TIME TO TEST: ALMAY SMART SHADE

Happy Wednesday, you lovely people!

Today I'm doing something I haven't done on the blog:

Test.

Makeup.

I wear makeup just about every day, but I haven't done a sponsored makeup review post ever- because I don't like lying to your pretty faces. You see, most companies that contact you want you to oooh and aaaah about their product (duh) and I had yet to have a company contact me that had a product I whole-heartedly believed in: until now.

When Almay gave me this Smart Shade Foundation to try I knew it was something I could rave about- so here it is: an honest review!

I mean, first things first: I get that this has ZERO to do with the quality of the makeup, but the packaging is perfect: clean, simple, bright. Thumbs up #1. 

Second, Almay Smart Shade™ makeup makes it easy to find "the one" with just three skintone-adjusting shades to choose from, not hundreds. I feel like there have been times when I'm sitting at Walgreens holding 324309 different bottles up to my hand trying to guess which won't make me look like a ghost or an oopma-loompa. Anyone else been there?

So here's how it works:

Step 1: Put a few dots of Almay Smart Shade™ on- yes, it'll be white!

Step 2: Begin to blend with sponge/brush/fingers- yes, it'll still be pretty white!

Step 3: Continue to slowly blend- if you have a slightly dark tan (which I do right now) it will seem REALLY light at first, but the more you blend, the more it melts into your skin, creating a totally even tone.

And the final product?

Even, clear skin! 

(see awkward faux-glamour shot below)

(photo via louisa marion photography)

I was amazed how light this foundation felt- not in the least bit greasy or heavy. Since it's been sent to me I've been wearing it daily, and am still so pleased!

So there you have it- a makeup post by yours truly.

Big thanks, hugs & kisses to the Refinery29 & Almay teams!

Now I want to hear from you, friends-

Has anyone else tried Smart Shade? 

Like it? Love it?

Do share!

xo, lp

Find more about Almay here:

Facebook / Shop / YouTube  

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*again: this was a sponsored post by almay cosmetics. all opinions, thoughts, and awkward glamour shots are my own. thanks for supporting b&b!*

TAKE A SIP: BEST BLUEBERRY MOJITO

 Normally recipe days are Tuesdays...but I just couldn't hold this one back, because it's too good!

 It's been in the seventies in Wisconsin, which means optimal Mojito weather. 

I mean...I guess any weather could be optimal Mojito weather, but I'm just going to use these 70+ degree days as an excuse to share this, mmmmkay?

Here's what you'll need to make it happen:

 - Mint leaves

- Blueberries

- 2 tsps Sugar or simple syrup*

- 2 ounces White Rum

- Sprite or Soda water**

- Ice

* if ya don't have simple syrup, granulated sugar will work!

** sprite if ya like it sweet, soda water if you don't/

 How to make it happen:

Step 1: Muddle a few mint leaves + blueberries with your sugar & rum

Step 2: Add ice & top with sprite

Step 3: Garnish with mint leaves + blueberries

Step 4: ENJOY!

So yeah.

It's basically just a regular mojito but with blueberries instead of limes. But daaaaang it's good!

 What's your mid-70s summer drink?

If you don't have one yet- I highly recommend a blueberry mojito!

xo, lp

ps: for more drink recipes, go HERE!

pps: for instagram fun, go HERE!

PLAYING FAVORITES, VOLUME ONE

OH HI.

i love instagram, we all know this.

But let's talk about people i LOVE to follow on instagram, shall we?

This is one of the first installments, cuz there are a ton of great people i have to share with you.

let's call this grouping: THE ARTISTS

they're photographers, illustrators, digital masters, food organizers, and florists. and they're all fabulous.

munsterrose: oh my lanta. choosing just one picture of jackie's to show here was seriously hard. she is  a florist extraordinaire - and i have to hold myself back from commenting on all of her pictures. if you want to see some gorgeous floral work, follow this lady.

wrightkitchen: brittany is a food artist/wizard. for real. as someone who personally loves putting things in rainbow order, i appreciate her food gradients more than you could know. for amazing produce pics, brittany is your gal.

heykyle: i've known kyle since elementary school- and while i knew his theater skillz back then- i had no idea the talented designer/hand letterer he'd be. like WHOA people. besides his word art- his life in pantone series makes me want to bust out my pantone postcards and go on an  adventure too!

benfwagner: ben & i knew each other briefly in college, so this is how i justify it not being weird for liking every.one.of.his.pictures. he's a designer/illustrator with a killer eye for photographing brooklyn.

amy_stone: she's a digital magicial for gap- and her insta feed is one of my new favorites. everything has a little bit of blue hue to it- and it's all instagram gold: think pineapples, lattes, and peonies. sold.

weshopamano: i mean yeah i'm biased cuz we're related, but fer real my sister is a killer photographer. and ceramic artist. and boutique owner. when she comes into town i make her take pictures for me- and you'll see why once you check out her feed.

canarygrey: speaking of minnesota photographers- this lovely lady has the lightest, brightest instafeed. it's all the most simple & clean way to view life, i'm convinced of it. i need to paint everything in my life white NOW.

kimgenevieve: okay, why not throw an LA photographer in the mix? kimberly's photos just make me smile- they usually involve some bright turq cali sky or palm trees, and get me through the torrential downpours in the midwest. 

studiodiy: i've been following kelly's blog foreeeeeeeeeva. she is such a creative mind- i can't even. her balloons/treats/pinatas/etc are whimsical and truly original. where else can you find hamburger balloons and donut sunglasses? kelly- you are just killin it, girl.

WHEW.

so now you know some of my favorites, and now it's your turn!

who do YOU love to follow on instagram?

xo, lp

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PSST: are we friends on instagram? i mean, this is an instagram post so i have to ask.

if not, you can find me here: @lpodlich