Don’t believe this (Which is what my 5 year old says instead of “You’re not going to believe this.”)
Nordstrom asked me to participate in their MOMS THAT WOW Campaign.
Let’s just give that a minute to sink in.
Me. A wife and mama with a blog.
Asked to participate in a Nordstrom campaign.
Eeeeeeeeeek!
Apparently enough of you sweet ladies have mentioned “Pinterest Told Me To”when reviewing items online that some people at Nordstrom started wondering who or what the heck Pinterest Told Me To was. So, thank you for that! I’ve also received e-mails from new readers of the blog saying they found me after reading a review online. So again, thank you!
Growing a blog is hard work, and you sweet girls are the ones helping me every step of the way.
For the record, I think some Nordstrom peeps have also started wondering WHAT THE HECK a “BLARDIGAN” is.
I’ve heard so many stories about y’all going into the store, asking for the Blardigan, and getting met by a blank stare by one of the Nordstrom sales people.
The people at Barefoot Dreams should really consider a name change of their product…
because BLARDIGAN is soooo much better than COZY CHIC LIGHT WRAP.
Am I right?
😉
So….all that to say…Nordstrom asked me to participate in their MOMS THAT WOW campaign!
Will I participate?
Um, yes.
Yes I will.
First of all, I was of course TOTALLY excited.
However, I immediately thought “Me? Wow? Um, prolly not.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know I have it in me to “WOW” and can definitely pull out all the stops and WOW on occasion!
However, on any given day, a WOW moment isn’t always in the cards.
I mean WOWing takes effort.
Still, I wanted to participate in the campaign (because HELLO! NORDSTROM!) and my post was supposed to be about make-up, which is a fun subject that I think I’ve only talked about on this blog a couple of times before.
And then I had a brainstorm one morning.
I was thinking about how much great feedback I got from my product post (found HERE) and I thought of a totally fun angle for me for this campaign.
So, here’s what I did.
I
called Northpark’s Nordstrom, and I asked to be connected to somebody
who could do my make-up, but didn’t have an allegiance to any one
particular brand.
I wanted somebody to do a make-over on me, pulling popular products from all
over the make-up department. I basically wanted to be introduced to some FAN FAVORITES, no matter which department they were from.
FUN, RIGHT?
So, I did it, and I had a flipping blast!
You are going to get some of the pretty “after” pictures, but you are also going to get some before pictures. Yep, you heard me. I’m about to get real.
I’m 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 eyeshadow drops onto the cheeks or anything, 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.
never used an eyebrow pencil before, and my eyebrows are seriously
full, so I don’t think I 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.
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 awesome.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Precision Brow Shaper Pencil.
It has 22 5 STAR Reviews.
Again, I didn’t feel like I needed it (in fact, I think it made my brows a little too noticeable), but I do think this product could be amazing for somebody with less full brows.
********************************************************************
This next product was the one that probably surprised me the most!
What was it?
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.
It has 82 5 Star Reviews.
Here are 2 of my favorites:
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!
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!
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. 😉
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 felt like it did a nice job of both separating my lashes and making them look fuller.
It’s got good reviews too!
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”.
Caitlin could not say enough great things about this next product.
Click HERE for the Napoleon Perdis “Auto Pilot” Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.
And I have to agree, this is a FABULOUS product.
I told her that I’ve been using the Smash Box primer (which I really like), and she told me lots of reasons (none of which I can remember, sorry) as to why she prefers THIS one.
have tried many many primers as an aesthetician, and this one is the
best. Smooths and hydrates skin, no silicone feel, luxurious feel.
Perfect
product is amazing!! It feels so amazing on, not greasy or sticky and
makes my make up last for ever, two sweaty work shifts and a gym
session, and it was still flawless. So quick and easy to use. Can not
put my makeup on without it. LOVE!!
If you are somebody that goes to the gym in make-up, that last review should sell you on this!
I don’t wear make-up to the gym.
Oh wait, I don’t even go to the gym.
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 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 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.
use this all the time for just a little hint of warmth on my face and
body. it looks great and goes on without turning orange – very natural.
plus look how pretty it is!!!!
I agree with everything the above reviewer said.
I love that it gives me glow and warmth without making me sparkly.
I don’t like the glitterly look. No ma’m.
The color is also very natural and not orange-y at all.
Caitlin also used her favorite bronzer brush, which is now my favorite bronzer brush too.
Maybe I can do a video tutorial this summer?!? Would y’all be interested in that?
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!
Also, the common theme between all the reviewers is that it not only a beautiful color, but that the formulation makes it long lasting.
That’s a Win-Win.
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!
It went on smoothly and had a bit of a minty taste that was quite nice!
Sooooo shiny and Soooooo pretty!
The only thing I would do differently is that I probably wouldn’t use the eyebrow liner.
Because let’s be honest, mama has plenty of brows as it is.
I thought Caitlin did a great job on my eyes, and I loved the lip color and gloss…..
but my favorite products BY FAR were all of the products that created the foundation for my look:
1) the eye base found HERE
2) the primer found HERE
3) the tinted moisturizer found HERE
4) the bronzer brush found HERE
I think the combination of the above 4 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.
LOVING it.
I mean, LUMINOUS, right?
I’ll take all the help I can get!!!!
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!
My sister (who is a make-up freak) was seriously impressed and my mom thought it was “all gorgeous” and that I looked “amazing”!
And a huge thank you to Nordstrom for inviting me to participate in the Women that Wow campaign!
I had a blast!
Especially because I had talked with the hubby before hand and let him know that new make-up would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for me. 🙂
So I went ahead and made it easy on him (You’re Welcome Babe!) and left with the 4 products I mentioned above as my favorites.
I thought some of you might like a round-up of all the products Caitlin used on me.
I put little hearts next to the products that I actually ended up buying for myself.
This is one of the new FANCY collages that I learned how to make,
so just click on the product you’re interested in and it will just take you right to the source!
I hope this post was helpful to you! I certainly had WAY TOO MUCH FUN doing it.
Two more things before you go:
1)
Nordstrom is running a fun Kate Spade promotion right now!
Buy two pairs of THESE earrings (that are PERFECT for all spring and summer long), and get the above make-up case (a $58 value) for free while supplies last.
Here are just 4 of the 16 available colors.
They are very large studs that show up really well in your ears (even though they are just “studs”).
These are my favorite colors.
Click HERE.
2)
And don’t forget to spread the word about the Special Mom’s Giveaway that I announced on Monday found HERE! I can hardly wait to see what lucky mama wins!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Samantha says
How fun?!?!?!?!?! You really do look gorgeous.
I love NARS blush in orgasm. It's the best 🙂
Annie {annelliott.blogspot.com} says
You look beautiful! AND, for the record – you can totally wear the eye base without eyeshadow. That's my daily look. Be warned though – once you use it, you'll never stop! Congrats on being recognized for that amazing things you do here at Pinterest Told Me Too! Much deserved!! xo
Mix and Match Mama says
Girlfriend! You look beautiful both with and without makeup but can I just say…you looked stunning in your after picture! And I learned SO MUCH! I still use an eyeliner pencil and now, I feel completely silly for doing that! I totally need that Laura Mercier eye cream. Goodness and that Stilla lipstick with the MAC gloss, need that too. I loved everything about this post! And as someone who sees you be a mom every single day, you are a Mom that wows. You're fabulous and Carter is extremely blessed.
Anita Pritchard says
What a great post! Your "before" is beautiful….the "after" is really a "WOW!!"
I've recently become an avid reader of your blog. I LOVE it!!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
I am so proud of you, Sheaffer!! This is so great!!! You wow us on a daily basis with your great style, your sweet heart, and your wit. You look beautiful before and after in your makeover, and I am excited to try out some new products!
Kelly says
I love how smooth and even your makeup looks! Beautiful in both before and after!
Judy says
i don't know how i found your blog but i'm having a blast reading your posts…so helpful and informative! except that lately i'm not getting your "feeds" (or whatever they're called) via e-mail! is anyone else having this problem? I'm not getting a lot of blogs I receive via e-mail so not sure what the problem is.
i also wanted to ask you what color nail polish you have on ….the pretty pink. for years I've worn Cajun Shrimp but a few years ago my sweet granddaughter gave me a pretty pink/coral color from Ulta that I'm currently wearing but I love a gorgeous pink!
Judy
Sheaffer says
I'm not sure what's wrong with the feed Judy, but I'm looking into it. I've had lots of comments about this! I have NO IDEA What the nail polish is. SO sorry!!!!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Judy says
thank you sheaffer!
Anonymous says
Hi Sheaffer,
Your skin looks flawless in the pictures, it is simply beautiful. Which shade in the eye primer and tinted moisturizer were you. The "bare" shade looks beautiful for the eye and the moisturizer has so many options. thanks
Sheaffer says
Hi there!
I'm going to have to wait until I get home this evening to answer these questions. I don't remember!!! Check back later!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Lynn says
Your skin does radiate! I can't wait to try the Nars tinted moisturizer!
Sabrina says
Girlfriend, you look beautiful without makeup, but I agree with you-that makeover made your face illuminating! I want an illuminating face too!! I'm going to check out the tinted moisturizer, the bronzer, and the primer!!! You deserved to be pampered-you do so much for us! 🙂
Kathy Olson says
You look beautiful!
Monica Carpenter says
Beautiful.
meg says
One of my fav posts!! I have added a ton of those to my Nordstrom wish list now!
Jackie T. says
Oh Sheaffer! You look absolutely gorgeous and SO polished! Love it! I've heard so many good things about the Nars tinted moisturizer but seeing it on you has really got me interested. I have worn a lot of Laura Mercier products for over 10 years, I think you'll be happy with them. I hope you do more make-up posts…such fun! It's one of my favorite things to buy…I finally had to get one of those nice plexiglass stacked drawer things to hold it all as my drawers were full.
…AND, you do the no-make-up look just fine! Seriously!
Cindy McF says
Great post! You have done all the leg work for me (again!). Making a beeline for Nordie's today 🙂
Stephanie Jennings says
You look fantastic without makeup. I don't see any "issues" you speak of. The after is perfection, also. Thanks for the new recommendations. Have a great day 🙂
Lindsay Llambes says
How exciting to be chosen! You look beautiful, even before makeup. I have heard a lot of good things about the Nars orgasm blush. After reading your blog I feel the need to definitely try it! Thanks for always supplying such great tips!
Kim says
You look great! Thanks for the information – so helpful, as usual! 🙂
Amy Kleis says
Wow!!! All I can say is WOW!!! You always look friggin FABULOUS!!! Enough Said sexy mama!!!
Liz/ says
I just LOVE your before and after pictures….both gorgeous and your skin looks SO amazing with all that fun new makeup on, simply flawless and radiant!!! Fun post and well deserved for a mom that wows!!!
Anonymous says
My favorite post!!! Checking back later for tinted moisturizer! You look beautiful!
lisa says
I think you look great before and after! Special bonus for going to the mall with no makeup. I love reading your blog!
Anonymous says
Sorry but your eyebrows do look better in the after! Beautiful!
Aimee says
Your "new" make-up looks fabulous. Yes, you definitely glow in your after shot. I need to look into those products and get a little glow for myself.
Chandra says
You look beautiful in your before "natural" pic, but WOW…the after is radiant! My favorite might be the eye foundation and tinted moisturizer. Need to look into those right now!
Anonymous says
You look so beautiful!!! Can Caitlin do my makeup too??? 🙂 Love your posts!
Caitlin Rose says
Yes! I would love too!
-Caitlin
http://www.otwwl.blogspot.com
kcadreeb says
She looks stunning! Is she wearing any kind of powder besides just bronzer?
amypatan says
Gorgeous!
Melanie Lien says
You look great!!! I love makeup!
Anonymous says
I'm SUCH a product junkie and it's wonderful to hear other people's reviews. I'm in the market for some new makeup and I'll have to give some of these picks a test drive. Thank you!
Kelly Wilson says
Okay, how do you look that great WITHOUT make-up?? I was seriously holding my breath before scrolling to the "before" picture thinking it was probably going to be a doozy, BUT you look so pretty without make-up! Now, that being said, you look even more amazing in your "after" photo. The make-up looks so good on you and just enhances your natural beauty. I will definitely be looking into the products you highlighted. Thank you for doing this post, it was so helpful!
Lindsay D. says
Loved this post!! You look great in both the before and after pictures!! 🙂
Polka Dot Blossom says
This is such a fun post! I love hearing 'real people' make-up reviews! I am adding many of these things to my wishlist! You look beautiful! And…I have to say…I think the 'after' eyebrow looks really good!
Katie says
I have no less than 4 BB/CC creams in my make up drawer right now, but after seeing this post I'm about to order more! Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Lana says
You're one of the prettiest "befores" I've ever seen. Thank you so much for this post – I need so much makeup help. Will definitely be checking out some of these products. Next time I go to Nordstrom I'm going to ask for a blardigan 🙂
MJ says
You are gorgeous either way, and the makeup is beautiful!
I'm a big fan of the Real Techniques face brushes as well, I order them from the US as they are pretty hard to smuggle into France 🙂
FYI, I order them from iherb.com and they also have the BDellium Tools brushes that are ah-may-zing, especially the eye brushes (I like the green bambu ones), and the price is great for a quality that, for some of them, can easily compare with M.A.C. brushes, yay!
Erin Stinson says
I love this blog post on makeup. I have never worn much makeup until recently and am still trying to figure out what to wear and how much and what looks good together, so thanks for the advice. I absolutely love smashbox primer. and I've just discovered powdered bronzer and I am amazed at how fresh it makes me look. Sheaffer, you continue to amaze me every week with your humor, your advice, and your storytelling. Thanks for all you do for us loyal readers!
Anonymous says
I Loved your post. Thanks for sharing your experience and all the pictures. Don't hate me, but I thought your after eyebrows looked fabulous. She really helped define and enhance their beautiful shape. I used to have full, thick Brooke Shield eyebrows but they have thinned over the years. (I never thought I would miss them so much.) I will definitely look for your new make up finds.
Anonymous says
You look great! I have a question for you – Did she put a finishing powder on your face?
Because Shanna Said So says
This is so exciting, lady!! So happy for you!! And wow, just wow, you look gorg both before and after!! Thanks for sharing all these products…so many I want to try!!
Anonymous says
The make up is beautiful on you but other than needing some mascara 🙂 you look wonderful with no make up on!
Anonymous says
Oh my goodness! I keep re reading this post, I just love it! I can't get over how "glowie" you look! I am going to try some of the products the next time I am at Sephora. I have heard great things about the Napoleon line. You look gorgeous! I do have a quick comment… you have got to go back & buy that lipstick for yourself. That lipstick looks so beautiful on you! It is one of the things I notice when I look at this post. Treat yourself for Mother's Day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Suzanne
Hope M says
Great informative post — love how your makeup turned out! I also am very curious as to which shade of the tinted primer she used for you. Thanks!
Anonymous says
Have any of the photos been photoshopped (or similar enhancement)?
Just curious.
Riley
Sheaffer says
Hi Riley! Absolutely not. No filters or anything. 100% straight up.
Xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
riley says
I figured not but the photos are so amazing that it never hurts to ask. Best wishes on your blog, and congratulations on being selected.
Riley
Caitlin Rose says
You were a hoot! And the prettiest without makeup on! So glad I got to work with you! Hopefully we can do something like that again!!
P.S. Loving your blog!
-Caitlin
http://www.otwwl.blogspot.com
Angela says
What color did she use on you for the eye base? Was it a specific color for your coloring or just whatever she picked? Thanks!
Team Powers says
I am so bummed!! The Jessica Simpson blue shoes are not available in my size!
riley says
OK, so based on your post, I have now purchased the magical (and I say that with my whole heart) NARS tinted moisturizer. And I have to say, it makes my skin look just as glow-y as yours. I did not use any of the other above-mentioned products, just the tinted moisturizer. I am really old and really skeptical, but I gotta say…this one wowed me.
Riley 🙂