Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Beauty or the Beast?

“Every once in a while, a girl has to indulge herself.”
-Carrie Bradshaw

Beauty & The Beast is my favorite Disney movie of all time. Belle’s hair is so pretty, and her skin is flawless. I wonder what kind of makeup she uses…?

We all know that I have a slight obsession with shoes (I have purchased 6 pair in the last 2 weeks, see my latest post under the Obsessions tab), but in recent months I’ve become just as attracted to makeup! I had never lived anywhere near a Sephora before moving to Atlanta, but I now believe it to be the holy hub of beauty products! I haven’t totally abandoned Target makeup aisles, but I have some marvelous product fascinations I just can’t live without.

First and foremost, I believe face primer to be the most under-used beauty product in the world. Okay, maybe not the world, but you know what I mean. I have tried a couple of primers from different lines, but actually tend to favor the Sephora Collection “Tricks of the Trade” Perfection Primer. I know people swear by the Smashbox Photo Finish, but that just doesn’t do the job for me.

I have to thank my dear friend Jamie for introducing me to Clinique Airbrush Concealer, without which my most hideous imperfections would be evident to everyone. I had not used Clinique products since middle school and have honestly not stopped by their counters in the department stores in years. However, this little doozy of a product completely wipes away all proof of my blemishes. Topped with a dab or two of Bare Essentials Fairly Light Foundation applied with a concealer brush, this is my savior most days of the year. The two combined are sure to hide any of my faults.

I try to keep my makeup minimalistic (shown above), as I am not fond of the caked on look. But, I do have a few steps involved in getting ready. My every day work look starts with a smear of primer followed by a layer of tinted highlighter to even out my skin tone. Then I apply my favorite concealer combo. Next comes the Bare Essentials Medium Beige Original Foundation and a wisp of bronzer and pink blush. I finish with liner applied to the top lid only, curling the lashes and two coats of mascara. I swear by the Revlon Color Stay eyeliner because it glides on so smoothly, and currently I am using Maybelline’s Falsies mascara. My mascara choice changes frequently, but I usually stick to the cheap stuff, as my budget doesn’t love YSL as much as I do.

When I am getting ready to go out, there are only two differences. Instead of highlighter, I use liquid foundation to create a more finished and airbrushed look. I also apply eyeliner to the bottom lid. That’s it. Simple enough right?

I’m still on a money saving mission, but there are just some corners I’m not willing to cut when it comes to my makeup.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I judge a book by its cover.


“Oh yea, I'm headed for a story book ending.” – Carrie Bradshaw

I love, love, love to read. But I never feel like I have time for it these days. I find myself picking up new books at Barnes & Noble, and then just setting them on a shelf to look pretty. I used to love the days when I could grab a book and spend the day lounging by the pool to read and soak up some rays.

Currently, I’d have to say my favorite book is “If You Have To Cry, Go Outside” by Kelly Cutrone. I could probably write an entire post on what I learned from this book. It’s amazing, really. But aside from the non-fiction stuff, I love a good, filthy novel about some young woman with a great job who goes through men as much as she changes her nail polish.

I don’t personally have some grand job that hundreds of young college girls hope they can land, and I don’t hook up with lots of guys. That may be why I love these books so much. I wish I had the balls to be like the women featured in these books.

Since the sun finally decided to come out in Atlanta last weekend, I found myself running to the pool. I grabbed a book just like old times and have started the infamous “Chasing Harry Winston.” So far, so good.

I’d also like to recommend “Bergdorf Blondes,” “Debutante Divorce,” and “The Accidental Diva.” The first two mentioned are by none other than Plum Sykes, talk about a girl with an amazing career!

Maybe one day my life will be fabulous enough to be exaggerated on in a New York Times best seller. Until then, I’ll just read about everyone else.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Relationship Schmelationship



“Some people are settling down, some people are settling and some people
refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies.” – Carrie Bradshaw

So, I graduated college and the first thing people now ask me is “When are you getting married?” Well, not anytime soon, seeing as I have no prospects lined up.

The couple of years following college have been filled with friends moving on to the next phase in their lives. I’m talking rings and weddings, relocations and home purchases- all in the name of love. It has been such fun getting to be involved in helping my comrades pick out home decorations, bridesmaid dresses, even baby names!

The best part about my friends started to “settle down” (not that they are really settling down) is the fact that they seem to be doing it with great guys, which to me just means more friends! Most recently, one of my dearest friends just moved across the globe to follow her love, literally. She opened her heart and trusted his.

My friends know how absolutely terrified I am of commitment at this point in my life. Talking of relationships leads to talking about marriage, and I’m just not there yet. The truth is I don’t see myself being ready for something like that for a very, very long time.

My friends also know how picky I am. I’m often reminded of how quick I am to shoot someone down because he doesn’t meet a requirement on my mental checklist. The way I look at it, I’m not settling. If I’m going to share such a big part of my life with someone, he better meet some serious criteria. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not searching for some perfect creature, but I do know what I like.

I’ve met plenty of guys. Cute guys. Rich guys. Party guys. Serious guys. Childish guys. I’ve met them all, but I’m not going to settle for any of them unless they give me butterflies. I’ve felt it before and I know I will feel it again, when the time is right.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

If I should die before I wake.


Carrie: “I just got back from a funeral.”
Big: “And you thought of me, I'm flattered.”

Recently I’ve been thinking about all of the things I want to accomplish before I die. I’ve never really thought about creating an official bucket list, but now, I think I should. There are just so many things I want to do and I want to make sure I don’t leave anything out by mistake. This will be an evolving list, but right now my goals include: going on an African safari and riding an elephant, revisiting Washington D.C. and this time touring the White House, skydiving with a friend and catching it on video, and going to Jerusalem to immerse myself in not only the culture, but also the biblical institutions I grew up learning about.

In the midst of thinking of all of these goals, I began thinking about all of the things I haven’t even done in my own city. So, there are a few things I want to do before the end of the year, like visiting the High Museum of Art, going to the World of Coke, and exploring Fernbank Museum. I’ll keep you guys posted on my adventures!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Best Accessory Isn’t Always a Man on Your Arm


“If you are single, there is always one thing you should take out
with you on a Saturday night- your friends.” – Carrie Bradshaw

My favorite thing to do on the weekends? Go out with my girlfriends, of course! I have a great collection of friends that are always down to go out. Doesn’t matter where, doesn’t matter with who; we will just go.

At the beginning of every week, I’m already worried about what I am going to wear that weekend. As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m not the heir to the fortune of Daddy Warbucks and do not have the luxury of charging things on a black card (maybe one day), so the planning is very strategic. It’s based on where I’m going, who I’ll see and whether or not there will be pictures taken. Even with days of planning, the outfit usually isn’t chosen until the moment before I go out that night.

Truth is, my mood for the evening depends heavily on the outfit of choice. I can usually spice up even a bland outfit with a smear of red lipstick, but the outfit still has to feel good. Nonetheless, I usually end up having the time of my life and making memories that are sure to be shared for a long time, or at least shared the next morning when we are all piecing together the events of the night before.

A great night with friends isn’t properly had without dancing, so we go prepared to shake off a few carbs from the sugary drinks we are going to intake. Emphasis on the dancing, because it's a great way to cap off a fun night. I love all kinds of music, as long as it has a beat. And the person with whom I dance has to be able to keep up with that beat!

Inside a cute handbag or clutch, we always take a camera, lipstick and gum. But, the best accessory for a night out is definitely a girlfriend by your side. Sometimes we go with guys we know, sometimes we meet new ones there, and yes, sometimes we may even leave with them. But the real fun is had with the girlfriends, so I never leave them behind.