Makeup Bag Essentials

I am not someone who likes to bring a full load of makeup to school but rather stick to the things that'll be good to have around in case I smudge my eye makeup or forget to use something in the morning. If you want to bring more makeup related products I'd definitely recommend things that can be multi purposeful. Choose a lipstick that isn't only a great shade for you lips but also could double as cream blush. Things that have dual purposes will save you space in your makeup bag and you will have less things to worry about bringing.

Personal hygiene is one of the most important things to keep up. However, everyone has had that one day that they are running late and forgot to put on deodorant or brush their teeth. Keep miniature sizes of those products so you will never have to worry. I also would have to say if you can find a miniature size of anything, get it, especially for something that needs to be portable like your makeup bag. Another thing that is helpful to stay feeling refreshed at school are oil absorbing sheets. After gym class or even if you just have oily skin, these sheets will remove excess oils without ruining your makeup.

It can be hard to feel nice when you are having a bag hair day. Keep extra hair ties and bobby pins in your bag just in case your locks won't cooperate. I also like to have these sorts of things just for when I want my hair out of my face. I usually put my hair up when I am taking a test or you may need to put in back in science class.

For actual makeup, I keep it pretty low key. The main things I have in my makeup bag are lip products. I like to keep a lip balm, gloss, and some sort of stain or tint. The three things shown in the picture are staples in my makeup bag. It is also super easy to add a little bit of makeup to your lips and you will look super polished after.

About at the mid day point at school I feel like my skin looks a bit tired and less glowy than it did in the morning. This is why I prefer to keep a matte bronzer in my makeup bag, but you could totally switch this up for a light, translucent powder. You can use the applicator, if it comes with one, or just a miniature sized face brush or kabuki. I don't wear pencil eyeliner too much but for some reason I think it is a useful thing to keep in your makeup bag for touch ups or if you decide you want to amp up your eye look. Mascara is definitely a number one must have! Keeping a mini sized bottle in your purse can be a life saver in case you forgot to apply it in the morning or just need another coat.

These are all the things I keep in my makeup bag! Let me know your must haves for yours in the comments. If there are any other Back to School types posts you would like to see let me know what those are also.

xx Meghan

Mad Hatter

I always thought that wearing hats was such a big deal. Like it was one of those fashion risks that you weren't sure would pay off or not. Especially at school, I thought that it might be a bit too bold. I had waded into the pool with slouchy beret style hats a few years back, but I always adored the look of a real  hat. One of my friends wears hats quite often to school and I have realized it is not that strange! However if you are still on the edge, try out a thick headband or a big bow to get started. 

Many people would say they use hats as an shield to a bad hair day. If you were to ask me, I think it is very important your hair goes somewhat with your head piece. I would never really just throw a hat on a walk out the door. My best advice to deciding what kind of hair goes with your hat isn't very straightforward but will pay off. Start off before doing anything, like heat styling etcetera, to your hair and just put the hat on. Survey how it looks and then go from there. Find if you prefer straight locks or curls and waves. But my biggest advice is make it manageable. I normally find it necessary to have to readjust my hair after awhile of wearing a hat. So, if you have that issue in common with me, make sure the hair style you are sporting allows for a quick, as I would call it, 'phloof'-ing to liven up limp pieces. 

Another fun play of the standard hat is something like a "hat on a stick." Really only acceptable for a party in my opinion, you can find little bitty hats with other fun add on's attached to a head band at lots of stores. I think it would be really fun to DIY one with friends for some sort of costume party!

Right now I love big floppy brimmed hats! Even though they remind me of summer somewhat, the burnt orange, black and navy shades scream winter. What is your favorite type of hat? How do you like to wear it? Let me know in the comments below! 

XOXO Meghan

Best of 2011: My Favorite Products

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To round off this year, I decided to create a list of my favorite of favorites from 2011. This encompasses pretty much everything that I have really loved this year. I switch up items that I use almost weekly for some things so it was hard for me to think back to the things I have been using for a good amount of this year. So that shows how much I love these things! Let me know your favorites of this year!

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I got this lotion actually on January first of this year and since then I haven't gone back! I am pretty low maintenance on moisturizers, so this one is perfect for me. It keeps my skin feeling fresh and clean all day. I use the gel because I have combo/oily skin, they also have a lotion version for dry skin, but I would probably recommend the gel for people with normal skin because I feel like it's a little lighter than the lotion. But it is a great all encompassing moisturizer!

2. Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara (Volume and Fusion)

I used one of these two mascaras all throughout summer! I will always have that iconic orange mascara tube with me, it is great by itself and also layers great with all other mascaras. I have been using some sort of version of Lash Blast for about 2 or 3 years now, if that's not dedication that I don't know what is! It always works!

3. Remington Curling Wand

I got this  hair iron back in 2010 for Christmas and I just works so perfectly for my hair. I have naturally curly hair, but pretty much only on my bottom layers. Then, my top layers are almost stick straight! This curling wand works wonders on my limp hair to give it a really effortless and natural look. You can go from ringlets to beachy waves! 

4. Basic Scarfs

I honestly wear a scarf probably five out of seven days in the week! I pretty much alternate between my black and white cashmere ones but sometimes I mix it up with a fun pattern. I get cold super easy and scarf are great to stay warm and also look really cute. It might just be me but I feel like scarves can make an outfit look super cute even when they are just a solid color.

5. Clairsonic + Purity Made Simple

I got the set in the picture from QVC that included the Clairsonic Plus (in pink!!) and some Philosophy items a while back. I have always love this cleanser and the Clairsonic makes your face so soft and gets out all the leftover makeup!

6. Steve Madden "Intyce" Boots

I pretty much wear these everyday! They are so cute and go with any outfit! They are the perfect riding boot and I cannot gush about them enough. Pretty much everyone has these boots at my school but they are so great I understand why! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a nicely made riding boot.

7. Vintage Coach Messenger Bag

I bought this at thrift store for like $15! I use it all the time for shopping or for school! I actually has a pretty good amount of room to where I can fit a reading book in it and my lunch for school and a water! It is really versatile and a easy choice when it comes to picking out the bag I want to wear, it's really great. You can only find it online now I believe, especially on Etsy!

8. NYX Blush Rouge Cream in Glow

I definitely have an unhealthy obsession with blush! I especially love this cream blush from NYX. It honestly does add a "glow" to your face that is really pretty. It is so pigmented and is super creamy compared to a MAC blushcreme. This is a really great universal pink color that looks good on its own or with a powder blush on top. You can buy NYX online or in ULTA.

9. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I was going through a bit of a rough patch with my hair mid summer. It didn't feel soft, it was dry and damaged. I decided to try this out it did wonders for my hair. Even after one wash my hair felt smoother and softer. I also love the smell!

10. Pearl Studs

I have never really been that big into earrings even though I love the look of long dangly ones! It always seems like a hassle to put them on! But pretty much all this year I wore pearl studs! They go with any outfit and are just so classic. I have like five pairs in different colors and sizes and I love them!

What were your favorites of 2011?! Hope you all are really for the New Year and are have a safe and fun New Year's Eve!

XOXO M