Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Chanel Lips

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion

August 16, 2021

Chanel launched new shades of Rouge Allure Laque and Rouge Allure Ink Fusion ($40 each). The colors run on the bold side which I think will be really nice for the fall season or if you like a classic bold lip. I also ordered a few pieces from the fall collection and have a quick look at one item today (the new blush). These are out now at Chanel.com.

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

The Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour is a glossy liquid lipstick formula with a lightweight feel and high shine finish. You can see my previous review with swatches here and here. I do think that the Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue is significantly longer lasting if you’re looking for extended wear. The Rouge Allure Laque has similar lasting power to a regular lipstick for me. Stays put but does fade if your lips touch something like cups or a napkin.

82 Beige Confidentiel is a warm orange beige
83 Beige Secret is a medium brown pink
84 Rose Ambigu is a rose color (my favorite)
85 Corail Alternatif is a bright coral red
86 Rouge Captivant is a deeper red
87 Rouge Irregulier is a plum brown

For skintone reference I’m wearing the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in BD41 right now (all my foundation shades in this post here).

Rouge Allure Ink Fusion

The Rouge Allure Ink Fusion is a fluid lightweight matte liquid lipstick. These colors looked fairly dark in the tube but I was pleasantly surprised by these colors! They’re a lot prettier on the lips than what I see in the tube. There are a couple of repromotes. My other review of other shades here.

838 Orange Enigmatique is a soft muted orange (love this color)
840 Rouge Paradoxal is a warm red
842 Rouge Distinctif is a bold red with slight blue tones
844 Rogue Imprevu is a pink red
846 Rouge Particulier is a deeper red
848 Brun Mysterieux is a plum brown

Joues Contraste 608 Ombre

I ordered 3 items from the Chanel Fall-Winter Collection, one of them being the new Joues Contraste in 608 Ombre ($45). It’s a super soft diffused nude almost neutral-cool caramel brown shade that offers a very subtle contour on my skin tone. I applied it and felt it was a little too neutral in the lip swatches with Rouge Allure Laque 82, 83, 84 and 85. I added some Laura Mercier Blush in Fresco and Ginger which I find similar in tone but show up better on my medium tan skin tone on the other Lip Swatch images above. If you want swatches and a more detailed of the Ombre Blush review let me know.

You can find the new Chanel Rouge Allure shades available now at Chanel.com. Have you checked any of them out yet? Or anything from the Fall Collection? What did you think?

Chanel Rouge Allure shades provided for review.

0 Comments

EM Cosmetics

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush + Multi FacePlay Sticks

August 10, 2021

EM Cosmetics just launched their new So Soft Collection with cream twist up sticks for blush, bronzer and contour. I have a look at all the shades of So Soft Blush ($30 each) + and So Soft Multi Faceplay ($30 each). Available online at EM Cosmetics.

Both formulas have a soft super soft creamy texture in a twist up format. They’re creamy with a satin texture and have a skin like finish. Pigment is medium to sheer and easy to blend out. Once they set on the skin they have a very subtle minimal glow so they’re not too emollient but at the same time they’re not powdery in the dry down.

So Soft Blush

The So Soft Blush sticks are available in six colors, all are creams without shimmer:

Baby is a pale pink
Lychee is a soft melon
Pearl Tea is a neutral tan brown nude
Venetian Rose is a rose
Passion is an orange shade
Bitten is a plum berry

Swatches:

Below wearing a few of the colors on the face, for my skin tone Baby is a bit too pale, but I can make it work. My favorites are Lychee and Pearl Tea. Also wearing the EM Cosmetics Lip Cushion in Magic Hour with Baby and Lychee. Pearl Tea blush on cheeks and lips. With the Passion Blush I’m wearing the Lip Cushion in Faded Clementine.

So Soft Multi Faceplay

The So Soft Multi Faceplay sticks are truly multi-taskers. You can use these as a bronzer or contour and the color range includes two very deep tones. I tried the lightest Summer on my face and it works perfectly to warm up my medium tan complexion.

Summer is a caramel brown
Terra is a cool brown (similar to Westman Atelier Biscuit)
Nomadic is a warm deep brown
Pangea is a deep cocoa brown

Swatches next to Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour and Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (review here).

Below wearing Summer.

Lasting power is pretty good for a cream product although if you have oily skin you may need to layer on a matching powder blush shade on top to make it set or last a bit longer. Pigment overall blends out to a very natural finish but you can layer for more color.

I’m still a powder blush person at heart but I do really like the formula of the So Soft sticks. In case you missed the previous roundup you can see my EM Cosmetics overview + review of other products here.

You can find these out now at EM Cosmetics. Have you tried these yet? What kind of blush do you prefer? Cream or powder?

EM So Soft Collection provided for review.

0 Comments

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

Loving Right Now

August 8, 2021

Sharing a roundup of some recent favorites I’ve been loving lately. I have a mix of some things for the home, hair plus a few beauty items as well.

For the Home

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic – Quick reminder today is the last day for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (8/8). They still have a lot of Barefoot Dreams Blankets colors available in the CozyChic Throw (on sale for $97.90) and In The Wild Throw Blanket ($119.90).

The CozyChic Leopard Pet Bed is also available in both colors in the Medium Size (on sale $98.90). I own the large for our pets but just ordered a second in the Medium Size before the sale is over. They’re both obsessed!

Jo Malone Scent Surround Diffuser in Lime Basil and Mandarin ($100) is a full-priced item and I decided to give their diffusers another try. I remember trying them many years ago and thought they were just ok, but so many have been asking for diffuser recommendations (over candles and sprays) I decided to try them. It will take a few hours for the fragrance to fill the reed sticks but I am so impressed. It’s strong enough to fill our kitchen and living room area.

Nest Bamboo and Grapefruit Diffuser Set ($67 on sale, $100 value) is another brand that has been highly recommended. I love their candles (especially during the holiday) but never really looked into the diffusers. These caught Andrew’s eye in store because of the Nest Gray Malin Collaboration (the glass jars come in different colored stripes). They were sold out of the one we wanted in store so we decided to try the Nordstrom Sale Set with Bamboo and Grapefruit.

These are even stronger and more potent than the ones from Jo Malone and both are really pleasant and fresh. The glass jar is very sturdy and large. I found it also took about an hour or two before the oil was soaked up into the reeds.

For the Body

Chanel L’Huile Vanille Body Massage Oil ($230) is quite the splurge for the body but one of the best ones I’ve tried. I love the soft vanilla scent and it smells just like the Sublimage skincare line. It is a fluid lightweight oil and feels super luxurious on the skin. I do wish it came with a dropper or had a stopper at the top for easier application but I think the formula is really nice. I’ve been tempted to try the other scents too but the bottle is so large it will take me a long time to use it up so I’m sticking with one for now.

Diptyque Do Son is another unique favorite for me right now. I love the Do Son Hand Cream ($45) as it comes with a pump dispenser in a sleek tube. I also really love the Do Son Eau de Toilette Hair Mist Travel Size Duo ($90 on sale at Nordstrom). It’s a unique floral scent with a mix of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom.

Eye Makeup Neutrals

Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($48) is officially my favorite matte eyeshadow palette now. I initially thought it was over-hyped and to be frank the colors in the pan looked a little boring to me. After trying it for several weeks though I am really impressed. It’s so versatile and the colors are perfect for a wide range of looks. Texture is smooth, application is easy, lasting power is excellent.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($30 each) have been something I’ve used on and off for many years now. I’ve always gravitated towards the shimmer shades but they just added some more cream neutrals that are perfect for priming or evening out the lids. If you’re like me you’ve probably used a creamy concealer to even out the lids. If looking for a cream shadow with longer lasting power, I highly recommend checking out the newer shades. I like either Cashew or Sand Dune for my lids/skin tone.

Lip Balm

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($22) has finally been repackaged into a more user-friendly tube and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The original packaging always seemed to ooze product out with the metal tube. It’s now a squeezable plastic. They have the original one (clear) and also added a tinted beige pink called Vanilla Beige. I highly recommend checking it out, available at Sephora and Summer Fridays.

Gucci Nail Polish

Gucci Nail Polish in Annabel Rose ($30) last but not least a number of you have been asking how the Gucci Nail Polish has held up. My latest love is Annabel Rose which is a neutral beige with a hint of pink. I’m pretty impressed! Two coats gives full coverage and it has held up with no chips or tip wear by Day 7. I used the Essie Gel Setter Top Coat on top. Colors seem to be selling out at a number of places but at the time of this post it’s available at Nordstrom and Gucci.

What have you been loving lately?

Shop the Post

More soon including a look at some newness from Chanel, current hair care favorites and some more items I’ve hauled recently that I’ve been loving.

0 Comments

Laura Mercier

Everyday Natural Look with the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection

August 3, 2021

I have a look at the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection today. The new Caviar Stick Eye Colors (6 shades, $29 each) and Highlighting Powder ($30) launched earlier in the summer and there are some really pretty options if you like shimmer or rose tones! I’m late to review this as it launched several weeks ago but I thought I’d add some comparison swatches in case you still haven’t had a chance to check it out.

Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

There are six new shades of Caviar Stick Eye Color and they are all in a pink rose or plum tone theme. The shimmer is pretty high with these so if you feel like you can’t wear shimmery tones on your lids these may be too much for you. I still think you can use the deeper tones or layer 1-2 with your other shades without having it look too frosty. I really love that they did eye look swatches with all the shades on multiple skin tones and eye colors for their promotional photos (all available side by side on Lauramercier.com). I think these are so helpful!

I found these to have a little bit more shimmer than colors like Copper or Rose Gold. Similar to what I see in the Caviar Stick Eye Color in Sugar Frost. They’re easy to blend but they do set quickly and lasting power is excellent once it sets.

Some colors have sold out on different retail websites but I’ve seen them restock. You can still find all the shades at Laura Mercier, others also available at Nordstrom, Saks, Ulta, Bloomingdale’s. Colors include:

Wild Rose is a shimmery champagne rose
Kiss From A Rose is a soft pink shimmer
Bed of Roses is a mauve shimmer
Strike a Rose medium soft plum rose
Forbidden Rose copper rose
Rose Thorn deep plum shimmer

I did a look layering 3 shades including Wild Rose, Bed of Roses, Forbidden Rose + the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes. Also wearing:

Foundation – Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in 3W1 + Flawless Fusion Foundation in Golden mixed
Concealer – Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion in 3N1
Powder – Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder
Blush – Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion Powder Blush in Strawberry
Highlighter – Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow
Eyeshadow – Caviar Stick Eye Color in Wild Rose, Bed of Roses + Forbidden Rose layered with a bit of the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Palette
Eyeliner – Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Palette (black and brown shades)
Mascara – NARS Climax Extreme
Lips – Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Blush

Comparisons below to Bobbi Brown, By Terry, Charlotte Tilbury and a few other Laura Mercier colors

Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

The new Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow is a soft shimmery pale rose. It has a beautiful soft texture but the highlight is quite intense on my medium tan skin tone because it’s paler than my natural skin tone. Shimmer wise it’s smooth but for me it requires a light hand. I prefer it mixed with a regular satin or matte blush for a softer diffused look.

Below wearing Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow on top of Blush in Strawberry

Swatch comparisons next to Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01, Face Illuminator in Devotion, Chanel Eclat du Desert (reviewed here) and Pat McGrath Divine Glow in Golden Nectar (on the face here)

I love the texture of the powder but color wise I have a lot of similar colors so I wouldn’t call it super unique for my skin tone. Performance wise it’s excellent and I do think it’s a beautiful highlighter.

You can find the Laura Mercier Rose Glow collection out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Ulta, Saks, Bloomingdales and all other Laura Mercier retailers.

Shop the Post:

Rose Glow Collection provided for review.

0 Comments

Charlotte Tilbury Nordstrom

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives

July 30, 2021

Happy Friday! I have a look at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives and think there some great options this year. Nordstrom launched a new Instant Look Palette for the sale along with some good value sets to try out. I have a closer look with more swatches today.

Collagen Lip Bath Set

The Collagen Lip Bath formula is one of my all time favorites. The colors Refresh Rose and Pillow Talk have been staples in my routine for an effortless look. They give the lips a plump lush shine without the strong stinging or tingle sensation (huge plus for me). Pillow Talk is the one that gives me the most compliments and I’ve gifted it to pretty much every single friend and family member close to me. Formula is comfortable and hydrating. There is peppermint which gives it a slight cooling sensation but it’s a pleasant one.

This year’s Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Trio Set is on sale for $68 (full price is a $106 value). It includes:

Refresh Rose – sheer soft clear light pink

Pillow Talk – perfect everyday rose

Walk of No Shame – warm plum berry

Above wearing:

Foundation – Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in Shade 7
Concealer – Cle de Peau Concealer in Ocher
Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Medium
Eyes + Cheeks – Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Palette
Eyeliner + Mascara – Too Faced Full Size Better Than Sex Mascara + Killer Eyeliner Set
Top – Off the Shoulder Thermal Knit (color is white, still available in beige oatmeal)

Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

The Face and Eye Palette Set includes one of her Instant Look Palettes called Sunset Dreamscape. It also includes a mini mascara. The palette has a good mix of everyday wearbale rose tones. On my medium skin tone it gives me a neutral rose bronze shade without being too pink or rosy.

Eyeshadows include a soft champagne, warm peachy copper shimmer, matte plum. For the face there is a nice soft light tan matte bronzer (neutral tones), two blushes in warm rose tones and a pale sheer highlighter.

Overall pigment level is medium but buildable. Lasting power is excellent for wear time and I love the colors!

Skin Care

A couple other mentions I wanted to include are some of her skincare items. There are two value sets including the Setting Spray and Magic Cream Set ($75 on sale, $113 value) and also the Magic Cream Set ($160 on sale, $240 value). I’m a huge fan of her Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Magic Cream so I think if you’re looking to try her skincare these are some nice sets available with some good price savings.

You can find these items available at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in store and online at Nordstrom. Sale runs through August 8th. Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase section online as well. They have new ones that rotate every week!

Shop the Post

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

0 Comments

NARS Nordstrom

NARS x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Palettes + Sets

July 28, 2021

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to the public today! In case you missed it you can see my Beauty Haul with swatches of my picks from Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and more here. My Hair Care and Fragrance picks from Diptyque, Jo Malone, Oribe here.

Today I have a closer look at the three sets from NARS I hauled and after playing with them I think they are my favorites and definitely worth looking into!

PLEASURE TRIP CHEEK PALETTE

nail polish is Gucci Annabelle Rose

The NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette ($45 sale, $87 value) is a trio with one highlighter (Wanderlust), one shimmery brush (Lucky Star) and a soft matte bronzer (Wild at Heart). The palette shows up pretty well on my medium tan skin for a bronzed rose look. Colors are smooth and the shimmers aren’t too shimmery. Pigment is on the medium-high side but can be easily sheered out. The texture is that finely milled pressed texture similar to the older Banc de Sable or the more recent NARS Orgasm on the Beach – just not as glowy/shimmery on my skin.

AFTERGLOW LIP SHINE SET

The NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Set ($45 sale, $78 value) is really nice, especially if you like smooth texture lip glosses. Pigment is sheer but still visible on the lips. I like them alone but they also layer beautifully with lipsticks or lip liners. Lasting power is pretty good for a gloss. The shimmery ones have no texture even with the sparkles.

Wearing below:

Base – NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St Moritz + Huda Beauty GloWish Skin Tint in Medium Tan 06
Concealer – NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Medium
Eyeshadow – Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Cognac Rose (LOVE this! swatches here)
Eyeliner – Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Pen (also part of the Tom Ford Coquette Eye Set)
Mascara – NARS Climax Extreme
Cheeks – NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette
Nail Polish – Gucci Beauty Nail Polish in Annabelle Rose
Top – Everlane Micro-Rib (older style, current Micro-Rib Crew Tee version here)

Broken Glass is a clear base loaded with silver and pale gold shimmers.

Orgasm is a medium pink shimmer.

Laguna is a warm coppery bronze with a subtle shimmer.

AFTERGLOW MINI LIP BALM DUO

Last but not least lip swatches of the NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane. The lip balms in this duo are super mini, but it makes for a nice sampler size to give you a sense of how they will perform on your lips. Also makes a super cute gift. I think the full-size Afterglow Lip Balms ($28 each) are 100% worth the splurge. Love these for the soft wash of color + shine.

Mirror Riki Loves Riki also on sale ($130), angled cheek brush from Laura Mercier

Available now at Nordstrom for the Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives. They’re currently having a Gift With Purchase too for NARS Nordstrom:

“Receive deluxe samples of Bronzing Powder in Laguna (0.04 oz.), Lipstick in Rosecliff (0.06 oz.), Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (0.09 oz.) and Climax Mascara (0.06 oz.) with your $100 NARS purchase. Online and in U.S. stores.*”

There is also another gift available online with any purchase in Beauty and Fragrance with $150 purchases (sample pack).

SHOP THE POST

Did you pick up anything from the Nordstrom sale?

0 Comments

Beauty Favorites Nail Polish

Favorite Light Pink Nail Polishes

July 26, 2021

I’ve been on a baby pink nail polish kick lately and have a few favorites I love I wanted to share! So many of my favorite light pinks have been discontinued from Chanel and Dior. Rescue Beauty Lounge also used to make some of the best pale pinks (so sad they’re no longer around!). Here are my favorites right now!

Olive and June Pink Sands ($8, available at Olive and June) – This one is super creamy pale and opaque white-based pink, apply 2 thin coats for full coverage. (If you want something with a little less white base try Olive and June SE.)

_________

OPI Bubble Bath ($10-$10.50, Target and Ulta) – This is one I rediscovered early summer, I remember not liking it before thinking it was sooo sheer it was difficult to get the color to show up. I tried it again and if I apply 2-3 coats I find I get the perfect pale pink manicure.

_________

Gucci Beauty Ellen Blush ($30, Nordstrom, Sephora, Gucci) – I just ordered a few of the newly repackaged nail polishes from Gucci. This one has full opaque coverage with one stroke but I still prefer to apply 2. Ellen Blush is the perfect medium light pink to me.

_________

Essie Fiji ($8.99 at Target) – This will be hit or miss depending on your skin tone or undertone, it’s a cool-toned blue based pale pink with full coverage. It has the tiny skinny brush which I wish they would update. I do think it’s a classic pale pink on me though.

_________

Essie Muchi Muchi ($8.99 Target) – Muchi Muchi is a medium pale pink on me. It’s not quite as pale as most lighter pinks which makes it more fun for me.

_________

Essie Gel Couture Polished and Poised ($11.50, Ulta) – A newer to me discovery, love that this is a really pretty light medium neutral warm pink that has full coverage but doesn’t have too much white in it.

_________

For those who want a closer look at the brush applicators:

A few other posts you might find helpful!

My favorite Base and Top Coats to extend wear in my Hand and Nail Care Routine Favorites post
Favorite Nude Polishes in my Top 5 Best Nude Nail Polishes post

Sabrina

New Shades Chanel Rouge Allure Laque and Ink Fusion

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

Rouge Allure Ink Fusion

Joues Contraste 608 Ombre

EM Cosmetics So Soft Blush + Multi FacePlay Sticks

So Soft Blush

So Soft Multi Faceplay

Loving Right Now

For the Home

For the Body

Eye Makeup Neutrals

Lip Balm

Gucci Nail Polish

Shop the Post

Everyday Natural Look with the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection

Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

Shop the Post:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale x Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Exclusives

Collagen Lip Bath Set

Sunset Dreamscape Instant Look in a Palette Set

Skin Care

Shop the Post

NARS x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Palettes + Sets

PLEASURE TRIP CHEEK PALETTE

AFTERGLOW LIP SHINE SET

AFTERGLOW MINI LIP BALM DUO

SHOP THE POST

Favorite Light Pink Nail Polishes

Shop the Post:

Follow @beautylookbook