New Year Beauty Boost- My Favorite Items!

I've had a few readers e-mail me asking for my makeup routine..

So re-sharing the items in my makeup bag. :)

With the start of a new year...maybe you are wanting to try out some new products.

These are my favorites..and maybe, this year, they'll become yours!

I swear by the mac under eye cream...and the urban decay

cream to powder foundation. (all items linked below!)

As far as a cleansers/moisturizers...

I use Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Skin Cleanser,

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner(LOVE) and Cetaphil Moisturizer Cream

Makeup:

1. E.l.f. Eyelid Primer - Target

I got this in an eye shadow set from E.l.f. at target. (a mini version) and I love it! I never used primer before... it works magic. Makes sure you don't get those creases.. and some days when I don't have time for eye shadow I just put the primer on for a nice matte finish.

2. Urban Decay Surreal Skin, Cream to Powder Foundation - Ulta/Sephora

I went into Ulta not knowing what type of foundation I was going to get..But I wanted something new. I AM IN LOVE with this product. A little goes a long way. I don't use the brush that it comes with..instead I use a big brush from E.l.f. I got at target. It makes putting it on a lot easier. It goes on as a cream..dries almost immediately to a foundation..and leaves your skin covered and lovely. For those of you who are blessed with perfect skin..don't both with this.. but I need it to make me look alive/decent. ;) Love it.

3.Loreal Color Riche Lip Balm - Target

I don't wear a lot of lipstick or lip gloss. why? the husband doesn't really like it.. and you want to make the man you are smooching happy. ;) So that's why I love this lip balm. gives you a hint of color and moisture..without any sticky feeling.

4. Mac Mineralize Concealer (for Under Eye) - Mac Costmetics

ALLELLLUIAAAAAA..that's what the angels in heaven were singing around me when I discovered this product. As a mom who barely gets enough sleep. barely sleeps through the night because of babies crying or babies pushing on my bladder in my womb...this is a God Send. It brightens you up. a little goes a long way. A couple times I was in a rush and didn't pay attention..wow. looked in the mirror and I looked like a doll. But..when used right it makes you look like you actually did sleep in till whenever you wanted like you did in college. ;)

5. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - Clinique 

I am not a fan of loose powder..I don't know why..maybe I've used the wrong kind. But after I put on my foundations and concealer I do a light dap with this powder..and use it throughout the day for touch ups. Leaves you looking matte. which I like. shiny... bad.

6. Burt's Bees' Tinted Lip Balm(Hibiscus) - Ulta

Again..same as the comments above for the color riche lip balm..

love the hint of color and moisture..without a stickiness or harsh color.

husband approved.

7. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation - Clinique

I have used this forever. I used to use this along without the Urban Decay Foundation.. but I would always have to use more concealer on my blemishes/red spots etc.... But the day I used both foundations (as seen by a youtube makeup girl with different products) I found I barely had to use any concealer to touch up.. it was way better of coverage. I put on very little of this though but preps the skin nice.

8. Maybelline ExpertWear Eeyeshadow (Almond Satin) - Target

Ok.... I used to have no time for eye shadow. and I never liked the shine of them..But when I tried this (with the eyelid primer) I fell in love! I love being able to mix up the shades. some days I just use the light..some days I do a smoky eye. I like options. It lasts a long time.. and goes on beautifully. it's CHEAP. try it.

9. Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara (very black) - Target

Been using this since high school.....seriously...I won't wear anything else.

I've tried other mascaras..but this one is the best.

It makes your eyelashes look so long..and it lasts.. You can get lots of drama with multiple coats..or the perfect darkness and length with a quick quote before a toddler tries to put their baby on(IN) the potty. sienna-"poopy!"

10. Sonia Kashuk Blush -Target

Big fan of these products. Still a blush hopper..trying to find one I love. But I've been using this for a couple years.. so...that means something. ;)

I love the shade...makes me look alive.

alive looking is always nice when you are going on a date after a long day.

11. Urban Decay Concealer Pencil - Ulta

OH..MY GOSH! LOVE! If you need a concealer stick....this.... is the one!

I used to use a wand one from clinique..and then a pot one from mac..

but this one beats them all. don't use the others anymore. don't need nearly as much.

It goes on way better..covers better.. and lasts longer. Plus it's more fun with a cute pencil.

12. Mac Eye Shadow (Dark brown shade for eyebrows) - Mac Cosmetics

Eye brow magic.. A little dark shade on my eyebrows frames the eyes..

I used to pluck my eyebrows more..but the past couple years I've been letting them grow in..(still keeping them groomed) and I think that it makes you look a lot younger if they are thicker rather than thin lines. So.. something to think about. A little shadow on them fills them in and helps the shape.

Cosmetic Tools:

13. E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush - Target

14. Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush - Target

15. E.l.f. Studio Eye Shadow Brush - Target

16. elf Angled Crease Contour Brush - Target

17. Revlon Eyelash Curler - Target

MASCARA EXAMPLE:

I love maybelline full n soft. you should try it.

(ENGAGEMENT PHOTO BELOW. BEEN USING THE SAME MASCARA FOR 5+ YEARS!)

If you are wanting some more Beauty Boost Products..

I posted last year a 1 Week Beauty Boost!

What's in my Makeup Bag..

It's been a few years since
I posted what's in my makeup bag..

I love seeing what other real women use each day..

so I thought I would share what I use..
the items I love and can't live without! ;)
A good mix of high(for me) and low prices.

I was going to say If it has a star next to it..it means I LOVE it...
but I went through the items listed and they all ended up with stars..haha.
so.. you get the idea...All favorites.

Makeup:
1. E.l.f. Eyelid Primer - Target
I got this in an eye shadow set from E.l.f. at target. (a mini version) and I love it! I never used primer before... it works magic. Makes sure you don't get those creases.. and some days when I don't have time for eye shadow I just put the primer on for a nice matte finish.


2. Urban Decay Surreal Skin, Cream to Powder Foundation - Ulta/Sephora
I went into Ulta not knowing what type of foundation I was going to get..But I wanted something new. I AM IN LOVE with this product. A little goes a long way. I don't use the brush that it comes with..instead I use a big brush from E.l.f. I got at target. It makes putting it on a lot easier. It goes on as a cream..dries almost immediately to a foundation..and leaves your skin covered and lovely. For those of you who are blessed with perfect skin..don't both with this.. but I need it to make me look alive/decent. ;) Love it.

3.Loreal Color Riche Lip Balm - Target
I don't wear a lot of lipstick or lip gloss. why? the husband doesn't really like it.. and you want to make the man you are smooching happy. ;) So that's why I love this lip balm. gives you a hint of color and moisture..without any sticky feeling.


4. Mac Mineralize Concealer (for Under Eye) - Mac Costmetics
ALLELLLUIAAAAAA..that's what the angels in heaven were singing around me when I discovered this product. As a mom who barely gets enough sleep. barely sleeps through the night because of babies crying or babies pushing on my bladder in my womb...this is a God Send. It brightens you up. a little goes a long way. A couple times I was in a rush and didn't pay attention..wow. looked in the mirror and I looked like a doll. But..when used right it makes you look like you actually did sleep in till whenever you wanted like you did in college. ;)


5. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder - Clinique 
I am not a fan of loose powder..I don't know why..maybe I've used the wrong kind. But after I put on my foundations and concealer I do a light dap with this powder..and use it throughout the day for touch ups. Leaves you looking matte. which I like. shiny... bad.


6. Burt's Bees' Tinted Lip Balm(Hibiscus) - Ulta
Again..same as the comments above for the color riche lip balm..
love the hint of color and moisture..without a stickiness or harsh color.
husband approved.

7. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation - Clinique
I have used this forever. I used to use this along without the Urban Decay Foundation.. but I would always have to use more concealer on my blemishes/red spots etc.... But the day I used both foundations (as seen by a youtube makeup girl with different products) I found I barely had to use any concealer to touch up.. it was way better of coverage. I put on very little of this though but preps the skin nice.

8. Maybelline ExpertWear Eeyeshadow (Almond Satin) - Target
Ok.... I used to have no time for eye shadow. and I never liked the shine of them..But when I tried this (with the eyelid primer) I fell in love! I love being able to mix up the shades. some days I just use the light..some days I do a smoky eye. I like options. It lasts a long time.. and goes on beautifully. it's CHEAP. try it.


9. Maybelline Full N' Soft Mascara (very black) - Target
Been using this since high school.....seriously...I won't wear anything else.
I've tried other mascaras..but this one is the best.
It makes your eyelashes look so long..and it lasts.. You can get lots of drama with multiple coats..or the perfect darkness and length with a quick quote before a toddler tries to put their baby on(IN) the potty. sienna-"poopy!"


10. Sonia Kashuk Blush -Target
Big fan of these products. Still a blush hopper..trying to find one I love. But I've been using this for a couple years.. so...that means something. ;)
I love the shade...makes me look alive.
alive looking is always nice when you are going on a date after a long day.


11. Urban Decay Concealer Pencil - Ulta
OH..MY GOSH! LOVE! If you need a concealer stick....this.... is the one!
I used to use a wand one from clinique..and then a pot one from mac..
but this one beats them all. don't use the others anymore. don't need nearly as much.
It goes on way better..covers better.. and lasts longer. Plus it's more fun with a cute pencil.

12. Mac Eye Shadow (Dark brown shade for eyebrows) - Mac Cosmetics
Eye brow magic.. A little dark shade on my eyebrows frames the eyes..
I used to pluck my eyebrows more..but the past couple years I've been letting them grow in..(still keeping them groomed) and I think that it makes you look a lot younger if they are thicker rather than thin lines. So.. something to think about. A little shadow on them fills them in and helps the shape.

Cosmetic Tools:

13. E.l.f. Studio Complexion Brush - Target
14. Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush - Target
15. E.l.f. Studio Eye Shadow Brush - Target
16. elf Angled Crease Contour Brush - Target

17. Revlon Eyelash Curler - Target


MASCARA EXAMPLE:
I love maybelline full n soft. you should try it.

Mini-Makeover: My 1 Week Beauty Boost Items

Feel like you need a boost in your beauty routine?? 

These are the items I use to give 
myself a little mini makeover! 

From one busy budgeting mama to another..
these are my favorites!

1. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Vivid Teeth Whitening System
30 minutes a day...I would put them on when I got out of the shower..and they worked their magic while I did my hair and makeup! Helped me actually remember to use

 them when I had a routine like that!

2. Jergens Natural Glow Express

I'm a very very pale mama..always have been. 

I once was asked by a flight attendant if I worked as Snow White at Disney World.........awesome.

But I want color in a healthy way! I'll of course get some sun being out and about but this product gave me a boost without having to go to a tanning salon or lay out..both not very good for you skin! So it was a healthy alternative. my skin felt amazing! and ben kept joking that i smelled like the beach(not in a bad way!)...made us excited for summer. haha.


3. Put DOWN the tweezers!
They say fuller eyebrows make you look younger.. 

and I could TOTALLY tell a difference in myself when I stop tweezing

 as much and let them fill in a bit. I still kept a shape..

but went through a week of "ah i hate my eyebrows" to get better results.

4. Spearmint Lip Smack - Green Bubble Gorgeous

I have always had chapped lips. But I never found a chapstick that I liked...they always tasted bad or were too sticky. But when my friend Krystal gave me one of her products while we were working on a Baby Shower together...I started using it and immediately saw results! Tastes great..and leaves my lips feeling refreshed and kissable. :)

5. Sally Hansen Mega Shine Nail Treatment

I just don't have the time to go get a mani-pedi. And i don't have the money either.

It's just not practical for me..especially since I chip them immediately anyways!!

So I was thrilledddd when I found a color (here) and top coat that looked just as amazing and I could do myself. They say the first thing people notice about you is your face..and then your hands.. I have no clue who said that...but that's what I was told..haha. 

All I can say is when I have my nails done, I feel more pulled together! 

even if I'm covered in baby goop.

6. FRIZZ-EASE® HAIR SERUM EXTRA‑STRENGTH FORMULA

Two words...miracle. worker. 

I have really dry hair. It used to be curly.. still is a little but with every pregnancy my hair texture has changed! But the dryness has never left me...:) You only need a drop for it to make a difference..so it lasts a long time. this is a musttt if you have dry hair.


And of course the things that we all know we should do...
eat healthy..exercise...and drink lots of water!
I'm horrible about drinking water but am making an effort... and i'm trying to refuel my body with healthy snacks because i'm alwayssss hungry from nursing.
I just started doing the Insanity Workout as well. Not their nutrution plan but just the workouts.
It is kicking my butt. but i'm doing it with my hubby and it's given me a boost of energy!
plus I love it because you don't need any other equipment. I've even learned how to do baby talk to sienna while doing the workout. haha.


I have my hands full with these girls, so quick
and easy beauty boosts are what I need!
My little sweeties/stinkers...they're totally worth the dark under-eye
 circles from not sleeping. haha. ;)
Sienna is teething..and Sophie is 2 1/2. enough said right?
**photos from a family trip to the park**

Here's where I shared
my basic beauty routine!


Anyone else have some beauty boost secrets??