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A Fresh-Faced Look with Luminess Air

Giving Airbrush Makeup a Whirl Beyond the Special Occasion
Filed Under > Beauty & Tutorials

Airbrush makeup | @waitingonmartha | Luminess AirLuminess Air airbrush makeup Airbrush makeup review by @waitingonmartha Airbrush makeup for beginners | waitingonmartha.comLuminess Air airbrush makeup @waitingonmartha

Okay, so I’m no newbie to the concept of airbrush makeup.  I’ve always read that it’s the secret to a picture-perfect look, but I figured it was only done by professionals for extra-special occasions.  I actually had my makeup airbrushed for my wedding and LOVED the result.  But then again, it was my wedding!  Could it work for every day?  When Luminess Air reached out about trying two of its new airbrush makeup systems, I’ll admit: I was skeptical.  I mean, airbrush makeup??  It seemed like a lot of work!  Here I am trying to simplify my beauty routine, and the last thing I need is something to complicate it further. But int talking with the Luminess team they assured me they wanted my honest opinion, so I was game.  

I tried out both the Epic 2 and Legend, and my adventure into airbrushing was starting off pretty easy.  I just plugged in the Legend, and was ready to start.  Luckily, the packaging for both devices was really self explanatory, and since the Legend is designed for beginners, it was incredibly easy to get started.  (Thank goodness since there really is nothing worse than reading a long user manual for something simple like makeup.)  I first tested the trigger of the stylus on my face to get a feel for how much air would come out, and how fast. Once I felt comfortable with the trigger, I began with the primer knowing it was clear so any mistakes really couldn’t be seen.  Next up I tested the color of both foundations and the extras (blush and highlighter glow) on my forearm and hands.  Feeling good about how the primer went on, I was ready to apply the foundation to my face…which I literally nailed on my first shot.  I was truly amazed by how easy it was to apply, with only 2-3 drops of foundation needed.  And Luminess was right; the makeup wasn’t cakey.  Instead it felt light on my face, and gave me a very buildable base that actually looked natural enough for everyday.  Plus the application ended up being pretty fun.

The Legend, being the starter kit, is the more affordable option ($249) over the Epic 2 system (on sale for $299).  It’s also a bit smaller, making it less cumbersome to store and travel with.  But the Epic 2, on the other hand, takes airbrushing truly to the next level.  It includes a full digital touch-screen display that shows you tutorials and tips as you apply so if you’re a beauty junkie this system is for you.  Just like the Legend, the Epic 2 gave me a really light, beautiful color, perfect for layering as I added the blush.  While I may have started out a skeptic, I’m now believer in how simple airbrush makeup is, and pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed using it.  Will I use it everyday? Probably not, but most days you won’t catch me with makeup or foundation on at all.  But on those days when I actually put the effort in to get ready, you better believe I’ll be using this system.

Tell me friends, have you considered trying airbrush makeup out?!  I personally think it would make great such a great holiday gift for anyone beauty-obsessed on your list (it’s never too early to get your holiday shopping done). I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Truly, MKR

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Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha | This post was in collaboration with Luminess Air.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

One of Our Favorite Housewarming Gift Ideas

See Why Handpicked Baskets Make an Easy, Thoughtful Gift
Filed Under > "Hostess with the Mostest"

Housewarming gift basket ideas | waitingonmartha.com
Housewarming gift ideas | waitingonmartha.com
Housewarming basket ideas | waitingonmartha.com
Housewarming gift basket inspiration via Waiting on Martha

So you want to share a warm welcome to a new neighbor or maybe you’re celebrating the fresh start for a loved one.  Don’t waste time racking your brain for the perfect housewarming gift ideas.  Instead, stick to something simple: a themed housewarming gift basket that is super simple to put together, but shows you took the time with a personal touch.

The possibilities for where you take your gift baskets are truly endless, but in the original post, MKR shares a basket with a kitchen theme as inspiration.  Being the room that’s considered to be the heart of the home (I couldn’t agree more!), a kitchen’s items are both bright, cheery, and most importantly items your new neighbor will actually use!  Another plus?  None of the items will break the bank. 

As you’re thinking of items to include in your gift basket, don’t forget about the basket/tote bag/package itself. MKR placed a gorgeous copper colander inside a simple wire basket that serves as the perfect vessel for the kitchen theme.  And inside, she placed an array of treats including crisp tea towels, a marble citrus reamer, salt cellar full of gingered candies and delicious-smelling dish soaps and hand lotions (because who doesn’t love more of those!). 

Gift baskets make for great housewarming gift ideas all year around, but can also be the perfect thought for Mother’s Day, a congratulations for an engagement, a basket for your bestie’s breakup, etc.  Happy gift basket building!  Cheers, Kat

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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

Let’s Talk: Fashion Trends, Saying No & Saving-and-Spluring

A Conversation about Shopping Strategy
Filed Under > Everyday

panama

We’re inundated with fashion inspiration these days, there’s no question about it.  As a result of Instagram and Pinterest especially, we can easily get caught up in the overwhelming urge to stock up (and spend a pretty penny) on the hottest trends.  Now I know this topic won’t be top of mind for me forever (like, say when I’m saving up for a deposit on my first house in a few years).  But at the age of 27, I’m attending a lot of events and weddings, saving for the future, and paying off student loans, so I have to be strategic about where my disposable money goes…and if I’m not careful, it usually all goes to clothes.   In a dream world, I’d always recognize forever-pieces from the duds.  In REALITY, though, it’s sometimes hard to resist the season’s latest trends because even wardrobe staples need a little flair sometimes. 

So what’s helped me not go broke over the irresistible new fashion trends?  Knowing where to draw the line, and being able to say no.  I’ve become so wise (in my old age) that I’ve learned that some trends work for my friends and not me, and vice versa.  For the record, I look SILLY in jumpsuits and rompers with my wide hips, but I have a friend with an hourglass waist who looks dynamite in them.

Another trick?  I like to think of trends as the category to have a little fun in, and that means getting creative with their sources (read: finding them on sale or highly discounted)!  French style icon and blogger Garance Dore wrote in Love Style Life, “It’s more about building your wardrobe with great essentials and using the trends for fun updates.”  I strategize a save-and-splurge technique by checking out discount sites like The Outnet and setting up sale alerts on ShopStyle (a great site to search for specific items) for the trendy items I’m looking for.  As an example of my save-and-splurge strategy, I’ve found that these affordable lace-up sandals look just as good as the designer version, and this affordable panama hat is exactly what I need, without costing as much as this one.  Lace-up sandals and panama hats are very trendy right now, and I feel better about buying the affordable options especially if I’m not 100% the trend will last through next year.  (And to my delight, these sandals and this hat actually have!)  A wardrobe staple like a classic black blazer, on the other hand?  I’m going to buy one I know I’ll have for at least the next decade. 

So I’d love to know: what fashion trends are you loving right now?  Have there been trendy pieces that you have turned into staples?  Has there been a fashion trend you’ve fallen trap to?  What trends have you avoided?  Lastly, where do YOU score your trendy pieces?  Cheers, Kat 

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Photography, Chelsey Heidorn for Waiting on Martha

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