For the next stretch: stripping the makeup bag

The truck has gone back to Penske, the boxes are not piled quite so high, we have a functioning kitchen, and internet, and the cat seems to understand where the litterbox is located.  It appears that we have moved.  There are still plenty of things to unpack and settle, and pictures to hang, but we have arrived.  We are in Seattle.  Our dream of the past five years has come true.  I can't wait to share more about it all as we get more settled.

For now, let's talk about makeup.  One of the best things about moving across the country is that you have the generally arduous-yet-necessary task of going through every. single. thing. that you own.  It's something that has to be done in little doses.

I've talked about my inclination toward using less makeup before, but this time I really pared down.  Over the three-and-a-half day drive here, I listened to Wild, by Cheryl Strayed.  I read about it in a magazine a few years back when it was first published, and kept meaning to pick it up.  Since the author chronicles her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I was on my own sort of journey, moving to the West Coast, I thought it would be fitting.

Before I turn this into a book review, I want to highlight one important part that I really believe in.  Cheryl overpacks her backpack and it is slowing her down in her travels (also a direct metaphor for the baggage in her life).  A hiker she meets on the trail helps her go through it, directing her to take everything out and re-pack as if she is only going on the next stretch of trail, before the next large stop.  She realizes how little of the stuff she is carrying day in and day out she is actually using.  (Cue a literal and metaphorical load-lightening for Cheryl.)

I did the same with my makeup, re-packed for my next stretch of trail in life.  I have collected, sampled, tried-out, subscribed, and done all kinds of things to acquire an obscene amount of makeup.  When I took it all out and spread it across the bathroom floor, I was absolutely astonished by my hoard.  Re-packing only the stuff I use took less than a minute.  I pared down to a 5 x 10 inch bag, and that includes brushes. 

1: Trusty brushes.  One for powder, one for blush, one for brows.
2: Mascara.  My favorite is usually Clinique's High Impact, but this Maybelline Lash Blast has been great, too!  Love the wand -- it has little rubber nubs that help get product distributed evenly.
3: Naked 3 Palette.  What can I say?  I love this thing!  Pinterest got my interest piqued with all the tutorials out there.  I love the shimmery neutral colors that blend oh-so-well.
4: Benefit Brow Zings palette.  One cream pot (which I use the small brush for) and one powder (I use the little brush that came with it).  Perfect brow definition.
5: Rimmel kohl eyeliner in brown.
6: Eyelash curler.  I'm a recent believer.  It really makes a difference in the eye pop factor.
7: Mary Kay concealer.  For use after late nights.  I don't use every day.  I try to stay away from liquid products when I can.
8: Covergirl powder.  I've been using this stuff since I was 12.  It has a fresh scent, isn't heavy, and has just the right amount of pigment.  I love it.
9: Benetint blush.  I love this because it doubles as a lip tint.  I just swipe on a couple small lines onto my cheekbones and blend with my fingers.  It has a really natural look that I love.

This is really all I need.  I'm able to make my look more or less dramatic for day or night, or more playful or professional depending on my day.  The only thing I haven't included is lipcolor.  I do rotate between a few different lip products, but they are always in my purse.  Usually, I use Babylips by Maybelline.  I also have a Chanel lipstick that I'm gaga over.

I challenge you to try what I did!  Consider your next stretch in life.  What are you really keeping that product for?  If Halloween or an improbable costume party are in the answers, kick 'em out.

image via zpalette.com

How many products does it take?

Putting on makeup is part of my daily routine.  I always feel more put-together and confident if I'm made up, even if just a little.  So, when I read this article on Huffington Post, I was shocked to see that I'm in the minority!  Here's what they had to say about women's beauty habits:

"In a study of women ages 18-25, 67 percent said they use 0-3 products in their morning hair and beauty routine. In contrast, 20 percent said they use 4-7 products and 10 percent said they use 8-12 products. Only 3 percent of young adult women use 12+ products in the morning."

Surprised?  Not so surprised?   After reading this, I thought about my own habits a little.  On days off, I still put on makeup, but less than I would if I were headed to work.  However, even though I'm wearing less, I still feel just as put-together.  Though my list is probably in the 4-7 range, I could probably bring myself down to three: brow definition, mascara, and blush (I'm a huge fan of Benefit's "Benetint" liquid stain).  Usually I throw on a bit of bronzer and eyeshadow, but I don't necessarily need that to feel ready.

How many products are in your daily routine?  Here's a bit of fresh-faced inspiration to get you thinking about paring down:

images via Pinterest

Tuesday Ten: Beauty Circuit

I'd like to share the top ten things that have been in my beauty circuit recently!  Energizer Personal Care sent me an amazing package filled with their newest products for the summer (items 1-5), and I was happy to try them out.  The rest are some of my own personal favorites. 

1. Hawiian Tropic Silk Hydration (SPF 30): Since warm weather (and shorter hemlines) are on the way, I really want to make sure I'm protected from the sun.  Unlike earlier years, I'm really careful about my skin.  It's the one accessory you'll never take off!  ;)  Right now, it's the only sun protection with extra luxurious hydrating ribbons to keep your skin protected and moisturized.  I put it on like lotion after a shower.  It has just a pleasant hint of that sunscreen smell!

2. Playtex Sport Body Wipes: I think these could be one of the most amazing products of the year. They're designed for the on-the-go type, serving as a quick refreshment for when you need it! I've been taking long, brisk walks for exercise recently, and if I need to zip off somewhere right after I return, I'm sure to freshen up with one of these. They're alcohol-free, and really soft. :)

3. Playtex Sport Tampons: What can I say? These are great. Nothing should hold you back during that time of the month! Nothing! Especially with summer coming up, I will be SUPER active. Summertime is my playtime.

4. Shick Quattro for Women Disposable Razors: For me, summertime is also travel time. I can't wait to go to New York this summer! When I'm out of town, I want to have the same luxuries as I do at home. I trust that these will keep me feeling smooth and beautiful while I'm away. Even though they're disposable, they have four blades, just like the ones you'd buy for a permanent razor.

5. Skintimate Shave Gel in Strawberry Tangerine Twist: I'll admit, I've been a soap and razor girl for quite a while. I think this stuff changed me! It's really thick and foamy, and smells beautiful! With its olive butter and Vitamin E, it nourishes while shaving. Ready for shorts!

6. Clinique BB Cream: Originally sweeping the Asian markets, BB creams are like thick foundations that act as a physical barrier from the sun. Hold on, it sounds thick and goopy, but it's not. It actually goes on very thin and blends with my skin perfectly. Better yet, it stays smooth and fresh all day long. Usually I feel like I need a touchup after 3pm, but with this, I'm good until the end of the day. I'm in love!

7. John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner: I feel like it is a constant chore to find a good shampoo and conditioner. I want something better than just the plain old drugstore brand, but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Oh, and I have highlights. What about them? I love this combo! I use them every time I wash my hair (every 2 - 3 days) and I noticed a change immediately. My highlights had more dimension and my hair had more shine after just one use. Did I mention that the smell is heavenly? I think I'm a devoted follower.

8. O.P.I. Top Coat: Though it might seem like a given, this is one of my favorite products. I'm really rough on my hands between doing dishes, gardening, and crafting. It's tricky to make a nice manicure last. When I top off my polish with this stuff, it lasts at least a few days longer. Or, when I want to rock a more natural look, I swipe on a layer of this and my nails look shiny and healthy. It's a must-get!

9. Clinique New Clarifying Lotion 3: I never knew that one could chemically exfoliate. It just wasn't an option, in my mind. When I exfoliate, it usually means rubbing a harsh, gritty cream on my face to the point of sensitivity. Not so great. With this, I apply some to a cotton ball and run it across my face.  It gives a slight tingly sensation, assuring me that there is, in fact, exfoliation happening, even without the gritty stuff!  I use this as part of Clinique's 3-step system.

10.  e.l.f. Eyelash Curler: All my stubborn life, I've thought, "No, I don't need an eyelash curler. I have nice, long eyelashes already!" Well, boy was I wrong. While I am happy with what nature gave me in the eyelash department, they're so DRAMATICALLY different when I curl them! Now, I never skip a day. The best part is that this is RIDICULOUSLY affordable.