Happy happy new year everyone! New year, new us right?... Maybe not entirely but new year new makeup regimen for sure. I'm here today bringing you some new products from Maybelline. If they aren't your new faves yet, that's just because you haven't tried them. 

Let's start with mascara. Here I'm, wearing the Colossal Big Shot Express. I'm going to say right out that I'm super super superrrr picky about mascara. I work a physically demanding job so typically most mascaras flake and leave a black powder under my eyes during the day while I wear them. There's literally nothing worse than leaving work with raccoon eyes. The Colossal Big Shot Express is AMAZING. Finally my naturally short lashes feel incredibly more voluminous. The applicator really separates each lash and coats them individually. I feel like a girl again! As for length, I'd say they feel twice as long as they have felt before with other products. Like I said, my lashes are typically rather short so this is so so important to me when looking for new mascaras. I could continue to rant but I'll spare you.

For those who have been following me a while now, you know my go-to beauty regimen is the cat eye. Liquid eyeliner is my saving grace. Another product I'm picky about. I literally could cry, take a shower, anything and the Master Precise Liquid Ink Pen doesn't budge. Not even a little. The tip of the pen is super slim making it easy to create those straight lines. Best part: no excess liquid dropping out and making things messy. No clumps. Just impeccably clean lines.

And last but certainly not least, the 24karat Nudes Palette. Perfect amount of subtle nude shades with hints of metallic for a night out. I started with the bronze. The marigold hue was calling my name and I played with it under my bottom lid. The color paired nicely with my brassy blonde highlights. I kept the top of my lids more natural blending a few different shadows together to create the very subtle  ombre. And just like the rest, it lasted. I wore this look all day, and into the evening and if I hadn't taken the makeup off myself, I bet you I could've woken up ready to go the next day. 

Get out there and grab some of these new products before the sell out, they launch this month! This post is sponsored by Maybelline. All opinions expressed are my own,

basics, not basic.

 Hiya pals. Just here to show you a quick update on your basic fall pieces. First stop, denim - swap out skinnies for a cropped boot leg. Add texture to your under pinnings like I did with this little lace number. Substantial ankle boots and a classic wool fedora tie the look together but don't make you look plain. Plus you're still warm so kudos! When we went to run errands after this mini session and I topped it all off with a leopard faux fur to keep things exciting. XO

Outfit Details //

Denim: Who What Wear from Target

Sweater: Loft

Lace Top: Forever 21

Boots: Asos

Hat: Janessa Leone via Flock Boston

birthday jacket.

 For anyone who follows my instagram feed, you're already seen this coat. Isn't it amazing? One of those things that you b-line for when you walk into a store and that's literally the only thing you need becaue at that point, it doesn't get much better. That's how it worked for me. I love Free People. But in particular, I love their boots and coats. They're pieces I'm willing to splurge on and they always hold up so well with wear. This coat is 100% suede (sorry anti-leather friends) with black embroidery all over the front and back yokes. The bell sleeve and ruffle front pull in that gorgeous Victorian look. They say on your birthday it's your day to shine, and I'll tell you I certainly felt like I did. XO

Outfit Details //

Jacket: Free People

Blouse: Forever 21

Leather Pants: Target

Boots: Free People

McDonald Mixed Media

 Hey everyone! Have you seen my bag? You must have - the print is incredible, right? Local artist Shannon McDonald has a new trick up her sleeve - turning her prismatic prints into custom clutches. She hand paints her design and then has a fabric created with that exact design. Then these clutches are hand crafted using that very fabric. For someone like me, these bags are great. I don't like to particular wear my color within my outfits but pulling my look together with a statement clutch, now that's totally my thing. And if you do like wearing color, even better. Here you go, rich color for days! A clutch is the perfect bag in my opinion. Don't want to lug around a tote? A clutch fits the perfect amount of necessities - keys, phone, cash, cards. Feeling like maybe that's not going to hold enough for you? Use this clutch as a fun piece to toss inside your larger bag to help you organize. Shannon is starting an Indiegogo page (that you can find here) to help raise the funds to cover the costs of the first batch of bags that have been created. No donation is too small. With each donation you'll receive something special from Shannon herself. Now get yourself a bag before they're gone!!! XO

McDonald Mixed Media Indiegogo Campaign from Justin Ziebell on Vimeo.

Etsy

So when I'm not working away at Nordstrom, I like to make little mini leather goods. It's been a long time coming but I uploaded a few of my pieces to my Etsy. Since I don't have an actual site for selling, here it is for everyone who is curious. Any custom orders, please contact me at britnieharlow1@gmail.com!