(Kjaer Weis Foundation, Simple Micellar Water, and Charlotte Tilbury’s “Eyes to Mesmerise” in Marie Antoinette.)
I’ve been writing a lot about skincare recently, and it’s mainly because I’ve revamped my own routine in recent months. After years of doing the exact same thing, it’s been both frustrating and fun experimenting with new products. I’ve finally found a regimen that works for me, and my skin is happy, too. After some trial and error, I’m now familiar with the ingredients that work for and against my skin, so I can feel confident when I try new things.
For summer, I prefer lighter, simpler makeup, and Kjaer Weis’ Foundation, which I first wrote about here, is perfect for the hot Texas weather. I’ve noticed less oil when wearing this under powder, and that’s a huge win for me. I’m hoping it will work well into colder weather, too. I really love this natural foundation as an alternative to mineral compacts, and I’m excited to try other products in the line eventually, too.
One huge change in my daily skincare routine was to remove hot water from the equation. For years, I steamed my face to help open my pores, and I think that caused more trouble than it was really worth. I started using Simple’s Micellar Water a few months ago, as both an eye makeup remover and a toner, and I’m thrilled with the results. After removing my eye makeup and washing my face with a gentle cleanser, I use a washable cotton round to gently go over my skin with the Micellar Water. It really helps to thoroughly clean and freshen my face, and it’s so gentle on my skin. Best of all, this Micellar Water is under $5 at Walgreens, so I usually buy two at a time.
And my new favorite beauty buy is from Charlotte Tilbury’s “Eyes to Mesmerise” line of cream eye shadows. I first saw the color Marie Antoinette reviewed in this makeup tutorial and knew that it would work well for me. I love metallic shadows for summer, and this product is perfect for hot weather. With an eye primer, the shadow will stay put all day long without creasing, and that is a must for me. All of the colors in the collection are beautiful, and I’m hoping to try Mona Lisa in the fall.
What are your favorite summer beauty products?
(Handmade hearts by my boys.)
I get discouraged by the actions of my state’s leaders a lot these days; I think it’s hard not to. And I’ve written before about raising young children in the middle of such a conservative area, where Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, and Chick-Fil-A dot the landscape, and you can guess the ideologies of your neighbors by the bumper stickers on the back of their cars. But Friday was a beautiful day for our entire nation, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage did a lot to lift my spirits.
I want my boys to grow up loving everyone, and I want them to feel safe and protected, too. I’m pretty political and outspoken when it comes to my beliefs, but Ryan and I try our best to explain things simply and honestly to our little guys and encourage them to form their own opinions. They are still so small, but they know that, now, you can marry anyone you want, anyone your heart desires. They want to marry each other, which is sweet, considering how much they bicker these days.
A few years ago, we took the boys to a close friend’s wedding, and she and her wife were married in a beautiful, outdoor ceremony under a giant oak tree as the sun set in the Texas sky. On Friday, our friend and her wife were married again, this time officially, at the county clerk’s office, and when she shared the good news with us, I told our boys immediately.
They are too young to understand the significance of the event, but I wanted them to know about it. For them, all marriages will be normal and commonplace, and that’s the beauty of this moment. My sons’ generation will grow up with more understanding and acceptance, hopefully without the presence of fear and hatred. Things won’t be perfect, and there are still more struggles to overcome, but it will be better. And isn’t that what all parents want for their children?
After Friday’s ruling, a local news anchor shared his thoughts with his audience, and I was especially touched by his message to parents, grandparents, and everyone who cares for and works with the next generation. “Now is your chance to make the world a better place,” he said, and I completely agree.
(My Tooth Fairy jar for the boys’ teeth.)
This week was fairly quiet, aside from the Tooth Fairy’s first visit to our house! That was an exciting occasion and marked the beginning of a new era, it seems. We’re gearing up for a weekend of birthday parties, and hopefully some relaxation, too. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
A dancer retires to a 23-minute ovation and rose petals raining across the stage.
Season 3 of “Last Tango in Halifax” starts this Sunday! It’s such a good show.
“La Toilette: The Birth of Privacy,” which I mentioned in Wednesday’s post.
A photo series that’s the opposite of privacy.
French students just can’t “cope.”
And a short film about forbidden love.
Have a wonderful weekend!
