Having a baby is a beautiful thing. It is also an all-consuming thing. And when you're juggling the babe, work and home, a girl learns to fine tune their multitasking skills, fast, especially in the beauty department. Here are a few of my current favorites:
A tried and true skincare regimen. Ok, ok, not a specific product, but having a skincare regimen that works for you has never been more important. There are hormonal fluctuations (oh hey adult acne!?) and some days where make-up is just not in the cards, so having a bare face that you feel confident in here is key. (And sunglasses to hide those late night dark circles always help, too.) I've said it time and time again, but VMV Hypoallergenics is my go-to. Gentle formulas that work - a serious must-try for mamas with sensitive skin. Bonus: They have items that work for mama AND baby, even newborns.
Concealer. Sleep can be fleeting, but just a touch of Cle de Peau concealer lets me fake 8-hours. (Yes, the price tag is steep, but a little goes a long way so the tube lasts forever. I've also heard really good things about this one from It Cosmetics that is a fraction of the cost. )
Lipstick. Red, berry, pink (this is not the time to go nude) - a pop of color instantly brightens your face, and give you a pulled together look. And since I refuse to not let my lip color stand in the way of giving infinite kisses and snuggles to my little, I opt for a budge-proof formula that won't transfer to her sensitive skin. (I'm always looking for new long-lasting formulas, so let me know if you have any favorites!)
What are you must-haves for getting out the door looking pulled together?
-MC-
4 Red Lipsticks You Need to Know About
Image Credit: Kevin J. Cafaro
If there was one beauty item I couldn't live without, it would be without a doubt, red lipstick (with concealer and mascara as close seconds if I'm choosy). And this fact may be why I have so many in my overflowing makeup arsenal. (What IS all that other stuff anyway?!) A bold red lip adds instant polish, ups the cool factor and is an accessory in it's own right. Here are a few of my rouge faves:
Splurge: Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick #311 ($65, cledepeaubeaute.com)
Super highly pigmented, this show-stopping red lasts all day with minimal touch-ups, and the perfect cool blue-red tone is perfect for when you're in between teeth whitenings.
Steal: Sonia Kushuk Satin Luxe Lipstick in Classic Red ($9.99, Target)
True to it's name, this lipstick gives a satiny finish that instantly dresses up even the most basic t-shirt and jeans. Add stripes to channel your inner French Girl.
Splurge: Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Sarafine ($20, AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com)
OK, not technically a lipstick...BUT although it applies like a gloss, it has none of gloss' stickiness and wears forever.
Steal: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet ($8, drugstores)
When it comes to red lips, matte feels more impactful, and for less than $10, this one can't be beat!
What's your favorite red lipstick?
-MC-
Mask Mondays
Each Monday, I like to kick off the week with a mask. Not only is it great for your skin, but it's a treat that helps me look forward to Monday evenings. I love the whole ritual. Maybe you light some candles and take a soak, or even if it just forces you to lie still for a few minutes (hello, tissue mask), it's the perfect weekday indulgence!
Tonight as I write, I'm wearing Jurlique's Herbal Recovery Mask. Ideal for this crazy cold weather, this gel mask features exfoliating beads to slough any extra dry skin, plus vitamin E to protect against signs aging (always a good thing!) and environmental aggressors (aka everything in the city air). While they say to leave it on for 10 minutes, I always like to add a few minutes to get a little extra oomph. Twenty minutes later, my skin is ready to face another freezing day.
-MC-
Lip Service
As a major lip stain advocate (serious color impact + long lasting wear, what's not to like?), chapped lips are pretty much a given. Combine stain usage with winter weather and it begins a cycle of dry, chapped lips, and not in an Angelina chapped sexy pout way. To get my lips in shape for another round with bold stains, I turn to lip scrub. I've tried a few before, but this natural one takes the cake. Super easy, and not to mention completely yummy, this scrub is made from items you probably already have in your pantry.
How to make:
- Combine 1/2 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp coconut oil and 1/4 tsp sugar (granulated is likely best, but I used Sugar in the Raw and it worked fine)
- Mix well and apply to lips using your finger in a gentle, circular motion. You want to pamper your lips, not cause further irritation!
- If you have time, leave the mixture on the lips for approximately 2 minutes and then remove with a damp cloth.
The coconut oil works it's magic once again - lips are left feeling ultra hydrated and ready to face another winter day in bold, beautiful color.
-MC-
Beauty Moment: Oilless Oil
Image Source: Sephora
Winter is officially here (OK, maybe not officially quite yet), but the plunging temperatures outside have me craving heat - hot showers, upping the thermostat, oh you know, just the worst things you can do for your skin. To counteract the inevitable winter dryness I've been dousing myself in oil to lock in as much moisturize as possible. Lately I've been using Peter Thomas Roth Oilless Oil 100% Pure Squalane, and I really like it. First and foremost, it has a dropper, and honestly is there a more elegant applicator? I don't think so. As the name implies, it's made of 100% natural purified (and naturally-sourced from sugarcane) squalane which helps protect the skin's lipid barrier, aka lock in moisture, while still letting skin breathe. It's lightweight and scent-free, making it perfect for my sensitive skin, and one to two drops are honestly all you need for your face and neck. I've been use a drop daily as a primer of sorts to give my moisturizer/tint combo an extra boost, and so far I'm really liking the results! I've been using it for about 2 weeks, in combination with trying to seriously commit to drinking more water, and I've noticed that my skin is softer and smoother. (Direct quote from Mr. C this morning, "You're glowing", but I think he's just trying to peer pressure me to keep up the water habit.) I feel like it's been making makeup glide on easier and stay in place longer, always a good thing. It's quickly becoming a staple of my cool-weather beauty arsenal.
-MC-
Friday Finds
Image Source: Elle Decor
This week was a short, jam-packed one - think early morning bake sessions, impromptu dinner parties and play catch-up from the holiday weekend. Here are a few things that have caught my eye this week:
- I think we all have a somewhat awkward part of our home to decorate. You know that seemingly random alcove, that almost-room that isn't quite big enough to be a true room, but isn't a closet, that tiny desk area...that can barely fit a desk. (For me, its a single built-in shelving unit with super deep shelves.) Consider your decorating nightmares solved with this.
- Don't you love when you rediscover a beauty product? Today I found an old nail polish that is the perfect pop of red, Pepperoni Red in fact. I think it's discontinued now, but Aperitif and Fishnet Stockings are also at the top of my red list.
- I really find sample sales intimidating - all these women clamoring over clothing and accessories. This week I braced myself for one at C. Wonder one. It was pretty tame (by sample sale standards, and I was able to pick up a few holiday prep gifts. (They are coming up before you know it!) Stock up on a few little things (like these) for upcoming get-togethers.
- These dreamy built-in shelves.
- We recently had She-Crab Soup, and I've been thinking about it ever since. Next food challenge has been chosen. This recipe looks like a winner.
- MC-
Friday Finds
Here is what I'm loving on this week:
- Have a design crush on Jonathan Adler? Here are his basic principles for creating beautiful spaces.
- I'm slightly obsessed with this magazine and can't wait to pour over the latest issue.
- These photos are the definition of cool.
- Achieving a envy-inducing red lip can take a few steps - evidently 9. Are you doing them all?
- Do you dream in vintage? Check out this interview on up your antique IQ.
Enjoy the weekend!
Kate Middleton: Hair Love
Kate Middleton is style perfection. She's glossy, refined and flawlessly polished. Around the time of the Royal Wedding, I, like so many others, became fixated on her hair. It was (and is) the picture of health. Since then I've been a bit obsessed with creating that same level of hair vitality and started experimenting with hair masks. While these won't instantly create locks a la Kate, I like to think working a hair mask into one's beauty routine is definitely a step in the right direction. I love the Fruits & Passion Monoi Nourishing Hair Mask. It's super rich, smells like a trip to the tropics and infuses serious moisture. I apply it at night, throw my hair up in a bun, and sleep on it for extra hydration. It's ideal for the weekend - you can just shower and go. No extra conditioning needed. When I want to add a bit of moisture during the week, I'll apply a healthy serving of coconut oil (VMV Hypoallergenics' Know It Oil is my favorite). It's ultra nourishing, without weighing hair down, and I apply it just to the ends of my hair (from the shoulder down). The formula is certified hypoallergenic, so I don't have to worry about breakouts and it absorbs quickly (without damaging any pillows!) It's the perfect at-home treatment to pair with a mid-week mani, facial or Bravo binge.
Beauty Resolutions
Drink Up - Gorgeous pitchers make it easier!
I'm not one for resolutions. However, every December I'm inevitably faced with the question, "So, what is your resolution?" Cringe. This year, like most others, it's the same - just be "better" at things - floss more, do more charity, commit to yoga, the usual. Healthy to-dos that often get sidelined when life gets busy. Then I read that model Hilary Rhoda would resolve to drink more water every time it was asked if she wanted something to drink. Genius! I never drink enough water, and if she needs some, I definitely do - resolution conundrum solved! I'm happy to report that as we enter March, this is one thing that I've kept to. I may not be up to the prescribed 8 glasses, but definitely getting better! As for the yoga, well I did watch a video, on a mat, wearing my yoga clothes - that sort of counts, right?