Product RoundUp | Facial Sprays

So as you can probably see from my posts, I kind of have an obsession with facial sprays.  They have so many uses!  I use them them for toners, for extra hydration, for making makeup last, or as just a pick-me-up during the day when my makeup or skin is feeling a bit... well, blah.  Here are my favorites (actually all of the ones I own, haha) and I'll share with you how I use them. :-)

1. Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray : This is part of the makeup setting spray line by Urban Decay. This one is called "Chill" for the reason that it works along with the temperature to control how your makeup rests on your face.  Strange? Yeah I thought so too.  I'm not so sure it keeps your makeup feeling "chilled" all day, but it is great for cooling and hydrating right when you apply it.  I have skin more on the dryer side, which is why I went for this one over the one designed for oily skin.  I think it's great for keeping your makeup put,  and I will definitely re-purchase. 

2. Caudalie Beauty Elixer : If you love reading other beauty blogs like I do, I'm sure you've heard of this little gem.  I'm not exactly sure what this stuff does, but I just like it.  It is a part-toner, part-serum mist packed with essential oils, and my skin loves it.  I re-purchased it because when I ran out, my skin missed it.  It smells amazing.  I think it's like a little magic potion.  My best friend, Lane, works at Sephora and she was telling me all about it one day.  If you know Lane, ask her what the story is on it. :-)

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater : This is probably the most all-purpose of the sprays I own.  You can use it to hydrate your face/skin, you can use it to set your makeup, or your can use it on your dry hair throughout the day.  Out of all those uses, I find it best for adding a bit of hydration into my skincare routine.  It's very refreshing, and it's great for soothing sunburn!  The mister isn't the best, it comes out a little strong, but for the price, I can get over that. 

4. MAC Fix + : I had high, high hopes for this spray.  But, I think it may be breaking me out.  It smells amazing, and feels amazing, but I started developing these little tiny bumps on my forehead and this was the only thing I changed in my routine.  I've stopped using it and they are going away.  Sad day.  But, I love the way it makes my skin feel... so hydrated!  The good news is, it's very good for using on your brushes when you want your eyeshadows more vibrant.  You can dip your brush into the shadow and then spray the Fix + onto the brush, and when you apply it, you have gorgeous color!  

5. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray : You've read about this one before!  Great for making your makeup last.  Spray it before you apply your foundation, spray it after you apply... viola! 

6. Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist : This is the most "age-friendly" out of all the sprays.  Dermalogica is just an awesome skin-care brand all around.  Everything I try by them, I end up loving!  This spray is no exception.  Great for adding hydration and relieving your skin of that "tight-feeling."  I keep this small bottle in my purse.  It's amazing for an afternoon pick-me-up. :-) Plus, it protects against free radicals.  This is my top pick out of all the sprays I own!  

Have you tried any you love? Please share your favorites!!

xoxo, Molly 

Andi Dorfman Make Up Look!

How many Bachelorette fans are reading this?? :-) After seeing how gorgeous Andi Dorfman looked on the Bachelorette After the Final Rose last night, I couldn't help but try to re-create her make up look!  I included some pictures, but I apologize, I couldn't find many of her smiling because I took them from the clips of her talking with Nick... haha!

Andi always glows.  First off, she's naturally PERFECTION, so she doesn't need to doll herself up too much or she will look way over done.  Secondly, when you see her, her make up is rarely heavy.  She always has bronzed, even skin tone, long lashes, and that so-buzzed-about "Kylie Jenner" lip.  Her look last night was so appealing I decided to try it for myself this morning.  I will share with you step-by-step what I used and how I used each product.  

1. Base:  For this I used my Lo'real True Match Foundation.  Andi glows, but never has unwanted shine.  She opts for a matte finish with bronze cheeks.  I chose Lo'real True Match Foundation in W6 for my base because it is the darkest foundation I own, and it has a natural yet glowy finish!

2. Eye shadow primer and eye shadow:  I first applied an eyeshadow base.  I used MAC's Painterly Paint Pot because it provides a smooth canvas for blending your eyeshadows.  Since Andi always opts for a neutral eye, I used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.  I put Foxy and WOS all over the eye lids using a MAC 217 brush.  Using the same brush I applied Naked 2 to the outer crease to add definition.  I dipped that same brush into Faint to build the color up a bit more and blended out the crease.  These shadows are so creamy and easy to blend.  Take your time here though! Blending is the most important part!  I added some Venus to my inner corner just to make my eyes appear bigger since Andi's always pop!  I finished off the eye with a bit of blackish-brownish eyeliner across the tops of my lids.

3. Concealer: A tip I learned is to apply your concealer after your eye make up.  This cleans up any fall out you may have had from your eyeshadow, and you can also make the outer line where your eyeshadows end more clean cut by running your concealer next to your shadows.  I used my favorite concealer of the moment, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.  Run your blending brush over that line a few times to avoid too harsh of a line. I set my concealer using MAC's Pro Powder in Emphasize. This helps to brighten the face a bit, and Andi always has a bright looking complexion.

4. Powder/Bronzer/Blush:  After my foundation has had a moment to sink into my skin, I set it using my Hourglass Powder in Diffused Light (my obsession as you guys know...).  Andi's cheeks look natural with a bit of a contour.  For this, I used my Chanel Bronze Universal with an angled contour brush and on the tops of my cheek bones I applied MAC's Blush in Gingerly.  A warm blush with the perfect amount of color.  I skipped the highlighter because Andi's glow looks as if it's coming from within, and the cream bronzer gives that effect.  I skipped the glittery shimmery highlighter for this look.

5. Mascara: Long, feathery lashes are the focus here.  I chose my Maybelline Falsies mascara in Blackest Black for a classic look.

6. Eyebrows: Andi's eyebrows are full and have a natural shape.  No arches here so I kept it simple.  I filled them in using a dark brown powder with an angled eyeliner brush.

7. Lips: Ah, her signature nude lip.  I used Urban Decay Naked 2 lipliner, Urban Decay Naked 2 Revolution lipstick, and a Buxom nude gloss over top.  I blended all of those out with my finger to make the lips appear softer but still glossy.

If you're interested in re-creating Andi's look, I hope you find these tips helpful!  

Are you happy Andi chose Josh??? :-) 

xoxo, Molly

Summer Proof Makeup.

Summer proof makeup (choirs sing).  We ALL struggle with having our makeup last all day.  I'll be the first to raise my hand.  With my job, I'm driving in the car for 8 hours in middle Georgia heat and humidity.  My car's A/C is not enough to keep my makeup nice and fresh.  And in the middle of summer no one wants to cake on more makeup.  Less is more in the summer! How cute are those freckles shining through? (But always wear your SPF, not too many freckles... :-)) So, over time I've come up with some tips and tricks that have helped save the humid, hot, makeup melting struggle. 

1. Exfoliate.  

I do this step about 3 times a week.  I usually use a small grit scrub at the beginning of my week, and then an exfoliating toner throughout my week.  This helps keep that dead skin away so that your makeup adheres better.  It also helps your skin to have a smooth canvas--you'll notice a difference in how smooth your makeup goes on.  My top picks: Facial Radiance Polish by First Aid Beauty and Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner.

2. Moisturize or Prime.

This is your most important step.  For me, a moisturizer in the summer is hard to find.  I have normal to dry skin so I need something lightweight but hydrating at the same time.  I love Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation Moisturizer because it is lightweight and makes my skin feel so smooth.  It has AHA's in it also, which provide gentle exfoliation over time.  It's also oil-free--another plus for summer time!

For something even lighter, I go for one of my SPF's and use them as a moisturizer.  My two favorites are Clarins UV Plus Multi Protection or Pur-Lisse Pur Protect SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.

Oily skin girls-Stick to a primer with SPF-Smashbox makes amazing ones with all different purposes.

3. Wait or BB it up.

After prepping your face with a moisturizer, I suggest waiting about 10 minutes before applying your makeup. I always find when I apply it right on top it usually just blends in with the moisturizer and slides around a bit more.  When the moisturizer has a chance to absorb it adheres better!  I use this 10 minutes to do my hair or put my work clothes on for the day, etc.  Don't have an extra 10 minutes in the morning? Skip the moisturizer and find a good BB cream or tinted moisturizer that does it all-prime, protect, hydrate, and cover. BAM. Done. My top picks: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 and NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35.

4. Setting Spray (Yes before makeup, or after if you apply BB cream).

Yep, I'm saying it.  Spray your face with a makeup setting spray BEFORE you apply your makeup.  I know this seems excessive, but I'm telling you... it's like super glue for your makeup, AND it works! My top picks: Urban Decay All-Nighter Make Up Setting Spray for normal skin and Urban Decay De-Slick Make Up Setting Spray for oily skin

5. Apply.

Put on that makeup, gorgeous. :-)

6. Powder.

Finely milled powders are the best powders! No powder compares to my Chanel Loose Powder, but there are some translucent powders I also love.  The Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light are my favorites.  Both of these powders set your makeup and absorb oil throughout the day--viola!

Six steps??!! I know, I know.  You're probably thinking...ain't nobody got time for that.  I'm telling you, try it. :-) You won't regret it! 

xoxo, Molly 

Travel Essentials.

Ryan and I are leaving this Tuesday for Mexico... SO PUMPED.  As I started packing things to the side I thought, hey, perfect blog post!  Today I'm sharing my travel essentials.  Now remember that this is a beauty blog.  I will share with you things that you may never think to pack because you don't wish to--and thats OKAY!  My hope is that this will jog your memory in case you are packing for a trip and need some extra reminding.  So folks, here are my beauty travel essentials!

1. SUNSCREEN-If I remember one thing, folks.  SO important to have on hand.  I buy the Target brand that is comparable to Neutrogena.  It's sheer, and it works on your body or face.

2. Small sized face wash-This one just so happens to be Clarins.  My face goes crazy if I switch up cleansers too much.  Therefore, I stick to a solid brand like Clarins. 

3. Hydrating mask-Ok, so the plane ride is only 2.5 hours long, BUT, if your prone to breakouts like me, I am not taking a chance!  This foil packet of the Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask from The Body Shop will be perfect to slather on in-flight.  Plus, a foil packet is portable, and you can use half of it for the flight to and half on the way back.  Perfect!  

4. Clarifying mask-Those who know me know I don't play around with skin care.  If you have a handy little sample size of a mask...why not travel with it?  This one is the Origins Clear Improvement Face Mask, and it will be lovely mid-week when my skin is feeling a bit congested. 

5. Lip balm with SPF- Fo' those lips!  Don't play.  That skin is thin.  Protect it. 

6. Mini Moisturizer-This one is Sheer Transformation by Ole Henriksen.  It's a handy 1oz--perfect for traveling.

7. Mini eye cream-I chose an eye cream that would de-puff AND moisturize at night.  This one by Tarte has maracuja oil, and it is perfect. 

8. Rollerball perfume-My favorite fragrance right now--Nirvana White by Elizabeth & James.  Because it's okay to smell good on vacation. ;-)

9. Make up-For this I kept it basic (in my terms :-)). 

 LOreal True Match Foundation 

 Waterproof MUFE Full Cover Concealer 

 Mini Dior Mascara 

 Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Roach 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette 

 NARS Guy Bourdin Face Palette

10. Long lasting setting spray-This one is a mini sized I got from a Sephora point perk.  It's the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, and it is absolutely amazing!

11. Brushes-For these, I also kept it basic.

MAC 217 Blending Brush (eyeshadows)

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (foundation, concealer)

Blush Brush

12. Shampoo & conditioner-FOIL PACKETS!  I swear, I love these things for traveling.  They are easy to pack, AND you get to try new fun things while you are on the go! 

I won't be blogging next week, but I'll be back soon. :-)

*All of these items can be found at Sephora, except the MAC Brush (MAC Counter), LOreal Foundation (ULTA), Hydrating Mask (The Body Shop), and the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (ULTA)

What am I leaving out that you think I should include?

xoxo, Molly