Beauty Routine: Evenings with kiddos Edition

Since I became a mom a little over 6 years ago, evenings take on an entirely different meaning for me than they once did. long gone are the days of leisurely drinking wine while watching as many shows as I want (I now binge watch on my iPad while the baby sleeps on top of me, and chug wine with one hand while feeding him with the other). Nighttime beauty and sleep are the same way, they need to be fast, efficient, and not too expensive.

I NEVER sleep in my makeup. It doesn't matter if I spent 2 hours unsuccessfully trying to coax my littlest baby into his crib at night, I will not skip face washing. Right now I'm using BeautyCounter's balm ($80), and then Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Micro Cleanse ($30). I tone with a variety of toners depending on the night (Clinique, Estee Lauder, Biologique Recherche) and use eye cream (love this one).

I spend less time on my mattress now than ever. Having a new baby reminds one never to take sleep for granted. So when I actually am in my bed, I need to be comfortable. The Leesa trial is great- 100 nights- so if you chose wrong, no worries. The baby likes it too, since he basically only sleeps on top of me, in our bed. (Maybe Leesa should try crib mattresses and we can trick him into thinking hes still in our bed.)

New Finds

So these days I am not in full make up most of the time, but I still want to be presentable when on video chat with my office, running lunch errands, and at school pick up. So light, effortless (I hate that term but actual find myself using it now), and natural are key.

Never a big Estee Lauder fan, I hadn't picked up a new product from this brand in years. But their revamped ad campaigns and offerings caught my eye and I tried 2 new items.

The Perfectionist duo concealer ($34) is a huge hit. My horrible dark circles are helped tremendously, and the wear is hydrating unlike some others I've tried after reading rave reviews, and hated (Smashbox BB concealer, Makeup Forever HD concealer).

The Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick ($34) is my next new favorite. One step to get it on, blend and be done. I cant do separate sponges, brushes and applicators (no skill, no time) so this is a great item for me. It isn't matte finish, but its not greasy or sticky so my oily skin likes it.

Memorial Day weekend meant our club opened for the season, and afternoons will soon be spent at the pool. I am still a hat person in the sun (despite my short hair and the fact they probably don't look good on me), but I also douse myself in sunblock. Beauty Counter's face-stick ($18) is my favorite- and I like being able to use one products for all 4 family members (including baby). Select my friend Sarah Hawkins from the consultant list when purchasing!

I recall trying a similar formula and not being a huge fan, but the new Dior Addict lacquer ($35) is a huge hit for me. It stays on longer than my other favorite YSL oil in stick, but has the same gel like texture that is a must for me (I detest the matte lipstick trend and hope to see it fade sometime soon). Try it in LA Pink or Underground.

Skincare Round Up: Hits and Misses

Its been a while since I talked beauty (perhaps because I'm not feeling  a whole lot of 'beauty' at 6 months pregnant in my home office most days). But I am still a huge fan of products and trying the newest and greatest in skin and makeup. I've added a few things to my lineup over the past few months, and while some are definitely hits, there have been some misses as well.

1. Skin- daytime 

I am a fan of BeautyCounter's Dew Skin ($45) and Tint Skin ($41). I was lured into the cute advertising targeted at me via Facebook, and decided to give Glossier's Perfecting Skin Tint  ($26) a try in the shade light. This my friends was a miss for me. After a few days of barely there color, i started getting huge blemishes in places like my cheeks where I never breakout. I stopped using this right away and they have subsided. I have since read reviewers of the product who experienced the same. So I'd say definitely skip this is you've ever had a breakout.

2. Concealer

We all know I have serious genetic dark circles. I have tried every product known to man, and will continue to do so. For now, I love It Cosmetics Bye Bye under Eye Corrector ($29), layered with BeautyCounter's concealer pen ($32). I tried Glossier's Stretch Concealer when I ordered the skin tint, and sadly this was another miss. It did not break me out, but it dried out any patch I placed it on. Not cute under the eyes at 1pm on a video conference call.

3. Moisturizer and Serum

Clique is a skincare staple for me that finds its way back into my rotation no matter how many others come into the mix. The new Acne and Line correcting serum ($44) is a big hit for me. I layer under the Dramatically Different Moisturizer (gel formula $26) and then add BeautyCounter's Night Cream in the evenings. No breakouts, no lines.

4. Lips

I love the YSL Oil in Stick formula ($37), and the shade Beige Blouse is not to miss for a perfect nude. I have also tried the new Dior 'Addict' Hydra-Gel shine formula ($35) and I like, but don't love it (I am a current fan of the many other formulations). I wouldn't count this a total miss however.

5. Nails

The new Essie Gel Couture ($11.50 per bottle) line is a must have and maybe my favorite new product addition of the season. Unlike the regular formula, this one truly stays put for at least 7-10 days and does not chip.  Try 'Model Chicks' or 'Spiked with Style' for the perfect deep fall plum/burgundy.

Any new fall must-haves that should be on the radar?