First, I want to apologize that it has been a while since I've posted a new blog...we've had a lot of craziness going on with birthdays and stuff around the house and well the girls just take up so much time sometimes that I just forget.

But I've wanted to get this post up for some time and some of the other moms of twitter that I talk with were also doing a post similar to this.  As a mom it is not always easy to get all dolled up, most days I'm lucky to walk out of the door wearing matching shoes and both kids dressed...but I have recently found it slightly easier to get some sort of a "flawless" face done in about 5 minutes.  It is just enough time for my husband to watch the girls and me to feel like I don't look like death walking out the door.  This has definitely become my go-to make up pretty much every day unless it is a special occasion, also with it being summer it is nice that this make up is minimal so if it sweats off it's not the end of the world.

In the caption below the picture I will list the products being shown and a slight description of how I use them, at the bottom I'll have a before and after...hopefully I don't scare you all :)  I'll kick this off with the face...this is the most time consuming...

Step One: I first use a primer (any will do), this helps to keep the face products I'm using from sinking into my pores, kind of a barrier to help protect my face, most primers also come with SPF which is always a positive benefit.  After my primer is set (usually 30-60 seconds) I apply the Hard Candy Glamoflauge in Medium (A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY WITH THIS STUFF)...I literally use 3 small lines (one on each cheek and one on the chin), this stuff is AMAZING at eliminating my redness and that little bit covers most of my whole face when I buff it in with the F80.  Lastly, under my eyes and anywhere I'd like to brighten up (top of nose and a little on chin) I apply the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, again blending with the F80 makes this a super smooth, fast and flawless application.

Matte Primer (this one came out of Birchbox I believe), Hard Candy's Glamoflauge in Medium $5 (exclusive at Wal-Mart), Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer Dark Circle/Spot Corrector in Light $8.99 and Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush $18

Step Two:  I always set my face and especially under the eyes with a translucent powder.  A fluffy Kabuki Brush does this and the powder helps keep me from looking/getting oily throughout the day, even in the summer heat.

Step Three: Bronzer is always essential in the summer and helps bring some "glow" back to the face.  I use a combination of an angled brush to give me some definition by contouring my face and sculpting out my cheeks and I also use the same brush as when I did the translucent powder, again this helps give that all over glow and helps to buff out any harsh lines I've created in my contouring.


Step 4: Blush always brings a little flush back to the face, I'm a warmer tone so I prefer peachy blushes but I have found one pink I love, I wear it with a more dramatic eye.

I was in contact with BoxyCharm when they arrived on Twitter.  They are a new subscription beauty box, they focus mostly on drug store type items rather than higher end items.  It is in the same price range as GlossyBox ($21/month), which is a little expensive for drug store type items, but witg 7-8 items per month it definitely can make financial sense. I can spend $21 easy at Target in the make up aisles :)

I received several items in this box and here they are to share with you...

1. Rimmel Eyeshadow Palette in Union Jack (008) - this "palette" is a all in one eye set. Pink is vibrant and your lid color, there is a lighter Royal Blue as a crease shade, a dark Navy for the outer v and a pretty highlight shade.  I've seen3en these before, the small areas are hard to work with but it's possible.  Pink on brown eyes like mine isn't always best since it can make me look more "red" in my eye area but I do love a blue smokey eye so I think I can work with this palette.

2. Rimmel Kate Lipstick Number 90...this is a pretty pink for summer. Definitely bright and vibrant and pigmented. All things I love in a lipstick. This will get lots of wear from me! I like the Rimmel lipstick formulas, so hopefully this is no exception.

3. Essie Nail Polish in Fiesta...this hot pink is the essential pink for summer. Great for manicures and pedicures. I use this color at the salon a lot but I've never owned it so now I can bring my own and have one for touch ups!

4. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Strips in Number 380 "Collide-O-Scope"...I personally have never tried these, mostly because my nails are poops and super short. I know people who have better nails than me that love them. I wanted to give them a shot but I never can validate buying them because of my stubby nails. The pattern is a little crazy for me so maybe I'll try it as an accent nail instead of a full set.

5. Essence Beauty Travel Brush Kit...this kit has a little foundation brush which I'd use for concealer more than anything,  a powder brush which is great for touch ups and a dual ended eye shadow brush, one end is more stubby and great for smudging out the lower lash line and the other is a great fluffy end for touching up crease and highlight colors. This is DEFINITELY going in my purse/diaper bag for quick touch ups.

6. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake...this isn't my ideal blush but I can use it on a more simple make up day. It's a light brown/flesh tone color. I usually wear pinks and corals on my cheeks. The texture is also different but with a stippling brush it might apply nicer.

7. Styli-Style Eyeliner in Emerald...I'm all about putting color on the lower lashes for summer with a neutral eye and this will match great with my Sigma Resort Palette for that purpose. I could also see myself using this as a pop of color on my upper lash line as well.

8.  Maybelline Lip Gloss in Pink Perfection (035)...this gloss gives a sheer wash of shimmer. I can use this over any lipstick but it will get its most use over MACs Cherish which is my favorite nude lip stick for spring and summer.  A girl can't say no to lip gloss its just not natural.

9. "BONUS GIFT" Mary Kay Make Up Bag...we all need something to toss those summer essentials in for touch ups so I'm glad they included it as a gift. I usually keep my bags from Ipsy but they only hold 2-3 things. 

All in all I like this box. I have been thinking about leaving Glossybox. I just don't love the products. But I've also been thinking that about Birchbox too. I will definitely be adding this subscription to my monthly boxes though. Good job BoxyCharm!