Who, What + Where

                  It's been nearly four months since I've last blogged. In that time, I've had a new bundle of poop love, and we are slowly starting to form something that resembles a schedule. Huzzah!! He is currently napping, and while I could be doing other things like folding the large pile of laundry staring at me (nope, not today), or cleaning the bathroom (I'll pass thanks), I decided to enjoy another cup of decaf (pretending its regular) and figured I'd add a new post. He and his sister are definitely the light of my poop stained life. While I haven't been active on the blog, I have continued to play with beauty products. Once a hoarder, always a hoarder. Am I right?!

                  On the rare occasion the stars align and I manage to both wash my hair and do my make up, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to give the new Too Faced foundation called Born This Way a try. The foundation has currently been popular on YouTube and Instagram, and before jumping on the bandwagon, I went to my local Sephora for a sample. Whenever I wear makeup, my ride or die foundation has been NARS All Day Luminous (do we need an in-depth review?) I'm your classic case of oily skin, and before committing to a new foundation I get a sample. I probably spend more time contemplating the longevity of my foundation relationship than I do my actual relationship. (Hi hon, glad you don't actually read this!) 

With this foundation I used Makeup Forever Primer and Laura Mercier setting powder.  

First impression: very full coverage (not a negative just a fact), blends easily and a natural finish. I used a Real Techniques stippling brush to apply and a Beauty Blender to remove some of the excess foundation. 

Wear: I would say with my oily skin, it only had a three hour wear life before it was an oily mess. We are talking disco ball central on my face. It did start to separate around my nose, and I felt it did show my pores more then I would have like (generally not at all). 

I'm willing to give this foundation another try before saying its a full on "no" for me. I'm going to try it with another primer and perhaps set it with a matte powder. I do however think this would be gorgeous on someone with dry/normal skin. 

Have you tried this foundation? What are your thoughts? What should I try next? 

Xoxo,

Jessica Lynn 

Tips + Tricks: Lip Liner

Lip Liner has definitely had a resurgence the last few years, but most recently due to the "Kylie lip". Here are some tips and tricks to applying lip liner and making it last. 

Step One: 

Moisturized lips! I always apply Rose lip salve before any lip stick. And exfoliate! Lipstick will cling to dried skin. I'll share a quick DIY lip scrub soon.

Step Two: 

X marks the stop. Apply an X on the top of your lips to help define the Cupid's bow. Also, start with a line at the center of your lower lips. 

Step Three:

Connect the lines on the outside of your lips to the tops of your X. Also draw connect the lower line to the rest of your lips. 

Step Four:

Color inside the lines. By doing this step you'll achieve more color pay off. Also, lip stick will fade much faster than liner. This way you're not left with the dreaded line around your lip. Because girl, trust, it's not cute. 

Step Five:

Apply your lip stick. I went with a fun bright fushia from NYX. 

Step Six (optional):

I applied a light beige liner around my lips to help further define them. Also, I am prone to my lipstick feathering and this helps act as a dam to keep that damn lipstick in. 

And you're done! 

Seems like a lot of steps but I feel it's necessary to avoid having to constantly reapply. Ain't nobody got time for that. I do feel matte lipsticks last longer than a satin or shiny stick. What are your thoughts? Any lipstick or liner tricks to share? Leave them in the comment section below! 

XOXO,

Jessica Lynn 

First Impression: L'Oreal True Match Lumi

  ​I started wearing make-up when I was in the 8th grade, my mom bought me a bottle of liquid foundation from the drugstore. I believe it was L’Oreal or possibly even Cover Girl. For most of us, that is our introduction to make-up, the drugstore aisles. When left to my own 14 year old devices, I’m sure I picked colors that were A) entirely way too dark for my skin B) wrong type of coverage/consistency. Drugstore make-up has by far surpassed my 14 year old expectations, as well as my 30 year old ones.  When I turned 18, and could “control” my own money (that’s obviously putting it loosely since, hello I was 18 and lived at home) I purchased my first foundation from a counter--it was Clinique. Still as naïve as ever, but it introduced me to the world of higher end make-up. I would say my “make-up travels” have come full circle because I’m once again cruising the drugstore make-up aisles, however older and wiser, knowing what I’m in search of. Dupes for those borderline ungodly priced department store make-up.

​My first real foray back into the drugstore world was with L’Oreal True Match Lumi foundation. Typically I’m drawn to a more full coverage foundation, but as I’ve worked on my skin concerns I found less of a need for full coverage. I was searching for something I could wear every day and more importantly would still look like my skin, only better. Which is exactly how I felt with True Match Lumi. It ended up with a more medium coverage (heavy handed) that was more of a satin finish. I wouldn’t say that it was overtly dewy, which is what I was expecting. For years I stuck with matte foundations to combat again my oily skin, I can create my own dew, thank you very much. I was fully expecting with the name Lumi, I would eventually look like a disco ball. It held up beautifully throughout the day, I didn’t have any issues with it breaking apart (which is a problem I’ve faced even with high end foundations). I did have to touch up around my nose, however that isn’t uncommon, drugstore or high end foundation I still have to touch up every once in a while. I went with a N1-N2 bottle, opting for a more neutral shade. However they offer cool and warm tones. I purchased my bottle at my local Wal-Greens, however I’ve seen them at Target, and Ulta. I picked a bottle that the color was closest to something I already had. Please, please, don’t ever try to match foundation to the back of your hand. Your hand and face are typically not the same color. OK, I’ll step off my soap box now. I found that my local drugstore did have a return policy if the color didn’t suit me, which I’m finding is becoming a more common occurrence. Both Target and Ulta will take back gently used make-up if it doesn’t suit your needs. Sometimes the lighting is tricky, I know I don’t want to get stuck with a foundation I’ll never use again. 

​Has this replaced my NARS All Day Luminousfoundation? Girl, get real. But I will find myself reaching for this bottle more often, especially for everyday use. Here’s a photo just after I applied my make-up (set with light powder in natural lighting):

​Have you tried this foundation? Is there a drugstore brand I should try next? Maybe stay away from? Let me know in the common section below.

XOXO,

Jessica Lynn 

What your hairstylist wants you to know...

               I've been friends with Lindsey for about 16 years, over half my life. If you’re doing the math, let me spare you, I just turned thirty this past March (and no it wasn’t as traumatic as I was expecting). We were friends for about 11 years before she became my stylist. Therefore, that relationship was always more important than our professional one. I was definitely at the advantage of having my friend turned stylist (versus stylist turned friend) because I knew if I came to her with some crazy hair idea that was unrealistic she would quickly and rightfully put me in my place. However most people don’t have that relationship with the person cutting their hair.

               I recently came to her and said, “Hey…I’m starting this blog thingy. And I had a thought in the middle of the night, which along with my never ending heartburn, kept me up. What if I featured YOU on my blog? This would give you as a stylist a voice to share what other stylist are thinking." I asked her to just be honest and jot down some thoughts.

              

 So, here’s what your stylist wants you to know (featuring event hair):

Do: Have a consultation first! Consultations are quick, free, and set a good foundation for the service. This is especially important with events such as weddings and prom, both of which are right around the corner. Also, wearing a top that doesn't have to be pulled over your head is key. Why, you say? Well…you gotta factor logistics. Pulling your top over your hair, will likely just ruin it.

Pinterest. Yes Pinterest is the online dream board for everything you ever imagined in life, including hair. Many of the hairstyles we see come in are from Pinterest, and while it's great to fantasize about styles, you have to be realistic in life. (Guilty of this myself!!) You may not have the hair, hair pieces, 6 person celebrity stylist team, 4-6 hours necessary, or want the price tag that comes with it. (Darnit!) Instead, use the pictures for inspiration and tell your stylist what draws you to the style, so it can be adapted to fit your unique head of hair.

Next day hair is much easier to deal with than freshly washed. We don't care if you were at the casino yesterday and smell like smoke, we have products to use on your hair to refresh the scent, and the result will be much better. Clean hair can be too slippery, and hard to work with. Also, do NOT come with wet or damp hair!

               Do: Be on time for your appointment. Being late pushes the appointments behind you back. It places your stylist in the unfortunate position of having to deal with cranky guests the rest of the day, and makes them look unprofessional. Also don't come extremely early either. It's very distracting to your stylist when they are trying to finish up a service and they are being interrupted with requests and questions. If you do choose to come early, please don't get annoyed because you have to actually wait the 45-30-20-10 minutes until your appointment start time. Make sure that during your consultation/booking, you ask how much time you need for your style. Plan for travel time. Your stylist wants to give you a great style! Being rushed for time only ends in not so great results.

Some things to consider:

Being on the phone, either you're looking down and throwing off the balance of your 'do, or your hand and head are moving while hot tools are being used, both bad (guilty!).  Your friend/mother/etc. isn't a hairstylist. And if they are, there is a reason you didn't choose them to do your hair. Yes it's fun to bring a friend, but understand your stylist is a professional, and while it's good to ask their opinion, too many chefs spoil the soup.  (Also totally applies to make-up artist!)

Lastly, we LOVE what we do. We enjoy it, and we want you to enjoy it too. If your stylist isn't comfortable, or doesn't recommend something for your hair, it's not because we hate you and don't want you to be happy!! Communication is key! Pick a stylist who will speak with you and ask questions, and make sure you ask questions too!

               -Lindsey

I’m totally guilty of some of these faux pas myself, as you see in the notes I added. But it’s good to be aware and to have good communication with your stylist. Thanks Lindsey for sharing with us some tidbits from a stylist point of view.

               Lindsey is currently a stylist at Harbor Hair Design in Kingston, WA.  You can book an appointment with her at 360.297.3499. Take advantage of her current promotion, which is 20% off cut and color for first time clients. This discount applies with any hair care service she suggest for you. Who doesn't love a discount on quality service? Let her know I sent you over, and tag me in a photo if you do. I love introducing friends to Lindsey and seeing what they come up with together.

What are your thoughts? Guilty of any of these? 

XOXO,

Jessica Lynn 

Curls curls curls

Let me start by saying, I'm not very proficient with hair. I can do the basics like blow dry, flat iron and the occasional curling, but it’s guaranteed that I will burn myself. I have a lovely scar on my shoulder thanks to my curling wand. A gift, a simple reminder, that I'm not a hair stylist. Nor will I ever be. Knowing these facts about myself has yet to stop me from attempting what the hair gods can do. However, I don't want to spend a whole lot of time on my hair. I'm lazy, yes I said it. Sorry Lindsey (my hair goddess)! I recently saw this on Pinterest, where let’s face it, most of us get our bright ideas. Typically my Pinterest attempts end in utter failure, this one however did not!

Supplies I used:

- 1 inch barrel curling iron 

- Bobby pins 

- hair tie 

- hair spray 

I started with clean dry hair (typically only wash my hair every other day, sometimes every two days). Then I separated it into sections and began to curl my hair in large chunks, always curling under and pinning with a bobby pin. I would recommend going to a local hair supply store and purchasing the pins stylist use, more than a few times I had to rearrange the pin. This was a totally inefficient way to hold my hair up, lesson learned! I held the bottom portion of my hair longer than the top, I find that for myself the bottom curls don’t hold up as well as the top. Anyone else have that issue?

Once my whole head was curled and secured in pins, I used a light coating of hair spray. I used what I had on hand, which frankly I don’t love. Do you have a hair spray you’re in love with? I got this one for free, which is the only reason it’s still around. Ideally you want to keep your hair pinned for 30 minutes, but a minimum of 10 will do. I was short on time today, and just let my hair cool completely before pulling them out. I've found that anytime I curl my hair, it’s crucial to allow the curl to completely cool off before running my fingers or brush through it. I found myself liking this hair style as the day went on and the curls relaxed.

I love that this look is polished without a lot of effort and easy enough for anyone to enjoy! I can’t wait to try this method when my hair is longer and with a larger barrel curling iron. Let me know if you decide to give it a try or if you have any hair tricks to share. Leave them in the comment section below.

XOXO,

Jessica Lynn 

Alderbrook Wedding

Early last summer I had the pleasure of doing bridal makeup for my gorgeous friend Alexcia. She definitely made my job easy. 

Her dress was beautiful with a sexy edge to it, which was neither too much nor too little. Giving the perfect balance of her personality. I felt as though her make up should complement her dress, her personality and her special day. I went with a dark but romantic eye look to really let her eyes a pop in wedding photos. I felt it was important to keep the rest of her make up soft and neutral. It helped bring focus on her eyes. I think the eyes were initially really dark for her preference but once she saw the whole look come together, especially, in photos there's no denying her husband is one lucky man! 

One tip for brides these season would be to trust your makeup artist but please don't let them talk you into a look that isn't you. There needs to be a balance. It is your day after all and we are there to help make things easier for you. We know what looks best in photographs and what is going to hold up throughout the day, however if you're looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself then we have failed you. As a makeup artist, we often get extremes when it comes to bridal makeup; either too much or too little. It’s important to talk to your artist about what your expectations are, what your style is and your overall theme on your wedding day. Together you’ll be able to come up with a look that suits your needs.

Below are some photos from her special day:

Photo cred: Photos by Angie and Paul

Dream Team

          Skincare was always a touchy subject for me, and it wasn't until I worked at Candy-land (aka Sephora) that I really began to  understand my skins needs. I knew beforehand that I was oily, sometimes excessively oily, but I had no idea how to manage it. I assumed (incorrectly) that it didn't need moisturizer or anything like that because well, I produced enough oil for you to set up an oil rig. What I quickly learned was that my skin was overproducing oil because it was trying to find a balance for itself, and the cleanser I was using at the time wasn't doing anything to aid in the process. I also naively thought that I didn't need a night time cream. Wrong, I was so very wrong. And clearly not doing my skin any favors. It took nearly thirty years to learn these lessons. For years I felt extremely uncomfortable in my own skin. I was a full face make up kinda gal to cover what I was insecure about. That changed once I began understanding what my skin needed to be healthy and radiant.


     Once I got pregnant (for the second time) my skin needs changed slightly. I was still oily but now I felt like my skin was dull. Where's that pregnancy glow I was promised? I found myself having to fine tune my skincare needs once again. Two products that really became my life saver Dream Team are Glam Glow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment and the Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Sleeping Facial.

Let's talk about Glam Glow for a minute, the name alone is brilliant right? The first product they introduced was the SuperMud - which girlfriend if you haven't tried you must. It vacuums out your pores like nobodies business. When they came out with the ThirstyMud I was skeptical, first of all it doesn't look anything like a mud mask. As I started to read more about the product, I figured I would give it a try. It smells like Hawaii in a jar: tropical coconut paradise. There are three ways to use it:

•   Traditional Mask - apply onto clean dry skin. Leave on for 10-20 minutes then towel off.
•   Sleeping Mask - apply onto clean dry skin, and leave over night. In place of your night cream.
•   In Flight - apply onto skin before travel.

My absolute favorite way to use this product is overnight. My skin feels as soft as a babies bottom, and I finally have that freaking glow! I bought the 0.5 oz jar for $19, because as much as I love the product I just CAN NOT pay $69 for it. And yes, I'm sure over the course of my life, I will buy this product over and over again. But paying that initial $69 just seems ridiculous to me. There I said it, it's just too much.

On days I'm not using Glam Glow, I turn to the Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. (For the love of all that is holy, couldn't they shorten the name?!) Which sits at $48 a jar. It took me two samples to love this fella. The shock! The horror! Yes, I sampled something twice. I wanted to be sure that when it says it's gonna brighten, its gonna brighten! And brighten it did. My face was suffering from dullness and redness, and it definitely helped solve the problem for me. However it wasn't an overnight success (hence the two samples), it took about a month for me to really notice the difference. Which when it comes to skincare products is about average. Also the rose scent is subtle and disappears after a while. 

Another common faux pas that I too was guilty of doing, was not washing my face in the mornings. The best way it was explained to me is that, at night while our bodies are resting our skin is working. That is when our skin is purging all the "crud" that gets into our pores. And by not washing our faces in the morning, we are just packing our pores with more crud. Your make up will apply better with a clean and moisturized face. More importantly, your skin will thank you. 

What's your night time routine? Is there something you love that I should try? Please leave it in the comment section below. I'm always on the hunt to try something new.

XOXO

Jessica