Happy New Years Eve! I cannot believe the year is ending and am hopeful for a better one in 2021. Thank you to each and every one of you who stuck around through the highs and the lows. I know it has been a trying and emotional year for all of us. I am truly thankful from the bottom of my heart to those who have showed kindness, positivity and support – it means more to me than I could express in words.
I have a 2020 beauty favorites roundup! I’m rounding up my Top 25 of the year. Here is my list (in alphabetical order). If you’d like to share your favorites let me know in the comments! It doesn’t have to be a long list like mine – I’d love to hear about anything you loved in the beauty world this year.
Happy Monday! I have a new glowing makeup roundup today featuring a few new launches alongside my favorites. So many of you love a pretty glow and I’m excited to partner with Nordstrom to share one I’ve been loving lately. I’m covering the entire look from my base, eyes, lips and cheeks!
Foundation + Base Essentials
Having a good base is one thing that makes me feel more confident and put together. I have a lot of foundations I love and rotate between but the one I’ve reached for the most is the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (I’m currently shade 6.5). It has medium buildable coverage to even out the skin but looks natural and lets the skin show through in a natural way. I love how natural the glow is too!
For concealer the best of the best is from Cle de Peau. The Stick Concealer (I use Ocher or Buff) is best for spot concealing as it’s very opaque and a little goes a long way. For under eye brightening or concealing the Radiant Corrector for Eyes is better for me as it’s more fluid, easier to blend, but still very opaque and covers well. It will stay put and does not crease if you set properly with a powder.
For powder you all know I love the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in the Translucent shade and the new beige color Honey. If you want the best no-fuss setting powder Laura Mercier is the way to go! However pressed powder is my format of choice – it’s not as messy, you can use it on-the-go, it’s easy to keep it in your purse and in general it’s easier for me to use. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder is my go-to and I wear the shade in Medium.
My Favorite Glow Product
The best thing I can recommend to anyone who wants that lit from within kind of glow is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter Primer and Highlighter. I’ve gone through so many of the Shade 4 and Shade 3 to highlight and add dimension to the skin. It’s a multi-tasking product that you can use as a dewy primer, add it on top of your foundation or use as a highlighter on cheeks or eyes. It comes with a sponge tip applicator which I use to swipe on the face and then I blend/buff it out with a beautyblender to melt into the foundation where I want added glow or brightness.
They have just added some more shades in the line to fill in some of the gaps. You can use a shade to match your skin or 1-2 shades lighter to highlight and brighten the skin. I also use one shade darker for days I want more warmth in the glow. I picked up shades 2.5 and 4.5 and swatched them for you. For reference I wear her Magic Foundations in Shades 6.5, 6.75 or 7 depending on how tan I am. I find that the Hollywood Filter in Shade 4.5 is perfect for a subtle glow that isn’t too dramatic or contrasted with my skintone. Shade 4 still works for me too. (More shades available online.)
Eye Makeup Staples
For eye makeup staples, the best liquid eyeliner is the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen (although Cle de Peau is also really quite excellent). It has two sizes for applicators so you can control how precise or bold you want the line to be. It does not smudge, it’s easy to use, has super rich deep pigment and it lasts a long time. For an ultra dark smokey line the Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl Eyeliner in Bedroom Black is one of the darkest ones I’ve tried. It’s easy to blend/smoke out with a smudge brush for a sultry look.
For a good mix of matte and shimmers the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II Palette has been a really pleasant surprise. It looks a little boring in the compact but it has everything you need for a complete eye look. Pigment is smooth, rich, easy to blend – it’s everything I could want in a single compact!
New Charlotte Tilbury
The latest from Charlotte Tilbury is the Hollywood Flawless Eye Filter Palette and I am so excited to share a look. I bought both shades and will have a more detailed look later but for now I have swatches of Star Aura. It is beautiful eye palette with finely milled shimmers. The colors have the prettiest sparkle to brighten the eyes and open them up. I did find I needed to add a liner to complete the look, but I love how it melds into the skin and just makes your eyes glow.
Top Glowing Cheek Products
My most used cheek products this holiday season for a pretty glow have been from Charlotte Tilbury and Hourglass. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Bronzer in Medium is the most natural looking matte bronzer – it has a super soft finish and on me it’s impossible to overdo. I’ve had a soft spot for the Hollywood Superstar Glow Highlighter this year too. I have so many highlighters it’s hard to find one that I think is unique enough to make it special. This has a soft pink peach tinge to it mixed in with the opal shimmers and is so flattering on the skin!
For cream blushes the Cle de Peau Cream Blush #4 has remained my go-to for the best soft peachy pink blush that looks natural and lasts all day. It’s hard for me to find a cream product that won’t just melt off the skin and this one works the best out of all the cream blushes I have tried.
For a natural glowy blush the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic blushes are the best ones out there. I’ve bought nearly all of the colors and love Ecstasy (shown) for a peachy pink shimmer and Love Glow (for a nude) the most.
(I’m wearing the Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer, Cle de Peau Cream Blush #4, Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter in this post.)
Favorite Lip Color of the Year
Last but not least the best lip color of the year for me has been anything Pillow Talk from Charlotte Tilbury. I love the Lip Cheat Lip Pencil, Matte Revolution Lipstick, Collagen Lip Bath and Jewel Lips. These get me the most questions on Instagram stories and readers are always asking “what’s on your lips?” – it’s always one of the Pillow Talk shades! (Top I’m wearing is also from Nordstrom Treasure and Bond.)
That wraps up the roundup for my glowy makeup look! I hope you found this roundup helpful in case you’re looking for some new items to shop for or incorporate into your routine. You can find all of my favorites from Nordstrom. Don’t forget to check out their Gift with Purchase page too.
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Top + Makeup Tools:
If you have any glowy makeup favorites let me know in the comments!
Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Holiday! Andrew and I had a nice Christmas eve with close family. We made Christmas dinner at our house this year and tried making gingerbread houses too which was fun but super messy! I have a nail polish swatch roundup of a few colors I’ve been loving this season. I have been sticking with my usual neutrals for the most part this year but thought it was time to switch things up and play with some sparkle and shine.
OPI Naughty or Ice? is a pretty semi-sheer pearlescent white. It’s similar to OPI Happy Birthday but the holiday Naughty or Ice pulls a little more champagne/warm.
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OPI Snow Falling For You is a metallic light pink. It has minimal visible brush strokes so it applies pretty smooth. I love this pretty pink!
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OPI Tinsel Tinsel Star* is a light blue-grey shimmer. It pulls on the sheer side with 2 coats (shown below). You can get more opaque coverage with 3.
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OPI To All A Good Night* is a beautiful complex metallic gunmetal shade. It flashes different sparkles of silver, blue, grey. I love it for a deeper but fun color.
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OPI Merry In Cranberry is a pretty pearly cranberry shade. It has full smooth coverage with 2 coats.
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Dior Golden Snow* is a top coat. It has larger chunks of iridescent glitter. I applied it alone but it’s fun over another color too!
Smith and Cult A Little Lovely is one of the prettiest pink gold glitters I’ve ever tried. It has a beautiful pink gold base and tons of glitter mixed in.
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What have you been wearing on your nails this holiday?
Press samples have a * next to them. All others purchased by me.
So many of you have asked for long-wear makeup recommendations that are budget-friendly. Today I have the best of both with a holiday makeup round up! I’ve partnered with Walmart to share a few of my go-to makeup staples that can take you from a daytime to a more dressy look.
Base Essentials
For a long-lasting base the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation has been one of the best long-wearing matte finish foundations I’ve tried. My match is 3W1 Tawny. It has full coverage but doesn’t look flat. To brighten or conceal dark under eye circles the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is probably my most-used concealer! It’s creamy, easy to blend, doesn’t crease on me and once set with a powder, stays put and looks fresh for hours. To set my makeup I have quite a few loves, but the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder is my holy grail no-fuss powder to keep everything in place.
Bronzer + Blush
For a good bronzer, I have raved about the ones from L’Oreal so many times. I think they’re easy to use and they have a good range of shades to pick from. I reach for the L’Oreal Summer Belle Bronzer in 03 Amalfi the most for a budget-friendly option. For blushes I’ve been really impressed with the ones from Milani and love the Powder Blush in Coral Cove. It’s a really bright coral pink and you only need a tiny sweep of color to brighten the complexion and make you look more alive. The powder is easy to blend and layer, plus it has very good lasting power.
Lips
I have SO many loves for lips! The L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain has been one of my absolute favorite liquid lipsticks with a soft matte finish. They’re not drying and they have a pretty satin matte dry down so they look soft and pretty. The formula comes in a wide range of colors, I love I Create for a soft everyday pink rose and I Empower is an easy to wear peach nude beige. They feel weightless on the lips and have excellent coverage and lasting power. (Colors swatched top to bottom: I Empower, I Create, I Rule, I Choose, I Represent.)
One of my newest tries is the L’Oreal Infallible Matte Lip Crayon. It’s an opaque twist up style lipstick in a slim tube. It has smooth opaque coverage with intense color payoff. I bought a few of the shades to try and love 500 Caramel Blondie with the Maybelline Lifter Lip Gloss in Ice layered on top for a pretty pink look. For a brighter holiday lip look 502 Sweet and Salty is a really pretty berry pink.
I swatched a number of the Maybelline Lifter Lip Glosses in my post here. If you’re looking for a good plumping gloss with high shine I highly recommend checking them out! (Colors shown Ice, Topaz and Opal.)
Eye Makeup Staples
For eye makeup, I have a soft spot for L’Oreal. The L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Base is one of the few lash primers I have used, loved and repurchased many times. It has a pale pink tint to it so you can make sure you’ve coated all the lashes. I apply and then follow with the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Waterproof when the base is still wet for a lot of volume and definition. This combo gives me the best look for my super straight lashes – and it holds the curl! For a good long lasting eyeliner you can’t go wrong with the L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Eyeliner. It’s easy to apply and truly does stay put.
For eyeshadows I have been so impressed with the Wet N’Wild Icon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette in Nude Awakening. It is a great palette of wearable basics and has everything you need for a complete eye look. Every color has good color payoff and the darker matte shades have really intense pigments that are easy to blend.
If you’re looking for some easy to wear long-wear makeup for the holiday I hope this gives you some ideas of what to try! You can find all the beauty items available at Walmart.
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Many thanks to Walmart for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.
Happy Monday! I have a look at the new Chanel Rouge Allure Laque ($40 each, 20 shades) today! These are Chanel’s new satin liquid lipstick with a lightweight feel and shiny finish. Coverage is natural looking with medium pigment but they can be layered for full coverage. Texture is light and smooth with a weightless almost airy feel to them. They’re comfortable on the lips with medium lasting power. These come with a beveled sponge tip applicator for an easy line and fill kind of swipe. Available now at Chanel.com.
In terms of similar coverage and feel these remind of the NARS Velvet Lip Glides (which I think are being phased out). Soft almost whipped texture, good coverage, weightless, nice satiny finish with a soft shine. Downside is they are not budge-proof and they do transfer if you touch your lips to a cup or mask (or anything else). I haven’t had a chance to give all 20 shades a full day wear test, although for the handful I have worn, I’ve been able to get very good lasting power. They have stayed fresh looking around 4-5 hours before I took them off for a snack. I do think some of the darker and bolder ones can get even better wear time, but the neutrals I tried wear very nicely on my lips.
The Chanel Rouge Allure Laques aren’t scented although there is a soft scent that is hard to describe. It’s exactly what I’d think a lip gloss would smell like – once on the lips I don’t detect the scent very much. Colors and swatches of all 20 shades below.
70 Immobile – bright red with pink
71 Mythe – shimmery bold warm red
72 Iconique – muted red with a hint of shimmer
73 Invincible – bold orange red
74 Experimente – plum red
75 Fidelite – brown plum cream
78 Tenacious – plum with a hint of berry
79 Eternite – deeper plum
80 Timeless – reddish plum
81 Obstination – blackened plum
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I wasn’t able to get all 20 lip swatched but here are a few for you. I will try to have the rest of them swatched on the face/lips by the end of the week in a second part. I just got a much-needed hair cut and my stylist added toner to help blend out the remaining highlights and it looks so dark now! Also wearing:
Bottom line, I love what I’ve tried so far. If you loved the Rouge Allure Ink I think you’ll definitely love the Rouge Allure Laque. I feel like I am the only beauty lover that did not like the Rouge Allure Inks in the neutral colors. They barely showed up on my lips and did not last long at all, although the bolder/deeper shades performed well. I think these Rouge Allure Laques are a better version of the Rouge Allure Ink with better coverage (although still medium/natural), better lasting power, and a better glossy finish.
By comparison I think the Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion (reviewed here) has the best pigment/coverage and lasting power for a weightless liquid lipstick, although the colors are matte and pull darker while the Rouge Allure Laques are more glossy/translucent.
The Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue (swatches here) has the longest wear for a liquid lipstick in the Chanel line, although the concept is different with the full coverage matte base for color and glossy top coat.
If you liked the NARS Velvet Lip Glides you will also love the Chanel Rouge Allure Laques. I know some of you loved them (just like me) while others did not like it because the lasting power wasn’t long enough.
I hope you find these swatches helpful! I have more saved on my Instagram Reels @beautylookbook if you’re looking for swatches in different lighting.
I hope you found this Chanel Rouge Allure Laque review helpful! You can find the Chanel Rouge Allure Laque available now at Chanel.com. Currently available in 20 shades. Also available in a Rouge Allure Laque Trio Set (with 64 Exigence, 73 Invincible and 80 Timeless).
10 shades provided by Chanel for review, 10 purchased by me.
Christmas is quickly approaching and if you’re looking for some last-minute gift ideas I have some cute ones to share from The Body Shop! They have tons of great gift sets and bundles at multiple price points. There is something for everyone whether you’re shopping for a loved one, friend or looking for something to treat yourself.
The Body Shop Holiday Gift Guide: Little Gift Box
One of my favorite sets is the Warm Vanilla Little Gift Box ($25). They’ve packaged up some great body products in a Shower Gel, Body Yogurt, Hand Cream and mini Body Scrub. The shower gel is really amazing, and I love that this vanilla is warm and well-balanced. The Body Yogurt is a lightweight moisturizer and absorbs beautifully into the skin. They carry this set in a other scents too like the Nourishing Shea, Soothing Almond Milk & Honey, Hand-Cracked Coconut and a few others too.
Mask Duo
For the skincare lover the Day and Night Mask Duo ($45) has a Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Face Mask for day and the Hemp Overnight Nourishing Rescue Mask. The coffee mask is a gentle warming exfoliating mask you leave on for 5-10 minutes. It has sesame seed oil, cocoa and shea butter to soften the skin – I was so impressed with this one! It’s gentle on the exfoliating properties and after rinsing off my skin felt so incredibly smooth, soft and refreshed. The overnight mask is made with Hemp Seed oil and aloe vera to help soothe dry skin. It has a soothing earthy scent to it and very hydrating.
Hair Care Set
For the hair care lover they have some cute hair sets! I tried the Puree Bliss Banana Hair Care Duo ($20) which comes with the Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner along with a fun banana print hair wrap. Both have a fresh fruity banana scent that lathers up nicely in the shower or bath. They rinse out to leave a subtle scent so it’s not too fruity. My hair really likes both for a good clean feel.
Sharable Hand Cream Set
The cutest gift set is the Squeeze and Share Hand Cream Cracker Set ($28). It comes with six individually boxed hand creams. They’re perfect to split up for stocking stuffers or to give as gifts to coworkers! The Almond Milk and Honey is my favorite – it has a really nice scent with a light almost gel-like texture. It absorbs into the hands well leaving them soft, hydrated and not sticky.
I hope you enjoyed this holiday roundup! If you’re doing last minute shopping I suggest you order soon! Also don’t forget to check out their Special Offers/Sale Page to see what GWPs and sales they have going on!
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Many thanks to The Body Shop for partnering to sponsor this post.
Happy Wednesday! If you’re looking for some gifts for the hair care lover here are some things I’ve used and love. There are tons of sets at the $25 and under price point so if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly I’ve linked a bunch below. IGK, Living Proof and Briogeo have tons of minis and sets to pick from.
For hair accessories I’ve been loving the hair clips from J.Crew – I find they are pretty good quality and hold up well for my hair. I like that they have different sizes available and the tortoise print ones are pretty! I’m a huge fan of Slip Scrunchies because they won’t tug or pull my hair. They will stretch out with use, but still retain their elasticity for me.
For a round blow dry brush I can’t use one that is too wide because it’s just hard for me to do on my own. I really like the T3 Volume Round Brush and the Sisley Blow Dry Brush No 2. For a regular vent brush the Yves Durif Brush has been my go-to for a while now.
For a luxurious treat, my favorite lines are Oribe and Sisley. I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. I love the Oribe Gold Lust line and their Styling Set. For oils I think the Sisley Hair Oil is the best one I’ve tried out of any brand. I can’t recommend it enough (review here in case you missed it a few years ago).
In terms of hair styling tools, I’m on the hunt for some new ones. For hair dryers I’ve still been using the Harry Josh and Dyson but I’m looking for something new. I haven’t quite decided what to buy next but if you have any you really love let me know in the comments! I stopped using a curling iron as I found my hair became a lot more fragile after color treating it. For straighteners I like the HAI Convertible Iron and the Dyson Corrale Straightener but am super interested in the new L’Oreal Steampod. If I end up getting anything new I will be sure to review it!
If you’re looking for more in depth hair care reviews, I have some linked below:
