Favorite Content Creators on Social Media

beauty, makeup, travel

Hello friends of the Internet! Obviously, you are someone who is inclined to read blogs because you are doing that very such thing as we speak (thank you for that, btw). I, too, am constantly reading blog content from my favorite bloggers, as well as spending just as much, if not more time, watching videos from my favorite YouTubers. If I’m not curled up reading a good book in my spare time, I am undoubtedly reading a blog post, watching an Instagram story, listening to a podcast, or catching up on the latest YouTube videos in my subscription feed. I appreciate so much the knowledge I have gained from the various content creators I follow, and hope to be that same kind of resource to you through my own content.

Here is a list of my favorite content creators and a glimpse at the awesome content that they produce. *Side note: I follow all of these content creators on multiple platforms, especially Instagram, and recommend that you do the same as well. **Side-side note: A separate podcast list will be coming soon. I count that as a secondary category in and of itself.

Bloggers:

Katey McFarlan Hellman – Chronicles of Frivolity – @kateymcfarlan

Haley – Alyson Haley – @alyson_haley

Emily Gemma – The Sweetest Thing – @emilyanngemma

Dani Austin – Dani Austin – @daniaustin

Whitney – Blonde Atlas – @blonde_atlas

Ashley Donielle – Ashley Donielle – @ashdonielle

Victoria Metaxas – VictoriasStories – @victoriametaxas

Tanner Mann – The Life of a Woman – @tannermmann

Brooke Broughton – Southern Sociality – @brookebroughton

Lexi Broughton – Styled State of Mind – @lexibroughton

Ashley Robertson – The Teacher Diva – @ashleyrobertson

Courtnee Rodgers – Personally Styled Blog – @courtneerodgers

Emily Herren – Champagne & Chanel – @champagneandchanel

Cara Greenstein – Caramelized – @cara_melized

Kate – Lone Star Southern – @lonestarsouthern

Courtney Kerr -KERRently by Courtney Kerr – @kerrently

*Ashley Flowers – Crime Junkie Podcast/audiochuck – @indyashflowers, *Brit Prawat – Crime Junkie Podcast – @britprawat, @crimejunkiepodcast

YouTubers:

Taylor Wynn

Tati Westbrook

Jessica Braun

Casey Holmes

Rachel – RachhLoves (&RachhLovesLife)

Conagh Kathleen

Nikkia Joy

Kelsey Impicciche (&BuzzFeed Multiplayer)

Safiya Nygaard

Allie Glines

Mariah Leonard

Sharon Farrell

Jaclyn Hill

Love y’all,

CEW

Favorite Haircare Products for Curly Hair

beauty

This is my head of hair:

Very big, very curly and very blonde. My hair is in its natural state about 90% of the time, unless I have a professional blow it out and straighten it, because my manual dexterity and upper body strength is quite questionable. I have a mostly loving relationship with my hair, as it is my “calling card” so to speak, and is also very handy when someone is trying to find me in a crowd. With that being said, I have had a lot of time to figure out my favorite products for curly hair. Below is a list of my all-time favorite products.

If you would like for me to add a step-by-step routine, leave me a comment below or a comment on this post on my Instagram, @thatgirlcarlyelizabeth.

Shampoo (Drugstore & High-End):

Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Shampoo

Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo

Conditioner (Drugstore & High-End):

Not Your Mother’s Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Conditioner

Biolage Advanced Keratindose Conditioner

Drybar Brightening Ale Conditioner

Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner

Deep Conditioner/Treatments:

Not Your Mother’s Matcha Green Tea & Wild Apple Blossom Nutrient Rich Butter Masque

Kenra Professional Brightening Treatment

Detangler:

Drugstore: Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Detangler

High-End: It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-in Product

Gel/Cream:

Drugstore: Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

High-End: Bumble and bumble Bb. Styling Creme, Kenra Professional Curl Defining Creme 5, Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

Hairspray:

High-End: Sebastian Shaper Plus Extra Hold Hairspray

Dry Shampoo:

Drugstore: Got 2b Fresh It Up Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, Batiste Original Dry Shampoo – Clean & Classic

High-End: Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo, Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo

Love y’all!

Carly

Dallas Travel Guide

travel

Ah, Dallas, Texas. The yin to Fort Worth’s yang. (Pro Tip: Do not confuse the two with a Texan, especially someone from the DFW area. Familiarize yourself accordingly.) Dallas has always been the Big-Big City in my mind, representing big nights out to a concert, sporting event or shopping for that special something. It is beautiful, never short of anything to do or see and, of course, iconic. The below just scratches the surface, but I have lots of Dallasite friends who can help me fill in the dots with any questions you may have.

Food & Drinks:

Attractions:

Shopping:

Love y’all,

CEW

Fort Worth Travel Guide

travel

Now that we’ve talked Memphis, let’s talk about where my heart will always be, no matter where we go: Fort Worth, Texas. I will forever adore this city, the incredible people in our lives who live there, and the memories we have and will continue to make there. Grady Spencer doesn’t sing “Bless my soul and take me back to Fort Worth” for nothin’. (Hint: Do yourself a favor and look up “Things to Do” by Grady Spencer & The Work, fall in love with them like we have, then follow them on the Gram @gsandthework). Now let’s get to the good stuff:

Food and Drinks:

Tex-Mex:

Breakfast/Brunch:

Coffee:

  • Brewed
  • Avoca

Bars/Breweries:

Special Occasion:

Barbecue:

Asian:

Italian & Mediterranean:

American/Southern:

Desserts:

Attractions:

Shopping:

Are you planning on traveling to FTW soon? Or are you a local and have an awesome new recommendation for me? Let me know in the comments below!

Love y’all,

CEW

Memphis Travel Guide

travel

My husband Tyler and I moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in May of 2019 to pursue an awesome promotion opportunity for his career. Thankfully, one of my best friends is from Memphis born and raised, so she, her husband and their families have helped us transition and feel loved and welcomed in such an amazing way. The friends that they have introduced us to are ones that we know we will have as life-long relationships, as well as the friends we have made at work. With that being said, the way that we have bonded with all these new people in our lives has been through the best things to do in Memphis (and anywhere, for that matter): eat and drink!

When planning a trip to Memphis, always refer to I Love Memphis, Choose 901 and Cara Greenstein’s @caramelized Instagram and blog for the latest and greatest information!

Below are some of my favorites, as well as new places that we want to try and experience (placing a star besides the restaurants I think you HAVE to try on a long weekend getaway to Memphis):

Restaurants:

BBQ –

Lunch/Brunch –

Breakfast/Coffee –

Dinner –

Bars/Breweries-

Food Trucks –

  • Dim Sum @memdimsum101
  • Gourmade @gourmadefoodtruck

Attractions:

What we want to try after a million different awesome recommendations from Mid South locals:

If you are planning a trip to Memphis anytime soon, let me know in the comments below!

Love y’all,

CEW

10 Favorite High-End Makeup Products

makeup

Hi friends! On Sunday, we talked awesome drugstore makeup. Now, we’re talking fantastic high-end makeup. With a selection that can be found at either your local Ulta, Sephora or Nordstrom, these are all options that you will love to #treatyoself to. But, I will ALWAYS say, you can find products of equal value at the drugstore. These high-end picks just happen to be worth the cost.

  1. NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation ($49)
    • My favorite foundation of all-time. Many a YouTuber inspired me to buy this one, but it is definitely Mariah Leonard’s (@mariahlleonard) holy grail. Full coverage, satin matte and will last on your face until the end of time.
  2. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($33)
    • I don’t currently have this in my collection, but I can’t even tell you how many bottles of this I have purchased over the years. If you need your makeup to last for 10+ hours, this is the best on the market to get the job done.
  3. Tarte Shape Tape ($27)
    • When people think concealer, they think Tarte Shape Tape, and for very good reason. This is the most full coverage concealer I have ever used and I will definitely be purchasing it again in the future. However, it can definitely be a bit drying, so make sure you have a good moisturizer underneath and that your undereyes are especially well-hydrated. My tube has lasted me for at least 18 months as a little goes a LONG way, so you’re definitely going to get your money’s worth.
  4. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($39)
    • Hands down one of the most famous makeup products of all time. This loose powder will set your makeup to perfection while giving you a hint of a blurring effect. Also, even with daily use, the container seems to last forever.
  5. NARS Fort de France Highlighting Powder ($38)
    • This fantastic highlighter is another Mariah Leonard favorite and gives you that “wet/glass skin” look without any glitter specks bringing attention to texture on your face. Swipe this on if you want to look like a healthy goddess who drinks her daily water intake recommendation like she’s supposed to.
  6. Benefit Cosmetics “Dallas” Blush ($17)
    • One of the first high-end makeup products I ever received was a Benefit blush/bronzer palette, which I still have to this day and use, even with my beloved Dallas shade crumbling apart (I genuinely need to replace this and am drooling over the newest version, title and link). My favorite blush in the palette, it looks great on so many different skin tones and is very long-wearing. And, since it is a more bronze shade, you can use as your blush/bronzer/contour if you’re in a pinch.
  7. Tati Beauty Textured Neutrals Vol. 1 Eyeshadow Palette ($48)
    • This palette has not been in my collection for very long, but it is so, so special. If you’ve been around the beauty internet space for a while, you probably know of Tati Westbrook, the legendary YouTube beauty guru and owner of Halo Beauty and Tati Beauty. As one of my all-time favorite content creators who I have followed for years, I knew I had to snatch this up during the initial launch and I have not been disappointed. The setup is so unique and the shades are incredibly pigmented and easy to blend.
  8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42)
    • A favorite of Conagh Kathleen (@conagh_kat) and Casey Holmes Marlar (@caseyhl91), this warm-toned beauty is my first ABH eyeshadow purchase and I’e loved it from Day 1. It is extremely pigmented, so be warn ed, but it is a dream to blend and is great for event makeup.
  9. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($25) [or Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara ($27), or Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara ($23)]
    • At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this gem is another Mariah Leonard recommendation. (Don’t worry, you’ll find out why I adore her and so many other content creators in next week’s “Favorite Influencers” post). Anddd, technically, I am cheating on this one with three recommendations. All three of these formulas give a very similar effect, with amazing volume, length and separation. However, I currently have the Urban Decay in my collection, and I love how it doesn’t smudge, clump or flake.
  10. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Pillow Talk” ($34)
    • I have an emotional attachment to this lipstick. I was determined that the one thing I was going to buy at Harrod’s in London would be a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick (this was before the brand came to Sephora), and I waited in line at the counter and bought the LAST ONE in the store. This is the perfect pinky nude color and is so comfortable to wear. And, if it says anything, I am almost completely through the tube, and when does that happen with a lipstick?!
  11. MILK MAKEUP KUSH Fiber Brow Gel ($20)
    • Including this as an honorable mention as I realized I wasn’t going to include a brow product otherwise. Brows are a huge struggle for me and I normally just stick to a tinted brow gel. This one from Milk is very pigmented, easy to work with and stays put in your brows.

I hope you found a new product that you would like to try out! Leave a comment below of what your next high-end makeup product will be.

Love y’all,

CEW

10 Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products

makeup

I adore makeup. I always have. I was the little girl that was begging her mom for “lip” and “eyeblash” from the moment that she could talk. I would hoard play makeup and organize it by color on the vanity in my room. You get the picture.

For me, makeup not only enhances my confidence in so many ways, but also has become my favorite hobby. From watching hours upon hours of videos from my favorite beauty YouTubers for the latest tips and products, to talking about and recommending products with my closest friends (and strangers), applying makeup soothes and energizes me. However, thankfully, both my technique and the quality of products in my collection have drastically improved since I started wearing makeup in the 6th grade to combat my rosacea, oily skin and, at the time, acne. While my acne has substantially subsided, (I do still have spots pop up multiple times a week), I do naturally gravitate towards more full coverage products to cover up my rosacea. Also, with the humid, Southern climate that I live in, I need my makeup to last as long as possible throughout a long work day. And, with that, let’s get into the makeup:

  1. L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation ($14.99)
    • Easily one of the best foundations I’ve ever used. High-medium/low-full coverage, satin matte finish, great staying power.
  2. e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer ($8.00)
    • The best dupe out there for the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer. Fills in pores SO well and helps your makeup to last longer.
  3. Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer – Bronzer ($9.29)
    • Talk about a cult favorite product, and for good reason. Great pigmentation, never looks too orange or patchy. Make sure to get the Bronzer shade though.
  4. L’Oreal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain ($11.99)
    • If you want a comfortable, non-drying liquid lipstick that will last until you decide to take it off? This is the lady for you. Also, fantastic shade selection.
  5. Revlon Volumazing Mascara ($8.99)
    • An underrated product in the “favorite mascara” category, I really enjoy this one. Great balance of volume and length and does not smudgge or flake on my oily eyelids.
  6. e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer ($6.00)
    • This is the product for you if you want a much more affordable version of Tarte Shape Tape, but less drying under the eyes.
  7. Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set ($9.99)
    • One of the best drugstore setting sprays, this will help your makeup last through a long day. But, be warned, it is heavily scented (but I don’t mind it, and it dissipates quickly).
  8. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Porelesss Pressed Powder ($7.99)
    • Just a good, everyday compact setting powder. She won’t do ya wrong.
  9. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter – Be My Highlight 01 ($4.99)
    • Such a fantastic option for a daily highlighter. Not too bright, no glitter and really does bring a natural glow to the face.
  10. Wet n Wild Color Icon single eyeshadow – Nutty ($1.19)
    • This single shadow will help you create the fastest eyeshadow look in the world. While it looks matte in the pan, it will start to get more and more satin as you get deeper into the shadow. You can use either your fingers or a crease brush to wash the color all over the lid.

Leave a comment with your favorite drugstore makeup product and let me know if you have any questions!

Love y’all,

CEW

Hi! I’m Carly.

About Me

Hey y’all, I’m Carly. I am finally, FINALLY taking the leap and putting out the content that I have talked about posting for years. My passion for all things makeup, beauty, travel, food, clothing, photography, reading, etc., is at the forefront of my mind every day, from the moment I wake up until the moment that I go to bed, and my soul has been craving this creative outlet for far too long. With that being said, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading the ramblings of this curly-headed blonde girl. It means more than you will ever know. And, with that being said, here are 20 little tidbits about me that will let you know what is in store for you if you stay with me on this journey in the future:

  1. My name is Carly Elizabeth Wallace, if you can’t already tell from the name of this blog. My maiden name is Barksdale, which has garnered me a lifelong nickname of Barky (even though my mom is the OG Barky –shoutout to Sarah). But, I do have many other nicknames such as Carls, Carlita, Carly Sue, Princess, Sister, Candy B, Honey Bun (miss you always, PawPaw), Carls Barkley, Carly Davidson, and the list goes on and on. I also used to introduce myself as Carly Barksdale Elizabeth to everyone because of the “First Name, Last Name, Middle Initial” section on paperwork.
  2. I love Jesus. I was saved at 15 and have been constantly surrounded by an incredible group of believers and mentors since the day I was born. 🙂
  3. I currently live in Memphis, Tennessee, with my incredible husband, Tyler. However, #TexasForever.
  4. I graduated from Texas Tech University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Media Strategies. #WreckEmForever
  5. My passion for sloths is unparalleled. Seriously.
  6. My favorite food is french fries. With a close second and third being chicken fajitas and cheesecake.
  7. My ideal Starbucks order is a nitro cold brew with sweet cream.
  8. I am an Enneagram 3 with a 2 wing. My Myer’s Brigg is ESFJ.
  9. I would much rather watch a YouTube video than watch an episode of TV. *Get ready for a list of YouTubers that will knock your socks off, folks.
  10. I keep Chick-fil-A in business. Seriously. Even on keto, which I’m doing now, to my own personal horror. Those grilled nuggets SAVE ME.
  11. I have the coolest parents in the world, Lance and Sarah, and a younger brother, Davis. We are part of an amazing, very large, very connected extended family.
  12. I am an oily skin type with rosacea.
  13. If I could pick one makeup product to bring with me on a deserted island, it would most certainly be a foundation (with SPF, because this girl fries up like a tomato in .2 seconds).
  14. I cheer for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars and Memphis Grizzlies.
  15. I also love the game of golf thanks to my Dad, who is a fantastic golfer. I can’t play the game to save my life, but I am always down to watch a round.
  16. If I could have lunch with one famous person, dead or alive, I would always pick Jane Austen.
  17. As you can now expect, my favorite book of all time is Pride & Prejudice (quickly followed by Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire).
  18. I am a Ravenclaw.
  19. My favorite movies are Princess Bride, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Mummy, Gone with the Wind, Legally Blonde and the Keira Knightley Pride & Prejudice, in that order.
  20. I could enjoy a frozen margarita, gin & tonic or glass of Shiraz any day of the week.

Thank you for hanging out with me friends. Stay tuned for much more to come!

Love y’all,

CEW