With summer makeup on the minimal side, having a strong brow can make a big impact. Thicker, fuller brows have been on trend for a while now, leading to an explosion of temporary and semi-permanent solutions to enhance your brows. For some, they need only to tame what they already have, while others may need a little more help. Anyone remember the thin brow trends of the 90s? With so many products and procedures available, sometimes it’s hard to differentiate what exactly each one does. Below are five of the more notable methods plus a bonus.
As with anything that’s meant to last past your nightly face washing, take your time and make an educated decision when it comes to picking who will be enhancing your brows. Additionally, you should read reviews and look at pictures of their work. Furthermore, having pictures of how you’d like your brows to look is extremely helpful. Your eyebrow tech should spend a good deal of time talking to you about how you want your eyebrows to look. However, if they want to jump right in, that is a red flag to get out! Remember, everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Thankfully there are many options to choose from. Let’s get started!
1. Powders, Gels, and Serums oh my!
Probably one of the most common and lowest risk, ways to enhance your brows is to fill them in with an angled brush and powder or apply the colored gel or pomade with a brow wand or spoolie. There are also kits that provide you with a few different color choices allowing you to create a more dimensional, natural-looking brow. While these are only temporary solutions, they allow you the flexibility to try different fill methods and change the look of your brows daily.
Pros:
Totally temporary, meaning less risk if you mess up or don’t like the way they look
Very budget-friendly
You can change the look of your brows daily
Painfree, unless you accidentally poke yourself in the eye, Ouch!
Cons:
Because it’s totally temporary, you’ll have to reapply daily
It may take a while to master the perfect brow but remember, practice makes perfect
Another slightly more permanent solution is applying a growth serum to your existing eyebrows to boost their length and fullness. While this does create a natural look with little maintenance, you do have to apply it nightly to clean skin. Once desired fullness and length are achieved, then you can back down to once every other day. These products not only help promote eyebrow growth but also help stop brow hairs from falling out, leading to fuller-looking brows. The downside is that once you are no longer using the products, brows can look thinner from excess hair loss, but it is only temporary until your brow hair loss/growth cycle goes back to normal.
Pros:
No maintenance brows
Budget-friendly especially compared to semi-permanent application processes
Painfree
Cons:
Must be applied daily or every other day
Once you stop using it, you may experience even thinner brows, temporarily
Brow lamination is a pretty new process that creates a shiny, smooth-looking brow. This semi-permanent technique is also referred to as a ‘brow perm’ and does not use any type of needle to enhance your brows. The process uses the brows you already have, pulls them in a more verticle direction, and reshapes them to make them look their fullest. This process is perfect if you have long, unruly or curly eyebrows.
First, a lifting cream is applied then your brows are brushed up. Then, another neutralizing cream is applied to help keep the brow hairs in place. Lastly, moisturizing oil is applied to help keep the skin from peeling. To enhance this process, you can also add tinting, which is usually done at a second appointment as to not overexpose your eyebrows to too many chemicals. Just like a perm, you need to keep them dry for 24 hours after application then you’re good to go!
The upside is that this is a painless process requiring zero needles and works with the brow hairs you have. Downside, it only lasts for roughly six weeks as your brow hairs will naturally fall out depending on where they are in their lifecycle and grow back in their natural position. Also, there is the potential that the perming cream could lighten your brows requiring immediate tinting. This treatment is not recommended for someone with a skin condition or super sensitive skin.
Pros:
Painfree application process, cream could cause light tingling
Approx 30-60 min application time
Cost is relatively less at $50-$100 per session
Cons:
Only lasts 4-6 weeks
Could lighten your eyebrows
Could cause skin irritation, not recommended for sensitive skin
Brows may still need to be brushed back into place but won’t need filled daily
While this process is known by a few different names, powder fill, microshading, or stardust brows, but the technique to enhance your brows is still the same. Unlike microblading which using hair-like strokes, this process involves the application of thousands of tiny little dots tattooed onto the brow area to create a build-up of color. This process creates a more solid, graphic brow structure. Microshading has been around for many years. Previously though, it did not have the best reputation for creating a natural brow but recent improvements to this application technique boast a more natural brow with a lifespan of 1-3 years with a few touch-ups. What also makes this process stand out is that it’s perfect for those with oily or sensitive skin. This process can also be combined with Microblading for a more natural look.
Pros:
Good for oily or sensitive skin
Lasts 1-3 years with touchups
Not too painful as dots are applied instead of blades being pulled across your skin
Can be combined with Microblading or Nanoblading for a more natural look
Cons:
Expensive, prices can range from $300-$1000 depending on where you live and tech’s experience level
The solid, bold look this technique offers is not for everyone
Microblading uses a small, sharp instrument that consists of 10 to 16 fine needles configured into a blade shape to draw hair-like ‘tattoos’ onto your brow area. Unlike a tattoo though, microblading does not last forever. The results will last up to three years with touch-ups required every 12 months. In addition, the whole microblading process takes place over two sessions scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Lastly, before you’re able to see the final product, there’s a healing process you must go through first, it usually takes about a few weeks. While the process isn’t considered painful, the scratching sound made by the application tool can be considered annoying so bringing a pair of earbuds and your favorite playlist may help. To read even more about this process check out Alison’s Microblading experience HERE and how she felt about it a year later HERE.
Pros:
Creates a very natural-looking brow mimicking hair-like lines
Works on all skin tones
Can create fuller-looking brows even if there’s not much to start with
Once initial healing care is done, virtually maintenance-free
Lasts up to three years with yearly touchups
Cons:
More on the expensive side ranging from $500 – $2000
Hearing the scratching of the application process can be annoying
Lots of aftercare and it can take weeks for brows to fully heal
Nanoblading is a new brow treatment that uses an ultra-sharp nanoneedle that mimics the diameter and dimension of real hair on the skin to enhance your brows. It’s like microblading, only using a single ultra-fine and more flexible needle to create an even more natural-looking brow. This semi-permanent treatment won’t last forever, however, it does boast around a three-year lifespan requiring only a yearly touchup. The process of nanoblading typically consists of three visits, a consultation in which a test patch is done to ensure you aren’t allergic to the dye then two separate application appointments usually scheduled 4-8 weeks apart. After your first application appointment, you’ll still have great-looking brows you won’t mind showing off, the second appointment just helps to fill them out even more.
Pros:
Causes less trauma to the skin vs. microblading
Lasts up to three years
Good for oily and textured skin
Very natural looking
Able to be more precise with hair-like application
Perfect for people with naturally thin eyebrow hairs
Cons:
Long application time, between 3-4 hours
Expensive, because it’s so labor-intensive it can cost between $500 and up to $2000 depending on where you live
Consists of 2-3 appointments to complete the process
A natural alternative to enhance your brows is henna-tinted brows. Henna is a natural, plant-based dye. During the henna application process not only are your eyebrows tinted but so is the skin underneath, creating a powder fill look. Contrary to henna tattoo application, the henna used for your eyebrows comes in a variety of colors and will not turn your brows orange or oxidize over time. Furthermore, the process is fairly quick with a session lasting about 30 minutes. In some cases, the brow is outlined using barrier cream. A henna dye is then applied and lines are cleaned up with a q-tip. The dye will sit for 10-20 minutes, and once removed, the tech will finish shaping your brow. Not all henna application products are created equal, so again, look at before and after photos and find the color that works the best with your brows.
Pros:
Henna is a natural, plant-based product
Won’t dry out your brows
Application session is approx 30 min
If you’re feeling confident in your abilities, there are DIY henna kits available
Henna brows can encourage hair to grow back fuller
Great at tinting all hair colors even gray
Not horribly expensive with cost ranging from $35 – $125
Outfit formulas® – it’s a fairly simple concept but the interpretations can be limitless. One of the cores of GYPO is that style is for every person, every budget, every size, and every age because we all deserve to feel confident and amazing in what we wear. Sometimes though, there’s a misconception that by using the outfit formula, you’ll lose your individual style. I’m not only here to tell you that is not the case, but to show you as well! Today’s blog is going to focus on one outfit formula but showcases different categories using five different styles. I want you to see just how versatile the outfit formulas® are. They aren’t hard and fast rules, they are merely a guide to help you look and feel your best! Whatever your personal style is, the outfit formula is easily adaptable. Below is the outfit formula I came up with. Now let’s have some fun!
Solid Color cardigan + White top + Denim bottoms + Bright shoes + neutral handbag
#1 Preppy
Would you describe your personal style as a bit preppy? Simple, classic pieces shape this look. It starts out with a navy cardigan over a flowing, v-neck, sleeveless top but instead of opting for denim bottoms, I swapped in navy chino shorts. It’s still in line with the formula, but takes it to the next level. For the bright shoes I choose some great red wedges and balanced them out with a simple tan structured handbag. I finished off this look with some matching red hoop earrings and a mid length pendant necklace to complement the v-neck top.
#2 Boho
I had a lot of fun putting together this boho look! A solid blush kimono was my ‘cardigan’ for this style and to complement the flowy nature of the kimono I picked a more form-fitted, white racerback tank. Medium wash, distressed shorts were an easy way to add some more visual interest to this look. Mint gladiator style sandals also added a great pop of color. Speaking of color, I have to say my favorite items are the colorful, raffia earrings but those don’t overshadow the brown fringe handbag and long pendant necklace. Although bold, all these pieces work beautifully together to create one cohesive style.
I had a really hard time picking the right cardigan for my romantic take on this outfit formula so I’m going to feature both of them. The first one pictured above is this beautiful, flowing pointelle cardigan which is perfect for letting the eyelet details of the white top shine through. The second cardigan I choose is pictured below in the shop the post feature and I loved this cardigan because of the fun, flair and ruffle detail at the bottom. You can’t go wrong with either style cardigan to top this denim skirt with the tie waist and frayed hem. (Click HERE for more size options in the skirt.) A coral wedge seemed like the perfect bright shoe and paired really well with the neutral raffia tote. Finally, I completed my take on this romantic style with some colorful blue stone earrings and a short, simple, silver pendant necklace.
#5 Edgy
While I may be a little bit country with my t-shirt and jeans, I’m also a little bit rock and roll. For my edgy take on this outfit formula I had to start with my solid ‘cardigan’ and in this case, it’s my solid black moto jacket. This is one of my favorite closet staples and it’s the perfect outfit topper. My white top is this effortless v-neck tee paired with some dark wash, distressed, skinny jeans. These oh so cute snake embossed, yellow heels add the perfect pop of color. I added even more fun with a pair of colorful fringe earrings and finished it off simple with a long gold pendant necklace and black handbag with gold hardware.
Your turn! What style speaks to you? Which look is your favorite?
Still trying to define your personal style? Let me help! click HERE!
Mother’s Day is just days away and by now you may or may not already have the perfect gift in hand for your mother, mother-in-law, or that someone special who is like a mother to you. As a mother, it’s pretty much our job to look after and take care of everyone and that’s okay. I LOVE my family and couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve also realized the importance of self-care and that it’s okay to ‘spoil’ ourselves every once in a while. That’s why this year’s Mother’s Day gift-giving guide is a little different. It’s all about ways we can treat ourselves. Below are some things I’m loving plus a few extras that have caught my eye. Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our Pretties!
There’s been a huge shift in trying to use beauty products that are clean, natural, and eco-friendly and my household is no different. Three products that have found a pretty permanent place in my bathroom are the Lavender Vanilla Body Wash, Lotion, and Deodorant by Hey Humans. These products can be found at Target which I love because easy access to the things I use is crucial. They also have other scents such as Banana Aloe, Cedarwood Sage, Coconut Mint, & Apple Matcha.
Being a Lazy Genius isn’t about doing more or doing less. It’s about doing what matters to you and I can’t wait to check out what that actually means for my life! This gift idea comes recommended by our very own Lauren who loves this easy read and its realistic and practical approach to deciding what’s important in life. It’s completely changed the way she approaches things.
My morning doesn’t start until I’ve had my coffee but that can take a toll on the whiteness of my teeth. This at-home treatment is really easy to use and the price is really budget-friendly especially compared to getting my teeth whitened at the dentist. Did I mention it’s really easy to use? Just put the gel into the mouth tray and wear it for only 10 minutes a day. One helpful tip is if you’re finding it hard to get the gel evenly on your teeth using the trays, you can apply it with a q-tip then use the tray and light. This will help keep it off your gums as well. Now say ‘cheese’!
At $29 for a single-use kit, this is definitely an indulgence. It boasts the promise of smaller pores, reduced fine lines, firmer and healthier skin. It’s gotten great reviews but make sure to read the directions carefully regarding the mixing of the products. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and as the product dries, it will begin to feel tight on the skin. It can also leave skin a little red after you wash it off but that typically goes away after a few hours leaving skin feeling smooth and fresh.
This suggestion comes from another member of the GYPO team, Jessica, and her need for some summer footwear to cushion her feet. Her favorite cozy slippers, while perfect for the cold Pennsylvania winters are just a little too warm during the summer months. Oofos Active Recovery Flip-Flops and Slides are the perfect combination of coolness and support making them a great ‘house shoe’ that can also be worn to run errands. They come in many different colors and styles and they give her feet the relief they need even on her tile floors.
For those who want to get into journaling but aren’t sure where to start, this Q&A A Day for Moms is perfect. It only takes a few moments to answer each day’s fun little prompts. Plus with five years worth of space, it’s fun to look back at what little story each day holds from years past. Kids grow up so fast and this is a great way to be able to look back and remember those special moments.
I don’t know what else to say about this except that this is my new favorite year-round fragrance! It’s earthy but fresh and the scent lasts all day. It’s cozy enough for winter but light enough for summer.
The Ember mug is seriously one of the best inventions ever. If you don’t know what the Ember mug is, it’s a self-heating mug that keeps your coffee (or tea) warm to the last drop. Originally my husband got one from our son and he immediately said I needed one because I’m constantly reheating my coffee. The mug comes in a 10oz or 14oz as well as a travel version. They also just came out with a new metallic finish collection and I love the Rose Gold! If you know me, you know how much I love my coffee and this makes it even better!
I’ve had really bad experiences with most mascaras because they all tend to irritate my sensitive eyes. Anything that flakes will make them instantly hurt which is why I find myself wearing false lashes pretty much every day. I’ve seen a lot of chatter about Thrive Mascara both online and from the Pretties so I decided to buy it, not for myself but for my daughters. They too fell in love with the product and after further review, I learned that this is a ‘tube’ mascara meaning it wraps around my lashes and won’t flake off. It’s been really good to my eyes and really does help lengthen my lashes. It comes in both a rich black and rich brown color and is also an Allure Award Winner for 2020.
The Prose Hair Care creates customized hair solutions by utilizing a quiz that takes into account your hair type, hair habits, health, and even environmental factors. By creating a system that is customized only to that person, no two systems are alike. They offer a variety of natural scent options and even a fragrance-free option. You can do a one-time order or set it up on a subscription basis at a discounted rate. If you’re not happy with your products they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you can either return the products or change your formula within 30 days of your delivery date. I always feel better trying new products that have an easy return policy.
Lastly, something that is near and dear to my heart, my book, The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas®, A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear? This is the perfect gift for any woman who struggles with what to wear. This book is the epitome of the Get Your Pretty On mission, to change the way women feel about themselves- forever. We believe every woman, no matter their size, age, ethnicity, or budget, deserves to feel pretty. Women who feel good in their own skin are always the prettiest – and that touches every area of their lives.
Your turn! What have you spoiled yourself with lately? Let me know in the comments below!
Although delayed, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS) is one of the biggest sales of the year and one I think the Pretties look forward to. It’s no secret I’ve had my struggles with how to deliver this sale because for me it’s not about consumerism, it’s about thoughtfully selecting clothes you love, and that make you feel confident bringing out your inner glow. The mission of GYPO is simple. In short “We believe every woman, no matter their size, age, ethnicity or budget, deserves to feel pretty.” I truly believe this and that’s why I want to share this sale with you because one of the perks is that it allows us to stretch our budgets even further. Whether we’ve known each other for a long time or perhaps we’re just getting to know each other, I believe that our GYPO community has allowed us to share the good and the bad, as well as offer support, advice, and encouragement. We also have a habit of sharing when closet staples or items from the Outfit Formulas Capsules go on sale.
Navigating the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
If you’re already familiar with how the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale works then feel free to skip this section but if you’re new to the sale or just want a refresher here are a few things you should know about the sale.
1. Why is this sale such a big deal?
Sales happen all the time, right? Why the fuss? Most sales happen at the end of a season when retailers are trying to clear out old merchandise. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is unique because the items on sale are brand new pieces and particularly focus on upcoming fall trends. Getting such deep discounts on these new pieces is unheard of from any other retailer.
2. How do I get the sale price?
Nordstrom releases the sale in waves with Nordstrom cardholders getting early access for a full week before the general public. If you aren’t yet a cardholder you can apply here to take advantage of the sales now before they sell out. The sale will be open to the general public on August 19th. Click HERE for the full release schedule.
3. What about the trends?
I’ll be sharing my fall trend picks here on the blog next week when the sale is open to everyone. Stay tuned!
My Three Rules for Shopping
1. If it’s not a “heck yes” it’s a no.
If you don’t love everything about an item, the way it fits, the color, how you look in it, then don’t buy it/keep It. You should love the clothes you put in your closet because if you don’t, chances are you won’t wear them much or possibly even at all. It’s hard to look at something you’ve spent your money on a year later and realize the tag is still on it.
2. It’s not a good deal if you don’t need it.
You work hard for your money, don’t waste it buying things you don’t need. It’s easy to get caught up in the little shots of dopamine you get when you make a purchase but are those purchases things you actually need? Remember, saving $40 on something you don’t really need isn’t actually saving.
3. Be a closet curator, not a caught up consumer.
Curating a closet you love takes time and patience. It’s about deciding what items you want to invest in and what gaps you want to fill. That’s why I put so much focus on building a great foundation with closet staples. Once you have a good base it’s easy to mix and match and sprinkle in a few trends here and there.
That’s why I’m sharing this sale with you. It’s a great opportunity to fill in any closet staple gaps you may have as well as upgrade any of your pieces to a higher quality, i.e. investment pieces. Not only have I divided the items into their own categories in an effort to make it easier to search out what you’re looking for, but I’ve also arranged them according to price points to help you stay on budget. I can’t wait to see what all you find and how you style the pieces!
NOT SURE WHAT IS CONSIDERED A CLOSET STAPLE? GRAB MY FREE SHOPPING LIST OF CLOSET STAPLES HERE.
Tops – Short Sleeve Tee
Tops – Long Sleeve Tee
Tops – Sweaters
Bottoms
Dresses
Layers
Footwear
Jewelry
Accessories
Tops
Bottoms
Dresses
Layers
Footwear
Handbags
Jewelry
Tops
Bottoms
Layers
Footwear
Handbags
Jewelry
Tops
Bottoms
Layers
Footwear
Handbags
Jewelry
Your turn! Is the NAS something you look forward to? What items are you hoping to pick up?
Hi Pretties! Last week was a wild card week on Coffee Chat! I try to rotate topics regularly to include style, beauty and personal development. Every once and awhile I’ll throw in a wildcard week where you can ask me anything. Last week I posted in our Get Your Pretty On Pretties Facebook group, which if you’re not in there yet, you need to go join now because it is an awesome group. There’s all kinds of conversations going on in there about style and beauty and summer, you name it, we talk about it. Check it out here. As I was saying, I put out the question for everyone in there to ask me anything and I got some great questions to answer. We’ve got some style questions, particularly summer style questions, self-tanner questions, beauty questions and I’m going to answer those today! For more details on my answers, click my Coffee Chat video below.
Let’s get right to the questions!
I need to invest in all new makeup brushes and I need to find the perfect black t-shirts (they are my uniform) and Target stopped making my go-to favorites. ~ Jennifer
Hands down my favorite makeup brushes that I have ever owned are from IT Cosmetics. They make the most amazing makeup brushes ever. If you’re going to invest in a good set of makeup brushes that are going to last you then go with IT Cosmetics Makeup Brushes. Also, when investing in good brushes, you don’t have to buy them all at once. Start with one that’s multi-purpose or one that you’re going to use the most and build your collection from there.
If you’re looking for something a little bit more budget-friendly and you don’t want to make a huge investment, Amazon has a lot of great brush sets. EcoTools is another great brand of brushes that are very budget-friendly and are well made and super soft.
Recently we polled all of the members of the GYPO community and asked them what their favorite white t-shirts were and in those brands there are definitely black t-shirts that are going to be really good quality, too. The number one top brand was Land’s End’s Supima Cotton T-Shirt Crewneck and V-neck. Second up was Target’s A New Day brand of t-shirts. They have a really nice black t-shirt there, too. And Amazon Essentials, if you had to check those out yet, I’ve heard amazing things about them. Eddie Bauer also was mentioned and J.Crew Factory is another good source for a great black t-shirt.
I’ve had a lifelong struggle with very athletic legs. I’m relatively thin but certainly not proportioned the way most women are. Don’t get me wrong I love my Curves and my athletic legs. They serve me well. I just can never find skinny jeans that actually work. I also have a longer torso and shorter legs. I’m not tall 5 foot 5. Any recommendations? ~ Cheryl
Again, I went to the community on this a few weeks ago and we asked our GYOP Pretties to vote for their top rated white skinny jeans but this could definitely apply across the board. Loft has great skinny jeans that are curvy so those may be an option to check out. They work great for women that aren’t too tall. Also, Madewell had really high marks and they have a lot of different fits. Old Navy was another reader favorite. Their rock star jeans have a lot of stretch in them. If you’re looking for something that’s going to stretch over athletic thighs or calves, then Old Navy rock star jeans are going to be good for that. Not Your Daughter’s Jeans (NYDJ) got really high marks as well and they also have several different fits that you can find one that works for you. And finally, Talbots also has a high rise jegging that has a lot of stretch and also works really, really well.
It’s that time of year again! I am very fair-skinned so sunscreen is a MUST. I have recently started using self-tanner on my legs and would love tips on how to avoid streaks? My tanner is over a year old is that ok? Do other pretties just do certain body parts too? How often do I need to reapply? And how do I make my fake tan last longer? ~Lisa
I consider myself a self-tanning expert. I’ve been using self-tanners for many years. I try to avoid the sun as much as possible, especially now that I’m over 40 because I get lots of little age spots on my face. I even get them when I’m driving in the car so daily sunscreen is a must! My favorite tips for self-tanners are:
Exfoliate – Make sure you exfoliate well in the shower because if you get most of the dead skin cells off, your tan will last longer.
Moisturize – Keep your skin well moisturized. A lot of self-tanners can dry your skin out so when you’re done in the shower, gently pat dry leaving some water behind and moisturize!
Use Tanning Mitt – Apply tanner with a tanning mitt. This is something you can pick up at Amazon or Ulta or maybe even Target. You’re going to put that over your hands and then apply the tanner to the tanning mitt and then spread light, thin layers on your skin working in small sections. This will help it go on more evenly and smoothly and will keep your palm from getting overly tan.
As far as brands are concerned, I like Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion. I used that one for years. It’s great for building up over time. However, I really like the St. Tropez brand. It’s a bit pricier but it lasts forever and I think the tan lasts a long time too. I recommend applying it every day for a few days until you build up to the level that you want to be at. Then, you’re going to take a break and you’re going to moisturize after you get out of the shower for a few days to make it last longer and then start the cycle over again when it starts to fade. Be sure to exfoliate before you start your application cycle over so you get the old tanner off before applying new tanner.
Best place for undies and bras – especially if you have been blessed with being bigger on top. ~Kathy
I highly recommend Soma and all of our Pretties who have tried Soma absolutely love them. They have the most comfortable bras and undies out there. For a runner up, for me personally, I love Target for bras and panties too. Their Auden line is amazing. They have the cutest patterns and colors, comfy undies and bras. I get a lot of my bralettes there. I highly recommend them and they are really reasonably priced.
Minimal makeup for summer. What can you get by with but still look pretty? ~ Rebecca
I like to cut back on my makeup in the summer, too. I don’t like a full face of makeup every day. It just feels too heavy and when I’m sweating a lot, it doesn’t make much sense. The one thing that I do use every single day is my IT Cosmetics CC plus cream. This has SPF 50 plus blocks, both UVA and UVB. I was talking earlier about how we still get sun even when we’re driving in the car. All of my age spots and dark spots are on the left side of my face, and I know that’s because of driving through the years, because I do try to be really, really vigilant about applying sunscreen on a daily basis. This stuff works amazing. I wear it at the beach if I’m not going to be getting my face wet. This stuff is a miracle worker.
I would at a minimum apply my CC plus cream on a daily basis. Sometimes I put a little bit of power on top of that to set it, especially in my oil prone areas, then lightly apply a little bit of bronzer if you want to give yourself that sunkissed glow then add a champagne eye shadow on the lids. I am a big proponent for having either mascara or my false eyelashes on every single day. When I wear falsies I use the Kiss brand and the style is number eleven. I get them at Walgreen’s and CVS and I apply them with the black lash glue so it gives me that look of having a little bit of eyeliner on my top lids. Add a little bit of lip gloss to finish it off if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Should you wear skinny jeans if you have large calves. And what is a good jean to get. Some just don’t fit. Also What is a good sunscreen for your lips? Maybe with a little color. ~Ann
Earlier I talked about the Loft Curvy Jean. I think that those work great if you have a larger calf. Another one with a lot of stretch is Old Navy’s Rockstar jeans. They’re going to stretch over larger calves a little bit better than some of these other skinny jeans out there.
Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm, which they sell at most drug stores or retailers like Target and Walmart. They have 15 SPF and come in a bunch of different tinted shades so you can look stylish at the beach and the pool.
What are the jewelry rules? Like, what kind of jewelry goes with what kind of neckline? When is a long necklace better to choose over a short one? Can you mix silver and gold? ~Gail
There are some really cool little infographics that you can find on Pinterest that will show you different types of necklines and different necklaces that go with them, which is going to be way better than anything that I’m going to describe. The below graphic is one that I like.
My own personal jewelry rules are that you don’t want to do statement with statement. You can either do statement earrings with a delicate necklace. You can do statement earrings with a longer necklace as long as it’s away from your face. If you have a pendant necklace on, then you can definitely do a statement earring with that, or you can do delicate earrings with a delicate necklace or delicate earrings with a statement necklace.
The longer your necklace, the more it’s going to elongate your frame. If you’re wearing a loose, floaty tank, then you may want to elongate your frame with that longer necklace. A shorter necklace or statement earrings are going to draw your eye up so think about those rules when you’re choosing your accessories.
The question about mixing silver and gold. Yes, absolutely. As a matter of fact, mixed metals is really on trend. Don’t worry about those rules anymore. My wedding rings are silver. I wear gold all the time. I have gold on my Apple Watch band and sometimes I mix rose gold with that. So those rules no longer apply. You can definitely mix metals till your little heart’s content.
Cosmetic dermatology for aging skin. I’m 30 at heart, but my skin at 48 does not reflect my youthful outlook! ~Kristin
Over the past few years, I’ve tried out a lot of different products. There are a few that I get really consistent results from. The number one product that I recommend if you’re just getting into starting some anti-aging products is the Rock Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. I’ve been using this stuff for years and it’s honestly one of the things that makes a huge difference. It takes about six weeks to start seeing results, but once you do, you’re hooked. Trust me on this and it also helps with the dark spots that I have on my cheeks, too. Use a pea-size amount at night before bed and cover your whole face. If you have sensitive skin, which I do, I can’t change up products very often. I can’t do really harsh products for my anti-aging skincare routine. I recommend doing this every other night until you build up a tolerance to it or even go every 2-3 nights if you need to. Eventually, you’ll be able to use it on a nightly basis as I do now. This gives my skin a really nice glow and keeps it hydrated. I don’t experience dryness, redness, or flaking as you might from a prescription-strength product.
Then for the day again, I’m going back to my IT Cosmetics CC plus cream which is loaded with lots of anti-aging skincare ingredients, too. That’s one thing I love about IT Cosmetics. This is also an illumination product so it’s going to give your skin a nice glow, too.
Lastly, exfoliate. Definitely exfoliate at least twice a week because our skin cells tend to turn over less as we get older. We’ve got to help that process along by exfoliating the dead skin cells off. That’s also going to give you a lot more glow. As far as an exfoliator, I recommend, I use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I’ve been using that stuff since I was a teenager and it works great.
Opinions on lengths of pants and shorts. A lot of people are posting photos of capri/cropped pants but I’ve often heard that they make you look shorter and to go for full length or ankle pants. Do capris work for most women or should the in general be avoided? Also same questions for shorts- what lengths (inseam measurememts) are most flattering? ~Erin
One of the things that I recommend always is that the selfie doesn’t lie. If you’re trying something on in a fitting room and you’re unsure if it looks good then take a selfie because it’s not going to lie. If you’re not a good judge for yourself then send that picture to one of your friends or to your teenage daughter and ask them, because they will be honest with you. Remember to take in several different lengths with you and this especially applies to shorts. I think a lot of us tend to think we know what shorts will look good on us, but sometimes you might be surprised. What you thought you “shouldn’t” wear actually looks the most flattering on you and if that’s the case then it’s a heck yes! Sometimes petite or shorter ladies like myself, I’m 5’4″, tend to think that the longer shorts are going to be more flattering to us when in reality, the shorter short might be. I tend to go for around a five-inch length short and that seems to be the most flattering length for me. Sometimes I’ll add a little bit of a heel on my sandal if I feel like it’s going to make it look a little bit better. As far as capri length pants, wearing them can be tricky but you can try wearing something with a little heel instead of a flat for a more flattering look.
Best no show socks for ballet flats. And they stay on your feet and not slide off heel. ~Ann
I love the no show socks from Target. They have a little rubber thingy on the back and they do not slide off your feet. I buy the cotton ones. They have a lot of cute prints and patterns. My daughters wear them, too. You can also get the more nylon version of them, however I’m not as big of a fan of those. They just cover the toe and then the heel and the little rubber thingy keeps them from slipping down.
Throw in some fitness! ~Emily
I don’t know if I’m the role model for fitness right now. I’m just going to be totally honest. Since OrangeTheory closed their studios, I’ve been on the struggle bus a little bit. I have been trying to do a combination of things at home. Number one, I doing the Orangetheory at home workouts. I’m not going to lie, they kick my butt. Those are made mostly of weights and a lot of cardio like Burpees and jumping jacks. These workouts are perfect if you don’t have a lot of equipment. I’ve also been doing the Peloton Treadmill workouts since I got a treadmill for Mother’s Day. If you have a treadmill and some basic rudimentary pieces of equipment this would work for you. I think it’s free for 90 days and you can choose the workouts that you want to do and there you can do interval training or endurance or whatever you want. They have tons of awesome workouts in there. Recently I also started going on Reddit and finding old Orangetheory workouts to do at home. There are some really good workouts in there. I also recommend my friend Rebecca Louise’s Burn app. She’s got some great workouts in there and they cover all body parts and there are different workouts every day. So check out the Burn as well.
Favorite tank tops? It’s hot in central Texas and I often wear a tank top with skirts or shorts. Do you have any go-to tanks? ~Erin
J.Crew Factory brand is my go-to for fitted tank tops. If I’m looking for a slouchy tank, then I always go to Target. They have really good slouchy tank tops and ribbed tank tops as well as Wal-Mart. I always go for the basics when I buy my tank tops. Amazon Essentials also has some really great tank tops and they have great reviews.
Cute summer pj’s… for the more mature generation. ~Sheryl
I struggled with this, Sheryl. I really did. Soma has some cute PJs and Target. I keep going back to those two, but it’s true, I’ve had great luck with both places for P J’s that are comfortable and the shorts aren’t super short.
I’m having difficulty finding plus size swimsuits…I like the ones with skirt bottoms but they are a bit too short for my comfort. Are there longer ones available…or am I just searching for unicorns? ~Debrah
Lands End has some great plus-sized swimsuits with longer skirts. They have lots of one-piece and two-piece versions of those. If you’re looking for those, that’s a good resource.
1. Workout outfits that are cute without breaking the bank. 2. SWIMSUITS! How do I apply the bodyshape rules to swimsuits? ~Isabel
I swear by Fabletics. I have been ordering their workout clothes for years. I have a membership and I know a lot of you are like, oh, I don’t want to do the membership. I get it. I do. I hate memberships. But the cool thing is you can skip a month and I skip probably 10 months out of the year and order two months out of the year whenever I need to refresh my workout collection. I love their Mila Capris, they are amazing! They have pockets on the sides and they are super comfortable. They are also really, really well-made and great quality. Amazon Essentials make great workout clothes. Go on there and look at the reviews. We’ve had a lot of Pretties who have recommended yoga pants and their tanks and their shorts. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, definitely check out Amazon.
As far as swimsuits are concerned, one of the bonuses for the Outfit Formulas™ Summer 2020 Capsule Wardrobe is a body shape swimwear guide so if you signed up for that you received the guide. I’m going to share with you a couple of things from the guide and if you don’t know your body shape, you can figure it out with my free Body Shape guide. Download it here.
Triangle
If you’re a triangle body shape you’re going to look for things with eye-catching details on the top or unique necklines to draw the attention up. Try a plunging neckline for the daring wow factor or you can do a fine print or color or pattern on the top half and maybe do black bottoms. You’re going to want to avoid extra fabric or coverage around your hips and bottom because that’s only going to draw attention to that area. If you’re thinking of wearing a skirt or having some extra fabric in that area is going to camouflage, what is going to actually do is draw the attention down. Look for things like ruffles across the top or a high neck tankini top or something with some interesting details, like a one-shoulder bikini top or a halter, one-piece monokini.
Inverted Triangle
If you’re an inverted triangle, you’re going to want to look for eye-catching tops to draw attention away from tummy and wide waist. Ruffles around your waist are going to add volume, but they can also be great for hiding unwanted bulges. If you’re feeling bold, you can highlight the curve of your hips for pattern bottoms or side type details. You’re gonna want to avoid attention seeking colors or patterns around your midriff. If you have wide shoulders, avoid strapless or spaghetti strap designs. So again, high necks are going to be your friend. Color blocking on the top half, ruffled bikini set that’s going to draw the eye up toward the shoulders or a V-neck bikini.
Rectangle
Rectangles are going to look for a monokini suit to create the illusion of curves or a suit with a belt detail to make your waist look slimmer. Your shape is well balanced so pretty much any swimsuits gonna look good on your figure, lucky girl! If you’re feeling bold, you can do high cut bottoms or a tie side bikini bottom that’s going to enhance your shape and embellish your natural figure. You’re going to avoid square or boxy necklines if you’re a rectangle. Also, avoid boy shorts because you want to add curves, not reduce them.
Hourglass
For hourglass shapes, you’re going to look for a high cut hip or a plunging neckline to lengthen your legs and emphasize your natural curves. Ruffles or similar details on the bottom will also highlight your hourglass shape. If you’re feeling bold, you can do a side cut monokini that’s going to maximize your curvaceous shape. You’re going to want to avoid mixing prints in two piece suits because it can throw off your well-balanced figure. High cut, plunging bikini sets are going to look great on you and side cut swimsuits are also going to look awesome.
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
SHOP THE ACCESSORY LINE
SHOP THE LOOKS
A NOTE TO READERS
Please know that Get Your Pretty On uses affiliate links in some of our posts. This means that clicking on or purchasing through a link may help me earn a small commission, which helps make this blog possible. Thank you for your support! For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
