saying goodbye | for now.

Well friends, this post has been in my 'drafts' folder for about three months, and I think it is finally time to publish.

I have been considering leaving blogging for about six months now. When I have told that to my close friends and family, they immediately reply with a shocked "WHY!?". Well, let me tell you.

I started this blog about three years ago, when I was in a very different spot in my life. I was 21, away at college, and still 'finding' who I was. I found a huge passion for makeup/fashion/hair, and I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts with whoever would want to read. I was in a pretty bad place in my life, and blogging was a creative outlet that I could have that also allowed for me to make new friends online and connect with people all over. I was extremely insecure during this time in my life, due to some poor relationships that I was involved in. I turned to makeup and beauty products to cover up my insecurities, instead of facing them head-on and building my self esteem.

Over the past year, I have become a completely different person. Just about anyone in my life could attest that the person I am now, is the most authentic version I've been of myself since about high school. I am so happy, active and have an insanely positive outlook on the world. I pushed my way through two years of graduate school, and achieved something that I truly never thought I would be able to. I now have my absolute dream job, which is my PASSION.

My passion now, is much different than my passion when I started this blog. I am to the point now where I have put so much time, money, and dedication into this blog that I don't want to leave it, but I don't love it anymore. I resent writing blog posts and I almost get annoyed with my own writing. I am not passionate about makeup or haircare any longer. I am passionate about making the world a better place, working with children, and being an elementary school counselor.

Now, I will always love blogging and writing, so there are no guarantees that you won't see me back in the future with a new blog. But for now, the "Glitter with Grace" journey is over. This started as a beauty blog that I am not longer passionate for. If you want to keep up with my life (and some occasional Stitch Fix posts, as those are my MOST read posts), feel free to follow me on Instagram.
My username is now: 'jaimiejosmith'


THANK YOU for reading my blog posts over the years, it has been a true honor and an absolute blast to share my life with you all. This might not be goodbye forever, but it is goodbye for now. :) I will be disabling my blog in about a week, and I hope you all can understand and support my decision.

xoxo, Jaimie.

Everyday Makeup Routine | August 2016

It has been a hot second since I've shared my everyday favorite makeup products. If you've noticed, I've stopped posting as much about makeup items over the past year. The reason behind this, is because I truly am not as "obsessed" with makeup as I used to be. I am so confident and comfortable in my own skin, that I've found products that work well and so I don't see any reason to try anything new. I have been using the same makeup routine for about 6 months now, only adding about one or two new products along the way. So when I share my favorites below, please note that these are truly my FAVORITES and they are working so well for my skin. Let's go!


The first product that really transformed my makeup journey was the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream. I usually love switching up my foundation options, but ever since I discovered this, I haven't switched back to anything else. As you can see, I have two colors below. I normally am the shade "light" but ever since I got back from Mexico and have prolonged that tan through summer, I have to mix "light" and "tan". This product is technically a CC cream, so it doesn't offer 100% full coverage like a foundation, but that is why I love it. This evens out my skin tone, provides a healthy glow, and covers the majority of any imperfections all while looking INSANELY natural. I'd highly recommend this product.
Purchase here: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream (I use color "Light" and mix with "Tan" when I'm tan)

Let's talk about this tragedy. I dropped this product and I still haven't really recovered from it... I have been using this translucent powder for longer than I've been using the CC Cream, but the combination of the two are a match made in heaven. They are from the same company, so that's not a huge surprise to me! It is translucent, so it isn't going to add any color or coverage to your skin, it is just going to take the shine off of your skin. I run combination/oily so a setting powder is essential. I have already repurchased this product, I love it!
Purchase here: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores

After my foundation/powder application, I always wear bronzer. If I'm a hurry, I will throw on bronzer and skip all other face products (that I will still show below) but I always wear bronzer. I have been using this bronzer for well over two years now, it works perfectly with my skin tone. Warm bronzers pull really orange on my skin, so this cool-toned bronzer looks the perfect shade on my skin, adds warmth but doesn't turn me orange. I apply it with a duo fiber brush, mine is from Sedona Lace.
Purchase here: Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Matte Bronzer (I'm in the shade medium)
Purchase here: Sedona Lace Duo Fiber Brush 813

I definitenly don't wear blush every day, just depending on time. If I do have the time to wear blush, I've been loving this blush for a very long time. It does have a little bit of a sheen to it but it isn't obnoxious on the cheek. It is a really great peachy/pink color that really works well with my skin tone. I apply this with an angled blush brush. If I don't want a shimmery blush, my other go-to is a blush from Mac in the shade "Melba"

Purchase here: NARS Blush in the shade Orgasm

Purchase here: Sedona Lace Blush Brush

 Since getting eyelash extensions (full blog post about those here) my eye makeup routine has been SO easy. I swipe this cream shadow on my lid daily, and that's it. If I have extra time I will put liner and mascara on my bottom lashes (I'll share those below) but if I'm in a hurry I just throw this on and walk out the door. It is a really pretty rose-gold color that adds some color but isn't overly noticeable. I love this so much! I already know that I will repurchase it when it runs out.
Purchase here: MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection

So if I am wanting my eyes to look a little darker and put together, I will throw liner and mascara to my bottom lashes. Since I don't do this often, I've found to stick to some great drugstore options for these products since it is just my bottom lash line. I picked up an extremely basic liner and mascara, and love them together!
Purchase here: CoverGirl Professional Super Thick Mascara
Purchase here: Maybelline Eyestudio Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil


So those are my everyday products! Some of them I don't use everyday, but I basically use the CC Cream + Powder, bronzer, and the cream eyeshadow everyday. I have really been loving these products and haven't had the desire to purchase anything new or every try anything new. I love these products and truly can recommend them to anyone! They're great. Please let me know if you have any questions about the products above, and I'd love for you to leave your everyday products in the comments below!

As always, thanks for reading.
xoxo, Jaimie

Stitch Fix #5

Whoa, I'm already on my FIFTH Stitch Fix!? This is crazy, but I have grown to love this company and love every piece that I've received. If you are curious about what this company is about and the main premise, I would recommend checking out my previous Stitch Fix blog posts, as I go into extreme detail and answer a lot of frequently asked questions. If you have missed any of my previous Stitch Fix posts, you can find them here:

Stitch Fix #1
Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4

Let's get right into what I received this time around!

Padilla Racerback Top >> $48.00
When I opened my box, this is the first thing that I saw. I immediately thought I would hate this, as the colors are just oddly together and I'm not a huge fan of slinky spaghetti strap tops. I tried it on (that's the beauty of Stitch Fix, it's at home, so the lest you can do it try it on!) and I ended up loving this. I paired it with a few different things in my closet and this is an adorable top. I've already worn it twice, once with cut off shorts and a gray long cardigan, and another time with a leather jacket and jeans. It is a win in my book!
Verdict: Kept! 

Shalley Split Neck Blouse >> $48.00
This was another piece that I thought I was going to hate. It is SO bright and obnoxious, but also very unique and I could almost guarantee that I'm not going to see someone walking down the school hallway in the same top as me. I tried this on and it feels so high-quality and is really flattering. There are two small cut-outs toward the collarbone (I tried to show a picture of this) and it adds a unique detail to the piece that I love. I think this would be cute paired with baby blue or pale pink pants. It would also look cute with light jeans I think! I haven't worn this yet but I'm looking forward to trying to style this.
Verdict: Kept! 

Lucy Sheer Yoke Knit Tank >> $44.00
This is a very basic peach/pink tank top, that I could see being paired with a lot of different pieces. This piece didn't blow me out of the water, but it is definitely something that I can see myself wearing often. It is very soft and great quality, like all Stitch Fix pieces are!
Verdict: Kept!

Edgewater Knit Top >> $48.00
I love this top! It is very thin and soft, and extremely comfortable to wear. I haven't worn this yet but can't wait. I barely even needed to try this on to discover that I was in love with this. Anyone who knows me personally knows that this is totally right up my alley. I have paired this with an army green vest and it looks really cute. I can't wait to transition this into the fall with some fun scarfs also.
Verdict: Kept! 

Lagio Mixed Material Top >> $58.00
This is a great blouse that I actually wore today to work! It looks great with slacks, and the flower pattern is bright but not too bright. It is very comfortable, and covers my bottom if I wanted to pair this with leggings and boots in the fall. The top is lace which adds a fun and unique detail. I usually ask for pieces that I can wear to work (business-casual) as well as in my personal life, and this is a great example of that.
Verdict: Kept! 

 

Okay, notice a trend? I kept all five items...again... 

This is my third box in a row where I kept all five items. You get a pretty big discount for keeping all of the items, so I'm glad that my stylist has really began to learn my style and has sent AMAZING pieces that I seriously love. 

A few notes: 

- I specifically request blouses/tops. Stitch Fix offers shoes, purses, jewelry, dresses, bottoms, skirts, jackets, etc. I really like unique tops to pair with basic accessories, so I specifically ask for blouses and tops. 

- It is really important to leave detailed feedback on your "exit survey" when you pay for your items. Even if you are keeping items, you want to tell them the reasons that you are keeping it. I spend a lot of time with my exit survey making sure to leave great feedback, because your stylist will look at this information when they style you a new box!
- I had some referral credit, which is the $55 that got removed from my price below. I want to say THANK YOU to those of you who have signed up below me. Blogging takes some serious hard work and I appreciate when you guys sign up under me and it definitely gives back, so I can keep offering posts like this for you! Thanks again! My referral link is here, if you'd like to sign up. 


Price Breakdown:
Here is a screenshot of my actual receipt from Stitch Fix, let me know if you have any questions!

Please let me know if you have any questions! I already can't wait to schedule my next fix!

As always, thanks for reading.
xoxo, Jaimie 

Where I've Been | Blog Update

Well hello, my sweet readers! It has been a little over a month since I've been able to get a new blog post up. I wanted to hop on here today (finally) and give you all a quick update on where I've been and what I've been up to!

For starters, I had major technical difficulties with my blog over the last few weeks. I'm a party of one over here, so it took extra long to get all of the coding and technical glitches figured out. I was locked out of my blog for a little over two weeks (ugh!) but I'm back, and everything is solved!


Okay, so where to even start!?

I had new blog photos taken by my extremely talented sister, Jena. My sister has always done photography on the side and helped some of her photographer friends with second-shooting at weddings, or just taking candid photos at various events. She decided this year to really take her personal photography business to the next level, and I couldn't support that decision more! She is so great behind the lens and really made sure to capture exactly what I was looking for.
You can find her at: www.onebeautifullifephoto.com

My best friend in the entire world is expecting a baby boy! I have such a love for kids and I can't wait to be able to have a baby so near and dear to me, I am so excited! She is due in late October and I can't wait to meet the little guy. We had a reveal party to see whether it was a boy or a girl, and it turns out she will be having a little boy, Carter! By the way, isn't this cake amazing? Our friend Bess makes amazing cakes, and this one was no exception!
You can find her cake business (local to Olympia) over at her business Facebook page!

I've been playing a lot more golf lately, which is making me extremely happy! I played in high school and half of college, but after college I took a long break. I have joined a league once a week and I'm loving it so far. It keeps me active, helps me meet new people, and keeps my competitive nature going ;) I got paired with a super cool partner, so we've decided to do the summer league as well, which starts in a few weeks!

Oh, I should probably mention that I finished my masters program, I guess that is pretty big news! This was by far the highlight of my last few months, and a big reason as to why I've been absent from the blog. I've been enjoying my stress-free life being graduated, and I am trying to soak up as much of summer as possible. I received my Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling, and I am officially done with school! I have accepted a position as an Elementary School Counselor (dream job!) and I start in September. I can't wait to start this lifelong journey of helping kids. 

photo by One Beautiful Life Photo.

So that's what I've been up to! Graduating was definitely the biggest bulk of what I've been up to, so I thought it was appropriate to update you all. Thanks to some of my readers (you know who you are) who have sent me sweet messages supporting me through grad school and my journey to becoming a school counselor. I am so thrilled to finally be done with my six years of college, and can't wait to go help some awesome kids! 

So what is happening with the blog? Nothing out of the ordinary:) I will be resuming normal posts very shortly, but am going to try and lean my blog toward more lifestyle posts potentially. They are getting higher views that my beauty posts, and I'm at a point in my life that those things aren't a huge passion of mine anymore. If there is anything specific you'd like to see, please let me know. 

As always, thanks for reading.

xoxo, Jaimie

My Eyelash Extension Experience

This blog post has been long awaited and highly requested over the last few months. I tried eyelash extensions for the first time a few months ago and immediately knew that it was something that I'd want to share with my readers to give my overall opinion on the service. The blog post has taken a while (a few months) to go live because I've wanted to ensure that I truly have a 100% overview of the service and can give my full review after the "honeymoon stage" is over, because they are so amazing at first that it is almost guaranteed that you're going to love them.

First off, I'm going to let you know the three services that my lash technician offers so you can know what I'm referring to throughout the post.

Full Set: This is the type of appointment you would have when you first initially get lashes put on. It is the most expensive appointment and takes the longest. My appointment took around an hour and fifteen minutes. 

Fill: Just like when you fill your nails, a lash fill is a similar process. This would be an appointment you schedule a few weeks after your full set to get your lashes touched up, filled and back to normal. This appointment is usually around half the cost of a full set, and doesn't take as long. If you keep up with Fill appointments, you don't need to go back and get a full set. 

Touch-Up: My lash technician offers touch-up appointments which I love. These are her cheapest appointments and only take 30 minutes. These are nice for if I can't get an appointment in for a fill, but my lashes are starting to get sparse. Also, this was nice right before I left on vacation because I didn't need a complete fill, but I wanted them a bit fuller. She basically does as much as she can in 30 minutes and then stops. This isn't something that I've seen offered at all lash places, but it may be a service that you should look for when finding the right lash technician. 

That brings me to my next point, how to find your lash technician. Eyelash extensions aren't a cheap service, so it is really easy to let price be your driving factor when finding a technician. There are some scary stories online about people getting eye infections from cheap glue that was used, or poorly trained technicians. Just like any beauty service, I would pay attention to the certification that the technician has, and try to find some real reviews. Reviews from real people that you know and trust is the best kind of review that you can get. I am not going to share who I go to, I recommend doing your research and finding reviews and a price point that best fits you.

I am going to walk you through the process of getting lashes done, and then run through the pros and cons that I've noted over the three months that I've kept up with my lashes.

When I got to my appointment, my lash technician asked what type of lash I was going for. This is what I asked for:

"If I'm paying for lashes, I want them to be 

noticeable and dramatic, but I don't want 

them to be extremely 'false' looking."

She decided to do my lashes longer in the middle, and shorter on the inside and outside. This kept my lashes looking really natural, but still dramatic. I have stayed with the same shape every time because it fits my eye shape really well. People who know me personally definitely notice that I have my lashes done, but I've also had complete strangers tell me that they wish they had my natural eyelashes, when they are completely fake. So I think I have found my happy medium, where they don't look ridiculous but they still look glamorous and make a difference. 

After she knew what I wanted, I laid down and started the appointment. The first thing they do is tape down your bottom lashes. This was the only part of the entire appointment that was a little uncomfortable, I'm completely used to it now but during my first appointment it was a little weird. Once they tape down your bottom lashes, you close your eyes and they remain closed for the entire appointment. There is no pain or any uncomfortableness during the appointment. Once my lash technician finished applying the lashes, you open your eyes and are ready to leave! They should provide you with a small lash brush that you can use to brush through your lashes to keep them nice and smooth. 

My first appointment, before and after extensions. 

After my first fill. Top photo is before I've ever had extensions done, second photo is after my initial appointment, and third photo is after a fill. As you can see, a fill will give you the same look as a full set. 

Okay, onto the pros and cons....

PROS: 

1. I instantly felt really glamorous. 
2. They are very noticeable in photos, great for an event or wedding. 
3. I was able to still feel really put together with absolutely zero makeup on. 
4. I don't have to worry about applying mascara, or removing mascara. 
5. I also don't really need to wear eyeliner. I still do sometimes, but very rarely. 
6. I also don't really wear eyeshadow any longer. I've work almost zero eye makeup since getting these done. 
7. You can run out the door extremely quick and still look like you have eye makeup on. 

CONS: 

1. They are high maintenance. 
1. You should be fairly careful with getting them wet (I'm not as careful now as I was after my first appointments, and I'm still fine.)
2. You often have to brush through them because they get tangled. 
3. You have to be very gentle around your eyes
4. You also have to be careful when washing your face because you don't want the soap to get on the lash line. 
5. It is difficult to apply eyeliner if you want it (am I the only one who have this problem?!)
2. When they start falling out, it isn't as pretty.. You either want a fill or to remove them completely. 
3. For me, my eyes water quite a bit. After getting lashes done, when my eyes water it is frustrating not being able to rub my eyes, you have to be very gentle.
4. They are expensive
5. They are time consuming appointments

Here is a photo of the thinnest I've ever let them get. This was before another fill appointment. First two photos are before the appointment (thinnest I've ever had them) and last two photos are after a fill. 

All of the pros have to do with cosmetic appearance. Although they are pretty high maintenance, I have become 100% used to all of that after my second appointment. They feel natural and normal to me now and I don't really care about any of the cons any longer. I still am careful with getting them wet but that has just become a normal thing that I am cautious about. 

OVERALL: I'm obsessed. I have kept up with them for three months and have appointments booked for another month so that I will have them at my grad school graduation. I'm not sure if I'll continue them throughout the summer. I may take a few month break through the summer and then see if I want them again in the fall. If I decide to do that, I will update you guys on how my lashes look after removing the extensions and if I notice any damage or difference in my natural lashes. 

I would highly recommend this service, I would just say that it is very easy to become pretty obsessed with them and want to keep up on the appointments very frequently, which can get expensive. Overall though, I love the feeling of rolling out of bed feeling glamorous and just always feeling put together. 

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them! 

As always, thanks for reading. 

xoxo, Jaimie

Stitch Fix #4

Oh man, it's been a hot second since I've written a blog post. To sum it up quickly, I'm in my final month of graduate school, so that is really where my focus and time has needed to be spent lately. I am finally done with the biggest parts of school, and I graduate in just a few weeks so regular blog posts should be returning shortly! I have a foundation routine post coming up next.

I received my FOURTH Stitch Fix last week, and I knew I had to make a blog post right away as I know you guys love hearing about what I get in my boxes. If you are curious to see my past boxes, I will link them below. My stylist has really gotten to know me and has truly hit the nail on the head with my last two boxes. This box was no exception, she got it just right.

Past Stitch Fixes: 
Stitch Fix #1 - Want to know more about this company? Check out this post. I detail everything out and explain it all. 
Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3

Now, let's get into what I got in this box. I thought it would be fun to tell you guys what I specifically asked for so that you can see how well their stylists listen.

What I asked for: 
"I am wanting tops only. I am not interested in pants or jackets for this box. I am wanting summer tops that are fun and bright but can also be worn to work with a cardigan or jacket. I live in Washington, so I can't wear summer clothes year-round, so I want tops that can transition into multiple seasons." My stylist did a great job again with this box, since I ended up keeping everything! We will talk about that at the end, let's take a look at what I received!


1. Collective Concepts - Geller Halter Neck Top >>> $48.00 
This halter top is something that I would never pick out at a store but I actually love it. It would look so adorable with white jeans, or even colored pants in the summer but also would look cute with navy pants and a cardigan for the work week .the halter is very flattering, even with the sides coming down pretty far. I really love this top, unexpectedly! The back has a little keyhole opening which is a cute touch on the back.
Verdict: KEPT! 

2. Skies are Blue - Boulevard Cutout Top >>> $44.00
Another tribal print type shirt, but I love it. It doesn't look very flattering on the hanger, but it is a very flattering top. It is flowy but also fitted so it really looks great on. It looks really cute and casual with jeans but also would look great with white pants for the summer. The back has two keyhole openings as well which it a cute touch. I loved this top and I see it being a go-to casual top in the summer. I normally don't like wearing the color purple but this deep purple is really cute.
Verdict: Kept!

3. 41Hawthorn - McAdams Beaded Neckline Blouse >>> $58.00

I have received a blouse from this brand in a different box before and it is still great quality. This is a really nice tank top blouse. I have already worn this once and I got so many compliments on it. It is a bright coral color, but I wore with navy pants and a cardigan to work and it wasn't too bright. This might be my favorite item from the box, I can see it being worn so many different ways.

Verdict: Kept! 

4. Alice Blue - Excelsior V Neck Blouse >>> $48.00

I have also received a shirt from this brand before and it is again, in great shape after wearing and washing multiple times. This shirt was made exclusively for Stitch Fix which is great because it will be a unique piece in my closet. This top fits a little large on me, but still looks flattering since the pattern breaks up right at the sides. Again, this top can be cute with jeans and sandals, or with work wear, which is exactly what I asked for! 

Verdict: Kept! 

5. Market & Spruce - Careen V Neck Dolman Knit Top >>> $48.00
This sweater is seriously perfection. It is such a lightweight sweater, and is so comfortable. I can truly see this sweater working in multiple seasons. It is light enough to wear with white shorts in the summer, or with jeans and a scarf in the fall and winter. I love that it is gray and white, so it can easily match anything in my closet. This is my second favorite piece in the box!
Verdict: Kept! 

So if you can't tell by the run-through above, I kept everything! That is the great thing about Stitch Fix, is that you get a big discount if you keep all five items. It was cheaper for me to keep all five items than it would have been to just keep 3 or 4 items. I truly loved every item though so I was happy to keep it all and add these pieces to my closet. Here is the rundown:

>>> Merchandise Total: $246.00

>>> After Discount for Keeping all 5 items: $184.50

>>> After $20 styling fee applied: $164.50

Price I paid for these items: $164.50! 
I got over $100 off these clothing pieces. A lot of people ask me the pros and cons of Stitch Fix, and I would say that the pieces definitely aren't cheap, but you have the ability to save money on the pieces, and they are unique clothing items that I am not going to run into people on the street wearing the same thing.

If you have any questions, let me know! I encourage you to sign up for Stitch Fix and at least try it out once! It costs $20 to get a box styled to you, but if you keep anything in the box, that $20 applies toward that item. Please let me know if you have any questions, I love this company and would be happy to answer any questions you have. You can check out Stitch Fix here. 

affiliate links are used throughout this post, that helps me out and keeps fun blog posts like this coming for you to read. 

As always, thanks for reading.
xoxo, Jaimie.