My Easy 20 Minute Makeup Look

I’ve really been enjoying a quick, more natural makeup look recently. In the past couple years it typically takes me about 30-45 minutes to do my makeup. But I do not want to spend that much time on a daily basis doing my makeup. So I’ve been playing around, trying to figure how to get my makeup look done in 20 minutes of less. I have been wearing my makeup like this for a while now, I don’t even miss the full glam with lashes.

As you can see from my makeup details I use a lot of powders. Don’t be scared of this! I have dry skin and all these powders do not dry me out. I feel this is what gives a smooth, glowing from within look. I’m not mentioning my foundation because I’m in the process of finding a new foundation. I’ve been using the same one for years and I know it’s time for something new and better. As soon as I find one I love I will let you know :)

Makeup Details:

Outfit & Hair Details:

Bodysuit: Good American | Necklaces: Here, Here, Here | Hoop Earrings | Apple Watch Band | Hair Texturizing Spray | Hair Wax Spray

Best of Beauty 2018

I love trying new beauty products and finding new favorites.  But I have to admit, 95% of the time I reach for my favorite products that I know work the best and do my makeup the same way.  These are the products of 2018 that I can not live without!!  Some were discovered early 2018 and used all year, some are favorites for a couple years that I still have not found anything better.

I did not include any hair products because I recently did a post reviewing my hair extensions and talking about my holy grail hair products.  Nothing has changed since then :). You can read that post Here.

1. Best Highlighter : Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette | Highlight is LIFE!  I am so obsessed with this palette and use it in so many different ways.  The top right color gives a natural glow from within look, very sun kissed.  The top left gives more of a poppin highlight.  I always layer them for a gorgeous highlight.  Even on my no makeup days I will take a damp beauty blender and apply some of the highlight to my cheekbones.  It gives a gorgeous glow!

2. Best Mascara : DiorShow Lash Extension Effect Volume Mascara | It is no secret that my favorite mascara for years has been the Too Faced ‘Better than Sex’ mascara.  But since getting lash extensions my new favorite is this one by Dior.  I have always used this Dior mascara, I would layer it on top of the Too Faced mascara.  Now I apply just the Dior to my bottom lashes.  And if I need to, I will apply a very thin coat of mascara on my last extension.  This mascara gives length and fullness, it makes my lashes look fluffy.  It never flakes off onto my face.  And one tube lasts so long!

3. Best Setting Powder : Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless | The older I get the harder it is to find amazing products that work on my face.  So many products settle into my fine lines and wrinkles, making me look older.  Never the goal when applying makeup!  I love this setting powder sooooo much!!  It feels completely weightless and looks so natural.  My foundation never moves and after 8 hours my makeup looks the same as when I first did it.  It does not settle in any lines, I can’t even see I’m wearing powder.  My shade is Fair.

4. Best Every Day Perfume : Chanel Chance Eau Tendre | I spray this perfume on every morning, doesn’t matter if I’m going to the gym or the grocery store or brunch.  I always like to smell fresh and pretty.  This scent is perfect for that!  It has a fresh, light, happy, with just a hint of sexy.  I am at the bottom of my 2nd large bottom and about to purchase my 3rd.

5. Best Eyeshadow Palette : Jaclyn Hill x Morphe | I Can Not Live Without This Palette!!!  I have used this palette every single day for almost 2 years.  I have my main shades that I use 90% of the time.  But when I’m feeling adventurous with my makeup I can branch out to the other colors and create something amazing.  The pigment and consistency and wearability is so incredible!  And the affordable price, hunny…..  knowing what I know about this palette I would be willing to spend $200 on it!

6. Best Lip Moisturizer : Kopari Lip Glossy | Can not live without this!!  I purchase at least 5 at a time and have them all over the place.  I have them in every room of my house and always in my handbag.  It has the perfect smooth consistency and no stickiness.  I apply this every night before bed, throughout the day on bare lips, over a lipstick, basically all the time.  I think my addiction is very serious!

7. Best Red Lipstick : Morphe ‘Hot Shot’ | When I first saw this lipstick I thought it was too much of an orange red for me and it would look weird on my skin tone.  But then I put it on, perfection!  I swear everyone can wear this shade of red and it looks amazing.  I love the formula, it feels amazing on my lips and lasts a very long time.

8. Best Foundation : Chanel Velvet Smooth-Effect | OB-sessed!!!  I have been using this foundation for a year and a half and can not find one that is better.  This foundation glides across my skin and makes the perfect smooth canvas.  It feels like silk to the touch on the skin.  I will apply a thin layer and gives me more of a tinted moisturizer look.  Or I will do several thin layers for a full coverage.  Even with several layers for full coverage, it never looks heavy or fake.  It looks like great smooth skin!  This is hands down my favorite beauty product that I can never live without!  It is a little pricer for foundation, I will use a bottle for about 6 months.  A little bit goes a long way so I feel the price is worth it.  I wear shades 10 beige and 20 beige, depending on if it’s summer or winter.  A lot of the time I mix them together to create my perfect shade.

9. Best Blush : Morphe Blush Babes Tio ‘Pop of Coral’ | This has a very natural look, like you have gorgeous color in your cheeks.  I only use the 2 left shades (never have touched the far right).  I love the color that it gives to my face, very awake and fresh and a glow from within.

10. Best Under Eye Powder : Kat Von D Shade & Light Powder | Let’s face it, the under eye area being smooth is always the goal with makeup.  This powder keeps my concealer in place without creasing or any lines- All.Day.Long!!  This palette has great colors and can be used in a lot of different ways.  I originally bought the palette so I have all the colors to play with.  Now I buy the replacement pan in shade ‘vanilla’ just for my under eye setting powder.

11. Best Facial Cleanser : Purity | At the end of the day I have to wash all this makeup off.  This cleanser does the job and is so easy to use!  I don’t use a makeup remover or makeup wipes.  I only use this cleanser and it will get a full face of makeup off.  It doesn’t dry me out, and since using it my skin is the most clear of blackheads and clogged pores ever!

rachel barkules

My favorite nude lipstick of 2018 is without a question Jeffrey Star ‘Mannequin’ Liquid Lipstick. It is sold out most of the time so I don’t like talking about it.  I don’t want to show something you can’t have.  Any time it’s in stock I buy another one so I don’t run out.  I will say, this lipstick only looks good if you have makeup on.  With a bare face it washes me out and looks brown.  But with makeup on it looks great!

August #OOTD’s & Makeup Details

little black dress

OUTFIT DETAILS & MAKEUP DETAILS

Leith LBD (under $80) | Burberry ‘White Gold’ Highlighter

rachel barkules

OUTFIT DETAILS

Sanctuary Camo Hoodie

MAKEUP DETAILS

Jaclyn Hill x Morphe ‘Ring the Alarm’ Eyeshadow Palette | Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ Mascara | Chanel Foundation | Burberry ‘White Gold’ Highlighter | Jeffrey Star Cosmetics ‘Mannequin’ Liquid LipstickBlinking Beaute Lashes

quay bum bag and joggers

quay bum bag

OUTFIT DETAILS & MAKEUP DETAILS

Distressed Tee | Zella Joggers | Steve Madden Sandals | Quay Bag (only $40!) | Morphe ‘Hot Shot’ Liquid Lipstick

how to wear biker shorts

OUTFIT DETAILS

Topshop Jacket | Topshop Tank | Lululemon Biker Shorts (sold out), similar Here & Here | Chanel Sneakers, similar Here, similar for less

express tee

OUTFIT DETAILS

Express Tee | Lana Jewelry Necklace

MAKEUP DETAILS

Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Eyeshadow Palette | Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ Mascara | Chanel Foundation | Dior Backstage Glow Highlight Palette (obsessed!!!) | Kat Von D ‘Ophelia’ Liquid Lipstick

street style

topshop denim jacket

OUTFIT DETAILS

Topshop Jacket | Tank | Madewell Shorts | Lana Jewelry Necklace, similar under $50 | Chanel Sneakers, similar Here, similar for less

MAKEUP DETAILS

Jaclyn Hill x Morphe ‘Dark Magic’ Eyeshadow Palette | Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ Mascara | Chanel Foundation | Burberry ‘White Gold’ Highlighter | Jeffrey Star Cosmetics ‘Mannequin’ Liquid Lipstick | Blinking Beaute Lashes

distressed white tee

OUTFIT DETAILS & MAKEUP DETAILS

White Tee | Express Denim | Rag & Bone Hat, similar under $20 | Natori Bra | Lana Jewelry Necklace | Burberry ‘White Gold’ Highlighter | Kylie Cosmetics ‘Penelope’ Liquid Lipstick 

Sephora Beauty Insider Event – Up to 20% OFF! What’s in My Shopping Bag

sephora beauty insider 2018

Rouge Members: Aug 24th- Sept 3rd – 20% off – Use Code: YESROUGE
VIB Members: Aug 30th – Sept 3rd – 15% off – Use Code: YESVIB
Beauty Insider Members: Aug 30th – Sept 3rd – 10% off – Use Code: YESINSIDER

Twice a year Sephora shows appreciation to their customers by offering a discount off your entire purchase. I love to use this time to stock up on my favorites items.  And also try a few new things.

Favorites I’m Re-Purchasing
These are all makeup items I can not live without.  I couldn’t even do my makeup one time without them.  I know I will use them time and time again.  So I always get at least one of each while they are on sale.  I get my favorite mascara (the only one I ever wear!), eyebrow pencil (I wear shade ‘soft brown’) and brow gel, face setting powder, eyeliner pencil, under eye setting powder.  I also like to pick up a mini Champagne Pop highlight for travel.

I also get some of my favorite hair and body products as well.  My fave volume texture hair spray, dry shampoo, both of my favorite perfumes Coco Chanel & Chanel Chance, body lotion & face wash.

New Things I’m Trying
LIPSTICKS: I’ve been loving nude liquids lipsticks lately.  I know that I love the Bare Minerals and the Kat Von D liquid lipstick formulas.  So I am going to pick up a couple different shades to try out.  Last fall I wore the Kat Von D ‘Lovecraft’ so much and was obsessed!  This year I want to try the shades: Ludwig, Ophelia & Lolita.  I have several of the Bare Minerals shades, but most of mine are bold colors. I do have 1 nude shade in the color ‘Infamous’ and I love it.  I’m also going to get the shade Wink.

FACE: When I was at my sister’s house last time I used this Dior highlighter that was on her vanity.  I was so obsessed with it I have to get one of my own.  I want to try the new GlamGlow highlighter palette.  The colors look gorgeous!  And this under eye setting powder says it blurs lines, yes please!  Ordering this :)

morphe dark magic palette

Reviewing My Hair Extensions & My Holy Grail Hair Products

I have had hair extensions for about 6 months.  I originally put them in because my hair in the front wasn’t as long as my back, and the front was much thinner.  I’m trying to grow my hair out, and for some reason my front is having a hard time growing. While my back is growing like a weed!   So I added extensions for length and fullness in the front.  My stylist uses the tape in extensions from hairtalk.

You can see the picture on the left how thin and short my hair is in the front.  Picture on the right is with my extensions in.  Much more length and fullness!

extensions review

My hope is to have the tape in extensions in while my hair grows out.  Then once all my hair is past my shoulders I won’t need the extensions any more.  But I have gotten used to all the fullness, I am wondering if I will ever be able to live without them now.  I’m totally obsessed!

My review:  The extensions are very comfortable, I rarely ever notice I have them in.  For the first couple days to a week of having them freshly done, they can feel a bit tight.  I can wake up a few times a night because I notice them when I move my head around on my pillow.  But this is only the first couple days to a week.  After that I don’t notice them at all.

I only have to wash my hair twice a week.  Which is a huge plus!  The extensions never really look dirty.  I shampoo like regular, I am a little more gentle on my scalp.  I don’t want to tug on an extension and pull on my real hair.  Since I do work out several days a week, I plan my sweaty work outs for the days that I wash my hair.

Absolutely no conditioner on the tape!!!  This is a big NO NO!  No conditioner or oil products on the tape ever.  It will loosen the tape and the extension will fall out.  I put some conditioner on the ends of my real hair without it getting anywhere close to the tape.  I some times apply a very small amount of conditioner on the ends of my extensions.  But not too much because they hang funny and separate when dry.  I think extensions actually look best and more full without conditioner (even though it’s more of pain to dry them).

I have my extensions redone every 10 weeks.  For me, at 10 weeks they have grown out enough that they become hard to style.  You can start to see the tape if my hair moves in the wrong way.  And plus my roots have grown out and it’s time for highlights anyway.

When you purchase a pack of hair, it can be used 3 times.  So when I go in at 10 weeks, my extensions are first removed.  Then whatever color/highlights I’m doing that day.  Then the same extensions are put back in.  After they are used 3 times I have to buy new packs of hair.

It is very difficult to put my hair in a pony tail with extensions.  Mostly because my length is a little shorter.  A low pony is about all I can do.  If I try to put it any higher it’s very uncomfortable on my hair, it feels like it is tugging.  And most of the time you can see the tape.  This is why I wear hats a lot.  I wear baseball hats to the gym a lot and when I’m out running errands.  After I have had the extensions in for about a month and my hair has grown out a little, the extensions are looser and easier to wear a pony.

1 & 2: Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo & Bright Blonde Conditioner: I have tried so many different shampoos and conditioners. This one is my absolute favorite.  This is my daily shampoo and conditioner.  My hair feels clean and hydrated (feeling hydrated can be very difficult for blondes). When I shampoo, I leave the shampoo in my hair for several minutes before I rinse it out.  This makes sure my hair is always the perfect shade of blonde that I love.  The conditioner is amazing.  It keeps my hair moisturized without weighing it down.

3 & 4: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray & Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray: Both of these products are similar but sooooo different! And so necessary!  They both are a texturizing spray that you put on your dry hair.  But they have very different textures and feels to them.  After I have curled my hair, I shake the curls out with my hands.  Then I spray both of these all over of my hair. I make sure to not just spray on the top.  I lift my hair and get the product through out all of my hair.  I even spray underneath my hair. Using both of these is what gives my hair all the texture and volume. The Oribe one gives more texture, the Bumble & Bumble one gives more volume. I’ve tried to use one without the other, but the overall look is not the same.  I need both!  These texturizing sprays with my teasing brush is my secret to my hair look!  I rarely use a hairspray because these texture sprays works so amazing.  But if I do, I use Oribe Hairspray.

5: Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream: I apply a small amount of this to my wet hair before I brush and blow dry.  My natural hair texture is more wavy and frizzy.  This helps tame my hair down and be more smooth and shiny.  It also protects my hair from heat tools.  It adds moisture and shine without weighing my hair down or making it look greasy.  I’ve been using this for years and I still love it!

6: Teaser Brush: I use this brush to tease my hair for more volume.  I will use this brush before and after I spray the texture sprays.  Gently back comb your hair with this brush at the root and at the ends.  When I’m done my hair will look huge, but it will fall a little bit so don’t be afraid :)

7 & 8: Matrix So Silver Shampoo & Brass Off Shampoo: These are both toning and color correcting shampoos.  I use the So Silver every 2 or so weeks.  This will remove any yellow tones that have tried to creep in.  I apply the shampoo and leave it in for 5-10 minutes.  Every time I use this shampoo I see a noticeable difference in the brightness and iciness of my blonde.

I got the Brass Off because a couple months ago my hair turned no joke… pink!  It had some kind of reaction to the pool I was in and the sun.  My hair looked horrible.  I tried all my other shampoos and nothing helped.  I got this Brass Off shampoo and it helped sooo much.  After 2 washes and my hair was back to normal.  This one helps if you hair has turned orange, brass or pink (in my case).

tape in hair extensions

How I style my hair: After I apply the Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream, I blow dry my hair using my hands and with a round brush.  I don’t focus on every single hair being perfect.  I mostly focus on the top and front being smooth.  And make sure there are any weird kinks in my hair that will make it difficult to style.

After my hair is dry, I will straighten just the ends of my hair if I need to.  I only do this if my ends are flipping in a direction I don’t like.  I then take a 1″ curling wand and curl about half my hair very loosely.  I’m looking for more of a bend than a curl.  I don’t like to curl all my hair because I want that “undone” look.  Then using a straightener (it has to be one with rounded edges) curl a few pieces of hair.  I also will use it to straighten out some of the curls I just put in if they are too curly.  I like to play around with it until I get the look I want.  Using both the curling wand and straightener creates a lot of movement and texture, giving that effortless look.

I finish up with shaking my hair out with my hands, spraying both texture sprays and fluffing with my teaser brush.  My attitude towards styling my hair to not do it perfect.  Play around with your hair and have fun!