Makeup Favorites: Foundations, Concealer, and Bronzer

Happy Monday y'all.   Starting off a new week can be dreary, but discussing one of my favorite things, Makeup, can make-up for Mondays not being as fun as the weekend (ha ha see what I did there).

Today I'll be talking my favorite Foundation/BB Cream/ Concealer Products 

1. Benefit POREfessional Primer or Tarte BB Cream (I use shade Medium). Both of these I use as a Primer 

POREfessional: My honest opinion I still can't really tell if I'm blown away by POREfessional. I've only been using it for three weeks or so and I haven't noticed any dramatic difference between this and my BB cream, except for that my BB cream is more tinted.  It doesn't really reduce my pores, it doesn't coverup redness, and it does very little to any scars.  But if you need a lightweight primer it's not bad.

Tarte BB Cream: I've been using this product almost everyday for a year and love it.  It is super easy to put on, blend, and it give a good amount of coverage (pores, lines, scars and redness)!  Even though it is a liquid it doesn't feel heavy.  Plus it has SPF so yay for sun protection!  I feel comfortable wearing this product alone out to run errands.  Between this and POREfessional I'd pick this product.  

2. Tarte Concealer.  This product is probably my favorite concealer I've tried.  It's liquid, super easy to blend, light, and works wonders on my under eye circles.  I went for a shade lighter than my BB Cream and it works, though I will note I don't tend to break out all over my face so I mostly just use it for my under eye circles and any breakouts on my chin.  

3. Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess.  This is my absolute favorite bronzer I own.  It's a great color that looks natural.  It's easy to use for contouring if you are into that, or if you just need a basic bronzer.  

4. BareMinerals Powder Foundation (Original, Matte, and Mineral Veil).  I love these products because I have oily skin, and powder makeup helps reduce the amount of oil on my face without clogging my pores.  The Mineral Veil is also useful if you want to add a little bit of a highlighter tone to your face overall.  These products are super light and easy to wear.  Additionally because they are powder they are easy to travel with (i.e. on planes you don't need to worry about it exploding).  

5. Benefit Hello Flawless: This touch-up powder comes in a really convenient (and cute) packaging with a brush and foam pad.  I mostly use this to touch-up throughout the day.  It also comes with a mirror so I tend to keep this product in my purse for when I'm on the go.  

So sorry if this was a bit of a longer post, but I'm always looking for some new makeup suggestions and reviews so I figured I would give my opinions on these products.  

What are your favorite foundation, coverup, or bronzer products?

Fab Finds Under $50 #3

Ok so this post has a lot of picks from the Nordstrom sale, which is still going on!  But I've also included some other fun pieces (like that two piece from Shopbob! So cute).  Some of these are great steals, so happy shopping.

Booties in the Summer 3 Ways

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I recently picked up these Dolce Vita booties at the Nordstrom Sale.  I immediately began brainstorming ways I could wear them this summer!  As I mentioned in my last post I recently got a job, and I will be working in the tech industry here in SF.  This environment is incredibly laid back and casual so most people don't dress up to work (i.e. everyone I saw at the office was wearing T-Shirts and Jeans).  So the top and bottom outfits are two that I could easily wear to work, as well as out to a casual brunch or dinner (assuming the weather isn't too hot).  The middle outfit is perfect for a fun day out shopping or hanging out with friends.  

What is your favorite way to style Booties?  

Review: Sultra Bombshell Curling Iron

So my old curling iron was retired after a solid 4 years of use (pretty good considering it came from CVS).  I figured the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale would be a good time to invest in a nicer curling iron so I pulled the trigger and bought The Sultra "The Bombshell" 1.5 in Curling Iron: 

Now this curling iron comes with a storage wrap and glove.  After playing around with it I have to say I'm not a fan of the glove.  I have tiny hands and the glove makes it hard to grab and hold onto the sections of my hair while curling.  Also if you put the hot curling iron on the glove it will melt the rubber band in the wrist section (which happened to me).   So after that I kinda gave up on the glove and only burnt myself once so I'd say that's a success.

Let's talk pro-cons of the curling iron itself.  One con for me is it doesn't come with a clip attachment so if you are used to working with this it may take some time to get used to.  It also means you have to hold your hair in with your hand and this is how I burnt my index finger.  But after that I was much more careful.  

Second con it doesn't come with a cold tip on the top (like my older one did).  This means if you touch the tip of the iron to your hear, ear, hand ect. it will hurt.  

Possible Con you can't adjust the heat.  It's one setting.  Not really a huge deal for me because I have very thick hair, but if yours in very thin it could be an issue.

Pro/Con the curling iron gets EXTREMELY HOT.  I like this because my hair is thick and it curls my hair really well at that heat level.  Con if you accidentally touch it, ouch.  Also if you have thinner hair it might burn it (as stated earlier).

Pro it heats up very quickly.  Great if you are in a rush (my flat iron takes forever to heat up).  

Pro the curls hold really well.  I've been using it without any styling products (besides heat protection and dry shampoo) and they last a few days.  Also note I have naturally curly hair that tends to hold shape easily. 

Pro I really like the shape the 1.5 in barrel curls come out as.  

My overall experience - I really like this product, and after playing around to learn the nuances of how to use it without causing injury I am very pleased.  The curls are nice, they hold well, and again once you get used to it its very user friendly.  I recommend if you are used to having a clip or cold tip play around with it off so you see how you have to hold it to avoid burning yourself.  I would definitely recommend this product.  

Here are some pictures of my hair curled (sorry for the awful selfie quality of the first two).  In all photos the only product I used was heat protectant (my favorite is the Bumble and Bumble).  

Sale + Life Updates

Hello friends,

These beautiful pink sandals I picked up are on sale (along with many other beautiful pairs of shoes).  M. Gemi is a company that makes beautiful Italian shoes, handmade, with a new style each week.  The flats I received so far have been great, they are comfortable to wear and I get so many compliments.  I can tell the quality of these sandals is very high.  The sale only lasts till tomorrow and I highly recommend you check it out! 

I scored these sandals and these flats

Here is a link  https://mgemi.com/privato_

You need to sign up for their emails but they honestly send one weekly so its not a huge deal and all their shoes are beautiful.

Now life updates:

First, and most exciting, I Got my first post-college big girl job!  I am so excited. It is in San Francisco which means I will be living at home to save money for now, but I am really excited to start working.  

Second, along with the above major change there may be some major changes coming to the blog.  Nothing concrete has been worked out yet, but stay tuned.  

Tried and True

I feel like most people have that one tried and true outfit combo they always default back to.  For me it is a chambray/OBCD shirt and my favorite J.Crew skirt.  

Shirt - J.Crew // Skirt - J.Crew (Factory Version linked here under 30$!) // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Necklaces - Kendra Scott (and Nordstrom Sale version here) and Baublebar 

This skirt style is one of my favorites.  I own it in more colors than is probably normal, and every fall, spring, and summer it is on repeat.  What can I say, it's comfortable and easy to wear.  

What is your Tried and True go to outfit? 

Fab Finds Under $50 #2

Here is another installment of my Fab Finds under 50$!  Note a few of these items are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which means they will only be discounted for a limited time and then the price will increase.  Today the sale opens up to the public, and you can check out all my picks here!  

But back to these picks.  I'm really loving the two H&M dresses, and the GAP sandals.  Perfect for summer.  I also really like the dress from Old Navy which looks like the perfect summer to fall transition piece.  

Summer Comfort

California has been so hot these past few days.  I'm talking week straight of 90-100.  In other words having comfortable and light clothing to wear everyday has been very necessary.  J.Crew basic cotton tees are perfect because they are light weight and so soft.  I've also been loving my new pair of Birkenstocks (I know I know they aren't the most fashionable, but oh man THEY ARE SO COMFY! Plus when I saw a pair in Rose Gold I really couldn't resist).  This summer I've been all about feeling casual and comfy while still looking cute and I personally thing this outfit achieves just that.  

Shirt - J.Crew (and the short sleeve version) // Shorts - Lilly Pulitzer  (note the Summer sale at LP will be happening sometime soon, so great time to grab Callahans!) // Necklace - Nordstrom (From the Anniversary Sale)// Shoes - Birkenstocks (via Zappos) 

Also side note - my eye makeup today, I recently received a free sample from Sephora of Bobbi Brown Shadow stick and I tried it out and I kinda love it.  It's long lasting (I put it on at 9:30am and these photos were taken around 4:30pm) and the color really pops.  I blended it with my Naked Palette because the color was really bold, too bold for daytime, but really nice nonetheless.  

Summer Wishlist

I haven't put together an updated wishlist in a while!  Summer is flying by, but I'm not ready to put away summer sandals, and right now I have been contemplating getting a pair of gladiators while I can still wear them.  I've also included a few pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, which opens to the public on Friday I believe, but I know everyone has seen so many Nordstrom sale posts I wanted to include a few different pieces as well.  

What's on your wishlist right now? 

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

So early access for the Nordstrom's Anniversary sale just started.  Early access is for card holders only, and it allows you to shop the sale before it opens up to the public.  Here I'm going to share some info about the Nordstrom's sale, as well as items I scored yesterday and a few other great deals! 

Information

1. This is a fall preview sale.  So these are items from the fall collection temporarily discounted, and after the sale ends the price will go up. A.K.A time to stock up on boots, jeans, and coats.  

2. All the items are new.  A.K.A if you'e seen anything in stores recently it wont be on sale.

3. There are lots of Nordstroms exclusives. A.K.A. you won't find them anywhere else.

4. Last, I looked through the website and there are a lot of great deals, but pieces are going fast.

5. If you are a cardholder you get 3 days of triple points, and the sale is a great time to use them! 

The Scores!

This Lorac Palette which was 15$!!!!!!!! WHAT A DEAL! 

These Tory Burch flats (I recommend going up half a size, I'm usually and 8 but had to size up for a 8.5)

This M.A.C. Brush set

Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in Rose Gold

Zella Leggings (such a score at $28)

And here are some more awesome scores you should check out! 

Rompin to Cuba

I have been eying this romper for months.  Probably since it was released.  Scuba to Cuba is one of my favorite patterns, and I love rompers so this was a match made in heaven!  Like seriously this romper is so comfortable and colorful, two of my favorite things in clothing.  

Plus I've been obsessed with these sunglasses lately!  Unfortunately these specific ones are sold out, but I've linked a similar style below.

Romper - Lilly Pulitzer // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Sunglasses - Nasty Gal (sold out similar) // Bracelets - Baublebar and Etsy 

Fashion Finds Under $50

Hello!  So something I've realized is that while I love following fashion bloggers who have gorgeous clothing, beautiful shoes, and handbags from my dreams, I often find that most of the items they have are out of my price range.  So I've decided to try out a new weekly post "Fashion Finds Under $50".  All the pieces below are under $50, and in my opinion super cute, and perfect for summer.  Please let me know if posts like these are something my readers are interested in!  If so I'll try to post one of these a week!  

Instagram Recap

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing 4th of July weekend.  I certainly did (it involved a Gilmore Girls marathon).  It has been a while since I've done an Instagram Recap!  So here are a few recent pics from my Instagram @claireelise5 (shameless plus, and if you aren't following me you totally should be).  

One of my favorite mugs from Anthropologie.  They no longer have the gold lined, but the regular ones are still available.  

Cardigan - J.Crew // Tank - J.Crew // Shorts - J.Crew // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Necklace - Kendra Scott 

Tank - J.Crew (old same style here) // Leggings - Zella // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Shoes - Jack Rogers 

Dress - Lilly Pulitzer (old) // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Bracelets - Alex and Ani // Rings - Baublebar 

Shirt - Lilly Pulitzer (old, similar) // Cardigan - Nordstroms (old similar here) // Leggings - Zella // Shoes - Jack Rogers 

Dress - J.Crew (on sale) // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Bracelet - Lilly Pulitzer (old) 

Stinson Beach, CA 

Coverup - J.Crew (old similar here) 

Dress - Lilly Pulitzer (old similar here) // Shoes - Jack Rogers // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Bracelet - Alex and Ani and Etsy 

Sunglasses - Nasty Gal (sold out similar here) // Purse - Louis Vuitton // Cup - Lilly Pulitzer (old) 

Dress - J.Crew Factory (old similar here) // Bandeau - Free People // Necklace - Baublebar

Sunglasses - Nasty Gal (sold out, similar here) 

Bikinis from top to bottom: Old (similar) // Zinke // Victoria's Secret (old, similar here) // Topshop // Victoria's Secret // Zinke // Lilly Pulitzer (old similar here)

Shop my snaps above: