Guest Post: Makeup Station

She does it again. I of course, have been slacking. My trusty fellow blogger, Morgan, has some great ideas for those of you who wonder what are some essential pieces to have at your makeup 'station.' To go with Morgan's style, she has a beautiful, well-organized vanity. For me, I have a makeup case under my sink and some organized trays/bins in my towel closet that is in my bathroom, since my bathroom is tiny. It is really whatever floats your boat. Here is Morgan's take:

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I am one of those people who looks disorganized to the outside eye but I have a method to my madness, especially when it comes to my makeup application station... or in other words, my vanity. I have recently just redone a 1930’s/1940’s clam shell vanity. When I say redone I mean I sanded, painted, added new drawer handles... the whole nine. But I digress. I have always had my makeup put up neatly in cigar boxes, placed ever so slightly so it all fit together like a little puzzle in a little nook on my bookshelf. Little did I know, I was missing something until getting my vanity completely finished. So here’s a few things to add to your makeup application space to make applying makeup and life, if you’re a makeup fiend like myself, just a little easier.

• Having a handy way to store your makeup applicators. Now I have a whole set of brushes from Costal Scents and they came in a neat little case, which I used for the longest time. Now I placed mine in square vases with clear marbles. So nice and convenient to just be able to look, grab, apply, and put away.

• Amazing lighting. I searched high and low for a string of globe bulbs to place around my mirror. But I failed at finding any that did not cost me an arm and a leg. I just happened to pull out my old Chinese lanterns and took the shades off and hung them low enough that they were not directly next to my face but were low enough to not have shadows cast on my face.

• Makeup boxes or bags. I prefer boxes. They keep my makeup completely organized. No falling all over the place. I know exactly where whatever I’m looking for is located. I know exactly where my peacock eye shadow palette is. I know exactly where my blush is. I do not have to dig around to look for anything. Like the puzzle I was talking about previously.

• Last but not least, makeup remover wipes and q-tips. You never know when you are going to have a small mistake or a huge one... one that can ruin your whole makeup application. It is better to have tools readily available to adjust or remove any imperfections you may encounter.

Here are some pics:

If you have any other handy helpful tips you use, let me know! And if you happen to try any of these tips, fill me in on how they work for you.

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Again, always on point and timely information from Miss Morgan. She is a makeup extraordinaire. I have seen some of her work, and it is fabulous. Hit her up on Instagram: 'gingerrkidd00' or email her.

Ciao, bellas!

☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

Guest Post: Costal Scents 88 Original Palette

If you are an eye-shadow fiend, you don't want to miss this! One of my good friends, Morgan, LOVES make-up and has an eye for the dramatic. Check out her guest post on SSB:

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This is by far my favorite item I have in my makeup collection. I’m now on my 2^nd one and I cannot get enough of this eye shadow palette. I stumbled upon this gem when just looking at random YouTube videos and found the lovely Michelle Phan. Now, I’m not 100% sure if she still uses it because I don’t watch her videos as religiously as I once did, but I asked for it for Christmas after watching a ton of her videos and got it... most exciting gift I got since being a kid. I’ll hit some of the highlights on why I love this palette.

So many color options, from hot pinks, lime greens, vibrant blues, etc. for the person who wants to be more daring with their shadow choices... to a light nude with a small amount of shimmer for someone who likes to wear their makeup more subtly.

It lasts forever. I got the first palette for Christmas in 2009 and just ordered a new one this June. And I hadn’t even used the whole thing. Granted, I have found substitutes for the colors I loved the most but I still needed to refresh all the other colors I hadn’t blown through.

It’s insanely affordable and they have sales constantly. My mom was the one who got the first one and she said it was only $18. $18 for 88 colors?! Oh yea. And when I went to order it in June it was on sale for half off, ended up getting it for only $9. There is no way you can beat the price for what you get.

Colors stay vibrant even without an eye primer. I use one myself but before I got into using an eye primer the colors stayed all day long and with the primer they stay even better and don’t crease. Creasing is inevitable without the proper bases but the colors don’t crease so evidently, so it’s hardly noticeable.

My general rating of this has got to be 5/5. Only down side is I ran though my favorite colors ultra-quick but I was able to find substitutes very easily or you can order the individual colors on their site. when you use up your faves.

If anyone else has used it or tried it, I have got to hear what your thoughts are. It is easily the cheapest shadow palette around for the amount of shadow you get.

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I think this sounds awesome! I am in love with that price point and how long-lasting it is. Look for more hot guest posts from Morgan. In the meantime, if you want to contact her, email her here and check out her Instagram: 'gingerrkidd00.' =)

☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

Resource 'Sundays': Beauty Blogs

I apologize for this being delayed. Friday was a busy, busy whirlwind of a day for me. I got engaged on Friday and so I was in lala land for the whole last part of the day... just so happy! Anyway, for this Resource Friday post (yes, I know today is Sunday) I wanted to share some fellow beauty bloggers who have blogs/sites that I quite enjoy.

1) A Model Recommends: Just what it sounds like, pretty much. A beauty blog from a model's perspective. An intelligent and educated model, at that. She has the inside scoop on a lot of new, amazing products and some tricks of the biz. She also talks fashion, which is a bonus. I really enjoy reading her articles and getting ideas of new products to try and skin care tips. She even has some tutorial videos and 'vlog' posts. This blog is definitely a keeper!

2) Refinery29: This is maybe more regular website-like and there are various topics besides beauty. However, that seems to be the focus. I am sure a lot of you know about this one since this is a pretty popular and well-known site. I enjoy their reviews of easy-to-obtain drugstore products and quick & easy hair ideas. But of course, there is a lot about this site that I like. A lot of the ideas I see are things I feel like I can actually do, which is a HUGE plus for me since I am sort of 'challenged' in that way. Check this one out, for sure.

3) Cult of Pretty: This one is so neat, I love the concept. There are a TON of brands on here that I have never heard of, and I love that. I am all about discovering awesome, not-as-well-known products. What is great is she also talks about all products... drugstore, department store, and "no store," as she calls it. Her blog has a fun and artistic layout that always keeps me entertained. If you are wanting to find new products or learn something specific about a product, this is where you want to be.

4) I Covet Thee: What  I like about this site is how personal it feels. I feel like I could hang out with Alix and already know her a little bit after looking around on her site and reading some blogs. Her Instagram is interesting and she even posts food pictures, which a lot of you know I am a closet food journalist (haha). You can look through her product directory if you are looking for something in particular or just scroll through her home page to read her latest blogs. You can't go wrong.

5) August Skin: This one is really fun. She is an up-and-coming blogger and I love her articles. She is what I am working to be someday. She seems to write about a lot of things that I am curious about or things I think I would write about. One of my favorite things about her blog is her writing style. It is really beautifully done and it really clicks with me. Out of all of these blogs, this one is probably my favorite but I think all the other ones are fab and you should totally check them out too. 

Hope you enjoy some of these blogs! =)


☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

Picture from Refinery29's latest article. Read it.

What I'm Wearing

So if you're like me, you wear a mix of brands when it comes to makeup. I recently decided to share what I wear normally when I do my makeup and I was thinking, "Wow, that is a lot of different brands!" So, I will post some pictures and walk you through what I put on. You may notice why I am so natural and simple when it comes to makeup... even when I do a 'natural' look it still takes forever. Ain't nobody got time for that. 

Sorry for the serious face, haha. ;) 

Foundation: I am wearing Urban Decay Naked Skin liquid foundation in color 2.0. It is a little light for my skin right now but I do not use it every day and I warm it up with powder and bronzer. I am also wearing Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation in Ivory 2 over it. Just a quick overlay. I briefly review it here.

Highlighter/Bronzer: I am wearing Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow for bronzer (cheek bones and t-zone) and Benefit Cosmetics Watts Up! on the top of my cheek bones. 

Brows/Lashes: Emani Minerals Brow Powder and Liner Brush in Blonde (they have other color combos, though!). Yes, I recognize I am in dire need of a waxing/shaping. For mascara I am wearing Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! It is a black mascara and I do not think it comes in other colors.

Lips: Urban Decay Lip Junkie in Naked (pinky neutral). I love how cooling it is. And even a little plumping. Buxom lip glosses are also amazing. 

Shadow/Liner: bareMinerals 'Well-Rested' SPF 20 powder multi-tasker all over, Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Honey Spice on lid, and Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Iris in the crease. For eyeliner I am wearing a shot of purple underneath my eye on the lower lashes. It is an old eyeliner I have and I am not sure if it is made anymore. Rimmel Extreme Definition two-tone eye definer in 'Rock Chick.' It is two colors of purple and I am wearing the brighter one. I find that websites review it and it may be available to purchase on the UK Ebay or Amazon.

In a nutshell, that is what I wear when I wear more makeup than usual during the day time. I'd like to hear some of your go-tos! 

Have a fab rest of your week!


☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

Acne, blotchy-ness, redness, & dry spots Part III

And so, this little series comes to an end. For the third part of these skin concerns I want to focus a little more on makeup and not skin care. Today I am going to talk about two products that are helpful for me when I have these skin concerns (or even when I do not): mineral foundation (specifically loose powder but there are other forms) and bronzer. I want to preface this with the statement that I know not all of these products will work for everyone nor will these routines. I am trying to get sort of a broad-base perspective. If you would like some specific suggestions, please feel free to ask me or check out some of the apps I talked about in my last post, do research on other websites, etc. 

Here are some mineral foundations that I like:

1) Physicians Formula Mineral Wear: I am always impressed with Physicians Formula products. I like this one because it is inexpensive and does not make my skin look weird or get oily. I think mineral powder lets you have great, buildable coverage and it is good for any skin type. Not all kinds work for all skin types, though. I have combination skin and this works really well for me. I have sensitive skin and this is hypoallergenic, which is a huge plus for me as well. You can buy this at pretty much any drug store and Walmart. They also have some with SPF, but I have not seen it in stores. I also have not looked that hard so I am sure it is there since it is online. There are 9 colors.

2) bareMinerals Foundation: This mineral foundation has its ups and downs for me. I do not like how 'heavy' the coverage is on me. I looks pretty but it makes me feel like a, dare I say it, cake face. That is definitely not suiting for me. I like the matte version much better because when I use the regular version my skin is oily by the end of the day. One thing I really like about this though is that it has broad spectrum SPF 15 in it. It is still ideal to use a moisturizer with SPF in it as well, and do touch-ups as needed. It is a little expensive but a little goes a long way. I will say that I like a lot of their products in general, as well. bareMinerals is sold online, in stores, and in salons. It is pretty accessible and there are 20 colors. 

3) Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation: This is what I am using at moment, in Ivory 2. I love the coverage with this one. Not too much, not too little. It is not a matte powder but it definitely controls my oil (like Physicians Formula does, but maybe a tiny bit better). They do not make a foundation with SPF but they do have a foundation primer (SPF 15) and tinted moisturizer (SPF 20) with sunscreen.  Price-wise it is in between the bareMinerals and the Physicians Formula. This has 12 colors. 

Okay so there are a TON more mineral foundations but there are some to get you started. Now on to the bronzers...

1) Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips: See? I told you I love this brand. This is what I am using right now. It is great because it has a gradient of colors so you can go darker or lighter, depending on your skin tone and what you're going for. You can also use this as an eyeshadow, which I love. It works well as eyeshadow and it is great for traveling if you are not trying to take too many products with you. They have a lot of different kinds of bronzers and even different colors in this specific style. I use the Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer right now.

2) Too Faced Endless Summer 16+ Hour Bronzer: I have actually not tried this one but it gets awesome reviews everywhere. I have looked at a lot of 'best bronzer' articles and it is named in almost every one, as well. There is only one color in this, so it will not fit every skin tone I am sure. That is one thing to remember with bronzers: it is important to go with one that compliments the shade and tone of your skin. A bonus to this product is that it is long-lasting and cruelty-free. It says that it has buildable coverage, which is something that is really important for me. Simple and natural. 

Let me know what you use or if you would like a suggestion for you skin tone. Or any other thoughts, comments, or suggestions. This wraps up this three-part skin series! What should I cover next?

Ciao, bellas!

☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

Resource Fridays: Apps

I would like to dedicate Friday's to short, sweet posts about resources. There are so many things out there on the internet, magazines, stores, etc. for you to grab hold of and say "Mine!" The great news is, a lot of them are free or really inexpensive. Some of you may be saying, "Well yeah, but where do I start?" This is where I come in. I am hoping to give you extensive beauty resources by picking a 'theme' each Friday and giving some information. 

This week's theme is apps. As in, phone/mobile applications. Almost all of us have a smart phone or iPad/Kindle/tablet/etc. We have busy lives, so we need things that cater to that. Something quick, easy, and fun. I would like to share with a few apps I have found and like. 

Beautylish: You do not want to miss this one. Gosh, I love it! They post articles surrounding different beauty concerns (and even post DIY stuff), you can look at videos and photos, see what other people are talking about in the beauty world, get and give advice, and even buy things from their website or app. My favorite part is the articles and DIYs but it is all great stuff. You can favorite anything you like and save it for future use. I would highly recommend this app. It's fun and has a great user interface. 

Total Beauty: This app is a review melting pot. You can look up products and see what other people are saying about them. You can search by brand or by category (face, makeup, hair, body). This app is great if you are looking for a new product to try or have a specific brand you want to explore for other products. It is nice because it has a TON of different brands, and not just certain brands like department stores have. 

Make Up For Ever Pocket Studio: This app is like a little pocket makeup artist. It has a lot of tutorials so you can learn how to achieve looks for any occasion. It is nice because it also has tips on how to fix those beauty blunders (I seem to have one of those every time I try to do something out of my ordinary makeup routine) and you can save your favorite products to a wish list, if you want.  I do not use this app because I rarely do anything awesome with my makeup. But for those of you who like to experiment with different looks, this a cool one!

My Own: Whoa huh hoo, this is a gem. This app analyzes your skin type by taking a picture of your face. Make sure your face is sans make-up, pull you hair back, and take a picture! You can use the front or back camera if your phone has that capability. The back camera produces better results according to the app, but I used the front camera and it seemed to work fine. This is just really nifty to me. It looks at wrinkles and age spots. And let me tell you, I was amazed at what this picked up! It tells you where you are at as compared to your peers and gives you suggestions for lifestyle and skincare changes. This app does more than this but I wanted to give a quick review of it. Check it out and let me know what you think!

The best thing about these four apps... they are free! I only did four because this is supposed to be short and sweet (apparently I struggle with that) and that is a lot of apps to try. Post some of your favorite beauty apps, I'd love to hear what you are all loving right now.

Happy weekending. Wear that sunscreen! *wink*

☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!

At-The-Moment-Loves: July

Taking just a one-post break from my series. In the next post I will finish up the three-part specific skin concern series.

This evening I wanted to give you a quick run-down of some of the things I am loving for this hot, sunny month of July. Let me know what you're loving right now, too! 

Clock-wise from top left corner:

1) Ray-Bans Wayfarer: Well, everyone needs sunglasses in the summer, right? Honestly, the best way to protect those precious mucous membranes is to wear sunglass at all times, even when it is cloudy. According to the Ray-Ban website, all of their lenses protect the eyes "100%" from "UVA, UVB, harmful, and blue light" rays. I am not really sure what the last two mean specifically, not really my specialty! 
I put 100% in quotes because the lenses do not wrap around the sides and the top/bottom so they technically do not block the rays that come in from the angles that they do not cover. It is highly important to find sunglasses that have UV protection! They do not have to be expensive, either. Even expensive sunglasses do not always have UV protection, sadly. If you are a known sunglass-breaking offender, buy a case! Once you start to get into a certain price range, they will even come with a case. You can buy these babies a lot of places, mine are from Sunglass Hut. The above link is linked to the Ray-Ban website.

2) Philosophy Eye Hope™ Multitasking Eye Cream: I received a deluxe sample of this so I will give a quick review since I did not have enough to see if it is 'really' working. Six weeks is about what it takes, but this product is sold in a pretty big container for just the eyes so it will last ya awhile! To start, at all the websites I found this product to be sold (Philosophy, Ulta, Sephora, Skin Store, Nordstrom, & more I am sure) it had product reviews of 4 out of 5 'stars' for the average. 
I noticed a little bit of a burning sensation when I used it, which I did not like but it passed after about 5 minutes or so. I did not notice a change in lines, wrinkles, or puffiness (this is an anti-aging product) yet but I did notice the skin around my eyes was softer than it was when I was just using moisturizer and the appearance of my sometimes-dark-circles were lighter. Like I said, I cannot give a full on review since I have not used it for 6 weeks but for the short time I used this product, I was really impressed! 

3) Burt's Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit: This balm is a winner for me. I like that it comes in a chap stick style tube, because it is the fastest and easiest way to put on lip balm. It has a really smooth, lasting texture most likely because of the Grapefruit Seed Oil (Bonus: Yummy smell and flavor). It is also really moisturizing, so I appreciate that. Summer and winter months are when my skin and lips are the most dry (the climate is pretty dry in Eastern Washington since we are in high desert). I bought my tube at a grocery store here in Spokane called Yoke's Fresh Market but Burt's Bees is sold everywhere, really... gas stations, drug stores like Walgreens, Walmart, their website, grocery stores, etc. This is a very inexpensive, great lip balm for summer that I would give a 4.5 out of 5 stars, taking off .5 because it does not have sunscreen in it.

4) Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up!: I love their catchy product names. This is an amazing highlighter. I have a smaller, travel size version of it but once I am out I will be getting the full-size. I do not have the blending sponge on mine and I am reading mixed reviews on that so you will have to see what works best for you. I use my finger tips to blend it and that works great. This is meant for cheekbones and brow bones, but I mainly use it for cheekbones. This product lasts about all day, which is awesome. It is also really easy to blend...  I just put a line on top of my cheekbones slanting up a bit as I move towards my hairline and then I blend with a finger tip, moving in small circular motions. It literally takes seconds to do this. It is such a beautiful luminizer. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars for me because of the look, feel, staying power, and ease of application. You can buy it at these websites: Benefit Cosmetics, Sephora, Ulta, Makeup Alley, and more. 

Let's hear some of your favorite summer time products! *muwah*


☮gretchen elizabeth

Please note, I am not paid to do these reviews nor am I doing this for the benefit of any company. It is just my own personal opinions, experiences, likes and dislikes!