Beauty Faves For the Busy Mom

Busy is pretty much my middle name lately.  This blog post was literally written while one child slept attached to me (thanks to this incredible baby wrap), another napped in her bed, and my oldest asked me for a snack no less than 50 times.

Most days, I barely manage to get myself together, but in an effort to not come off as the hot mess that I am in public, there are a few products that are my go-to's when it comes to helping me look half human, with minimal effort.  They're all pretty budget friendly and can be found at most drug stores (or Target, which is pretty much the only place I shop lately besides online shopping).

Age Rewind Concealer-  This stuff is truly a lifesaver.  I haven't been getting much sleep since Theo arrived, and this concealer hides the dark circles under my eyes so well.  I love how easy it is to apply, and the way it feels.

Batiste Dry Shampoo-  Dry shampoo rules my world these days.  I love this dark version for my dark brown hair, but honestly, this whole line is awesome.  Bonus: If you're looking to add some volume to flat lockes, dry shampoo is great for that!

Garnier Micellar Water-  I learned about micellar water a few months ago, thanks to a fellow blogger, and I can't rave about it enough.  I love how easily and quickly it removes eye make up.

Jergens Natural Glow Firming Lotion-  This stuff helps make my skin not look so Casper-ish, but never looks orange... the fact that it also helps to firm makes my mom-bod happy too.

Maybelline Baby Lips- I own this stuff in pretty much every color.  It is in my diaper bag and my car, on my nightstand, and probably in many of my coat pockets too.  I love that it feels like a chapstick, but gives a subtle pop of color.

Maybelline Nudes Palette- This eye shadow palette has every color you need for day to day wear or the occasional night out.  I wear the lighter shades when I'm just hanging out at home with the kids and play around with the darker shades whenever we go out anywhere!

xoxo,

Swoon Worthy

{pajamas}

Another weekend is here, and at this point, for me, I feel like it's just a little game of crossing yet another couple of days off of the calendar.  My due date is less than three weeks away now, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready to be D-O-N-E... but I'm sure no one wants to listen to my incessant complaints about being HUGELY pregnant at this point, so on to much lighter and happier things!

Here's the list of things that I currently swooning over...

1.  Tassels, and pom poms, and so much color... I had to have this bag... and I'm pretty sure that through today, all accessories, clothing and shoes are buy one get one 50% off, so now is the time to buy!

2.  I love a good blueberry muffin recipe... especially when it comes along with a super cute printable recipe card.

3.  Bright colors and fun prints are my favorite, so when I came across this dress, I just knew that Ella had to have it.

4.  Businesses that give back are ALWAYS the ones that I enjoy supporting.  I am obsessed with these  super soft swaddle blankets, and for every item purchased from this company, they donate a blanket to a child in need.  XOve Baby was also kind enough to offer my readers 25% off your purchase, now through April, if you use the code: KOZY at check out!

5.  This Easter treat combines so many of my favorite things!

6.  Did you guys happen to catch this super easy DIY project that I posted the other day?

7.  This stuff is my latest beauty obsession!

8.  Well, this is the type of Easter egg that I can totally get on board with.

9.  I cannot wait for maxi dress season.  This one is so gorgeous!

10.  This recent salad recipe discovery is EVERYTHING!!!

Hoping you all have the best weekend!

Beauty on a Budget

I'm not denying the fact that I have been known to splurge on beauty products in the past.  Trips to Sephora to purchase high end cosmetics are something I enjoy probably a little more than I should admit, but these days, I've really dialed back my beauty routine, since I highly doubt the effort is much appreciated by my 3 year old and 1 year old.  

Lately, budget beauty purchases have totally become my jam.  Given the amount of trips I make to Target on a weekly basis, I've become accustomed to quickly throwing something in my cart before a toddler tantrum ensues, and hoping that when I get home, it's as fabulous as I envisioned in the frantic moment that I decided to grab it and give it a whirl.

The following are the items that I've randomly tried, liked, and come to use on the regular.  Most of them are under $10, and all of them can be purchased at good ol' Target, making them even easier to love.

1.  NYX Concealer  This stuff provides great coverage for the dark circles under my eyes, that result from the minimal hours of sleep I've been getting, as well as the occasional blemish.

2.  Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel  I love the pop of pink that the "flushed" color this gives my cheeks.  I use it year round, and it lasts all day long.

3.  Maybelline Baby Lips  I own this stuff in pretty much every color.  A self-proclaimed lip balm addict, the price of this stuff makes it great to stock up on.  I love the colors, and the moisturizing benefits.

4. e.l.f. Eye Brow Kit  I recently realized the impact you can get from lightly filling in your brows... I use the term lightly, because one can certainly go overboard here, but a few light brushstrokes of this through your brows really does make a world of difference.

5.  Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascara  You guys, I LOVE this stuff.  The best inexpensive mascara I have purchased in a long time!

6.  NYX Dusk til Dawn Eye Shadow I like to think of this palette as the Naked palettes much, much cheaper knock off.  The colors are great for both day and night, and it offers great versatility for the price.

7.  e.l.f. Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick  At $2 a pop, you can't go wrong with this stuff.  It's great when you want to experiment with color and not spend a fortune.

Like I said, I still like to splurge on certain items.  I have my go-tos when it comes to bronzer, BB cream, and blush... but I feel a lot less guilty about it with the money I save from purchasing these great items.

What are some of your favorite budget beauty purchases?

                                             

Can't Live Without It

Ladies, it's here... The time of year when the warm weather comes along and suddenly forces us to bare our pasty white skin, before we are really and truly prepared to do so!

This week's "Can't Live Without Post" is dedicated to a product I honestly cannot live without... Jergen's Natural Glow lotion... Both their Daily Moisturizer for the body and for the face!

I love this stuff, because when you apply it daily, it gives you a lightly sun kissed glow, rather than the orange-y Oompa Loompa-like complexion you might end up with after using other self-tanning lotions.

It's tinted just enough to make you feel less self conscious about your pale legs, and more confident when rocking that sweet sundress for the first time this season! Also worth noting, it doesn't have that funky scent that other tinted lotions have, and it leaves your skin feeling silky soft!

This post is part of a link up with Stephanie, Cait, and Laura... Head on over to these lady's blogs to see what items they can't live without!