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

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

*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?

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!

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

Quick & Easy Drugstore Makeup Look

before- only wearing moisturizer

after- soft simple eye look

after- glowing pinched cheeks

products used- all from drug store

Hello again everyone! A couple days ago, I featured a before and after look featuring very natural makeup that still covered up all of my redness and blemishes. I had a friend request that I do a similar look featuring only drugstore makeup, which I am a huge fan of! So I decided to share with you a very affordable look, that is yet again very youthful and natural. This look is also very glowy and perfect for any day time occasion. Notice I skipped on eyeliner, and did only a thin coat of mascara this time-- perfect for when you are in a pinch to get out the door in the morning!

In my before picture I am only wearing moisturizer. No hiding of anything! I have been using Dermalogica Active Moist- so that part isn't considered drug store. However, I do love Aveeno's moisturizers!

Products used, in this order:
1. Loreal Magic Perfecting Base- fills pores and fine lines, perfecting the skin for a smooth application of foundation
2. Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation- 845 Warm Beige- this is an awesome drugstore foundation for those with combination/oily skin wanting medium to full coverage!
3. Maybelline FIT Me Concealer- shade 10 Light- applied under eyes to brighten and hide dark circles
4. Maybelline FIT Me Shine Free foundation stick- I purchased this is a shade 3-4x darker than my skin color to use as a cream contour- 330 Toffee Caramel
5. Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder- 001 Transparent- used to set foundation and concealer
6. Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush- 60 Coffee Cake- applied to apples of cheeks
7. Milani Baked Blush- 05 Luminoso- applied to top of cheek bones for a bit of a highlight and a little more color (sold at Target & CVS)
8. Wet 'n Wild eyeshadow trio- Walking on Eggshells- pink shade all over lid, bronze shade in outer corner
9. Revlon Brow Fantasy- Dark Blonde- lightly filled in brows
10. Maybelline Great Lash- clear- used to set brows in place
11. (not shown) Covergirl Lash Blast mascara- applied a thin coat
12. Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss- 245 Pango Peach

As always, some of these steps can be skipped if you'd like!

Drugstore makeup is always a great option. While some products are not so great, some really are the equivalent of high-end quality. It all just takes a little time to figure out what works before for you.

Have you used any of these products before? If so, what do you think of them?

Staying Natural

before

after

products used

This before and after transformation is exactly why I have such a love for the world of beauty! Makeup is not to hide yourself, but rather to embrace and enhance the features you love. Even though I take pretty darn good care of my skin by purchasing quality products that are targeted towards my concerns and use them religiously, I still struggle with skin problems. My main skin concerns are oil control, hyper-pigmentation, enlarged pores and of course, post-acne marks. However, I will make mention that my skin has improved tremendously over the last 6-8 months. (I mostly thank my Clarisonic for this!)

THE PLAN: When I'm getting ready, day or night, no matter what make up look I have in mind, I always like to think about what I can do to enhance my features but still leave my house looking natural and not overdone. Pick out what you think are your best features and use products that really make them stand out. I personally like to focus on features that frame my face and give it some structure, such as filling in my brows and then applying a slight contour to enhance my cheek bones. From there, the rest is easy…completing everything else with the right shades. I typically gravitate towards soft neutrals on the eye and a warm blush to make my cheeks pop. And there you have it, a well thought out plan for your look! 

THE APPLICATION: If I can say one thing about makeup, it is that using the right tools is so so so key! Nothing drives me more crazy than when people tell me they refuse to try liquid foundation because they think its messy. Well yes dear, it is, if you use your hands. And don't get me wrong, if you are willing to use your hands with a nice blendable foundation, more power to you! But I personally think the right brush will leave your foundation looking flawless and seamless, which we all want, right? But before I get ahead of myself, here are the steps I take to achieve the look above. 

1. Murad Oil Control Mattifier- I use this on my t-zone to help keep me matte all day

2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- I use this on my cheeks and other places I didn't use the mattifier. (Not a necessary step)

3. Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free foundation- applied with Sigma F80, buffed evenly into skin and down neck if you wish. (I am shade 09 Neutral)

4. MAC Prep+Prime Hightlighter in Radiant Rose- used to brighten up the under eye area, blended in with Sigma F86

5. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder- applied with Sephora 56 brush to set under eye concealer

6. Make Up For Ever HD Powder- patted on with Sigma F30 to set foundation

7. NARS Bronzer in Laguna- applied with Ecotools angled brush on hollows of cheeks and temples

8. Tarte blush in Exposed- applied with Sigma F40 to apples of cheeks (hold brush vertically and away from nose for best results)

9. Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden- blended on to eyelids with ring finger
10. Urban Decay Naked (original) Palette- shade Naked in crease with Sigma E25, shade Sin all over lid with Sigma E55, and shade Hustle in outer corner with same crease brush.
11. Urban Decay Brow Box in Honey Pot- used to fill in brows with tools inside kit, comb out with spooley after
12. Maybelline Great Lash in Clear to set brows in place
13. Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
14. NARS Satin Lip Pencil gloss in Rikugien
15. MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam VI at center of lips

**all products listed are hyperlinked to where you can purchase them**

Ok, so this list may seem verrrrrry long to some, but as always, many steps are optional! I just wanted to make sure I included everything I used. Many days I don't go through this whole process either, and just will throw on some foundation and mascara.

What I hope you take away from this post is that wearing makeup should be done in such a way to enhance your beautiful features and to not hide behind foundation and bronzer! As you can see in my before picture, I have not a thing on my skin and you can probably tell why I like to leave the house with at least a little something on. However, even in the after picture you can still see some of my freckles! Keeping your skin looking natural even with a full face of makeup on is the best way to let your beauty shine through. There is nothing wrong with loving makeup a little too much in my opinion. It's all about how you utilize it.

Have you used any of these products? If so, what do you think of them? Let me know in the comments below! :) Happy Saturday y'all! Have a good rest of your weekend!