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Sabrina

Base Makeup Chanel

Chanel CC Cream SPF 50 Review + Swatches

September 13, 2018

Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Review

Chanel relaunched their CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($55 for 30 ml/1 fl oz, made in France) this month. There have been several launches of this product in the past and each time they release more shades. This round there are five shade options from 10 Beige to 50 Beige. They have revamped the formula and although I don’t have the original ingredients list or bottle to compare, this round has a similar natural semi-dewy looking finish but with a slightly less thick feel. It also seems to have a smoother finish on the skin this round.

Chanel CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Review 10 Beige through 50 Beige

For those not familiar with this product, the CC Cream is skincare and tint in one. It has SPF 50 which is what I’m most excited about. There’s no flashback with flash photography. It has a truly natural looking finish with some hydration without being greasy. I can blend easily with the fingers or a sponge and coverage is smooth and very easy to move around on the face. I haven’t had it long enough to notice the skincare benefits, but Chanel says that after 1 month use it is supposed to help reduce look of fine lines and wrinkles.

I’ve been testing it for around a week now. Even though there is a radiant quality to it and there is some noticeable moisture properties it held up remarkably well in Florida humid September weather. It lasted through lunch outdoors (in shade of course) without melting off the face. Andrew even commented that it looked natural like skin. With the Florida heat he’s taken more of an interest in seeing how my makeup lasts through the heat, sweat and sunshine so I have my own personal beauty critic commenting on my makeup each time we are outdoors for an extended period of time.

Chanel CC Cream 40 Beige Review | The Beauty Look Book

On the nails is Le Vernis in Organdi (reviewed here), Rouge Coco Gloss is 119 (newer formula replaced the Glossimer, swatches + review here)

Compared to the Chanel Les Beiges Tint formula that launched earlier in the summer, the CC Cream has more coverage and a thicker feel. I’d say the Chanel CC Cream is very similar that of a traditional CC Cream in the sense that you can feel it on the face, it’s scented, it has a dewy finish, but it’s not greasy looking. I definitely need to set with a powder. My favorite setting powders in this post here. I tested the CC Cream with the Hourglass Loose Powder and Chanel Les Beiges Pressed Powder and it seemed to work with a variety of formulas.

Chanel CC Cream Review 2018 Version

Throughout the wear tests it held up nicely. It didn’t separate, ball up or streak. Color-wise the shade range is still very limited and I hope they will expand it. Once applied it does not oxidize. My shade is 40 Beige. Swatches below:

Chanel CC Cream swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons to some of the Les Beiges shades that I still have. I gifted away the lighter options to a friend:

Chanel CC Cream vs Les Beiges 2018 swatches

My match is 40 Beige in the CC Cream, bare skin vs one layer of the CC Cream below. It evens out the skin, covers most of my freckles, even did a decent job at covering a healing pimple on my forehead. Also wearing some of the Brow Powder Duo and Rouge Coco Gloss in 119 on the right with the CC Cream (no powder added in the photo, although I highly recommend adding it).

Bare skin (left) vs. CC Cream 40 Beige (right)

Chanel CC Cream 40 Beige, Bare Skin vs. Base

Chanel CC Cream 40 Beige review and swatches

Ingredients of this year’s version:

Chanel CC Cream Ingredients 2018

Makeup bag below is by The Daily Edited, Large Black Cosmetic Case (size/scale compared to some of their other makeup cases in this post here too)

Chanel CC Cream Review

Even though it’s categorized as skincare I still consider it a makeup base that I can use in place of foundation. It’s not quite like a tinted moisturizer because I feel like it’s more corrective to smooth and even out the skintone. Overall performs really well. Even though I can feel it on the skin (like I can with virtually every CC cream I’ve tested), it’s not heavy. I can build coverage without it feeling cakey or thick. If you can find a shade match I think it’s worth a try.

Have you tried previous versions of the CC Cream? What did you think? More Chanel newness coming on the blog. I have some of the Rouge Allure Velvet Extremes I’m testing now and will be reviewing. They just launched a new Hand Cream in Texture Riche which I’m dying to try but am waiting for the new Le Volume Mascara to launch on the 15th so I can order both at the same time.

You can find the Chanel CC Cream out now. The new version has the words “super active” on the packaging. Available at Chanel.com.

Chanel CC Cream provided courtesy of Chanel for review.

Highlighters Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration

September 12, 2018

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

This month Laura Mercier launched a new Face Illuminator called Inspiration ($44 for 6 g/ 0.20 oz). This shade was created to support the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund she founded back in 2012 to raise awareness and fund research to help diagnose and treat women with ovarian cancer. Each September she donates 100% of the proceeds from the specially curated product towards the fund.

Inspiration Face Illuminator is a pretty mauve tinged rose gold shimmer. It’s multi-faceted so it will look different in every photo you see depending on how the light catches it. In indoor light it appears softer and more diffused, in direct sunlight or with a flash the deeper mauve rose tones will shine through. On the skin it’s also multi-dimensional. Some angles will show a warmer finish, others will be reflect more of the lighter pink tones. It’s a really beautiful color and I think it will suit a wide range of skin tones. If you’re lighter than me it might almost be blush-like rather than highlighter material. Regardless of your skintone her Face Illuminators create a beautiful radiant glow that stay put and meld well with the skin.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Finish is smooth and luminous with a buildable coverage. You can use her Fan Powder Brush or really any powder / blush brush to apply. The denser the brush the more intense the color and shimmer will be. It’s something you can use anywhere – eyes, cheeks, temples, nose, forehead or shoulders. The quality with this is the same as her other Face Illuminators which are among my favorite. They stay put for hours without fallout or budging.

A look at how the color shifts when in direct sunlight:

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Side by sides and swatches of all her Face Illuminators (previously shown in my Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder Review), the ones shown below are fresh backups of Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction:

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction Review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction Review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Below are some comparisons to other pink highlighters including Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow, Sunrise Glow, Tawny Glow, NARS Highlighting Powder in Maldives and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Strobe Blush in Euphoric Fusion. I feel like the ones from Bobbi Brown are a lot more shimmery in finish because of the pale sparkle. NARS Maldives almost looks like a pale pink next to it. Hourglass Euphoric Fusion is a deeper blush version with a hint of shimmer mixed throughout.

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder vs Laura Mercier Inspiration vs NARS Maldives swatches

Look featuring Inspiration wearing the following (press samples indicated with a *):

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration

Overall a really pretty pink highlighter I think is unique and very wearable. I have yet to experiment with it on the eyes but I really love the way it wears on the face for a soft pink highlight.

You can find the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s and other Laura Mercier retailers soon.

Face Illuminator in Inspiration provided for review.

 

Highlighters MAC

MAC Supreme Beam and Dazzleshadow Liquid Review

September 10, 2018

MAC Supreme Beam and Dazzleshadow Liquid Review | The Beauty Look Book

MAC launched two new collections of metallics and shimmers called Supreme Beam and Dazzleshadow Liquid. I feel like MAC created the original glow with so many outstanding items. I think it’s amazing to see how long the shimmer and highlighter trend has been going on since then.

The Supreme Beam Collection has what MAC calls a “heavenly halo” theme. Everything feels like a throwback to the 90’s for me and I can’t get over how nice the new glosses are this launch! By popular demand they’ve brought back some cult classics for the face with the Illuminating Loose Powder and Hyper Real Foundation. The new formula of Dazzleshadow Liquids has a liquid eyeshadow formula that stays put all day. In today’s post we have:

The Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour comes in the same packaging as the Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colours. The formula itself isn’t new but there are 10 new shades with this launch. I felt the original launch last year had colors that were too trendy for me. This round has more wearable options. They have a shiny finish (no matte drydown like most liquid lip colors do). They have a very smooth non-tacky feel and have full smooth coverage. Even for metallics they are streak-free. Colors are iridescent and shimmery. Pigment is very good and they have a soft cushiony feel and a slightly minty scent.

MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip Color - Supreme Beam | The Beauty Look Book

MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip Color - Supreme Beam swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Colors include:

  • Polar Fleece – pale iridescent opal pink
  • Goldiloxxed – metallic light peach tan
  • Autumn Russet – perfect warm russet shimmer
  • Just Hustlin’ –  metallic taupe pink lavender shimmer
  • Party Sparkle – duo chrome pink lilac
  • Sugar Poppy – iridescent blue pink
  • Dance All Night – metallic lilac
  • Ruby Princess – iridescent purple
  • Spoil Yourself – goregeous metallic pink
  • It’s Just Candy – metallic candy red

Lasting power is really good. I wish this formula came in soft shimmers or cream colors. They feel comfortable, glossy and lightweight. I can’t pick a favorite, but Spoil Yourself, Goldiloxxed, Dance All Night and It’s Just Candy are really pretty.

MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip Color - Supreme Beam | The Beauty Look Book

MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip Color - Supreme Beam swatches. Polar Fleece, Goldiloxxed, Autumn Russet, Just Hustlin', Party Sparkle, Sugar Poppy, Dance All Night, Ruby Princess, Spoil Yourself, It's Just Candy.

There are also two complexion products. They brought back the Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk and Golden Bronze, both must-haves in my book. Silver Dusk is like the perfect fairy dust with a pale silver pink shimmer. Golden Bronze is a deeper bronze shimmer. I’ve swatched them below next to the Mineralize Skinfinish in Shimpagne, Soft and Gentle and Cheeky Bronze.

MAC Iridescent Loose Powder Silver Dusk and Golden Bronze

MAC Silver Dusk, Golden Bronze, Shimpagne, Soft and Gentle and Cheeky Bronze Swatches

MAC Silver Dusk Loose Powder

MAC Golden Bronze Loose Powder

Hyper Real Foundation is back in four metallic shades. I actually remember this as an actual foundation formula with skin shades and a shimmer glow mixed in. There are four liquid illuminators you can wear under foundation all over, mixed in with your base or on top to illuminate areas. I found it best when I mixed a little in with my MAC Studio Fix Fluid or Next to Nothing Foundation. I did try it all over under foundation and it was too glowy for me. It also worked well as a highlighter on top of my base. Colors include Violet FX (flashes violet), Gold FX (flashes gold), Rose Gold FX (perfect rose gold peach shimmer), Bronze FX (shimmery soft bronze). By comparison the MAC Strobe Creams are thinner and more lightweight in texture with a sheerer finish. I also feel they have more of an iridescent duochrome flash while the Hyper Real Foundation has more of a traditional glow.

MAC Hyper Real Foundation Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

MAC Hyper Real Foundation Swatches

The last part of the metallic launches this round is the Dazzleshadow Liquid. These have different finishes. Some are glitters and others are metallic sparkles. Online some have a description called “Satin” for finish but to me the satins are still very metallic and shimmery. These blend easily and stay on the lids all day long. They set nicely and once they do they don’t budge. At the same time they don’t crease and once they dry they don’t make the lids shrink or shrivel.

They have a sponge tip applicator which I use to swipe on the lids. Then I blend with my fingers.

MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Review | The Beauty Look book

MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid swatches | The Beauty Look book

Colors I have are:

  • Everyday is Sunshine – metallic champagne with a hint of peach sparkle
  • Flash and Dash – gold and silver glitter
  • Beam Time – rose gold that flashes champagne
  • Love Yourself – cool metallic pink
  • Rayon Rays – metallic brown rose copper

Overall if you’re looking for more ways to glow MAC has you 100% covered. I did try a full look with everything in the collection and for me it was too glowy to wear everything shimmer. I did more testing and found that it was best to incorporate 2 shimmer areas max with this collection, such as face and eyes, or lips and eyes, or lips and cheeks. I think everything is well made but if you have a lot of shimmers I’d recommend you shop your stash. If you’re a true beauty junkie and have been for years there’s a high chance you already own and have been hoarding Silver Dusk from years ago. One jar will last you a long time and if you missed out I highly recommend you get it now.

I think all the formulas are standouts. Everything applies smoothly and blends flawlessly. If I had to pick just 1 item from each category it would be: Gloss in Spoil Yourself, Hyper Real Foundation in Rose Gold FX, Silver Dusk Loose Powder and Beam Time Dazzleshadow Liquid.

You can find the MAC Supreme Beam and Dazzleshadow Liquid collection out now. Available at MAC Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

All MAC items featured in this post were provided for review except Dazzleshadow in Love Yourself and Rayon Rays which I bought on my own.

 

Eye Makeup Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction Review + Swatches

September 7, 2018

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction Review

Pat McGrath Labs launches keep getting better and better and her latest is the Mothership V Bronze Seduction Eyeshadow Palette ($125 for 13.2 g/ 0.47 oz, made in Italy, available at Pat McGrath and Sephora). I’ve had my eye on many of her large 10-pan palettes but was a little intimidated by the glitter and bold colors. I am beyond thrilled to be able to test this one out and it does not disappoint. It’s quite glitzy so if you don’t do glitter shadows this will definitely not be for you and I’d recommend you check out her 6-pan MTHRSHP Eyeshadow Palettes instead. I am beyond obsessed with all three options and love very much. I consider myself to be a conservative shadow wearer but indulge in some glitters every now and then. Not all glitters are created equal and the ones from Pat McGrath are quite special.

The Mothership V Bronze Seduction Eyeshadow Palette has ten eyeshadows that have a variety of textures. The formulas are really good in terms of color payoff and ease of blending. Some apply better with fingers in a patting motion. Others work better with a brush. I do want to mention that I’ve only had this palette for a couple days so this is more of a first impressions post. I did two eye looks to test everything and have one of them shown later in the post.

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction Review

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction eyeshadow palette

The colors in the palette include:

  • Skinshow Divine Glow is a soft shimmery white gold champagne
  • Entrapment is a warm matte brown
  • Bronze Blaze is a sparkling bronze copper
  • Rose Gold 005 is an iridescent glitter pink copper
  • VR Fire Opal is a duochrome gold and flashes green
  • Xtreme Aubergine is a deep matte plum
  • Gilty Pleasure is a sparkling brass glitter
  • Disobedient is a warm red brown matte
  • Blitz Flame is a smooth metallic deep red
  • Astral Luna Gold is a chunky gold sparkle

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction eyeshadow palette

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction eyeshadow palette

My favorites are Skinshow, Bronze Blaze and Gilty Pleasure. For the two glitters I find patting them over the mattes with my fingers resulted in a super pretty bronzed eye look. The color Rose Gold 005 is a super sparkly rose pink that flashes copper sparkle – it’s also a nice top coat shadow. Blitz Flame surprised me as I’m not a red shadow wearer but when I layer it with any of the matte browns it transforms into a deeper almost plum bronze with a little bit of red.

With the glitters there is a little bit of fall out when you apply. This is why I feel patting with fingers is best. Once on the lids they stay put pretty well. By the late afternoon I only had a tiny bit of fall out under the eyes.

The mattes did not swatch well on my arm. I’m not sure why mattes do that sometimes but on the eyes with a brush they performed just fine. They blend just fine on the eyes as a lid or liner color.

I’ve never had so much trouble photographing swatches. These shadows are so multi-dimensional they flash different colors depending on the angle. I highly recommend you check out the swatch video on her Instagram @patmcgrathreal because it shows the dimension and color best.

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction eyeshadow palette

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction eyeshadow palette swatches

Look wearing the following (press samples indicated with a *):

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction look

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction look

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction Review

The Mothership V Palette is glitzy and full on glam but very pretty for special occasions or for when you want some extra sparkle. If you feel the sparkle is too much you may want to opt for the NARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette (still available at Ulta right now) or the Singapore Eyeshadow Quad. They have a similar vibe color-wise but aren’t as glittery.

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership V Bronze Seduction Palette

Overall jaw dropping gorgeous. Because it’s got a lot of sparkle I know it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but I think it’s worth looking into. Have you tried any of the other Pat McGrath Labs Eyeshadow palettes? What did you think?

You can find the Mothership V Bronze Seduction Eyeshadow Palette out now online at Pat McGrath and Sephora.

For one day they’re having a 10% off discount with code on the palette with promo code SEDUCTION at checkout. Terms conditions: Offer ends at 11:59PM EDT on Friday, September 7, 2018. Enter code SEDUCTION during checkout at www.patmcgrath.com to receive 10% off MOTHERSHIP V: Bronze Seduction Eye Palette. Limit one use per customer. Offer applies to authorized purchases only; only authorized orders will be processed and shipped. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of offer and to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Other restrictions may apply.

 

Palette provided for review.

GWP

September Beauty GWP Events: SpaceNK Fall Beauty Edit and Barneys Love Yourself Details

September 6, 2018

Space NK Fall Beauty Edit GWP 2018

There are two major beauty gift with purchase events happening this month. The best gift bag events are from the SpaceNK Fall Beauty Edit (US) and Barneys New York Love Yourself Event. Both require a higher spend but the gift bag comes stocked full of minis from brands like Ouai, Oribe, By Terry and other luxury brands. Events occur happening online and in store, gifts usually sell out so I recommend shopping soon if these are on your radar.

Space NK’s Fall Beauty Edit runs September 6th through the 18th. The SpaceNK team sent one for feature which is shown in the top image. With any purchase of $285 or more you’ll receive a zip black bag valued at more than $500 including the following. Enter FALL2018 at checkout for the gift.

SpaceNK GWP

  • Chantecaille Bamboo & Hibiscus Exfoliating Cream
  • Clark’s Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream
  • Derm Institute Youth Alchemy Eye Cream
  • Diptyque Fleur De Peau Eau De Parfum
  • Dr. Dennis Gross C+C Collagen Deep Cream
  • Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil
  • Goldfaden MD Facial Detox
  • Hourglass Caution Mascara
  • Ilia Soft Focus Finishing Powder
  • 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask
  • African Botanics Buchu Enzyme Polish
  • Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer
  • Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lipstick
  • Malin+Goetz Brightening Enzyme Mask
  • Miriam Quevedo Sublime Gold Shampoo
  • Natura Bisse Tensolift Neck Cream
  • Odacite Black Mint Cleanser
  • Omorovicza Balancing Moisturizer
  • Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Contour Powder
  • Oribe Mystify Restyling Spray
  • Ouai Wave Spray
  • Philip B Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Rinse
  • Rodial Bee Venom Moisturizer
  • Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
  • Susanne Kaufmann Body Oil
  • Veneffect Micro Exfoliant
  • Verso Night Cream
  • By Terry Stylo Blackstar in Tasty Truffle
  • Ren Keep Young and Beautiful Beauty Shot

_____________________________

The Barneys Love Yourself Event runs from September 5th through 9th, with any $200 purchase you’ll receive a clear bag and there are two options. One for men and one for women. There’s no code online, an option for you to pick should pop up on your browser once you’ve added the minimum amount to your cart. Minis included (some options with the scents are assorted)

Barneys Love Yourself GWP

  • Hourglass Caution Mascara
  • Koh Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water
  • Givenchy Lip Gloss
  • Westman Atelier Beauty Stick Foundation sample
  • La Mer Eye Concentrate
  • Byredo Eleventh Hour
  • NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
  • Serge Lutens Fleur D’Oranger
  • YSL Y Shape Concentrate
  • Zelens Hydro-Shiso Balancing Moisturizer
  • Davines Hair Mask
  • Sachajuan Hair Repair
  • By Terry Mini Hyaluronic Powder
  • Sisley Black Rose Skin Influsion
  • 3LAB M Cream
  • Rene Furter Hydrating Shine Leave-In Cream
  • Chantecaille Creme de Rose Mai
  • Malin Goetz Brightening Enzyme Mask
  • Molton Brown Body Wash
  • Rodin Jasmin and Neroli Face Oil
  • Ouai Leave In Conditioner
  • Verso Day Cream
  • Maison Margiela mini
  • The Harmonist Metal Flower
  • Frederic Malle mini
  • David Mallet Mask
  • Vitabrid Scalp Shampoo

_____________________________

Are you shopping the events this season? I have some things on my wishlist but at the moment am saving up for some other fall beauty launches I want to cover in the next few weeks. In the event you have a lot on your wishlist I think these are great events to take advantage of the gift with purchase options. It’s such a great way to try other brands of hair care and skincare.

SpaceNK bag provided for feature.

Haircare Sisley-Paris

Hair Rituel by Sisley Review

September 5, 2018

Hair Rituel by Sisley review

Earlier this year Sisley-Paris launched a luxurious hair care line called Hair Rituel by Sisley designed to nourish the hair and scalp. I fell in love with every single item and have a review of everything launched to date. At this time they have seven pieces in their four step treatment routine:

Since moving to Florida I’ve found it challenging to maintain healthy and hydrated hair. Many of my Florida readers experience the same issues with heat, humidity and hard water. Even with a water filter many shampoos don’t lather or rinse quite the same. The Hair Rituel by Sisley has been among the few that I’ve kept using and like so much I’ve repurchased after using up press samples.

Hair Rituel by Sisley Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Mask

To cleanse the hair I really like the Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo. I’ve gone through multiple bottles and think it is 100% worth the high price tag. It does help smooth the hair without making it feel heavy. It contains macadamia oil which has helped strengthen, nourish and add shine. It has a beautiful gentle scent to it and lathers/foams well. I shampoo daily.

The Restructuring Conditioner is a great gentle daily use kind of rinse out conditioner, although this is a step I don’t use daily. It’s like an instant shot of hydration for the hair and truly helps with detangling. I’ve never had issues with tangling until I moved to Florida. It helps smooth out the ends with a lightweight finish so your hair is not weighed down.

The Regenerating Hair Mask is something I use 1-2x per week. This is one of the best hair masks I’ve tried to add shine but not weight. So many hydrating hair masks won’t rinse out properly or are simply too heavy/rich for humid weather. This one has just the right combination to nourish ends of hair and scalp. It has four main oils Shea, Macadamia, Camellia and Hazelnut.

Hair Rituel by Sisley-Paris, Scalp Serum, Hair Oil and Volume Spray

For the scalp they have a really nice Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the scalp. This is the first time I’ve used a scalp treatment at home and it does help soothe it. It has an earthy kind of scent, something I’d associate with Aesop’s skincare line. A little can go a long way and I use this 1x per week only at night or as needed. Since I’ve started using the other items I’ve had less scalp issues, but during the dry season here in Florida this helps immensely.

Hair Rituel Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the Scalp

Last but not least are two styling products. The Precious Hair Care Oil is one of the most beautiful elegant hair oils I’ve tried. I think it is my favorite item in the collection and suitable for any hair type. This one is lightly hydrating to add shine and softness to the ends without being heavy. It’s great for me because it’s lightweight and in Florida humidity it won’t weigh it down.

Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil Glossiness and Nutrition

Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Hair Care Oil Glossiness and Nutrition

The latest launch is the Volumizing Spray which adds a nice texture throughout the hair. I use it on damp hair, spray at roots and brush it through. I follow with a blow dryer. By the time hair is dried you will notice it has more volume but also some texture. Hair is noticeably thicker with a more piecey look.

Sisley Hair Rituel Volume Spray

In addition to the full size products they’ve also launched a travel set in two variations called the Hair Rituel Smoothing Discovery Set and Volumizing Set. Both of which are a great way to try the items out before splurging on the full sizes. They each contain shampoo (one has the smoothing, one has the volume option), conditioner and hair mask in 1.6 fl oz/50 ml sizes and a hair oil in .33 fl oz/10 ml.

Sisley Hair Rituel Discovery Set Smoothing

If you are able to visit the store in NYC or their counter at Saks they have the Hair Rituel line along with Yves Durif brushes:

Sisley Paris Boutique in NYC Soho

Final thoughts are this line comes at a hefty price tag but everything performs really well. I’ve already repurchased the Smoothing Shampoo a few times over along with the Regenerating Hair Care Mask. I’ve found over the years many of my readers don’t necessarily want to splurge on makeup, but are definitely more willing to splurge on hair care or skin care. If you’re new to the line I think the Discovery Sets are the best way to start. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The shampoos work well to tame frizz and smooth my hair. I really love the mask to help with my ends.

Although I do think every piece is exquisite, my top two absolute favorites are the Regenerating Hair Mask and Precious Hair Oil.

Sisley has been kind enough to do another giveaway with me! One is here on the blog and there’s another one on my Instagram @beautylookbook so there are multiple ways to enter to win! They are giving away Discovery Sets here on the blog for 2 US readers, 18 years or older. Each winner will be able to receive 1 Discovery Set of their choice. To enter for a chance to win simply enter through the widget below. Giveaway will run through September 9, 11:59 PM EST, winners will be selected within 48 hours and contacted by e-mail. Prizes will be shipped directly from Sisley. Note the first two entry options are mandatory, there are also a few bonus entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you tried this line before? If not what are your go-to hair products? Do you have a favorite line or brand? For those curious, full ingredient list below:

Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo: WATER/EAU (AQUA), SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINTATE, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEG-120 METHYL CLUCOSE TRIOLEATE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, PANTHENOL, PENTLENE GLYCOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), ARGINNE, BISABOOL, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, CORYLUS AVELLANA (HAZELNUT) SEED OIL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MANESIUM ASPARATE, ZINC GLUCONATE, HYDROLYZED COTTONSEED PROTEIN, PALMITOYL MYRISTYL SERINATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, BIOTIN, PEG-18 GLYCERYL OLEATE/COCOATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYQUATERNIUM-47, PEG-8, PROPANEDIOL, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE, PEG-8/SMDI COPOLYMER, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, BENZOIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LIMONENE, CITRAL.

Revitalizing Smoothing Shampoo: WATER/EAU (AQUA), SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE,COCO-GLUCOSIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE TRIOLEATE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, PANTHENOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM) ARGININE, BISABOLOL, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ZINC GLUCONATE, HYDROLYZED COTTONSEED PROTEIN, PALMITOYL MYEISTYL SERINATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, BIOTIN, PEG-18 GLYCERYL OLEATE/COCOATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE, POLYQUARWENIUM-22, PEG-8, PROPANEDIOL, STYRENE/ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, POLYQUATERNIUM-47, DISODIUM EDTA, PEG-8/SMDI COPOLYMER, TETRASODIUM EDTA, TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, BENZOIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LIMONENE, CITRAL.

Restructuring Conditioner: WATER/EAU (AQUA), HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE, BEGENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, C9-12 ALKANE, CETYL ALCOHOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, GRAGRANCE (PARFUM), AMINOPROPYL DIMETHICONE, CORYLUS AVELLANA (HAZELNUT) SEED OIL, PANTHENOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, HYDROLYZED COTTONSEED PROTEIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PALMITOYL MYRISTYL SERINATE, BIOTIN, DIMETHICONE, POLYQUATERNIUM-22, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-47, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PEG-8, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONOL, CITRIC ACID, PEG-8/SMDI COPOLYMER, SODIUM POLACRYLATE, SORBIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LIMONENE, CITRAL.

Hair Care Mask: WATER/EAU (AQUA), CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, C9-12 ALKANE, HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), PANTHENOL, ARGINNE, BISABOLOL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, HYDROLYZED COTTONSEED PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, CORYLUS AVELLANA (HAZELNUT) SEED OIL, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, PALMITOYL MYRISTYL SERINATE, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT, BIOTIN, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ZINC GLUCONATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, COPPER GLUCONATE, AMINOPRPYL DIMETHICONE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-47, PEG-8, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PEG-8/SMDI COPOLYMER, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SORBIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LIMONENE, CITRAL.

Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for the Scalp: AQUA/EAU (AQUA), ALCOHOL DENAT, GLYCERIN. PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, ARGINNE, BISABOLOL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, ZINC GLUCONATE, SALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE) LEAF EXTRACT, COPPER GLUCONATE, HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT, BIOTINOYL TRIPETIDE -1, THYMUS MASTICHINA FLOWER OIL, THYMUS VULGARUS (THYME) OIL, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, YDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CITRIC ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM EDTA,SODIUM HYSROXIDE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, LINALOOL, LIMONENE, CITRAL.

Hair Care Oil: DIMETHICONE, C-9-12 ALKANE, DIMETHICONOL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) OIL, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), GOSSYPIUM HERBACEUM (COTTON) SEED OIL, MORINGA OLEFERA SEED OIL, PASSIFLORA INCARNATA SEED OIL, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, LIMONENE, CITRAL, EUGENOL, LINALOOL.

Many thanks to the Sisley team for providing the Hair Rituel items for review and also for hosting the giveaway.

Lips Sephora

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Review

September 3, 2018

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Review and Swatches

I picked up two of the Bite Beauty French Press Lip Glosses ($22 each for 15 oz/4.3 g, made in Canada) in Salted Caramel and Dirty Chai and liked the colors so much I decided to buy the remaining four. The French Press Lip Glosses are coffee scented sheer glosses that have a cream finish. The coffee scent is actually pleasant to me, it’s like a soft sweet coffee scent and it’s not overpowering or heavy. After testing these for a few days I feel like this is both a hit and miss at the same time. Colors are really amazing, formula is something I think could be better.

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Review and Swatches

There are six shades total, all coffee-inspired ranging from a light beige to deep brown. Colors include:

  • Flat White is a pale cool cream pink
  • Vanilla Latte is a creamy beige
  • Salted Caramel is a medium pink beige
  • Dirty Chai is a pink rose
  • French Press is a medium brown
  • Black Coffee is a deep brown plum

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Review and Swatches

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Swatches

Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss Lip Swatches

The texture is smooth and not sticky. It feels comfortable and moderately hydrating on the lips. Color-payoff and finish is where I think this gloss could be improved. Both Flat White and Black Coffee settled into lip lines and looked really patchy. Even with extra blending I found I couldn’t make them look right. Vanilla Latte worked better for me and I found it moderately streaky. I could smooth it out by swiping the sponge applicator back and forth. However after around 15 minutes I found it settled into fine lines on my lips. To fix the streaking issue I had to layer with a lip pencil, which seemed to fix it 100%. I tested these with some MAC Lip Pencils and Laura Mercier Lip Pencils and the final result was much better.

The remaining three colors Salted Caramel, Dirty Chai and French Press have a better formula for me. I found they worked well alone on bare lips, but adding a lip pencil improves the overall look and lasting power.

Lasting power overall is average. It stays put but does fade within a few hours so I did need to reapply. I think there are better options out there including the Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick which has better coverage and lasting power, although they are thicker and more opaque. If you need something lightweight Chanel Rouge Coco Glosses are smooth and sheer. I also really like the NARS Velvet Lip Glides and the Pat McGrath LUST Glosses.

Swatch comparisons to MAC Lipglass in C-Thru, NARS Velvet Lip Glides in Stripped and Swing, Bite Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick in Caramelized and Whip, Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks in Honeycomb, Molasses, Chai and Verbena:

MAC C-Thru vs Bite French Press Lip Gloss vs Amuse Bouche and NARS Velvet Lip Glide

All this said, if you look at the customer reviews at Sephora, they’re overwhelmingly positive. For me Salted Caramel and Dirty Chai worked the best and I’m happy with those picks. The rest of the colors are so pretty but I found the formula somewhat lacking due to the settling into fine lines and streaky application. I’m willing to make the extra effort to make the other colors work, but with all the options on the market these days I think a formula should be excellent as is without any extra tweaking required.

A few shots in direct sunlight:

Bite Beauty Flat White, Vanilla Latte, Salted Caramel, Dirty Chai, French Press and Black Coffee

Bite Beauty Flat White, Vanilla Latte, Salted Caramel, Dirty Chai, French Press and Black Coffee

Bottom line I’m conflicted about my thoughts. Colors are great, formula could be a lot better. I can make them work with a little lip liner added. I don’t know that I would say it’s worth the extra effort especially with all the other options out there, but I do know many people like these.

Also shown in top photo for those curious: Lipstick Holder from Container Store, Small Mirror by simplehuman, Agave Lip Mask in Champagne, Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick in Whip, Byredo Perfume in Blanche.

You can find the Bite Beauty French Press Lip Gloss at Sephora and Bite Beauty. If you’re shopping at Sephora don’t forget today is the last day of their Beauty Insider Appreciation Event! You can use promo code once online, but you can use it in stores an unlimited amount of times. Valid in both US and Canada:

  • Rouge Members: 20% off with code YESROUGE, valid 8/24 through 9/3
  • VIB Members: 15% off with code YESVIB, valid 8/30 through 9/3
  • Beauty Insiders: 10% off with code YESINSIDER, valid 8/30 through 9/3

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?