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Sabrina

L'Occitane Skincare

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Collection Favorites

April 18, 2018

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection for Glowing Skin

The L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Collection has been a long-time go-to for me in skincare. I’ve used their Immortelle Divine Youth Oil for years and have been thrilled every time I learn they have expanded the collection. As much as I love switching up skincare and trying new things I find that the Immortelle Divine Youth Oil and Immortelle Divine Cream are among my top picks for glowing radiant skin. I reviewed some new additions last fall. I’ve continued to use the collection in my regular skincare routine and have since had a chance to try a couple more things. Today I’m teaming up with L’Occitane to share a few favorites along with two new discoveries.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes vs Divine Eye Balm

For the eyes I’ve really liked the Immortelle Divine Eyes for a gentle lightweight eye treatment. It’s like a lotion so it doesn’t feel heavy and is nice to wear for the day. For me it does a really nice job at reducing puffiness. It helps smooth out any fine lines and is gently hydrating. I also like that it doesn’t run or sting the eyes and the fact that it comes with a nice pump dispenser. I’ve recently started testing the Immortelle Divine Eye Balm which is richer and offers more hydration. I love this one at night.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eyes vs Divine Eye Balm

For cleansers I’ve already used up several bottles of the Immortelle Divine Foaming Cleanser. It’s a nice gentle everyday cleanser that leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. Many of you have asked for makeup remover recommendations and I like their Immortelle Oil Make-Up Remover for a gentle cleansing oil, but their Immortelle Cleansing Balm is my absolute favorite. It’s a balm-in-oil that melts once you massage it into dry skin. It removes all traces of face makeup and has moisturizing properties so your skin doesn’t feel stripped. I often use this as a first step cleanser instead of a cleansing oil. The solid/gel balm is less runny than a traditional cleansing oil and easier for me to use.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover

Last I’ve added the Immortelle Divine Serum into my routine. I had just been using the Cream during the day and Oil at night. Adding a serum is a step I usually neglect but it really makes a huge difference in helping the skin absorb moisturizer better. This Immortelle Divine Serum is a concentrated formula with immortelle essential oil. It’s soft and dries to a soft velvety finish. For my skin I’ve started to develop fine lines and I feel like this serum really helps soften them and firms up the skin on my forehead and chin area. You can use this in conjunction with both the cream or oil.

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Youth Serum, Youth Oil and Cream

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection

If I could recommend just one thing, it would be the Immortelle Divine Youth Oil. I love using it at night. It’s one of my favorites for dry skin and it absorbs nicely into the skin so it doesn’t feel heavy. I’m also really smitten with their eye care products. Eye creams and balms are something I often neglect because I find most too heavy, these absorb nicely into the skin without feeling heavy. They have just the right amount of moisture to hydrate the skin and soften fine lines. Bottom line a solid go-to for my regular skincare routine. I can’t wait to see what new launches they add to the line!

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Skincare Collection

A few other L’Occitane favorites I swear by:

What are your favorites from L’Occitane? Have you tried anything from the Immortelle Divine collection yet?

Post created in partnership and sponsored by L’Occitane.

Base Makeup Cover FX

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review + Swatches

April 16, 2018

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

The Cover FX Power Play Foundation recently launched in 40 shades with an impressive color range! These run at $44 each for 1.18 oz/35 ml. I’ve always been really impressed with the color range and options that Cover FX has but most of their base formulas have been a little too opaque for my preference. The new Cover FX Power Play Foundation is what I wanted the Marc Jacobs Shameless formula to be (the Marc Jacobs was too difficult for me to work with). This new formula has buildable full coverage, a matte finish and is great for combination to oily skin. It is very opaque and a little will go a long way – since it is opaque I found it best to apply with a damp beauty blender in a dabbing and blending motion.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

These come in square shaped squeeze bottles. It’s easy to dispense although I find I do need to give the bottle a very thorough shake upside down. Application and coverage is full but you can blend it out with a sponge. Lasting power is pretty impressive but you absolutely need to set with a powder. (I like their Perfect Setting Powder in Light Medium or the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder.) In terms of application I do think you need to wear a good primer with it. “Good” in the sense that you find a formula that is compatible with this base. I’ll have a post on primers soon. I usually don’t write about them because finding the right one really depends on your skincare and foundation. Some formulas like oil-based vs. oil-free vs. ones with silicone vs. silicone-free don’t mix well together. Finding the right combination depends on so much like your skin type, skin care and foundation formulas. For the Cover FX Power Play I’ve found their Illuminating Primer or the Tatcha Silk Canvas work the best for me.

Color range is very wide with options for a lot of skin tones. I’m in between shades but since moving to Florida I’ve found I’m almost always in between shades. I tan very easily and my skin tone can change or shift on a weekly basis. I try to stay covered and always wear sunscreen but living in South Florida there is no avoiding the sun. I received G10, G20, G30, G40 and G+40 as press samples. G40 was the closest match but a tiny bit too light. I went to my local Sephora and tried G50, G+50 and N50. I opted for G50 which you’ll see in the swatches below is kind of a bit jump from the 40s. I mix G40 and G50 (the ones with the G+ are more olive while the G is more golden).

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches G10, G20, G30, G40, G+40 and G50

For those who aren’t my skin tone, they have a pretty good guide online Sephora and their website. I have found in their other formulas I’ve usually been in the 30-40 range. It has been a while since I last checked their foundations but the Power Play seems to run a tiny bit lighter.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Chart

First, find your undertone (underlying skin tone):
– P = Pink (a rosy, cooler hue)
– N = Neutral (equal parts of pink and golden)
– G = Golden (a yellow, warmer hue)
– G+ = Golden Olive (warmer and more olive than G shades)

Next, find your shade range (Light to Deep)
– 0-20: Fair
– 25-40: Light
– 50-60: Medium
– 70-85: Medium Deep
– 90-100: Deep
– 110-125: Extra Deep

Swatches:

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches G10, G20, G30, G40, G+40 and G50

Bare skin on the left vs. G40 and G50 mixed and applied on the right (just the foundation, no concealer or powder added), on the right also wearing Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip in Whip. As you can see below the foundation by itself has no flashback and it has a modern-matte finish. It’s matte but not flat looking, yay! Coverage is pretty full – you can still see some of my freckles and sun spots show through but the base by itself covers them really well. Skin is evened out and redness is covered with the Power Play.

Cover FX Power Play Foundation G40 and G50 mixed

Swatch comparisons to the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation in Natural 4, Natural 4.25, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in 3W1 Tawny, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25, NC30, NC35 and NC37. I would say my closest MAC matches right now are NC25 and NC37 mixed (see, I’m always mixing!). On me the MAC liquid foundation in this particular formula oxidizes on my skin. I’m not sure what color I am in the Studio Fix powder foundation but I know the shades run slightly different among formulas. It’s been at least 5-6 years since I tried it (original powder-foundation formula gave me a severe allergic reaction). The Bobbi Brown is one of the few formulas that does not oxidize on me at all. My best match is Natural Tan 4.25 (review soon).

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Foundation, Estee Lauder Double Wear, MAC Studio Fix Fluid vs Cover FX Power Play Foundation swatches

Cover FX Power Play Foundation Review and Swatches

Bottom line: a great base for combination to oily skin. It has a matte finish but definitely not a flat matte. Finish is very opaque but you can blend it easily. For me application looks best if I apply with a damp beauty blender and blend/apply quickly. Lasting power is good on my skin type and I have high hopes it’s going to be one that holds up in Florida humidity. I didn’t see any flashback and there was no irritation on my skin. Full ingredient listed online at Sephora. But I’ve copied/pasted them below:

Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Triolein, Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Dioleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Alcohol, Methicone, Dimethiconol, Alteromonas Ferment Extract. May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 77491), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

You can find the Cover FX Power Play foundation out now. Available at Sephora and Cover FX.

Press samples featured include the Cover FX Power Play G10 through G+40 and the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Foundation.

Lips NARS

NARS Velvet Lip Glides Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and MARS

April 15, 2018

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

NARS lip lovers rejoice because there are five new shades of NARS Velvet Lip Glides ($26 each for 0.2 oz/ 5.9 mL). The colors include Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars. I ordered all sight unseen since the online stock swatches seemed to in the same color family as Bound which I think is one of the best neutral mauves. The colors indeed are all in the neutral category and are beautiful additions to the current lineup. If you love Bound I think you’re definitely going to like at least a few of the new launches.

Colors include non-shimmers. As with all the other Velvet Lip Glides the formula is smooth, lightweight, almost whipped feeling and has medium but buildable natural looking coverage. These aren’t as opaque or matte as the Power Matte Lip Pigments. The NARS Velvet Lip Glides have a soft velvety finish with a tiny bit of sheen. Lasting power is like a regular lipstick, you’re going to have to reapply every few hours or anytime you drink or eat something, but I like that the formula is soft and weightless and non-drying.

  • Swing neutral soft rose peach
  • Roseland medium pink
  • Xenon neutral medium pink brown
  • Paradise Garage dusty mauve with plum
  • Mars dusty neutral brown

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

Swatches:

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars swatches via The Beauty Look Book

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review via The Beauty Look BookLip swatches, as always done on bare lips, Bound added since the last time I swatched it on the blog I was probably a different skin tone:

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars lip swatches via The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons to Stripped, Bound, Unlaced, Suck and Playpen. Previous review + more swatches here.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide Swatch Comparisons via The Beauty Look Book

Swatch comparisons Set 2 to the Ulta x NARS Mini Velvet Lip Glide Set reviewed here. Colors include Night Together, Rapture, Staying Alive, Californication, Immoral and Burning Love. All reviewed + swatched in this post here.

NARS Velvet Lip Glide New Shades Swing, Roseland, Xenon, Paradise Garage and Mars review + swatches

Bottom line love and well worth the splurge sight unseen. My favorite color is still Bound, but from the new colors I’m smitten with Xenon and Roseland. If you like soft neutrals that are easy to wear for everyday there are a few options in this lineup that are great. In the event that you want more pigment or shine you can check out the Neutral Lip Testing post I did last summer with some swatches of other great formulas including the Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick (Whip and Chutney are the best colors), NARS Power Matte Lip Pigments and Anastasia Lip Gloss to name a few.

You can find the new NARS Velvet Lip Glide shades at Sephora, Nordstrom and NARS Cosmetics right now. If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider don’t forget to use your code for their Spring Bonus Event! Details below:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

Do you like the Velvet Lip Glide formula? What shades have you tried?

I’m hosting another giveaway and more to come later this week! For this one I’m giving away one $50 eGift Card to Sephora. It will run through 4/16/2018 at 10:00 AM EST. ONE winner will be selected via the widget below and contacted by me via e-mail same day giveaway ends, they must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected in their place. Prize shipped out within the same week. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sephora

Sephora Spring Bonus Event Recommendations Part 2

April 13, 2018

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Recommendations 2018

Today I have my top picks to recommend in makeup for the Sephora Spring Bonus Event which starts today! To recap the dates, details and codes:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

My favorites and recommendations by makeup category below with links to previous reviews and swatches where applicable. Press samples mentioned have a * next to them. Some items I haven’t had a chance to review yet but hope to soon.

Bases and Foundations:

Cheeks and Complexion:

Eye Makeup:

Lips:

  • NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound is the best neutral-mauve that I’ve found, there are also 5 new shades in Xenon, Paradise Garage, Mars, Roseland and Swing which I ordered sight unseen and started playing with yesterday (review soon but spoiler alert is Bound is still the best one in my opinion)
  • NARS Audacious Lipstick in Barbara is one of the best everyday neutrals I own, I’ve used up two tubes since the formula was first launched years ago (swatch here)
  • Tom Ford Lip Colors are 100% worth the splurge, and since they never go on sale, the Sephora event is the best time to save! Color shown is Pink Dusk is shown, I also love Bad Lieutenant and Sugar Glider (swatch here), Indian Rose is probably the best wearable medium neutral that isn’t too light or dark (shown here)
  • Pat McGrath LuxeTrance Lipstick in Realness (swatches of more shades here)
  • Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balms are must-haves, my favorite is Coral but there are new shades that launched this year which are stunning! (all shades reviewed here)
  • Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick * has a super opaque long-lasting creamy formula, I still hate the price tag, but as I’ve mentioned before the formula is excellent (all shades swatched here)
  • YSL Volupte Liquid Color Balm is the most pigmented tinted balm I’ve tried, I can’t pick a favorite color, they’re all really pretty! (my picks swatched here)

Whew! I feel like this is quite an extensive list! If I had to narrow it down to just 5 of my top recommendations in makeup, they would be the Pat McGrath Eyeshadow Palettes (any of them), Natasha Denona Diamond Blush Palette in Citrus, Dior Addict Lip Glow (any shade), Tom Ford Lip Color in Indian Rose and NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort de France.

Some of you have asked what I’m shopping for. I’m pretty well stocked but will most definitely be getting some beautyblenders. I tried to find cheaper dupes and after testing several other brands found that the beautyblender is still the best one (let me know if you want a full review). I also have some foundations on my list that I want to check out in store to see if I can find a match. I’m almost out of shampoo and conditioner so I’ll probably stock up on a few favorites. Finally I’m about to hit pan on my La Mer Pressed powder so I may buy another one. I really love the formula but the price is such a big ouch!

I’ll share my haul in the next week! What’s on your shopping list? Are you going in store or shopping online? I really just want to do an online haul but I really should try to get foundation matches in store rather than guess my shade!

 

Haircare Sephora Skincare

Sephora Spring Bonus Event Details + Recommendations Part 1

April 11, 2018

Sephora Beauty Insider Recommendations Skincare, Fragrance, Haircare via The Beauty Look Book

The Sephora Spring Bonus Event starts this Friday for Beauty Insider Members that have Rouge Status! It will also be open to VIB and BI Members starting next week. The dates, details and codes:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

More information about the Beauty Insider program and tiers here. You can shop in store and online. This year only Rouge clients can extend the offer to a friend – you should have received a mailer card by now. By popular request I have a recommendations list! It will be split into two parts. Up first are some of my most-loved in skin, hair and body. This is quite an extensive list but I wanted to cover a little from each category since I know not everyone is a makeup fan. Others prefer haircare vs skincare or vice versa. My recs listed by shelf.

Shelf 1:

Shelf 2:

  • Jo Malone Wild Blue Bell and Wood Sage and Sea Salt Colognes ($65 to $135) are my two go-to’s from Jo Malone. One of the reps I shopped with in San Diego said this was her favorite layering combo and I’ve been hooked for years!
  • Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer ($65 for 1.7 fl oz/50 ml) is a great everyday moisturizer for me. It was inspired by her classic ExfoliKate Intensive Scrub (which I also love) and has AHAs of glycolic and lactic acids with fruit enzymes to help with uneven skin texture.
  • Kate Somerville Cold Cream * ($48 for 3 oz/95 g) is a whipped cleansing cream you apply on dry skin and remove with a warm wash cloth. It’s a hydrating cleanser and makeup remover in one. More details in this post.
  • Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser ($38 for 4 oz/120 ml) is the best for rebalancing oily acne prone skin. I actually adore all her cleansers detailed in this post. EradiKate is my husband’s favorite of the moment and also one I reach for frequently.
  • Tatcha Cleansing Oil ($48 for 5.1 fl oz/150 ml) is the best cleansing oil for dry sensitive skin.
  • Tatcha The Essence * ($95 for 5.1 oz/150 ml) is a skin softener that makes a huge difference in how your serums and moisturizers absorb into the skin.
  • Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil ($12 to $34) is my favorite sunscreen oil for the body. It has broad spectrum SPF 50 and absorbs nicely into the skin and is lightweight.
  • Supergoop! City Serum Sunscreen with SPF 30 ($42 for 2 oz/60 ml) is one of my favorite face sunscreens that’s a serum. It’s Andrew’s current favorite for it’s lightweight non-greasy feel. For him it has enough moisture to hydrate his skin but feels weightless when it dries.
  • Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen with SPF 50 ($19 to $48) is my absolute favorite body sunscreen. For hot humid Florida weather this is our favorite because it is really effective. It helps prevent burning. We can reapply easily without it feeling greasy or heavy. It also doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t have that typical sunscreen smell.

Shelf 3:

  • Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum ($145 to $595) or the new Eau de Soleil Blanc ($122 to $171) are both beautiful options for spring to summer, Soleil Blanc was my go-to last year and this year I’ve opted for the new version.
  • Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ($65 for 2.1 oz/60 g) is a must-have for me. I don’t use it everyday but I do use it regularly as a gentle exfoliating cleanser. I’ve tried all the versions and right now like the Classic and Indigo formulas the best.
  • Supergoop! Invicible Setting Powder * ($30 for 0.15 oz/4.4 g) is a great way to touch-up your sunscreen on the face mid-day. Swatches and review in this post here.
  • Kopari Coconut Deodorant * ($14 for 2 oz) is what I’ve been using this year for deodorant. My usual go-to has been anything from Lavanila which I still like. But since I only use 1 at a time I decided to try something new. It’s a sweet coconut with an emollient feel. It keeps odor away for me the entire day. Your mileage may vary depending on your body chemistry and how much you sweat.
  • Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask ($26 for .52 oz/ 15 g) is probably one of the best hydrating lip treatments on the market. The newest one I have is Maple which I haven’t reviewed on the blog yet. You can see Smashed and Champagne reviewed here and here though.
  • Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist ($30 to $90) is my favorite light-weight face mist that is refreshing and not too heavy.
  • Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt ($19 to $53) is my go-to clarifying hair cleanser. I use it once a week to clean the scalp and remove buildup. I’ve bought so many I can’t recall how many I’ve bought. I also really love his Cleansing Volumizing Paste and Cleansing Mask with Lemon.
  • Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial ($80 for 1.69 oz/50 ml) is a gentle AHA 25%/BHA 2% resurfacing mask that has a blend of several acids. You leave it on the skin 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. I have sensitive skin but with this one the tingle factor has varied to no tingle to a sharp tingle. The first time I used it I saw no difference. With regular use around 1-2x per week I started to see smoother fresher looking skin after a month. Also available in a mini in the Acid Trip Kit.

Shelf 4:

  • Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Mask ($25 to $62) is the best calming refreshing radiance mask I’ve tried. It’s soothing and really hydrating in a gentle way.
  • Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus Firming Mask * ($54 for 3.4 oz/100 ml) is the newest from Kiehl’s. I don’t like most sleeping/overnight masks because I find them too heavy and sticky. This one is nicely moisturizing without the tacky feel. It firms and smooths the skin and has a nice velvety dry down.
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask ($22 to $45) is my favorite overnight mask. It smells delicious, hydrates the skin, doesn’t feel heavy and makes the skin glow.
  • Tatcha The Water Cream * ($68 for 1.7 oz/50 ml) is one of my favorite lightweight moisturizers.
  • Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover ($20) is my holy-grail cuticle remover. So many of you ask how I maintain clean looking manicures even when I do them on my own. I call this my secret weapon. I’ve tried a number of other brands but this one is the best. My hand care routine here.
  • Kopari Coconut Melt (mini shown) ($18 to $38) is the best body moisturizer that hydrates the skin on my driest days. I had a large bottle but used it up. I plan on restocking during the Sephora event. More on the Kopari products in this post here.

The Event Fine Print: Weekend #1 US & CA (Rouge Early Access) : 15% offer valid for Rouge clients on merchandise purchases made from 4/13/18 through 11:59 PM PT on 4/16/18, and from 4/20/18 through 11:59 PM PT on 4/23/18 in Sephora U.S. stores, Sephora Canada stores, Sephora inside JCPenney stores, and online. Offer not valid on jcp.com. On Friday, 4/13/18 in stores only, Rouge client and one guest of Rouge who is a member of the Beauty Insider program and is present at the time of redemption will be eligible for 15% off all merchandise purchases, along with a sample set and card case free with any merchandise purchase. Sample set and card case offer valid only in Sephora U.S. and Canada stores and Sephora inside JCPenney stores. Limit of one sample set and one card case per Rouge client and one per guest and provided on a first-come basis. Quantities are limited. Not valid on The Ordinary-branded items and not valid on purchases of customizable sets online or through Sephora’s Customer Service. Clients are limited to the purchase of one Dyson – branded item and three Drunk Elephant-branded items per SKU per transaction. Not valid on previous purchases, purchases of gift cards or eGift cards, FLASH, PLAY! by Sephora, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen promotional barcodes. Promotions have no cash value and may not be altered, sold, or transferred. Rouge status must be attained prior to redemption. No minimum purchase required. Due to heavy demand, Sephora FLASH delivery times cannot be guaranteed for this promotion.Not valid on orders shipping outside the U.S. or Canada. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Sephora and JCPenney employees are not eligible for these offers. Offers are subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora at its sole discretion at any time.

I’m hosting a giveaway! I’m giving away 5 $100 eGift Cards to Sephora. Open internationally. Simply enter through the widget below and follow the instructions. Giveaway will run through April 14th 11:59 PM EST. Five separate winners will be selected and contacted via e-mail or Instagram DM on the 15th. Selected winners must respond within 48 hours or another person will be selected in their place. Prizes will be sent out within 24 hours. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

To quickly recap the dates, details and codes for the Sephora Spring Bonus Event:

  • Rouge Members: receive 15% off 4/13 through 4/16 and 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYROUGE
  • VIB Members: receive 15% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYVIB
  • BI Members: receive 10% off 4/20 through 4/23, use code YAYINSIDER

Makeup recommendations to follow next!

Products that were press samples have a * next to them.

Base Makeup Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Review + Swatches

April 10, 2018

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Review and Swatches

The latest from Charlotte Tilbury is her new Hollywood Flawless Filter ($44 each for 1 fl oz/30 ml). It’s a complexion booster which you can use in a variety of ways for a radiant glow. I’m a huge fan of glowing skin and love mixing in liquid luminizers with foundation, applying as a base or layering it on top. I already own quite a number of glow bases but the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is one of the best ones I’ve used. It’s very pigmented but is easy to blend. It melts into the skin and layers well with liquid foundation. For me it has the perfect amount of glow to be noticeable without looking harsh. Texture is just perfect for my combination skin to last all day without getting too dewy looking.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Review and Swatches via The Beauty Look Book

There are seven shades total and each one has a really pretty glow to them. Her website has shade recommendations according to her Light Wonder and Magic Foundation shades. I’d recommend sticking with the shade recs there. I’ve always been in between colors for her foundation varying between 5 (a bit too peachy), 6 (a bit too olive) and 7 (perfect undertone but a bit too deep). I usually mix 7 with 6. The Flawless Filters come with a sponge tip applicator. With this you can wear:

  • As a primer under foundation
  • Mixed in with foundation
  • Or on top of foundation

I like it mixed in or on top. To mix I simply swipe on a few stripes on the face and dot in foundation on the forehead, cheeks and chin. I then blend out with a beautyblender sponge. The other way I’ve applied it is on top of blended foundation like you’d apply a brightening concealer or highlighter. Then blend with a sponge. Many of you have mentioned liquid highlighters tend to disrupt the foundation underneath. This one stays put and blends in with the base without wiping it away.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter All Shades vs Wonder Glow and Brightening Youth Glow

My best matches in the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is Shade 4 or Shade 5. I’ve experimented with both and there’s a pretty big gap. I’m on the lighter side right now so 4 works best. I’ve also found Shade 2 or 3 work to lighten some foundation shades that are a bit too deep for me because they’re my summer color. I did try to use the deeper options as a contour and for my skintone they are really too warm to use. The nice thing about this product is you don’t need an exact match as it’s intended to add glow to the complexion not cover up the skin like foundation.

Swatches of all 7 shades below:

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatches All Shades

Blended:

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatches All Shades

Swatches next to the Wonder Glow and Brightening Youth Glow. Both of these are a lot sheerer in color and thinner in texture. The Wonder Glow has a beautiful golden yellow undertone which I have loved for years. The Brightening Youth Glow is more opalescent with a pearly glow. It’s also sheer and similar in concept to MAC Strobe Cream. The main difference is formula and color. MAC has more of an iridescent sheen and comes in different flashes of color. The Charlotte Tilbury is more of a natural flesh-toned shimmer. Applying all over does some slight color correcting in the brightening sense but in a very sheer natural way.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatches All Shades vs Wonder Glow and Brightening Youth Glow

Swatches of Hollywood Flawless Filter 4, 5 and 6 next to Magic Foundations 5, 6 and 7:

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation 5, 6 and 7 vs Flawless Filter 4, 5 and 6 swatches

Flawless Filter Shade #4 in action below applied on top of Magic Foundation 6 + 7 mixed.

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Shade 4 swatches

Full natural makeup look wearing:

  • Foundation is Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation 6 + 7 mixed
  • Highlighter is Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Shade 4 blended
  • Powder is Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder Shade 2
  • Blush is Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Blush in Sex on Fire
  • Eyeshadow is NARS NARSissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette and Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Mona Lisa
  • Brows are Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Brown
  • Lips are Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Pillow Talk with Cle de Peau Radiant Lip Gloss in Charm 3
  • Top from Nordstrom Trouve

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Shade 4 swatched on face

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Review and Swatches

Bottom line love. I love these mixed in with foundation or layered on top. I’ve tried this with a variety of bases including the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, Dior Fiorever Foundation, Dior Forever Undercover, YSL Touche Eclat Glow, La Prairie Skin Caviar and found it compatible with all the formulas I tried. I like that the Flawless Filter has no detectable scent, has a dewy finish that doesn’t get greasy and has a beautiful glow. Quick note that a little goes a long way. The formula is very opaque and if you find you look too dewy or glowy then you’ve applied too much. I found there was a slight learning curve to getting just the right amount of glow. I think less is definitely more with this unless you want a real intense shimmer. I do wish there were a few more shades options. To me 1 and 2 look really similar but if you’re on the fair end of the color spectrum I suspect you will see more of a difference. I see a pretty big gap between 4 and 5 but I should be able to make them work with mixing for me once I get my tan back.

Overall I highly recommend these and think it’s definitely worth a look. They truly make the skin glow in a radiant way where you can control how much glow you have. You can definitely get a similar effect with other liquid luminizers but I feel like this formula works best for my skintype. So many other liquid highlighters tend to be a lot more shimmery or get dewy-looking very quick. This one has the right balance for me.

You can find these at all Charlotte Tilbury counters and retailers. Mine are from Charlotte Tilbury and Nordstrom.

Shades 3, 4 and 7 purchased by me. Shades 1, 2, 5, and 6 provided courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury for review.

 

Lips Urban Decay

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Glosses

April 9, 2018

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses

Urban Decay has launched a new lip gloss formula called the Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss ($20 each for 0.23 oz/ 7 mL). There are 20 shades total with creams and sparkles and shimmers. Urban Decay describes these as ultra-shiny, cushiony soft, long-lasting and not tacky. I’d say the description is on point on all counts. The color range is quite wide with something for everyone. The formula has a smooth finish and cool-plumping effect without the sting. They have vitamin E and peppermint oil and on my lips while they weren’t really hydrating they did not dry out the lips or make them peel.

These come with a sponge-tip applicator that is flat and skinny:

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses

Up first are the cream colors which are non-shimmers. Pigment varies from sheer to medium. Most of them have a smooth finish in the color but there were a few I found streaky. Left to right: Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses Fuel, 1993, Obsessed, Beso, Rapture, Backtalk, Savage, Snitch, Bang, Jawbreaker.

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses in cream shades:

  • Fuel is a neutral pink beige
  • 1993 is a medium tan sheer brown
  • Obsessed is a pale pink (slightly streaky)
  • Beso is a deep plum
  • Rapture is a medium pink
  • Backtalk is a perfect mauve
  • Savage is a bright hot cool pink
  • Snitch is a peachy coral
  • Bang is a bright coral red
  • Jawbreaker is a streaky purple violet

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses Fuel, 1993, Obsessed, Beso, Rapture, Backtalk, Savage, Snitch, Bang, Jawbreaker

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses Fuel, 1993, Obsessed, Beso, Rapture, Backtalk, Savage, Snitch, Bang, Jawbreaker

The shimmers are also smooth in texture. Some have some intense sparkle but none are gritty. Below left to right: Midnight Cowgirl, SPL, Fireball, Naked, Big Bang, Dirty Talk, Shadow Heart, Goldmine, Candy Flip, Snapped:

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lipgloss Below left to right: Midnight Cowgirl, SPL, Fireball, Naked, Big Bang, Dirty Talk, Shadow Heart, Goldmine, Candy Flip, Snapped

Swatched below left to right:

  • Midnight Cowgirl is a sheer beige with gold flecks
  • SPL is a clear base with light purple-pink sparkles
  • Fireball is a clear base with duo chrome pink and orange sparkles
  • Naked is a super sheer mauve shimmer
  • Big Bang is a hot pink sparkle
  • Dirty Talk is a copper sparkle
  • Shadow Heart is a deep brown wine
  • Goldmine is an unflattering yellow gold sparkle
  • Candy Flip is a clear base with violet sparkles
  • Snapped is a streaky purple base with blue sparkles

Below left to right: Midnight Cowgirl, SPL, Fireball, Naked, Big Bang, Dirty Talk, Shadow Heart, Goldmine, Candy Flip, Snapped swatches

Below left to right: Midnight Cowgirl, SPL, Fireball, Naked, Big Bang, Dirty Talk, Shadow Heart, Goldmine, Candy Flip, Snapped swatches

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses

My favorites in general are the creams. Top five shade picks include Backtalk, Fuel, Snitch, Rapture and Fireball. I’ve been really impressed with the formula. They’re smooth but don’t slide around. The texture is indeed cushiony and comfortable to wear right now. It’s something I think I’ll appreciate even more once the humidity returns.

Overall thumbs up. There are a lot of fun colors to wear and a big enough range of neutrals that are different from each other. I like that a lot of these are natural looking without looking the same. Urban Decay did a great job at launching a diverse range. They do have a minty scent to them but it’s soft and not overpowering.

You can find the Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Lip Glosses out now in stores and online. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Ulta Beauty and Urban Decay. If you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider mark your calendar as their savings event starts this week for Rouge. More details and recommendations coming soon!

Urban Decay glosses provided courtesy of Urban Decay for review.