1/30/14

Helpful Tips & Tricks #2

Hey friends! Today I am coming at you with the second installment of my (hopefully helpful) beauty tips and tricks. These are things I have read in magazines and blogs over the last couple of years and have found to work very well for me, so why not share with you all?! :) 

1// Pluck stray eyebrows every few days (depending on how fast yours grow). This will save you an hour when you finally make yourself sit down and work on them. 

2// Use a lash conditioner on your lashes AND brows at night. You will notice an improvement in their quality! (Try this one by Jane Iredale)

3// Put a clear gloss or a powder highlight on your cupids bow (center of top lip) to create the illusion of a larger top lip. 

4// Use a cream foundation 2-3 shades darker than your skin as a contour. This makes for easy blending and adds dimension to your face in seconds. (Try this Maybelline one here)

Use this as a guide.
Look for an upcoming post on contouring and highlighting.

5// Don't spend money on blotting papers. Use a Kleenex! It does the same trick. :) 

6// Shave last in your shower routine. The steam softens the hairs and will leave you with a smoother result. 

7// If you don't want to spend the money on a beauty oil, try olive (or coconut) oil on cuticles, split ends, dry lips, etc at night. 

8// If you notice any cellulite creeping up, use coffee grounds as a scrub where needed. The caffeine will stimulate the skin cells and will slough off any dead skin cells. 

9// Treat yourself to a no makeup day! Let your beautiful skin breathe! <3

XO, Carrie

What's in My Shower?

Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here. Today is my day off, and I am spending the rest of the weekend at my boyfriends house dog sitting. Yes, thats right. He and a couple of his friends took off for a boys weekend, so I offered to man the fort and take care of our furry friend. It was nice to start off the morning in a relaxing way. A mud mask, hot tea, and some blogging! :)

This morning, I thought I would share with you all the essentials that I keep in my shower back home. I love seeing other people's videos or posts that give us a glimpse into their closet, purses, makeup organizations, and even their shower. I love knowing what other people use every day and have found to be tried and true. So here are the things I am loving!


Drugstore and salon options for shampoo and conditioner
Michael Todd True Organics charcoal cleanser


My FAVE body wash by Olay and a pretty pink loofa :)


Michael Todd True Organics charcoal scrub (used 3x a week)
Organix Macadamia Oil hair mask
Razor...of course
Lemon herb organic soap bar- Trader Joes
Faith lip sugar scrub- from my ipsy subscription
Briogeo deep conditioner- ipsy

These products do tend to change often. I always like trying new hair masks and facial cleansers so I probably won't repurchase the ones I currently have. My Gentle & Super Rich Bumble and bumble shampoo is a must have, so I definitely will be repurchasing this again and again. 

Ps- if you have a Trader Joe's around, check out their toiletries and skin care! They have a great selection all made with natural ingredients! 

What do you keep in your shower?

XO, Carrie

1/22/14

8 Fun and Helpful Tips & Tricks!



Today I'm sharing with you some (random) tips and tricks that I have found are tried and true.  Let me know if you have tried any of these! :)

1) Give your coffee grounds a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder before brewing. It gives your coffee a delightful flavor.

2) The dryer wears out your clothes very fast! Hang dry anything you want to maintain looking new.

3) When heading out and time is limited, put on lipstick and sunglasses. This is a 2 minute way to look glamorous.

4) Keep a small jar of cane sugar (can be mixed with an essential oil) in the shower. This is a cheap and simple exfoliator for anywhere on the body. I love it for my lips. 

5) Concealer can be drying. Use a primer or eye cream underneath for hydration. 

6) When you feel a zit coming on, put an ice cube on the area. This will reduce the swelling. 

7) Avoid tweezing, waxing, and/or laser treatments anywhere on your body during 'that time of the month'. Your body is much more sensitive then, and it will hurt more. 

8) Always use your right finger when applying anything around the eye area. Your ring finger has the lightest touch, and your eye area is the thinnest skin on your body. (Remember to dab and never drag.)

xo, Carrie

1/20/14

Note Worthy


Happy Monday everyone! Some of you may have seen me post these current loves on my Instagram, but I thought I should mention these items on the blog as well. :)

Bumble and bumble thickening contour creme// perfecting your undone curls may seem counterintuitive but this does exactly that
Origins vitazing moisturizer// contains SPF 15 and a slight tint to help you start with a clean canvas
Loreal nude polish// classy and simple (doutzens nude)
Covergirl gloss stick// a wearable shade good for day or night (cocoa twist)
National geographic// my latest educational magazine subscription


Find me more places!
instagram: carrieberschman
twitter: @carrieberschman
bloglovin: Lace of Hearts

xo, Carrie

1/12/14

*New* Makeup Organization

Hello and happy Sunday! Today I am bringing you a post on my new makeup organization that I am already loving! Since I moved to a new apartment and downsized in counter space in the bathroom, I have transformed my desk (no homework was being done here) into a vanity/getting ready area. Before I found these new pieces I am showing you today, I was using random storage containers I picked up at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, which was fine, but I really wanted something that had drawers and tucked away my products so it didn't look like there was so much "stuff". I also didn't want the typical clear acrylic containers. Earlier this morning I came across two unique pieces at TJ Maxx for a very affordable price. I knew they would work great for my makeup so I couldn't resist. 



Here's what I found!


My favorite brushes and some lip products placed on top.


Top drawer contains concealers, setting powders, primers, and a couple samples.


Drawer two is all about eyes! I filled it with some of my most used eyeshadow duos, eyelid primers, mascaras, brow products, eyeliner, and shade sticks. 


The third drawer is for my other lip products that I use frequently.


The bottom drawer contains my most used blushes, a couple bronzers and highlighters.


This letter organizer turned out working great for larger items. 
The back row fit my favorite eyeshadow pallets perfectly. In the front row, I placed my 
current most used foundations, primers, and mattifiers.


One last thing I wanted to share is the amazing makeup mirror that I got for christmas from my very sweet boyfriend. It has all the bells and whistles. It completes my makeup desk, and I am loving it!

I am loving the new setup and am so happy with my purchase. The drawers work great to store the products I am currently loving, and allow me to better see what I have. When seasons change, I will swap things out as needed. (All my other products are stored in my desk.)

How do you store your makeup?


1/7/14

2013: The Year Of...

Hello again!

We are already one week into January and a new year! I have a feeling January will fly by, but I plan on making it a good one. Yesterday began my spring semester of classes, and I'm excited to get rolling!

Today's post is all about what items and products I loved this past year. I chose a handful of standout things that I really think were  my "thing" over the last 12 months.


2013 WAS THE YEAR OF:

Real Simple Magazine// this year I became a subscriber to RS, and it is now something I look forward to every month! I enjoy their unique and helpful around-the-home tips as well as their tasteful recipes (especially the holiday edition!) Check it out here!

Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry candle// oh. my. goodness. this is hands down the best smelling candle I have ever owned. I have been burning this for over a year now and it has yet to grow old on me. I love it so much, I have a small back-stock of them. I purchase them from Anthropologie!

Oxford & Gingham shirts// over the course of the year, this preppy, simple top has become a go-to! Tucked in and paired with a colored belt, or left out with some slouchy boyfriend jeans, an oxford shirt always looks polished. Similar styles here, here, and here.

Ballet flats// comfortable flats are by far my favorite shoe to buy and wear. This year, I found myself gravitating towards flats more than any other shoe (even boots!) I love that they can be worn to something as casual as the grocery store, but as formal as date night. I scored a couple new pairs this winter that I can't wait to debut this spring. Great options here, here, and here.

Long pendant necklaces// while I love me a gorgeous statement necklace, where everyday is concerned, I definitely found myself wearing long and simple pendants to jazz up an outfit. This one from Stella & Dot is my favorite!

Blush// ok, lets be honest, this year was the year of makeup in general. But overall, I definitely found myself learning a lot about blush and how it really can add to your look as well as when and how you should wear a specific color. Some favorites here and here.

These were just a few of the many items I loved this year. But lastly, 2013 was the year of BLOGGING! Today marks the one year anniversary of when I started all of this as a hobby and never dreamed I would be averaging 1,000 views a month. So THANK YOU! I really enjoy it, and I continue to keep writing as frequently as I can! I am blown away by the positive feedback I have recieved via Twitter, Facebook, and even text messages! I am awed by you taking the time to read what little ole me has to say. Blogging has become an outlet where I can share the things I have learned not only about beauty but about life and style. These are the things I am passionate about, and am happy to share it with all of you.

Happy Tuesday! Stay warm!

XO, Carrie

* each section contains a hyperlink showing you great options!

1/4/14

2013 in Review

Hello again my beloved readers, HAPPY 2014! A new year is officially upon us. New chances and fresh starts are at our feet-- lets make the best of it.

I rang in the new year with a group of friends and my man at a block party in Scottsdale, Arizona. Champagne flutes being filled, bands playing, and party-goers filled the lit up streets of Old Town. It was by far my best NYE to date. How did you bring in the new year??

On the way home from our vacation, I looked back on my year--finding that it truly was a year of soul searching and seeking happiness. One year ago I was a student at a large university living with my two best friends and 7 months into a roller coaster relationship. School was the least of my worries and I was strictly set on the future, always waiting for the next best thing. As time went on, I found myself loosing all ambition to persevere in school and even worse, I became a foolish girl who put tremendous amounts of effort into a relationship that should have been so easy. I ran to friends and family both, seeking for advice in all aspects of my life. But even when the best advice was given, the final decision rested on me. Come March, I decided I was ready to try a new education path, in hopes it would open my door to a plethora of opportunities. So I applied to a new school, in a new city and shortly found myself accepted and anticipating its start. In the mean time, I was still struggling with my relationship that filled my mind with insecurities and doubt. I found myself blaming my own conscience and big heart for all of the struggles we were having, thus putting more weight on my non-loadbearing shoulders. We had good days and we had bad days, but what tugged at me most was that the simplest things were the biggest of struggles. Until one morning, I woke and told myself I needed and deserved more-- because sometimes you need to be selfish and do whats best for you. So in that moment, I let go of the anchor and began to lose sight of the shore- a distraught shore with bad memories I didn't care to come back to. Don't get me wrong, not every day was an easy one, but day by day I became stronger, and soon enough I began to shed the insecurities I had had for the past year and found myself once again. In those days of regaining my strength, maybe it was by chance, or maybe it was by fate, I came back into contact with a sweet and charming man I once knew a few years back. The opportunity for us came knocking and so we both answered, igniting the most playful and compatible relationship I have ever been involved in. The two of us have now shared 6 months of laughter and happiness together. I have very high hopes for our future, but am very content with living in the moment alongside him. In regards to my student life, I have now completed two terms at the health sciences college I am enrolled in and throughly enjoy it, as well as living in a new city. Looking back to that dark place one year ago, I see a sad and confused girl, which is as far away as I could possibly get from where I am now. This past year was all about making positive changes, finding self worth, and following my heart. In 2014, I plan to embrace the moments presented to me alongside of continuing to persevere towards a career and maintaining a healthy relationship!

Burke & me enjoying an evening out on the town

As always, thank you for reading! This blog has become a great outlet for me to share not just beauty related posts, but personal posts as well. I hope you find yourself pushing forward to be the best version of YOU this year!

XO, Carrie