These Gloss Bomb Stix are scented just like the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. They are one swipe wonders. Texture feels a little thick almost like a gloss so they’re definitely not weightless. They almost have a creamy balm feel.
I picked up the neutrals and love all of them except the lightest shade. I’ve found that most pale nude pink beige shades look very pasty on my lips, while warmer beige nudes seem to work better.
I think this formula is the best lip launch of the year so far. We finally have a new glossy lip formula with amazing pigment and color payoff!
Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner
The Fenty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liners do not disappoint. Formula is very long-wearing. Once they are on my lips they do not budge. I love that they glide on easily with minimal tugging. Pigment is full coverage and smooth. My most-worn lip pencils are from Huda or Charlotte Tilbury these days so I swatched what I thought might be similar. I think the pigment and finish is similar to the Huda Beauty ones with the Fenty being just a little bit more thicker in feel.
I didn’t lip swatch the liners here but you can see Satin Panty in action here for a pretty lip combo. Overall solid A+ for formula, color and pigment.
Hourglass launched a new liquid blush in dropper format called the Unreal Liquid Blush ($36 each). They also added a new No 15 Blush Brush ($46) which is angled to go along with the new launch. The Hourglass team sent all the shades for review and I have swatches and a closer look today.
These Unreal Liquid Blushes are in a small bottle with a dropper at the top. To dispense there is a soft button at the base you press to dispense one drop. They recommend applying to the back of your hand and picking up product with the brush and applying in a stippling method.
Product is very pigmented but with some fluidity, so it is easy to blend and build. There are seven shades and I think the color range is very good. Tones are very flattering although most of them are on the warm side with 3 being peach/coral so if you prefer cooler tones these might be too warm.
Scene is a nude pink, this pulls very natural on my skin but still shows up
Whim is a bright pink, this one is my favorite
Vision is a warm rose
Moment is an orange
Future is a coral with a hint of pink
Imagine is a burnt orange
Craft is a berry
Formula is very easy to dispense without it overflowing. I also like how easy they are apply and blend. Another plus is these didn’t pull off my foundation or powder off when I blended it on top of my base. The Craft shade took a little more effort to blend smoothly since it has the most contrast with my skin tone. They remain dewy on the cheeks after blending but not as dewy as the Pat McGrath Divine Cream Blush.
The Unreal Liquid Blushes are described as being able to last up to 12 hours but this was not the case for me. While the color does stay on the cheeks for a while, after 3-4 hours or color faded on my cheeks and they looked more dewy than when I first applied it. I do think they will hold up better in cooler weather, but even in cooler weather I don’t see them holding up for a full 12 hours.
Looks wearing each blush shade with a coordinating lip color. For skintone reference I’m wearing the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5.
Scene Unreal Liquid Blush + Tide Unlocked Satin Lipstick + Sense Phantom Glossy Balm
Overall I love the colors even if there is one too many peach/orange tones (just my opinion though). I like that the pigment level is easy to control. Lasting power could be improved but that would mean they would have to alter the formula and finish to something less dewy.
The brush is very well constructed and works beautifully for blending. I really love the Hourglass brushes, I own quite a few in my collection and use them all the time. I do think you can use any one in your collection though.
If you’ve been curious about these I hope you found this review helpful!
Chanel launched two limited-edition makeup sets called the Chanel Makeup Takeaways. These sets have been put together by two different makeup artists Cécile Paravina and Valentina Li in collaboration with the Chanel Makeup Creation Studio. They’re fun and edgy each packaged in a collector’s box and both come with a pouch.
I picked up The Nature Getaway ($195) which features pink and coral tones. There is also another set called The City Break ($190). I have a look at the peachy set today.
The Nature Getaway includes:
Rouge Coco Flash in Bisous
Le Liner de Chanel in Heart Beat
Ombre Essentielle in Rose in Hand
Baume Essentiel in Morning Dew
Coral Pouch
My favorite item in the set is the Rouge Coco Flash in Bisous. It’s a sheer but bright coral with a bit of pink to it. I love the color and finish. The pigment is pretty good for this formula which tends to be on the sheer side. I wish they made this one part of the permanent line. It’s fresh and bright but not too bright.
There are two eye products in the set. I am not one who wears colorful eye liners so I didn’t really expect to like the Le Liner de Chanelin Heart Beat. I did try it alone and immediately felt the need to add my usual brown/black shadow liner on top. I’ve added a swatch but am not wearing it in the photos below. It’s fun and different, just not something I can pull off. I would have LOVED this shade in a gloss format or nail color.
Ombre Essentiellein Rose in Hand is a peachy coral base with multi-colored sparkle glitter flecks. If you apply with a fluffy brush you’ll get a softer peach. I applied with a dense brush over a primer and the primers pick up a lot more pigment for a darker peachy orange finish. You can see the glitter once on the lids but it’s not glaring. I think this would also make a pretty blush shade.
There’s a new Baume Essentiel in the set called Morning Dew. It looks coral peachy pink in the tube but on my skin it’s nearly clear with a light pink sheen. Not a must-have in my opinion since it’s so sheer and has a similar effect to the other baume essentiel sticks, but still very pretty on the lips.
I have so many favorite fragrances right now. Summertime scents are my favorite to wear and luckily I live in Florida where it feels like it’s summer year round!
I’ve tried quite a few new brands and scents from samplers this year including Parfums de Marly, Kilian, Ex Nihilio, Giardini di Toscana, Valentino. I went down a rabbit hole wanting to try more and more after watching some fragrance YouTubers. There are so many options out there and I have to say that finding a few experts with similar taste is super helpful navigating the world of perfume.
There are so many stunning options for every mood but I’ve found that most on my current list are still my tried and true. I’ve split my favorites by type. I’ll also rank my top 5 most worn ones at the end.
Best Vacation-In-a-Bottle Scents
Creed Virgin Island Water
Creed Virgin Island Water ($345 – $470, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue) remains at the top of my list for the ultimate tropical scent. There’s nothing like it. It has the perfect mix of freshness, tropical fruit and coconut. It’s well balanced, unique and smells expensive. If you haven’t checked out their refillable atomizers I highly recommend them. They’re so beautiful and you can refill them with any scent.
NOTES: Lime, Bergamot, Tropical Fruits, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Jasmine, White Flowers, Tonka Bean and White Musk
Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc
Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc ($155 to $235 Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty) will also always be at the top of my list. I alternate between this or the original Soleil Blanc. It’s fresh with a beautiful coco de mer + coconut vibe. I know some of you do not like the lighter Eau de Soleil Blanc version and only prefer the original Soleil Blanc. They pull very similar on my skin with my current favorite being noticeably lighter and fresher.
Eau de Soleil Blanc Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang from Comores Island, Bergamot Flower
Kilian Sunkissed Goddess
NOTES: Ylang-ylang essence, tiare flower, coconut
Kilian Sunkissed Goddess ($295, Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue) was a spring time purchase and I think it was 100% worth the splurge. It has been several years since I tried anything from Kilian. I bought a sampler set and each one is very different and unique from what I’ve smelled in other brands. There are so many beautiful stand outs, but they didn’t really fit my personality. I think I might revisit them later in the year. I did fall in love with the Sunkissed Goddess. It’s vacation in a bottle, similar vibe to the Tom Ford but the Kilian has stronger floral notes.
Vacation Inc.
NOTES: Petitgrain essence, Coconut water, Coconut milk, Bergamot, Solar Musk, Banana, Pineapple, Pool Water, Swimsuit Lycra, Sea Salt
Parfums de Marly Meliora ($375, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus) was my first from Parfums de Marly. I finally tried the line this year with a sampler set and fell head over heels. It’s definitely in my top 3 favorites for all fragrance brands. I have so many on my wishlist from mini samples I’ve accumulated from a few orders now. I picked Meliora as my first which is very different from what I usually wear. I’m not really into fruity sweet scents but this one is just beautiful.
Dioriviera
NOTES: Rose and fig
Dioriviera Eau de Parfum ($150 to $450, Dior Beauty) is still a favorite. I’ve talked about fig scents before and while I love it in candle form, it’s hard for me to find one that has the right blend to wear. Dioriviera is the best one because it has some floral rose notes mixed in. It’s very potent, fresh, crisp but warm at the same time. Very unique and gives you the feeling you’re on a fancy vacation. Select scents from the La Collection Privee Line are also now available in a Travel Spray Trio.
Phlur Father Figure ($99 at Sephora, travel size for $29) is another beautiful fig scent. I think this could be a unisex option. It has a beautiful mix of lush fig with some woody notes. I don’t know that most would call it a summer scent but I think it’s one you can wear year round.
Citrus Lover Perfumes
I am the ultimate citrus lover for that crisp clean feel you get with citrus notes. These are my tried and true favorites that smell fresh without being too soapy (if that makes sense).
Celine Parade
NOTES: Bergamot, Neroli, Vetiver, Musk and Oak Moss
Celine Parade is my most worn fragrance. I have to tell myself to take a break from it every now and then to mix it up. I think it’s so under-rated. It’s fresh with strong notes of bergamot and vetiver. The added musk makes it soft while the moss adds a bit of green feeling to it. Lasting power is strong on me. This one is a bit harder to find as you can only find it in Celine boutiques and online. They do offer a Sampler Discovery Set and a Miniatures Discovery Set if you can’t get to a store to try them in person.
NOTES: Grapefruit, Mandarin, Lily of the valley accord, Vetiver and White Musk
Chanel Paris-Biarritz Eau de Toilette ($113 to $150, Chanel) is my second most-worn perfume. It’s been a go-to for years now. I love this for the soft citrus mix. It’s light so if you need something very strong this will most likely be too light for you.
Chanel Paris-Riviera
NOTES: Sicilian orange, Petitgrain, Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood and Musk
Chanel Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette is a slightly stronger and sharper variation of the Paris-Biarritz. It’s more citrusy and crisp. This is another one I really love.
Parfums de Marly Valaya ($220 to $375) is my newest discovery and I am obsessed with it. I know musks can be hit or miss for many of you. I love this for the classic clean and crisp feel. The mix of bergamot and vetiver add freshness to it. I also splurged on the smaller size even though it’s incredibly expensive. We still have some trips planned so I now have the smaller one to bring with me.
Creed Aventus for Her
NOTES: Egyptian green apple, pink berries, Indonesian patchouli, Italian bergamot, Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Indian sandalwood, styrax, musk, sweet peach, cassis, lilac, amber, ylang-ylang
Chanel No 5 L’Eau ($155, Chanel.com) isn’t a new scent but Chanel launched it in limited-edition packaging in a drop form. It’s beautiful and crisp. It’s clean and sharp and very strong.
Phlur Missing Person
NOTES: Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Sheer Jasmine, Fresh Cyclamen, Neroli Blossom, Orange Flower, Sandalwood Australia Oil, Blonde Wood, White Musk
Phlur Missing Person ($99 at Sephora) isn’t really a summer scent but I think it’s timeless and can be worn year round. I love this for the warm and cozy feel. It’s like skin but better. I own it in the body oil and hand cream too. It’s a solid win.
I have been neglecting Byredo this summer, but pulled out Mojave Ghost ($225 to $320) again and love it. It’s another clean crisp scent with some sweetness to it. It’s very unique and distinct. Soft but still a bit sharp with the crisp feel. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend checking out the discovery sets. They recently launched a Mojave Ghost Alcohol-Free version in the larger size. I haven’t checked it out, but it will be interesting to smell this in person!
My top 5 most worn scents this summer: Parfums de Marly Valaya, Creed Virgin Island Water, Chanel Paris-Biarritz, Kilian Sunkissed Goddess and Celine Parade.
What are your go-to summer scents this year? How many perfumes have you added to your collection this year?
In the hot summer months I love a good sheer natural-looking base and many of you do too! By popular request I’ve rounded up my favorite skin tints and sheer-bases for summer.
Here are my top ten favorites right now (in no particular order). I have normal combination skin and live in a very humid area. A lot of you have asked for sweat-proof makeup recommendations and unfortunately sometimes it can be so humid that nothing lasts outdoors. This time of year though I’m indoors as much as I can be, so these favorites hold up very well for me throughout the day.
Chanel Les Beiges
Chanel makes my favorite foundations, in particular the Les Beiges lineup. I love their formulas, shade undertones and the variety of finishes they offer. The Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint ($47 – 70) is available in a travel or full size format. This is the sheerest base I’ve tried that I like. It offers minimal coverage with a gel base and micro-droplets of pigment. It’s the best bare-skin effect base I’ve tried with a lightweight finish that has a fresh glow without feeling greasy. Since it’s so sheer I don’t need an exact match, I can wear either Medium or Medium Plus. Original review from 2019 here.
The Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch ($70) is similar in concept but has more coverage. I love the finish. It has medium coverage and blends out beautifully on the skin. I also love the texture and formula. Coverage is easy to control and layer without ever feeling heavy. I wear B40. Review and look on the skin here.
Summer Fridays
The Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint ($42) is another popular sheer tint and I love it. I do think the colors are limited (I would love to see more colors and more undertone options) but if you can find a match it’s great. I alternate between Shade 4 or 5 and sometimes mix them. Since I’ve bought these they have added a Shade 4.5 but it was warm/pinkish so I’ve decided to stick with my 4 and 5. Coverage is very sheer. It’s lightweight, dewy but not greasy, and natural looking. However if you have oily skin I do think this will be too dewy for you.
Lisa Eldridge
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint is another very good sheer skin tint. I usually love applying tints with a brush or sponge but I think this one blends best with the warmth of your fingers. In my first order I picked out T7 and T8 based on her foundation shade chart. I tried a few samples of her foundation (wasn’t a fan) and my match was No 14. The color recommendations in the Sheer Skin Tints ended up being too light. I felt T9’s olive undertone would be too yellow so I ordered T10 which is a great match for my tan summer skin. I sometimes mix 8 and 10 though.
This is naturally glowy so you do need to set with a powder. Coverage is very sheer but buildable. It feels comfortable and lightly hydrating on the skin. A little goes a long way.
Supergoop!
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint with SPF 50 ($44) has been getting a lot of love from me this year. I bought these when I still had my winter skin coloring and I tan easily, so by now I’ve ended up with multiple shades. For me 30W is the best match although I have used 24N and 26W. I’ve added swatches next to their GlowScreen (also love this) for reference. This is a natural looking base that has sheer medium coverage. It’s described as “lightweight” but I don’t know that I would agree with that description. It’s semi thick and you can definitely feel it on the skin. I still really like this for beach days or boat days.
It Cosmetics
The It Cosmetics CC+ tints have reached cult status and for good reason! I’ve tried every formula they have and the It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow ($47) is the best one. It has a thinner texture than most CC+ creams so it’s easier to blend and has a sheerer finish with medium coverage so it looks more natural on the skin. Since it’s not super thick like most CC creams it has a lighter weight feel. Can’t rave enough about this one. I wear Medium Tan.
Fenty + Rare Beauty
If you need something that isn’t too emollient or dewy I highly recommend checking out the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint ($36) or Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer ($30). Both have a natural finish that is somewhere in between soft glow and satin with a subtle blurring effect. I think both are highly under-rated, they should get more love! I wear either Shade 9 or 10 in the Fenty and in the Rare Beauty I wear 24N. Coverage for both is sheer-medium. Enough to even out redness and smooth out the face without looking or feeling heavy. Skin still looks like skin.
below wearing Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in Shade 10
Patrick Ta
The Patrick Ta Major Skin Crème Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo ($52) isn’t really a skin tint, but I’ve added it to the roundup because the finish is like that of a skin tint in solid cream foundation form. The finish is SO beautiful for both the cream and powder. The powder doesn’t have full intensity pigment so it doesn’t darken or alter the look of your foundation, it just sets in the most beautiful natural way. I wear Light Medium 2,full review here.
Sisley
Last on my list is the Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude ($110). This is an incredibly pricey option but the formula is impeccable and for me it was worth the splurge. It has a beautiful fluid texture and finish. Glides on with absolute perfection and has a very pretty finish. I prefer this Phyto-Teint Nude to the newer Phyto-Teint Perfection (which is full coverage, matte and isn’t as forgiving if you don’t have an exact match). I’ve repurchased once, but I don’t know that I’ll repurchase it a third time because of the price point, but the formula is exceptionally good. Full review here.
Best Foundation Brushes
For applying liquids and creams I usually love a beautyblender to blend and press everything into the skin, but I do have a few favorite brushes.
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 is a great dual ended brush. The foundation side is ultra smooth and gives you streak-free coverage and blends everything to perfection. The smaller side is nice for blending out areas around the eyes or nose.
Fenty Foundation Brush 145 is a really nice one. It has a slightly wider shape and it’s angled which blends everything out smoothly.
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush is one of the best ones for me. If I had to pick just one this would be it. It’s wider and angled without being too short/dense. I love the pointed tip to help blend in creases like around the nose.
I clean the brushes with warm water and Dawn Dish Soap. For stubborn creams I’ll do a double cleanse and after rinsing with warm water + dish soap, I’ll spritz some of the Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner which is the best at dissolving cream products. A brush cleaning pad is essential. I’m using the Sigma Brush Cleaning Mat and love it.
For those of you who have been asking for an updated skin tint roundup I hope you found this helpful! If you want to share your favorite skin tints for summer, let me know what they are in the comments!
There are four new shades of the Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in bright bold colors. The formula is creamy and easy to blend. They blend out to a much sheerer finish for a veil of color compared to what you see in the pan. Since these are significantly brighter and bolder in color they show up much better on my medium tan skin compared to the other shades in this formula. The colors in the original launch (reviewed here) didn’t work so well for my skin tone (they were too pale for me).
They have a soft dewy finish but it’s not too dewy or shiny. Since they are creams I think they’re best suited for normal or normal to dry skin types. On me lasting power is very good indoors but outdoors they become very dewy looking within a short period of time. To be fair though everything gets dewy looking in this humidity!
Pink Peony is a cool toned powdery pink, this has a very pastel undertone so looks a little streaky on me if I don’t blend it out all the way. For skintone reference I’m wearing NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Vanuatu below (formula reviewed here).
Below: Pink Peony + Watermelon Glow on the lips
______________
Papaya Pop is a bright orange but sheers out to a tangerine glow on the cheeks.
Below: Papaya Pop + Tangerine Glow on the lips
______________
Strawberry Sunset is a bright warm pink.
Below: Strawberry Sunset + Cherry Glow on the lips.
______________
Paradise Pink is a fuschia pink.
Below: Paradise Pink + Pomegranate Glow on the lips.
______________
Swatched below next to the blush shades I still have from the original launch.
MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum
There are five new shades of the MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum and I love these colors. Texture is the same as the other lip serums in the lineup: very soft, balmy, glossy, sheer in finish. They are bright and sheer at the same time so you’ll get a healthy wash of color on the lips. You can sheer them out for a more subtle look.
I think every single color is beautiful and perfect for summer. I do wish they were in a squeeze tube format instead. The texture is really soft and almost melty on the lips. I haven’t had any product melting issues but I also haven’t put these in my bag this summer. Also quick note in case you’re new to these: they twist in one direction (they don’t twist back down).
Chanel Beauty added some new fun colorful items in their Summer 2024 Collection. I checked out everything at my local Chanel Beauty Boutique a couple weeks ago and had fun swatching everything. I picked up a few items and love every single thing.
The overall collection is very different from what we’ve seen lately from Chanel and I love it. They created some really beautiful multi-dimensional colors for the eyes and cheeks. I wish they had launched coordinating new lip colors but it looks like for this launch it’s newness for eyes, cheeks and nails.
Jardin Imaginaire Blush and Highlighter Duos
The stars of this launch are the Blush and Highlighter Duos ($75 each). They’re stunning and are SO much prettier on the skin compared to what you see in the compacts. These are have the same texture as the duo from 2021. There is a soft satiny matte side and a silky highlighter.
Light and Berry was another surprised. At first glance I thought they would 100% be shades I would never wear. The mauve fuschia blush swatches very bright with a dense brush but it’s sheer-medium in pigment and blends out much better on the face. The opal pink highlighter almost flashes lavender and adds the prettiest glow. I love this on the cheeks or the eyes. Below wearing Light and Berry on the cheeks, Stylo Ombre et Contour Celestial Pink, Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Black, Baume Essentiel Scintillement on the Lips.
Summer 2024 has Moonlight Kiss which is a soft champagne gold with a bit of peach and Solar Glow a bronzed copper shimmer. These perform true to the Chanel Baume Essentiel standards: glowy, balmy, lovely shine. I really can’t pull these off on the cheeks in Florida heat and humidity but I know lots of you are HUGE fans of the dewy glow. I do really like these in the cooler climates or on the lips.
Chanel added a new shade Scintillement which looks really similar to the Mermaid Glow from Spring 2024. I received tons of feedback from many of you that you heard Scintillement is really just Mermaid Glow renamed and in permanent form. In store the Sas swatched them side by side and I wish I captured a photo because I saw distinct differences in store but it could have been the lighting. I pulled both at home and I really cannot tell the difference when swatched. They have slight differences in the base but the sparkle and effect looks the same.
I think both are stunning. I am amazed that Chanel was able to create something sparkly without any texture or gritty feel. I kinda wish the sparkle was more visible on the skin, but I think it’s beautiful.
There are lots of new fun shades of the Stylo Ombre Et Contour ($38). I own quite a few of these and love the darker ones for liner or matte ones for an all over lid shade. I never ended up using many of the lighter colors since they pull on the sheer side. I picked up Celestial Pink which is a glittery pink that flashes violet and pink. On my bare lids it matches my skin tone so closely it doesn’t show up, but when layered with any powder shadow it transforms into a brighter iridescent glow. 100% love. I do wish it was in powder form though as I really love the new Chanel powder shadow singles.
I also loved Attaya and Ecorce in store but decided to think about them for a while.
Summer Le Vernis
There are three new Le Vernis ($32) shades. All three are absolutely stunning. I picked up two in Songe D’Ete (opal pink shimmer) and Faun (pretty cream brown). I passed on the green Reveuse since I’m not really into greens, but the SA swatched it in store and the shimmer is breathtaking. Wearing the shades I hauled, both with 2 coats.
Overall very different from what we usually see from Chanel but I love what they created. The Summer 2024 collection is fresh, unique and fun. I’m 100% happy with all my splurges even though I won’t be using the baumes on the cheeks (they’re lovely on the lips).
