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Sabrina

Haircare

Two Ways To Use the ghd Platinum+ 1 Inch Styler

July 12, 2022

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing right now and one of my favorite hair styling tools is part of the sale for their Beauty Exclusives! I was recently able to test out the ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler and it’s my new holy grail styling tool for getting a smooth sleek look. It’s a versatile tool that you can also use to curl your hair. Available in Black and White on sale for $187 (33% off, normally $279).

I’m excited to share a closer look demo of how to use ghd Platinum+ Styler. After having tested so many brands of heat tools over the years I can say this one is my favorite for straightening!

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The ghd Platinum+ Styler is a 1-inch flat iron set at one temperature of 365 degrees fahrenheit. I’ve always used tools with multiple heat settings but learned that ghd has scientifically proven this is the optimum temperature for long lasting style that will also keep hair healthy with the least amount of damage. It will keep your color protected and hair healthy too. The temperature is at the right temperature for effective styling so you can style your hair sections in a single pass.

ghd calls this tool their “ultimate smart styler” because it has “ultra-zone technology.” Sensors are active across both plates and they monitor the heat 250x per second to ensure the temperature remains consistent depending on your hair thickness and the speed at which you use the styler.

I love that it heats up quickly (in 20 seconds), has an automatic shut off mode after 30 minutes and has a wishbone hinge which makes it easy to hold and use. The plates are gloss coated so they glide along the hair easily – no tugging or snagging.

Look 1: Sleek and Smooth

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

For a smooth, sleek and shiny hair look I first spritz on a heat protectant on dry hair. I tried the ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray ($25) and really like it! It dispenses an ultra-fine mist and coats the hair evenly with a few spritzes. I like that it’s light enough in finish that it doesn’t weight the hair down at all.

Spritz and comb through, then straighten hair in small sections. Below is a look at the finished result! Most people think I have naturally smooth shiny hair but it’s not the case at all. I have thick unruly frizz prone hair. It takes a lot of work and product to keep it looking smooth. This straightener makes styling my hair so much easier.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

Look 2: Curls

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

You can also use the ghd Platinum+ Styler to curl the hair. I usually wear my hair straight whether it’s air dried, blow dried or straightened. I had quite a few mishaps with curling irons in the past which usually resulted me burning my forehead and fingers (even with gloves). A few tools I’ve tried have been so hot they fried my hair off. The ghd Platinum+ Styler has been perfect for someone like me. It has a rounded edge around the plates and they act like a buffer so there’s no contact with skin (no forehead burns, yay!). I can also hold the outside tip without getting burned. The hinge is easy enough to clamp and close around the hair that you don’t need to hold the end but sometimes it’s nice to – especially if you want to do a back and forth for an almost crimped-like beach wave.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

To curl I section and clip hair up to curl in layers and sections. I hold the tool upside down and loop sections around the iron away from the face. Once looped just clamp and slowly drag the tool through the hair to the ends. An angled hold and faster speed will give me looser more natural looking curls.

Curls last all day with this tool, even in this Florida humidity although they do relax slightly as time goes on (which I actually like for a more lived-in look).

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ Styler

I really love the ghd Platinum+ Styler! I plan on taking it with me on every trip from now on. You can find it on sale at Nordstrom for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale now through July 31st. Available in both black and white for $187. I highly recommend checking it out!

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

Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul

July 11, 2022

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022

Today I have a roundup of what I checked out from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives! I was happy to find some good deals and sales, but like most of you, was a little disappointed that the newness was limited. I was hoping for some new pretty palettes, new colors, innovative formulas but most of the makeup items were repeats of existing items packaged into sets.

That being said I do think there are still some great deals to be found. If you’ve had your eye on a simplehuman mirror, ghd flat iron, or T3 hair dryer it’s a great time to save. Or if you’re new to luxury beauty and wanted to try some popular colors like the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk or Westman Atelier there are some nice bundles!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022

Charlotte Tilbury

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives 2022 Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury launched a number of Pillow Talk sets. The Pillow Talk lipstick is one of my favorite go-to lip colors. The Pillow Talk Lip Kit ($59, value is $92) has full sizes of the Matte Revolution Lipstick, Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Pencil. It’s a pretty good deal and makes for a nice gift!

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Swatches

Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk + the Eye Pencil Duo and Cheek Products

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk

The Pillow Talk Cheeks Set ($54, retail value is $80) has a full-size Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand and Cheek to Chic Blush. Both are beautiful everyday staples you can wear year round.

I also picked up the Pillow Talk Eye Shadow Pencil Duo ($35, retail is $58). I love the Colour Chameleon pencils and really love the colors in this kit. The Pillow Talk shade is a gorgeous shimmery pink and the deeper color is a nice plum. Lasting power is really good once these set (recommend blending quickly).

Hourglass & Westman Atelier

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette

Hourglass and Westman Atelier both have repeats in their palettes and sets this year. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette ($68) has Dim Light, Diffused Heat and Luminous Bronze Light. All three colors are easy to wear for an effortless polished look. I already own all three shades individually and in other palettes but bought this as a gift.

Westman Atelier’s Weekend Set

Westman Atelier’s Weekend Set ($138) has three colors in a bundle. I already own all the colors so I didn’t buy it again, but did swatch it below for those of you who haven’t tried them yet.

Hourglass and Westman Atelier swatches

There is also a Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Duo ($57) which Popsicle (bright red) and Nana (nude pink). I really love this formula!

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Duo

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Popsicle

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm Nana

MAC Sets

I almost always pick up at least one of the MAC Lip sets. I swatched the two Essential Lipwear Sets and Mini Lipglass Trio for you.

The Essential Lip Wear Set in Pink has some really nice options for fall. It has the Soar Lip Pencil, Nowstalgia Lipglass and Cozy Kisses Lipstick.

MAC Lip Set in Pink

The Essential Lip Wear Set in Neutral has Boldly Bare Lip Pencil, Bare Blanket Amplified Lipstick and Glass Half Full Lipglass (full sizes). The lipstick + gloss colors in the neutral kit pull more warm/orange on me than neutral.

MAC Nordstrom Lip Set Neutral

MAC Lip Swatches

The Lipglass Mini Trio has Hygee Honey (cream beige nude), Cozy Rosy (cool pink) and The Pleasure is Mine (neutral pink).

MAC Mini Lipglass Trio

MAC LIPGLASS SWATCHES

MAC NSALE swatches

Bobbi Brown

I picked up one set from Bobbi Brown. The Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo ($34) is nice, especially for travel! The colors in this set looked perfect for fall although all the colors are repeats. Colors are easy to layer and are also pretty much budge-proof once they set.

NSALE Bobbi Brown Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo

Dual Ended Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick Duo

Fragrances & Skincare

Le Labo Discovery Set

There are tons of fragrance sets and jumbo sizes available too. I picked up the Le Labo Discovery Set since I love having minis in my purse with me on-the-go. Tom Ford has their Soleil Shimmer Body Oil Duo ($75) in the Soleil Blanc and Soleil Neige scents. I love these for a glow and shimmer. The scents are really beautiful too. I already own both of them so didn’t purchase the set again.

Tom Ford Mini Shimmer Body Oils

Le Labo has jumbo sizes of their Hinoki Shower Gel and Hand Soap. Both Andrew and I love these so I bought another one of each. For skincare I picked up the La Mer Luminous Renewal Set ($95) for travel minis.

NSALE Le Labo and La Mer

Hair Tools & Hair Care

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

For me Hair Care and Tools have the best deals for the sale. Oribe has repeats of previous year sets with the Gold Lust Set ($90, I restocked on this) and the Dry Texture + Dry Shampoo Set ($65).

ghd has their Platinum+ Styler* on sale for $187 and this is the best flat iron I’ve tried (full review soon). They also have their Soft Curl 1.25 inch curling iron on sale as well for $133.

ghd Platinum+ Styler

T3 has their Airluxe Hair Dryer* on sale for $133.99 (regular price $199.99) and SinglePass 1.25 Inch Ceramic Curling Iron* on sale for $113.90 (full price $169.99). The Hair Dryer is a really nice one and has multiple heat and fan settings.

NSALE T3 Airluxe Hair Dryer

Mirrors

Nordstrom Beauty Spring Launches Cle de Peau, Jo Malone, Tom Ford

I’ve received a number of questions about the simplehuman Sensor Mirror and Riki Loves Riki Lighted Mirror. I own both and use both. I use the Riki mirror almost everyday since I like to be able to see my whole face when I do my makeup. The simplehuman mirror is better for detail because it’s magnified. They’re both great. I’ve owned both for over 5 years and they’ve held up really well.

That wraps up my look at the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives! Even though there are a lot of repeats I think there are still some great finds.

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As promised I’m hosting a giveaway! (Not sponsored or affiliated.) One reader will win a $500 eGift card to Nordstrom. All you have to do is enter is complete all the steps in the widget below.

  • Open internationally
  • You must be 18 years or older to qualify
  • Complete ALL the steps in the widget (partial entries will be disqualified)
  • Giveaway will run through July 14 and ONE winner will be selected by me at random through the widget
  • Selected winner will be emailed by me on July 15th and must respond to email within 72 hours or another winner will be selected in their place

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hauls Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On Haul

July 7, 2022

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul 2022

above: shelf Amazon / mirror West Elm / ottoman Article / top Rails (regular price) / shorts Agolde / sneakers Nike 

I have Part 1 of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul today with a look at some of the things I picked up in fashion and accessories. My local store had a decent selection although they didn’t have as much stock as previous years. About 1/3 of the things on my list and radar weren’t in store. I was hoping to see some Tory Burch in store (they’re always such a big part of the sale), but they weren’t part of the sale this year.

Accessories

NSALE 2022 Sunglasses

My first stop was the Accessories Section. I didn’t see the jewelry I had on my radar but there was so much out on display (and some stored in glass display cases) I probably missed it. I managed to try the sunglasses that were on my radar including the Celine 50mm Polarized Sunglasses ($299.99, I hope they restock) and the Prada 51 mm Round Sunglasses ($199.99).

Celine Sunnies

Nordstrom Sale Celine Sunglasses

Prada Sunnies

Nordstrom Sale Prada Sunglasses

I tried on the AllSaints Odette East/West Leather Tote ($152.99, available in Black and Palisade Tan). It’s a cute well-priced tote but a little big for my size so I passed.

AllSaints Odette EastWest Leather Tote

The Dagne Dover selection was very limited. I picked up the Mila Small Travel Toiletry Organizer ($29.90) which has already sold out. You can still find it in other colors at the full-price ($45).

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Mila Small Toiletry Bag

For shoes I picked up the Nike Air Max Pre-Day Sneaker ($103.99 on sale). They ran a little bigger than most other Nike Sneakers I’ve tried. I’m usually a 7 in sneakers (6.5 in almost everything else). I opted for the 6.5 size and they’re pretty comfortable. I still prefer APL sneakers for comfort and quality.

Nike Air Max Pre-Day Sneaker

Nike Air Max Pre-Day Sneaker

Try-On Haul

I opted for casual basics that are comfortable for me to wear in the hot humid weather in Florida. There are always so many good denim options and cute jackets but I can’t wear them most of the year so usually pass on them. I did find a really good fit with one pair of jeans denim (Frame Denim below). Here is what I tried on. I’ve included sizes for reference – most of what I tried ended up being true to size. I’m 5’3” – shorts are my own from L’Agence and Sneakers are the Dior Walk’N’Dior Sneaker.

1.State Pintuck V-Neck Camisole in White and Black

Price: $38.99 on sale (after sale, $59)
Sizing: Wearing an XS
Mini Review: Soft and flowy with adjustable straps, pretty good quality, runs long but has enough room to tuck in, I bought the white one, will probably be a bit tight if you are bigger than a C cup. It’s snug on me but not too tight.

1.State Pintuck V-Neck Camisole in White

1.State Pintuck V-Neck Camisole in Black

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All Saints Anna Cotton T-Shirt

Price: $38.99 (after sale $59)
Sizing: US Size 4
Thoughts: Nice comfortable basic with capped sleeves, I tried on the pale pink and blue color. I ended up going with the lighter color. Was also available in white (seemed see thru) and a faded black (looked a little too faded).

All Saints Anna Cotton T-Shirt

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ATM Schoolboy Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

Price: $98.90 (after sale $145)
Sizing: Tried on an XS, sometimes I wear a S
Thoughts: Love this thin slightly transparent boxy tee. I own this in a lot of other colors and think it’s a really good basic. The color Deep Coral is a lot brighter in real life than the stock image. I think it’s over priced but it’s a fun summer color.

ATM Schoolboy Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

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Rails Ellis Organic Cotton Button-Up

Price: $109.99 (after sale $168)
Sizing: Wearing an XS, but usually wear a S
Thoughts: Tried this just for fun, I already own this in a similar blue color so I passed, it’s also available in a Pear Green color which is really pretty. Love this for a super light weight cotton gauze shirt, I wear this style all the time (probably too much).

Rails Ellis Organic Cotton Button-Up

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Billabong Sun Dazed Slub Cotton Blend Sweater

Price: $43.99 (after sale $65.95)
Sizing: Tried on the Small
Thoughts: LOVE this so I bought it in two colors. Nice slouchy feel, open holes so I can probably wear it here in Florida, could have sized up for a more slouchy look but liked these

Billabong Sun Dazed Slub Cotton Blend Sweater

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Open Edit Ribbed Dolman Sleeve Cotton Sweater

Price: $39.90 (after sale $59)
Sizing: XS, could have sized down to an XXS but they didn’t have any in store
Thoughts: This is SO soft and cozy! It feels so soft and plush against the skin.

Frame Le High Straight Leg Ankle in Westway Grind

Price: $145.90 (after sale $238)
Sizing: 26 (same as what I wear in Paige, Mother, Joe’s)
Thoughts: Really liked the quality and fit, has a thick solid material with a bit of stretch. Ankle length is usually full length on me since I’m short.

Open Edit Ribbed Dolman Sleeve Cotton Sweater

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Vince Essential Stripe Pima Cotton Crewneck Tee

Price: $59.99 (after sale $95)
Sizing: Wearing a Small (probably could have gone up to a medium)
Thoughts: Fitted good quality tee with cute off white stripes, love this for a simple look

Vince Essential Stripe Pima Cotton Crewneck Tee

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A Few Other Things

I picked up a couple of the Free People FP Movement Free Throw Crop Tank ($19.99 on sale, regular price $30). I already own this in multiple colors and love it for around the house or under a button down. It’s stretchy, comfortable, and I love these. I wear a Medium.

Free People FP Movement Free Throw Crop Top Tank

NSALE Barefoot Dreams

Took a look at the Barefoot Dreams selection (just to look). They had the classic colors and styles but my store didn’t have the newer patterns, pillows or pet beds.

Full beauty haul to follow soon but wanted to mention the Diptyque 4 Piece Candle Set this year has the small 2.4 oz candles (versus the 1.2 oz minis they usually have). It’s hard to tell from the stock photo. I bought a set to have some extras on hand.

Diptyque 4 piece set

Also not part of the Anniversary Sale but I bought the Casper Glow Light a couple months ago and really love it! It’s an expensive splurge for a night light but I am absolutely obsessed. It’s chargeable so you don’t always have to have it plugged into an outlet (huge plus). You can change the brightness simply by twisting the light on a hard surface. It’s self-dimming so it will turn off while you fall asleep but you can also press the top to keep the light on. Super handy to carry with you at night if you wake up and have to go into the hallway but don’t want to turn on all the lights.

They’re marked down at Nordstrom for 50% off so I bought a couple sets for my in-laws and one more for us. Available in a 2-pack for $124.50 (regular price is $250) and individually for $64.50 (full price is $129).

Casper Glow Light

NSALE 2022 Haul

More to follow soon! And stay tuned for a giveaway coming up on the blog!

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Did you shop the sale yet? What did you pick up?

Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022 Preview

July 3, 2022

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022 PREVIEW

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts this week for Icon Members and they’ve launched a preview of the sale catalog online! I’ve gone through every category and put together a roundup of the things I think are worth checking out.

Key Dates for the Nsale 2022:

  • July 6: Early Access for cardmembers with Icon status
  • July 7: Early Access for cardmembers with Ambassador status
  • July 9: Early Access for cardmembers with Influencer status
  • July 15: Anniversary Sale opens to the general public

This is a great time to score your favorite brands on sale! Tons of brands are included like Celine, Jo Malone, Barefoot Dreams, Free People, Charlotte Tilbury, La Mer and more.

Here’s what’s on my radar. Haul, review + swatches to follow as soon as I can post them! Each collage is clickable to shop and preview each item. I’ve also included a carousel below too.

Beauty Exclusives

I love the NSALE Beauty Exclusives and value sets during this sale. I will be stocking up on the Oribe Gold Lust Set ($90, regular price $136). Two of my favorite mirrors incluing the simplehuman 8-inch Sensor Mirror ($150 on sale, regular price $200) and Riki Loves Riki Lighted Mirror ($150 on sale, regular price $230) are both on sale (review here).

I have been testing out some new hair tools and one of the best flat irons I’ve used is the ghd Platinum+ 1 Inch Styler (full review coming very soon!). It’s available in two colors and on sale for $187 (regular price is $279). T3 also has their Aireluxe Hair Dryer ($133.99 on sale) and SinglePass 1.25 Inch Curling Iron ($113.90) on sale too.

If you’ve had Westman Atelier on your radar, definitely check out the Weekend Set ($138, regular price $171). Two of my favorite cleansers from Elemis and Kate Somerville are also on sale.

Women’s Fashion

There are tons of options in Women’s Fashion. There’s a lot of options for fall. Living in the middle of Florida it’s hot and sunny here most of the year, but I do have some things on my radar. I love the All Saints tees. One of my favorite off shoulder sweaters is also on sale in multiple colors. My go-to lightweight breezy button down from Rails is on sale in two colors, Blue Jay and Pear.

Accessories

Rounded up a few accessories and shoes on my radar. One of my favorite styles of Celine 50mm Sunglasses is on sale in a Matte Black/Smoke option on sale for $299.99 (regular price $450). Colors I have aren’t part of the sale but if you want to see them in action, I’m wearing them in Havanna Brown here and Milky White here.

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Home

Last a look at some things for the NSALE Home. You girls know I’m obsessed with Barefoot Dreams and they have lots of new colors and designs that are part of the sale. Out of all the styles I’ve tried my favorite is the CozyChic Throw ($97.90 on sale, regular price is $147) for the softest most stretchy material. They’re all equally soft, but some have a tighter weave which makes them a little more dense/thick.

For the pets, they have the CozyChic Leopard Dog Sweater ($29.90 on sale) and Leopard Pet Bed ($98.90 – $111.90 on sale depending on size).

We kept the little sweaters we bought for Lucy the past two years although I had to put them away in a drawer because they made us so sad every time we saw them (RIP Lucy girl).

Home Picks On My Radar

 

Beauty Exclusives

 

Clothes

 

Early access starts on July 6th! If you’re shopping beauty don’t forget to check the Gift With Purchase Page before you go to the store. It gets busy the first few days of the sale and it’s easy to forget the special offers, especially if you’re shopping at multiple counters.

What’s on your radar this round? Are you shopping the sale or passing this year?

Chanel

New Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint and Blush

July 1, 2022

New Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint and Blush

Chanel added new complexion products to the Les Beiges lineup and I’ve been head over heels obsessed! I have a full review + looks for you today! I’ve been wearing the foundation every day since I bought it and think it’s going to be my go-to summer base.

I ordered these the second they launched online at Chanel.com and most of the blushes sold out almost immediately, luckily they have restocked all the colors online at Chanel!

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint

There are 16 shades of the new Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch ($65 each for 20 ml/0.7 fl oz). I’ve been really loving the new foundation and my usual shade B40 is a great match. The formula has micro-droplet pigments suspended in a gel formula. This newer formula offers beautiful medium coverage with a lightweight feel, dewy finish and impressive lasting power.

It gives the skin a plump fresh glow in a healthy kind of way and I prefer it over the original Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint which I found a bit too sheer for my taste.

below: new vs original

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint

I’ve used this for over a week now and found the best way to apply it is to pump onto the back of the hand and mix with a brush or sponge. Breaking up the pigments and mixing them into the gel formula before applying to skin is the best way to get smooth flawless coverage.

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint

The Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch comes with a tiny brush and at first glance I suspected it would be a throw-away for me (it’s itty bitty!) but tons of you messaged me telling me it’s intended for concealing. I ended up trying it this week and was pleasantly surprised to find it perfect for blending cream product under the eye area or around the nose.

A look applying it on bare skin (moisturized first), ribbed tank by Reformation

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint B40

Below Left: all over the face, Right: powdered with the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour in No 20 and with the Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette applied

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint in B40

I’ve included a roundup of my favorite cream product brushes below including the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush, Chanel 2-in-1 Foundation Brush, Chanel Foundation Brush 100, Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Color Brush and beautyblender.

Best Cream Product Brushes Hourglass, Chanel, Laura Mercier

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

There are 6 shades of the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush ($50 each for 15 ml/0.5 oz) and I was thrilled to see these finally landed in the US. After testing all six shades I have mixed feelings. They’re beautiful but they take some time to apply and blend.

These blushes have the same micro-droplet formula as the foundation. Chanel calls it MicroFluidic Technology. The pigments break apart and melt into the skin upon contact to give you a healthy glow. Application is best if you pump on the back of your hand and blend with a brush. I’ll take a brush and apply straight to the face and then blend with fingers. For me applying with just fingers doesn’t give enough color payoff. With just a brush I can’t blend around the edges well.

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

I absolutely loved the first color I tried Intense Coral which has great color payoff for a sheer natural looking blush. For the other shades my thoughts below:

  • Light Pink and Light Peach are so pale and sheer they did not show up on my skin tone (I’m the equivalent of MAC NC35, all my foundation shades in this post here)
  • Warm Pink has a bit more color but it still barely shows up, just gives me a natural almost skin-like glow
  • Intense Coral is the best I tried, it’s a gorgeous coral shade
  • Deep Apricot has good pigment, but the color pulls orangey on my skin, it’s not bad, but orange just isn’t really my color
  • Deep Bronze is a sheer brown, it has enough pigment to show up, looks very natural

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush swatches

Chanel Water-Fresh Blush in Warm Pink + Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue in 166 Timeless Beige

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Warm Pink

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Chanel Water-Fresh Blush in Intense Coral + Rouge Allure L’Extrait in 812 + Rouge Coco Baume in Flirty Coral mixed

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush Intense Coral

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Chanel Water-Fresh Blush in Deep Apricot + Rouge Allure L’Extrait in 814

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush Deep Apricot

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Chanel Water-Fresh Blush in Deep Bronze + Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipstick in Soft Brown

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush Deep bronze

Out of all the blushes I like Intense Coral and Deep Bronze the best. I really like the concept of a fresh glow, but I just wish the three lighter shades had the same level of pigment as the deeper colors.

Bottom line: I love the new Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch and the Water-Fresh Blush in Intense Coral. The foundation has held up remarkably well on my skin even in hot humid weather (when set with powder, which I always do). If I had one negative thing to say about these it would be that they’re pricey for the size. Granted I’ve been doing some demos and swatching with these, but I’m nearly 1/3 of the way through the foundation. I would have loved it in a larger size just like the original version.

New Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Tint and Blush

You can find both the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch and the Water-Fresh Blushes online at Chanel.com.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

Beauty Favorites Fragrance

The Best Scents That Smell Like Summer

June 28, 2022

Best Summer Perfumes

I’m back with a summer roundup of my favorite summer scents this year! There are so many great new discoveries I’ve made. Happy to add a few new ones to my regular go-to’s. I have a look at 10+ scents that lift the mood for warm weather months.

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette

above: Chanel beach towel (in stores, in action here), Butterfly Sunglasses (worn on the face and in action here)

If I had to pick one scent to wear this summer it would be Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette ($90 to $140, available at Chanel and Nordstrom). I’m a huge fan of citrus scents and I love this one so much. On my skin it has good lasting power. This is one of Andrew’s favorites on me.

Paris-Riviera Notes: Sicilian orange, petitgrain, neroli, jasmine, sandalwood, musk

I also really love the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz Eau de Toilette which I own in both the full and travel size. This one is a little softer compared to the Riviera option. Both are great citrus scents.

Paris-Biarritz Notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley, vetiver and white musk

above: Eric Javits Hamptons Hat, Squishee Isla Tote, Nail Color OPI Bubble Bath

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Jo Malone Aqua Lemon Cologne

Jo Malone Aqua Lemon x Beauty Lookbook

above: Beach Towel, Loewe Small basket, Scarf, Celine Sunnies, Nail Polish OPI Lisbon Wants Moor OPI 

Every summer I’ve fallen in love with at least one of the limited-edition Jo Malone scents. My classic year round go-to is the Wood Sage and Sea Salt, but I’ve worn it so much I try to mix it up. This year the Jo Malone Aqua Lemon Cologne ($75 for 1 oz, still available at Jo Malone, Sephora and Net-A-Porter) is my favorite of the newer ones. It’s packaged in a smaller size in a beautiful light aqua blue bottle. The lemon notes can be hit or miss depending on your taste, I really love this one!

Aqua Lemon Notes: Mandarin, Lemon Petitgrain, Cedarwood

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Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum

Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum

above: scarf, Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Sweet Talk, swimsuit, sunnies 

The Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum ($80 for 1.7 oz, available at Bobbi Brown, Sephora and Nordstrom) smells just like summer to me. It has that pool beach vibe that makes you think of sandy beaches, pool time and coppertone sunscreen. It’s very potent and strong. If you’re looking for a classic summer beach scent this is it!

Bobbi Brown Beach Notes: Sand jasmine, sea spray, mandarine

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Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette

Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette

Out of all the new perfumes I’ve tried this year Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette ($60 for 1 fl oz at Ulta Beauty and Vacation.Inc) wins for the best scent that truly smells like summer. I love this one so much, I would say it’s tied with the Chanel for me. Their sunscreens smell amazing too!

Notes: Petitgrain essence, Coconut water, Coconut milk, Bergamot, Solar Musk, Banana, Pineapple, Pool Water, Swimsuit Lycra, Sea Salt

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Creed Virgin Island Water

Creed Virgin Island Water

above: bucket hat, straw tote from Sezane (also in action here), sunnies 52 mm oval, sage stripe beach towel

Creed Virgin Island Water ($320 to $430, available at Creed and Neiman Marcus) is the ultimate tropical vacation scent. I’ve worn this for years and to me it’s the perfect summer time scent if you want to feel like you’re on a beautiful summer beach vacation. It has a very unique vibe – I’ve never smelled anything quite like it.

Notes: Jamaican Lime, Sicilian Mandarin, Sicilian White Bergamot, Hibiscus, Indian Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Tonkin Musk, Tropical Wood

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Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc

above: Naghedi St Barths Medium woven tote (comes with the pouch), knot bracelet + oval sunnies Celine, Tom Ford Gloss Luxe Crystalline

The Tom Ford Soleil Blanc lineup is another winner. I’ve loved both the regular parfum and eau de toilette for that coco mer vibe. You can find both at multiple retailers but Sephora has the most size options available.

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum ($270 for 1.7 fl oz, also available in other sizes)
Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang Comores Islands, Cardamom

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette ($140 for 1.7 fl oz)
Notes: Coco De Mer, Ylang Ylang from Comores Island, Bergamot Flower

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Mizensir Blue Gin

Mizensir Blue Gin

above: small shell basket tote, beach towel, knot bracelet, sunnies 52 mm oval

Mizensir Blue Gin* ($260, available at Mizensir Parfumes) is a new one this year. It has a fun fizzy spicy fresh feel for summer. I think it’s very unique and if you’re looking for something warm and a tiny bit spicy definitely check this one out. They have customizable discovery sets online, Blue Gin isn’t available in the samplers yet but I hope they add it.

Notes: juniper, blackberries, Sichuan pepper, bitter mandarin, tonka bean, iris

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Dior Eden-Roc

Dior Eden-Roc Perfume

If you like Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt you will also love Dior Eden-Roc ($125 to $350). It has a warm sea salt kind of feel to it with a mix of coconut and white flowers. It’s really strong and long lasting. I also ordered the Dioriviera Eden-Roc Candle which has a beautiful design on the exterior. I have not burned the candle yet but can’t wait.

Notes: white flowers, jasmine, coconut, sea salt, marine, pine and citrus fruit

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Runner Ups

Summer Perfumes Maison Francis Kurkdjian, NARS, Skylar

A quick mention of three more that I’ve tried and loved. The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis is a beautiful light fresh clean scent. It’s a very calming kind of scent with notes of lemon, bergamot, white flower and light musk.

NARS Monoi Body Glow Oil II is the perfect mix of tiare flower, white frangipani, ylang-ylang and vanilla. A few years ago they had this in candle form and it was the perfect home summer scent. I wish they would bring it back!

Skylar Perfumes is a line I tried at Sephora and I think all of their scents are incredible. Salt Air is another great sea salt scent with a fresh clean feel. They have an Eau de Parfum Discovery Set if you want to sample them. I think this also makes a great home fragrance, sometimes I will spritz this around the house although I just realized the Skylar website has this in candle form. They’re having a 20% off sale sitewide and 40% off select scents through July 5 with code JULY4TH. I will be ordering the candle and probably a few more scents.

If you’re looking for a new summer perfume I hope you found some inspiration here! Out of all the ones I featured today I would say my top 3 would be the Vacation Inc, Chanel Paris-Riviera and Dior Eden-Roc.

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Summer Accessories

 

 

What is your go-to summer scent?

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Easy Summer Glow

June 20, 2022

Easy Summer Glow

Sharing a look at some summer beauty loves for an easy glowing beauty look. If you’re looking for some no-fuss beauty staples to add into your summer routine I’ve rounded up some recent favorites from Nordstrom.

Summer Glowing Beauty Look

Westman Atelier

Westman Atelier Beauty Favorites

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation VI

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation VI

Westman Atelier has some of the best quick and easy beauty products for an effortless look. I love the Vital Skin Foundation Stick ($68) for a summer base. It has natural buildable coverage, blends easily (I use a beautyblender) and stays put on the skin. I love the twist-up format for easy application and it’s perfect for touch ups on the go too. I wear Shade VI and it’s a perfect match.

Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder Creme

The newest launch from Westman Atelier is the Vital Pressed Skincare Powder ($75). Based on their shade chart I ordered Crème which looks pale in the compact but works for my skin tone! It’s a sheer ultra light weight pressed powder. It’s a nice natural powder that sets the creams, smoothes skin and looks very natural. I still prefer the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder for more coverage/blurring but this new one from Westman Atelier is very good. I splurged on her Powder Brush ($85) and it’s a nice smaller brush which has a very soft plush feel.

Summer Bronze

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream 392

I’m thrilled Chanel added new shades of bronzer this season. I love the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream ($50). I’ve been using Shade 390 for a long time and am thrilled to see they added a new Shade 392 for medium tan skin tones. I hope they continue to expand the color range. This one offers a nice warm glow to the skin.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream 392

Glowing Complexion

Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tint in Peau de Peche

For a natural glow on the cheeks I’ve been loving several things. The Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tint in Peau de Peche ($75) remains one of my favorite unique cream highlighters. On my medium tan skin it’s a champagne peach with shimmer. On lighter skin tones it will appear more bronzey/tan. I also think the Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks ($48) are beautiful! Chouchette is the best natural peachy pink on my skin tone.

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks Chouchette

Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks

Summer Glow By Terry, Laura Mercier, Westman Atelier

Other glowing blush/highlighter favorites in rotation include the By Terry Brightening CC Liquid Blush in Sunny Glow ($38 each, for the most natural glow) and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blushes ($28 each, love Coastline and Corsica for warmer tones). The Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Wand in Peachgasm ($40) is another favorite for a pretty glowing highlight.

Swatches below:

Summer Glow By Terry, Laura Mercier, Westman Atelier swatches

Summer Eye Makeup

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks

I love the one and done kind of shimmers for eyes. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($30 each) have been in heavy rotation. I love the mix of Moonstone, Golden Amber and Espresso for my summer bronzed eye look. The Sisley Ombre Eclat Liquide Eyeshadows ($58) also have a really nice long-wear formula. I’ve swatched all the colors here but my favorites are 1, 3, 4 and 5. They’re spendy but if you’re looking for something ultra long-wearing these are the best I’ve tried.

Summer Eyeshadow Favorites

Neutral Lips

Neutral Lip Loves MAC, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

I’m a neutral lip lover for life! The MAC Lustreglass Lipsticks ($22 each) are really good. I’m wearing Sellout in this post but there are so many good shades to pick from (neutral to bolds). For hydration, shine and color the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Glosses ($29 each) are my go-to. Long time readers have seen these on the blog so many times but I keep going back to these. My favorite neutrals are In the Buff and Free Spirit. They added shimmer shades this season and I think Bare Sparkle and Bellini are really fun.

For the Tom Ford beauty lovers you might want to check out the Matte Lip Color ($58) options if you want something full coverage and longer wearing. I recently picked up Fascinator which is a neutral peach pink (on my lips/complexion looks more peach). It’s a really nice neutral.

Neutral Lip Loves MAC, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

Neutral Lip Loves MAC, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

Summer Beauty Favorites

I have summer accessories roundup coming soon! But I’ve been really loving this woven tote for summer. It was one of my biggest splurges recently but I absolutely love it. For the style details in this post I’m wearing a knit tank from Topshop. I’ve been on a kick with Celine sunglasses and this pair is a favorite!

That wraps up my Easy Summer Glow favs from Nordstrom! I hope you found some helpful ideas on how to add some sparkle and glow to your summer beauty look!

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Sponsored by Nordstrom. As always all opinions are my own.