All Posts By

Sabrina

Fragrance Gift Guide

Holiday Gifting with Guerlain

November 22, 2024

Guerlain Holiday Gift Sets 2024

I am so excited to share a luxury beauty gift guide today with some stunning sets from Guerlain. They’ve kindly gifted a selection of their fragrances for me to share and I am thrilled to host a giveaway too! If you’re the ultimate perfume lover or have someone in your life who has everything, Guerlain has some really special sets I think are unique.

For Black Friday and Cyber Week they have some special gift with purchase options online from 11/25 thru 12/2:

  • Spend $100 and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml)
  • Spend $275+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Gift Set with Abeille Royale minis and pouch with code THANKS24
  • Spend $500+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Orchide Imperiale Sampler Set with code MERCI24
  • Spend $1,000+ and receive an Abeille Royale Night cream (7ml) + Orchide Imperiale Sampler Set + 3 wick luxury candle with code MERCI24

I really love their discovery sets as I do not have easy access to a Guerlain counter. They’ve added a few new ones from the L’Art + La Matiere line this year I think are exceptionally beautiful. I’ve also tried their Aqua Allegoria line for the first time with another set.

Luxury Beauty Holiday Gift ideas from Guerlain

The Perfumer’s Sets

There are three Perfumer’s Sets from Guerlain. These have beautiful miniatures that have a selection of the L’Art + La Matiere perfumes. They’ve brought back the Iconic Harmony ($395) and Floral Harmony ($395) both containing 8 minis with a twist off cap. Each bottle has 10 ml of product. They also have a new trio with three of my personal favorites.

Guerlain Perfumer’s Sets - Iconic Harmony and Mini Trio

The Iconic Harmony Set has Neroli Outrenoir, Spiritueuse Double Vanille, Rose Barbare, Cuir Beluga, Musc Outreblanc, Angelique Noire, Herbes Troublantes and Oud Nude.

Guerlain Perfumer’s Sets - Iconic Harmony

Guerlain Perfumer’s Sets - Iconic Harmony

This year they added a new variation called the Iconic Eaux de Parfum Set ($190) with three pieces including Neroli Outrenoir, Angelique Noire and Musc Outreblanc.

Guerlain Perfumer’s Sets - Mini Trio with Neroli Outrenoir, Angelique Noire and Musc Outreblanc

Out of all the ones I’ve tried I love Neroli Outrenoir, Angelique Noire and Musc Outreblanc the most which happen to be the three scents in their new holiday mini trio.

The Exceptional Set

Another new launch is a miniature set with their Signature Extracts. This is the first time I’ve tried any of these scents. They are the high concentration versions and after testing a few of these I think they are exquisite. If you’re one who wants something with a very potent long lasting fragrance these are stunning.

Guerlain The Exceptional Set Perfume Discovery Set with 6 Extracts

The Exceptional Set ($630) has six miniatures of Iris Pallida Extrait 6, Bergamote Fantastico Extrait 11, Jasmin Grandiflorum Extrait 30, Tonka Sarrapia Extrait 75, Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 and Rose Centifolia Extrait 1. I am still working my way through all the perfumes but the gourmand ones are so beautiful, I think they’re perfect for holiday and I cannot wait to wear them all.

Guerlain The Exceptional Set Perfume Discovery Set with 6 Extracts

The first one I tried was the Iris Palladia Extrait 6 which has a beautiful blend of sweet and wood with a tiny bit of powdery almond and musk. It’s velvety and floral all at the same time. As a citrus lover I’m also smitten with the Bergamote Fantastico although I have my eye on a few other citrus scents from Guerlain that I still want to try.

Personalized Gift Ideas

Personalized Guerlain Musc Outreblanc Perfume

Guerlain also sent a bottle of the Musc Outreblanc which I have been eyeing for over a year. They allowed me to personalize the bottle which I think gives it such a beautiful exquisite touch. I don’t know that I’ve ever been gifted a perfume this special! You can customize the plate on the cap, the ribbon color, seal and also add an engraving to the bottle. You can add this personalized touch for any of the L’Art & La Matiere perfumes.

I did not expect to love this customization this much, but if you have any favorites from Guerlain and do not have a boutique near you, I highly recommend trying the personalization feature online whether it’s something for yourself or a friend.

Guerlain L'Art and La Matiere Musc Outreblanc - personalized

I also think their new Flacon Sac Travel Spray ($180) and Refills ($180) are so beautiful. This is quite a splurge but there are a number of scents to choose from and I think it has a WOW factor you won’t find in any other perfume brand.

Aqua Allegoria Sets

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic Forte Set Holiday 2024

I’ve always been curious about the Aqua Allegoria line. I have several on my radar and wishlist but haven’t purchased any yet. Mandarine Basilic Forte is one on my wishlist and it comes in a beautiful Parfum Gift Set ($135) this year. As the ultimate citrus perfume lover this is a dream come true for me.

They also have Aqua Allegoria sets with the Floralbloom Forte and Rosa Rossa Forte.

Winter Must-Have: Lip Oils

Guerlain KissKiss Bee Lip Oils

One last mention for a Guerlain favorite. I think their KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Oils ($40 each) are the best lip oils I’ve tried. Full review + swatches I posted a while back here. I still love them very much. The formula is the best for that lush, cushiony and hydrating feel. Lips remain well hydrated even after product has faded. The colors are sheer but add a fresh pop of color and anytime a reader asks for a lip oil recommendation the Guerlain one is it!
I think it’s a great beauty splurge to treat yourself this holiday season if you haven’t tried one yet. I’m hard pressed to pick a favorite although I have been wearing Pop Rose Glow and Honey Glow the most.

Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Oil

Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Oil swatches

Guerlain Holiday 2024

That wraps up my Guerlain holiday gift guide. Be sure to check out all the holiday gift sets online at Guerlain. Every order arrives beautifully wrapped to perfection in a gift box and holiday bow. They also have samples available at checkout.

They have a lot more to choose from this year including Skincare Sets and more Fragrance Sets.

I’m so excited to be able to giveaway an extra set I have of the The Exceptional Set to one reader (US only). To enter for a chance to win simply complete all the steps in the widget below. Giveaway will run through 12/1/2024 11:59 PM est. I’ll pick a winner through the widget and email them directly on 12/2.

Enter through the widget below. It’s best if you enter via a Chrome or Safari browser to use the commenting system I have on this blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Guerlain for gifting a beautiful selection of holiday gifts.

Uncategorized

Holiday Gift Ideas $25 and Under

November 21, 2024

Holiday Gift Ideas $25 and Under

Kicking off the holiday season with my first gift guide with ideas $25 and under! I’ve put together some ideas whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, co-worker gift or a gift exchange.

Beauty Gifts $25 and Under

Holiday Beauty Gift Ideas $25 and Under

Scrunchie Set $25 / Nail Set (x4) $22 / Eye Patches $15 / Mini Juicy Tubes $25 / Mini Brush Set $18.99 / Buxom Lip Trio $25 / Candy Cane Nail Set $9.99 / Nail Trio $25 / Tarte Minis $25 / Lip Duo Case Set $23 / Balm $16 / Fenty Swirl Gloss $24 / Colourpop Lip Duo $12 / Balm Trio $20

Skincare Gifts $25 and Under

Holiday Skincare Gift Ideas $25 and Under

Almond Set $16 / Shower Gel Baubles $15.50 each / Shower Gel Set $20 / Mask Minis Set $25 / Lip Balm Trio $20.30 Black Friday price / Holiday Cracker $25 / Caudalie Duo $25 / Shea Butter Minis $16 / Body Mist Duo $20 / Bum Bum Duo $25 / Farmacy Duo $24

Novelty Gifts + Fun Gifts

Holiday Gift Ideas $25 and Under

Monogram Mugs $14 / Sugarfina Bears $22 / Speakers $24 / Airpod Case $25 / Manicure Set $22 / Barefoot Dreams Socks $18 / Boot Match Holder + Striker $22 / Quilted Micro Pouch (green) $20 / Beanie $25 / Hand Sanitizer $16 / Gloves $19.50 / Mini Pouch (cream) / Tumbler $20 / Mug $25 / Phone Stand $25 / Holiday Mug $16 / Small Marble Jewelry Box $24

Stay tuned for more gift guides!

 

Loving Right Now

Loving Right Now

November 18, 2024

Loving Right Now - Osea, La Mer, Foreo, The Harmonist

It’s starting to feel like the holiday season is here! Especially as the weather has shifted. We just put up our Christmas tree last night and are going to decorate it soon! With cooler dry temperatures my skin has definitely needed some adjustments in my routine. This is the first year I feel like my skin has been extra sensitive and dry. Here are a few things I’ve been loving lately. A number of these I’ve shared on Instagram but since there are several of you who aren’t on social I didn’t want you to miss out so I’m sharing them here too.

Cyklar Body Bergamot Bond Wash and L'occitane Almond Shower Oil

I feel like my body has experienced the most change with dry weather. Andrew has been feeling it too, so we’ve been using Shower Oils again. Right now we love the L’occitane Almond Shower Oil. I just discovered it comes in a value size and immediately ordered it. We’ve been using the standard option and go through it so fast and I love that the value size also has a pump.

We’ve also used and loved the Shea Butter version but the formula is not the same and I’m actually not a huge fan of the scent. I also think some of the Shea line has been reformulated and it’s just not quite the same as it used to be.

I also recently tried a new line called Cyklar and am obsessed. As a citrus lover I am head over heels in love with their Bergamot Bond and Naked Neroli Sensorial Body Washes. I received a press package with a few things and put one in my bathroom, the other in Andrew’s. We both love the gel oil-infused formula as it doesn’t dry out the skin and both smell INCREDIBLE. The line looks like it’s new and just starting, but I hope they expand these to perfumes or home scents.

Osea Undaria Body Oil and Lotion

Osea has been another line I’ve been loving for body care. I am obsessed with the Undaria Algae Body Oil and Body Lotion. These are quite a splurge but they do have quite a few good value sets. I finally bought the full-sizes in this Undaria Body Bestsellers Duo after going through several minis. I also love the travel sizes, they’re great for travel or your purse. The Bestsellers Body Care Set went with me on my October trips. I love the thick oil for extra hydration and the lotion absorbs well into the skin.

Foreo FAQ 202 LED Light Mask

I’ve started using a new LED light mask and it is INCREDIBLE. I have been a fan of LED treatments for a while now and the Foreo FAQ 202 LED Mask is the most comfortable lightweight LED mask I have ever tried. I partnered with them to share a look at how I use it (see it in action and my favorite treatment here). I love that it’s cord-free and curved to mold to the shape of your face. It has 8 wavelengths and you can customize the intensity, pick your own light treatment or use their pre-programmed treatments via their app. I have been using it consistently 3-4 times per week and after a recent skin freak out, I can’t tell you how much I love this mask. It has been a game changer and really worked to calm it down with the Cyan LED, Blue LED and Yellow LED. It’s quite a splurge but they’ve given me a promo code to use for the Foreo website, use code SABRINAS10 to save an extra 10% off all items.

They have some great Black Friday deals and bundles going on right now. The code also works on top of the sale items (discount will be shown at checkout). I’m contemplating one of the LEDs for hair. My hair stylist said one of her clients splurged on the big ones that go on the entire top of the head and it really worked for her. I might try one of the smaller ones as Foreo has two that look really interesting.

Kerastase Nutritive Styling Products, Blow Dry Cream, Scalp Hair Serum and Split End Serum

Hair and scalp also need some changes for me, but luckily I don’t need to completely overhaul my routine. I started using the Kerastase Nutritive line again. It’s great for dry hair but doesn’t weight it down. I love the Split Ends Serum and Hydrating Scalp Serum. I’ve tried nearly every Kerastase scalp treatment and there are so many great one, but I really love the Nutritive one right now. They’re having a friends and family sale for 20% off sitewide with code FRIENDS24 (sets are excluded). They will most likely have some more promos for Black Friday and Cyber week as well.

For perfume I am loving all the discovery sets for the holiday season. I’ll have a few roundups soon (plus some giveaways). Guerlain makes some of the most exquisite scents but finding a nearby counter isn’t always easy. I love their discovery sets and they have their classic 8-Piece L’Art and La Matiere Perfumer’s Set in Iconic Harmony and Floral Harmony. They also added two new variations with a 3-piece Iconic Eaux de Parfum Set and 6-piece Les Extraits Signature Set. More on these soon, but I wanted to put them on your radar.

Guerlain Iconic Eaux de Parfum Set

I have purchased a few full-sized Guerlain perfumes in the past year but never realized you can customize and personalize the bottles! The Guerlain team gifted a Musc Outreblanc bottle with my name engraved on the back and a custom plated cap + ribbon/cord seal. As someone who has almost never ever been able to find my name available on any personalized items, anytime I have “Sabrina” on something it’s extra special. The second I opened the bottle I gasped. It’s something I will treasure!

Guerlain L'Art and La Matiere Musc Outreblanc

Guerlain L'Art and La Matiere Musc Outreblanc - personalized

I’ve gone down a rabbit hole with perfumes and another line I recently started exploring is The Harmonist. I’ve tried two scents so far (more on these soon) and I am in love with Moon Glory which is a beautiful honey scent. I can’t wait to try more.

La Mer Rejuvenating Night Cream

For skincare I’ve been relying on my usual go-to’s but can’t rave enough about the La Mer Rejuvenating Night Cream. I know it is quite the splurge but I’ve been keeping this on my nightstand to apply at night and love it. It’s really made a huge difference and I am one who really doesn’t like to wear anything on my face at night. This one has the perfect consistency to hydrate without making me feel like a grease ball. Currently sold out at Sephora but in stock at Nordstrom.

Tom Ford Lip Color Spanish Pink and Lip Pencil in Close-Up

A few makeup loves. I actually have a lot of recent favorites, but a couple shout outs. I am so happy to hear that many of you have also loved the new Tom Ford Lip Color reformulation and found some new loves. My go-to lip for the past week has been the Lip Color in Spanish Pink combined with the Lip Pencil in 101 Close Up (both reviewed + swatched here).

Urban Decay Moondust Quad Holiday 2024

The eyeshadow palette that has been getting me the most compliments is the Urban Decay Moondust Quad. It’s still available at Kohl’s x Sephora if you have been thinking about it I recommend acting fast. (More gift ideas under $50 from Kohl’s here). I’m still thinking about the one that’s exclusive to Ulta Beauty too.

Anthropologie Holiday Monogram Bistro Mugs

That wraps up some things I’ve been loving lately! Will be sharing some gift guides soon but wanted to quickly mention the Holiday Monogram Bistro Mugs are back. I think they’re so cute and make a great gift under $15. The red and green letters are so festive for the holidays. I also have the standard black tile ones. I ordered the holiday ones last year for a number of friends. Andrew loves his.

Stay tuned for some holiday gift guides, a few holiday makeup collection reviews and some fun giveaways!

 

Chanel Holiday Gift Guide

Chanel Active Beauty Set Holiday 2024

November 15, 2024

Chanel Active Beauty Set Holiday 2024

Chanel launched another Holiday Beauty Set for this year called the Active Beauty Set ($221). It seems to be exclusive to Chanel.com and and Chanel beauty boutiques. The set has three full-sized permanent items in a large pouch. I love that Chanel released two sizes of pouches this year, the fluffy bag with the snowflake charm is so cute.

I ordered the Active Beauty Set online at Chanel.com and my order came with a cute little charm. I am not sure if all online orders come with one but I do know a lot of stores and counters have them with holiday purchases. The snowflake charm is one I got from my SA in store.

Chanel Holiday 2024 Sets: Active Beauty

Chanel Active Beauty Set Holiday 2024

Chanel Holiday 2024 charms

This set has the La Creme Main hand cream (my favorite for a non-sticky formula), UV Essentiel (love this formula) and a Hydra Beauty Essence Mist (scented but I love it).

Chanel Holiday 2024 Sets

Quick side by side look at the Active Beauty Set (large pouch) and Maximum Brilliance Set (small/regular pouch, swatches in this post here, still in stock!). You can buy all the items individually and they do not give you a price break for buying a set, but for a holiday gift I think the pouch sets have such a beautiful presentation and definitely have that wow factor.

Both available now at Chanel.com.

Lips Tom Ford Beauty

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick + Lip Pencils

November 11, 2024

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick + Lip Pencils

Tom Ford reformulated a few of their lip products for the Lip Color Lipstick ($62 each) + Lip Pencils ($46). It seems a number of items are going through a revamp as it appears the Foundation Stick has been pulled (or not restocked) along with a few other items. I hauled quite a few of the new shades and am 10/10 happy with everything I picked out.

It has been a while since I’ve repurchased a Tom Ford lipstick and have to say I am shocked at the prices these days. I don’t know that luxury makeup is “worth” the steep price tags that keep increasing, but I have been really pleased with the performance, quality and colors with this particular haul. If you missed out on the Sephora sale, keep an eye out for upcoming holiday sales. A lot of retailers offer a good discount (flash sale) or gift card events and with Cyber Week approaching I’m sure you will be able to find these at a lower price.

Lip Color Lipstick

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick + Lip Pencils

Tom Ford Beauty Lip Colors have been reformulated and with nearly every single brand revamping or repackaging I suppose it was only a matter of time before Tom Ford followed. The new formula has a little more slip to it. It glides on the lips better, isn’t quite as opaque, has a tiny bit of shine but still has great color payoff. I think the new formula is a noticeable improvement for a more modern look. The original was a classic for sure but because some of the colors were so opaque (especially the pale ones) they ended up looking a little too heavy.

The new formula looks a little more natural on the lips while still being a true classic lipstick formula. These still have the same classic soft vanilla scent and mahogany + gold packaging (which I love). I am a bit sad they didn’t keep all the shades though.

Shades I hauled below:

  • Spanish Pink is a nude pink, it’s more wearable and a bit warmer than the original
  • Sable Smoke is still the same flattering beige nude I remember (unfortunately I don’t have the original anymore to compare)
  • West Coast is a 90s kind of brown cinnamon sepia shade
  • Slip is a blue-based baby pink
  • Runway Rose is a plum pink rose
  • Casablanca is a mauve pink, the new one seems to have less grey undertone and I can actually wear the new version (the original one made me look a little ashy)
  • Impassioned is a pretty reddish plum, it’s almost identical to the original, I could barely tell the difference between the two variations

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick review via The Beauty Lookbook Blog

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick review via The Beauty Lookbook Blog

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Spanish Pink

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Sable Smoke

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick West Coast

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Slip

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Runway Rose

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Casablanca

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick Impassioned

I ordered mine sight unseen and was lucky every single color works for me! Lasting power is just like the original formula and stays put for hours but fades nicely/evenly. These are a solid win for me.

Lip Pencil

New Tom Ford Lip Liner

Tom Ford revamped their Lip Pencil and the formula is exceptionally good. It’s everything I want in a lip liner! Formula is smooth, creamy, opaque, doesn’t look too dry on the lips and stays on the lips really well. They’re not completely budge-proof but they adhere well to the lips. I do miss some of the shades in the older formula (ones with the brush) but the four I picked are stunning. The colors I bought are all variations of a neutral tone.

  • 101 Close-Up is a nude pink
  • 102 Re-See is a light beige
  • 103 Irresistible is a tan brown
  • 106 A-List is the perfect brown tone

New Tom Ford Lip Liner swatches

New Tom Ford Lipstick reformulation

Overall some solid wins even though I’m not too happy about the ridiculously steep prices. Quality is 10/10 and they launched some really beautiful classic colors that you can apply without any fuss or tweaking.

I picked mine up from Sephora and Nordstrom. Available at all Tom Ford Beauty counters now.

Gucci Beauty

Gucci Beauty Holiday 2024

November 10, 2024

Gucci Beauty Holiday 2024

I have a Gucci Beauty haul to share for the holiday collection! If any of these items catch your eye I recommend buying them quickly because they are limited-edition and one of the blush shades has already sold out.

In today’s review:

Holiday Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Festive Glow

Gucci Beauty Holiday 2024 - Quad Festive GLow

I spotted the Holiday Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Festive Glow (Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue) last month while traveling. I shared a quick snapshot asking what many of you thought about this palette. I initially passed because it was a glitter fallout mess when I swatched at the counter. An overwhelming amount of responses told me to give it a second try. Many of you said on the eyes it blends better and there was no fall out with a brush application. You were RIGHT! This is a beautiful quad with three shimmer sparkles and one soft matte.

Gucci Beauty Holiday 2024 - Quad Festive GLow

Colors are beautiful but the formula is just ok in my opinion. It’s a solid B+/A- for me in terms of texture, the matte is on the sheer/soft side but I do think that was the intent with this creation. I do think the shades are dupeable across different palettes but they are extremely beautiful for a holiday eye look. I am happy I bought this although I would not call it a must-have.

Holiday Blush de Beaute

Gucci Blush de Beaute in Soft Peach and Intense Ruby

I love the Gucci Blush de Beaute formula and especially the new shades (peach is still available at Sephora, Saks and Bloomingdale’s). It’s a satiny luminous matte. The pigment is soft but easy to build. Soft Peach is a very soft brownish nude peach on my skin, it is very natural looking because of my skin tone but I love the look and finish. Intense Ruby surprised me because it looks a little intimidating in the pan. It’s a raspberry pink but is very easy to blend. Right now the ruby shade seems to be sold out but I do think it’s close to the True Plum shade. If you can find it definitely snag it as fast as you can!

Gucci Blush de Beaute swatches

Soft Peach

Gucci Beauty Blush de Beaute Soft Peach

Intense Ruby

Gucci Beauty Blush de Beaute Intense Ruby

Hydrating Plumping Glosses

Gucci Beauty Hydrating Plumping Gloss

Another initial miss for me was the Hydrating Plumping Gloss (Sephora, Gucci Beauty, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s). I picked up the light pink shade Bertha Pink months ago and I was not impressed. There was no color payoff and the tingle was pretty intense. Not to mention the very strong cherry-like scent. I was again swayed by many of you to try again, but a different shade and thanks to you I did! The darker or bolder shades definitely show up on the lips and the plumping effect is the most intense I’ve seen on my lips. It volumizes the size of my lips dramatically and the tingle/scent only stays for a few minutes then fades. I am glad to report these do not numb my lips but your mileage may vary depending on your sensitivity.

Bertha Pink is a pretty pink in the tube but gives zero color. Suzane Brown is a soft brown shade. Mina Rosewood is the new shade for HOLIDAY which is a plum mauve (I love this color).

Gucci Beauty Hydrating Plumping Gloss Bertha Pink, Suzane Brown and Mina Rosewood

Gucci Beauty Hydrating Plumping Gloss Bertha Pink

Gucci Beauty Hydrating Plumping Gloss Suzane Brown

Gucci Beauty Hydrating Plumping Gloss Mina Rosewood

Holiday Collection swatches, there are also some red lipsticks I think are repromotes but I didn’t end up picking any up

Gucci Beauty Holiday 2024 swatches

Overall some beautiful launches. Quite the splurge so if you’re looking to save I recommend picking them up at Sephora while the sale is still here!

I picked mine up from Bloomingdale’s and Sephora.

Sales Sephora Skincare

Skincare and Body Care Favorites from Sephora

November 6, 2024

With the Sephora sale in full swing I’m sharing my favorites in skincare, body care and fragrance today. As a beauty creator I am fortunate to be able to try a wide range of products. I love trying new skincare but to keep my list edited I’m focusing on my tried and true staples, ie products I repurchase over and over again. Dates and details below, use code SAVINGS if shopping online! (some exclusions apply):

  • Rouge members 20% off: 11/1 – 11/11
  • VIBs 15% off: 11/5 – 11/11
  • Insiders 10% off: 11/5 – 11/11
  • All Sephora Collection 30% off: 11/1 – 11/11

Best Skincare Sephora Sale

Makeup Removers and Cleansers

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

For removing makeup double cleansing is still a must to effectively remove all traces of makeup or sunscreen. I love a good cleansing oil but my favorite isn’t sold at Sephora (it’s this one from Chanel). I do have several solid balm makeup removers I love which I’ll list below.

Farmacy Green Clean is one of the best makeup remover balms. I love the classic one and this is the one I always keep stocked at home, but their limited-edition scented ones are always so fun for me to try.

Elemis and Clinique also make great solid cleansing balms, but I feel like the Farmacy one is the best and most effective.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is the best everyday cleanser for me and Andrew. After trying dozens of cleansers over the years I have to say this has the best consistency to clean the skin without drying it.

Serums and Moisturizers

Drunk Elephant Skincare Favorites Protini Polypeptide Cream and Serum

I’ve been neglecting essence treatments this year but I think I need to start using one again since they really make a difference! I just repurchased the La Mer Treatment Lotion for the sale.

For serums my 3 go-to’s include the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra (great for year round), Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum (for brightening) and La Mer The Concentrate Serum (best splurge).

I have several favorites for moisturizing creams. My top 5 are the La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Augustinus Bader The Cream, Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer and the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base.

La Mer Skincare Favorites

I would rank the La Mer and Charlotte Tilbury in my top 2 right now. Those are the two formulas I packed with me in October. While La Mer is quite the splurge, I do think it has been worth it for me. I have repurchased the Moisturizing Soft Cream multiple times and also bought one to gift to my sister-in-law for Mother’s Day and she loves it.

With any of these formulas I highly recommend checking out a travel set or value set to try first. I always find it helpful to try something in a smaller size to sample before committing to the full size. Some great options:

Several of you asked me if I use retinol or tretinoin – I do not. I have really loved the Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Retinol Serum in the past but haven’t repurchased in a while. Right now I’ve been loving La Mer’s new Rejuvenating Night Cream. I’ve been using this for several months now and every other night (it is suitable to use nightly though) and I 10/10 love it.

Eye Treatments

La Mer and Caudalie Eye Cream

I have a few eye treatments I love from Sephora. The La Mer Eye Concentrate Cream is my go-to right now. It has the best consistency and texture for me – not too thick and not too thin. It helps with fine lines and hydration.

I’ve also been very impressed with Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift, Premiere Cru and the Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream. I’ve repurchased the brightening one and will probably repurchase the Resveratrol-Lift before the sale ends.

Face Masks and Treatments

Innisfree Pore Mask

I have used pore clearing and detox masks the most this year out of any face mask or treatment. I have three I think are 100% worth checking out. Innisfree Super Volcanic AHA Pore Clearing Clay Mask is one of the most gentle pore masks I’ve tried and I’m obsessed. Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask is also excellent but it’s on the stronger side (absorbs a LOT of excess oil). A few readers recommended the La Mer Deep Purifying Mask to me earlier this year. I decided to give it a try and it 10/10 lives up to the hype from you! It is quite the splurge and currently sold out online but you can always add the notification restock alert to your account if you’re interested.

For the best sheet mask I still swear by the La Mer Treatment Lotion Hydrating Sheet Masks but it costs an arm and leg.

Lip Balms

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms

I am a lip-balm junkie. I love trying different formulas! I could go on and on about ones I’ve loved, but the three I’ve used up and repurchased are Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (this mini set is so cute), Laneige Glowy Lip Balm (love this cute set too) and the La Mer Lip Volumizer (love the clear one, but the tinted ones are also fun).

Swatches of the Summer Fridays ones below:

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms swatches

Sunscreen

Caudalie and Charlotte Tilbury Sunscreen

My top three sunscreens right now are the Caudalie Vinosun Protect SPF 50, Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 and Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60. I also really like a lot of formulas from Supergoop! but right now those three listed above are what I have been using lately.

Body Care

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

I love trying different body washes and shower creams. I don’t have any loyalty to a particular formula or brand as I love trying new ones all the time. I will say I gravitate towards ones that can be unisex or have that clean smell because Andrew likes to use them too. Our top three most repurchased formulas are the Ouai Dean Street Body Wash, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Play Body Wash and Jack Black Turbo Wash. I will say that for winter the turbo wash is a little too drying so we’ve switched it out for the Necessaire Body Wash in Santal (love this Body Wash Discovery Set they’ve launched this year).

For a shower oil Andrew loves the L’occitane Almond Shower Oil. We used to love the Shea Shower Cream but they changed the formula/scent recently and it has an unflattering floral scent to it now.

If you struggle with body acne (we sometimes do in the hot summer months) we recommend the Kosasport Good Body Skin AHA Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash.

Two body creams I really love are the Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Coconut Body Cream and Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. As a huge fan of Phlur Missing Person’s scent I also really love the Missing Person Body Oil (although I think Osea and Chanel make the best body oils, unfortunately they aren’t at Sephora).

That wraps up my current skincare and body care favorites! I know finding the best skincare can be overwhelming as it really takes time to try and see if something works for your skin type or needs. I really wish there was 1 single brand I could use all of my skincare from. If I had to pick just one I think Drunk Elephant has the best variety and range.

If you’re looking for recommendations I hope you found this post helpful!