fitness. motherhood. life & style.

Splurge Worthy Makeup with the Sephora Sale

I do have a few makeup items that are worth splurging on but I try to wait until the Sephora VIB sale to purchase them. You can be included in the sale just by signing up to be a Beauty Insider. If you are already an insider and spend a certain amount of money each year then you end up becoming a VIB or Rouge member. April 26th was when Rouge members were able to access the sale and get 20% off by using code HEYROUGE. VIB members and Insider members have access to the sale from May 2nd to May 6th. VIB gets you 15% off with code HEYVIB and being an Insider gets you 10% off using code HEYINSIDER. Below, I'm sharing the items I use daily that are totally worth the money!

Tinted Moisturizer
After having skin problems post baby, I decided to give up the foundation and I have been using this tinted moisturizer for months. I LOVE IT! It does not break me out, has SPF, and it matches your skin automatically. It gives me a little coverage without being too heavy. Best skin decision I've ever made!



Moisturizers
I switch between these two moisturizers. I use the Fresh one the most because it doesn't break me out. I love the vitamin C one when my skin needs a little brightening. Most moisturizers break me out and both of these do not so again, that is very worth the money!



Self Tanner
Hands down the best self tanner I've ever used. I just add this to my moisturizer and it gives my face a nice glow. I also have the tanning water for my body and I will be sharing an entire post on this soon. This also does not break me out. Put a watch on this product, it is always sold out.



Blush
The Nars blush in Orgasm is my all time favorite blush. I was happy to see Nars come out with this little $24 palette because it is inexpensive and lasts awhile. The bronzer can also double as a highlighter.



Bronzer
This bronzer has lasted me SO LONG! It is hands down the best bronzer I've ever used. It does not go on heavy or have glitter in it which I love about a bronzer. It also lasts all day long!



Highlighter Pencil
This was an item I never knew I needed until I had a baby and wasn't getting much sleep, ha! I use it in the inner corners of my eyes and under my eye brows and it makes me look much more awake. It also lasts a long time!



Eyeshadow Palette
My most used, every day eye shadow! These shades are good for any skin tone and are simple enough that they can be worn at work.



Dry Shampoo
Hands down the best dry shampoo I've ever used. Works so well and smells amazing. They also have the travel size and I never travel without it!



Lip Gloss
My current favorite lip gloss and I love the nude color, White Russian. Stays on a long time for a gloss!



These items are a little pricey but they do last a long time. I also believe that good skin items are worth the money. Sephora has very few sales so now is the time to get your splurge worthy makeup products!
SHARE:

Best Drug Store Makeup

Makeup can get really expensive, when it doesn't have to be. I think it's important to find what you want to splurge on and what you want to save on. All of these items below are under $15 and I would pick them over any expensive option any day!


NYX Concealer, Powder, and Butter Gloss
This is my favorite drug store makeup brand. All of their stuff is really good quality and inexpensive. The concealer is the best I've used- it doesn't look cakey but it lasts all day. It also doesn't seem to clog my pores. The butter gloss is my favorite lip gloss of all time (besides those awesome old VS lip glosses, who remembers those?!). It stays on, smells good, and has just the right amount of color. My favorite color is Tiramisu. Also, I've never liked a pressed powder until this one. I have dry skin and powder doesn't always work on my skin. This one is just the right amount and formula to blend in well and provide good coverage.


L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise
I am an avid mascara user. I have tried sooooo many mascaras over the years and this one tops the charts. It is like the "Better Than Sex" mascara but BETTER. It goes on well and my lashes look full and long. It holds a curl and it doesn't dry and flake like the Better Than Sex one. If there is any make up you need in your life- this is it.


Wet N' Wild Brow Pencil
I've had some bad eyebrow years because I couldn't find a product that was easy to use. This pencil was a game changer because it is so easy to use and goes on pretty natural. I don't like very dark brows but my blonde eye brows need a little help. This looks really natural and it has a brush on the other end to soften things up. You can also go heavy on this if you want. The best part is, it's $3 whole dollars!!


Elf Brushes
The price of make up brushes always blows my mind. To be honest, some of my Elf brushes have outlasted my Sephora brushes. Also, keep in mind that the longevity of a brush depends on how you care for them. I just always feel like if you can save on any makeup item, it's brushes.


Almay Goddess Gloss
I stumbled on this in Walgreens because it was on sale and I love it! It is the best holographic gloss without being overwhelming. It also lasts and smells good (but not overwhelming).


Beauty doesn't have to be expensive!! Enjoy.

SHARE:

Best Jeans for the Curvy Figure

I have tried on tons of pairs of jeans and it took me a very long time to find some that fit my figure. If they fit good in the legs, they're too tight on my hips. If they fit good on my hips, they're too loose on my legs, etc. etc. My number one tip for jeans, if you're curvier, is to get them with stretch or go for a good quality jegging that really does look like a pair of jeans. This works for my slim girls too! Any jean with stretch is usually meant to hug all body types. I'm going to list some of my favorite brands and styles of jeans below that have fit me best and would work for a curvy figure! *side note, a few people have mentioned I'm not curvy but little do you know, I wear a size 10 jean sometimes an 8. To some people that is almost plus size! Ridiculous. But finding jeans that fit you right is what matters- and size is literally just a number. It's all about the fit.
Express
Express's jeans are my number one fit BY FAR. I've owned my favorite pairs of jeans from them for years and not only do they fit like a glove but they don't shrink or stretch out and they've lasted me FOREVER. I always go with the super skinny fit so they're tight in the legs and I like a mid or higher waist. I could for real sleep in these things they are so comfortable. They are also a nice enough quality that I wear them to work weekly. I usually go for a darker color in order to wear them to work and they often have sales so you don't have to spend $80 on jeans. TTS.


Fashion Nova
I can't link my favorites to shop here, but just know these were made for curvier girls. They fit my hips and waist perfectly and they are very flattering. They are also very affordable. Any of their jeans will work for the curvier girl! TTS.
Shop jeans here.

Abercrombie
Abercrombie jeans are my next pick. I recently bought a pair of their super skinny ankle jeans and I love the feel (so soft) and fit of them. They are also high waist and very comfortable. They don't stretch out during the day much either. I will say that the washes fit differently. My white ones are TTS and my dark ones I went down a size.


Levi
I bought the "Wedgie" fit and they are my favorite! They are really flattering. Some of the Levi's with less stretch DO NOT fit my body but if you find a good, stretch pair- they make your behind look great. TTS.


Old Navy
I actually use to hate Old Navy's jeans- they were the worst fit for me. I decided to give them another try when they had half off jeans the other day and I found a winner! These jeans are TTS and so comfortable. I think they've redone their fit since I swore them off years ago. I love that they're very affordable.


American Eagle
These are my last pick. I still like them, the fit is flattering and they have a great wash but they don't fit me 100% perfectly. They're a good dressy jean because they keep their dark wash and are comfortable if you're not wearing them all day long. Also, I need jeans that can move with me at work and that's what I'm primarily basing this off of.


Jeans are so important and can be so hard to find a good fit! I hope this post helps!
SHARE:

Spring Shoes with Target



Target is having by one get one half off on shoes right now and I have been loving their spring shoes. I was planning to share some of my favorite shoes for spring and this sale made it perfect timing!


Espadrilles
These espadrilles are the most comfortable sandal I've ever worn! I walked all over Las Vegas in these and they never bothered me once. I also like that they have a platform and you can dress them up or down. Espadrilles are a really fun accessory for warm weather. True to size.


Blush Flats
These blush flats are so pretty, comfy, and easy to clean. They have several blush flats right now that I love so I linked a few more. All that I've tried on are true to size. I love a good pair of flats for work or running errands. The colors I'm seeing everywhere are perfect for spring!


Wedges
These wedges come in several colors and they are so cute! They are a lot like the Treasure and Bond wedges but for half the price. I would actually size down half a size because they are somewhat wide. I think it's always good to have a pair of wedges in your closet because they're the most comfortable "heel" you can own.



Birkenstock Sandals (Real or fake)
Both of these Birkenstock dupes are cute and comfortable. I made myself only keep one pair (lol) and I chose the ones with the tan bottoms because I feel that they will hold up better in the long run. The others are more of a flip flop material and both are true to size. These dupes or actual Birkenstock's are a great running around sandal. Flat sandals or basic flip flops always kill my feet and these do not!

Jellies (for toddlers)
I also had to link Mia's jelly sandals because they are my favorite shoe she owns! It is so hard to find shoes for Toddler's that stay on and these are winners. Jelly sandals are the best!

Linking a few more of my favorites below! Haven't purchased these yet but I may have to with this sale! Neutral options are also great for spring. I love that it's finally warm enough for sandals!



Other items in this post




SHARE:

Swimsuits for Every Body

Summer is right around the corner and that means so is swimsuit season! Too often I hear girls complain about swimsuits and how they feel in them. I've always struggled to find a good fitting suit but a few months ago I found my FAVORITE suit from Aerie. It's the best fitting suit I've ever owned. I LOVE that they cater to all body types and they model their swimsuits on a bunch of different girls. It makes all girls feel 100% more real and comfortable. Because of that, I decided I wanted to share my swimsuit tips to help flatter any shape. All girls should feel beautiful in a swimsuit! Most suits are Aerie with a few from two other good quality, affordable retailers.


Concern: Small Bust
A push up bra top is always a win in this case but if you don't like those tops I would say opt for a halter bikini possibly with ruffles or crochet. The details will make you appear fuller up top and the triangles can be adjusted to give you a little oomph.




Concern: Large Bust
I think it's always good to get a top that doesn't move like the string bikinis in this situation. Think a halter or bra top that doesn't move and has good coverage or one of those cute high neck tops for total coverage.




Concern: Tummy
High waist swimsuits are very cute and very flattering! You can get them a little more cheeky or you can have fuller backside coverage. Ones that runch on the sides can also be very flattering on a tummy. I really like the ones that have a thick band around the middle for more support.




Concern: Hips
This one is always my issue!! I've owned all three of these types of bottoms and they all help to slim my hips. Any suit with ties or runching on the sides doesn't hug you so tightly. The yellow one that I own has this great thick band around it that fits my hips PERFECTLY. If you feel that you have too slender of hips, then a hip tie suit is also good because it can be adjusted or hiked up to create fuller looking hips.




Concern: Booty
If you're looking for more coverage on your backside, my yellow suit does this really well. The runched swimsuits also cover pretty good. Some high waist suits give you good backside coverage, but I recommend trying them on before buying. Usually, you have to try any of these on to test out that backside coverage. Hipster or boy short bottoms also help for better coverage. If you're looking to show off the booty, I love a high waist cheeky bottom (like the lime) because they really flatter a good toned backside.




Concern: More Coverage in general
I think one piece swimsuits are just as cute as two piece and they have a ton of fun options. The lemon one is really cute for summer and the black and white has the lines in the middle to accentuate or create more of a waist. You can find a suit with the right pattern to flatter your shape. A longer tube top also gives more coverage than any other bikini top. Lastly, I found this super cute skirted one piece on Amazon that would look awesome on anyone! Skirted one piece suits can give you good coverage and are still very cute. I think they also smooth you out especially with runching on them.




Most of these suits come in different colors and you can mix and match. Also, pick a color that is most flattering on your skin tone to bring it all together. I think it's important that we all feel cute and comfortable at the pool or on the beach this summer! Hope this helps!
Shop my yellow suit and accessories, below.




-Katie Lynn
SHARE:

Maternity Wear with Pinkblush

If there was anything I was looking for in maternity wear, it was longevity. It took me forever to finally break down and buy maternity pants, just because I knew I wouldn't wear those postpartum. But don't skip out on buying maternity pants, they're the best! When I was shopping for maternity items, I had a hard time finding things that I knew I would be able to wear postpartum and that was one of my main priorities. I don't like spending money on items that I will wear for a short period of time and maternity wear can be just that. I also didn't know if or when I would be having more babies so my maternity wear budget wasn't that big.

Not only was I concerned with longevity, but I wanted cute maternity items! Surprisingly, I found most maternity wear to be very frumpy and I think it's important to still look and feel cute even when you're pregnant. I managed to find a few items that I loved and still wear but I wish I would have found PinkBlush before I had Miss Mia. They are the ideal maternity wear shop for the young, stylish mama. I love their women's line but I really love the maternity line because it has items that I can wear postpartum and they're more so directed at the modern mama. I love my gifted clothing and Mia and I can match in our striped tops! I still can't believe this top is a maternity top!


Price point and quality is also a big deal for me with clothing. Online boutiques are my favorite because I don't have much time to shop for clothes, but sometimes quality is an issue and you won't know that until you receive an item. I love the quality of the PinkBlush clothes, especially since I plan to keep maternity wear for a long time and the price point easily fits in my budget.


Lastly, one of the most important factors in finding the right maternity clothing was finding something that I can wear to work (think: versatile). I wore my striped top to work but I can also wear it more casually on the weekends. Obviously, I am not pregnant now but this top can easily adjust to various belly sizes, while still being work appropriate. You can find this same top that was gifted to me, here. They have tons of good maternity tops!


If you're a new or expecting mama, or even if you're just searching for a good online clothing boutique- I would highly recommend PinkBlush. I love that I get to work with a brand that values all of the same things that I do in clothing- quality, versatility, affordability, and maternity wear for the fashionable mama! Their maternity line is ideally what I recommend for all expecting mamas! I'm sharing a few of my other favorite items below. I'd love to see what you find, just tag me on Instagram and hashtag shoppinkblush and prettyinpinkblush. Happy shopping!

The cutest Kimono (slims you when pregnant, looks great after).

I'm shocked this is a maternity top!

This dress can easily be worn pregnant or not, and would look great at a summer wedding.

They also have the cutest little kid apparel!
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig