To BB Cream or not to BB Cream?

After months and months and months of seeing and hearing about different BB Creams, I decided to bite the bullet and give one a go (for those of you not familiar with BB Creams, ‘BB’ is short for Beauty Balm). I have been using Revlon’s Photoready BB Cream (Skin Protector SPF 30) for almost two weeks now and I’m hooked. The formula is very lightweight, however, very hydrating like a moisturizer. The beauty balm smoothes your skin like a primer, but covers like a foundation and concealer for a flawless appearance. It also protects with SPF 30 like a sunscreen. There are three different shades available to fit your individual skin tone. This one step solution for flawless looking skin has currently replaced my old foundation routine. Simply dab the product on your cheeks, nose, forehead and chin and blend outward. You can wear the BB Cream alone or you can layer the cream over your current moisturizer for additional hydration. For those of you wanting to try a BB Cream, I highly recommend giving one a go, you won’t be disappointed.

I wear the shade Light Medium.

Love the coverage and luminous finish.

XOXO

Real Girl

Squeaky Clean & Super Soft

Hello beauties.

I get quite a few questions regarding my morning and evening skincare routine and what I do to maintain such clear, glowing skin, so I thought I’d share my routine with all of my faves.

In the morning I cleanse my face with bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam. This facewash is super gentle and forms a nice, creamy lather. It removes makeup and rebalances your skin leaving a smooth complexion with a gorgeous glow. After I cleanse my face, I hydrate with Sephora’s Ultimate Moisture Serum layered under bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturzer for Combination Skin. This combination of moisturizers really keeps my skin feel hydrated all day long. Once I have cleansed and moisturized my face, I like to use Clinique’s City Block Sheer SPF 25 Oil-Free Daily Face Protector- it’s super important that I protect my face from the sun’s super harsh rays.

Daytime Skin Routine

In the evening I use my bareMinerals Deep Cleansing Foam (again) to remove any remaining makeup that my facial cleansing cloths did not remove. Once my face is squeaky clean, I use The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash by Philosophy. I use the exfoliating wash as more of a scrub vs. a cleanser, which is why I also use my bareMinerals cleanser first. However, this exfoliating wash is gentle enough to be used daily as a cleanser. I follow with my Ultimate Moisture Serum by Sephora layered under Sephora’s Age Defy Night Moisture Cream. This anti-aging night cream boosts cell growth and minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while leaving my skin looking radiant and feeling super moisturized.

Nighttime Skin Routine

I highly recommend finding a skincare routine that works for you and your skin type. All of the products that I’m currently using will be repurchased when the time comes. I love the way they make my skin look and feel.

XOXO

Real Girl

Addict Right Here

My name is Sarah and I am addicted to this little beauty.

Loreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Lip Stain in Pink Resistance

This little beauty has only been in my life for a little over twenty four hours and I’m addicted. In this short amount of time I have become obsessed with applying it, wearing it, smelling it and holding it. I know, creepy. I need to be committed, like twenty -three -hours –ago-crazy-person-on-the-loose committed. I simply can’t help myself. This lip stain offers everything I’d want in a lip stain. Not only does this lip stain think it’s a gloss (so shiny), it also hydrates. Loreal has done it; they have created a lip stain with lip gloss luster and shine. The shine is non-sticky and offers continuous hydration- honestly; this lip stain felt better on my lips as the day went on. It does have somewhat of a floral scent, so if you aren’t into that, then you won’t like this product. Also, the shine isn’t immediate and you will need to layer this product to gain the full effect. I would recommend putting on a layer, letting it dry, then adding another layer and repeating once more. I put on two layers before I leave the house in the morning and then apply one more layer before heading in to work. I currently own only one of these little beauties, however, I plan on running (or driving) to the store this afternoon and purchasing at least two (or 4, but don’t tell my husband- haha) more of these lip stains. So addicted!!!!!

On my way to work this morning.

Ready.Set.Thread

I’ve been talking all week about needing to get my caterpillars (eyebrows) groomed and I finally went yesterday and had them threaded. Boy do I feel like a new woman! It’s amazing what a simple eyebrow grooming can do for your face and your makeup.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with threading, it’s an ancient hair removal method where a thin cotton thread is doubled, then twisted and rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair at the follicle level. Threading is gentler on the skin and provides precise control making the method ideal for eyebrow shaping. No harsh chemicals are used, it’s extremely sanitary and super quick. I highly recommend having your eyebrows threaded at least once in your lifetime. I promise once you’ve had your eyebrows threaded, you will say goodbye to waxing forever (and if not, then clearly you’re an alien from Area 51).

BEFORE

AFTER

Love It or Lose It Thursday

Today’s Love It or Lose It features Urban Decay’s Naked Palette.

The palette retails for $50 at Sephora and includes 12 very flattering, very universal eyeshadows. The palette provides a variety of shadow textures and finishes, which include glitter, shimmer, and matte. The palette also includes a Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush (not pictured) and a travel size Eyeshadow Primer Potion (not pictured).

Swatches (Left to Right): Virgin (nude satin), Sin (champagne shimmer) Naked (buff matte), Sidecar (beige sparkle), Buck (brown matte), Half Baked (bronze), Smog (golden brown shimmer), Darkhorse (bronze-plum shimmer), Toasted (taupe-bronze), Hustle (mocha shimmer), Creep (near-black metallic), Gunmetal (dark grey metallic)

Where do I begin? First, let me just say that I used to despise eyeshadow palettes. I thought they were the most useless beauty products ever created. Most have few colors that actually work on any normal skin tone and the rest of the colors are so ridiculous, most women wouldn’t be caught dead in them even on Halloween. Needless to say if I didn’t toss them out, they ended up buried at the bottom of my makeup case untouched and unused. With all of that being said, after using the Naked palette I can honestly say that I am a palette hater no more. This palette has turned me in to a pro-paletter (yes, I just made up that word) and has become a staple in my beauty collection. The colors are so pigmented and so versatile the options are endless. I can slap on a wash of color on my lid for a day at the office or I can do a super-sexy-smokey look for a night out with the hubby. This palette is a definite must have. DO NOT let the price intimidate you. Yes, fifty bones seems like a lot of money for eyeshadow but it’s $50 well invested and worth every single penny. If you’re like me and you need a little justification for your purchase, each eyeshadow is roughly $4.17- talk about a bargain!  Plus, you can’t put a price on happiness and this palette will make you happy every time you use it. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. One more selling point, if you order this product from sephora.com, you get free 3-day shipping. Who doesn’t like free shipping? If this bad boy is calling your name, order it now and you could have it by Saturday- just in time for your fabulous weekend plans. I give this product an absolute LOVE IT!!!

XOXO

Real Girl

‘That’s why her hair is so big, it’s full of secrets.’ –Damian, Mean Girls

BEST Valentine’s Day gift EVER- my Nume 32mm Magic Wand. Whoa- I know what you’re thinking and you need to get your mind out of the gutter, would ya? I’m obviously talking about a curling wand, for your hair; I mean what else would I be talking about, ha ha. My amazing hubby got me this pretty gem this past Valentine’s Day and I’m in love (with him too of course). This curling wand is so easy to use and knocks out a head full of curls in half the time most curling irons take to heat up. Plus, the curls last all day (and the next day and the day after that). If you have stubborn to curl hair (like me), then you will LOVE this wand as much as I do. It is a little pricey, but so worth the cost.

So, without further adieu…

Nume Magic Wand (Curling Wand)
http://www.numeproducts.com
Price $159.00*
*I had a coupon code from a youtube channel I subscribe to for $110 off so my hubby was able to get this for $49+tax and shipping.

BEFORE
Note: This is second day hair that was air dried on day one.

AFTER
Note: The curling wand does not work as good on second day hair as it does on first day hair.

Styling Step by Step

1.       This technique works best when you separate your hair into smaller one inch sections. The size of the section affects the size of the curl. If you want tighter curls, use smaller sections. If you want big, loose curls, use larger sections.

2.       Hold the wand at a downward angle and wrap the sections of hair around the wand. You hair should be near the base of the wand and wrapped away from your face. Hold hair in place for about ten seconds and then slip the wand out of the curl. Once you have curled your entire head of hair, let the curls set. Note: If you are curling sections of hair you will want to hold your hair in place for about fifteen seconds.

3.       Once your hair has cooled, place a nickel size amount of texture paste on the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together. Flip your head upside down and scrunch the ends of your hair. Once you have scrunched the ends of your hair, flip your head upright and run your fingers through the ends of your hair.

4.       Set your style with a volumizing hairspray.

5.       Say hello to your Victoria’s Secret supermodel hair, throw on some pumps, shake what your mama gave you and conquer the world.

XOXO

Real Girl

Keep It Simple Sweeties

Keep It Simple Sweeties

Mornings at my house can be a little hectic.  Not only am I trying to make it out the door somewhat on time, looking somewhat presentable, I’m also juggling a million things at once, including an eight month old, who most days decides to de-robe as fast as I can get her clothed. With all of that being said, I understand the importance of having a super-simple-no-fuss-of-course-I-rolled-out-of-bed-looking-this-amazing go to makeup look and today I’ve decided to share this look with you, my most favorite beauties. You can keep this look very simple for work by pairing it with a nude lip OR if you’re feeling a bit sassy you can rock some BIG Texas pageant hair and strut your stuff to happy hour with your best gal pals. Either way this look will make you feel fierce…like a tiger, grrr.

Step 1: Complete your daily face makeup routine. Don’t forget the bronzer and blush.

Step 2: Fill in your brows. (Again please disregard my horrendous eyebrows. I’m getting these bad boys done on Thursday, fingers crossed.)

Step 3: Apply a base or primer from your lash line to your brown bone and blend.

I used Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded (product comparable to MAC Paint Pots).

Step 4: Apply a highlight shadow to your brow bone.

I used a MAC Frost eyeshadow in Ricepaper.

Step 5: Apply a wash of color to your eyelid.

I used a Bare Minerals Glimmer shadow in Bare Skin.

Step 6: Apply a darker shadow to your crease and blend.

I used a MAC Satin Eyeshadow in Haux.

Step 7: Line your upper lash line with a gel eye liner using an angled makeup brush.

Step 8: Line your lower lash line (water line) with black eyeliner.

Step 9: Line your lower lash line with a different color eyeliner. Choose something similar to the eyeshadow you used in your crease.

I used a MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack for my upper lash line, a MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder for my water line and a MAC Eye Kohl in Costa Riche for my lower lash line.

Step 10: Apply two to three coats of mascara.

I used Loreal’s Telescopic Shocking Extensions (obvi).

Ta-Da!

 

Go on with your fab self!!!

XOXO

Real Girl

Best.Mascara.Ever

Has your search for the perfect mascara become comparable to Indiana Jones’ quest for the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade? If you are looking for a mascara that lengthens, lifts and dials up the volume all in one application then search no more my friends because I have found it. Drum roll please (insert drum roll)…Telescopic Shocking Extensions by Loreal. This mascara claims to ‘lengthen and intensify in one motion’ and that it does. The consistency of the mascara is perfect- it’s not too wet and not too dry. The rubber brush is ideal for applying multiple coats and separating your lashes without getting the whole spidery-tarantula look. The packaging is uber cute…who wouldn’t want a mini, shiny, metallic telescope in their makeup bag? I cannot say enough great things about this mascara. You don’t have to worry about clumps or smudges and you definitely don’t have to worry about those annoying mascara ‘crumbs’ hanging out under your eyes or annoying your contact lenses throughout the day. With a single application you’re ready for a day at the office or a night out on the town. However, if you like to pump up the flirt, I personally like to slap on two to three coats of this miracle in a tube. I mean, I may be batting my eyes at my computer screen most days, but there is something about flirty lashes that help a girl get through the work week feeling fabulous.  Every girl needs this mascara in their makeup bag of tricks- it is truly Ah-mazing and does not disappoint. 

(Please disregard my caterpillars, I mean my eyebrows. I need to get them threaded this week.)

XOXO

Real Girl