I am not, by any means, venturing into Beauty Blogging. There are way too many talented people out there who do a great job. But I do like to see what people use, especially on a regular basis so I’m going to show you mine.

I developed Rosacea a few years ago and my doctor recommended using a mineral foundation instead of liquid. He also put me on Oracea and a metro gel. The metro gel dries out my face so I use it sparingly instead of twice daily. One tried-and-true item that works for me is the Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar. It keeps my flare-ups to a minimum, especially when I miss taking the Oracea.

I’m still trying to find all my favorites to use but this is what I use right now. I start with Smashbox Photo Finish Color Corrector and then add my Philosophy Hope in a Jar A to Z Cream in Medium. Next is my Benefit Boi-ing Concealer. I am so happy Benefit added more shades as the Medium is perfect. Some days I’ll add the concealer under the A to Z Cream and that will be it for the day. My absolute favorite eye shadow is in the Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes. The pink alabaster shade is my FAVORITE EVER. I’ve tried to find something similar in other brands but it’s just not the right shade of pink. I use every single bit of this shadow until the container is empty. I use the second shade on my crease most of the time and rarely use the third dark brown shade. I really with Benefit would just make the pink alabaster shade and sell it separately. I’d buy it in bulk!

I curl my lashes with a heated curler and only add mascara when I’m going out. I use one of three lip items with my favorite being the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Bel-Ami. It is the perfect neutral lip color for me. I also use Fresh Sugar Rose’ and Benetint.

When I need a little more coverage I will use a pressed foundation that I apply with a mineral brush. Currently I’m trying out Cover FX and Studio Fix by MAC. I prefer the MAC but I still think both colors are a little light for my skin. When I take pics I can see a difference in my face color and my arms or legs or even neck. I’ve noticed that Benefit’s PoreFessional gives additional coverage to my Rosacea Flare-ups so I’ll add that on top of the Smashbox Primer when needed.

The Urban Decay Naked3 Pallette is great to keep your eyes neutral but still add a bit of fun. I don’t really venture too much from neutrals on the eyes. My go-to mascara is They’re Real by Benefit. If I’m in a hurry I can use this without curling my lashes.

See my brand new Big Beautiful Eyes! That pink alabaster will be gone in a few months. 

Right now I keep everything on the counter in a Cosmetic Organizer I found on Amazon. (similar here, here and here) I didn’t mention blush but right now I’m using Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Blush Duo in Rose Emotion. It’s coming out very pink so I have to tone it down with a little more MAC or Cover FX. I think I need to switch to Guava Glow. I had a MAC Blush I loved from year’s ago but frustratingly can’t remember it. 
Benefit’s Erase Paste does wonders to my dark circles and I’ll use that as needed too. 

So that’s my make-up routine. I would love to hear what you use. I am actually hearing great things about IT Cosmetics and their Redness Correcting Creme and Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, my two biggest problem areas.

Normally we stay home and celebrate when NYC hits midnight but Husband and I enjoyed our first NYE out in quite a few years. We felt bad leaving The Boy home but he was actually online with some of his school friends at midnight playing PS3.

Here’s what I wore for New Year’s Eve.

All J Crew
Belt: Glimmer Sash in Heirloom Pink
New Lip Gloss: Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

I have been wanting a red lipstick for a while so last week when Husband was shopping I walked over to the Chanel counter to see what they had. (Told you I only wandered away once.) It is really red but not orange-y or pink-y. I love it. I put it on lightly, if that can even been done, let it dry a little and then added another layer and blotted. Husband really noticed it but since my usual lip color matches my lips he would have noticed anything darker than that.

Have a great evening! Back to work for me tomorrow.

The Cashmere Cody Cardigan that is.

We are having a family date day to celebrate The Boy’s Straight AAAAA’s. He’s been begging to go to this Brazilian steakhouse so we’ll be doing that after an afternoon movie. I’ve decided I may not want to put myself in a “meat coma” like I did on our anniversary two years ago so I may stick with the awesome salad bar and sneak a little piece here and there from Husband. The smell of beef made me nauseous for days.

Here’s Day 6…

Tee: J Crew Vintage Cotton Sequin Henley (Size S – A little snug in this size. I should have gotten the Medium.)
Caridgan: J Crew Cashmere Cody in Matisse Blue (Isn’t this color gorgeous?)
Jeans: GAP Curvy
Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Pump

I am not a nail person. I get pedi’s all the time but I have always had a bad habit of biting my nails. After I saw this gorgeous purple color by Chanel (Paradoxal), I had to have it. And my nails are thanking me for it. They are growing and I am not biting them. I broke on on the other hand so as soon as it grows a little longer I’ll get a manicure. I can’t wait!

Have a great weekend!