1.26.2016

My Everyday Beauty Basics

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I'm always entertained learning about other bloggers' beauty routines, whether it be because they use 372829 products and I can't even fathom owning, let alone using that many, or because they recommend really great products I wouldn't have picked out on my own.  So because I like when other bloggers do it and since I just recently added a "Beauty Routine" widget to my blog (at the bottom) it seemed appropriate to share a few details of my own beauty basics.  

As of late, I feel like I've finally established quite a satisfactory 'everyday' beauty routine.  I suspect a contributing factor is that recently I've bit the bullet and splurged on a few beauty goodies, and I've also  gotten a little more comfortable wearing less makeup on a day-to-day basis.  Below I've shared my 'basics' and a few items I use to bump it up a notch. For example, I definitely don't wear liquid foundation or eyeliner daily, but for events, blog photos, and so forth, those things qualify as my 'basics'.  



Skincare

One of my resolutions this year was to be nicer to my skin.  It's almost a month in, and I think I can say this effort is coming along.  I've rededicated myself to using my Clarisonic brush every night, and washing my face every morning.  While I haven't noticed and earth-shattering results, I've had multiple close friends and family members comment on my skin's appearance improving.  I've been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser for a few weeks now, and I love it.  After cleansing, I tone with Arcona Cranberry Toner (which I raved about here and still love), and follow up with a light moisturizer and Chanel eye gel.  I still haven't decided if I'm willing to drop that kind of money again when this bottle runs out though, I'll let you know when the time comes ;)  I also use Alba scrub in the shower a few times a week, and have been for years.

Face

The level of effort I put forth in my makeup routine varies drastically day-to-day (a fact you're probably well aware of if you follow me on Snapchat ;) roberts_jenna).  Bare minimum, I apply a light dusting of Jane Iredale pressed mineral power.  I love that it's lightweight, has SPF, all natural, and still evens out my skin nicely.  I've been using this product for about 7 years now, and I am tremendously loyal.  If I'm looking for heavier coverage, I apply it with the powder pad that accompanies each refill.  For full coverage, my go-to foundation is Arbonne CC Cream applied with a Beauty Blender (there is no substitute for the real thing, trust me!).  I finish that with a dusting of mattifying powder, and also keep a compact in my purse, because I get shinyyy by the end of the day.  I'm also trying out Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation right now, because I've heard incredible things, so maybe I'll be switching up my liquid foundation soon; we shall see!  
I also wear blush and highlighter on a regular basis.  I just started using Hourglass highlighter, and while it's a splurge, it's uh-mazing! I also use it as eyeshadow to highlight under my brows.  I haven't switched up my blush selection since high school, and I'm thinking it's time to up my game.  Currently I use Sonia Kashuk blush from Target, and while it does the job, I have a few grievances with it.  The color and feel is great, but I feel like it fades quickly.  Any recommendations on awesome powder blushes?

Eyes & Lips

For my eyes, I typically wear a coat of mascara, a light dusting of 'half baked', and line my tear ducts with a little white liner (and then smudge it so I don't look crazy...).  To amp it up, I smear the NYX jumbo eyeshadow pencil, in 'French Fry' (totally didn't affect my buying decision lol!) in the crease and blend it in, and line my top lids with a brush tip liner.  I also fill my brows in lightly with an angled brush and an ancient brown eye shadow.  I could stand to improve my brow procedure...
My lip routine varies tremendously also, but my everyday look consists of filling in my whole lip with 'soar' and layering on Sugar tinted lip balm in 'petal'.  I just picked up this lip balm in Chicago, and I finally understand why everyone loves it.  I cringed dropping that kind of money on what seemed like glorified chapstick, but it feels and looks amazing.  I will be buying other colors.

Miscellaneous 

I also SWEAR by the Beauty Blender Sponge Cleanser.  I use it for my Beauty Blender each time I use it, and for my brushes every couple weeks and it is magical.  

I also can't emphasize how important good brushes are.  Unfortunately, my set is old, like I've had them since 7th grade.  My mom very generously got my a really nice set, and regular cleaning has kept them in good condition for many years.  Therefore, I can't recommend any first hand, but I can very much encourage you to splurge, because they can last a longgg time, and make such a huge difference in applying and blending makeup.



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1.24.2016

Hello Monday Linkup

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Alright, good news first.  I cooked dinners, fit in some workouts, and got back to a better sleep schedule last week.  Bad news, evidently my instagram-bio-proclaimed title of 'midnight blogger' is definitely true.  If I'm not writing this blog during the wee hours of the night, it just doesn't happen.  That being said, as I'm writing this post it's Sunday before 10:00pm.  Progress.  I have a few more posts slated for this week too, so tune in on Wednesday and Friday for more. Yay!

As I was going through my saved up outfits in Photos deciding what outfit to share today, I realized I had a lot of them.  Like a LOT.  Some dating all the way back to August, so obviously the outfits are super relevant now...  Not.  They're still cute though, so today I'm sharing my backlog of photos that are no longer seasonally relevant, or didn't seem to merit a post of their own.   Which is your fav?  I think mine is the green cardi and ruffle tee in front of the citrus tree, but the citrus tree might have a lot to do with that ;)


Old Navy vest, tee, and pants // mules on sale and seriously considering buying a backup

Loft ruffle hem sweater similar, addt'l option // a gold e jeans // Halogen blazer via Nordstrom similar only $20 // Kendra Scott earrings c/o

Faux fur vest on sale for $30 // swing dress, I'm wearing a tall // booties similar have and also love

rag & bone tee options // Current/Elliott stiletto jeans options // Kendra Scott ring and necklace c/o

Current/Elliott stiletto jeans options 

ruffle tee // Current/Elliott stiletto jeans options // Kendra Scott necklace c/o // Panda sunnies c/o

J.Crew pants old // Old Navy poncho old // Kendra Scott earrings // Tory Burch cross body options // Vince Camuto flats old

Tory Burch cross body options // faux fur coat $43! splurge options // Shabby Apple jumpsuit c/o // criss cross ring $10!




And since it's Monday that means Linkup Day! (yes, totally a proper noun)
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Whether it's fashion, lifestyle, fitness, food, or DIY, share your latest musings with the Hello Monday Linkup! We just ask that you link back to the hosts within your exact blog post and throw a follow our way on Instagram or Bloglovin'. Thanks for linking up!


Want a reminder next week?









Linked up with Mix it Monday with Fizz & Frosting // How I Fall with Pink Sole // Sophisticated Style with Fashionably Employed // Jo-Lynne Shane


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1.17.2016

Insta-lately + Hello Monday Linkup

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Happy MLK Day!

Earlier this week I commented how much I was dreading another 5 day workweek after the long holiday, and my co-worker piped up cheerfully that we had a three day weekend.  I quickly pulled up the list of paid time off holidays, and realized it was MLK Day, and somehow January was already nearly 2/3 over, what?!  This was a very exciting revelation.

So, obviously I then texted my bestie in Chicago asking if she had plans for the weekend, and if I was welcome to visit.  Within the hour, my train ticket was purchased, and I was all set to spend the weekend with her.  

I'm actually typing this from her cozy downtown apartment, but tomorrow when you read this, I'll most likely be riding the train binge-listening to the podcast 'Undisclosed'.  If you listened to and loved the first season of Serial, you HAVE to listen to this podcast (except maybe episode 9, 10, and 12).  If you didn't listen to the first season of Serial, start there ;)  (Speaking of which, is anyone else a little disenchanted with season 2?? because it's kind of breaking my heart.)

Anyhow, I thought it would be good timing to share a roundup of insta favorites, because I haven't lately, and it's been really, really cold, so I don't have many outfit photos ready to go.  As usual, I'll just link the available items, or note if something is similar.


Exact scarf in other colors / similar less expensive scarf, faux fur coat under $50!, handbag c/o, green velvet flats, 




Plaid lined new balance, boyfriend flannel with side pockets



 Scarf, shearling lined sneakers, available here, here, here, chunky turtleneck sweater


Shearling lined sneakers, available here, here, here, zella leggings, boyfriend flannel, striped tee, chunky turtleneck sweater, necklace  68% off!


And since it's Monday that means Linkup Day! (yes, totally a proper noun)
Linkup Button

Hosted by:


Whether it's fashion, lifestyle, fitness, food, or DIY, share your latest musings with the Hello Monday Linkup! We just ask that you link back to the hosts within your exact blog post and throw a follow our way on Instagram or Bloglovin'. Thanks for linking up!


Want a reminder next week?









Linked up with Mix it Monday with Fizz & Frosting // How I Fall with Pink Sole // Sophisticated Style with Fashionably Employed // What I Wore with The Pleated Poppy  



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1.12.2016

Winter Skincare

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Monday, I had the opportunity to swing by Nordstrom during my lunch to get a preview of their winter skincare event happening this weekend, January 15th and 16th at the St. Louis Galleria Location.  They pampered us with 8G green water, masks, hand and arm massages, and all kinds of luxurious products perfect for keeping you skin glowing all through the harsh winter.  This weekend they'll be providing consultations, samples, gifts with purchase, and FREE facials.  So if you're in the area, make sure to swing by!  Bonus- if you mention I sent you, you'll be entered to win an awesome goodie bag full of products and samples perfect to combat Winter skin :)

One of my resolutions this year is to be kinder to my skin, so this event couldn't have been timed more perfectly.  I have oily, breakout prone skin, and I feel like I've tried everything without improvement.  Since the results seem to be the same no matter what new regime I try, I've gotten particularly complacent this last year; going to bed with makeup, using bathroom hand soap as face wash when traveling, and other unkind practices (sorry face!)  So, the event motivated me to get back to my favorite Winter skincare regime, as well as introducing a couple products I can't wait to include in my skincare routine.  

Clarisonic skin cleansing brush

I've had one of these handy little brushes since 2009, and dedicated use provides impressive results.  It's completely waterproof, so you can just leave it in the shower, but I prefer to leave mine in the charing dock by my sink so I can use it morning and night.  I find my makeup goes on much smoother and stays better when I clean my face with my Clarisonic first.  I got excited when this was included in their recommendations, because I cannot get enough of my own!


Arcona Cranberry Toner

Toner serves the important purpose of restoring your skin's PH after cleansing.  Historically, I've used a drugstore toner, since it didn't really feel like it penetrated the skin or had much lasting impact.  Boy was I wrong.  As soon as I tried the Arcona Cranberry Toner I realized what I've been missing out on.  Not only does it provide the clean, stringent sensation I'm used to with toner, but left my skin feeling softer and refreshed.  Not to mention the scent- SO good.  Arcona was a new brand to me, but I'm sold!  It's an all natural, made in the USA line and everything smells amazing.


Chanel Eye Gel

Eye gels and creams are altogether foreign to my beauty routine, partially because I've always been apprehensive to invest in one if I ended up not liking it.  We had the chance to sample this one in-store, and bring one home with us and I'm really excited to incorporate it in my routine.  I love that it starts as a gel but quickly turns to a liquid when you rub it in.  It absorbs really easily, and in the couple opportunities I've had to use it, I'm convinced it really does the job of reducing puffiness and brightening my eye area.  The rave reviews also contribute to my optimism.

Those were my three standout products, but I loved all the other products we got to sample too, and I've linked my favorites below:



What are your Winter beauty essentials?


title image via road2beauty

I was provided a bag of goodies in exchange for attending the preview, no strings attached.  The opinions in this post are all my own.
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1.10.2016

Emerald + Hello Monday Linkup

20 comments:

So, blogging.  I haven't done so well with it lately.  (And this ins't a zomg, I'm so sorry the internet has been without my presence paragraph, promise.)  Since my time off work over the holidays, I've been making a conscious effort cook more healthy meals, keep up the house better, and go to bed at a responsible hour.  Getting a hang of that and blogging hasn't been easy.  I think I just need more discipline and to better plan and write my posts over the weekend.  Eventually, once I've mastered squeezing all those things in (plus work and a stupid, frustrating commute) hypothetically I want to squeeze the gym in, but that's for a whole 'nother post... So basically, 4 posts a week probably won't be happening while I get a hang of managing my time better.  I'm gunning to share 2 outfits weekly, and another post featuring one of my other topics of choice... beauty, recipes, outfit inspiration, and so forth.  If that's just not enough of my outfits for you, make sure to tune into instagram ;)

Outfit Details
Feather embellished tank [exact, dress version, option]
Banana Republic boyfriend blazer [similar, options]
Emerald  faux leather pleated skirt c/o [exact]
Three strap leather heels [similar under $40, similar]
Tory Burch Mini Kira crossbody [exact, options]
Bronzallure cone bangle c/o 
Amy O vine ring [exact]
10% off with 'SINCERELYJENNAMARIE'
Nadri pave hinged bangle [similar]


And since it's Monday that means Linkup Day! (yes, totally a proper noun)
Linkup Button

Hosted by:


Whether it's fashion, lifestyle, fitness, food, or DIY, share your latest musings with the Hello Monday Linkup! We just ask that you link back to the hosts within your exact blog post and throw a follow our way on Instagram or Bloglovin'. Thanks for linking up!


Want a reminder next week?









Linked up with Mix it Monday with Fizz & Frosting // How I Fall with Pink Sole // Sophisticated Style with Fashionably Employed // What I Wore with The Pleated Poppy  


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