Category: Beauty

Best Makeup for Dry Skin Review & Tutorial

Posted on by Bb

Welcome to my best makeup for dry skin review and tutorial! An awesome budget priced brush, foundation, serum and concealer combination.

Links to items are below the video.

 

Check out my first beauty video below. It’s a two in one, with a best makeup for dry skin review and a tutorial!. I’ve been using this combination of products for about three months and I am thrilled to share it with you. There’s honestly no need to break the bank with expensive everyday products. Personally I’d rather splurge on a night cream for wrinkles and some special masks/peels.

Just the other day I watched a Today show segment where they featured twin teen girls. They applied drugstore products only on one twin, and then luxury/premium makeup on the other girl. They then brought the girls outside and interviewed people on the street, asking who they thought looked better. The girl wearing the drugstore makeup was chosen almost every time! It was honestly not a big surprise to me.

I feel a little goes a long way, so I don’t normally where much makeup to begin with. I’m pretty frugal and love to save money, so most of my makeup either came from the drugstore, while the rest of the items were part of a gift or holiday set, or an occasional splurge (I love MAC eye shadows)!  In this video, I cover items you can pick up relatively inexpensively, either at the drugstore, or online.

So I must forewarn you – I had a little blooper in the video. I didn’t really plan it out – the video was shot in one take with no cuts or anything. I applied the concealer and then realized I still had two more products to review before moving to the next step. I look pretty hilarious with my un-blended concealer on for what felt like 5 minutes! Enjoy!
&nbs

 

Items Featured In the Video:

 

I hope that you will share what works for you if you use other products.  If you end up using these, I’d love to hear your feedback.  Please comment below!

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E.l.f. Hydrating Serum

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller

Real Techniques Makeup Brush

CoverGirl/Olay Simply AgeLess 3-In-1 Liquid Foundation

Dress For Success – A Primer

Posted on by Bb

You are what you wear!

Do you dress for success?  Are you carefully choosing your outfits each day, or do you just grab whatever is clean and throw it on? Your appearance will come before all else when working in a face to face environment.  You can have the very best credentials and tons of experience in your particular field, but if you show up to work looking like you’re ready for a cocktail party, or even worst, a slob, you will likely not be taken very seriously.

 

Dress Codes

The workplace dress code has been a topic of discussion that has come up at every single organization I have been a part of.    I’m all for creativity and expressing individuality, however, there are some unwritten rules when it comes to corporate attire.  Work is not the place for you to show your “assets” off in detail, unless you happen to be a fashion model, dancer, actress, other arts professional or perhaps a bartender, etc.

The industry, company age and size definitely tend to dictate the acceptable work wear.  Older, larger corporations in the banking, oil and publishing industries generally adhere to a very rigid standard.  Suits and ties are the norm.  Newer startups often advertise the lax dress code and casual atmosphere in their job postings.  “Wear flip flops and sweatpants everyday!”

 

Observe Others and Emulate

It’s always helpful to observe employees at a firm or company before and after the interview, so you can get an idea of how formal the dress is.  One rule of thumb is to dress for the job you want, not just the one you have.  To follow this, it’s crucial to observe those who are in the role you are dreaming of.  Sometimes you can look foolish, if there’s a huge difference compared to what your peers are wearing.  In that case, it’s probably best to find some middle ground.  Throw a nice jacket or sweater on, but avoid the whole suit, if your peers are dressed down, while the execs  are dressed to the nines.

 

appropriate jewelry for work

Appropriate Jewelry For Work in Very Conservative Corporate Environments

Posted on by Bb

Appropriate Jewelry for Work – Where’s the Bling?

I’ve always been rather minimalist when it comes to jewelry, especially for work, which for me is in a very conservative workplace.  I pretty much wore the same pair of earrings to work for nearly a decade, until I lost one while swimming in a river.  It was sad, but led to some positive change.  Lately, I’ve begun to experiment with different styles and colors.  I feel like I am becoming a bit more bold!  The unspoken (and spoken) rules are changing as times and companies evolve, so it’s important to consider your particular workplace when deciding what is appropriate for you.

Too Much Jewelry for Work

I once read that the rule is 10 pieces, so I definitely stay under that.  I think that the quality of the pieces matters as well.  If you are all decked out in big costume jewelry pieces, it will be hard for you to command any respect in the workplace, especially if your necklace is reflective and therefore blinding whomever you are talking to!  I used to feel that you could only wear either gold or silver tone and match, but nowadays I have no issues with mixing it up.  Rose gold is gorgeous! I am in love with it!

Below are some pointers on business etiquette related to jewelry.  Please remember that these are simply my own opinions – no judgement at all from me if you make different choices or disagree!  Different industries and work environments are more or less open to trends and freedom of expression.  My experience has mainly been in very conservative corporate settings that have not yet embraced business casual, so this advice applies to those in similar workplaces only.  Things are evolving too, so hopefully self expression will be embraced more over time!  🙂

Also, click here to check out my little jewelry shop for some awesome, handpicked items!  You can click shop in the menu bar as well.  Again, this applies to a more conservative/corporate type of environment.  Please remember that this is just an informal guide.  Your workplace may be more or less flexible – if in doubt, always consult with your supervisor or an HR representative!

Earrings

No big hoops – 1/2 inch or less.

No gauges!  If you have gauges, they sell lovely solid fillers that are pretty work appropriate.

Classic Choices – timeless and pretty awesome

Small 1 carat or less diamond or cubic zirconia/crystal studs.

Pearls, gold or silver balls.

Small Teardrops.

Delicate and small, dainty gold or silver pieces.

Necklaces

Only wear one necklace at a time!  Save the layering for nights out on the town.

Nothing too big, bold or distracting.

No big name necklaces – these were big in the 90’s.  Leave them home, in your jewelry box.

Metal (gold or silver) chains only.  No leather, nylon or other materials for work.

Dainty necklaces are my favorite!  A simple diamond or crystal pendant, or even gold bar looks very classy.

Pearls will dress up any outfit!  Trust me.  Mine are fake, yet I get compliments every single time I wear them!

Long necklaces with small accents throughout are lovely too!  You can fold them into layers, so it appears as if you are wearing two or three of the same necklace.  This is lovely – just don’t put on an additional necklace – that would be overkill in my opinion.

Bracelets and Watches

I am a watch person, and don’t think that will ever change, despite the fact that my iPhone has the time on it.  I’ve been wearing the same DKNY watch on my wrist since the year 2000.  Pretty lame, but it’s two tone, goes with everything and has held up really well over time.  It’s a piece of jewelry on it’s own, with beautiful links.  I will be replacing it when I find something that’s high quality and as versatile as this one.

Bonbon's Guide to Jewelry for Work - old watch
My tired DKNY watch has been worn for over 15 years.  I think it’s time for a new one, huh? 🙂

A fitted bracelet on either arm is lovely – just make sure it doesn’t impede your work.  I can’t wear very large bracelets to work because they interfere with typing or using my mouse.

Bangles are lovely, but limit it to three, max!  Also, be considerate of the noise factor.  Your neighbors may not appreciate it if you are jingling all day while typing, haha!

Tennis bracelets will never go out of style.  These diamond or crystal pieces are very classy and pack a nice amount of bling, without appearing too flashy!

I hope this helps with your jewelry choices!  Everyone has their own sense of style and I would never judge!  If your workplace is more relaxed, you will definitely have more options.  Dress for success!

-Bb

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