Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Dior

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush, Blush Stick + Lip Butter

June 11, 2025

Dior revamped their Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush again and added some new additions with a Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick and Addict Lip Butter. I hauled nearly all the shades to review and try and after testing these extensively I finally have my review. I think there are some hits with the new launch but I also think there are some definite passes. You can find these launches out now at Dior, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and all other Dior Beauty retailers (the blush stick is exclusive to Dior and Sephora right now).

Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush

The Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blushes ($40 each) have been reformulated a few times already but I have to say I’m really impressed with the latest version. I didn’t have any issues with the previous variations but the newest one has a much better texture that’s easier to blend with better color payoff.

001 Pink is still one of the best baby pink blushes I’ve tried. It’s supposed to be ph-reactive but it really doesn’t shift in color on my skin. It’s a cool toned pink I think works well layered on top of other creams.

103 Toffee is a new shade in the lineup and it’s another winner. The powder has some gold shimmer which I kinda wish they didn’t add, but I do really love the neutral beige tone on the skin. The shimmer isn’t frosty but it is noticeable on the skin.

012 Rosewood is a dusty rose color. I think of this more along the lines of a fall/winter shade but I think it’s a great rose neutral that will work with a wide range of skintones. This one has a tiny bit of glow but isn’t very shimmery.

077 Candy is a coral pink with gold shimmer. It almost reminds me of the NARS Orgasm blush with the pink/gold shift. I love this one. Out of all the shades I think this is my favorite.

063 Pink Lilac is a soft lilac pastel. I really wanted it to work but with my tan skin it pulls a little chalky. I think I can make it work with some layering on top of other cream blush colors but for now, I prefer the older formula over this new one in this particular color

015 Cherry is well outside of my comfort zone for a blush, but I decided to be adventurous and try it anyways. I think it can work with a light hand. I prefer this color on the lips versus the cheeks but it’s still a very pretty one and fun for summer.

Backstage Rosy Glow Stick

I have mixed feelings about the Backstage Rosy Glow Sticks ($44 each). I think the concept is a nice one but they are too dewy for my skin to wear in hot humid weather alone without setting with some kind of powder. All of these match the coordinating powder versions but once blended they are very sheer on the skin. There is enough pigment that you can see them (except for Toffee which matches my skintone).

They are also heavily scented like root beer. It’s a fun kind of scent and doesn’t irritate my skin or nose, but if you’re sensitive to fragranced products this is a definite no. I would have loved these if the formula wasn’t dewy or more long wearing.

If you have dry skin or love a balmy glow for the cheeks I think you will love these. For me, I can only wear them if I layer a powder on top. I usually wear some kind of powder blush on top of creams anyways but I don’t see myself reaching for these often.

Out of all the shades I think Rosewood and Candy are the best ones.

Addict Lip Butter

Last we have a look at the Addict Lip Butters ($40 each). I think I could have easily given these an A rating if they gave us more product or something more special. A number of you had some serious rants about these being 1/2 filled. I do think there needs to be some kind of gap in the squeeze tube to accommodate the product from causing the tube to explode but I also think Dior could have done better and given us more product. I rarely look at ounces or grams etc. for makeup products but I agree with the rants on this one. With these tiny tubes I can easily see it being used up in a matter of a few weeks.

Size issues aside, I do think the gloss formula is a really nice one. It feels smooth and comfortable on the lips. Pigment is on the sheer side but the colors are pretty, however the only shade I think really stands out to me is the Glazed Lavender. The others I think can be easily duped by e.l.f., Maybelline, Summer Fridays, Fenty and so many other brands at a much better price point with quality and performance that is just as good if not better.

Here are the colors on with each color family. Some of them I swatched both the blush stick and powder separately, some I layered together. I am still a match to the Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick in 3N.

Wearing the Pink Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Glazed Pink Lip Butter

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Wearing the Toffee Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Toffee Lip Butter

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Wearing the Candy Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick with Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush layered on top and the Addict Lip Glow Balm in Candy

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Wearing the Pink Lilac Backstage Rosy Blush Glow Stick with Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush layered on top and the Glazed Lilac Lip Butter

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Below wearing the Rosewood Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick vs Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush and Lip Maximizer in Rosewood

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Wearing the Cherry Backstage Rosy Glow Blush Stick with Cherry Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush on top and Lychee Lip Butter

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Overall I think the Backstage Rosy Glow Powder Blush is a winner for formula, but if you already own the colors in the older formulas I don’t think you need to get the new ones. I think Candy and Toffee are the best shades.

For me the blush sticks are more novel than practical. I will most likely wear one for date nights or special occasions but I don’t see them as being everyday blushes for me.

The Lip Butters will be used up entirely but I get way more excited about lip launches from other brands like Summer Fridays or Laneige.

You can find these launches out now at Dior, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and all other Dior Beauty retailers (the blush stick is exclusive to Dior and Sephora right now).

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Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

May Favorites: Hair, Skin + Body Edition

June 4, 2025

Rounding up my favorites from May today. I usually focus on makeup favorites but so many of you have asked for more skincare and haircare loves so today’s post is all about hair, body and skin.

My hair and skin has been going through some changes since around November with an extended dry season this past winter/spring. We also had some big life changes with our recent move and while both Tampa Bay and Miami Beach are both very sunny and hot, Miami is significantly hotter and I think the excess heat has dehydrated my skin.

I’ve been switching things up for skin and hair. Here is what I’ve been loving.

Skincare Loves

My top two cleansers are still the Chanel L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil and the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. I tried several other brands but these are the best for effectively removing sunscreen + makeup without stripping the skin. I also really like the new Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser too (just as good as the original but more hydrating). FYI Kiehl’s is offering 25% off for their Friends and Family Sale (Members get 30% off). Andrew also uses both Kiehl’s Cleansers.

Out of all the new moisturizers I tried, the InnBeauty Project line at Sephora has been the best for me. The products I tried are richer and more hydrating than I typically use but I really love that they weren’t heavy and they feel so good on the skin. I started with the travel sizes (also love this value trial set here). I ended up travel sizes of the Extreme Cream but purchased full sizes of the Extreme Cream Eye and the Elastic Skin Firming Plumping Serum.

The serum has a really nice light texture and absorbs really well into the skin. I love layering all three together and can happily report they didn’t irritate or clog my pores. 10/10 recommend.

I’ve also experienced texture issues and the clogged pores have been mainly due to lack of exfoliation. I had an amazing facial at one of the local skin clinics here in Miami Beach (included hydrafacial, radio frequency, LED treatment and a few other things). They really helped give my skin a kickstart to clear it up. For exfoliation, two things I’ve found to be game changers are from U Beauty and Dr. Dennis Gross.

I started using the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads again and it has been a game changer. I also love the peel pads/resurfacing options from First Aid Beauty and Elemis but I needed something stronger and the ones from Dr. Dennis Gross are perfect. I’m using them 2-3x per week in the evenings. They also have other options in Extra Gentle or Extra Strength and also come in smaller trial sizes in case you’re new to them and are unsure of what kind to try.

A number of you recommended the U Beauty Resurfacing Compound and I finally decided to try it – it’s also a gamechanger. I bought a mini set and am 100% going to buy the full size. The Resurfacing Compound is a serum with Vitamin C, Retinol, Multi-Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants. I have been really impressed with how it’s improving texture. Since I don’t want to overdo the acids (especially with the peel pads) I only use this 2x per week as a serum under moisturizer.

Another shout out for the Bliss Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatment because this is holy grail material. It’s hands down the best acne spot treatment with 2% salicylic acid. I can apply it on spots (and reapply 2-3x throughout the day on bigger pimples) and it helps reduce the inflammation and really target the acne. Andrew swears by this too.

Sun Care Loves

I’ve been trying virtually every new sunscreen formula possible since moving to Miami. The sun is so much stronger here and since we are out everyday with Ollie’s walks we’ve been more diligent with sunscreen.

I still really love the Chanel UV Essentiel because of the texture. It’s not too thick or heavy and wears well under makeup.

For a mineral option I love the one from Caudalie and tinted one from ISDIN. You do have to be more diligent with double cleansing if you use a mineral as they tend to adhere more to the skin.

I’ve been a long-time devotee of the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector SPF 60 but decided to give the new Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral version a try. I like it a lot! It has a very slight white cast but when you blend it you can’t really see it. It has a better dry down while the other version is a bit more emollient. I’ve been using the mineral version on my body all month. It does take extra work to remove though. The best combo for mineral body sunscreen removal includes the EcoTools Shower Gloves and Jack Black Turbo Wash.

Body Care

My all-time favorite body oil from Chanel is back! I am so thrilled they restocked it. Chanel body oils are quite the splurge but they are packaged in a beautiful glass bottle and are the most luxurious ones on the skin. Love that they now have a little stopper at the top to control how much oil comes out. The Chanel Huile Douce is a lighter body oil and it smells so fresh and clean. I love how it’s not sticky and it makes the skin soft unlike any other oil I’ve tried.

For hand care my favorite cuticle oils are the Chanel L’Huile Camelia and Hermes Nourishing Oil. Both are spendy but I’ve repurchased both and I think they are 100% worth the splurge.

I mentioned a while back having some challenges finding a deodorant that didn’t irritate my skin. I had a major skin flareup from bug spray last year that resulted in hives. It took about 3 months to fully recover. Ever since then my skin has experienced sensitivities to deodorant, even the ones I had been using for years (such as Native, Salt and Stone, L’occitane). So far Saltair and Phlur formulas have been the only ones I can use without irritation. I’ve been reaching for the Saltair one more as the Santal scent doesn’t interfere with my perfumes as much as a vanilla option.

Back on the exfoliation topic, while I won’t use a physical scrub on my face I can definitely still use it on the body. We started using the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser and we love it. It’s cleared up all of Andrew’s body breakouts and I like using this on my legs. I have just ordered the KP options from Saltair and Naturium to try too. Will keep you posted!

Also been really loving Osea Malibu. I also started using this line with minis a while ago and fell in love. I just restocked all my favorites including travel sizes. I love the Undaria Algae Body Oil, Lotion and Body Serum. 10/10 recommend trying one of their travel kits if you’re new to the line.

Hair Care

Last I have some hair care loves for the month. My hair has been feeling dry on the ends so I switched things up. My favorite line has been the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Urban Moisture Deep Hydration Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask. I loved this line so much I repurchased everything after using it up. It’s a great hydrating line that doesn’t weigh down my hair and I love the way it smells.

After still experiencing dry ends, I started using the Kerastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum again. I had forgotten about this and can’t rave about it enough! If your hair doesn’t seem to be improving with leave-in conditioners, masks or oils, I highly recommend trying this serum. You apply it at night and I can’t tell you how big a difference it makes.

The R&Co Dart Stick gets another shout out. This is something I cannot live without for my flyaways at the roots. I’ve still been getting regrowth and my thick hair will not stay put with hair spray. This is the best option I’ve found to keep them in place. While it won’t make your hair super greasy, if you sweat you will find you need to wash it out at the end of the day.

I love a good purse sized brush but most of them end up getting smashed in my bag. I love the ghd mini brush for a hard one that won’t bend easily in your bag. The Hair Rituel by Sisley Brush comes in a mini Pocket Brush size and I love it. I do wish I had a mini case for it to protect it better, but it’s still very sturdy and durable. I love that it’s mini but still big enough to be effective.

That wraps up my May favorites! If you had any loves please let me know! I always love reading about the things you’ve discovered and have fallen in love with.

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Lips

Valentino Puffer Lip Plumper Gloss

May 29, 2025

Valentino Beauty launched a new plumping gloss called the Puffer Lip Gloss ($38 each, Nordstrom and Sephora). I received a couple shades in PR but also picked up three as the shades looked really pretty in store.

These are sheer to medium in coverage although some of the shades have more coverage than others. The plumping effect is pretty visible and the tingle and stinging sensation is strong although I didn’t get numb lips and I was able to wear these without issue.

On a scale of 1-10 for tingle I would rate these a 7.5 to 8 for stinging. They’re not quite as strong as the YSL or Charlotte Tilbury ones but still strong enough that I feel them. If you have sensitive lips I recommend proceeding with caution.

I think the colors are really pretty. Out of the shades I tried there was only one I wasn’t a huge fan of (mainly because it was so sheer).

Also wearing:

Foundation – Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint in Medium Plus
Powder – Chantecaille Compact Makeup Powder Foundation in Cashew
Blush – Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush Shade 6
Eyeshadow – Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
Eyeliner – Hourglass Voyeur Gel Eyeliner in Obsidian
Mascara – Dior Diorshow Overvolume Mascara
Brows – Anastasia Brow Definer in Caramel
Tank – FP Movement
Earrings – James Allen Lab Diamonds (LOVE these!!, I bought these for myself for my birthday)
Nail Polish – Olive and June Quick Dry in Puffball (3 coats but it’s a perfect milky baby pink)

00R Dazzling Mermaid is a sheer sparkling holographic shade, this was almost clear on my lips

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300R In My Glowing Era is SO beautiful, I wish it had a little more pigment, but I love the iridescent pink shimmer and glow in this

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302R Extra Pink is a bright baby pink cream, I think it’s a flattering one and really pretty, I am now on a mission to find a lipstick this color since most baby pinks pull too pastel on me, but this one is perfect

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103R Don’t Be So Nude is a peachy nude rose with a tiny bit of shimmer, this pulls sheer so it’s almost like my lips but better, I would LOVE this in a pigmented gloss or lipstick form

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122A Warm Up is a pretty milky brown toffee shade, it also has a tiny bit of shimmer but the shimmer isn’t really visible on the lips

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Overall I really like them. Since they do sting/tingle I don’t know how often I will be reaching for them although if I apply a lip primer underneath it acts like a buffer in between my lips and the product.

Available at Nordstrom and Sephora.

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Sales

Memorial Day Sales 2025

May 24, 2025

Happy long weekend! Rounding up all the Memorial Day Sales happening this year in one place that I’ve found. If you’ve spotted any other great ones you’re shopping let me know in the comments!

Big Retailer Sales

Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale, up to 30% off indoor and outdoor furniture

Bloomingdale’s – 25 to 65% off selected items through 5/26

Bluemercury – up to 25% off summer essentials

Dermstore – up to 20% off with code SUN, free beauty bag with any purchase $250+

Nordstrom – half yearly sale up to 60% off, BEAUTY SALES HERE

Beauty Sales

Bliss – up to 50% off and an extra 10% off with code MD10

Caudalie – summer sale up to 50% off

Charlotte Tilbury – 20% off everything with code MAGICMAY

Cyklar – 20% off sitewide with code MD20

Fenty – summer sale up to 60% off select items

IGK – 25% off sitewide

ISDIN Suncare – up to 25% off memorial day weekend

Jack Black – save 20% on summer favorites $100+ with code SUMMER

Kiehl’s – flash sale 30% off select favorites, free GWP with purchases $75+

Macy’s – 10 Days of Glam with 50% off top beauty deals (different deals each day through 5/25, today 50% off Lancome Teint Idole Long Wear Glow Concealer and Teint Idole Ultra Wear Concealer)

NARS – Friends and Family sale with 20% off using code SUMMER and 50% off last chance items

Naturium – 20% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

Osea – free full-size Hyaluronic Body Serum with purchases $125+

Ouai – 20% off sidewide

Revolve Beauty – 20% off with code BEAUTY20

Saie – 20% off for their Friends and Family Sale

Shiseido – Memorial day event with 20% off sitewide, or tiered savings with 25% off purchases $275+, 30% off purchases $375+

Summer Fridays – free mini Jet Lag Mask on order $75+

T3 Micro – Aire IQ now $100 off, AireBrush Duo is $49.99 – spring blowout event sale

Tarte – hot girl savings up to 70% off

Tatcha – Friends and Family Sale with 20% off with code FRIEND25

Ulta Beauty – up to 40% off selected products, also save $10 off $50 or $20 off $100 with code GLOW (code ends 5/31), suncare buy one get one 50% off

Vacation – 7 day sale up to 35% off now through 5/26

Fashion & Accessories

above Hamptons Hat and Squishee Tote 30% off

& Other Stories – 15% off orders up to $150, 25% off orders $150+ and 30% off orders $200+ with code SUMMER2025

Abercrombie and Fitch – 25% off everything

Away Travel – up to 20% off select luggage styles now through 5/27

Eric Javitz – Birthday Sale on hats and bags (my favorite is the Hamptons Hat and Squishee Isla Stra Bag)

Everlane – 25% off sitewide

Frankies Bikinis – up to 50% off

Jcrew – summer kickoff event with up to 50% off select styles

LSpace – up to 40% off

Madewell – 20% off plus an extra 40% off sale, use code LONGWEEKEND

Paige – 25% off sitewide

Rails – 30% off with code MDW2025

Splendid – 40% off everything with code MEMWKND

Theory – extra 20% off sale

Veronica Beard – extra 20% off sale styles with code MDW2025

Home

Arhaus – 30% off in-stock favorites, select items on sale

Boll and Branch – 20% off bundles and summer essentials on orders $200+ with code MDW20

Business and Pleasure – 20% off sitewide with code MDW20

CB2 – Memorial Day Sale up to 50% off

Crate and Barrel – up to 60% off

Funboy – 25% off with code HELLOSUMMER

Parachute Home – 30% off everything and up to 75% off sale

Pottery Barn – Extra 20% off clearance

West Elm – up to 60% off and an extra20% off clearance items

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Fragrance

New Spring Perfumes I’ve Been Loving

May 22, 2025

It’s time for another perfume roundup! I’ve been exploring more fragrances this year and I’m thrilled to have found so many great new loves. Today I’m focusing mainly on the new ones I love right now but I’ll mention a few misses too.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky ($245, Nordstrom) is my favorite splurge this year! It’s a creamy fruity gourmand that isn’t too sweet. Has a beautiful mix of musk and vanilla for a bright fun feel. Power is on the softer side so I have to spritz VERY liberally. I haven’t really explored much from MFK over the years but after a recent visit to a local boutique recently I was really surprised to find that most of the ones I tried in store don’t have very long lasting power or throw. Have you experienced this too?

NOTES: Tangy fruity accord, tutti-frutti notes, musk, vanilla.

New from Phlur

Phlur’s new Hair and Body Mists are so fun for summer. Peach Skin* ($25 – $38, Sephora) is another amazing fruity juicy scent with white freesia, jasmin, amber, coconut caramel, sandalwood mixed in. I didn’t realize that I liked peach scents but I really love this one. After trying this I went to investigate another peach from Guerlain Peche Mirage and while it’s nice, it wasn’t pure love. I might check it out again. Sometimes I need a few tries to really get a sense of how a perfume will perform on my skin.

Peach Skin NOTES: Top: Peach Bellini, Plum, Peach Skin, Bergamot
Heart: White Freesia, Vanilla Orchid, Jasmine Nectar
Base: Milky Sandalwood, Sheer Amber, Coconut Caramel

Beach Skin* ($25 – $38, Sephora) is the perfect airy beachy coconut scent with bergamot and tiare blossoms. I like this one a lot more than the Coconut Skin which is lovely, but the Beach Skin has more depth with a lighter more summery feel.

NOTES Top: Bergamot, Salted Tiare Flower, Pink Pepper
Heart: Coconut Milk, Lily of the Valley
Base: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk

I did try the Golden Rule* and Rose Whip* from Phlur and I think they’re beautiful, the notes are just not my vibe. I found Golden Rule a little too sweet and Rose Whip is a very velvety rose which I have never been able to pull off in warm weather climates.

Chanel Chance Eau Splendide

Chanel Chance Eau Splendide* ($143 – $176, Chanel) is the latest addition to the Chance family and I think it’s the best one yet. It’s bright, fruity, sweet and youthful with raspberry accord, violet, rose and rose geranium. The scent also has a mix of powdery iris, cedar and musk to give it some more depth. It’s a flirty sweet kind of scent with a very bright and youthful feel. I was surprised how pretty it is as I don’t usually like raspberry scents but this one is really pretty.

NOTES: sparkling raspberry accord, rose, violet, rose geranium, minty note, iris, cedar and white musk.

New from Creed

Creed Eladaria* ($445, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Creed) is a fresh powdery rose with peony. I love how this transforms on the skin once it sets. You can also detect notes of lily of the valley with a bit of musk. It’s a very elaborate complex rose but still fresh. For a floral my heart still belongs to Spring Flower from Creed.

Eladaria NOTES: Top: Mandarin, bergamot, pink pepper
Middle Notes: Rose, peony, lily of the valley, powdery notes
Base Notes: Musk, vanilla, ambroxan, cashmere wood

New from Celine

Celine Un Ete Francais ($310 – $450, Celine) is the latest addition to Celine’s fragrance lineup and it’s summer in a bottle. It’s a beachy floral with bergamot, petitgrain, neroli and has a bit of a green feel to it. It’s fresh and the powdery notes are subtle. To me it has a similar feeling to Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower even though they smell different – the floral notes are very strong and summery to me. Celine Un Ete Francais has a fresh green vibe to it. Shared a quick look at the Celine boutique in Miami here.

NOTES: BERGAMOT, PETITGRAIN, NEROLI, GORSE AND VANILLA ACCORDS.

Byredo Absolus

Both of the new Byredo Absolu editions in Mojave Ghost and Blanche are beautiful. They are both very similar to the originals with very subtle difference on the skin but I find them significantly stronger with better lasting power. These both have more depth and warmth making them more interesting to me. If you already own and love the originals I don’t think you need the new ones unless you’re repurchasing in which case I recommend opting for the absolu.

Blanche Absolu ($280 – $385, Nordstrom) has more warmth while the original Blanche has a very crisp and sharp clean smell to it. The new Absolu is similar but not quite as sharp.

Blanche Absolu Notes Top: Aldehyde, Rose Centifolia
Heart: Peony, Violet
Base: Musks, Sandalwood

Mojave Ghost Absolu ($280 – $385, Nordstrom) is also a little warmer and creamier with a richer base. Lasting power is a lot better than the original although I’ve never had issues with Byredo lasting power on my skin.

Mojave Ghost Absolu Notes Top: Ambrette, Jamaican Nesberry, Pear
Heart: Magnolia, Sandalwood, Violet
Base: Cedarwood, Chantilly Musk, Crisp Amber, Vetiver, Amyris

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Hand Creams

If you’re a fan of some of the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria perfumes they added a few of the scents in super cute Aqua Allegoria Hand Creams ($60). The scents aren’t new but I thought I’d share a quick look because I was super curious. I have and love the Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Forte in Mandarine Basilic ($185) which is a beautiful sweet citrus with basil and green tea. The hand cream is beautifully packaged with a smooth texture. It’s not quite as smooth as the Chanel La Creme Main, but the Guerlain has a nice lightweight texture with minimal stickiness. The hand cream has a lighter scent (as in not as potent as the perfume) and smells very light and fresh. After testing it I don’t think I would call it worth the splurge but I will keep using it until it’s used up. I personally think the Chanel La Creme Main or Dior Le Baumes have a better smooth texture for the hands.

In terms of a citrus perfume I love the Guerlain but still prefer the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Riviera or Paris-Biarritz.

Valaya Exclusif

I loved the original Parfums de Marly Valaya but the new Valaya Exclusif is even better. Valaya Exclusif ($250 – $410, Nordstrom) is softer with a more velvety powdery feel. Both are beautiful but I love the new version better as the original almost smells sharp by comparison.

Valaya Exclusif Notes Top notes: Velvety Almond, Bergamot, Mandarin
Middle notes: Orange Blossom, White Flowers, Powdery Facets
Base notes: Akigalawood, Sandalwood, Ambroxan, Vanilla

New Glossier

Glossier You Fleur ($32-$78, Sephora) is a skin-like floral with mineral salt accord. This is the first osmanthus scent I’ve actually liked and it has a mix of ylang-ylang and apricot. It’s subtle and smells like your skin with a subtle musk + floral vibe. It has a similar feel to Glossier You, but the Fleur one pulls more skin-like and more natural smelling. If you want something potent and strong this is probably going to be too light for you.

A quick little peek at my perfume corner in my new beauty closet! We are slowly putting our new place together. I might share more home decor once we have everything setup. We are close to finally having our new place fully furnished. Sneak peeks shared here on my Instagram Highlights if you’re interested!

Press samples have a * next to them. All others purchased by me.

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Chanel

Chanel Les Beiges Golden Hour – Summer 2025

May 19, 2025

The Chanel Les Beiges Summer 2025 launch is here with the Golden Hour Collection. I ordered all the new makeup items to review. Quick mention that they’ve also expanded the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch shades which I think is one of the best foundation formulas! I hope they continue to expand the shades of all their bases, in particular I hope they eventually add BD41 to the lineup which is usually the best match and undertone for me. (I can still make B40 or B50 work, review here from the original launch.)

The Chanel Les Beiges Golden Hour collection is a beautiful one. I love the color scheme and textures. Not all of the shades work for me, but here are my thoughts on each item in case you haven’t been able to check it out in person yet.

Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder

There are two cheek duos called the Les Beiges Healthy Golden Glow Powder ($75 each). I’m such a huge fan of the limited-edition launches this time for cheeks but these are different from anything I’ve seen from Chanel. The blush side is glowy without being too frosty while the highlighter has some of the most intense frost I think I’ve seen from Chanel. I think the shimmer is beautiful but if you’re wary of frost apply with a very light hand or save the shimmer for the eyes.

Eclat Du Soir has a soft light pink and sparkling champagne. I love this one. Pigment is easy to build and blend.

Soleil Couchant pulls very warm and orangey on my complexion, it actually pulls a lot warmer on the skin than what I see in the pan. I can make it work for a more trendy summer look if I apply lightly and blend but for a peachy tone that Jeux de Lumieres quad works much better for my medium skin tone.

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick

There are two new cream blush sticks called the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick ($52 each). They look very bold and bright in the tube but they have a sheer color payoff making them give you that sheer flush of color. I really love these for summer as they have a semi-matte finish/texture. There is a bit of shimmer in them but they are more like tiny flecks of sparkle mixed into a satiny base.

Reset is a peachy orange while Refresh is a sheer hot pink. I really love these!

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette

Based on the feedback from my sneak peek on Instagram, it seems like the item most of you are interested in is the new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Golden. I love all the shades except for the yellow gold shimmer (this pulls VERY orange on me) but I can still make it work. The trend for eyeshadow color this season seems to be a very warm bronze across the board.

I really love the variety of textures and the shimmers in this palette are SO beautiful. It mimics a sunset and if you love warm tones I think you will love this one. By comparison the new Tom Ford Bronze Isle is also very warm but not quite as warm as the Chanel Golden Palette.

Rouge Coco Flash

There are four new Rouge Coco Flash shades ($50 each) in the collection and I love every single one. These are sheer glossy lipsticks with high shine. The lasting power isn’t going to be long with these since they feel more like a balm but the formula is so pretty and smooth I don’t mind reapplying.

Sun Bliss is a sheer beige shimmer, Sunset is a warm but soft brick peach, Sun Kiss looks red in the tube but applies pink on my lips, Late Sun is a soft burnt bronze.

Le Vernis

Last is a look at the two new Le Vernis ($33 each) shades in the collection. Solaire is a yellow gold shimmer (not my favorite tone for a gold) and Incandescente is a perfect jelly red. Both require two coats for full coverage. I’m 10/10 loving the red one even though I own so many reds, I think it has a really good brightness to it making it really perfect for summer.

That wraps up my Chanel haul! I purchased everything from a Chanel beauty boutique and also a few things online at Chanel.com. The stand outs to me are the Rouge Coco Flash and the Les Beiges Blush Sticks.

If you tried this collection, let me know what you thought!

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Bronzer + Blush Westman Atelier

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos

May 8, 2025

Westman Atelier launched Powder Cheek Duos in two different formats ($75 each). I picked up two of the Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duos and two of the Baby Cheeks Powder Blush + Sculpting duos. I also splurged on the Powder II Brush $85) to try.

I love the unique powder formula. It has an interesting almost creamy powder texture with a very blurred matte finish. It makes the skin look very blurred. I’ve been a huge fan of the tones in her Cream Blush Baby Cheeks and had high hopes for these powder versions. While I really love the formula, I don’t love all the colors – but I think that is to be expected since they have different variations and undertones.
Colors are all mattes.

For skintone reference I wear her Vital Skin Foundation Stick in Shade VI which I still really love. I also wear Shade V in the winter and Shade VII in the summer months when I am very tan.

Here are the swatches, these are applied with a heavy hand:

Here are the swatches next to the cream blushes with the same names:

Lip + Cheek looks with each duo layered on the face:

Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Coquette/Mimi
Lip Suede Lacker + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Nectar

This duo pulls very light on my skin, if I were even 1/2 shade darker I don’t think this would show up on my skin tone.

__________

Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Petal/Biscuit
Lip Suede Petal + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Petal

This is the only duo I really did not like. The colors are very dark and almost look muddy on the skin when it sets. The cool undertone of biscuit isn’t flattering on my skin with the grey color and for some reason is hard to blend.

__________

Baby Cheeks + Face Trace Sculpting Powder Duo Tulle/Truffle
Lawless Forget the Filler Gloss Velvet Daisy

I think I love this one the most!

__________

Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo Suede/Sable
Lip Suede Pique + Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Biscuit (discontinued)

Another cheek duo that pulls dark but since it has warmer undertones works with a light hand for me.

I splurged on the Powder II Brush and don’t think it was worth the splurge. I’ve tried a few of her brushes which I think are beautifully made, but I think they are very overpriced and I’m just not a fan of the design/density. For the pigment and texture of the Powder Duos I prefer something a little more fluffy like the rephr brush 04 and brush 05 (both more affortable) or the Hakuhodo J110 (splurge).

Overall really pleased the quality, formula and packaging. Colors aren’t all for me but I found a couple I really love. Wear time is really good and has minimal fading by late afternoon. If you need a bit of glow/depth then be prepared to add highlighter on top because these are VERY matte.

You can find the duos out now at Nordstrom, Sephora, Westman Atelier and all other Westman Atelier retailers.

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