After feeling like a slave to athleisure (softball coach chic) and sweat pants (working from home, followed by a zombie-like state from my sick-bed), lately I’ve been overcorrecting a bit.
For the first time since about February 2020, I’m putting more energy into myself. I’m wearing real clothes (sometimes) and putting on makeup (often) and using a curling iron (occasionally).
Honestly, its been a surprising and fun twist. Here’s what I’ve been into lately.
Makeup Routine
Lately, simple has been the name of the game. Here are the products I’ve been using:
- Tula purifying face cleanser (though I’m really not married to it)
- Cetaphil moisturizer
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
- KVD Tattoo Liner
- Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara
For days when I want more of a fuller face, here are the products I use:
- Same cleanser and moisturizer, eye liner, and Ilia products
- Primer – I have a dropper sample from Ila or a red-eliminating cream from Bare Minerals
- Eyeshadow primer – Urban Decay
- Too Faced Born This Way foundation
- Urban Decay eyeshadow – moondust liquid or a really old Naked smoky eye palette
- Teeny tiny bit of contour from Mary Kay
- Setting powder
- Magnetic eye lashes by Glamnetic (note: I really want eyelash extensions. But for the time being, I chose to get some magnetic ones instead, hoping that they’ll be easier both on my budget and sensitive eyes. For now.)
For miscellaneous skincare, I haven’t been doing much lately. There are a few go-to products, as always, that you can read more about here.
Jewelry – Gold Tones
I’m not quite sure why, but I recently switched out all my jewelry from silver to gold. Honestly, it feels like it’s a better fit. Here are some of my latest pieces.
Earrings
- I have three holes in my ears, and I like to keep small, dainty hoops in two of them. I got mine from Amazon.
- For nicer events, I wear gorgeous dangle earrings, made from a friend’s Etsy shop. Her work is available here.
- I’m excited to try out a new pair of clay earrings from another friend’s Etsy shop. Her work is available here.
- I got some hoops and cuffs from H&M.
- I recently ordered a pair of flat dot studs as a simpler statement. They’re from Etsy and are my casual go-to.
Rings
Along with my wedding ring, I’ve been playing with dainty rings as well. I got a variety pack from Shein that I love.
Necklaces
For necklaces, I’ve stocked up on the following cheap options:
Hair – Curls
When I’m planning on looking nice, doing my hair is the final step. Lately, I’ve been into easy, messy curls with my 32 mm iron (typically set at 390 degrees). I’ll take a large section and messily wrap up my hair, working from one side to the other. I’ll do smaller chunks up front. After I’m done, I’ll flip my hair upside down and shake it up to loosen the curls and add some volume. Often, I’ll jushe it up with some dry shampoo (my favorite is Living Proof, though it’s pricey and goes fast). Overall, this curling method is pretty quick and makes me feel pretty put together without spending too much time.
I’ve also been into clips and claws lately.
Nails
I definitely don’t consider myself a “nails person.” Almost 99% of the time I keep them truly as short as possible, and then I’ll throw on some nail polish in a way that looks akin to a toddler’s skills. I’m bad at it and I’m highly low maintenance in this department.
A couple weeks ago, I got some gel nail polish done on my natural nails before a wedding. They looked sleek and amazing and I loved them, but then I got COVID and struggled as they grew and grew and looked horrible and felt heavy. Long story short: I was finally able to book a local manicure to have them removed.
Long story even shorter: I exited that appointment with my first-ever set of long, almond-shaped acrylic nails. With gel on top and a gold-flaked design. Omg. Now, I have the longest claws of my life—I’m struggling to operate normally but I’m in love with the beautiful design and how effortlessly put-together I feel. I truly feel luxurious and elegant, even when I’m typing with countless errors or nearly crying when trying to take out my contacts.
HBU?
Are there any can’t miss beauty items that I should be checking out? Let me know!
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