In My Makeup Bag

Hey y'all!  I have a video to share with y'all today just to give you a little picture into my make-up bag and what I use!  I am by NO means a professional.  I literally am just sharing what I personally like and use! I hope you enjoy!

                                 

Rodan+Fields Consultant Katie Almy

Eyebrow Tutorial - Merrick's Art

Make-up Brushes - Shany Cosmetics 

Makeup Tutorials - Makeup by Tiffany D

                                                                                           

Rox's Makeup Routine

Well, I've had SO many people ask me how I do my makeup, wanting to know all my tips and tricks, so I thought I'd finally bite the bullet and share my secrets.

Yeah right.

I'm so full of it, I know.

But really, I kind of wanted to see the difference that makeup made to my face.

So, this post is as much for me as it is for you readers.

And just to clarify, I don't do this entire routine every day.  

Some days I don't wear makeup at all.  

Some days I just put BB Cream, Eyeliner, Mascara, and some chapstick.

So, don't be fooled.  This routine is for the days I actually have time and want a complete look.

(And in case you can't tell, this was a 'put some makeup on so people might not notice your greasy hair and sloppy clothes' kind of day :)

1.  My skin - al natural. (I'd also like to point out the clarity of my face.  It is NEVER this clear, and I actually had to go back to using acne face wash recently.  At the age of 30.  Seriously, y'all.  Just keeping it real.)

2.  I apply Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (I mix the Medium and Light/Medium for this time of year) all over my face.

3.  Next, I apply Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Neutralizer under my eyes, on my nose, forehead, and any areas I want to "conceal".

4.  Next I apply Elf High Definition Powder in Sheer all over my face, Elf Blush in Mellow Mauve along my cheekbones, and Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown (just the pencil side) to my ever thinning eyebrows.  I also use a brow brush to blend the eyebrow pencil.

5.  Next I apply Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch (just the light side) to my eyelids and let it dry for a minute.  Then I use the Urban Decay Naked Pallet for my eyeshadow, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black Brown, and Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof in Very Black.

6.  To finish off the look I used L'oreal Infallible Lip Liner in Nude (similar) and Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Super Natural.

{ Most of the links are to buy these products at Target since that's where I purchase most of my makeup anyways. }

I hope everyone is having a great week!  

Do you have any beauty products that you can't live without?  

Share in the comments below!

We are always looking for new beauty secrets to try.

Happy Thursday, y'all!

Rox

Oh, and I almost forgot!  I have to give a shoutout to MakeupbyTiffanyD who taught me how to actually put on eyeshadow and other fun techniques.  Check out the videos tab on her blog for step by step tutorials on using the Urban Decay Naked Pallet.  She's great (and didn't pay me to say this)!

DIY Faux Gel Manicure

Ok, y'all.

Just keeping it real.

I don't have the prettiest nails in the world.

But I also don't like acrylic nails either.  

And while I may splurge on a pedicure once or twice a year, I rarely ever spend money on a manicure.

(I think the last time was for youngest sister Aly's wedding in August.)

All that to say, I love the look of a manicure but don't want to spend the money constantly.

So, after perusing Pinterest and a few trial-and-errors, I came up with a process that lasts as close to a gel manicure as I could get.

Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps // American Classics Gelous // Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat //
OPI Nail Laquer in Bubble Bath // Orly Laquer in Halo

(And just a note to begin with, make sure each layer is pretty thin and wait around 3 minutes in between each coat)

Start with a layer of Sally Hansen 'Hard as Wraps' (found at Target).

(Since this nail color is semi-sheer, I wanted to include 3 coats of the actual color)

Next, one layer of OPI in Bubble Bath.

(By the way, I'm loving this soft neutral that has a slightly pink tint for Spring!)

One layer of American Classics Gelous (found at Sally Beauty Supply).

Second layer of OPI in Bubble Bath.

Second layer of American Classics Gelous.

Third layer of OPI in Gelous.

(I added an extra layer just on my ring fingers of Orly in Halo (found at Ulta).)

Lastly, I topped with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

This is not exactly a super quick process, but I promise it lasts!  

Plus, if you give yourself a pedicure at the same time, by the time you complete a coat on all fingernails and toenails, it's time to start the next coat anyways.  

If you are using a nail color that isn't sheer, I would just omit the third layer of color.

Last time I did the pedicure with this process, it lasted a good 2 weeks without chipping!  

Happy Thursday, y'all!

Rox

Green Lipstick......and an upcoming GIVEAWAY!

Well, Jess and I both celebrated birthdays in the past week (Jess turned 28, and I turned the 

big 3-0...we're 2 years and 5 days apart!) so we took a short break to celebrate and enjoy a little down time.

But, we are glad to be back!

Have you heard about the Green Mood Lipstick that's buzzing around blog world?

Most recently, we saw a review from Katie, and we knew we wanted to give it a try.

I've also heard that there was a similar lipstick that was popular in the 60s or 70s.  Which may be why it's making a comeback - with the popularity of all things "vintage" on the rise.

(To see how this green lipstick works, check out this article.  Basically it has to do with the ph of your skin, which is why it looks different on each person.)

I found a similar kind to the one she mentioned (both on ebay) and ordered away.

(A bonus to the kind we ordered was that it came in a package big enough to share!)

I love how it looks so different on everyone - and the pink tint is perfect for Spring!

(I did have on a little bit of chapstick in the photos above, which is why mine looks more subtle.)

And as I mentioned above, we have one of these green lipsticks to share with one of our lucky followers in the next couple of weeks, along with more of our favorite items for Spring listed below!

We are nearing 50,000 total views (Seriously, y'all, thank you for reading!) on our little ole blog and wanted to give back to one lucky reader!

Covergirl Lash Blast // OPI Nail Polish // Tresseme Dry Shampoo //
Victoria's Secret Body Spray // Goody Spin Pins // Green Magic Mood Lipstick



So, make sure to check back with us over the next couple of weeks to find out how you can enter to win!

Happy Thursday, y'all!

Rox

Stuck in a Rut?

How many times do you look in your closet and just wanna cry like you did at 13 because you 'have NOTHING to wear!!!!' 

Please tell me I'm not crazy..

I get stuck in a fashion rut at times.. I then have to find inspiration to use what I already have in my closet and create a NEW outfit!  It's at times more thrilling than buying new clothes!

I tend to gravitate towards the styles that promote comfort.. kiddos at home require ease of movement, am I right?  So I've compiled a small collection of comfortable styles that you can possibly draw from your OWN closet:

Fashionoid  

twostringjane

Free People

Zipped

HauteLook

Feathers & Frills

Did you notice all the T-shirts??  COMFORT, y'all.  Add a statement necklace, some skinny jeans, flats or booties, and you're styled for a grocery shopping trip with kiddos in tow OR a lunch date!  I love how versatile T-shirts can be... Don't forget the messy front tuck or my Knotted Tee tutorial!

 My favorite places to look for inspiration are Pinterest, Anthropologie.com, ModCloth.com, Ruche.com, and my favorite fashion blogs, which include Merrick's Art, Zipped, and Cotton & Curls.

Thanks for reading, y'all!

-Jess

Wear your Hair

Y'all, I've experienced a lot of hair stages in my life... from the perm in 3rd grade to the Mrs. Brady...

...so I'm not saying that I am a hair guru in ANY way.

But.  I did want to share with you a few ways that I make it through my days with long hair!

ONE:  I don't wash my hair everday.  Maybe twice a week?

I know there are "ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww's" echoing across blog-land, but I stand by my decision to stay off the 'poo (hahaha SHAM-poo that is) everyday.  My hair has gotten used to fewer washes, and I love not HAVING to wash it everyday since I truly don't have time with my crazy kiddos running around!  Truth be told, I use Dry Shampoo (Tresemme is my fave.) and wear a running hat when I've stretched my days without the 'poo too far.

TWO:  I don't wear my hair down everyday.

Actually, the days are rare that I wear my hair down... It's easier (and more fun) to throw it in a top-knot!

THREE:  I don't really use a hair dryer anymore...

I always dry my bangs, but I usually let the rest air dry.  After my pregnancies, I got a really weird wave at the back of my head... so I now have to deal with flattening the random wave if I wear my hair down.  It's a small price to pay for the kiddies AND for not drying my hair.

As for my favorite hair styles...

Straight with bangs

 I think this one is self-explanatory.

Top Knot with bangs

  I use a clear hair band for a high pony-tail, twist and wrap my hair around itself, then spin the pins in the secure.  I pull and "floof" my bun until I like the look of it, pin up fly-aways, and that's that!  I absolutely LOVE my spin pins (I posted about them HERE). 

Low braided bun with side-swept bangs

 I use a clear hair band for a low pony-tail, make a messy braid, then wrap the braid around itself into a bun, and again use the spin pins.  My low bun ALWAYS stays better when I braid it.  Plus I like the messier look that a braided bun makes!

Crown Braid

This style takes a little longer than the others, but it's worth it!  I found my tutorial HERE.  It's fairly easy especially since it's supposed to be a little messy.

That's just a glimpse into how I wear my hair.

AGAIN:  I'm no expert... AND I in no way want to give the impression that I fix my hair EVERY DAY.  Those that see me often see my running hat quite a bit!

NOW.

How do you wear YOUR hair?

Thanks for reading!

-Jess

In My Makeup Bag....

Hi guys, Rox here.  

Jess's original 'In My Makeup Bag' post was so well viewed, that we thought we should have a Round 2 (not to compete with the amazing Round 1)!

BUT, before I do, I wanted to second the Maybelline BB Cream and Tresseme Dry Shampoo.  I currently have the BB cream and use it daily and have used the dry shampoo in the past.  So, if you overlooked those two (and the other items in Jess's makeup bag that I had to pick up after the post), you can check it out here.

1.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Eyeshadow Base - This stuff is amazing!  You put on a TINY amount - meaning a year and a half ago I bought 2 tubes and still have about half of one left - and it prevents creasing and helps your eyeshadow stay in place.  I especially like using this in the summer when my makeup seems to melt off my face.  It's not cheap, but lasts FOREVER.  (The link above is for the exact kind I have which has been discontinued, so it's a little cheaper.  The new one is in a squeeze tube and can be found here.)  

2.  Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in brown/black - I think someone mentioned another eyeliner in a comment last time that they really like (and I'll have to try it), but the one I love right now is this one!  It stays in place ALL DAY and doesn't smudge.  This is the closest thing to a waterproof eyeliner pencil that still goes on pretty smoothly.

3.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Neutralizer Concealer - While I am getting older, I mainly use this concealer because of the applicator not for the age rewinding capabilities as much.  One complaint I have of concealers is that they are thick and hard to blend in with the rest of your makeup without it being obvious you are trying to 'hide' something.  This concealer goes on thinly but still covers everything you need to.  It is recommended for under eye area, but I use it on all my 'trouble spots' and it works great.

4.  L'OREAL The One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo in Posh/Chic - I don't use the brush that comes with the Blush because I felt like it created too drastic of a line down my cheek.  Instead, I use a fluffy blush brush.  You have to make sure the angle is correct (from right under your cheekbone to right in front of your ear), but the colors complement well leaving you with a 'sculpting' effect for half the cost.

5.  CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Waterproof Very Black - I LOVE this stuff.  I have tried many other kinds and nothing compares.  Again, I like waterproof makeup especially on the eyes so you don't have to worry about your makeup running down your face when it rains, when your eyes water, or heaven forbid, you cry in public (y'all all know the crier that I am....ha!).  This is my #1 favorite makeup on this list.  

What are your favorite items in your makeup bag?

** Like Jess, I am in no way being compensated for these reviews.  I just like them enough to pass on the information!

Rox

In My Make-up Bag...

Who likes buying numerous beauty products only to find out how horrible it is, how off the color may be, or how misleading that very convincing info-mercial was???  Not this gal.

I would so much rather hear from a real person that something really works!  SO. Here you go...

Five of my favorite things:

1.  Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in "Socialite" - I love having a little color on my lips, but I don't want to mess with the smearing and re-applying... I've found numerous long-lasting lipsticks to be VERY dry and you have to re-apply the gloss over and over to avoid it flaking off onto your face and teeth... gross.  This stuff, however, is awesome!  It's long-lasting color AND moisturizing!  I wouldn't necessarily use it in place of chapstick on a dry day, but it's great for everyday use!  I also recently realized that I can't pull off the "Nude" color on my lips... so this pink-y, nude is my everyday color.

2.  Goody Spin Pin -  Y'all.  These things are AWESOME!  If you like to wear your hair up in a messy bun (or clean one, too, I guess...), then these things are perfect!! They stay in place WAY better than bobby pins (which tend to slide out in my sock buns..), and they are so easy to use!!  I have seen the commercials, but was finally convinced after watching THIS hair tutorial over at Cotton & Curls.

3.  TRESemme FRESH START Dry Shampoo (Volumizing) - Rox introduced me to Dry Shampoo... and I'm obsessed!  Between long hair and little ones in the house, I don't always have time to wash my tresses.  Dry shampoo gets me through a few greasy hair days!

4.  Profusion MIDNIGHT FEVER 10 Eyeshadow Palette - I've been really, really wanting to save up for Urban Decay Naked 2 for awhile... you almost can't match the beauty (and quality) of the palette!  BUT, I keep justifying other purchases first.. long story short:  I found the Profusion eyeshadow at Wal-Green's for $5 and COULD NOT pass it up!! A lot of the colors are very similar to the Naked 2 palette.  I'm pretty sure there aren't as many colors in the Profusion, but with a $5 tag I can overlook that small detail!  I've been following MakeupByTiffanyD's YouTube channel and follow her tutorials using the Naked 2 palette.  I've been very happy with the results!  (And who told me about TiffanyD??? None other than ROX.  Y'all sisters know best.)

5.  Maybelline DREAM FRESH BB Cream - This stuff is 10 times better than plain ol' tinted moisturizer... it definitely evens out my skin tone better than the products I've used before.  My favorite part is that it's a sheer tinter (is that a word??) so as we transition from winter to spring to summer I won't necessarily need 3 different shades!  As I start to get ready for the day (I mean, IF I start to get ready for the day...), I put the BB Cream on first to let it soak in.  Once I've fixed my hair or ironed clothes (or fed the kids breakfast or changed a poopy diaper...), the cream has "dried" or soaked, and I can set it with powder.  I'm pretty sure this will be a make-up bag staple for awhile!  (Oh, yeah... I can't take credit for this one either... I'm pretty sure you know by now who clued me in to this awesome stuff...)

So there you have it, folks.  Do you feel enlightened??

Ok, too much.

3 of 5 of my favorites came from Rox so.. I guess this should probably be titled "I Stole Rox's Make-up Bag..."  Thanks, sis! :)

Do you have products you JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?  Tell us about 'em!!

**I am in no way being compensated by these companies for these products.  I'm pretty sure I should be paid for my EXTREMELY positive opinions and promotions of these products... I'm just known to over-emphasize my enthusiasm for the things I like... so tell me I'm crazy if you've tried them out and think they just plain stink.**

P.P.S.  Don't forget our GIVEAWAY coming soon!!! 5,000 views?? Take it away readers!! And thanks again for your continued support!!!