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.)

Insta-Snaps: Fall Edition

Fall fire pit, distressed maternity jeans

Apple picking at the local orchard

Boden dress, J.Crew necklace, Sole Society suede sandals for 7 year wedding anniversary dinner 

Home office nook, pillows and bench from Wayfair, file cabinet from pottery Barn

My little love and a floor puzzle

Casual look for errands and some work, Loft top ans scarf, Banana vest, 29 weeks pregnant

Make-up bag for Vegas work trip, Mac lippie in Syrup, BeautyCounter Lip Sheer in Scarlet

Plane threads, Vine Camuto loafers, Sole Society 'Cassidy' tote

View from the Delano, Las Vegas

Paris in Vegas

Ceiling at the Bellagio

Dinner and a show in Vegas, Talbot's blouse, Gigi New York clutch, Dior Addict lipstick in Gotha

Linking up with The Mix! Happy Thursday :)

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?

Summer Skin Routine

Though I can't complain too much recently, I've had a life long battle with my skin. High school years were actually fine, an occasional dab of Clearasil (remember Clearasil??) did the trick. College brought more troubled areas, I suppose a diet consisting mainly of diet coke with raspberry Smirnoff and pizza didn't help much. Then law school, don't even get me started. I finally had to bite the bullet and take a course of Accutane, which completely changed my facial life. Now, 8 years after the fact I still treat my skin with the utmost care, read product labels, change pillow cases 2 times a week, and forget chemical sunblock.

As the summer sun rises and temps climb, I change up my routine a bit. Replacing thicker cream with lighter essential oils is the first step. 

I use BeautyCounter Lustro Oil number 3 morning and night after cleansing to tone, balance, and prevent pimples

I also swap out my medium-thick BB (I love Tarte) for a light weight tinted moisturizer with higher SPF.

Dew Skin in shade number 2 is my perfect everyday hint of color and chemical-free sun protection

Make up is generally minimal to begin with, so I stick with my favorites year round. A touch of under-eye concealer, pop of blush, swipe of mascara, and taming of the brows.

Nars the multiple is a long time favorite for cheeks, lips or highlighting

It Cosmetics bye bye undereye is the best for my serious, genetic dark under eye circles

BeautyCounters' brand new mascara is a cannot miss

Benefit gimme brow in brunette is worth every penny of its $24 price tag

To shop the full BeautyCounter line with my friend Sarah using my social, click here anytime between now and June 6th!

Any summer favorites I should try?