Who struggles to keep their makeup in place, especially in summer?  We're all raising our hands with you, it's okay.  I have tried different combinations of products over the years and put the following to the ultimate test at a beach wedding this past weekend.

I did a super quick makeup application for the rehearsal, just using my usual cream concealer and pressed powder and tried a spritz of the Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray-Bridal.  They formulated the infamous Urban Decay setting sprays after all, so I thought that would do the trick.  Cue temps in the upward 90s and sweat dripping down my face, taking my makeup with it.   For full disclosure, I should add that I skipped primer that morning.  What can I say, I stayed up late the night before and was looking for a shortcut.  
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Also cue the anxiety that I had opted out of having my makeup professionally done.  I had visions of looking like a melting wax figure next to the other bridesmaids who were airbrushed to perfection.  Fast forward to the big day, and I made sure to use the 3 products that go unseen but make a BIG difference!  I applied primer, makeup as usual, and then this Behold Translucent Setting Powder all over.  This particular product is extremely finely milled so that it helps blur imperfections without settling into fine lines and pores.  This is a colorless product that provides a matte finish.  And if you have dry or aging skin like I do, then you know not all setting powders are created equal!

This Behold powder has a mesh screen and a plastic stopper so that the product doesn't spill all over your makeup bag.  Another plus!  I prefer to use this brush because it has micro-crystal fibers that are designed for strong powder pickup and release.  And it has 2 ends!  Sometimes I use the smaller concealer end to blend my cream concealer, and other times I use it to carefully set my eye area.

Finish off your look with a generous spritz of setting spray and you should be good to go!  Setting spray is like hairspray for your face.  Both the Behold Setting Spray & Skindinavia one are somewhat of a satin finish in my opinion, but they do make mattifying formulas.  I added a light dusting of setting powder over my nose after spritzing my face and made it through the outdoor ceremony and the whole reception without any issues.  

Psst, this Behold Translucent Setting Powder came off back order TODAY so if you are interested go grab it now!  I already purchased a backup after realizing this is what makes or breaks my makeup application.  Click here to purchase!

​xo Sarah

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I don't know about you, but when I find a look that "works", I tend to stick to it.  At least until the next new product comes along!  For months now, I have found myself reaching for the same two eye shadow palettes to create almost all of my eye looks.  And it's because the shadows blend so EASILY!  Let me introduce you to two of my makeup BFFs: Addiction Palette 1 & Addiction Palette 5.  

I'm not going to lie...Palette 5 scared me at first.  It sat on my vanity for weeks before I had the courage to pick it up.  But trust me when I say, it is the most versatile palette I have!  And Palette 1 contains my holy grail crease color: Chipper.  I'm pretty sure the messy interiors prove how loved these are.  Ok, now onto my current fave makeup look.

Who else is on Team Baby Hair Don't Care?  I swear I have one trying to steal the show in every picture.  I left these pictures completely uncropped & unfiltered so you can get the full effect.  I used only two eye shadows to complete this look.  And truth be told, if I'm really in a rush I use just the one.

​You ready to see how easy this is?  Load up your eyeshadow brush with Suspicious from Palette 5.  Tap off the excess and apply to the entire eyelid starting in the center.  Open Palette 1 and swoop on in to Chipper and blend into the crease, starting at the outermost corner of the eye.  Take a brush with a smaller end, I prefer this one, and apply Chipper at the lower lash line focusing on the outer corner and blending in.  Then BLEND BLEND BLEND!  Boom.  Done.

For the lips, I layered two liquid lipsticks.  Mostly because I started applying the wrong one first because who doesn't get in a big rush when you're trying to get ready?!  CoulourPop in Trap all over, which is a dusty greige, and then Midi (my fave) in the center.  I'll list everything else I used in case you want to take a looksie (click to open the links):

FACE
Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation in Taffeta
​Touch Skin Perfecting Concealer in Velour under the eyes
Behold Translucent Setting Powder to set, especially under my eyes
Mineral Powder in Fierce to contour my cheekbones w/ a fan brush
​Benefit Hervana Blush Box
Touch a la mode Powder Luminizer in Lustrous on my cheekbones, brow bone & nose

EYES
Addiction Palettes 1 & 5
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise in Waterproof (I'll be reviewing this--stay tuned)
Brow Obsession Palette in Dark w/ the best brow brush everrr 

LIPS
ColourPop Ultra Matte Trap
ColourPop Ultra Matte Midi

If you recreate this look, use #fancylashesandlips so I can check it out!

​xo Sarah

When it comes to fashion, I would consider myself pretty practical.  Now that I'm over 30, I refuse to wear anything that isn't comfortable (at least not for any length of time).  I don't have time to nurse sunburns and blisters or untangle a wad of necklaces during my vacation.  Here are 3 items that I consider summer fashion staples that you probably won't find topping any other fashion blogger lists.  #sorrynotsorry
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I picked up this pastel colored ball cap from zumiez and there are two reasons it's my beach go-to: it shields my face from the sun (I don't need help aging at this point) & I can pull my hair back into a bun without worry of my hat blowing away in a gust of wind, or my hair flailing around and sticking to my sunscreened face.  I also like that it's light-colored so that it doesn't attract any more heat than necessary.  
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I received this Kendra Scott Elisa Rose Gold Drusy Necklace from my fiancé for my birthday and it's been my staple necklace ever since.  It matches everything and it's very comfortable to wear.  While statement pieces are fun, it's not always practical to pack a different piece of jewelry for every outfit.  I wasted too much time in my younger years untangling necklaces and overthinking what to wear.  
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For a lot of people, summer means sightseeing.  And if you're sightseeing, you need a comfortable pair of shoes.  If you're headed to the Zoo, outlet malls, aquarium, museum, etc do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of something cute & comfy.  Converse Chuck Taylors happen to be my fave and this pair is from their dainty line which is slimmer and has a more "feminine" silhouette.  I believe this shade is "purple dusk" but you'll have to go treasure hunting to find this exact pair because I picked mine up at TJ Maxx.  

Chuck Taylor Pro Tip: pick up a pair of the Converse Socks that were made to be worn with Chucks.  They have an ultra-low silhouette with extra cushioning to prevent any rubbing at the heel.  You'll thank me later.  


What are your summer fashion essentials?  I'd love to know so drop a comment below!

​xo Sarah