My Mascara Miracle...

My Mascara Miracle... by hchdesigns featuring Clinique

Wow.. I wonder if I even remember how to blog?  I just have been waiting for some free time to run up to me and smack me in the face.. well, that hasn't happened yet... But I just HAD to tell you about my best and most wonderful discovery of late... Younique 3D FIber Lash mascara.. I mean, you know you are in love when you can't wait to put it on in the morning... my girlfriend introduced this to me and well, what can I say I'm hooked for life... For those of you who've been with this blog for a while know that I've had this journey to find the perfect mascara.. and it all proved pointless.. a fact that my Sephora account will attest to...Until, I tried this mascara.. It's a miracle... A Christmas miracle.. something similar that would be shown on the Hallmark channel.. but I digress...
I honestly didn't think it was possible to have gorgeous lashes and wash it off at the end of the day... I also didn't think it was possible that I could keep a house plant alive longer than a month but who knew that's possible too! Except that I'm pretty sure I killed on of them with miracle grow..leave it to me to kill a plant with Miracle Grow... But anyways, I'm not talking about plants...
So true story, I've tried ALL of those mascaras.. and not one of them even can hold a candle to my amazing 3D mascara... so what do I suggest you do with this info? Get yourself some amazing lashes for Christmas! Your welcome in advance...

*This is not a sponsored post, however I do make a commission on any sale. 

Summer Beauty Routine...

Summer Beauty Routine... by hchdesigns featuring a liquid eyeliner

Ah the blissful season of summer... This time of year I'm all about simple, I prefer bare shoulders and sundresses. Top knots & shell earrings.. I get in touch with my inner boho...  And my makeup routine is no exception.. Since my Irish roots are pretty dominant I do freckle and get a nice little summer glow,
so in summer I keep my makeup very simple and naturalish... Here's my routine,
Face:
I start with a clean moisturized face, I apply my Maybelline Fit Me concealer...Which is amazing for covering my dark circles or ahem.. any thing else I want covered on my face... blend it in..
Then the Wet n Wild bronzer all over my face.. yes, that's a bronzer.. in Reserve Your Cabana.. it's kinda like a mineral veil and this time of year that's all I need.. this also can be used as a highlighter and only $4!
I do the most awesome, duck face, come on ladies we all do it... and BRONZE those cheekbones! I'm in LOVE with Tarte's Park Avenue Princess! It's glorious and they also offer a matte version if that's your thing.

Eyes:
Tarte, you really are a lifesaver... after searching and I mean SEARCHING for a primer that will actually keep my eye makeup in place.. I found it.. Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless, total lifesaver..  I apply a tiny amount on my eyelid.. Hello eye makeup that lasts the whole day!
Next I apply the best eyeliner ever, Eyedo by Alexa Chung for Eyeko,  I've tried many many different products for eyeliner and this one is by far my favorite! Stays put but can be washed off! Why eyeliner next you ask? Because, I don't want my eyeliner tip to get clogged with eye shadow, making it dry out too quickly.
I apply a little of the Wet n Wild shadow on the lid (seriously the best), and since my liner is dry it doesn't effect it at all! Then my favorite trick for a beautiful summer glow is to use my Tarte bronzer as the crease shadow and blend!
Last is mascara,  I'm super excited to talk about this because I have this issue of mascara falling, like it's not attractive and after only 2 hours.. however this mascara Black Magic by Eyeko, stays put! Yet you can wash it off.. I mean really? Is this for real? Yes.. yes it is... I thrilled with it and I'm never letting it go..
And that's it! Yeah it's a lot when I type it out but honestly it takes me no longer than 15 minutes.. I hope you enjoy and happy summer!

Skincare Routine & Must Haves!

Skincare routine.... by hchdesigns featuring tarte

Philosophy facial cleanser / Tarte bath body product / The Body Shop bath body product / Beauty product / Beauty product, $48 / Eos beauty product

Well it's officially winter and my skin knows it! I have dry skin in general but this winter with the lack of rain.. well it's like the Sahara... I thought I would share with you my absolute favorite skincare products & routine..  For my skin I need moisture like alot of it.. and I need to exfoliate regularly...  Here is my routine.. which mainly happens at night..

1- Wash face with Philosophy Purity facial cleanser.. I like this because it's a basic no nonsense cleanser without all that crap in it..

2-Scrub face with Saint Ives Apricot Scrub.. I adore this stuff.. been using like since forever.. I can't remember maybe 15 or 16? Seriously long time.. I love it because it clears up my skin nicely and exfoliates... in the summertime, I don't exfoliate this often, more like every other day... however this is a new step for me..hello getting older.. so who knows this summer could be different..

Then by this point my ultra staying power eyeliner and waterproof mascara has bled like crazy and I look like something from a scary movie. no lie..

3- With a cotton ball I remove the excess eye makeup with The Body Shop's beautifying oil.. it's like a dry oil, smells amazing.. and seriously gets off everything.. (it's pretty much amazing for anything need moisture, legs, arms, hair).. and it smells like the beach...ahh.. I find that this is great for around the eye area since its a gentle oil...

4- I then moisturize my entire face (including lips) with Egyptian Magic.. this stuff is amazing.. its really thick so I don't recommend using this during the day.. it's perfect for a night cream.. only it's not a cream it's more of the consistency of a lip balm... It has been seriously the best thing for my skin since drinking water.. honestly so amazing.. I put it on at night and wake up to beautiful soft skin... it's all natural and loved by Madonna, Kate Hudson & Rachel Zoe...

Lastly is my must haves... which I listed most of them in in my routine except Tarte's Maracuja Oil.. seriously amazing.. I've used their sample for a week (saving for the big bottle) and it did wonders for my skin! It's anti aging.. score... gives a dewy glow and is perfect mixing with your foundation for a little more moisture.. This is a great daytime oil to prep skin for foundation... also through the day I'll use EOS lip balm which is incredible.. I keep it in my purse... love the stuff.. if you haven't tried it then run to you local Target get sucked in to their amazing deals and then when your standing in line to purchase something fabulous, pick up EOS lip balm, they are always in the checkout aisle...

That's it! If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them!