Friday Favorites – March 31st, 2017

 

Heading into the weekend

Anyone else ready to head into the weekend immediately, if not sooner? This week was a really tough week emotionally and mentally. As you may have seen in the news, a retailer who I worked closely with is going through some major changes which impact both myself and my team. In addition, both Bo and I had multiple evening commitments this week which forced both of us to eat out more than we’d like and get home later than normal. I’m looking forward to a weekend here in Brooklyn. Our schedule includes some time with friends, lots of work in the nursery and a few quality workouts.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • Similar to Julia, I’m craving smoothies these days and her three acai smoothie recipes are great updates to the basic smoothie I’ve been making.  I had no clue that you could get unsweetened acai packets but this is definitely on my shopping list after reading her post!
  • Did you see the latest ClassPass news? They now offer over 100 different workout videos that you can stream using your phone, computer or iPad. I love that these don’t count towards class credits and are just a new, added benefit for users of all levels.
  • This faux leather jacket is loose enough to accomodate my growing belly but chic enough for an after work happy hour. Even though I found it on A Pea in the Pod, it turns out that it’s not a maternity jacket and sold at multiple different retailers!
  • I love learning tips and tricks from others as many times their habits or tips can help me be a more effective leader, better friend or supportive wife. These nine habits of highly succesful people may not be relevant for everyone but I’m sure there is at least one tip that will be helpful.  Right now I’m doing 1, 4 and 7 very well but am continuing to improve on 2 and 3.
  • The BaubleBar earrings I’m wearing in the above picture have quickly become a favorite of mine this Spring as they add a perfect pop of color to an otherwise drab, all black outfit.
  • The dressing recipe for this Chicken Avocado Salad made me want to pin the recipe immediately but the pictures of the bowl made me want to make it imediately. I just added all the ingredients to this week’s shopping list as I’m hoping to make it for dinner on Tuesday night!
  • I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to my makeup but my mom taught me years ago that a quick swipe of lip color can go a long way. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect lip color but right now I’m loving this Beauty Counter Lip Gloss. As you can see from the picture, the bright, vibrant Dahlia color adds just a hint of color while also being easy to apply, hydrating and a great, natural lip gloss option.
  • I just started reading Lilac Girls and can already tell I’m going to love it. The next books on my Goodreads bookshelf are Paris for One, America’s First Daughter and A Man Called Ove.
  • I carry this MZWallace Metro backpack on a daily basis and am constantly amazed at how much it holds, how well it wears and the different pockets I continue to discover. I love putting my makeup and gym toilitries in the removable pouch while I store my laptop, water bottles, hard drive and phone in the other pockets.
  • When I bought new foundation at Sephora last week, I received a tester kit of OleHenriksen Three Little Wonders and have been surprisingly impressed with the products. During pregnancy my face has started to show some dullness and uneven skin tone so I was impressed that after five days of constant use, my face looked brighter and more radiant. While it is called natural by Sephora, I can’t figure out whether it’s truly a natural product so before I stock up on full-size products I’m going to do some more reserach BUT if you’re looking for a great trial size skin care kit this is a great option!

Your turn – What books should I add to my list?

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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My Daily Beauty Routine

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Like many women, I love beauty products. I love trying the newest trends and products, to see whether they live up to their hype. Regardless how much I love beauty, it has taken me years to find my unique style and the products that work best with my skin tone and complexion. After years of experimenting, these are the products I rely on each day to go from “just rolled out of bed” to office ready.

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As you can see from the array of products, I fully embrace the splurge/save mentality. Certain products, such as moisturizer and foundation, I find are worth investing more whereas I tend to save on dry shampoo, lip balm, and mascara.

BASE

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – I start my morning routine with this oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.  My skin feels hydrated and looks vibrant within minutes of applying. I love that this moisturizer absorbs quickly and serves as a perfect base for my makeup.

Olay Total Effects Dark Circle Minimizing Brush -  Next I apply a few swipes of this cream under my eyes to minimize fine lines, bags or circles. Even though I sleep eight hours most nights, I appreciate the camouflage this provides.

HAIR

Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment – Next, while blow drying my hair or styling it, I put a small amount of this nutrient filled oil on the ends of my hair. It helps smooth my hair and provide just a bit of shine. A little bit goes a long way so even the small bottle will last weeks.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – I discovered this dry shampoo the first weekend I stayed with Charlie. She swore by it even though it isn’t brown, which I always thought was a requirement for us brunettes. The fresh scent and light formula can take my “just a bit oily at the roots” hair to fresh and full of body in just a few sprays. I spray a bit along my roots and then come through on days when I don’t have time to hop in the shower.

FACE

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Ochre – Once my hair is done, I focus once again on my face. My mom and I are both loyal fans of this tinted moisturizer. It gives me a refreshing glow while providing sun protection and moisturizing benefits.

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder Rich Vanilla – Since my skin tends to get a bit oily, especially in my t-zone, I lightly apply this powder that helps set my moisturizer and keep everything in place. I do find that I need two different shades, one for winter, and another, darker one for summer as my complexion changes so much during the year.

Laura Mercier Pink Bronze Duo – After using NARS Orgasm combo for years, I was introduced to this last Spring as a lighter option. Using a large makeup brush, I apply a mix of both colors to my cheeks each morning for a little extra pop of color.

EYES

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner – Since trying liquid liner three years ago, I’ve never looked back. I love that it gives my look just a little more polish while helping my eyes pop. The narrow, pen applicator allows even clumsy hands to apply a perfect line.

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow – After applying my eyeliner, I add a few swipes of this nude shadow. While many would probably wear it as a base, I like the hint of color it adds to my eyelids while diminishing any veins or darkness.

Dior Show Maximizer Lash Primer – Unfortunately, I have short, stubby eyelashes. There is no denying it. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from nightly growth serum to artificial lashes in hopes of making them appear longer and fuller. Who knew that a small tube of primer could give me better results any of my previous experiments? I received this from Sephora two months ago and have been a believer ever since! After using it, co-workers and friends thought I’d invested in false eyelashes! If “Mrs.. Stubby Lashes” is getting this question, it’s clear that this primer works!

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara – Another drugstore favorite is Cover Girl mascara. I’ve worn their mascara since they introduced lash blast a few years ago. Their latest formula provides both length and fullness, something that has paired perfectly with my eyelash needs. Made with natural beeswax, I like that this mascara doesn’t clump or leave my lashes feeling soft and brittle.

LIPS

Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer – A new item in my makeup bag, I stocked up on this new Clinique lipstick when I was home in March. I couldn’t decide on one color, instead splurging on three. The neutral, Bare Pop, has become my everyday lip color as it’s a warm nude with just a hint of shimmer – perfect for my complexion. Even though it is lightweight, the formula is super hydrating and lasts longer than most nude lipsticks.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment – I wear this when I don’t feel like dealing with lipstick. The tinted lip balm is perfect for any day of the week and provides moisture and just a hint of color.

DOLCE&GABBANA Lipgloss Intense Color Lipgloss in Secret – When I want more color, this gloss is my favorite option. It is easy to apply, has a vibrant shine and the vibrant coral adds some fun to my otherwise neutral face.

DOLCE&GABBANA Light Blue Fragrance Pen – After working in the beauty and fragrance industry for six years, fragrance is something I can’t leave home without applying. While I rotate between four or five fragrances, Light Blue is my perennial favorite during the warmer months. A light, crisp, citrusy fragrance it isn’t overpowering and lasts longer than most of my fragrances.   

To see other items I’ve included in my beauty routine previously, check out these two posts:

Disclosure: This post contains ShopStyle links affiliate links, but as you can tell from the post, that doesn’t have any influence the products I featured! Also, Cover Girl and Dolce&Gabbana are brands owned by my employer, Procter & Gamble.

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What’s Inside My Makeup Bag

In between the traveling and early morning workouts, my makeup bag has been getting a lot of use these days. In fact, over the past 2 weeks I only did my makeup at home one morning! Since I’m spending more time applying makeup in gym bathrooms and hotel rooms, I’ve taken a bit of extra time lately to stock up on my makeup bag essentials. I tend to buy travel size products so all my favorite beauty items can squeeze in my small makeup bag without weighing down my purse or gym bag.

It’s been over a year since I shared the insides of my makeup bag and surprisingly only one item is the same – my mascara. A beauty product lover, due in part to my job in the industry, I always find myself experimenting with new products and color combinations.

My 10 Makeup bag essentials Here are the 10 makeup items that I swear by these days, in order of application!

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation PrimerLaura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum 20Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation PowderDolce&Gabbana bronzer in desertLaura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in lotus pinkEyeko Skinny Liquid Eye Liner in blackNaked3 Eye Shadow Pallet by Urban DecayBenefit They’re Real MascaraCover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm cupcake twistDolce&Gabbana Dolce fragrance pen

What’s the one makeup item you can’t leave home without?

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