Bare Face Truths

Makeup melting....

One of the most terrifying things for a woman to think about, and even worse, experience.

I am what you would call a "makeup enthusiast", I absolutely LOVE playing with makeup. Creating looks, trying new products and brands, doing my friends' makeup, as well as learning the tips and tricks to a perfect application.

One of the things that I am secretly passionate about is the endurance of makeup, trying to make it last when you really need it to! I don't know about you, but I am not a fan of my mascara smearing, concealer caking, and lipstick fading.

Thankfully I have learned some sneaky ways of how to improve the lasting power of your makeup, especially during the summer.

Tip #1: Wear less. Your pores need some lovin', they need to breathe, and by putting on a full face of makeup every day is not summer-proof. Only dab the concealer/foundation where you need it. I personally use a tiny brush and stipple the problem area and then blend it into the skin so that it looks airbrushed. You want to give the illusion that you have perfect skin, not a fully matte complexion.

Tip #2: If you are going somewhere important and or are getting married and you want your makeup to last, invest in a finishing spray. These beauties will be your savior. Promise. It acts as a barrier between your face and the atmosphere around you, preventing your makeup from budging or going anywhere. I highly recommend Urban Decay's "All Nighter", or if you have very oily skin then you might want to get Urban Decay's "De Slick".

Tip #3: Baby your skin. Use a gentle cleanser rather than a harsh one, because you don't want to constantly strip your face of the natural oils that it produces that keeps it healthy. Apply masks that will help keep it moisturized, especially DIY ones that contain oatmeal and plain yogurt. Apply moisturizer afterwards. Your skin will love you for this.

Tip #4: I don't know about you but my face breaks out more in the summer than in the winter. I have pretty good skin but the occasional pimple is never a fun time, and I have found that if you use organic sea salt mixed with warm water on the area, the pimple will dry up faster than if you use a treatment. It's like that time you went to the ocean and went swimming, and later that day your skin looks amazing? Yeah, exactly like that! Boil down the salt into some water, dip a cloth into the mixture once it's warm and safe enough for your skin, and apply it over your face. It's a holy grail. DO NOT USE TABLE SALT, THAT HAS UNWANTED CHEMICALS IN IT THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO PUT ON YOUR FACE! USE ONLY ORGANIC SEA SALT!!!

Tip #5: Was your brushes more often, I can't stress this enough. Just do it. Your face will thank you for it and you will get less break outs!

Less is more my beauties. Keep it simple, keep it natural, keep is chic. And for goodness sake keep people guessing, it's much more fun that way!

~Piper

Surviving Your Twenties

Folks, it's time we had that heart to heart, tete a tete, mano a mano.

I have been present on this planet for twenty one years and there are a few things I have learned that I not only practice, but also preach.

Being in your twenties means you are caught in that bizarre in-between stage of not yet ready to be an adult and also having to constantly think about the "whats" "ifs" "ands" or "buts" of your future, as well as yourself.

A couple tid-bits and odds and ends that I have learned:

Be your harshest critic, to an extent. It's okay to challenge yourself and try to become the best version of yourself, but sometimes we all get carried away and feel that nothing is good enough. Breathe. Take a step back. Then remind yourself that progress sometimes comes in baby steps. We live in a fast paced world, and sometimes we need to slow down and then catch up again.

Drink lots of tea. The stats about corn syrup and soda consumption leading to diseases and obesity are scaring me. So in order to get my caffeine fix with more health benefits, I have converted to being a tea enthusiast. Sometimes we just need to be a little more British, ya know? Pinkies up my friend!

Eat lots of pasta. I don't think I have to explain this one. Just twirl and slurp.

Learn how to keep your own secrets. I know this is a hard one, but people can't keep secrets. They just don't. Unless you want your friends to know everything about your private life and your business, produce a key and lock it. Keep it safe.

Take long walks when you're frustrated. Exercise will be one of your biggest stress relievers and will actually help you sort things out in your head, as though you are creating imaginary organized folders for the annoying thoughts inside your brain. Talk to yourself if necessary. Only you know your heart and head the best. It's okay to consult with yourself, even if it's out loud.

Stay positive. Compliment a stranger every day. Do something rewarding. Buy ice cream.

If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Put on some red lipstick (or any bright color of your choice) and wear your sunglasses for days you are lazy, not wanting to wear makeup, or taking a quick trip to the grocery store. It's say's "classy" yet "gloriously mysterious" and "simple".

Boys are not Disney princes. They are creatures that have to be understood and respected and loved. Find one that does the same for you. If he does like to watch Disney movies, have a party!

Know your limits.


Be patient. Good things come to those who wait, right? While waiting you can bake some cookies, and they will be amazing.

There will always be good, great, awkward, and on occasion dark parts to your life. Your twenties are definitely something to be explored. Cherish it. Love it. And savor it. When there are clouds, look for that silver lining. You are learning day by day just as I am.

Go for it.

Don't think twice.

Good luck!

~Piper