5 Minute Makeup Routine

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With only a few minutes to spare in front of the mirror each morning (time is limited when you're chasing around a two year old and rushing to get as many cups of coffee in as possible before noon), I aim to make the whole process pretty seamless. I always like to look put together for whatever the day might throw at us but I've never been a big fan of a fussy routine... enter a few life-saving products and you've got the five-minute face!

01. Urban Decay Naked Basics - This palette is filled to the brim with pretty neutrals! It's perfect for everyday wear and I rarely find myself wanting anything more (see below) than a swipe of something taupe-y across my lid, something darker in my crease and a pop of highlight on my brow-bone + in the inner corner of my eye.

02. Dolce & Gabbana Shaping Eyebrow Pencil * - This product debuted this month (available only at Saks Fifth Avenue) and I just have to say, "Where have you been all my life?!" The tailor-made shape of this pencil is perfect for darkening sparse brows (for those of us who over-plucked in high school) and I love that the product is so natural looking.

03. Dior Eyeshadow Palette 'Earth Reflections' - For the days that I need a little extra sparkle... these shadows are perfect for date night and special occasions.

04. Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream - Since discovering BB creams and their cooler big sister CC cream (think tinted moisturizer with some serious fringe benefits), I haven't worn serious foundation in years. This one from Smashbox is fabulous for shooting blog photos since it doesn't leave a weird white-cast (caused by cover-up that uses SPF in its formula).

05. L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner - easiest. winged. liner. ever.

06. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara - I change out my mascara like I change out my accessories but this flavor of the month is proving to be quite the contender. I have naturally long lashes so I love anything with a thickening formula!

07. Eyelash Curler - I'm less picky about how these perform than how pretty they look on my vanity... oops. This pretty gold curler gets the job done well and looks so good doing it! (I've got my eye on this rose gold version next!)

08. Smith's Rosebud Salve - I want to be a lipstick girl... I really do. Try as I might to find the perfect red pout, I always go back to my favorite minty lip balm in lieu of something more fabulous. This salve from Smith's is easy, with just the right amount of tint to get me through the day. Did I mention the packaging is adorable?

* I was gifted products courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana PR to celebrate the launch of their Shaping Eyebrow Pencil.  All opinions herein are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Chelsea & The City happen.

Be Right Back...

technical-difficultiesOn Tuesday morning (after a lovely long weekend) I sat down with a cup of coffee, refreshed and excited to dig into some work... which is when the unthinkable happened. "Achoo!" Coffee: 1 - Chelsea's laptop: 0 I'm in the process of getting everything fixed (can you say ka-ching?), but in the meantime I'll be taking some time away from the blog to get a little inspiration and fresh air. Although it's driving me crazy not to check out all of the fabulousness that I'm sure you're putting out there, it'll be nice work on a few things away from the fluorescent glow of the screen for a change. I might be able to pick up my computer as early as next week so expect a couple of fun projects once I return (diamonds, style posts, and the most fun Instagram recap ever)!

image via

The Visionary

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trench: zara (on sale!) | bodysuit: bradamant c/o | skirt: j.crew | boots: zara (old) | necklace: altr'd state

Last week the South got the prettiest dusting of snow (let's forget about being stuck in the house for days, frozen roads, bank closures and just focus on the pretty...) and there were something about the blank canvas that inspired me to bring a few winter whites out of my closet. A classic white shirt is one of the most important wardrobe staples and it's also the one I've had the hardest time nailing down. This blousy version (fittingly called "The Visionary" by the Bradamant team) has a throwback feel with sleeves reminiscent of the seventies and a luxe weightlessness. When Bradamant invited me to try one of their stunning bodysuits (perfect for slipping into skirts without extra fabric or chasing around a toddler without fear of coming un-tucked) I jumped at the chance to fill the gap in my wardrobe. I'm dying to add the Director (a classic button-up) and the Coquette (the perfect sweater) next!

This post is a partnership with Bradamant, a splendid work wear company aimed to empower you with bodysuits. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Chelsea & The City happen!