Capsule Makeup Kit

I know this is a sewing blog but I really wanted to blog about this and don't really have a better outlet.

I've been playing around a lot with makeup lately, and have really been inspired by this "capsule" or "portable makeup kit" makeup idea.  I've been getting back into makeup (when I was in college I must have had half a Clinique counter in my makeup kit) and it's really intimidating!  There are lots of new products out now, and new techniques on how things are done.  Like concealer.  I had no idea that under-eye concealer was a thing, only for spots and discoloration.  I really don't remember all of these light-reflecting concealers being around 10 years ago.  C'est la vie.

I usually don't wear a lot of makeup (maybe some lipstick on an everyday basis), and have been looking for an easy way to incorporate wearing makeup to work and such.  My time is valuable; I don't want to be spending 30 minutes putting on makeup when I can spend that sleeping in!

The basic concept is to have on hand a small kit that includes everything you need to put together a full makeup look; this keeps you from having to lug all your makeup around with you wherever you go.

Bobbi Brown advocates having such a kit, although this article on her website is the closest thing I've found that hints at it. She discusses it a lot more in her books; here's the Google Books link to one of her book previews that has some info.

Lisa Eldridge is a makeup artist and beauty blogger that I recently found, and I think she's incredible.  She has some great tutorial videos and recommends everything from drugstore makeup to high-end stuff.  The video that inspired me to put this kit together is this one.  One point she made in her blog (or in the video somewhere - I forget) is that she usually starts with a tinted moisturizer and then makes herself up over the day.  The idea that you don't have to start out completely made up really opened my eyes that this might be something that really works for me.

I also found this really nifty blog post about putting together a makeup kit for carry-on.  Some of the stuff doesn't really apply for the kit I'm putting together (I'm bringing in full-size makeup containers), but some of the other ideas are pretty useful, like the makeup tools and dual-use products.

This is the kit I'm putting together to keep at the office, although I plan to take at least the brushes home weekly to clean them.  I'm splurging a lot here, but this can definitely be adapted with drugstore-level makeup.

Something to Hold Stuff In: Everything starts with a cute bag.  I like this one from LeSportSac, although any small cosmetics bag or quart-size Ziploc bag will do.  Something that's not too big or small, that can fit everything but not something you'll be tempted to throw the proverbial sink into.

Tools: I have a good set of brushes at home, but I don't want to be carrying them everywhere.  So a good touch-up set of brushes is essential.  I bought Japonesque's touch-up kit off of Amazon, but Sephora and Ulta carry a few sets that would work also; some even come with their own cosmetics bag, so you might not even need the bag above!  I'll probably add a retractable blush/powder brush eventually.  I also picked up a travel eyelash curler. I'll throw in a pencil sharpener for good measure.

Foundation: This doesn't actually have to be foundation; it can be a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.  Right now I plan to stock my kit with the Two Faced Tinted BB Cream I already have, but I haven't been impressed with the product and will probably try something else when it runs out.  If you don't stock this with a multi-purpose product you'll probably want to keep a small container of moisturizer/primer and sunscreen in your bag also.

Concealer: This stuff is really new to me.  I picked up a Clinique Airbrush Concealer for under my eyes and the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (although if you get the Undercover Pot it includes powder).  Both of these are recommended by Lisa; I can't say I've tried either of them yet but I'm hopeful.  I haven't been impressed with Bobbi Brown's concealers, even when applied by her makeup artists.

Powder: I don't find it necessary to set all of the tinted moisturizer I put on, but it's nice to powder my nose and forehead.  I picked up this one, although something like Revlon PhotoReady should be OK.

Blush: I've never been much of a blush girl, so I'm just taking along a Bobbi Brown blush that I already have in a work-friendly color (Tawny).

Lips: My lips get pretty dry at work, so I'm always trying to keep them moist.  I'll probably use a lipstick I already have in a strong work-friendly color (Plum Rose), and I'm trying out the nude lip look with a lip pencil and gloss.

Eyes: The idea here is to have a small palette of shadows that work well if you also want to fill your brows in.  I have pretty full brows and never really played with brow liners, but there are tons and tons of brow kits out there that have include some tools as well as a couple colors that could be used as shadow or liner.  I'm using a quad from Chanel (Dunes) that I bought when I took on my new job and it's fallen out of use.  I also picked up an eyeliner pencil and mascara.

Other Miscellaneous Stuff: A travel packet of makeup remover wipes, hand cream, ibuprofen, tooth brush and travel-sized toothpaste.

What do you think?  Have you put together something like this, and what products are your staples?

Pattern Review - Kwik Sew 2257

After a long hiatus, I'm back!  I'm not sure if this is a permanent return to blogging or if I'll drop off the face of the internet once more.

I made these (photo pending) for my fiance, which he loves quite a bit.  He says they're very comfy.

I used a Texas A&M licensed cotton quilting fabric (I believe it was around $9.95/yard), and probably bought 2 1/2 or 3 yards.   Elastic was probably $3 at JoAnn, as well as a big spool of matching thread.  So even though it wasn't the cheapest gift to make, it probably was a lot cheaper than pajama pants from the Texas A&M bookstore!

I took off about 2 inches on the waistline and 3 inches on the bottom.   He didn't want a fly, so I folded the fly part of the pattern over when I cut it out.

I'm not sure the elastic installation was the easiest, but it does look nice and it won't twist in the washer, both good things.

I'll definitely make these again for him; hopefully they turn out even better!

Tim Gunn's Basic Dress - Completed!

This has actually been done for quite a while, but I've been lazy on getting this posted.  This is the famous Vogue 8379 wrap dress.  I made it in a matte jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics, and I lengthened the ties.  I used the flutter sleeves from the Simplicity 4076 top without alteration, and they turned out great.  I tried Nancy Zieman's sway-back alteration, and I think this is the version of that particular alteration that I like the best.

This still needs to be hemmed, but I've been toying with not hemming it (so lazy!).

Cost Breakdown - All Occasion Top

I decided to track a cost breakdown for each item, it might help someone else out (and help me realize how much I'm saving or not-saving in doing this project!).

Fabric - 2 yards of Floral Mesh from Gorgeous Fabrics, $16.00
Thread - Gutterman Sew-All Thread, I don't remember if I got it on sale or not, $1.99 full-price
Elastic - Dritz 3/8" Clear Elastic, I also don't remember if I got it on sale, $2.29 full-price

Total: $20.28, minus shipping and taxes.  Not bad!

Tim Gunn's Any Occasion Top - Completed!

I'm only sort of happy with the way this one turned out.  Maybe later I will update this with a different pattern or material.  I used a mesh from Gorgeous Fabrics, and used Ann's Mesh Tutorial to make the top.  It's very soft and comfy, and I really like the print.  However, the seams get very bulky very quickly.

I used clear elastic in the shoulder seams, front band, and arm scyes.  The elasticated seams turned out very stiff; I hope that it softens after I wash it.  I also sewed the sleeves in flat.

I made my 3" swayback correction in the back, but I think the next time I make the pattern up I'll use a different method that won't warp the shape of the piece so much.

The pattern itself is very nice.  The seams line up nicely and everything comes together very quickly.  You can check out the full pattern review here.

Vogue 8382 Completed!

Well, almost completed.  The photos are pre-hem, and I also need to finish up some things on the inside (end of zipper, raw edges on pleats).

 I think it fits great, although when I make this pattern up next time I will take a little bit out of the center back.  When I made the swayback alteration it looks like there's a third pleat in there.  It also looks like I don't need to add back the entire 3 inches on the bottom that I took out at the waist.

The pieces on this fit really well together, even with my alterations.  I also don't think the slit in front is too low, although we'll see what the boyfriend has to say about it when he gets back.

I was really happy with the invisible zipper job that I did on this; the bodice/skirt seams line up perfectly!  While a few of my other seams don't line up as well, I'm really proud of the invisible zipper I did on this dress.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Twinset

While a twinset is not on Tim Gunn's Essentials list, I already have enough active wear and am substituting the twinset for Tim's sweatsuit alternative.  This is New Look 6735.  I'll probably not make the belt on the cardigan and have buttons instead.  I'll need 3 1/8 yards of 60" sweaterknit for this.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Jacket

I don't have a Chanel or Chanelesque jacket, but I'd dearly love one.  I've heard they're a true luxury to wear.  This is Vogue's 7975, also very popular on Pattern Review.  I'll need 1 5/8 yards of 60" boucle, 7/8 yards of interfacing, and 1 3/8 yards of 45" lining.  I'll also need to come up with some trim.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Daydress

I really like Simplicity 2369, as it looks both comfortable and nice enough for the office.  I'll need 1 3/4 yards of 60" knit fabric for this.

Tim Gunn's Essentials - Skirt

I've been meaning to make up McCall's 4783 for a long time; I bought a skirt at a discount store that was very similar which I've been meaning to copy in nicer fabric.  I'll probably make it a little shorter though.  I'll need 1 5/8 yards of fabric (probably the same RPL I use for the pants).