Sunday, February 24, 2013

february favorites.




♥ Beauty Blender- For ages they only sold this online but you can finally buy it in certain Sephora stores! I literally squealed when I saw it in the checkout line and people were looking at me like I was nuts.  This cult favorite is a non-disposable sponge for foundation application.  Now that I have had a chance to mess with it myself, I can see what all the hype was about.  


♥ Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Porcelain Pearl- This all-over powder is used to illuminate the skin and give a healthy looking glow. I pair it with the Bobbi Brown BB Cream (mentioned later in this post) and they work together perfectly. It also comes in a darker mix of shades called "Brightening Nudes" that also looks gorgeous, just too dark for my skin tone.  The metallic packaging and mirror are an added bonus :) 


 ♥ Bumble & Bumble Defrizz- This gel combats frizz and flyaways better than anything I have ever found. It's also a lot less oily, in my opinion, compared to other products that claim to do the same thing.


♥ Camelbak Eddy (Insulated)- This water bottle has been life changing! It's spill-proof and insulated.  Lately, I have been trying to drink a lot more H20 and this has made such a difference.  Previously, I was using another water bottle that would always "sweat," and spill.  Overall, it was a pain and somewhat of a hassle to take around with me.  If you are someone who needs a water bottle for "on the go"--this is your new best friend. 


♥ Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips- This name is quite deceiving ha!  I purchased this at Sephora for my lips...not anything else (I'm dying laughing as I type this...)  To quote Sephora's website, "Originally developed for nursing mothers, Dr. Lipp's natural Lanolin-based formula is one of the most effective salves for dry or sensitive skin.  Using a centuries-old remedy, the London-based brand created a medical grade treatment that hydrates, protects, and heals lips while also providing a glossy shine."  Ever since November, my lips have been chapped and driving me nuts.  Each night, I apply this before I go to bed and it makes a huge difference in the morning.  I have become quite the chapstick hoarder and this one is my current favorite (which says a lot considering how many I have gone through.)  


♥ L'oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume, & Benefit They're Real- In other words, the holy trinity :)  I'm often asked if I wear fake eyelashes and this combo is the culprit.  I spend more time on my eyelashes than anything else when applying makeup.  First, I apply the Lash Blast.  I'll wait about 10 minutes and then apply the Voluminous.  Lastly, after another 10-15 minutes, I'll apply a final coat of They're Real and I'm ready to go.  Yes, this is a lot of steps but it achieves the "false lash" look without having to mess with em'.  Sometimes I'll skip the 2nd or 3rd step. However, at a minimum, I always apply Lash Blast with one of the other two on top.


♥ Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque- AKA Liquid Gold.  I apply this hair masque to the ends of my hair about twice a week and let it sit for 8 minutes before washing it out.  This product has drastically changed the strength of my hair and diminished fallout a great deal.  


♥ Queen Helene Mint Julep Face Masque- This is another cult favorite that I learned of through my favorite beauty guru "You Tubers."  Queen Helene helps dry up acne, removes blackheads, and shrinks pores.  Overall, it removes the impurities from your skin.  Therefore, even if you have pretty decent skin, this might be worth the $3.00 (or less, depending on which store you purchase it from.)  I just love the fresh/cleansed sensation after it's removed.  


♥ Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Care-  Dr. Lipp, mentioned previously, is a little too... "goopy" to wear throughout the day.  Therefore, this chapstick is my go-to during the day.  Not only does it lock in moisture and keep your lips hydrated, it smells delicious!  


♥ Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray- From what I understand, this is one of B&B's bestsellers as it truly took off once it was on the shelves!  It is a saltwater-based styling spray, made to achieve a beachy/wavy look.  My hair is naturally wavy but not "cute wavy" :)  Therefore, when my hair is still wet, I'll spray and scrunch this into my hair and it makes my natural waves look a lot more wind-styled and tame, while adding texture and fullness all in one.  


♥ Benefit Porefessional- The name says it all.  It's an oil-free balm, made to reduce the appearance of pores.  However, a lot of people have been using this as a primer as well and it works wonders!!  I love that it has a hint of color to it as well, which somewhat "blurs" imperfections in the skin.  This product is extremely lightweight, silky, and smooths the skin better than anything I have tried.  



♥ Ole Henricksen Ultimate Life Eye Gel-  I have been hearing incredible things about this brand and finally decided to give it a try.  This product is an anti-aging treatment that is made to reduce/prevent sagging, puffiness, and wrinkles under the eye.  Each night, after applying my Dr.Lipp, I dab this on underneath my eyes and can see a serious difference in the morning.  The gel truly hydrates while tightening underneath the eyes and gives an awakened appearance.  


♥ Tarte Lip Surgence (matte colors in Hope & Fiery)- I adore these two!!!  Hope is pretty similar to Exposed (a color I have mentioned on the blog in a previous favorites post,) but more of a rosy-nude as opposed to a nude-nude.  Fiery is as red as they come and makes your teeth look crazy white. These are peppermint-infused and glide on so smooth and moisturizing.  Lastly, they stay on for ages and I find that I don't have to reapply these as often as other matte products.  


♥ Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- I previously used (and more than likely blogged about) the spray bottle version of this product and loved it.  However, the lotion is somehow even better so this is my new favorite.  When they say airbrushed, they aren't kidding.  This lotion reminds me of the porefessional, but for your legs, if that makes any sense :)  It truly "blurs" imperfections and gives your legs a flawless, radiant finish with a bit of color added as well.  


♥ Bobbi Brown BB Cream- BB Cream stands for Beauty Balm.  Beauty Balms (or BB Creams) are known to be five-in-one multitaskers which moisturize, prime, conceal, treat, and protect (they typically have some level of SPF included) the skin.  When I heard Bobbi Brown was coming out with their own version of the BB Cream, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this.  As expected, it definitely lives up to the hype.  If I had to recommend one product out of all of my February favorites, it would be this bad boy.  

I hope you enjoyed my monthly favorites! What products are you loving this month?

Have a wonderful week!
xoxo

Mere

Saturday, February 9, 2013

oh, the places you'll go.


Rewind 6 months and I was drafting construction documents in AutoCAD, and checking up on the progress at residential construction sites.  Compare that to starting off 2013 with setting foot on 11 different drilling rigs, and visiting five oil and gas fields in three different states.   2012 will always be remembered as the year I changed career paths.  Being a guy that usually resists change, and likes consistency, I decided to take a big leap of faith.  After spending two years of my time researching the oil and gas industry, I knew that I needed to give it a shot as a career.  If I did not go through with it, there would always be a part of me that wondered what could have been.  The easy part was making the decision; the hard part was finding someone that would take a chance on a guy with an architecture degree and no experience in O&G.  I ended up having to settle with accepting a contract position in pipeline procurement with a company that did mostly midstream.  
This would at least get some kind of industry experience on my resume, and I expected to be in that position for at least a year.  What I did not expect was to be promoted to a permanent role in their drilling group in less than two months.  That moment was very powerful, and I will always remember the feeling of disbelief when I was given the offer.  The journey since has been amazing.  Where this will take me, I have no idea.  All I know is that the journey has just begun.  Thanks to Dr. Seuss for these words from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and let us all remember them.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 

 Cortez, Colorado
Cortez, CO with Sleeping Ute Mountain in the background
Workover rig
Horses in the snow
 Getting ready to run casing
I don't get to walk in the snow often
Cliff Dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, CO.
Flying over the Rockies
Views in Iraan, TX
Tripping in with tubing
 Snubbing Unit
Drilling rig in Arizona

Sunday, February 3, 2013

january favorites 2013.




♥ Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo- This highlighter is a sheer gold/rose mix of goodness that yields a youthful, dewey, luminous finish to the skin. I like to add this to my cheek bones and brow bone. 


♥ Frye Boots: Carmen Harness Short -- The best boots...ever.  These were beyond comfortable from the second I put them on.  


♥ Forever 21 Tote Bags- Hard to beat for under $40.00 each.  These are my "week day" bags to use to and from work since I have so much to carry.  I have already used the heck out of the black one and couldn't be happier with this purchase. 


♥ Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer- This primer is mineral-based, oil-free, and genuinely lasts all day.  I have tried many primers and have never found one that creates a smoother canvas before makeup application.


♥ Loreal Infallible 24 Hour Eye Shadow (in Bronzed Taupe) - This will initially feel like somewhat of a powder but spreads on your eyelid with more of a velvety texture.  The pigmentation is absolutely perfection and makes getting ready in the morning effortless.  



 ♥ Leopard cosmetic bag by Modella (found at HEB grocery store)- I have been searching for a more rectangular style (to accommodate makeup brushes) and found the ideal bag for a great price and have been using the heck out of it ever since!




♥ Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush in Flaunt- Talk about bright Barbie PINK!  This is another highly pigmented product that lasts for ages.  The color speaks for itself :) 


♥ Me Too Leopard Flats- I have been wearing the black leather version of these for awhile and was quite excited to receive the leopard version for Christmas.  The Me Too brand is extremely comfortable yet fashionable.  I wear these to work and on the weekends as they truly work for both! 


♥ Forever 21 Studded Boots- I snagged these bad boys up around the holidays and love them for weekend wear.  I realize they are not every one's cup of tea but I dig the edge that add to not-so-edgy outfits.  


♥ Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac in Magenta- There are no words to sum this up.  My husband gave it to me for Christmas and I'm obsessed. Nothing I say here can summarize the cuteness of this bag so that's all I will say. Do it now, buy it, go. 


♥ Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion- Gals with bangs, this is a life saver.  I hate "first day hair" but if you spray this underneath your bangs before/while drying them, it will avoid that first day fluff/puffiness and help them fall flat on your face.  


♥ Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation- I very rarely like drugstore foundations but this one has surprisingly won me over.  The formula is incredibly long-lasting with fantastic coverage. Highly recommend!

Happy February! What are your current favorites?

xoxo,
Meredith