my beauty basics

While I do not consider myself a beauty or makeup expert by any means, I do have my beauty essentials just like every girl.

As you can see, I seem to have an overflowing collection, but I tend to stick to six essentials that I use every day.

Personally, I try to keep my look on the more natural side.

I start with face primer first before I put anything else on. This is to ensure that my makeup stays on longer. It also puts a barrier between my face and my makeup, which protects against breakouts.


After that, I put on my tinted moisturizer. I used to use BB Creams
but happened to get NARS Tinted Moisturizer for free through a work
event and I have been using it ever since.


Tinted moisturizers exist to give you hydration and minimal coverage. BB Creams, on the other hand, provide you with those functions in addition to SPF, skin correctors, firming aspects, etc.

I'm thinking about switching back to BB Creams once my tinted moisturizer runs out since it has so many added features.

Does anyone have any recommendations of a good one? I've been thinking about going with Smashbox.

After that I'll throw on some blush, though not a lot because I DO NOT want to look like a clown!

Then on to my eyes! First I'll put on a separate primer for my eyes to keep my makeup on all day and to prevent smudging.

Then comes the eyeliner. Always brown, and just on the top lid!

After that, of course, comes mascara. I've perfected the whole routine to where it only takes about 5 minutes, which is completely necessary, because most mornings, I'm in a bit of a rush.

Below are the items that I use every day:

1. NARS
2. NARS
3. Lorac
4. Sephora
5. Smashbox
6. Urban Decay

So what are the items YOU use in your daily routine?

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Linking Up with My Thrifty Chic & The Sapphire Bee

winter woes

Last time I checked, didn't the Groundhog say spring was coming soon? Apparently he's a liar. To anyone else here in NY you know exactly what I'm talking about. THIS was not a pleasent thing to wake up to on this lovely March morning:

 

Thanks, but no thanks. Also, my train getting in to the city 20 minutes late was not a nice start to my day. I was really in the mood for spring too. St. Patrick's Day is next weekend (which I'm SO excited about!) and I even painted my nails last night in the spirit of spring:

{Essie Navigate Her and Good as Gold}

 

Not necessarily well (self painted nails is not my strong suit) but I tried! What are your feelings on the accent nail? I've been a huge fan of the ring finger accent nail for a while but lately I've been trying out the pinky, and am enjoying it!

Hopefully this is the end of snow until next season. I don't think I can take much more!

At least it's the weekend. Happy Friday!

spring nail trends 2013

When it comes to following trends, I definitely like to take whats hot at the moment and mix it in with my usual style. I don't like to follow things blindly (For instance, apparently short suits are in this season? Thanks but no thanks.) However, when it comes to the hot nail colors, while I definitely have my staples (Just like every other girl on Long Island) I'm always willing to at least give the new trends a try! Here's what's looking hot this season that I'm most excited about:

 

 Pastels {Zoya, Butter, Essie}

Pastels are ALWAYS a staple of the spring, and that goes even more so this season! Besides adding little additions into my wardrobe, I'm so excited to rock some of these colors on my hands!

Nudes {Dolce + Gabbana, Sephora by OPI, Butter}

Nudes are always a staple but with the apparent death of nail art they are back this season in a big way, but with some twists with some tans, cocoas, and metallic finishes. 

Corals {Essie, Estée Lauder, Butter}

To help ease everyone in from winter to spring, instead of breaking out the bright red start with a coral!

I'm really excited to try out all of these colors in the next few months! What spring nail colors are you most excited about?