Makeup has always been the last step for me before I run out the door. Usually because I'm blow drying my hair or rummaging through my closet for the right top to wear, but I have always de-prioritized makeup on the list of things to do before I go out to meet up with people or even go to work. With that being said, I think I just never really worry about taking all of the time to intricately put makeup on or fuss with a specific look—I've found my key staple products that I love and it only takes me 10 minutes to throw it on and get out the door.
I know it seems like a lot of product, but I swear there's a science to applying it all quickly and seamlessly...at least with good lighting and a damp Beauty Blender that is! In addition, this has been my quick touchup routine for the past few months, so practice makes perfect...most days.
For the face...
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Finland- I used to use this during college and wasn't sure why I stopped because it is just so darn stinkin good! I've struggled to find just the right tinted moisturizer that isn't too full coverage or dewy, and Nars always comes through. It also doesn't really oxidize, so my face doesn't look orange. It gives just enough coverage so that it blurs any profound imperfections.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla- Of course, I have to pair this moisturizer with one of the creamiest, long wearing concealers. I will say, it is a bit on the pricier side, but it's always a fall back for me because many drugstore concealers I've used start to crack on my face overtime.
Morphe Equalizer Foundation Primer- When I do remember to put on primer, I've been using Morphe's! Between this one and Smashbox, I've loved the way it blurs my pores but also helps my tinted moisturizer glide and stay on all throughout the day.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Duo- I feel like if there was one product I couldn't go without, it would be bronzer. I reach for it every time and use it practically everywhere...all about that glow! I use CT even as eyeshadow sometimes...which cuts the makeup applying time down a whole 30 seconds.
L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder Foundation- So on days where I'm just in need of a quick fix, a swipe of this miracle powder is all I need. It's been raved about and for good reason. It has all of the coverage and blurring qualities of a full coverage matte foundation. I will either use this on its own or sparingly though when I do opt for liquid foundation underneath.
On the eyes...
Morphe Micro Brow Pencil in Praline- I've been through many eyebrow pencils, and if there is a second product I can't go without applying, it's this. I just feel like once my brows are completely done and filled out, my face is framed and it makes all the difference. Really been loving this one!
Benefit 24 HR Brow Setter- Every now and then I'll remember to set my brows, or just use a brow gel to hold them in place. This one doesn't leave my brows feeling really tacky or sticky either.
Natasha Denona Baby Biba Palette- Three is simple enough for me! If I'm feelin like I'm in a bit of a need for glam, I've been using this palette to smoke out my eyes a bit. It's super creamy and smooth—I will say a little bit of fall out, but sometimes that makes it better to blend.
Diorshow Mascara- Hands down, my favorite mascara of all-time. Out of all of the ones I've tried growing up, I finally found the perfect one to curl and lengthen without clumps or making my lashes all spidery. This has become a Natalie staple for sure.
Don't forget the lips...
Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y- Okay, so I'm already in the car ready to go, but I can't forget to swipe the juiciest, creamiest, luscious lip gloss I've ever owned! It literally tastes like frosting, too. It doesn't stick or dry quickly either. One swipe—maybe a sneaky reapply—and I'm set for the night.
On this Easter Sunday as I'm writing this, I'm in disbelief that spring is just around the corner. With the promise of new blossoms (not to mention new and returning allergies), I am dumbfounded by all of the new changes as we head into a transitioning season full of life, warmth, and color. The environment definitely has an effect on my mindset, mood, and sense of self—hence me always talking about it at the beginning of a blog post—but I always feel like the atmosphere has an impact on all things happening for me, and I want to share some new beginnings and things I am looking forward to this season!
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01. Embracing new and old relationships. Maybe this whole "blossom" metaphor is a bit overkill, but I like to think that it aligns perfectly with my current social happenings and experiences as of late. This time last year, we were all trying to get back "out there". Going to outdoor patios, backyards, and anywhere and everywhere that was safe enough to actually be together.
Jump to present—I've been comfortable enough to go to bars, clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, the gym—you name it. I really didn't think I would meet anyone new or develop new friendships (let alone in my hometown), but I was wrong. I think this sudden and newfound urge to socialize has made it easier for me to meet people and feel less pressured to put myself out there. And to just be myself. And I am entirely grateful for that and the amazing people I've been able to meet and continue to meet because of it.
02. Work/life balance has been coming to fruition as the sun begins to shine and I'm itching to want to spend my afternoons absorbing any ray of warmth—I can't wait for longer days, last minute dinner plans, outdoor fires, and actually being able to work outside and sit at our patio. It really took me awhile to adjust to my routine of an 8 hour work day spent within the four walls of my bedroom—if not at our dining room table (for a change of scenery that is). However, I've just started going back into the city and am meeting more fellow colleagues. For awhile, it was hard for me to feel like I belonged at my agency, but the more and more I dedicate to meeting people in person or over the phone, the more sense of humanity I start to feel—like work isn't just work. I show up for the people and that's what continues to keep me there.
03. This travel bug I've had has not gone away. With the cadence of work life, I am constantly thinking ahead to what's next on Natalie's travel list. What next spot or destination can I look forward to. Now, I know that I've had some really stellar trips this year and a big Europe trip to come (more on that later), so I realize that it's not typical to be constantly going places every month, but hey one of my goals is to travel and as long as I am able...anchors away! Over Memorial Day weekend I will be visiting my good friend Kyra in Myrtle Beach. I went to a beach wedding not far from there on Ocean Isle and one of my most cherished memories was getting out of bed really early in the morning to watch baby sea turtles hatch on the beach and shining our flashlights on the sand to guide them to shore. I am definitely in need of some beach days that's for sure—and I can't wait!
04. Finding time to dedicate to my blog, in addition to doing the things I love and that fill me up, has been my mantra this past month. Although it took me a month to sit down and dedicate to it, I was also juggling other things such as work but being present with friends, family, and my goals as well. But that comes with creating boundaries with people and remaining true to doing the things that you love—the things that feed you. I've made many reservations for why I shouldn't put myself first, but as the queen of all things self care and holding true to prioritizing your wellbeing and mental health, it takes a whole person to be able to give the most to someone else. So within the next few months, and years of my life, I want to continue to pursue those things that fill me up and bring me joy. While not having to sacrifice or de-value my priorities and set aspirations—and making the time to continue to stay motivated in those endeavors so that I can share my whole self.
Hello, March! It's time to turn a new leaf and wish the snow be gone. The lull of dark winter nights is slowly but surely fading and I'm ready for a spring refresh in the coming weeks—life's been good these past couple of months, so I thought I would write a brief update on all the winter happenings and what I'm looking forward to this month!
01. Continuing work from home and transitioning into the office this spring. So far, I have been really embracing my work-from-home routine, especially since the thought of commuting in 20 degree weather just isn't ideal at the moment. I've been switching up my days by going to coffee shops or working at my gym's lounge before I workout and I've also really enjoyed getting to know my team more over the past couple of months. I've been able to work on some fun campaigns for Trolli Gummi Worms and General Mills cereal brands, so it's been a lot of fun and every day is different for me. I know I'll be heading back into the city soon, but for right now, I'm totally okay with waking up at a reasonable time and having my morning coffee without worry of catching a train.
02. Setting boundaries and creating time to dedicate to myself has been my motto. With balancing time to go out with friends, travel a lot more, and work full time, I have honed the ability to be fully content with just having time and peace to myself every now and then. I think I've fully grown into my introverted-extroverted self. I am okay having time at the end of a long work day to decompress or go to the gym and run it out to Lizzo. Setting boundaries for me to reset, be productive, and work on me—even getting back on my blog—has always helped me stay grounded.
03. A wedding, a wedding! No...not my wedding, silly. This month I'm headed down to Virginia for my good friend's wedding and I can't be more excited to actually be at a wedding with people my age. Now, before I get too old and sick of weddings, I just love to celebrate love with the people I love. That AND open bars AND cake.
04. Speaking of traveling, I've had a bit of a travel bug lately and planning quick, spontaneous weekend trips just seems to be in the cards for me lately. With skiing in Idaho, to a weekend trip to Georgia with my best friend, the wedding, and next...well I've got a big trip over the pond in the works for this summer, too!
While keeping tabs on happenings throughout the world (I say that so so lightly), my cousin and I have booked a trip to Italy and France later this summer. Details to come later, but we are thrilled and are fleshing out the itinerary as I speak...so stay tuned!
05. So, this is really cheesy and gimmicky, but to remember the joys of each day I've been writing down little blurbs of good things—whether it be my hairdresser keeping a clip I left in the salon a year ago or just simply treating myself to Chinese takeout, I've made it a point each day to reflect on one good thing. Big or small. It keeps me in check and focused on what matters and what makes me happy. After I write these little blurbs down on my mini Post-Its, I drop it into a blue mason jar on my bookshelf for safe keeping. When one day I find myself in need of a little uplift, I can open one of these blurbs and remind myself of all the good I've experienced. Cheesy enough yet?
The newness of spring is on the horizon and I'm ready for whatever may bloom this month. Keepin' it fresh and being open to change—or even cultivating change—in my routine is on my radar and I'm looking forward to sunnier and longer days ahead!
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