What's in my Makeup Bag: Mary Kay CC Cream Review

a few weeks ago, my friend mattie asked if i'd like to partner with her and review mary kay's new cc cream.  after falling in love with bb cream last summer (check out my review of that here), i was super excited to check out this product!

side note:  i really don't know the difference between bb and cc cream…i read somewhere that bb creams are a stepping stone between foundation and a tinted moisturizer, while cc creams (which i believe stands for "color correcting") are meant to address things like redness and sallowness.  i'm gonna be real with you…i think they both addressed the same issues.

my normal makeup routine, while pretty natural, takes about 5-7 minutes in the morning.  not a ton of time, i know, but it's nice to have an option that is even faster, and cc cream offers just that!

i really like the mk cc cream…it's light and doesn't leave my oil-prone skin feeling wet or dewey. it dries really fast, goes on smoothly, and blends really nicely.  i like to finish it off with a dusting of bare minerals mineral veil, but i think you could easily wear it on it's own.  it really does a nice job of smoothing out my complexion and reducing any redness or unevenness.

i posted a (way too long) video below, if you want to hear me talk more about this product.

if you don't already have a mary kay consultant, i highly recommend mattie.  you can find her here.

My Best Friend's Big Day

i shared some iphone photos from jen's wedding a few weeks ago, but i actually did get a chance to take some photos with my camera as well!  jen's photographer was arriving a little later in the day than we could wait to start getting ready, so i brought my camera along so that she'd at least have a few photos from that part of the day.  

getting ready was so much fun.  we spent a few hours doing our hair and makeup, and getting more and more excited for the afternoon to come.  i've been in other weddings and i've photographed weddings, and have loved every part of each of them, but there's just something so special about your best friend getting married, you know?!

so here are a few photos from the morning of january 4th…didn't she look gorgeous??

Help! // RIP to my Flat Iron

i was straightening my hair the other day and something just wasn't right with my straightener.  the little "heating" light was blinking and it wasn't as hot or working as well as normal.  after lightly tapping on one of the plates, i realized it wasn't hot at all (total bummer), and so i managed to get through the rest of my hair and haven't touched my iron since.  as a girl who uses her flat iron every day (at least on my bangs), this was kind of the worst.

clearly, i need to find a replacement, and soon.  but here's the deal:  i've been through no fewer than three flat irons since i graduated high school seven years ago, and while two and a half years isn't a terrible lifespan, i'd really like to find a product that's going to last!  i'm considering investing in a chi, because i've heard great things, but i'm also looking for suggestions….

so what straightener do you use?  do you love it?  why?  help!

HELP! | RIP TO MY FLAT IRON

i was straightening my hair the other day and something just wasn't right with my straightener.  the little "heating" light was blinking and it wasn't as hot or working as well as normal.  after lightly tapping on one of the plates, i realized it wasn't hot at all (total bummer), and so i managed to get through the rest of my hair and haven't touched my iron since.  as a girl who uses her flat iron every day (at least on my bangs), this was kind of the worst.

clearly, i need to find a replacement, and soon.  but here's the deal:  i've been through no fewer than three flat irons since i graduated high school seven years ago, and while two and a half years isn't a terrible lifespan, i'd really like to find a product that's going to last!  i'm considering investing in a chi, because i've heard great things, but i'm also looking for suggestions….

so what straightener do you use?  do you love it?  why?  help!

Girl Talk // Let's Talk Pretty

If you ask just about any woman what she doesn't like about her body, she'll likely be able to give you a laundry list.  For the sake of honesty, I'll tell you that my list would include the fact that my midsection and thighs are a little bit more wobbly than I'd like.  If you ask that same woman what she does like, she'd most likely shy away from giving you an answer without some coaxing.

For some reason, women today have a hard time wrapping their heads around the fact that they're beautiful. The media spends a whole lot of time giving us examples of "beauty"...mostly rail-thin, airbrushed models and celebrities...and we buy into every line.  It's hard not to.  Between advertisements and tv shows, blogs and magazines, we can't escape it at any turn.

As a middle schooler, there were tons upon tons of days that I definitely didn't feel attractive.  Acne, triangle hair (the result of a perm on shoulder-length hair with no layers and highlights that were far too blonde), glasses, a khaki and navy school uniform, and always a bit on the pudgy-side, I wasn't exactly the cute, tiny, bubbly kid you'd see on the Disney channel.  And frankly, a decade later, there are plenty of days when I feel like I haven't come too far from middle-school me.

I've gone through makeup phases in life.  I did the whole eyeliner thing in middle school, and then kinda just stopped wearing makeup all together until I discovered that mascara wasn't so difficult after all when I was in my senior year.  My freshman year of college, I bought myself a BareMinerals starter kit (my first real makeup experience), but like many college kids, often was just too tired or lazy to wear it.  I went through a "I don't need makeup to look good!" phase, and finally, sometime in the past few years, settled into a routine that gives me a natural finish (you can read more about that here).

The point is, I've wrestled with feeling like I'm not being true to myself by wearing makeup and wanting to be "pretty".  And I think it's a fairly normal struggle for a Christian gal to have.  We're told so many things from so many different sources.  "You don't need makeup to look pretty!"  "A little blush doesn't hurt, it looks healthy!"  And while some girls are just born with "it", I've come to realize that for many, it's Maybelline (punny, right??).

We put our worth in what society tells us is "pretty" and if we don't measure up, then we decide that we can't assume that label.

If I could say one thing to every teenage girl, twenty-something, or even any woman at any age about beauty, it would be that you. are. beautiful.  No matter what your makeup routine looks like.  And what makes a woman even more beautiful than her outward appearance is when she finds her worth in Christ. 1 Peter 3:3-4 talks about making sure your adornment isn't solely external, but that of the "imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God."

Here's my opinion:  It's ok to wear makeup.  And it's ok not to.  I believe that we're not supposed to draw inappropriate attention to ourselves through our makeup and our dress, but I don't think it's wrong to care about a makeup routine or about fashion.

Frankly, it doesn't really matter if you wear it or you don't.  What matters is realizing your true worth lies in becoming a woman with a Godly heart and gentle spirit.  That, in itself, with speak far louder than your eyeshadow and lipstick.

GIRL TALK | LET'S TALK PRETTY

If you ask just about any woman what she doesn't like about her body, she'll likely be able to give you a laundry list.  For the sake of honesty, I'll tell you that my list would include the fact that my midsection and thighs are a little bit more wobbly than I'd like.  If you ask that same woman what she does like, she'd most likely shy away from giving you an answer without some coaxing.

For some reason, women today have a hard time wrapping their heads around the fact that they're beautiful. The media spends a whole lot of time giving us examples of "beauty"...mostly rail-thin, airbrushed models and celebrities...and we buy into every line.  It's hard not to.  Between advertisements and tv shows, blogs and magazines, we can't escape it at any turn.

As a middle schooler, there were tons upon tons of days that I definitely didn't feel attractive.  Acne, triangle hair (the result of a perm on shoulder-length hair with no layers and highlights that were far too blonde), glasses, a khaki and navy school uniform, and always a bit on the pudgy-side, I wasn't exactly the cute, tiny, bubbly kid you'd see on the Disney channel.  And frankly, a decade later, there are plenty of days when I feel like I haven't come too far from middle-school me.

I've gone through makeup phases in life.  I did the whole eyeliner thing in middle school, and then kinda just stopped wearing makeup all together until I discovered that mascara wasn't so difficult after all when I was in my senior year.  My freshman year of college, I bought myself a BareMinerals starter kit (my first real makeup experience), but like many college kids, often was just too tired or lazy to wear it.  I went through a "I don't need makeup to look good!" phase, and finally, sometime in the past few years, settled into a routine that gives me a natural finish (you can read more about that here).

The point is, I've wrestled with feeling like I'm not being true to myself by wearing makeup and wanting to be "pretty".  And I think it's a fairly normal struggle for a Christian gal to have.  We're told so many things from so many different sources.  "You don't need makeup to look pretty!"  "A little blush doesn't hurt, it looks healthy!"  And while some girls are just born with "it", I've come to realize that for many, it's Maybelline (punny, right??).

We put our worth in what society tells us is "pretty" and if we don't measure up, then we decide that we can't assume that label.

If I could say one thing to every teenage girl, twenty-something, or even any woman at any age about beauty, it would be that you. are. beautiful.  No matter what your makeup routine looks like.  And what makes a woman even more beautiful than her outward appearance is when she finds her worth in Christ. 1 Peter 3:3-4 talks about making sure your adornment isn't solely external, but that of the "imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God."

Here's my opinion:  It's ok to wear makeup.  And it's ok not to.  I believe that we're not supposed to draw inappropriate attention to ourselves through our makeup and our dress, but I don't think it's wrong to care about a makeup routine or about fashion.

Frankly, it doesn't really matter if you wear it or you don't.  What matters is realizing your true worth lies in becoming a woman with a Godly heart and gentle spirit.  That, in itself, with speak far louder than your eyeshadow and lipstick.

BB Cream

I've been meaning to hop on the BB Cream train for a while now.  Sometimes my full face of makeup is just too much in the summer, you know?  The thing keeping me from finally getting on the train, though, was that I just couldn't pick one.

There are so many BBs out there, and as someone with combination-oily skin, the thought of putting a greasy cream that might make me look shiny only a few hours later sounded pretty terrible.  I'm a pretty firm believer in investing in high-quality cosmetics when it comes to foundation and things I'm covering my face with.  While it might pay off to invest in a more expensive product, I just wasn't ready to take that plunge with a BB Cream and decided to go with a more budget-friendly drugstore brand (not that there's anything wrong with drugstore brands either!).

I decided to go with Revlon's PhotoReady BB Cream and I'm really happy with my choice!  Here's my rundown:

-as expected, definitely not the coverage I get with my BareMinerals foundation
-smoothed my complexion
-blended easily
-matched my skin tone perfectly (I went with the Medium tone)
-moisturized my skin better than some moisturizers I've tried
-felt a little greasy at first, but after it was totally dried and set, felt smooth and dry
-had good staying power
-nice tint
-didn't leave me shiny or greasy
-budget-friendly ($10.99!)
-SPF 30

Overall, I really liked Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream.  While it didn't give me awesome coverage, it was certainly enough for a day when I don't need a full face of makeup.  Even at the end of the day, I could see some of the tint coming off with my makeup remover towel, so it did last.  It didn't leave me feeling greasy, oily, or shiny, which is a huge win for me.  I'd like to experiment with building the coverage a little bit, or using the cream as a primer/moisturizer under my foundation.

I had a great experience with Revlon's PhotoReady BB Cream and definitely recommend it.  I'm sure there are a ton of great BBs out there, and this might not be right for every skin type, but it was great for me!

This review has not been sponsored, nor requested by Revlon, and simply contains my own opinions and views to share with my readers.

BB CREAM

I've been meaning to hop on the BB Cream train for a while now.  Sometimes my full face of makeup is just too much in the summer, you know?  The thing keeping me from finally getting on the train, though, was that I just couldn't pick one.

There are so many BBs out there, and as someone with combination-oily skin, the thought of putting a greasy cream that might make me look shiny only a few hours later sounded pretty terrible.  I'm a pretty firm believer in investing in high-quality cosmetics when it comes to foundation and things I'm covering my face with.  While it might pay off to invest in a more expensive product, I just wasn't ready to take that plunge with a BB Cream and decided to go with a more budget-friendly drugstore brand (not that there's anything wrong with drugstore brands either!).

I decided to go with Revlon's PhotoReady BB Cream and I'm really happy with my choice!  Here's my rundown:

-as expected, definitely not the coverage I get with my BareMinerals foundation
-smoothed my complexion
-blended easily
-matched my skin tone perfectly (I went with the Medium tone)
-moisturized my skin better than some moisturizers I've tried
-felt a little greasy at first, but after it was totally dried and set, felt smooth and dry
-had good staying power
-nice tint
-didn't leave me shiny or greasy
-budget-friendly ($10.99!)
-SPF 30

Overall, I really liked Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream.  While it didn't give me awesome coverage, it was certainly enough for a day when I don't need a full face of makeup.  Even at the end of the day, I could see some of the tint coming off with my makeup remover towel, so it did last.  It didn't leave me feeling greasy, oily, or shiny, which is a huge win for me.  I'd like to experiment with building the coverage a little bit, or using the cream as a primer/moisturizer under my foundation.

I had a great experience with Revlon's PhotoReady BB Cream and definitely recommend it.  I'm sure there are a ton of great BBs out there, and this might not be right for every skin type, but it was great for me!

This review has not been sponsored, nor requested by Revlon, and simply contains my own opinions and views to share with my readers.

Hair Inspiration

I feel like I've had the same hair for a long time now.  I mean, I shake it up by wearing my bangs straight or by leaving it wavy, but overall, same.  See, my hair doesn't like to grow.  At all.  It seems like it hit a certain length (about 4 or 5 inches from where I'd actually like it to be), and just stopped.  I get regular trims.  I condition every day.  I use moroccan oil and don't put it up all that often.  I don't over brush and I try to take it easy on the hot tools by leaving it wavy a few days a week.  But it's still brittle, still coarse, and still not growing.

Anyway, in an effort to embrace my medium-long hair (with emphasis on the MEDIUM there), here's some hair that I'm coveting and feeling inspired by!

1//2//3//4//5

HAIR INSPIRATION

I feel like I've had the same hair for a long time now.  I mean, I shake it up by wearing my bangs straight or by leaving it wavy, but overall, same.  See, my hair doesn't like to grow.  At all.  It seems like it hit a certain length (about 4 or 5 inches from where I'd actually like it to be), and just stopped.  I get regular trims.  I condition every day.  I use moroccan oil and don't put it up all that often.  I don't over brush and I try to take it easy on the hot tools by leaving it wavy a few days a week.  But it's still brittle, still coarse, and still not growing.

Anyway, in an effort to embrace my medium-long hair (with emphasis on the MEDIUM there), here's some hair that I'm coveting and feeling inspired by!

1//2//3//4//5

Summer Style Inspiration

When it comes to my closet, I fall a little bit in love with every season right at the beginning.  My favorite season is truly fall, but at the start of every change of weather, I get a little excited about the fashion of the season.

Currently, spring and summer are doing that dance where they keep switching who is leading.  One day, it's 80, the next, 60 and rainy.  Let's be real, it's kind of annoying.  Especially when there's so many cute summer outfits to be had!  So c'mon weather, cooperate.

1//2//3//4//5//6

Ok, so summer style.  Breezy, casual, effortless.  Goodness I love this season.

This year, I'm really excited about the bright shorts and skirts, the touches of lace, the bright sandals, the pattern and color mixing, and, as with any season, the layering.  Layering is literally one of my favorite style moves.  Honestly, I usually feel sort of naked if I don't have more than one layer on.  Layers can take your wardrobe from season to season and can dress up or dress down an outfit. 

I'm working on being a little bit more adventurous with my wardrobe choices.  And I think summer is the perfect season in which to do that.

What are you loving for summer?

SUMMER STYLE INSPIRATION

When it comes to my closet, I fall a little bit in love with every season right at the beginning.  My favorite season is truly fall, but at the start of every change of weather, I get a little excited about the fashion of the season.

Currently, spring and summer are doing that dance where they keep switching who is leading.  One day, it's 80, the next, 60 and rainy.  Let's be real, it's kind of annoying.  Especially when there's so many cute summer outfits to be had!  So c'mon weather, cooperate.

1//2//3//4//5//6

Ok, so summer style.  Breezy, casual, effortless.  Goodness I love this season.

This year, I'm really excited about the bright shorts and skirts, the touches of lace, the bright sandals, the pattern and color mixing, and, as with any season, the layering.  Layering is literally one of my favorite style moves.  Honestly, I usually feel sort of naked if I don't have more than one layer on.  Layers can take your wardrobe from season to season and can dress up or dress down an outfit. 

I'm working on being a little bit more adventurous with my wardrobe choices.  And I think summer is the perfect season in which to do that.

What are you loving for summer?

WHAT'S IN MY MAKEUP BAG

I haven't always worn (or even liked) makeup.
I didn't start wearing mascara until my last year of high school and my first real makeup purchase was a BareMinerals starter kit during my first year of college.
I've gone through stages of not wearing anything and wearing a really minimal amount.
But in the past year or so, I've developed a makeup routine that I've come to really love.  It only takes me about 10 minutes, and it leaves me with a natural finish, which is really what I always wanted.  I never wanted to really look like I was wearing a lot of makeup.  Sometime last winter, I finally learned how to do my eye makeup, and that sort of changed makeup for me.  It finally became fun and something I don't feel so timid when experimenting with!
So, here's what's in my makeup bag and how I use it (not that I'm an expert):

The sister of one of my good friends just recently became a Mary Kay consultant, so I've acquired a bit of Mary Kay products.  Let me just say...I love them.  

This is the brush set & bag.  It rolls up nicely and holds everything I need!  And it keeps me insanely organized, which is always a plus.

1.  BareMinerals compact foundation in Medium Beige | This is my foundation.  It's similar to their loose powder mineral foundation, but it's packed into a compact and goes on with a bit more coverage

2.  BareMinerals bronzer in The High Dive | This is a good all-over face color, it's just like the foundation compact.

3.  Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara | I've neer met a mascara that does as good of a job at separating and defining lashes as this one.

4.  Maybelline eyeshadow palette in gold tones | I've recently begun a love affair with gold tones, and my eyeshadow is no exception.  This has just the right amount of shimmer.  It's a staple.

5.  Mary Kay Primer | This is like silk for your skin.  It's spf15 and is the perfect base to make foundation application smooth.

6.  Mary Kay compact | This holds three eyeshadows (golden vanilla, truffle, and lavender fog), a blush (sunny spice), and a lip gloss (cafe au lait).

7.  BareMinerals Mineral Veil | This is a great finisher for any look.  It's light and provides oil control and a airbrush finish.

8.  various eyeliners (brown, black, and gold) | I don't wear eyeliner all that much.  I can never do it on my top lid in a way that I like and looks subtle.  But I really like Ulta's brand of eyeliner.  They go on really smoothly.

1.  BareMinerals Precision Face brush | These tightly-packed bristles provide great coverage with the BareMinerals foundation compact.

2.  Mary Kay Cheek brush | I use this for blush application

3.  Mary Kay Powder brush | This is my go-to for bronzer and mineral veil

4.  BareMinerals Concealer brush | This is great for this trouble spots and blemishes

5.  Mary Kay Eye Definer brush | This sweeps eyeshadow on your lids perfectly

6.  Mary May Crease brush | For defining your eyes and brushing on darker shadows in the corners and crease

7.  Mary Kay Eyeliner/Eyebrow brush | This is two-sided, with a eyeliner brush on one side and a brow brush on the other

8.  e.l.f. Crease brush | This is angled, and works well for applying the darkest shadows in the outer corners of the eye

So that's it...my collection has grown a lot, and I have my routine down to under 10 minutes or so in the morning.  If I've learned anything in the past year or so, though, it's that the right tools make all the difference.

hair.

I do apologize for my absence around here this week.

Remember how my life was a little topsy-turvy earlier this fall?

Well, lets just say the topsy-turvy giant came back into town and started to make some waves again.  But no worries, things are fine.

Anyway, I just got my hair cut yesterday (nothing too drastic, just a little trim!) and I've been avidly searching for some fun Christmas hairstyles.

And then, I found It's the Small Things.

This girl's hair is to die for.  

Seriously.  I think I might just take my computer to my hairstylist next time and tell her to make mine look like that. 

Isn't it gorgeous?! 

It also just so happens that I needed a new hairdryer, so I went in search of her recommendations (she's a hairstylist herself, so she has a TON) and acted on a few of them!

Go check out Kate's blog.  Not only does she do tutorials and videos, she's also a total sweetheart!

How are you wearing your hair this Christmas season?

currently I'm...