I had a dream the other night that I left these NUDESTIX Gel Colours out on my desk, and a toddler-sized Connor Claire found them and used them to draw all over my office walls.
But like, honestly, I wasn’t even mad at her, because I thought, “Girl, you’ve got good taste! If I were a kid, I’d probably do the same thing. BRAVO.”
These NUDESIX Gel Colours came out a while back (late spring/early summer, I believe) in eight $24 shades.
They may look like standard-issue lip pencils, but naaaah — they’re much more than that. With these you get an uber-moisturizing, long-lasting, easy-to-blend lip balm (my dry lips totes approve) with a shiny gel finish, and they also double as blush.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but lately I’ve been into #thatpencillife (we should try to #trend that, ha!) because, let’s face it, the whole new mom thing… Between the feedings every few hours and the lack of sleep and the laundry and the diaper changes, I’m not left with a boat load of time to put on makeup, so products that come in pencil form are straight-up convenient.
I can grab one and do a swipe-swipe-blend thing, and be done with my lips and cheeks within a minute.
I gotta say, I’m getting pretty good at this quick makeup thing (this coming from a girl who once believed that 30 minutes was the minimum amount of time she needed for “minimal” makeup). Now, honey, I can be done in 10!
It’s just so liberating. 🙂
By the way, the swipe-swipe-blend is crucial here — not swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-swipe-blend. Because these are heavily pigmented, I don’t need much.
Oh, the pencils also come in a reusable black tin with a mirror inside the lid. They also include a sharpener, so you can sharpen on the go, and the products weren’t tested on animals, either, nor do they contain parabens, sulfates or pthalates.
I also love wearing glossy finishes this time of year when it’s hot outside and you’re already sweating a little bit, and your skin is already naturally glistening. Sometimes I feel like matte lips and cheeks can look a little out of place with a dewy face, ya know? These just fit well with a laid back, casual summertime look.
Orange Theory Fitness?
So I got this postcard yesterday for a new gym called Orange Theory Fitness opening in my town.
Have you heard of it? It looks like some kind of group interval training, and the card says that you can burn 500 calories in 60 minutes, which makes my eyes get all big and cray because I’d like to eventually fit back into my pre-Connor pants.
And, ugh, running on the treadmill in my room is just… I’m so not feeling it. I love running, but we moved the treadmill into our bedroom a few months ago because of space, and it faces a wall now, so I can’t really look at anything when I’m on it.
It’s just so freaking boring. I’m curious — have you ever done group interval training or heard of Orange Theory Fitness? I looked them up on Yelp, and they get decent reviews. Inquiring minds want to know.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
All of these look lovely in you Karen! Have a lovely day ahead ?
I love the Posh and the Siren on you!
I haven’t tried orange theory. But I hear you on not liking to see a wall while working out. Fortunately my university rec center has all treadmills and ellipticals facing either a huge 3 storey glass wall or big tvs. I prefer the glass wall.
But another workout I personally loved was the lagree method classes. I tried those for a bit last year. None around me where I am right now but those kicked my ass while really being fun overall. I’m sure you’ll find something close enough to you.
Orange Theory is effective, but it’s not for everybody. It’s a combination of rowing, treadmill and weights, but the “orange theory” part is about having your heart rate in a particular zone. You have to wear a heart rate monitor – which means you have to buy one – and your heart rate and “zone” are listed on a TV in the room along with everyone else’s. It introduces a competition factor that some people find very motivational and some don’t like at all. The instructors are “motivational” – they are supposed to push and encourage you. Depending on the instructor, and on your preferences, this can be helpful or infuriating.
It’s definitely a great workout, and a lot of people really like it. It’s not for me, but you might love it. Most studios offer a free trial class, so there’s no reason not to give it a try.
Lastly – and I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad news – but when (and if) you get back into your pre-baby pants is going to be about 75% genetics and 25% diet and exercise. PLEASE exercise all you want to – it’s really good for your brain and emotional well-being, as well as your body – but try not to get discouraged if the weight doesn’t come right off or if your figure doesn’t bounce back right away.
The colors are really pretty and I love that they are moisturizing!
I need to get back into exercising regularly and I really like Fitness Blender. They’ve got tons of free workouts on their YouTube channel. Cardio, strength, abs, etc. I like having some variety in my workouts and they’ve got tons of videos!
Awesome, thank you Ruchita! Seriously, why did I not think to look on youtube for workouts? Silly me!
I haven’t tried them, but I have tried Group Interval Training and I can highly recommend it. At the moment I am doing Bikini Body Mommy workouts. It is fun and it is only 20 minutes a day. Very effective and free on You Tube if you want to see for yourself.
Thank you! I’ll check ’em out. 🙂
I have these too, and I agree they’re very summer-friendly, but sadly when I was applying it, the tip of one shade just came off. So sad 🙁
Put your pencil in the fridge. That should help!
I have colleagues who love Orange Theory, but pretty sure I’d hate it. The intense focus on calories and competing with your classmates reminds me too much of behavior from when I struggled with anorexia. I also have a heart condition, so the method wouldn’t really accurately measure my exertion.
Love these pencils! I also love the tins that Nudestix items come in.
If you have a tablet, there’s all sorts of temp wall mounts that allow you to put it up for exercising but then take it down and with you when you’re done. It’s big in colleges now instead of buying a separate TV.
That’s a great idea, Ami. I use my phone right now to watch videos and eh, it’s OK. Maybe if I got a bigger screen and something to attach it to the treadmill it would be easier.
I used to bring a postcard of a beautiful mountain scene with me to row at the university. Instead of staring at the boring monitor, I’d tape the scene over it and think about hiking trips! outside fresh air is great. But if that’s not practical, maybe a YouTube treadmill workout on the wall, or a scrolling list of words in a foreign language you’ve always wanted to learn, or…?!?!
Love these pencil stix. The two lighter ones really are lovely, and the formula looks smooth.
Wicked and Siren (I almost typed Sinner by mistake – HAHA!) look fantastic on you. I’ve never heard of Orange Theory but we’re in the sticks, as you know, so it’s not surprising. 🙂 Seems like it would be fun and motivational. I think pushing oneself is the hardest thing for most people. If you’re competitive, I’ll bet you’d like it!
WICKED IS GOOD 😛