BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

SUMMER TO FALL MAKEUP ROUTINE

I get a lot of questions about my makeup routine and the products I love, so I thought I’d empty my makeup bag into one post to show you what look I’ve been rocking at the end of summer that I’ll be taking well into fall. From the summer, I’m keeping a peachy blush and a bronzer. To add in something new for the fall season, I’m mixing in a plum lipstick and darker shadow and eyeliner. Read on for my product list and new additions to my routine, as well as order of application and advice!

RECENT DRUGSTORE BEAUTY FINDS

I’m an equal-opportunity beauty junkie. I’ll buy products from all over – be it Sephora or Target – and while I love the personalized department store experience the most, I prefer the price tag of the drugstore, hands down. I bet you do, too! This month I’ve found four products – one makeup, one skin, one hair and one body – under $30 each  that I am loving. All were purchased from either CVS, Target or Walgreens. Read on to learn all about them!

SUMMER MAKEUP TRENDS TO TRY – FOR CHEAP!

I love trying new makeup trends each season, but I don’t love breaking the bank to do it. We’ll all be onto something else in a few months, so what’s the point of spending a lot? For these items, I’ll head straight to the drugstore or for the low-end lines at Sephora. The price is right! Two of my favorite looks I’m seeing a lot for summer are bright liners with matching lashes, and a bright pop-of-color lip – not necessarily worn at the same time, though! What I love about these two trends is that most skin tones can find a shade that works for them to pull this off, so they are universal yet unique looks! Read on for how I wear them and which brands I prefer.

MY PERSONAL BEAUTY SYSTEM

Confession: I keep a beauty diary. Well, really it’s a combination of a set of lists,  a calendar, and a group of photos – all intended to capture my beauty activities and goals. This system keeps me on track for maintenance of all things hair, makeup, nails, products, grooming, and beauty blogging. Why on earth am I telling you this? Because if you’re a beauty nerd like me or simply a woman looking to stay a bit organized and on top of her game, then this system could help you, too.

CONCEALER SECRETS

As someone who has struggled with acne for nearly 20 years, I’m no stranger to aggressively concealing my flaws on a daily basis. Concealer can be my absolute best friend most days, but if not done right, it can also be my own worst enemy. I’ve made plenty of mistakes throughout the years as I learned how to master this ever-challenging cosmetic item, and I’ve seen other women make them too. So today, I’m sharing a few of my concealer secrets in case they might help you!

STOWAWAY COSMETICS: RIGHT-SIZED MAKEUP FOR WOMEN ON THE GO

Given our current life is nomadic, I was looking for makeup that travels well from a size perspective and applies well from a coverage perspective. I found it with Stowaway Cosmetics. This is not a sponsored post. I bought these items myself out of curiosity and necessity, and I am so happy I spent $75 on these 7 pieces. They all fit in a small makeup bag, are versatile and highly pigmented, and I’m thrilled to know I’ll use up every bit of this right-sized makeup. For all you women on the go, listen up!