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Beauty Favorites Skincare

Winter Skin Care Essentials – Body Care Loves

January 16, 2024

Best Winter Skincare Essentials - Body Care

It’s been a dry winter this year in Florida and colder than usual although I suspect it’s usually very cold and dry for most of you in the winter. I’ve had a few things in rotation I’ve been loving that I wanted to share to combat dry skin focusing on body care. I have picks at multiple price points.

Body Lotion and Creams

Best Body Creams Naturium, Prequel, Charlotte Tilbury and Herbivore Cloud Milk

There are so many great body creams and lotions on the market but scent is something I am so picky about that I feel like I am missing out on a lot of great formulas. I usually prefer something unscented or very lightly scented when it comes to body moisturizers. I also need something to feel smooth and not sticky so anything “balmy” is usually a no-go for me.

My favorite body cream right now is the Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Firming Body Cream ($40, at Herbivore, Sephora and Nordstrom). It’s what I wanted the Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter ($36) to be which felt a little too thick and smelled too sweet for my taste. The one from Herbivore Botanicals has a soft cushiony velvety creamy texture hat melts into the skin. It’s scented with coconut and vanilla but isn’t too strong. Has a very hydrating feel that absorbs well and doesn’t pill.

Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion ($14.99) is a great budget-friendly option that is fragrance free, semi-thick but doesn’t feel greasy. It does take a little work to massage into the skin fully but I really like it. I brought the travel size with me on a trip.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream ($30 – $65, also in this Duo Bundle Set) is one of the more expensive options I’ve tried. If you like the Magic Cream for the face I think you’ll like this one. I love both. It has a super luxurious feel and texture. There is a subtle scent like face version but it’s light and fresh. It has shea butter and is very soothing. Also has a smoothing effect. I do think it’s incredibly overpriced but I think the formula is really good.

Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream ($18) is a soothing body cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal. It’s what I wanted the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream to be in body lotion form, although in looking at their website I just found out they actually do have an Ultra Repair Body Lotion ($38) that seems to be exclusive to their website. The Prequel Barrier Cream worked to help calm down some dry skin flare ups I’ve had this winter season. Some areas of my hands and arms became so dry they started to crack and turn red and burn to the point I couldn’t sleep. A mix of Vaseline and the Prequel cream helped calm everything down and restore moisture. On normal days I love this on the body just by itself.

A number of you recommended Osea, in particular the Anti-Aging Body Balm and Body Butter. I had a mini sample of the Anti-Aging Body Balm to try and the formula is incredible! It is on the balmy side with some slip in the finish so it doesn’t really have much of a dry down. I am trying to decide if I can wear this even with the balmy texture because it feels incredible but I don’t like sticking to my clothes. I think I may order their Glow to Go Starter ($32) set to try a few other things.

Body Oils

Best Hydrating Body Oils Tata Harper, Celine and Chanel

I love a good body oil but this is another category where I am really particular with scents and texture. Thick ones will most likely help hydrate the best but I prefer ones that are not thick or sticky.

The Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil ($120, available at Tata Harper, Bluemercury, Nordstrom and Sephora) came highly recommended by over a dozen of you in a poll I did over the holidays. It is heavily scented but in a pleasant way. It smells like a spa treatment – green, fresh and definitely revitalizing. Absorbs beautifully into the skin and hydrates. I plan on trying the Resurfacing Body Serum or Smoothing Scrub next.

Celine Huile Celeste ($195) was quite the splurge but I love it mainly for the scent. It’s one of three new additions to the Celine perfume lineup in the Cologne Celeste scent. It’s a beautiful fresh citrus, notes include ANGELICA, SWEET LEMON ESSENCE, PETITGRAIN, NEROLI ACCORD, AMBRETTE BUTTER AND ORRIS BUTTER. This is a pour out style kind of bottle and I wish it had a stopper or spray. I managed to get an extra spritzer cap for the top in store although I don’t know how long it will work as it’s designed for the cologne. Texture is dreamy and beautiful. Just like you’d expect of a massage oil. I bought this for the scent which is very light compared to the cologne, but I really love it and will use every last drop. I don’t think I will repurchase due to the price but it was a beautiful splurge.

Chanel L’Huile Vanille ($230) is another splurge that I think was 100% worth it. The Chanel Body Massage Oils come in four scents for now and I would love to own them all but Vanille is my favorite. It smells just like the Sublimage Skincare line which is very unique. It has the most beautiful texture with a soft scent. I love the way it feels and absorbs into the skin. The only downside is the large glass packaging. It’s so beautiful and very substantial but a bit difficult to hold because of the size. Also the top has no stopper so it’s a pour style so you have to be careful not to pour too much out. Formula is 10/10 though.

Shower Care

Best Hydrating Body Washes

For the bath and shower there are three I’ve been loving lately. Saltair has a great lineup of affordable body and hair care items. I really loved their Golden Hour Oil-Infused Nourishing Body Wash ($15). It has a pineapple + coconut scent that is sweet but isn’t too sweet. It has a gel like texture for a body wash. Moisturizing level is medium, not as hydrating as an oil, but more than a regular shower gel. I really liked the texture and formula.

Bioderma Atoderm Body Cleansing Oil ($29.99) is great for soft hydrated skin. Works wonders on dry skin and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. I do wish the packaging was a bit more aesthetically pleasing but the formula is great. They also have it in a small 3.4 fl oz travel size which is nice to try before you buy the full size.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel ($26 to $56) is probably my most repurchased shower cream. It is very strong in the scent but I love it. It’s a cream shower product that really does hydrate the skin well without leaving any film or residue. After going through this so much we decided to start buying the Value Size 33.1 oz which comes with a pump. They also make this in a large refill pack now.

I love a good body scrub but I haven’t found anything I really love right now. Most are either a little too gritty or the oil-based scrubs leave the skin feeling too oily if that makes sense. For now I’ve been just using a good wash cloth to exfoliate.

Hand and Cuticle Care

Chanel Hand Cream

I used up a bunch of hand creams and cuticle oils over the past few months and right now have been sticking to my tried and true. I love the Chanel La Crème Main ($55) or Le Lift La Crème Main ($70) because they have the best dry down and are not sticky. For me they have the perfect amount of moisture.

For ultra dry hands/skin I think L’Occitane is the best. I just placed an order to restock the Shea Butter Hand Cream ($13, new packaging looks great!) and the Cuticle Oil ($22).

Diptyque Velvet Hand Lotion

Best Cuticle Treatments Hermes and Chanel

For the cuticles I finished up the OPI ProSpa Cuticle Oil which I really loved. I will probably repurchase. Right now I am working my way through my second bottle of the Hermes Nail Oil which I really love but is almost always out of stock. Chanel’s L’Huile Camelia ($32) is another luxury option which is quite the splurge but incredibly nourishing and works. I bought the Dior Huile Abricot ($30) which has been repackaged. I used to really love it, I still like it but not as much as the OPI or Chanel because I don’t find it as hydrating.

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That wraps up my body care loves for winter! Would love to hear about your favorites or hits and misses!

Beauty Favorites

Best in Beauty 2023

January 1, 2024

Best in Beauty 2023

above: Marble + Brass Stand (how I put it together here)

Happy New Year! Wrapping up 2023 with my 2023 Beauty Favorites! A huge thank you to every one of you for your love and kindness. Every kind gesture no matter how big or small has meant so much to me. I have appreciated it more than I can express in words! I’ve really loved connecting with so many fellow beauty lovers – I’ve loved reading your messages. Thank you for sharing your beauty loves, pics of your fur babies, new discoveries and more!

This year’s favorites list has a mix of new launches and long-time staples. Here is what I loved the most in 2023.

Best Base/Face Products

Best Base Products 2023

Here were my favorites in 2023:

Best Skin Tint: Too Faced Born This Way Healthy Glow Skin Tint (I wear Warm Beige)

Best Concealer: Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer (I wear Shades N6 to N9 depending on how bright I want the look)

Best Glowy Multi-Tasking Primer: e.l.f. Halo Glow Filter (rotate between Shades 3 and 4, in action here and here)

Best Setting Powder: Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder (I wear Shade 3, in action here)

Best Foundation: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick (I wear Shade VI or VII depending on how light/tan I am, in action here)

Best Cheek Products

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette Holiday 2023 - Leopard Look

Best Cheek Products 2023 Chanel, Gucci, Hourglass

So many new favorites in this category, I have left out so many but tried to edit my list to one in each group!

Best Highlighter (Powder): Chanel Symboles Oversize Highlighters (review here)

Best Highlighter (Liquid): Gucci Illuminateur de Beaute (review here), most under-rated liquid highlighter, I don’t know it hasn’t gone viral!

Best Blush: Gucci Blush de Beaute in True Pink (new shade, in action here and review here)

Best Cheek Palettes: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Face Palettes, my favorite was Leopard (review here)

Best Bronzer: Chanel Healthy Glow Les Beiges Cream Bronzer (review here)

Best Eye Makeup

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Best Eye Palette: Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette (review + swatches here)

Best Eyeliner: Sisley Phyto Kohl Matte (swatches here, still a favorite!)

Best Mascara: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara (best formula that holds a curl)

Best Lip Products

YSL Rouge Pur Couture and The Bold High Pigment Lipstick Review

Favorite Lipgloss: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer reformulation (swatches here, new shades in action here and also here)

Best New Lipstick: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks (review here, in action here)

Best New Lipstick Formula: Chanel 31 Le Rouge (the colors are very limited in shade range, but the formula is one of the best I’ve ever tried though! review + swatches here)

Runners Up: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump and YSL Candy Glaze (review here)

Perfumes

Celine Fragrance Haul and Review

Most Worn Perfume: Celine Parade (also love Dans Paris, Black Tie and the new Cologne Celeste) – review of all the scents in the discovery set here

Phlur Missing Person Perfume

Second Most Worn Perfume: Phlur Missing Person (also loved Father Figure and Vanilla Skin)

Guerlain L'Art & La Matiere The Perfumer's Floral Harmony Set

New Favorites: Guerlain Perfumes are also big hits, but I only rediscovered them at the end of the year, I’m still working my way through the Floral Discovery Set. I also think the Iconic Discovery Set has amazing options and if you’re willing to splurge and treat yourself the Advent Calendar Hive of Wonders has an amazing selection too. (More details in this blog post here).

Skincare & Body Favorites

Winter Skincare Favorites La Mer, Sunday Riley, Prequel, Bobbi Brown

This was a very basic year for me in skincare. I pretty much stuck with my tried and true staples. This year I hope to be a little more adventurous.

Favorite Moisturizer: La Mer Soft Moisturizing Cream

Go-To Moisturizer #2: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Best Spot Treatment: Bliss Clear Genius Acne Gel (Andrew loves this too, it’s strong enough to work as a good acid acne spot treatment but doesn’t leave red marks on the skin)

Best Smoothing/Resurfacing Treatment: Sunday Riley Good Genes

Best Cleanser Splurge: Chanel Sublimage L’Huile Cleansing Oil (feels so soft and smooth, this is the one I repurchase over and over again)

Best Thing To Keep Skin Clear/Smooth: Eve Lom Muslin Cloths (any muslin cloth will work) but using this helps ensure all the dirt, oil and any cleanser residue are removed

Best Body Products: Chanel L’Huile is the best body oil I’ve tried (I love Vanille) and the Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Body Cream has been a life saver for dry skin flare ups.

Best New Try: Botox! I did it for the first time in May and I really loved the results. We went to @marissathepa in Boca Raton (she’s great!) I got 40 units for the first time and it lasted for a good 3.5 months. I fully intended to do it again but didn’t plan far enough in advance and when we were in Miami in December they were fully booked. Debating whether to find someone local or wait until we’re back (I think I’m going to wait).

Hair Care Loves

ghd Platinum+ Styler

Best Hair Tool: ghd Platinum+ Styler is my go-to for smooth sleek hair or soft waves. I love this one because it turns off automatically, it’s set to a single temperature, plates have sensors to maintain a constant temperature, the edges of the plates don’t touch the skin so I never burn myself with this. See in action here and here.

Most Used Hair Care: Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo + Conditioner – I use these so much I ended up buying the liter pump bottles and have since repurchased the liter refills, definitely a huge OUCH to the wallet, but the formulas are my favorite

Essential Hair Styling Product: R&Co Dart Stick for my baby flyaways as my hair is going through regrowth this year, I usually order from Neimans or Amazon, it’s small enough to keep in my purse.

Miscellaneous

Chanel CODES COULEUR

Best Launch of the Year: Chanel Code Couleur Mirrors, Nail Files, Brush Sets were so fun, I wish I had bought all of the colors, I hope they do something like this again! These sold out almost instantly, review here.

Most Worn Polish: Olive and June Quick Dry Nail Polish in Sandy (this is the best sheer baby pink that dries quickly and the one that got the most compliments this year). Many shades are available at Target but it seems this one is only available at Olive and June.

Thank you again for following along. I’m looking forward to the new year! I know New Year’s Day is really just another day but I feel like it’s a great time to reset and get a fresh new start. The past 12 months have been challenging and incredibly difficult for me personally so I really can’t express how much your kindness has meant to me.

Would love to hear about your favorites!

Beauty Favorites

August Favorites

August 31, 2023

August Beauty Favorites

Rounding up my August favorites this month! I have a mix of makeup, skin care, fragrance, body care and accessories I’ve been loving.

Givenchy Beauty

Givenchy Beauty loves Prisme Libre

I’ve slowly been trying more from Givenchy and have to say I’m obsessed. I think the Prisme Libre Concealer is one of the best concealers I’ve tried. I wear Shade C305 in the concealer and it’s creamy, easy to blend, has great coverage, doesn’t crease or cake. Love that it has the perfect consistency – not too creamy but not too matte.

The Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder is also pure love. It sets foundation/concealer so nicely with a natural blurred effect. Based on the color descriptions I first tried 4 Mousseline Acidulee for medium skin tones which has green and lilac powders for color correcting. I’ve also tried 3 Voile Rose (a bit light, but I can make it work) and 5 Popeline Mimosa (a bit too dark). I still think Shade 4 is the best for me although I don’t really need the green and purple tones to color correct. I really wish they would make a medium shade without the color correctors.

Most recently I tried the Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation. I finally found my match in the shade N280. Love this formula for the natural glow and medium coverage.

No 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancers

For a glow complexion enhancer the No 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancers from Chanel hands down was my favorite (Exclusive to Chanel and Ulta Beauty). Full review here. For a more affordable alternative (but without skincare) I still recommend the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter (I wear Shade 3 or 4) for an all over natural glow booster.

Lip Favorites

This month’s lip favorites are primarily repeats. The YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Sticks in 13 Flashing Rose and 15 Showcasing Nude have been in rotation almost daily. Review + swatches here.

YSL Candy Glaze

I still reach for the Dior Addict Lip Maximizers in 14 Shimmer Macadamia (below left) and 038 Rose Nude frequently (below right). Review + swatches of more shades here.

Dior Lip Maximizers Shimmer Macadamia and Rose Nude

The Chanel Longwear Lip Pencils finally came back in stock! The shades Rose Naturel + Nude Brun are the best ones in my opinion for neutrals.

Chanel Lip Liners

In the matte lip/liquid lip world I tried some of the Lisa Eldridge Velveteen Liquid Lip Colour and was completely blown away! I am usually not a fan of liquid lips/matte lip formulas, but this one from Lisa Eldridge has the most comfortable liquid lip texture that I’ve ever tried. It has a nice dry down that doesn’t shrink or dry out the lips. Colors are very flattering and lasting power is impressive. I have not done a blog post on these but you can see them in action HERE on reels.

Below wearing Fawn

Lisa Eldridge Velveteen Liquid Lip in Fawn

In action below

 

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A post shared by Sabrina Shorb (@beautylookbook)

 

Eye Makeup Favorites

The Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Palette is hands down the best palette this month if not this year. I love the neutral-warm tones, pigment, color payoff and quality. Still in stock at Ulta Beauty, if you’re a Sephora shopper you can sign up for alerts when it restocks there.

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette look

Hand Care

Diptyque Velvet Hand Lotion

For hand care I’ve been a huge fan of the Diptyque Softening Hand Wash and the Velvet Hand Lotion. We have mutiples of these in our home, I just started using the Velvet Hand Lotion again and it’s pure love.

In my bag I carry the Chanel Le Lift La Crème Main which I love for hydration and smoothing.

For the nails I still swear by the OPI Cuticle Oil for an affordable option. I’ve been really interested in trying the Dior Huile Abricot which looks like it might have been reformulated recently.

Skincare Loves

La Mer Skin Favorites Moisturizing Soft Cream, Concentrate, Eye Concentrate

Not much has changed in my skincare routine lately. I still have my usual go-to’s in rotation but I’ve been really loving the La Mer Soft Moisturizing Cream, The Concentrate, The Eye Concentrate and the Treatment Lotion Hydrating Sheet Masks.

Fragrance Favorites

Diptyque L’Eau Papier

Even though fall is approaching it still feels very much like summer and my top 3 scents for August were Diptyque L’Eau Papier and Phlur Missing Person for skin-like scents and Phlur Father Figure for a lush fig. For date nights or something more sophisticated and dressy I love Creed’s Aventus for Her.

Phlur Missing Person Perfume

Phlur Father Figure Perfume

Creed Aventus for Her

Handbag Essentials

Handbag Essentials

I rotate my handbags regularly based on outfits but I always keep a hair clip (love the ones from Emi Jay), blotting papers, travel perfume, and at least a couple lip balms inside. The Dior Blotting Papers have been a lifesaver in this weather. My favorite lip balms are the squeeze tube or click up style format. I also swear by the R&Co Dart Stick for flyaways.

Bag Details

 

 

Hair Care Loves

Kerastase Nutritive Hair Care Line

I’ve been a die-hard Oribe fan for the longest time. I keep going back to the the Gold Lust line for the Shampoo and Conditioner. I do like to switch it up though depending on my hair needs and just started using the Kerastase Nutritive Line and my hair looks so much better and feels amazing. I tend to forget in the hot summer months my hair tends to get dried out from the sun, heat and pool. They have different options depending on hair type (ie fine or thick) but I’ve been loving the Bain Satin Shampoo for Fine to Medium Hair + Hydrating Conditioner. They’re hydrating but rinse well so they don’t leave a heavy film on the hair.

The biggest game changers for me though are the Heat Protectant Styling Cream and Heat Protecting Leave-In Spray. Both are great leave-in products that help hydrate and reduce frizz without being too heavy.

If I had to pick one I really love the Heat Protectant Styling Cream (best for medium hair). If you have Fine to Medium Hair you might want to try the Leave-In Spray.

Mini Pouch

Stoney Clover Mini Pouch

Last but not least is a new mini pouch. I ordered one of the the Stoney Clover Mini Pouches (available at Revolve, Saks, Stoney Clover). It’s pretty spendy for a small pouch but I love the size and shape. There are lots of other options with a solid nylon material, patterened nylon, nylon + clear. On the Stoney Clover site you can customize your own with different patches which is cute. I do think with the material this will get dirty easily since it’s fabric but I love the size and structure.

Stoney Clover is having a pretty good Labor Day Sale this weekend with 40% off a lot of items. My clear pouch is included in the sale.

Other pouches on sale for LABOR DAY

 

The mini one I have in action below

 

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A post shared by Sabrina Shorb (@beautylookbook)

 

That wraps up my August Favorites! Would love to hear about your favorites this month!

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

Recent Buys and Loves

August 4, 2023

Marble and Brass 2 Tier Stand

Happy Friday! Wanted to share some things I bought and loved recently. I’ve posted a lot of these on Instagram but know some of you mainly read the blog (or may have missed my stories).

Marble 2-Tier Tower

Marble and Brass 2 Tier Stand

I love repurposing home decor trays and marble cheese boards for beauty displays. I spotted this Marble and Brass 2-Tier Stand and thought it would be perfect to display perfume and products I reach for frequently. It’s reasonably priced especially for the hefty marble slabs it comes with.

It is very sturdy but very heavy so I recommend finding a more permanent place for it because it is not easy to move. Mine did not come with feet protectors and I think the stand could potentially scratch your table or counter if you move it. I plan on ordering a few felt or rubber stick-ons for the bottom.

Storage ideas in action here!

Jewelry Cleaner

Amazon Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

I have been cleaning my jewelry with a tiny soft brush and jewelry cleaner for years. I spotted this Ultra Sonic Jewelry Cleaner on TikTok and ordered it immediately. I love it. I don’t know if it’s the best one out there as I didn’t do much research on the options out there. I love that it’s compact and doesn’t take up a lot of storage or counter space. It’s super easy to use.

Simply put warm water (I put in hot water, but not boiling) in it and push the button and it does it’s thing. Jewelry looks super sparkly. I was really surprised how much debris was at the bottom. You can also put in glasses, sunglasses etc. I put in some hair clips and they had so much residue from product and my fingers in the grooves. They came out perfectly clean.

Acrylic Round Organizer

Target Acrylic Round Desktop Organizer - Project 62

I shared these spinning organizers before but just ordered a couple more from Target. I like them for mascara, pencils, those Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lips (my collection is out of control), brushes, etc.

Hair Clips

Favorite Hair Clips Emi Jay, Balmain Hair Couture, Machete

You girls know I love those Balmain Hair Couture Clips. I think they’re really well made, streamlined and the quality is SO much better than the average clip but they’re very expensive!

My bestie messaged me and asked if I had any from Emi Jay. I did not but she said I needed them so I ordered a few. The quality is exceptionally good. I do wish they had more small or medium sizes available as most of the clips are in the Big Effing Claw Clips Size but I think they’re really well made.

I also ordered some Machete Clips to try. I love the clips although they’re not all the same thickness/quality. The Midi, Grande or Twin Heirlooms are really well made and thick/sturdy. I love the size of the Minis but they’re thinner which is still very good but not as good as the others.

Tissue Box / Tray

These two aren’t new but I get asked so often about them I thought I’d link them again. I love these simple Tissue Box Covers to elevate the look of your home. I have them in the white and grey and think they’re really well made.

This Quartz Catchall is one of the most beautiful trays I own. We have several around the home (night stands, living room, my office). Anytime I share something on stories I get dozens of messages asking for a link.

Sunglasses

Favorite Sunglasses Tom Ford and Celine

I’ve been meaning to do a sunglasses roundup but haven’t gotten around to it. I still really love the ones from Tom Ford I bought from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The Alistair 56 mm Gradient Sunglasses in the Red Havana are my favorite. The Milla 59 mm Gradient Aviators are the ones you girls have loved the most (I bought them in the brown and blue lens). Sale ends on the 6th.

For designer sunglasses the Celine Triomphe 52 mm Oval Sunglasses in the Black and Brown are my most-worn sunnies. For a more classic look I splurged on the Celine 3 Bold Dots Style 50 mm size and really love them. If you want a bigger lens they also have it in a 54 mm size but I have not seen/tried those in person for comparison.

Favorite Shoes Right Now

Celine Low Top and New Balance 480 sneakers

It seems like it’s always sandal season in Florida but this year I haven’t really been wearing sandals that much. I’ve been living in sneakers – probably because of walkies with Ollie. They’re more comfortable and it’s easier to walk in grass or the dog park with sneakers vs open toe shoes.

I tried to find a dupe for the Celine Low Top Trainers and the New Balance 480s are pretty good (they run TTS). They’re not as cushiony or comfortable in the sole but for the price they’re great. (For me they are definitely walking shoes and not running shoes.)

Favorite Sneakers Celine, New Balance, Veja, APL, Dior

I also shared a few other styles a few weeks ago and thought I’d post them here.

Lash Combo Primer + Mascara

Too Faced Mascara Primer and YSL Lash Clash Mascara

One last shout out for recent buys is a beauty find. I have tried so many mascara primers which are great for thickening and volume, but I haven’t found one that holds the curl until now. I bought the Too Faced Better than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer and I love it. It’s a thinner formula so you only need a thin coat but it really helps mascara adhere and holds the curl. I’ve been pairing it with the YSL Lash Clash Mascara.

July Beauty Favorites

July Beauty Favorites

 

Last but not least, I did not have time to blog my July Beauty Favorites but I did a roundup with everything linked here including my favorite base, favorite concealer and more. Everything is also linked here.

What have you been loving lately?

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

March 16, 2023

10 Things I'm Loving Right Now

Happy Thursday! Rounding up some things I’ve been loving so much I wanted to put them on your beauty radar.

Dior Solar Oil

I’ve been obsessed with finding new body care items and have two new favorites. Dior Beauty just launched new items in their Solar Collection. In the US we have three items and I ordered the Solar Sublimating Oil ($70) which is a stunning glittery shimmery body oil. It smells like a sweet tiare flower – similar to the NARS Body Glow Oil but not as strong or sweet. The Dior Solar Oil is like a vacation bottled up in the most beautiful oil with four different pearl particles of bronze, copper, gold and white. Shimmer is subtle on my skin as the sparkles seem to match my skin tone. It absorbs nicely into the skin and leaves it feeling very smooth.

The glitter sparkles settle to the bottom half of the bottle. You will need to shake it up to mix up the glitters.

On me it’s somewhere in between a super emollient oil and one that has a dry down. It’s not super oily as it sets but it is still emollient if that makes sense. I just ordered the After-Sun Balm ($52).

Dior Solar Sublimating Oil

Dior Solar Body Oil

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

Charlotte Tilbury launched her new Magic Body Cream ($65) and as a huge fan of her Magic Cream for the face I ordered it immediately. I shared a sneak peek on stories and I absolutely love it. It’s a really nice smoothing body cream with a silky smooth dry-down. I wouldn’t say that it has a fragrance but it has a similar scent/vibe to the Magic Cream. Also available in a smaller Travel Size* ($30) which is incredibly expensive for the size but I will be keeping with me in my purse at all times.

Phlur Newness

Phlur Solar Power Perfume

Phlur added a new scent called Solar Power* ($96) and it’s another winner. As a citrus perfume lover this is HUGE hit for me. I think the Phlur scents just keep getting better and better. This might just be my favorite in the line and one I will definitely be wearing non-stop. Solar Power is a warm floral citrus. It has a mix of neroli, jasmine, orange flower, musk, driftwood, sea salt. All of my favorite notes. Available at Phlur and Sephora.

Hair Oil Love

For the hair I received a few samples from the Virtue Haircare line and have been really impressed. I’m adding a bunch of items to my online shopping cart for the upcoming Sephora sale. I tried the Virtue Healing Hair Oil* ($26 to $44) and am obsessed. This is one of the best hair oils I’ve tried It comes with a small stopper at the top to control how much you dispense. It’s hydrating, not heavy, has really helped with my split ends. Give the hair a healthy shine and doesn’t weigh it down. You can also buy both the Full + Travel Size in the Hair Oil Duo for $49.

Glowy Sunscreen

So many of you ask for sunscreen recommendations and I’m due for an updated roundup. I have am really sensitive to sunscreens and it doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s chemical or mineral but I have loved pretty much everything from Supergoop! especially their Glowscreen which now comes in four colors. The team sent over a restock of their original shade Sunrise* (champagne) and Golden Hour* (bronze). I just started using Golden Hour and it gives me the perfect sunkissed glow. I love it for a bit of a bronzed glow for beach days. Also still love the Glow Screen Body.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Golden Hour

Supergoop! Glowscreen Golden Hour

Lip Favorites

Dior Lip Maximizers Shimmer Macadamia and Rose Nude

For the lips I’ve still been loving the Dior Addict Lip Maximizers (reviewed and swatched here). I love pretty much every single color but my two most-worn shades are 14 Shimmer Macadamia and 38 Rose Nude.

Sisley added a new shade of Phyto-Rouge Shine in 13 Sheer Beverly Hills ($63, Neiman Marcus Exclusive). This formula is hands down the best shine lipstick formula I’ve tried. Other shades reviewed and swatched here. Beverly Hills is a beautiful light beige. Love that it’s hydrating, adds shine, has good coverage even though it has “sheer” in the name.

Sisley Phyto Rouge Shine Sheer Beverly Hills

Sisley Phyto Rouge Shine Sheer Beverly Hills

NYX Lip Pencils and Butter Gloss

For some budget beauty finds I’ve been loving quite a few things I’ve hauled from Target and Ulta Beauty. NYX comes highly recommended by many of you. I’ve loved the Lip Pencil in Natural and recently hauled a few more shades in Nude Pink, Peekaboo Neutral and Brunch Me. Love them for a naturally defined lip.

The NYX Butter Glosses have also been pure love. They don’t have the best lasting power on me but I love the colors and don’t mind reapplying. Formula is very comfortable on the lips.

Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter Shade 4 and 3

Last but not least I tried the viral ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter and it’s really good. I wouldn’t call it a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter since the ELF ones aren’t as glowy. I can wear the Elf Halo Glow all over the face as a glowy base with sheer-medium coverage and then set with powder. Or I’ll use it under foundation. I’m in between Shades 3 and 4 so I mix the two. You can see Shade 3 in action here. I think it’s 100% worth checking out.

 

That wraps up my favorites right now! What have you been loving lately?

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Press samples indicated with a * next to them.

Beauty Favorites

Best of 2022 Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance + More

January 2, 2023

Best Makeup Sephora Sale

Happy New Year! Rounding up the best of 2022 with my Top 5 picks in every beauty category! There are a couple of categories I went a bit over but here were my absolute favorites this year. Thank you for following along this year! Wishing you all an even better 2023!

Foundation/Concealer

Patrick Ta Major Skin Creme Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo Light Medium 2

I love a natural looking base that can hold up to the Florida heat and humidity. I had so many favorites I tried this year but here were my top five:

Blush

Gucci Beauty Luminous Matte Beauty Blush

Top blush products of the year:

Bronzer/Highlighters

Chanel Les Beiges Oversize Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powders

Favorite bronzers and highlighters of the year:

Eye Makeup

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige 2022

I could probably have a list of at least 20 eye makeup favorites! Trying to keep my list super edited to the items I used the most this year:

Brow/Mascara

Lipstick

Sisley Phyto-Rouge Shine Refillable Lipstick Review

Best lipsticks this year:

Lip Gloss

Hermesistible Infused Lip Care Oil Review

Favorite lip glosses of the year:

Lip Liner

Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Pencils

Best formulas I wore the most this year:

Perfume

My favorites this year and one new discovery I hauled a week ago:

Hair Care

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Skin Care: Cleansers

 

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm with Charcoal

Best cleansers of the year:

Moisturizers

Augustinus Bader The Cream

Masks/Treatments

Sunday Riley Good Genes

Nails/Hand

Chanel La Base Camelia andL’Huile Camelia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil

Hand care essentials this year:

Cavapoo Puppy 12 Weeks Ollie

This year my #1 favorite though was Ollie. It’s been a full year now since we lost Lucy and my heart was so broken I thought it would never be whole again. The pain of losing a loved one was so intense I didn’t think I could ever get another dog but as soon as Andrew said, “I think we should get another one,” I instantly said yes. We found Ollie and picked him up in March. Our lives and hearts have been filled with joy. It makes me so happy that Kitty finally warmed up to the new pup in the house and even happier that they actually play together.

Thank you for following along on here and on social! Looking forward to a brand new year!

 

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

11 Things I’m Loving Right Now

June 17, 2022

Loving Right Now Beauty

Happy Friday! Sharing a quick little roundup of some things I’ve bought and loved recently.

June Favorites Rare Beauty, Dior, Vacation Inc

For summer I’ve still been really loving the Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer ($29). It’s one of the best tinted moisturizers I’ve tried because it’s not too dewy, not too emollient and has enough coverage to even out the skin naturally. My match is 32N. Available at Sephora and Rare Beauty.

A number of you asked if I was going to try the Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer ($29) and I finally did! I ordered 3N and love it. It’s caffeine-infused to help revitalize the under eye area. I haven’t really noticed a huge amount of difference with caffeine but I like this to brighten under eyes and it is a long-wear formula that doesn’t budge on me.

It’s not as creamy or thick as the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer. I really like both. Shade wise I’m usually a 2.5 or 3 in Dior. For the Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer 3N works for me. I’m getting more color now that we’ve been going out more to the beach and dog parks with Ollie. If they had 2.5N in this formula I think that would be ideal for me, unfortunately they don’t (at least not yet). Available at Dior and Sephora.

Vacation Inc Perfume

I purchased the Vacation Eau de Toilette a few months ago (review here) and still really love it. It’s one of the best vacation scents I’ve tried. If you’re familiar with Bobbi Brown Beach it has a similar vibe but the Vacation perfume is a little less sunscreen-like and more pool-beach like if that makes sense. I love both. The Vacation Eau de Toilette is sold out at Nordstrom right now but you can find it at Ulta Beauty and it’s back in stock at Vacation Inc.

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream

For hair I’ve been struggling with frizz more than usual this year. I lost a lot of hair late last year and this year with tons of shedding. The good news is that it’s started to grow back but I have all these tiny baby hairs growing in that seem impossible to tame. I’ve tried tons of pomades and waxes to try to hold the hairs in place and they only work temporarily. The two best solutions I’ve found are from Dae and Kosas. The Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream has really impressed me. It’s multi-tasking. You can use it on damp or dry hair. It tames flyaways, helps soften hair, adds shine, doesn’t weight down the hair. It smells like bubblegum to me similar to their shampoo and conditioner. (Also love the Mini Wet Brush to throw in my beach bag or purse. Wish it had a small case to keep the bristles from getting smashed in my bag, but I still love it.)

To hold the baby hairs in place on stubborn days I’ll use the Kosas Air Brow Gel (tinted version) because they have shades dark enough to match my hair color. Clear brow gels don’t work well for me. They always leave a crusty looking white film on my hair when they dry.

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

For mascara I ordered the new Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara and it’s REALLY GOOD! I’m not usually a fan of tubing mascaras but I really love this one. Adheres well to the lashes, doesn’t smudge, holds the curl, defines. I haven’t tested it in the water to see if it’s waterproof but for day to day use I really love it.

Patrick TA Precision Gel Liner in Deep Bronze

I’ve been really loving lots from Patrick TA. I bought the Patrick TA Precision Gel Liner in Deep Bronze a long time ago. Loved it and used it up! I recently picked it up again along with the shade in Black and forgot how much I loved them. I have four shades now swatched below. They’re creamy, twist up, ultra pigmented, long-wearing and intense. You can see Burgundy in action in my reel below.

 

Patrick TA Crème Contour and Bronzer Duo

The Patrick TA Crème Contour and Bronzer Duo in She’s Sculpted has been a winner for me. This surprised me because most cream contours are too creamy or too grey. This one looks cool in the pan but on the face it’s more neutral and it has the perfect texture to blend easily.

Also started using the Patrick TA Major Plumping Lip Glosses again. I bought three earlier this year. Started using them again. Love the texture, plump and shine. The tingle is mild on me and they have a cinnamon scent.

Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss

Still really loving the Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss! My favorites are Picante and Bungalow. Review + swatches here in case you missed it.

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Last but not least I have a win in new sunscreen tries! Testing sunscreen always makes me so nervous. My skin reacts to so many different formulas and it doesn’t matter whether its chemical or mineral. I’ve relied mainly on Shiseido and Supergoop! for the face but still test a number of new formulas. The Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen with SPF30 is a huge win for me. No pilling, no irritation, no break outs, no clogged pores. It has a pale yellow tint which is nearly transparent when it’s blended. On my medium tan skin I still see a tiny bit of a cast when it’s blended.

As a quick side note/update on some other formulas I tried the Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum did not work for me. It immediately pilled on my skin similar to the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sunscreen which I had high hopes for. I’m currently testing the Kjaer Weis Beauty Tint Tinted Moisturizer in M3. I’m undecided as the first time I tried it, it looked beautiful on the face. Loved the look, coverage, feel and finish. The next few times I tried it, it separated on my face which makes me think it was not compatible with my moisturizer. Will keep testing to see if I can find a way to make it work again.

That wraps up my favorites of the moment! Excited to share more soon! Bought some things for the home I really love. Also have some summer favorites coming up. Been putting a lot of things to the test in beauty, home and life!

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What have you been loving lately?