makeup app for a flawless look

If anyone reads my blog enough, they know that I love new makeup products and sharing my favorite finds with my readers. Although I have to be honest, I don’t wear makeup everyday, not even to the office. There are several reasons for this, the most important being that I know how delicate skin is and how quickly it can get icky. I let my pores breath at least 3 days out of the week! Not being particularly prone to acne, this seems to just help any oily spots on my face, so I can’t speak for those who have chronic acne problems. Because we want to look beautiful in photos though (i.e. full face of makeup) some brilliant developers have come up with an app that applies makeup flawlessly to your face in a photo!

Make Up Plus App

These are my before and after photos. In the before picture, I have no make up on. After, I appear to have a full face of makeup. How amazing is that? Technology never ceases to surprise me. No matter what an app can do though, I’ll still believe that I’m pretty without a bunch of makeup. But an app I can use to look more put-together in photos? Sign me up! Did I mention it’s a free app?

My sister and her friends take so many selfies and photos together that I know this will be a hit! They’re all such pretty girls and it always just cracks me up when they complain they aren’t beautiful. They have no idea how lovely they are! When I was 16, I felt the same way though. Every year since I was a teenager I’ve gained a little more confidence and a lot more happiness!

Consider downloading this awesome app. If you take selfies a little too often, then this is a must-have on your phone!

-LIZ

Ann Taylor Bargain Buy

Good morning lovelies! I had to drag myself out of bed this morning, I was so comfy and warm! Alas, all good things must come to end.  I got out of bed, made my bed, got my coffee, and started getting dressed. Lucky for you, I have an awesome outfit to share that came at a fabulous price!

This adorable dark green and black dress came from Ann Taylor a few months back. The original price on the tag was $120 but I bought it on clearance for $4.88! Yes, you read that right, the dress was under $5 and I bought it straight off the Ann Taylor racks. This dress is beyond flattering and hits at all the right places. It is a thicker material so I’m looking forward to fall little black dress parties where I can sport this number.

My shoes are also from Ann Taylor ($25 on clearance). I love them because they go with everything and have a nice sound to them when you’re walking on a hard surface. The sound of heels clicking, is rather soothing to me.

The lipstick is my signature red in Nars’ Cruella. I’ve said so many times but I live by this lipstick. It’s the best!

Today, I’m headed into my company’s office to work from there and wanted to look presentable. Our work atmosphere is very laid back and enjoyable, but I still like to look nice an the days where I’m close quarters with coworkers and supervisors. You only have one shot to make a good impression and hopefully I’ve made mine.

That’s one thing I wish more people would learn about the workplace. Just because the dress code is “business casual” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dress up a bit. Dress for the job you want and not the job you have! Be the person that you want to be, not the one you aren’t too impressed with.

What I Keep at the Office

Rejoice pretty people, it’s Friday! We’ve all been working hard (or hardly working) this week and it’s time for a break. Living near Washington, D.C. means that we need it more than everyone else. We truly are the city that never sleeps. We’re also the city that knows way too much about happy hours and not enough about how important it is that our livers function properly. That’s another post though.

I mentioned in another post that I got my first “big girl” job. I started about two weeks ago and have been going through some introductory meetings several times a week with my new team members- all of whom are guys. I’m the only girl to be hired on for this project. Many of you might run away at the idea of this but trust me, that would be a mistake! There’s a lot of power I have because of my unique position. Ok, maybe not. However, there are some advantages such as playing a leadership role when no one else is sure who should. Or being the only female voice, thus automatically getting more attention. Like I said, it isn’t a bad position to be in!

With everything in life, you need to be a little prepared though. I have a few #bosslady necessities that you’ll always find me with at the office or in a meeting. Let’s start with my red lipstick because it’s becoming my persona. Nars Cruella lip pencil is something I don’t leave home without anymore. It’s dramatic and eye catching! In a city that’s all business, this beautiful red fits the bill of being a business savvy Washingtonian.

My next must-have are heels. Ballet flats don’t command the attention of anyone. Heels, on the other hand, are quite attention grabbing. I work with men whom are all taller than I am, the heels really level the playing field for me. Plus, my legs look great! #winning

I feel like this next one goes without saying, but my grande vanilla iced latte will always be near by. I need energy to keep up with my team members. They’re smart, witty, and have commutes that are far shorter than mine. The coffee stays with me to cling to in my most desperate hour, which usually comes around 2:30 when I’m ready for a siesta.

Being the grown-up I am I always carry with me an agenda/planner. Little things I need to remember for certain dates always seem to come up in discussions. With my hot pink pen, I write down the details of events, projects, and the occasional happy hour.

Finally, I rock my reading glasses. Ladies, never underestimate the visual power of such a tool. Glasses suggest so much about a person’s intellect. I’d wear them more often if they didn’t get in the way of my Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses.

I’m always adding to and updating my must-have list. Aren’t we all? I’m always falling in love with something new. During the winter months, my must-have was a heating pad so I wouldn’t be cold. I may be keeping it on the list if this new office proves to be chilly!

Enjoy your weekend!

Going Makeup-Less and Other Things I Do For My Skin

One of the most important things you can do for your skin besides washing it daily and applying sunscreen is allowing your pores to breathe! At least once a week I don’t wear any makeup to improve the health of my skin. I usually make that day Sunday since I’m at home and relaxing. The picture to the left was me last Sunday. I’ll admit, my hair had maintained it’s curl from the day before, but I’m wearing absolutely no makeup and I know it shows!

Besides going makeup-free once a week I do two other things for my skin. First, I wash it with body scrub when I’m in the shower, and second, I take my makeup off before I go to bed. You would be amazed at the amount of people who don’t do those things!

The body scrub I really like is St. Ive’s Apricot body scrub. It works really well and comes with a lot for the price. You can find it at Target in the beauty area. When I’m taking my makeup off I use Neutrogena makeup-remover towelettes. It gets everything off. One thing you might also consider that works well for getting that stubborn mascara off is cold cream. It works like a dream and your eyelashes will be light and beautiful again!

I’ve tried so many products that say they’ll do this or that and they never works the way they’re supposed to. These are the few I’ve tried that really do work. I’ve never had bad skin until I got to college and started stressing out more causing an increase in oil production released through my pores. When that started, I knew I had to take better care of my skin! I dare you to go makeup-less for at least one day a week! It only takes 30 seconds for your skin to absorb anything that goes on your face. After a week of wearing makeup, your skin deserves a break!

Pink for Summer Makeup

Pink for Summer by oceangirl15 featuring a coach fragrance

“Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed!” Oh Elle Woods, you have the best quotes. But seriously, pink is so signature for summer. Last summer, coral tried to take over and that didn’t last (though I like the color). I’ve put together a little palette of my favorite shades of pink and different ways to wear them.

By no means am I insinuating that every girl can afford these expensive brands. Unlike some fashion/beauty bloggers, I understand that $40 lipstick is out of reach for most girls. Heck, Revlon lipstick is becoming a tad too pricey for me. I have found suitable alternatives to these fancy products at Target (I would say Wal-Mart but half the time people open the make up to test it first. Ew!).

Some of my favorite brands are ELF, NYC, Rimmel London, and Nyx. I also have noticed that towards the end of each season, they seem to put a lot of their make up on sale. Keep that in mind next time you’re in need of new beauty products!

What are your favorite shades of pink? Share with us and comment below!