'No Makeup' Makeup

Sometimes being a grown-up sucks. Instead of spending my day off vegging on the couch watching (at least) an entire season of Friends, my day off is often spent doing grown-up things. Today it was getting emissions done on my car and spending the afternoon in line at the tag office. Yuck.

I didn't feel like getting dolled up today. Let's face it... I didn't even feel like washing my hair today. So today was a no makeup makeup kind of day. Not the kind of no makeup makeup that requires at least half an hour's worth of effort to look effortless. No, friends, today was a legit no makeup makeup day.

After having a horrible reaction to a new foundation (leaving my skin looking like that of a pubescent teen's), I'm still not quite confident enough to leave the house with no makeup on. So if you also want to trick people into thinking you have perfect skin, this is my super easy routine!

1. Mix a little concealer with your eye cream (a new mind-blowing trick I recently learned from Tati at GlamLifeGuru)

2. Throw on some tinted moisturizer. I've been using Bare Mineral's new Complexion Rescue in shade Vanilla 02. Feel free to apply as many layers as you want if your looking for more coverage.

3. Sweep on a coat (or four if that's your thing) of mascara

4. Apply your favorite lip balm!

Done and done.

Also, check out my Instagram if you're curious which products cleared up my skin!

Talk to you soon!

Best of Beauty | 2014 Favorites

I realize I'm a little late to the Best Of 2014 game, but better late than never... right? I plan on making this post short and sweet (I make no promises, though) because I've been rambling on about most of these products for a year now. 

Some bloggers use different parameters for their Best Of products, but I wanted to keep mine simple. I'm sharing with you the products that were consistently part of my makeup routine throughout the year of 2014. Some are fairly new items and others I've been using for years. I try a lot, I mean a lot of makeup so when I constantly come back to something, I know it's a stand out product.

So without further ado, here are my favorites from 2014! 

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara

This was my everyday go-to for the first half of 2014. As I was looking back on my most used products, I was reminded of how amazing this mascara is and that I need to pick up a new tube. I dedicated an entire video to this drugstore fave, so I won't ramble on about it, but it's an outstanding mascara and happens to be $3. 

It's the best mascara EVER.

Nars Laguna Bronzer

I went through nearly an entire pan of Laguna last year. I rarely hit pan on a makeup product, so it's a big deal when I do. I used this bronzer nearly everyday, whether to give a slight contour or warm up my complexion. I definitely see myself repurchasing when I run out in the next couple months. 

More on this bronzer here.



MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Creme Cup




You guys know that pinky-nudes are my favorite and last year was no exception. I used Creme Cup like it was going out of style! I told someone recently on Instagram that I could wear this lipstick everyday and never tire of it. Ever.



MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation 

 

This was my holy grail foundation for the last half of 2014. It gives great coverage with a gorgeous glowy finish. I'm wearing it still and am curious to see how it wears during the warmer months.

Read more on this dewy magic in a bottle.



Benefit They're Real Mascara




This was my go-to mascara during the warmer months. Although it's not marketed as a waterproof mascara, it pretty much is. The formula and rubber wand gives me the most beautifully clean, separated lashes. It's amazing for lengthening my lashes. It's still in my rotation of mascaras along with my next favorite.



Anastasia Brow Wiz


Anastasia of Beverly Hills is the queen of brow products. Her Brow Wiz is without a doubt my favorite brow product of all time. It's got a super fine tip so it's easy to mimic the look of natural hairs. I literally use this every single day. 

 

 NYX Butter Glosses


These glosses made my Top 5 for $5 last year, and they're so great they made my Best of Beauty! The fact that they're only $5 is a bonus. The smooth formula glides right over any lipstick but is pigmented enough to be worn on its own. My two favorites for the year were Creme Brulee and Eclair.

Check out my Top 5 for $5 action here.



Laura Geller Spackle Hydrating Primer


My favorite primer of life and the only primer that I've ever sworn by. I love that it doesn't have that thick, silicone feeling that most do. The hydrating formula is perfect for my dry skin. The last time I posted about this primer, it was available only on QVC but this week it launched at Ulta!

More thoughts on this spackley goodness.



MAC Painterly Paintpot


I went on a search for a new favorite eyeshadow base this year but it was a complete fail. I'm still on the lookout but starting to think I'll never find anything better than my beloved Painterly. I realize this base may not be for everyone, but if you have oily eyelids like me, Painterly is your new best friend!

Painterly - my ride or die.



Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser



If you've followed my blog for any period of time, you're probably sick of me raving about this drugstore gem. I would be remiss if I posted my Best of Beauty and didn't mention this guy. He never lets me down! I've gone through more tubes than I can count.

I can't live without it! ;)



Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten


I used Kitten all the time throughout 2014. On its own, over another shadow, or in the inner corner.... you just can't go wrong with Kitten. I not only love it on myself, but I often use it on the brides I work on to give the most beautiful glow. 

Meow.



Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray


I featured this guy in my Beat the Heat video, but he is a must for any special occasion in any season. I go back and forth between the All Nighter and Chill setting sprays, but the all nighter will lock in your makeup so it lasts, well... all night.



Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Powder Foundation


2014 was the year of powder foundations for me. My world is forever changed. This foundation is so beautiful. I can wear it on its own or over top a hydrating liquid foundation. I have used it nonstop since September. I've already hit pan but it's still going strong.

Read more about Pur and my other recent faves!

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Holy moly. I have been highly impressed with UD's Perversion and Subversion Primer. This wand is very different for me but it helps to give length, volume, and lots of drama. I've actually had multiple people ask if I'm wearing falsies when wearing this mascara. Don't believe me? 

Watch it in action here!

Are there any amazing products I missed out on last year? Let me know if there's something I need to try!

Talk to you soon!

My Current Skincare Favorites

Before I get into my skincare routine, I want you to know that I feel oddly vulnerable typing a post about skin. For most of my life, I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I don't mean that in the cliche way that I was in some way or another unhappy with myself, I mean that I was literally uncomfortable with my skin. I have a skin condition that I recently learned is Keratosis Pilaris, commonly referred to as chicken skin (lovely, right?). KP is a result of the body's over production of the protein keratin, which forms deposits in the hair follicles causing noticeable bumps on the skin. As a child I didn't know I had a condition but I did know that my skin didn't look or feel like that of my friends. Kids are cruel and I spend a good portion of my life trying to cover my skin as much as possible (I didn't even begin wearing shorts above my knees until I was in college.) I've recently begun studying up on KP and trying various ways to treat it... I plan on sharing a detailed post more about the condition and what works for me. 

All of that to say, the fact that I've received numerous comments in recent months about my "porcelain" or "glowing" skin is completely out of the ordinary and a testament to the products I'm sharing with you today. (Please keep in mind that everyone's skin is different. My needs are different than yours and just because a product works for me doesn't mean it's the perfect product for you.)

I wrote a post a few months back on Skincare 101 - check it out for basic tips that everyone should be doing.

 
My Skincare Routine 

Those who know me well know that I'm not the most, um, disciplined person so when I say skincare routine - I use word 'routine' very lightly. I don't necessarily have set days when I use certain products. I usually let my skin tell me what it needs. I'm going to share with you all the skincare products I've been using regularly the past three to four months that I've actually seen results from.

Purity Facial Cleanser by Philosphy  | $23 at Ulta

 

I shared this product in my Recent Favorites and in case you've been wondering, it's still a favorite. It's a gentle cleanser that I typically use in the mornings when I don't have to remove loads of makeup but just want to awaken my skin. It also doubles as a great makeup brush cleaner. Check out that post for more details on this awesome cleanser!

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash | $24 at Ulta

 

This is a double duty product as it not only cleanses but contains teency weency beads that allow it to exfoliate the skin as well. This face wash cleanses more aggressively than Purity, so I love to use it at night when I'm removing makeup. The soothing botanicals allow it to calm the skin even though it's an exfoliant. I flipping love this stuff and the deeply cleansed feeling it leaves after every wash. It also smells so, sooo good.

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish | $72 at Ulta 

 

This is an intensive exfoliating treatment that contains professional grade crystals used to loosen dead skin cells and polish skin. This is by far the best exfoliant I've ever used. I know it's pricey, but it's well worth the cost in my opinion. I only use it once or twice a week and my skin is left feeling so soft and smooth every time I put it to use. 

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm | $65 at Ulta

Algenist products contain Alguronic Acid which is produced by microalgea and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, firms skin, and promotes radiance. While I don't have major signs of aging around the eye area (yet), I'm trying to prevent that from happening with this Algenist eye cream. I must say that this product feels so luxurious and nourishing to the eye area. I use it morning and night and I love how easy my concealer glides on over top.

Pur Minerals Get A Lift Firming Facial Cream | $39 at Ulta

You probably know I've been on a Pur Minerals kick as of late and this has been my go-to moisturizer for the past few months. Again, while I may not (yet) need a firming moisturizer, it's never too early to start preventing, right? The way this cream is formulated, your skin actually does feel more firm as you massage it on. I love that it leaves my skin feeling moisturized (without feeling greasy) throughout the day and night. It's so smooth that my foundation glides right on and I often skip the priming step altogether. And the packaging is just fun to look at, am I right?

*Aloette Restorative Enzyme Peel | $40.95 at Aloette

This peel might be one of the best kept secrets in skincare. If you aren't familiar with Aloette, it is a sister brand to Pur Minerals which is a brand I've raved about recently. I'll admit that I was skeptical about the peel before trying it, but I've been using it periodically for the past three months, and it's amazing! It starts as a green jelly consistency but after massaging it onto the face, the gel actually liquifies. As you continue to massage, you will literally see and feel the dead skin coming off of your face! It's fascinating. I love that it doesn't contain harsh chemicals and it leaves my skin feeling completely renewed. If you are in the market for a new peel, you should definitely give this one a try!

*Use the coupon code UQNU64PR to get 20% off your Aloette order!

Pur Minerals Dirty Girl Mud Mask | $29 at Ulta

This is hands down the best mask I've ever used. This detox mask that contains pascalite clay, which has been used since the 1930's for healing benefits like drawing poison out of the skin from snake or bug bites. I've tried several mud masks that harden on the skin and some have even felt tingly, but none have measured up to Dirty Girl. This mask gets so tight that my face actually looks contorted. It pulls all the impurities out of my skin so I'm sure to follow up with lots of hydrating products to put all the good nutrients back into my skin. This mask is intense, but it leaves my skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. I always look forward to the next use.

Clarisonic Mia | $99 at Ulta



 I can't write about my skincare routine without mentioning my Clarisonic. I've had mine for a couple of years now but only used it regularly for the past few months. Although I don't use it daily like some, I've seen great results from this sonic face brush. I use it with whatever cleanser I have on hand and massage my face with the brush until the automatic timer stops. It gives a much deeper cleanse than what I can get with my hands or a cloth. I know it has a steep price tag, but it's been a great investment. I've had it for over two years and it's still going strong. I highly recommend giving it a try - especially if you've never used a face brush before!

If you want to see my latest foundation routine that goes perfectly with my new glowing skin, check it out here!

*FTC Disclaimer: The peel was sent to me for review. This is not a sponsored post.

Marley Lilly Black Friday Special

Remember that time I posted about all the awesome gift ideas from Marley Lilly? Well...

Marley Lilly's Pre-Black Friday Sale is going on NOW! They have a ton of awesome specials going on. With any $100 purchase, you will get a FREE plaid blanket scarf like this one - no coupon code required! It's while supplies last, so hurry on over to score your free gift with purchase.

You guys already know I have an obsession with scarves, and this one is no exception. Not only is this one of the coziest scarves I own, it doubles as a blanket or super cute throw for the holidays. This thing is no joke!

Head on over to www.MarleyLilly.com to take advantage of their awesome Black Friday specials! This is the perfect time to do your holiday shopping.


 And don't forget to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! 

FTC: The scarf was sent to me by Marley Lilly to feature. This is not a sponsored post. 

Lashes + Lips | My Go-To Look for Fall & Winter

 

Watch the tutorial here!

Products used:

Laura Geller Spackle Hydrating Under Makeup Primer

MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation in NW20

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Brightening

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Powder Foundation in Light

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Soft Brown

NYX Control Freak Brow Gel

NARS Pro Prime Eye Primer

LORAC Pro Palette White & Cream

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Black Velvet

Urban Decay Subversion Primer

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush

MAC MSF in Soft & Gentle

MAC Fix +

MAC lip liner in Nightmoth

Lipstick Queen lipstick in Berry Sinner

 

Southern Swag | Monograms, Pearls & Bows

Happy Friday, loves!

The holidays are right around the corner and the cold weather is officially here. Fall weather is my favorite, but as per usual, Georgia skipped over fall and settled right in to winter. That's okay, though, because that means hot chocolate (with marshmallows, obviously) and cozy sweaters!

In true southern fashion, I layered up in none other than my adorable crewneck monogrammed sweatshirt from Marley Lilly! Keeping in theme with the bow on my shirt, I decided to pair it with pearl accessories and my gold bow bracelet. I can't think of anything more girly than pink, pearls, and bows!

Monogrammed accessories make the perfect Christmas gift for that special girl (or guy!) in your life. If you are new to monograms, Marley Lilly has a Monogram 101 guide that details the many ways to customize your order. They made your Christmas shopping even easier by putting great gift ideas all in one place! (And if someone could send this to my husband nonchalantly mention this to my husband, that'd be great.)

 

My sweatshirt is super comfy and kept me warm for my day in the city.  I love that it's versatile enough to be dressed up with jeans and pearls or dressed down with leggings and boots.

 Get your own sweatshirt here!

Here are a few other Marley Lilly items I have my eye on:

This pullover

  

This necklace

 

This shirt

 

Be sure to check out Marley Lilly and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter! 

And don't forget to tag @marleylilly and @makeupbyaundi so we can see your southern swag!

 


FTC: The sweatshirt was sent to me by Marley Lilly for review. This is not a sponsored post. 

Recent Beauty Favorites | MakeupByAundi

I am thrilled to share with you guys some new (to me) products that I've been recently loving. These items make me so excited to get up every morning and do my makeup. And you know they must be good to get me excited enough to get out of bed!

 Purity by Philosophy | $23 at Ulta

I don't know why it's taken me so long to try this facial cleanser. This cult favorite is probably the most raved about cleanser in the beauty community. It even won an Allure Reader's Choice Award - and now I know why! It's super gentle - you can even use it to clean your makeup brushes! - and leaves my face feeling squeaky clean without leaving it tight and dry. I haaate that feeling that some cleansers can give. I do use other products (anyone else feeling a skin care routine coming on?) if I need a deep clean, but this one is great for everyday use. I especially love using it in the mornings to feel refreshed and ready to start my day!

  

Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer | $20 at Ulta

OMG. This lash primer is a game changer. UD launched this primer as a partner to their popular Perversion mascara. I used the mascara on its own, and it's okay but nothing spectacular. When paired with this primer, however, it's HOLY LASHES! I cannot tell you how many people in the past month have commented on my lashes or asked me if they are real... When others notice a difference, I'd say it's a stand out product! I've paired this primer with other mascara favorites of mine, and it takes them all to the next level. It's amazing! I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. I digress.

Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup | $27 at Ulta

If you watched my Full Coverage Foundation Routine, you'll know that I have begun exploring the world of powder foundations. Something I never thought I would venture to try since my skin is ridiculously dry. Also, many powders can age women and look heavy and made-up. But this foundation defies all my preconceived ideas. This medium to full foundation provides buildable coverage and looks beautiful on the skin. My favorite way to wear it is on top of my latest favorite liquid foundation... Which is the perfect segue into my next favorite!

 

  MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation | $35 at MAC Cosmetics 

 At the hefty price of $35, I was skeptical of this foundation to say the least. I stopped by my local MAC to pick up a couple old faithfuls and the sweet girl was really talking up this foundation. I finally conceded to let her try it on me, and holy moly, it was love at first sight. My skin looked so smooth and hydrated which is a rare sight for me! It gives the healthiest luminous finish to my skin. To keep it from getting too shiny, I set it with my Pur powder foundation which really amps up the coverage, leaving my skin flawless.

 

 NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel | $5.99 at Ulta

 Hooray for an awesome drugstore find! This brow gel is amazeballs. It holds my brows in place all day long without leaving them crunchy or flakey. (We've all been there, am I right?) You guys know the brow gel drill, so I won't ramble on. But it's basically everything I could want in a brow gel and at an affordable price. Yes, please!

 

Laura Geller Spackle Hydrating |  $27.32 at QVC

I'm not quite sure what the deal is with this guy... It's available exclusively with QVC until the end of the year. I don't know if after that it will be available at other retailers or not at all. Her other primers are currently available at Ulta. I love this one in particular because it's so hydrating (duh) and doesn't have that usual silicone-y feel to it. It literally feels like moisturizer and makes for a much smoother makeup application. I'm totally hooked.

 

 St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse | $18-42 at Ulta

I realize I'm pretty much the last person on the planet to try St. Tropez. I tried a few self-tanners back in high school when they first started gaining popularity. Talk about a smelly oompa-loompa train wreck. Then I went through my tanning-bed phase in college. All it took was one bout with sun-poison and I swore of UV altogether. For the past couple years, I've tried to embrace the natural, porcelain look. I went as Kim Kardashian for Halloween (and yes, my husband was the most adorable Kanye you've ever seen) so porcelain skin was obviously out of the question. I picked up the smallest size available and a mitt to apply. I still can't believe at how easy the whole process was and how amazing the results were! It doesn't smell or turn orange at all and it fades beautifully. I've officially jumped on that St. Tropez bandwagon!

 

 CK One Lip Liner in Lovely |  $13 at Ulta

What I initially thought would be a basic lip liner has turned into one of my favorites for fall. It is a nice neutral tone (a la Kylie Jenner) that gives slight definition to the lips. My favorite way to wear it is to fill in my lips completely and top it off with Creme Brulee Butter Gloss by NYX. It's a beautiful nude lip that still gives a perfect amount of color. So, so beautiful!

That wraps it up for my recent favorites! Since I'm not able to blog as consistently anymore, make sure you're following me on Instagram because I share lots of favorites on there!