Above: Summer hat by J.Crew, Pouch by Truffle, Blanket by SEVI, iPhone 5 case by Gray Malin (iPhone 6 versions available here), Sunglasses Marc by Marc Jacobs, cheeks Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick and Edward Bess Afterglow Highlighter
We’ve had a few days of on and off rain storms here in Southern California. We’ve had record breaking rain in the past few days, I don’t remember ever seeing this much rain in July before. I was able to enjoy the sun in the park for a few hours earlier today before it started to pour again. We had clear blue skies for a good part of the morning so I was hopeful that it would be sunny the remainder of the day. Here are a few things I’ve been loving:
For lips I’ve been loving the YSL Pop Water Glossy Stains (swatches of my picks here) and the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector Sticks (review to be posted soon). Both products give the lips a lush glossy tint which I’m obsessed with for summer.
I’ve mentioned in a few posts I was looking for a good face sunscreen. My go-to is still the Chanel UV Essential SPF 50 because it’s super thin in texture and doesn’t feel heavy. I find layering it over my regular moisturizer and under foundation works really well. Many other sunscreens are too heavy.
Two others I’ve been loving are from First Aid Beauty. The Ultra Repair® Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a really good one for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way so I’d recommend using sparingly. It doesn’t slide into my eyes when I sweat. The 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30 is also really good but it’s more moisturizing compared to the other one.
My husband’s favorite body sunscreen is the Jack Black Sun Guard SPF 45 because of the high SPF and because it’s water resistant. We bought the travel size 3-pack for travel. He also likes the smaller sizes for carrying to the beach or the park. I’ve been really liking the Supergoop! Oil Spray.
I’ve been testing a number of foundations. Over the last month I’ve gotten a few shades darker because of our travels through Europe. I thought it would be a good time to test out some new formulas. I’ll have a roundup in the next couple of weeks. I’ve been testing the Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium and it’s a really good sheer no-makeup kind of makeup. It has enough coverage to even out the skin but is on the sheer side so it looks super natural. I wish I had this with me last month while traveling.
Last but not least, a few blog posts I’ve really enjoyed: RaeView shares her travels in Tokyo with a new vlog, Café Makeup takes on along her travels on a Paris Beauty Crawl, Really Ree has sneak peek swatches of fall releases from Tom Ford Beauty (I need everything).
I’m working my way through swatching my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks, Chanel Fall Beauty (I think the four new Stylo Yeuxs are must-haves), the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eye Palette and new Charlotte Tilbury. What are you loving right now?
Press samples were provided by Truffle, First Aid Beauty, Clarins and Glossier for review. All other items purchased by me.
Thanks for the tip on the Chanel SPF. I have been using the Radical 30+ but its winter here now and I like 50+ in the summer.
The Beauty Bloss
Do not apply sunscreen sparingly – if you do you will not get the protection on the label. Sunscreen provides the announced SPF and UVA protection when worn at 2 mg per cm^2. You need around one gram on your face to provide that level of coverage. That would correspond to a quarter teaspoon (1.25 ml). f a sunscreen makes you use less because of a runny, to emollient etc. texture, you are doing your skin a disservice. Use it up on your hands and move on to another formula. But never apply sparingly.
– an anonymous cosmetics chemist
I'm always happy to see someone post this reminder. I'd like to add that sunscreen is not just for the face and arms. It should be applied generously everywhere that gets sun exposure. Also, clothing only gives a very low level of SPF protection, especially our lightweight summer clothes, so it's important to slather on that sunscreen if we're going to be spending time out in the sun.
I have been on the hunt for some great facial SPFs as I am travelling to Europe soon! Thank you so much for providing so many options. x
nueyork.blogspot.com
Really wanna try some FAB products !
Record breaking rain! That doesn't sound like summer at all! I must get my hands on the Smokey Palette as soon as it arrives here in the UK. It's going to be a sell out!
http://www.britishbeautyaddict.com
I like the Chanel sun screen as well. It doesn't make my skin break out, is easy to apply, easy to carry in your purse and pleasant to use. An all-around great product.
Tanja
I like the Chanel. SPF50 but still have a bottle of their old formula which I like better but I love Sheisdo sprays..love them.
I picked up 3 of the Stylos……they seem much softer than some the older ones I have…LOVE
I wanted to like the FAB one but had a hard time using the amount required to obtain proper protection due to its texture so I gave up on it. Now using and loving Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 Face. Easy to use the correct amount, spreads beautifully with no white cast, no alcohol or fragrance, and doesn't irritate my uber-sensitive skin in the least.
YES to the CT Filmstar for us dark divas! I'm definitely putting this on my splurge list.
Adore those Hermès sandals!
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com