My Makeup Bag Essentials

Today as I was getting ready at the gym I realized how far I’ve come in regards to my makeup bag. Just a few weeks ago my co-workers and friends were laughing at me for lugging a huge makeup bag when in reality I only use a few key pieces. This weekend, I finally downsized and am loving the convenience of one single, small makeup bag which holds all my necessities.

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Here’s a quick look inside my makeup bag and the key items that are part of my daily ritual.

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From Left to Right:

Laura Mercier Eye Color Duo Guava/African Violet: The colors apply easily and compliment my greenish-hazel eyes.

Dolce&Gabbana Crayon Intense Eye-Liner in Stromboli: The Dolce&Gabbana liners have the perfect consistency. The color goes on smooth, is rich, lasts all day, and smudges easily for a day to evening look.

Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural: I find that this provides the perfect amount of coverage over the tinted moisturizer, especially when applied using the kabuki brush.

Sephora Pro Kabuki Brush: I’ve searched high and low for a inexpensive travel size kabuki brush and after three failed attempts this one has worked wonderfully. It’s a bit more expensive than others but has lasted 6 months and cleans easily with soap & water. The dense bristles apply powder evenly and thoroughly.

Olay Total Effects 7 In 1 Tone Correcting UV Moisturizer: This magic moisturizer hydrates, provides coverage, leaves skin luminous, and fights the signs of aging with vitamins! What more could you ask for especially when you consider that you get a moisturizer, anti-aging and coverage for under $20!

Laura Mercier Eye Basics Base in Wheat: Until two months ago I had never jumped on the eye base band wagon. But, when a makeup artist showed me just how powerful this base was and how “flawless and finished” my eyes could look was with just this and mascara, I was sold. The base evens skin-tone, hiding redness or darkness on the lid while holding color in place longer. The wand applicator makes application easier too!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer: Some times a girl can’t always get 8 hours of beauty rest. Instead of announcing to the world just how tired I am, I cover it up with this concealer. It blends easier than many other I’ve tried and the color matches my skin-tone almost perfectly.

C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint- Plum Mint: I’ve had this for ages but only recently discovered it in the bottom of my makeup bag. I love it for touch-ups during the day or an added pop of gloss, shine and hydration after applying my color. It has a hint of color and a huge burst of minty flavor that I swear is strong enough for an afternoon energy jolt! linique Chubby Stick in Fuller Fig

Benefit They’re Real Mascara: Every day when I apply my mascara I think of Tina, Anne and Theodora! I first tried this mascara almost a year ago during our Mohegan Sun wine+beer weekend. We were a little bit tipsy after a fun afternoon but even with a bit of haze I immediately saw just how powerful this mascara is on my stubby, short lashes. Since then I’ve been absolutely hooked and have gone through four tubes! It never clumps, goes on easily, and the dark brown is rich enough to add color but not too dark for work and everyday use.

Question: What is your favorite piece of makeup these days?

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Five Favorites for Air Travel

During August and September I’ll travel 6 of the 8 weeks, many of which will be via plane. All this travel has taught me a great deal over the past year. Today I want to share my five favorite items to make any flight just a little bit smoother. Regardless of whether you travel once a year or once a week, hopefully you’ll enjoy these items. In addition to these items, I highly recommend you check out 3 Fl Oz if you’re a beauty junkie who wants to find your favorite products in airport security approved sizes!

Travel Favorites

1.The Lululemon Scuba Hoodie has been a travel companion of mine for the past two years, keeping me warm on many a cold flight.  I love the cozy factor while still looking partially put together due to it’s sleek lines. The deep pockets are perfect for holding lip gloss and your ticket while you’re running through the airport.

2. Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel is the perfect thing to use as soon as you sit down on the flight in order to ensure you land looking rested, even if you couldn’t get a minute’s sleep on your six hour cross country flight. It reduces puffiness that is common post flight and the cool formula leaves your skin and gentle eye area feeling refreshed.

3. Emergen-C Spending time in airports and airplanes is the perfect way to pick up the latest cold or flu strain. In addition to staying active during travel I mix one packet with water daily and enjoy each morning to give my body an extra burst of Vitamin C. I think of it as my immune system’s punching Gatorade during the fight against germs!

4. I love the new, sleek design of my Kindle, a present to myself earlier this year. It fits easily in my carry-on and allows me to enjoy hours of reading without the weight of books or the clunk of the older versions. The battery on the new one seems to last for hours, which makes traveling without a power cord an easy space saving decision.

5. The Eddy Camelbak water bottle is a great way to save money while also making it easy to stay hydrated during travel. At .75 liters, this no-leak bottle can fit easily into your seat pocket, making it less necessary to use that annoying stewardess call button during a flight. I fill mine up in the airport in between flights and then ask the flight attendant to fill it up during flight instead of the small cup they’d normally provide. An added bonus is that you won’t risk spilling all over your seatmates or computer during turbulence!

Enjoy, because traveling is easier and more enjoyable when you have the right gear!

What am I missing?

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June Favorites

I can’t believe we’re almost half way through June! It’s been a whirlwind month and I don’t expect the craziness to stop anytime soon. Between amazing blog opportunities and work things have been nonstop! In order to unwind and relax tonight, I’m putting my list of blog topics (Seattle and San Fran restaurant reviews, UPLIFT studios review, and more!)  on the back burner and going with one of my favorite things to do: favorites!

One of my favorite posts to write are ones that share some of my favorite things with you guys. The format is light on text and heavy on what we term, “SARA” in my company. Everything is something that you can share and reapply whether it’s an item to purchase, a website to try out, or a restaurant to add to your list.

So without further adieu, here are the things I’m loving now!

Calvin Klein Dress, Ruffled Asymmetrical Sheath: Every time I wear this dress I receive no less than 10 compliments during the day. I am no fashionista but I know that ruffles and peplum styles are in this season and this answers both without going overboard. While the dress comes in both black and cobalt blue, I’d challenge you to choose the bright color. For $89.98 the dress is an amazing deal when you consider that you can throw a blazer over it for work or pair it with beautiful accessories and strappy heels for a gala or wedding. Keep an eye out on the website for coupon codes, One Day Sales, or Friends and Family specials so you can snag it on sale!

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ASAP Utilities  Okay, nerd alert here, but this is the coolest thing since sliced bread if you spend hours a day on Excel! I only discovered the plug-in this week during an Excel training and already I’ve used it multiple times even without a formal training or journey through the instruction and help section. It basically allows you to do things in Excel that were once tedious and complicated in a faster, more efficient manner. Even better, you can download a FREE trial to see if it’s worth investing you or your company’s money.

Garnier BB Cream Okay, I could burn in hell for this one considering that I work within a division of P&G Beauty, but this product has changed my life. I get ready within a 15-20 minute time period each morning beginning as soon as I step out of the steamy shower. I’ve battled with moisturizers in the past which leave my face too moist for makeup to adhere, leave a residue or melt off as soon as I apply it due to the bathroom humidity or locker room heat.  This product has in fact replaced my old moisturizer and my foundation. It provides the perfect amount of coverage for me while also evening my skin tone, moisturizing and dulling the post workout redness. I add a little bit of powder and bronzer/blush over it but nothing more. It seems to help keep my powder in place and my face looking fresh longer. My one word of warning is that a little bit goes a long way due to the thickness of the product. I bought my tube at CVS over a month ago and have barely made a dent in it! It comes in too color variants, fair to medium and medium to dark. Due to the fact that I tan easily in the summer months due to running outside I went with the medium to dark. I ended up buying the lighter one to use during weeks and periods when I’m not fresh from the beach. For only $8.99-$11.99 a tube, it is affordable enough to keep in my makeup bag!

Garnier - Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium

Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Slip Okay, if you happen to be my in-laws, brother, or father reading this post, please skip to another post or just click the x button in your upper right hand corner. All joking aside, I can’t write a favorite things post without giving a shout out to my new pajamas. As background, Bo and I have been together for 8.5 years and married for 2.5. In all those years, he’s seen me primarily in a rotation of 3 pairs of 15 years old Jockey boxers paired with a race or sorority t-shirt. It isn’t exactly the sexiest of sleep clothing but damn they are comfortable. I’ve never been one to really give into the idea of sleeping in a sexy little Victoria Secret number because I have no desire to have a piece of fabric giving me a wedgie while I sleep or itchy material keeping me awake. Enter this lovely number which is the answer to all my prayers. It is comfortable due to the soft cotton material and it comes in lots of beautiful colors both in their stores and on the website. My collection has gone from one to four in just three months and I’ve never paid more than the sale price, $29.50, which isn’t horrible considering it brings together the best of both worlds: comfortable and cute.

Challenged Athletes Foundation Every now and then we are touched by a cause that ignites our passion to serve or donate our time and money. Last night, thanks to Team Refuel, I was able to attend the Challenged Athletes Foundation Gala and spend the evening celebrating the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the many people they support, serve, and help each year. While some of the Real Housewives of NYC may have made an appearance, the real stars were the people who fight through their adversity each day to not only push themselves harder but to help others who are affected in a like manner. If you haven’t read the story of these women and men I hope you’ll take time to click through and gain some inspiration from their stories. I know that running 4.5 miles in Central Park yesterday morning on tired legs was a hundred times easier due to the inspiration of Sarah and her journey. In fact, I was so inspired by last night’s event that I’m working with CAF and Team Refuel to put together a team of volunteers/cheerleaders at Mile 17 of the 2012 Ironman US Championships in NYC where there will be athletes of all shapes and sizes competing.  If you’re interested, let me know via comments!

(L-R) Haven Shepherd, Kaela Cruz, Sarah Reinertsen and Cody McCasland celebrate the unveiling of Sarah Reinertsen's new REFUEL | got chocolate milk? 'my After' ad at the Challenged Athletes Foundation's Annual Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on June 13, 2012 in New York City.

Sarah Reinersten

Scout Bassett

Anthony Robles

What things are you loving this June?

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