Memorial Day After Essentials; How to look and feel refreshed after a long weekend.

While I may be envious of anyone who spent their Memorial Day Weekend in the sun (it's been raining the entire month of May in Dallas), I understand how a long weekend of fun can leave you- & your skin fatigued, which is why I put together a few essentials to help you start the work week looking refreshed and rested!

Toner: After a long weekend of makeup, sunscreen, and sunshine, sometimes cleansing just isn't enough. A toner will help to remove any excess debris, while balancing skins ph levels.

Hydrating Face Mask: Four words; Sephora Collection, Rose Mask. Not only will this mask sweep away unwanted dry and dullness, but calm with the fresh scent of rose. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, peel off, and pat any excess gel into skin. Skin is plump, refreshed, and bright. Just what you need to take on the busy work week!

Under Eye Treatment: Three minutes to less puffy, brighter eyes?! This quick eye mask uses potent ingredients to help combat dark circles, puffiness and fine lines; while minerals help to brighten and moisturize the under eye area. Get ready to fool everyone on just how much rest you actually got the night before.

Dry Shampoo: Let's be real, a late last night of a long weekend can cause you to skip washing the tresses once again (no judgement). Dry shampoo will help to refresh hair with a flirty scent while adding volume and texture. Just spritz, tease, and tousle.

Highlighter: A highlighter is like a nap in a compact, and a good glow brings life and youthfulness back to your face.

Eyelash Curler: Curling lashes makes eyes look more alert and awake. Follow with your favorite voluminizing/lengthening mascara to really make eyes pop.

Hydrating Lip Balm: A day/night out in the sun (+ the help of a few cocktails), can really take a toll of your lippies. Bring moisture back with an enriched lip balm, also makes for a smooth canvas before applying lip color.

Flirty Lip Gloss: A bright lip color will not only make you look more alive, but gloss is no fuss product- you can even apply it in the car! Lipgloss is also an additional way to bring a gorgeous glow to the face. 

Fresh Scented Roller Ball: A fresh scented fragrance won't add to your massive headache, light enough for office wear, and make it seem like you have your sh*t together- even if you don't feel like it. 

Chic, Dark Sunnies: Because you can hide your true feelings behind dark shades, and they make you look like the fierce glam girl you typically are.

& when all else fails, a good- giant cup of coffee!

*products shown:

ELIZABETH ARDEN: Hydra-Splash Alcohol Free Toner

BATISTE: Dry Shampoo- Wild

SEPHORA COLLECTION: Ultra Moisturizing & Brightening Rose Mask

THE BALM: Mary-Lou Manizer

FOREVER 21: Eyelash Curler (last season)

GLAM GLOW: BrightMud Eye Treatment

NIVEA: Lip Butter- Raspberry Rose Kiss

MAC: Viva Glam Lip Glass- Miley

DOLCE & GABBANA: Light Blue

SUNNIES: H&M (this season)

Emerald ft Anastasia BH Artist Palette

Okay, I caved.. After hanging out on the fence on whether or not to purchase this palette, a "quick" trip to Ulta and some simple swatches had me literally throwing it into my bag!

Honestly, anything Anastasia and her daughter, Claudia (better known as Norvina) create is gold, and this palette does not fall short of that reputation! Everything from the packaging to the artistry behind the shades incorporated into this palette is amazing- but more on that later.

Anaconda was one of the colors I instantly knew I wanted to work with! Being more of an emerald, jungle shade versus a bright neon or teal, this green comes across more wearable than intimidating. This sparkling shade is also a stunning twist to the traditional summer smokey eye; for the hints of gold bring out a gorgeous sun-kissed glow the same way bronzes would. 

With so many beautifully pigmented colors, the Artist Palette is the palette of the summer! The range of shades allows you to create an endless array of looks fit for your unique personality and creative taste; day or night..subtle or fierce!

I'll have more looks, and even some tutorials using the Artist Palette up this month!

~Continuous snaps for you Anastasia.~

*products used:

eyes;

LORAC: Behind the Scenes Eyeshadow Primer

ANASTASIA BH: Buttery (from brow bone to lid)

ANASTASIA BH: Dusty Rose (first transition shade)

MAC: Soft Brown (transition 2/warm up crease)

SMASHBOX: Cream Liner Trio- Green Shade (base for lid color)

ANASTASIA BH: Anaconda (lid)

ANASTASIA BH: Baby I'm a Star (outer crease for added definition)

NYC: Velvet Eyeliner- Black

SMASHBOX: Full Exposure Mascara

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash

ARDELL: Glamour Wispies

NYX: Micro Brow Pencil- Brunette

face;

SMASHBOX: Photo Finish Foundation Primer

L'OREAL: True Match Lumi Foundation

L.A GIRL: HD Concealer- Creamy Ivory & Natural (to conceal dark circles)

COVERGIRL: Ready, Set, Gorgeous Concealer- Light (to highlight/brighten)

SMASHBOX: Contour Sticks- Contour (contour nose)

TOO FACED: Amazing Face Powder- Vanilla Creme (to set foundation)

BEN NYE: Cameo (to bake/highlight)

THE BALM: Bahama Mama (bronze/contour)

NARS: Super Orgasm

THE BALM: Mary Lou-Manizer

lips;

NYX: Lipliner- Natural

MAC: Fleshpot

NYX: Lipliner- Nude Beige (contour lips)

MILANI: Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss- Bare Secret

April Top 5 Beauty Favorites

I'll probably say this every month... but seriously, where has this year gone?!

 Anywho, April you were good to me, & thank you for these favorites.

Botanics- All Bright; Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution:

Four words: magic - in - a - bottle. Seriously, I've never used a cleansing "water" like this before. Formulated with hibiscus (which is a natural skin brightener), and without any alcohol, fragrance, or soap makes this product suitable for any skin type- even the most sensitive! This magic cleansing solution not only removes EVERY ounce of makeup, but gently exfoliates skin as well. I'll use this solution to cleanse my face (on lazy nights), or in place of my toner to remove any excess product. I've definitely seen a difference in the overall texture and tone of my skin since incorporating this bad ass bottle into my skincare routine!

the Balm- Bahama Mama:

This highly pigmented, matte bronzer is never orange, and perfect for providing a warm, beachy glow, or to contour the face. Comes in the cutest island inspired packaging, Bahama Mama is like a mini vacation in a compact. This bronzer will make it seem like you just got back from some R&R instead of dreaming of sandy beaches during your 9-5.

NYX- Soft Matte Lip Cream; Cairo:

My go-to nude lip throughout the month of April! I love Cairo because it is the perfect pink/beige nude with subtle peach undertones. Wear alone for a gorgeous nude lip with any makeup look, or cocktail with other lippies for a more dimensional look. // think center of lips to appear more plump, or on top of a darker shade to mute the color // The Soft Matte Lip Creams are super matte, once dry, and super long-lasting so be sure to moisturize lips before application!

ELF- High Definition Undereye Setting Powder:

Let's be real, I can't ever leave the drugstore without making a stop in the cosmetics section. I have a few ELF products that I absolutely adore, so when I saw this under-eye powder I thought I would give it a try. This light diffusing powder sets under-eye concealer without smudging or smearing, provides a velvet finish, and contains vitamins C & K for added skincare benefits. A $3 HD setting powder that doesn't give you flash face- you'll be glad you tried it too!

Mario Badescu- Facial Spray:

I know I've talked about this spray in the past, but I have to mention it again for it saved my skin throughout the month! Having spent two weeks in a drier climate, this facial spray was just the pick my up my skin needed. Containing rose water and herbal extracts that help to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, this spray is perfect after a long day. Use before makeup application to provide skin with extra moisture, or after to set and provide a natural dewy finish. Fun tip, you can even use this spray in your hair to add hydration and a flirty, clean scent!

*nails- China Glaze: Celtic Sun

Until next month...