beauty products I've used up // vlog

Find this blog post in it's new home here.

Y'all! I did not mean to provide such a dramatic post on Tuesday (well, not really dramatic at all actually) and then totally disappear for the rest of the week. I filmed a beauty video on Tuesday and have had the hardest time getting it to upload. I think I did something wrong and on top of that, my laptop is basically a goner. I've successfully used up every last bit of brains it has to offer, and it's reminding me of that every time I go to load something. Point is, I couldn't get this video to download on Tuesday night and then last night, YouTube was on the fritz and it didn't process until about 2am. And I've been in continuing education for real estate Wednesday and Thursday... all day long, so  I consequently didn't have the time to link to 40-some products at the bottom of this blog post after it's 2am load time. In summary, better late than never!

Here are beauty products I've used up and what I think about them.

products mentioned: (I know, I know.)

1. batiste dry shampoo     2. greenscape organic lavender hand & body lotion     3. neutrogena wet skin sunscreen spf 30     4. rembrandt deeply white peroxide whitening toothpaste     5. nyx studio finishing powder     6. balanced guru detox scalp treatment     7. alberto VO5 clarifying shampoo     8. clinique clarifying lotion     9. REN glycol lactic radiance renewal mask     10. davines naturaltech replenishing conditioner     11. EOS lip balm     12. macadamia natural oil deep repair masque     13. rituals hammam hot scrub     14. rituals hammam bath oil     15. kate somerville clarifying treatment toner     16. vitafusion womens gummy vitamins     17. clinique deep cleansing emergency mask     18. murad pore reform skin smoothing polish     19. first aid beauty facial radiance pads     20. bareminerals facial cleansing oil     21a. glotherapeutics triple action serum     21b. kate somerville line  release under eye repair cream     22. vaseline advanced repair lotion     23. caress tahitian renewal exfoliating body wash     24. loreal elnett hairspray with uv filter     25. no 7 quick thinking wipes     26. philosophy purity made simple     27. dr. teal's lavender epsom salt     28. biolage hydrasource shampoo     29. sibu beauty sea buckthorn hydrating serum     30. bareminerals lash domination mascara     31. chanel eyeliner pen in brun     32. chanel le volume mascara     33. bareminerals lip liner     34. mac prep & prime in light boost     35. first aid beauty eye duty     36. bareminerals well rested cc eye primer     37. fresh sugar lip treatment     38. clinique cream eyeshadow     39. rituals lavender fields candle     40. shiseido facial cotton    41. milani eyeshadow pencil

travel makeup bag | the contents

View full post at holycitychic.com

14. The Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer is awesome. Kind of makes your lips sparkle, while lasting a long time and being moisturizing at the same time. My shade was a special edition, but it looks almost identical to shade 131, Mica.

15. Last but not least, the Dior Lipliner Pencil in Grege toted along with me. It's the exact shade of my lips and is perfect for filling them in completely for a matte, natural look.

new post on holycitychic.com // currently loving: 5 beauty picks

A few products have made me a happy girl recently. You know I've got to share...

It's been a long time since I've found a blush I love until I met the MAC Powder Blush in Margin. You can see just how beautiful it is on Claire. I'd describe this blush as a mauvey-coral with a hint of shimmer. It makes me feel like I've been sunkissed even when that's a far cry from the truth here in January.

The bareMinerals Facial Cleansing Oil makes taking off makeup a breeze. I've finally found something I like just as much as, if not more than, the Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser (to take off makeup, not to cleanse face completely). I massage three pumps of this into my skin and gently on the eyes to remove makeup. Then I rinse and follow up with my regular cleanser. It seriously melts away makeup and feels fantastic, especially in these colder months since it conditions and nourishes the skin.

I don't even know how to describe just how beautiful the glo minerals Luxe Liquid Foundation is. I'm in the shade Naturelle, which I love because it's very olive-toned, so it cancels redness. It feels lightweight on the skin and is more light-reflective and skin-perfecting than the highly rated YSL Touche Eclat foundation, in my opinion. This foundation is formulated with diamond powder (um, diamonds?), which reflects and diffuses light to create a softer complexion. It also is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 15 and specialized moisturizing agents to deliver a flawless, youthful complexion. I have oily/combination skin and this doesn't get oily on me. At the same time, it is never dry. It's just kind of perfect, and I don't say that often. Just so you know, this is not a full coverage foundation. I would say that it's about medium coverage, but I alway sheer out my foundations with a dampened brush to make them lighter coverage. It's definitely buildable, though, if you are interested in more coverage! It's also not the longest wearing foundation because it's not super matte, but I'm completely ok with having to powder a few times throughout the day for it to stay put. To me it's very similar to Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in terms of longevity. Oh, and it applies beautifully with this brush.

So, I don't own the Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, but I've sampled it pretty much every time I walk by the fragrance counter. I like to sample a perfume a good handful of times before buying it since they are so pricey. This fragrance smells different than anything I've ever smelled. It's woodsy and fresh at the same time. I think I will be obsessed with this in the spring and summer when I don't really want to smell like a certain perfume, but just want to smell good. 

I might have a hard time explaining the NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device because, to be honest, I'm still not quite sure exactly what it is or how it works. Doesn't sound too convincing so far, does it? This product was given to me as a gift and I have to say that I noticeably look more refreshed after using it. I even had someone tell me that without that person knowing that I had just used this. By placing the metal tips on the skin, it uses advanced microcurrent technology to improve facial contour, tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You just apply the primer, which is included, then glide this device along a contour of your face in an upward motion. When it beeps, you move it along a different contour of your face. Don't worry, there is a video that explains exactly where to place the product and when. The whole regimen lasts about five minutes, but it can last as long as 20 minutes (I've never used it this long). It's an amazing device and oh! ...it's currently on sale for 20% off at beauty.com.

(please update your blog reader to holycitychic.com!) holy city hotspot | jack's cosmic dogs

So, there were three Jack's Cosmic Dogs locations in Charleston. It's a local restaurant with amazing hot dogs, sandwiches, fresh cut fries, milkshakes and sundaes, and delicious spicy ranch. I am a southern girl, after all, and ranch is important to me.

When the West Ashley location switched over to a mexican restaurant a couple years ago, I definitely had a "McKayla is not impressed" moment. (Although I LOVE that mexican restaurant now.) When their James Island location closed, things may have gotten a little misty in my eye area. 

I'm not above crying over hot dogs. 

Ok, maybe I didn't cry, but Jack's was one of our favorite places to go to get a quick & easy, delicious meal because the James Island location was right down the street from our house. The day I found out I had a nodule on my thyroid that could have been cancerous, that's where Brandon took me afterwards to brighten my day. It's just good, comforting food.

I realize that this has been a ridiculously long intro for a hot dog restaurant, but can you tell I love it? If you're in Charleston visiting, or if you live here and haven't ever tried it, make the trip over to Mount Pleasant to the original and only Jack's Cosmic Dogs for one of those delicious dogs, just like we did the other day.

Have you ever been to Jack's Cosmic Dogs? If not, you're missing out! 

This is not a sponsored post, but if you're reading this, Jack, feel free to pay me in cheese fries.

On Holy City Chic today! currently trending: polished bohemian

This new trend has me so excited. I love bohemian style, but never can quite pull off the look too authentically. But polished bohemian... now that, to me, means taking those global prints and textures and applying them to feminine silhouettes, along with chic details. Maybe each individual piece of clothing doesn't have to scream boho, either. Taking a hint of a trend, combined with your own style, is all it takes to pull it off effortlessly.

Pretty, huh? Here are links to all of the items shown above, but if you're reading this on a computer, the graphic is also clickable! Just hover your mouse over each item and click to be directed to the product page. So what do you think... will you be wearing this trend come spring?

striped shorts  |  espadrilles  |  choker  |  orange maxi dress  |  jumpsuit  

cardigan sweater  |  hat  

handbag  |  floral dress  |  coral maxi dress  |  scallop dress   

boyfriend jeans  |  beaded top  |  skirt  |  gold duo necklace

weekly roundup and 2015 resolutions (on HOLYCITYCHIC.COM)

I'm not usually one to create a list of new year resolutions. Honestly, improving myself is tough, year round challenge, so I normally don't place extra emphasis on it in January. But this year, I do have one main resolution. No computer work after 5pm.

I'm saying this as I'm up blogging at 1am.

Working from home is something I love, but it definitely comes with its challenges. (I'm going to create a big post on my thoughts on this soon.) One main drawback for me is that I have zero separation of home and work. I get anxious when my to-do list starts lengthening and so I choose to knock out what I can in the evenings after dinner. Even though this gives me a jump start on the following day, it takes away quality time with Brandon and honestly, it takes away a lot of sleep because most nights, I don't go to sleep until 2pm. Between being a Realtor, blogging, working for The Everygirl, and doing social media/marketing consulting, I just don't know when to quit with the endless amounts of computer work!

This is going to be incredibly hard for me... and there's a big chance I will fail. I know there will be exceptions to this rule and I'm okay with that. But I'm going to try as hard as I can to maintain normal "office hours," even if that office happens to be a few steps away from my bedroom. 

In other news, who knew such a pretty coffee cup existed? It's different, but I like it.

Isn't it funny how style preferences change? I'm leaning further and further away from crisp, white styling and more towards lived-in, eclectic rooms with a touch of southern-flair (got that?). It's okay if you don't. This room explains it just fine.

Made these last night for dinner. They never disappoint, although I did set the smoke alarm off. Twice. But they're so yummy, full of protein, and have little fat.

Brandon kindly informed me that all C. Wonder stores are closing up shop. Don't you love it when your husband fills you in on current news in ladies fashion? I haven't checked in to see if this is true or not, but I do know that they are having their semi-annual sale and you can save 50% off of everything. The discount is automatically reflected in your shopping cart. I bought these driving mocs (fyi: I normally waiver between an 8.5 and a 9. I wear a 9 in these.). Also loving this mixed metal chain.

Yep. That's about right.

There are two things in the photo above that I'm obsessed with. The robe is Plum Pretty Sugar. I have wanted it for the longest time, so Brandon gave it to me for Christmas. I just want to wear it all day. The slippers are from J. Crew. My parents got them for me and if I'm home, they are almost guaranteed to be on my feet. There is only one size left, but these are basically the same and on sale. So are these.

Rebecca Minkoff always gets it right. This bag is brand new (and so great).

Happy weekend, my friends! We wanted to escape for a date night out, but after trying and failing to make reservations, it dawned on us that it's Restaurant Week here in Charleston. Waited too late! Looks like takeout and a movie is on the agenda for tonight and that's actually sounding pretty awesome.

On holycitychic.com: Before and After: Living Room and Dining Room PAINT

We chose one paint color for all the common areas of our home. You know by now that it took 16 paint samples for me to find a color I liked. And what we ended up with is totally different than what I thought I wanted. I thought I wanted a rich gray, but I ended up with an off-white, greige color. I don't even know if you could classify it as greige. It's a cool beige. In certain light, it almost looks "mother of pearl." It's exactly what I wanted Ben Moore "Classic Gray" to be, but it was too cool.

Before I show the new paint, let's take a little walk down memory lane. Here's what we were working with before. As in, when we moved in and didn't own a sofa or chairs. 

Then we got furniture.

Then the paint samples started. All 16 of them. 

What's funny is that the color we chose isn't in any of those samples. At first we chose Sherwin Williams "Windfresh White," but I kind of hated it. It's beautiful on the paint chip, but it looked like cement in our home.

Which only led us to something lighter and brighter. We had Sherwin Williams color match Benjamin Moore "Sea Pearl" in their Cashmere paint formula. I mentioned all of the reasons we love that paint here. 

Please note that I have not accessorized hardly at all. This was before any frames were hung on the walls, before window treatments were installed, before pillows were ordered for the sofa (still haven't done this), etc. Just showing the paint here! 

Here's a little peak at what it looks like with the curtains and things put up on the walls. 

Got to admit that now that our Christmas tree has been taken down, my living room looks so sad! I'm in dire need of some color and warmth. Post on that to come soon.

Oh, and the dining room before.

...and after the painting, but before window treatments.

Now I'm on a major mission to add art to our walls, new pillows in our living room, an oriental rug for layering on top of our sisal rug, and more to cozy up our space. I feel like I've got a great blank space now and I'm looking forward to slowly adding special touches to it. I'm trying not to be in any rush though. I've learned that it's better to wait and get what you really want, rather than hurrying to purchase a less expensive "space filler." So that's currently where I am in the whole great paint debate. You saw the paint transformation of our powder bath and guest room/guest bath. You also saw our master bedroom before/after. But wait! There's still one room left; my office. But don't hold your breath just yet... it still needs to be painted! 

gift well (THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO HOLYCITYCHIC.COM!)

I love, love this weekender bag. Take advantage of saving 30% off of that bag and everything else at Madewell with code WRAPITUP. There's still three days left to get free guaranteed shipping by Christmas. 

See all these pretty things?

GIFT GUIDE: for the homemaker (on HOLY CITY CHIC)

Just a few pretty things for your Saturday... 

1. pineapple trio print    

 2. desk calendar     3. stripe pillow cover     

4. cutting board     5. herringbone throw     6. "underwater plantlife" framed print

7. vintage cocktails book     8. petite ginger jar   9. tortoise tray

10. nest holiday candle

new post on HOLY CITY CHIC

 

If I could live in the weather we had the past couple of days, I might just do it all year long. I'm beginning to think I was made for days that are 65 degrees and sunny. It was the perfect weather for a light jacket, like this Topshop "Rufus" Shirt Jacket I bought at Nordstrom. I've only been in a Topshop once (when I went to California last year), but I absolutely loved it. Such a great on-trend brand with well made and well priced pieces. We don't have Topshop stores around here, so it's nice that the brand is so accessible from Nordstrom, which is pretty much where I do the majority of my online clothes shopping. And let's just say I am pretty in love with everything I ordered.

  

outfit details:

jacket  |  tunic  |  jeggings (similar)  |  scarf (michael stars)  |  booties (similar)  |  bag  |  watch  |  hat  |  bracelet (similar here and here)  |  earrings (similar)

(Note: I sized up to a 6 in both the jacket and the tunic since Topshop runs small!)

Thank you, Nordstrom, for partnering with me for this post!

Weekly Roundup ...on the new blog URL! (holycitychic.com)

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this blog has moved to Holy City Chic

Same posts, same blog, just a new name! holycitychic.com

weekly roundup (find this post on Holy City Chic // holycitychic.com)

I'm not even joking when I say we are on our 15th sample of paint. So far, we've tried BM Revere Pewter 50%, BM Edgecomb Gray 70%, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, SW Repose Gray 75%, BM Classic Gray, BM White Wisp, SW Passive, SW Agreeable Gray 70%, SW Zurich White, Valspar Cornflower, BM Aloof Gray, SW Windfresh White, BM Halo, and now we are trying BM Ashwood 50% and BM Sea Pearl.



omg.



Let's not even talk about that even more ...before I cry at how much money we've wasted on gallons we ended up not liking and not to mention, all of those samples. I've now started getting them mixed at Lowe's because the $7 samples at Ben Moore and Sherwin Williams were starting to get a little crazy. Anyway, here are this week's worthy links.

I am truly obsessed with this settee. I just need something in that Hermes orange.



I really love this article, which highlights what 16 extremely successful people were doing at age 25. Proves that you don't have to have it all together in your 20s (or for that matter, even in your 30s and 40s), for those of you like me that feel like everything has to happen now. (20-something crisis)



I just discovered Willa Skye Home on Etsy and I'm obsessed with her pillow covers. (...and I have three coming my way!)



Last night, Ryan and I went to a cooking demonstration at L'Atelier Le Creuset by celebrity chef, Hugh Acheson. He's a James Beard award winner and is a judge on Top Chef, in addition to a lengthy list of impressive accolades. We got to enjoy some of his amazing food and get his cookbook, A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen, signed and personalized. I'm obsessed with the recipes! Everything is simple, but he concentrates on bringing out flavor in foods and supporting your local farmers. I'm feeling inspired and plan on hitting the farmer's market this weekend to stock up.



The best reminder.



I might try to paint our pumpkin this weekend to look like this. This is a great way to soften the look of Halloween-ish pumpkins for Thanksgiving.



J. Crew is offering 25% off your purchase with code SHOPNOW. I love this colorblock sweater and this buffalo check vest. A whole lot. And this hat, too.

holiday gift guide no. 1: for her (This blog has moved to HOLY CITY CHIC!)

I can't believe I'm already doing a holiday gift guide, but believe it or not, the time is upon us. I say this every year, but this year especially felt like it has gone by in the blink of an eye. It's probably because we have had so much going on—moving from Charleston to Ridgeland, then to Beaufort, then back to Charleston ....all in about nine months. Yeah, 2014 has been all over the place. 

This gift guide is for your best friend, your mom, a sister, or even for yourself. It's for any woman in your life you're wanting to treat this Christmas (or Christmahanakawanzika). Of course, I'm only listing items that I would actually gift myself, so you know each item has been curated thoughtfully! These are things that the receiver may not purchase herself, but all incredibly lust-worthy, if I do say so myself.

 The image above is clickable! But here's another way to shop the items:

Jonathan Adler Pop Champagne Candle -$42

Rifle Paper Co. Garance Dore 2015 Calendar - $26

Henri Bendel West 57th Cosmetic Bag Trio - $78

C. Wonder Trinket Tray - $20

Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Set - $135

Kate Spade Sabine Microsuede Shearling-Lined Slippers - $125

Nest Holiday Candle Set - $68

Graphic Image "The Great Gatsby" - $85

Henri Bendel Mini Ring Box - $38

So which one is your favorite? I think those slippers were made for my feet, just sayin'. And that Bobbi Brown brush set? It's all the tools she'd need to do her makeup while traveling ...and all in one stylish kit, to boot.

the great paint debate (guest room, bath, and powder room before & afters!)

...find this post on Holy City Chic at holycitychic.com.

October Beauty Favorites (See post at holycitychic.com!)

See this post at Holy City Chic.

Skirting the Issue (Style Me Swanky moved to HOLY CITY CHIC!)

one  |  two  |  three  |  four 

five  |  six  |  seven  |  eight

Skirts are having a total moment. They're one of the most, if not the most, versatile pieces of clothing a woman can have in her closet. They can be worn year round, paired with practically any type of top, and they bring on a fun, feminine vibe. Plus, depending on what you pair with it, a skirt can be dressed down for a day look or dressed up for an evening event. For these cooler temperatures, just throw on a pair of tights underneath, along with some booties like these or these, and you're good to go. Oh, and while we're on the topic... don't forget that all shoes and boots are 25% off at Piperlime with code FANCYFEET (ends tonight, 11/4!).

Which skirt would you choose? I love them all! Here are some more that have caught my attention...

image via