what's in my {travel makeup bag}

This past weekend, as I admired my amazing ability to downsize my makeup collection while traveling, I decided it would be fun to post my travel makeup essentials. ;) 

This has taken me quite some time to perfect and it still is not as condensed as I'd like.  These are items that I always take with me while traveling because A. I love them and B. they take up a small amount of space & can fit in a small cosmetic bag!

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hour

This foundation has really nice, glass packaging, but it's pretty bulky.  So, I put some in a little sample container (you can get them for free at your local makeup counter).  Just make sure it's airtight and screws on with a lid.  This makes the biggest difference in giving me more space in my makeup bag.  

(I'm color 320W.)

Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

I'm kind of in love with this concealer.  I have the color "pink beige."  It's not as long-wearing as other concealers I've posted, but it does NOT crease under your eyes.  That makes it a winner in my book.  

Tarte Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder

It keeps my combination skin balanced and is small (but a little goes a long way, so it lasts forever)!

Nars Blush/Bronzer (orgasm/laguna) Duo

Nars' thin design is perfect for travel.  I love my Benefit Hoola bronzer but hate bringing it along with me because of how bulky it is. This duo is great because it's your blush and bronzer in one package!  

Sometimes I may bring along Nars Gaiety blush because it's small and, well, I like to have options.

Nars Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base

Travel or not, this is THE BEST eyeshadow primer I've ever met.  (blows Urban Decay Primer Potion out the water.)  I have very oily lids, but this product allows my eye shadow to be the last thing on my face at the end of the day.  It's amazing.  Seriously.  ...and it's small, so it's definitely coming with on trips.

NYX Champagne & Caviar Eye Shadow Palette

This is an awesome eye shadow palette for the price.  Even at home, I often find myself reaching for this over my Urban Decay Naked Palette.  When it comes to travel, this is ALWAYS packed.  It's small and thin, but has every color that I need when I'm away.  I always go for a very neutral smokey eye and this gives me more than enough options to achieve it!

Then, I'll usually bring one or both of these eye liners:

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner

Clinique Brush On Cream Liner

I'll also bring an eyebrow pencil, like MAC Lingering, Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara, and will use whatever lipstick/gloss combo I happen to have in my handbag!  Sigma makes great travel brushes, but I bring my full-size ones in an organized brush roll. 

What is your #1 travel makeup essential?

Xo-M

reflections

Ok, I'm having major mirror envy.  I'm on the hunt for the perfect one (that's not going to cost an arm and a leg) to create a vignette in my living room.  I love the starburst mirror, but I feel like it's so ...done.  Of course, that still may not stop me because I've wanted one for so long.  

cococozy

I just love this Allen + Roth Quatrefoil Octagon Mirror.  Can you believe it's only $52?

decorpad

Maybe I could paint her white to create a look similar to this

Can't get enough of this carved mirror's bold color...

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...and you've got to love something glamorous like this.

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Now, for the starburst mirror.  I mean, you really can't go wrong.  

The one I'd really like is the Kenroy Home Reyes Mirror

but, for $25, how can you resist this little pretty from Target?

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Alas, I will always love this scalloped mirror from Ballard Designs.  Sad it's no longer available!

Xo-M

weekend deal!

I visited my parents this weekend because my mom's birthday is today.  My brother and grandfather came, too.  It was so nice to have some great family time!  Last night, Mom and I scored an amazing deal on eight place settings of Oscar de la Renta Gold Dresden china at an antique auction.  I'm seriously obsessed with how sweet and elegant it is.  Brandon and I had Lenox Platinum Pearl china on our wedding registry, but knowing that eight place settings were going to cost over $1500 kind of made my stomach hurt.  I knew we had to have wedding china, but I think that getting china with my mom on a whim at an auction gives it such a fun memory.

The china looks brand new -not one knick on it.  I looked it up online and saw that it was discontinued in 1993, but you can buy it from replacement retailers for around $130 per place setting.

I got EIGHT place settings, a 12-inch platter, a vegetable serving bowl, and the cream and sugar pieces for a whopping $150!  

 It has the sweetest thin gold rim.  I just love the scalloped edges!  

Xo-M

shades of...

My favorite neutral color combination is gray and cream.  Shades of those, paired with a pop of yellow, orange/coral, or blue, is what I'm dreaming up for my new living room.  Did you catch that?  Yes, I'm moving again.  That's why I've been MIA the past two days -sorry!

Gray and cream together is not always the most thought-of combination, but I think it's just dreamy.  Here are some swoon worthy photos I found on Pinterest.

Xo-M

this is your life

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"This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Live your dream, and wear your passion. Life is short."

weekend recap

This post is probably going to look a lot like last week's recap because it was weekend number two of the Beaufort Water Festival!  

Let's start off with Thursday night since, in my mind, that's when the weekend begins. I FINALLY tried Taco Mamacita on Sullivan's Island.  I'm quite partial to Taco Boy, but I really did enjoy the change.  I had two tacos, chips and guacamole, then couldn't hardly move afterwards.  (Success.)

On Friday, we had a golf tournament fundraiser at Wild Dunes.  My view wasn't terrible.

I bolted it home from Isle of Palms, set a record of getting completely showered and ready in 15 minutes, then hopped in the car with Brandon to go to Beaufort.

We saw double rainbows on the way down!  Couldn't get them both in the picture, but isn't it pretty?

We went to the River Dance at the Waterfront Park on Friday night.  There was a great indie band performing called The Design. They rocked the stage. The lead singer sounded just like Lady Gaga and had an outfit to go along with it.  Afterwards, we went straight home to get rested up for a full day of fun on Saturday.

Even though we were exhausted, we went downtown on Saturday night to the Commodore's Ball.  Brandon and I danced up a storm.  Before we knew it, the Water Festival was sadly over!  

Brandon and some of his buddies

Although it's very fun and something we look forward to all year long, we've decided that we're finally getting to the point where we can't handle the "go, go go!"  Driving back and forth from Charleston both weekends, entertaining a house full of guests both weekends, getting the boat ready, being in the sun all day and keeping up the energy for the evenings ...it definitely took a toll on us this year!  Still, we had such a great time with our dear friends and are looking forward to next year (although it will be on a much smaller scale, trust me!).

Xo-M

Obsessions {birthday edition!}

I have a birthday approaching and while I'd be a happy girl with a cupcake and a day off from work, it never hurts to dream a little.  Right?

Yellow Gold & Diamond "Love" Ring

I saw this ring at a jewelry show I went to with Brandon and his parents.  Since then, I haven't been able to get it off my mind.  It's so dainty and sweet.  Emily Maynard wears one, but I wanted it first. ;)

Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch GM

All day long, I'm pulling out my cosmetic pouch out of my purse.  I'm such a beauty junkie that this pouch would be a dream to own!

Tilly Maison Midi Lucite Tray

I've wanted one of these for so long but for some reason, I've never actually ordered one!  I really, really love that middle design.  The midi size seems to be the perfect size for any woman's vanity essentials. ;)

Jennifer Zeuner 40" Baby Cross Necklace

Tory Burch Robinson Continental Zip Wallet

(new email subscribers get 10% off!)

Because she's so darn pretty ...and because I need a new one.

...and while we're at it,

Tory Burch Robinson East-West Tote

What would you put on your birthday wish list?

Xo-M