I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends!
I know I sure did.
We opened presents, ate, snuggled, ate, watched movies, ate, played games, ate…
You get the idea!
I’ll have some pictures on my Friday Favorites post this week to share with you!
I know I sure did.
We opened presents, ate, snuggled, ate, watched movies, ate, played games, ate…
You get the idea!
I’ll have some pictures on my Friday Favorites post this week to share with you!
Anyway, I was having so much fun with my people that I never got around to writing a totally new post for today.
But I thought that some of you might want to see my make-up post again!
I run this post every so often (the last time I ran it was in August), and since all of the items are still available it’s still valid!
I am also still using (and LOVING) all of the products!
If you need a make-up refresh, today’s post is for you!!!!
But before we get started, I want to take a second to address the devastating tornadoes and storms that hit Garland and Rowlett on Saturday night. We live about 30-45 minutes away from where the storms hit, but so many families are mourning either the loss of a family member (11 casualties) or their homes.
Friends from church (First Baptist McKinney) have a non-profit called Mission Regan, and they posted this to their facebook page yesterday, and you can be certain that all donations they receive will get to where they need to go.
Here’s what we can do to help our neighbors effected by the tornadoes that devastated so many yesterday. We are accepting donations of formula, diapers, and baby food that will be delivered to partners in the effected areas. Message us for the address to bring these to. We are not accepting any other donations at this time, including clothes and furniture, but will keep you posted as needs arise.
We also have local fire chiefs reaching out to the effected fire departments to assess medical supply and medication needs for effected residents. If you know of someone who has lost medical supplies, equipment, or medication, please contact us.
Contact information:
Josh.willis@missionregan.org or call (214-577-5662) and we will see what we can do.
Other contact: Courtney.willis@missionregan.org. / cell 214-577-1561.
If you have supplies or gift cards you would like to drop off, call or e-mail one of the above contacts.
Again, I know Courtney personally (and Josh is her husband), so you can feel certain that your donations will get to wear they are supposed to be! Courtney said that Josh went to the Congo on a mission trip with several pastors from a Rowlett church, and he’s working with them to help needs get met!
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A couple of years ago I did a make-up post with Nordstrom.
I booked an appointment with a make-up artist (one that was not specifically associated with any of the brands), and I just told her to use HER favorite products. The products that were GO TOs for her when she was doing her make-up as well as client’s make-up.
The experience was AWESOME.
I fell in love with many of the products that she recommended, and 2 years later I’m still using many of them, so they have definitely stood the test of time.
I get questions about my make-up routine every so often, so I thought it would be
fun to re-visit this makeover post….with some updates.
I will highlight the items that I’m currently using in turquoise!
Some of them will be the same products that were recommended during my initial consultation, and some of them are new!
I booked an appointment with a make-up artist (one that was not specifically associated with any of the brands), and I just told her to use HER favorite products. The products that were GO TOs for her when she was doing her make-up as well as client’s make-up.
The experience was AWESOME.
I fell in love with many of the products that she recommended, and 2 years later I’m still using many of them, so they have definitely stood the test of time.
I get questions about my make-up routine every so often, so I thought it would be
fun to re-visit this makeover post….with some updates.
I will highlight the items that I’m currently using in turquoise!
Some of them will be the same products that were recommended during my initial consultation, and some of them are new!
***********
Now let’s be clear.
I am IN NO WAY a make-up expert.
I put on my make-up from start to finish in under 5 minutes, and I like it that way.
Still, I know what products I like, what works for me, and I thought y’all might be interested!
Now let’s be clear.
I am IN NO WAY a make-up expert.
I put on my make-up from start to finish in under 5 minutes, and I like it that way.
Still, I know what products I like, what works for me, and I thought y’all might be interested!
You are going to get some of the “after” pictures in a bit, but right now you are going to get a “before” picture.
Yep, you heard me. I’m about to get real.
Yep, you heard me. I’m about to get real.
Like really REAL.
This is me.
No primer. No powder. No eyeshadow. No lipstick. Not even gloss.
Nothing.
Zilch. Zippo.
No make-up.
Period.
I snapped this pic before walking out the door to head to Northpark. With no make-up.
I feel like I should have earned some sort of Girl Scout badge for that.
Because if you didn’t hear me, I went to NORTHPARK. WITH NO MAKE-UP.
I snapped this pic before walking out the door to head to Northpark. With no make-up.
I feel like I should have earned some sort of Girl Scout badge for that.
Because if you didn’t hear me, I went to NORTHPARK. WITH NO MAKE-UP.
Caitlin (the Nordstrom beauty consultant) got right to work!
She started with my eyes, and she said she always starts with eyes.
(Oops. I’ve always done my eyes last.)
Her reasoning for starting with the eyes? If there are smudges or if eye shadow drops onto the cheeks, you can wipe the area clean and not disturb other freshly applied make-up.
Well, that makes perfect sense Caitlin.
So, let’s just jump right into this.
First up, my eyebrows.
I’ve never used an eyebrow pencil before, and my eyebrows are seriously full, so I don’t think I necessarily need one, but I thought the product was very cool and it seemed easy to use. That little brush on the end did a very nice job of blending the color into my eyebrows.
If you read through the reviews, it seems as if it’s a lifesaver for people that have very sparse eyebrows. There are even a couple of reviews from people that are cancer survivors that say it’s an amazing product, which is obviously a great endorsement!
Also, several reviews mentioned “no sharpening needed”, which is also great.
Also, several reviews mentioned “no sharpening needed”, which is also great.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Precision Brow Shaper Pencil.
It has 22 5 STAR Reviews. (Update: Now it has 29 5 star reviews!)
Here’s one of them:
Great!!
Perfect color and glides on smoothly. Stays put all day. I like that no sharpening is needed and the other end of pencil is a brow brush. Easy to use and looks natural.
If you look above, the left eyebrow was natural, and the product had been used on the right brow.
I think this is an awesome product, especially for somebody with less full brows.
I think this is an awesome product, especially for somebody with less full brows.
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This next product was the one that probably surprised me the most!
What was it?
Eye base.
I was like WHAT? What is eye base? Why does anybody need eye base?
Caitlin insisted that it was a must have product, but I didn’t “get” it.
But you know me, I heard the words “must have”, and I was intrigued! 🙂
On a regular day I wear eyeshadow, but nothing fancy, and I feel like the eyeshadow does it’s job.
I was like WHAT? What is eye base? Why does anybody need eye base?
Caitlin insisted that it was a must have product, but I didn’t “get” it.
But you know me, I heard the words “must have”, and I was intrigued! 🙂
On a regular day I wear eyeshadow, but nothing fancy, and I feel like the eyeshadow does it’s job.
And then Caitlin put the eye base on one of my eyes and not the other, AND I GOT IT.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials.
It has 82 5 Star Reviews. (Update: It now has 124 5 Star Reviews.)
Here are 2 of my favorites:
Great as a layer or on its own
I bought this several months ago after a fantastic Nordstrom makeup artist used it on me. The “bare” color works great even though I have pinkish-white skin. I use it instead of eyeshadow for daytime. It helps lock in my eyeliner and also provides coverage of some discoloration I have on the inner corner of my lid. It gives me a brighter, more awake look. I’m hooked!
will never be without!
I bought this at a Trish McEvoy counter for the first time about 3 yrs ago and I have been in love ever since! It evens out the color of your eyelid setting the stage for flawless eyeshadow application and phenomenal staying power!
Okay, so look above and see that the eye base has been applied to the eye on the left….but not to the eye on the right. It evened out my skin, gave it a matte finish, and took out all of the redness.
It provided a perfect foundation for my eyeshadow, but I really do feel like I could have worn it without eyeshadow on top (and Caitlin says that many ladies do).
I’m now a believer in the power of a good eye base, and according to Caitlin (and the reviews) this is one of the best ones out there.
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All right, eyeshadow time!
I used to use my Bobbi Brown shimmer brick (27/30 5 star reviews) as my eyeshadow, and I loved it. (Sometimes I applied it with an eyeshadow brush, but sometimes when I was in a hurry I applied it with the same brush I use to apply it to my face, exact brush found HERE.)
However, I asked Caitlin to actually do more than just a cream color applied over the entire lid, so she used “wonder” (2nd from left on bottom) over the entire eye, and then applied “whim” (4th from left on bottom) in the crease of my eye in a greater than sign pattern, you know….like this: <.
The colors were all found HERE in the Stilla IN THE MOMENT eyeshadow palette.
And get this, the entire palette is only $39!!!
As you can see, it comes with 10 colors and an eyeliner pencil which makes it a great value!
She used LAURA MERCIER CREME EYELINER on my eyes.
I told her I use the Bobbi Brown product that is similar and that I love it (found HERE), but she used this on me because she said her clients have better luck with this product not drying out.
Click HERE for this eyeliner in Noir.
Bobbi Brown eyeliner brush HERE.
I MUCH PREFER gel or cream eyeliner that’s in a tub like this to a pencil or even a liquid liner.
I find it so much easier to apply (it goes on so smoothly), and I feel that it stays put much better. I’ve been using a product like this for at least 8 years, and I can’t imagine ever using anything else.
One tip: make sure you clean off your eyeliner brush (just wipe it clean with a tissue or damp rag) after every application.
If you don’t, the brush will become caked with product, and nobody’s got time for that. 😉
I told her I use the Bobbi Brown product that is similar and that I love it (found HERE), but she used this on me because she said her clients have better luck with this product not drying out.
Click HERE for this eyeliner in Noir.
Bobbi Brown eyeliner brush HERE.
Okay, so the crossed out part above WAS TRUE when I wrote this post a year ago, but I’ve since gone back to THIS type of eyeliner (57 5 STAR Reviews). I had a sponsored post for Lancome last year sometime, and their eyeliner changed my mind!
I found I was able to apply it more quickly, and I was just as happy with the results!
You have the eyeliner on one end, and a sponge to help you smudge it on the other.
And Caitlin was so excited to tell me about this next product.
The Napoleon Perdis Eye Dust can be found HERE.
She just used her finger to dab it on the ball of my eyelid.
It acted like a highlighter and just brightened my eyes. It was fun!
I am now using THIS mascara (29 5 Star Reviews).
I got this product about 6 months ago as a sample, and it’s what I’ve been using ever since!
I feel like it does a nice job of both separating my lashes and making them look fuller without looking clumpy!
I LOVE my MAC “FALSE LASHES“! And I can’t really say that I’ve ever “loved” a mascara before! Why is mascara you like so hard to find?
And I’d like to say that I’ve kept up using the eyeshadow that Caitlin recommended, but I’ve gone back to my old ways.
You can see all Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks HERE.
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Okay, so once she was finished with my eyes, it was time to give some attention to my face.
I have very normal skin. Not too oily, not too dry.
And except on the rare occasion, I tend to not have that many break-outs.
Please, let’s all take a moment to knock on some wood after I made that last comment.
Seriously. Knock on wood. Please.
I do have some discoloration (both redness and some brown spots that I’ve been battling on and off since having Carter). So, although I don’t have break-outs, I definitely have skin “issues”.
HOWEVER, when I ran out of it one week and couldn’t get to the mall, I started using a sample of THIS Smashbox primer (that I used to use!) that I had received with my mascara sample mentioned above! And I realized that I really did love it just as much, and it was cheaper! WIN!
It has 63 5 Star Reviews.
Best primer ever!
I live in the South, where the humidity is 100% and the temps get above 100 in the summer. This primer has really helped my foundation last in the heat. Normally I walk out the door and I’m oily and shiny within a couple hours. Not with this stuff! It goes on smooth and you can’t even feel it’s there under your makeup. Love it!
If you’ve never used a make-up primer, I highly encourage you to give THIS one a try.
It’s amazing what a difference it makes as far as the application goes for the other make-up products.
It just creates the perfect palette and it really makes the make-up last.
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After the primer, it was time for tinted moisturizer.
I told her I currently used THIS product from Bobbi Brown, which again, I liked.
But the point of our time together was for her to show me her “BEST OF” products that she loved the most, so we used the NARS.
I’m still 100% DEVOTED TO THIS PRODUCT.
Click HERE for NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer that Caitlin recommended.
My color is Groenland.
(with SPF 30).
59 5 STAR REVIEWS. (Update: It now has 96 5 STAR reviews!)
Best Tinted Moisturizer
This is the best tinted moisturizer I have ever used and I have used many tinted moisturizers/BB creams/CC creams from many well-renowned lines. It is called pure radiant because it somehow makes your face appear bright and glowy without looking sparkly and highlighted. It also smells great because it has their signature orange scent in it. It works great as a sunscreen and provides just the right amount of coverage. I wear it during the day or even when I go out at night!
So, I liked the way this felt and looked so much, that even though I had like 1/3 or so of my bottle left of my other product, I went ahead and bought this.
I can’t even put into words why I love it so much, but I do.
When applying, you can apply it with a foundation brush if you’d like, but you can also just apply it with the pads of your fingers. Caitlin recommends warming it up on your finger tips and then applying it on your face beginning in the middle and moving outward. (I have a new way to apply it that you will read about in a second)
I absolutely love how it looks on.
It’s sheer, but it covers really well and just evens everything out.
I swear it made my skin look pretty dang near perfect, and I do not have perfect skin.
But if a product can make it look like it is, well then SIGN ME UP!
********************************************************************
After the original post went live, my sister recommended a product to me that I have sense fallen in love with.
THIS pink egg-shaped sponge.
This is how I now apply my NARS tinted moisturizer.
I seriously cannot imagine applying it with my fingers now. And if you try it, I PROMISE you will be hooked as well.
I accidentally left it at the ranch house awhile back, and when I had to apply my make-up without it (like I had done my entire life up), I couldn’t stand it!
Not only does the make-up go on so much smoother with this little beauty, but my hands stay much cleaner too!
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After the tinted moisturizer, she applied a bronzer.
Again, I told her what I was currently using, but she wanted me to try her favorite, so I did.
At that time, she used a Napoleon Perdis product which is no longer available.
I’m now using THIS product.
Yes, it’s the same product you saw above that I’m using as my eye shadow…which makes things super easy! I just use different brushes to apply!
It has fantastic reviews, and I know you’ll love it too! I use this all year long, I just apply it with a heavier hand in the summer months!
Click HERE for the Bobbi Brown bronzer brush.
A good bronzer brush is very important, and this one is awesome.
A good bronzer brush is very important, and this one is awesome.
When applying, Caitlin started making a circle on the side of my forehead, and then basically drawing a 3 on each side of my face. I hope that makes sense!
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For blush, she used NARS Orgasm blush found HERE.
She said it is the best universal color for everybody!
Seems as if everybody that uses it agrees, because it has 178 5 STAR REVIEWS!
(Update: It now has 261 5 STAR reviews.)
Also, the common theme between all the reviewers is that it not only a beautiful color, but that the formulation makes it long lasting.
doesn’t disappoint!
I am a certified makeup junkie! I have every designer makeup except Nars and after reading reviews, I knew i NEEDED to start with Orgasm. It didn’t disappoint! it has a light shimmer and looks good on any skin tone. Thanks NARS I will be ordering more colors!
When I asked Caitlin about her favorite make-up brushes, she let me in on a little secret.
Don’t tell Nordtrom ;), but she absolutely loves these Real Techniques brushes that can be found at Ulta. Brushes are sooooooo important, but they are also sooooooooooo expensive, so I loved this tip!
I bought the stippling brush for my blush (under $9!), and she was right! I love it so much!
The last thing to take care of was my lips.
Click HERE for the Stila lipstick she used in “Sheri”.
It went on smoothly and had a bit of a minty taste that was quite nice!
It went on smoothly and had a bit of a minty taste that was quite nice!
I’m now faithfully using Fashion Icon from Lancome.
Just like the eyeliner, I tried it during my Lacome post last year, and I became hooked. It’s the only lipstick I wear now. I have several lip glosses that I rotate between, but the glosses are always worn over THIS lipstick.
I wanted to show you a picture of my lipstick, because the color looks quite a bit different than the smudge that is supposed to be representing the color on the Nordstrom site.
Remember, the color is FASHION ICON, and it’s not at all goth like it appears on the website! 🙂
Remember, the color is FASHION ICON, and it’s not at all goth like it appears on the website! 🙂
And several colors of the MAC tinted lip glasses. I think “Oh Baby” is my favorite right now!
So…you wanna see a Before and After?
OF COURSE YOU DO, because who in the world doesn’t LOVE a Before and After?
Nobody.
That’s who.
So…..here’s the big reveal……
BEFORE AFTER
Also, you can click HERE for my signature necklace. It’s not just my name, it’s my actual signature! And I love it! It’s resin, not metal, and they actually laser cut your name from your signature that yous send in! SO COOL!
My favorite products BY FAR were all of the products that created the foundation for my look:
I think the combination of the above 3 products is what made my skin look luminous.
I know it’s weird for me to say that about my own skin, but I’m telling you, it WAS luminous.
So, thank you Caitlin for making me over!
It was so much fun hearing all of your favorite picks and getting to watch you work your magic!
It’s nice to feel your best, and I feel like you totally made me feel like just the best version of me!
It was so much fun hearing all of your favorite picks and getting to watch you work your magic!
It’s nice to feel your best, and I feel like you totally made me feel like just the best version of me!
See y’all back here on Wednesday for a super fun post!
I know we all love Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper….
So I’m doing a Joanna Told Me To post!
It’s going to be fun!!!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
p.s.
I know many of you now have Christmas money or gift cards that you are looking to spend, so I decided to throw a post together on Saturday with TONS of NEW SALE ITEMS!!!!!!
Just in case you missed the Saturday post, here it is:
Click HERE to shop the entire sale with items categorized down the left hand side of the page.
Click HERE to shop for women.
Click HERE to shop for men.
Click HERE to shop for kids.
Click HERE to shop for home items (lots of Christmas stuff is 65% OFF!)
Check out this collage, some items up to 50% OFF!
Do yourself a favor and go check out the MK bag on the top left. It comes in 2 other colors and is a great size! And it has awesome reviews!
UPDATE: I just got this comment from a reader about the bag:
I’ve had the MK Bedford bag since summer and it’s fabulous! It’s the perfect size for everyday and I love that you can wear it with the strap long, crossbody, or as a shoulder bag. It’s beautiful in person, too! 🙂 – MommyLu
UPDATE: I just got this comment from a reader about the bag:
I’ve had the MK Bedford bag since summer and it’s fabulous! It’s the perfect size for everyday and I love that you can wear it with the strap long, crossbody, or as a shoulder bag. It’s beautiful in person, too! 🙂 – MommyLu
I also thought I would quickly show you some items I’ve previously featured that are NOW ON SALE!
THIS PLAID SCARF IS NOW 50% OFF! Making it $11.98!
plaid infinity scarf / similar sweater ON SALE! / similar cognac cross body/ faceted stud earrings/ double wrap leather watch / drusy bracelet (on left) / pyrite bracelet (on right)
If y’all remember, I showed you THIS TOP last week when I saw it went 40% OFF, and I ordered it for myself then since sooooooooooooo many of you RAVED about it.
You said you wore it with jeans, you said you wore it with leggings, you said it didn’t wrinkle,
and I was sold.
and I was sold.
Pinterest took a break, and Y’ALL Told Me To!
I just ordered the black, the wine, and the teal colors….and 2/3 have already arrived!
It’s very long (like tunic long), but I really like it! I’ll show it with leggings next week, because it is plenty long.
I’m wearing a small, so I think it’s true to size.
Also, some readers say they dry clean their tops (I probably will dry clean mine because I dry clean lots of my stuff), but others say they wash and hang to dry. One reader (Hi Maredith!) said she’s washed her top and hung it to dry at least 6 times and it looks brand new!
And Kara had this to say: I have 4 of these tops and always just wash and hang to dry! No need to dry clean. I’ve done both and really can’t tell a difference between the two washing styles!
Here’s the top in a simple outfit with skinny jeans and boots!
I’m not wearing a cami with it in this picture (I literally took it out of the box yesterday and put it on the second it arrived), but I will wear a cami with it in the future. However, one reader said she had the slit stitched up a bit so she wouldn’t have to wear a cami!
I’m not wearing a cami with it in this picture (I literally took it out of the box yesterday and put it on the second it arrived), but I will wear a cami with it in the future. However, one reader said she had the slit stitched up a bit so she wouldn’t have to wear a cami!
Listen to this one from Rusti P.:
I bought the olive during the anniversary sale in July. Since then I’ve ordered 5 more colors/prints! I wore the wine color in our family Christmas pics and a printed one on Christmas Eve at my parents! I wash mine on cold/delicate and hang to dry, and never need to iron except when I first pull it out of the box. Probably the best shirt I’ve ever owned! – Rusti
Look how darling Rusti is in the wine color with her super cute family!
Thanks for sharing Rusti!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Happy Monday friend! I love, love, love your makeup tips! This post might actually encourage me to get dressed today…I've been wearing my pajamas since Friday.
Narci says
Those tunics are the best, and that plaid scarf is such a steal!!
Anonymous says
I LOVE LOVE this post. I adore favorite things posts. And I love makeup. I am obsessed with the Real Techniques beauty blender. Best one ever, and cheap. It has a flat end that you can get right up under your eyes. The BEST. I'd love to see a "what I'm reading post" and your favorite blogger posts. 🙂 Happy New Year.
kimm atwood says
I don't know how I ever survived without the beauty blender…seriously !
Monica Warren says
What kind of socks do you wear with you ankle boots? Ones that won't show.
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I loved this.. I ordered the shirt in olive I can't wait.. but it's on back order…
Ok Mac's oh baby has been my signiture gloss since I was 18… I love it!!!
Tiffany Bagalini says
Ditto on the PJs! I now feel the need to get dressed and actually put on make up! Happy Holidays!
Regine Karpel says
Thank you
Sasha Posey says
I love all of these makeup tips!! I wanted to recommend a product I LOVE… It's made by "It" and it's called "Bye Bye Redness". I struggle with redness too and thought you might like this 🙂
Ang Gayle says
Love, love, love all of your makeup suggestions. I have a list for Nordstrom and Ulta. I don't buy anything- clothes or make-up without the PTMT seal of approval at this point. I am not sure if you can remember, but what color of polish is on your nails? It is such a pretty, fun color and would be great in the spring or summer. Thanks so much and have a great New Year!
Sheaffer says
Hi Ang! I have no idea. So sorry! 🙁 Thanks for the sweet words, and have a happy new year! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Andrea says
Am I crazy or does the 'Perfect' Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic you are wearing not have a pocket? I really prefer the look without the pocket but all the ones online have it?
Sheaffer says
Hi Andrea! Mine has a pocket too!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Andrea Rush says
I've used Lancôme Definicils for literally 22 years. Every girlfriend that has ever tried my mascara, switches. And then when I ask them what they want for their birthday, they say the same thing every year….Definicils. If you really want to go crazy and get insane results, use the Lancôme Cils Booster first. These are two products I will never go without. And no matter what I've tried, nothing else has ever compared to them! Next time you run out of mascara, give it a shot, you won't be sorry! (Wishing you guys a Happy New Year…give my best to Chris! Love your blog!) ~Andrea
Brandie says
Hey Shaeffer! Happy New Year!!! I'm wanting to start the year off with some new make up!!! Love your make up post. One question: do you set the tinted moisturizer with a powder?? I have always used a powder but have not been happy with mine this "winter"?? Thanks for all of your great suggestions and hard work to make shopping so much easier and fun for me!!!!'
Sheaffer says
I just use my bronzer after the moisturizer! Thanks for the sweet words Brandie! Xoxo, Sheaffer