Putting on a fragrance has always been an important part of my daily beauty routine. I know for some people, wearing a fragrance is reserved more for special occasions, but I think I've just inherited my mom's obsession! As much as I love fragrance, I do always make sure that I'm not putting on too much. It's not pleasant to smell someone who has overdone it especially early in the morning. I wanted to round up a few of my current fragrance favorites as I will probably be wearing these throughout the spring season. I thought it would be fun to show two different fragrances from three of my favorite fragrance brands because the best things come in pairs! Each scent is really unique and special, which make me really look forward to wearing them every day no matter my mood.
You know how music can bring you back to a certain time in your life or remind you of a day, event or experience? For me, certain scents are like time machines in that they evoke strong emotions or memories of a certain time or place. When I first graduated college and began my first job, I used to wear Balenciaga Florabotanica all of the time and now every time I smell it, I immediately transport back to that time. In a few years time, I know the below will remind me of this time in my life and everything that I've got going on. And that's really what I love most about wearing fragrances all year around.
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt: I love the freshness of this scent, which is almost reminiscent of the feeling you get when surrounded by nature whether you're near a big lake, waterfall or woods. It has an earthiness to it, yet it's completely feminine and perfect for every day wear.
Jo Malone Blue Agava & Cacao: This scent immediately drew me in because I've never smelled anything quite like it. It falls into the floral category and definitely has hints of sweetness. There's something enticing about it, which is why I'd say it's perfect for a night out when you're feeling a bit sexier or edgier than usual.
Maison Martin Margiela 'REPLICA' Lazy Sunday Morning: I thought the name of this scent was absolutely perfect when I first got it because it's definitely a relaxing, weekend fragrance. Its scent contains the perfect notes of lily, patchouli, iris and white musk. Lazy Sunday Morning is a true summer scent and although it's light, the fragrance lingers quite nicely throughout the day.
Maison Martin Margiela 'REPLICA' Promenade in the Gardens: If you love romantic floral scents, this one will make you swoon. I get so many compliments when I wear it because it's quite powerful in a good way. The scent is essentially what you would smell if you were to get lost in an English garden surrounded by rows of flowerbeds. Promenade in the Gardens has hints of Turkish rose, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver.
Philsophy Pure Grace: I smelled this scent on someone a few years back and knew I had to have it right away. It is probably the definition of a clean, fresh fragrance. I love how invigorating it is, almost like having a shower! It's a great every day scent and will make you feel instantly refreshed.
Philosophy Amazing Grace: Like its sister, Amazing Grace is incredibly clean and fresh. It's a perfectly feminine scent with notes of bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk. There's really nothing not to like about it!
xx JG
The first time I applied false eyelashes was a total disaster. I decided to give them a try just for fun one night because I'd seen them on a girl at school who wore them all the time. I was curious and thought maybe they'd look good on me. Well, they didn't. The glue slid all over my eyelids and after what probably felt like a half hour, the lashes finally stayed in place. My real eyelashes were stuck together from excess glue and the lash strip was placed crooked on my eyelid. The struggle made me decide they weren't for me mainly because I didn't understand how the heck people got them on without all of the fuss.
I later learned that false lashes don't have to be that difficult to apply if you follow a few tips and tricks. After I got the hang of how to apply them, the process became very quick and easy. Now I really enjoy wearing them on a night out or for a special occassion. I even wear them during the day sometimes because I find they really help to pull a makeup look together and give a little something extra. Hopefully a few tips and tricks will have you well on your way to mastering the falsies. Good luck!
1. Trim your lashes if necessary
When it comes to false lashes, one size does not fit all. Test your false lashes against the natural shape of your eye no matter what style of lash they are. It's perfectly fine to give them a little trim if they're too long or wide. Applying false lashes that don't fit with your eye shape will not look attractive, trust me. After they're trimmed, bend your false lash strips in the shape of a C and hold for a few seconds. The lash strip should follow the natural contour of your upper eyelid to adhere properly and look natural.
2. Get a good lash adhesive
Lash adhesive comes in different varieties and colors. Depending on what you prefer, you can purchase a striplash or brush on adhesive. Glues mainly come in white or dark, but I'd recommend going with white as it dries clear and is more forgiving if you make a mistake. There's specific lash adhesive for individual lash application as well as lashes that have self-adhesive already applied. However, I find that glue works best to secure the lash in place. The best lash adhesive that has a pretty good reputation all round is the Duo Eyelash Adhesive.
3. Wait for the glue to dry before applying
Once you've placed an even layer of glue on the lash strip, wait about 30 seconds or so for the glue to become tacky. If you skip this step, the glue will slid all over your lid when you apply the lash. If you're in a rush, gently blow or wave the lash strip back and forth to allow the glue some time to dry.
2. Have a pair of tweezers handy
Grab the middle of the false lash strip with your tweezers. Tweezers will help you place the false lashes close to the lash line when you're ready. Map out exactly where you want the lash to be placed while looking in the mirror and start by placing the lash toward the inner corner and working your way toward the outer corner.
5. Hold eyelash down after application
After both lashes are applied exactly how you'd like, hold them down with the back end of the tweezers and apply light pressure. Sometimes, I use my pinky finger as well to ensure both eyelashes won't budge.
6. Use eyeliner to fill in gaps
You might see a few spaces between your real and fake lashes, but don't worry! You can fill in the gaps with a black or brown liquid eyeliner to help them appear more natural.
7. Apply mascara and use an eyelash curler
I do find that applying mascara helps to blend in my real and fake lashes, so I typically like to include this step. However, if you'd like to reuse your false lashes, I'd suggest leaving your falsies sans mascara. Once they are firmly set in place, use your eyelash curler to perk them up a bit.
xx JG
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This look is perfect for work, school or wherever you're off to early in the morning. I like to give myself at least a half hour to do my makeup before work, but you can certainly do it in less time with some haste! On the weekends, I have more time to play and usually go for a smokey eye, winged liner and even some falsies if I'm feeling up to it. I love getting ready for special occasions because who doesn't love a reason to go all out? However for work, I like to keep things more simple and natural for obvious reasons.
Lately, I've been loving the way rose-hued natural shadows look on the lid especially as those tones are known for looking great on all eye colors. A great eyeshadow palette for rose-hued shadows is the Urban Decay Naked3 Palette. Urban Decay eyeshadows are my absolute favorite mainly because they are of such good quality. And the color section in the palettes are all you could really need for natural looks. They provide rich color, buttery-like texture and superior blendability. The Urban Decay palettes are beauty staples among most makeup lovers and I highly recommend purchasing at least one of the three palettes if you'd like perfect, everyday shades at your disposal!
Here is my step-by-step process if you're interested to know what products and beauty tools I use to create this look on a regular basis.
1. Start off by popping a small amount of Givenchy Teint Couture Blurring Foundation Balm on the back of your hand. Blend foundation evenly on your face using a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.
We all have those days. You know the days where you'd give anything to run into your bedroom, close the door, throw the covers over your head and not come out until the Domino's guy delivers. There's no saving you now. Okay, maybe that's a little bit dramatic. Below are some of my favorite ways to relax after work because a little R&R never hurt anyone.
1. Color in your adult coloring book
Adult coloring books have become quite the trend lately. When I first heard about them, I was skeptical because I couldn't really see adults taking time out of their day to color. It turns out I was very wrong. There are so many different types of adult coloring books you can purchase off of Amazon if you're interested. They take me back to my childhood and I actually really want to do a good job at coloring again. The book I have is called Zen and it's composed of mandalas, which are typically used to help focus attention during meditation.
2. Eat your favorite foods
My love for all types of food and more importantly a nice, home cooked meal has been ingrained in me from an early age. Thankfully, I grew up with a mother that cooked big meals for our family every night. And this made me really love food and look forward to stuffing my face. The best thing is when I've had a rough day at work and my co-worker buys a blondie from the cafe late in the afternoon and asks me if I want a piece. Why yes, thank you. I'd love half of your blondie actually. Don't know what a blondie is? That's terrible, google it now.
3. Take a bath or a hot shower
I mentioned in a previous post how much taking a bath really influences my mood. Bath time is a relaxing way to wind down and get my mind back into a peaceful, positive place. I love to use Lush bath bombs as I find they add a little something extra special. Think of it as alternative medicine. Don't have time for a long bath? Just let the hot water in the shower steam you up a little longer than you normally would.
4. Read a book or magazine
This might not be for everyone since I know reading isn't exactly a hobby for many millennials these days. We are surrounded by Netflix and websites where you can watch free movies that are playing in movie theaters as we speak. I know competition is tough for a good old book or magazine to grab your attention. However, a great book really takes my imagination to another place unlike a tv show or movie. There is nothing better than escaping your current reality to a more interesting place, but in your own head.
5. Go outside for a run or exercise at the gym
Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't. - Elle Woods
Need I say more? Didn't think so.
6. Practice a hobby or interest
Maybe you like to play a sport or you enjoy painting or drawing. When I was a teenager, I used to play piano and guitar in my free time. Nothing crazy, I had a very basic skill set. Practicing was really calming and a great way to remove myself from school, homework and whatever else I was doing at that time in my life. Take some time to practice your hobbies especially if you've had a particularly long or rough day. It will make you feel more positive and ready to take on another day.
xx JG
