All about the Eyeliner.

Happy Monday, y'all! Coffee in hand and listing my absolute favorite eyeliners that have never failed me. I have tried them a.l.l. but always fall back on these babies! And I have to say that I'm a little impressed that I actually love one of each: A liquid, a gel and a pencil. 

So in honor of keeping things short & sweet for y'all today, I'm just going to dive right in, so here ya go XO

#1: Sephora's Waterproof Colored Eyeliner in BLACK LACE $12

the perfect liquid eyeliner that's super easy to apply and actually dries MATTE!

#2 Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in BLACK INK $24

#3 Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner Brush #107 $6

This brush has lasted me for years, even through tons of washes. bought mine at the one and only Target ;) 

#4 Sephora's Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in MATTE CHARCOAL $13

This is my every day eyeliner that I use when I want a basic, neutral look. It glides on so smooth and stays put through the entire day. Definitely one of my favorites and I LOVE the subtle color of grey.

Mama lifesavers | 9 Months

I haven't done one of these posts in a while so I figured I'm due for an update of things we're currently loving at 9 months -

Bath time is a whole new experience now that we've ditched the infant bath. The 4Moms tub was so worth it while we used it but now the big tub is how we do bath time these days and these little bubble bath packs by Aura Cacia with essentials oils are THE. BEST!!! They smell amazing and I looove essential oils as-is and truly believe that they have calming and healing properties so these are a win-win for us.

      I let P bathe in the Eucalyptus when she was sick and it made her breath so much easier and cleared her out so she could sleep soundly during the night. We also love using the Lavender packet, which I would have taken a picture of if I hadn't thrown it away two nights ago but nonetheless, those two are definitely our favorite scents! There's also a citrus one that I'll try but that would be used for energy etc and usually we do bath time at night so I prefer the Eucalyptus and Lavender in order to help Penelope wind down for the night.

 For starters, Penelope has only been sick ONCE so far - woooo! I am so happy about that!! I got sick first and shortly after, P caught the little flu thing that was going around but thankfully, I had bought some Zarbees cough + cold medicine way beforehand just for this moment, and trust me, I am seriously beyond happy that I did because she went to bed fine and of course woke up with a terrible cough and was completely miserable. This stuff works miracles because she bounced back so fast after I gave her just one dose of the medicine - thank goodness for miracle products!!

Who knew anyone could fall in love with wipes?! I guess babies will make you notice the little things HA.

   I get these wipes from Whole Foods by the case. Literally. I buy them for $16 for a box of 6! They're probably the best wipes I've used and of course they're safe and natural so it's win-win. I also have to be completely honest and say that I actually have fallen in love with them mainly because they double as the perfect face wipe for removing my makeup.... I don't even really bother with traditional face wipes anymore. I'll probably be the person that's still buying wipes even after my kid is out of diapers because I've become accustomed to needing one for every single thing - #momlife.

So, I was in Whole Foods, checking out the baby stuff, P was hungry and I saw these bad boys and thought why not..... Turns out, these are the greatest things ON. THE. ENTIRE. EARTH. I just want to start off by saying that before I had Penelope, I had an entire list of stuff I wasn't going to give my child. These pouches made the list. But after realizing that I need more than 2 arms and hands and sometimes you have to appreciate the convenience of someone else's EXTREMELY smart idea, you learn really fast to NOT knock it before you try it. I always spoon-feed Penelope these pouches, check the expiration date and I ALWAYS taste-test these before I give them to her. I would do that for myself so obviously it doesn't take any extra time to do it for her. These pouches are the best thing OUT! And of course they're organic.... I'm still a psycho about that - somethings never change. Now, don't get me wrong, we BLW and she eats mainly soild foods - basically whatever we eat, she eats - but these are super convenient for when we're out and the picture shows her faves!

      I had mentioned on another blog that we were thinking about switching to a convertible car seat.... She's 9 months and can sit in a highchair and in a cart with absolutely no help from me so we ended up ordering the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 from Nordstrom right before Christmas. If a car seat could be a dream come true, THIS IS IT. Installation was the EASIEST thing ever and every part can easily be taken off in order to be washed without un-installing the car seat - hallelujah! Taking apart her Maxi Cosi Mico infant seat was a nightmare so this new car seat was almost the best thing we've bought - too bad she doesn't spit up any more because I actually wouldn't mind it with this one ;)

I ALWAYS have people ask where I get Penelope's bows from and the ones she's been wearing lately are from Ruby Blue Inc. Check out their instagram [HERE] to get a feel for what they offer. They're the BEST quality and unlike other bows I've bought, these stretch enough to last more than a month. I bought the cream lace one when she was like 5 months and she can still wear it and trust me, her little head has grown. We love em'.

And speaking of fashion, H&M has the cutest baby clothes. Like, ever. If you have a little babe, go check out their stuff. Adult clothes made for small people. Dying at the cuteness!

Products Mentioned:

| 4Moms Infant Bath Tub $50 | 

| Aura Cacia Bubble Bath: Purchased at Whole Foods |

| 365 Baby Wipes: Purchased at Whole Foods |

| Ella's Kitchen Wakey Wakey Baby Cereal &

Organic Food Pouches: Purchased at Whole Foods but

Target carries them as well along with a ton of other grocery stores |

| Maxi Cosi Pria 85 in Black $299 @ Nordstrom |

| RubyBlueInc Bows from Etsy |

ig: @taylorpilk

YSL's #13 LIPLINER DUPE!

 I was at Whole Foods shopping for groceries and I ended up browsing the makeup aisle, as per usual, and came across the Gabriel Cosmetics lipliners and started swatching them and noticed that Nutmeg was IDENTICAL match to YSL's #13 lipliner! If you're familiar with any YSL makeup, it wouldn't surprise you that their #13 lipliner is $30 but the Gabriel Cosmetics lipliner is only $12! They wear the exact same and the color is flawless - This is definitely my go-to color and it pretty much matches any lipstick I want to wear... it's versatile and more than half of the price of the YSL one - eeek!

     I had been searching high and low for a lipliner that was, at the very least, similar to YSL's most popular lipliner and although there are a few, I am SO excited that I found the identical match and even more excited that I can share it with y'all through here! This lipliner is definitely one that everyone should have in their collection - I hope y'all LOVE it (and the price too ;))! XO

Products Mentioned:

| Nutmeg LipLiner by Gabriel Cosmetics $12 | YSL LipLiner #13 $30 |

ig: @taylorpilk

EYE BRIGHTENER | AFTER NYE ESSENTIAL

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!!!

I know that all of us probably stayed up way beyond what we had anticipated to do, as per usual but after reading this blog, you'll be able to fake a good nights sleep from here on out ;)   

BareMinerals STROKE OF LIGHT = The best under-eye and all-over concealer, hands down. This covers up anything and everything.. along with those annoying dark circles that seem to accumulate for absolutely no reason, even without lack of sleep - grrr. I am currently wearing #2, which has more of a yellow undertone than #1 but don't be fooled by the description as I'm normally more of a neutral shade with my other products (pinks & yellows combined) so if you are too, then #2 would probably fit you well and be your best bet as I think it's the most universal.

     Another thing that's great about this stuff: It doesn't cake up underneath nor does it crease - this is huge for anything that goes on underneath the eye because if you've ever had anything that does crease or cake up, you'd know how useless a product like that can be, especially when you NEED it to do its job. ;)

The applicator of this is really my favorite thing because a lot of the other ones come with a pump that you end up getting all over your hands, something I can't staaaand. With this, you unscrew the applicator and dab the tip underneath the eye and use a beauty blender to blend it in and you're done - the 2 easiest steps to faking a good nights sleep! Really, if I could only have two makeup products, it would probably be this and mascara. I can't live without it.

I hope every one is able to rest up today and enjoy the first day of 2015! Page 1 of 365 - make it a good one! XOX

PRODUCTS:

Stroke of Light by BareMinerals $22

New Wave by MARC JACOBS nail polish $18

ig link: @taylorpilk

Christmas Vacation | Sanibel Island

    If you follow me on basically any social network, you would be well-aware that we just took our annual family vacay and this year we traveled to Sanibel Island, right near the Gulf and it is definitely the cutest place I have ever seen!! Here are a few pictures of our trip from - I shared a lot on my personal Facebook Page and Instagram but I had so many that I wanted to post but most of them were landscape photos and I didn't want to overload pics on everyone so I've waited to share them on my blog, I hope y'all enjoy! And if you ever get a chance to go to Sanibel, some of our fav spots were: George and Wendy's & Taquita's for the chicken tacos - AMAZING,  Zebra Frozen Yogurt to get the frozen hot chocolate!!, Pinnochios for the seriously amazing ice cream and Over Easy for the BEST pancakes and breakfast! If you're in need of a good coffee-fix, make sure you get a coffee from The Sanibel Bean and try their the White Mocha latte - SO GOOD!  Also make sure you go shelling on the beach and to rent bikes to be able to ride along the bike paths to explore the island :) Really thankful that sunny Florida was so good to us ;)

instagram @taylorpilk

| The cure for dry hair during the winter |

Recently, I have seen SO many posts by girls needing a remedy for dry hair so I decided that it would be worth another blog! Almost 2 years ago I posted a DIY Hot Oil Hair Treatment [HERE] and it was so popular and had a lot of good feedback and reviews! Since then, I've updated a few things but of course,  if you've used the previous one beforehand and loved that, it never hurts to stick with what you know ;) But for those of you wanting something a little bit different, here's one for you XO

Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Ingredients:

2-4tbs Organic Coconut Oil

1tbs Organic Almond Oil (optional)

1tbs Organic Honey
*Amount depending on hair needs
*The best coconut oil to use is the one sold at Trader Joes Organic Coconut Oil - it smells the beach, coconuts and summer all in one jar - LOOVE!

Add all ingredients into a glass mixing bowl,

place the bowl in the microwave and heat until the coconut oil is semi-melted, about 30-45seconds

(You can also heat over a stove but this can get extremely hot so make sure you use this method with EXTREME caution. NEVER apply oil that has been bubbling or heated for a very long time.)

Once the coconut oil is semi-melted, mix all of the ingredients together to create an almost watery paste. Once mixed, apply coconut oil mixture all over your head/hair, being sure to start at the ends,  and finish up by massaging product into the roots. Make sure your entire scalp and hair are covered by the coconut mixture and then put your hair in a bun (try to use a clip rather than using an elastic) and then place a shower cap over you hair and let it sit for 1hr-1.5hrs. You can also sleep in this mask for the absolute best results.
After the wait time is over, jump in the shower and wash/condition (depending on personal preference) and dry and style as usual.

This is how I did mine with the length and thickness of my hair:
I used 3 1/2tbs coconut oil, and 1 1/2tbs honey. Heated it in the microwave for 30 seconds, mixed up the product, let it cool for just a minute while stirring and then I placed the bowl into my sink and I dipped my hair in the bowl and slowly worked my way to my roots, adding a little more hair with each dip and massaged the remaining oil into my roots and scalp. I then kept my coconut oil mask on for 1hr and then jumped into the shower. I did my normal shower routine and left the shampoo job for last to let the humidity from the shower sort of make sure I let this thing work its magic 100%. I also had to wash my hair with shampoo twice to make sure the oil was completely rinsed out.
Since I typically do a deep conditioning treatment once a week (which I'll go into shortly), I didn't feel that I needed to sleep in the coconut oil and I only left it on for 1hr, which I felt was plenty for the current needs of my hair.
I have to finish it with the fact that my hair is SOO shiny, smells amazing and is beyond soft. This is saying A LOT since for the last few months I have slowly started adding blonde back into my hair that was originally colored dark brown. You can imagine the damage it caused and I recently cut about 3 inches off as well because my ends had completely had it. I haven't done a hot oil treatment in FOREVER so this was a good jump-start for the holidays ;)

The second thing that I do rather often and have a huge obsession with are deep conditioning hair masks. I cut and color my hair regularly so this helps ensure that my hair lays somewhat flat throughout the day - it's DEFINITELY something I do regularly in the summer because I have super curly hair so I NEED that extra bit of moisture or my hair is a frizzy mess the entire day.

Moroccan Oil Weightless Mask with the travel-size mask.

My absolute favorite products are ANYTHING by Moroccan Oil. You will probably have to get them from a salon but this stuff is SO worth it. Pricey, but it lasts a LONG time! I love both the Weightless and Intense Hydrating Masks, depending on my hair needs. If you have thin hair or hair that doesn't particularly take well to lots of oil, I'd suggest the weightless mask. You'll still get the same results, I promise!

I hope this has been helpful - let me know if you try either of these methods and let me know how it worked out for you :) Xox

instagram @taylorpilk

twitter @taylorpilk

JOSIE MARAN | ARGAN OIL

Just a quick picture of my favorite Josie Maran Argan Oil products! These will last you MONTHS and are so amazing for your skin. I have oily skin and even though it seems quite opposite of what you would think you would need for oily skin, it actually really helps maintain oil production and helps keep skin clear because breakouts sometimes happen because of a lack of oil rather than having too much. 

| 100% ARGAN OIL |

I use this at night after I wash my face. I even use this as an under-eye moisturizer.

| PURE ARGAN MILK |

I absolutely LOVE this one. I use Milk after I wash my face in the morning and before I put on my makeup. It's definitely a lighter version of the regular 100% Argan Oil and it has just the right amount of shimmer to make your skin glowy, but not highlighted or over done - definitely something you can use all over your face, any time.

| ILLUMINIZER |

This illuminizer is so functional and has a variety of uses. I particularly like to mix a small amount with either my primer, foundation, tinted moisturizer or BB cream - it all depends on the look I'm going for. This looks so bronzy and shimmery in the bottle but it really can be toned down to add a smooth, dewy look to your face/body. I think this is the most versatile of the three because it can be added with your regular moisturizer, body lotion etc - it really is perfect for everything and made with no limits for use!

Most importantly, I love that all of JM products don't contain any of the chemicals that a lot of high-end products have and are currently formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan 

XO!

Alternate of Red Lips for the holidays | Current NYX Favorite

During the summer months, I seem to drift more towards nude lips but once the cold weather hits, I'm reeeeeally ready to add some color! For that reason, I thought I'd share my most recent NYX lipstick find that I think would look absolutely AMAZING on anyone! If a red lip isn't a favorite look for you but you're still really wanting to try a different lip than the norm then I think this color is something you should try!  NYX is such an inexpensive brand but in my opinion, comparable to MAC or any other high-end brand. The formula is amazing and super buttery along with the wear which is NEVER chalky or sticky, even the matte colors!

 I have to say tho, that this particular lipstick does have a slight scent but nothing too strong and it only seems to be THIS particular lipstick from the NYX line, I haven't noticed it with any of their other lipsticks/lip glosses.

 (By the way, I am SUPER sensitive to cosmetics in general and perfume in them and this didn't bother me at all, it was just noticed when I first applied it.)

The second thing is the NYX Pump it Up Lip Plumper and this stuff is perfect! It feels more minty rather than having the typical tingle-y feeling that other plumpers have. I personally bought this for the color rather than the plump and only noticed what it was once I took pictures, ha! I personally wouldn't buy it for the plumping action alone but the color itself was what sold me and even more so after I applied it because the application was so smooth and pigmented - it can definitely be worn alone or with a lipstick for extra color & shine.

I know this is a NYX current-fav but I paired it with my YSL #13 lipliner and they went SO WELL together. I need to try to find a dupe because I completely get that not everyone wants to spend that sort of money on a lipliner ;) I'll post a blog as soon as I find one that is close, if not identical so y'all can get the same look! 

List of products used along with the links:

| NYX Lipstick | $4

Color THALIA

Purchased at ULTA

| NYX Lip Plumper | $6

Color in ELIZABETH

Purchased at ULTA

| YSL Lip Liner #13 | $30

Color in NUDE BEIGE #13

Purchased at Sephora

Let me know how you love it!

XO - taylor

BareMinerals | Illuminating Mineral Veil; TRAVEL EDITION

I've mentioned how I've recently become a little bit obsessed with BareMinerals ANYTHING so I figured I'd post about one of my other favorites; their illuminating mineral veil compact! 

This stuff works a miracle for anyone with oily/combination skin! And this is a limited-edition set that comes with the cutest compact and travel brush, along with a small blotting pad (for quick application) that fits nicely inside the compact for when you can't or don't want to bring along the brush! This is a SMALL and truly a travel-size makeup set so don't expect anything huge - it's definitely for storing in your purse for quick touch-ups if you start looking a little shiny throughout the day. Also, it does have a SLIGHT shimmer as it is an illuminizer, but it's definitely not a highlighter so it can safely be used all over without having your face look glittery. I also haven't noticed it making my face look white or powdery after using it and it hasn't made me look washed out either - so far, it's been a really good product and helped to maintain my oily skin. Another plus? The packaging. It's so holiday-ish with the gold, red, black and white. They hit a home run with that because anything gold gets me every time ;)

So basically, if you're in Sephora using your 20% off VIB coupon this weekend, add this to your list - you'll fall in love! Xo

Instagram [taylorpilk]

Current Stroller MUST-HAVE!

These little adjustable tether straps have seriously been SUCH a lifesaver for bottles and toys when we're rolling around with our stroller! These speak for themselves if you have a little one that loves to throw their bottles or accidentally loses grip of their toy and it goes bouncing on the dirty floor or ground. We had that happen one too many times so I went on the hunt for something to fix the problem and [HERE IT IS]! These things can hold anything as it has a tightening clasp so it will hold small items such as a [WubbaNub] or even larger items like a bottle AND it hooks straight to the frame of your stroller or car seat handle so it's always right there and convenient for use.
I found these on Etsy and they are amazing quality and they also have super cute colors for boys and girls, along with gender-neutral patters as well!

Get yours [HERE] xx

We keep her Sophie and WubbaNub attached at ALL times!

| VALENTINE'S DAY FAVORITES ♥ |

Valentine's Day is just two short weeks away so here are my makeup & accessory essentials for one of my favorite days of the year♡

| Lipstick |

Red: Sephora's lipstick collection in the color Valentine

Pink: ULTA's lipstick collection in #234

| Lipgloss |

Left: Revlon Colorburst in color Strawberry Fraise

Right: Revlon Superlust in color Snow Pink

| Blush |

Left: Revlon's Haute Pink

Right: Smashbox's Radiance 

| Eyeshadow |

Top: Blackberry by MAC 

Bottom: Scratch by Urban Decay

These two shades blend really well to make the perfect 

look for Vday... During the day or night!

| Highlighter |

MAC's Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Honey Rose

This highlighter is perfect for anytime, anyday. It goes

on light but gives your face an instant glow! Love it!

| Perfume |

My absolute favorite scent: Philosophy's Amazing Grace.

This is such a girly fragrance! I would say this is more

of a "daytime" perfume but I wear it 24/7, wintertime or summertime. 

It's seriously heavenly.

| Bracelet |

I'm forever wearing this Stella & Dot bracelet! It's my favorite go-to accessory

and you CANNOT go wrong by having one. Pair it with a watch for a more

chunky look or wear it by itself.. It's gorg anyway you wanna rock it.

| Polish |

Fiji by Essie

Once again, I will wear this color all year long,

no matter cold or snowy it gets. It's the perfect

pink and it's NOT sheer which is why it'll forever be one of my favorites.

Xoxo

twitter: @taylorpilk

instagram: taylorpilk

xo taylor 

Preparing for Summer|Makeup Edition

Well, it looks like I was feeling very coral-esqu during my trip to Florida.... I didn't even realize that I was obviously being attracted to all things bright when I purchased all of this at Target, which clearly means I have summertime on the brain - and BAD!!! I think I'm seeing what my summer color picks will be in a few short months ;) 

Side note: I HIGHLY recommend the Revlon blush!! It looks more pigmented than it is, but it is REALLY buildable and the perfect coral shade.. If you don't get anything else, buy this!.. Or the Maybelline Color Whispers because they are THAT AMAAAAZING! 

MAC Mineralized Highlighter - Soft and Gentle

Revlon Liquid Highlighter - Bare Light

Revlon Blush - Classy Coral (LOVE THIS ONE!!!)

Maybelline Color Whisper - Coral Ambition

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip stain - Rendezvous (brighter one) / Charm (Nude one)

Revlon Colorburst lipgloss - Bellini

MAC blush brush (2013 holiday kit) - #168

twitter: @taylorpilk

instagram: taylorpilk

xo taylor 

Almost Halfway There!!!!!!

     I can't believe that I'll be 18 weeks pregnant this Thursday!!!!! Wow... These last 4 months have flown by and I can only imagine that the next 5 will feel the same way. I've started feeling this little life inside of me move and grow and there's nothing that compares to that amazing feeling! Hearing her heartbeat and feeling the flutters makes me have a permanent smile on my face <3 Our next big ultrasound is just 2 short weeks away and I cannot WAIT to see how much she's changed! Penelope is a little over 5in from head to butt and almost 1/2 a pound! Insane how all of this takes place and how everything knows exactly what to do and when to do it.... Agggggh, she's absolutely the definition of PERFECTION XxXx

xo taylor