beauty

Beauty Products I Regret Purchasing

beauty

Sometimes, products don’t work out for you, even if they have tons of positive reviews and are beloved by others. Below is a look at products I regret purchasing and why they aren’t my favorites. As a disclaimer, just because I don’t love them doesn’t mean that they won’t work for you, and if you love them, then keep on loving them! Also, I have other products that I love from all of these brands. 🙂

MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer – Pink Radiance

This doesn’t do much as far as true “radiance,” I just see a lot of glitter on my skin. Also, this does nothing to help with the duration of my foundation, which is what I’m really personally looking for in a primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation – Siberia

This doesn’t give me enough coverage and does not last long on my skin. If you’re looking for a NARS foundation, I would HIGHLY recommend my all-time favorite, the NARS Longwear Radiant Foundation. This shade is also terrible on me, and I believe was the only shade even remotely in my very fair shade range when I purchased this. But, it does look like the shade range has expanded (I wear Mont Blanc in the Longwear Radiant, as reference).

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

This foundation is THICK, and not in a good way. I really don’t like the whipped texture and feel like it slides off my oily skin super quickly. Also, the lightest shade at the time that I purchased is now the fifth shade up, so that just goes to show how orange it looked on me and how much the shade range has thankfully expanded in the past couple of years!

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Trimony Eyeshadow Palette

These did not blend well for me and all of the tones are a little too similar and look muddy.

*Exuviance SPF 35

So, this has been re-branded and the version that I have has been recently discontinued. I’m currently only keeping it to use as a body SPF because of how heavy and sticky it feels on my face. My makeup just slides off any time I wear this underneath. However, the new version may be a new formula…but, I personally don’t plan on finding out. 🙂

ABH Blush Trio – Pool Party

This is very pigmented and I do like the tones mixed together, but the amount of glitter in the one shade gets into the rest of the pans and leaves noticeable glitter on the face.

L’Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold All Day Volume Hairspray

The SMELL. I can’t handle the smell. I also don’t think this has anywhere enough hold for a hairspray. If you do decide to purchase this, only get the unscented, unless you want to smell like expired, musky perfume all day long.

Tartelette Tease Clay Eyeshadow Palette

I have many other eyeshadow palettes from Tarte that I prefer over this one. Although the tiny size is great for travel, I feel like this formula doesn’t blend as well as my other Tarte eyeshadows.

CoverGirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara

I bought this to wear when we were going to be on a lake and it felt like all of my eyelashes fell off after I wore this. It took foreverrr to get off and was super thick on my lashes, so I’m afraid to try the non-waterproof version.

Garnier SkinActive SPF 30 Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

I’ve used the SkinActive line before, but this particular SPF burned the crap out of my ultra sensitive skin and I quickly discontinued use.

Do you have any products that you regret purchasing? Let me know in the comments below.

Love y’all,

CEW

All-Time Amazon Favorites

beauty, fashion, makeup, travel

Oh, Amazon…the convenience, the never-ending supply of goodies to search for, the list goes on and on. Below you will find my All-Time Amazon Favorites and why I love them:

  1. A Million Sloths Coloring Book
    • This has been so much fun to relax with these past few weeks. Every page is cuter than the last!
  2. Stainless Steel Gold Band
    • I purchased this on sale a few weeks ago for about $5 (my best Amazon tip is to try and save things in your Wish List so you can be alerted when there is a price fluctuation, as they are constantly changing their prices), and I love it! I’m allergic to so many different types of metals and this one has given me no problems thus far.
  3. Travel Wallet
    • So, so great for travel! I believe this was a recommendation from Alyson Haley and I snapped it up before our honeymoon. The compartment for the pen and all of the receipt pockets are so handy!
  4. Record Player
    • This was Tyler’s Christmas gift two years ago and we have absolutely loved it! This was a recommendation from my friend Matt, who always has this version, and he is the one person you always must trust on a technical purchase of any kind!
  5. Black Sherpa Jacket
    • I bought this during the teddy bear jacket craze about a year ago and haven’t looked back since. So, so comfy!
  6. Makeup Storage Tower
    • I have two of these and they are so worth it. Clean quite easily as well!
  7. Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote Insert
    • If you have a Neverfull, this insert is a MUST HAVE. So helpful for organization in such a gigantic bag.
  8. Collapsible Water Bottles
    • We used these while hiking in Iceland and they were a game changer. So convenient and took up no space in our suitcases.
  9. Bioderma Micellar Water
    • While you can purchase Bioderma a lot of different places, Amazon is my favorite and easiest.
  10. Camera Backpack
    • Another purchase for hiking in Iceland, this backpack is so nice and protected my camera so well (another Alyson Haley recommendation). My only complaint is that it doesn’t have a compartment to hold a water bottle on the side.
  11. Power Adapter
    • Alyson Haley recommendations strike again on this one. 🙂 We have traveled with this every time we have gone abroad and it works so well, especially with the multiple USB ports!
  12. Mirrored Sunglasses
    • Bought these for our Vegas trip (travel guide coming this week!), and have gotten so many compliments on them!
  13. Black Sunglasses
    • A blogger favorite, these designer dupe sunglasses are my absolute favorites! I’ve got a big head and lots of hair, so the size of these do not intimidate me haha!
  14. Grey Nightgown
    • I hadn’t owned a nightgown in years and decided to pick this up on a whim to wear as cute PJs to a bachelorette party. I’m OBSESSED! It is so soft and comfortable!
  15. Facial Razors
    • These were a Jaclyn Hill recommendation and I love them! I don’t use them on my entire face, just between my eyebrows, above my eyebrows and on my upper lip.
  16. Pearl & Acrylic Hair Clips
    • So fun, so trendy!
  17. File Folder
    • I am a self-proclaimed paper hoarder and this helps keep all of my mess somewhat organized!
  18. Pearl Headbands
    • I love the pearl headband trend so much that I wear one at least 3 days a week now. So chic for work while keeping my hair out of my face!
  19. Silver Cleaning Wipes
    • Honestly, these are my #1 favorite Amazon purchase of all-time. I had no idea they existed until I saw someone recommended them on Instagram and they have brought all of my sterling silver jewelry back to life! I hadn’t been able to wear one James Avery bracelet in particular for years because the oxidization on it was so bad, but now it looks brand new!
  20. Clothing Rack
    • I have a cloffice in our current house since we are low on closet space, so this clothing rack was a must-have! This thing is loaded down with so much stuff and is crazy sturdy.
  21. SPF Moisturizer
    • Amazon is my favorite place to buy this cult-favorite moisturizer I mentioned in my skincare post a few weeks ago!
  22. C Initial Necklace
    • This is a dupe for a much more expensive, discontinued designer necklace and is one of my favorite jewelry pieces that I own.
  23. Jewelry Cleaner Pen
    • I LOVE this jewelry cleaner pen! So easy to use and convenient to travel with.
  24. Laptop Backpack
    • I desperately needed a new laptop backpack for work and this one has been wonderful so far. So many compartments, a great laptop protection sleeve and very sleek.
  25. Fabric Defuzzer
    • Another example of a product that I never knew existed, this recommendation from Katey McFarlan Hellman is MAGICAL. I’ve used it on comforters, leggings, ottomans, you name it!
  26. Missha BB Cream
    • And last, but not least, this Missha BB Cream. This is one of the best tinted moisturizers I have ever used, c/o Jessica Braun.

What are your Amazon favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

Love y’all,

CEW

Products on My Wish List

beauty, makeup

Hi friends! How are you doing? Things are honestly pretty crazy for the Wallaces because of our work, but I hope you are also taking the time to calm yourself and your mind during these ever-changing days. While I personally have been doing a good amount of online shopping to stock up on clothing and jewelry that I’ve been wanting for quite a while (shop small wherever you can, my friends!), I surprisingly haven’t been making any makeup purchases. BUT, I do always have a running list of products on my radar. If you’re looking for any new makeup, especially during the next leg of Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty, then take a look at my wish list below:

  1. e.l.f. Cosmetics The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette
  2. Maybelline TattooStudio Brow Pomade
  3. Physician’s Formula Healthy Powder
  4. Flower Beauty Blush Balm
  5. Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Blurring Powder
  6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
  7. Pur After Glow Highlighter
  8. Milani Silky Matte Bronzer
  9. Maybelline City Bronzer
  10. Essence Fresh & Fit Awake Primer
  11. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink – Ground-breaker
  12. Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
  13. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder
  14. Milani Prep + Set + Glow Powder
  15. Honest Beauty Cream Blush
  16. Colourpop Lunch Money Highlighter
  17. Alter Ego Sahara Eyeshadow Palette
  18. Almay Lip Vibes Lipstick
  19. Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist
  20. Colourpop Pretty Fresh Setting Mist
  21. Natasha Denona I Need A Nude Lipstick
  22. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly
  23. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
  24. Flower Beauty Light Illusion Concealer
  25. L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

If you have any products that you think I should add to my list, let me know in the comments below!

Love y’all,

CEW

Favorite Skincare Products

beauty

Now that the majority of us are self-distancing and quarantining ourselves at home, there is no excuse for not upping our skincare routines. While I can personally admit that I have let mine slack lately and have just been cleansing, I am going to jump back on my moisturizer/eye cream/treatment train tonight. For context, I have extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, and have a history of severe, cystic acne. I also definitely have combination skin, being very oily in my t-zone, but also frequently having dry patches all over. Below you will find some of my all-time faves:

Cleanser:

Moisturizer + SPF:

Night Cream:

Eye Cream:

Cleansing Oil/Micellar Water:

Masks:

Treatments:

What are your favorite skincare products? 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