2014 Beauty Favorites

Happy (belated) New Year! As we’re moving right along in 2015 and reflecting on the previous year, there are definitely some things I know I just want to leave behind. In a year that’s had its ups and downs and certainly threw some challenges my way, I can’t help but jump on the resolution bandwagon and hope for better year. There is, however, one part of my life that I plan on bringing with me into the new year, and I’ll give you one guess - just check the title! Yup, that’s right – beauty 2014 favorites! Although I’m sure 2015 will bring a lot of new beauty products into my life, all of the below products will always have a special little place in my heart. Not only are they my favorites for the year, these products are what I currently use on a daily basis – so you’re pretty much looking at my entire makeup routine (minus my lazy 5-min makeup days, which I’ve been having a lot of!). Check it on out and have a happy, positive, and healthy 2015.

Foundation:

1. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous

2. MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Concealer:

 

1. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser

2. NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

Face Powder:

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Bronzer:

1. Benefit Hoola

2. Milani Baked Glow Bronzer

Blush:

1. MAC Melba

2. MAC Warm Soul

3. MAC Prism

Highlighting Powder:

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Eye Primer:

MAC Paint Pot - Soft Ochre

Eye Shadow Palettes:

1. Urban Decay Naked Basics

2. Lorac Pro Palette

Eyeliner:

1. Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner Pen

2. MAC Blacktrack Fluidline

Mascara:

1. Loreal Telescopic Carbon Black

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex

Brows:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo

Lips:

 1. MAC Matte Lipstick - Pink Plaid

2. MAC Lip Pencil - Whirl

3. MAC Matte Lipstick - Velvet Teddy

Face Brushes:

1. Real Techniques Buffing Foundation Brush

2. Real Techniques Face Powder Brush

3. Real Techniques Blush/Bronzer Brush

Eye Brushes:

1. Sigma E40 Blending Brush

2. MAC 217 Blending Brush

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers and Add-On Gifts

It's almost Christmas! While everyone is finishing up shopping for last minute holiday gifts, I figured I throw a few more ideas out there to use as add-on items. Sometimes you may need a last minute gift for a friend, or just feel like you need to add a little something extra to the main gift you're giving. Although these are mainly gifts "for her", you can certainly use the same types of items "for him" as well (most likely minus the makeup and nail polish). Hope this helps you finish up any shopping you may have left to do!

Check out my last minute picks below:

Links below!

1. Faux Fur Infinity Scarf - A trendy accessory that she'll definitely use. I got one last year and wear it at least two times a week! If you don't think she's into faux fur, go for a solid color infinity scarf.

2. Monogram Mug - I actually have this exact mug - it's so cute and makes the perfect gift, especially if she's a coffee or tea drinker. This one in particular I ordered from Macys, but I've been seeing personalized mugs everywhere, like at Kohl's and Target.

3. Tech Gloves - I actually have yet to own a pair of tech gloves, but I could really use them! And I think every person could use a pair. They're pretty much available everywhere.

4. Statement Necklace - Give me any kind of statement necklace and I'll be happy. Forget fine jewelry, it's all about the statement pieces these days.

5. Makeup Palette - Go into any Ulta or Sephora and you'll be able to browse through tons of good quality makeup sets that are perfect for gift giving. It would be helpful to know what specific makeup brands she likes, but if you're unsure ask an associate for bestsellers or stick to brands like Benefit, Too Faced, Tarte, Smashbox, Stila, Urban Decay, anything like that!

6. Smart Phone Case - If you know what kind of phone they have, then you know what kind of case to get! Stick to quality name brands they're familiar with like Kate Spade, Casemate, Marc Jacobs, or Tory Burch.

7. Nail Polish Set - Another set perfect for beauty lovers. Even if you don't get a particular set, go to any CVS or local drugstore and pick out some of Essie's new shades for the winter season. To make your own set, just simply pick a solid shade and then a glitter shade - you'll know what I mean when you see it!

8. Holiday Body Set - A very seasonally appropriate add-on gift. If you're not sure what scents they like, stick to something like vanilla. You can find these at places like Ulta, Sephora, Bath and Body Works, or department stores like Macys and Nordstrom.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

Can you believe Christmas Eve is a week away? For some reason I got a late start on my holiday shopping and still need to get some done. I'll be finishing up any online orders soon (at least on the sites that say guaranteed delivery by Christmas). I guess I'll have to venture out into the mall-shopping holiday chaos to get any last minute gifts I need - but what are the holidays without an mob of angry slow-walking shoppers, right? Anyways, if you need some last minute gift ideas for your guy, your dad, your brother, or any kind of man in your life, check out my gift guide below!

Have a happy hump day - we're almost there!

Inspired by Modani: Home Decor, Fashion, & Beauty

Today I have a fun little surprise for you. It’s not your typical beauty or style post; however, it does involve another interest of mine – home décor. Inspired by a company called Modani, I’ve decided to create a room inspiration board (seen below) and transform it into a beauty and fashion look.  If you’ve never heard of Modani, they are a high-quality modern furniture company with various store locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as online. All of their pieces have a contemporary take on design yet still remain elegant and timeless. You can check them out right here or take a browse through their modern sofas collection here!

My concept behind this particular design was taking one simplistic piece, such as a solid white chair, and using pops of color, print, and texture to add my own personal twist. My take on home decor is kind of similar to how I style outfits or beauty looks – by taking one basic piece and using accessories and add-on items as an expression of my own personal style, all while pulling together the look as a whole. When in doubt, start with the basics!

Look below to see my Modani inspired home décor look featuring their products, as well as a fashion and beauty look to match. 

Home Decor Inspired Look:

Fashion Inspired Look:

White Dress / Pink Blazer / Yellow Heels / Crossbody Clutch / Crystal Necklace / Turquoise Ring

Beauty Inspired Look:

Bobbi Brown Blush / Urban Decay Eyeshadow / Nars Eyeliner / Maya Mia Eyeshadow Palette / Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish / MAC Candy Yum Yum Lipstick

Holiday Shopping Tip: Ebates

featuring:

Today I bring you a special post dedicated to the wonderful world of ebates. If you’ve never heard me talk about it before, well, please allow me to introduce you to your new best friend. Just a small disclaimer, the only reason I am writing this post is because I am truly passionate about this site and saving money, especially when it comes to online shopping. If you think this may be too good to be true, let me confirm that it is too good, but it’s 100% true - and I have the checks to prove it!

Okay – so let’s talk about ebates. I’ve been a member since 2011 and have so far received hundreds of dollars of cash back from all of my online shopping, most of it during the holiday seasons. Literally all you have to do is sign up (it’s free) and then just connect to whatever site you wish to shop through their links. Ebates will always let you know the cash back percentage that’s available and you’ll get a check sent to you every few months (they’ll let you know when to expect it)! Not every single website out there is affiliated, but you’d be surprised how many actually are, so I highly recommend checking first. If you’ve never signed up and still need to order gifts online (or if you’re a year-round online shopper like me), this is the time to do it – cash back percentages are higher than usual around the holidays! So get shopping and seriously go sign up, like now. My theory is, if you’re buying the stuff anyways, why not get a little cash back?

Sign up right here --> ebates

Here's what it looks like: 

Happy online shopping (and saving)!