Entries Tagged as 'Tips and Tricks'
Last week, I wrote about how much I disliked the Dr. Jart Detoxifying Primer that I tried. But even though the product may have been an epic fail, switching makeup, even if only for two weeks, caused me to take another look at my current routine.
A couple of days after switching back to my NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free Primer ($32) and Clinique BB Cream ($37), I started to notice that my makeup was looking a bit cakey. By the end of the day, whiskering formed on my cheeks and between my eyebrows. How had I never noticed this before?
I mentioned my predicament to a friend and she suggested that I try mixing my primer and foundation together, instead of applying them separately.
Mixing the foundation with the primer can create a bit of a mess, but it’s not too bad. You simple dot a pea sized amount of primer onto the back of your hand and then, a slightly larger amount of foundation next to it. Using a makeup sponge, give them a little swirl until they are mostly mixed. (When I tried to mix them completely, I ended up with more makeup on the sponge and covering my hand than was available to apply, not what I wanted.)
Since I started blending the two products together, I’ve noticed that my makeup feels lighter and looks smoother. It also seems to look fresher longer.
Blending primer with foundation works best with liquids, but can also be done with creams or loose powders. However, I recommend using a stippling brush ($10) instead of a sponge if you want to apply the powder/primer mix. And it allows you to water down a heavier cream foundation for great coverage.
I think this mixing trick is a keeper. I only wish I’d learned it years ago.
P.S.: If you like the BeautyBlender sponge, it works well with this technique.
Last October, I published a packing list for cold weather travel. Since then, I’ve had numerous requests for packing advice, specifically packing advice for warm weather work travel. So here you go.
Three Blouses: Dot-Chambray Blouse ($88), Featherweight Cardigan ($120), Naomi Blouse ($110)
Pool Attire: AX Classic Sunglasses ($70), Madewell Flip-Flop ($50), End-on-End Tunic ($60), Balconet Top ($25) and Hipster Bottom ($25),
Two Bottoms: White Bootcut Jean ($115), Superfine Pencil ($70)
Accessories: Embossed Leather Pump ($178), Michael Kors Snakeskin Pump ($175), Carolina Flats ($185), Skinny Plate Waist Belt ($58), Pineapple Seed Circle Stud ($61), Bubble Necklace ($150), DvF Haley Belt ($185), AV Max Marquise Bracelet ($48), Vinader Isla Stud ($110), Fleur de Lis Stacking Rings ($40), Gogo Philip Oval Ring ($9)
Two Dresses: Rebecca Taylor Silk and Gabardine Combo Dress ($175), Reiss Sophia Dress ($170, limited sizes)
Polyvore Set Here.
This afternoon, we’ll talk more about how to turn these pieces into enough outfits for a three or four day work trip. So right now, I want to talk about how these pieces were chosen.
When packing, to guarantee maximum wearability and eliminate wasted suitcase space, you need to choose a color palette. For the Fall packing list, it was black. For the warm-weather packing list, it’s navy–summer black–with grey mixed in.
Every piece in this set is under $250, and basic enough that you should be able to find a similar item (a dot blouse, a combo dress, a flesh-toned pump) in a lower price point if need be.
There is a lot of J.Crew. It’s unavoidable. I’m looking for basic pieces in a mid price point that are multi-seasonal and classic. Right now, J.Crew is one of only a few retailers doing that. Plus, they’re the only retailer doing that who gives me a blank background instead of using model, making their site the most Polyvore friendly.
I included pool attire because when I travel in the summer, I spend my free time pool side. If you prefer to go to the gym during your off time, add your workout clothes instead. If you want to go sightseeing instead, add a pair of shorts or a casual skirt and a knit shirt.
Lastly, there is something missing from this set. Did you notice? I didn’t until it was too late.
Ding, ding, ding…there are no purses. (facepalm) Since I’m now 30, I blame my old age for this oversight.
In the Fall list, I told you to pack a clutch and a basic bag, that advice still applies. So you’ll see the bags in the outfit sets but not in this set. Problem solved, see you this afternoon.
Summer can wreak havoc on your clothes. Dirt, sweat, grass stains and the like can permanently damage our wardrobe. But they don’t have to.
I’m a firm believer that women who love fashion must also love laundry. Separating lights and darks, removing stains and hand washing are a pain, but they’re the only way to keep your clothes looking ship-shape. So I was so grateful to find this stain cheat sheet on Pinterest created by live, laugh, love.
I also found this extremely helpful post on Live Originally detailing what the symbols on laundry care tags really mean and more tips on stain removal. The tips from that post saved a favorite silk blouse after I got blackberry juice on the sleeve. (All I had to do was flush the stain with a bit of white vinegar. Seriously, is there anything vinegar isn’t good for?)
Feel free to share any of your laundry tips in the comments. I always love new tips and tricks for keeping my clothes in optimum condition. And if you want to follow me on Pinterest, please visit my page.
Last week, I reached into the cabinet under my sink to grab my blowdryer. Not realizing that the blowdryer was tangled up with the curling iron, I yanked from its hiding place with sizable force. In doing so, I dropped the (cold) curling iron onto my foot.
If you’ve ever dropped a 1.5lb object on your foot from a height of several feet, then you know the words that I screamed and the volume at which I yelled them. The bruise is still healing.
This unfortunate incident sent me in search of a better method of storing the two curling irons, two blow dryers and 14-piece set of curlers that I keep under my sink. The way I currently store them, the cords and handles are forever getting tangled and the ensuing leviathan is not only damaging my tools but putting me at risk for further injury.
Luckily, in these times of trouble I can always count on Pinterest to provide me with ideas so simple and clever that it makes me wonder why I never thought of it before.
A magazine box affixed to the inside of the cabinet door. It’s an ah-ha moment, isn’t it?
The originator of this idea (as best as I can tell) is a mother who writes a blog about her family life. So isn’t it just like a busy mom to come up with such a clever solution?
She affixed her wooden magazine box with Command Velcro. Other pinners used the metal mesh magazine boxes and screws. Either way, your hair tools will be neatly stored out of the way with their cords neatly wrapped giving you more under-cabinet space and fewer injured toes.
How long until someone starts selling a similar product on late night infomercials for $9.95 plus shipping and handling?
On Tuesday, I featured the sock bun. But the truth is, that I’ve never worn a sock bun. I prefer to create my buns with something I call the roll-and-pin method. I searched like a mad women for a tutorial, and I was just about to give up my quest, when I spotted this side bun tutorial.
This tutorial from the EBeautyBlog will teach you how to create a bun the way I do. Once you get the hang of it, you can use this tutorial to quickly create simple, stylish buns. This method also works on almost any length hair since I’ve been using since my hair was above my shoulders.
I use it all the time. In fact, I’m wearing a low, pinned bun right now.
If you really want to jazz it up, I often wear my hair in a twisted updo like the one found in this tutorial. But instead of doing the twisted bun in the back, I style my hair into a pinned bun by pulling the two twisted sections into a simple ponytail. For me the twisted bun looks best if my hair is a bit wavy, the creator of the tutorial prefers to go with the wet look. To each, her own.
These are both great hairstyles for rainy, humid days when nothing you do will make it possible for you to wear your hair down and have it look great. Moisture in the air is simply, a coif killer.
|
|
