Monthly Archives

November 2016

Base Makeup Dior

The Perfect Base with Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation

November 30, 2016

Diorskin Air Flash

I’ve been a long-time fan of the Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation and am excited to team up with Dior Beauty to re-visit it this month. With the holiday season in full swing finding base makeup that covers the face entirely, photographs well with a flash, lasts a long time and still looks natural can be a challenge. I have normal to combination skin and even when I set my base with a good powder I usually find I need a quick touch up at least 2 times a day. I like a base that has visible coverage but sometimes fuller coverage foundations can feel thick or look flat. Formulas have improved across brands over the years with better lasting power, lighter textures and unique glowy finishes, but the Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation is hands down among the best of bases that hits all the marks on what I want: long lasting, photographs well with flash, covers the face entirely but looks natural.

Diorskin Air Flash

The Airflash comes in an aerosol spray can and dispenses an ultra fine even layer of foundation in a mist. It gives the skin an airbrushed finish. Simply shake it for a few seconds, hold about 6 inches from the face and spray from the top down in a zig-zag motion. There can be a bit of a learning curve to figure out exactly how far to hold it from your face when you spray it – I sometimes wear a band around my hairline to keep the hair back and out of the way. After spraying I’ve blend a bit with a sponge or a brush. You can also add more on areas by spraying the product directly on the brush and patting on the face. Any tool will work but I just discovered the Backstage Buffing Brush #18 and it has the perfect density and angled shape to blend out foundation to a flawless streak-free smooth finish. For color matching, in the past I’ve been a match to the shade 300 Medium Beige, but right now I’m a better match to 201 Linen.

Diorskin Air FlashDiorskin Air Flash

Below is a closer look at the spray foundation with the Backstage Buffing Brush #18. It’s the perfect size for smoothing across the face. So many foundation buffing brushes are on the smaller side, this one has a larger head which makes it easier to swipe in larger motions.

Diorskin Airflash and Buffing Brush 18

Swatches below with the Airflash Spray Foundation in 201 (color I’m wearing in photos) and 300. Over the past few months I’ve also been using the Capture Totale Dreamskin Cushion and mix 020 and 030 – I initially thought it was a foundation but was told by a few reps that it’s actually part of their skincare line and can be used as a primer or just a regular tint. It’s swatched heavily below but the cushion is significantly lighter in coverage and very sheer. Let me know if you want a dedicated review on the cushions.

Diorskin Airflash vs Dreamskin Cushion Swatches

Below on the left is me wearing just the Airflash Foundation in 201 and a bit of the Dior Lip Glow in Lilac to prep the lips, photographed without flash. For me the Airflash has enough coverage to cover dark under eye circles most of the time. There are some days where I do need extra coverage so I’ll layer on something under the eyes or around the nose. Below you can see that with just the foundation everything looks like it’s covered. Everything as in my acne scars on the chin and freckles and sunspots on my cheeks aren’t visible.

On the right side is the base with some color added. This photograph is taken with a flash to show that the foundation doesn’t give a white glare or cast that you see with some other foundations. This makes it a great one to wear for holiday gatherings, dinners or parties. You won’t have to worry about getting holiday photos with your face looking garishly white in contrast to your neck or body.

Diorskin Airflash 201 Linen

Makeup worn is with a light hand and everything blended, products shown below as well. What I’m wearing:

Dior Beauty Holiday Glow Natural Beauty Look

Right now Dior.com has a special online promo where you can get a mini kabuki brush with any Airflash foundation purchase. The packaging is always exquisite – if you’re looking for a place that will wrap and package everything perfectly, Dior has it all covered.

Dior Holiday Packaging and Airflash GWP

Diorskin Air Flash

Bottom line I think the Diorskin Airflash is a classic. In the past few weeks I tried it without any setting powder – we’ve been having dry weather and air here (even with the rain) so my skin hasn’t been as oily as normal. I almost always set with a powder but the Airflash lasted an impressive amount of time without it. It’s one I’ll be wearing all holiday long because it performs well and truly holds up all day long. It gets extra points from me for covering my skin entirely while still looking natural.

Have you tried the Diorskin Airflash? What color do you use? If not what’s your go-to base for holiday photographs or gatherings? You can find the Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation for $62 at Dior.com.

This post was sponsored by Dior. As always all opinions my own.

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Lips Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Lips and Boys – 25 New Shades for 2016

November 29, 2016

Tom Ford Lips and Boys The Beauty Look Book

Tom Ford just launched 25 new shades and 25 repromoted colors of their clutch-sized Lips and Boys Lipsticks ($36 each for 0.07 oz/ 2.07 mL). As the ultimate lipstick junkie I was beyond thrilled when a press box arrived at my door containing all 25 new shades in a drop-dead gorgeous black lacquer box. I’m so excited to be able to share swatches of the new colors with you today. This year Tom Ford Beauty added a new soft velvety matte finish formula for the Lips and Boys and they do not disappoint. For those new to Tom Ford lip colors this is a great way to start with the line as the full-sized lip colors are $50+ each. This is the third year that that they’ve launched the lips and boys minis and I think it’s one of the most fun launches during the holiday season. I’m still waiting for them to launch one named Andrew for my husband, but for now there are lots of other shades to play with.

Tom Ford Lips Boys 2016

I’ve been a huge fan of Tom Ford lip colors since the initial launch. My first one was Pink Dusk as it was the only wearable neutral in the original lineup for me and to this day it remains one of the best neutral pinks. The lipsticks are expensive but I find the textures to be excellent and usually find at least several colors I fall in love with from each seasonal launch regardless of formula (sheer, ultra rich, shine, foiled, etc.) The $50+ price tag is still not something I am happy about but I still buy colors with each launch and have been happy with most of my purchases. Formulas are always good, but when I buy sight unseen sometimes colors just don’t work for me as I hoped. Below I’ve swatched and photographed the new Lips and Boys in the order they came presented in the press box. For skintone reference I’m wearing the Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation Concealer in Bisque with Laura Mercier Candleglow Setting Powder #2 on top. As always colors are all swatched on bare lips. If you think you see a darker line around the outer edges of some shades – it’s just my natural lip color showing through. I have pigmented lips. Row 1 includes:

  • Douglas (shimmer) is a medium baby pink shimmer
  • Bradley (satin) is a peachy flesh nude with a sheen
  • Alexander (satin) is a pale nude pink, note that Tom Ford launched another shade called Alexander in 2014, this year’s is different
  • Ashton (satin) is a medium mauve plum rose
  • Thomas (matte) is a cool-toned matte pink rose

Tom Ford Lips and Boys 2016 The Beauty Look Book swatches Tom Ford Lips and Boys 2016 The Beauty Look Book swatches tom-ford-lips-boys-2016-swatches-1-lips

Row two includes:

  • Christopher (matte) is a matte mauve brown
  • Ben (matte) is a matte deep brown red
  • Evan (matte) is a matte peach nude, but on my pigmented lips it pulls mauvey, if you have regular colored lips this will probably be more true to what you see in the tube
  • Dominic (matte) is a cool toned blue red matte
  • Travis (shimmer) is a brown shimmer, this one has a slightly sheer finish and slightly patchy on me

Tom Ford Lips and Boys 2016Tom Ford Lips and Boys 2016 Christopher, Ben, Evan, Dominic, TravisTom Ford Lips and Boys 2016 Christopher, Ben, Evan, Dominic, Travis

Row 3 has:

  • Graham (shimmer) is a semi-sheer golden shimmer, it has a transparent finish so my natural lip color shows through
  • Aaron (shimmer) is a warm coppery brown shimmer
  • Snowdon (shimmer) is a peachy pink rose gold shimmer
  • Dylan (matte) is a bright matte warm orange red
  • Jack (satin) is a deep plum, note there was a previous color called Jack from 2014 which was more purple, this year’s is more mauve plum

Tom Ford Lips and Boys Graham, Aaron, Snowdon, Dylan and JackTom Ford Lips and Boys Graham, Aaron, Snowdon, Dylan and JackTom Ford Lips and Boys Graham, Aaron, Snowdon, Dylan and Jack

Row 4 colors include:

  • Anderson (matte) is a matte neutral pink, it pulls cool-toned on my complexion
  • Jared (matte) is a hot fuchsia pink
  • Logan (shimmer) is a shimmering iridescent fuchsia
  • Cristiano (matte) is a bright orange matte
  • Mitchell (satin) is a muted neutral plum

Tom Ford Lips and Boys Anderson, Jared, Logan, Cristiano, Mitchell Tom Ford Lips and Boys Anderson, Jared, Logan, Cristiano, Mitchell Tom Ford Lips and Boys Anderson, Jared, Logan, Cristiano, Mitchell

Row 5 colors are plums:

  • Nicholas (matte)
  • Ryan (shimmer)
  • Inigo (shimmer)
  • Jon (shimmer)
  • Elliot (shimmer)

Tom Ford Lips and Boys Nicholas, Ryan, Inigo, Jon and Elliot Tom Ford Lips and Boys Nicholas, Ryan, Inigo, Jon and Elliot Tom Ford Lips and Boys Nicholas, Ryan, Inigo, Jon and Elliot

All side by side:

Tom Ford Lips Boys 2016 The Beauty Look BookTom Ford Lips Boys 2016 New Shades Beauty Look Book

Tom Ford Lips Boys 2016

It’s really hard to narrow down my favorites because there are so many amazing colors. Out of the entire collection there are only two that I’m not crazy about. Alexander 2016 is too pale for me but I have a hard time pulling off nudes. If you are like me in coloring but want a good Tom Ford nude that won’t wash you out, check out Revolve Around Me Ultra Lip Color. Travis also came off a bit patchy but it can be smoothed out if layered on the lips a bit more. Other than those two, all the others performed really well in terms of pigment and texture. The shimmers this year have a smooth finish in the shimmer, no chunky sparkles or frost. If I could only pick six of the new colors, I would say my favorites include Elliot, Snowdon, Mitchell, Evan, Douglas and Bradley.

To recap, new shades include: Alexander, Bradley, Jack, Ashton, Mitchell, Graham, Douglas, Snowdon, Aaron, Travis, Ryan, Inigo, Jon, Logan, Elliot, Anderson, Thomas, Jared, Cristiano, Dylan, Dominic, Evan, Nicolas, Ben and Christopher.

Repromoted colors include: Julian, Collin, Cary, Ian, Addison, Flynn, James, Richard, Patrick, Michael, Justin, Giacomo, Rafael, Luciano, Leonardo, Jake, Austin, Eric, Hiro, Roberto, Alejandro, Tony, Joaquin, Drake and Alex. I have my picks from the past two years swatched from 2014 here and 2015 here.

The Tom Ford Lips and Boys are available now at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-A-Porter and all other Tom Ford Beauty counters.

Many thanks to the Tom Ford Beauty team for making my lipstick dreams come true. Lips and Boys provided courtesy for review.

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Sales

Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2016

November 27, 2016

Best Cyber Monday Beauty Deals 2016

Happy Cyber Monday! Here’s a roundup for the deals, sales and codes for beauty. Shown above includes the Birchbox x Oribe Styling Kit (you can receive 10% off, code listed below), Truffle mini clarity clutches, Molton Brown Coco and Sandalwood Hand Cream (color on the nails is not on sale, but for curious minds it’s Chanel Rouge Noir). If you find any other good ones let me know in the comments!

Earlier today I finally finished editing all photos and swatches for the 25 new shades of Tom Ford Lips and Boys. I know many of you have been asking and I took a few days off to enjoy with friends in town and family, so thanks for your patience! Post will go live first thing Tuesday morning 🙂

In case you’re still not seeing updates right away on the home page, follow me on Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for direct post links. Keeping fingers crossed issues can be fixed soon.

Sales

Black Friday Beauty Deals – Holiday 2016

November 24, 2016

black-friday-beauty-2016

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had warm sunny weather here in Southern California and it almost feels like summer! I’ve rounded up the Black Friday beauty deals for this year, if you have any other good ones you’ve spotted, let me know in the comments!

  • Beautylish – Black Friday Bioderma Beauty Bundles
  • Benefit Cosmetics – spend $50 and get 3 minis, spend $85 and get 6 deluxe minis with code FABFRIDAY, valid thru 11/27
  • Birchbox – Everything. Is. On. Sale. (Including Subscriptions) 10% off for all with code 10FORALL, 15% off for subscribers with code 15FORSUBS, 20% off for Aces (Birchbox VIPs) with code 20FORACES, valid 11/25-11/29
  • Bobbi Brown – pick a free 6-piece holiday gift set with any $50+ purchase, ends 11/26
  • Caudalie – Black Friday gift set with a $50 purchase using code FRIYAY, valid 11/25
  • Chanel Ombre Lamees de Chanel officially launches Cyber Monday but beauty look book readers get early access by clicking here and can receive overnight shipping with code GOLDEN valid through 11/28
  • Charlotte Tilbury -Weekend of Makeup Magic, 4 days, 4 deals
    • Buy one get one free for Nocturnal Cat Eyes, valid through 11/25
    • Buy a Matte Revolution Lipstick in Red Carpet Red and receive a complimentary Lip Clutch valid 11/26
    • Buy a luxury makeup bag and receive minis of Magic Cream, Wonderglow, Goddess Ski Clay Mask, Multi-Miracle Glow and Night Cream, valid 11/27
    • Purchase the 3rd Edition Makeup Bag and receive a mini Magic Cream and mini Wonderglow, valid 11/27
    • Shop a mystery makeup bag filled with skincare and makeup essentials, available 11/28
  • Clarisonic – 20% off all devices, plus a free Deep Pore Brush Head and Beauty Bag with orders of $175 or more, enter code BLACKFRI at checkout, valid 11/25
  • Diptyque – with any $50 purchase, receive a 35g Baies and 35 g L’Ombre Dans L’eau Soap with code GIFT, valid through 11/27
  • Foreo – 25% off everything site wide except Holiday Gift Sets, ends 11/28
  • Giorgio Armani – 20% off all orders with code ARMANI20, receive complimentary shipping with your order of $75 or more, and receive a complimentary Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in Shade 601 with orders of $150 or more, valid through 11/29
  • Glamglow – buy one full sized product get the same one free with code BOGO2016, valid through 11/29
  • Glossier – 20% off sitewide through the weekend
  • Kat Von D Beauty – receive a 5-piece mini set + vegan leather makeup bag when you spend $100 or, ends 11/28
  • Kate Somerville – save 20% off your entire order with code THANKS2016, receive a bonus holiday survival kit with orders $120 or more, ends 11/28
  • Kerastase – 15% off $100+ and free shipping + 3 deluxe samples, use code KERBF16 at checkout, ends 11/27
  • Kiehl’s – pick 4 deluxe samples of your choice plus free shipping with any $25+ order, applicable on gift sets, enter code BFRIDAY at checkout ends 11/27, plus enjoy or Black Friday Doorbuster Gift Set, only $35 ($62 Value), while supplies last
  • L’Occitane – 30% off Black Friday sets with code FRIDAY, valid 11/25
  • Laura Mercier – 25% off purchases $100 or more with code BLACKFRI, ends 11/28
  • MAC Cosmetics – Black Plum Friday Kit for $35 ($64 value), while supplies last
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty – #Blacquer Friday Sets online, ends 11/28
  • Molton Brown – 25% off sitewide + free shipping with code USBF25, ends 11/28
  • NARS – 20% off Give and Take Event – enter your email for exclusive code to use at checkout
  • Neiman Marcus – $50 off your $200+ purchase, includes beauty with code THANKFUL ends 11/26
  • Nordstrom Beauty – Black Friday Beauty Deals and 80+ Gift With Purchase options
  • Omorovicza Cosmetics – 30% off their order. PLUS, all orders over $330 will receive a complimentary Perfecting Lip Balm, worth $45, ends 11/29
  • Sephora – Black Friday Beauty deals and gift sets starting at $10, while supplies last
  • Shu Uemura – 20% off orders $50+ or 25% off orders $99+, use code BF16, ends 11/25
  • Shu Uemura Art of Hair – 15% Off $125 or More, Free Shipping & a Murakami Beauty Bag, use code BFR16 at checkout, ends 11/27
  • Smashbox – 25% off orders $50+ with code HOLIDAY16, ends 11/27
  • Space NK – spend $150 or more and get $25 off, spend $250 or more get $50 off, discount automatically applied to bag, valid through 11/27
  • Tarte – 25% off orders with code FRIYAY, ends 11/25
  • Tatcha – 20% off all orders at with code THANKS2016, includes free shipping through 11/28
  • Ulta Beauty – Black Friday Beauty Busters and value sets
  • YSL Beauty – 20% off any purchase of $75 or more, plus complimentary shipping, additionally, receive a YSL Signature Brush Set gift with purchases $150 or more, enter code PRIVATESALE2016 at checkout through 11/28

Not on sale, but 25 new shades of Tom Ford Lips and Boys have launched early on Sephora.com! I have all new 25 shades swatched and photographed, post and review will go up soon!

A few other steals and deals on my radar in fashion:

  • AG Jeans – 30% off sitewide and in store, use code BF16, ends 11/28
  • All Saints – 30% off sitewide, use code CYBER
  • Ann Taylor – 50% off sitewide and in store, use code CELEBRATE ends 11/25
  • Banana Republic – 50% off 5 regular-priced items sitewide, ends 11/26 online, 11/28 in store
  • Coach – receive 30% off select styles ends 11/27
  • Express – 50% off everything, ends 11/25
  • Frame Denim – 10% off $200, 15% off $350, 20% off $500 and 25% off $750 select styles, ends 11/28
  • Jcrew – 40% off select items with code HOLIDAY, valid through 11/28
  • Joe’s Jeans – 25% off everything with code THANKS25
  • Joie – 25% off your order with code THANKS, ends 11/28
  • Madewell – 25% off your order with code THATSALE
  • Rag and Bone – 25% off everything with code BLACKFRIDAY25, ends 11/26
  • Shopbop – Buy more save more, spend $200+, get 15% off; spend $500+, get 20% off; spend $800+, get 25% off with code GOBIG16, ends 11/28
  • Splendid – 30% off with code TGIF30 at checkout, 50% off sale items

Happy shopping!

P.S. In case you missed recent updates, I did move to a new platform for the blog last Tuesday and I’ve had a few technical difficulties with the site. While most of you are able to see new posts now, a few of you have reported that you’re still experiencing a delay in seeing new posts on the home page and I’m doing everything I can to fix these (to the point of tears). Some browsers have issues while others do not. You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and direct links to new posts. I hope to have these fixed ASAP!

Chanel Eye Makeup

Chanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel for Holiday 2016

November 23, 2016

Chanel Ombres Lamees de Chanel

For holiday Chanel is releasing a special limited-edition palette called Ombres Lamées de Chanel ($105 for 14 g/0.49 oz, made in Italy). It launches officially on Chanel.com November 28th but I’m thrilled to share that Beauty Look Book readers are getting an exclusive to shop it early starting today through this specific link. In addition they’ve offered a special overnight shipping code (details at bottom of post)! The Ombres Lamées de Chanel is, “Inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship and rich textures of iconic Chanel Ready-to-Wear creations, this exclusive palette reveals a harmony of exquisite shadows in three shades laced with gold. The soft, silky texture leaves an even, luminous finish.” The palette is exactly as described – soft, silky and luminous.

Chanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel

The Ombres Lamées de Chanel comes cased in a small black box which also contains a little black pouch and two brushes. The brushes are small for detail application and blending but extremely well made. The design of the palette is simply exquisite – like a work of art in a small compact. It’s almost too pretty to use with the gold overspray accents and gorgeous embossed surface patterns. There’s a chart online at Chanel which gives a how-to application guide, but I tried it by swirling all the colors together for a soft luminous golden eye look with slight smoky tones. First a closer look at the palette:

Chanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel

Chanel Ombres Lamees de Chanel

It’s truly a sight to behold:

Chanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel

The surface does have some gold overspray which is just beautiful. A look at the palette below once the overspray has been removed:

Chanel Ombres Lamees de Chanel

There are three colors in the palette: yellow warm gold shimmer, soft taupe shimmer, satiny brown-black. The texture is very soft and colors are sheer-to-medium but can be applied slightly damp for more color. The overall effect is soft and luminous.

Swatches:

Chanel Ombres Lamees de Chanel

Look below wearing with the Chanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel:

Chanel Ombres Lamées de ChanelChanel Ombres Lamées de Chanel

The colors are easy to layer but since the stripes of color are on the small side you will need to use a detail or smaller brush to pick up individual colors. The brushes that come with the palette are the perfect size for picking up shades individually, but most likely some swirling between colors will occur.

Chanel Ombres Lamees de Chanel

If you haven’t yet seen the palette I hope this review helps give you an idea of the texture and colors. I think the effect of the shades swirled together is really pretty and makes for a soft smoky gold and almost olive-tinged eye that is great for holiday. The palette launches officially online at Chanel.com November 28th. Beauty Look Book readers get early access by shopping through this Ombres Lamées de Chanel link. In addition you can receive overnight shipping with code GOLDEN at checkout, valid 11/23 at 12:01am – 11/28 at 5pm.

Many thanks to Chanel for sending me this palette and for offering my readers early access!

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L'Occitane

L’Occitane Harmonie Divine Skincare Collection

November 22, 2016

L'Occitane Harmonie Divine Collection Serum and Cream

Earlier this fall L’Occitane launched the Harmonie Divine Collection which includes a serum and cream designed to combat signs of aging. This line combines two natural and rare ingredients from earth and sea including oils from the Immortelle Millésimée flower and extracts of Jania Rubens a red algae. The two ingredients work together to improve skin texture and elasticity with the smoothing effects of the flower oil and rejuvenating abilities of the red algae. I’ve incorporated both the Serum and Cream into my daily skincare routine over the past month and love the comforting and nourishing feel it has on my skin. After regular use my skin feels more balanced and smooth. Fine lines on my forehead have started to soften. Texture has improved as well and the skin has an overall brighter appearance.

L’Occitane describes harmony as “a happy relationship between the parts of a whole, beyond a simple balance” and I think L’Occitane’s definition is spot on. This collection gives a harmonious skincare experience from texture, scent and effect. If I could describe the line in one word it would be “comforting.”

A few notes on ingredients and sourcing from L’Occitane:

  • “Both Immortelle Millésimée and Jania Rubens are sourced from the island of Corsica, where the sun drenches the soil and makes for some of the highest concentration of active molecules.
  • Immortelle Millésimée essential oil boasts warm colors and floral notes, and contains an optimal, more potent concentration of active molecules due to the sun saturation and climatic influences of the region. With only several acres of land for Immortelle Millésimée harvesting, the limited quantity makes for very precious oil.
  • For the first-time in our history, L’Occitane performed exclusive sourcing from Revelatta’s Bay in Corsica for red algae Jania Rubens. The preserved area within the Mediterranean Sea fosters more sun, great temperature and a smooth sea surface that allows sun rays to better enter the water, which allows for the continuous regeneration and replication of the red algae organism.
  • Based on this natural regeneration, L’Occitane created the first sustainable growing program under controlled laboratory conditions with no impact or destruction on the nature of the algae to develop the natural extract found in Harmonie Divine products.”

Up first is the Harmonie Divine Serum ($220 for 1 fl oz). This is a serum that encapsulates 5,000 micro-drops of Immortelle Millésimée oil in each bottle. The oils capsules are suspended in the serum to keep them in their pure state. The serum portion contains the Jania Rubens algae. Both ingredients are combined when you pump/dispense the product. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. The immediate effect is brightening and smoothing – something you can even notice if you test this on the back of your hand.

L'Occitane Harmonie Divine SerumL'Occitane Harmonie Divine Serum

The L’Occitane Harmonie Divine Cream ($198 for 1.7 fl oz) is a unique cream-to-oil formula that is like a cushion for the skin. It has a soft cream texture that transforms into a soft oil upon contact with the skin. When massaged into the skin, the face feels very smooth and hydrated. Using both the serum and cream in conjunction with each other gives a higher concentration of the ingredients and therefore yields better anti-aging results. The packaging is well designed as there is a protective cap hinged onto the container so it won’t get lost or misplaced. This helps keep the product as fresh as possible. There’s a very soft and natural scent to it which gives a calming effect.

L'Occitane Harmonie Divine CreamL'Occitane Harmonie Divine CreamL'Occitane Harmonie Divine Cream

The two combined create a truly harmonious skincare experience:

L'Occitane Harmonie Divine Collection

Finding good soothing skincare suitable for sensitive is a challenge but L’Occitane is one line I’ve been able to rely on for years. They use natural ingredients that are gentle but still effective. In using the Harmonie Divine line for over a month the past weeks I’ve noticed a visible difference in having skin that is brighter and more plump. In addition those fine lines on my forehead have started to soften and I have high hopes that continued use will reduce the fine lines even more. The price points are on the high side but the serum and cream deliver visible results and I highly recommend you give them a try. Overall I am really pleased with the way it makes my skin feels, plus the soft and natural way it smells adds to the harmonious experience on a daily basis for morning and night.

You can find the Divine Harmonie Collection in stores and online at L’Occitane. Have you tried this line yet? What did you think?

Sponsored by L’Occitane.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty Gifts $25 and Under

November 21, 2016

Holiday Beauty Gifts $25 and Under

Today I’m continuing my holiday gift guide roundups for the year with beauty gifts you can find for $25 and under. There are tons of great affordable options that any beauty lover would like. I suspect some you might even want to keep for yourself.

  1. Lorac Happy Hour Hues Alter Ego Lip Gloss Collection ($25) contains six full-size lip glosses with limited-edition rose gold packaging, it’s been years since I’ve tried a Lorac gloss but I keep seeing this at Nordstrom and it’s calling my name
  2. Ouai Style Edit Set ($25) has minis of the Wave Spray, Texturizing Hair Spray, Finishing Creme and a pack of 6 hair ties, if you haven’t tried the line this is a great starter/trial set
  3. Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Cracker ($25) is something I’ve bought for years (for myself too), I love the bright peppery ginger scent this one has, it’s unique and unlike anything I’ve smelled
  4. Kiehl’s Jeremyville – Grapefruit Body Care Duo ($24) has two 2 oz minis of their grapefruit body care items in a cute little metal tin, I adore the body scrub and it’s something I think anyone would like – sweet, bright and refreshing but not too sweet
  5. L’Occitane Shea Butter Ornament ($14) is always a fun gift option, each year they have cute ornament packaging, there are lots of options with different scents, I think the classic Shea Butter is the best one
  6. Becca Glow On Go ($20) has a Spotlight Wand Shimmering Skin Perfector and Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed, both in Moonstone in mini travel sizes small enough to fit in the tiniest of clutches
  7. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo and Conditioner Combo ($23) is exclusive to Sephora as a value set
  8. Birchbox Thin to Thick Styling Kit ($20) is one of the best hair kits I think I’ve seen in terms of value, there are lots of other discovery kit options for sunscreen, skincare, fragrance, etc. at Birchbox
  9. Milk Makeup Dew You ($25) contains three minis of the Highlighter Stick, Sunshine Oil and Ubame Mascara – I’ve tried a couple things from the Birchbox subscription boxes but haven’t tried these yet
  10. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Minis Set ($20) is a must try, featured here as well
  11. Kat Von D Beauty The Bow n Arrow Set ($20) has minis of their Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bow N Arrow and Ink Liner in Trooper
  12. philosophy grace for the holidays set ($18) contains two 8 oz products, one hand wash and one hand lotion and they both come with pumps, even though scent is very personal this is the one scent I’ve found to be universally loved among friends and family
  13. Birchbox LOC One and Done Shadow Stick Trio ($25) is a value set with three shadow sticks, there are 3 options for colors you can choose from, the one shown is called Piece of Cake with Haute Cocoa, Peachy Sheen, and Heavy Petal (all swatched here)
  14. Bite Beauty The Perfect Bite Set ($25) has baby sized 0.05 oz Amuse Bouche Lipsticks in colors Fig, Pepper, Honeycomb, Nori
  15. Sephora Favorites Style, Treat & Repeat! Custom Hair Essentials On the Go ($25) allows you to pick and choose 5 mini items to create your own customized set, if you’re more into skincare also checkout the Customizable Skincare and Hair Gift Set
  16. Eve Lom Kiss Mix Disco Ball ($22) has the nourishing Kiss Mix lip balm in a cute ornament box
  17. Clinique Chubby Stick Sampler Set ($25) this one has three chubby sticks and a mascara with colors coordinated to create a perfect holiday look
  18. IPKN Twinkle Lips Candy Set ($25) I don’t know if I’ve swatched these before but they’re the next best thing to the Dior Addict Glow balms, these IPKN twinkle lips change color depending on your chemistry for a healthy glow of color, they’re smooth and balmy

A few more options linked below:

Hope this gives you some ideas for beauty gifts under $25. If you’ve found any other good stocking stuffer options under the $25 price point let me know in the comments! More gift guides to follow soon. Have a great Monday!

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