Currently Loving : Easy Beauty

As much as I love browsing Sephora, Ulta, and any drugstore in my area, I've come to the realization that I'm a complete bore when it comes to actually wearing makeup. It's pretty to look at, but ultimately I like doing just that most days - looking at it, and then proceeding to reach for easy neutral products that will get me ready in under ten minutes. I used to have fun with makeup, but now I prefer to enhance the features I like and just accept the ones I don't. I have a round face. That's a fact, deal with it. My brows are thinner than I'd like, my lashes are short, and I have a bump on my nose thanks to a dodgy game of dodgeball during elementary school. Instead of contouring myself to death, or spending money on lash extensions, I've come to terms that this is it! Quite possibly as good as it's gonna get.

But, there is one product I've been using for months now that makes getting ready still somewhat enjoyable. I hope this mini review helps you too if you're trying to downsize and cut back on time.

Charlotte Tilbury 

This is my foray into the Charlotte Tilbury line, and it definitely does not disappoint! I can understand why so many gurus love her products. I purchased this on sale during Nordstrom's anniversary back in the Summer, and I honestly have not used much of anything since. Everything you need is conveniently right here. Three neutral shadows, two VERY pigmented blushes (one peachy, one rose colored), a bronzer, and a beautiful natural looking highlighter that I slap on my eyes and cheeks. These colors are so universally flattering that I think many people will appreciate it. The powders are all smooth, pigmented, and long lasting. I'm tempted to try more from her line, especially her lipsticks but I'm holding back for now. If you're ever wondering what I'm wearing in my photos or on snap, it's this palette. 

Note - I checked Nordstrom's site and it's currently sold out. Darn! Not the best timing for this post, but I'm sure it'll come back in stock for the holidays. I linked to her website if you want to check out her other products. Most are dual purpose which is great!

All this being said, there's nothing that looks better on women than a smile. Had to say it.

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Fall for the Moment

Wearing //

Rails plaid shirt, similar for less

Express skirt, similar here & here

Hinge lace up heels

Nordstrom clutch, similar

Kendra Scott necklace

Beauty //

Pedicure in Essie Flowerista 

Lips in Glo Minerals Aubergine

John Frieda Air Dry Waves

It's about that time again. That magical moment each year where southern California finally starts feeling like Fall, and every woman I know gets so OMG excited to wear all the things - boots, plaid, sweaters, leggings, you name it. It usually lasts for a few days, and then just like that, the weather changes to Summer again and we go back to wearing tee shirts. Some refuse to accept this, and I completely understand the frustration. I used to be that person, until I finally realized that common sense says that people should dress for the weather, and not for the season. We live in a beautiful place so we may as well enjoy it and stop the complaining. Like one of my favorite quotes says, "nothing is under control" the least of which is the weather! Wherever you are, just embrace it. Unless you're so miserable that you plan on moving, then that's different!

But on this particular day, it did feel like Fall and I took advantage. Since it never gets that cold, the best way I know how to incorporate the season is by playing with jewel tones, moody lips and nails, and texture. I may be wearing a suede skirt and a thin plaid shirt, but it looks the part right? They say that life begins again in the Fall, and maybe it's true. I always associate new beginnings with the start of a new year, but it's comforting to think that we can start anew whenever we choose to. It's all a choice, and that we can control.

It's been awhile since I linked up but I'm doing so with Tara today :)

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Sara Happ X Sprinkles Lip Scrub

I've used lip scrubs in the past, the most notable being by the brand Fresh. I liked it enough to use it up, but not so much that I repurchased as soon as it ran out.

My love for Sara Happ lip slip runs deep. I live in a dry, warm climate that gets really windy, and so my lips are usually also very dry. I have a tendency to lick or even bite them (a nervous habit I've had since I was a kid) and although I try my best to leave them alone, I manage to dry them out anyway. One thing that has helped is her lip balm, but another recent discovery is her lip scrub. Think of a lip scrub like a body scrub, meaning that its purpose is to exfoliate and prepare your lips for other products like lipstick and gloss. It helps ensure a smooth base for anything you decide to use. Liquid lipsticks are super trendy at the moment. Pretty, yes... but very drying!

{One luxe balm, Red velvet lip scrub}

The consistency is almost like wet sand. It's effective enough to slough off dry, chapped skin but it isn't harsh either. And the smell! The smell is so decadent! It literally smells like the red velvet cake that we had at our wedding. Part chocolate, part I don't know what but it's amazing I haven't eaten this little tub for dessert. I thought before opening the package that it would have an artificially sweet scent, but that's not the case. It smells like the real thing.

I use it about twice a week at night during my skincare routine. Then I follow it up with the lip slip and the next morning, my pout is soft and moisturized. I highly recommend treating yourself. This particular "flavor" is limited edition, but Sara Happ has a ton of other delectable scents if you're not into red velvet. Which is hard to believe but I'll let it slide :)

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Where Did Everyone Go?

When I started blogging in 2009, it was a lot easier to connect with others who were just starting out too. Everyone appeared to be on a level playing field, meaning none of us seemed to know what we were doing or where blogging would take us. I didn't think it would take me anywhere frankly. It was a genuinely supportive community, and this was all before social media blew up and took over hours of our days. There was no Instagram (at least not that I was aware of) and affiliate linking was barely a thing either. We blogged because we loved it and wanted to share our finds, and it didn't matter if you were tech savvy or not. Most of us took pictures with a point and shoot, or our phones. Yes some ladies had already delved into the professional side, but it wasn't nearly as common as it is now. There was no air of snobbery either.

Today, the blogging world is saturated. I mean completely drenched. And don't get me wrong, there is room for everyone. I think it's great that people feel comfortable sharing their lives (or at least their style) with anyone who's interested on the web, but I can't help but wonder where some of the ladies I started out with have gone. Where did they go?

Wearing //

LOFT blouse

Old Navy jeans, here too

Ivanka Trump flats

Nordstrom tote

Stella & Dot pendant, initial necklace

It's like having a friend that just stops calling you out of the blue. I often wonder how they are doing, if their lives have changed in a way that blogging just doesn't suit them anymore. Busy schedules, children, lack of time, maybe they just moved onto bigger and better things...But can't you break-up with your readers first? I mean, do we as bloggers owe that to people? Is it anyone's business? I don't care if I only have one person interested in the gibberish I have to say, I feel like I would owe it to that one person to be like, "hey. I don't plan on doing this for awhile. I'm taking a long break. Check back in a couple months". Or, "you know, this just doesn't interest me anymore, it's been fun though and thank you for sticking it out with me!"

Am I wrong? I tend to over-analyze so yes is a strong possibility. But I do miss my old blogging friends. I won't call them here by name because that's not my place and they probably want their privacy now that they don't blog, but they know who they are.

I also often wonder if Instagram has taken the place of even having a blog. It's definitely more convenient and less time consuming. However, I like to write. So therefore, I'd rather have a place where I can blather on and on without taking over people's Instagram feeds. Plus, I have friends on my IG that don't give a crap what I wear. They'd rather see pictures of Nettie or places I'm going to. And I'm certainly not making a separate account or carefully "curating" anything because that's just not what I want to do.

So anyway, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon but if I do, I'll let you know. I'll write a proper goodbye, even if no one cares to read it. And to those ladies who gave up blogging, I miss you! I hope you are all well :)

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