Wedding: Amanda's Hair and Makeup Look

Aloha from Maui! Here's another wedding post in honor of my wedding last weekend :) I hope you enjoy!

I did a hair a makeup trial a few weeks before the wedding and I am happy that I can finally share the photos with you! Jay reads this blog and I didn't want him to have a sneak peak of what I was going to look like on the big day.

For my wedding makeup I wanted to keep it natural and simple. I wanted to look like an enhanced version of myself but still like myself. I didn't want to be overly done or look like a clown so I asked my makeup artist to keep it simple and use lighter colors on my eyes and lips. 

She used:

Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation in cream ivory 

Bronzer 

Peach blush 

Brown eyeshadows from a huge makeup kit (I'm so jealous of her stash!)

Fake eyelashes that I purchased from Nordstrom Rack 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture lip stain in #29 Rose Forreau 

I knew I wanted my hair up and out of my face at the wedding. I had pinned a bunch of images on my Pinterest hair board and they all had one thing in common: loose romanic curls that were up in a low bun at the nape of the neck. I knew I had to try the look to see if it looked how I imagined. My hairstylist was able to recreate the look so quickly and I was so happy with how it turned out. 

I will share wedding photos with the official hair and makeup look when I get back but these were what we went off of for the big day. 

So what do you think? What hair and makeup looks are you loving for weddings this season?

Adrianne’s May Glossybox

May’s box celebrates Glossybox’s first birthday (in the U.S.). The products embrace the company’s past and future and give a special hat tip to NYC—home of Glossybox.

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray

1. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact: I was a little confused when I opened this little pot. Inside was a sponge soaked in foundation—I had never seen that before. The formula is designed to provide SPF protection, hydration and total coverage for skin. It’s a little difficult to accurately review this one because the color I received didn’t match my skin tone. It was a little too dark and looked a little orange. I opted not to use the sponge and tried both using my fingers and a foundation brush. Though the color was off, the product felt nice and light on my skin and blended well. However, at $60 per pot, it’s not something I’d consider purchasing.

2. être belle Collagent & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask: This mask was a really special treat! The collagen and aloe formula is supposed to improve elasticity and promote hydration. The formula is soaked in the cloth mask. All you need to do is unfold the mask and place it over your face. I made sure to wash my face and remove all my makeup beforehand. Wow! This mask was great. I did as recommended and used it before bed one night. It was a nice treat to lie in bed and relax with this mask on my face. It felt cool and calming. I left the mask on for about 10 minutes. After removing, my skin felt really soft and extremely hydrated. This mask is perfect for my dry skin. For 10 masks, it’s $39.50. 

3. European Wax Center: The Exfoliate and Slow It Body Wash: Every so often I’ll receive samples that are difficult to review. I received two packets—1) The Exfoliate: designed to refine and polish skin and 2) Slow It Body Wash: designed to prevent ingrown hair, clear and hydrate skin and deter bumps and blemishes. I wasn’t able to detect any kind of benefit from either of these samples. But, it could be that these products take a few uses to show results.  

4. My Prime Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer: Not only is this product a moisturizer, it also acts as a primer. It’s lightweight, designed to hydrate yet mattify skin and provides anti-aging benefits. Though I can’t attest to the anti-aging benefits, this moisturizer goes on smoothly and melts into the skin. Once applied, it feels like nothing is there. I was shocked at how well it whisked away any shine on my skin. At $68 for the full size product it’s quite steep, but might be worth it if you struggle with oily/combination skin or during the summer months.

5. Nicka K New York Absolute! Perfume Stick: This was probably the most pleasant surprise in this month’s Glossybox. When I saw a solid perfume stick, I didn’t have high hopes for it. I had never used a solid perfume, nor did I ever consider it. But, it smells fantastic. It has a very subtle floral sweet scent. The stick lets you control just how much product you apply. The product is white, but goes on completely clear and doesn’t leave behind any residue. Just make sure you store this in a temperature controlled location—if the product gets too warm it will come off very goopy. (It just then requires you to work it into your skin a bit more.) I didn’t think I’d ever be into solid perfume, but this one has changed my mind. And at $14.99 for the full size, I'd absolutely consider purchasing this product. 

6. Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray: I have tried hairspray from the Sebastian line, but never a volumizing formula. The product is a spray gel that is best used applied to damp hair. Since my hair is already straight, I don’t always take the time to brush through it as I use my hair dryer. I noticed that the gel tends to stiffen up without brushing. The extra effort is definitely worth it—I noticed that my hair had more body and movement.

Hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday!

Wedding DIY: Vintage Escort Cards

Right now I'm relaxing on a beach somewhere in Maui! Jay and I just got married last Saturday and I scheduled some wedding related posts for you this week in honor of our special day :) I hope you enjoy! 

We wanted to do something a little different for our escort cards at the wedding. We got married on an organic farm and we we're really playing up the vintage vibe. The farm also has honey bees (on another property nearby) and they jar and sell their honey. We bought a bunch of jars in four flavors (raw, cocoa, mint and cinnamon) and I wanted to incorporate the escort cards to tie it all together. 

I used some thick brown card stock, a large tag punch, mint bakers twine and the honey jars to create the final look. I used Adobe PhotoShop to create the tags using two different fonts. I made the last names larger so that our guests could easily find their jar.  After I was happy with the font and size, I printed them on the card stock in a darker brown ink color. I then cut the card stock in to smaller pieces so I could use the punch to get the exact shape I wanted. After they were punched out I measured some bakers twine and tied it around the jars. So simple! It didn't take long at all. 

After they were all put together I put the jars in vintage cocoa-cola crates that I found at an antique shop. I think these look great with our vintage theme and I am really happy how they came together! 

Future brides: will you do something unique for your escort cards? What other DIY ideas do you have?

Review: Mizuno Women's Meridian Split Skirt and Mizuno Women's Jinx Sport Tank

I've been a huge fan of Mizuno running shoes for a long time now. They helped to keep me injury free during this last racing season and I truly believe it has a lot to do with investing in some great shoes. Jay picked me up some new running clothes recently and I couldn't wait to review them on the blog. 

The first is the Mizuno Women's Meridian Split Skirt. I've never owned a running skirt before and couldn't wait to try this out when I saw it. I went for a 30 minute run and was so impressed with this skirt. The skirt never rode up at all and the shorts underneath were so comfortable. It's the perfect length -- not too long but not too short either. I loved that there were several pockets that I could put keys or whatever I needed. I ran on a 85 degree day and this skirt didn't get weighed down with sweat at all. I couldn't believe how cute and comfortable it was! 

The Mizuno Women's Jinx Sport Tank was also amazing. I usually have to wear another sports bra with built-in bra tanks like these but I didn't have to at all with this tank. It has an adjustable support bra for more support and no extra sports bra was needed. Less laundry = one happy runner. As I mentioned it was HOT during my run and this tank kept the moisture away and I never felt sweaty on my run. The tank also had pockets in case I needed to store anything.

I was a huge fan and felt cute yet was extremely comfortable on my run. I highly recommend both products and the Mizuno brand in general. This was not a sponsored post, I just really love their products and am a big fan! 

Would you ever try a running skirt? What do you think of this look? 

Tips for Brides: How to Stay Stress Free During Wedding Planning

 

 

I can't believe how quickly our wedding has approached. It feels like yesterday when we got engaged (October 2011) and now this Saturday we will finally be husband and wife. We took on a lot of the planning, organizing, crafting, etc. for our wedding and it became almost like another full time job for us both! Luckily I have Jay, who has been very involved since the beginning and it's really helped a lot with all of the tasks that we need to get done. I have tried very hard to stay as stress free as possible during this time and I think I've been pretty successful! I know we still have a few more days to freak out, but I know we're all set with all of our plans and things will be just fine.

 

Here are some tips that have helped me stay a stress free bride for my upcoming wedding day:

1. Ask for help: I'm so lucky that I have an amazing groom, friends and family who all wanted to help with wedding planning. Chances are though, they will never know what you need help with unless you just ask them! I've found that people LOVE to help and it makes  them feel special that you ask them to be involved. Don't feel bad! The worst they can say is no!

 

2. Start early: Although we had a really long engagement, we got started on things right away. It made the entire planning process much smoother and stress free. Getting stuff done little by little over time was much easier than waiting until the last minute and doing it all at once. If you've got the time, start now!

 

3. Simplify: I found so much amazing inspiration on Pinterest but slowly became overwhelmed at all the stuff I wanted to do. Take a step back and ask yourself what is necessary and what is extra. Cross those necessary things off of your list and if there is still time for some things on the extras list then great! If not, they are just extras and won't make or break your day. Keep in mind, no one will notice if you didn't get to X,Y, or Z but you! They are there to celebrate you and your love and that's all that matters.

 

4. Take a break: Take some time away for yourself and your groom to do non-wedding related things. Plan fun date nights or mini trips to get away from all of the planning craziness. You'll come back recharged and ready to tackle your to do list. I also found that keeping with a consistent workout schedule (even when I didn't think I had the time) kept me grounded. The boost of endorphins didn't hurt either!

 

5. Remember what this day is really about: It's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're stressed. Remember, all that matters is that you're going to soon be married to the love of your life. All that other stuff is just an added bonus. This will probably go wrong but at the end of the day, if you're married to your sweet, that's all that matters! All of your guests are there to celebrate your love and will have a great time even if the cake is wrong or the flowers don't turn out as your imagined.

 

Fellow brides out there: what are some tips you have to keep stress free?

 

 

Makeup Look of the Day

I really enjoy trying out new makeup looks, but it’s difficult when you work in an office and have to keep things on the conservative side. That doesn’t mean I can’t experiment though. Here’s a look where I got to use some fun colors, but that’s totally appropriate for work:

Here's what I used:

• Face: Garnier B.B. Cream in Light/Medium; Benefit Erase Paste; Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #3
• Eyes: ELF Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette – Limited Edition (Light Brown w/ Gold Flecks and Turquoise); Sephora Nano Eye Pencil in Black; CoverGirl Lash Exact Mascara
• Brows: Avon Eyebrow Pencil in Light Golden Brown; CoverGirl Clear Mascara
• Cheeks: Tarte Blusher in Park Avenue Princess
• Lips: Smashbox O-Gloss

Review: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps Powerful Acrylic Gel

Have you ever struggled with weak, flimsy or breaking nails? No matter how healthy I eat or how much calcium I have in my diet, it seems like my nails occasionally break or tear. I’ve tried various base and top coats and other strengthening nail polishes, but my nails aren't super strong.

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps Powerful Acrylic Gel is designed to protect and harden nails. The acrylic gel is supposed to provide a long-lasting seal for nails and leave a clear and shiny finish. It should be applied to clean dry nails and can be used under and/or over a colored polish. 

I’ve been wearing the gel for the past week and have observed a noticeable difference in the strength and hardness of my nails. I have been really happy with the way my nails look:

I’m still a little skeptical on this product because after I purchased it I looked at some reviews, many which said that gel chips, has a strange smell and discolors nails. I haven’t noticed a strange smell or that my nails have become discolored, but I’ve seen some minor chipping. I was wearing the product under another polish, so I’m now testing the product on its own to make sure it lives up to what I’ve seen so far. 

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps Powerful Acrylic Gel is available at Ulta for $5.99. 

What’s your favorite nail strengthener?