• Start Here
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blogger Tribe
  • Work With Me

Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

November 12, 2015

Brow Tales – The Makeup Mix-Up

November 12, 2015

No lie, this prompt for The Makeup Mix-Up is terrifying to me. I don’t do my brows. I barely remember to pluck them. Excuse me..tweeze. A friend’s mom corrected me ages ago by saying, “You pluck a chicken but you tweeze your eyebrows,” and that’s all I think of when I think of anything involving eyebrows.

Doing your eyebrows can be terrifying but this product that she used is awesome, it's the NYX Brow Cake Powder and it looks so natural and it lasts!

Anyone else know what I’m talking about here..so one day you go to bed and your brows are looking pretty good. They may be a little rough, but they’re passable. And then next morning you look in the mirror like, “Where the hell did this cavewoman come from??” That’s me and my eyebrows. One day they’re fine, the next is just like BAM hot mess.

Like everything in my life.

I’ve had my fair share of brow drama. I even shared one of the more horrifying stories with you earlier this year. So I try to keep it to the minimum. I’m lucky to have thick, dark Italian brows so filling them in daily feels unnecessary.

I guess how some people would feel about dark lipstick is how I feel about doing my brows. I don’t know how to do it or really want to. And it’s scary.

I did feel vindicated when I purchased the NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder and the girl at Ulta said it was the best drugstore version she’s tried. I’m not gonna lie, in person, I feel ridiculous with these filled-in brows, but they look great on camera. Very polished and professional.

The Makeup Mix-Up : Great product for bold brows

Doing your eyebrows can be terrifying but this product that she used is awesome, it's the NYX Brow Cake Powder and it looks so natural and it lasts!

The Makeup Mix-Up : Great product for bold brows

Instead of going through the list of face stuff used, I’m just going to stick to the eyes. Products used:

  • Urban Decay Naked 3 shadow palette
  • NYC New York Color Angel Lash Mascara
  • NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Brunette
  • Sumita Color Contrast Eye Pencil in Raina

Maybe I’ll try to be more comfortable with the brow stuff. I prefer a pencil to gentle shade in, but the powder version isn’t bad. And what’s the story with the wax that comes in every brow kit? I’m not detailing a car here.

When it comes to brows, do you use a pencil, powder, or go au naturel?

I’m joining in on the Makeup Mix-Up with Making Mrs. M and Miranda Writes.
Wear to Where logoIf you haven’t had enough of me yet today, check out today’s Wear To Where post! The ladies are styling and sewing date night in looks.

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

3 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: beauty, beauty products, eyebrow powder, makeup, makeup mix up, nyx

June 22, 2015

Summer-izing makeup

June 22, 2015

It is officially summer.  That means it’s time to summer-ize the ol’ makeup routine.  Usually I wait until it’s too late and I’ve already broken out more times than I can count from not lightening up for summer, but not this year!  I’m only mildly in troubled skin water.  I think it’s due to my massive love of face masks and Rodan + Fields products when I need to perk up my complexion.

Anyway.

I fully believe summer is the time to go lighter.

I’m looking forward to wearing very little makeup except for lashes and lips.  Let’s face it, those are the only products that don’t entirely melt off my face in humidity despite priming underneath like I’m painting over a dark wall with a light color.

No matter what I end up putting on my face for the day, it all starts with SPF.  I have a few different day moisturizers depending on what I feel like, but I always put on something with SPF.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

Now that the SPF PSA is over, some other things that I always have in my arsenal in the summer includes:

Primer for eyes + face

Even if I’m just putting on concealer, I always put some primer on my face and around my eyes.  Gotta give everything a fighting chance to stick around, right?  Right now I’m using samples of Smashbox face primer and Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer.

Waterproof eyeliner and mascara

Let’s be real, most days I wonder why I even bother with eye shadow because within about an hour of being out of the house, it’s breaking down already.  Typically I’ll do a wash of a gold or copper and focus on eyeliner and mascara.  Use liquid or gel liner because it has the most staying power.

Sometimes I’ll try to be fancy and put on a colored liner for some fun, but when I have to get out the door, it’s a quick cat-eye look.

Eyeliner and mascara you need this summer.

Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner for a dark black line.  NYC New York Color Big Bold & Precice Eyeliner.  I know they say it’s bold, but I don’t think it’s as intense as some other black liquid liners.

And for lashes, it has to be Covergirl Clump Crusher, especially on the lower lashes.  I used to get smudges under my eyes with anything I put on, but this is the cat’s pajamas.  NYC Big Bold Angel Lashes Mascara has been a nice surprise.  It very rarely will it transfer.

Bright, statement-making lipstick

Classic glamour in a red or orange-y red.  Fun with a bright pink punch.  Daring with an orange.  I’m not afraid of color on my lips.  I welcome it.

Bright lipsticks that are perfect for summer.

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss in Pink Medium, Laqa & Co Lil’ Lip in Ring of Fire, MAC lipstick in Sail La Vie (LE, I’ve heard Revlon Vibrant Mandarin and Wet n Wild Purty Persimmon are close).

Light-coverage powder

I haaaate feeling like I have a ton of dirt on my face in the summer.  Let’s face it, with the humidity and the sweat and the wind whipping up things…there’s a lot of dirt stuck to our faces.  Enter: light coverage powder.  Anything that will blur imperfections but not add the feeling of “stuff” on my skin is just the ticket.

Lightweight summer face products that every girl needs to have.

I love MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (I’m Light Plus when not super-duper tan which I haven’t been since..college?)  I’m also experimenting with Laura Geller Balance n Brighten.

Light reflecting powder

I know, I said I wasn’t putting a lot on my face, but light reflecting powder or some other highlighter is necessary to brighten under the eyes and add a little lightness to the face.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is what I’ve been using for years (almost daily) and I still am not done with the pot that I have.  One of the best beauty investments.  I also light Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders.  I have the palette that came out and it adds a little extra glow.

Blotting sheets

You know that 2pm skin feeling?  The one where you’re like…ugh I am a shiny hot mess and I just want to wash my face?  That’s why I keep some blotting sheets around.  Coffee filters work in a pinch.  So do napkins.  Just anything to get that shine and oil off of my face (and out of harm’s way of developing breakouts).

I’ve always carried Mary Kay Beauty Blotters with me and I instantly feel more presentable when I use them.

Summer makeup must-haves that hold up to the heat and humidity.

What is in your summer beauty arsenal?

Be a Better Blogger is a weekly link up dedicated to helping you be a more intentional blogger. Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts and a weekly linkup to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

8 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: almay, be a better blogger, beauty, beauty products, covergirl, laura geller, laura mercier, MAC cosmetics, makeup, makeup monday, mary kay, nyc new york color, summer

May 23, 2015

Makeup Bag Musts

May 23, 2015

It’s no surprise that I’m excited for today’s Blogger, May I prompt, makeup essentials.  I can always write about my makeup musts.  I have tons of thoughts on makeup.  I think it comes from my mom selling Mary Kay when I was young.  I loved looking in her sample kit the pretty tubes full of fun things that I’d get to play with when I was older.  I still do it today.  I had a field day when she was cleaning out her old things before she moved.

My makeup bag is scaled down right now (from my massive organization undertaking to just one small bag) for vacation.  For Blogger, May I, I'm sharing my makeup essentials that are so necessary, they come on vacation with me.

My makeup bag is scaled down right now (from my massive organization undertaking to just one small bag) for vacation.  For Blogger, May I, I’m sharing my makeup essentials that are so necessary, they come on vacation with me.

A good base layer

I try not to wear too much stuff on my skin so I can let it breathe, so what I use as my primer has to really have some staying power, blur some imperfections, and have sun protectant.  I just finished a sample of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, so with me this time is Benefit’s The Porefessional.  I also use primer on my eye lids and under my eyes to hold everything in place there.

Eye brightening something

You never know how much sleep you’ll really get or if you’ll be puffy from sitting in a car for hours (maybe that’s just me).  I like using an eye brightener under my concealer to fake the illusion of a restful vacation.  I just got back into using Benefit’s Eye Bright, a crayon-like pinky hued pencil that perks up even the darkest of circles.

Eye shadow palettes

I wish I could say that I have things that do double duty, like eye shadow that also doubles as highlighter, a bronzer, and fold-out couch, but I rarely use multi-use products like that.  Instead, I look for small versions of what I love.  I love slim shadow palettes for variety and portability.  Wet n Wild has some great 8-pan palettes that are slim, great quality, and offer lots of eye-look options.

Eyeliner and mascara that stay put

On a normal day, I don’t bring makeup to the office to do touch ups, so you know I’m not wandering around the streets on vacation with a mini-makeup aresenal in my purse.  I need all the room I can get for granola bars.  I get hranky (that’s a step up from hangry; it’s hungry + angry + cranky).  So I need to be able to put my eyeliner and mascara on once and let it be.

I’ve been using Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara for a few weeks and I love it’s staying power.  It doesn’t smudge, even if I have it on my lower lashes yet it comes off easily when the time is right

 No-fuss lip stuff

Okay, here’s where I do a little double-duty with my makeup.  I love lipsticks that are moisturizing or in some way offer a little extra comfort on the lips.  I also want things that are easy to apply and aren’t sticky.   There’s nothing like getting a cooling breeze and then having half your hair stick to your mouth.

Mm so hot.

The lip products that I have with me can be applied with or without a mirror.  Bite BB for Lips, Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick, and Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss lipstick all came with me.  I have a few different color options for different looks and they’re all low-fuss.

Of course, I have things like brushes and tweezers.  And Jonathan would be so proud because I finally remembered to bring Band-Aids with me.  I swear, I’m the least-prepared girl.

What are your makeup essentials?

An InLinkz Link-up


Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

1 Comment · Labels: Blogger May I, Makeup & Beauty Tagged: beauty products, blogger may i, link up, makeup, travel

March 30, 2015

Spring clean: makeup organization

March 30, 2015

A few weeks ago, I spent ages (okay, a few hours) rounding up all of my makeup and sorting through it.  I have a problem hoarding all the makeup seeing and storing what I have.  I’ve been trying to do #365DaysofEmpties to lighten up my collection, but it’s still raging out of control, so I had to find a better way to sort and store things.

Easy secrets to sort through and organize makeup for a spring clean! Use these tips to organize and store your makeup using things you probably already have around the house.

To get rid of what I had:

It pained me so much, but I asked myself these five questions.  If it was old, I didn’t like it, and/or just hanging out for the sole purpose of hanging out, I did my best to get rid of it.

How old is it?

If you’re unsure if something is still good, check out this post to know when something is telling you, Hey, I expired.  Or just do a search on Pinterest for “makeup expiration;” all of the recommendations are mostly the same.

Do I have this already in a similar shade?

If so, the older one or the one I like least has to go!  If it’s a backup for a product I love and use, though, it’s definitely staying.

Could I give it to someone else?

If it’s a new product (or mostly new and has been cleaned properly) and I can give it to someone who will use it, I will!  Anyone want to do a blog makeup swap?

Is it hanging around because I don’t use it and I feel bad throwing something away?

I’m so guilty of this.  I can’t throw away something if it’s still usable, even if I don’t use it.

Is it half-finished and I just have to make a point to use the rest of it up?

Guilty of this, too.  I can’t throw something away if it’s usable AND I still have product left to use.

To store what I have left:

What will allow me to use this the most?

I’m so guilty of “Out of sight, out of mind.”  If I don’t see it, I’ll forget about it.  So I pulled out a few of my favorite lip sticks/glosses and have them in their own holder outside of the sorted boxes of lip balm, stick, stain, and gloss.  I just pick the color I want for the day and go without having to paw through endless boxes (or yesterday’s work bag).  Then I’ll swap/rotate out weekly to start playing favorite with others and as the seasons change.

Can I group/store this with similar products?

I have a Quirky Zen Cosmetics from Jonathan that I love and was going to use for eyeliner, but I know liquid eyeliner should be stored on its side and I have pots of gel liner that wouldn’t fit.  It doesn’t make sense to have eyeliner stored in different areas, so I use an empty Birchbox box to corral everything and the brushes stay in the Makeup Zen nice and neat.

Quirky Zen Cosmetics for holding brushes, eyeliner, lip liner, anything!

Group similar kinds of makeup together to make it easier to store. You use it more, too, because you can see it all!

Use what will work for you

Maybe you have an extensive collection and need more drawers/containers that I need.  Maybe you only need a three-drawer container with one drawer for eyes, another for lips, and a final for face (at one time I could fit everything into a small storage tower like that.  Oh the days).

Use these tips to organize and store your makeup using things you probably already have around the house!

Use what works for you.  If a large organization project makes you shake, don’t do it!  If you need clear drawers instead of closed boxes, go find them!

Try other sections of Target

I found a clear desk/mail sorter in the clearance stationery/desk supplies section.  I was going to try using it for brushes and corralling small items.  That didn’t work, so I figured out something else to do with it.

Store eye palettes in an office organizer so you can see them all and easily reach for them.

But my point here is to think in terms of other sections of the store.  If the makeup caddies aren’t what you’re looking for, maybe another organizational section will have something you like.  Or try a totally different store, like Marshall’s or even Staples.  There’s nothing a little spray paint can’t make prettier!

Take unused items out of the collection

Weed out the new items that are waiting to get opened (like mascara, lip gloss, etc) to lighten up what is in the visible places.  It also helps me to use up what is left in an old container before I move on to something new.  I have a bad habit of wanting to use something the second I buy it.  Even toothpaste.  I’m like, “Yes, I want to try that Wintergreen flavor now!”

Store extra makeup items in boxes that can easily stack away in a closet and you know where it is when you need it in the morning.

So by sorting unopened makeup into groups for eyes, lips, and face, I can take out exactly what I need (new blush? mascara?) without having to paw through everything and make a bigger mess.

Also, join me for the #LipStockChallenge – a different lipstick every day until I run out.  Post your photos with the hashtag to play along!

Those are my secrets for taming my makeup collection.  What are yours?

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

7 Comments · Labels: How To, Makeup & Beauty Tagged: beauty products, how to, makeup, makeup monday, organization, storage

February 23, 2015

What’s in my makeup bag – skincare

February 23, 2015

I love watching videos on YouTube where you get a peek inside someone’s makeup collection: how they store it, what their must-have items are, etc.  I have amassed quite a collection, but there are some things that I use every day.  It is ridiculously hard not to go on and on about my most loved products.  Heads up guys, this one isn’t for you (sorry, Dad).

Because I do reach for a lot every day, so I thought I’d break it down by category.  Today is the base layer: skincare.  It’s gonna look like it’s sponsored by Philosophy, but it isn’t I promise.

There are so many good skin care products, it's hard to know what's good. Check out these skin care staples!

Before we get in to it, let me tell y’all a little about my skin.  It’s pretty oily.  If diners run out of grease in the summer, they just come find me because I’m like a walking oil slick.  You may think that the winter is my skin’s time to shine, but no.  It gets patchy dryness, which I moisturize, and then break out because of the heavy moisturizer.  So I use drying treatments and we begin again.

I think I finally broke the cycle this year.  I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or I’m using better products or I’m eating right or…who knows.  Some of these skincare products I’ve used for a long time, others are recent discoveries, but all of them have done wonders for my skin right now.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple and Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I use a combo of Philosophy Purity Made Simple and The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  Usually I’ll use the exfoliant in the shower in the morning and Purity at night, but I also will mix the two together if I need a little extra somethin’-somethin’.

I will use Purity Made Simple at night with my Clarisonic to really get everything off.

Philosophy makes the best skin care products! Paird with my Clarisonic and it's heaven. The Triple Acid Peel Pads are a holy grail.

Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel

I’ve talked about these before.  I’m so in love with them for a little extra oomph in my skincare routine.  I use them once a week to brighten and even my skin tone.  Used in conjunction with Yes To Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum, and the acne scars I always battle are fading away nicely.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturizer

I never tried this before I found a kit on QVC with this and some other products that I’ve wanted to try.  This moisturizer is light and has AHAs so you get a little exfoliation at night (when I use this).  A little goes a long way.

I’ve also used and loved Philosophy Take a Deep Breath moisturizer.  It’s a light-weight gel that is so soothing.  It feels like you’re splashing water on your skin.  Love it for the summer.

They have a version with SPF, but I have not tried that.  I was going to and then I discovered…..

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer

Okay, I have to give it up to Jonathan for this one.  I’ve been mentioning skin troubles on and off and he’s always said that I should use what he does.  Well, I have a lifetime supply of Purity Made Simple (thanks QVC super size auto-delivery!) but I was getting towards the end of my supply of Hope in a Jar moisturizer.  So I tried this.

Even though it’s “formulated for a man’s skin,” my skin is in love.  It sinks in quickly, feels amazing, and the SPF in it doesn’t get greasy or heavy.  It also is unscented and doesn’t irritate my eyes if I get it too close.  All wins in my book.

 Acne treatments

I know that treatments don’t help hormonal acne very much, but I still like to try to prevent things that may be more environmental.  I used Clean and Clear Persa-gel 10 (among other high end and drugstore treatments) and then I discovered the Target generic knock-off and it does the same thing.  I use this all over, especially in the summer.

If I need to spot-treat, I reach for Origins Super Spot Remover.  This. is. amazing.  I picked this up in college after a friend recommended it to me and holy balls, is it good stuff.  Dab it on at night and wake up with a greatly-reduced (sometimes entirely gone) spot.

Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Regenerator Moisturizing Gel-Cream

This is a sample that I have rediscovered and loved.  I use it at night and I’m pretty sure this in tandem with the Jack Black moisturizer is how my skin has escaped dry patches during this recent cold streak.

This is totally different than any moisturizer I have used.  It says it’s a gel, but it has that “silicone” feel when you’re applying it.  Y’know, it gives your skin that slip that you typically get with primers.  I am really loving this sample, which is a shame because it’s expensive stuff!

Philosophy Hope in a Tube

Also in the Hope in a Jar line is Hope in a Tube.  It’s a great eye cream.  Very thick and heavy, though I wish it was as smoothing as they say.  I sleep with my face smushed into a pillow and I’m convinced that is why I need to use a heavy-duty eye cream. I also wear contacts so I’m tugging at delicate skin almost every day when I put them in.

I wish I had something that would stick with me more throughout the day.  I feel like by mid-morning, my under eye area looks dry and crepe-y.  Do you have any recommendations for good eye creams?

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment

I’ve mentioned this mask before, so I’ll try to keep this short.  I was so upset when I didn’t use this all up when I discovered it had dried out on me.  I ration this stuff because it’s expensive, but so worth it.  When you feel your skin needs a good deep clean, this is what you need to turn to.

I’ve also been loving Bliss Steep Clean mask for a once-a-week skin vacuuming, but it’s totally different than the GlamGlow mask.  The GG mask is a clay mask that you can see sucking out the gunk.  The Bliss mask is more of an enzyme peel.  Still good, but in a different way.

Very favorite skin care products..Clarisonic, Jack Black, Yes To, Origins, Peter Thomas Roth, Up and Up, and Bliss

So those are the skincare products in my makeup bag that I reach for every day.  I know I seem super-high maintenance now, but a lot goes into looking this good (joke! That’s a joke guys).

What do you reach for on a daily basis when it comes to skincare?

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

14 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: beauty products, exfoliator, makeup, makeup monday, moisturizer, philosophy, skincare, treatment

Who’s Angelica?

Life Un-styled Blogger, Gardener, Shoe Lover..among other things

I'm here to encourage and empower you to grow where you're planted and embrace the weeds that sometimes pop up. I'll share inspiration, products I like (and you may too), and stories from the garden.

Gardening In High Heels is for badass babes who aren’t afraid to get a little messy. Want to learn more? Start here.
           

Dig Up Something Good

Cultivate a beautiful life with emails directly from me!

Latergrams

Tweet, Tweet

My Tweets

Other Flowers in the Garden

Sunday Lately with Blogger Tribe
#BeABetterBlogger

Disclosure Policy

Just so we can keep everything cool, I wanted to share a few notes on how my blog operates.

I occasionally receive products and/or payment from companies to review and/or give away. Sponsored posts and giveaways will be noted as such.

All images and content are property of myself and Gardening in High Heels unless otherwise stated. You may not use my images or content without express written permission.

See the full policy here.

Dig Up Something Good

Let’s Play

           

People Really Dug These

  • Good for her, not for me.

We Belong in the Garden Together

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.