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Sabrina

Beauty Favorites Lips

The Best Lip Balms, Oils & Plumpers I’ve Tried

August 24, 2022

Best Lip Balms

I’m the ultimate lip balm junkie. I always have at least one in my purse and a couple on my bedside table. It’s been a while since I did an updated roundup of my favorites! Since everyone has different preferences and tastes for what they want in a lip treatment, here are the best treatments I’ve tried. Split into 3 categories: clear treatments, tinted balms/oils and lip plumpers.

Clear Lip Balms & Treatments

Best Clear Lip Balms La Mer, Summer Fridays, U Beauty, Tatcha

Best Lip Balm Too Faced, Laneige and Biossance

I love a good clear lip treatment and there are so many formulas out there, it can be overwhelming. Here are the best ones I’ve tried.

La Mer The Lip Volumizer Lip Serum ($85 at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus) is my most-worn lip treatment. It’s technically a lip volumizer, but I wear this as a balm. It has a smooth cushiony feel. Love that it has a wand/sponge applicator. I wear this at night when I’m sleeping because it hugs the lips nicely and smoothes them. Has a slightly minty scent. No tingle.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter ($23 at Sephora) is my second-most worn lip balm. I love the clear and tinted formulas. They perform equally well for a softly scented vanilla treat to the lips. Hydrating and smooth. Not sticky. Doesn’t feel like it will slide off the lips. Highly recommend.

U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound ($68 at U Beauty, Saks, Nordstrom) was gifted to me by a friend. This is the first U Beauty product I’ve tried and it’s the ultimate splurge for the lips. It has a cushiony feel to plump and contour the lips. The metal applicator has an incredibly smooth cooling effect when you apply. It gives you that glass skin look for the lips. This one is unscented.

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask ($28 at Sephora and Tatcha) is my favorite lip mask. It’s one I’ve used and loved for years. It’s one of the few in pot form that I’ll still use. These days I’m all about having a squeeze tube, wand or some sort of applicator instead. Hydrates, makes the lips soft, love the beautiful packaging too.

Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm ($26 at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Target) is one of the best cushiony swipe and go kind of balms. Has a soft mango almost minty scent to it. The tinted versions are really fun too.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm ($17 at Sephora) is the best flavored lip balm I’ve tried (one in the squeeze tubes). It is much better and more effective than the popular Lip Sleeping Mask which I’ve tried multiple times and just can’t fall in love. The Lip Glowy Balm is smoothing, hydrating, love the flavor options in Grapefruit and Gummy Bear.

Biossance Squalane+ Rose Vegan Lip Balm ($14 at Sephora and Biossance) this was an impulse buy at Sephora. After reviewing their skincare a number of you told me this was a favorite of yours from the line. It’s a really great thicker balm. If you’re looking for something that has a good thick texture this is a nice one to try.

Tinted Balms and Oils

Best Tinted Balms and Oils Bobbi Brown, NARS, Hermes and Makeup by Mario

For tinted options there are tons of great tinted balms out there. Most of them to me are more of a makeup product versus having skincare properties which isn’t bad. Sometimes I’m more focused on color, other times I want more hydration. These are some options I think excel equally for color + hydration.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss ($32 at Sephora and Nordstrom) are my most-worn lip oils. They’re a oil-gloss with tint and the best colors are Free Spirit (left) and In the Buff (right, it’s the one that always gets me compliments). They’re medium in pigment with a glossy finish. Love how they feel and look. Swatches here.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balms ($28 at NARS, Sephora, Nordstrom) if I had to pick one tinted balm formula to wear the rest of my life it would be the Afterglow Lip Balms from NARS. I have every single color and love them. They add the perfect amount of color and shine. Color featured is Dolce Vita. These are the ultimate lazy girl lip tints. Review here.

Hermes Hermesisitble Infused Lip Care Oil ($55 at Saks, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus) these still remain my favorite lip oil for the fun scents, beautiful colors and hydrating formula. The applicator could be improved but the formula is so good I’m not going to dock points off. Review and swatches here.

Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum ($22 at Sephora and Makeup By Mario) love these for the hydrating soft balm formula and color. Every single color is beautiful. I’ve been ordering all of the Makeup by Mario exclusive colors that have been dropping Mondays this summer on their website. Will review + swatch soon.

Lip Plumper Treatments

Best Lip Plumpers Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Lawless and PatrickTa

I rarely use lip plumpers because I already have full lips. I’m also very sensitive to tingles so I tend to only use plumpers that have a more smoothing effect.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath ($35 at Sephora) is my favorite plumping lip product. It smooths lips, adds a lovely shine, adds volume. Refresh Rose and Pillow Talk always get compliment’s anytime I wear them alone or on top of a liner. Swatches here.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($38 at Sephora and Dior) are also staples in my routine. I almost always have one of these with me in my bag. They’re smooth without any sting. Love the color range for a sheer wash of color. My favorite is Rosewood which I’ve used up and need to restock.

Lawless Forget the Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss ($25 at Sephora) in Cherry Vanilla is 100% worth the hype. This formula has so many mixed reviews. Some love it, others hate it. I’ve tried a wide range of colors and like some of them, others are too pale and thick. Cherry Vanilla is the best one for both the formula and color. It’s a sheer red that gives you the most luscious glass like pink red pout. It’s what I wanted the Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat to look like (but that one stings my lips too much).

Patrick TA Major Volume Plumping Gloss ($24 at Sephora) are really nice! Love these for a glass like shine, smooth texture, soft hint of color. These have a subtle cinnamon scent to them.

Tarte

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip and Plump

Last but not least I had to give a shoutout to Tarte. You girls know I’m a huge fan of the Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm ($21 at Tarte, Sephora, Ulta Beauty) for a tinted balm. They’re the perfect effortless swipe and go kind of lip balm. The best shades are Grapefruit and Rose.

I also really love their newer Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump ($21). The colors are all very wearable. These have a noticeable plumping effect on the lips with a tiny bit of tingle. 100% recommend both.

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What are your favorite lip treatments, plumpers or oils?

Chanel Lips

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipsticks

August 18, 2022

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipstick | The Beauty Lookbook

As promised I have a look at the new Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colors ($45 each) for fall. I have 9 of the 12 new neutrals to share swatches of. As a neutral lip lover I could not be more excited for these! All of the colors are available now online at Chanel.com.

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipstick | The Beauty Lookbook

 

The Rouge Allure Lipstick is one of my long-time favorite formulas, although a number of my favorite shades were limited-edition or have been discontinued by now. This is a classic lipstick formula with a luminous glow. Glides on beautifully on the lips. Medium buildable coverage with most shades, the bolds being very opaque. These have a very subtle almost skincare scent but it’s barely there.

Lasting power is medium – they have a glossy finish so they’re not super long wearing but they will stay put as long as you don’t have any contact with your lips. It’s a formula I don’t mind re-applying!

Colors for fall are in the neutral range. There are light shades, medium tones and deeper colors. I skipped the brown tones since I rarely end up wearing them. Every single color I tried has a beautiful smooth texture. The lighter shades are smooth and have very good pigment. The deeper tones are also smooth (no streaking or patchy texture).

In indoor natural light:

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipstick New SHADES | The Beauty Lookbook

I received 5 shades in PR and then ordered some additional shades to review:

  • 194 Sensibilite is a light peachy pink
  • 195 Mise A Nu is a beige
  • 196 A Demi Mot is a neutral medium pink
  • 198 Nuance is a rose pink
  • 199 Inattendu is a muted mauve brown
  • 206 Illusion is a pale beige nude
  • 209 Alter Ego is a soft brown
  • 211 Subtile is a deeper berry
  • 212 Caractere is a medium brown

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipstick swatches | The Beauty Lookbook

Chanel Fall 2022 Rouge Allure Lipstick | The Beauty Lookbook

Lip swatches below wearing:

Chanel Rouge Allure 194 Sensibilite

Chanel Rouge Allure 195 Mise A Nu

Chanel Rouge Allure 196 A Demi Mot

Chanel Rouge Allure 198 Nuance

Chanel Rouge Allure 199 Inattendu

Chanel Rouge Allure 206 Illusion

Chanel Rouge Allure 209 Alter Ego

Chanel Rouge Allure 211 Subtile

Chanel Rouge Allure 212 Caractere

Chanel Fall 2022 Makeup Launch Rouge Allure and Le Vernis

So many great colors to pick from and I love them all. I cannot pick a favorite although I have been wearing 194 for several days and I also love 196 A Demi Mot and 198 Nuance. Have you checked these out yet? What colors do you have your eye on?

Fall 2022 Le Vernis colors swatched here.

You can find these available now online at Chanel and Nordstrom.

Chanel Nail Polish

New Chanel Fall 2022 Le Vernis Nail Colors

August 17, 2022

Chanel Fall 2022 Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colors

The Chanel Fall 2022 Makeup Collection with new shades of Le Vernis Nail Color and Rouge Allure is here! They launched a beautiful color palette of neutrals and everything is stunning. I’ve split my review into two parts: I have my picks of the Le Vernis today and Rouge Allure Lipsticks swatches will be coming in a separate post. The new lipsticks are phenomenal.

There are 12 new shades of Le Vernis in neutral nude shades. I have 11 of them swatched for you today. All the colors applied smoothly with a full coverage finish except one of the shades (Denude is semi-sheer). I like that they have nudes with different undertones. Some are more beige/yellow/brown and others have a more pink undertone.

Chanel Fall 2022 Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colors

 

New colors I have are below (I’m missing 957 which I’m undecided about purchasing). I received 5 in PR and the others I ordered online. All shades are swatched with 2 coats.

  • 937 Harmonie
  • 939 Singularite
  • 941 Spontane
  • 943 Enigme
  • 945 Emotion
  • 947 Desir
  • 949 Denude
  • 951 Originel
  • 953 Essentiel
  • 955 Inspiration
  • 959 Infinite

Chanel Fall 2022 Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colors

937 Harmonie is my perfect creamy nude, a bit lighter than my skin tone for contrast

Chanel Le Vernis 937 Harmonie swatch

939 Singularite is a pretty pink nude, almost matches my skin tone if it were pink (this is deeper than Organdi)

Chanel Le Vernis 939 Singularite swatch

941 Spontane mid-tone warm pink

Chanel Le Vernis 941 Spontane swatch

943 Enigme is a warm pink, almost looks like a warm pink brown brick color

Chanel Le Vernis 943 Enigme swatch

945 Emotion is a rose berry neutral

Chanel Le Vernis 945 Emotion swatch

947 Desir is a blue-based deep blackened eggplant color

Chanel Le Vernis 947 Desir swatch

949 Denude is a semi-sheer beige

Chanel Le Vernis 949 Denude swatch

951 Originel is a cool-toned light-medium camel brown

Chanel Le Vernis 951 Originel swatch

953 Essentiel is also brown, a bit warmer and deeper than Originel

Chanel Le Vernis 953 Essentiel swatch

955 Inspiration is a gorgeous chestnut brown cream

Chanel Le Vernis 955 Inspiration swatch

959 Infinite is a perfect deep chocolate

Chanel Le Vernis 959 Infinite swatch

Chanel Fall 2022 Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colors

All the colors performed well and I think they are all gorgeous. From a distance Desir and Infinite look almost identical, Desir is deeper and darker, Infinite has a bit more warmth. Based on how much I like Inspiration I think there is a very high chance I’ll also order the 957 color. If I do I’ll add the swatch to this post.

For those who want to know my current hand/nail care routine, it’s pretty much the same as what I have in my Hand and Nail Care Routine Favorites. I’ve also since added the Chanel L’Huile Camelia and Hermes Nail Oil to my routine.

Will you be checking out the new neutrals? What shades catch your eye?

New shades available now online at Chanel.com.

Nordstrom

New Beauty Launches To Put On Your Radar

August 12, 2022

New Beauty Launches from Nordstrom

Happy Friday! New beauty launches for the summer to fall transition have arrived – there’s lots of new beauty at Nordstrom right now – new skincare, fragrance launches, makeup and more. I have a look at some of the things I’ve tried recently and love.

New Hourglass Foundation

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation and Veil Mineral Primer

Hourglass launched a new foundation called the Ambient Soft Glow Foundation and so many of you asked for a review on this one. Their foundations have been hit or miss for me but this one is a hit. It’s one of the best long-wear full coverage bases I’ve tried. It’s a liquid formula with full opaque coverage. A little goes a long way.

I like it best when applied over the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and Augustinus Bader The Cream. It looks great when applied with a brush. I love their Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush but also bought their new Ambient Foundation Brush to try and love how soft, dense and plush it is. Foundation has a semi-matte velvety finish but with a light diffusing effect so it’s not completely matte. I wear Shade 9 (medium with warm tones).

NARS Laguna Extensions

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 01, 02 and 03

NARS extended the shades of their popular Laguna Cream Bronzer and I think it’s great that they did! It has the Monoi de Tahiti Oil and has that scent to it, but it’s not overpowering and did not irritate my skin. There are 5 shades total now, I have 3 swatched for you. I love Shade 01 as a light contour, but for a regular bronzer to warm up the complexion Shade 02 (the original) is best for me. It’s creamy, easy to blend, matte, and neutral in undertone.

Below wearing the Hourglass Foundation + NARS Cream Bronzer on the complexion, sweater tank here 

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 02

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer 02

Swatched below next to the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Bronzers I have (which are more matte in finish) and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Creams (a bit warmer in undertone).

NARS Laguna Cream Bronzer swatches vs Charlotte Tilbury and Chanel

Cheek Favorites

For cheeks Laura Mercier added a new cheek formula and I love it. The new Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion shades are a mix of blush and highlighter in one so they give the skin a nice glow without that sharp highlight. I have two of them, Peach Shimmer is a soft diffused peach shimmer and All That Sparkles is a soft pink shimmer. I added a swatch of the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow below for comparison.

I’ve been getting so much love from you for Westman Atelier! I will try to do a full feature on what I’ve tried from her line soon. A lot of you wanted to know my favorite shade of blush from her line and right now I love the Baby Cheeks in Petal. I also have and wear Chouchette and Minette often but Petal is the one I reach for the most.

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion and Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Blush Color Infusion and Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks

New Charlotte Tilbury

I’m a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows. I own almost every single color she has launched (Rose Gold and Star Gold are my favorites). She just added three new shades in Golden Eclipse (repromoted from a previous NSALE) which is a shimmery gold, Sunlit Glow (duochrome pink gold peach mix) and Exagger-eyes (shimmery taupe with silver sparkles). I swatched the shade extensions to most of the existing colors. I love these for the creamy emollient texture and beautiful shimmers.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadows swatches

New Fall Beauty Launches Nordstrom

New Lip Formulas

For lips there is lots to fall in love with this time of year. Armani added new shades to the Lip Power formula and I love Shade 109 for a neutral everyday rose.

Armani Lip Power 109

Armani Lip Power 109

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina is a new color and I love everything about it from the limited-edition pink floral packaging, shiny glossy finish and warm color. It’s one of the best colors that brightens the face but isn’t so bright it’s bold (if that makes sense).

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina

Gucci Gorgeous Flora Glow and Care Shine Lipstick in They Met in Argentina

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipsticks are beautiful blurred mattes. I limited myself to try one to see if I liked the formula with Mull It Over (warm spice) and I love it. It’s warmer and bolder than my usual nude or rose pink lip, but I love it. Glides on smoothly, doesn’t look dry even though it’s matte, gives lips a blurred effect. I definitely want to try more shades!

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipstick Mull It Over

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Lipstick Mull It Over

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons are amazing. If you’re a fan of twist up chubby sticks these are gorgeous. They glide on beautifully, hug the lips and the colors are stunning. I’ve swatched two below, I haven’t had a chance to try all the other shades but will soon. Maia is a gorgeous healthy soft pink and Alma is a pink red on me.

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons Maia

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayons Alma

Lip Swatches

New Beauty Launches from Nordstrom

That wraps up my mini new beauty roundup! The Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch Foundation and Water-Fresh Blush are finally available at Nordstrom now (love both). New shades of Rouge Allure and Le Vernis have popped up online too. I also have the new Tory Burch Essence of Dreams perfumes on my radar and ordered some of the new Cle de Peau lipsticks in the Satin, Matte and Shine formulas! Lots to look forward to trying in the near future.

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What’s on your radar right now for new beauty?

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Home / Interiors

12 Things I’ve Been Loving for the Home

August 9, 2022

Dior Eden-Roc Candle Dioriviera Limited-edition

Rounding up a few new home favorites I’ve been loving lately! A number of you asked me to review the Diptyque La Droguerie collection and Dior Eden-Roc Candle so I have a roundup today!

Dior Eden-Roc Candle Dioriviera Limited-edition

I’ve fallen in love with the Dior Eden-Roc fragrance for a luxurious ocean salty kind of scent (best I can describe is that it has a similar vibe to Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt). The Dioriviera Limited-Edition Candle (1) is just as beautiful with a gorgeous Toile de Jouy motif on the exterior. I love everything about this candle from the porcelain container (design is not a sticker), subtle beige pattern, and aqua blue wax.

It has a strong throw just like the perfume. The limited-edition version with the design is a little more expensive than the regular candle (which is plain white on the exterior) but it’s 100% worth it. I loved it so much I bought another one and may buy a few more before it’s gone for good. It’s just so beautiful!

Diptyque La Droguerie Collection Review

Diptyque launched their La Droguerie Collection and I ordered 3 things to try. Each item has a really nice earthy potent kind of scent, almost with an Aesop skincare. The Diptyque home cleaning line is eco-friendly with ingredients of natural origin. Both the Dishwashing Liquid (2) and Multi-Surface Cleaner (3) come in a sturdy glass jar with refills available for both.

The Dishwashing Liquid has a mix of orange blossom, mandarin and basil. It has an Aesop kind of vibe to the scent. A little goes a long way and I like that it suds up nicely and cleans dishes effectively. I’ll sometimes use it as a soak with 1-2 pumps in warm water although most of our dishes are cleaned in the dishwasher.

The Multi-Surface Cleanser contains vinegar in it but the scent is not too overpowering. The product itself is very potent with mixed notes of lavender, cedar and fig.

The La Droguerie Candle (4) has a green basil kind of vibe meant to be an odor-removing candle. It’s nice after cooking to help remove cooking odors but it’s also calming on its own. It has a green feel to it in the notes. Another great option to combat cooking smells is the Verveine Candle (lemon verbena).

I like all three and am glad I bought them. I don’t use the dishwashing liquid as much for dishes, it smells so nice I will sometimes use it to wash my hands. It is a nice splurge to wash things that can’t go in the dishwasher although I wouldn’t call it a must. Out of the three I’d say I like the multi-surface spray the most.

Diptyque Porcelain Tray Medium (oval pattern)

Diptyque added some new home décor items online although I wish they would sell everything they use to decorate their stores! I bought a few of the trays which I think are cute. I have the Oval Tray (Medium) shown above (5). It’s made of porcelain and I love the oval pattern.

Jo Malone Moonlit Camomile Pillow Mist

Another scented item I love is the Jo Malone Moonlit Camomile Pillow Mist (6). There are two available right now, the other is the Lavender and Moonflower. Out of the two I prefer the Moonlit Camomile which has a very soft musk feel with a mix of chamomille and moonflower. Both are really nice. They’re strong enough to scent your pillows before you go to sleep but not so strong that it keeps you awake. I also still really love the Casper Glow Lights (7) I mentioned a while back (they’re still on sale at Nordstrom).

Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Vanity Mirror

I love the décor from Anthropologie and love that they’ve been adding more sizes and designs to their Gleaming Primrose line. I’ve had the Gleaming Primrose Vanity Mirror (8) for a while now and it keeps selling out. It’s currently on backorder and I highly recommend ordering it now if you’ve had your eye on it. They also have a cute Brodie Tabletop Vanity Mirror and a Triptych Mirror Variation as well.

Lyngby Vases Beauty Lookbook Home

For vases we have a few we rotate in our home and I always get questions about the ribbed glass and porcelain options. I love the Lyngby Vases (9). I have them in both glass and porcelain vases. They come in a wide range of sizes and color variations for the glass. I like that they’re classic, simple and streamlined. I purchased mine from both Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub

For the bathroom, I have a few recent loves. I’ve been on the hunt for some more body scrubs and found two that I love. I wanted something that had a finer texture than what I’ve been using and one that didn’t stick to the skin. Some scrubs are so hard to rinse off! The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub (10) was high on my radar since I love the face scrub. I really love this one on the body although use with caution if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure.

Biossance Squalane Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub

For a gentle body scrub that melts into the skin but doesn’t leave it oily the Biossance Squalane+ Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub (11) is amazing. It has enough grit to feel the exfoliation but melts into the skin like the Fresh Sugar Face Polish does (just for the body). It softens, smooths, hydrates, doesn’t leave a film and rinses off nicely.

Phlur Missing Person Body Care

I finally tried Phlur Missing Person* and love it (it’s a lovely floral musk). They just added body care to some of their scents in a Body Lotion and Body Wash* (12). Both are on the lighter side scent wise but it’s the perfect strength for me so it doesn’t overpower. The body wash has a gel texture and the lotion has a nicely hydrating finish with a nice drydown (absorbs nicely). They’re available at Phlur and I am I’m hoping they will pop up at Sephora like the perfumes (at this time Phlur doesn’t accept returns).

Last but not least, not technically new but I wanted to let you know two of my favorite trays are back in stock at Pottery Barn. The Square Quartz Stone Catchall is back and I think it’s one of my favorite trays.

The oval Agate Stone Catchall is also another one I love. Mine looks different from the stock image because the stone varies but I think it’s stunning! Glass Match Cloche is from Skeem Design, available at Anthropologie.

Agate Tray Catchall

If you had questions about some of my home favorites I’ve featured recently I hope you found this roundup helpful! Anything you’ve been loving lately for the home?

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Press samples have a * next to them. All other items purchased by me.

Lips Sephora

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipsticks + Liners

August 4, 2022

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick + Liner

After a few weeks of testing, I finally have a review of the new Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipsticks ($20) and Lip Liners ($15). I tried 6 of the 10 shades and while I love the colors, I have mixed thoughts on the formulas which I’d give a solid B to B+.

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick + Liner

The Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipsticks are creamy mattes. Formula has an almost buttery creamy feel with a matte finish. Pigment is rich and full coverage and hugs the lips. I love the packaging which has a pop-up cap with a flat end so if you lay them on a table they won’t roll off. I think the colors in this launch are beautiful and also love that they are unscented.

I’m not usually a fan of the matte lipsticks on me because they end up looking too dry for my taste. I do love mattes from Charlotte Tilbury, Pat McGrath, and Chanel and I had high hopes for the new formula from Rare Beauty. On my bare lips the Rare Beauty lipsticks look dry. If I prep with a lip primer like the MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer it makes a world of difference for a better smoother application and look. Straight out of the tube I give these a B. With a bit of primer or smoother underneath they’re better.

The color range is stunning, but I really wish they made these in a cream or even glossy finish. I ordered mine sight unseen (they’re all in Sephora stores by now). The online swatches look darker and bolder than in real life. A lot of these will vary depending on your skin and lip tone since they’re neutrals. Since they’re full coverage my natural lip does not show through in any of these. Colors I hauled:

  • Talented is a neutral beige
  • Creative is a medium pale peach nude
  • Worth is a cool toned muted mauve
  • Humble is a rose pink mauve
  • Lively is a warm pink peach
  • Fun is a warm rose

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipsticks Review

I have the similar thoughts about the Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liners. I love the concept of a matching lipstick and liner and like the thoughtful packaging (these are twist ups). These are matte but still glide on the lips with a nice smooth feel. I give these a higher rating than the lipsticks. They’re a tiny bit tacky feeling to the touch once they’re applied on the lips but it does dry down to a smooth matte. I like that they help the lipstick adhere better and stay put longer. Lasting power is very good.

Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liners

In terms of lip liners formula comparisons I think the Huda Beauty and Makeup By Mario formulas are better. They glide on better and don’t look as matte. However the Rare Beauty lip pencils are much better than the Kosas Hotliners which I think are hard as a rock and smell like old Crayola crayons.

Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liners

Rare Beauty Kind Words Lipstick and Lip Liner swatches

Swatches of all the Rare Beauty lip colors on me below. I layered both the liner and lipstick together. I’m also wearing the Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer in 32N, Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder in Light Medium, Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick in Happy Sol, Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Hope + Encourage mixed, Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette.

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Talented

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Creative

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Worthy

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Humble

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Lively

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lips Fun

Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipsticks

Bottom line: I love the colors, the packaging, pigment. I don’t love the matte finish because I find them a little dry looking on me, but I shouldn’t dock points off them because they’re designed to be matte. If I could have tried and swatched them all in person I would have skipped Talented and Creative, they pull a little pale on my skin tone, especially since I’m tan right now.

If you like matte lipsticks I think you will like these. If you have dry lips definitely prep with some kind of primer or balm first.

Available now at Sephora.

 

Did you try these yet? What did you think?

Florida Packing Travel

What I Packed for Key West

July 31, 2022

What I Packed for Key West

I’m back with a packing roundup! We took a week off for a mini getaway to Key West. It’s been five years since we’ve visited and this trip we took my in-laws with us. We took the Key West Express from Fort Meyers this time. Overall it was crazy hot and humid during our time but we still had a lot of fun! It was a relaxing trip, we did a lot of walking.

A quick look at the hotel we stayed at. Andrew and I booked a 2 bedroom cottage at The Capitana Key West. It’s one of the newer hotels and we really liked it! Super clean, nice modern design, daily housekeeping, cute pool and lounge area. It is 2 miles outside of downtown so you will definitely need a car or golf cart of some sort as it’s too hot to walk that far. Here’s a quick look. If you want to see the inside, I did a mini room tour on Instagram I’ll post below.

Capitana Key West Hotel

Capitana Key West Hotel

Capitana Key West Hotel

Away Bigger Carry On White

For packing Andrew and I packed up 3 Away Bigger Carry-Ons (there was a size limit for luggage on the ferry). I still really love these suitcases and highly recommend them. The Bigger Carry-On is the perfect size to pack essentials for an extended weekend getaway. I also really love their Packing Cubes – both Andrew and I use these. For longer trips we have and like the Medium Suitcase. Their Accessories selection is pretty good these days too! I bought Andrew the Large Toiletry Case and he approves of the design, material and quality!

What I packed below (each item is clickable to take you directly to shop the item):

I didn’t manage to get photos of every outfit I wore but here are a few snapshots.

Outfit 1: Top Bella Dahl // Shorts Agolde Parker // Bag Loewe Pochette // Sandals Fendi // Sunglasses Celine Triomphe Oval

Vacation Outfit Bella Dahl Top, Agolde Shorts, Loewe Raffia Pochette

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Outfit 2 Poolside: Swimsuit HunzaG Domino // Sunglasses Celine // Lip Balm Makeup by Mario // Tote Loewe Small Basket // Hat Jacquemus

Poolside HunzaG Domino Swimsuit, Celine Sunglasses

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Outfit 3: Dress Reformation (older style, similar here) // Sunglasses Celine // Shoes Tory Burch

Reformation Linen Dress

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Outfit 4: Top Free People // Shorts Agolde // Sandals Chloe // Bag Bottega

Free People Halter, Agolde Parker Shorts White

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Outfit 5: Top Rails Ellis Button Down // Shorts Agolde // Bag Loewe // Sandals Fendi

Rails Ellis, Loewe Raffia Pochette, Agolde Parker Shorts

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Outfit 6: Dress Abercrombie // Sandals Tory Burch // Bag Loewe Small Basket

Abercrombie Halter Dress & Loewe Small Basket

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I’ve never received so many questions as I have about shoes! Here are the highlights on sizing and comfort:

Vacation Shoes and Sandals

Tory Burch Double T Sport Slide is one of most comfortable sandals I’ve tried. I’ve owned this pair for a couple years now (also seen here and here). They’ve held up really well even though I’m not the most careful with my feet. While it doesn’t have arch support there’s a cushion in the sole which makes them really comfortable on the feet. They run true to size (I’m a 6.5 in most sandals). Comfort is 10 out of 10.

Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria Sandal are a recent splurge and I love the minimalist look. They’re very sturdy and I like that they stay on the feet. The straps are not adjustable so it was pure luck that they fit me perfectly. I wish the straps were adjustable though – it seems like having a perfect fit isn’t always going to happen since everyone has different widths for feet, ankles, toes etc. Comfort is 8.5 out of 10 for me. These come in whole sizes and the Size 7 works perfectly for me.

Chloe Woody Slide Sandals are ones I think are super cute, but comfort is a level 7 out of 10 for me. They’re not painful but they’re also not ones I want to walk around all day in. These come in whole sizes only and I wear these in a 37.

Veja Venturi Sneakers are cute for that chunky sneaker trend and I find them very comfortable. They’re very comfortable to walk in around all day. Sizing reviews seem to be mixed (it may depend on color). For these I wear them in a US 6/ EUR37.fendi

Fendi Feel Slides were a splurge and I love them. They’re very comfortable and I had no issues (no break in period). There is a slight arch support inside and the sole has some beveled edges to hug the feet (so there’s no sliding around inside). Even with sweaty feet they stayed on. Sizing is big and wide. I have narrowish feet so I took these in a Size 36. I could have probably gone down to a 35.5 but the 36 is very comfortable. I would recommend going a 1/2 down from your regular size or buy from a retailer that has a good return policy.

Travel Makeup Bags Louis Vuitton Nice BB Calpak Mini

For beauty packing I packed up products in 2 different cases this time. For skincare and haircare I splurged on the Louis Vuitton Nice BB Case and love it. I just bought it so I’ve only been able to use it once on this trip. I’ll be able to share more thoughts as we travel more! Packing Reel sharing what fits inside below.

Louis Vuitton Nice BB

Skincare + Hair Care:

 

For makeup I packed everything in the Calpak Mini Cosmetic Case. This had been sitting in my online shopping cart for many months. I finally decided to order it in Caramel and love it. Super roomy even though it’s the “mini” version. There’s a bigger option available too!

Calpak Clear Makeup Bag Mini Size The Beauty Lookbook

I don’t always pack hair tools but with the humidity in the Keys I wasn’t going to take any chances on the hotel dryer. I packed up the T3 Micro Aireluxe and the ghd Platinum+ Styler. Both were great! I will probably switch up the dryer for a different one next time (this one took up a lot of room) but will 100% travel with the hair straightener. It’s perfect to smooth out the hair in the morning.

Hair Tools T3 Ghd

Last thing I wanted to highlight is how I pack my jewelry. I usually wear my necklaces while traveling since I haven’t found a travel case that works for chains (they always end up getting tangled). But for everything else the Mejuri Travel Case is perfect to store rings, three pairs or earrings and thicker chains. It’s also available in black.

Mejuri Travel Case

Loewe Basket Small

Have you been traveling this summer? We have been itching to travel more but Ollie is not yet ready to go with us (hopefully soon). He’s been in puppy training the past 2 weeks so the timing worked out for us to have someone watch/train him this time. We really wanted to bring him but we’re glad we did not (it was too hot and the ferry ride was too long for him!). He’s learning so much! If you’ve traveled this summer let me know where!

If you want to see the places we visited you can check out my Key West highlights on Instagram @beautylookbook.