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READER’S CHOICE BEAUTY AWARDS: PART 2

HYear!

My goodness, you guys, I almost feel embarrassed posting Part 2 of this Beauty Awards post almost a year later! But better late than never, right? Part 1 was all about SKINCARE, and Part 2 is going to be all about MAKEUP! I’m definitely not a beauty blogger by any means, and makeup tutorials are not my thing. However, I do love wearing makeup. I feel most like myself when I take the time to put some on, and especially love a good pop of lip color! I come from a family of ladies who know how to rock a bold lip, and so that’s always just been a go-to product for me, and it’s an easy way take your look to the next level.

In the past couple years, I have been trying out some more clean, natural brands and so this list will reflect many new, clean brands that you all have recommended. However, there are still products on here that we all use and love that aren’t in the natural category. Just want to make sure I mention that up front! I am always open to learning about different products, so if you have any favorites that aren’t on this list, please send them my way!

I have linked the ones you recommended here for your convenience and maybe you will find something for yourself or a loved one for the holidays.

Without further ado…here are your Reader’s Choice FAVORITE MAKEUP products!!!

Under Eyes:

Tarte Shape Tape

Smashbox Color Correcting Stick

Face:

Tarte Aquacealer Concealer

Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream

Young Living Savvy Minerals Foundation

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

Benefit Watts Up! Highlighter

BareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush

Flower Beauty Flower Pots Blush

Lips:

MAC Lipstick (Mattes)

MAC Lipstick (Cream)

MAC Cremesheen Glass Lip Gloss

100 Percent Pure Matte Lipstick

Bite Beauty Lipstick

Red Apple Lipstick

Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm

Eyes:

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

Rodan + Fields Lash Boost

Make Up Forever Eyeshadow

MAC Paint Pot (Painterly shade as eyeshadow primer)

Benefit Ka-Brow Cream Gel Eyebrow Color

Lancome Definicils Mascara

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Stila Liquid Waterprood Eye Liner

Nails:

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish

Color Street Nail Strips

Zoya Nail Polish

JINSoon Nail Polish

OPI Drip Dry Lacquer

Oh em gee!!!! Okay, that was a lot of makeup!!! Thank you SO much for all of your beauty recommendations for Makeup…I appreciate it so very much! I have used many of these on the list, but there are definitely some that I am going to go out and try for SURE! Hope you guys get a chance to try them as well!

Do you love some things on this list? Do you think something needs to be added? I want to know!!! Please leave your comments below!

The Notes Family is getting ready to head down to Maryland for the Thanksgiving holiday. Trying to tie up all the loose ends around here…getting all the blog posts prepped, getting all the invites out for my upcoming health/fitness Challenge Groups, doctor’s appointments, laundry, packing, and all the rest. We are getting excited to see family and friends next week and for all the delicious food! OH! And I scheduled my annual (yes I know) hair appointment with my girl Nikki Cagle for when I’m in town. If you guys have any inspo for what I should do, please send my way!

Happy Sunday!

XO,

Gina

Autumn Yellow

Blouse: H&M – similar / Denim: AG Jeans / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne (clearance!) / Necklace: Coup de Coeur/ Sunnies: Vintage Kenneth Cole / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets: Tory Burch, Baublebar / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide (amazing price!) / Lip: Lancome All Done Up

It’s definitely feeling like fall over here, which means it’s time for me to break out the darker hues and longer sleeves. Jewel tones are my favorite for fall, and I love this topaz/mustard color yellow for the season. It reminds of the leaves changing colors around me.

What are some of your favorite colors to wear during the autumn season?

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina

Pattern Mixing

Striped Top: H&M – similar here and here / Floral Skater Skirt: H&M – similar / Sparkly Flats: Nine West / Heart Tote: ban.do / Sunglasses: Vintage Kenneth Cole / Watch: Michael Kors / Necklace: Barami / Lip: MAC Snob / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide

Here is the last of my summer outfit posts, and it’s definitely feeling like fall now. To keep wearing these pieces into the new season, you could always throw on a pair of tights under the skirt or a blazer over the top. I am very into getting as much use as possible out of every article of clothing in my closet for as long as I can! I love the idea of pattern mixing, and I think it works as long as you stay in a similar color palette. Stripes and florals are two of my favorites, so why not mix them together?

This past weekend, we took Nico to the pumpkin patch, and my what a difference from last year to this year! He was so excited about the orange “balls” as he called them, and was crawling all around the patch exploring. We drove out to Stakey’s Farm on the North Fork of Long Island for pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, and a corn maze. We also stopped off a Briermere Farm for apples and a raspberry creme pie. One way to get me to embrace the colder weather is certainly through my stomach.

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Summer Sunlight

Dress: Boxing Kitten for Urban Outfitters (old) / Neon Sandals: Dolce Vita – similar / Crossbody Bag: T.J. Maxx / Necklace: Guilty Jean / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Baublebar / Lip: Lancome Fuchsia Clutch / Nails: Essie Marshmallow / Toes: Essie Bachelorette Bash

Summer sunlight peeking through the trees as the sun is starting to set. Probably my favorite moment of the day. The magic hour brings me a peaceful calm. It strange how only a few years ago, the sun going down was a symbol of the start of my evening. It meant that it was time to start prepping to get ready for a night on the town with my man or the girls. I’ve always been a night owl, and I lived for summer nights exploring New York City. Dressing up, hair, make-up, the whole sha-bing.

Nowadays, the sunset usually represents quiet for me. Time to reflect on the adventures from the day, give the baby a bath, put him to bed, and then enjoy dinner with my husband and maybe even a glass of wine. This particular evening, however, we were on family vacation which meant Bubbe and Pop Pop were eager to babysit. So after Nico’s bedtime, my husband and I were able to go out on our own little adventure. We started by taking these photos and others in the summer sunlight. We walked around Cape May, and had a delicious romantic dinner for two at Louisa’s. I guess we realized how little we get out after 8pm these days, and so we didn’t want the night to end. We walked around in the moonlight, shared a kiss under the stars (or two), and played video games and skee-ball at the arcade until close. We felt like two teenagers running around on a summer night. Yes, things have changed. Instead of closing down bars, we are closing down arcades at a family beach town. Instead of going to sleep at 4am, I am waking up at 6am.

But I’m okay with that.

Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Oxfords & Brights

Dress: Forever 21 / Jacket: Vintage / Tights: Target / Oxfords: CA by Carrini via Hautelook (similar here) / Hat: Habit Boutique / Bag: T.J. Maxx / Locket: Vintage / Watch: Betsey Johnson / Beaded Bracelets: Guilty Jean / Leather Buckle-Up Bracelet: Wanderlust + Co. / Nails: Essie Ladylike / Lips: MAC Up the Amp

Don’t let the rain get you down! Although it’s dark and gray outside, your outfit doesn’t have to follow suit. Brighten up this rainy day gloom with some color in your wardrobe. I scored these amazing oxfords on Hautelook for only $16! Yes, you read that right. I paired them with a tribal print dress and some colorful tights to bright up my mood over the weekend as I headed to the sunglass convention to see my friends at Waveborn. We had a lot of fun trying on all their new styles for spring, and Nico enjoyed trying on the Babiators as well. Isn’t he the cutest?

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and wishing you a great week ahead!

XO,

Gina

San Fran Style

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

On me: Dress: Free People (old) / Blouse: Forever 21 (sold out) / Bow Tie: ASOS – similar / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Ankle Boots: H&M / Lip: MAC Heartless / Nails: Essie Sexy Divide

On Nico: Shirt & Bow Tie: Koala Baby via Babies “R” Us / Jeans: Baby GAP (sold out) – also like these / Shoe Socks: Trumpette

The hubby had a conference/speaking engagement in San Francisco a few weeks ago, so Nico and I flew out to join him for a quick family trip across the country. In retrospect, I am kind of asking myself what the hell was I thinking (re: A 3 hour time difference doesn’t mean anything to a baby, and 6 hours on a plane by myself? Why did I think this was a good idea?). Waking up a 3am was a daily occurrence, and sitting in the hotel room at 5pm with the curtains drawn, trying to be quiet while eating take-out pho was a bit difficult as well. However, at the end of the day, I kind of think it is hysterical, and I am really glad we made the trip. I realized how much I can do on my own with a baby…I mean, I’m always up for a challenge right? My current challenges have just migrated from Tough Mudder races to “what can this mom accomplish today” type challenges haha. We were able to see a lot of friends and family, and we explored a bit in a much warmer climate for a few days, so I cannot complain! On the day these photos were taken, we got dressed up for a lovely outdoor brunch with a wonderful group of people. We followed it up with a beautiful walk on the water in Marina and in Ft. Mason Park. I love seeing Nico’s face as he sees a new part of the world for the first time. He just takes it all in, and I can tell he is going to enjoy traveling just like his parents.

We had a nice Brooklyn weekend here in the city. The hubs got a new iPhone for his birthday. We met our friend’s new 4 week old baby for the first time, who was absolutely adorable! (You forget how little they once were!) We also hosted a little Babies & Bagel’s St. Paddy’s Day brunch with our local parent/baby group in our neighborhood.

To all my fellow Irish out there…and all of those celebrating…Happy St. Paddy’s Day, and have a wonderful week!

XO,

Gina

Spring Statements {Stella & Dot Series #2}

Dress: Forever 21 / Trench: H&M / Leopard Pumps: Liz Claiborne / Sunglasses: ModCloth / Lip: Lancome Fearless / Nails: Essie Mink Muffs / Norah Pendant Necklace, Norah Cuff, Nancy Studs, & Tia Crossbody: All on loan from Stella & Dot

Here is Part 2 of the Stella & Dot spring shoot featuring their new line of jewelry and accessories! How amazing is that Norah Pendant?!?! I love how it sparkles and compliments the blue from my dress. Versatility is a big trend this season, and the Tia Crossbody is a great example. Notice how I am not wearing it as a crossbody? The removable strap turns it instantly into a clutch. It photographed a bit pink here, but the true color is more of a coral. I am also a fan of their Sutton Necklace (not pictured) that you can wear 5 different ways.

Shop the shoot here at my online trunk show that I will be hosting for the next three weeks, and view the rest of this fabulous collection! Shoppers will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off.

Hope you East Coasters are enjoying this week’s surprisingly warmer weather! Last night, I played in my first soccer game in over a year with 60 degree weather…and we won…and I didn’t suck too terribly. I couldn’t have asked for a better first night back!

XO,

Gina

Pops of Spring {Stella & Dot Series #1}

Cropped Sweater: Forever 21 / Skater Skirt: Forever 21 (sold out – similar) / Blue Suede Shoes: Sole Society (sold out – also like these) / Sunglasses: Vintage / Lip: MAC Candy Yum Yum / Nails: Essie Mink Muffs / Frida Necklace, Soiree Studs, Tribute Bracelet, Urbane Bracelete, Nikita Stretch Bracelet, & Citrine Perf Double Clutch: All on loan from Stella & Dot

I am so excited to finally share these photos with of my collaboration with Stella & Dot showcasing their spring jewelry and accessories line. I worked with Jessica Sigler to style the shoot, and we definitely had a tough time deciding which pieces to use as there were so many amazing options! I love all the pieces we ended up choosing, but I am especially in love with the colorful Frida necklace and the Citrine Perf Double Clutch. There’s nothing like taking a simple black and white outfit and turning up the volume with so many different pops of color. I am hosting an online trunk show starting today and running for the next three weeks. I guarantee you will find more than one thing you adore in this collection! If you shop the trunk show, you will be entered to win free jewelry and pieces at 50% off. Happy shopping!

I am hoping this little bit of nice weather will stick around for the long haul!

Hope you all have a great week!

XO,

Gina

Party Bling

It’s holiday season which means it’s party time! I was lucky enough to receive these gorgeous Party Bling earrings courtesy of JoJo Loves You to pair with this sequined dress I scored at Forever 21 awhile back. I love the red color as it excites me for Christmastime, and I definitely foresee me pairing these with other outfits this month and beyond.

Their shop, based in Brookline, MA is hosting their Annual Bling Sale today through Sunday, so definitely check them out. They would make a beautiful gift or stocking stuffer for your mom, sis, best friend…or pick a pair up for yourself to rock at your own holiday party this year!

Photos by: Zack Notes / Edited by: Myself

Party Bling Earrings: c/o JoJo Loves You / Dress: Forever 21 / Shoes: Go Jane (old) – similar / Panda Ring: nOir / Eyes: MAC Knight Divine / Lip: Korres Think Pink / Nails: Essie Hot Coco

Happy Shopping & Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season! I did a little me-shopping for the holidays, and picked up this jeweled sweatshirt from StyleMint as well as these adorable burgundy bow smoking slippers from Seychelles. This outfit was a perfect blend of being polished and dressy enough for the Thanksgiving weekend festivities, but also allowed me to stay comfortable at the same time. This particular day, my family all came to my parents house to meet our little Nico for the first time. It went well and our little guy certainly has a lot of people who love him!

I also took advantage of the Starbucks drive-thru while in Maryland. My neighborhood doesn’t have one, and I haven’t been venturing out of it too often while on maternity leave. I absolutely swoon over their holiday lattes, and this year was no different. I tried the Caramel Brulee Latte for the first time, and loved it so much, I got one the following day for the drive back to NY as well. Yum!

Photos by: Mary Ann Guaragna / Edited by: Myself

Sweatshirt: StyleMint / Bow Blouse: Piperlime (old) – also like this one in coral / Smoking Slippers: Seychelles / Pants: Motherhood / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelet: Stella and Sparkle / Lip: Smashbox Maven / Nails: Essie Hot Coco

Things have been a little crazy in the Notes household this past weekend. We’ve been trying to get Nico on a better sleeping pattern (i.e. trying to get him to go to sleep without it taking 2+ hours). It hasn’t been fun, but after a few short days, I think it’s actually starting to work. The whole family might be on a track toward good sleep (fingers crossed). This is just the first of many tough parenting decisions we have had to make. No one can really explain how hard motherhood can be sometimes. We are just figuring everything out along the way. Oh! We have also come super close to finding a nanny for our little guy! We have interviewed a lot, and we think we just may have found the one. Hoping it all works out for the best!

Happy Monday everyone!

XO,

Gina