Outfit linked here

Everything is greening right up in Raleigh! We had a lovely week of weather after a cold weekend last weekend.

Justin ran his first Marathon with some of his buddies. Afterward, we had a party at our house to celebrate all of the accomplishments of the racers that day. It was a great time!

My sister’s due date with the twins is rapidly approaching and I cannot WAIT to meet them! We’re sticking around for the next month or so just to be near and help where we can.

Our next planned family trip is at the end of June to a new (to us) destination, and then we’ll do our annual Wisconsin trip over the 4th of July.

This weekend holds very few plans which makes me happy! We’ll be enjoying sunshine and eating outside, I’m sure!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Biltmore Malbec

Biltmore The Hunt Red Blend

Spanx AirEssentials Half Zip

Art for Kids Hub on YouTube – great for a media type activity for kids that keeps them engaged!

Quilted Featherless Parka Jacket

Best Brush Cleaner

Cricket Silk Comb Pro 35 – the only comb you’ll ever need

The Kate Collection x Miranda Frye

Men’s Madewell Athletic Slim Denim – great looking mens denim!

Tracksmith Eliot Running Shoe

Thickening Rice Water Hair Serum

Fun Yellow Shirt

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Loopy Cases: Code “smallthings10” for 10% off

Ongoing Promo Codes:

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Ready for a little Sephora haul?

I thought I was a “firm” hold hairspray gal until the end, but the flexible hold of Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode is really giving me the exact look and feel I want in my hair these days. Come humid summer days I may swap back to the higher hold stuff, but the flexible, forgiving hold of Spray de Mode is allowing my hair to stay in shape without feeling stiff.

I just restocked with another can and threw a few other things in my online order cart as well. The Ouai St. Barts body creme and body wash intrigued me, but I was very willing to return if the scent isn’t right. The thing about summery/vacation scents is that I don’t want to smell like fake coconut or cheap sunscreen, but I do want that tropical, light scent.

I’m pleased to report that the St. Barts line from Ouai is exactly what I was looking for. It’s so good I already threw another body wash in my cart to make sure I remember to repurchase during the next Sephora Savings Event.

I also got the Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’s Luscious Lip Balm in Pinch Me“. It’s super hydrating and leaves just enough shine behind with a wash of color. It’s one of those “I don’t have to look at what I’m doing” lip products!

I also restocked my favorite sunscreen for my face. I’ve tried a lot over the years, and I honestly like a few different ones, but the Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Tinted Sunscreen is one of my most frequently used sunscreens. I love that it has a tint, and it worked perfectly even in the intense Florida sun last spring. I also added the clear version to my lineup!

My makeup look these days still leans heavily on a pink blush, a filled-in brow, and lots of upper lash mascara. I’m also applying my highlighter with a heavier hand ever since a makeup artist I follow referred to it as “jewelry for the face”. She’s totally right and I love the impact of a well-placed highlight on a beautiful sunny day.

You can shop for all of these favorites at Sephora, and make sure to sign up to be a beauty insider while you’re there. You will be in the know of when they do their savings events, earn points on purchases, and more! And if you’re stocking up on some of your go-to products, save time by ordering online and picking them up in-store or take advantage of Sephora’s same-day delivery option. 

This post is sponsored by Sephora.

Whether it’s St. Patricks Day or not, green has been a color I’ve loved wearing for the past year or so. I’m seeing that isn’t not going anywhere, so here are a few green accessories and things that work on March 17th and beyond!

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty.

I hope you had a nice week!

Justin is running the Tobacco Trail Marathon on Sunday and the kids and I are going to head out to the finish line to cheer him on as he crosses! He recently completed a 40-mile trail run so this 26-mile race on relatively flat ground should be a completely different experience!

We’re hosting a little after-race party at our house too, and we’re looking forward to that!

I finished listening to The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren this week and I was genuinely sad that it was over. It’s such an easy listen and I love a book focused on a romantic relationship! You can find a round-up of the books I’ve read here!

I’ve owned these block heel sandals from Madewell for years, and I pull them out every Spring and Summer to wear them. They are instantly comfortable and easily go with so many outfits. For a more casual sandal, the EVA Birkenstocks are my most worn pair!

This light orange dress looks like an easy thing to throw on during the warmer months!

And this blue dress from Amazon is speaking to me!

Have you heard of the Clue app? Amanda *clued* me into it and it’s great. It’s how I track my period and it’s super user-friendly. Highly recommend!

I tried a new anti-humidity / frizz control spray and nearly choked on the scent. I’m returning it swiftly and going back to using my favorite product from Kenra!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

The Whale movie

Inside Man with Stanley Tucci

The Kate Collection at Miranda Frye – “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

Alterna Bond Repair – a great product for healing damaged hair.

Biltmore Malbec – one of my very favorite reds!

Nancy’s Pizza in North Raleigh

Classic Denim Jacket

Our Place pots and pans

Material Kitchen cup

Amazon summer dress – it’s a great price point!

Cropped crochet tank

NARS Mini Concealer and Lip Shine

Woven Bag

Nordstrom Mixed Media Tank Dress

Oversized Sweatshirt

Artist Couture Eye Palette – one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes!

Easy Eyeliner

Pretty Shell Pink Dress

This Week’s Discount Codes:

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

I admit that I don’t self-tan regularly enough to have a weekly routine or anything, but I do have a pretty fool-proof system that I follow when I want to add a bit of color to my skin. I’m walking you through the steps below, and including a few tips to ensure your most even-looking tan!

First things first, it’s all about the prep!

Step One. Exfoliate in the shower! Any body scrub will do, but I personally love the Kopari body scrubs. I used a scoop for both of my legs, and another scoop for both of my arms. All you do is rub the scrub against your skin to loosen up any dry, rough skin leaving your skin soft and smooth!

Step Two. Shave! I always shave after I exfoliate because my skin is so smooth for the razor.

Step Three. Apply lotion to your knees, elbows, and ankle bones. These are the only areas that tend to “collect” the tanner, so it’s helpful to prep those areas with a bit of moisture. I just use my Kate McLeod body stone on those parts of my body.

Step Four. Get your glove on and apply the tanner. *Never* apply self-tan without a glove (the only time it’s okay to skip a glove is if you’re using a gradual tanning lotion…but you still want to wash your hands afterward!). I apply two pumps of Loving Tan 2-hour express in “medium” to my gloved hand and start rubbing it in small circles. Make sure you rub it in well, checking for streaks and lines. I start at the biggest parts of my leg and work the product up and down, so the only product that is applied to the top of my foot, for example, is what is left over on the glove.

Step Five. Apply tanner all over your body. This tool is essential for applying tanner to your back without a partner there to assist!

Step Six. When it comes to applying self-tanner to your hands and feet, use a dedicated makeup brush to blend the product onto those areas without leaving streaks or marks. I have an old foundation brush from Sonia Kashuk that I use to blend self-tanner out onto my fingers and onto the tops of my feet.

Step Seven. Let it dry down and make sure to wear loose clothing. I typically apply self-tanner in the morning and wear a loose lounge set for at least a few hours. I have to wear long sleeves because if I don’t, the self-tan around my inner elbows will end up pulling off when I bend my arms. I realize the name of the tanner I use is called “2-hour express” but I often leave it on for 12-24 hours.

Step Eight. Shower after 12-24 hours. The next day you can shower as usual, although I wouldn’t recommend rubbing your body with a loofah. Go easy with body wash on the areas that you tanned, and only dab your body when you are drying off afterward (instead of rubbing).

Step Nine. Keep your skin hydrated with regular lotion or use a gradual tanning product to deepen the color. When self-tanned skin is dry, it looks pretty rough, so make sure you keep your skin moisturized after you’ve self-tanned.

Step Ten. Don’t wear white clothes on the first day of your self-tan. I’m usually fine wearing white after 24 hours of showering off the self-tan!

If this is more complicated than what you are going for, but you want to add at least a hint of color to your skin, try a gradual self-tanning product.

I find that I like my tan best about 48 hours after I’ve applied it. I follow all these steps but try to plan my application day to be about 2 days before I want the tan to look it’s best!

It lasts for about a week on me, depending on a few different factors, and applying daily moisturizer helps it last long and wear evenly!

I’m so excited to share that my namesake collection with Miranda Frye is officially live!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP!!

The necklace, bracelet, and earrings are all named “Kate” and they are truly beautiful in person. They reflect the light so perfectly and are easy enough for an everyday jewelry look.

I’ve been wearing Miranda Frye jewelry for years and can absolutely speak to how well-made, durable, and beautiful this jewelry is.

I hope you love these pieces as much as I do and make sure to use code SmallThings10 when you shop to save 10% on your order!

The code “smallthings10” will save you 10% on the Kate collection as well as other items on MirandaFrye.com!

This week flew by and I’m looking forward to a very easy weekend ahead with minimal commitments.

The pollen is everywhere in Raleigh right now, and it’s bothered my allergies more than ever before this year. As much as I hate rain, I’m glad we have a bit of rain coming to help wash away the coating of pollen on everything outside.

I shared a beautiful brown dress and a heavyweight cotton tank on IG stories that are recent purchases from Banana Republic but I just saw they are on sale for 40% off! Shop for the dress here, and shop for the tank here!

Did you see the new colors of Merit blush? Stockholm is perfection!

Yall know Naptime Kitchen Kate? She was in town yesterday and she, our mutual friend Megan, and I got together for a little afternoon playdate. It’s so fun to be at a stage where the kids just run off and play, and we can sip lemonade on the porch and catch up! Kate was wearing a pair of Birks that caught my eye. I just dove in the deep end of classic Birkenstocks (the EVA pair was my gateway….) and now I’m already considering another pair. Who am I?!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

@jordancarolldavid

Wander Beauty On-The-Glow “Coral”

Hourglass lipstick in “Reef”

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Bronzer

Colour Pop bronzer in “Avila Beach” (drugstore dupe)

Varley Half–Zip Pullover

Lined White Summer dress

Cute Pompom slippers

Iconic London rollerball highlighter

Wide Leg denim from Target

Vaseline Body Balm

@joannasuephotography

@blushcowork

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Let’s look back at a few of my beauty favorites from February!

Nails: dip powder in Lisbon Wants Moor plus chrome powder over top! This is my most worn color and my absolute favorite!

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench – I used this moisturizer years ago and then switched only because I wanted to try something else. I’m back to using it regularly and am reminded that it’s such a unique moisturizer because it sinks into the skin so effortlessly. It almost feels watery when you apply it!

Bobbi Brown Face Base – On particularly drier days, or days I’m wearing full coverage makeup, I’ll use this for an extra burst of moisture and prep!

Garnier Micellar Water – This is such an effective yet gentle makeup remover, especially for around my eyes. Somehow it melts away long lasting eye makeup without stinging my eyes.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Sheer long-wear in 3C2 – This is working for me as a light makeup day foundation. I was using a tinted moisturizer but I found it to be irritating my skin, so I tried this and have had great results. It’s very sheer, but does provide a flexible and layerable bit of color to even out my skin!

Kate McLeod Body Stone + Kate McLeod Body Stone Mini – This body stone is super hydrating and I’ve been loving it through the winter. It glides across my skin when I apply it right out of the shower too. It makes a really great gift as well!

Laura Mercier Tinted Bronzer (this was a dud for me!) – I ended up returning this because I just couldn’t get it to work after multiple tries. The color was nice but the formula was patchy!

Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode hairspray – This is a very flexible, forgiving hairspray. I like it for relaxed hair days and when I just need a touch of hold.

Hourglass Lipstick in Reef – This coral color is such a fun, punchy pink for spring!

If you liked this, follow along on Instagram! I do a lot of first impressions on IG stories!

I’m so happy we are into March! Just one step closer to summertime!

My sweet cat has been at an animal hospital all week after having a radioactive iodine treatment done on Monday. We did this to treat his hyperthyroid disease. I’ve spoken with the vet a few times and he has shared that Grits is doing well, but still in isolation until his levels are down at a safe rate for moving to a less isolated room/space.

I feel *terrible* for the length of time he is required to stay there, but it’s protocol. I sent my Lake Pajamas robe with him to snuggle with since he sleeps with me every single night. I hope he feels comfortable on it!

Beyond being a little mentally preoccupied with Grits, I also had an emotional day at the dentist on Tuesday. I really like my dentist and the hygienists, I’ve just developed quite strong dental anxiety in adulthood. I had to have 2 teeth bonded that were chipped and they attempted to do that without numbing me (which I approved). As it turns out, the drilling was too much for me to handle and I burst into tears. Then numbed me up and then I was good to go!

There is another tooth I want to have bonded and now I know to either require numbing or pop an anti-anxiety pill before I go to that appointment!

Beyond these things, it’s been a nice week and I’m looking forward to hosting my parents for a little visit this weekend.

Old Navy makes some of the best field jackets and this pretty cashmere color would be great in the spring.

I bought this dress on Amazon recently and it’s a win! It’s a LINED WHITE DRESS which is somehow hard to find.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Kate Strickler @NaptimeKitchen

Urban Decay All Nighter – best setting spray!

Tread Tray – great to place on top of the handles of the tread to create a desk area.

Amish Country Popcorn

Ottoman Sweater

Birkenstock Sandals

Wardrobe Therapy – I’ve worked with this service twice (both times with @CandaceMRead ) and highly recommend! No need to be local!

Clip-On Phone Light

Thanks to the success of the @TheSavedCollection closet sale, I was able to make a hefty donation to @FoodBankCENC !

@WhiteDahliaSpa

Charlotte Tilbury Blush in Pillowtalk Pink Pop

Diane Bobbi Pins – the only Bobbi pins worth owning!

Linen Dress from Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Skirt from GAP – very cute and easy skirt to throw on when the weather warms up.

Structured Cotton Tank

White Cotton Dress

Dolce Vita Sandals

Kid‘s Maxi Dress

@CreatedColorful

Rare Beauty Blush – I love the color “happy”!

Spanx AirEssentials Crew in Fawn

Cutaway Tank – my favorite style of tank to wear under a sweatshirt or long sleeve for a pop of crisp white at the collar.

Blaxx Elastics – the best clear elastics!

Great Hair Dryer for under $100

Bright Lipstick (color “reef”) – the coral lipstick I can’t quit.

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Rent the Runway: Use my code, KATERTR for 40% off of 2 months of an 8 or 16-item plan.

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

We’ve had another week of unseasonably warm temperatures so I spent as much time outside as I could!

I can’t believe we’re in the last week of February, but I must admit that I’m feeling ready for March.

I shared a round-up of 3 dresses from Amazon that I’ve been loving, you can watch the Reel here. The first dress I wore isn’t available anymore, but the brown dress is linked here, and the coral dress is linked here!

I tried out the new Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Bronzer and it didn’t work well for me. I blended it with a brush the first time, and with a beauty blender the second time, and both times I was running into splotchy/patchiness. I love so many Laura Mercier products but this one wasn’t a great fit.

This is such a cute bag and looks very similar to a Bottega bag I’ve had my eye on.

Whenever I’m feeling blah about my makeup, which is a very common feeling for me in February, I reach for the color “Happy” in this blush by Rare Beauty!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Krewe Sunglasses – such a fun pair that is out of my typical style of sunglasses.

Holwood Sunglasses from Madewell

Ashcroft Sunglasses

@Tiffanynailsnc

Old Navy Dress

Spanx AirEssentials Pants – like butter!

Makeup Brush Cleaner

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Thrive Market: Join through my link to get an extra 30% off your first order AND a FREE gift worth up to $60!

Rent the Runway: Get 40% off 2 months of an 8 or 16-item plan using code KATERTR.

Home Chef: New customers can use my code KATE75 and get 75% Off Your First Box + 60% Off Your Second and Third Boxes!

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine (similar). Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen.

I love the color palette of spring clothing. After wearing so much black clothes all winter long, I’m always happy to lean into lighter colors + fabrics!

These are a few essentials to mix into your wardrobe to be ready for nearly anything this spring.

ONE. Light colored sneaker – Sneakers are the go-to shoe and can be paired with trousers, jeans, or dresses. A clean looking light sneaker is so versatile, and this pair from Target is perfect.

TWO. Layering Jewelry – Delicate layered jewelry works all year round, but it really is the hero during spring and summer thanks to lower necklines and shorter sleeves! A few gold necklaces, a chunkier bracelet, and simple earrings are my top choices. You can see some of my favorite jewelry on this video.

THREE. Woven Bag – I like to carry one bag for a long time, instead of switching between bags based on my outfit, so a neutral woven bag is the perfect option to fit into my casual wardrobe.

FOUR. Trench coat – A good trench can last for years and I think it’s the star of the show during Spring.

FIVE. Button Down – I recently got an oversized white button down that I’ve worn a few times and love. It works with denim or leggings, and it’s a nice alternative to throwing on a sweatshirt.

How was your week? Mine felt a little scattered by a few different things but I’m glad it’s Friday!

I shared a round-up of my go-to concealers on the blog this week, as well as a walk-through on Instagram Stories. Do you follow me on Instagram? There is a lot of beauty content, quick how-to’s, etc. there!

In order to stay organized, I love using Evernote. I have the app on my phone, and it will sync up with my desktop computer as well. So, for example, I can create a grocery list while sitting at my computer, and then access it on my phone when I’m at the store. I love that.

I’m listening to The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, and only have a few hours left. I’ve enjoyed it so far, it’s a very easy listen/read. I’m reading Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro on my kindle and very much enjoying that. . . although I cannot figure out where it’s going to go!

I’m so glad I picked up reading again, I used to read endlessly as a child and then neglected it for several years. I shared some thoughts on the books I read last year, in case you’re looking for something new!

Doesn’t this dress look truly perfect for summertime? We may hit 80 degrees here in Raleigh next week and I AM READY!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Outdoor Pedestal Planters

Faux Boxwood Bushes

Rearview Mirror for Filming on your Phone

Spanx Top

Dolce Vita Sandals – love the gold buckle.

NC Discovery Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society

Elmhurst Almond Barista from Thrive Market (keep an eye out for a code soon!)

White Long Button Down

High Waist Thong Undies

Merit Blush in Stockholm – I love the punchy pink color!

Classic Trench Coat

Green Reformation Top

Old Navy Denim (extra 20% off at the time this was published)

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Home Chef: New customers can use my code KATE75 and get 75% Off Your First Box + 60% Off Your Second and Third Boxes!

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

I love a dinner date with Justin and I thought I would share a few of our favorite spots in Raleigh. I also included a few girl’s night out spots that could certainly work for a date night as well!

Sullivans – fantastic steakhouse downtown Raleigh. Classic steakhouse feel, great food, expansive wine list, make sure to get the creamed spinach.

Vinnies – tavern vibes but absolutely outstanding food. Service was impeccable!

Hanks Downtown Dive – an easy, relaxed, cool atmosphere in a small restaurant in downtown Cary. They serve small places, as well as a few large entrees, and have a great cocktail list as well.

The Provincial – I’ve been to dinner here with a girlfriend, but never with Justin. The food is outstanding, the service is great as well, and their menu changes regularly!

Scratch – great for a double date! Very, very booked so I recommend a reservation.

Enrigo – a classic Italian restaurant with fantastically made-from-scratch pasta. I only wish they would bring the Mezzaluna dish back!

Colletta – outstanding food in a very cool restaurant. It’s on the smaller side so it does get booked quite quickly, but the service is great and the food is extremely good. Their burrata appetizer changed my life.

Oak Steakhouse – Justin and I went on a double date here with friends and the service and staff were outstanding. The food was good, although I wouldn’t recommend the steak.

For a different feel, and specifically the type of restaurants that *aren’t* up Justin’s alley. . .

Girls Night:

Barcelona – my favorite spot for a girl’s night out because it’s tapas! I love small-plate dining and there are so many delicious things to choose from. I truly have a note saved on my phone of my favorite tapas from this place because I always want to make sure I reorder them.

Mateo – also tapas, which is one of my favorite ways to eat a meal. I have to say, while the menu is significantly smaller than Barcelona, the flavors are flawless. Durham has such a great food scene!

Osha – this is a sushi and Thai place downtown Holly Springs and it was slammed on a random Thursday night when I went with a few girlfriends. The sushi was incredible! The menu is expansive, and they have great cocktails as well.

Gonza – is easily my favorite Mexican place in Raleigh. I always get the steak tacos and they are truly outstanding.

Superica – my sister and I ate here recently, and then I went back with another girlfriend! Each time I got something different and was impressed. The food is great, their house margarita is fantastic as well, and the staff is friendly and attentive.

Cucciolo Terrazza – this is a great Italian place in North Hills, an area north of downtown Raleigh. It has a very modern vibe, great food, and a decent wine list too!

From concealing under eye darkness to fake a well-rested look to covering the darkest blemishes, here are my top concealers and how I like to use them.

Before we jump into the products, I want to clarify that I use the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes just about every single time I do my makeup. The only time I skip it is if I’m just quickly applying a bit of concealer for a very light makeup day.

While I do think the longevity of my concealer is increased as a result of using this setting powder, I don’t believe it adds any coverage to my under eyes. It’s not supposed to, though, as it’s called a translucent setting powder. I use it to prevent my concealer from creasing, from allowing any mascara flecks to melt into my face, and keep everything in its place.

I used to apply with a small eyeshadow brush, but these days I’ve been using a velour makeup puff.

Okay! On to the concealers!

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer – I typically wear “vanilla” in this concealer. I’ve used it for years and it never disappoints. It looks natural on the skin, never creases or separates, and it’s probably my most recommended concealer.

Huda Beauty Faux Filter – I love the coverage of this concealer! It’s higher coverage than Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer but still looks realistic and natural on the skin. I like to blend it in with a damp beauty blender. It doesn’t crease and doesn’t BUDGE!

Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C – This is a medium, natural coverage that blends very well into the skin. It’s not super high coverage, but absolutely improves the darkness under my eyes.

NYX Bare with Me Concealer Serum – This is a bit more on the lighter end, as far as coverage goes, but looks extremely natural. I wouldn’t use it with a full-coverage makeup look ( I would use Huda Beauty Faux Filter! ) but this is great for a lighter makeup day!

Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick – This is *not* concealer. Think of it as a fixing product to help color-correct issues. If you have dark purple under eye circles, for example, a peachy/orange color will counteract the purple. After you’ve corrected any issues, you can “conceal” with a concealer!

Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer – This is a long-lasting, full-coverage concealer that covers dark spots and blemishes so well. It can pull a little on the warm side, in my opinion, so unless you are very yellow-toned, I would choose a cool or neutral-toned shade.

Urban Decay Quickie 24HR Full Coverage Concealer – This is a newer concealer on the market and it is truly impressive. It erases darkness before your eyes! It covers anything from blemishes to dark under-eyes and lasts all day. I love the built-in brush on the end of it as well!

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer – This is the full coverage concealer I’ve used for years! It covers the worst blemishes and dark spots, and wears perfectly all day long!

When it comes to choosing a concealer color, the best route is really trial and error. Don’t forget to check the return policies at your beauty stores! I generally stay within 1 shade of my foundation, sometimes choosing something a touch lighter. Concealer that is TOO light will look weird, and concealer that is too dark will make you look tired.

Another good rule of thumb is to coordinate your foundation coverage with your concealer coverage. A full coverage matte concealer with a barely there tinted moisturizer may look unblended.

Check this video for tips on color-matching base products (from foundation to concealer!).

I tried the Coco + Eve self-tanner in Medium. It left much to be desired. The color was very light, pulled rather orange, and didn’t apply as smoothly as my favorite Loving Tan. Now, people absolutely love this self-tanner, but it just didn’t check all the boxes for me. I could absolutely try a darker color but I don’t think that wouldn’t resolve the warmth/orangey tone.

I shared a round-up of different self-tanning products that I love in this post.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

@ultrabrozsports (can look them up on Instagram)

Aquage Root Lifter

Kenra Anti-Humidity Spray

bumble and bumble Spray DeMode

Krewe sunglasses

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

NYX Bare with Me Concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Undereyes

Brown Puff Elblow Top from Target

American Cancer Society NC Discovery Ball

Cute tote

Laneige Lip Balm

Perfect Summer Dress

Seersucker Cutout Dress from Madewell

Spring Sandals

Slip On Sneakers

Loving Tan 2 Hr Express Tanner

bumble and bumble Purifying Clay Wash

Classic Jean from Madewell

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Tommy John: KATEBRYAN25 will save you 25% sitewide for 72 hours

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

Ongoing Promo Codes:

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

I fell in love with this brand last year and have since added a few bags to my collection. Watch the video below to see a quick walk-through of each one.

Here are links to the bags I have (or similar versions)

Marisol with front pocket

Chain crossbody strap

Midi Sac (I don’t not own but it’s a similar and smaller version of the Marisol)

Moyen Messenger (looks like the black version is available here!)

Grande Fanny

Petite Zip Wallet

If you like this style of bag, here is a round-up of similar styles at a variety of price points!

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen.

It’s been a long, cloudy, RAINY week and I’m ready to see the sun again. Cheers to Friday! My sister is coming over tonight and we’re going to make the Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pesto Pasta recipe from Half Baked Harvest!

Sheila shared a reel of my full eyebrow microblading experience! She’s truly an artist!

I’m starting the book Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro soon. Have you read it?

I tried this NYX serum concealer the other day and was truly impressed by it. It’s really nice for a flexible, medium coverage that isn’t too heavy. It’s not nearly as full coverage as Shape Tape, for example, but provides more coverage than Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. I got shade beige and that is a great fit for me.

Our only vacuum is the Dyson cordless, which I absolutely love, but I found myself wanting a smaller hand vac for tiny messes in the playroom and dust/hair on the bathroom floor. This little hand vac is perfect! It has two speeds and charges up so you can store it anywhere while it’s charged.

I also upgraded our shower squeegee to this one!

These are very cute sunglasses.

Love a breezy shirt dress.

A pretty blue sweatshirt for $40.

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Spanx Air Essentials Pants

Fanny Pack

Mini Backpack

Timeless Brown Belt

Structured Bag from Target

Seed Probiotic

Duncan Hines Simple Mornings Blueberry Muffins

Carolina Hurricanes

Dark Circle Corrector

Created Colorful

L’Oreal 5 Clay

@candacemread

Wardrobe Therapy

NC Discovery Ball for The American Cancer Society

Superica Tex Mex

@prettyrealblog

@naptimekitchen

Men’s Madewell Denim

Cute Pompom Slippers

Pointed Mule

Ankle Bootie

@tiffanynailsnc

Gel X Nails

Lisbon Wants Moor with chrome topcoat

Electric salt and pepper grinders

Shark Flexstyle

5 Sens Co

Miranda Frye London Necklace

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Minted: 20% off + free shipping on Valentine’s Day cards and gifts over $50 *exclusions apply

Ilia Beauty: KATEBRYAN15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATEBRYAN25 will save you 25% sitewide for 72 hours

Ongoing Promo Codes:

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

Loopy Cases: 10% off when you use code smallthings10

In late summer of 2022, I had a major skin issue pop up. I’ve had bouts of dermatitis and perioral dermatitis before, I’ve suffered with psoriasis my entire life, I sometimes have random eczema rashes that pop up . . .basically if it’s a skin issue, I’ve likely had it.

I generally have clear skin, but it was very common for me to get hormonal acne along my jaw line. There were times, though, that I would be completely clear, like when I was using Retinol Reform religiously.

The skin issue that occurred in late 2022 was an angry, red, full face rash that covered my forehead, spread down along my cheeks, through my chin. I rushed to my dermatologist and she prescribed me a few different creams and an oral antibiotic.

Long story short, the creams did very little but the oral antibiotic fixed every single skin issue I was having.

I’ve since tapered off of the oral antibiotic and the skin irritation returned. Not in full force, but the texture and sensitivity is back.

I am on a quest to find the cause of my skin issues, which is much easier said than done!

I am working with a handful of doctors to assist in figuring out what is going on. I’ve already received a lot of advice from well-meaning people online, but at this time I’m focusing on my my doctors’ recommendations.

This post, though, is all about what I’ve missed using since I pulled back on my skincare routine.

You know, I speak candidly about my love for something while I’m using it, but if I love something I don’t often quit using it, you know? Since I had to pull back from so many products, here are a few things I geniunely miss using.

I miss using Retinol Reform. That product truly did wonders for my skin in clearing it up, balancing texture, adding brightness, etc. I look back at photos from my skin when it was glowing, balanced, and clear. . . and that was when I was on a regular routine of Retinol Reform.

I miss using Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore. That was the richest, most hydrating moisturizer I’ve used and it felt so good on my dry skin. I hope I can get back to this product because my skin felt so great on it.

I miss using Vitamin C! I loved the Truth Serum from Ole Henricksen. I got so much hydration and brightness from that product! Admittedly I had been testing a few other Vitamin C products, but when I reflect back on skincare that really provided a noticeable change to my skin, this was one of those.

There are so many other products I have loved and used over the years, and to be completely honest I’m not sure how to proceed in the skincare realm while I take care of my skin. At this time I’m using dermatologist recommended products and slowly testing makeup that has been fine for me in the past. It’s a long, daunting process, that is for sure.

“But Kate, what if those products caused your skin issue?” There isn’t a simple way to determine this unless I do a patch allergy test at an allergist. I use a lot of different products, so it truly could be one of a hundred things. . . at this time I’m looking at determining if the problem is from a root cause in my body or if it is, in fact, an external ingredient that has triggered a reaction.

I love when I accidentally stumble upon a new makeup look that can immediately go into my mental Rolodex of “looks to recreate”. I knew as I was picking out certain products for this look that they would work well together, but the end result was so stunning that I determined it to be how I would do my makeup if I had any fancy occasion coming up.

And as it turns out, I have a very formal event at the end of February where I will be recreating this look again! If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for glam makeup that doesn’t feel over the top, you’re in the right place.

I prepped my bare skin with Bobbi Brown Face Base.

When it comes to foundation, I’m searching for vegan options while I sort through some skincare concerns. The Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation has been such a great find. It’s medium coverage but can easily be layered up to full coverage. It simply doesn’t budge once you have it on! It helps a lot to have very moisturized skin before applying, and I’ve also been using the mineral veil, by Hourglass as well, to prep.

For great coverage in a concealer, the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Concealer has been my go-to!

For the eye look, I knew I wanted to showcase the brown mascara that Too Faced just launched in their Better Than Sex mascara line. This mascara is a rich, dark brown, but not so dark that it looks black. It really looks like brown mascara and it makes blue eyes seriously sparkle.

I layered a wash of Armani Eye Tint in shade 9 over the lid, added a touch of depth with the color Exquisite from the Artist Couture palette, and finished with a sparkly line of eyeliner in Shimmer Taupe from the Sephora Collection.

And then as I prepped to load up on mascara I realized I wouldn’t have to. Two coats and my lashes were miles long.

For the face, I reached for my all-time favorite Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow palette, but I only used the contour shade. Then I applied Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle in Petal Poppin.

For the icing on the cake, I applied a swipe of the Rare Beauty Highlighter in Exhilarate.

The lipstick was the product I was most excited to wear, which is par for the course for me. This is a new range from Hourglass and the color is just so fun. The shade is Lotus. It wears incredibly long and applies effortlessly. It feels creamy but light on the lips!

I used a variety of Sephora Collection brushes for this look, as well as a few brushes by Makeup by Mario.

I finished with a spritz of Urban Decay All-Nighter Spray and threw on a brown silky dress I got recently to compliment the warm brown eyes.

The end result was quite stunning, and all of these products worked so beautifully together. It felt like such glam makeup look for winter.

You can find all of the products I used for this makeup look at Sephora, and make sure you sign up to be a beauty insider before you purchase anything! It’s totally free and earns you points when you make purchases. And don’t forget that Sephora offers same-day delivery or the option to buy products online and pick them up in-store!

This post is sponsored by Sephora. 

January is nearly coming a close, and honestly I’m not mad about it.

I don’t love winter, so I’m just counting down the days until we get warmer temps and abundant sunshine. And frankly, February is the longest month of the year (to me) with dreary, cold days. We get to celebrate Luke’s birthday in February, which makes it special, but I generally don’t love the weather during that month of the year.

I shared a few quick makeup tips on stories this week, and saved them to a highlight if you want to go back and watch, but the key takeaway is that you don’t always need to wear a full face product if you’re looking for light coverage. For example, if you don’t typically wear makeup, maybe opt for a few strategically placed areas of concealer, blended out with a damp beauty blender, instead of a tinted moisturizer. Some people do not like the feel or texture of a foundation product, whether it be full or light coverage, so a great option would be a bit of concealer under the eyes, around the nose, and on and dark spots to help balance the face. I really like the FauxFilter by Hudabeauty but another fantastic option is the Nars radiant creamy concealer!

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Varley Sweatshirt – Varley clothing lasts year after year.

Amazon leggings

Slip-on Sneakers

Slushy Maker Cups

@Ultrabrozsports – this is my husbands latest adventure. He’s running 40 miles through the woods in less than 2 weeks!

Milk Frother

Free People Slouchy Sweater

Madewell Skinny Jeans – skinny jeans will never leave my closet!

Museum of Life and Science in Durham

Clip-on phone light – really great if you’re a content creator!

1-inch BabylissPro Curling Iron

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Moisturizer – it sinks into the skin so nicely, feels great too!

KUR Nail Concealer

Aquage Uplifting Foam

Gorgeous Amazon Date night Dress – I was struck by how nice the quality of this dress is!

Chappywrap Blanket from the Look Linger Love Collection

Shani Darden Triple Acid Peel – I cannot wait to try this!

Brown Target cropped top

Black eyelet top – Bring on spring! This is a very cute and flirty top.

Hooded Rain Coat

Athleta vest

Amazon dress

Elf Halo Glow – The prettiest way to add glow to the skin!

Aviator Sunglasses

Mateo Bar De Tapas

Sweatshirt

Casual Sneakers

Target crossbody purse

Wander Beauty Cream Blush – I really love the pigment and color pay off from this cream blush.

@estheticsbysheila

Casey Tunic from Freepeople

Makeup Mirror

Stick-on face shield – A must have if you get your eyebrows microbladed OR you wear false lashes.

Spanx perfect pullover

H&M Sweater

This Week’s Discount Codes:

Thrive Market: 30% off your first order and a free gift using this link!

Spanx: Leather-Like Moto Jacket is 20% off using code KATE20 until 1/30!

Home Chef: Use code KATE75 for 75% off your first box and 60% off your 2nd and 3rd boxes

Lumineux: Save 20% on the 7-day tooth whitening pack

Ilia Beauty: Use code KATEBRYAN15 for 15% off sitewide.

Ongoing Promo Codes:

SPANX: Use code KATEXSPANX – good for 10% off purchases + free shipping/returns (excluding sales)

amika: Use code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off your purchase

Bagging Rights: KATE20 gives you 20% off any items at BaggingRights.com

Miranda Frye: “Smallthings10” will get you 10% off and free shipping!

Loopy Cases: 10% off when you use code smallthings10