Summer Makeup Routine

As the seasons change our skin needs tend to change, which ultimately means our makeup routine will more than likely need  to change a little too.

With just a bit of tweaking and updating, you can achieve the makeup look you feel most comfortable wearing on a daily basis without sacrificing coverage or anything else you find important when it comes to your personal makeup style.

I've put together just a quick tutorial of what I do and the products I use during the hot summer months to keep my makeup fresh, shine free, and most of all in it's proper place all day long.

 

 

 If you are interested in any of the products I used in this video I have listed all the ones I could find with purchasing info below with links:

 

Serious Skincare CC Face Cream & Eye Cream Duo- Light

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Foundation - Classic Ivory

Milani Multitasker Powder - Medium Tan

Revlon Nearly Naked Powder - Light

Laura Gellar Baked Highlighter - French Vanilla

MAC Blush - Warm Soul

Mally Eye shadow stick - Champagne

L'Oreal Infallible - Amber Rush

L'Oreal extra intense liquid pencil liner - Brown

Mally waterproof liner - Dark Chocolate

It Cosmetics waterproof liner - Copper

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara Waterproof Formula - Carbon Black

Kardashian Beauty Joystick - Sea Coral

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

 

What are some products or little tricks you use to stay looking and feeling beautiful during those scorching hot days? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Thank you so very much for stopping by the blog today & for watching my very first YouTube tutorial video!! I hope it was somewhat helpful!

 

XO. Brittney



10 Things to try this Month: April

1. The New tasty treats at Starbucks, Courtesy of La Boulange

Starbucks  kicked off the month of April with a wide variety of new tasty treats straight from the recipe books of the delicious French pastry shop La Boulange in San Francisco. I of course wasted no time and tried several of them April 1st. I've only sampled a few of the delightful treats offered this month, but I can tell you I've enjoyed every single heavenly bit! So go ahead, use this as an excuse to treat yourself to something scrumptious this month.

 

2. A pleated skirt, at any length

 

Pleated skirts for spring by brittneyblane featuring an a-line skirt

LC Lauren Conrad maxi skirt / MICHAEL Michael Kors pleated skirt, $110 / Dorothy Perkins skirt / Orla Kiely skirt, $410 / MSGM a line skirt / Alice Olivia short skirt, $385 / See by Chloé crinkle skirt, $285 / Yumi skater skirt, $66 / Home decor

The pleated skirt is not only in every single store this spring, it's also super flattering on all us gals. Whether your headed to work or a date night with your honey, a sweet little pleated skirt will have you looking effortlessly stylish and chic. Pick you favorite length and give one of these versatile skirts a try.

 

3.Refresh your beauty bag

 

Makeup Bag by brittneyblane featuring black and white bags

 Don't stop the spring cleaning with the house, occasionally cleaning out your cosmetic collection is a must. Throw away any product that might be old or out of date and switch those red and burgundy lipsticks that are hiding in your purse with some light pink and nude tones. Now that spring attire has hit our closets and all the winter coats are packed away, it's time to update your makeup bag too. 

 

4. An at home spa day

 

Spa day by brittneyblane on Polyvore

Who says you need an appointment to enjoy a relaxing spa day? Pamper your skin right from home by exfoliating, treating, and moisturizing with products you probably already have under your bathroom counter, or make a quick trip to your local Ulta and pick up a face mask. Make sure to have your favorite movie and some relaxing tunes handy and enjoy pampering yourself without breaking the bank.

 

5. A beautifully Messy Braid

Messy Braid Ideas by brittneyblane featuring Free People

 

Try adding a little something special to your daily do. A messy braid is the perfect way to spice u your signature hairstyle this spring.

 

6. Buy yourself a beautiful bouquet

Floral arrangements by brittneyblane featuring glass home decor

Nothing beats the smell of fresh flowers. Now that the buds of the season are in full bloom why not enjoy them right in your own home this month. You don't need an excuse or a special someone to get flowers. Buy a few of your favorite blossoms to enjoy this month.

 

7. Wear a spring Scarf

Spring & Summer Scarves by brittneyblane featuring grey scarves

FOSSIL striped scarve / Faliero Sarti grey scarve / Floral shawl / Shawl scarve / Circle loop scarf / Sperry Top Sider scarve / Sperry Top Sider navy blue shawl / Aztec scarve / Silk shawl / Home decor / Monsoon Rainbow Stripe Scarf

Throw on an adorable spring scarf with any tee and denim and you instantly and effortlessly have a cute outfit!
 

8. White Nails

White Nails by brittneyblane featuring Christian Dior

Deborah Lippmann white nail polish / Christian Dior nail polish / Butter London nail polish / OPI nail polish, $20 / Essie nail polish

White coated nails this season aren't only on trend, but they go with virtually any outfit, and look clean and fresh. My favorite thing to do is wear white on my nails and a bright color on my toes just for fun.

 

9. Give a little of your time for a good cause

Now that the weather is warmer, there isn't a better time to get out in your community and get involved. Help at a local shelter, volunteer to aid in making your community a little prettier by asisting local charity groups with beach clean-ups or city beautification projects, or just help out at a local neighborhood youth program. Giving a little of yourself to others will not only help those in need, but leave you feeling satisfied and accomplished. 

10. Try a new bronzer

 

Bronzers by brittneyblane featuring too faced cosmetics

Too faced cosmetic / Urban Decay cheek bronzer / Benefit blush brush, $39 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cheek bronzer / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cheek bronzer / Too faced cosmetic / Home decor

Since summer time and tan lines are right around the corner now is a great time to add a new bronzer to your makeup collection. If you want a great all over bronzer, go for anything you might fancy with a matte finish. If you just want to add a golden glow to your checks, a bronzer with a soft sheen would be perfect for you.

XO. Brit

My Airport travel essentials

Hey Y'all!  I feel like I've been away from the blog forever , so I'm super excited to start sharing my thoughts with you all after a much need vacation with my sweet hubby. I just returned home from a fun and fabulous trip to Las Vegas. I will be posting all the outfits I wore while I was there in the next post or two, but first,  I thought I'd share with all of you my MUST HAVE travel essentials that make airport travel just a little easier and more pleasant. What do you absolutely need when you travel? Let me know in the comments below. 

Airport travel essentials by brittneyblane featuring Victoria's Secret

Face care
ulta.com

Eos lip treatment
target.com

Eos lip treatment
target.com

L Occitane body moisturizer
nordstrom.com

Forever 21 body moisturizer
forever21.com

Victoria s Secret manicure tool
victoriassecret.com

Detangling brush
sephora.com

Skullcandy iphone earbud
tillys.com

Ray-ban glasses
$170 - monnierfreres.co.uk

Splendid neon hair tie
splendid.com

American Eagle Outfitters red shirt
ae.com

Tory Burch ballet flat
toryburch.com

Emergen-C Vitamin C Fizzy Drink Mix, 1000 mg, Super Orange, 0.3 Ounce...
amazon.com

HALO Set of (2) 3,000 mAh Portable Chargers with Accessories
qvc.com

Steps in your Beauty Routine you should NOT be skipping

Steps in your Makeup Routine you should NOT be skipping

Priming your face

Prime time by brittneyblane featuring Laura Geller

Using a primer not only helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, it also aids in your makeup application. Applying a primer will allow your foundation to sit much more evenly on the skin, and some primers even temporarily reduce redness and fix uneven skin tone. I can always dramatically see a difference in my makeup when I use a primer verses skipping it.

Just a little side note: With so many different primers on the market today, it’s important to find a primer that best fits your needs. Different primers can offer you different things, so figuring out what best suits your skin should be your first step.

Adding mascara to your bottom lashes

Always add mascara to your bottom lashes by brittneyblane featuring too faced cosmetics

It might sound silly, but I can have a full face of makeup on and feel naked without mascara.  I always make sure to apply at least 1-2 coats of mascara to my bottom lashes after I’m finished with my 2-3 coats on my top. It really makes your eyes stand out, and helps you look more awake and vibrant. Coating your bottom lashes will help your eyes appear bigger and brighter too.

Priming your eyes

Using an Eye Primer by brittneyblane featuring remove makeup

This is a MUST for efficient shadow application. Using a primer on your eyelid, especially a tinted one, will  help your eyeshadow to appear smooth, keep it from creasing, and help it maintain its true color.

Contouring your cheekbones &  Highlighting the center of your face

Highlight & Contour: powder by brittneyblane featuring NYX

You don’t have to spend 30 minutes each day heavily highlighting and contouring your face to get a great effect from a bronzer or a highlighter.  Just contouring directly below your cheek bones, at the base of your blush line, will slim your cheeks and add dimension to your blush.  Sweeping a dab of highlighter down the center of your nose, and lightly across the top of your cheeks (just above your blush) will bring light to the center of your face, making it appear slimmer and give you a natural glow.

Just a little side note: I plan on posting about my personal (and super easy) contouring & highlighting routine soon, so please check back later this month if that’s something you might be interested in.

Setting your makeup with finishing spray

Ready SET go by brittneyblane featuring Urban Decay beauty products

MAC Cosmetics beauty product / Urban Decay beauty product

Setting spray not only keep your makeup in its proper place, it also helps it stay on all day long. This stuff is the key to long wear makeup and only takes a second to use. One bottle will last you a while, so if you’re a busy gal that doesn’t have time to keep reapplying her powder  all day, a setting spray is definitely worth the investment.

Steps in your skincare routine you should NOT be skipping

Consistently Exfoliating

Exfoliate by brittneyblane featuring a paraben free face wash

Exfoliating is key when it comes to clear & smooth skin.  It’s incredibly important to scrub away any set-in dirt and oil as well as those pesky dead skin cells; not only for skincare purposes, but also to insure that we get optimal use out of all those products we spend our pocket change (and sometimes life savings) on.  For your face, it’s best to exfoliate 2-3 times per week.

COMPLETELY Removing makeup before bedtime

Just washing our faces doesn’t cut it where makeup removal is concerned. After wearing makeup all day, it really seeps into our pores much more than we realize. To ensure I get every spec of foundation off my face at the end of the day, I use a makeup removing cleansing towelette (my favorite is Neutrogena  Night Calming, they smell like lavender and are gentle on my skin.) After I’ve fully wiped my face with one of these little product-miracles, I use my Clarisonic brush with a gentle cleanser to get rid of the rest.

Using a toner and serum

Toners & Serums by brittneyblane featuring Perricone MD

So many of us just wash our faces, slather on some lotion, and either catch some z’s,  or put our make up on for the day, but it’s important for us to use toners and serums if we want to keep or gain more youthful looking skin. Just a daily moisturizer and a night cream aren’t going to cut it if you’re trying to reduce or destroy those fine lines and wrinkles.

Don’t forget your neck and chest

I once had a wonderful woman (who looked much younger than her actual years) tell me to always apply my face products to my neck and chest, and it’s stuck with me ever since. She said “you can always tell a woman’s real age by looking at her neck.”   Since we spend so much time focused on our faces’ youthful appearance we often neglect the areas directly below. Applying your daily moisturizer and your night cream to your neck and chest everyday will help keep any unwanted age spots or wrinkles at bay.


I hope these little steps were helpful! Let me know if there is anything extra special you do to beautify your face during your makeup or skincare routines in the comments below. XO.

10 Things to Try This Month

Now that March is upon us, it's FINALLY time to start thinking about spring time and all the wonderful things that go with it. If you are as excited as I am to pack away your winter coats and brighten up your wardrobe, then I think you might enjoy my little to-do list for the month of March.

1. Try Pantone's 2014 color of the year: Radiant Orchid

Try Pantone's 2014 color of the year Radiant Orchid by brittneyblane featuring Tory Burch

Roksanda Ilincic blue top / Tory Burch wallet / Purple wallet

2. Add some studded metal jewelry to your wardrobe

Gold & Spiked by brittneyblane featuring stackable rings

Mango bracelet bangle / Guess jewelry / CC SKYE cuff bracelet / CC SKYE gold jewelry / Giles Brother cocktail ring / Vita Fede rose gold bracelet / PL by Peter Lang hoop earrings / Rebecca Minkoff stud earrings / Juicy Couture earrings / Forever 21 jewelry / C Wonder bangle bracelet / Ariel Gordon spike necklace / Stackable ring / Spike necklace / Blu Bijoux dangle earrings

3. Try a new scent

Now that Spring is about to be in full bloom, it's time to retire your sultry winter scent and douse yourself in something fresh and new

Spring Scents by brittneyblane featuring an edt perfume

Elie Saab spray perfume / Edt perfume, $74 / Tory Burch spray perfume / Kate Spade eau de perfume / Christian Dior spray perfume / Coach poppy flower perfume / Balenciaga wood perfume / Coach eau de perfume / Marc Jacobs eau de perfume, $65 / Coach poppy flower perfume / Marc Jacobs edt perfume, $115

4. Two toned nails

Two-toned Nails by brittneyblane featuring a yellow nail polish

NARS Cosmetics red nail polish / Nars cosmetic / Butter london nail polish / Butter London nail lacquer / Nars cosmetic / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics nail polish / Opi nail lacquer, $20 / Deborah Lippmann pastel nail polish / Nars cosmetic / Essie mint green nail polish / Essie nail polish, $18 / OPI nail lacquer, $20 / Essie nail polish / Essie nail polish, $18 / Deborah Lippmann yellow nail polish, $30 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics nail polish

5. An all white outfit

What better way to step into the season but in a fresh, bright outfit! White on white is a go-to look this spring and it's so classically chic.

White on White by brittneyblane featuring an ivory dress

Ivory dress / Topshop ivory dress / Motel ivory dress, $84 / Gianvito Rossi leather booties / Calvin Klein leather sandals / Casadei leather shoes, $910 / Yves Saint Laurent white handbag / Kate Spade white handbag / Accessorize white purse / Aurélie Bidermann gold plated jewelry / KENNETH JAY LANE bead jewelry / Kate Spade jewelry / Kendra Scott pearl jewelry / Kendra Scott earrings / Forever 21 triangle necklace / Kate spade earrings

6. Pastel Accessories

Pretty in pastels by brittneyblane featuring Ted Baker

Tory Burch leather handbag / The Cambridge Satchel Company satchel handbag / Kate Spade crossbody purse / ALDO bracelet / Alexander McQueen bracelet / Kate spade jewelry / Gemstone jewelry / Coral necklace / Kate Spade stud earrings / Jessica Simpson stud earrings / Levi s accessory / Levi s scarve / Burberry tech accessory / Wet Seal skinny belt / Ted Baker tech accessory / Forzieri leather glove / Prada sunglasses / Wet Seal iphone case / With Love From CA cat sunglasses

7. Subscribe to a beauty box subscription

want to try new products but not spend the big bucks? The wonderful world of monthly beauty box subscriptions allows you to do just that. My favorite is the Ipsy Bag (you can see my review of the goodies I got for the month of February HERE) but there are many other great boxes out there too. Here a few worth checking out...

Subscription Boxes by brittneyblane on Polyvore

8. Be a sleeping beauty this month and try a facial mask you can catch some z's in.

A mask that gives you better skin while you sleep...Doesn't that sound dreamy!

Overnight masks by brittneyblane featuring a facial mask

Clinique facial mask / Origins skin care

9. Floral Print Shoes

A pair of shoes that really pop is always pretty; not to mention an easy way to bring any outfit to life. Floral print is on EVERYTHING this spring, it would be a tragedy not to try it. No matter the style you might prefer, this season the shoe designers out there have you covered.

Flowers on my Feet by brittneyblane featuring floral print shoes

Kate spade pumps / Christian Louboutin peeptoe shoes / Kate Spade floral print shoes / DV8 by Dolce Vita bow shoes / ACNE Noa Floral Printed Dress Slippers, $250 / Keds polish shoes / Blowfish lace up shoes / Dolce & Gabbana floral pattern shoes / Ted Baker pointed toe pumps, $200 / Steve Madden high heel stiletto shoes

10. Bring some brights into your home

Whether it's just a few throw pillows or some pretty new placemats, adding a bit of color to your interior this spring is an easy way to instantly brighten up your home

Brighten up your home by brittneyblane featuring glass home decor

Chooty Co cotton placemat / C Wonder porcelain mug / Echo aqua blue bedding / Pewter picture frame / Embroidered throw pillow / Tangerine throw pillow / Voluspa handmade scented candle, $38 / Throw pillow / Fab striped throw pillow / Jiti fabric home decor / Glass home decor, $23 / Kosta Boda glass home decor / Venini green home decor / Laura Ashley pink frame, $37 / Wooden home decor / Voluspa glass home decor, $11

Top 10 Best Fashion and Beauty Apps

Technology is a beautiful thing; literally in this case! Just because we're always on the go, doesn't mean we should have to sacrifice when it comes to beauty and style. Our little pocket-computers, more commonly known as cell phones, now allow us to have fashion, beauty, and of course a plethora of other things that might suit our fancy right at our fingertips. I have become slightly co-dependent on some of my favorite smart phone apps so I thought I would share some of these little gems with you.

I've compiled a list of what I consider to be some of the best fashion and beauty apps out there and the good news; most of them are FREE!

1. PRIMP (Pretty In My Pocket)-product review app- FREE

It is no mystery that with ALL the beauty products on the market these days we could very well pull our hair out, and empty our wallets, trying to find the right one. This app makes the process so much more pleasant (and cost efficient.) Search virtually any beauty product on the market and find honest reviews from others who have already tried it. It's barcode scanning feature makes it fast and easy to use right in the store. This app also has other great features where you can post pics and give or gain beauty tips.

2. Beautylish -beauty tips & trends app - FREE

Beautylish is an easy way to keep up with the latest beauty trends and find inspiration that fits your beauty needs. This app allows you to pretty much find whatever you're looking for when it comes to beauty products and tips. Shop your favorite products, watch makeup and beauty tutorials, find photo inspiration, and read reviews from other beautylish users, among other things.

3. The Hunt - fashion finder app - FREE

We've all been there, browsing Pinterest or scouring the internet, when we come across the perfect little party dress or a must-have accessory, only to find out the item in  the picture in no where to be found for purchase. Well ladies, fear no more, The Hunt is an app designed to help "cure our outfit envy" (as the creators like to call it,) by allowing users to post pictures of items they desire and help them find it for sale. All I have to say about this app is FINALLY! and Thank you to the kind genius that created it!

4. OPI - virtual nail polish app - FREE

Whether it's just for fun or you like to try before you buy, the OPI app allows you to virtually try on ALL of their playfully named colors. Not just for fun, but also useful; this app is great if you're not sure how a particular color with look with your skin tone.

6. Lookbook.nu -street style fashion app - FREE

Need a little outfit inspiration stat? Look no further. Lookbook is an app designed around streetstyle fashion pictures posted by real people from all over the world. Browse thousands of personal portraits or post your own to inspire others with your unique sense of style.

7. Polyvore -fashion & shopping app- FREE

The possibilities are endless with this little fashion app. Create looks from individual articles of clothing and accessories (all of which are shoppable through the app) OR just browse and shop the never-ending posts and looks of other users. Trust me, once you start creating outfits in the app, you won't be able to stop!

8. Spa Finder -business locating app - FREE

This app is exactly what it claims to be and more. Spa Finder is an app that uses your phone's built-in GPS to find all the spas and salons nearest you. With detailed descriptions and reviews, this app is perfect for traveling, especially when you need a little pampering and don't know where to go. Not only does this app tell you about any specials or deals going on at local businesses, you can even book an appointment.

9. Allwomenstalk - lifestyle/blog app- FREE

Allwomenstalk has been my latest go-to read with my morning coffee every morning since I discovered it. Allwomenstalk is an app where a team of woman write short and sweet tips, tricks, and thoughts on a wide variety of topics such as fashion, fitness, travel, health, beauty, music, and much more...One of the best things about this app; all the posts are in list form, which makes for a quick and effective read.

10. Stylebook - digital closet app- $3.99

Now I know this app isn't free to download, however I've never regretted one of the 399 pennies I've spent on this little baby. This app is not for everyone, but if you're slightly obsessed with organizing your wardrobe like I am (and you have enough patience to photo-catalog everything in your closet) then you will LOVE this app as much as I do. Not only can you digitally store your closet and put together entire outfits and looks, but you can even add them to your in-app calendar so that you can outfit plan your little heart out. Everything in the app is super organized. Stylebook keeps track of everything, including how many times you've worn an outfit. It even tells you how many outfits each piece is used in, tracks the net worth of your closet, and tells you which pieces you wear the most and the least. impeccable closet organization with out the headache...I'll take it!


These are just some of my favorite daily go-to apps...what are some of yours? Let me know in the comments below.

XO.  Brit