Yesterday Leandra, aka The Man Repeller, did a post on why she does not wear makeup because a lot of people call her out on that fact and some even have the nerve to call her 'ugly.' This got me thinking - what is the fascination with makeup and if people wear it or not? Some days I wear makeup, some days I don't. Does that make me ugly when I don't wear it? Certainly not! (at least I hope) So today, I thought I would share my beauty routine, or lack of depending on your views.

At one point in my life, a few years ago, I actually used foundation every day even though I hated it. Then I thought to myself, why am I putting this junk all over my face if I don't want to? To be fair, it was Chanel, so not exactly junk, but you know what I mean.

My list of makeup and beauty products (that I actually use) is small, and because of that I splurge and buy Chanel most of the time. I do have a drawer full of things I've acquired over the years but barely use any of it. The photos below show the products I use on a daily basis. Click on the product in the image to shop or use the text links below.

Morning: When I wake up I use L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum and L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream followed by my makeup. I start with Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush (Rose Ecrin) on my cheeks followed by Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow (Spices), and CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara. I finish up with Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick. I love this lipstick because it's pretty much like colored chapstick, I have a few shades: Fiction, Espirit, Deauville, Elise, Bel-Ami and Bonheur. When Summer comes I may add bronzer back into the mix depending on my mood. [the blush and eyeshadow are my backups since my current ones are almost empty]

Night: I remove my makeup with Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water (with Shiseido Cotton pads) and follow that with L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum and L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Day/Night Cream just like in the morning. Now would also be the perfect time to use one of the tightening Strivectin creams. Nice, simple, effective!

And there you have it, my 5 minute beauty routine, I rarely deviate from this but sometimes I do try something a bit different with my makeup like a different eyeshadow (pretty much the only change).

This weekend I went to a surprise wedding shower for my cousin, so it was the perfect time to wear my new Carven Paris map print dress!  I went very matchy-matchy with the look and painted my nails red, wore a purple stoned necklace and my shoes also had a bit of the red in them.

Dress: Carven (Yoox), Sweater: Urban Outfitters, Sandals: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale), Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Saks Friends & Family Sale), Necklace: Acanthus Jewelry (giveaway), Bracelet: Crystal Vibrations Jewelry (use code BBarrow1002 for 10% off), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports & Mom's

It's no secret that I love Emma Watson, she's one of my favorite actresses and a major style icon.  But I also have a thing for another Emma, Emma Stone. She's adorable, funny and also has amazing style.  Over the past couple of weeks both these ladies have shown that they know what they're doing in the fashion department. So, here are some photos of the Emmas promoting their latest films (Noah for Watson and The Amazing Spiderman 2 for Stone]



Sources: Emma Stone Web, EmmaWatson.net and Emma Watson Daily

Here is a closer look at one of my outfits from last week.  I wanted to pair this blazer with something other than jeans and while looking in my closet noticed the dress matched the orange polka dots on parts of the blazer.  Gotta love when thinks just happen to be a perfect pair.

Song of the Day: Fire & Rain by James Taylor

Blazer: Etro (Roundabout Resale), Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Marshalls), Heels: Manolo Blahnik 'Catalina' (Roundabout), Necklace: Geoclassics, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake & Mom's

Guess what guys...I was able to go tight-less this week!!! It's a miracle!  On Tuesday I was brave and decided to forgo tights AND a coat.  My legs were mostly covered up by my boots while walking to work since I obviously didn't walk in heels. Let's cross our fingers that this weather is here to stay, although we are supposed to get rain again - yuck! I hope it's nice on Saturday in the least.

Monday: Blazer: The Extreme Collection (Second Time Around), Tee: Everlane, Jeans: Free People, Boots: vintage (eBay), Necklace c/o O Necklace, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

Tuesday:  Blazer: Etro (Roundabout Resale), Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Marshalls), Heels: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale), Necklace: Geoclassics, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

Thursday: Top: French Connection c/o Marshalls, Skirt: Made by Mom, Flats: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Necklace c/o Groopdealz, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's