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Hi, nice to meet you.
I'm Hallie, a Midwest native, New York City transplant and the mind behind corals + cognacs. If you're looking for an online destination for stylish inspiration and musings on Manhattan living, you've come to the right place.
Here's a bit more about me (and if you'd like to keep in touch, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook).
I hope you enjoy reading corals + cognacs as much as I enjoy writing it.
FAQ //LOCATION: New York, New York •BY WAY OF: The Midwest (Cleveland/Chicago) •HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Attainable, trendy and fun. I’m constantly wearing unexpected pairings – like statement pumps and a graphic tee. •FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? The vintage Gucci clutch I thrifted for $40. •ANY OBSESSIONS? I like my coffee black, my heels high and my martinis dirty. •GUILTY PLEASURES? Complex carbohydrates and shoe shopping -- both in excess. (And SoulCycle, as a result.)
ARE YOU A FULL-TIME BLOGGER? No, I work as a Development Manager and Contributing Editor at Glam.com. •WHY DID YOU START YOUR BLOG? I've spent nearly seven years on the corporate grind, where sartorial humor and an expertly crafted color-block can get lost in the boardroom. As a result, I decided to create a blog -- a space where I’d hoped my writing, styling and excessive shoe collection would be better comprehended. •WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Living stylish and spontaneously in New York City – and beyond. I aim to inspire others to have fun with fashion and to live lightheartedly •HOW’D YOU THINK OF THE NAME? To be honest, the name just came to me. I’m a big color-blocker and a sucker for alliteration in writing. It just fit. •WHAT’S THE CORRECT WAY TO WRITE IT? corals + cognacs.
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT? corals and cone-yaks. •WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE? A Canon T3i with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. •DON’T YOU FEEL WEIRD TAKING PHOTOS OF YOURSELF? Absolutely. Everyone looks at me like I’m insane – especially when it’s cold. Wouldn’t you? •DO YOU WORK WITH ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS? Yep! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk. •HOW ELSE CAN WE KEEP IN TOUCH? On Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
You might have noticed this by now, but I don’t wear a lot of make-up in my outfit posts (and in real life).
That’s due to a few reasons, but mainly, its because I’m lazy.
But even on my barely there make-up days, I still want a little something to even out my skin tone and add some naturally radiant coverage.
The goal, essentially, is to not look like a vampire. (Easier said than done, my friends.)
I tend to have a hard time finishing make-up products, but that’s never been the case with bareMinerals - a brand that I’ve used my entire life.
In fact, their all-over face powder (in warmth) practically defined my high school years.
Who else remembers (or still uses) this stuff? It’s like spring break in powder form.
Although I really wish I’d have taken to YouTube and learned how to contour back then… Yikes!
Anyway, bareMinerals asked me if I’d like to try their new Complexion Rescue foundation, so I happily obliged. I tried bareSkin when it launched in 2014 and loved it, so I was excited to see how Complexion Rescue compared.
Three quick uses and I was hooked, so I knew I had to share it with you.
I know this is a lofty statement, but I mean it: This multi-tasking genius deserves a beauty category all it’s own.
It’s a tinted hydrating gel/cream with skin-loving antioxidants and this good-for-you formula that’s basically mineral-infused water to lock in moisture. So you get buildable coverage and skincare benefits — I also like that it has SPF in it.
Rather than providing coverage to conceal flaws, they strive to improve complexion with ingredients that show your skin serious love.
Since it’s sheer, the color fades a bit, which allows for a more buildable base.
Right now, I’m blending two colors — natural and tan — with bareMinerals’ sleek-looking firm duo-fiber brush (…a phrase that means absolutely nothing to me, but it works and it sounds cool, so let’s go with it).
Here’s where the newfound obsession with Complexion Rescue began:
I went to an event at their SoHo location a few weeks ago, and one of the associates demonstrated just how good for your skin their new product is.
See for yourself:
Crazy, right?
It was both compelling and gross, to be honest; but it worked — I walked out of the store with my skin match (Natural) and started using it right away.
A few weeks later, here we are: I have really dry skin in the winter, so the intense hydration that this stuff provides has been a total game-changer.
In fact, I think it’s actually improved my skin’s texture since I’ve started using it. Part of this, I think, is because even if I don’t have time to thoroughly wash my face before a workout, nasty residue from oily makeup isn’t seeping into my sweaty skin.
Cute visual, I know. You’re welcome!
All-in-all, I really like this stuff — and I’ve been using it every day as my “five-minute face.”
I’ve actually tossed my previously loved foundations, too, so you know it’s serious. (Commitment-phobe in every sense of the word, ya heard?)
In my constant quest to simplify my life, it’s felt good to slowly dwindle my make-up bag to include the bare (ahem) essentials.
Complexion Rescue is available for purchase at Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta, or you can go get your own shade match in-store. (Like I said, I’m using a mix of Tan and Natural at the moment — as illustrated in these outfit photos.)
I don’t use much foundation or skin based makeup but that eye shadow palette has won be over.:D If the snow doesn’t get in the way, def getting it this weekend. Thanks! -alex
I am mixing two shades — I actually like that better! That way I can wean myself off “Natural” and more onto “Tan” for when I actually have sun on my skin : )
Love this post! I have been dying to try out complexion rescue and you just convinced me to do so! Looks perfect for easy makeup days.
xo, Caitlin http://thesolcompass.com
I also haaate base makeup since it always looks cakey and gross and hides my freckles. But it’s also a necessary evil for hiding the copious amounts of undereye concealer I need on a daily basis. I’ll have to look into the Complexion Rescue. Can I ask what the previous foundations you tossed were? Randi with an i
I have been interested in trying this but the winter weather has stopped me from actually stopping to get it. I have the bareSkin one but the freakin container leaks every time I open it and it’s been driving me nuts! My skin has been unusually dry all winter so I’m thinking this is the solution.
All those amazing eyeshadow colours, and you’re sticking with the neutrals? Step it up, girl! I’m absolutely obsessed with makeup lately (probably because I’m not really feeling any of the fashion trends atm). I’d love you see you experiment some more with hair and makeup-it can be so much fun (and very addictive).
I am all about the 5 minute face, LOVE this post!
xoxo
Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
http://poorlittleitgirl.com
I don’t use much foundation or skin based makeup but that eye shadow palette has won be over.:D If the snow doesn’t get in the way, def getting it this weekend. Thanks! -alex
skyscrapers & palm trees
I really want to try this stuff (especially since everyone’s saying how hydrating it is). Next time I go to Sephora!
I use bareMinerals foundation powder since it’s the only thing that doesn’t make me break out like crazy… I think I’ll give this BB cream a try, too!
Elle in Bloom
You always look gorgeous in your posts, you don’t need makeup! I try not to wear makeup everyday just to clear my pores. It really helps!
Okay, that video was slightly terrifying but I am intrigued to say the least…Hopefully they have a shade that matches me
I am mixing two shades — I actually like that better! That way I can wean myself off “Natural” and more onto “Tan” for when I actually have sun on my skin : )
I want to try the new complexion rescue so bad! Have to check it out now!
xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
Great post! I’ll have to give this product a try.
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Love this post! I have been dying to try out complexion rescue and you just convinced me to do so! Looks perfect for easy makeup days.
xo, Caitlin
http://thesolcompass.com
I also haaate base makeup since it always looks cakey and gross and hides my freckles. But it’s also a necessary evil for hiding the copious amounts of undereye concealer I need on a daily basis. I’ll have to look into the Complexion Rescue. Can I ask what the previous foundations you tossed were?
Randi with an i
Yes, just emailed you x
I have been interested in trying this but the winter weather has stopped me from actually stopping to get it. I have the bareSkin one but the freakin container leaks every time I open it and it’s been driving me nuts! My skin has been unusually dry all winter so I’m thinking this is the solution.
xoxo,
Erin
Bmoreindependent.blogspot.com
I have issues with dry skin in the winter, too. I think this will help! Let me know what you think x
All those amazing eyeshadow colours, and you’re sticking with the neutrals? Step it up, girl! I’m absolutely obsessed with makeup lately (probably because I’m not really feeling any of the fashion trends atm). I’d love you see you experiment some more with hair and makeup-it can be so much fun (and very addictive).
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
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