The Musings of a Working Mom

OK, now I know that it's been a very, very long time since I've posted anything beauty related but quite honestly, I haven't really purchased anything new and I've just been using up what I have.  Actually, that was one of my 2013 New Years resolution - 1) to not buy anymore makeup and 2) to use up the products that I already have.  After taking inventory of my makeup collection, I noticed that I purchased a lot, and I mean A LOT of makeup products in 2012.  And I came to the realization that I really need to use up what I have before I buy any more.  Ok I did buy a couple of new things;)  So anyway, sorry for the lack of beauty related articles. "Simple and Easy" has been my make-up motto for the past couple of months!  I haven't been in the mood for complicated and fussy make-up so I have resorted to finding products that are multi-purpose and pack a big punch.   I have really liked the effect of using a concealer (specifically the Tarte Maracuja...

Happy New Year!  And what a year it has been?  It's been a year since I started my blog and one of my first posts was a list of my 2011 favorites...and here we have come round full circle to my favorites list of 2012.   But first off I want to thank all of you for your continued support and for coming back to read my blog posts, commenting, and subscribing to my blog.  This blog has been my side project and my baby (outside of my real babies).  I have had so much fun writing for this blog and doing my "research" (i.e. having a great excuse to buy makeup and beauty products).  I have done quite of bit of "research" this year and have found a lot of great low-end and high-end products that have become my favorites for this past year.  This blog has also allowed me to try beauty products outside of my beloved MAC brand and I have found some amazing products at all price points.  It has taken me quite some time to compile my list but here are my fav...

Well the holidays are right around the corner and that means...time to start thinking of the perfect gift to give to your family and friends.  Allow me to take the stress off of your shoulders - I have some great gift ideas for all of those beauty loving friends and family members in your life.   The first gift set that I have been loving is the Sephora Favorites In The Glow set. This is a great set of 9 of  Sephora’s bestselling complexion enhancers, including a selection of 3 blushes, 3 bronzers, and 3 luminizers.  They come in an array of different finishes from creams to powders to liquids. This set contains:  - 0.13 oz Benefit High Beam - 0.08 oz Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder - 0.17 oz Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush - 0.07 oz Stila Convertible Color in Peony - 0.11 oz Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor - 0.106 oz Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight - 0.02 oz bareMinerals All Over Face ...

I know that Nars products are on the pricey side but the quality of their products are hands down worth every penny.  Not only are their products very pigmented (thus you don't need to use a lot and therefore it will last you a very long time) but the products don't fade or disappear throughout the day.  I really feel that you get great quality products for the price you pay for with Nars products.   One of the products I recently decided to splurge on was this Cordura Eyeshadow duo.   I have found myself reaching for this duo for a quick and easy eye look.  I place the lighter shade (on the left) on my lid and blend it out with a matte light brown (like Mac Soft Brown or Urban Decay Buff or Tease).  I then place the darker shade (on the right) on the outer corner and down onto my lash line and blend/smudge it out.  Add a highlight eyeshadow (like Mac Vanilla or Urban Decay Virgin), line your upper lash line with a liner or shadow, and a couple ...

The days are getting shorter and the air is getting cooler and it's about time, I never thought that this heat wave would end.  I love the fall- the crisp, cool breezes, the leaves changing colors and I especially love wearing boots, sweaters and scarves.  September is over and here are my favorites for the month: 1.   Blushes - Nars Oasis and Tarte Blushing Bride :  these blushes have a warmth about them.  Fall usually makes me want to wear more plums and berry shades and these blushes really scream "fall" to me!  I love wearing these blushes with a soft, neutral eye.  And although both of these blushes appear to have a lot of shimmer in them, they don't translate onto your skin that way.  These two blushes give such a nice glow and flush of color - perfect for a fall day! 2.   Rimmel Stay Matte Powder with Real Techniques Powder Brush - this powder has really lived up to its name and is my new favorite setting powder.  It really...

Well the month of August had been an exciting but sad month for me...my twins started Kindergarten!  Which is of course exciting, especially to see how far they have come and now they are off to school with the "big" kids - but sad because they are growing up way too fast!  As I say every month, time is flying...too fast.  But in any case, we are all adjusting to our new schedule and the kids are excited to meet new friends and learn new things each day.  And here we are, with fall right around the corner...and here are my favorites for the month of August: 1.  Sephora #26 Mineral Foundation Brush - you know that I love my Laura Mercier mineral foundation for the summer and I have been looking for a great brush to apply my foundation with - I have been using the Real Techniques buffing brush but I was curious to see how a "mineral foundation brush" compared and I have to say that I get great results using both.  The bristles are dense and soft and thus a...

I mentioned this eyeshadow in my favorites post last month...I absolutely love this eyeshadow.   Nars Mekong  is a  dark, deep "espresso" brown color with slight (micro) gold glitter in it.  I must note that the glitter doesn't really translate on your lid unless you use it wet - then you might see a little sparkle to it but otherwise, it's a dark brownish-black color.   I really prefer using this shadow as my liner on my top and bottom lashes.  I'm horrible at using a liquid liner on my top lid and my black gel liner has dried up so I have been reaching for this everyday as my liner.  It's a great alternative to black which can be a harsh color (especially as you get older) - this dark brown shadow gives the same definition but with softer edge.  I love how this shadow gives my eyes a defined lash line and by using  a small pencil brush (like my Sigma E30)  or my Essence of Beauty small pencil brush to smudge the shadow, ...

July had to have been one of the hottest months that I can remember!!  I'm so glad that this month is almost over and hopefully the heat will start to settle down and lead to some cool breezes.  In any case, here are my favorites for the month of July. 1.  It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment - since it's been so hot, I've had absolutely no inclination to sweat any more than I have to (i.e. no hair drying or flat ironing) so I have been wearing my hair au natural - a.k.a. curly.  I love using this product to help my curls stay fresh looking and less frizzy.  This product claims to do 10 things: repair dry, damaged hair; adds shine; smooths and controls frizz; seals and protects hair color; prevents split ends; flat iron spray and thermal protector; detangles; stops hair breakage; creates silkiness; and enhances natural body.  I have had this product for many years now but I tend to try other products and forget about this one.  But I have ...

I've said this before, as a busy mom, time is our enemy.  We barely have enough time to take a shower in the morning (or at some point in the day) let alone put on a face of makeup but let me tell you that taking an extra 5 minutes in the morning to put on your face will make all the difference in the world in how you make it through the day. There is nothing like looking in the mirror during the day and seeing your tired, blotchy, red face to remind you that you look a hot mess!!  But it doesn't have to be that way - Give me 5 minutes and I'll give you a more awake, fresh and brighter looking face - one that you'll like to see in the mirror over and over again. The first thing you need to do starts the night before - thoroughly cleanse your face (to get rid of all the daily accumulation) and then moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!  I really like the Olay Regenerist line but use whatever facial moisturizer you...