What's in my Purse {and Yours?}

The fabulous bag in NY a few weeks ago for the Today show appearance. Via my IG.

I already know I carry too much. I'm the quintessential bag lady. I have a bag for everything. Literally. As much as I've tried in true earnest to scale down, it just doesn't happen. I'm not talking about just scaling back on the number of bags I own, but also the number of bags I have in my main bag. 

I swear I have a good reason, though. Travel! With all the traveling I do, I have to carry a big carry-all which fits everything I may need for a day's work. The trouble of switching bags when I'm back and forth is too much so I end up with the same bag for a while. 

And this fabulous blue one has been it this summer. My lovely prized possession for everything. It's become my home away from home. It fits everything! Can't you tell!?! ¡Todo! Demasiado! Too much acclaim, I first showed it off here. 

But I have a method to this madness. It's all organized, you see. 

A black makeup bag featured in this post, holds all of my daily (and short travel trips) makeup. I've wavered from these prods few times. I've edited them down to ensure I have something for any occasion. Glosses are must so I've been hooked on L'Oreal's new 'orange tempo', Artistry Beauty's, one by Smashbox you can't see cuz it's in the bag, a nude one from Aerin's new fall collection and a bright pink crayon by NYC in 'bathroom blush'. What you can't see in the bag are my matte lipsticks. My EL pure envy and Laura Mercier 'caviar.' Those are my go-tos. 

And then mascara (I alternate between L'Oreal's butterfly, Smashbox and Lancome's oscillation) and my two must-have eyeliners by Smashbox (have you tried them!??! Heavenly! especially that French Navy). I'm finally getting used to and love the idea of not leaving home without eye correctors... a long day will do it to you! Shiseido's sheer eye zone corrector is my pal these days. Keeps me looking super vibrant when I'm really yawning inside. 

Lip balm, powder, blush, and a few more lipstick options. It's a lot! 

That black bag is literally splitting at the seams.

But then there's the blue smaller catch-all bag which is for my essentials: floss, hand sanitizer, Neosporin, tweezers, nail polish -- I'm notorious for doing my nails on my way to church and Lancome's grayish color is perfect for any fete -- hand lotion -- loving on that L'Occitane Vitora Regia tube -- and the Les Couvent des Minimis Gardner's Hand Health (I keep that in a real small exterior pocket for quick access). And a super cute fresh breath spray saying 'Hello!' -- you know... garlic fries or lots of espresso will do it to you. My vintage pill box stays there, too, for those pounding headaches that just creep up on me.

I don't move about without that little blue bag. It has spare battery for my iPhone... and cables of course. A charger for the car in case I end up in someone else's ride... that happens a lot, you know. A threading kit is essential (scoop them up at your next hotel stay!) for those wardrobe malfunctions. A sharpie! Who knows what for! And I always carry a simple barrette and two-three sample bottles of Jo Malone perfume. Again, you never where you'll end up! 

Oh, and the tea is just because. I restock after every trip. Some hotels don't have teas in the room and I like drinking a cup before I got to bed. 

Everything else just gets thrown in the bag! The iPad, the iPhone, hair emollient, mini SPF moisturizer (Artistry makes the best travel size everything  I can take anywhere and it actually works. I always carry a journal with me.  I find inspiration in just about anything I see, anyone I talk to, or even during a quiet moment at the stop light. I have to pen my thoughts. They could turn into something big! I just need a fabulous pen to match! Any suggestions? This is my latest journal find and I'm totally in love with it. It's so me. It speaks my mind when I don't have words.

And my latest addition to the big blue bag? A lovely beaded bag I'm using as my wallet... so much more chic than a traditional wallet with lots of slits in it! 

So, that's it! In a nutshell (or not!) that's what's in my bag! 

Okay your turn! What's in your bag? 

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{Beauty Bloom} Best Foundations & Powder

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Coverage

Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer

Lancome Translucence Pressed Powder & Dual Finish Powder 

You see these 6 products here? They give me life! Not every day, but for the days I have to wear makeup and look flawless, these are my go-to friends I love most. There's nothing like being able to create a pretty look that's soft, subtle, and natural. Surely, there have been times when we've all looked way too caked up.

Unless you're my sister who has baby butt skin in her mid-30s, you've looked into foundations, powders, concealers and everything in between to cover up not-so-pretty blemishes, scars, redness, unevenness or anything the environment (and stress) brings us. Even if you have great skin, applying some pressed or loose powder, at minimum, can enhance anyone.

I'm not for wearing foundation every day at all, rather leaving it for TV, photo shoots or really special events, but when I do, I've found a combination of liquid goodness that do that trick.

To start, you'll want something light that offers sunscreen. It's crucial. I fell in love with Laura Mercier's broad spectrum Flawless Tinnted Moisturizer. The tone I went for was so perfectly matched, it literally didn't look like I had anything on. Oh, but I did. It feels great on and doesn't weight your face down. A super thin application of Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer is excellent for a bit of added shimmer and bronzy color without looking like you've been tanning. But it's actually actually great alone if you just want a bit of luminosity, glow, and nothing else.

If I did wear foundation makeup every day, L'Oreal's Truematch is the bomb.com. It's everything you need to perfectly match your skin. The entire Truematch collection really does what it purports, so if you've ever had bad luck lining up makeup with your skin, this is your inexpensive option for department store quality. Seriously.

And, I love Shiseido's Sheer and Perfect Foundation for a super clean, smooth, high-end look. It's quality coverage with great matching ability, too. Next L'Oreal, this is my 2nd go to for more frequent use. It is a bit greasier than the rest but with a good matte powder, you'll be good. Go light, though.

To top it all off, Lancôme's pressed powders are now my new thing. I swore by Clinique's pressed powder (and still use on ocassion), but I truthfully like the lightness and duality of two of their powders. The Translucence is definitely every day use for me.... no foundation, just apply this silky powder with a brush. It mattifies your complexion and completes a lovely fresh, younger looking face. The Dual Finish powder is what you want for a bit more coverage than the translucence version. Still, without looking like a dolled up for a modeling booking, this one gives a super fly complete ultra-matte finish. I don't use the sponges they come with. I've always found powder brushes to create a smoother, not too obvious looks. And more even.

If I didn't have to do 5 different looks, I would have showed you what these look like. But, trust me girlie swirls on this one. I'm a master at finding good makeup that really works. If you're close to my complexion... (example would be Clinique's 'Stay Matte Honey'), these are respective colors from these brands that work well:

Foundations: 

L'Oreal Truematch: N5.5
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: Almond
Shiseido Sheer and Perfect: B60

Powders: 

Lancôme Translucence: 400 Bisque (for winter when I'm a bit more pale)
Lancôme Dual Finish: Matte Honey III (for now and summer when I stay naturally tanned)

So! These are my true finds and recs! What do you use that works lovely for you? Do share!

Will share the best under eye and eye luminizers next! Because, well, our eyes need some love with all the lack of sleep we endure .

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{Holiday Bloom} B So Chic! Gift Guide to 3 Kings Day or Los Reyes Mago

I know, Christmas is still a week away and I'm already talking about 3 Kings Day or Los Reyes Mago, or Biblically known as The Epiphany, the day in which the 3 Wise Men visited and gifted baby Jesus. But it's right around the corner. January 6th.

I grew up celebrating both Christmas and Los Reyes Mago, a day to acknowledge the myrth Christ was gifted. It's the 12th day of Christmas and as such, we celebrate the end of the season. Dec. 25th, the 1st day has always been the big deal, but since we keep the tree up until the 7th, we've always looked forward to another day of opening gifts on the 6th.

Still as an adult, we still gather at my parents house and open gifts! Everyone's back to work, but we enjoy the evening together. It's so much fun! My parents have typically been the ones to gift the children but since I'm pretending to be all grown up, I thought I'd share some gifts, too! I started thinking of some fun things the girls in my fam would like (sorry for the fellas, I'm out of time!) and came up with these.

Unlike my luxe gift guide, these are more affordable, more everyday, and cute tokens of appreciation!  I hope you love the ideas for your family... Stuff some in stockings, wrap others, but give with love. :)

Clockwise.

L'oreal Nail Polish. My favorite every day mascara also makes super pretty and sparkly nail polishes for every single occasion. I'm loving this holiday seasons' 'Hidden Gems' 'Statement Piece', and I like it Chunky' -- it's all always a good time for a nail party! (pictured are last year's holiday colors). $4.99/ea.

Domino Set. Because every real Cuban and Latin Caribbean household has several of these to throw down anytime. But, especially during the holidays. Noche Buena? New Years Eve? Yes, porfavor. CCH Wood Set. $20

Avon has come a super long and laudable way from the days our "Avon Lady" used to knock at our door. Bless her heart, she still does! But now I can order straight online. Love this red color lipstick, with the shimmery lip gloss. And how about the All About Blue bubble eye palette? Love, love it.

Forever Midnight Fragances and Body collection from Bath & Body Works is just too sexy. Pretty dark blue packing holds scents of plum, nectar, vanilla orchid, jasmine and sandalwood which'll attract anyone. The entire collection has lotion, creme, shower gel, eau de parfume, and sparkly mist. I'm lusting the body cream and body mist. $20-$45.

I'm obsessed with bows. Who knew! Saw this leather and subtly studded bow bracelet at Banana Republic and had to have. Comes in several colors. And on sale for 40%!

I'm a professional writer. And I love to read. I studied English Literature in college and since been a fan of English classics. This Jane Austen Seven Novels private release by Barnes and Noble has a lovely leather binding but the novels are what count. Help your fellow reader start their library collection. $20.

'Pacific' kohl eyeliner by Smashbox has the perfect amount of shimmer for an evening look but subtle enough for day. For the girl that likes some color in her life. Stay ons! $20. Sephora or Smashbox.com. Dying to try the to other colors.

Gap has been getting better with their accessories lately! Loving this cute fold over metallic clutch in gun metal and black from the Gap. Fits an iPad mini, small wallet, and lipgloss. All the essentials! $40.

I'm also obsessed with all things owls. If only you saw my collection. It's quite enviable :) I love these cute gold earrings from Target. And for $8, you can avoid those cute crystal eyes! For the owl collector.

Now who does not love Bliss products! Oh my goodness! I look foreword to staying at the W hotel just for their toiletries. If your girlfriends, sister, mom, or aunt love their prods the way I do, then this 'Let it Glow' holiday gift set suits them. Comes with an energizing mask, lip balm, face wash, and an energizing facial cream. It does it all! $75.

TIS THE SEASON AND FELIZ DIA DE LOS REYES! But, first, let's enjoy Christmas and take a look at the luxe guide.

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