A Dose of Pretty

~ Paris ~ Leave a comment

{A sunset-hued rose + late afternoon sunlight.}

Editor’s Note: With my upcoming birthday and the semester ending soon, I will be taking a short break to celebrate properly and wrap up the school year. I will be back on June 10th with plenty of new content. x

When I was in high school, our college and career center had a sign that said: “The days are long but the years are short.” At seventeen, I understood what the quote was saying, yet I didn’t get it. But, at thirty-five, I get it.

The days are long: As I get closer to summer vacation, I understand that it will be here before I know it even when it feels a million miles away from me.

And the years are short: Because when I remember high school, I realize it was half my life ago even though it sometimes feels as if it was just yesterday.

With yet another year flying by {how are we already over five months into the new year, or um, rather should I just say year?}, I’m striving to truly savor each day. Because the days are long even if the years go by far too quickly. This weekend I plan to celebrate Mother’s Day by going to brunch with my son, and spending time with all three of my boys. And I’m excited to head to San Francisco to celebrate my birthday next week. I hope you have a great one as well and I’ll see you back here next month! x

{A playful kitten who reminds me everyday that dreams do come true – since being a cat mom was my dream for about three decades before I met him.}

{A summery color combo that gives me tropical vacation vibes: pink blooms + green leaves.}

{The sweetest afternoon drink: a creamy caramel boba tea + crème brûlée foam.}

{The prettiest shades of purple: from lavender to violet.}

{A new, mini fragrance to try out for my birthday. Should my new motto be new age, new signature scent?}

x Paris

How-To: Beautiful Brows

~ Paris ~ Leave a comment

My brows have never been of much concern for me. They are naturally shaped pretty well, which makes tweezing an occasional touch up a rare necessity (aka, I won the brow lottery). But as a former magazine editor, I was gifted a lot of beauty products – one of which changed my brow game completely. A Japonesque brow kit completely transformed my thoughts on my eyebrows. I use brow powders and wax religiously now. And since my brows are already dark, the touch of mascara help make them stand out instantly. My friend, who used to be a make up artist, also taught me to use my foundation all over my face {lips, eyelids, and brow bone included}, to help create an even tone all over my face and to hide any stray brow hairs that need to be tweezed. Paired with plenty of mascara on my lashes, this look allows me to feel pulled together whether I do nothing else to my face {besides a touch of blush} or go all out with a dramatic, smokey eye or dark lip. Here’s a peek at my go-to brow products + my detailed how-to for beautiful brows. I’d love to know, what’s your secret for amazing eyebrows? 

{Tools: Make Up For Ever Foundation & Mascara, Japonesque Brow Kit {similar here}, and Tweezers.}

Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Tweeze any stray brow hairs, then apply a thin layer of foundation all over your face, followed by a touch of blush.
Step 2: Using the brow powders, mix the dark and light colors to highlight your brows.
Step 3: Since I have dark brows, I also add a tiny swipe of mascara to help hold down and darken my brows. Then, I finish it off with brow wax.
Step 4: Generously add layers of mascara to your eyes to help make them stand out.
Step 5: Use a lipstick/ gloss and any other eye make up you would like.

x Paris