Beauty & Tutorials

The List: My Recent Binge-Worthy Beauty Buys

From White Sage Smudge Sticks, Sunday Riley, An On-the-Go Bling Brush & More...here are the beauty products I'm currently binging on
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Essential oils, white sage smudge sticks, renewing serum, all natural face wash & more | @waitingonmartha

I’ve finally admitted to myself that I’ve been on a bit of a beauty product binge this summer.  Maybe it’s because I’ve been switching over to a lot of natural and holistic products, (think white sage smudge sticks).  Maybe it’s because the older I get, the more I truly understand that taking care of my skin should be top priority.  But whatever the reason, I don’t see this binging stopping any time soon.  So today, I’m sharing a few new binge-worthy picks that have earned their coveted spot on my vanity, with a few oldies that I’ve fallen in love with all over again.  

Starting with the newcomers; Sunday Riley, Sapelo Skin Care and Damn Good Face Wash have continued my obsession with oils and the art of a proper daily beauty routine.  Aerin, Tom Ford and Morrocanoil have resurfaced, and officially earned spots on my forever list.  And on the holistic side of things, I’ve possibly gone off the deep end misting essential oils in numerous rooms, keeping three different himelayan salt lamps burning at all times, and I may or may not be lighting white sage smudge sticks around the house to purify the air.  I swear everything just feels more pure.  Read on below for a few of my other current faves, and please let me know if there’s anything you’re binging on right now!  Truly, MKR

No. 1…Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser.  I’ve been on a huge essential oils kick lately, and I have this diffuser running every night with relaxing lavender essential oil

No. 2…Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment. This stuff definitely has a cult following, as you can see from these reviews. I, of course, had to see what all the buzz was about, and I totally get it now.  After only a few uses, I felt my skin’s texture dramatically improve (smoothing out acne scars and fine lines), and I swear I do have a little glow about me! 

No. 3…Tom Ford Cream Cheek Color. Though the palette looks a bit coral-y, this cream blush would look good on practically anyone. I tap a little bit on my finger and put on my nose and cheekbones. The color is dewy and goes on wonderfully…and a little goes a long way.  

No. 4…NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner. I really just love a good blue eyeliner; it makes the eyes pop. This one by NARS lasts throughout the day too, which is good because there’s nothing worse than glancing in the mirror later in the day to find that all of your eyeliner has disappeared! 

No. 5…Tom Ford Cream & Powder Eye Color. Besides the fact that this bronzey-gold is absolutely jaw-dropping, I love that this eyeshade duo is wet AND dry.  This duo, however, is not cheap.  But what I’ve found is that I use so very little (seriously I only use like one tiny drop) it will likely last for a year. 

No. 6…White Sage Smudge Sticks.
 As I said above I have went full boar and bought into this ancient incense to purify the air in my home.  To use, you simply light the smudge sticks on fire and let them smolder, filling the room with the healing scent of sage.  If you really have some trouble areas you’re supposed to open the windows and doors and waft the smoke over the troubled area (ie spots with ghosts or bad juju) and out the window or door.

No. 7…Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle.  I’ve been a longtime fan of Aerin fragrances, and I knew I had to try this one the second I saw it.  I’m thrilled (but not surprised) to say that this one does not disappoint. 

No. 8…Bling Brush.  I am just so in love with this on-the-go jewelry cleaner.  It looks a little like concealer, but it’s actually a natural cleaner for your diamonds!  It’s so easy to use, and it truly makes my diamonds shine like they do when I get them professionally cleaned.  AND it’s only $18. 

No. 9…Moroccanoil Treatment. My hair has felt extra dry lately, so I’ve come back to the Moroccanoil line. I used to use the stuff religiously for years, and am happy to see its luxurious effects on my locks again. I also have the hydrating shampoo and conditioner – which are both game-changers. 

No. 10…Sapelo Renewing Serum. I use this heavenly face serum as the first step in my daily skincare routine, after cleansing.  Being water-based, the serum gives my face and neck a full hydration one-over, while delivering other essential nutrients that my skin happily soaks up.  It’s super moisturizing and super effective; I’ve noticed my skin feels tighter and firmer thanks to boosted collagen and elastin production. The ladies behind Sapelo and its amazing nature-based southern skincare line are SO worth checking out. 

No. 11…Damn Good Face Wash The Works. This handmade, all-natural and ultra nourishing facial wash is a recent Etsy find.  The face wash is coconut-oil based, and works to pull impurities and toxins out of the skin, while combating blemishes. Love love love. 

N0. 12…Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil.  Another find from the brand with a true cult following, the Luna Sleeping Night Oil.  I put this oil on my face and neck before going to bed, and have kept at it to shrink pores and smooth out some new lines.  

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

A Braided Up Do In 5 Easy Steps

An Easy, Effortless and Elegant 5 Minute Hairstyle
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Easy 5 minute hair tutorial by @waitingonmartha Easy Braided Up Do | Hair Tutorial by @waitingonmartha Easy Braided Up Do | Hair Tutorial by Waiting on Martha

It’s hard to deny the power of an easy braided up do in these last dog days of summer. On the mornings when you’re flying out the door, and on the days when meetings fill your calendar all day long, an effortless, hands-off hairstyle is ideal.  And when said hairstyle takes only five minutes to do?!  Well, that’s pretty priceless.  

We didn’t believe it was possible either, but after teaming up with the talented hair and makeup artist Jennifer Nieman, we discovered this easy braided up do.  We were all rendered speechless at how quickly Jen pulled together the look, and all agreed how effortless and elegant it turned out to be.  Take notes, friends, because this is a hair tutorial worth bookmarking long after summer is through!  Truly, MKR

Step 1…Start with wavy or curled hair. To achieve the waves, use either with a 1-inch or 1-1/4 inch curling iron or wand. Use light hairspray and a dry texture spray
Step 2…Part the hair your desired way (to the side or no part), and leave out any wisps if you prefer a loose, romantic look. 
Step 3…Gather all of your hair to the back of your neck.
Step 4…Do a standard 3-strand braid.
Step 5…Roll the braid under and pin.

To finish the look, pull a few pieces of hair loose near the crown of the head.  Lastly, using hairspray or texture spray will help add looseness and texture to the braided up do. 

And because we had to get the scoop on Jen’s favorite hair products, her go-to texture sprays include: Redken “Wind Blown” Dry Texture Spray, CHI Texturing Spray and Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1. And to hold the style, she always uses Kenra Volume Spray #25, Redken Fashion Work 12 and Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Hair Spray

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PHOTOGRAPHY, KATHRYN MCCRARY | HAIR, JENNIFER NIEMAN | LOCATION, AMBIENT + STUDIO

How to Find the Perfect Pink Lipstick for You

Tips on Finally Finding Your Signature Shade
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

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If you’re a regular here on WOM, you’ll know that I can’t leave my house without my signature pink lip.  I’ve been wearing YSL ‘Rouge Pur Couture’ in Tropical Pink (49) for years after discovering its perfect bubbly pink hue.

A signature lip color is something I strongly believe every woman should know about herself.  Discovering that signature shade all starts with knowing your skin color/tone.  Do you have warm, cool or neutral tones?  Having my “colors” analyzed a few years ago was game changing for me and something I think about constantly whenever picking our clothes and makeup.  By assessing your skin’s color and tone, you’ll be on your way to finding a lip color that will always be your finishing touch to a polished look, as well as a major confidence boost.  

The best way to find the perfect pink lipstick is to test out a lot of them.  Finding your signature color takes time; think of it like dating.  Consider setting up an appointment with a beauty professional at a makeup counter, or do it on your own with less expensive options from the drugstore.  This way, you’ll try a handful of textures and tones to find the perfect one.  

If you have a warm skin tone, you’ll want to find a pink lipstick that has more rosy, coral and orange warm undertones.  On the other hand, if you have a cool skin tone (like me), stick to pink lipsticks that have more blues and purples in them. If you’re still not sure about your skin tone, here are a few easy hacks to figure it out

The next thing to consider is the texture and finish you’re hoping to achieve: do you want a high-gloss or matte look?  I personally prefer high-gloss because matte makes my lips feel too dry.  Don’t get me wrong, matte is beautiful, but it’s just not for me.  Since I like a glossy finish, I’ve started to use NARS lip gloss (that has just a hint of pink) on top of my YSL Tropical Pink

Once you do find your signature pink lipstick, stock up!  They always seem to discontinue my favorites, and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way.  Tell me friends, have you found your perfect pink lipstick?!  Truly, MKR

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Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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