Beauty Chat with Rebecca of Better Life Bags

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This time around

Rebecca and I met at a blog conference back in 2013 and within about an hour of getting to know her I became pretty disappointed that she lives in Michigan. Not because I hate Michigan or anything like that, but simply: it’s far away from North Carolina, and I knew I wouldn’t get to see her much.

She has the kindest spirit aand not only is she doing something great with her business, but she’s a hard worker, good friend, and mom. Two of her kids are about the same distance as what David and the baby will be, so I’m sure I’ll be texting her like a maniac come February and be like, “HAAAAALLPP!”

Anyway, she also recently celebrated Better Life Bags‘ 5 year anniversary!

Anyway, so Rebecca would fully admit she’s not really “into” makeup. In fact, she pretty much hates going into makeup stores because she doesn’t know where to start. So if you fall into that camp, you’ll enjoy this interview!

Rebecca3

 

1. What is the most loved item in your makeup bag?

I’ve really been loving my Benefit High Beam highlighter lately. I went for awhile without using it, but started again recently and I really feel like it makes a huge difference in how my makeup looks!

2. You find a $50 gift card to Sephora on the street, what do you buy?

So I’ve never actually BEEN to Sephora. I’m loyal to ULTA and you can ask Kate about my fears of the MAC makeup counter (I’m working on it). So I’d probably walk in with two other friends who knew how to navigate Sephora and would buy that color changing lipstick from Dior.

Good choice, young grasshopper.

3. What is your go to hairstyle?

Messy top bun. I’m a mom of three and run a fashion company — I’m SO glad messy top buns are considered a “style”.

4. What is your biggest hair regret?

Anytime I cut my hair above my shoulders. It’s really thick and naturally curly, but I desperately wanted Reese Witherspoon’s hair in Sweet Home Alabama. It was horrible.

Okay I also desperately wanted that hair. What girl didn’t?

5. Is there a beauty trend you would like to see die?

Maybe everyone here will hate me for saying this, but I don’t really like Jamberry Nails.

I have to agree with you on that one as well. I’m more of a classic nail polish kind of gal myself.

6. Is there one makeup trick you would like to master?

Filling in my eyebrows. Oooooohhhhh my eyebrows. I have no idea what to do with them. And they are so light! Plus I have some deep hurts from years ago about someone behind a makeup counter calling me out on penciling my eyebrows in. See where my fear of makeup counters comes in?

7. Do you prefer drugstore or high end products?

I like a mix of both. I choose drugstore mascara and eyeliner, but go for high end foundation, concealer and blush.

8. What do you never leave the house without?

My iPhone. Do people have different answers for this question?

9. Do you have a favorite skin care product?

This may not technically fall under skin care, but the Bobbi Brown Corrector is a must-have for me. And that Dior color changing lipstick (if I had it).

10. Is there a hair technique you would like to master?

I’d love to find a style that is really me. And go to the salon on a more regular basis. And actually FIND a hairstylist that I really love. Anyone have one in the Detroit area that they love?

 

Thanks so much for the interview Rebecca! I’m also glad you’ve decided to confess your fear of makeup counters to the world, but I also now understand why you have that fear!

My new mission in life is to get you into a Sephora.

Stat.

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Shannon says · 08.08.14

How fun that you’ve met good friends through blogging. I’m brand new at blogging, and hope I do the same.:-) What a fun interview…I’ve never even heard of that Dior lipstick (what does that say bout me???) so you can be assured the next time I walk in Sephora I’ll be testing it. xoShannon

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Kay says · 08.08.14

Hi Rebecca,

I’m not really sure exactly what area you live in, but I would really recommend Brooke from One Salon in Novi 🙂

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Jill says · 08.08.14

Yes! One salon in Novi. Heather is amazing too

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Rebecca Smith says · 08.08.14

Wow! Two recommendations for this salon – might have to try it out! Thanks ladies!

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Pennie says · 08.08.14

I would recommend Antoinette at Hair Design in Westland. I recently moved to Wisconsin and have made her party of my trip when visiting.

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Rebecca says · 08.08.14

I loved meeting Rebecca at Influence last year and I was even more excited that she lived in Michigan because I’m a fellow Michigander 🙂 I highly recommend Esther Tolnai at Lamia Lamia in Grosse Pointe. She’s fab! And she has thick curly hair so she knows how to cut it 🙂

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Rebecca Smith says · 08.08.14

I loved meeting you, too! We need to get together!

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J says · 08.08.14

Not technically in detroit, but if you’re willing to travel, I love Deb Hendricks @annekes in Ann Arbor.

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Suzanna says · 08.08.14

Curl Up & Dye in Detroit! Such an awesome salon!

I also hate Jamberry nails. If a product needs that many application tips and tricks, the company needs to do better R&D. You have to waste so much product in order to learn how to apply them properly, it’s a bit ridiculous. I was suckered into buying them and I thought I’d like them because I love the Sally Hansen nail polish strips. Nope. They’re terrible and I’ll never buy them again.

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Liz Robitaille says · 11.27.14

I’m sorry you didn’t like Jmaberry. Unfortunately everybody’s nails are different and there isn’t a “one size fits all” application. Depending on nail size, shape and even if you have faux nails, these are all things to take into consideration when finding your application that works. Let me know if you ever feel like trying them again. I would love to earn your business.

Thank you, Liz Robitaille
[email protected]

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Liz Robitaille says · 11.27.14

Oops! Typing on my phone! “Jamberry”

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adriele {StyleAssisted.com} says · 08.08.14

Haha, now I really want to get that Dior lipstick!

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Kerri @ HollyMuffin says · 08.08.14

I am LOVING this post series. I feel like I take something away from every interview. This one in particular just made me want to reconsider my high-beam! Thanks for sharing, Kate!

P.s. I would really love your take on how to apply high beam & the other benefit tints. I find them so tricky.

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Danielle says · 08.08.14

Oooh, now I’m intrigued about that Dior lippie!

Unrelated to the post, but I just have to tell you that FINALLY, after years of following your blog and watching your tutorials, I got myself some Aquage Uplifting Foam last night (insert hallelujah chorus)!!! I have thin, babyyy fine, limp, lifeless hair and I truly could not believe the LIFT I had when I looked in the mirror the first time after blow drying upside down. I also love that it gives my hair some texture for styling. This product has way exceeded my expectations and I am absolutely thrilled. Thanks, Kate, for repeatedly singing its praises! 🙂

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Kate says · 08.08.14

YAY! love this!

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Lauren says · 08.08.14

I really enjoyed this post! Thanks Kate and Rebecca…
Have a blessed weekend, TGIF!

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Lisa Ninchritz says · 08.08.14

My neighbors brother owns Alex Emilio salon in Detroit. High end salon with fabulous stylists. Amazing styles comes out of that salon. I’m dying for him to come to Florida to do my hair.

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Allison says · 08.08.14

She’s so cute! I love the idea of doing this with other bloggers. Thanks for sharing!
xoxo Allison
http://allisons-eye.com/

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Melissa says · 08.08.14

You’re not alone, I don’t like Jamberry Nails either. They look like stickers to me. And I don’t like that you have to rough up the nail to apply them. My nails do NOT like being roughed up. They split and peel like crazy. So I don’t even go get manicures. I just do my nails at home.

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Lauren says · 08.13.14

I just want to say – you don’t need to rough up your nails!!! 🙂 I’m a Jamberry Consultant and I’ve never ever ever ONCE roughed up my nails to wear them.

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Liz Robitaille says · 11.27.14

Melissa, my nails are very brittle too! Jamberry is the only product I’ve found that actually protects my nails. Unlike polish that is a hard paint that will break and shatter if impacted, Jamberry wraps are a vinyl cover that acts like an additional layer over your nails and even absorbs the day to day impact nails receive. You do need to rough your nails, only use a cuticle pushed to push your cuticles down, apply alcohol or acetone to remove oils from your nailbed before applying. That’s it. Some people have chosen to use a fine grit buffing block to buff the nail beds before applying but it’s not a necessary step. Everybody’s nails are different. Also Jamberry sells lacquers that are cruelty free and do not contain the formaldehyde and other terrible ingredients that other polishes contain. I am a Jamberry consultant and I invite you to try a free sample so I can try to change your opinion. What have you got to lose?
Sincerely, Liz Robitaille
[email protected]

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Greer says · 08.08.14

Besides all of your beauty tips and recommendations, I find your humor to spot on. Your writing style is perfect! 🙂 Most everything I read of yours, I find myself laughing at something you’ve written.

Thanks for that. Happy Friday!

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Lisa says · 08.08.14

Totally agree with this! HAAAALLLLLPPPP!!!!! LOL

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Rebecca Smith says · 08.08.14

Isn’t she the BEST? 🙂

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Lindsay says · 08.08.14

Loved the comment about Reese Witherspoon’s hair in Sweet Home Alabama. I’ve had my hair cut short twice after watching that movie! Luckily my mom is a hairstylist and the price is right.

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Sarah says · 08.08.14

I also wanted her hair && surprisingly got a good approximation of it!

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Sarah says · 08.08.14

I’ve been going to see Kristen at Ashka Salon in Canton MI for years & love her! Probably like 8 years or so now. I used to change my hair constantly (cut/color/anything!) & she was great at it all!

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Mandy Swink says · 08.08.14

Aaahhh! I was JUST ABOUT to purchase some Jamberry Nails from an online party. I have never tried them and they looked interesting. So glad I read this post and all of the comments! I’ll just stick to my nail polish. Thanks so much!!

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Liz Robitaille says · 11.27.14

I understand that you value Kate’s opinion on the products she recommends. I follow her too! But please don’t rush to change judgement on a product you’ve thought was previously interesting. I invite you to at least try the product free of charge. I am a Jamberry consultant and would like to earn your business if you would let me.

Thank you, Liz Robitaille
[email protected]

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Jessica says · 08.08.14

Well, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first Jamberry splurge. So I guess we shall see, LOL!

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Alicia M says · 08.08.14

Love the interview! I have to get you into a Sephora AND check out this Dior lipstick!

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Rebecca Smith says · 08.08.14

Thanks Alicia! I suppose we should both thank Kate for introducing us to Bobbi Brown color corrector, right? I still remember how fun that was to go get it with you and Linda!

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Jane says · 08.08.14

As with others who have responded…I’m not sure where you live’ but I would highly recommend Luminosity Salon on Michigan Ave in Saline. I see Bridget and she is fabulous…as is my eyebrow girl- Amanda! She will change your life! I have a lot of friends and coworkers who go to Luminosity and love their stylists and have great experiences. Good luck!

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KARA says · 08.08.14

Ha I had the same brow issues I’m very fair – I do recomend tinting also its life changing or it was for me coming out the ocean with brows still in place lol
Great post
Hi from London x

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Kristin S says · 08.08.14

Kate, I “popped in” to Sephora last weekend and left a bit more poor than I began. That store. I went for eyeliner! Which, I grabbed a Sephora brand liner because my favorite Mally one has been discontinued. Love it.
I digress. As a last minute grab, I got that Caudalie spray elixer stuff. I want it in gallon size. It will sit at my desk at work and refresh my day. Right now it’s in my purse and yesterday after a marathon IKEA trip and loading my car in NC humidity, I was a sweaty mess and my now shorter hair was stuck to my neck and my makeup melting and and and YUCK! I cranked the a/c in my car and sprayed that wonderfulness on my face. Ahhhh… It’s wonderful.
Today, out to lunch with a friend. I made her spray it on her face. Now she’s hooked. They should pay you.

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Brandi says · 08.08.14

LOVE the new q&a! Just wondering if you are still doing birchbox reviews?

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Courtney says · 08.08.14

I get my hair done by Tori at Shades Above salon in Waterford. She does a great job (and it doesn’t break the bank!)!!

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Jen says · 08.09.14

Definitely agree on Jamberry. I LOVE the concept and the patterns. I am really glad I hesitated and only bought one set instead of the buy 4 deal. They are a huge pain to apply- mine took almost an hour and were super wrinkled. I peeled them off the next day.

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Liz Robitaille says · 11.27.14

Hi, obviously I’m a Jamberry consultant. And I want to help if you would give it another chance. Everybody’s nails are different and different applications work better depending on you nail shape. Initially they do take about an hour because you’re reading instructions and unsure of which nail size you use. That all takes a couple of times to get your stride. I’m sure when we first started with traditional polish we weren’t fast or accurate. I know I wasnt and even as an adult have trouble with polish. I invite you try again with a free sample. I can work with you to find the right application for your nails so that they do not wrinkle or bubble.
Sincerely, Liz Robitaille
[email protected]

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Heather says · 08.09.14

I TOO am terrified of the MAC counter. I know their products are amazing (because I’ve read about how amazing they are) but cannot bring myself to approach the glossy, glamorous, colorful counter. One day I’ll make the long walk with a seasoned friend.

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Tomas says · 08.10.14

An addiction to sports gambling is rather similar
to any other kind of addiction as the addiction begins to take charge and control your life.

Women have not only a truly self-serving
media center stage, they have the very real legal framework to spearhead and catch their agenda.
For cash games, you should always sit down at the table with at least 20-25 buy-ins for the level you intend to play at.

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Katy Krueger says · 08.10.14

Rebecca, I go to Frank Lamia Salon in Grosse Pointe Woods. It’s a small cozy salon, and the service is excellent. There are two stylists – Frank and a gal named Andrea, who I go to. Franks wife Patty is the receptionist and very friendly and helpful. I don’t know much about the pricing, I only get a cut and blow dry, and that’s $45. They don’t accept tips (I give her a Christmas gift). Highly recommend!

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European Hair System says · 08.11.14

Good Interviewer. Happiness shows on your blog post.

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Theresa @ AMomInTheMaking says · 08.11.14

Rebecca,

First I am not really into make-up either… so I super appreciated your thoughts 🙂 (Thank you Kate for interviewing her!!)

Second that is incredible that you’re from MI 🙂 Huge score for me 🙂 When you asked for a hairdresser in the Detroit area my first thought was my mom 🙂 But she quick working in a salon after she had me 🙂

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Lauren says · 08.13.14

Oh, ladies! I am so sad about the Jamberry comments! I’m a consultant so obviously I totally disagree and love them. I think they’re super easy to apply! You should NOT be roughing up your nails (that’s the very reason I choose them over gel/acrylic nails!) and they should NOT take an hour to apply. I wish I could help you all!

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Sarah says · 08.26.14

Had to leave a way late comment and throw out another stylist recommendation… Kelly at Bliss Salon in Plymouth! She’s excellent. Oh, and I also have major Sephora-phobia. I’m assuming I would also fear MAC counters, but I’ve never even considered going to one!

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Denise says · 12.05.14

I love love love Jamberry nails. They are amazing. They have helped my nails grow and feel stronger. I get countless compliments on them everywhere I go. There is no mess, and they last so much longer than traditional nail polish. Maybe giving them a second try would change your mind?

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