Strawberries & Cream Makeup Tutorial

 

Happy Friday, everyone! We survived another week. And there's no better way to kick off the weekend than with a colorful makeup tutorial. Ever since I bought the Colourpop Give It To Me Straight palette I've been using it non-stop. It offers everything a warm-toned girl could ask for - berry-toned mattes and gorgeous shimmers. 

Well, one day while I was playing with the palette I created this look right here and I knew that I had to share with all of you.

I call this look "Strawberries & Cream" because the way the lighter shadows seamlessly blended into the darker shades reminded me of a big bowl of strawberries and Cool Whip. With a few easy steps you can recreate this look in no time. So if that's something you're interested in just keep on reading >>>>

 

Step 1 - Using a Sigma E40 brush I blended the color Downright into the crease. I loved this color because it's easy to blend and build up color, making it the perfect transition shade.

 

Step 2 - With the same brush take Truth Hurts and BS and layer both colors into the crease to darken it and give the lid some dimension. Then using a Morphe M433 brush blend TMI into the outer corner and inner part of the crease. I also used a mix of Truth Hurts and Downright to blend out the edges. Because no one wants harsh lines.

Step 3 - Switching to a Morphe E18 brush, pack the color Be Blunt into the outer corner to give the lid some depth and then blend that same color in toward the middle of the lid. This is the first step in blending the darker colors with the lighter ones. 

Step 4 - With a flat, stiff brush (like the MAC 239 or a Crown C224 Oval Concealer) cover the lid with a light concealer. Any concealer will do - drugstore or high end - just pack half of the lid with it to use it as a base for the lighter color. Then with the same brush pack the color Up Front on top of the concealer and blend it into the darker shade Be Blunt.

 

Step 5 - With the same flat, stiff brush lightly pat a mix of Forthright and Straight Up in the center of the lid. These two colors act as a bridge between the lighter and darker colors. 

Step 6 - Switching to a pencil brush - like the Morphe E36 - smoke out the lower lash line with the colors Actually, TMI, and Be Blunt. You're basically putting the darker colors from the outer crease onto your lower lash line. This gives the eyes definition and can actually make them look bigger. 

Step 7 - Then take a dome-shaped brush - like the Makeup Geek Outer V Brush - and apply the shade Matter of Fact to the inner corner and to highlight the brow bone. Matter of Fact is a matte, white shade that's perfect for highlighting. For the final step use your favorite eye liner brush - mine is the Morphe M160-1/16 - and give yourself a wing using your favorite gel liner and line your waterline. My personal go-to is the L'Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black. Then apply two coats of your favorite mascara and that's it. 

 

  

This look is perfect for spring and summer because even though it's colorful it's still wearable. You can wear it to on a date, to a job interview, to work, or even just for a casual weekend look. If you recreate this look Tweet me a picture with the hashtag #StrawberriesCream. I'd love to see your take on this look.

And that's all for now. Until next time my lovelies . . . 

Happy Weekend!

XOXO,

Nellie 

8 Essentials You Need for Starting a New Job

 

Hello everyone and welcome back to my little corner of the internet. I started a new job recently and while I was getting ready for my first day I picked up some things that I wish someone would've told me I was going to need when I started my first job. Now when you see the things on this list you might think to yourself, "Well, duh, you're going to need that." But trust me, a little reminder never hurt anyone. 

So, with that in mind, here are 8 Essentials You Need for Starting a New Job >>>>>

1. Notebooks: Whenever you start a new job always, always, always have a notebook - in fact, have two or three notebooks. When I started my first job I learned pretty quickly that if I was going to do the work correctly I was going to have to write a lot of notes. I found that the a regular size notebook was perfect for keeping the steps and guidelines of the job, while the smaller notebook came in handy when I needed to take notes on the go. 
Starry Notebook: Target (Similar)
Cactus Notebook: Target (Similar)

2. Multicolored Pens: Pens are a must for the first day on a new job. Of course they are - we all know that. But different colored pens are even better because you can color code your notes if you want to be really organized. I found that by using different colored ink for different notes helped me understand my scribbled notes later.Plus, the different colors give some life to your desk (if you have a job with a desk like I do).
Pens: Target (Similar)

3. White Out: Every job is different so some things on this list you might not need (like white out) but other jobs will not supply you with the basics so get you a white out just in case. 
White Out: Amazon

4. Post-Its: If you work in an office Post-Its will become your best friend. I use them on everything - to keep notes, to mark stuff, to hold my place in books/pamphlets. And while most offices have Post Its it never hurts to buy some of your own. You never know when you have to scratch a quick note. 
Post Its: Amazon

5. Highlighter: Most jobs will have offer an orientation and during that time they'll give you paper after paper of different policies, rules, and guidelines you'll have to follow. A highlighter can really come in handy when you get these papers because you can highlight the really important stuff in a flash. 
Highlighter: Amazon

6. Erasers: As with starting anything new you might make a mistake and need to erase something. Invest in some cute erasers that not only help you clean up your mistakes but encourage you to keep your head up. I got mine from Target and I love them because every time I see them I'm reminded that I can do anything and that I am truly blessed. And that's never a bad thing to be reminded.
Erasers: Target (Similar)

7. Lunch Bag/Box: One of the best things you can invest in on this list is a lunch box. While I do eat out every once in a while most days I bring my lunch. I found this cute little lunch bag on Amazon and I love it. It's compact but large enough to hold my lunch and snacks. 
Lunch Bag: Amazon 

8. Tote Bag: The last thing you'll need when starting a new job is a bag to carry all the other items I mentioned. I got the flowery, pink one from Old Navy but really any tote/purse/shoulder bag will do. 
Bag: Old Navy (Similar) 

So now you know my 8 essential things you need when starting a new job. Now it's your turn to share. What's something you wish someone would have told you to buy when you first started your job? Let me know in the comments. 

And until next time . . .

XOXO,


Nellie

Spring Outfit Idea - Maurices Maxi Dress

Hi everyone and welcome to today's post. Maurices released their spring collection a little while ago and I saw this dress and fell in love. It's officially called the Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress but I'm calling it My Favorite Maxi Dress of 2018. If you follow me on Instagram then you probably already seen me rocking this dress back in March. But I loved it so much the first time I wore it I knew I had to give it it's own blog post.

This dress is cool and comfortable because it's made of chiffon, which makes it perfect for spring and summer time. I will definitely be rocking this dress through the blazing Louisiana heat this summer. It also has a V-neck and a cinched in waistline that's flattering for all body shapes. When I wore it the other day I paired it with some Cognac Cage Wedge Sandals that contrasted with the blue and flowers of the dress.

All in all, this maxi dress is a must have for any wardrobe - from petite to plus size - because not only is it really cute, it's comfortable. And never underestimate the power of a cute and comfortable outfit.

Until next time, my lovelies . . .

XOXO,

Nellie  



Timeout for the Tarte Tartest Contour Palette Review

Hi everyone and welcome back to my little corner of the internet. For the last few weeks I've been on the hunt for an all-in-one face palette and I think I've finally found a contender: the Tarte Tartest Contour Palette Version III. 

This palette comes with not 1 but 2 bronzers, a blush, 2 highlighters, and a contour powder. That's more than enough for my face. Plus all of the products are housed in a stylish, round, plastic package with moveable pans - meaning you don't have to buy the whole palette when you run out of one of the products - you can just buy the blush/highlight/bronzer pan refill you need. 

I've been using this palette for a while now and I can honestly say that it's easy to use, easy to pack, and a must have for any makeup collection. It's perfect for travel and it doesn't hurt that each of the products work well. 

The bronzers are matte (which I love) and just the right shade of brown, so you're contour won't look orange-y. As for the blush, it's a soft rose color that compliments a range of complexions. The highlighters are also really nice and shimmery - one leaves a rose gold glow to the skin while the other is your standard champagne highlight. 

All in all I would highly recommend this palette to anyone who's about to go on a trip and doesn't want to pack a hundred makeup products. The Tartest Contour Palette Version III is definitely worth checking out.

What's your favorite Tarte product? Is it one of the contour palettes? Let me in the comments below.

Until next time . . . 

XOXO,

Nellie

3 Ways to Style a Lace & Floral Dress: Spring to Summer to the Office

Hello everyone and welcome to today's post. I was in Stage the other day and I came across this beautiful lace and floral dress. Of course I loved it and thought to myself, "This dress needs to be in my closet, ASAP!" Plus, it was on sale. So I bought it and when I got home I found myself thinking of all the different ways I could style it. Living in Louisiana I've learned that whenever I buy a piece of clothing it had better be versatile because the weather is crazy down here. It might be  a chilly 36 degrees in the morning and by lunch it can heat up to a humid 75.

So I wanted to share with you how I would style this dress for Spring, Summer, and the Office. If that's something you're interested in keep on reading >>>>

In Louisiana Spring weather jumps back and forth between chilly nights and mornings to warm and humid days. So with that in mind, I decided to pair this dress with a jean jacket I got from Cato's a few years back. The blue of the jacket contrasted nicely with the read floral design of the skirt and did a great job of keeping my arms warm in the chilly breezes that occur all too often in spring.

I also paired the dress with some Cognac Cage Sandal Wedges I got from Torrid. These shoes were really comfortable because they're wide width and the wedge heel wasn't too high. Plus the cognac color subtlety complimented the lace cream top of the dress by drawing the eye to another neutral.

Summer in the L-State is hot and by hot I mean scorching. The last thing you want to wear are layers, long-sleeves, or anything that covers your arms because you're definitely going to sweat when that Louisiana heat hits you. So instead of the jean jacket I opted for a jean vest I got last summer. I wanted to keep the blue on top without the hotness of sleeves so I grabbed the vest. A jean vest can be real lifesaver if you want to add a little somethin' extra to an otherwise simple outfit.

I also changed the wedges to some Time and Tru Scrunch Back Canvas Sneakers I got from Walmart. These shoes have quickly become my favorite sneakers of all time. I love them even more than my Converse (and that's sayin' somethin') because they have memory foam at the bottom and I don't have to tie them. These shoes are perfect for wearing with this dress in the summer because they're comfortable, easy to slip on, and won't slow you down. Plus they're really good shoes for the wallet friendly price of $9.94.   

Keeping the versatility thing in mind I knew I had to be able to wear this dress to work or even to church so I had to think of a way to dress it up. So, of course, I pulled out my go-to dress-up-any-outfit accessory: a khaki blazer. I got this blazer from Cato's and I really like how it complimented the neutral colors of  the skirt and sandals.  

I hope I gave you guys a few ideas of how to style dresses in your own closets and I hope you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading and until next time . . .

XOXO,

Nellie