Yearly Archives

2015

Suncare

Sunscreen Rotation

September 16, 2015

I’ve been testing a number of sunscreens all summer long to see which ones hold up to heat, humidity and also are suitable for my ultra sensitive skin. I know a sunscreen roundup would have been more appropriate earlier in the summer – but it’s recommended you wear sunscreen all year round, not just in warm sunny weather. Here in Southern California we have sunny weather 90% of the year. I used to think sunscreen wasn’t necessary for everyday – especially for those who work indoors for the vast majority of the day. However, in a good portion of work places there are windows where your skin can still be exposed to sunlight. These days I’ve put extra effort on applying sunscreen regularly. I am not the most disciplined at re-applying but am trying to be better. I’ve split my testing into three categories: Face, Body and Men’s.

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Face Sunscreens – Many of my moisturizers or foundations already have SPF in them so I used to not pay much attention to applying sunscreen as an additional step. These days I prefer moisturizers and foundations that don’t have SPF – it’s not something I actively look for, it’s just a coincidence that most of the foundations I really like do not have any SPF. The highest SPF foundation I own is the Chanel CC Cream (all shades swatched here) which comes with an SPF 50. For days where I don’t wear this I do layer on sunscreen over moisturizer.

Four I’ve tested over the summer:

  • Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen ($42 for 50 ml/1.7 fl oz) is a new formula that replaced the original UV Plus HP. I prefer the original version because it had a thinner formula and even though the liquid was white, it didn’t leave a noticeable white cast on the skin. The new one has a higher SPF of 50 versus 40. It’s also slightly thicker and more creamy – it does the job at covering the face and protecting it – I found it too heavy for my skin. It does have a lightweight feel but the formula covered so much of my skin it felt like it couldn’t breathe underneath. If you have dry skin this one will probably be ok for your skin type.
  • Tatcha Pore Perfecting Sunscreen ($68 for 60 ml/2 fl oz) was launched in August. I had been waiting for this one for months ever since a reader e-mailed me with news that she saw a preview of this. This one comes with SPF 35 and is the one facial sunscreen to rule them all (at least all the ones I’ve tried). It’s a pore perfecting formula which really does smooth and blur out imperfections without making the face look matte or white. Many blurring products have a white or pink cast which makes my olive skin look ashy, powdery or flat. The Tatcha sunscreen is white but it blends out to an invisible finish. It makes the perfect primer for foundation too. It is on the pricey side, they have a Travel Size option for $13 to try. It helps control oil, it doesn’t break out my face, it covers the skin completely but allows the skin to breathe. It doesn’t clog pores and it doesn’t feel greasy. (PS, there is a promo with code CLEAN20 to receive a complimentary travel-size Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($12 value) on any order over $20, offer expires 9/30/2015.)
  • Chanel UV Essentiel Anti-Pollution Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($55 for 1 fl oz/30 ml) has been a go-to for years. It used to come in a more rectangular bottle with a different formula. I loved the original and love the new one. It’s an ultra lightweight formula that is a white liquid but disappears on the skin. What I love about this one is that it doesn’t break me out and also layers beautifully over moisturizer and under foundation (I’ve tried it with Chanel, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, By Terry, NARS, Laura Mercier to name a few). Many sunscreens have a heavy greasy feel and don’t work well with foundations, this is the one I’ve repurchased a number of times. My husband likes to use it for day. For working out or running though it’s not sweat proof. It runs into both of our eyes and stings. This one works for my sensitive skin but one of my friends found it created tiny little bumps on her cheeks.
  • First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($30 for 2 oz) is one of the few moisturizer + sunscreen products that I like. It has a creamy texture and white color but doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. This one is free of skin-irritating chemicals and has a soothing feel. It dries to a semi-matte finish and works really well alone or under makeup. For my ultra sensitive skin this is one of the most gentle sunscreens I’ve tried. I gave one tube to a friend (same one who broke out from Chanel) and she is completely obsessed with the First Aid Beauty sunscreen. It’s lightweight and has a silky finish.
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Body Sunscreens are something I test with dread. I get irritation and red blotches from so many it’s really quite ridiculous. My husband can use any body sunscreen without any issues. His main concern is about texture. If it feels greasy or oily and doesn’t dry down then he doesn’t like it. Four we’ve tested over the summer below that passed my sensitivity test.

  • Supergoop! Sun Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50 ($34 for 5 oz) is something I’ve been obsessed with all summer long. I bought in the mini size and brought with me to Europe in June. It’s an oil that absorbs quickly into the skin and makes the body glow but doesn’t feel greasy. If you’re not a fan of thick cream sunscreens this is a great alternative. It does a good job at preventing burns and when I use this I don’t get much of a tan. This is for face and body but I wasn’t brave enough to try it on my face.
  • Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology is something I received from Birchbox ($32 for 7.5 oz). I didn’t think I would like it because it has a white cream lotion texture. This one is even better than the oil and even though I have sensitive skin and both work for me, I think this has a more gentle feel. I tried this on the face and it stayed put, didn’t sting my eyes with sweat and didn’t get oily. This is hands down one of the best body sunscreens I’ve tried. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. It has a lightweight non-sunscreen scent that fades after a few minutes. One of my biggest gripes about body sunscreen is the sunscreen smell. This one doesn’t smell like the usual.
  • Coola Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 in Tropical Coconut ($30 for the small 3 oz size) smells so amazing. I couldn’t find this one instores (my local stores had the unscented versions). It does have alcohol in it and you can smell it when you spray it on the skin, but the scent disappears and you’re left with the coconut scent. It’s lightweight and gives an even spritz of mist in a continuous spray. I like this one because it’s easy to apply all over – you can sunscreen your back easily and reapply quickly. It’s non-drying and non-irritating. I love that it’s not messy like creams or oils can be.
  • Korres Sunscreen Face and Body with SPF 50 is made with Greek Yogurt. You can’t find this one in the US unfortunately – we bought this in Athens and loved it. It’s a liquid spray but applies like a lotion. It’s creamy and soothing and completely covered the skin. There were a couple times we saw a dramatic difference on our skin on spots we missed. Areas covered with this sunscreen didn’t get dark or tan.
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Last but not least, three men’s sunscreens my husband has liked enough to repurchase. He’s been a long-time Jack Black user. The one facial moisturizer he uses regularly is the Double Duty Face Moisturizer with SPF 20. He uses this almost daily – if he’s going to be indoors at his office most of the day he will use this alone. He likes the lightweight texture and it keeps his skin soft and prevents it from getting oily. On days he think he will be on the road or outdoors, he will layer on the Jack Black Sun Guard Very Water Resistant SPF 45 on top. This one is light enough that it doesn’t feel heavy. With sweat or water it doesn’t sting his eyes. He likes this for the body as well – it prevents burns when he’s been at the beach. Another one he likes is the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel UV Guard Sunscreen with SPF 50. This is his preference for high SPF – it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. It’s similar to the Chanel UV Essentiel in terms of texture, but this one works better for his skin. It doesn’t bead up when he sweats.

I hope you found this roundup helpful. My top picks: Tatcha and First Aid Beauty for the face, Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen (white tube) and Korres for the body. What are your favorite sunscreens? I’m always open to recommendations – I often learn about awesome skincare items from my readers.

Press samples include items from Clarins, Tatcha, First Aid Beauty and Supergoop! Everyday SPF50. All others purchased by me.
 
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Clarisonic Mia 3/Aria + Alpha Fit (Plus Sale Alert)

September 15, 2015

I thought it was time to do a Clarisonic update on my Aria (now called Mia 3) plus a review on the Alpha Fit device for men since all devices are on sale for two days online at Clarisonic.com. They are having a special offer where you can save 20% on all devices and get free shipping from 9/15 – 9/16/15, while supplies last, by using code FLASH20 at checkout. These tools are on the expensive side so it’s best to buy one when there’s a sale or if your store has some special points promotion.

I bought my Clarisonic Aria which is now called the Mia 3 over a year ago (original reviews here and here). There are a number of different Clarisonic devices, I picked the Aria because it came with a stand, came with three different speeds and was the sleekest looking option at the time. I still am really happy with my purchase over a year later although I’m not as disciplined in using it every other day as I used to be. These days I use it 1-2x per week. I’ve tried it with a number of different cleansers and like how versatile it is – it works with gel, cream and liquid face cleansers. My favorites include the Kate Somerville Daily Detox Cleanser, First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser and SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser. Using the device does improve the texture, clarity and feel of the skin. It’s somewhere in between using a scrub or washcloth to exfoliate your face. No matter how gentle face scrubs are, they are usually too harsh for me. Washcloths work ok but I change them out every use to avoid bacteria growth from dirty towels – so the frequent changing and washing is a lot more extra work.

As a quick refresher from one of my previous updates, I tried four different brush heads: Normal, Sensitive, Delicate and Cashmere. When I bought my device, Clarisonic didn’t have a dedicated device designed for men (they simply had different colors). My husband wanted to try it but his skin is a lot tougher – we ordered the Normal Brush for his skin which he liked. We alternated use by switching out brush heads. My personal favorite is the Cashmere Cleanse brush head. It’s ultra soft and cleans the skin nicely with a gentle massaging motion. My husband says he has no idea how that does anything at all for my skin because it’s so soft he doesn’t see how it exfoliates at all. I’ve heard the same from other women who have tried it. Most devices come with the Sensitive Brush which is gentle enough for the skin but strong so you can feel it working. I think it’s a good starting point to see if you need something softer or more dense. It’s not a bad one – I can still use it and it doesn’t feel harsh, I simply prefer the Cashmere version.
https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/09/clarisonic-aria-update-and-further.html
Last month Clarisonic finally released a device for men called the Alpha Fit Men’s Cleansing Device. It is on the pricey side at $189 (I ordered mine when Sephora had their bonus point event) but it is a really good device. I haven’t tested it on myself since I bought it for my husband. It comes with a completely different design. It stands up on its own, comes with a cap so you can throw it in your gym bag or travel with it, and it has a shorter handle. He’s been using it daily for a solid month now. 

The Alpha Fit is designed for men’s skin which is thicker and more oily compared to women’s. It comes with a different brush called Alpha Fit made specifically for men. In the month Andrew has been using it he’s noticed a significant improvement in his skin. It cleans out his pores and he’s found it essential in preparing his skin for shaving. It helps exfoliate and smooth the skin. In addition the motion of the sonic cleansing device helps move the facial and neck hairs by pulling them out slightly which makes for a better easier shave. It also makes his facial hair feel softer as well. I highly recommend watching the demonstration video (it’s near the bottom of the product page) – it’s what sold me on the device in seeing how versatile it is and how it’s really designed specifically for men. My husband says he’s 100% happy with it. The design of the Alpha Fit is more masculine and has a sleek look to it (he says he hates the bulky look of the other devices made for women). He likes that it stands up on its own so he can put it on the counter or have it in the shower. It fits easily into his hand and the way it’s designed makes it easy to use.
On cleansers, he used up the Alpha Cleanse Men’s Facial Cleanser that came with the device. I asked if he wanted me to buy a replacement – for now he said he’s set on staying with his usual go-to cleanser which is the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash.

Overall, I think the Clarisonic Aria has been a game changer for me. It does take time to see results but over time it improves the texture and clarity of the skin. Does it really get a better clean compared to hands or a washcloth? I think absolutely yes. I didn’t experience any purging when I started to use it. If you look at online reviews you might see some others experienced break outs – I suspect it might have been a reaction to the Clarisonic cleansers rather than the device itself. I have tested a few mini tubes of the cleansers but prefer other brands.

For my husband, the Clarisonic Alpha Fit has been a huge help in cleaning his pores and helping clean/prep the skin for shaving. For most of his life he has been an electric-shaver kind of guy because using regular razors has always resulted in razor burn or cuts. In the past month he’s been doing a lot more research and experimenting with shave creams, oils, blades and finally has managed to get a technique down where he has zero razor burn, cuts or ingrown hairs from using a traditional razor. The Clarisonic has been life changing for him in helping prepare the skin for a better shave.

I hope you found this review helpful if you’re in the market for a Clarisonic whether you’re looking to splurge on your first device, looking to upgrade an older one or if you’re shopping for something for the man in your life. I’ve seriously considered buying one for my brother and brother-in-law for Christmas (even though it’s months away). These are definitely splurges but I think worth every penny.
You can find Clarisonic at Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Ulta and Clarisonic.com. For two days only, September 15-16th, you can save 20% on all devices on Clarisonic.com with code FLASH20 at checkout.
Have you tried or do you own a Clarisonic? If yes, which one?
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Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette

September 14, 2015

Lancôme recently launched a 16-pan eyeshadow palette called Auda[city] in Paris ($68 for 16 shadows each x 1.3g/0.45 oz). This palette was designed by Lisa Eldridge and inspired by the streets of Paris. It’s Lancôme’s first multi-palette with light neutrals, taupes, purples, smokey greys and darker browns. It comes cased in a large mirrored compact and double-ended eyeshadow brush. The eyeshadows have different textures including matte, satin and metallic.

There are mixed reviews on this palette – I’ve been playing with this one for a few days now to put it to the test. Overall I would say it’s a good neutral palette that has a wide range of colors to create a multitude of looks. I like that each color is distinct from each other so there aren’t any repeats within the same palette. The look and feel of the shadows is very natural with a sheer to medium finish. Most of the colors are buildable in pigment – by using a denser brush or dampening it you will get more pigment. Texture is soft and sheer – the shimmers have a lot of powdery kickup and when applying on the eyes I experienced a lot of fall out onto the cheeks. It was easy to clean up though and I usually have some sort of fall out with powder shadows whenever I blend and swipe (creams excluded). Once on the lids – lasting power was pretty good. I tried with and without a base – a base definitely helps, my favorite is Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base or a cream shadow stick like NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks or Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks.

The finish of each color in this palette is either hit or miss. Some are sheerer than others. A couple of the darker shades are best applied with a detailed brush damp and then smoked out – if you use a fluffy brush for some of the deeper colors you will see uneven application. The nice thing about the darker shades being sheer though is that they are easy to build slowly. If you’re a smokey eye novice and worried about overdoing it – this is a good starter palette.

  • Filigree is a light ivory gold shimmer, pigment is medium
  • Choquette is a matte cream peach, pigment is medium
  • Parfait is a light matte cool pink, pigment is sheer to meidum
  • Joie is a frosted champagne shimmer, pigment is medium-full
  • Voyage a warm matte terracotta tan, pigment is sheer to medium but easy to blend
  • Santé is a soft matte brown, sheer to medium pigment, this is a good blending shade to soften harsh edges and finish the eye look by adding warmth
  • Kitten Heel a metallic duo chrome pink gold copper, pigment is medium with a lot of fallout, but on the lids it stays put
  • Tenacity is a glorious metallic taupe, it’s frosty but so so pretty on the lids
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  • Exhibition is an orchid shimmer, finish is very sheer, this is my least favorite in the palette
  • Zip Me Up is a deeper orchid purple shimmer, also sheer in finish, my second least favorite
  • Volcano is a shimmery grey, finish is sheer to medium
  • Audacious is a satiny smokey brown shimmer, pigment is medium
  • Couture is a soft semi-sheer dark matte brow, color is really soft unless you apply with a damp detail brush or small smudge brush
  • It List is a satiny black with tiny bits of silver shimmer flecks, pigment is medium
  • Clock Strikes 12 is a metallic grey that is very sheer, but buildable if you pack it on
  • Nuit is a cool-toned metallic black gunmetal, pigment is medium
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Quick eye swatch with a super natural look:

One last shot:

My overall take on the Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette is that it’s a decent palette. If I were to rate this on a scale, I’d give this a B rating. I think it’s a good wearable palette that will take you from day to night looks without any other shadows required. The variety makes it versatile and will allow for a number of different looks. If you’re new to eyeshadow and want the convenience of a palette, this is a good starter palette. There are a number of women I know who don’t wear much eyeshadow – if you want color but want a natural palette that’s fun to experiment with this is a good option.

Compared to other palettes, I do think there are better options out there for richer more vibrant color/pigment. That being said the Lancome Palette does appear to be designed for a natural look versus bold rich color. I’m not a huge fan of the brush it comes with – one is a synthetic small brush that seems better suited for creams. The other side is a larger fluffy side which is good for pigmented shadows, since this palette is sheer to medium it doesn’t pick up color well. It is a really good blending brush though.

In terms of larger palettes, the Urban Decay Naked series still rules them all as the best ones for the price of $54 each (at least in my opinion). Based on feedback I’ve received from previous reviews I’ve posted I know they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I like Urban Decay because of the soft textures, rich pigment, gorgeous shimmers, wearable metallics – for many the palettes are just too much in terms of frost/shimmer. For others, some can’t get over the look of the packaging. The MAC x15 Naturals Palettes are also good if you’re looking for variety but come at a much higher price tag of $85.

If you want a softer palette with shimmers but ones that have more subtle shimmers I’d recommend this Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette or the Dior Eye Reviver (reviewed here and here). Given how many eyeshadows I’ve tested and own, I can’t call this one a must-have, although for the price it’s nice to have – the quality is good and shadows blend/build nicely on the lids.
Overall a good wearable and versatile palette that’s nice to have, or nice to start out with if you’re building a makeup collection. The overall look and feel is extremely beautiful – it’s a palette you can wear for a number of occasions. You can find the Lancôme Auda[city] in Paris Eyeshadow Palette available now at Lancôme counters. Online at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and all other Lancôme retailers.
Have you tried this palette yet? What’s your favorite large eyeshadow palette?
This palette was provided courtesy of Lancôme for review consideration.
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Weekend Link Love

September 13, 2015

I hope everyone has been enjoying the weekend! We are having a heat wave in Southern California with temperatures in the high 80s, it’s hard to imagine what fall will feel like with all this warmth. I’m working my way through some new products. I’m really excited to try the new Edward Bess Illusion Foundation and Longwear Lip & Cheek Stains. Also on my testing list have been the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks, Lancome Audacity Eyeshadow Palette and the Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Collection. I’ll have reviews up soon.

Several of you have asked for thoughts on the latest from Marc Jacobs Beauty, including the Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer and Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate. I bought the primer and acquired four mini samples of the foundation from my local Sephora. I’m still putting them to the test. I like the primer, still undecided about the foundation. Right now my preference is still for the Genius Gel Super–Charged Oil–Free Foundation (reviewed here) over the new one, but I want to give it a thorough test before I have a review posted.

A few links I’ve been loving this weekend:

What are you loving right now? Did you end up ordering anything from the recent beauty events from Neiman Marcus, Barney’s or Space NK? I’m still waiting on a couple orders – unfortunately they didn’t arrive in time to post before the events ended – but I’ll start testing things soon as they arrive (I ordered some new items from By Terry and Le Metier de Beaute).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
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Lips Tom Ford Beauty

New Tom Ford Lip Colors for Fall 2015

September 11, 2015

 

Tom Ford added 16 new Lip Colors to his permanent beauty lineup. He launched three shades that were previously Asia Exclusives and also launched eight lipsticks in full-size form that were formerly in the small Lips & Boys size. I ordered several a few weeks ago – I’m a huge fan of Tom Ford Lipsticks (all his formulas) even though these come with a high price tag of $52 each, the formula is rich, creamy, pigmented, non-irritating and non-drying (they made it into my top three picks of favorite lipsticks). I have a review of 6 shades I picked out plus swatches of 15 of the 16 colors that I swatched at the counter (I missed one that I couldn’t locate at the counter). The new colors that just launched include:

 

  • Bare Peach is a medium peach silver shimmer
  • Casino (formerly Blake from Lips & Boys) is a metallic plum-brown with gold frost
  • Dark & Stormy (formerly Pavlos from Lips & Boys) is a dark brown with a hint of red
  • Flash of Pink (formerly John from Lips & Boys) is the color I couldn’t locate at the counter
  • Guilty Pleasure (formerly William from Lips & Boys) is a warm metallic peach gold
  • Lilac Nymph is a cool-toned lilac cream
  • Misbehaved is a medium peach cream
  • Naked Coral is a shimmering soft coral
  • Seventh Sin is a metallic copper gold
  • Showgirl (formerly Francesco from Lips & Boys) is a vibrant hot pink cream
  • So Vain is a mauve plum with a slight hint of gold shimmer
  • Something Wild is a medium warm hot pink
  • Sunset Boulevard (formerly Tomas from Lips & Boys) is a hot orange cream
  • Sweet Mystery (formerly Peter from Lips & Boys) is a shimmering champagne nude
  • Virgin Rose is a cool-toned baby pink
The colors I picked out are all neutrals of course. When I bought mine I ordered sight unseen and I did not know that some were repromotes of Lips & Boys. After seeing the other colors at the counter I was tempted by Virgin Rose but suspect it will be too cool-toned for my skin. Casino is gorgeous but looks identical Blake which I already own so I passed.

 

My picks include Naked Coral, Forbidden Pink, Sweet Mystery, Bare Peach, Guilty Pleasure and So Vain. All performed true to what I’m used to with other Tom Ford Lip Colors. They glide on the lips nicely. The shimmering colors are on the frosty side which emphasized lip lines – although I will say that my lips have been a bit dry lately. These days I prep my lips with Charlotte Tilbury Lip Magic or MAC Prep + Prime Lips and let it set for a minute before applying lip color. Both give the lips a nice smooth base with some hydration. They are good bases for lipstick because they have just the right amount of moisture and aren’t too emollient which is a must – otherwise the lip color can tend to slide off.

 

Colors in different lighting, indoors without flash:

 

 

Swatches side by side, note most of the colors I picked had some kind of shimmer in them. Naked Coral, Forbidden Pink and So Vain are the ones with the least shimmer but the formula still has a very slight glossy sheen which makes them glow:

 

 

Close up and lip swatches. On my skin Naked Coral and Forbidden Pink are very close. My lips tend to make anything with a slightly bright base turn a bit so you will probably see more of a distinction on your lips versus mine. I have a very slight preference for Forbidden Pink because it has a warm pink base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I pulled a few other Tom Ford lipsticks to compare and see if a couple were truly dupes of the Lips & Boys. The ones I looked at are 90%+ identical, there are very slight differences. There are still a few of the Lips & Boys available online at Neiman Marcus. Reviews of previous reviews linked below:

 

One last shot of the new colors lined up side by side:

 

I definitely have dupes with Sweet Mystery and Guilty Pleasure. If you have either Peter or William you don’t need the repromotes unless you love it, are running low and want to replenish. Naked Coral and Forbidden Pink are very close on me. I have a slight preference for Forbidden Pink although if you like lighter colors I’d recommend you opt for Naked Coral instead – it has a brighter look. Bare Peach is pure love although the shimmer in it requires lip prep so it doesn’t emphasize lip lines. So Vain is a good cool-toned mauve plum that will be perfect for a fall transition color.
All the new lip colors are supposed to be permanent additions to the Tom Ford Lip Color line. I’m still tempted by Virgin Rose but I know it will almost certainly be too cool in color for my skin. Also with the other lipstick launches from other lines this fall, there are plenty of other colors and formulas to choose from.
The Tom Ford Lip Colors retail for $52 each. Available now at Tom Ford Beauty counters. Online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Selfridges.

 

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GWP

Space NK USA Autumn Beauty Edit Gift With Purchase Event – September 12, 2015

September 10, 2015
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=211083.1&type=10&tmpid=11586&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fus.spacenk.com%252Fwomen%252F

September is a popular month for beauty events and gift with purchase offers. Space NK offers one of the best gift bags – if you’ve shopped their events in past years you know they are extremely generous with the samples. This Saturday, September 12th, Space NK USA will host their Autumn Beauty Edit event across all 23 US locations. During this one-day-only shopping event, you can shop the latest in fall trends and looks from their Timeless Beauty FW15 Campaign. Each store will have different specialists, makeover appointments and experts on site. Full list of their US locations here.

Exclusively for the event, and while supplies last, with any purchase of $250 or more you will receive a huge gift bag with a sampling of must-haves from 33 of our featured brands (deluxe, travel and full-size items). Each year this event is extremely popular and gifts always sell out. It’s recommended you call your local store to reserve a gift in advance or order early online on the 12th – if you’re interested and have a store near you I recommend calling today. A sneak peek at what’s inside the gift bag:

Contents of the gift bag courtesy of Space NK:

  • Space NK Limited Edition Cosmetics Bag 
  • Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry (15ml) 
  • By Terry Mascara Terrybly in Black Parti-Pris (4g) 
  • Cane + Austin Miracle Pad (x 5) 
  • Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara in Black (4g) 
  • Darphin Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum (3ml) 
  • Diptyque Eau de Parfum (assorted, 12ml) 
  • Eve Lom Cleanser (20ml plus muslin cloth) 
  • Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel (5ml) 
  • Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Hydrating Aloe (30ml) 
  • Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Icon (0.85g) 
  • James Read Tan Accelerator (25ml) 
  • Juara Candlenut Body Crème (44 ml) 
  • Kate Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum (7ml) 
  • Kevyn Aucoin The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil in Bloodroses (0.68g) 
  • Lancer Intensive Night Treatment (7.5ml) 
  • Leif Kakadu Plum and Macadamia Nut Hand Balm (75ml) 
  • Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil (assorted, 3.1g) 
  • Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer (30ml) 
  • Mila Moursi Cryo Serum Ice Cube Infusion (5ml) 
  • Mio The Activist Firming Active Body Oil (30 ml) 
  • Miriam Quevedo Extreme Caviar Restructuring Luxe Serum (50ml) 
  • Natura Bissé Tensolift Neck Cream (5ml) 
  • Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream (15ml) 
  • Original & Mineral Atonic Thickening Spritz (50ml) 
  • Philip B. Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo (15ml) 
  • R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo (2.25oz) 
  • Radical Skincare Eye Revive Crème (5ml) 
  • Ren Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial (10ml) 
  • Rodial Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum (5ml) 
  • Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Treatment (0.07oz x 2) 
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes (10ml) 
  • Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (15ml)
Will you be shopping for this Space NK event this fall? Or have you budgeted for other fall beauty events? Would love to hear about what you have on your wishlist or any new beauty finds you’ve discovered.

To recap, the Space NK USA Autumn Beauty Edit Event is one day on September 12th, in stores and online while supplies last. Full store listing of all 23 US locations here. Do note the gifts usually sell out fairly quickly – if you’re interested I’d recommend calling your store soon to reserve one in advance.

Many thanks to Space NK for sending the gift as a preview teaser for their event!

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Sara Happ Lip Scrubs, The Lip Slip One Luxe Balm and One Luxe Glosses

September 9, 2015

I first tried Sara Happ’s line a couple of months ago when I ordered the Sparkling Pink Lip Set from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (it’s still available online). One of my BFFs raves about and swears by The Lip Slip One Luxe Clear Shine Lip Gloss – she wears it over her lipstick or alone for a soft glossy shine. I usually don’t wear clear gloss so I opted for the Pink Lip gloss along with the Grapefruit Lip Scrub since it came in a set – both are really fun to use. I’ve since been able to play with a few more of the items from Sara Happ’s line. Today I have a review on some of The Lip Scrubs, The Lip Slip One Luxe Balm and her One Luxe Gloss in The Pink Slip and The Nude Slip (they all retail at $24 each).

The Sara Happ Lip Scrubs have been on my radar for a long time but the concept of a scrub on the lips sounded a bit harsh for my super sensitive skin. The packaging can’t be beat with these though – they come packaged in a small square box with a white little bow. These make the cutest little gifts and you don’t have to do any wrapping to make them look special. These are gritty and have texture but have an emollient feel so they glide easily on the lips. They do get a bit messy, as you can expect with a scrub. The instructions say to apply on the lips and massage in a circular motion, then wipe off with a tissue. I tried each of these several time and each time I think I applied too much (although maybe it’s because they taste amazing). Using a tissue wasn’t enough to remove it from my lips. I had to wipe it off with a slightly damp towel as well. These leave the lips feeling super soft – it does help remove dry patches and flakes. These are paraben free and made with natural ingredients. Ingredients vary slightly per flavor. I’ve been playing with several flavors for a few weeks now:

  • Peony is a limited-edition flavor, it resembles the floral scent that the lip glosses and lip balm have, it’s not my favorite but if you like soft florals this one is really good, it’s not bad tasting – it’s just the sweeter ones are amazing by comparison
  • Vanilla Bean is a brown-colored scrub, it smells and tastes like vanilla bean without being too sweet or sugary
  • Confetti Cake is another limited-edition one, it tastes and smells similar to Vanilla Bean, but softer and more like a sugar cookie or white cake
  • Sparkling Pink Grapefruit (not shown) smells exactly like grapefruit, if you like citrusy fruity scents this one is really fun

Ingredients of The Luxe Lip Balm (above) and Vanilla Bean Lip Scrub (bottom):

The Lip Slip One Luxe Balm is a floral scented milky pink balm that has tiny bits of silver shimmer mixed in. On my lips it’s pretty clear in color although the milky pink tint does make my lips look a bit pale. It’s on the thick side for a lip balm – a little goes a very long way. This is the closest thing I’ve ever tried that compares to the By Terry Baume de Rose in terms of look and feel. Of course the two aren’t identical, but the Sara Happ Luxe Balm has a similar milky light pink tint and a thick texture with a floral scent. My preference is still for the By Terry, but the Sara Happ does a really good job at hydrating the lips – my only hesitation in keeping this one in my purse for daily use is that it’s very thick in texture and a bit too heavy for day. I suspect once fall/winter rolls around I will be loving the texture more, right now for summer in high 80-100 degree weather, it’s too much.

The One Luxe Glosses come in four colors. Below are two of them in The Pink Slip and The Nude Slip. Both come in a tube with a large sponge applicator. The glosses are fairly thick in texture and have a sticky tacky feel to them. They feel really nourishing on the lips. The Nude Slip is lighter than my natural lip color and took some blending to apply smoothly – it’s a nude color but doesn’t wash out the complexion. I’m a huge lover of nude lips but this one was a bit too pale for my skintone. The Pink Slip on the other hand is a lovely baby pink that has enough color to give the face a glow. It’s on the cool-toned side on my skin but looking at the tube I would call it more in the neutral territory (not too warm and not too cool). It makes the lips look very healthy. Lasting power is pretty good with these since they have that thick tacky feel. If you’re not a fan of thick sticky formulas though you may want to skip.

Swatches of all three:

Bottom line, fun lip products to play with for grown ups. The packaging makes these really special even though you will probably end up throwing away the boxes. It gives them a unique feel that you don’t see with other brands. I’m obsessed with The Pink Slip Lip Gloss as it gives the lips a healthy glow. The Nude Slip is a good nude but too light for me. I like the way the Lip Slip Luxe Balm performs – it hydrates the lips really well, but the texture is thick and a bit too heavy for the hot weather we have right now.

In terms of the Lip Scrubs, I think Vanilla Bean and Confetti Cake are musts. I’m super picky when it comes to sweet scents in lip products – these have just the right amount of sweetness without being over the top. I was skeptical about how useful these would be but after trying them, I really don’t know what took me so long to try one.

Have you tried anything from Sara Happ before? What are your favorites? Occasionally you can see some sets available for sale that give a slight price break. You can find Sara Happ at Nordstrom, Beautyhabit, Blue Mercury, and Selfridges.
Confetti Cake, Vanilla Bean, Peony and The Nude Slip were provided as press samples for review consideration. Other items purchased by me.

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