2013 New Year Resolutions.

• I resolve to read my Bible every day. Whether it's five minutes or five pages, as long as I take the time to center on God. 
• I resolve to take care of my skin. 
• I resolve to treat my body the way it deserves. Eating the foods my body was biologically made to consume. Being active in how I spend my time. Sleeping 8 hours a night, as many nights as possible.  Remembering that stress and worry are worthless. 
• I resolve to be third. God is first, others are second, and I am third.

In 2013, I will travel. I will go to London, Nashville and California. I will apply for a promotion at work. I will stay on the Dean's List. I will live the life I've imagined. 

2012 Favorites. Moments, Products, Everything.

In 2012...

• I went to Charlotte, North Carolina all-expenses paid with my school. (February)
• I saw TimeFlies, Miranda Lambert, Joe Brooks, He Is We, All Time Low, The Summer Set, Austin Renfroe and most exciting, NEEDTOBREATHE in concert. 
• I took a day-trip with friends to Sioux City, Iowa for a dear friend's wedding. 
• I walked the JDRF walk. 
• I took a day-trip to the Iowa State Fair with my family.
• I received a 3.8 GPA both Spring and Fall semesters, landing me on the Dean's List. 
• I went to the pool, the pumpkin patch, and on the boat. 
• I saw one of my longest friends get married, celebrating her bachelorette party, wedding and reception with her and friends.
• I served an internship at school, completely half of my second year as PR Coordinator. 
• I went through sorority recruitment and was initiated into Zeta Tau Alpha.  
• I volunteered for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
• I was inducted into PRSSA.
• I was a hipster for Halloween. 
• I rang the bells for the Salvation Army with one of my best friends.
• I made one heck of an ugly sweater for Christmas and wore it on four different occasions. 
• I went to California with my family for a week, seeing San Diego and Los Angeles for the first time.
• I fell in love with MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, Maybelline Color Tattoos, Maybelline Mascaras (Great Lash, One By One, Falsies), NYX lip glosses, Viva La Juicy perfume and many other beauty products.
• I bought four sunglasses and only broke one of them. 
• I learned just how stressed I can get, just how far I can let go of my personal goals with God and with my health.
• And most importantly, I have gained the inspiration to treat my body the way it deserves to be treated. I made the conscious choice to believe I am worth it. And with God as my strength and focus, I will live the life I've imagined. <3

Decemeber Favorite Makeup Looks

On My Nails: Merry Christmas!

• Revlon White On White
• Ulta Eye Popping Poppy (red)
• Ulta Limelight (green)
• OPI Happy Anniversary (silver base)
• Essie Set In Stones

I was inspired my MissJenFABULOUS' tutorials on youtube. Love the polka dots and glitter accent!

Merry Christmas!!!
-J

UD Naked Palette: Fave Look

• (Base=Too Faced Velvet Revolver matte eyeshadow, light shade of UD's Naked)
• Outer corner, crease = Hustle
• Middle = Toasted with Sidecar on top
• Inner corner = Virgin
• Eye liner = Ulta Raisin
• Top mascara = Loreal Telescopic in black
• Bottom mascara = Maybelline Great Lash in dark brown

I am loving my Urban Decay Naked Palette for night looks these days!

Fall Nails

•  Ulta Jungle Book
• OPI Nein Nein Nein Ok Fine! **new favorite charcoal grey polish!
• Orly Instant Artist Platinum Sparkle

Thankgiving '12 Nails.... Not nearly as good/cool as 2011.

• Essie Sand Tropez
• China Glaze Westside Warrior (green)
• China Glaze Street Chic (brown)
• Ulta Hot Spot (red)

My Go-To Fall/Winter Look!

 

Be A...Bombshell Liner in Onyx, Wet N' Wild Lipstick in Dark Wine (applied on lip balm with a lip brush)

I am obsessed with black winged liner with any lip look, but for fall it is awesome with a nice wine or red lipstick. I wear this look to the store, to work, any where! It's simple enough to wear casually, and classic enough to dress up for those holiday parties.

Tips for this Look:

• Use a Lip Liner!  Not only do you want the bold lip to last all day, but smudging must be avoided to keep a put-together look.  I use a nude liner for all my lipsticks from Rimmel London (color: Eastend Snob).  Check out the make-up aisles at your local drugstore to see what's in your price range. Even the cheapest of make-up can go a long way when combined with your favorite lip balm.
• Picking the Right Red:  Be conscious of the undertones in the red lip you pick. When possible, swatch the lipsticks on your hand to see what shades compliment your skin tone. Also, decide if you want a dark, purple-toned color for the vampy look, or a mid-toned red for a Midnight in Paris vibe.
• Felt-Tip FTW:  If you struggle with drawing your winged liner, try a felt tip! I've tried felt-tip liners from Ulta, NYX, Marbella, Eyeko and Be A...Bombshell. I have really enjoyed all of them, and for now, I don't have a favorite. (Especially since the latter 3 liners were received in recent months through Birchbox and Glam Bag). The marker-like applicator makes it easy to make that perfect point and fill-in the upper lash line.
• Best Shape for You: It may take some practice and playing with your liner to find your favorite winged look. For me, the easiest (and most flattering) line is when I draw from my outer corner toward the edge of my eyebrow. Obsessed.
• Watch the Lid: It depends what style you're going for, but generally for day I like to keep my lid clean with a swipe of MAC paint pot in Bare Study or just a eye primer with a light shade, such as CoverGirl French Vanilla single eye shadow. If you'd like a little more definition, add a light brown shade in to your crease with a fluffy crease brush (I like Buck and Naked from the Urban Decay Naked Palette). For a more intense look, add super shine to your lid color, such as Rimmel's Glam Ice single shadow. 

My Favorite Halloween Looks!

I ended up dressing in four different, last minute costumes during Halloween. These two looks were my favorite... Hipster (top) and 80's Work-Out Chick (bottom).

Hipster:
-Winged Liner using N.Y.Color liquid liner in Pearlized Black
-Red Lips using Wet N' Wild lipstick in Stoplight Red

80's Girl:
-Blue and Purple Eyes using BH Cosmetics 88 Shimmer Palette and NYX teal smudge liner
-False Lashes by All-Belle (received in Glam Bag)
-Rosy Cheeks using an old Mary Kay blush (literally from the 80's... or maybe 90s)
-Hot Pink lips using NYX matte lip creme in Addis Ababa

Nail Art: Animal Print!

These nails are from a couple months ago, but better late than never!
Top:  (friend's nails) Cheetah Print Accent nail: Essie Sand Tropez with Orly black striper for design.
Bottom: (my nails) Zebra Print: Ulta Little Black Dress with Orly white striper.

My Journey.

In recent years, America has gained the reputation of being lazy, fat and overall unhealthy.  I have been overweight since I was very, very young. It's not something I talk about a lot, and it's not something I am proud of. I have tried many different times in my life to lose weight, but have always failed.  My unhealthy eating habits inhibit my energy level, which in turn, makes me more lethargic. It's frustrating and ends up being a vicious cycle. But, that ends now. At this point of the blog, if anyone is even reading this, you may be thinking, "why is this relevant to a beauty blog?" 

WELL, I am a firm believer that beauty starts from within. It's cheesy, but true.  I feel "pretty" when I have cool makeup, nails, or clothing, but I feel beautiful when I am happy with who I am and when the relationships around me are positive.  Namely, my relationship with God, my family and my close friends. So this is my journey, starting at the center: God.  I heard a quote recently that said "Nothing is impossible when you focus on the One who's for you." I am sure that the reason I have failed at weight loss in the past is because I lost sight of the main reason to lose weight. It's all about making my body a temple for my Lord and Savior. 

When I focus on what God wants for me, I am unstoppable.  When I am unstoppable, I feel empowered, strong and beautifully healthy. When I find the beauty that is only possible through praising and pleasing God, the fingernail polish and mascara are just icing on the cake. So starting today, I am under construction.  This temple is getting a makeover that is pleasing to my God. Not that God doesn't love me now, because I know His love is much more than skin-deep. But, I do know that He has laid it on my heart to work on my self-control, starting at my diet and lifestyle. Self-control is a fruit of the spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. "Against such, there is no law."  I crave for the Holy Spirit to take hold of my life and when I am obedient, I will produce such fruits.

Here we go, starting November 27th, I am changing. I'm putting this on the internet, not some private journal, but public, in order to share my journey.  I will continue to post progress reports of my successes, encouraging quotes, helpful tips, or inspiration.... in addition to my standard beauty posts.

11/27/12
Jenae
Weight: 282 lbs.
Height: 5'7.5"
Progress: n/a

Think Pink Nails!

Retail Therapy: HAUL!

I was in major need of a little retail therapy and decided to pick up a few thing I've been eying for a while from Ulta, Target and Charming Charlie.

Charming Charlie:

• Aviator Sunglasses: This was actually my first time in Charming Charlie, but I've been wanting a pair of aviators since my old ones broke months ago. I especially loved these because they have a black and pink flower detail on the side pieces. Best part, is they don't touch my cheeks when I smile! ;)
• Sunglasses Case:  As you can tell, I'm a little rough my sunglasses, so I decided to pick up a (super cute) case.  These were originally about $10, but this was on clearance for $2!!! Obviously meant to be. 

Ulta:

• Maybelline 24-Hour Eye Tattoo in Barely Beige: I heard about this limited edition shade, and I had to check it out.  It's remarkably similar to MAC's Bare Study paint pot... stay tuned for a comparison blog!
• NYX Slide On Eye Liners:  As you have seen on my makeup posts, I'm slightly obsessed with bright color liners! These two stuck out the most to me, bright blue and jewel-toned purple. Obsessed.

Target:

• Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling:  I saw a review on this line from iMaryMac on youtube and she mentioned how much she liked this color in particular.  I thought the lilac tone was very intriguing and surprisingly enough, it's super flattering.  My own complaint so far is the texture, almost waxy. 
• Revlon Color Stay Eyeshadow Quad in Addictive:  This was a gift for my mom.  She's been out of eyeshadow, and I heard good things about this line from Amarixe on yotuube (can you tell how much I love youtube beauty girls? HA!).  This was the most neutral quad, which is exactly my mom's taste.
• Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch:  Okay, okay, again, another youtuber recommendation! Tanya Burr or pixi2woo on youtube, has been wearing this shade constantly in her videos.  I've heard about the Baby Lips from several other gurus for months, and finally got around to buying one.  I'm not totally convinced of it's moisturizing properties, but the color is a sheer hot pink that is beautiful. 

 And after all that, my worries subsided as I fell in love with all my new cute things. Hope you enjoyed! :) 

Nail of the Day: Jungle Book

ULTA Nail Polish in Jungle Book, direct sunlight, 2 coats.

I love the different look of this mossy green color.  It's really nice jewel-tone that is unique for fall.

Labor Day Weekend, Hello!

I thought I would add a little personal entry each week for the fun of blogging and hopefully it's fun to read!

Sunday, September 2, 2012
Things to Smile about:
--It's Labor day weekend! No school tomorrow, no meetings, no stress!
--The weather is picture-perfect: warm & sunny. (Sundress weather!)
--I'm in love with my new aviators.
--Iced Caramel Chai. Enough said.
--Checked out an awesome new church service this morning.
--Going dancing tonight with friends!
--Hunter Hayes' CD has been my addiction. Haven't stopped listening since I bought it Tuesday... it's fantastic!
--My birthday's on Tuesday!


Things to Keep Perspective:
--Had to say "good-bye for a while" to a good friend going off to school.

Hope you have a wonderful day! :)

Friday Night Makeup

This makeup looked a heck of a lot better when I just applied it, rather than six hours after. 

• Maybelline 24-Hour Eye Tatoo in Barely Beige (all over lid)
• BHCosmetics 88 Matte Palette shadows (in crease)
• Rimmel London Liquid Eyeliner (upper lash line)
• NYX Slide On Eyeliner in Turquoise Blue (lower lash line)
• Loreal Telescopic mascara (top lashes)
• Maybelline One By One mascara (bottom lashes)

Nail of the Day: Ringmaster

Circus by Andrea's Choice - Ringmaster, direct sunlight

I have received compliments on this nail color daily.  It's a super hot pink with coral undertones.  My only complaint is that the formula is not completely opaque in two coats.  It looks nice, but if you have imperfections on your nail, they show through.  Still love this color and am very excited to have received it in my August Glam Bag.

Nail of the Day: Subtle Sparkle

China Glaze Pelican Grey & Snow Globe, natural light.

I love this combination where the light grey acts as a nude and the subtle holographic sparkles add that unique pop.  It's especially pretty for fall or even more so, winter.

xo, Jenae

Sorority Recruitment: Hair, Makeup, Outfit!

Day 1, Orientation, Dress Code: Casual:

•  All natural hair, air-dried
• MAC Bare Study Paint Pot & Maybelline One by One black mascara
• C.O. Biegelow mint lip gloss
• OP V-Neck from Walmart
• Colorful striped scarf from Forever 21
• Straight leg jeans

Day 2, Meet the Chapters, Dress Code: Casual:

• Freshly curled hair using Conair You Curl Clipless Curling Iron (best curler ever!)
• Same makeup with dark brown tight-lining, light brown crease, Staniac lip stain
• Black cap-sleeve dressier top with neckline braided detail
• Straight leg jeans
• Jeweled Sandals from Target

Day 3, Skit Night, Dress Code: Summer Wedding:

• Slept on Day 2's curls and brushed them out & added Bed Head After Party (love!)
• Nude shadows with Marbella felt-tip liner on top, NYX Aqua Green liner on bottom 
• Colorful striped strapless dress from Old Navy (clearance baby!)
• Men's sweater from Old Navy  (clearance, again!)

Day 4, Preference Night, Dress Code: Cocktail:

• Unfortunately I did not take pictures of my makeup, hair or outfit.
• My dress was a simple black dress with sequin detailing around the waste & black wedges.
• My hair was curled again.
• Biggest mistake: Liquid eye-liner. Just don't do it, not on pref night. Just, no. 

Day 5 was Bid Day. I am now part of my top choice sorority and had a good experience with recruitment! Just wanted to share some of the beauty aspects of the week!
-Jenae

Back to School Target Haul!

Even if you're not going back to school, there are so many great deals at the drug store, why not jump on it! I am going into my 3rd year of college, so I only needed a few school supplies, but there were a number of beauty/hygiene products I was completely out of. Here's what I got!

1. 2012-13 Planner - Yes, it's huge, but I literally write EVERYTHING in my planner, plus it has a cute floral pattern on the calendar pages. 
2. Target brand Highlighters - Just some cheap highlighters to keep my planner color-coordinated. OCD, much? Yeah, a little.
3. Cute To-go Kleenex Packs...39 cents each!
4. Mechanical Pencils - a must every year. Instead of filling them with lead, I just buy a new pack that lasts me all year.
5. Aussie 3-Minute Miracle - This is a repurchase. Best deep conditioner I have ever used, and it's less than $3 a bottle. 
6. Rimmel London Eye Makeup Remover - Also a repurchase. This remover is perfect for sensitive eyes and removes that top liner and mascara.  My last bottle lasted 9 months to boot!
7. Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Top Coat - This is my favorite low-end top coat! It literally dries your polish in less than a minute, and seriously extends the wear of your manicure.  Between this and Seche Vite, I never (okay, almost never) get chips any more!
8. Yes To Cucumbers Face Toilettes (30 Pack) - I used these last year, and got a 10-pack in my July Glam Bag. Using it last month made me remember how much I love these.  They fully clean your face AND remove all your makeup with ease.  It's also very cooling and refreshing. 
9. Trident Peppermint Gum - Last, but not least, some dentist-approved gum, which I probably buy every time I go to the store. It's great for focusing during tests, too. ;)

Summer 2012 Favorites: Fashion!

• Jeweled Sandals from Target, $14.99
  These sandals are so comfortable and well-made.  I love that they are casual, but that pass as 'work appropriate' since they aren't the usual rubber flip-flop.  I have worn these to work all summer and out & about.  These also come in silver, but the rose gold just stole my heart this summer.
  
  
  
  
• Cream Fedora with Polka Dot Scarf from Forever 21, $10
  I bought this fedora at the beginning of May and have worn it to the pool and around town.  I don't wear hats too often, but I don't know why! I got compliments on this gem every time I wore it.  The scarf adds a girly touch and the style made me channel my inner LC.  I will definitely be holding onto this accessory for many summers to come.
  
• Black & Brown Satchel from Old Navy, $22
  Now, before you cringe at the price tag, I found this on clearance last month for $10. Bargain! I was looking for a cross body bag, big enough to fit just about anything, including a small planner or water bottle. This bag is surprisingly made really well and is the perfect bag for me. Just throw it over your body and go! Funny (annoyingly) enough, Old Navy is re-promoting these bags in new colors for Fall at the original price. Not going to lie, I will be eyeing the clearance rack in the next couple months to snag a second bag for cheaper. 

Hope you all enjoyed seeing my Summer 2012 favorite items! Check out my favorite beauty products and body products HERE and HERE.
With Love,
Jenae

Summer 2012 Favorites: Beauty!

• Great Lash Mascara in Dark Brown - This mascara is one of the cheapest you can find at the drugstore at only $4.44 (Walmart).  This is the first mascara my mother bought for me, and it's still a fave.  The length is great: like your lashes but better. I especially love Dark Brown for summer to keep a natural look while defining the eyes.
• Moraccan Oil - This has been a cult favorite for years, and I have to admit it is worth the hype.  While you can definitely find other hair oils for less, I have been using this bottle regularly this summer, especially after a long day in the heat or at the pool.  It delivers silky hair that smells wonderful.
• MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study - This is the only MAC product I own, and I must say, it's eternally a staple in my makeup collection.  The light, champagne shimmer doesn't crease in the heat and adds a gorgeous light to your eyes to make them bright and polished. 
• Staniac Hint of Tint for Cheeks & Lips - Now, I never use this for my cheeks, but I love using it on my lips! I received this in my Birchbox a couple months ago, and it's the perfect summer lip color. Stains are a great option for lasting color that looks natural yet brings color to your face.  I especially like this brand because it is easily build-able, but not too pigmented to look unnatural at first application.

These have been my go-to beauty products for a no-fuss natural look this summer.  From school to work and anywhere in between, I'm comfortable and ready to go!

Love,  Jenae

Summer Look - Aqua Green Liner

I absolutely love adding a pop of color with bright eye liners! This liner, from NYX, is made wearable with a tiny black liner close to the eye and very nude colors on the lid. This is something that can work all year round... I especially love blues in the summer and purples in the fall.

Summer 2012 Favorites: Body

Instead of a specific July favorites, I decided to pick my top products of the entire summer. This post is the top 3 skincare products that I have used most or all of this summer and love! Stay tuned for makeup & hair faves as well as fashion favorites.

1. Clearasil Daily Pore Cleansing Pads - These facial wipes are perfect for hot days when your skin needs cleansing, but without taking off your eye-makeup.  These have 2% Salicylic Acid in them which is good for controlling acne.  Overall, they are refreshing and keep my skin feeling clean and clear throughout the day. 
2. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion - This is a sample size I received in my July Glam Bag. I have maybe used half of this bottle, and I've been using it as my moisturizer everyday for 3-4 weeks.  It is the perfect summer moisturizer because it greatly reduces shine and oiliness on the skin as soon as it dries on your skin.  It also has a menthol-y cooling effect that is rejuvenating in the morning. I will definitely be purchasing a full size!
3. Simple Soothing Facial Toner - I have only been using this product for a couple of weeks, but I've already realized the importance of a toner.  I haven't used one regularly in years, and this toner is as good as any.  It feels really nice and cleansing. Also does a nice job leveling out my skin.
4. Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Body Spray - Yes, this one kind of sticks out among the rest.  I bought this bottle at B&BW's semi-annual sale for $3.  I have worn this almost everyday since.  The light floral is a classic scent for me, and it's the ultimate summer scent. Sweet and floral, light and clean. What more can you ask for?

Hope you enjoyed hearing about my favorite body products from this summer. The Kiehl's moisturizer is by far my favorite product of the bunch.  I've used the spray and the Clearasil pads for years, and I can see that lotion to be a new staple product as well.

Jenae

Summer Golden - An Eye Makeup Look

This look was created using the Too Faced Natural Palette. I love adding just a bit of gold eye shadow in the center of the lid and lower lash line for a golden summery look!

Fresh, Classic Makeup Look!

• MAC Bare Study Paint Pot
• Marbella Semi-Permanent Eye Liner
• Maybelline One by One Mascara
• Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake

Perfect for a summer party or potluck, which is where I wore this look.
With Love,
Jenae

Nail of the Day: Butter London

 Butter London's Teddy Girl, direct sunlight (top) flash, indoors (bottom), 2 coats
This polish is quite pricy at $14 a bottle, but if you can find a $3.50 or 20% off coupon from Ulta, they are more manageable.  I have had this polish for about a year and it's still nice quality. I do admit that it has become slightly thicker since purchase.  It's still useable and presents a beautiful creme baby pink.  It's a little more pink in person, but very nice for a summer wedding or event.  When you want a break from your flesh-toned nudes and french manicure, this is a nice alternative within your comfort level.

I do have three other Butter London polishes, and as long as I have more coupons, I will continue to buy them when beautiful shades call my name. They are nice quality, completely opaque in two coats (sometimes in just one!), and last a nice while without chipping. I recommend it when you're down for a splurge!

My Favorite Past Makeup Looks

Just like my last post, check out some of my past makeup looks from recent years. Don't worry, new material will be coming out soon! In the mean time....  See a bunch by clicking "Read More"!

Nail Art Gallery

These are (most of) my nail posts from my previous blog.  I welcome you to check out some of the nail art I have done on my own nails in the last couple years.  Many more after the page break!

Welcome to Dignity Dress!

My name is Jenae, and I have been blogging on tumblr at officialjenae.tumblr.com for nearly two years.  I've decided to create a blogspot instead to sophisticate my blog and simply reach more people.  I decided to call my new blog "Dignity Dress" based off the verse Proverbs 31:25 that says, "She is dressed in courage and dignity, she laughs at the days to come."  This verse is a great mission statement for all women, regarding beauty and life in general.  I believe makeup, hair, fashion are all fun and dandy, but they aren't necessary. However, as long as you are first dressing in dignity and courage, adding some mascara and a cute dress is icing on the cake.

Thanks for checking out my blog, stay tuned for many posts to come!

With love,
Jenae