MAC'S NEW REWARD PROGRAM: A MAKE UP DREAM

So M.A.C. has basically turned a goal into reality. They just unveiled a program to finally give a little tiny bit of our souls back which they snatch so violently throughout the year.  

They have started a rewards program It's called M.A.C. Select, and the perks are based on how much money customers spend. When you join (membership costs nothing), you'll immediately become a part of the "Seduced" tier of the program. This gets you access to limited-edition products, samples, free standard shipping, an annual gift, and access to the Back-to-M.A.C. program, which allows customers to return six empty product containers to any store in the U.S. (excluding Massachusetts) or online to receive a free lipstick, Lipglass, or eye shadow that costs no more than $17. 

In order to move past "Seduced" and up to the "Devoted" level, a customer needs to spend at least $150 a year. That gets you "enhanced" product samples, early access to certain collections, complimentary two-day shipping, an even better annual gift, and a complimentary makeup application. 

The final and most prestigious tier is "Obsessed," requiring $500 or more in purchases to qualify. The perks of being a member of this club are being the first group of people with access to certain collections, the option to try new products before other customers, a "deluxe" annual gift, and two complimentary M.A.C. Select express makeup applications. I'm sure I will be at the "devoted" level the next time I do a makeup binge. I think it's great M.A.C. is finally giving something back to its loyal customer base and this is def takes away some of the pain/guilt for spending so much money on Fix + yearly. The more you purchase the more privileges you receive. So tell yourself hey at least I'm getting closer to being "obsessed".  

Must Have Gym Bag Essentials

Must Have Gym Bag Essentials 

New year new me right? Last month was a trial run so my new year starts today. Maybe not so much but all jokes aside going to the gym can be the most tedious task of all time. A person once told me it takes two weeks to form a habit. I'm guessing it is pretty pathetic that I can’t stick to going to gym on a five day per week basis, after the 13th day I'm spent. Joking but seriously I honestly love the gym and the adrenaline rush I get after having an intense workout is like no other. The key to success (No DjKhaled pun intended) is definitely building a routine and sticking to it, sometimes being a mom and of course stress at work can make that difficult but the gym is a HUGE stress reliever. I thought I'd contribute to the positive healthy  vibes and talk about my must have gym items for a great workout. 

1. Fitbit Activity Tracker 

2. Quality Headphones 

3. Cute Water Bottle, Because obviously? 

4. Fruit for the after workout extreme hunger.. 

5. Deodorant 

6. Towel 

These I would say are my must haves, I get so upset if I forget my fitbit while I'm at the gym. It tracks your steps and even cheers you on as you run. My favorite is when you take part in any of their group challenges amongst friends to compete and see who has the most steps, calories burned miles etc. The BEST part about the fitbit is that it holds you accountable. One glance at your wrist and you are reminded just how much of a loser you have been Netflix and "chilling" all day. 

  As far as headphones no music = no cardio unless I'm working out with friends, cardio feels 10x worse in dead silence it sounds like my bones are breaking and my fat is crushing me. Staying hydrated is also a major key going to the gym without a bottle of water is like asking to be suffocated. That horrible dry mouth feeling while gasping for air? No thanks. Don’t forget the deodorant just don't. Last but not least bring a towel, not only will it help wipe away all the sweat you'll be drenched in but I throw it over the treadmill or elliptical so you won't count down the time endlessly. Time goes faster when you don't look at it. That sums it up for me I would say a must have for me is super cute lululemon, nike or adidas workout gear but that doesn’t matter. I lost 40 pounds after having my son and worked out in old t-shirts and raggedy leggings. So tell me some must haves for you and your gym bag "goals". 

Xoxo 

Lindsey 

Sunday's Are For Lovers

Sunday Funday? Having a Sunday off with absolutely nothing planned is a rare commodity. I envy those who get to enjoy luscious Sunday brunch every weekend. Being off with no plans for my husband and I is few and far between. Most times we work weekends and have our "weekends" during the week. But not today! We are in the process of moving to our new house and took off a few days to move into the new place and get everything together. The move got delayed which resulted in us having a free Sunday. At first I was extremely stressed and annoyed but then I decided to look on the bright side a free day yay! We decided to try a place we've never gone to before and ended up at The Urban Tap a local Pittsburgh bar/restaurant with a swoon worthy instagram page which basically sold us. We started with a carafe of Mimosa which is just champagne and orange juice but let me tell you, drink a mimosa in the morning and you will instantly feel  "rich". Drinking is not my thing but we decided to try and I was definitely surprised. My husband who is a self proclaimed chicken fanatic got the chicken and waffles and I got the shrimp and grits. Noah wasn't with us on this occasion as he spent his morning sleeping in with his cousin although I'm not sure I would bring him here as they didn’t have a kids menu? Strange. Brunch was great, afterwards we took the kiddo's to the park it was unusually warm for January at 60 degrees but hey I'm not complaining! How do you like to spend your Sundays? xo 

I got MARRIED?

3 Minute Makeup.

    I woke up late this morning after basically throwing my iPhone because no matter what alarm I choose it always end up being the most obnoxious noise ever. The struggle is real, no matter how hard I try being a morning person has not quite happened for me yet.    

    I didn't want to go to work completely bare face so I reached for quick makeup necessities. Whenever I'm doing makeup for work I like to stick to the basics, flawless skin, and nude lips. The Nars compact is perfect because it's so portable which is perfect for makeup in the car with a talkative kid in the backseat. It gives a nice dewy finish which is basically all I care about. Dewy skin is everything. My eyebrows are naturally full and crazy so in the morning I normally just brush them with a brow gel and call it a day, this morning I used elf's brow and tame. It has a really nice gel that literally lasts all day. The other end has a nice tint which is great for filling in sparse spots. For my eyes I did a quick swipe of color with a gold shadow I used Nars but any soft gold shade can work. To give the look a more solid edge I used a little black liner which I smudged for a soft smokey finish. Finished it off with black mascara my favorite on the go is Benefit's "They're Real"and that was it. 

Night Time Routine

Everybody has one, a nightly skincare routine is a must to help  bring closure to a long and tiring day. I LOVE wiping all of my makeup off and finally having the opportunity to scratch my eyes, yes it literally that real. I have tried numerous products over the years and have built my own must haves for a good nightly "clean-face-good-feeling". These products do tend to vary as I am an avid researcher of all things beauty related and can't seem to ever stop collecting points at Sephora. But these are my current faves. 

Purity One Step Facial Cleanser -  Where do I begin? I use this with my clairsonic or more recently just with a gentle cleanse using my fingers. It removes all my makeup including my thick caked on eyeliner. It is not heavily scented which makes it very relaxing and leaves a great "clean" feeling. 


Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose in it T-ZONE DETOX- This scrub is everything if you have oily skin like I do. It's primarily for the T-Zone but I use it all over my face because can't have too much of a good thing right? It gives you brighter more radiant skin and basically makes you feel like Beyonce, okay maybe a little exaggeration but seriously I love this stuff. Now be aware this isn't a EVERY night type of  product unless you want to dry your skin out to the texture of a dried raisin but I'd say I use it about three nights a week. Goodbye blackheads see ya never...

Dior Hydra Life Creme Sorbet - After a good cleansing the skin needs a nice moisturizer to seal the deal. I do normally throw a serum on before my moisturizer but I am currently on the market for a new one if you have any suggestions please feel free to comment below. Let me tell you this moisturizer is EVERYTHING. As mentioned before I do have have oily skin but I do tend to get that dry feeling after a cleansing etc.  I apply about a dime sized amount and gently massage it into my face and neck. It gives off this amazing cooling sensation and might be my favorite part of the day.  Now this is considered a "day" cream but I use it both morning and night .  

Bliss Fabulips Sugar Lip scrub - If you like to wear lipstick/gloss please buy this. It taste great and leaves lips super SOFT. I apply with a toothbrush and scrub for about one minute. Going to bed with soft lips just makes everything seem right, did I mention it smells amazing? 


After my little routine I normally drink tea,  jot down notes & catch up on social media. Relaxing is the best part of my day what's yours? 


xoxo 

Lindsey