I actually laughed at the irony of the title of this post.  As anyone with children (or anyone who knows anything about children for that matter) can appreciate, after you have them, you never REALLY are well-rested.  Don't get me wrong, the length of time that you sleep does tend to increase as they age, but it's a different type of rest. In any event, whether people are being incredibly kind or they are being honest, I've heard a lot recently (with a tremendous amount of surprise) that I look well-rested for someone who has a 5 year old & newborn at home, with another newborn in the NICU.  I can assure you, I am NOT well-rested.  Since Lola was so small when she was born (4 lbs 13 oz), we've been adhering to a (quasi) strict every 3 hour feeding scheduling, leaving me up in the middle of the night at midnight, 3 am, and 6 am.  (If anyone needs a texting buddy during that time, holler).  That coupled with my daytime schedule of feedings and NICU visits, doesn't leave me a tremendous amount of time to 'sleep when the baby sleeps' (the go-to advice that every expecting mother receives from everyone they encounter).


In any event, prior to pregnancy, I picked up the NARS radiant creamy concealer.  Of this I attribute 50% of my 'well-rested' look to.  Seriously, I'm confused as to how I didn't make the leap to this before.  The other 50% of my 'well-rested' look I attribute to a healthy mix of caffeine (all.of.the.coffee.) and an awesome highlighter (I use this one too).  And maybe a dash of good genes and the ability to function off of little sleep.

As much as I love to play with make-up, lipsticks are a hard topic for me.  I feel like I am constantly searching for *the* perfect shade - something that is easy, versatile, and is a fun color.  But mostly, I just feel stuck in a rut of my usual 'safe' colors.  On the advice of some other bloggers, I most recently purchased two more vibrant shades from MAC: 'Girl About Town' and 'Ruby Woo'.  I love them both, but they are a stark contrast to what I'm used to wearing. 

My advice if you are going to take the color plunge (which is a huge trend this summer), is to ease into it.  Go to your local makeup counter and speak to one of their very knowledgeable staff about what brights work best with your skin tone.   Also, make sure you have a good base - moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and exfoliate.



[Colors: Covergirl Dazzle, Covergirl Coquette, MAC Girl About Town, MAC Modesty, MAC Ruby Woo]

Iris Apfel has been around for ages; she's a fashion icon for the better part of a century.  Her wardrobe has been on exhibition at Metropolitan Museum of Art, her stunning home has been highlighted in Architectural Digest, and she has her own jewelry collection, among other accolades such as working with presidents.  I find her utterly fascinating.  That's why when MAC announced her as the face of their new campaign, I was in awe.  In a society where people value youth and celebrities start getting plastic surgery when they are younger than I am, I thought it was a bold and fantastic choice for MAC.  Beauty is ageless and Iris sure proves that.

Let me start out by saying, I have never, ever been a fan of Mary Kay makeup.  I have tried the brand over the years as many of my friends have done the whole Mary Kay sale consultant thing and in an effort to be supportive, I've bought things.  I just couldn't get down with their products, especially when I was already married to the products that I currently use.

With that being said, I took a hiatus and then in my epic search for the perfect mascara (I have tried everything from Diorshow to Covergirl), my girlfriend dropped off a tube of Mary Kay's Lash Love Mascara last month.  I was skeptical, but what did I have to lose?  And now I'm happy to say that my search for *the* perfect mascara has ended and I should put my foot in my mouth about my original impressions about Mary Kay.

I adore Mary Kay's Lash Love Mascara.  It gives my lashes fantastic length and separation, and most importantly stays put.  Also, despite the fact that it is waterproof, is uber easy to take off and doesn't damage my lashes in the process.  I highly recommend this mascara to anyone.  And if you are interested in purchasing, check out my girl's website (she's giving free shipping to all!).  And while you are at it, check out their Fall/Winter nail polishes! They are fabulous as well!