Tag: Health and Beauty

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: October 2019!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: October 2019!

Good Evening, everyone! I hope you’ve all been having a wonderful day so far!

Tonight’s post is arriving a little late. I’ve said it before, I’m sure- but even the most carefully thought out plans or the strictest of schedules can get a bit delayed or botched up a bit when life throws us a curve ball. I had wanted to get this post up a little earlier today, as is my typical way of running “Blondie Birdie”- but a day filled with meetings, phone calls, and back-to-back commitments kept me a little preoccupied throughout the morning and early afternoon.

But, I’m here- and October is winding down (I can’t believe it either!) and although I’ll have my monthly recap up this coming Thursday morning- I promise! – I wanted to share a few of my favorite things from these past few weeks that have helped make my non-stop countdown to Halloween a bit more comfy, cozy and healthy!

That’s right, y’all! It’s a late night edition of “Favorites” for October 2019!

This month’s list isn’t particularly lengthy- but it’s a good one for sure. So, without wasting any more time- let’s take a look!

Back in 2016, a day before a departing flight to Las Vegas- I picked up a super cheap pair of moccasins to wear on board so I wouldn’t be uncomfortable and so that I could slip them on and off with ease while getting through the TSA checkpoints. They ended up being the most comfortable pair of shoes I’d ever owned- and I wore them constantly.

Earlier this year, they finally gave out after years of wear and tear- and I haven’t been able to replicate them since. This sherpa-lined pair, while a little bit bulkier- are still super comfortable and still look very cute with a pair of jeans and a flannel, or a pair of leggings with a long sweater. They’re perfect for the sunnier Fall days we’ve had where I don’t want to commit to boots but still want my feet to stay warm!

Although I try to eat healthy, work out regularly and follow a pretty hardcore skin regimen- sometimes it helps to have a little extra boost working on the inside to keep me looking and feeling as radiant as I’m striving for. Earlier this month, I started taking these daily skin-boosting vitamins from EVOLUTION_18 (by Bobbi Brown)– and I can say that my skin looks brighter, clearer, and smoother after only a few weeks.

Loaded with collagen and Vitamin C- this is my new miracle vitamin that I’m swearing by now and forever! My skin has never looked better- and that’s coming from someone who has tried pretty much every mask, cream, spa procedure- and everything in-between!

Of course, my face isn’t the only thing that needs a little extra TLC this time of year- especially since I’ve been wearing heeled boots pretty much non-stop. Although I stick to my mani/pedis every few weeks (despite the weather outside)– sometimes you need some additional self-care in-between spa visits.

I love this pumpkin-infused foot scrub from ONYX– which smells delicious and smooths out my heels in no time at all. I like to use these packets after a long day at work on my feet or on the weekends when I’m indulging in some lazy, Netflix and Chillin’ on my own. They just relax me so much!

And finally- even though I like to be spooky 24/7- some days I don’t have time to pull off a costume or horror-inspired look. That’s why I’ve embraced ultra-soft and knotted headbands with fun and festive prints on them to give me a fun Halloween vibe without all the time-consumption AND keep my curls away from my eyes when I’m busy working out/running errands/getting things done.

This one in particular, which features bats and masks- was designed by my boss’ fiancé- who is starting her own accessories business in the coming weeks ahead. I love it!

And that’s it for the photogenic things- but I’ve got a couple more things on my list this month!

– MUSIC/MOVIES/TELEVISION –

“Joker” – Controversial? Sure. Entertaining? You bet! I was in the majority of people who truly enjoyed this movie and celebrated Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in it. Despite all the fears of violence surrounding the film’s opening day- I had a great time watching this in theaters and would absolutely see it again!

“Big Mouth (Season 3)” – My favorite raunchy comedy about raging hormones and teenage angst returned for it’s third season on Netflix earlier this month- and I binged the entire thing over the course of an evening. Just like the seasons before it, “Big Mouth” delivered another dosage of “too close to home” humor surrounding all the awkwardness that comes with puberty and adolescence.

And I think that just about does it for October, my lovelies! My favorite month filled with some of my (new) favorite things!

I’ll let you all get some much-needed rest now, and I’ll be back on Thursday morning before the Halloween hi-jinks officially commence to take a reflective look back on the month that was.

Have a great night, everybody!

xx

– Ashley –

Favorites: August 2019!

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Favorites: August 2019!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

The end (of August and the Summer!) is nigh- but I’m ready for sweaters, leaf peeping, scary movies and pumpkin patches- especially now that I’m living in one of the most picturesque, straight-out-of-a-postcard areas in New England! It’s going to be my first Fall in the Pioneer Valley- and there are so many things I want to do!

But respects must be paid to August and really the entire Summer of 2019, first- which I fully intend to do tomorrow morning for my monthly “In a Nutshell” post where I recap the weeks that were and talk about what I have planned for the weeks ahead. There’s a lot of ground to cover- but it’s going to be a fun trip down (recent) Memory Lane!

Before that, though- I wanted to share some of my favorite things from August 2019. From beauty products, to jewelry, to silly sentimental pieces- all the way to movies, music, television, etc.

This is my usual months-end “Favorites” post- and as always- I’ll be starting with the things I was able to photograph, first!

Starting with the silly, sentimental pieces- I had picked up this pair of silver, glittery sandals for about $8 at Primark a couple of years ago when I was strapped for footwear just hours before I was headed to a beach bonfire- but these have become my default Summer shoe choice ever since. This past August was no different, as I wore these trusty, surprisingly durable beauties during road trips, ice cream pit stops, lazier days at the office- and lounging lake-side.

I’m going to store them in the back of my closet until next Summer- where I’m sure they’ll see more adventures.

Exfoliation is key year-round, but especially in the Summer when I’m all about exposed legs, arms, and the occasional exposed midriff. I want my skin glowing and smooth- so I try to find scrubs that both buff away the dead skin but also conditions without drying me out.  I’m partial to sugar scrubs, and this whipped one from LALICIOUS does the job just right.

Not only does this scrub smell incredible, like a candy shop- but it leaves my skin touchable, soft, and glowing.

The scrub is $35, but a little goes a long way- so one tub of this will last you well over the course of a season!

Of course, I can’t exfoliate my body without making sure my face is super smooth, too- but being that it’s far more sensitive than say, my knees or my elbows- I rely on this gentle microdermabrasion scrub from Mary Kay that a friend turned me onto earlier this month.

I only use this lightweight exfoliant about 2 times a week if that- but the results are instant- and my serums and moisturizers sink into my skin with so much more ease whenever I apply them after gently cleansing my skin with this scrub. Throughout August, my complexion has been clear, smooth, and even.

Finally, my go-to jewelry for August was simple and consisted of two things. One, a moonstone statement ring I had picked up a couple of weekends ago during the annual Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend.

The other? A throwback to my pre-teen and early teenage years with the return of the cowrie shell craze. While I couldn’t bring myself to wear a choker of these like the guys I grew up with used to do all. the. time.– I thought the anklet was a nice, more subtle choice.

I wore this all during the Summer, but it really made a splash in August when more people noticed and seemed to get on board with the trend making a comeback! Now we just need to bring back those glittery butterfly-shaped hair clips and I’ll be thrilled.

And that, my friends- just about does it for the photogenic favorites. But, as always- a one or two more things made the list this month, too!

– MISCELLANEOUS –

All Things Seafood – I had said that my Summer 2019 bucket list consisted of eating as much lobster, crab and scallops as possible, and in August I rose to the challenge since many of my favorite seaside shacks close up after Labor Day.

With stops at some of my longtime favorite locations and some new finds here in the Valley (including a delicious chowder house- which I’ll be revisiting soon!) I’m pretty sure I don’t even want to look at anything from the ocean again until next May/June at least.

Clowns, Baby! – With “It: Chapter 2” coming out in theaters next week, a new trailer for “The Joker” dropping earlier this week (the movie premieres in October) and a new teaser poster for the next Harley Quinn movie making the rounds recently- Summer 2019 is all about clownery and I am here for it. My apologies for anyone with a clown phobia- but I am so, so excited for all of it!

Aaaaand now I’m finished! Although it’s the end of the work-week, I’ve still got some things to do around the office before I break for the long weekend- so I’ve got to get going!

As always, if you’d like to share your own favorite things from this past August- feel free to drop me a line!

Enjoy your Friday, everyone!

xx

– Ashley –

Brunette Birdie?

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on Brunette Birdie?

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it yet again!

It’s funny and fascinating what changes in your life- big or small- can do to you. They can completely turn your world upside down, or have you re-examining and reevaluating your priorities and your goals- or rejuvenate you, refresh you and set you on a new path you may not have even known existed.

There have been a lot of changes in my life in recent months. A new apartment, a new community, new neighbors and friends. There have been changes in my job(s), changes in my personal relationships- and I’ve been attempting to navigate those changes as gracefully as possible while simultaneously reassessing so many of my wants/needs and clumsily preparing for whatever is going to happen next.

Not all of the changes have been good ones. Some have been heartbreaking. Some have been infuriating- but they’ve all shaped the person I am becoming in this new chapter of my life. It’s a scary thing sometimes, but it’s also exciting in a way- because I’m learning so much about myself, what’s truly important to me, and my resilience in the face of the unknown and uncertain.

And lifestyle/personal changes affect you physically, too. While the first month or so after my move was sluggish and had me feeling tired with daily commutes to work, waiting for the arrival of much-needed furniture, not exactly eating or sleeping the best due to long hours- I’ve since got a handle on things and have been actively and regularly working out, preparing better-for-me-meals and sleeping through the night undisturbed (especially now that I’m no longer living near the city!)

And this past Wednesday, when it came time for me to update my blonde curls yet again with help from my stylist- I decided to go bold, try something new- and ditch the golden hues for a more chocolate-inspired look, instead.

That’s right- I’m a brunette again!

I’m still getting used to the new look, which has been well-received by friends, family and co-workers- and it feels like a fitting way to wrap up Summer 2019 and prepare for impending Autumn and the next chapter of my life I’m preparing to write.

And no, I will not be changing the title of my blog from “Blondie Birdie” to “Brunette Birdie” or any variation anytime soon. I’ve grown quite accustomed to my nickname and my little corner of the internet- and I intend to stay here!

Next week I’m going to be visiting one of my favorite coastal towns here in New England, sharing my favorite things from this past month- and getting ready to leap into September after taking a look back at all the highs and lows of August!

Until then- enjoy your weekend, everyone!

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 –