When this week came around, I basically needed a miracle to get it together. We were out of town last weekend at a wedding in Chicago, and it was AMAZING. We had a fabulous time but when Monday rolled around I was pretty discouraged. I’ve been in a slump lately for a lot of reasons, but one major one is I’m trying to get in shape, and it’s hard. We were eating and drinking and all that jazz and as much as I tried to be good on Monday, I missed my big workout and then we ended up going out to eat because we had no groceries. It was Mexican, and I ate the entire bowl of chips they left with salsa at our table. #noselfcontrol
I began my day Tuesday still feeling pretty crummy about myself. I had my weekly personal training session, and decided, I need to turn this week around. I’m a makeup minimalist on a daily basis, but I know that a lot of my mood is tied into my appearance, however narcissistic that makes me sound, and I feel SO much better about life when I take the time to apply a little makeup. I even think makeup has the power to turn a particularly crappy day into a much better one. Pampering myself for a couple minutes has a lot of transformative power!
A good glass of orange juice is a good place to start a mood boost IMO. Have you ever had a glass of OJ that was fresh squeezed? It’s usually crazy expensive but it is SO worth it. My skin’s equivalent of a fresh and delicious glass of OJ is the new Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask. You can buy a pack of these at Ulta for super cheap and I love them! I kind of look like Jason in a ski mask, but all that hyaluronic acid goodness feels so good. I usually think to do a mask right before bed, but doing one right before my makeup makes it apply like a dream!
A couple other luxe skincare items added to the mix after my mask is done:
- L’Occitane Divine Oil (buy)
- Bliss Triple Oxygen Ex-‘glow’-sion Moisture Cream with Vitabeads (review) (buy)
- Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eye Cream (buy)
When I have a case of the blues, I like to pull out some of my favorite super high end luxury items. Rouge Bunny Rouge is a luxury line that I absolutely love. I have a primer, foundation, and highlighter from them and wearing them all together is like the trifecta!
RBR Original Skin Primer fills in pores and wrinkles to create a perfect base for makeup. The formula has special polymers that act as fillers and silicones that help to ensure long lasting wear time. It feels fabulous on my skin and leaves it feeling soft and ready for the next step. Plus, LOVE the packaging! (buy)
RBR Milk Aquarelle Liquid Foundation in Almond Milk Parfait is a gorgeous, lightweight foundation that gives a flawless appearance to the skin. The shades are meant to look like “stirred light” and create a lit from within glow. I found the texture to be very similar to YSL Fusion Ink (review here). Besides being lightweight, it was long wearing, and felt silky soft and hydrating to my skin while I was wearing it. (buy)
RBR Highlighting Liquid in Sea of Clouds is one of their highlighters that I am also wearing. I have been getting a lot of mileage out of this recently- it’s an ice white highlighter with a lot of glimmer to it and can be mixed into foundation or worn alone. It’s so glamorous and I love the bottle. It reminds me of Becca Shimmering Spotlight Perfector in Pearl (review here) In the photo below, I’m not wearing it yet. I’m just wearing the primer and foundation I mentioned above, applied with the Doll 10 BlendSmart Rotating Foundation Brush which I will review soon! (buy)
For the rest of my face, I’ve had a few favorites lately, some of which I’ve reviewed already, and some of which I am catching up on writing about. I’ll give you the rundown:
- Smashbox Photo Op Undereye Brightener (buy)
- Anastasia Dip Brown Pomade in Dark Brown (buy)
- Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden (buy)
- Tarte Poppy Picnic Palette (buy)– I’m LOVING this and will be reviewing next week.
- Ardency Inn Eyeliner in Gold (buy)
- Xtreme Lashes Glideliner in Plum (buy)
- Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener (buy)
- Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara (buy)
- Tarte the sculptor Amazonian Clay Contouring Face Slenderizer #2 (buy)– review coming on this soon too!
- Jouer blush in Peony (buy) (read review)
A couple finishing touches on my makeup were some longtime favorites that I’ve had. The lipstick I am wearing is RBR Scrumpiously Devious. It’s one of the best nude lippies I’ve found, and it seems to be multifaceted in its color on top of being SO impossibly soft and smooth. It’s true love. I’m also using Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer in 22 Natural Light. I’ve been using this every day lately. It’s really easy to apply out of the stick and it melts into my skin, covering everything. I use it on a red spot on my forehead that I’ve always had, as well as on the redness around my nose and my undereye circles. I’ll be writing more about it soon with Shiseido’s spring release!
Lastly, don’t forget about perfume. I have a roll on of Roses et Reines by L’Occitane (review here) that is perfectly purse sized to carry around with me. Using it as the finishing touch in my getting ready routine makes me SO happy. The scent is very uplifting and it’s perfect for every day. That’s why I bought a roller ball- so I never have to travel or be without it!
I truly do think that applying makeup every day makes a big difference in my disposition. I definitely feel like a better version of myself, with a little pep in my step when I take time to put my face on. Does anyone else feel that way or is just me? I have been running lately too which makes my skin look and feel better and also makes me feel like a better version of myself. Does anyone else have any tips for when you get in a slump? What makes you feel good?
You look so pretty and radiant! I’m so glad that we have all that makeup and skin care, they brighten my day, too 🙂
I’ve had the Hada Labo Mask for ages and still haven’t tried it. You’ve inspired me. Also, I want to try Rouge Bunny one of these days. I agree. Makeup really can transform in more ways than one!
You look beautiful in your before AND after photos. I completely agree with you that makeup can turn my mood around. I not only feel more peppy wearing it, but I love the act of choosing what to wear, and creating a look. It’s my happy place. I am very worried about how I’m going to feel self-esteem wise after the baby arrives, as I have always struggled with weight, and I had gained some before becoming pregnant, and I feel like I have a long road to get back to where I feel best. I hope you feel better soon, that you continue finding ways to boost your mood when you feel that slump! Again – you look great in both pics Justina!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I totally recommend getting a personal trainer! Having the personal accountability on a weekly basis has really caused me to kick it into high gear!
Playing with makeup and skincare products always make my day better. I think that is why I usually get up and just do my hair and makeup in the morning even if I am not doing anything. I know I will feel better immediately hehe
You look amazing. It is true how a little pampering or makeup application can turn a yuck day into something good. I’ve heard such great things about the RBR line, and I really need to try it out.
Makeup changed your whole outlook! 🙂
I looooove that lipstick on you! And totally agree- putting on a full face of makeup and knowing that I look great makes me feel SO much better.
I absolutely agree that putting on makeup can turn your day around – You look fab!
You have such pretty eye lashes… I love your look with or without makeup 😀 But putting on makeup surely can turn that frown upside down. 🙂 I love Hada Lada Tokyo products 🙂
You look gorg! I especially love the lip! Props for working with a trainer… I need to do it!
I’m learning to come to terms with my weight and my body, and being kind to yourself is key. Please don’t beat yourself up, and remember all the wonderful things your body can do and has done for you. As for the makeup, I do get a little pickmeup from luxe products, too, especially lipstick and perfume!
I think I need to try that mask ASAP. I also when I am down in the dumps am a HUGE makeup player and skincare pamperer. Something about just feel pretty on the crappies day can help change the whole mood around. Great post girl!!
Taking time for some very necessary self care is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your family. That old saying, “If mama’s not happy, nobody is happy!” is a truism. When you take time for yourself to rejuvenate and refresh, you are happier and healthier and can be an even better wife and mommy. 😀
I feel you about how makeup can make a big difference. I’ve been neglecting doing my own makeup because of school but I’m glad I’ll have more opportunity now that summer break is coming up!
Ok, I have to say Justina, your skin looks amazing! Even in the before! I totally agree with you. My mood is much better when I apply makeup. I see a few loves of mine, and a few new items that I want to try! (Shiseido concealer, plum liners…)
I love the Hada Labo sheet masks as well. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your pick me up routine. 🙂
Makeup really can give you a much needed pick me up!
You look beautiful without looking like you piled on makeup. I didn’t know about those Hada Labo masks so that will be on my list for Ulta the next time a coupon rolls around.