I did a mini haul and picked up two items from the Westman Atelier Holiday launch. This year Westman Atelier has four limited-edition sets cased in a festive warm holiday red.
They brought back the Clean Glow Trio in two variations ($75 each) which I think is a great way to try three cream formulas. The minis are 2.5 g per stick while the full size options are 5 or 6 g each. I picked up the Clean Glow Trio II for the fun packaging even though I already own all the colors. Sets are SUPER mini in size but I think they give you enough product to really get a sense of how the product performs. They’re also great for travel.
I swatched the holiday set next to my existing stash to see if there were any variations in colors and there are. Colors are extremely close and variations are so slight you can’t really see them in photographs. Also since Westman Atelier products tend to run on the sheer natural side of pigment, once blended on the face I don’t think you can see any difference in the colors.
For those curious, my mini Dou Dou in this year’s holiday set pulls a little cooler toned than my other mini Dou Dou. I have 3 different Petal Blush Sticks and they all look just the slightest bit different in undertone. Also some of the Lit Up sticks in the minis look a bit lighter/sheerer in color compared to my full-sized options, but once blended color is so sheer you can’t really tell the difference.
Clean Glow Trio Set I has Nectar Lit Up Highlight Stick, Biscuit Face Trace Contour Stick and Petal Baby Cheeks Blush Stick.
I really love these although I don’t think they will be for everyone. If you like minimal makeup pigment for a super natural look or love dewy emollient products these are for you! I know a lot of you are HUGE fans of the minimalist super dewy look.
However if have oily skin, these creams will most likely not last long on you unless you set with a powder on top. Also if you want bold color payoff and pigment, these will be too sheer.
Les Étoiles Lip, Blush & Highlighter Edition Set
I really loved last year’s Petal Edition Set and anytime there are new colors I’m instantly like YES PLEASE – SIGN ME UP. This year Westman Launched the Les Étoiles Lip, Blush & Highlighter Edition Set with all new limited-edition colors and a new blush formula. Swatches of the set next to other products/formulas with the same names.
The set has a new powder blush called the Baby Cheeks Powder Blush and she launched it in Petal. This pulls very similar to the cream version, but the powder pulls a little more muted and dusty in color. Pigment is beautiful! Right along the lines of Westman Atelier’s sheer style but it is buildable which I LOVE. I hope she launches every single product in a powder form eventually.
above Baby Cheeks Powder Blush in Petal
The set has a new Lit Up Highlight Stick in the shade Biscuit. I swatched it below next to her contour stick in Biscuit. Undertone is the same. The Lit Up Stick in Biscuit is a very sheer cool-toned flesh brown with a pretty sheen. It’s very sheer and gives the skin a natural glossy sheen.
above Biscuit Lit Up Stick on top of the Petal Powder Blush
We also have a new gloss shade in the Squeaky Clean Lip Balm formula called Nectar. This is almost identical to the Lit Up Stick in Nectar – sheer, luminous, soft and peachy. On my lips it’s very sheer but layered on top of a coordinating pencil and it’s perfection! I love it on top of Pat McGrath’s Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil in Nude Venus.
above just the Squeaky Clean Lip Balm in Nectar
above Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm in Nectar + Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil Nude Venus
Overall vibe is natural looking, fresh, dewy and glowy. I love everything even though the items pull on the sheer side. I would really love if she increased the pigment by maybe 10-15% but I love what she’s created.
I’m really hoping she extends the colors in powder formula. I think it layers beautifully on top of the cream. I’m still waiting and wishing for her to launch lip pencils or lipsticks (or even a chubby stick).
I passed on her Mini Brush Set as I have a couple of her brushes and while they’re very well made, they’re just not my favorite. If you’re looking to splurge big on a brush set I think the Hourglass Travel Brush Set is a better buy. The brushes are full-size and I use them all the time (I bought it last year during the Sephora sale).
You can find these sets out now at all Westman Atelier retailers. Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Violet Grey and more. If you’re shopping the Sephora sale use code TIMETOSAVE to take advantage of the discount now through 11/6.
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Did you check out the new holiday sets? What did you think?
The Sephora Savings Event is here starting with early access for Rouge Members! I’m putting together a few updated “best-of” shopping guides and today’s roundup covers the Top 5 in Lips for every category from lip liners, lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, glosses and more. If you’re not a Beauty Insider you can sign up now for free here to get access to the Savings Event. Use code TIMETOSAVE during these dates (exclusions apply):
There are so many good lip liner formulas these days. My top 5 favorites are below.
Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 ($21, color Pinky Brown shown) has the best long-wear lip liner formula. They glide on with full coverage pigment and I love that they’re packaged in a twist up format with a removeable sharpener at the base. My favorite shades are Pinky Brown, Terracotta, Honey Beige and Sandy Beige.
Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil ($29, color Structure shown) is another great formula with the best colors. Structure is the perfect neutral brown, Nude Venus is a perfect peachy nude, Buff is the best nude pink.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil ($22, Wherever Walnut shown) is another great classic pencil. The formula can be used on eyes, brows and lips – they are easy to blend with a matte finish. Wherever Walnut seems to be the most popular color, but I also really love Up & Down Tan and Anywhere Caffeine. They launched a really cute Mini Artist Pencil Set ($35) which has their best-selling shades.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($25, Pillow Talk shown) is my most-worn lip pencil. Pillow Talk is my lips but better shade. I also love Pillow Talk Medium and Iconic Nude.
Sephora Collection Lip Liner To Go ($6, Light Brown shown) is a mini lip pencil perfectly sized for the smallest clutch or pouch. I have a couple colors and Light Brown is my favorite everyday neutral.
Best Lipstick Formulas
Sephora carries so many great lipsticks. Narrowing down my top 5 was really hard as I can list at least a dozen formulas I think are excellent. Here are the best ones I reach for the most.
Armani Lip Power ($45 each, Shade 109 shown) is one of the best creamy opaque smooth lipstick formulas I’ve tried. There are lots of great colors but 109 is the best everyday pink in my opinion. They also launched this in a Matte Formula too (lots of great nudes, I love Shade 111 Matte).
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick ($32, Orgasm shown) is my favorite formula for a shine lipstick. Pigment is impressive for a shine formula. They have a comfortable hydrating feel that feels like a balm. My favorites are Orgasm which is a peach pink gold, Breathless a beige nude and Dolce Vita which is a classic rose.
Gucci Care Glow and Shine Lipstick ($47, Sally Soft Honey shown) is another great shine lipstick formula. Pigment is very good with these and I love the glossy finish. Sally Soft Honey is the best everyday pinky nude. Call It a Day is the best mauve (great for fall). I also love Julie Blush for a bright peachy shade.
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick ($39, Nude Venus shown) is hands down the best matte lipstick formula I’ve tried. It’s smooth, opaque, doesn’t look dry on the lips and the color selection is outstanding. They have a good range of neutrals, reds, bolds, browns – my top 3 shades are Nude Venus (peachy nude), Christy (pink nude) and Divine Rose (rose pink).
YSL Rouge Pure Couture Caring Satin Lipstick ($45, N5 Tribute Nude shown) is a new formula and after trying a few shades I have to say I am REALLY impressed. It has an ultra smooth formula that glides on the lips with absolute perfection. I’ll have a full review on the shades I picked up soon.
Best Liquid Lipstick Formulas
Gucci Transfer-Proof Matte Liquid Lipstick ($47, Grace Cinnamon) is a beautiful formula. Grace Cinnamon is the perfect nude pink shade with smooth coverage and a super lightweight texture.
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick ($27, OG Backtalk shown) is the best long-wear liquid lipstick in the sense that once it sets it does not budge or transfer. OG Backtalk is a really pretty mauve. I also think Text Em is the best rose pink shade ever made.
Tom Ford Lip Luxe Matte ($59, Naked Haze shown) is another exceptional formula. I’ve only tried one shade in Naked Haze which is a great everyday nude pink. I plan on picking up one or two more during the Sephora Savings Event. Texture is lightweight and coverage is smooth and really good.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer Liquid ($45, Shade 100 Forever Nude) is another great long-wear formula that is also transfer proof. I have this in a couple shades and they really do stay put without transferring. Shade 100 Forever Nude is perfection.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15, Shade 70 First Date shown) is a budget-friendly Liquid Lipstick with an impressive color selection. Formula is full coverage with a creamy satin finish. I love that these feel super lightweight on the lips and they don’t look dry. All Sephora Collection items are 30% off during the Sephora Savings Event.
Top 5 Lip Glosses
I’m 100% a lip gloss girl at heart. Here are the best top 5 formulas I reach for the most.
Lawless Forget the Filler ($26, Cherry Vanilla shown) is the best smoothing lip gloss that plumps without any tingle. I like the darker/bolder shades for a lush lip look. They are on the thicker side but I love the finish. Cherry Vanilla is the best sheer red I’ve ever tried. Juicy Watermelon is the prettiest bright pink. They also launched a few shades in a Jumbo Size ($38 each) and for holiday they have a cute Mini Dreamy Darlings Plumper Set ($27).
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($40, 12 Rosewood shown) is my most-worn lip gloss formula for the color and texture. I splurged on nearly all of the shades and can easily say they were 100% worth the splurge.
Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($21, Fenty Glow shown) is another favorite. It’s been a favorite since the day they launched Fenty Glow. Every color is wearable and super flattering. I love the smooth texture and shine. I think every color is a must-have.
Pat McGrath LUST Gloss ($29, Nude Venus shown) is another great smooth texture gloss. Nude Venus is the best peachy pink color with pretty good coverage. Flesh Fantasy is a pretty beige pink. Divine Rose is a stunning plum pink.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss ($33, In the Buff Shown) offers hydration, color and shine in one. Finish is very comfortable and they are great for vacation (or beach) no-makeup days where you want a little bit of color to look polished.
Most-Worn Tinted Balms/Sheer Lips/Oils
Last we have a look at the best tinted balms. A lot of these double as sheer lipsticks.
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump ($24, White Peach shown) is a formula I always have in my bag. Every single color they’ve launched is super wearable. They’re smooth in finish and I love how they feel on the lips. During the holiday season they have a lot of great value sets and limited-edition shades. If you’re a fan of the Maracuja Lip formula definitely check out the 2023 Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter ($24, Vanilla Beige shown) is another formula I carry in every single purse. I also have the clear one on my night stand. Each shade has a different scent to match the color name but they aren’t overpowering. Love the cute Mini Lip Butter Set too which I think would make a super cute gift.
Kosas Wet Lip Oil ($22, Revealed shown) is one of my favorite tinted lip oil formulas. It actually doesn’t feel thick like you’d expect from an oil. Every single shade is beautiful. The one I get asked about the most is Revealed which I’m wearing in this post.
Last but not least, I really love the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine ($43, Shade 162 shown) and YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($39, 15 Showcasing Nude in hand, 13 Flashing Rose in background). Both have a balm-like formula. The Rouge Volute Shine has more slip with a sheer glossy finish while the Candy Glaze is thicker and feels like a jelly finish. Both are really phenomenal for formula and color.
That wraps up my extensive best-of lip shopping guide! If you’re looking for the best of the best in lip formulas I hope you found this round up helpful. Happy Shopping!
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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsored this post.
Sharing an updated roundup of the best of the best in makeup from Sephora! Today’s roundup focuses on favorites for the face, eyes and cheeks. I’ll have a dedicated lip roundup going live tomorrow because it’s going to cover the best in every category.
Primers
I’m not really into primers because with skincare layering and SPF I don’t really want another layer of product on my face, but here are two that I love. Both are available in minis if you want to try a smaller size before committing to the full size ones.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the best multi-tasking moisturizer and primer in one. It’s hydrating, smooths out the skin, and doubles as a foundation primer. It’s the one I have used up multiple times and keep going back to.
I have so many foundation and base favorites. I’ve tried to split my recommendations by type/coverage/finish level because I know some of you like super light coverage while others need satin finish or full coverage.
Hydrating Tints/Bases
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is one of the best sheer skin tints (emphasis on sheer). Coverage is very light and finish is dewy and glowy. It does have enough pigment that you need to find a good match but it looks very natural on the skin. I wear Shade 4.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops is the best glowy hydrating base. It’s the best for dry skin in my opinion but on the sheer side so you definitely need to add some concealer for more coverage (or layer a stick on certain areas you need more color). I found the shades of the drops match the stick formula.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation is a great hydrating foundation with medium coverage. It’s not so hydrating that it looks too dewy or emollient but it is definitely on the hydrating side. I wear N280 or W310.
Natural Looking Bases
Too Faced Born This Way Healthy Glow Skin Tint is my favorite new base of the year. It has natural medium coverage, lightweight feel and looks like skin but better. It has a nice satin dry down with a subtle glow. If it’s separating on you I highly suspect it’s your moisturizer that is not compatible with this formula. I wear Warm Beige.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation is the best CC Cream I’ve tried (aside from the Chanel one that is temporarily discontinued). I like that it’s not super thick but has substance to it so it’s still creamy. I’ve tried all the It Cosmetics foundations and this is the best one in my opinion. I wear Medium Tan.
Patrick Ta Major Skin Crème Foundation Powder Duo is the best solid cream foundation I’ve tried. I really like the powders that come with this too because the pigment level is low so it acts as a natural setting powder without adding color (also does not oxidize). Colors run darker than described in my opinion. I’m typically a medium or medium tan but in this formula I wear Light Medium 1 or 2.
Medium Coverage
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick is the best natural looking foundation stick I’ve tried. It’s easy to blend and evens out the skin perfectly. I wear Shade V, VI or VII depending on how light or tan I am. Most of the year I wear Shade VI. See it in action in this reel here.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a classic formula I think everyone needs to try. Has a natural glow and the perfect amount of coverage. I wear Shade 6.5 most of the year.
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation is a favorite but I don’t think it’s universally loved. It does have medium coverage that is a bit more opaque than most so a little goes a long way. It’s easy to blend and doesn’t take much work to buff out. I do think your skincare needs to be good though (ie don’t apply this on super dry skin, make sure it’s well moisturized). I am a match to Santa Fe right now, but also wear Sahel and Vanuatu.
Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation is another classic. Anytime I wear this I wonder why I don’t wear it all the time. Has natural finish and whenever I think of a classic solid foundation this formula is THE one. I wear Light Medium 14.
Concealer
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam is THE BEST CONCEALER I think I’ve ever tried. If I had to use only one the rest of my life this would be it. Coverage is really good and texture is still easy to blend (which isn’t the case for all opaque concealers). I have several different shades I rotate depending on how bright I want to go. I can wear Shade N5 to N9.
YSL Touche Eclat is the best lightweight hydrating brightening concealer. It’s great for under the eyes to brighten and bring the complexion back to life. Very expensive but 100% worth the splurge. I wear Shade 3.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer is another favorite. It live up to the hype 100%. It’s creamy and the wand picks up a good amount of product so you don’t have to layer or swipe a million times to get good coverage. In action here.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the concealer I think I’ve used the longest. It’s for sure a classic and one I think is universally loved. By comparison to other formulas though I do think the sponge applicator could use an update. It’s small which is nice for detail application, but sometimes I feel like I have to really pump the product to get enough on the applicator.
Gucci Multi-Use Concealer is one of the best new concealers I’ve tried this year. Full review + swatches of lots of shades in this post here.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder is my holy grail pressed powder. It has the perfect amount of color to give the skin a flawless finish. I wear Medium. I hope they never change the formula and that it stays around forever.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is the setting spray I’ve been using the most lately. There are lots of great formulas from Gucci, Urban Decay, Omorovicza etc. I’m not really committed to one single formula, but the Charlotte Tilbury is one I’ve been using a lot.
NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder is another favorite. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cup of tea because it has a stiff finish. I really love it for a natural finish – when you swipe it on the skin you will literally see your face transform into a smooth finish. It’s like magic.
Cheek Bronzer/Contour
I love a good bronzer and there are so many great formulas. Here are the ones I love from Sephora.
Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick is one of the best creamy bronzer sticks. I wear a couple shades and really like the formula and undertone. They’re creamy, satin in finish and easy to blend. I wear either Happy Sol or Always Sunny.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick is another great natural contour. I wear Truffle which is a nice neutral-warm brown shade. It’s easy to blend, natural looking and smooth. If you’re new to Westman Atelier I highly recommend checking out one of her Holiday Trio Sets (one has Biscuit, one has Truffle).
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light is the best naturally glowy bronzer. I do recommend opting for the Ambient Lighting Cheek Palettes though because they have a bronzer included. I like Jellyfish or Leopard the best from this year’s options.
Dior Rosy Glow Blush is another powder favorite. I like Pink, Coral and Rosewood. You can read the full review here. I wear the pink one the most out of all the shades.
NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush is my favorite natural looking liquid blush. I like that the pigment isn’t too opaque so it’s more forgiving on the skin. If you want a super opaque liquid blush Rare Beauty is the way to go (they have lots of great colors, I think this Mini 4-Piece Set is a great way to start).
I have so many favorites for highlighters but I think if you’re looking for the best of the best, Tom Ford Beauty is the way to go.
Tom Ford Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter is new for holiday in two shades. I didn’t think they were worth the steep price but the most I wear them, the more I like them. They’re absolutely beautiful on the skin and I think the Rose Irise is the better one but they’re both stunning. Swatches in this post.
Tom Ford Soleil de Feu Glow Highlighter is from spring/summer and it’s available in two options. I bought and love Oasis for that gorgeous champagne bronze glow. Review here.
Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Duo in Moodlight is a classic that’s been around for years but I think the newer Peachlight is even better. If you’re looking for something with a pink or peachy sheen rather than your standard champagne I think Peachlight is really flattering and more modern looking.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands are also holy grail material. I think Pinkgasm and Pillow Talk are the best ones but they are really all so beautiful. Definitely lives up the hype and the colors are SOOO good. If you don’t know that you want to commit to the full size I recommend checking out the Superstar Glow Kit Mini Duo which has Spotlight and Pinkgasm.
Eye Makeup
I still swear by my Top 5 Eyeshadow Palettes I rounded up two years ago. Half of you have told me this is boring, the other half have said it proves these have withstood the test of time. I agree with both sides. I really wish I had something new to share every month for the eyes but palettes are tricky because it’s so rare that I am in love with EVERY single shade in a palette.
If you’re looking for something new and fresh, I say the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude is the best palette of the year (I think it’s better than the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes). I really think anything from Natasha Denona is a solid win – if you’re new to her line this is a great time to splurge/save all at the same time. Her formulations are the best of the best.
I still really love the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palettes. This year they added some great new variations including Lumiere D’Hiver (swatches here), Hazy Sensuality and Golden Hour (review here). These three are the best ones and they all launched this year.
The Sephora Savings Event starts Friday 10/27 for Rouge Members and I’m rounding up my best-of favorites and recommendations. This is Part 1 focusing on my skin care, body care and fragrance favorites within the last year – so for those asking for an updated list, this is for you! Here are my favorites by category.
Use code TIMETOSAVE during these dates (exclusions apply):
Rouge Members – save 20% off 10/27 thru 11/6
VIB Members – save 15% off 10/31 thru 11/6
Insiders – save 10% off 10/31 thru 11/6
Sephora Collection is 30% off for all members
Cleanser/Makeup Remover
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Balm – This is my all time favorite makeup removing balm. It’s a solid cleanser you apply on dry skin, massage and then rinse off with warm water and a wash cloth. I’ve really liked their limited-edition scented ones which surprisingly do not irritate my skin. I loved the Strawberry Shortcake Clean. I plan on ordering their Tea Harvest Green Clean Trio.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator – This is the one of the best rice-based powder cleansers I’ve used. It’s a classic and great for clearing out pores and exfoliates gently. Add water to activate and turn it into a paste and massage + rinse. I do believe they have a few different variations of this but I’ve only tried the classic version.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – This is my favorite gentle everyday cleanser. It’s one I’ve repurchased the most in the last year. I like that it’s not drying but gets the skin squeaky clean. Anytime one of my nieces or friend’s kids ask for a recommendation for cleanser, this is the one I gift them.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser – Another favorite I keep stocked at all times. It’s a thicker liquid but lathers up well with warm water. Keeps skin clean but also soft.
Jack Black Acne Remedy Balancing Foam Cleanser – This is Andrew’s favorite but he only uses it 2x per week (he alternates with Kiehl’s or Turbo Wash which is technically for the body, but he uses it on the face too). It has 0.5% Salicylic Acid and keeps his skin clear and free of blackheads and pimples from sweat/sunscreen/etc.
Toner/Treatments/Masks
La Mer The Tonic is one of my top 2 favorite toners. I’ve tried a lot of different formulas and this is the one I keep repurchasing. My other favorite is the Sisley Floral Toning Lotion but it’s not available at Sephora.
Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a new to me toner I just started trying and I really like it. It’s the first hydrating toner I’ve actually liked. It’s a milky cream formula but doesn’t leave a sticky film on the skin.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Baby Facial is the best at-home AHA + BHA resurfacing treatment. I’ve kept my skin pretty clear the past year with proper face cleansing and I keep my brushes super clean so I haven’t had many issues with clogged pores. This is one I’ll use once every other week.
Sunday Riley Good Genes is hands down THE best lactic acid treatment. Anytime I feel like my skin is getting a little bumpy from clogged pores or feeling a little dull this brings clear glowing skin back to life within a few days.
I rotate moisturizers depending on season. The La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream is my go-to this year. They reformulated it earlier this year and it’s even better than before. For a luxury moisturizer Augustinus Bader is also very good.
La Mer Eye Concentrate Cream is what I’ve been using most of the year. I love the little ball applicator which has a nice cooling effect on the eyes. A little goes a long way, I feel like this little jar could last me a VERY long time.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is the best lightweight moisturizing cream. I think it’s great for both men and women. If you’re looking for a great starter moisturizer this is the one I recommend. Kiehl’s has a lot of great starter sets – I highly recommend them!
Biossance Squalane+ Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil is my go-to face oil. I’m typically a cream kind of person for moisturizers. This one is soothing, hydrating and firming. It feels like it really sinks into the skin. I use this at night.
I don’t have a lot of skin care tools that I’ve used consistently in the past few months. I’m looking to step up my game again but the one tool I really love is the BeautyBio Cryo Skin Icing Dual-Ended Roller. The stainless steel chills skin and really helps for depuffing and tension. I like that it has two sizes in one. A few weeks ago I had the worst tension headaches and swelling and this tool helped a lot.
Body Care
I love splurging on body care! I haven’t done a lot of roundups on this category but here are my favorites.
Jack Black Turbo Wash is Andrew’s favorite and I use this one too. It’s the best effective body cleanser to remove sweat, sunscreen and excess oil but doesn’t strip the skin. They have several different scents in the body wash but the Turbo Wash is the most effective.
Herbivore Botanicals Hot Coco Coconut Oil Body Scrub is something I bought recently and I LOVE IT. It’s on the small side but super fun. It’s very hydrating and I think I might order a couple more during the sale.
Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Coconut Firming Cream is my current obsession for body moisturizer. I am super picky with body creams because I don’t like to wear anything that feels sticky or heavily scented (I’m normally a body oil kind of person). This is heavenly and the coconut scent is perfect – not too light and not too heavy. It has a very smooth texture. 100% recommend.
That wraps up my absolute favorites in skin/body care from Sephora! Stay tuned for my makeup favorites! I know I covered a lot but I wanted to be thorough. If I had to rank my Top 5 must-haves in this category they would be:
La Mer Sheet Mask
La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream
Beautybio Cryo Face Roller
Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Cream
Sunday Riley Good Genes
What’s on your wishlist for the Sephora Savings Event?
The Holiday 2023 Collection from Chanel has arrived and it is absolutely stunning. I’ve looked forward to Chanel’s holiday launch every year as they always go the extra mile to create something special and unique. The collection highlights a smokey eye with lots of bold reds for lips. They have a stunning highlighter compact, three new nail colors and a few neutral lip options too. Here is a look at what I’ve tested from this year’s holiday launch.
Duo Lumiere Illuminating Powder Duo
The Chanel highlighters never fail to impress, especially with their beautiful embossed patterns. This year they launched a Duo Lumiere Illuminating Powder Duo ($70). It’s a glimmering pink champagne and crystal white. The sparkle and shimmer is a bit chunkier than what we are used to seeing from Chanel but it’s beautiful and the sparkles look like what I think fairy dust would look like if it existed.
The colors seem similar to Tom Ford’s Moodlight but the texture and colors of the Chanel Duo are more modern and have more dimension while the Tom Ford offers more of a frosted glow by comparison.
Because it’s on the sparkly side there will be fallout from the brush when you apply, but once on the cheeks it stays put with pretty good pigment and coverage.
For the eyes Chanel launched a 5-pan eyeshadow palette and I’m a huge fan of this style. I wish Chanel would launch more palettes like this! Lumiere Graphique Eyeshadow Palette ($88) has a beautiful sequins print on the surface. All the shades are shimmery and one is a sparkly glitter top coat shade. Texture is soft and pigment is easy to build and layer.
Overall tone pulls more on the smokey cool side. There is one peach shade which I suspect will show up more peach/gold on fair skin tones. On my medium tank skin (Chanel B40) it pulls more champagne. Shimmers are on the sparkly side so there is a lot of powder kick up with an eyeshadow brush. I didn’t experience any fallout on the cheeks when applying though except for a tiny bit with the glittery white topper.
Shades are stunning for a holiday smokey eye. I like the mix of the taupe, peach and olive gold to make it different from your standard grey/black/silver smokey eye palette. It does pull more cool-toned that I am used to wearing these days, but I think it’s beautiful.
Holiday Le Vernis
There are three Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colors ($32 each) this season. They fit the holiday smokey glam theme. 167 White Silk is a sheer creamy white (requires 3 coats for full coverage, but it’s worth the extra effort and dry time). 169 Tuxedo is a beautiful shimmering brassy gold. It’s very metallic and I love that the brush strokes are not visible, it applies very smoothly with 2 coats. 171 Sequins is a soft black with super fine silvery white sparkles suspended throughout. This one is also shown with 2 coats.
Holiday Lips
It seems like Chanel Beauty had a holiday party theme in mind when creating their lip colors this season. They repromoted a few shades of the Rouge Allure L’Extrait which I think is one of the best formulas out there. They’re slim and small but the formula is creamy, smooth, hydrating, and pigmented. 812 Beige Brut is my perfect everyday beige neutral (repromoted), 854 Rouge Puissant is an electric bold red (also repromoted), 857 Midnight Red is new with a metallic finish but it’s a flattering deeper red metallic.
Beige Brut
Midnight Red
They have two new Rouge Allure Laque shades this season. I have one in 90 Golden Beige ($45) which is a very metallic gold shimmer. On me this is best as a topper on a neutral lipstick. Alone it pulls a bit too frosty. I think the undertone of the color is beautiful – I would have loved to see this in a gloss, eyeshadow, highlighter or blush color.
That wraps up my Chanel Holiday 2023 review. I think everything is beautiful. The stand out to me is the Duo Lumiere Illuminating Powder Duo. I already own the Rouge Allure L’Extrait in 812 Beige Brut and I love it so much am already on my second tube (they are refillable). I rarely wear red lips but I think Midnight Red is beautiful.
For the nail colors I think White Silk is a really flattering shade of off-white. It does take a bit more work with the layering but I think the undertone is perfect. It’s creamy but not yellow. Tuxedo is beautiful. I think Sequins is a shade we’ve definitely seen before in a number of lines but I really like that the shimmer is visible on the nails in a subtle way that makes it glow.
You can find everything out now available at Chanel.com and all other Chanel retailers. Have you checked out the holiday launch yet? What did you think?
Holiday beauty is here in full swing and today I have a look at the Chantecaille Precious Metal Collection for Holiday 2023. I picked up four of the items from the collection and have a review + swatches today. I believe everything is in limited-edition packaging although you can find the gloss shade in the regular standard packaging. I haven’t paid much attention to previous holiday collections so I’m not entirely sure if any of these are repromotes but they’re all new to me.
Precious Gold Illuminating Powder
Chantecaille launched a beautiful gold highlighter this season called the Precious Gold Illuminating Powder ($102). It has a super fine shimmer with a soft gold champagne glow. I think it’s just absolutely stunning – it blends beautifully on the skin for a flattering radiant look. Pigment is easy to layer and blend. The finish is very smooth and doesn’t emphasize pores. The color itself looks like it can be easily duped but I love the undertone and finish. I’m not in love with the price, even with the special limited-edition packaging. I do think it’s one I can see myself wearing a lot.
The one product that seems to have the most buzz is the Radiant Gold Eye Shimmer in Gold Leaf ($68). In the compact it has a stripe pattern with a pink and gold shimmer. The pink is an overspray and underneath you have a duo-chrome pink, gold, orange kind of shimmer. It has a stunning pink gold shimmer perfect for a party look.
I love a good sparkle topper shadow and have quite a few favorites that are even more glitzy than this one. For some reason I find this one a little too sparkly and glittery for my taste. It photographs beautifully and on camera it looks absolutely stunning. In real life it’s too glitzy for me, but I may be the only person who thinks this. Every review I’ve seen and read is glowing – so if you love a good sparkly pink gold eye look, definitely check it out at your local counter if you can.
The Lip Cristal in Rose Quartz ($52) also has so much buzz it’s pretty much sold out everywhere. This one is a beautiful frosted mauve shimmer with a sparkling overspray on the exterior. It’s beautiful for sure and the color is pigmented and eye catching with the frost. I found this one too frosty for my taste and I’m can’t really pinpoint the exact reason why I’m not a fan of this on me. I think the metallic finish is a bit too sharp and harsh on my skin and lip tone. It reminds me of a cooler-toned version of MAC “O” Frost Lipstick. You can definitely soften the frost by adding a bit of gloss on top.
Brilliant Lip Gloss in Blithe
Last we have a look at the Brilliant Lip Gloss in Blithe ($40). This is available in the regular standard packaging for their gloss. It’s a very sheer milky pink with golden shimmer. It offers high shine with a smooth texture. Pigment is barely there but you can get a subtle milky pink glow with this.
Overall I think the collection offers a beautiful cohesive look for holiday. The stand out for me is the Precious Gold Illuminating Powder even if it’s not super unique and incredibly expensive. I think it’s very flattering in the undertone and shimmer.
The other items are beautiful, especially for any upcoming holiday parties or if you want to add some extra glam and sparkle to your life. For me the gloss pulls too sheer to justify the splurge. The lipstick is a pass for me. The eyeshadow is something I feel I can save for special dressy occasions but not a must for me.
Have you checked out the Chantecaille Holiday collection? What did you think? I’m curious to hear what you thought about the shimmers in this launch!
Sharing another Sephora haul today rounding up tons of new beauty launches this month! I’ve hauled a little bit of everything from eyes, lips and cheeks. Here are the winners from what I’ve tested and tried.
Eye Makeup Launches
Patrick Ta added a matte eyeshadow palette to his lineup with the Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($70) and it is 100% worth the splurge. It has two dark cream shadows (both which can double as a liner) and 10 powder shadows. All the shades are matte variations of brown, black and cream. I love that he has both cool and neutral tones in this making it super versatile for a warmer day time look or a more dressy smokey eye look. Powders are ultra smooth, easy to blend and layer.
Westman Atelier added a new mascara formula called the Eye Want You Mascara ($45) which has a really nice lengthening formula. It’s available in black or brown (I picked up black). I love the bright red bold packaging and fluffy brush. It’s great for length and does not clump or smudge.
I picked up two of the Merit Solo Shadow Cream to Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadows ($24) in the lighter brown tones and I really love them. Vachetta and Midcentury are both neutral browns and they have a creamy easy to blend texture with a matte drydown finish. I love tones like these because they’re just slightly darker than my skin tone. They make for a great one and done kind of shadow that looks like a natural contour on my lids. I picked up the No. 2 Double Sided Brush ($20) to use and love the small size for detail application. It’s well made and works well but you can use your fingers or any shadow brush from your stash to apply these shadows.
Fenty added a new eyeshadow formula called the Shadowstix Longwear Eyeshadow Stick ($25 each). Reviews and feedback on these were very mixed but I really love the formula, pigment and lasting power. I picked up three shimmer shades and think they’re super flattering and easy to wear. They apply smoothly and set to a truly long-wear formula.
A few swatch comparisons below to some of my other favorites for comparison.
Cheeks & Highlighters
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes ($90 each) have arrived at Sephora. I really love both the Jellyfish and Leopard Palettes, but find I’ve been reaching for Leopard the most. It has everything I need for a complete face + cheek look. I will most likely be bringing this one with me for holiday travel because it goes with so many different looks.
You girls know I love the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powders so when the Prisme Libre Loose Highlighter popped up online I ordered it immediately. There is one shade available in 10 Organza Or ($43) and it is absolutely beautiful. It has a stunning golden shimmer and I love it on the eyes or cheeks.
There are also two liquid highlighters called the Givenchy Prisme Libre Liquid Highlighter ($42). I ordered the pink one Rose Extravaganza and it’s a really pretty soft pale pink champagne. It’s more on the subtle/sheer side which is nice for those who want a natural glow.
Dior added some new shades of the Addict Lip Maximizers ($40 each) and two of them are available at Sephora now in 049 Pure Copper (shimmery bronze) and 050 Holographic Silver (sheer opal silver shimmer). These are perfect for the holiday season.
Lip Loves
I have tons of new lip products I hauled this month! Armani launched a Lip Power Matte ($45 each, six new shades). As a fan of the regular Lip Power I was really interested in the new matte formula and picked up six to try. 111 is a perfect nude pink, 112 is a soft brownish color, 114 is a pale powder pink, 116 is a cool toned pink. Formula of the matte shades is just as creamy as the original, just matte in finish.
As a huge fan of the Fenty Lip Glosses I feel like I’m on a mission to collect every color they launch. This year’s holiday set is the Glossy Posse Volume 6.0 ($42, a $69 value) has three full-sizes in the Glass Slipper Heat (clear plumping), Fenty Glow Cream (love this as an everyday pink) and Pink Dragonfly (stunning pink shimmer, it was available in a mini in previous years).
There are some new shades of the Fenty Gloss Bomb too in Champ Stamp (sparkling champagne) and Riri (re-promote mauve). For holiday they launched Holla’gram ($26) which is a really pretty oyster pearl pink shimmer.
Fenty also launched a The Gloss Bomb Vault ($150 with 10 full-size glosses) which has some new shades mixed in. I’m very tempted and added it to my Sephora wishlist for the upcoming Holiday Savings Event.
Fragrance Loves
Last but not least is a quick look at the latest from Phlur. Everything they launch is phenomenal and I’ve fallen head over heels for the Hair and Body Fragrance Mists ($20 – $35 each). I have the smaller 3 oz sizes which are perfect for me. Vanilla Skin is my favorite. It’s a soft pleasant warm semi-sweet vanilla that isn’t too sweet or bitter.
Mango Mood is a fruity mango + brown sugar mix that reminds me of my teenage years. It’s fun and feels like a summer vacation.
Amber Haze is a warm floral with amber notes. It’s soft and cozy with a bit of sweetness.
That wraps up my October Sephora haul! If you haven’t signed up for their Beauty Insider Program I highly recommend doing so. You can sign up for free and being a member opens up tons of benefits like deluxe samples, early access to products and events too.
