How to Look Like a Party Girl, Without the Party! AKA: A FOTD (Just not from today)...

I did this look a while ago, so I can't quite remember how I achieved it (my bad), but I can tell you what I used to get it...

I Know I Can Be Faithful... AKA: What I'm Loving RIGHT NOW...

I go through a lot of product (well, maybe not a lot... more like, more than the average... who am I trying to kid? I go through a lot of product, quite happily). Some things I  love, some things are so so, some...not so much. Get a shopping list ready, these are the things I'm loving currently and though the lineup may swiftly change, all of these goodies come with Mama's stamp of approval....

photo via BathandBodyWorks.com

Beauty on the Go

Beauty Must Haves For Travel by mamafashionist1 featuring a thick eyeliner

This weekend I had the opportunity to test drive and experiment with my ever growing makeup stash in order to fine tune not only a simple go to look (similar to my Basic Face), but also looks that would last all day (in the Georgia heat), be easy to touch up if necessary, and help me look put together but not overly made up. The arsenal above proved to be exactly what I needed and they will definitely be in my travel beauty bag from now on! 

The only items not pictured that I utilized this weekend are my all time favorite highlight (and HG product) MAC's Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb, Benefit's  The POREfessional primer  and one of my favorite palettes, Smashbox's Click You're It Holiday 2011 Palette (which I also feature here). Here's a breakdown of everything else I used (as pictured above):

After washing my face, Maijan's Argan Oil was my moisturizer of choice. It was perfect for prepping my skin for makeup, but more importantly it left my skin smooth and glowing. Because my skin was in decent shape, I did not need a full face of liquid foundation. I simply smoothed on the Benefit primer, used Smashbox High Definition Concealer in Medium/Dark under my eyes (to brighten and highlight) and on a few blemishes, and apply a light layer of Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation with SPF 20 in Medium/Dark to even out my complexion and eliminate unwanted shine (and the gorgeous rose gold compact the foundation comes in is some of the prettiest packaging I have ever come across). I contoured with NYC New York Color SUN'n'Bronze Bronzing Powder in Montauk Bronze, added MAC Powder Blush in Fleet Fast from the Hey! Sailor Collection to my cheeks, and Superb Skinfinish for the perfect glow and dimension.

Everyday for the eyes, I started with MAC Bamboom Paint as a base. On Friday, I simply used the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black to make an intense cat eye and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Perversion to tightline. On my waterline, in the inner corner of the eye, and on my brow bone, I applied NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I finished my eyes by curling my lashes and applying a few coats of Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long Wear Mascara in Black to the top and lower lashes (and the applicator in this mascara is perfect for grabbing every single lash, especially in the inner corners and lower lashes, and making the most of them). On Saturday, I went more delicate with the liner on my upper lash, added a bit of #6 from the Smashbox palette, and kept everything else the same. On Sunday, I did my traditional cat eye, used Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24/7 Eyeshadow in Edgy Emerald in the inner third of the lid and along the inner half of the lower lashline, applied #14 from the Smashbox palette in the crease and outer v, and #10 in the center of the lid, and #4 to highlight under my brow bone.

For lips, I kept it simple. Each day I started with my favorite (another HG) eos lipbalm in sweet mint, and used MAC Lipglass in Rebel (on Friday and Saturday when my eye look was simple) and a beautiful sheer, nude cream lipstick from Giorgio Armani on Sunday. 

The best thing about each of the looks was that, with the exception of reapplying balm, lipstick, and/or gloss, the only kind of touch up I needed throughout the long hot days was a bit of Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender to keep shine at bay. Another must that stayed in my purse all weekend long, was Sally Hansen's Gem Crush nail polish. I had Bling-Tastic on my toes and Showgirl Chic on my fingers. I love how adding these sparkle-licious colors to just one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot is enough to add a little extra something to your look! Plus if you chip the polish on any of your other nails, just covering the chip up with a bit of the Gem Crush polish adds a bit of unexpected flair that is really unique.

So that's that. After this weekend, I literally cleaned out my makeup bag and refilled it with these goodies (well, at least the ones that will fit into it). For the most part, I felt polished and put together this weekend, despite the crowds, heat, and my kiddies, and that was due in large part to the products. What's in your makeup bag? What products do you have to have with you where ever you go? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS-Some of the products mentioned above were provided to me by PR. I was not paid for this post and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. This post does contain affiliate links-if you click on a text link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)

Melvita Extraordinary Water

I'm not going to wax poetic on how much I love Birchbox (again), and though I do feel a bit indifferent about some of the items in my Jetset themed box this month (Band Aids designed by Cynthia Rowley?), I am very pleased with the rest of it (John Vavartos cologne for the hubby, a full size Eyeko liquid eyeliner, theBalm Stainiac lip and cheek stain), especially the gem pictured below...

Melvita Rose Floral Water