Pain isn't always beauty

I have always tended to believe the saying 'Pain is beauty' but lately I have found my beauty regimen comes from convenience.  I get up early in the morning, go all day long and don't have much time for touch ups.  What are my beauty basics?

Lotion
Especially in this time transitioning from fall to winter, I find myself going through lotion twice as fast.  The lack of humidity dries my skin out and I use two products. The Dual Action works as a cleanser with the salicylic acid and moisturizer, it keeps my skin clearer.  And I love the Neutrogena Oil-Free moisturizer because it is light but effective.  On days I forget it, my skin becomes extremely dull.  Best part is both are oil free if you struggle with an oily complexion, but my skin is mostly normal to dry.



Toner
I use two toners, but love this one.  It's all natural and made in my hometown.  You can use it with any skin type and can spray it to help your complexion.  You can go directly to their store or order online (awesome!!)  They have TONS of other great products, from lotions to lip balm to soap for different uses.  And it is owned by really great people and I always love to support local businesses!





Makeup
I'm not in love with many beauty products, but I do love ELF
products.  Eyes lips face makes reasonably priced products (many just $1).  My favorite? Their High Definition Powder. I don't have an image of this, but you can find it online.  I have trouble with eye liner running through the day, but when I use the powder on top of my concealer or under my eye only, my eyeliner stays put and it sets my concealer.  Super light and doesn't clog my pores.  What's not to love?  Also the brushes are fantastic.  They have basic ones for a dollar each in their essentials collection or ones for $3 in their studio collection.  I've had mine for years and they are still in wonderful condition.


I don't love blush... after years of being on stage when I see pink I grimace from all the applications of overdone blush.  So I love this 'Warmth' from BareMinerals. It is a more natural product, again which I love, and doesn't leave me breaking out after a few days of application.  It makes me look, well, warm and brightens my face without me feeling like I should start singing and dancing on stage. 




Lip Balm
I really meant 'basics'.  I love the EOS collection of products for the same reason I love the All Good Things products.  All natural and they work!  Super affordable and I can't lose it as easily as normal chap stick tubes because of their shape.  My favorites are mint and summer fruit, but I have about 4 or 5 in all my different bags!





Another beauty love I didn't photograph - Schick Hydrosilk.  I have had this razor since early summer and it's the best I've ever used.  Best part is that I have had the same blade for 2 months.  I used to need a new blade after about a week, but I have been keeping my razor out of the shower when I'm not using it and the quality of it keeps it going! I love it, I highly recommend it.

A new season

The project I just finished for my room is the bulletin board turned jewelry display/organizer.  Originally, I just had this little shelf for all my jewelry and the rest went into this tackle box type organizer.  Now, this holds the majority of my jewelry.

And it was super easy.  I had some left over damask fabric from my roller shade and yellow ribbon from another project so I just stapled all the edges of the damask fabric and then stretched the ribbon on the top and bottom edges. Stapled the ribbon underneath to attempt to hide it and then just used clear thumbtacks I had from school to hang all the necklaces, earrings and bracelets. It's going to be so much nicer to get ready in the mornings. 

I just wish I hadn't been in such a hurry and had taken pictures of the simple assembly.


My next projects? Pumpkin decorating!!! And then reusable duster covers for my Swiffer duster and more nails!