Easy Summer Makeup Routine

When it comes to summertime, I am all about having an easy routine and using the least amount of products. For scorching temps to days at at the beach, the last thing I want to worrying about is my makeup melting and looking a mess. This week the temps in NC have hit an all time high and my thermostat has read 100 degrees every day. With that being said, I have officially switched to my summer routine in an attempt to make things easier and worry free. The above products are what I use on a normal day going to work and it takes me less then 5 minutes to apply. Note- the white liner I apply just at the very upper corners of my eye to bright then up a bit, perfect for days when I need a little extra something. Typically if I am heading out for night out with friends or to an event I will spruce things up a bit with a bit of liner, shadow, and lip color. On weekends all bets are off and you can normally find me with just a touch of mascara and under-eye concealer. 

What does your summertime routine look like?

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list

Happy Tuesday friends! Before I talk about my Christmas Wish-list, I have to mention this past weekend and how amazing it was. I have become horrible about documenting my weekends but truth be told I don't mind it. There's something nice about not paying attention to your phone or worrying about taking enough pictures, simply because your enjoying the moment. 

Friday night I didn't get out of work until late and was so tired I knew it would be an early night. On my way home I stopped and got a personal pizza from Whole Foods and a bottle of wine. I caught up on Greys and Scandal from the night before and was asleep by 10... totally OK in my book. 

Saturday morning I hit the gym for Muscle Pump then ran a few errands and did some cleaning around the house. That afternoon I headed to my friend, Mackenzie's house for some relaxing before a fun girls night out. Mackenzie is my little in my sorority and I am so thankful we are finally living in the same area. Saturday night we headed out for a fun dinner at Sushi Blues and then grabbed a few yummy cocktails at Clockwork. We had such a fun night catching up and enjoying each other's company, it was just what the doctor ordered after a stressful week at work! 

Sunday we continued our girls fun and headed to the mall for a little shopping. We spent nearly forever in Sephora, both being makeup junkies and walked out with some fun new makeup. Next we hit a few more stops before grabbing a late lunch. The rest of Sunday was spent cleaning around the house and getting ready for the week. Like I said... a wonderful weekend!

Now onto my Christmas Wish-list! 

This year I am so anxious to get home for the Holidays and spend time with my family. I normally have a few things in my that I want to ask for but this year I really had to think and do some research. I pulled a few things together and this is what I was able to come up with...

My Favorite Things- Christmas Wish-list by ead0724 featuring gold wristwatches

(One) Nars Cheek Set- Lately I am all about contouring and learning the art of what products to use and wear. I absolutely love Nars and currently use their blush and bronzer. This would be a great product to add to my collection to play a bit more with highlighting and definition. 

(Two) Paige "Huxton" Skinny Jeans- Paige is one of my favorite brands of jeans, they are soft but structured and don't need to be washed after every wear due to stretching out. I am a bit picky when it comes to my jeans and prefer them higher waisted, as well as super tight throughout the leg. 

(Three) Sultra The Bombshell Curling Iron- A friend of my mine has this wand and I can't wait to have it as well. It gives the perfect large barrel curls and looks so natural. I also think that using this wand holds better then using a regular clamp curling iron. 

(Four) Tory Burch Caroline Patent Ballet Flat- Call me absolutely insane but I do not own one pair of Tory Burch flats. I also bought a pair a few months ago during one of the Tory Burch sales but for the life of me could not decide which pair I wanted. I've decided on this pair and couldn't love them more, they go with nearly everything and actually look comfortable. 

(Five) Sam Edelman Penny Boot in Black- When it comes to riding boots, I have always stuck to a brown or cognac color. Black boots have never looked quite right on me until I tried this pair. My favorite thing about these boots is how plain and simple they are, nothing too extravagant, just a basic black boot with button detail. 

(Six) Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Watch- My gold watch broke a few months ago and I still can't believe I haven't given in and bought another one. I love this watch and think its incredibly elegant with the pearl background detail. 

(Seven) Steve Madden Galleryy Pump- Probably one of the things I need most on this list are these nude pumps. They are perfect and would go with so much and are just tall enough without making me nervous I would fall over. Also a steal right now at under $50!

(Eight) GiGi New York Uber Clutch- I have admired these beautiful clutches from afar for far too long now. I love this deep magenta color and would definitely add a gold monogram in the center for an added touch. 

What's on your Christmas wish-list?

Yours truly,

Emily Ann

Obsessions

Obsessions by ead0724 featuring j crew flats

This weeks obsessions are all about transition into fall. This comfy grey sweater looks beyond perfect to throw on with these boyfriend jeans or even dressed up with leather leggings. Being that I'm on the hunt for a new pair of neutral flats, I loved this pair from J. Crew, shown to my courtesy of Ashley. I am loving the new Marc Jacobs Too Hot Crossbody bag and what could be better to add to any outfit then these beautiful emerald studs. Top it all off with a fiery new red lipstick... perfection. 

Yours truly, 

Emily Ann

Splurge Vs. Save: Beauty

Splurge Vs. Save: Beauty by ead0724 featuring NYX

I was recently contacted by Erin from Credit Card Insider about doing a Splurge vs. Save post and immediately thrilled. While I do love indulging in some aspects of life, pedicures at times, good wines, yummy food, and one of my favorite things to spend money one... new beauty products, I also love a good save. Above are a few of my favorite products and alternatives I have found to be just as effective and great. I am so glad Erin asked me to participate in this great campaign and have loved seeing more affordable alternatives to products everyone loves and values. Check out Credit Card Insider for lots of resources including budgets, credit card financing, and managing debt. If you know me you know I absolutely love my job and wouldn't it for the world, however it's not a job that allows to spend whatever I want whenever I want. Lately I have been trying to really cut back and watch my budget, especially with all the traveling and weddings I am attending this summer. Saving a bit of money, especially when it comes to products I use every day... no brainer. 

Be sure to comment with any affordable beauty products you have discovered lately! 

Happy Thursday everyone- we're almost to the weekend!

Yours truly, 

Emily 

Currently Coveting...

Here are some of the things I've had my eye on for spring! Loving bright colors and  mixed with neutrals like those amazing Steve Maddens!

Yours truly, 

Emily

My Everyday Makeup- Less then 10 steps!

My Everyday Makeup- Less then 10 steps! by ead0724 featuring Bare Escentuals

As of a few weeks ago I switched up my beauty routine and stumbled upon some new makeup, Bare Minerals to be exact. While at home a few weeks ago, I played around with my mom's and couldn't have fallen more in love. I consider myself to be a major foundation junkie and am always looking for the newest brand or what promises the most results. When I tried Bare Minerals I couldn't believe how much coverage it gave while also looking natural. I happen to get lucky on the day I ventured into the store because I got all of the above for less then $100, minus the Nars blush and brush. So far I am loving everything I have used from Bare Minerals and can't wait to try more of their products! Here are a few I have my eye on...

Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser

Active Cell Renewal Night Serum

Flawless Radiance All Over Powder

If you haven't given Bare Minerals a chance I highly suggest you do so, I have absolutely loved it and am very picky about my makeup and what I put on my skin!

Yours truly,
Emily