Makeup Inspiration: Keira Knightley

After coming across this photo on Pinterest, I’ve been revisiting it to examine which products I could use to recreate this feminine look she wore to the LA Film Festival.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing foundation in Alabaster — This liquid foundation is a medium coverage with hydrating properties that soothe normal to dry skin in these winter months. It looks and feels like skin, while giving a even finish.

Make Up Forever powder blush in Cotton Candy 88 — A matte baby pink blush gives just the slightest flush of warmth to the cheeks. When the eyes and lips are more dramatic, a toned down blush keeps everything in balance. In an upward sweeping motion, dab this on the apples of the cheeks. 

Chanel Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow quad in 14 Mystic Eyes — These four hues compliment her dark brown eyes, but would look great with any eye color. I would start by sweeping the the lightest brown over the lid and lightly smudge it under the lower lash line. In a V shape, I would blend the darkest brown along the upper lash line and into the crease. On a different brush, I would apply the silver to the inner corners of the eyes in this > < shape to widen and brighten. Next, I would blend the tiniest amount of the light pink along the top of the crease to add warmth.

Dior Diorshow Extase mascara — Big, fluttery lashes are the key to this look. This mascara coats every lash in inky black. I would apply two to three coats of mascara to the top lashes, and one coat to the bottom lashes.

Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear — To recreate these neat and shapely brows, I would apply a few swipes of a clear gel to set them in place.

L’Oreal Colour Riche balm in Plush Plum — This mauve rose balm gives the lips the perfect amount of color and hydration. The key here is that they don’t look overly glossy or overly matte, just youthful and feminine.

New Year, New Favorites.

Hello City Girls! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? It’s time for some new, fresh content and I wanted to share with you my latest favorites for beauty, style, and home.

For my beauty cabinet:

First Aid Beauty face cleanser — For the first time ever, my sensitive/ oily skin has been really really dry. This creamy cleanser takes off all of my makeup, eyes included, without leaving my skin feeling tight afterward or causing breakouts. It’s a bit of a splurge at $18, but the tiniest pea size amount cleans my entire face (HD foundation too!). 

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask — After a long week at work, my skin was looking tired under the unsightly lights of the office bathroom. I decided my skin needed a pick-me-up in a major way. This mask is totally black — something my husband is still getting used to — and when it is fully dried, you make a few funny faces, and you can begin to peel it off. It removed the layer of dead skin cells without drying my face. I will warn you, it feels a little like pulling a BandAid off, but after one try you’ll see why I keep going back for more.

Fresh Sugar Rose lip butter — They call it butter for a reason. This gorgeous petal tint is creamy, hydrating, and perfect for every day. Amazing.

For my home:

Anthropologie small plates — I’ve been in an endless circle of using too-big plates for breakfast, which results in a full sink before dinner even starts. These plates are the perfect size for small meals, cookies, pie, and I love the splash of color in the kitchen.

Design Sponge by Grace Bonney — Everyone gets a little sick of looking at the same things in their home day in and day out. This book is a huge source of inspiration, ideas, and attainable DIYs. Santa always knows what I want!

For my closet:

Nine West Sosie booties — Finally! I’ve found the booties of my dreams. I wear these with everything— from tucked-in jeans, to maxi dresses, to pencil skirts. They are the perfect balance of buttery leather, comfort, and classic style.

Caravelle by Bulova rosegold watch — The lovely team at Bulova sent me this absolutely gorgeous watch back in September, just in time for my birthday. I finally got the links adjusted to fit me and I haven’t taken it off. This watch is perfect for every day, but looks sophisticated enough to wear to the office.

Deodorant Talk. 

City Girls know that when you’re racing from one part of your day to another, you need a deodorant that is reliable. In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, a lot of deliberation, and reading this and this, I’ve been on the hunt for a deodorant without antiperspirant or aluminum that works. 

I’ve been loving this & my mom is addicted to this. Have you had success with any other products? 

The 4 product face for less than $40.

Ally is back on The City Girl in Me to show us how absolutely stunning it is to wear the most minimal makeup— which is perfect for those days we have less than 5 minutes to get all dolled up. The red lip is every City Girl’s secret weapon!

1. mark. Got the Goods Multibenefit Foundation [$18] With a foundation brush, I applied this all over her skin starting from the middle of her face and blending outward. It gave her a sheer coverage with a dewy finish — perfect for someone with generally clear, dry skin.
2. Avon Ideal Luminous blush in Earthen Rose [on sale for $6] Along her cheekbones and temples, I dusted this blush where the sun would naturally hit her face for a warm glow.
3. Avon Big Color Glossy lip pencil in Glossy Celestial [$7] A bright red lip with blue undertones looks gorgeous on nearly everyone. A red lip is a great way to look like you made an effort with your makeup, when it really took 30 seconds or less to apply. I applied this straight from the applicator, outlining the lips first, then filling in for a full coverage.
4. Avon Superdrama Mascara in Black [on sale for $6] I kept the eyes super clean with a few swipes of mascara to define the lash line without taking away from the simplicity of this look.

Disclosure: Avon provided me with editorial samples, without any obligation. All opinions expressed are my own.