What I'm Loving [My Latest Sephora Order]

Bobbi Brown Blush in Bright Pale Pink; Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon; Smith's Rosebud Salve Lip Balm

Benefit Rockateur Blush; Sephora Fomula X in Meteoric and Extraordinary

So lately I have become a little bit addicted to make-up...perhaps A LOT addicted. I am constantly researching new products, reading reviews and beauty blogs. These all came highly recommended by several video bloggers so I had to try them out.

First I had been looking for a brighter, pinker blush. As you know, I currently use Benefit Sugarlicious blush which is a more bronze color. I wanted something that was a little more pink and stood out a little more from my bronzer. I am so pleased with this purchase. When I first applied it I thought "WHOA! This is pink!" After blending it a little more I love the rosy results.

My skin is ultra sensitive and I have heard great things about Josie Maran products. I have used her lipgloss and love it but have not tried any of her skin products. I love that they are all made with Argan oil. It literally feels like better when I apply it under my eyes. I also use it as a highlighting tool on my nose. I definitely recommend this concealer because the light, creamy consistency is very nice.

Smith's Rosebud Salve was recommended as one of the best lip balms on Total Beauty and I also have a friend that uses and loves it. My lips are extra huge so I am constantly trying new products to keep them from drying out during the winter. As with my skin, my lips have a tendency to get extremely chapped and dry. I haven't been using this lip balm long enough to tell you if I'm pleased with the results, but so far I am loving the scent of this product and the way it feels on my lips after I apply it. Time will tell if I will purchase it again!

 I also got Benefit's Rockateur blush--I've used it before and am excited to use it again! The texture looks a little funky if you have never used it before but the color is a beautiful mix of pink and bronze.

Sephora Formula X nail polish has really gel-like appearance which is what I like since I've stopped getting gel manicures (a. to save money, b. because it's bad for your nails). I'm excited to try these colors together! It's always good to have an assortment of neutral and super FUN polish.

To view my post and other "What I'm Loving" posts by fellow bloggers, make sure to visit Simply Lulu Style's Link Up. Click here to check it out.

Slightly Casual

Sweater: Anthropologie (On Sale!); Pants: J. Crew Factory; Booties: DSW (Brand is UNISA); Headband: Anthropologie

Okay truly, I don't wear my hair up as often as you have seen it up this week. I am trying to give it a little rest from all the blow drying/straightening/curling because it has been feeling incredibly dry. However, my newest shampoo discovery (Aveeno Nourish & Shine) has been working WONDERS! I will talk about that in another blog post.

Today, to be totally honest, I really felt like being more comfortable. The weather isn't great and I wanted to be comfy and cozy. I didn't have any big meetings today so I decided to go for it! This sweater is so warm and fun. It is incredibly itchy but totally worth the pain. My new booties I just bought this weekend. I had never heard of the brand before but I loved the hardware on them.

Pop of Cheetah

Sweater: Loft (Old, Similar Here); Cheetah Blouse: Target; Skirt: J. Crew ( Old, Similar Here); Bag: Michael Kors (No longer sold, Similar Here); Heels: G by Guess; Bracelets: J. Crew, Kate Spade; Watch: Fossil (Old); Nails: Essie; Glasses: Dolce & Gabbana; Headband: Anthropologie 

For a fun twist, I love adding a pop of animal print. Cheetah print is, of course, my favorite. This blouse from Target is still on the website and is only $19.99. Such a steal. It looks super cute over jeans and leggings as well because it is a longer top. 

I also choose to wear my hair back for work a lot because it is much easier when you are looking at a computer all day. When I do, I love to style my up-do with a fun headband. I have talked about how much I love headbands by Anthropologie before. That is where this one is from!

Working Girl Necessities

Lilly Pulizter: Lunchbox, Mug, Calculator; Kate Spade: Notepad, Agenda; Michael Kors: Glasses; Tory Burch: Cosmetic Case, Flats; Cambridge Satchel Company: Satchel; J. Crew: Necklace; Nars: Lipstick

Here are a couple of my favorites that I think every working girl should own. Again, I don't believe in boring so I always try to find more fun but professional accessories to add some flair to my work attire.

Lilly Pulitzer makes the most adorable lunch boxes and if you're like me, I always try to bring my lunch to save time and money! I also am a complete coffee and tea addict so I love the mugs she makes.

My Kate Spade Agenda is the same one shown in the photo above and it is an absolute lifesaver. It keeps me so organized and the polka dots are um...hello..so my style! It is no longer sold on their website but they are selling a similar one on Lifeguard Press. Link above.

I believe every girl should bring a small cosmetic case with her favorite make-up products to apply throughout the day. As much as we wish our make-up would stay looking fresh, we all know that isn't the case. I have a Tory Burch Cosmetic Case that holds all my necessities without weighing down my purse.

I just bought the J. Crew Crystal Row Necklace shown above and it has quickly become my favorite piece. I love color and big fun statement pieces...but this necklace is simple, classic and goes with everything in my wardrobe. I love to pair it with a simple solid dress or top.

The Tissue Turtleneck

Turtleneck: J. Crew; Skirt: Loft (Color Sold Out: Same Style Here); Necklace: Baublebar (Sold Out); Shoes: Tory Burch; Jacket: Joules (Sold Out, Similar Here)

As you can see, I love being a little colorful at work. Most of my work wardrobe consists of fun colored skirts and pants. I hate wearing boring colors and suits to work (obviously if I need to dress up, I will) but I love being fun with my work wardrobe and have always received compliments from co-workers. 

I definitely think the J. Crew Tissue Turtleneck is a staple for a girl's wardrobe and right now this one is on sale for $19.99. I wouldn't pass it up! I have it in various colors since they sell solids as well. Of course, every working girl also needs a pair...(or 2....or 3) of Tory Burch flats. Her flats are pricey but SO worth it. They're classy, comfortable and great quality.

Blog Change

Hi All--

After much thought, I have decided to make a slight change to my current blog. Because my style and wardrobe is almost completely tailored to my job in the corporate world, a friend of mine made the suggestion to focus my blog completely on fashion in the work world and how to maintain your style in a corporate setting. I hope that this new focus will help all young professionals in shopping for work attire while still maintaining great style, providing beauty tips that are work appropriate, and also acting as a forum to share fashion advice!



Can't wait to start this new journey with you all. Thanks for reading!

Contouring: The Basics

Photos Courtesy Of: Guerlain (Sephora.com); Josie Maran (Sephora.com); Bobbi Brown (Sephora.com); Urban Decay (Sephora.com); Smashbox (Sephora.com); Bare Minerals (Beauty.com); Elf (Fishpond.com)

I am no make-up artist but I have quickly learned that contouring is the MOST important technique in applying your make-up daily. For years, I was just applying my make-up without paying attention to contouring and highlighting features based on my particular face shape.

After watching endless Youtube videos on how to contour a more "round" face shape, I tailored my make-up routine and was able to do so using most products I already loved. I was also introduced to several new products that I cannot live without!

How I Contour My Face Shape:

Step 1: I apply my Smashbox High Def foundation full coverage. I apply it using an Elf Foundation Brush.
Step 2: I apply my Guerlain Bronzer. This may be the most important step because my round cheeks are my biggest problem area when it comes to contouring. I apply the bronzer in an upward motion starting from the corner of my lip up to my ear. I do this on both sides in a sweeping motion. I also apply a little bit of bronzer on my jawline and around my hairline where the light naturally hits.
Step 3: I apply the Bobbi Brown brush in a circular motion on the apples of my cheeks.
Step 4: I apply the Josie Maran Creamy Concealer Crayon underneath my eyes and blend it in. I also apply one long line down the bridge of nose to gift it a more narrow appearance. I have a very round nose as well.
Step 5: One step I have also found to be very important is paying attention to the shape and color of my eyebrows. I have very dark eyebrows to begin with, so initially I never felt the need to color them in or enhance them in any way. However, once I watched a tutorial online about the Elf Eyebrow Kit I knew I had to try it out. Using this kit really opens up my eyes and gives my face more definition. To learn more about how to use this kit I recommend looking on Youtube. It is a lot to type here.
Step 6: After applying my mascara and eyeliner, I use the "Virgin" shade from the Urban Decay Naked Palette to highlight under my brow. I essentially follow the line of my brow in a sweeping motion with this shadow. It really makes my brows and eyes pop!
Step 7: Of course, apply your bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipgloss to top off your look.