Foundation. Perfection.

Tags

Beauty, beautyblender, Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation, Cle de Peau Beaute, Cle de Peau Beaute Refining Fluid Foundation, Emily Maynard Foundation, Foundation, Foundation Brush, Laura Mercier, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, MAC, MAC Matchmaster, Make Up For Ever, Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet, Make Up Forever HD Foundation, Sephora Foundation Brush, Sigma, Sigma Make UP Brushes, Tarte, Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

Hey Y’all, happy MONDAY!  Today I decided to tackle an area of makeup that always seems extrememly complicated and confusing. Below are a handful of solutions to take you in the right direction when it comes to finding your perfect foundation.

By now you all know that for an everyday look I use a powder foundation, but sometimes I think a liquid/stick foundation is the right way to go, especially now that I am getting older and my skin is morphing into something a little less than amazing.

I want to start of by saying I think the key to a flawless application is using a foundation brush, something I was introduced to this summer.  And now I wonder how I lived without it for so long.  I think it will really change your opinion of wearing foundation, if you have a negative one, and make application a breeze!  Plus, you use much less product, so it’s an overall great investment.  I suggest you do yourself a favor and splurge now.  Here are a few below that are amazing:

• beautyblender - This is a neat concept and has won Allure’s Best of Beauty Tools for three years. You can use the larger end to apply foundation to your face and the tip can be used for smaller spaces, like near your nose. Plus, Kim Kardashian’s make up artist uses it, enough said.

• Sephora’s Pro Foundation Airbrush Brush – This is the brush I own and love it.  It’s like a fluffy powder brush but it’s for foundation.  Really brilliant.  You just squirt some of your foundation on the brush, stiple it on your face, and then blend it in using circular buffing motions. Love this brush and would definitely recommend it for a flawless foundation application.

• Sigma’s Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki Brush – here is another option that has a flat top and is more dense as far as the fibers are concerned. I added this one to the mix so you would have another option.

Now on to the main event!

• First Up, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation – An oil-free medium-to-full-coverage liquid foundation that covers skin imperfections flawlessly. This is the foundation I am currently using and love it!  It offers great coverage and doesn’t feel cakey at all.  A certain Real Housewife uses it too as you will find out in an upcoming interview!

• Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ – This foundation controlls shine, is oil free, and water resistant. I haven’t used this foundation, but I am really interested in trying it out.  I think it sounds wonderful for summers in the South with all of our hunmidity!  And I certainly love the Make Up For Ever brand, so I felt like this was worthy of posting, especially if you have extra oily skin!

• Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation – This is another foundation I have not tried, but has recently made my shortlist. Tarte is a product line I don’t have much expereince with but am anxious to learn more about. This product is for all skin types and claims to have amazing staying powder. It’s also more of a mousse texture than a tradition liduid, which sounds intriguing to me.  What makes this especially appealing is that it comes with the foundation brush, so it’s like a two for one. Definitely something I am going to try out in the near future.

• Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - I had to include this option because I have heard amazing things about Laura Mercier products, another line I need to get to know. It’s oil free, great for all skin types, and offers great coverage, WINNING. I had dinner with a good friend this weekend who specifcally asked for a good option to cover rocesa, this is it!  To top if off, a great make up blogger that I follow loves this product as well so there’s all the confirmation you need!

• Clé de Peau Beauté Refining Fluid Foundation – For those of you with deep pockets, this is your option. Another foundation that is supposed to be amazing, one that I may never try, but I had to include. Why you ask, well Emily Maynard uses it so it! She has problem skin (she claims) and says this is amazing…so this makes my dream list along with La Mer moisturizers.  I would LOVE to try this one day.

• MAC Matchmaster Foundation – This is a new one from MAC.  I am posting this solely because a fellow beauty blogger swears by Matchmaster, trulytwenties. I haven’t fallen in love with MAC foundations because I just can’t find the right shade for my face, which is crazy because they have 20 million shades.  BUT if you love MAC and their shade choices, then pick this up.  It’s affordable, medium coverage, and supposedly splendid!

• Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick – Last not least, Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick, which is kind of like a big concealer. I purchased this YEARS ago and still have plenty to use.  This product is awesome for summer time when you have a tan because you can just apply it to the areas that need to be evened out and that’s it.  So typically, I will apply this under my eyes, on my nose and chin, maybe forehead, and blend it in with my finger tips….perfect!  I really do love this, so if you want a summer foundation that you can use for certain problem areas, buy this!

Hopefully, this post leaves you headed in a better direction when it comes to foundations. Even I get overwhemed in Sephora!  Let me know if you end up trying out any of these products and your opinions, I would love to hear back from you!

XOXO, Katie

“Going Yard” about Beauty with PEYTON WRIGHT!

Tags

Bachelor Pad, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray, Cetaphil Moisturizer, Chris Lambton, Givenchy Hot Couture, Going Yard HGTV, Going Yard Landscaping Show, Jo Malone, Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia, Kerastase Thermique Nectar, Neutragena Eye Cream, Peyton Wright, Peyton Wright and Chris Lambton Wedding, Smashbox, Snashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer, The Bachelor, THe Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman

You may remember Peyton Wright when she was left behind by Andy Baldwin on The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman.  Most likely, it’s because of her being on the first ever Bachelor Pad. I was super excited when they brought her on for the first season. Peyton reminded me of a Southern Girl Next Door and that’s definitely something I can relate to growing up in the South.

After my interview with Peyton, she remained true to everything I thought she was….super nice, super sweet, and SUPER down to earth. She has a lot to be excited about this year beacuse she’s living in a new city, marrying the man of her dreams, and starring in a new show on HGTV! I hope you enjoy Peyton’s interview as much as I did, she was such a pleasure to work with!

Thanks so much Peyton for taking the time to answer a few questions for my readers!! I wish you and Chris nothing but happiness together on your new ventures in life! Congrats and Good Luck….

What’s your everyday cheapie, a product that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It’s like Vaseline and I apply it to my lips, hands, cuticles, face. Any place that feels dry gets a little dab.

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets?

I use Kerastase Thermique Nectar and Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray before drying my hair. It helps smooth the ends and give volume to my roots.

What’s a beauty splurge that you know is expensive but SO worth it?

My Kerastase Thermique is imperative for me to get a brush through wet hair after showering. It is also a great leave in conditioning treatment.

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery?

I just started using Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and love it. My makeup goes on so much smoother and lasts all day.

As I am getting older, the mirror is helping me realize that skin care is super important. What skin care products do you swear by?

I use Cetaphil moisturizer morning and night. I add Neutrogena eye cream and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer when preparing to apply makeup. Moisturizing is so important and I don’t want wrinkles before I’m 30.

What 3 beauty products are in your purse right now?

Aquaphor, Hand Cream, Multiple brands of lip gloss

You have a great figure, does it come naturally or do you have to work at it?

I grew up in dance and sports so it used to come naturally. Now I work out and try to stay as active as possible with pilates, yoga and jogging. Even if it’s just 30 minutes, something is better than nothing. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit to lazy days on the couch with junk food.

What’s your signature scent?

Givenchy Hot Couture has been my go to for years but I recently added Jo Malone scents to my mix. They are great alone or combined with other scents. Very light and great for summer.

Tell us a little about your wedding. What is the style/color scheme and what small detail are you most excited about?

I am a huge fan of yellow so my bridesmaids will be wearing yellow dresses. Then I am going to stick with white flowers and accents of green from the stems. I am very simple and I want to keep everything very natural. The wedding is at the beach so I don’t want to hide the beauty of the resort. I guess I would say our wedding style is a combination of rustic country and the beach. I am very excited about our food because it is all comfort food with a southern vibe.

You are a Southern Girl at heart like me, how do you like living in Cape Cod? Are the winters too much for you yet?

I will always be a southern girl and growing up in Tennessee gave me the chance to experience 4 seasons. When I moved to Dallas, we really only had hot and cold. I just experienced my first snow storm and loved it. This winter has been very mild so I keep waiting for this crazy winter weather people have warned me about. I did take advantage of buying new boots for the weather and I’m ready to wear them!!

You and Chris have a new show on HGTV called “Going Yard” that begins airing this spring, what’s it about and what can we expect to see of you on the show?

I am so excited for everyone to see the show! Chris is such a talented landscaper and this show is giving him the chance to share his creativity with the world. We find struggling backyards, give them a makeover and teach the homeowners how to take care of their yard after we leave. Each episode ends with a party so that’s where I come in. Chris really puts me to work and it has been a blast working/learning from him along the way.

What’s your everyday cheapie, a product that we can buy at the drugstore that you use on a frequent basis?  Aquaphor Healing Ointment. It’s like Vaseline and I apply it to my lips, hands, cuticles, face. Any place that feels dry gets a little dab.

What are your go to hair products and styling secrets? I use Kerastase Thermique Nectar and Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray before drying my hair. It helps smooth the ends and give volume to my roots.

What’s a beauty splurge that you know is expensive but SO worth it? My Kerastase Thermique is imperative for me to get a brush through wet hair after showering. It is also a great leave in conditioning treatment.

What’s your fave new beauty product/hair discovery? I just started using Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and love it. My makeup goes on so much smoother and lasts all day.

As I am getting older, the mirror is helping me realize that skin care is super important. What skin care products do you swear by? I use Cetaphil moisturizer morning and night. I add Neutrogena eye cream and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer when preparing to apply makeup. Moisturizing is so important and I don’t want wrinkles before I’m 30.

What 3 beauty products are in your purse right now? Aquaphor, Hand Cream, Multiple brands of lip gloss

What’s your signature scent? Givenchy Hot Couture has been my go to for years but I recently added Joe Malone scents to my mix. They are great alone or combined with other scents. Very light and great for summer.

You have a great figure, does it come naturally or do you have to work at it? I grew up in dance and sports so it used to come naturally. Now I work out and try to stay as active as possible with pilates, yoga and jogging. Even if it’s just 30 minutes, something is better than nothing. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit to lazy days on the couch with junk food. J

Tell us a little about your wedding. What is the style/color scheme and what small detail are you most excited about? I am a huge fan of yellow so my bridesmaids will be wearing yellow dresses. Then I am going to stick with white flowers and accents of green from the stems. I am very simple and I want to keep everything very natural. The wedding is at the beach so I don’t want to hide the beauty of the resort. I guess I would say our wedding style is a combination of rustic country and the beach. I am very excited about our food because it is all comfort food with a southern vibe.

You are a Southern Girl at heart like me, how do you like living in Cape Cod? Are the winters too much for you yet? I will always be a southern girl and growing up in Tennessee gave me the chance to experience 4 seasons. When I moved to Dallas, we really only had hot and cold. I just experienced my first snow storm and loved it. This winter has been very mild so I keep waiting for this crazy winter weather people have warned me about. I did take advantage of buying new boots for the weather and I’m ready to wear them!!

You and Chris have a new show on HGTV called “Going Yard” that begins airing this spring, what’s it about and what can we expect to see of you on the show? I am so excited for everyone to see the show! Chris is such a talented landscaper and this show is giving him the chance to share his creativity with the world. We find struggling backyards, give them a makeover and teach the homeowners how to take care of their yard after we leave. Each episode ends with a party so that’s where I come in. Chris really puts me to work and it has been a blast working/learning from him along the way.

My 10 Min Everyday Face……

Tags

Anastasia Eye Powder Duo, Beauty, Clinique, Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, ELF, ELF Kabuki Brush, L'Oreal Infallible 24 HR Eyeshadow, Lancome, Lancome Dual Finish Powder, Mac Cosmetics, MAC Eye Paint, MAC Skinfinish, Revlone Colorburst Lip Butter

A lot of you have been asking about a quick face that you can do daily for an everyday look.  Listen, I am the QUEEN of an everyday look. I like a natural look for most occasions, so here’s mine:

• First Step, concealer.  I have dark circles under my eyes, so this is a must for me.  If you don’t, skip this step and consider your self lucky!
• For my everyday face, I use my Everyday Classic, Lancome’s Dual Finish Powder.

• Once I have a face base, I put on my blush.  Just a quick sweep across my cheeks to give me some color.  If you prefer bronzer, you can certainly use that instead.  But for a quick face, use one OR the other, not both!
• Now on to my eyes, I literally gets TONS of compliments on my eyebrows.  What only my husband knows about them…they are FAR from perfect. In fact, they are a little hit and miss.  Not to mention, I am currently trying to “grow” them out so they are extremely undefined.  However, I am a HUGE believer in defining my brows. I have too. I am currently using Anastasia’s Brow Powder Duo and the brush that goes with it, I LOVE this.  It creates a REALLY natural brow and really defines the eye area! And it’s SUPER easy to use, so don’t be intimidated. This product lasts forever, I think I have had mine for a year and it still has some mileage left, so please invest a little in some great brows!

• Once my brows are defined, I use MAC’s Eye Paint in Bare Canvas, which I also use as an eye shadow primer on my make up days. To apply this product, just squeeze some out of the tube on your finger and wipe it over your entire eyelid, no brainer and doesn’t even require a brush.  It really just evens out the tone of your eyelid and provides just a hint of neutral color. LOVE it, have been using this for YEARS. Double bonus, for every six used MAC containers, you can take them to a MAC Counter and get a FREE, yes FREE, lipstick.  Awesome!  I do this all the time and it’s a guilt free way to try a new lipstick color too! Or restock on a fave!

• After my eyelid base is complete, I quickly highlight my tearducts.  And if you didn’t read my blog from yesterday, now is the PERFECT time! I also got a few questions on how to apply this? Well, all you have to do is dab your finger in the eyeshadow and just pat your finger in your inner tear duct. You can even get a little more to blend up on your inner eyelid if you want. Again, it’s really that easy.  No fuss but gives your eyes the best pick me up!
• To conclude my eyes, I curl them with my fave eyelash curler and apply some mascara.  Right now I am having fun using all the different ones from my LashStash Holiday Gift Set, which is still on sale! And I am actually in love with one of the FULL size mascaras that it came with, Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara in black.

  
• This step is the most recent addition to my everyday face routine AND it may be my fave step.  I discovered this product after going to the MAC Counter and seeing it on the make up artist.  I couldn’t believe how awesome her skin looked and I had to purchase this product. It’s called Mineralize Skinfinish and it’s amazing. The color I have is Soft and Gentle.  Now, this is one of those products that is very subtle, so under your bathroom lighting you may not notice a huge difference, but let me just tell you…it’s gorgeous in natural light and just gives your skin a glow I can’t describe.  LOVE this product.  I put it on with a kabuki brush, one I got from E.L.F that was all of $6.00 and you can buy this online or at your local Target. You can also put this on with just a nice fluffy powder brush as well.

• Lastly, I apply some lip gloss and off I go!  Here’s a fave of mine that I got in a free Clinique gift…Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss.  I really like this because it’s SUPER shiny and it reminds me of a glamorous chapstick. It’s so moisturizing and not sticky at all. Just love this for an everyday look, plus it’s sheer. Another lip product that I am currently in love with is Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butter. I have it in Sugar Frosting. This lip product is awesome and very moisturizing with a sheer color application. Can’t say enough about this product if you like a sheer lip look like me!

And that’s my everyday face!  It may seem like a lot of steps but they are all fast so really, this will take you about 10 mins once you get the hang of it!  Hope you enjoy this post and let me know if you have any other suggestions based on your everyday look.

XOXO, Katie

Inner Tearduct Highlight…FINALLY!

Tags

Beauty, Beauty Review, L'oreal 24 HR Infallible Eyeshadow, Loreal, Tearduct Highlighter

Hey Y’all!  So happy about this post, REALLY HAPPY, actually.  I have been looking for an inner tearduct highlight that is the perfect shade of champagne and shimmer along with great staying power.  I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for in a regular eye shadow because while I could get the right color, it never stayed in place for very long.  But at last I have found the PERFECT highlight that can even work as a brow highlight too if you want to use it there.  AND it’s at your local DRUGSTORE, meaning it’s highly affordable.

L’oreal’s 24 Hour Infallible Eyeshadow in Iced Latte is the perfect formula, it’s almost creamy in texture but goes on in a powder form.  You can use a concealer brush to put it on or even just dab your finger in the product and place it in your inner tearduct area. A sponge tip applicator would work as well. Don’t worry if you aren’t the most advanced with your make up application skills, it’s easy, I promise! It’s so good, it’s even sold out on the l’oreal website, I am seriously not kidding, y’all go pick it up NOW! You will not be disappointed at all.  LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this product and I know you will too!  AH-MAZING.

Everyday is a HOLLY DAY!

Tags

Bachelor, Bachelor Pad, Bachelorette, Beauty, Beauty Interview, Beauty Review, Blake Julian, Chocolate Socks, Flowerbomb, Hard Candy Bronzer, Holly Durst, sephora

You may remember a blonde Holly Durst from the 12th Season of The Bachelor, seeking out Matt Grant’s affections….but most likely it’s from winning the $250,000 prize on Bachelor Pad II as a brunette.

According to Holly, everyday is a Holly Day and that seems to sum up her new life in South Carolina pretty well. More than winning Bachelor Pad II, she won the heart of Blake Julian and got engaged on the show’s finale right in front of our eyes. Now that she’s a new SC resident, she’s busy helping Blake at his new dental practice Signature Smiles, promoting her new children’s book, and planning her dream wedding, but not without a little help.   Holly is incredibly sweet, full of life, and from her interview, seemingly low maintenance. She was such a pleasure to interview, Thanks Holly for taking the time to share your beauty secrets!

What’s your everyday cheapie, an inexpensive product that you use often and love?

I love the Hard Candy bronzer. You can get it from walmart! It gives me a bit of color when I’m feeling pale!

What’s a beauty splurge that you can’t live without?

It’s not really a crazy splurge but I cannot live without Tantalizer from Sephora! It’s around $30 and the best money I’ve ever spent! Put this on your legs… Yup my secrets out… That’s how I make my legs look good

What’s your fave new beauty/hair product find/discovery?

Mary Kay lengthening mascara!! Trust me its amazing!

One skin care regime that you are religious about and what product do you use while doing it?

I just wash my face morning and night with Nutragena cleansing face wash. Pretty simple!

All time favorite hair product?

A round brush! I don’t use product in my hair very often so the round brush is great for volume. I blow dry with it and even tease the crown for the desired look.

What’s your signature fragrance for summer and winter?

I LOVE Flowerbomb! Its my favorite perfume. Without it, I don’t feel complete!

Is Blake really involved with the wedding planning or is he letting you make most of the decisions? What’s going to be your wedding style?

I’m really not even involved in the wedding planning! Haha. We have the most wonderful wedding planner, Lindsay Pitt (Toast Events) she does all the work! I would say the style of the wedding is Classic and Romantic and I can’t wait for it!!

What was your inspiration behind wanting to write and publish a children’s book? What’s your first book about and when can we buy it for our children?

I love writing poetry. I just turned my poems into childrens books. Its just something I realized I wanted to do 5 years ago. My first book “Chocolate Socks” comes out in April. Its a cute story about a little girl who has this dream of creating chocolate socks. It encourages children to follow their dreams! I can’t wait until April to get this book into everyones hands!