Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Best Makeup Staples to Splurge on from Sephora

October 27, 2023

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.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is another great multi-tasking glow product. I can use this as a glow primer or highlighter. I use shade 3, 4 or 4.5. (I will say though that the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a very good alternative that’s a lot more affordable.)

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer/CC Cream

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.

Setting Powders

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder is the best setting powder ever made. You can see Shade 3 in action here and Shade 4 in action here. It’s the best flawless airbrush looking setting powder I’ve ever tried.

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).

Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Matte Powder Bronzer is the best matte bronzer I’ve tried. I like both Coup de Soliel or Soleil Riche. They warm up the skin with a matte finish.

Dior Forever Natural Powder Bronzer Shade 5 is another great matte formula. I wear Shade 5 for a natural warm bronze.

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.

Cheek Blush

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush has a beautiful formula with a natural glow. Full review + swatches in this post here.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush is another favorite. I love the colors and think the loose powder format is really fun. Full review + swatches here.

Gucci Beauty Luminous Matte Beauty Blush is pure love for a soft silky texture. They glide on the skin beautifully and every color is flattering. Review + swatches here.

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).

Cheek Palettes

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes for the win this year! I think all three are phenomenal but my favorites are Jellyfish and Leopard. Full review + lots of swatches in this post, but if you buy ONE cheek product I think the Hourglass Palettes are the best options.

Cheek Highlighter

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 best mascaras to me are the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara and YSL Lash Clash.

That wraps up my best-of makeup roundup! Stay tuned for my Lip Must-Haves going live tomorrow!

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Sales Sephora Skincare

Skincare, Body Care + Fragrance Must-Haves from Sephora

October 26, 2023

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.

La Mer Sheet Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask is my holy grail sheet mask for hydration.

Moisturizers/Serums

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 Concentrate Serum is my current go-to serum. I pair it with the Moisturizing Soft Cream.

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.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is another long-time favorite. It’s a great versatile everyday moisturizer – it’s the most-loved among family and friends. If you have dry skin I recommend the Lala Retro Nourishing Whipped Moisturizer.

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.

Sunscreen

I have a full sunscreen roundup from summer, but my top 3 go-tos are the Supergoop! Glowscreen, Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick and Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion. Andrew’s go-to is the Jack Black Sunguard and it really does have exceptionally good lasting power.

Misc

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.

Ouai Cleansing Scalp Body Sugar Scrub is my favorite body scrub of all time. If I didn’t go through it so fast I’d keep it stocked all the time.

Ouai Dean Street Gentle Body Wash is my current favorite shower gel. I love the way it smells. It’s gentle and very soothing.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel is the best for hydration. It smells delicious – like vacation in a bottle.

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Body Wash is a great AHA exfoliating body wash. If you have any body acne this one is great to help with unclogging pores.

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.

Lip Treatments

I’m a lip balm junkie and will try almost any lip moisturizer. My top 3 from Sephora are the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, Laneige Lip Glowy Balm (in Grapefruit or Gummy Bear) and La Mer Lip Volumizer.

Perfumes

Last but not least is fragrance. I’m obsessed with all things Phlur these days. My top 3 are Missing Person, Somebody Wood and Father Figure. I think the Amber Haze and Vanilla Skin Hair Body Mist are amazing and the lasting power is pretty good too.

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?

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Chanel

Chanel Holiday 2023 Collection

October 26, 2023

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.

Look below wearing:

Foundation – Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint in B40
Powder – Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder B30
Blush – Chanel Joues Contraste Alezane
Highlighter – Chanel Duo Lumiere Holiday 2023
Eyeshadow – Chanel Lumiere Graphique
Lip Color – Chanel 31 Le Rouge in 1 Rouge Beige

Lumiere Graphique Eyeshadow Palette

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?

Press samples provided for review from Chanel.

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Chantecaille

Chantecaille Holiday Precious Metal Collection 2023

October 23, 2023

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.

Above wearing:

Foundation – NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Santa Fe
Powder – Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder Shade 3
Bronzer – Chantecaille Bronzer in Sirena
Highlighter – Chantecaille Precious Gold Illuminating Powder
Eyeshadow – Chantecaille Radiant Gold Eye Shimmer in Gold Leaf
Eyeliner – Westman Atelier Eye Love You Eyeliner in Kohl Noir
Mascara – Westman Atelier Eye Love You Mascara
Lipstick – Chantecaille Lip Cristal in Rose Quartz

Radiant Gold Eye Shimmer in Gold Leaf

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.

Swatches below to some other Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shades and also a couple similar options in cream format to the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eyeshadow in Incandescent and Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Sunlit Gold.

Lip Cristal in Rose Quartz

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!

Shop the Post

I bought mine from Nordstrom. Also available at Chantecaille, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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Hauls Sephora

Fall Beauty Must-Haves from Sephora

October 20, 2023

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.

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Sponsored by Sephora.

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Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Soleil Neige 2023

October 17, 2023

For the holiday season Tom Ford launched their Soleil Neige 2023 collection featuring a new eyeshadow quad, two highlighters and three repromoted lip glosses. Everything is cased in their limited-edition holiday white and silver color packaging.

The theme feels like a winter wonderland theme with cooler tones and metallics. Today I have a look at the items for eyes and cheeks as it appears the lip glosses have not yet arrived in the US . The limited-edition packaging is available on pre-order at this time, although you can still find the colors in the standard gold/mahogany packaging.

Soleil Neige Eye Color Quad

The Soleil Neige Eye Color Quad in Lumiere D’Hiver ($90) is beautiful. It has a creamy almost velvety pigmented pale cream matte, a complex sparkling taupe topper, a neutral silvery shimmer and a deep cool black-brown matte. The quality and pigment of this quad is just outright stunning. The shimmers are very finely milled – the shimmer is almost glittery but there isn’t really that glitter texture as they feel more on the smooth side. The mattes perform so well, I wish every Tom Ford matte eyeshadow had this level of creamy opaque blendable pigment.

At first glance I was incredibly underwhelmed. In the pans these shadows looked like your standard grey, cream and brown. On the eyes and swatched on the arm the colors come to life, especially with the shimmers. The best way to wear them is to apply the matte cream all over and then the darker matte on the lids. Top with the shimmers and you’ve got the perfect smokey eye. Performance wise A+.

Swatched below next to Nude Dip for reference.

That being said I do think these colors are ones we’ve seen before in a number of brands. I think the Natasha Denona Glam or I Need a Nude Palette are better options for price and color variety but with similar quality.

Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter

There are two shades of Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter this season ($90 each). They’re multi-dimensional highlighters with an ultra-smooth glow that almost gives the skin a wet look effect with how glassy they shimmer is.

Photo swatches do not do these justice. Rose Irise is an iridescent icy pink that flashes an opal like shimmer depending on how the light hits. To my eye the color is very similar to the pink side in Peachlight Highlighter Duo. Also swatched next to Moodlight below.

Look below wearing:

Foundation – Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in Natural 6.0
Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder in Medium
Bronzer – Tom Ford Bronzer in Gold Dust
Blush – Dior Backstage Blush in Pink
Highlighter – Tom Ford Soleil Neige Rose Irise
Eyeshadow – Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Lumiere D’Hiver
Mascara – Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Brow Pencil – Benefit Precisely My Brow Shade 2.5
Lips – Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump in Rosebud
Nail Polish – Olive and June Quick Dry in Sandy

Gran Paradis is a soft pale gold champagne. Both are really beautiful – like take your breath away beautiful! I don’t know that I would call either must-haves though, especially at the steep price point. Also at this point I haven’t checked out any of the other holiday highlighters yet to compare.

Below with the gold Gran Paradis Highlighter just on top of the Tom Ford Gold Dust Bronzer (no blush added).

If you’re not a fan of the really metallic highlight these may be too glowy for you. I will say that I really like the smooth finish and texture (even if it is very glowy).

Overall beautiful and exceptional in quality. Must haves? I don’t think I can say they are. I am really happy with the splurges. They exceeded my expectations. Everything is very wearable which surprised me since I usually don’t wear cool tones.

If shimmers or cool tone greys aren’t your thing, Tom Ford also launched a few pieces in their Private Garden Collection with two eyeshadow quads, two pink satin matte lip colors, and a clear rose lip oil. I didn’t pick any of the pieces up but wanted to put them on your radar. They look really pretty!

You can find the Tom Ford Soleil Neige Collection out now. I bought mine from Nordstrom. Also available at Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and all Tom Ford Beauty retailers.

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Did you check out anything from Tom Ford’s recent launches? What did you think?

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Base Makeup Gucci Beauty

Gucci Beauty Multi-Use Long Wear Concealer

October 3, 2023

Gucci Beauty launched a new concealer called the Concentre de Beaute Multi-Use Longwear Concealer ($47 each). I really love the new formula it and did a demo on my Instagram in partnership with Sephora. A lot of you had questions about the formula and color selection so I wanted to review it in more detail and include an updated roundup of their base products.

Multi-Use Longwear Concealer

The new Gucci Multi-Use Longwear Concealer is a medium coverage concealer with a lightweight texture and natural finish. It has enough pigment to cover my freckles and even out the under-eye area but still looks like skin (just better). I really like the wear and how it sets If you watch my video here you’ll see how it blends in seamlessly to look like skin. I applied it with the Fenty Concealer Brush which I recently bought and love.

The new concealer comes in wide range of shades with different undertones. According to their shade breakdown:

C is for cool – skin rarely tans, with pink hues
N is for neutral – skin tans sometimes, with both pink and golden hues
W is for warm – skin tans easily, with yellow or golden hues

For a shade match I found Shade 34N to be my best match under the eyes. It’s neutral, medium and just the slightest bit lighter than my skin, but very close. I usually prefer concealers close to my skin tone rather than having something 2-3 shades lighter for under eyes.

I ended up ordering multiple colors, mainly because I wanted to try them and also swatch them for those who are my skin twins. I did try all six and my first pick 34N ended up being the best. I also really like 28C or 31W for brightening. 35W can also work as an exact match for spot concealing.

Some of the W shades pull more yellow/olive than others. 32W pulls very yellow while 31W and 35W both pull more golden/neutral. Out of the 2 C undertone shades they look consistently pink in undertone. I only tried one of the N neutrals so I’m not sure how the other neutral shades run, but 34N is indeed very neutral.

Wearing 34N below with their Glow Care Shine Lipstick in Sally Soft Honey.

Concealer is unscented and lasting power is pretty impressive. It did not crease or cake and I like that it sets on its own pretty well. The texture/pigment is similar to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer with a slightly more matte dry down. If you need something more creamy and opaque this one may be too sheer for you in which case I’d recommend the Natasha Denona Hy-Glam, Givenchy or Tarte Shape Tape Radiant.

Swatches compared to:

Armani Luminous Silk Concealer in 6.5
Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer in 35N
Dior Forever Concealer (the current formula) in 2.5N and 3N
Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer in C305
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealers in N8 and N9

Luminous Matte Foundation

Gucci has launched several foundation formulas in recent years and the current formula available now is the Luminous Matte Finish Foundation ($69). My best match is 305N although it runs just a tiny bit light in color. I can make it work since it adjusts/oxidizes just slightly.

The next shade up is 310N and there is a pretty big gap (looks like at least 3 shades darker). This foundation has one of the best matte finishes I’ve tried. I typically do not like matte foundations because they often feel too thick and look flat. This one however has a really nice finish and great lasting power. I would wear this one more often if I had an exact shade match. I adjust this one with one by mixing in one of the Elf Halo Glow Filters (usually Shade 5 or 7).

It is floral scented which might be a deal breaker for those sensitive to fragrance in foundation. Luckily it did not irritate my skin. Before/afters below, also wearing the Gucci Satin Lipstick in The Painted Veil and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Eyeshadow Palette.

Matte Beauty Powder

Gucci’s Matte Beauty Powder is cased in one of the prettiest compacts I’ve ever seen. There’s a compartment for a puff which I love. It’s described as “matte” but there are actually some shimmer particles in it but once applied on the face the shimmer isn’t really visible on the skin. I wear Shade 4 (seems to be discontinued now) or Shade 5.

It’s a nice powder but there are a few downsides. One is this is heavily fragranced. It’s not unpleasant but I find it on the strong side. The other is that it’s prone to hard-pan but this happens when there is oil on your powder brush whether it’s oil from touching your face or moisturizer residue or even your fingers.

I’ve managed to keep mine clean but I am really careful with what brushes I use. I’m a little OCD about having clean brushes and am constantly washing them so I almost always have a clean powder brush when I use this. Overall nice and performs well, but it’s not my favorite. I have used a few compacts up entirely and just bought a fresh one. I like it, but I think there are better formulas out there.

Brume de Beaute Mist

The Gucci Beauty Face Mist is another great product. It’s a multi-tasking product you can use to prep the skin or set your makeup. It’s a bi-phase formula with Black Rose Oil and hyaluronic acid. The top dispenses a super fine mist and feels super refreshing on the skin. I think it makes for a really nice luxurious splurge, but it does have a floral scent to it. If fragrance is a no-go for you I think the MAC Fix+ or Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Sprays are great options.

Multi-Use Illuminating Drops

Last but not least is another look at their Illuminateur de Beaute Multi-Use Drops. This is one of the prettiest liquid highlighters I’ve tried. It’s glowy with the perfect amount of pigment & glow for me. The color is a peachy champagne which I really love for medium/tan skin but I think it will work for any skin tone.

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That wraps up my Gucci Beauty Concealer review! If you’re around the same skin tone as me I hope you found the swatches helpful!

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Sabrina

Best Makeup Staples to Splurge on from Sephora

Primers

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer/CC Cream

Hydrating Tints/Bases

Natural Looking Bases

Medium Coverage

Concealer

Setting Powders

Cheek Bronzer/Contour

Cheek Blush

Cheek Palettes

Cheek Highlighter

Eye Makeup

Skincare, Body Care + Fragrance Must-Haves from Sephora

Cleanser/Makeup Remover

Toner/Treatments/Masks

Moisturizers/Serums

Sunscreen

Misc

Body Care

Lip Treatments

Perfumes

Chanel Holiday 2023 Collection

Duo Lumiere Illuminating Powder Duo

Lumiere Graphique Eyeshadow Palette

Holiday Le Vernis

Holiday Lips

Chantecaille Holiday Precious Metal Collection 2023

Precious Gold Illuminating Powder

Radiant Gold Eye Shimmer in Gold Leaf

Lip Cristal in Rose Quartz

Brilliant Lip Gloss in Blithe

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Fall Beauty Must-Haves from Sephora

Eye Makeup Launches

Cheeks & Highlighters

Lip Loves

Fragrance Loves

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Tom Ford Soleil Neige 2023

Soleil Neige Eye Color Quad

Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter

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Gucci Beauty Multi-Use Long Wear Concealer

Multi-Use Longwear Concealer

Luminous Matte Foundation

Matte Beauty Powder

Brume de Beaute Mist

Multi-Use Illuminating Drops

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