Drugstore Dream Foundation!

I have never been a brand snob. I have always shopped and bought from both ends of the spectrum. From Nordstrom's to Target and everywhere in between. This has always been the case with ONE exception! Up until recently I barely ever bought drugstore makeup. I might buy a eyeliner here and there when I was in a pinch but I would never fall in love and make a drugstore brand my go to. I always thought there is no way it is as good as the high end stuff. Let me tell you what..I could not have been more wrong! If I poured out my makeup bag on a table you would find far more drugstore brands than high end. In the next couple days I am going to do a "My Favorite Products" post but today I want to focus on my favorite foundation...

L'Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder is by far the best foundation I have ever used! I bought it in a pinch when I was out of town about a month ago and left my other foundation on the counter in my bathroom. I kid you not when I tell you that the moment it went on I was in love!

Pro's:

• Goes on smoothly and evenly. This is important because I sometimes find that heavier foundations are not as smooth and leave my face looking uneven.
• Dries quickly and gives a matte finish. I am naturally oily and so having a matte finish is important for me so I don't look like i rubbed french fries all over my face LOL
• I have read some reviews that says this foundation does not last but I do not find that to be the case. I can put this one and seal with translucent powder and I find mine stays all day.
• It does also have a good color variety so it is pretty easy to match your skin tone.
• It's $10! I mean seriously, who wouldn't use an amazing foundation that only costs $10! This is definitely one of my favorite pro's LOL!

There is only really one con that I found and that is that it is really runny. This is because it is lightweight and dries quickly. I pour the foundation on my hand first and then use that as my palette. You have to make sure not to tilt your hand or it will run everywhere. I have had some moments where it went all over because I wasn't paying attention. However, for all the pro's I will sacrifice!

I am such a big believer in this foundation. This is me this morning in the car. I am not a big selfie person but wanted to show you what it looks like on.  I am a big believer!

**Side note, did you know the word selfie has been added to the dictionary?**

So try it out and let me know what you think. I am loving it and hope that you will too! Check back tomorrow when I show you my favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Until tomorrow...

Love Always,

Katie

Winter Spice and Everything Nice!

I love writing my blog. It is my small contribution to the world on what I think is beautiful in the world. It may not be for everyone and that is okay. That being said, I have not written in a few months. As much as I would LOVE this to be my full-time job and what I do everyday to bring smiles to millions of people, sadly that does not pay the bills. Work and life took over for a while and I had to put the Katie Diaries on hold. With that being said...things have quieted down now and I am finally ready to get back to one of the things I love doing, writing The Katie Diaries.

It is now unofficially winter. Does it surprise anyone to know that winter does not officially begin until December 21, 2013? I feel like winter should start in late November. Maybe I am the only one? I mean any day I have to go and start my car to warm up BEFORE getting into it is winter to me. I am a big fan of winter clothes. Steven is constantly making me fun of me because I am big into layering. I layer all year around (even in the dead of Atlanta summer) and he is constantly making fun of me telling me that layers should be reserved for winter only. That being said...winter is such a fun wardrobe time. It is a time to experiment a little. Mix and match pieces and use different materials and patterns to add drama and excitement to your oufit. Winter does NOT have to mean ALL BLACK EVERYTHING (although if done right this can be a super cute winter outfit!) Check out some of my Polyvore creations below for some great winter inspiration! 

This is one of my favorite outfits! This season I am obsessed with patterned leggings. Target has a whole bunch, mostly for $12! Check them out here. For winter I love outfits that take zero to no effort to put on but look like you mastered the skill of fashionably chic. I envision this outfit styled with a ballerina bun (tutorial to come soon) and minimal makeup. The leggings give the casual outfit a touch of uniqueness without going overboard. Paired with simple black boots and jewelry from Stella and Dot and you are ready to spend a casual weekend out with friends!

This next look takes my love of layering into account and I can not be MORE thrilled with the outcome. If you have been reading my blog for a while you know that I am a big fan of staple pieces. I don't think any outfit should be overkill and I tend to lean to the side of subtle over wild. The faux fur vest is a MUST HAVE this season. I love the color scheme of the vest and paired with jeans, sweater and simple studs, you are ready to head out looking fashionable and warm! Plus the poppy color of the bag adds the right pop of color to the monochromatic look. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Let me confess something right now. I envy people who can pull of the hipster look and look effortlessly cool. My sister Kristie is one of them.  I on the other hand look like I am trying to pull off the hipster trend and failing miserably. Sadly I am not that cool and definitely do not look like Demi Lovato or Kylie Jenner when I try it LOL! With that being said (I use that term a lot apparently LOL) is about as hipster as I think I can pull off. I love hats in winter. When I had long hair they were my go-to. Since cutting my hair short I am trying to find a way to make them work. These slouchy beanies are perfect because they are easy and chic. Paired with a faux leather leggings cardigan and tank this outfit is the perfect brunch with friends outfit. The booties are great because they add the extra touch of fancy. I will continue to attmept this hipster look and one day when I pull it off, I will be sure to caption it :)

Sticking with the faux leather legging theme this is my GNO outfit! I must be slow (or tragically uncool) because I recently learned the term GNO (Girl's Night Out) but who doesn't love a good acronym so here I am using it. Once the cooler air hits I tend to change my goto GNO outfit up. I trade in my maxi dresses for a chicer and warmer outfit. This outfit has all the makings of an awesome night out outfit. I love the low v neckline of this shirt and the waist clenching belt. It has just the right amount of sexiness and classiness. The faux leather leggings are a great alternative to the typical dark skinny jean. Being me and the fact that I am an actual klutz when I am drinking, i would pair with these cute Reva flats from Tory Burch but heels or booties (picture above) could totally work as well!

What do you girls think? Are we all ready to jump into winter? Until tomorrow...

Love Always,
Katie