Lazy Perfection

Electra Lane was created because I wanted to demystify makeup for normal women who don't get their inspiration from flamboyant YouTube stars (not that there's anything wrong with that - they are extremely talented and likable, but their looks just aren't going to cut it in my day-to-day routine). Almost every woman who has been in my makeup chair, while they love having their makeup done, in reality just wants to know how to do her own makeup for every day circumstances, then how to pump it up for a night out. In fact, many women I know are too busy to apply daily makeup, but they still want to feel pretty.

My answer was to start a blog that (hopefully) speaks to that demographic, but an incredible resource and guidebook has just arrived on bookshelves:

Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying by (makeup artist and makeup brush connoisseur) Jenny Patinkin will rock your makeup world in the best way. Whether you're a busy mom, never learned how to put on makeup, and/or just want to refresh your look, this book is for you. And, she conveniently lays out different "tracks" you can follow - simple, sophisticated and sexy - based on your overall personality and/or you makeup needs for the day.

Patinkin goes through how to purge your makeup bag, shop for new makeup, and what exactly you need in your personal makeup kit (and, of course, how to apply it!). With all the overwhelming, and sometimes confusing, beauty products available, I love having this road map.

After you order or pick up Lazy Perfection I can't wait to see your revamped makeup kit, so please tag me on Instagram @ElectraLane! I thought I'd kick things off by showing my current Lazy Perfection kit, and next week I'll show you my LP-approved every day look, so stay tuned.

A quick note - I'm not taking the time to add links to the products listed below because, frankly, I'm not getting compensated. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email me (Jessica@ElectraLane.com), but most of these items can be found at Sephora, Beautylish.com or your local drug store.

Brushes

Jenny Patinkin takes all of the guesswork out of choosing brushes with her curated kits, so Google where to find them if that's something that interests you.

Foundation and Concealer - my fingers!

Blush - Wayne Goss Air Brush - it's limited edition from Beautylish.com, but the #14 brush is also incredible and will be back in stock soon

Highlight - any fan brush - I love this Sculpting Set from Real Techniques, I purchased mine for $11 from Amazon, and you get great, budget-friendly blush, bronzer and highlight brushes

Bronzer - MAC 168 angled brush

Shadow Brushes - the Wayne Goss Eye Set, which has five brushes, but all you need is a pencil brush, a fluffy brush, and a couple of crease brushes (like MAC 217) - one for the crease and one for blending

Brows - Anastasia Beverly Hills 12 because it has a small angle brush on one end and a spoolie on the other

Makeup

Primer - Laura Mercier Primer - Protect for sunscreen; Becca Backlight Priming Filter for a luminous base (sometimes I'll mix them)

Eye Primer - Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

Foundation - MAC Face and Body mixed with primer as a tinted moisturizer; Armani Luminous Silk for photos; IT Cosmetics CC Cream for everything else

Under Eye Corrector - Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector - you don't need this unless you get really dark circles

Concealers - Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer for face and REALLY heavy duty under eye coverage; IT Bye Bye Undereye Illuminating for under eyes; Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer for brightening (the same one I use for shadow primer)

Powder - Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush (pressed); RCMA No Color Powder (loose)

Bronzer - NARS Laguna, but let's be honest, there are a million amazing bronzers...just do what works for your skin tone

Highlighter - The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Blush - I don't have a ride-or-die, but anything by NARS is worth the investment - Sex Appeal is a favorite

Four Eye Shadows - Cockwise from top left: Soft Peach and Bengal by Anastasia Beverly Hills, New York and Galapagos by NARS

Liner - MAC Smolder (black) and Teddy (brown) for pencils, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner for gel, and Urban Decay Blackout eye shadow for powder

Brows - MAC Brun eye shadow and a clear brow gel

Mascara - Maybelline Falsies in Blackest Black

Lashes - Ardell Medium Individuals, Demi Wispies strip, KISS clusters

Lip Liner - MAC Subculture

Up to Four Lip Glosses - Marc Jacobs Enamored gloss in Sugar Sugar, any NYX Butter Gloss (but I love Creme Brulee), NARS Turkish Delight and Charlotte Tilbury Seduction

Up to Six Lipsticks - This is a bitter topic because my favorite NARS Lip Laquer in Chelsea Girls, a stunning gloss/lipstick hybrid served up in a pot, was discontinued. I'm stretching my stockpile as long as I can, but nothing has measured up - even the Chelsea Girls gloss NARS came out with to "replace" it. It's darker, thinner and just not the same. SO I'm including NARS gloss in Chelsea Girls as a favorite lipstick...but I'm not happy about it. Other favorites include Charlotte Tilbury Valentine and Nude Kate, and MAC Snob and Hue.

Tools

Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler; Beauty Blender; tissues; Almay Oil-Free Makeup Removing Sticks, pointy Q-Tips; powder puffs; Tweezerman Tweezers; DUO clear lash glue; two sharpeners, one for lip liner and one for eye liner

In Conclusion...

Get the book, read the book, change your (makeup) life. CHEERS! - JY

Images c/o Sephora.com, Beautylish.com, MACcosmetics.com, Amazon.com, thebalm.com, drugstore.com, CharlotteTilbury.com, Jessica Yost

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale - Spring 2017

Twice a year, I love to stock up on my favorites from Sephora during their sale - especially the luxury items. Before you can even start shopping, though, make sure you're a part of Sephora's Beauty Insider program. It's free to enroll, and you can work your way up to some amazing perks - think free two-day shipping, free deluxe samples, and early access to sales PLUS extra percentages off items (like this one!). Here's this year's schedule:

VIB Rouge: 15% off from 18 - 24 April with code ROUGESPRING

VIB: 15% off from 19-24 April with code VIBSPRING

Beauty Insider: 10% off from 20-23 April with code BISPRING

For an added bonus, Sephora works with Ebates, the site/app that literally pays you for shopping online. Sign up HERE (Full disclosure, I get a kickback when at least two people sign up, so THANK YOU for using my link! Once you sign up, you'll get your own to share.).

If you're like me, you keep a running list of your wants and "needs" - I've been prepping for this sale for weeks - but if you need some inspiration, here's what I'm picking up.

Hair

Invisibobble Original Traceless Hair Ring

I'm so excited to try these because as someone with slippery hair, these promise to keep everything in place during a run.

dpHUE Clarifying Shampoo

I love this new-ish brand by Kristin Cavallari's longtime colorist and am excited to restock this product. A clarifying shampoo dissolves not only all the product build-up, but also all the natural oils your scalp produces; a GOOD clarifying shampoo does all of this without stripping any of the good stuff. I've always used the shampoo by Neutrogena, but this one is a game-changer. I thought my hair was clean, but I had to apply this shampoo THREE times to finally get a gentle lather.

Skincare

Dermarche Labs Roloxin Lift - Gold

These masks are like a face lift that also plumps. I have a pretty deep laugh line - after using this mask, it was gone! The results only last a day, but if you have a special event this. is. a. miracle.

Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask

We know how much I love a sheet mask (more HERE), and I recently used this one before a big night out - it was perfect. This is an excellent prep before makeup because it leaves your skin slightly tacky, which is the best canvas for long-wearing makeup.

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

My friend Kristin introduced me to this little gem (shout out!). While I still love my Bioderma to remove makeup, this product cannot be beat for dissolving all traces of glitter and eyelash glue.

La Mer

La Mer has landed at Sephora! In other words, we can actually get it on sale now. If you'd just like to dip your toes into La Mer (see what I did there?), I can't suggest The Lip Balm highly enough. Find a dupe, also available from Sephora, HERE.

Makeup

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Plus SPF 50+

Restocking this amazing cream - it slides on your skin and makes it look perfect, while providing sunscreen, all day long.

Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Eye Shadow Palette

Every shadow color you will ever need! This palette covers all the bases for any look you desire, and you can purchase a separate shimmer or metallic shadow if you want a little oomph. Read more about this palette and how to use it HERE.

Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

You know the concealer I'm constantly raving about (if not, more HERE)? Now's your chance to try it yourself.  My favorite use for this is as a highlighter at the end of my makeup to bring everything together.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored High Shine Lip Lacquer Gloss

As I mentioned last week (check it out HERE), I use this gloss as my everyday go-to. It gives you a gorgeous, high-shine finish with zero stickiness. There are so many colors, from sheer to opaque finishes, and this will absolutely carry you through the Summer months.

~~~

Please *SUBSCRIBE* to my blog so you never miss beauty tips and tricks - it's like a little nugget of fun dropped right into your inbox every week. Also, come hang out on Facebook and Instagram (@electralane) for even more makeup and skincare fun. Have a great week! -JY

Images c/o Author and Sephora.com

The Ultimate Wedding Touch Up Bag

This week my husband and I are celebrating a big anniversary, so I'm feeling all nostalgic. I've prepped a beautiful bag to keep me fresh throughout my festivities, and I wanted to share what's inside with you because this is also the perfect kit for brides to use during your wedding reception or on your honeymoon.

Pick a Gorgeous Bag

I still have (and use!) my precious little Orla Kiely makeup bag from my wedding, so choose something that's both sturdy and functional, as well as one that makes your happy. For my anniversary, I picked this gorgeous Ted Baker with cherry blossoms:

Since we're doing a month-long staycation in Washington, D.C., I love the iconic cherry blossoms on this bag - and especially this year because the delicate blossoms pulled through some rough weather against all odds, just like a good marriage (awww...).

Get Practical, but Stay Pretty

It's not fun to think about body odor, but trust - you do not want to be caught without a few ways to freshen up. Still, you can make this process fun by choosing out-of-the-ordinary items. I packed a lovely little deodorant, some antibacterial wipes, my perfume in a travel size, and my favorite mints:

Skincare with Flair

Long days and nights of dancing, being outside, sweating, laughing and crying can take a toll on your skin, so it's important to have a few tricks in your bag. My favorite makeup remover sticks from Almay are a must for cleaning up mascara smudges and travelling lip gloss; I also use them to remove concealer, but more on that later. Keep a multi-purpose balm on hand for lip balm, to groom brows, hydrate cuticles, and a myriad of other uses. A refreshing facial mist keeps you glowing and looking awake, and an eye cream - especially in roller ball from - tightens and brightens. Finally, I have to have a luxurious hand cream:

Makeup Must-Haves

It goes without saying that you should have your lipstick or gloss on hand, but I think it's important to also keep some concealer with you, too. Remember those makeup remover sticks? When your under-eye concealer starts looking a little crazy, just use them to remove everything under your eyes, apply some of your eye cream, and tap on a fresh layer of concealer. This trick will instantly refresh your entire look! Finally, have a pretty powder compact with a mirror so you can touch up anywhere as well as have something to set your concealer. If you're dry like me, and powder doesn't look the best, take advantage of the new blurring technologies to set your makeup.

~~~

I think having a special bag filled with some of your favorite beauty items is such an affordable indulgence because you're not only giving yourself permission to feel beautiful, but you're creating memories as well - whenever you use that lipstick or inhale that perfume, you'll relive some of life's most precious moments. And while it's important to treat yo self, remember that the best makeup is a sincere smile; so even if you aren't a bride, it's the perfect time to do a little beauty spring cleaning and update your makeup bag.

Have an incredible week, and please stay in touch @ElectraLane on Instagram!

Images c/o Author and Google Images

Better Skin on a Budget

I LOVE me some La Mer. I've tried to break up with it several times, but I always come back because it's that. good. It has completely transformed my skin, and both the original moisturizer (there are several versions for various skin types) and the lip balm continue to amaze me even after seven years. Plus, people constantly comment on how great my skin looks, so I know it's not just me trying to justify the price tag. Speaking of the price tag, La Mer is insanely expensive. I get that. And I get very annoyed when bloggers post something that most people can't afford (i.e. their 5th Chanel bag), then add, "but here are some affordable options," as if to say, "I'm rich, but you're poor so here's something for you peasants." AmIright? Although I won't begrudge someone for how she or he chooses to spend their money, I know we all make decisions regarding what works for us and our budgets - and skincare is where I choose to invest.

And, full disclosure, I used to work for La Mer. I researched the line for years, and it was on my One Day When I Have Extra Disposable Income list (along with Louboutins and a Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM...still hoping for those), so I never planned on using the products this soon. But, then, I saw the results, and I've never turned back.

However, if you're never ever in a million years going to spend this amount on skin care (which is totally understandable), I have rounded up three dupes that are only a fraction of the price and still produce results.

Lip Balm

Never would I have ever thought that lip balm would be such an important part of my skincare regimen, but whenever I run out of it my lips dry out and skin starts falling of in sheets. I love La Mer lip balm because not only does it penetrate to heal and plump your lips, it also protects so you just apply it twice a day (more here at the 5:50 mark). But, it's $60.

Enter Korres Lip Balm in Guava, I get it from Sephora. At only $12, it is very hydrating and buttery. Unlike the La Mer, you have to apply it more often and it has a very glossy finish. They have a couple of flavors with pigment, so this would be an amazing, moisturizing gloss to use throughout the day. Another option in stick form is the lip balm from Treat Beauty.

Moisturizer

If my clients purchased one product from the line, it was the original Creme de la Mer moisturizer. I've dabbled with the Soft Cream, but I always come back to the OG. Like the lip balm (and all La Mer products), it's dual action: it heals your skin from the inside out while protecting the top layers of skin from outside irritants. This moisturizer was created to heal chemical burns, so think about how much it repairs and replenishes normal skin. But it starts at $170 for one ounce (which lasts around seven months using once a day). So let me introduce you to TruKid Easy Eczema Cream for $15, available at Amazon.com.

While this product doesn't heal and protect my skin, it absolutely does hydrate it - I love to mix it with a few drops of skin oil and use it as my night cream. It's meant to be used on the entire body, too, so it's great for dry winter skin.

Eye Cream

I saved the best for last, because this product is so good that it made me ditch my La Mer The Eye Concentrate! The Eye Concentrate is focused on reducing signs of ageing, which it does beautifully, but it absolutely knocks out dark circles. Unfortunately, the price rapidly keeps going up and up, so I began a relentless search for a replacement.

Enter Miraculous Anti-Wrinkle Retinoid Eye Repair by Philosophy (mine is from Sephora):

It doesn't hydrate as well as the La Mer, but that's an easy fix because I layer my aforementioned night cream concoction on top. It also does not obliterate my hereditary and allergy-induced dark circles, sadly. However, there are so many great concealers now that I can cover up the circles. What it does do, and in my opinion better than La Mer, is firm the skin around my eyes - most likely due to the retinol.

~~~~~~~~

If you're interested in the other skincare products I use, here is my morning routine and my nighttime skincare. Keep in touch on Facebook or Instagram for more tips and tricks or to ask questions, and have a great week!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is happening in a few days, and it's my second favorite holiday (only after Christmas). I decorate for it, I have a special Valentine's wardrobe, and I'm in a good mood for weeks because this wonderful holiday brings to mind all the things I love and am grateful for - not just romantic love. There are also some beauty products that I love, and I'm sharing them with you in the video below. These are products I use almost daily, and many of them I've used for several years. I hope you find something new to try, and enjoy your Valentine's Day! See you next week...<3