Ain't No Mom Jeans

Wearing All Black in the Spring

 

Beth emailed a while back, wondering about all-black outfits.  She wrote:

I love to wear black. I know that may not be the "in" thing to do- but it works for me. Black, a rich midnight blue, dove or heather gray- those are colors I work well with. The problem is that those then look so drab for spring. Any thoughts?

Yup.  See, I'm with you, Beth.  While color is huge right now, I tend to be a more minimalist, neutral kind of gal at heart. From growing up in the 90's, perhaps?  Which also explains my oversized white t-shirt obsession.  But black is pretty fabulous - there's no reason you can't rock all black all year.

Make-Up Link Up! Our Fav Products, and a Video Tutorial For the Sleep Deprived

Mamas!  Let's talk makeup! I'm excited about this one.  For the first time ever, I actually feel on top of my make-up game.  I mean, OK: keep your expectations low.  I'm not going to venture into *real* makeup.  I'm not recommending the blending of multiple eye shadows, nor will I use confusing words like "contour" or "crease" (I'm not clear on what they mean, exactly).  But I will share my very favorites: makeup that is tried and true, makeup that is fool-proof to apply, makeup that helps restore my hot mama mojo, even on mornings when I feel (and look) roughly 153987 years old.

You know.  That stuff.

 

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Dollface - I call this 'barbie pink'.  It perks up my most tired face, and lasts all day.  

2. Fresh Lip Sugar in Rose - So natural, so pretty. 

3. Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Stain in Fiery - I've tried a TON of red lipsticks/stains, and this is the best.  It does come off on Pax's cheeks (and belly)...but...it's all natural?  So it's ok? 

4. Tarte Smooth Operator Clay Finishing Powder - Makes my skin look flawless and lasts almost all day.  I don't understand why this stuff is so good, but the Sephora gal recommended it for my sister's wedding.  I looked airbrushed in the pics, and never stopped using it.  It makes me happy every day. 

5. MAC Eyeshadow in Mystery - I use this eyeshadow to define my brows (with this brush)...or for smokey eyes (with this other brush).  Love that it can do double-duty.  I also had trouble finding the right brown for my brows - so many of them turned too orange.  This brown has a subtle gray tone, so it just looks...completely natural.  Weird, but true.  

6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer in Original - Not only will this (really!!) keep your eyeshadow in place all day, but it's perfect for tired mornings.  (More on this in the video.)

7.Tarte Lash Enhancing Primer - Layering this under mascara makes my eyelashes look fake, in the best possible way.  I instagrammed a pic (@shanachristine) and talk about it in the video below.

8. Make-Up Forever HD Foundation - Another recommendation from the folks at Sephora.  They promised that it would make my skin look amazing for my sister's wedding photos.  It did.  It also makes my skin look amazing, period.  It's pricey, but I'm still using (daily!!) the bottle I bought in June, so...PPW*, right?  Not as natural as I typically go for, but it is paraben-free.

*price per wear

9.  Tarte Maracuja Glow in Candlelight - I use this to distract from wrinkles and undereye bags.  You can see it a demo in the video.

 

Now.  Here's a quick video "tutorial" (snort) of my makeup routine on those very, verrrry tired mornings.   Warning:  It's fairly awkward - I had to talk over Pax's gun-shooting, growling and shrieking in the background.  Awesome.

Mom Street Style: Frances and Her Hair Piece (it's awesome...I promise)

Frances, without the hair piece

Mamas!  Meet the adorable Frances, mama of the two cutie-pies above!  She emailed me a few weeks ago with a genius/crazy hair idea that I had to share.  Check it out:

Hair Resolution: Just Try...Harder. Here's My Plan.

 

Earlier in January, as part of my mama-style resolutions for 2013, I vowed that I would try harder with my hair.  Before anyone gets too excited, allow me to issue a HUGE disclaimer:   I suck at this.  If my hair has ever looked good on this blog, it is for one of two reasons only:

1.  Hair gods were smiling that day

2.  I get blowouts.  I found a cheap(ish) salon here in Philly and blowouts are my new fav thing.  Manicure-smanicure.  Give me a blowout any day.

Thus:  If you are the type of talented mama who keeps Pinterest boards of cool hairdos to try (and then actually do it)....this article probably isn't for you.  If you were known amongst your high school friends for your elaborate prom updos...this article isn't for you.  If you already own (and use!) multiple curling irons...yeah.  Wow. I'm so not at that level.

But if you (like me) frequently gasp in horror when you catch a glimpse of your hair in the mirror (so greasy???)...keep reading.  If a pom-pom hat is your best styling tip...this might be for you.  If you read the words "curling iron" and actually snorted...yeah, baby.  We have that in common.

Got it?  Awesome. Therefore, in 2013, here are the ways that I'm going to try harder with my hair:

Ponytail Alternatives for the Hottest. Summer. Ever.

Mamas, I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  It’s long, thick and dark, so come summer, it’s basically like wearing a raccoon-fur hat in 100+ degree heat, but when I cut it, I always regret it.  And, love ponytails as I do, I have a once-per-week policy on those—I’ve been in ponytail ruts before, and they do tend to give me a bit of a headache by the end of the day.  (Or is that from wrangling three boys ages four and under?) 

So.  Considering I’m always on the hunt for ponytail alternatives to get the Davey Crocket hat off my neck during the dog days, and Weather.com is reporting July 2012 was the hottest month on record, EVER, surpassing even the Dust Bowl in 1936 (don't you feel better now that you know it wasn't just you?), I’ve rounded up a few delish, cool and easy styles for your perusal.   

Vacation Withdrawal

Oh how looooong the week back from vacation can seem!  We had a dynamite trip to Dave’s home state of Michigan, and it’s hard to get back in the groove after having so much relaxation and entertainment wrapped up into 10 days—what with older cousins entertaining our kids non-stop, jumping off of boats into crystalline lakes, running down mind-blowingly huge sand dunes and having time with friends and family, not to mention fireworks and a ladies-night jaunt to see Magic Mike (awesome and not at all squicky sitting next to your MIL through that one!).

Summer Beauty Essentials For Moms (and Kids!)

 

 

1. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

It doesn't foam, but it also doesn't leave a weird film on my face.  Gets rid of summer grease and grime without my skin feeling tight or dry.  The best cleanser under $10 that I've tried in a long, long time.  Also free of chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and phthalates.  Yay, Neutrogena!  About time.

2. The Solution by Envision Beauty

Looking to simplify your summer skincare ritual?  Me too.  The Solution by Envision Beauty is an anti-aging serum, a moisturizer, eye cream and night cream...all in one.  Seriously.  Put it all over your face and neck, and dab it around your eyes.  Done.  It's paraben and ethyl-alcohol free.  And it's ah-mazing.  Annoying shiny face problems disappeared after the first use.  I'm shocked at how much I love this product, and will continue to use long after summer days are gone.  It's $80 per bottle, and they last roughly a month.  I used code BRIDE to get two for the price of one.  The only thing missing is sunscreen...but the company says they're working on one.  I can't wait.

3. ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30

Speaking of sunscreen...this is my everyday face sunscreen.  It's almost gel-like, and mildly tinted.  It goes on very, very sheer and glides over the skin.  Inexplicably, it doesn't make me break out.  What it does do, however, is make my skin look...better, somehow.  Almost flawless.  And (obviously) protects it from the sun.  Between this product and The Solution I've stopped wearing foundation.  Whoa.  No parabens, and the sunscreen is mineral-based (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).

4. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

Since I'm not actually tanning my face, I do like to use a bit of bronzer.  This is the best.  Sheer and easy enough for me to apply, and gives a very natural lit-from-within glow. 

5. Stila Lip and Cheek Stain in Passionfruit

I love this for days at the pool or beach!  It's tiny and easy to throw into your bag for post-swim touch-ups.  Unlike other products, it won't melt all over everything.  The passionfruit color is a bright coral.  I also have the Mango color for a much softer look.

6. Fresh Sugar Lip Treament SPF 15

I know - there's nothing more annoying than a $20 chapstick.  HOWEVER.  This stuff glides on beautifully, packs a surprising punch of color and protects with SPF.  The rose is a beautiful soft pink, but for summer I'm loving the coral.

7. Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara

This waterproof formula is my summer go-to.  Not only will it (mostly) last through long days at the beach, but it's blendable.  Just keep applying it whenever you want bigger lashes.  It won't clump.

8. St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Firming 4 in 1

St. Tropez is the only self-tanner I'll use.  Most of it's formulations are paraben-free (not all, so choose carefully), it leaves you with a gorgeous, natural, streak-free tan, AND it doesn't smell.   Amazing.  Last year I used their mousse, which drys instantly and leaves you tan for a week, but you do have to pay attention when you apply.  This year I'm loving their new gradual tan and tone.  Despite the ominous-sounding directions, I apply this product somewhat haphazardly and it still looks great.  Besides, I'm hoping it will tone my belly skin.

*Tip: Before applying, rub a regular moisturizer into your palms, THEN apply self-tanner.  Once you are finished, wash your hands and re-apply the regular moisturizer.  You'll avoid the tan-hands problem altogether.

9.  Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glo in candlelight

I wear this when I want to be fancy.  Summer date night make-up.  I put on my usual summer face, then add this product to the tops of my cheekbones, inner corner of my eyes, and just under the arch of my eyebrows.  It's easy, subtle, and I feel all happysummerglowy.

10. Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen

FOUND:  Awesome water-resistant spray sunscreen without parabens!  We've been using natural sunscreens for years (Badger, California Baby, Alba Bontanicals, etc)...but MAN.  They are tough to apply on a baby, and almost impossible to apply (and reapply) on a fast, impatient, 4 year old.  With long limbs.  I had borrowed a friend's Coppertone spray sunscreen at the beach the other day and...sigh.  It was a joy to apply.  Full of parabens, natch.  I almost broke down and bought some...and then I found the Hampton Sun product line.  LOVE.  The whole family uses it.  

NOTE:  I also like that they have a reasonable SPF 35.  I'd rather re-apply then put the extra chemicals that the high SPFs contain on my kids.*

11. Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen

I use this product two ways:  First, this is how I touch up my face during the day.  I buy this a shade darker than my skin, and it not only protects, but makes me look a little tan.  Secondly:  For babies with minimal hair.  Raines was (mostly) bald for years,and Pax, while long-ish haired, still shows a ton of scalp.  They won't always wear a hat, so my only choices are to spray a ton of crud in their hair, or just puff this on.  Puffing is way easier and less messy.*

 

*I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the EWG is not a fan of oxybenzone (in Hampton Sun's products) or powder sunscreen for kids.  You can read more about that here. Personally, I've struggled to stay within EWG sunscreen guidelines for years...and have been disappointed with the approved products.  I've found them either impossible to apply or horribly greasy, or...not that great at sun protection.  This is one area where I've decided to take the (arguably small) risk.  Let's hope that we have better options next year.

xo,

S

Reading | Parenting.com Fashion Tips from Mom Bloggers

So here's what we're reading this week, Mamas.  Parenting.com's "11 Fashion Tips from Mom Bloggers."  Hint: two of them are from Ain't No Mom Jeans (yay!).  Check this great story out for chic and easy ways to rev up your mama style from some of our favorite mom fashion bloggers.

- M. 

90 Second Fix For Short, Not-Recently-Washed Hair

This really devastating thing happened: my child stopped taking two naps and now only takes one. The sum total of the time she naps in a day is roughly the same, but we now have an entire morning free for outings and errands and play dates. Which is good, right? I remember when she was still taking 3 then 2 naps a day I thought fondly of a time when she would give me a longer chunk of time to be out and about with her instead of rushing from place to place and planning activities precariously around her nap schedule. And please don't do the thing where you tell me she can sleep ANYWHERE if she's tired enough you can TAKE her don't be a SLAVE to her schedule...unless you want to hold my hand and fend off angry glances from strangers during the we-waited-too-long-get-her-home-and-she-likes-to-sleep-in-a-quiet-dark-place meltdown.

Now that we do have our mornings free though, what I've gained in freedom of movement I've lost in time to get ready for my day. Her first nap was also known as the 'mom showers, gets dressed, drinks tea and writes e-mails' period of the day. And suddenly POOF. It's gone. Since our little Vesper is an early, pre-dawn riser there is no way in hell I'm purposely getting up in the 5's just to shower and get dressed. I'd rather shave my head and never shower again. And while I could probably find time to rush in there before Dave leaves to the rink each morning, there is NO heating of ANY kind in a Japanese bathroom and I just can't force myself to get nude under those conditions! I have standards!

So all this means that I often wait to shower until afternoon when she naps or even later when Dave is home. And sadly I don't have the kind of hair that wears well overnight. It's too a) greasy b) short c) weirdly wiry. For a while cute winter hats were my camouflage of choice but spring is springing here in Japan and I needed a new plan. I hit up Pinterest for some ideas for quick up-dos, but so many require hair at least shoulder length. Seeing as it may be a decade before my hair grows long enough, I improvised a plan for those of us with less length (though it certainly will work for those with longer hair as well). So for a 90 second hair fix that works on short, dirty and unruly hair, this is my new go-to.

First, I pin my bangs back like this (using a tutorial I found on Pinterest, of course) and place any cute headband just behind where my bangs are secured (please ignore the layer of small hairs that line my face...I shed hair like a maniac after I gave birth and suddenly I appear to be regenerating a new layer):

Then I proceed, with no vision, plan or skill, to twist the entire back of my hair in to messy buns of various sizes (starting with the top of my head with the longest hair first and working down) and using criss-crossing bobby pins to make sure they are toddler-chasing-secure. It looks a hot mess, but some people pay someone to make their hair look messy, I'm just lucky to come by that naturally. If you had more time or hand-eye coordination than I do you could certainly make sure the bobby pins are hidden, but for me I don't mind them as part of the unkempt nature of the look:

And TA-DA, that's it. I did this with a 15-month old hanging on my leg yelling 'Mom. Hi. Mom. MOM. MOM. Up. UP. UP. HI. HI MOM.' and still was able to pick her up before a full meltdown ensued. I left for the park 2 minutes later and felt just a little more put together than I had before. Mission accomplished.

 

-Lane

*********

Want to read more from Lane?  Check her out here. 

 

Reading: Refinery 29's Beauty Advice From Glam Moms

I love when moms get a little credit in the media.  Especially in a supportive, cool, or even glamorous way.  I mean, c'mon people - not all of us are posing on the sidelines of the playground gossiping about the latest "mommy war" or wearing patchwork denim vests.  (In fact, I don't have a single mom-friend who is the 'mommy war' type.  Not. A. Single. One.)  

So YAY for Refinery 29 who did a post last week featuring glamorous moms' timeless beauty secrets.  Including pictures of happy moms and happy daughters.  While I'll admit that the mother-daughter relationship is complex....it's also very powerful.  So read it in part for the fun beauty tips, but also for the proud mom-and-daughter pics.  And my very favorite piece of advice?  It came from the mom of Refinery 29's New York editor, Annie Greenberg (both pictured above):

"When asked how old I am, I always add five to eight years to my age. The response is always: 'Wow, you look soooo great!'"

I love this.  LOVE THIS.

Soooo...have I mentioned that I'm 42?

xo,

S