself. Though my application wasn't too shabby, I think it was the color choices that made the shading look almost nonexistent. So for today's look I opted for a dark shade and a light shade, so that the ombré affect would actually be noticeable.

    I was also really happy with my eye shadow. I spent a lot of time blending so that both eyes would be even, which is something I struggle with a lot of the time. I love the warm tones of the browns I used and the slight shimmer of it all.





    Eye Shadow: Naked Basics Palette
    L'Oreal Nude Pallete 01
    Lipstick:  Rimmel Last Finish Matte 107
    Revlon Super Lustrous Pink Pout
    Maybelline Color Whisper Petal Rebel 
    Eye Shadow Primer: e.l.f. Eye Primer
    Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
    Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in Very Black
    BB Cream: e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20 (used under eyes)
    Highlight: NYX Liquid Illuminator Born to Glow
    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Foundation: Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation Classic Ivory 110
    Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
    Blush: Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Rose
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light 


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    Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.

    There is nothing I love better than a bold pink lip during this time of year. As soon as January hits, I start to gear up for spring- looking for new ways to wear my shorts and sundresses, planning for events in the upcoming months, and cleaning. I guess that last bit isn't so much fun, but the rest of it helps me get excited and motivated for what's to come. Along with these things, I start to retrieve all of my pink and orange lip colors from the deepest, darkest corners of my makeup drawer, where they've been stowed away since last September. One of which I recently rediscovered was this gorgeous matte pink by Too Faced. The formula isn't necessarily my favorite, but I wear it anyway because the color is just too gorgeous to pass up.

    I paired this lip color with a classic eye look- a generous swipe of eyeliner and a short wing along with a neutral and light brown eyeshadow. I love the look of this lip color with glowing skin, so I used a bit of a heavy hand when applying my highlighter and illuminator. Lately, the two have become absolute lifesavers and total necessities in my daily makeup routine. As my skin continues to pale due to the constant cloud coverage and rain spells of Seattle, these two products have helped give my skin a healthy glow.

    I'm feeling so ready for spring and this beauty look has only helped boost my excitement!




    Eye Shadow: Naked Basics Palette 
    Lipstick: Too Faced Matte Bachelorette 
    Eye Shadow Primer: e.l.f. Eye Primer
    Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
    Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in Very Black
    BB Cream: e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20 (used under eyes)
    Highlight: NYX Liquid Illuminator Born to Glow
    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Foundation: Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation Classic Ivory 110
    Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
    Blush: Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Rose
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light 

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    Who is ready for Valentine's Day? I'll tell you that I'm ready for candy and maybe a RomCom or two, but that's about it.  I have no plans as of now, and I plan on just relaxing a little. We all know how hard it is to find a restaurant or bar to go to for a Valentine's Day date. For me, Valentine's Day is about wearing pink and eating chocolate. 

    Today's look is about the first of those two. There is very little pink in my closet, so turning to makeup is the next best option. This look is a little bold and definitely not something I'd wear on just any old day, but it's always fun to get a little festive when the time is right! Let me know what you think! 



    Eye Shadow: Sephora Limited Edition Eye Shadow Palette
    Lipstick: Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Tulip 
    Eye Shadow Primer: e.l.f. Eye Primer
    Eyeliner: Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
    Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in Very Black
    BB Cream: e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20 (used under eyes)
    Highlight: NYX Liquid Illuminator Born to Glow
    Pacifica Under Eye Brightener Bare
    Foundation: Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation Classic Ivory 110
    Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
    Blush: Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Rose
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light 

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    Hello! I thought I'd do another post on my everyday makeup look as I've updated my routine since my last daily routine post. The most notable difference is the lipstick change as well as a few added products. 

    Face Part 1: First, I always start with foundation. I use Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory (110). This is the very first foundation I used when I first began wearing makeup when I was 12 or so, and though I've tried other types over the past ten years, I've never found one that works so well with my skin. My skin is moderately oily but when I pair this foundation with the right pressed powder, it is the perfect balance between shimmer and matte. 

    As for under my eyes and the top of my cheek bones, I use a variety of products. The first product I apply is  e.l.f. BB Cream to cover the dark circles directly under my eyes. On the outer corners, near and on my cheekbones, I apply Pacifica Illuminating Under Eye Brightener. Then, I apply NYX liquid illuminator. I know this seems like a lot of product for one part of my face, but blending them together creates a nice highlight on my cheeks and hides the circles under my eyes! 

    Eyes: I use e.l.f. eye primer underneath a neutral shade from either Naked2 Basics palette or L'Oreal Nude 01 Palette. These have become my go-to palettes because they both have a really nice range of neutral colors, both matte and shimmery. I then use one of the darker colors under my eyes for a bit of framing.

    I generally use a combination of two eyeliners. The first is Maybelline’s Master Precise Liquid Liner. This is my absolute favorite eyeliner I have ever tried.  Just as with foundations, I’ve tried a variety of eyeliners, both liquid and pencil, but this is my number one. It works beautifully by producing the sharpest lines. It doesn’t smear and it’s also incredibly easy to use. As for under my lower lash line, I use a NYX eye pencil in dark brown or black. The dark brown is great for days when I want a bit of a softer look. I blend whatever pencil I choose with the eye shadow I previously applied to my lower lash line for a bit of a smoky eye feel.

    Lashes: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in very black is another drugstore product I absolutely swear by. It’s the only mascara that does not leave me with black smudges under my eye throughout the day. It’s not waterproof but it is does not smear or run (even when I cry!) It’s a dream mascara and I won’t use any other kind.  My eyelashes don’t have much curl to them, so I do use a curler just to add a little volume.

    Brows: I guess, now would be a good time to reveal how I do my eyebrows. My secret combination is an e.l.f. Concealer brush, dark brown matte eye shadow, and that NYX dark brown eye pencil I mentioned earlier.

    Face Part 2: When it comes to the rest of my face, my routine becomes pretty simple. I use one of two blushes depending on if I’m going for a rosy complexion or a subtler look. After the application of the blush I use my Kat Von D Shade and Light palette.

    Blending, blending, blending is the key. I spend a whole lot of time with a brush in my hand, blending the products for a cohesive look. No one wants to look like a ventriloquist dummy or a cartoon character, so blending is always a necessity. Sometimes it takes more effort than I really want to put in, but it’s worth it to spend an extra few minutes making sure things are looking natural.  I then apply a light pressed powder.

    Last touch is the lipstick. My absolute favorite is Urban Decay Comfort Matte in Backtalk. It is the perfect balance between a natural shade and bit of purple and mauve.  And then voilà I’m complete!  

    It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s a routine that I have gotten into the habit of doing it quickly and believe it or not, I enjoy doing it! Hope you guys enjoy this run through of what I do every morning!



    Eye Shadow: L'Oreal La Palette Nude 01
    Lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Backtalk (Comfort Matte)
    Eye Shadow Primer: e.l.f. Eye Primer
    Eyeliner: Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision
    Mascara: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion in Very Black
    BB Cream: e.l.f. BB Cream SPF 20 (used under eyes)
    Foundation: Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation Classic Ivory 110
    Powder: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
    Blush: Physician's Formula Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Rose
    Contouring Kit: Kat von D Shade Light 

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