Soul Care For My Soul Sisters

Soul Care

 

We started this month talking about empowering the working woman and celebrating just how awesome she is! As the weeks have progressed {what the heck— it is already the last week of October???} I’ve noticed how empowering her also means we need to “treat” her. Much like in a plane, you are no good if you don’t put on your oxygen mask first. Without some soul care you are bound to fall flat on all the everyday demands of both work and family.

 

Here are my top ten routines/tips to keep your heart and body healthy and happy… and none of them take too long so no excuses!

 

Soul Care Massage

1. Massage: Maybe it isn’t a full hour at a nice spa for your price conscious ladies? Maybe it is just a foot rub you bribed your kids to give you? Either way, having that moment to relax and breath means more than most could know. The power of physical touch and working out all the kinks in our bodies is so important as we press onward to our goal to change history with our lives.

 

Soul Care Lip Stick

ONE  | TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE

2. New Lip Color: Ever gotten a glance in the mirror around 4 pm and thought, “Yikes! Is that me??” A very simple way to combat this situation is by adding a new lipstick to your routine. Stop into a CVS or Walgreens for a quick fix. Or stop by the lip counter at your local Nordstrom or Sephora to test out the best shades for your pout.

 

Soul Care Flowers

3. Fresh Cut Flowers: You’re already at the store at least 3 times a week… Or is that just me?? Stop to smell the roses (literally) and bring a bundle home. I am convinced fresh flowers liven up a home and warm a heart. I shop Trader Joe’s for the most cost effective beauties, and love potted orchids which last up to three months with a simple ice cube to water each week and bright, indirect sunlight!

 

Soul Care Shoes

ONE  |  TWO  | THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE

4. Shoes That Fit: Some days we just need to walk on clouds. Every woman should have one pair of sneakers that are the “go-to” on days when your feet just can’t take it. I adore these leopard sneakers with skinny jeans and a denim top for an easy kick around solution.

 

Soul Care Food

5. Lunch Date: Take the time to meet a life-giving friend for lunch or coffee. Your soul, heart, body, etc. will thank you. Explore a new part of town or eat Dim Sum style. Your palette needs as much stretching as your wardrobe.

 

 


Soul Care Books
SO LONG INSECURITY  |  LIONESS ARISING  |  THE SILENT WIFE

6. A Great New Book: I am face planted in two books right now that are both convicting and inspiring me to do better and be a better women. Check out So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore and Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere to spur you on to greatness. Get lost in a fiction book like The Silent Wife to escape “adulting” on a daily basis.

 

Soul Care Coffee

7. Warm Beverage: Perfect for the shift in the weather! A stop at Starbucks or your favorite local coffee/tea shop in the morning is a great way to take a second for yourself. Hold the cup between your hands and breathe in the sweet smell of a seasonal pumpkin spice latte or chai tea. The pleasant aroma might be all you need to stay inspired!

 

Soul Care Nails

ONE  |  TWO  | THREE  |  FOUR 

 

8. Mani / Pedi: This is a monthly “must do” activity if you ask me, and more importantly, one that relays the message of your first impression. Keeping up with your nails is not only a treat but necessary to suggest proper grooming is important to you—especially as a working professional.

 

Soul Care Icecream

9. Sweet Delight: Have 20 minutes between after school activities and meetings? Grab French fries or ice cream. And I dare you to not shame yourself for the treat afterwards! We are so hard on ourselves and the added pressure is just not needed. Be happy and eat those fries, ladies! Once a month won’t kill you.

 

Soul Care Running

10. Time Without the Phone: This is such a big one and maybe the most difficult. Try leaving your phone in the car during your yoga class or going on a short walk to take in nature uninterrupted. Give yourself some time to separate from the world; everything will still be there when you get back!

Finally, take a moment or two each morning to look in the mirror and remind yourself how great you truly are! Give yourself a compliment, we all know we deflect enough of them anyways. You matter. You are important. And you are created by a loving God who does not make junk!

 

Blessings and Style Peace,

Jen Young

Women Entrepreneurs – A Talk With Tricia Hall

Women Entrepreneurs

 

Ever gone 90 miles a minute for a full day? Or feel the stress of getting kids ready, keeping yourself hydrated and everyone happy? In preparation for her fabulous event tonight, I sat down with Tricia Hall from Hall Plastic Surgery to talk about being Women Entrepreneurs!

 

Help us continue October’s theme of empowering women in business by getting an inside look at our secrets and struggles.

 

Join us both tonight at the Hall Plastic Surgery Center for thier 10 year anniversary party!! From 4 PM to 8:30 PM everything will be 20% off.

Beauty Trends: Contouring

We have one final look for our Beauty Trend series by Shirley from Adore Boutique, and it’s all about the contouring. If you are anything like me this is one your struggle with. Where do you put it? How do I move the brush? Why do I turn out looking like a bronzed clown 9 times out of 10??

Fear no more my lovely ladies, our make up guru Shirley is here to help you feel better about the whole thing!

Contouring Make Up

POWDER  // BRUSH

First things first, where does contouring go? Shirley so kindly explains in the video above the markers. Look at your head where your ear meets your head and your lip is. Grab a piece of paper or use your brush to show yourself the line from point A to B. It is good to note that this isn’t meant to be a full line you mark in with contouring powder, but instead your guideline for the contouring!

Take powder on just half of your contouring brush. From where the eye ends swoop up into the hairline and blend near your cheek to reduce harsh lines.

Finish the look with a sweep over your temples and a pass under your neck.

 

Contouring Tip

 

And that my friends is the way to contour without driving yourself crazy! This is the easiest application I personally have ever seen, and as we all know contouring really does finish a look. This is one of those things you can do when rushing out the door to make yourself feel put together. It is perfect for the busy mom, working lady, and every fashionista I know!

To have your makeup done by Shirley, or to set up a makeup class, visit her at Adore Boutique in Austin. Call Shirley to book your appointment: 512-524-0208

 

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Beauty Trend: Bold Lip

 

We are back at it with the next summer beauty trend and it is all about lips. This season it’s about being bold, but knowing the right way to do so. Today Shirley will show us how to do a bright lip with a classic twist:

 

Beauty Trend Lips

LIPSTICK  //  LINER  //  BRUSH

Start your bold summer lip by applying a lip gloss all over the upper and lower lip. This helps soften the color before it is even applied. The gloss should be close to the color you are using as your pop, Shirley is using the Jentry Kelley line for all of th3e products in this tutorial!

 

The next step is to add your bright color over the gloss. I suggest a pretty pink during the day and a rosy red at night. You can’t go wrong adding a blast of color to a little black dress after all!

 

An important tip to remember is to ALWAYS line the lips once you have added your bright color. Lining them after helps lock in the lipstick, and makes sure the bold color is contained to your lips and kept in check. Doing the liner afterwards also keeps the boldness a little more muted.

 

Finish the look by smudging in the color one last time.

 

Beauty Trend Bold Lip

 

 

And there you have your summer lip! Like Shirley mentioned in the video, pink is a hot color this season, but branching out to an orange could also be fun. This is a time to experiment with your comfort zone, and see what all your summer lip can bring.

 

I will be dropping one more video this Friday to show you how to contour, something I personally have trouble with!

 

And to have your makeup done by Shirley, or to set up a makeup class, visit her at Adore Boutique in Austin. Call Shirley to book your appointment: 512-524-0208

 

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Beauty Trends: The Bronze Eye

 

This summer is all about the shimmer and shine! I’ve paired up with my lovely friend, Shirley Cox, from Adore Boutique to give you tips and tricks on the latest beauty trends. Here is how to create the perfect summer eye:

 

Beauty Trends Makeup

Brushes  // Eye Base //  Eyeshadow Kit

 

Begin by prepping your eye with an eye base, or concealer if you prefer. Then sweep a light color all over the eye lid. Using a cream or light pink is perfect for this step. Shirley used The Balm pallet for this application. Do this first step with a Large Shadow brush to make sure and cover the full lid area.

 

Next add a bronze color over the lower lid, stopping at the crease. For an added glow, sweep a small stroke of the same color underneath the eye, next to the lash line, much like where you would apply lower eye liner. For the lower liner color it is suggested to use a smudge brush.

 

Most importantly is the final step, adding a blend of rose pink to the outer crease of your eye. To do this use a blending brush and make back and forth movements like a windshield wiper.

 

Finalize the look with one last touch of your lightest color to make sure everything is blended in to perfection, and you are good to go!

 

Beauty Trends Makeup Application

 

This eye is great for going on vacation, heading out with the gals, or just zipping into the store. Even for the simplest of makeup regimes, this eye is easy to obtain and doesn’t take hours to apply.

 

 

Learn more about the latest summer trends by following the blog this week! I will be dropping two more videos showing you the secrets behind a pop of color lip and the thing I have most trouble with, contouring…

 

And to have your makeup done by Shirley, or to set up a makeup class, visit her at Adore Boutique in Austin. Call Shirley to book your appointment: 512-524-0208

 

 

Stylishly yours,

Jen young

 

 

Best Bronzers for Pale Skin

Hello Ladies!

Let’s be honest, my “porcelain winter skin” often looks as though I have a major illness. Sometimes I am almost transparent especially in photographs, so I am thankful for a good bronzer to add the extra color I need when I’m my palest self.

So for you fair skinned ladies who need a change in your makeup routine, I’m about to make your dreams come true with some amazing bronzers for your skin. Believe me– it can be hard to find the perfect one! Until NOW!

For the perfect application, glide your brush over the temples of your forehead, to under the cheek bones, back up to the top of your ear, and then under your jaw line. Drawing a “3” with bronzer will help slim your face as well as add the illusion of a healthy sun-kissed glow. You can also dust the bronzer on the both sides of the nose to make it look a smaller.

There are many bronzers to pick from, but finding ones for the fairer skin tone can be challenging. So I’ve picked out some of my favorite ones to use when you need to add an extra pop of color to your face. I would, however, definitely recommend going to my favorite beauty stores like Sephora or Ulta and try a tester so you can buy an option that is perfect for your skin tone.

Bronzers come in matte and shimmery finishes. Others have a duo blush combo built in while some come in super dark shades or for uber fair skin. So go try some of these brands and find your shade you feel happy in.

These products will make a huge difference in your makeup game.

Let me know of some of your favorite brands and bronzers if you have pale skin like me! Place your comments in the section below.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

 

Must-Have Makeup Brushes

Must-Have Makeup Brushes-2

Hello my Beauties!

Just two weeks ago I did a blog post on Makeup Bag Essentials, so I figured it would be helpful to supplement that post with a special feature on “Must-Have Makeup Brushes.”  Of course, you can’t successfully apply your makeup if you don’t have the right tools!

So let’s explore what brushes never leave my makeup bag–call them my holy grail of applicators. I’ve picked several basic necessities below I consider the best of the best featuring a few from the Sephora Collection, but you can find other substitutes and lookalikes brushes for a lesser cost elsewhere. I will say I NEVER skimp on brushes and consider them an investment. As long as you clean them on a regular basis with appropriate cleansing wipes or liquid cleaners, you can keep them on rotation for at least two to three years.

For all you DIY’ers, here is a recipe for making your own cleanser for your brushes as well: {Featured on Popsugar}

Step 1: Mix two parts antibacterial dish soap to one part of the extra-virgin olive oil on a clean plate (don’t use paper plate, as the oil will seep through).

Step 2: Grab your first brush and wet it slightly with lukewarm water. Make sure the brush stays bristle-side down throughout the entire process. If water gets into the ferrule (the middle tube part that holds everything together) of the brush, it can loosen the glue, causing the bristles to fall out.

Step 3: Dip the damp brush into the soap mixture and coat it thoroughly. Next, work the mixture into the bristles using the palm of your hand and fingers. Continue until the soapy residue is makeup free.

Step 4: Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water until no soap runs from the bristles.

Step 5: Roll a dish towel like you would a yoga mat, and drape a paper towel over it so that most of the paper towel hangs off. (The paper towel should look like a slide coming down from the dish towel). Next, arrange the brush so the top of the handle sits on top of the towel, pitching the rest of the brush down onto the paper towel. This will allow your brushes to dry on a slant, while keeping moisture away from the ferrule.

Repeat with remaining brushes. Some make take two washings to get completely clean, depending on the amount of residue left behind. Allow them to dry overnight, and repeat about once a month.

Here are my MUST HAVES:

Foundation Brush: To achieve that airbrushed and flawless face, you must use a foundation brush. I love the Sephora Collection but Bobbi Brown makes one that I also love. Apply a small amount of liquid foundation to the back of your hand; dip your brush into the foundation you squeezed out and then buff in circular strokes onto the face until you find the amount of coverage you want. Remember to start small and then build up gradually!

Powder Brush: To set all your foundation and concealer in place, use a fluffier brush to cover your whole face with powder. Apply the powder in broad, sweeping strokes all over the face to set coverage on the face. There are so many brands that make powder brushes so pursue your local beauty store to find one that feels good on your face. Take a look at some of the Chanel collection brushes that I adore!

Bronzer Brush: Another essential includes a Bronzer brush. Starting with the perimeter of the face, apply bronzing powder and blend inwards from the temple, the contour of the cheek, and the jawline. Bronzers can be temperamental in achieving the coverage you want so make sure you find a brush that is soft, dense, and fluffy. I love the IT Brushes from ULTA because of how soft the are!

Blush Brush: This staple brush is my favorite because it includes an angled shape making it easier to brighten and sculpt your facial features in a single gesture. Again you have to start light handed and then build your blush to your liking.

Eye Shadow Brush: If I had one brush I couldn’t live without it would be my Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush. It makes putting on eyeshadow so easy and effortless and gives a beautiful result. This brush has soft bristles and a full, rounded shape to it. It’s really great for anyone looking to create a variety of eye makeup looks, from a dramatic smoky eye to subtle daytime shadow.

I trust and love everything about the Sephora Collection brushes as well as some gems from Chanel and Bobbi Brown. They make applying my makeup so easy and flawless!

What are your favorite brushes? Please share in the comments section below. Check out below some more great picks to have in your makeup bag!

Fashionably Yours,

Jen Young

Makeup Bag Essentials

BAG // CONCEALER // BLUSH PALLET // EYESHADOW // FACE PRIMER // LIPSTICK // FOUNDATION // POWDER // LIPGLOSS // MASCARA // EYELINER

Hey Beautiful!

When is the last time you gave your makeup bag a “refresh?” Just this week I was digging out a half-crumbled face powder from the bottom of my purse and it reminded me that it is just as important to have the basic makeup essentials as it is the proper wardrobe. If you are a make-up curator like my mom {who just gave me like 15 tubes of lip sticks she never wears and several other goodies…EEK!} or perhaps you never wear makeup at all…this post features the key essentials every woman should have in her makeup bag.

My morning makeup routine normally takes about 10 minutes, so here is the approach I take as I apply each core component:

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1.} Start with a dime size of Face Primer- There are many brands for all different skin types, but the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is The BEST. Using a primer sets your foundation so it won’t melt off during the day and produces a more even application.

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2.} Next, squirt a quarter size of your favorite liquid foundation into your hand and spread evenly on your face with a flat head brush.  This Nars Luminous Weightless Foundation goes on naturally yet with plenty of coverage.  I also dab a little on my upper eye area to ready my lids for eyeshadow. You can always dust your face with powder if you want more of a matte finish. Check out this post on Summer Foundations for other ideas as you explore what will work best for your skin tone and budget.

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3.} Then, apply NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer under the eyes to reduce dark circles or puffiness, and around the nose area in the folds by the mouth. You can also touch up any acne spots as well. Blend with your index finger. If you don’t have time for a full liquid foundation application, stick to concealer touch ups and then top with your favorite powder.

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4.} Set your foundation and concealer with powder...my favorite is Chanel Healthy Glow Sheer Colour. Like I mentioned earlier, it is imperative to set the liquid makeup so it won’t run off or be sticky on your face throughout the day.

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5.} Contour your cheek bones and the perimeter of your face with the perfect Bronzer/Blush/ Highlighter combo. This Smashbox Triple Pallet is easy to throw in your purse and is a space saver for your makeup bag. Weather you want to add a bronzed glow for the summer or in the dead of winter, this trio pallet has everything you need.

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6.} I adore this neutral eye shadow pallet from Chanel. These four shadows give you’re eyes a pop of color from day to night. If you are more low maintenance…you can opt out of this step and simply apply mascara and be on your way. I do a layer of the lightest shade right under my brow line followed by the next darkest shade directly on the lid. I then take a brow brush and do a windshield wiper effect with warmest tone in the crease of my eye. You can blend the black shade lightly over your liner to get the smoky eye effect.

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7.} Rim your lids with Bobbi Brown’s Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner. This will open up the eye area and make you look rested. What I love about this particular product is that NO sharpener is required and the dark brown shade goes great with every skin tone.

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8.} Chanel Le Volume Mascara is the one beauty essential I cannot walk out of the house without whether heading to the gym or for work. Check out this recent post on other fabulous mascaras to consider depending on your lifestyle, budget, or eye effect you want to accomplish.

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9/10.} Finish off your lips with a nuetral lipstick, gloss or BOTH. I adore both YSL’s Mauve Taupe shade topped with Chanel’s Wild Rose gloss. You can wear each shade together or separate depending on how you feel. I opt for gloss during the day for casual looks and the lipstick/gloss combo for evening attire.

Here are some more fun and cute makeup bags I’ve picked out as well to keep your goodies in. Take a look!

I hope this post motivated you to go through your makeup bag and make sure you have the core ingredients to make your face sparkle.

Let me know some of your favorite products!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Top Six Summer Fragrances

CHLOÉ // BEACH // DAISY // POP // JO MALONE // BONBON

Hello Gorgeous!

Let’s face it…the best way to complete any outfit is with one of my lovely top six summer fragrances. Either it’s the same scent you’ve bought for years or perhaps you like to change up your perfume once a month or once a week like me. Regardless,  it’s something that pervades as a first impression of yourself. I’ve picked some of my favorite summer fragrances that will hopefully be your daily “go-to’s” or become a seasonal favorite!

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Beach by Bobbi Brown is a light and happy scent made from jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin. This fragrance brings warm sunshine as well as the sea breeze to your day; it can be worn anytime, anywhere. Its subtle aroma works well from day to night and is great for sensitive skin.

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Chloé is a classic and feminine scent. Its fresh and floral flair accenting pink peony {my fave}, freesia, lychee, magnolia flower, lily of the valley, rose, cedar wood, amber, and honey is perfect for your destination beach vacation or daily wear. I love the roll on style as it is easy to throw in your purse in case you need a quick fix for your underarm “yuck!”

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Daisy by Marc Jacobs {among intern, Hanna’s, favorites} is a very popular and edgy scent. Its floral appeal with a vintage hint of violet is stunning. Strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, violet petals, jasmine petals, musk, vanilla, and white woods articulate the fragrance.

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Pop by Stella McCartney is a woodsy and bright fragrance. With tomato leaves, violet leaves, green mandarin, violet, tuberose, plumeria, sandalwood, cedar wood, and musks, it’s a very contemporary and sophisticated scent.

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Jo Malone is a classic “must have” despite its price point.  This multiple variety incentive box will please everyone’s pallet. Check out the recent Nordstrom Anniversary Sale blog post where I talked about the fabulous deal for this amazing set. Jo Malone London scents can be worn individually or layered for truly complex effects.

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BONBON by Viktor & Rolf is my current summer ESSENTIAL scent, and I cannot leave the house without a few sprits. This timeless and delicious aromatic dessert has hints of  juicy fruits, sun drenched flowers in the sweet creamy woods that create a delightful and irresistible smell. And seriously… the bottle is absolutely adorable!

I hope these picks have made you want to go try one of my favorite summer fragrances this summer!! Honestly, I love partnering aromas to each of my outfits because the right fragrance can truly make or break a good first impression.

What are your favorite scents? I would love to hear more about what you are wearing.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale #Nsale

Vince Camuto Abril Should Bag // Rebecca Minkoff Bryn Double Zip Hobo // BP Tasse Faux Leather Crossbody // Kendra Scott Jake Lariat Necklace // Diamond Stud Earrings // Bony Levy Crossover Three Row Diamond Ring // Lana Jewelry Nude Remix Y-Necklace // Frieda Rothman Two Tone Baguette Crystal Bracelet // Rebecca Minkoff Vanity Saddle Bag // Sole Society ‘Ravin’ Tote

Jo Malone Cologne Set // Nest Candle Duo // MAC Advanced Brush Kit // Smashbox Photo Bombshell Color Palette // T3 Featherweight Dryer // CLARISONIC Mia Sonic Skin Care System // Kiehl’s Jumbo Creme De Corps // Bobby Brown Sutlry Eye Set

Hi everyone!

It’s finally here. The sale of the summer we all have been waiting for– The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale of 2016! Early access for cardholders began yesterday, July 14th and opens to the public July 21st. If you’re not a cardholder, you can still preview the sale HERE and then continue your shopping through August 8th!

In today’s post, I’ve gathered some of favorite items Nordstrom is offering from the beauty bar and accessories so you can shop more easily. Take a look at some of these gorgeous handbags I’ve picked out from Vince Camuto and Rebecca Minkoff. And I cannot get enough of the jewelry from Bony Levy, Frieda Rothman, and Kendra Scott.

But the fun doesn’t stop there as I found more beauty products that have caught my attention like the Jo Malone Colone Set, Smashbox Photo Bombshell Color Palette, also the Nest Candle Set.

Intern Hanna’s #Nsale Picks:

So please go check out the purses, beauty items, and home goods that are great quality products for a bargain!! I promise it will be worth the shopping spree. Stay tuned for next week’s clothing picks!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young