Tag: Cosmetics

Favorites: December 2019!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: December 2019!

Good Morning and Happy Day-After-Christmas, everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I know we’re all probably feeling a bit tired and sluggish today (I know I am- and I’m back at work this morning!) but it’s officially the final countdown to New Year’s so I have shifted gears from tree lightings and gift wrapping to preparing to bid farewell to 2019 and planning for a brand new decade ahead.

Tomorrow morning I’m going to be sharing my Top 10 photos from 2019- things I’ve snapped pictures of over the past twelve months during my travels and (mis)adventures- before I summarize the year in it’s entirety early next week.

Before that, though- I thought I’d share some of my favorite things from December. It’s a small compilation this month, since I’ve been so over-the-top busy these past few weeks- but makeup lovers everywhere should enjoy it nonetheless!

Let’s take a look before I make it through my day with my eyes half closed, shall we?

Around the holidays, I only demand one simple thing from my eye makeup- be as sparkly as possible. I want my eyes to be bright and festive to match the Christmas scenery around me. This year, on a budget so I could guarantee my loved ones would have fantastic gifts to look forward to- I turned to Physician’s Formula’s “Shimmer Strips” Palettes.

There are five variations of this $12 palette to meet any holiday need- but I have been loving the simple rosy/nude version- which includes darker, smoky tones- white and gold tones for highlighting- and pretty pink/peach shades that are work/office-friendly. The shadows are buttery smooth and don’t crease or crinkle as the days wear on.

With my Dior mascara running a little low and my lashes in need of some TLC- I found a drugstore dupe that lengthens, thickens, and conditions my eyelashes for a fraction of the price. Doll Face Makeup’s Fast-Faux Extreme Volume Mascara gives me the coveted “falsies” look without the mess or the hassle. It doesn’t clump or flake off- and it’s easy enough to remove at the end of the day without a ton of tugging and struggle.

You can see the mascara in action in my recent selfies I’ve snapped over on my social media! There’s definitely a difference!

And finally, for my lips this month- I wanted to give my trademark “classic red lip” look a bit of a festive and metallic makeover. Doll Face was also able to assist me with this transition, as well- with their Matte-nificent Matte Metallic Liquid Lip Color in the shade “Mercury.”

Smooth and long-lasting, this lip gloss has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for it’s longevity and pigmentation. Best of all? It’s only $10- and the formula comes in a variety of different shades to carry me through the seasons, as well.

________________________________

And that just about does it for my final, albeit brief- Favorites breakdown of 2019. Short and sweet- much like my current holiday break! I’m off to try and get a bit of work done while it’s quiet and cozy here at my home office.

Here’s wishing you all a peaceful and relaxing day ahead- and I’ll be back tomorrow to start the annual rewind of the past year that was!

xx

– Ashley –

My Fall Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on My Fall Makeup Routine!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it through and the weekend is just a few hours away!

It’s been a very busy few days for me this past week- and I’m really looking forward to having a couple of days where I can just relax, unwind, work my radio gig and then bundle up with a hot cup of coffee and either a good book or movie. These chilly and rainy early November days are essentially the calm before the storm- with the storm being the impending holidays- so I’m trying to rest up and ready myself!

Before I get some final things done at my office for this week and then head out with some of my co-workers for well-deserved burgers and beers- I thought I’d share my Fall 2019 makeup routine (as is tradition this time of year!) for those of you who love a good beauty/cosmetic find as much as I do!

My Autumnal makeup collection, much like my Spring one- is the transition between two vastly different seasons here in New England (Summer and Winter, and then Winter and Summer, respectively) so sometimes it can be tricky to find the right products that don’t make me look *too* overly made-up or ones that don’t sweat/run down my face the second I step outside.

It’s a trial and error in a lot of ways- but I found some great products this season that have been absolute life savers for me.

And, if you’re curious about past installments- I’ve linked them all here!

FALL – [ 2018 ]

WINTER – [ 2019 ]

SPRING – [ 2019 ]

SUMMER – [ 2019 ] [ 2018 ]

Okay, let’s get down to it!

Mary Kay TimeWise Matte 3D Foundation: In the Fall, I want decent matte coverage that won’t make me look too chalky if my skin gets a little on the dry side when the temperatures start to drop. To ensure my complexion looks natural while simultaneously keeping any excess oil in check in and around my T-Zone- I turned to this lightweight foundation from Mary Kay since the color matched my post-Summer glow perfectly.

Infused with their “TimeWise” skin care formula to prevent signs of aging and repair damaged skin cells- my face looks healthy, smooth, and shine-free for hours and hours when I wear this super breathable foundation.

At $25 a tube- and with a little going a long way (I can cover my whole face with just a couple of small drops)– I have a feeling this foundation will come with me into the Winter, too.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

e.l.f. cosmetics Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder: To lock in my base and give my foundation an extra boost of shine-free protection- I swear by this super light, super silky finishing powder from e.l.f. It goes on super smooth and doesn’t budge all day.

Best of all? The formula is cruelty-free and doesn’t clog my pores- even after a grueling day!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Tarte Cosmetics’ “Tarteist” PRO Glow-To-Go Highlight Contour Palette: In lieu of pink or plummy blushes this Fall- I opted to keep things simple with a well-designed contour and a touch of sheen along my cheekbones and nose for a “almost natural” no-makeup look.

To assist with this process- which can be daunting in the early a.m. hours when I’m getting ready for work- I adore this compact kit from Tarte (that smells like candy!) that features a flattering contour matte shade and two gorgeous highlighters- one pearl and one golden. Even on days where I’m utterly exhausted- this kit makes me look radiant!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash in “Burnished Bling”: I love my brown and golden hues in the fall- which mirror the changing leaves here in Massachusetts. This year, I wanted to keep my eye look simple- a swipe of long-lasting color that could be taken from day to night without a fuss.

Revlon has me covered with this duel-ended wand. One side, a creamy shadow that dries to a crease-proof finish- and the other side- a glittery, golden top coat that can be used to accentuate the shadow, line the lids, or make your lashes pop! I’ve been having so much fun creating fun looks with both shades- which are super pretty and easy to blend/work with!

And for $9.99, how can you go wrong?

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Maybelline New York – EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner: I am LOYAL to gel liners- which are the only ones I can wear that don’t irritate my eyes or wind up all over me by the end of the day. Liquids are messy, pencils can be downright painful- but gels go on smooth and stay on strong.

In keeping up with the brown/golden eye look I covet so much this time of year- I am really enjoying this matte brown liner from Maybelinne (that comes with a fine brush to ensure a flawless application.) I’ve kept my look subtle *and* I’ve pulled off some impressive cat-eyes with this stuff- and one jar of these will last you literally forever- so just grab one and enjoy it well into 2020.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Diorshow Mascara: While a lot of my Fall makeup collection consists of drug store finds/steals- I like to splurge a little bit on my mascara and lipstick. This season, I turned to Dior’s award winning mascara to boost my lashes with length, thickness and color. I love this formula- because it enhances my lashes in such a way where I look like I had extensions done- and yet there’s no clumping, flaking or discomfort you tend to get from other brands who boast the same results.

At $29.50- it’s a little pricier than most mascaras- but oh so worth it!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

NARS Precision Lip Liner in “Holy Red”: Ah, yes- Fall- when I can finally bring back my trademark look of a bold red matte lip that I make sure NEVER disappears until I’m ready for it to. Every photo taken of me from September through March in the past 10+ years has featured that lip look- and I have been proudly carrying on the tradition in Autumn of 2019, too.

Of course, no lip look can be successfully pulled off without a reliable liner to seal the deal- and I have trusted NARS for a very long time with that task since their liners go on smooth and last forever. This red is by far my favorite.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

NARS Lipstick in “Inappropriate Red”: I’ve tried many red lipsticks in my lifetime- some good, some bad- and some just plain dreadful. But I always end up returning to NARS for their creamy, soft formulas and bold shades.

This Fall I’ve been absolutely obsessed with “Inappropriate Red”- which is a bright cherry red that brings out my eyes and makes my teeth look even whiter than usual.

And, unrelated- but it matches my Fall flannels perfectly!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Milk Makeup KUSH Lip Balm in “Plushberry”: On the days where my lips might be in need of some extra hydration and/or I want to have a more subtle look for work or a special occasion- I turn to this berry-toned moisturizing balm.

Infused with- you guessed it: CBD- this balm repairs lips, hydrates for all-day comfort and smoothness, and gives my mouth a pop of beautiful color and shine that is perfect for these chillier months!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And of course, I wouldn’t leave you all hanging without some swatches! Everything is labeled below!

And I think that just about does it for my personal Fall 2019 cosmetics collection- one I’m going to enjoy until long after the Holidays wrap up, I’m sure!

If you’d like to share your own Fall/Autumn 2019 makeup collections and must-haves- feel free to drop me a line! I’d love to hear about them and potentially be introduced to some amazing new products!

And, in the meantime- I’m going to go get some work done and prepare for the days off ahead! Next week is going to be a blast- and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Enjoy your Friday and your weekend, y’all!

xx

– Ashley –

Favorites: September 2019!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: September 2019!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

It goes without saying that I’m thrilled the weekend is here. After a particularly busy few days at work- I’m looking forward to some downtime back home in Central Massachusetts with my family and friends over the next couple of days before we bid farewell to September (!!!) and welcome in my favorite month of the year- October!

As always, I’ll have my review and recap of this past month up and running first thing on Monday morning since it’s the last day of September- but my blogging tradition is to share my favorite finds/products/random odds and ends, first. Today seemed like just as good a day as any with it being a casual Friday- and I’ve got a lot of things I’ve been obsessing over these past few weeks!

I’ll start off with the things I was able to photograph, first- before I dive into the random things that made September so memorable this year.

Let’s take a look!

In the Fall, my makeup looks take a fun and daring direction. I like to play up the neutral shades that frequent my wardrobe this time of year with rich golds, deep berry tones- and bright reds. This past month, I kept my nails shimmering with this shimmery polish (“What’s Gold Is New”) by essie. The shade is long-lasting and super flattering with pretty much anything I wear- and should carry me right through the holiday season!

For my lips, I pregame before applying any color with this exfoliating brown sugar scrub by e.l.f. cosmetics (which tastes delicious, too!) to buff away any dead or dry patches before I either go with a moisturizing berry-toned balm by Milk Makeup (Kush Lip Balm in “Plushberry.”) or get a little more extreme with a bright red matte lip with my NARS duo of  “Holy Red” lip liner and “Inappropriate Red” lipstick.

I’ve been loving these shades and how head-turning they are whenever I wear them out and about!

Of course, I can’t update my Fall makeup collection and not give my bath & fragrance choices a bit of a seasonal makeover, too! For my shower gel, body lotion and lightweight spray-on fragrance- I turned to Bath & Body Works‘ Autumn line and picked up the “Champagne Apple & Honey” trio earlier this month instead of the usual pumpkin or cinnamon scents I reach for this time of year. I figured it was time to try something a little different!

What I’ve always loved about Bath & Body Works products- apart from their awesome prices and sales- is that the fragrances are pretty much spot-on in relation to their name/description and are never overwhelming or nauseating.

This trio makes me smell like I’ve spent a day at the orchard- it’s sweet and seasonal without being overpowering. I love it!

Finally, I have been in full-blown Fall decor mode at my new apartment- eager to cover and fill in spaces with rustic and cute decorations inspired by my favorite season. In recent weeks I’ve found a *lot* of gems at my local Big Lots and HomeGoods– including but not limited to these fun wooden pumpkins and “Happy Harvest” sign that is displayed prominently on my center console at the front of my living room and around my bedroom.

Not pictured is my “Hello Autumn” wreath and multiple strings of maple leaf and pumpkin lights- which I’m still arranging to my liking. You can check out my INSTAGRAM for the final look when it’s done!

And I think that’s it for the photogenic favorites- but a few more things made the list, too!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

“It: Chapter 2” – I was pretty much at the front of the line of people who were excited about the long-anticipated sequel to the 2017 reboot- and it didn’t disappoint. “It: Chapter 2” had everything I loved about the first one- plenty of scares, poignant moments, and a believable cast that you truly thought had known each other their whole lives.

It also had Bill Hader- who stole every single scene he was in. Absolute Oscar-contender right there!

“Back To Autumn: A Fall 2019 Playlist” – So, a little shameless self-promotion here- but earlier this week I launched my playlist for the season and I’m really quite pleased with it. The 16-track soundtrack for pumpkin picking features some newer tracks from a few of my favorite artists- as well as some treasured older songs thrown in there, too.

Feel free to give it a listen and tell me what you think!

– MISCELLANEOUS –

“My Dad Wrote a Porno…” – A friend recently recommended this podcast to me, and after listening to the first few episodes- I was hooked and ended up binging the entire thing in a matter of weeks. Now in it’s fifth season, MDWAP follows Jamie and his two friends- Alice and James- as they struggle to read through a series of erotic novels Jamie’s dad wrote over the course of a few weeks a couple of years ago.

Hilarious, insane, and at times- really, really gross- I end up laughing to the point of crying whenever I tune in. I’m excited to see the Podcast’s live show when it comes to Boston next year!

Pumpkin Pie Chai – A Fall staple at Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters– this has become my go-to beverage here in the Valley since it tastes like a liquid dessert (without the calorie count.) A hot version is comforting on a chilly day- and an iced version is beyond refreshing when the temperatures tiptoe back into the mid-80s as they’ve done in recent days. I’m hooked!

And that just about does it for my September favorites, y’all! A pretty good early-Autumnal list if I do say so myself!

Of course, if you’d like to share your favorite things from this past month- feel free to get in contact or leave a comment! I’d love to hear all about them!

I’ll be back on Monday to say goodbye to September- but here’s wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead before I sneak back into to work for the morning!

xx

– Ashley –

My Summer Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on My Summer Makeup Routine!

Good Afternoon and Happy “Hump Day,” everyone!

I had wanted to get this post up bright and early on Monday morning- since I’m one of those people who typically sticks to a pretty strict schedule in terms of work and writing- but life, distractions, and side-tracks happen. In this case, it was a bit of tire trouble with my car (see: completely flat!) and some last minute rearrangements at my office that required my full attention.

With the dust settling and my finishing a productive and peaceful half-day-work-from-home-day (the best kind of work day, really!) I wanted to share my makeup routine I’ve been swearing by throughout Summer 2019. I typically do these posts once every few months to share what I’m coveting during the given season- and it’s always fun to sort of compare/contrast what I’m wearing now to what I was wearing this time last year or the years before that.

If you’d like to sneak a peek into the past- I’ve linked everything here!

SUMMER: [ 2018 ]

FALL: [ 2018 ]

WINTER: [ 2019 ]

SPRING: [ 2019 ]

Now let’s get to it, shall we? It’s a beautiful day and I have a lot of stuff I want to do!

L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: In the Summer, when it’s hot and humid and my skin gets oily and shiny- the last thing I want to wear is a heavy foundation that is going to run right off of my face. I turn to lightweight BB creams- and I’ve found the most interesting concoction via L’Oréal.

This translucent BB cream (shown below in the swatches) applies as a white/pearl color- but quickly blends in with your skin’s natural tone and offers light-to-medium coverage that stays in place all day. My skin looks fresh, bright, even- and stays that way until I wash this off!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Physicians Formula “Healthy Powder” with SPF16: I always brush on a little finishing powder before I step out for the day since my skin had a tendency to get a little oily- especially in hotter weather/temperatures. This light-textured press powder with build-able coverage applies easily enough (without making me look chalky) and offers me much-needed sun protection along with Vitamins A, C and E while covering my pores and giving me a smooth, satin finish.

I keep this in my purse on especially hot days where I might need a little touchup in the T-Zone here and there.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Benefit Cosmetics GALifornia Powder Blush: I’ve been avoiding bronzers this Summer, opting for a more natural pink/peach flush in my cheeks when I head out to work, the beach, or out on the town with friends. I have been LOVING this blush- which has a bit of a golden tone to it- because it gives me a natural hint of sunkissed color without making me look *too* made up- and it compliments my current dirty blonde beach hair so perfectly.

If I’m ever feeling tired or groggy in the mornings (it happens to the best of us)- this blush never fails to make me look refreshed and recharged. Total game changer.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

ModelCo Eyelites in “St. Barts”: Much like opting for BB creams instead of foundations during the Summer, I opt for “set it and forget it” cream shadows in the Summer to prevent them from melting down my face when I’m outside and soaking up the sunshine. This golden/nude tone from ModelCo is by far my favorite- because it gives my lids a lovely bit of sparkle that I can dress up or down with bright eyeliners (I’ll get to that in a moment) or simply swipe on some mascara for an office-safe “every day” look.

Best of all? This shadow will NOT move. At all. It doesn’t flake, crease, run down onto your cheeks, etc. You dab it on and you are good to go all day and night.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

FENTY Beauty Eyeliner Trio in Papaya Mama, Lime Feva and Skinny Dip: Perhaps my favorite and most Summer-appropriate makeup pick comes courtesy of the fabulous and brilliant Rihanna and her beauty line. I mix and match these bright coral, lime and sea blue liners on the daily- and I’ve had people stop me to ask about them. They’re super pigmented, long-lasting- and match pretty much everything and anything you pair them with from your lips to your fingertips.

As much as I love Fall, I am going to be so sad when I eventually have to put these away and turn to more Autumnal shades for my lids- because these very well could be the best eyeliners I’ve ever purchased. Ever.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Kokie Cosmetics “Stay Dry” Waterproof Mascara: I don’t make it a habit to go swimming with a full-face of makeup on but honestly- you never know where a day is going to take you and I like to be prepared for anything- be it an impromptu dip in the pool/lake, a more-humid-than-expected day, or even a good cry over spilled ice cream (this actually happened.)

Kokie’s “Stay Dry” mascara does just that- protecting my lashes from the elements and keeping them long, curled and conditioned. This brand is definitely one of my favorite drug store finds.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Rimmel London “Stay Glossy” in “Ready To Flamingle”: Finally, Summer 2019 is all about bare lips with SPF-soaked balm or a quick sweep of a fun, pink/peach color. I’ve found that with this shade from Rimmel- which is long-lasting (without feeling sticky) and has just the right amount of sparkle to give my lips a fun pop of color for an evening out on the town.

This has been my go-to these past couple of months before I dip back into darker tones with matte finishes. And, of course- it’s an affordable drug store find!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And, as promised- I always show swatches of what I wear to give you all a better idea of how the colors look outside the tubes and packaging. I’m on the fair side, of course- so these shades may not look the same on everyone!

And that just about does it for me, everyone. I’ve got to get going on some afternoon/evening plans- but I’ll be back on Friday morning with a look at all of the fun from this past weekend- and even some of these past few days despite all the scrambling around and unexpected calamity!

If you’d like to share some of your own Summer 2019 makeup favorites or suggestions- feel free to drop me a line!

Until then- enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and have a great few days ahead!

xx

– Ashley –

Favorites: May 2019!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: May 2019!

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

As many of us try to power through this short work-week- I’m personally looking forward to some much-needed rest and relaxation this coming weekend. Not only am I returning to the studio for Indie617 on Saturday for the first time in a few weeks, but my best friend Sean is coming to visit with me at my new apartment so I can give him a quick, laid-back tour of my neighborhood. Nothing crazy- just good company, good food- and I’m determined to squeeze a nap in there somewhere.

I’m going to be recapping this past May in my monthly “In a Nutshell” post this coming Friday before we kick off June during the weekend- but as is tradition- I thought I’d share some of my favorite things from the past couple of weeks, first. Movies, music, products and odds & ends- this is my “Favorites” list- and the items that I could photograph are up first!

Let’s take a look at what made the cut this month!

While Benefit’s Dandelion Blush had helped get me through the Spring- I need something with a little more color now that Summer is officially (unofficially) here- and I’ve looked no further than by switching over to their GALifornia  powder blush.

With a bit more pink/peach to it- this blush also has a semi-shimmery golden overtone- so I look naturally sunkissed when I wear it as opposed to looking like I’m in a bad beauty pageant. It’s subtle, easy to blend and use for contouring- and super flattering on my pasty skin! I know it’ll look good if and when I ever get a tan, too- so it’s my go-to for the Summer!

So my skin has taken a bit of a beatdown in recent weeks as we transition from arctic temperatures and dive right into hot, humid days- and it’s resulted in my face and body not knowing whether or not to feel tight and dry or oily/hydrated. Some days I need extra moisturizer and some days I need blotting sheets like my life depended on it.

On the days where I’m feeling extra thirsty- I use this cooling, refreshing facial mist from Pacifica. I had picked this up in Vegas (the driest of dry climates!) and was amazed at how quickly it worked. Infused with coconut and caffeine- I use this is a setting spray in the mornings and then throughout the afternoons whenever I need a pick me up to keep me looking fresh.

There’s still plenty of things on my “To-do/Bucket List”- but I’ve recently added “Thank Rihanna” to it specifically because Fenty is such a game-changer in the makeup and cosmetics world. I have yet to buy or try a product from the brand that I dislike- and this month I’m adding the BAESIDE liquid eyeliner trio to the list of things I love and haven’t stopped wearing this month.

With three super bright, long-lasting shades (Papaya Mama, Lime Fever and Skinny Dip)– I have been playing around with these liners ever since I got them after returning from Vegas- and I know they’re going to be a “must have” for me in the coming Summer months. They all look really, really beautiful by themselves or intertwined on my lash line.

I’ll put up photos/swatches on my INSTAGRAM soon!

And finally, to sort of move away from skincare and makeup for a moment- which dominated my Favorites List in May- I’ve also been loving these stacked bracelets from Pura Vida. With fun, Summery colors and a cute VW Bus charm that completely won me over when I first saw it- this is my go-to accessory for this coming Summer and recently made one of my OOTD posts when I was talking about casual wear!

I also love indie companies that are charitable and use their profits to better their communities- which is something Pura Vida believes strongly in and does regularly- so it’s beautiful, hand-made jewelry for a good cause!

So, that’s everything I was able to capture on film- but as they say in infomercials- wait, there’s more!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

“The Act” – While in Vegas, Kelsey and I got to talking true crime and binge-worthy series as we drove through the desert together. We started talking about the very real, very bizarre case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard- and the series’ of documentaries and specials centered on her case. Kelsey recommended this limited episode Hulu series starring Patricia Arquette and Chloë Sevigny that follows the events leading up to and after the murder of Gypsy’s mother- so of course I binged it in one afternoon.

I regret nothing. It was riveting- and definitely worth a viewing if you have the time!

“John Wick 3” – Summer is here and with it comes over-the-top action flicks. Troy and I finally caught this third installment of our favorite series a few nights ago- and it didn’t disappoint. I could watch these movies all day, every day.

Also, Laurence Fishburne has the greatest lines ever and only he could make them sound as cool as they do.

And that just about does it for me today, everyone! As I said earlier, I’ll be back on Friday with a full recap of this past month that was- but until then- enjoy your “Hump Day!”

I’m off to work!

xx

– Ashley –