Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Rhode Summer Collection 2026

July 3, 2026

The Rhode Summer Collection 2026 is here and it exceeded my expectations in every way. I placed an order the day it launched and it took weeks to arrive but I have to say I think it was worth the wait. I hauled a little bit of everything and if you’re trying to decide on your best bronzer shade I have four of them swatched along with lots of comparisons below. Quick note I have a tan now that summer is here – I’m no longer mixing shades and can wear the Dior Forever Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N or 3WO without mixing the 2.5. I am still a Chanel Les Beiges BD41.

Pocket Bronze

The Rhode Pocket Bronze ($25 each) really surprised me because I didn’t expect to like them more than Dior or Westman Atelier (for a cream formula). I still find the other two formulas excellent but the Rhode Pocket Bronze is the most effortless to apply and blend on the skin. It’s creamy and blends out to a very natural looking bronze.

To compare formulas, the Rhode is the most creamy, Dior is the most satiny, Westman Atelier is somewhere in between. I think the biggest challenge with bronzer is finding the right undertone for you. So many of you prefer neutral or cool while I usually prefer warmer colors. This launch I was surprised to find the most golden one ended up looking very yellow on me.

If you’re my skin twin, here’s how the 4 shades I bought compare. Also wearing the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation in 3WO, Natasha Denona Tan Palette, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Merit Tubing Mascara, Aritzia Halter Tank, Nail Polish is Essie Geranium, Hoop Earrings Mejuri

Pebble – the most neutral undertone

Sip – warm golden, but pulls a little yellow on me

Sunbed – my perfect summer bronze (my favorite)

Bake – warm reddish undertones for that sun-kissed look

Do note that I have a tan now! I’m probably at least 1.5 shades darker than I usually am. I still think Sunbed would be my pick with my winter skin tone.

Swatch comparisons below to the Dior Forever Skin Bronze Sticks (review here), Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Duos (swatches here), Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Sticks (I picked up a few of the new shades to try and they pull really pink on me) and Merit Bronze Balm.

The Pocket Double Sided Brush ($25) is a really nice one that blends the cream out perfectly. I still have mixed feelings about double ended brushes because of the storage issue. This style you really need to store flat on a counter so you don’t mess up the bristles.

Highlight Milk – Luminizer

I’m also loving the Highlight Milk Luminizer ($28). I’ve been a huge fan of the regular version and I think the highlighter variation is a really nice addition to the Rhode lineup. This has a very thin fluid texture and the shimmer is very natural looking. It’s not thick or greasy, it really is the most natural out of the luminizer/mixers I’ve tried. For a quick texture comparison I feel like the L’Oreal Glotion is thicker and more shimmery, Armani Fluid Sheers is more sheer and a little more emollient, Saie Super Gel has a completely different texture.

I’ve tried all four shades, and my favorites are Shade 01 and Shade 02. Shade 03 gives my skin a tanned glow which is slightly too dark for me, while Shade 04 is a definitely too deep for me right now. You can apply these all over the face, mix with moisturizer or foundation. My favorite way to apply is to mix in with foundation. The finish is naturally radiant glowy without looking frosty or glittery.

Peptide Lip Tint

And I couldn’t resist the limited-edition Peptide Lip Tint ($20) shades. For now they seem to be exclusive to Rhode and they sold out really fast. Every color is a beautiful variation of the perfect tan nude. I’m really hoping Rhode restocks them or considers making them permanent. It’s heartbreaking to fall in love with something limited-edition.

You can find the collection out now at Sephora and Rhode.

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Natasha Denona

Natasha Denona Newness: Tan Eyeshadow Palette, Hy-Gloss + More

July 1, 2026

I’m catching up on some Natasha Denona launches! She launched some beautiful things this year and I did a few quick features on Instagram but wanted to add a few more thoughts and more swatch comparisons here.

Tan Eyeshadow Palette

The Tan Eyeshadow Palette ($72) is my dream palette come true! These are the exact colors I want to wear every single day. It has a stunning mix of soft beige tones, bronze taupes, sparkly toppers and rich browns. I’ve been wearing this nearly a month and it’s the one I’ve been reaching for EVERY SINGLE DAY.

A lot of you wanted swatches next to I Need a Warm and her Glam Palette. I have side by sides below. I Need a Warm is definitely a lot warmer in undertone but what surprises me is that on my medium tan skintone I don’t find it warm. I actually find it pulls neutral on my complexion. Tan by comparison is definitely more neutral, almost cool-toned on me. A lot of you asked for a side by side to her classic Glam palette which I always found pulled very cool-toned on me.

Tan vs I Need a Warm

Tan vs Glam

This year my top 2 palettes have been the Natasha Denona Tan and YSL Nude Hours which I was really sad to learn was limited-edition. I bought it when it launched and it sold out before I even had a chance to review/swatch but I really hope they bring it back.

If you want a more edited smaller version I also love the YSL Couture Mini Clutch in 710 Over Brun and just bought the 310 Exotic Mirage to try. But quick note: the YSL quads are $69 each for 5 g while the Natasha Denona Palette is $72 for 17.75g and has more variety.

Hy-Gloss Launch

Earlier in the spring Natasha Denona launched her Hy-Gloss Tinted Lip Gloss Balm ($28 each) along with coordinating Lip Liners ($25 each) and two new shades of Hy-Blush Duos ($42).

The Hy-Gloss was recalled because of an issue with the scent in the formula. According to their PR team “Our signature vanilla scent was affected during the production process in which the bulk was overworked and resulted in a burnt scent, which was not intended.” So they recalled the affected shades. They have since fixed the issue although I did not detect any weird smell in them.

The Hy-Gloss is a thick cushiony gloss formula that feels very lush on the lips. While I didn’t find it super tacky or sticky, it is on the thick side. I really love the formula and the shades are beautiful.

Below are side by side swatches of the gloss and her recommended pencil pairings. I think her Lip Pencils are highly under-rated. They’re creamy and glide on the lips and once they set they are SUPER long lasting.

She also added two new Hy-Blush shades in Lush Lila which is a really pretty unique lilac duo. Nude Muse is the most perfect nude combo. Each duo has a cream highlighter and a cream blush. While I really love these they’re not long lasting in the hot summer months as they are dewy and very creamy. I can extend the wear if I set with a powder and they will wear nicely through a date night or dinner out. But if you live in a humid or hot area these will end up looking extra dewy within a few hours.

Overall the Tan Eyeshadow Palette is a solid win for me. I love the neutral tones and after playing with this extensively I can say that I have used every shade in the palette and every single one performs exceptionally well.

You can find these out now at Sephora, Kohl’s, Revolve and Natasha Denona.

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Sales

Summer Sales To Shop Right Now

June 25, 2026

Summer sales are in full swing right now! Lots of ways to save from Amazon Prime, Ulta Beauty and more. Here’s what’s on my radar:

111Skin – 20% off Amazon Prime Day Deals (including my favorite eye masks and sheet masks)

Aritzia – Up to 50% off summer sale

Bloomingdale’s – 15% off select beauty, ends 6/26 (includes Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Creed, Parfums de Marly and more)

Business and Pleasure – 20% off sitewide with code 4JULY (love their beach towels)

Charlotte Tilbury – Save up to 45% off Summer Kits & Bundles

Eric Javits – 4th of July Sale with up to 60% off

First Aid Beauty – Buy one, get one free sale with code DOUBLE

Helen Kaminski – Up to 50% off sale items

Hourglass Cosmetics – 20% off sitewide through June 29 (no code needed)

Kate Somerville – Save up to 40% off best selling skincare on Amazon PRIME

Laneige – Shop up to 40% off Amazon Prime Day Deals through June 26

Lawless Beauty – 20% off with code SUMMER20, ends June 30

Montce Swim – 20% off select items with code RWB20, ends June 26

Osea – Amazon Prime Day Deals 20% off and more, love the Salt Scrub and Body Wash

Ouai – Save up to 30% off Amazon Prime Day Deals, this is my favorite body wash & Ollie’s favorite pet wash

Phlur – Save up to 25% off select scents for summer

Shopbop – Prime Day Deals with 25% off select styles using PRIME25

Ulta Beauty – 20% off for Members with code PRIMETIME (includes Prestige Brands!)

Vacation Inc – Save up to 37% off Prime Day Deals, ends June 26 (love the Face Spritz)

Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off Sale Styles with code FIREWORKS2026

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Chanel

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss

June 21, 2026

Chanel revamped their iconic gloss into a new formula called the Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss ($45 each). As a long time Chanel fan I was thrilled to be invited to preview these at the Chanel Beauty Boutique in Brickell Miami.

OG beautylookbook readers might remember that Chanel sparked my very first blog post back in 2009 with the Celestial Lights Glossimers (RIP). Chanel Beauty will forever hold a special place in my heart. For those who have stuck around thank you so very much! My 20-something self would have never dreamed that this would turn into my career.

I shared some more from the event here. If you’re in Miami this summer I think it’s a super cute pop up to visit!

The new Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss is better than I could have imagined! I didn’t think they could top the last formula but somehow they have. It’s bittersweet to have so many beautiful shades discontinued and I still keep hoping they bring back some of the original shades from many years ago (ie Seashell, Unity, Blizzard, etc.) The new formula is close to the last one but definitely upgraded. It’s somehow smoother with a slightly thinner texture. Very hydrating but doesn’t slide off the lips. Glossy with a high shine. I personally find the pigment to be slightly more opaque with most of the shades I tried.

The Chanel team gifted us three shades in a pouch at the event, but because I have no self control I ended up buying quite a few to bring home with me. I think every single color is wearable. I still have a few more on my wish list, but for now here is a look at what I bought.

Lip swatches below, also wearing:

Foundation – Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation BD41
Concealer – Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer in B30
Bronzer – Chanel Health Glow Bronzing Cream 392
Blush – Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Blush in Sorbet
Eyeshadow – Les Beiges Eyeshadow Palette in Soft
Mascara – Chanel Les Beiges Mascara in 30 Black
Nail Polish – Chanel Le Vernis in 415 Solstice (3 coats)
Dress – Reformation Demi Linen Dress

Cristal is a sparkly semi sheer iridescent pink, no texture of gritty feel with the sparkle

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Charms is the perfect baby pink, it’s medium-sheer but shows up well

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Impertinente is a caramel shade (Accessoire is close but more nude)

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Bijou is the shade the ROUGE COCO HYDRA GLOSS Voice Analyzer said was my match based on my voice, I really love this one!

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Reflet is a pale sheer lavender pink

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Superposition is the prettiest peach with some gold shimmer

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Solaire is a reddish coral

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Fabuleuse is the sheerest one, it’s a pale yellow, but looks like clear gloss

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I didn’t have time to lip swatch them all but I hope this gives you a good sense of what the colors look like!

I am 100% obsessed. I already can’t wait for more colors to be released for future collections. They also have new Le Vernis nail colors and the Summer Nights Collection out. I don’t know how soon I’ll be able to swatch or review but I think the nail colors are really beautiful.

You can also see the new Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss in action on the lips here.

If you have an SA you can purchase from or a Chanel Beauty Boutique near you they are selling a gloss case separately that fits 2 lip glosses inside.

Available now at Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Ulta Beauty and all Chanel retailers.

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Bronzer + Blush Sephora

Refy Water Bronzer + Blush Review

June 8, 2026

Refy launched new cheek products with one of the most innovative formulas I’ve tried this year. I was able to get an early preview of this a month ago and am thrilled I can finally share this!

They just dropped their new Water Bronzer ($30) and Water Blush ($24) in a cushion format which I feel is a completely different take on blush and bronzer compared to anything currently in my collection. They also created their Duo Brush 2.0 for Liquid Blush and Bronzer ($26) to go with this launch.

Inspired by K-beauty cushion technology and made in South Korea, these formulas are housed in a cushion compact that delivers sheer yet buildable color with a fresh, skin-like finish. These are water-infused color cushions suspended in a sponge which actually makes it easier to apply compared to a pump dispenser format.

I think the tones are beautiful. I hope they will expand the shade range to more blush colors eventually because the colors are all so stunning.

Here’s a look all the shades swatched:

Water Bronzer

These days, it’s rare for a new bronzer formula to genuinely excite me. So many of you ask for bronzer recommendations over the years and until recently, there haven’t been many that truly stood out to me. For the longest time I relied on my tried and true from Chanel (which I still love, but unfortunately was discontinued). This year, however, a few brands have introduced formulas that feel genuinely innovative.

I particularly loved the recent bronzer launches from Dior and Westman Atelier. Both brought something unique to a category that can often feel oversaturated. The Dior formula impresses me with its exceptional wear time, while the Westman Atelier bronzer has one of the best dry-downs I’ve experienced in a cream formula.

The new Refy Water Bronzer is another launch that has earned a spot on that short list. The formula feels fresh and different from what’s currently on the market, and the finish it creates on the skin is absolutely beautiful.

Bay is a light warmer golden bronze
Cove is a cool neutral bronze
Sol is a reddish bronze
Palm is a deep bronze
Selene is the deepest bronze

I can pull off the lightest 3 shades. I think my favorite is probably Cove even though it pulls more neutral-cool on me. I also really love the other two. Bay is the perfect golden bronze and Cove gives that slightly sunburnt bronzed glow.

Water Blush

The Water Blush shades surprised me because given the intensity of color you see in the compact, they really apply a lot sheerer on the cheeks. You can layer for more pigment but I am really loving how they’re almost like water colors for the cheeks.

Apricot is a light peach
Lychee is a vibrant healthy pink
Acai is a perfect berry

I am really surprised how easy these are to control. The color melts into the skin and can be layered from a subtle wash to something more sculpted and vibrant. The new Refy Duo Brush 02 is also incredible and makes application a breeze although I do think you can use anything from your current stash to apply the products. I would definitely recommend using a clean brush though so you don’t contaminate the compact sponge with other colors.

Skin Base

I also wanted to share a quick mention of the Refy Skin Base ($40). A number of you were very excited about this as it’s a gel skin tint. I tried the shade 170N and I have it in action here. It’s a very sheer natural looking skin tint. There is noticeable coverage but it’s a barely there kind of finish. It’s a gel but it has a balmy feel to me. It has a thicker feel compared to some other skin tints like the one from Lisa Eldridge or Summer Fridays. This one blends best with a sponge for me. Since the coverage is so natural looking you will most likely also need some concealer and if you have combination skin or live in a warm humid area you will 100% need to set with a powder.

I give it am 8.5 out of 10 stars. It’s an excellent product for a skin tint, but I prefer something with a little more coverage like the It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow or even the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint.

You can find the new Refy launches at Sephora and also at Refy Beauty.

Water collection gifted for review. Skin Base purchased.

Dior

Dior Backstage Makeup – New Shade Extensions

May 23, 2026

Dior added new shades in their Backstage Makeup Lineup and I think every single color is a 10. There are four new coordinating colors in the Addict Lip Glow Butter ($42), Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick ($44) and Backstage Rosy Glow Blush ($42). New shades available now at Dior.com and Sephora.

There is also a new Backstage Glassy Glow Stick ($44) which I passed on for now – but if you’ve tried it let me know your thoughts!

There are four new shades in each formula:

106 Pomelo is a light soft peachy pink
107 Dragonfruit is a light mauve pink lilac
108 Guava is a hot bright warm pink
109 Goji is a berry with brown tones

Addict Lip Glow Butter

The Addict Lip Glow Butters are beautiful in the new shades. I still stand by my original review that the formula, pigment and color with this gloss is outstanding, but I do wish they would give us more product for the price.

Out of all four shades I like Guava the best. The lighter ones are really sheer on me and I find the need to constantly remind readers or new followers that I have naturally darker pigmented lip tone so a lot of sheer or lighter tones look drastically different on me.

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick

The Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Sticks are ultra bold and bright with a swatch straight out of the tube but if you’ve played with this formula before, you know that it sheers to a softer finish once you blend it. These are balmy and glowy with very little dry down. They remain dewy looking but out of all the dewy cream blushes, this one is my favorite.

I usually set with a powder blush on top to make it last longer. I also find that the cream blush sticks help bring out the pigment in some powders. So many of you asked for swatch comparisons, so here they are in the stick formula.

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush (Powder)

I prefer the Backstage Rosy Glow Blush formula over the Blush Stick for lasting power. The colors are buildable so you can have a softer cheek look or more pigmented finish if you layer. The Powder vs Stick colors are close but they’re not quite identical mainly because of the color payoff but also the undertones are just the slightest bit different.

I really love every single color in the powder. I love that they have the tiniest bit of shimmer which gives it a pretty glow.

Four coordinated looks below with the matching lip and cheek. Also have a look with the powder vs the stick on the cheeks.

Pomelo

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Dragonfruit

_________

Guava

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Goji

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Bottom line LOVE. New shades available now at Dior.com and Sephora.

Bronzer + Blush

Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm

May 20, 2026

Summer Fridays launched a new cream bronzer called the Bronzer Butter Balm ($27.20 each, six shades) along with a Bronzer Brush ($28).

If you love a dewy cream bronzer, I think you will really like the Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balms. Cream bronzers can be hit or miss on my skin especially with the Miami heat and humidity, but I put these to the test and I really like these! They’re dewy but they aren’t too emollient/glossy.

If you like the Sarah Creal Just Like Paradise Bronzers, I think you will really like the ones from Summer Fridays. The ones from Sarah Creal are just the slightest more dewy, but they are really close to me in terms of texture and pigment.

Out of all six shades I like Clay and Desert the best for my skin tone. I like my bronzers a little bit warmer since cool/neutrals tend to pull grey on me. I shared a demo of both shades here. Clay is just a little more golden while Desert pulls a little more red.

Based on your feedback, a lot of you seem to be drawn to Dune which is more of a neutral/cool tone. I find the lightest shade they created really interesting! I think if you struggle to find bronzers light enough in color, this particular one might work for you!

The angled Bronzer Brush is very well made. I like the minimalist design and the density is perfect. It’s also really soft and smooth. The brush blends the product to perfection on the skin. I also really love the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, Hourglass Brush No 15, Fenty 195 and Laura Mercier Cheek Brush.

Lasting power for the bronzers seems to be decent for the temperature right now. I haven’t done an extended outdoor wear test, but indoors the lasting power is pretty good. Given that it’s a cream it does tend to look a little more dewy after 3-4 hours, but so far it still wears pretty well.

Overall love. If you have oily skin or need something with a longer wear, I’d opt for either the Dior Forever Skin Bronzing Balm Stick or Westman Atelier Sun Tone Crème Duos since those have a more satin finish and longer wear.

You can find the Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balms out now. Available at Sephora, Revolve and Summer Fridays.

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Older Posts

Sabrina

Rhode Summer Collection 2026

Pocket Bronze

Highlight Milk – Luminizer

Peptide Lip Tint

Natasha Denona Newness: Tan Eyeshadow Palette, Hy-Gloss + More

Tan Eyeshadow Palette

Hy-Gloss Launch

Summer Sales To Shop Right Now

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss

Refy Water Bronzer + Blush Review

Water Bronzer

Skin Base

Dior Backstage Makeup – New Shade Extensions

Addict Lip Glow Butter

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick

Backstage Rosy Glow Blush (Powder)

Pomelo

Dragonfruit

Guava

Goji

Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm

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