Mother's Day Gift Guide

Now that I'm actually a mom, I feel even more qualified to put together a Mother's Day gift guide. Four months in, I'm still in the early stages, and the adjustment has been exhausting, exciting and full of growth and realizations. All this growing and realizing and being tired in such a short period of time has made me really think about how I want to be treated on my first Mother's Day.

In addition to needing something that make me feel pretty or just helps me unwind, I think I would also appreciate something to make life a little easier amidst all the chaos. And I'm sure that's the general consensus among all moms at any stage of motherhood. Based on this, here are a few gift ideas to help your treat your mom, wife, aunt, friend - just any deserving mom this Sunday. This is basically my Mother's Day wish list.

1. For the multicultural mom, or the mom who just wants to wear the title with pride in any language. | Riley & Co Madre Tee, $35

2. For the new mom, adjusting to new mom life and routines while a million and one other things are going on around her. | Cleaning services from Handy, $100

3. For the mom who likes to un(wine)d. | New York Times Wine Club, $49.99 - $180.00

4. For the mom who cares as much about what she puts on her skin as she does for her own children. | Olive & M Face Oil, $65

5. For the self-indulgent mom, and she deserves to be. | Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Scrub, $50

6. For the mom with too many things to carry. | Madewell Transport Tote, $168

7. For the mom with the great hair, despite the fact that her baby's sticky hands are always in it. | Mason Pearson Brush, $105 - $150

8. For a mom who cherishes her Zzz's. | Aromatherapy Associates Silk Relax Eye Mask, $80

9. For the hostess mom, who knows scent makes her home that much more inviting. | Jonathan Adler Champagne Pop Candle, $42

10. For the glamorous mom. | NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio, $28

Shopping Online for Baby

Oliver in June & January. Photos by Happy Alpaca Photography.

While babies are cute all on their own, as a new mom who over consumes social media, it's difficult not to get swept away by all the beautiful baby apparel, accessories and gear the online world has to offer. And when dropping things into a cart is so simple, it could get dangerous. More often than not, I find myself checking my bank accounts and resorting to making responsible decisions - goodbye, hand-knit, eighty-eight dollar, organic cotton woodland creature hats - and buying Oliver things he needs (my definition of "needs" differs from day to day), items on sale, and bookmarking those dream acquisitions for a very special occasion. In my three and a half months as a mom, these are some of the online stores and brands I've discovered and fallen in love with, affordable or not.

June and January | $5 - $30
Affordable, but still cool enough for Kourtney Kardashian's kids. J&J sells simple clothes and accessories in bright colors and super soft fabrics.

Oeuf | $20 - $2,000
Oeuf is apparently French for egg. Most of these items definitely end up on the "dream acquisitions" list. Eco-friendly furniture, decor, bedding and knit clothing including animal hoodies and accessories, that are basically straight out of a storybook.

Rags to Raches | $25 – $50
This girl was just on Shark Tank and her rompers are fun, have a little bit of an edge and look super soft. I bookmarked this site. 

Hazel Village | $10 – $50
Hand-made organic stuffed toys with hand-stitched features, and organic apparel. These make great baby shower gifts and keepsakes for years to come.

Tea Collection | $20 = $150
Clothing inspired by all parts of the globe, Tea Collection’s signature prints and patterns are adorable mixed and matched. And they have a buy-one-give-one initiative with several of their items.

Diapers.com | All price ranges
I love this site for everything from clothing to must-haves like strollers and car seats. They have tons of clothing brands and designers from the affordable to the not-so-affordable-but-necessary and consistently have great deals and promotions. 

Zara | $10 - $60 
Technically a physical store, but you can just shop online. It's much easier and babies look great in anything without fit being a concern. Zara has the sweetest baby and kids clothes. Everything is super classic, and almost adult like, but in the way that you would want your babies to look like little grown-ups. 

How I Survived the Newborn Phase as a Beauty Addict

I had a baby. He's now three months old and it's been too long since I've been on the blog. First, here is Oliver Francisco Figueroa in his meaty sweetness.

Alright. I knew it wouldn't be easy to navigate the newborn phase, in so many ways. But particularly in terms of beauty and self-care, I was worried. I heard many horror stories. Moms said I would find no time to shower, no time to care for myself, and no desire to wear nice clothing because it would just end up covered in baby vomit. A few even said I would have no time to brush my teeth. That just seemed like crazy talk. Guys, I brushed my teeth. Often. Still, I feared for my sanity.

So, I set some goals for myself: Shower daily, make time for manicures, make skincare a priority. These goals were not always easy to meet, but I have done my best and managed to feel relatively undisgusting. Here's what has happened:

• I showered! Every. Single. Day. Take that, all you moms who tried to scare me. Still, this was a challenge some days. I managed to bathe, more often than not, the second Oliver went down for his first nap of the day, and many times in under five minutes. Should I have been doing laundry? Dishes? Cleaning up? Maybe. All that got done, too. Sort of. But I bathed, and if I had not, I know it would have led to some (more) serious post-baby blues. 
• I made time for at-home manicures. Again, usually these got done with seconds to spare before Oliver woke up from his naps. But I made it happen, and the entire time I was on maternity leave (and even now after having gone back to work), I only went one week without polish on my nails. But I quickly got my shit together. The Essie Gel Setter top coat was a crucial part of all those manicures. It dries quickly, and stands up to diaper changes, bottle washing, baby baths, mountains of baby laundry and everything else that comes with the territory.
• Because I spent so much time at home with a sleeping baby, my skin was on its best behavior. Still, I washed my face daily, applied moisturizer for day and night and masked at least once every two weeks. That's not as often as I would like, but I like to think I'll do it more regularly once I really get the hang of the mom routine. 
• I mastered an express makeup routine. With a baby that ate every 1.5 to 2 hours for more than two months, every activity in my life got an express version. I mastered quick makeup for outings, and for now that I am back at work, which includes some kind of tinted moisturizer or CC cream, blush, gel eyeliner, mascara and bronzer to contour and as eyeshadow for depth. On occasion, I'll add concealer and fill in my eyebrows. 
• The best thing I could have done for myself, especially now that I'm a mom, is having trained my hair to go days without shampooing. I wash every four to five days, and give myself blowouts (thank you, infant naps) that go the distance. My two best friends are currently my silk pillowcase and dry shampoo.
• To help keep my usual beauty-focused mind set right into motherhood, before Oliver even arrived, I packed my hospital bag with Kevin Murphy hair products and my most luxe skincare to treat myself after going through what ended up being a pretty long labor. I even gave myself a much-needed blowout right in my post-delivery room.  

This isn't to say that everything went smoothly. I repeat: I had. A baby. Here are a few things that didn't go well.

• I gained weight. Of course, right? Contouring is more important than ever. 
• I look tired. My first day back at work, someone told me I looked refreshed. And honestly, thus far Oliver has been a decent sleeper, so I get my rest. But exhaustion from not being able to physically stop has taken over and it shows. 
• My eyebrows suffered. In the beginning, I was scared to leave the baby for more than 30 minutes, so I ignored any part of my regimen that I could not do myself in my home. And tweezing is just not for me. I started threading my eyebrows regularly again a few weeks into having a baby. But even to this day, I haven't quite gotten a regular schedule for this. 
• I need a haircut. My hair grew a lot, and I'm not sure why. I continued taking prenatal vitamins, but for whatever reason, after having my baby my hair grew much faster than before. My ends are dry and split, my hair has no shape or body. I'm making an appointment soon. 
• I can no longer do smoked-out, winged eyeliner on myself. Or pay attention to any other details like this for the matter. There's just less time.
• I ignored the blog. That's just a (sad) given. But here I am.

Frankly, the changes were far less shocking than I expected. And I'm okay with them. Having express routines means I can spend more time with my son which ultimately makes me happiest. And isn't happiness beautiful? That, and not being able to mask every tiny flaw is making me much more comfortable with myself, even though I'm the heaviest I've ever been and I'm the face of exhaustion. I'm also trying to making something good out of this. With my new routine and approach, I will be focusing on products that simplify my life and regimen, giving me more time to enjoy with Oliver. More to come. 

Favorite Reds of 2015

There's really no better time to talk about red lipstick than the holidays, when all anyone really wants to do is wear reds. I tested my share this year and am bringing a recap of the highlights. These are the shades that brightened my days, brightened my complexion and made me smile real, real big.

1. Tom Ford Lipstick in Ruby Rush, $52

This one absolutely tops my list. After accidentally purchasing, not realizing how much this cost, I came to understand that it was worth every cent. Easily the best red I've ever worn (it better be, for that price), from the shade to the formula, to the wear time. And that packaging, of course.

2. Lipstick Queen Cupid's Bow Lip Pencil in Desire, $22

A more affordable option than Tom Ford's, but with just as much pigmentation. This shade is just the right amount neon red, with a matte look, but no dry matte finish...this just glides on. And if you look closely enough, there's even a tiny hint of sparkle.

3. Laura Mercier's Velour Lovers Lip Colour in Mon Cheri, $28

This one is super moisturizing with mango butter, that moisturizes lips for hours. With a hint of coral, this bright red is awesome for brightening olive complexions.

4. Trestique's Matte Color and Shiny Balm in Chile Red, $28

New-to-the-scene Trestique's Chile Red lasts forever, has a creamy matte finish and can be topped off with the Sangiovese BB Lip Balm on the other end of the pencil.

Beauty Glutton in La Revista Mujer

Earlier this month, regional magazine La Revista Mujer released its fifth issue: Mujer Invierno (or Winter Edition). I had the opportunity to collaborate with their team and contributed a write-up on some of my favorite pregnancy beauty products.

If you haven't heard of La Revista Mujer, it distributes in Austin, San Antonio and McAllen, is written exclusively in Spanish and celebrates women in the region who have inspiring stories to tell. I recommend you pick up a copy, not just to read my write-up, of course, but for their great content on local and regional arts, food, style and travel and culture. I also suggest following them on Instagram for tons of beautiful content on events, emerging designers, beauty companies, restaurants - you name it - in the region.

In Austin you can pick up a copy at Whole Foods (Domain, Downtown and William Canon locations), Central Market South and Book People. Or you can visit their website to read the magazine online. You can find me on page 30. 

And because it's entirely in Spanish, for the non-Spanish readers, here's the translated English version. 

CONTRIBUTORS

Samantha Figueroa

Samantha grew up in Laredo, where her mother taught her the importance of always looking her best, regardless of the occasion. She gained a profound respect for women who, like her mother, made the effort to put their best faces forward. And most importantly, she learned that this effort creates something important - self-appreciation. After religiously practicing what she learned from her mom, with her collection of lip colors and her own self-appreciation, Samantha left Laredo for Austin. There she studied advertising at the University of Texas and then later began a career in public relations and communications. 

While working for fashion designer Pamella Roland, Samantha experienced the beauty magic that happens backstage at New York Fashion Week, where she realized that beauty was so much more than just a hobby. This compelled her to launch Beauty Glutton, her personal beauty blog where she publishes beauty content, including topics around makeup and skincare. Currently, Samantha develops social media strategies at the Austin-based multiculutural advertising agency, Latinworks. She's also the Contributing Beauty Editor for The LV Guide, the website for New York-based style expert, Lilliana Vazquez. 

When she's not developing social media strategies, testing and reviewing beauty products or writing about them, you'll likely find her enjoying her husband Andres's amazing cooking, playing with her dog Pablo or getting ready to be a mom. Samantha and Andres are expecting their first baby at the end of the month. 

A BEAUTIFUL PREGNANCY7 Beauty Products for the Mama-to-Be

With a first pregnancy you'll probably have enough questions and surprises to drive you insane. And while beauty can be something difficult to navigate during such a chaotic time, it doesn't have to be something impossible to achieve. From dry skin, to finding high quality organic makeup, to surprise!...pregnancy acne...there are solutions. And, of course, for you and your baby's utmost care, it's recommended you consult with your doctor before introducing any new products into your beauty and skincare regimen.

Mama Mio's Tummy Rub Butter

There's a reason Kim Kardashian practically bathes in this stuff. I started to use it at the first sign of a stretch mark and have been able to avoid new ones. It doesn't go on greasy, is super hydrating and has an incredible, delicate scent.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
For some time, doctors have recommended CeraVe's gentle skincare products to patients with sensitive skin, as well as expecting mothers. This cleanser was a lifesaver during my first trimester when my skin refused to cooperate and has helped me maintain clean, supple skin throughout the rest of my pregnancy.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
With its light coverage that looks more like your own skin than makeup, this tinted gel is ideal for daily use during and after your pregnancy. The formula is very hydrating, and has a dewy finish that only augments your natural glow.

Tata Harper's Repairative Moisturizer
This entire line of non-toxic, natural products can be used throughout pregnancy. This moisturizer has become my go-to face moisturizer, especially for cooler days because it's so hydrating. Your skin will drink it right up.

Ginger + Liz Colour Collection
When you're working on a healthier beauty regimen during pregnancy, it's important not to forget the small details. Ginger + Liz has an entire line of vegan, non-toxic nail colors in sheer creamy, saturated, vibrant and metallic shades.

W3LL People's Narcissist Foundation Stick
Finding a green foundation that gives the same results and coverage as prestige brands is difficult.

The Narcissist Foundation from this organic line gives flawless coverage and a soft-focus finish that makes it look like you're not even wearing makeup. 

EOS Lip Balms

Dry skin is very common during pregnancy. And if you're pregnant during winter, that means you'll be reaching for the lip balm very frequently. EOS lip balms, in addition to being practical, deliciously smooth and let's be honest - cute - they are also formulated with organic ingredients that make them pregnancy-safe.

Photoshoot Makeup Tips

I have done quite a bit of makeup for photoshoots, whether maternity or family, for friends or for myself, as with my recent maternity shoot with Happy Alpaca Photography. With the holidays upon us and because I often receive questions on tips for on-camera makeup, I wanted to compile a list of things I do  and recommend when having photos taken.

Mrs. Happy Alpaca herself, on the left during a family photoshoot, and on the right, when she was expecting that cute little fella in the photo on the left. I did her makeup for both of these. 

1. Prep and Clean Skin:
Begin days before, making sure to get enough water. Your skin will look brighter, smoother and you'll look fresh-faced and healthy in your final shots.

If you're a spa-facial kind of lady, schedule one for 2-3 days before your photos to target key concerns. An at-home facial can also do wonders. The day before your shoot, do a deep cleanse, and exfoliate. Currently I'm hooked on Goldfadden MD's Doctor's Scrub, which leaves my skin super hydrated (thanks to the hyaluronic acid), bright and baby soft. Finish your at-home treatment with a mask specific to your needs. Suggestions below:

• Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, for an overall skin detox
• Hada Labo Ultimate Ant-Aging Facial Mask, for a hydration boost 
• Glam Glow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment, it's a complete facial in a jar
• First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask, for cleaning pores and fighting blemishes 
• Honey and brown sugar, a simple homemade mask to help soothe redness 

2. Moisturize and Prime:

Moisturize before applying any products to have a good foundation to work on. Stick with daytime formulas to avoid looking too shiny. Before applying foundation, use a primer on your skin, focusing on areas where your pores may appear larger. Hourglass's Mineral Veil is the smoothest finish I've found so far. 

3. Lighting:

Do your makeup in natural daylight or bright lighting. Odds are you'll be having photos done in some natural light, so you want to know exactly how much makeup you need to highlight your features without looking harsh.

4. Tools:

Apply foundation with a good foundation or stippling brush, or a BeautyBlender for liquid foundation for a soft focus finish. Brushes I like include Sigma's 3D HD Kabuki Brush and Sephora's Pro Stippling Brush #44. Sometimes I'll even spritz my brush with clean water for an extra hydration boost and smoother application.  Get a soft, natural look on your eyes using a blending brush like MAC's 224 Tapered Blending Brush. Make sure whatever blending brush you use for your eyes has long, fluffier bristles. 

5. Flawless Complexion:

Achieve a flawless complexion in photos by sticking with semi-matte or matte foundations, and avoiding shimmer. While great for evenings and parties, shimmers or highlighters can bring out imperfections in the skin, and with light from flash or the sun, they will be even more prominent due to harshly cast shadows. 

If you love highlighter as much as I do, reserve it for the inner corners of eyes to brighten and look more awake. You can also subtly highlight the highest point on your cheekbones, right under the outer corners of your eyes. 

6. Contour:

Because bright lighting can wash you out, you will want to contour to add depth and definition to your features. To avoid a harsh contour, apply a matte powder bronzer that's taupe or brown and not too orange, with a stippling brush, blending well. One of my favorites is the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. Avoid contour creams as these can be disastrous if not blended well. 

7. Add Healthy Color: 

Blush will look great on camera and will also keep you from looking washed out. Apply a matte blush in coral or soft pink, like Urban Decay's Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Indecent, to your cheeks by smiling and blending upwards from the apple towards your temples.

8. Define Your Eyes: 

In addition to defining your eyes with neutral shadows, brighten them by adding a solid liquid or gel line on your top lash line, false lashes if you can manage to get those on and two coats of mascara. Define the lower lash line more subtly either with eyeshadow or a soft brown eyeliner. Drawing attention upwards will make you appear fresh and awake, which is perfect for early morning shoots.

9. Keep Hydrated:

If your shoot is scheduled for a warm morning or afternoon, stay hydrated throughout. If you're not properly hydrated, you're more likely to sweat and risk runny makeup or a shiny face. Consider a cooling mist like Caudalie's Grape Water Spray, which will keep your skin fresh while helping you avoid overheating. 

10. Set Your Makeup: 

For  a longer photo shoot, set your look with a setting spray like NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray. You'll be at ease knowing everything is in its place. 

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

I am a firm believer that the gift of beauty is always appreciated, no matter the level of the giftee's beauty affinity. There are dozens of products and gifts out there for everyone from the minimalist to the simply obsessed, and nothing makes any woman (or man) feel better than when they invest a little time in themselves and indulge. These are some of my favorite gifts for the 2015 holiday season.

1. Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer, $18
For the lady who pays attention to every detail. This 5-free formula, created by the woman who launched Hard Candy, has picked up quite a following for its color options, flawless coverage and unbeatable shine.

2. Lisa Eldridge's Face Paint Book, $19
For the girl that loves the makeup...all the makeup. Its entire history in these beautiful pages put together by legendary makeup artist Lisa Eldridge. Covers history's most iconic looks and products, is perfect to curl up with on a rainy day or as part of a coffee table vignette.

3. Tom Ford Lips & Boys, $35
For the woman who appreciates the finer things in life. Nobody makes lipstick like Tom Ford, and he just added new boys to his Lips & Boys collection, so finding a match for anyone should be easy.

4. Rocksbox Gift Subscription, $49 - $149
For the girl who finishes off any beauty look with the perfect pair of earrings. Give her a three-month, six-month of year-long membership to this jewelry subscription service. And you can get a month free with my code: socialstylatexoxo.

5. BKR Water Bottle, $28 - $45
For the lady with the "from-within" beauty approach. Yes, it's a $42 water bottle, but that's what makes it perfect for gifting. It's sold as a beauty product that encourages you to stay properly hydrated. All that in a beautiful BPA and phthalate-free glass water bottle that is more an accessory than a practicality.

6. Anthropologie Geo Soap Rocks, $12
For any girl on your list, because who doesn't love fancy soap? And these illuminate under water. With formulas like milk and honey, green apple and tea rose, actually using them is wonderful, but they are just as great displayed in a glass canister for admiring.

7. MIA Fit, $189
For the always on-the-go gal (or guy). The new addition to the Clarisonic family is more compact than the Mia and Mia 2, perfect for travel, and has 60 and 80-second cleansing settings with a velvety soft brush head. This one is way at the top of my wish list.

8. Sugar Paper 2016 Planner, $7.99
For the lady with dozens of beauty (and other) appointments. This Sugar Paper pocket planner is perfect for filling up with with mani/pedis, facials, haircuts and other beauty appointments and fits right in your purse or pocket. Who needs iPhone reminders with a planner this pretty?

9. Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm, $22
For the "green" beauty. This new balm from Swedish-American Henné Organics is, as the name suggests, super luxurious, moisturizes for hours, and is just good for you.

10. Nugg Beauty Face Masks, $3.29
For the girl that loves to travel. I've talked about these quite a bit. They're great as stocking stuffers, and you can mix and match for customized skincare.

11. Laggo LA SOHO Clutch, $210
For the effortless lady who knows less is more. A year-round clutch that's just the right size for beauty essentials, really high quality and some unexpected but super versatile color combos.

12. Birchbox Gift Subscription, $30 - $110
For the lady just beginning to dabble in beauty. Choose an exclusive starter box and a subscription to give her three months, six months or an entire year of custom, curated beauty discoveries.