A Little Lovelier 2014 Gift Guides

satin pillowcase // nail polish // face brush

makeup bag // eye mask // eyeliner

skincare set // lip gloss // brush set

I'm very happy to announce I will be doing a series of gift guides this holiday season. Each guide will be targeted to a specific recipient or dollar amount. If you have any requests or questions please feel free to reach out! A great gift is something that you yourself would love or something the recipient would like but would have a hard time buying for themselves (hello pricey candles anyone?). Whatever the item, it's the thought that counts.

This gift guide is all about that beauty-obsessed person in your life (we all have one). I would love one of these satin pillowcases. It's great for helping prevent wrinkles and leaves your hair in great condition over night! As soon as December rolls around I switch to festive, glittery polish. What I love about this polish set is that it comes with a lovely neutral to wear year round or under the glitter. I struggled for a while before buying my Clarisonic, and I always run into people asking if they should take the plunge. A pricier, luxury item like a Clarisonic is the perfect gift for your budget-conscious gal pal. I'm not big into statement shirts, but boy do I love statement accessories. This pouch is hilarious and practical as a makeup bag. Make sure she is getting plenty of beauty sleep with this adorable eye mask, she'll love it I swear. You've heard me tout my love for this always sharp eyeliner, and this set of five is such a steal and the perfect stocking stuffer! Got a practical friend that would never dream of buying nice skincare? Run and pick up this little set from Fresh and she'll be in luxurious skincare heaven. These pretty glosses will give any lucky lady a pretty pout. Probably my favorite thing on the list, a gorgeous set of professional brushes is the ultimate gift for the girl that loves makeup. 

Put Your Face on

I wish I could tell you I was one of those people that could throw on tinted  moisturizer, a swipe of mascara, some chapstick, and I would be good to go. Unfortunately, I have complicated skin that doesn't cooperate, lashes that lack volume, and the most "meh" set of lips ever. Seems like a lot of products to give me my everyday hardly any makeup look, but these are tried and true favorites that give me the "she isn't trying too hard" look.

I start with a shine controlling primer and cover dark circles if I have any. Then it's foundation (either powder or serum depending on a few factors), bronzer, and finishing powder. None of the face products are heavy so I don't even feel the makeup on my face. Then I layer on two different mascaras (2-3 coats depending on my time), swipe on a bone colored shadow to give my eyes an instantly awake look, line my lids, and finally curl those lashes. If it's not too hot out I will put on some peachy cream blush and finish the look off with a pink tinted balm. 

It seems like a lot, but once you have the hang of it you can get your makeup down in a matter of minutes. Having oily skin dictates that I assess my skin before application. I may need more or less, or to use a different foundation. C'est la vie. So what are your everyday products? Are you one of the lucky ones that wakes up looking good to go? If so I hate you. Just kidding, sort of.

Shop My Everyday Makeup

Falling for It

It officially feels like fall here in DC and that makes me one happy camper. As cliche as it is, it truly is my favorite time of year and with it comes so many things I love. This fall I am really looking forward to: 

Rich burgundy lips + nails and winged eyeliner

Vests and leopard

Chili and Cornbread

And of course, pumpkin spice anything

Weekly Wants: Makeup

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10

I'm a creature of habit and I don't change up beauty products too often, but lately I'm itching to try some new ones. Even though I'm no longer in school , I always feel like I need a clean start around"back to school time." I think this is the perfect excuse to revamp my makeup bag contents. Anything you are lusting over at the makeup counters?

Have a great weekend everyone! See you on Monday!

Makeup in a Jiff

I wouldn't say I'm great at a lot of things, but one thing I can do really well is natural looking makeup. I don't enjoy caking stuff on my face so my makeup routine is pretty basic and still keeps me looking very much like myself. The only thing I refuse to leave home without having on is a quick swipe of mascara. You can imagine I don't like spending a ton of time to create a natural look (what would be the point?). I have the 5 minute makeup routine down to a science. We're not talking about overly expensive products or tons of fancy brushes here, just a few staples and an index finger and you're good to go!

1. This primer has been a God send due to the icky DC summers and my less than lovely oily complexion. Primer may not seem necessary, but it keeps my makeup on all day.

2. I have been using bareMinerals foundation for seven years and I will never stop. Bonus you can also use it as a spot concealer under your foundation application.

3. I have fairly rosy cheeks naturally so I don't like to do much to them, but for that subtle glow I love Nars the Multiple in Orgasm. It gives just the right amount of color and stays put. You can also use this on your eyes and lips (love a multitasker!). 

4. Mascara is to me as water is to fish... we need it or we die. OK that's a tad dramatic. but mascara opens your eyes and makes you appear alert even when you aren't. I have length but lack volume and Maybelline Mega Plush does the trick sans tarantula eyes.

5. Unfortunately eyeliner has never liked staying put on my eyes until I tried Bobbi Brown's Long- Wear Gel Eyeliner. This stuff stays put... all day... rain or shine. Once you get the hang of painting it on it's a breeze to use and doesn't come off until you want it to.

6. I'm not a huge eye shadow person basically because I'm too lazy to apply it. My go to for day or night is Stila Kitten. It's subtle shimmer looks good on everyone and really brightens up your eyes. 

7. I have a phobia of lipstick being on my teeth so it deters me from wearing lipstick 99% of the time. I'm much more comfortable with a tinted lip balm that doesn't make me paranoid. I like this punch colored balm by Burt's Bees because it gives just the right amount of color without smudging all over the place. 

I'd love to hear about your must have makeup products since most of these were referrals from friends. What do you consider part of your 5 Minute Face?