Quarantine-Friendly Makeup Look: Five Minutes and only One Brush

My last day in the office was March 12. After a week of spring break, I returned to work, reverting my desk-turned-vanity to just desk. The makeup and button-up pants did not return to the new WFH arrangement.

After three weeks of going completely barefaced, I longed to use all my pretty makeup products still sitting in my top desk drawer. Makeup has once again become a workday habit but on a much smaller scale. Thanks to some products I purchased pre-pandemic, I’ve mastered my quarantine look. It only takes five minutes, and I only employ one makeup brush.

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Jenn’s Skincare Regimen: QUARANTINE Edition

Just a couple posts ago, I shared my latest skincare regimen. I felt so accomplished for putting together the perfect formula of products for maximum skin glow.

Yeah, I’m not doing all that now. And you know, my skin is still looking pretty good.

Since working from home, I’ve scaled down all routines. I barely leave the house these days, thereby limiting my exposure to pollutants to my skin, and consequently I need less stuff on my face. That could be true, right? More likely, it’s laziness.

So here’s the late breaking news on my skincare.

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Bombshell Make-up Look

Last December, the New York Times published an article titled, “Lashes, Lashes, Lashes: What It Took to Give the ‘Bombshell’ Women the Fox Look”. I had recently seen the movie and was amazed at the transformations, especially Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly. I thought, I should see if I could recreate that make-up look for Beautypendence.

Then I procrastinated.

And then Bombshell won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Oscars on Sunday night. I thought, “I better get on that!” And I did last night. And it was A LOT of product. Here’s my play by play.

Here’s me, starting from scratch. That means a freshly washed face followed by a serum and moisturizer. Makeup always sits better on a moisturized palette.

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Jenn’s Skincare Regimen: 2020 edition

Editor’s Note: I’m back! It’s been a couple years, but I now find myself with more free time. And I’m frequently thinking, “Ooh, that would be a fun thing to write about on the blog.” So here I am! No promises on the frequency, but I do have a list of ideas. So if you used to read Beautypendence, thanks for coming back. And if you’re new to my little beauty blog, welcome!

Last year, I got a little lazy with my skincare routine. I was using most of the same stuff I wrote about six years ago but with less diligence. And at 43, things don’t look like they used to at 37! My skin was looking dull. I decided to do something about it. I dug deep to rediscover my Beautypendence skills and researched new ingredients and products. I now have a pumped up skincare regimen that’s working well for me.

Just me in my skin, au naturale.

A little about my skin: Thanks to good genes, I don’t have any major skin problems. While wrinkles aren’t a problem for me, sun damage and dryness are. Also, I have mild rosacea on my cheeks. The gentler I am with my skin, the better. No microdermabrasion or harsh peels for me, and I can’t tolerate retinol.

Just because these products below work for my skin, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for yours. Stand alone makeup stores and department store makeup counters will gladly make samples of products for you to try. I always get a sample to make sure I don’t invest in a product that my skin may not like. Also, many products sold online also have some kind of satisfaction guarantee.

Here’s what’s working for me these days.

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Golden Globes 2017

NOTE: Yes, I know the Oscars are starting any minute, which makes this post about 89 awards shows late. However, I did start writing this the day after the Globes and figured it was worth posting. A little more brief than past years, but technically, my annual streak is still in tact!

So many great films this year. (If you’re asking, my personal favorite was Hell or High Water, but I think the best film of the year was Moonlight.) And there were some great looks to kick-off the awards season. My picks for the 2017 Golden Globes … Continue reading

Prized Product: Hurraw! Balm

Hurraw Balm lineup

Hi! Remember me? I’m Jenn, and I’m the founder/owner of this blog. Yea, I know, it’s been a LOOOONG while since you’ve heard from me. It’s not that I don’t have lots of great beauty products and topics I want to write about. I’ve just struggled to make Beautypendence a priority. At my day job, we’re starting a new fiscal year, so let’s call it my new year resolution to bring more beauty goodness to you, my Beautypendents.  Continue reading

Golden Globes 2016

On Monday, college football season came to a close with yet another National Championship for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Lewis Hamilton scored the trifecta with another World Championship this past Formula One season (and I was lucky enough to watch him clinch it in Austin in October). Will we see another repeat winner on the red carpet this awards season?

Sunday’s nights Golden Globes put us on the right foot for the fashion season. It was refreshing to see some newcomers on the carpet, but I missed some of our usual favorites – Charlize Theron, Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone. Regardless, there were some shining stars.

Whereas last year was all about the sheer dress, the naked dress, the “put some damn clothes on” dress, our ladies were pretty covered up at the Globes. (Well, except for their sternums and midriffs.) When it came to accessories, celebrities followed Coco Chanel’s philosophy of taking off one piece of jewelry before leaving the house. Overall, the looks were elegant and understated, hair and makeup included.

My picks for 2016… Continue reading

InStyle’s 2015 Best Beauty(pendence) Buys

InStyle 2015 Best Beauty Buys

It’s May, and that can only mean one thing in the beauty world. It’s time for InStyle magazine’s annual Best Beauty Buys issue! As in past years, many products in this year’s issue are ones I’ve discussed on the blog or currently use. Here’s a rundown of some of my favorites.  Continue reading