What’s in my Pool Bag?!

 

 

BAG // SUNSCREEN // TOWEL // FLIP FLOPS // FLAMINGO // WATER BOTTLE // EVIAN // HAIR SPRAY // LIP BALM // FACE SUNSCREEN // SUNGLASSES // BANGLES // HAT // TUMBLER // COVERUP

Hey Y’all!

Summer has officially arrived and given the Texas heat I have been lounging by the pool just about everyday to cool off. There is nothing better than bagging some rays {Did I just say that–I am totally dating myself?} with a good read to relax and unwind.

My “fun in the sun” tote always includes a colorful towel, stylish shades, and my favorite sunscreen. My go-to spots for the best swimwear can be found at Nordstroms and Everything But Water. Don’t forget your woven hat that provides a stylish way to protect you from harmful sun rays but also to perfectly disguise a bad hair day from sweat and being wet!

For all the stylish moms out there, I know going to the pool or beach can be such a hassle especially if you have kids so hopefully my list of pool bag essentials will inspire you to plan ahead and feel more equipped for your next outing.

What is in your pool bag? We would love to hear from you.

Check out even more great poolside grabs down below!

 

Styled and Smiling,

jen young

 

Must Try Summer Foundations

TGIS {Thank God It’s Summer!} 

I’ve been running around town the last week taking care of the kids with their end of school activities, getting prepped for summer camps and also my son’s upcoming trip to Omaha with his baseball team. Let’s just say that I’ve forgotten about prioritizing some “me time” with all the hustle and bustle…  as most other working moms would agree.

Luckily, my favorite shorts and sandals are in full rotation, but lately I have been trying out some new foundations to boost my summer mood.  If you have those dreaded sun spots like me{sigh…..}, I am always on mission to conceal those age-revealing stinkers with appropriate coverage and a bronzed glow so I don’t cause additional damage to my skin.

I know everyone has different personal tastes when it comes to how much makeup they wear whether an individual prefers no makeup to just mascara with a pale gloss or even the full done up look everyday. A non-negotiable for me until I get my face lasered one day {Hall Plastic Surgery Center here I come!} is a proper foundation.

Especially in this June heat, I don’t like to mix my foundation with powder AND additional sunscreen. It just makes my face feel gross. So I’ve been making it a priority to get a foundation with sunscreen built in! This is a great way to keep wearing the makeup you love but still be protected…although my friend and beauty expert stylist, Shirley Cox, {Shirley.E.Cox2@nordstrom.com}of Nordstrom at Austin’s Barton Creek Mall, does recommend adding additional sunscreen like Kiel’s to fully protect your skin as built in sunscreens aren’t entirely effective.  Follow her lead! Her face is flawless {brat!}

Here are my top picks for summer foundations including diverse price points and overall benefits.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-18 at 3.51.06 PM

I will start with my personal favorite, Nars All Day Luminous Foundation. A little goes a long way with this small bottle. There are over 20 colors to pick from and easy enough to match to your skin tone. I prefer a more natural looking coverage and something I never have to reapply {this works for 16 hours of wear}. Sometimes I dust it with my favorite Chanel Powder, to achieve a more matte look but still leaving my skin feeling light and airy.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.00.06 AMYou can never go wrong with Clinique! This dermatologist-developed liquid foundation immediately brightens and evens out the skintone with luminous minerals. It goes with many different skin tones and contains an SPF 15.

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.05.54 AMAlmay True Lasting Color foundation is a great drugstore find. It has a SPF 15 and delivers up to 16 hours of flawless coverage {much like the NARS brand} that won’t rub off-even with high heat and sticky humidity.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 11.49.52 PM

Tarte has launched a summer makeup line to get you ready for the heat and glowing summer looks. This product includes a lightweight yet full-coverage, hydrating foundation infused with Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea complex and non-chemical SPF 15 sunscreen.

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.02.04 AMRevlon Colorstay foundation goes on evenly for an unblemished look. It features SoftFlex technology that will not rub off with normal wear and also includes an SPF 15.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 11.56.58 PMFinally, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Touche Éclat sits at a much higher price point but includes an SPF 22.  This is definitely a more robust product that not only offers perfect coverage but also reduces the look of fatigue and aids with brown spots. Worth the splurge!

Remember not every foundation works for every skin type. Especially for foundation first timers….go to a local department store like Nordstrom and consult with a beauty expert for their advice on what brand best matches your skin.

Here are some other amazing options to consider:

What other beauty tips or favorites would you like to read about? Leave your comments below!

Stylishly Yours,

jen young

 

5 Best Mascaras of Spring 2016

I have been hunting for the best mascara over the last few months since I am basically obsessed with having beautiful lashes. Yes, I have tried the extensions and the glue on types, but nothing replaces a simple tube of lengthening, black magic to do the trick.

Let’s face it, extensions require a HUGE investment of time and money and the glue in’s are just messy unless the pros aid in the application. Interestingly enough, during my search for the best of the best–the same award winners seem to rise to the top. Here are my top 5 best mascaras of Spring 2016 from highest to lowest price points.

Inimitable Intense Macara by CHANEL

Inimitable Intense Mascara by CHANEL

Chanel’s Inimitable Intense Mascara is my absolute all time favorite. Although it is the highest price point, it is well worth the investment. The unique brush creates dramatic effects with the finest eye lash separation.

MIrenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Mirenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Winner of 13 International Beauty Awards, this amazing mascara has been called the ‘Holy Grail!’ Known for its smooth finish and non clumping formula, it certainly holds up its reputation.

Benefit Roller Lash

Roller Lash by Benefit

Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara scored highest for its perfect combination of lengthening, defining, volumizing and curling properties. Its thicker finish also has long term staying power.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes

Hypnose Doll Lashes by Lancome

Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Lashes is the perfect solution to create that “wide-eye” look. The cone shaped brush effectively curls, sculpts, and thickens each lash without flaking.

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash’s Big Washable Mascara is the most cost efficient of my picks but really packs a full eye punch. With this supple new applicator, it is even more robust than when I used this as my “go-to” as a teenager.

What are your favorite mascaras this season ? We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers to a stylish You!

jen young

Finding Your Authentic Visual Voice

AUTHENTIC VISUAL VOICE

Authentic Visual Voice: What is it? How do I find it? How do I flaunt it?

Authenticity is defined as “not false or copied; genuine and real.”

My style icon, Coco Chanel, stated “Beauty begins the moment we decide to be ourselves!” I couldn’t agree more.

Using my Signature S.T.Y.L.E system, let’s dive in to define and find our Authentic Visual Voice.

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 3.54.35 PM

S. Streamline Your Wardrobe….This allows you to SEE MORE CLEARLY in life.

I always encourage individuals to begin the culling process with removing any physical clutter to pair things down to a manageable state. Reduce your overwhelm by ridding the “unlovely” and anything that doesn’t inspire your creativity. I think of the closet as a microcosm of someone’s life. It story tells about what is important or sentimental to an individual but also gives me a quick understanding of someone’s personal style….or lack there of! Wink.

Physical clutter can be a distraction but so can toxic people. Purge anything or anyone that causes you to be derailed from your calling.  While it may be difficult, don’t be afraid to break up with or limit time with people who are energy suckers.  Also coat those hard relationships with grace.

When you scale things down, you allow yourself to be more genuine with your values and future life choices.

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 4.00.06 PM

T. Take Inventory of your closet… and TELL THE TRUTH about your life.

Answer this simple question:

What are you non-verbally communicating to folks about your highest values with the way you live and dress in your life?

For me personally, this included surveying close friends and family to asses how they see me if described in three words. Writing down a list of my highest values and figuring out my gifts was imperative to speaking confidently to my personal truths.

When you tell people the truth about who you are—you become safe for people to hang out with. The things that often keep us from feeling safe are shame and fear of some kind often from our past, which makes us want to hide from people. Reality is all people just want to be loved and known. They want to show up  feeling fully themselves without being judged.

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 3.50.28 PM

Y. Your Body Type (knowing how to dress your shape; focusing on your assets not your age) …but also believing that YOU MATTER no matter your size or shape.

Learn more about dressing for your body type here: Pear, Apple, Peanut, Carrot and String Bean.

Accept who you are as God’s perfect creation—your shape—your life—your heart remembering God doesn’t make garbage.

You might ask, “How can I possibly accomplish this with all the input in the world we are mislead by?”

  1. Stop Comparing Yourself to others: don’t try to be a copy of someone else or judge yourself too harshly.
  2. Stop believing the lies that media portrays suggesting that “You are not beautiful enough, but we can fix you.”
  3. Silence the condemning voice in your head: avoid minimizing your assets and throw yourself in! Flaunt your shape and live like a boss…

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 4.17.31 PM

L. “Less is more” philosophy in your closet…. PROTECT YOUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE in your life.

“Buy less. Choose Well,” said Vivienne Westwood as it relates to the closet. Shop with Intension!

For your life: placing boundaries around not only who but also what activities you allow to fill your calendar is key. If you are a “yes” addict, remind yourself that when you say no to something—you give greater value to your “yes!

Screen Shot 2016-05-12 at 4.03.59 PM

E. Express your Authentic Visual Voice….express who you are as an IMAGE BEARER or “LIGHT” FOR GOD! 

2 Corinthians 4:6 resonated with me when the Bible reads to be a light as Jesus says as we walk in our truth: “For God, who said, ‘Let the light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

In summary:

When we choose to see ourselves more clearly we 1. Streamline our lives, 2. Take inventory of our relationships, values and stuff; when we adopt the belief 3. You matter and live out a 4. Less is more philosophy and 5. Express your Authentic Visual Voice.

As a result our:

  • Creativity is enhanced
  • Motivation to achieve goals increases because we are more pointed in our efforts
  • Self confidence is improved
  • Honor for God in His creation is esteemed
  • S.T.Y.L.E. aligns with our authentic visual voice.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

April Favorites Under $100

Screen Shot 2016-04-10 at 6.09.59 PM

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

Is it just me or did we all blink and it was April? Well, with April showers brings May flowers including lots of Texas blue bonnets and indian paint brushes in my hood. I adore taking family pics during this season nestled in the wild flowers as well as reminiscing over some of my April favorites {under $100 no doubt} I’ve rounded up that I’m just loving this month.

With the weather sunny and warm outside, I’m just so happy that Spring is finally here. Off the shoulder dresses {best for string bean, hourglass, and pear shaped frames}, gingham frocks, tassel inspired accessories, and lace up shoes are among the featured trends. If you aren’t into the trends, consider the essentials: an oversized watch, adorable hair ties {yes, those make a statement for your outfit too}, a long pendant necklace and a clutch.

And don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so get a head start and bless her with one of these goodies. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

5 Everyday Beauty Essentials

Hey “Beauty-full” Souls!

Over Spring Break, I got caught up on all of my gossip magazines and must admit that I adore the celebrity focused column in Us Weekly called, “What’s In My Bag?” In an effort to give you the same fun insight {not that I am a celeb by any stretch–wink!}, here are my 5 everyday beauty essentials you will always find in my purse and those I consider a crucial part of my daily routine.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 11.10.12 AM

Palladio I’m Blushing 2-In-1 Cheek And Lip Tint

A lip gloss and a blush? This is ridiculously amazing–especially for practical ladies.  This multi-tasking cream color stick provides a subtle flush of color to both cheeks and lips.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 11.17.07 AM

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen and this does the trick. This sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to every skin tone and provides the necessary UVA/UVB protection throughout the day. It is virtually odorless as well.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.59.16 AM Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

This mineral-based and water-resistant primer neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application.
Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.57.44 AM

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Touche Éclat’ Radiant Touch

This concealer is the perfect take-anywhere pen-brush to touch up your skin throughout the day–especially under the eyes. Like magic, it adds unparalleled radiance to your skin.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.57.32 AM

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel

 This refreshing, daily anti-aging extra strength peel {packaged in presoaked disposable pads} resurrects radiance and combats the common signs of aging.

What kinds of goodies would we find in your handbag? Please share ASAP!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young