Lace & Pearls Test

A Seattle Life + Style blog

Nothing Fancy

Neutrogena Cosmetics

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fan of Neutrogena cosmetics. These products are inexpensive and work just as good as some high end brands. Here are my favorites.

  1. Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes– Some nights I am too lazy to wash my face. That’s when I reach for these. They are gentle, without over drying the skin. Another option is to use towelettes to remove makeup prior to washing your face with a wash cloth. This will save your towels from getting stained.
  2. Fresh Foaming Cleaner– This item is a make-up remover and cleaner in one. It works really well and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.
  3. Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent– I’ve been using this stuff for years. It treats acne and prevents future breakouts/blackheads. The salicylic acid eliminates and controls excess oil.
  4. Oil-Free Moisture- Combination Skin– I use this lotion at night and Kate Somerville’s Anti Bac Clearing Lotion during the day (my day lotion bleaches my pajamas and towels). This lotion is lightweight, non-greasy, and controls shine.

I’ve tried several other Neutrogena face products, but the above are the ones I use most frequently.

If you don’t have oily skin, Neutrogena carries products for all skin types so be sure to check out their website.

The Hunt For The Perfect Mascara

The Hunt for the Perfect Mascara

From left to right: M.A.C Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara//M.A.C In Extreme Dimension – 3D Black Lash Mascara//CoverGirl LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara//Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara//Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll Mascara//Too Face Better Than Sex Mascara

I have always felt like the majority of mascaras were the same, never finding one that was amazing enough to stick with.

Over the past few months, I have scoured the web in search for the perfect mascara. Through product reviews and claims I chose these 6.

  1. M.A.C Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara – lengthens, extends and separates. Formula can be sticky when applying a second coat and I didn’t achieve much volume.
  2. M.A.C In Extreme Dimension – 3D Black Lash Mascara – this mascara is great! It extends length, creates curl and adds volume. I would purchase again.
  3. CoverGirl LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara – this is good mascara and leaves lashes looking full. One drawback – when applying I get mascara on my upper eyelids. I have to wipe with a damp q-tip after applying.
  4. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara – lengthens and curls but I didn’t get much volume.
  5. Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll Mascara – I love this mascara! Lashes look full and fluttery. However, this one flakes and leaves residue on skin after a few hours.
  6. The winner: Too Face Better Than Sex Mascara – amazing!!! The first time I heard about this mascara was from Emily’s blog The Sweetest Thing. I have always admired her lashes and had to give it a try when she mentioned it. With just two coats, I look like I am wearing false lashes!!!

Watch this video or follow the below steps to apply mascara. Start at 1:12 for full instructions.

  1. Brush the hour glass wand through the lashes from base to tip, giving it a slight push to lashes at the tip.
  2. Roll the brush along the full length of the lashes from base to tip.
  3. Apply mascara both under and over the lash bed to create a “blacker-than-black curled dramatically voluptuous results so amazing it’s better than sex!“

Summer in October

DSC_0001DSC_0012DSC_0057DSC_0079Blouse: Loft (similar) | Pant: Gap (same cut in different print or solid) | Sandal: Dansko (same style different color) | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Bracelet: J.Crew | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Ring: Stella & Dot | Ring: Gorjana | Lipstick: M.A.C color Sinnamon | Bag: Ralph Lauren from T.J. Maxx

photo

I am loving this weather; so unusually warm for this time of year. And yes, I am wearing sandals, no coat, in October. It feels a little strange this far into the year, but the boots will come out soon enough.

Wardrobe Cleanout

b8204997076ac9caaa3fd4e6d862a875

(Image via HomeGoods)

I have always preferred less clothing in my closet; quality over quantity. Unfortunately, last year I went a little crazy with the spending. Shopping became my outlet for stress and I ended up buying a lot of stuff that I didn’t need.  I am now in the process of reassessing my wardrobe and paring it down.

I’m definitely not an impulse buyer, but sometimes I still buy things that I don’t love or use. What I enjoy most about fashion is using what you already have and incorporating some new items while finding creative ways to re-wear what you already own. You’d be surprise by the outfit combinations you can come up with when you have a limited selection. Having only the best items will save you time and eliminate the age old “I have nothing to wear”.

With that said here are seven tips for organizing your closet:

  1. Clear out your closet and begin with a blank canvas. Try on everything and throw out items that you don’t love.
  2. Make piles for donations, stuff to sell, and another for repairs and dry cleaning.
  3. Move all off season clothing to another closet or store under the bed. I use containers similar to these to store my clothing and keep dust free.
  4. List your clothes on online consignment shops. I sell my stuff to ThredUp and TheRealReal.
  5. Sell your stuff on Ebay. If you don’t mind the leg work of photography, creating listings, shipping costs, payment fees, and driving to the post office, Ebay is another good option. However, I much prefer leaving that work to the online resellers.
  6. Donate your items.
  7. Sell or trade to your friends. It’s much easier to part with something when you know it’s going to a good home.

Use the below tips to guide you:

4822c670d99c891b9802204abac00ddf

(Image via: Popsugar)

Now make room for the new!

For more inspiration check out Un-fancy, where Caroline shares tips and tools on how to create a 37 piece capsule wardrobe. Her blog is really inspiring and her minimal aesthetic is amazing. Enjoy! You’ll thank me later.

It’s October!

DSC_0139

DSC_0150

DSC_0175

DSC_0179

Cardigan: J.Crew | Blouse: Loft | Jeans:  J.Crew (same style/different wash) | Shoes: Nordstrom (similar) | Necklace: J.Crew | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Lipstick: M.A.C color Sinnamon

It’s officially October and the weather is becoming chilly here in Seattle. We had a surprisingly warm summer but I’m excited for the cooler temperature and cozy fall layers e.g., scarves, sweaters, boots and coats.

In preparation for fall, I have been going through my closet and trying to pare down anything that I am not currently using. I am transitioning out some light weight items and keeping others for the occasional warm day. Mondays are tough enough – who needs a wardrobe challenge before you get to work.

DSC_0231

See ya next time!

Get Social

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts