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