Okay guys.
Don't believe this (Which is what my 5 year old says instead of "You're not going to believe this.")
Nordstrom asked me to participate in their MOMS THAT WOW Campaign.
Let's just give that a minute to sink in.
Me. A wife and mama with a blog.
Asked to participate in a Nordstrom campaign.
Eeeeeeeeeek!
Apparently enough of you sweet ladies have mentioned "Pinterest Told Me To"when reviewing items online that some people at Nordstrom started wondering who or what the heck Pinterest Told Me To was. So, thank you for that! I've also received e-mails from new readers of the blog saying they found me after reading a review online. So again, thank you!
Growing a blog is hard work, and you sweet girls are the ones helping me every step of the way.
For the record, I think some Nordstrom peeps have also started wondering WHAT THE HECK a "BLARDIGAN" is.
I've heard so many stories about y'all going into the store, asking for the Blardigan, and getting met by a blank stare by one of the Nordstrom sales people.
The people at Barefoot Dreams should really consider a name change of their product...
because BLARDIGAN is soooo much better than COZY CHIC LIGHT WRAP.
Am I right?
;)
So....all that to say...Nordstrom asked me to participate in their MOMS THAT WOW campaign!
Will I participate?
Um, yes.
Yes I will.
First of all, I was of course TOTALLY excited.
However, I immediately thought "Me? Wow? Um, prolly not."
Now, don't get me wrong, I know I have it in me to "WOW" and can definitely pull out all the stops and WOW on occasion!
However, on any given day, a WOW moment isn't always in the cards.
I mean WOWing takes effort.
Still, I wanted to participate in the campaign (because HELLO! NORDSTROM!) and my post was supposed to be about make-up, which is a fun subject that I think I've only talked about on this blog a couple of times before.
And then I had a brainstorm one morning.
I was thinking about how much great feedback I got from my product post (found HERE) and I thought of a totally fun angle for me for this campaign.
So, here's what I did.
I called Northpark's Nordstrom, and I asked to be connected to somebody who could do my make-up, but didn't have an allegiance to any one particular brand.
I wanted somebody to do a make-over on me, pulling popular products from all
over the make-up department. I basically wanted to be introduced to some FAN FAVORITES, no matter which department they were from.
FUN, RIGHT?
So, I did it, and I had a flipping blast!
You are going to get some of the pretty "after" pictures, but you are also going to get some before pictures. Yep, you heard me. I'm about to get real.
Like really REAL.
This is me.
No primer. No powder. No eyeshadow. No lipstick. Not even gloss.
Nothing.
Zilch. Zippo.
No make-up.
Period.
I'm walking out the door to head to Northpark. With no make-up.
I feel like I should have earned some sort of girl-scout badge for that.
Because if you didn't hear me, I went to NORTHPARK, WITH NO MAKE-UP.
Caitlin (the Nordstrom beauty consultant) got right to work!
She started with my eyes, and she said she always starts with eyes.
(Oops. I've always done my eyes last.)
Her reasoning for starting with the eyes? If there are smudges or if eyeshadow drops onto the cheeks or anything, you can wipe the area clean and not disturb other freshly applied make-up.
Well, that makes perfect sense Caitlin.
So, let's just jump right into this.
First up, my eyebrows.
I've never used an eyebrow pencil before, and my eyebrows are seriously full, so I don't think I need one, but I thought the product was very cool and it seemed easy to use. That little brush on the end did a very nice job of blending the color into my eyebrows.
If you read through the reviews, it seems as if it's a lifesaver for people that have very sparse eyebrows. There are even a couple of reviews from people that are cancer survivors that say it's an amazing product, which is obviously a great endorsement!
Also, several reviews mentioned "no sharpening needed", which is awesome.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Precision Brow Shaper Pencil.
It has 22 5 STAR Reviews.
Here's one of them:
Great!!
Perfect color and glides on smoothly. Stays put all day. I like that no sharpening is needed and the other end of pencil is a brow brush. Easy to use and looks natural.
If you look above, the left eyebrow was natural, and the product had been used on the right brow.
Again, I didn't feel like I needed it (in fact, I think it made my brows a little too noticeable), but I do think this product could be amazing for somebody with less full brows.
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This next product was the one that probably surprised me the most!
What was it?
Eye base.
I was like WHAT? What is eye base? Why does anybody need eye base?
Caitlin insisted that it was a must have product, but I didn't "get" it.
But you know me, I heard the words "must have", and I was intrigued! :)
On a regular day I wear eyeshadow, but nothing fancy, and I feel like the eyeshadow does it's job.
And then Caitlin put the eye base on one of my eyes and not the other, AND I GOT IT.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials.
It has 82 5 Star Reviews.
Here are 2 of my favorites:
Great as a layer or on its own
I bought this several months ago after a fantastic Nordstrom makeup artist used it on me. The "bare" color works great even though I have pinkish-white skin. I use it instead of eyeshadow for daytime. It helps lock in my eyeliner and also provides coverage of some discoloration I have on the inner corner of my lid. It gives me a brighter, more awake look. I'm hooked!
will never be without!
I bought this at a Trish McEvoy counter for the first time about 3 yrs ago and I have been in love ever since! It evens out the color of your eyelid setting the stage for flawless eyeshadow application and phenomenal staying power!
Okay, so look above and see that the eye base has been applied to the eye on the left....but not to the eye on the right. It evened out my skin, gave it a matte finish, and took out all of the redness.
It provided a perfect foundation for my eyeshadow, but I really do feel like I could have worn it without eyeshadow on top (and Caitlin says that many ladies do).
I'm now a believer in the power of a good eye base, and according to Caitlin (and the reviews) this is one of the best ones out there.
Click HERE for the Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials.
I feel like it's a total bargain at $25.
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All right, eyeshadow time!
Since Christmas I've been using my Bobbi Brown shimmer brick as my eyeshadow, and I've been loving it! (Sometimes I apply it with an eyeshadow brush, but sometimes when I'm in a hurry I apply it with the same brush I use to apply it to my face, exact brush found HERE.)
However, I asked Caitlin to actually do more than just a cream color applied over the entire lid, so she used "wonder" (2nd from left on bottom) over the entire eye, and then applied "whim" (4th from left on bottom) in the crease of my eye in a greater than sign pattern, you know....like this: <.
The colors were all found HERE in the Stilla IN THE MOMENT eyeshadow palette.
And get this, the entire palette is only $39!!!
As you can see, it comes with 10 colors and an eyeliner pencil which makes it a great value!
She used LAURA MERCIER CREME EYELINER on my eyes.
I told her I use the Bobbi Brown product that is similar and that I love it (found HERE), but she used this on me because she said her clients have better luck with this product not drying out.
Click HERE for this eyeliner in Noir.
Bobbi Brown eyeliner brush HERE.
I MUCH PREFER gel or cream eyeliner that's in a tub like this to a pencil or even a liquid liner.
I find it so much easier to apply (it goes on so smoothly), and I feel that it stays put much better. I've been using a product like this for at least 8 years, and I can't imagine ever using anything else.
One tip: make sure you clean off your eyeliner brush (just wipe it clean with a tissue or damp rag) after every application.
If you don't, the brush will become caked with product, and nobody's got time for that. ;)
And Caitlin was so excited to tell me about this next product.
The Napoleon Perdis Eye Dust can be found HERE.
She just used her finger to dab it on the ball of my eyelid.
It acted like a highlighter and just brightened my eyes. It was fun!
To finish out my eyes she used the Lash Power Feathering Mascara by Clinique found HERE.
I felt like it did a nice job of both separating my lashes and making them look fuller.
It's got good reviews too!
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Okay, so once she was finished with my eyes, it was time to give some attention to my face.
I have very normal skin. Not too oily, not too dry.
And except on the rare occasion, I tend to not have that many break-outs.
Please, let's all take a moment to knock on some wood after I made that last comment.
Seriously. Knock on wood. Please.
I do have some discoloration (both redness and some brown spots that I've been battling on and off since having Carter). So, although I don't have break-outs, I definitely have skin "issues".
Caitlin could not say enough great things about this next product.
Click HERE for the Napoleon Perdis "Auto Pilot" Pre-Foundation Skin Primer.
9/9 5 STAR reviews!
And I have to agree, this is a FABULOUS product.
I told her that I've been using the Smash Box primer (which I really like), and she told me lots of reasons (none of which I can remember, sorry) as to why she prefers THIS one.
Auto pilot!
Not to prime is a crime!
It's the primer's motto and so true! This stuff is fab. Won't wear make up without it
Best Primer Out There
I have tried many many primers as an aesthetician, and this one is the best. Smooths and hydrates skin, no silicone feel, luxurious feel. Perfect
Amazing
This product is amazing!! It feels so amazing on, not greasy or sticky and makes my make up last for ever, two sweaty work shifts and a gym session, and it was still flawless. So quick and easy to use. Can not put my makeup on without it. LOVE!!
If you are somebody that goes to the gym in make-up, that last review should sell you on this!
I don't wear make-up to the gym.
Oh wait, I don't even go to the gym.
If you've never used a make-up primer, I highly encourage you to give it a try.
It's amazing what a difference it makes as far as the application goes for the other make-up products.
It just creates the perfect palette and it really makes the make-up last.
I was such a believer in this product after seeing how it looked on me, that it came home with me.
Again, click HERE for Caitlin's recommendation.
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After the primer, it was time for tinted moisturizer.
I told her I currently used THIS product from Bobbi Brown, which again, I like.
But the point of our time together was for her to show me her "BEST OF" products that she loved the most, so we used the NARS.
Click HERE for NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
(with SPF 30).
59 5 STAR REVIEWS.
Best Tinted Moisturizer
This is the best tinted moisturizer I have ever used and I have used many tinted moisturizers/BB creams/CC creams from many well-renowned lines. It is called pure radiant because it somehow makes your face appear bright and glowy without looking sparkly and highlighted. It also smells great because it has their signature orange scent in it. It works great as a sunscreen and provides just the right amount of coverage. I wear it during the day or even when I go out at night!
So, I liked the way this felt and looked so much, that even though I had like 1/3 or so of my bottle left of my other product, I went ahead and bought this.
I can't even put into words why I love it so much, but I do.
When applying, you can apply it with a foundation brush if you'd like, but you can also just apply it with the pads of your fingers. Caitlin recommends warming it up on your finger tips and then applying it on your face beginning in the middle and moving outward.
I absolutely love how it looks on.
It's sheer, but it covers really well and just evens everything out.
I swear it made my skin look pretty dang near perfect, and I do not have perfect skin.
But if a product can make it look like it is, well then SIGN ME UP!
********************************************************************
After the tinted moisturizer, she applied a bronzer.
Again, I told her what I was currently using, but she wanted me to try her favorite, so I did.
Click HERE for the Napoleon Bronze Patrol Powder.
Only 1 review online:
amaze glow!!!!
I use this all the time for just a little hint of warmth on my face and body. it looks great and goes on without turning orange - very natural. plus look how pretty it is!!!!
I agree with everything the above reviewer said.
I love that it gives me glow and warmth without making me sparkly.
I don't like the glitterly look. No ma'm.
The color is also very natural and not orange-y at all.
Caitlin also used her favorite bronzer brush, which is now my favorite bronzer brush too.
Click HERE for the Bobbi Brown bronzer brush.
When applying, Caitlin started making a circle on the side of my forehead, and then basically drawing a 3 on each side of my face. I hope that makes sense, but I fear that it doesn't.
Maybe I can do a video tutorial this summer?!? Would y'all be interested in that?
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For blush, she used NARS Orgasm blush found HERE.
She said it is the best universal color for everybody!
Seems as if everybody that uses it agrees, because it has 178 5 STAR REVIEWS!
Also, the common theme between all the reviewers is that it not only a beautiful color, but that the formulation makes it long lasting.
That's a Win-Win.
doesn't disappoint!
I am a certified makeup junkie! I have every designer makeup except Nars and after reading reviews, I knew i NEEDED to start with Orgasm. It didn't disappoint! it has a light shimmer and looks good on any skin tone. Thanks NARS I will be ordering more colors!
When I asked Caitlin about her favorite make-up brushes, she let me in on a little secret.
Don't tell Norstrom ;), but she absolutely loves these Real Techniques brushes that can be found at Ulta (and she couldn't remember...but she thinks that either Target or Wal-Mart carries them too)!
Brushes are sooooooo important, but they are also sooooooooooo expensive, so I loved this tip!
I bought the stippling brush for my blush, and she was right! I love it so much!
The brush I bought was under $9!
The last thing to take care of was my lips.
Click HERE for the Stila lipstick she used in "Sheri".
It went on smoothly and had a bit of a minty taste that was quite nice!
Click HERE for Mac Viva Glam lipgloss, already a favorite of mine and only $15!
Sooooo shiny and Soooooo pretty!
So...you wanna see a Before and After?
OF COURSE YOU DO, because who in the world doesn't LOVE a Before and After?
Nobody.
That's who.
So.....here's the big reveal......
BEFORE AFTER
Now, I've got to say, I could not have been happier with the final product.
The only thing I would do differently is that I probably wouldn't use the eyebrow liner.
Because let's be honest, mama has plenty of brows as it is.
I thought Caitlin did a great job on my eyes, and I loved the lip color and gloss.....
but my favorite products BY FAR were all of the products that created the foundation for my look:
1) the eye base found HERE
2) the primer found HERE
3) the tinted moisturizer found HERE
4) the bronzer brush found HERE
I think the combination of the above 4 products is what made my skin look luminous.
I know it's weird for me to say that about my own skin, but I'm telling you, it WAS luminous.
And here I am in a dressing room after getting my make-up done.
LOVING the make-up.
LOVING it.
I mean, LUMINOUS, right?
I'll take all the help I can get!!!!
So, thank you Caitlin for making me over!
It was so much fun hearing all of your favorite picks and getting to watch you work your magic!
It's nice to feel your best, and I feel like you totally made me feel like just the best version of me!
My sister (who is a make-up freak) was seriously impressed and my mom thought it was "all gorgeous" and that I looked "amazing"!
And a huge thank you to Nordstrom for inviting me to participate in the Women that Wow campaign!
I had a blast!
Especially because I had talked with the hubby before hand and let him know that new make-up would be the perfect Mother's Day gift for me. :)
So I went ahead and made it easy on him (You're Welcome Babe!) and left with the 4 products I mentioned above as my favorites.
I thought some of you might like a round-up of all the products Caitlin used on me.
I put little hearts next to the products that I actually ended up buying for myself.
This is one of the new FANCY collages that I learned how to make,
so just click on the product you're interested in and it will just take you right to the source!
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
I hope this post was helpful to you! I certainly had WAY TOO MUCH FUN doing it.
Two more things before you go:
1)
Nordstrom is running a fun Kate Spade promotion right now!
Buy two pairs of THESE earrings (that are PERFECT for all spring and summer long), and get the above make-up case (a $58 value) for free while supplies last.
Here are just 4 of the 16 available colors.
They are very large studs that show up really well in your ears (even though they are just "studs").
These are my favorite colors.
Click HERE.
2)
And don't forget to spread the word about the Special Mom's Giveaway that I announced on Monday found HERE! I can hardly wait to see what lucky mama wins!
xoxo,
Sheaffer :)