Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Fragrance Holiday Gift Guide Home / Interiors

Best Holiday Candles + Scents For the Home This Season

December 14, 2020

I’m wrapping up my holiday gift guides with a few more roundups! Today I’m sharing my favorite luxury candles for the holidays. If you’re looking to splurge on something nice for the home or as a gift here are my favorites.

DIPTYQUE

Baies is my favorite of all the Diptyque scents, it’s great for holiday because it’s a unique mix of roses and blackcurrant. It’s a green and berry mix which I think is interesting and perfect year round. I’ve bought this in multiple sizes and adore the Baies Room Spray. Available in multiple sizes. In case you are not a fan of blackcurrant or rose, I’ve included a few others.

Vanille is a unique vanilla in the sense that it’s a smoky leathery one with a hint of spice. It’s not sweet like other vanilla candles.

Ambre is one of the prettiest holiday scents to me. It’s a warm mix of amber and musk giving it a cozy feel.

Feu de Bois is the best firewood scent in candle form. It has a smoky earthy kind of wood smell.

Santal is one of the softest sandalwood scents I’ve tried. Sometimes sandalwood can be a bit strong in other candles, this has good throw but has a well-rounded feel. It has a bit of a velvety feel to it.

A few other fun things to check out:

Best of Baies Set (has a small candle, mini room spray and scented oval)
Scented Candle Trio with their Holiday Candles (I did not have a chance to burn yet, probably will not be able to before Christmas, but I buy them almost every year)
Mini Carousel Set with Small Baies and Feu de Bois
Baies Scented Candle Carousel

BYREDO

Tree House is one of my favorite woodsy kind of candles, this year I opted to buy the Tree House Room Spray and am so impressed. It has the longest lasting power of all the room sprays I’ve tried. It smells just like the candle and is quite potent. It has a mix of pimento, bamboo, cedarwood, guaiac wood, sandalwood and leather. The Room Spray comes at quite a steep price but it is cased in a large glass spray bottle and I feel it will last a long time.

Bibliotheque is one of my favorites for the holiday, it has a really unique mix, almost like a more intense less sweet version of their Bal D’Afrique perfume. Bibliotheque notes are peach, plum, peony, violet, leather patchouli and vanilla. It is available in the standard 8.5 oz size and also in the mini 2.5 oz (shown here). Minis are harder to find sometimes as they sell out, but you can find them at Byredo, Violet Grey, Lucky Scent, Space NK.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Candle was a gift from my bestie and it is AMAZING! I just bought the perfume and fell in love with it. The candle smells exactly like the perfume – woody, amber, floral and sweet with extremely good throw. It is quite a splurge but I would not hesitate to buy on my own. She bought it from Saks.

CIRE TRUDON

There are so many things I want to try from Cire Trudon but I keep going back to my one favorite, Ernesto. Cire Trudon makes the best of the best in terms of how elegant and unique their candles are. They have the strongest throw out of the ones I have tried. I fell in love with Ernesto thanks to one of my readers who kept nudging me to try (she even offered to buy me one if I didn’t order one lol!). I eventually splurged and have never looked back. This year they launched Ernesto in a beautiful Alabaster vessel with a lid. It’s truly glorious. I ordered it over Cyber Week for some savings. It is like a beautiful work of art.

For Christmas, I have also tried Gabriel, Nazareth and Fir – all are truly lovely for the holiday season.

ACCESSORIES

A few accessories I love:

Diptyque Photophores are the prettiest ones I’ve seen and are extremely sturdy, they come with a fitted base – available in the sizes for the small candles and standard candles
Crate and Barrel Glass Dome
Glass Match Cloche by Skeem Design is a lovely home décor piece, but it seems to be on the fragile side, it won’t tip over, but the glass feels thin
Diptyque Wick Trimmer
Lumira Wick Trimmer and Candle Snuffer
Matches from Tommy Bahama are the most sturdy matches I’ve found that are the longer style, they don’t break when I strike them (versus other cheaper alternatives which frequently break on me)

That wraps up my holiday candle favorites! I hope you enjoyed the roundup!

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GIVEAWAY

I’m hosting a giveaway! I’m giving away one $100 eGift Card to Nordstrom. ONE person will be selected at random to win and contacted by email from me ([email protected]). All you have to do is follow the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete the more entries you receive. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. Not sponsored or affiliated. Runs through 12/21/2020 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be selected by 12/22 and will need to respond to my email within 3 days to claim prize or another winner will be selected in their place.

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Fashion Hauls

Cozy Slipper Try-On Haul

December 11, 2020

Happy Friday! We made it through another week and I cannot believe it is almost Christmas time! I have a cozy slipper try-on haul roundup with my hits and misses. I tried several different styles and here are my thoughts on each style plus sizing. If you have any favorites I would LOVE it if shared your loves! It’s rarely cold enough to need slippers here in Florida although we’ve been through several years of cold seasons and my toes have been in need of something to keep them warm at home.

1 // Fuzzy Open-Toe Slippers

Women’s Cross Band Slippers Soft Plush Open Toe House Shoes from Amazon in New Camel and New Cream ($24.99 each) – I’m usually a 6.5 in most shoes, based on the reviews I ordered the 5-6 and it fits perfectly. I have narrow-ish feet and these fit me perfectly. They are a little snug but will loosen up a little with a couple of wears. Love that they’re breathable, soft, fluffy, anti-skid and have a nice foam cushion on the base.

Above also wearing: James Perse Relaxed Crop Pullover in White, Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings in Chestnut, mirror from West Elm, mirror in background from Anthropologie, Sheepskin Rug from Pottery Barn

2 // Ugg Fluffette Slippers

Ugg Fluffette Slippers in Goat ($89.85) – These are fluffy and comfortable on my feet, but they’re not the softest. I ordered a 7 based on the reviews and agree that you should probably size up a ½ size if you’re in between sizes. Compared to other ones I tried the Fluffettes aren’t as soft. I wish I had opted for their classic Scuffette II but Andrew said they looked hideous on my feet so I did not buy them.

Also wearing: Lululemon Align Leggings in the 21” Crop Length (also love the 25” Length)

3 // Naked Cashmere Mules

Naked Cashmere Mule Slippers in Mink ($95) – I bought the S/M and they fit but are slightly big on me. These have the best cushiony sole out of all the ones I tried, but the front is semi-wide/loose. They don’t fall off my feet but I would have liked them a little more snug. The upside of them being a little loose on me is that my feet don’t get too hot or sweaty as air can circulate around the sides. Since they are cashmere you can’t machine wash these.

The ones I bought unfortunately have sold out, but you can still find them in the Love Mule Slipper style and Emory Mule Slipper. If you want a Bootie style they still have their Da Booties in stock.

Also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length (prefer the Lululemon Align or Alo Yoga 7/8 ones), side table from West Elm, tray from Nespresso, mug is Le Creuset, hot chocolate stirrer from Trader Joe’s

4 // APL Shearling Slide

Also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length

APL Shearling Slide in Pristine/Black ($150) – I’m the biggest fan of all things APL and when they launched their shearling slide I ordered them immediately. The Pristine/Black is my favorite of the colors I ordered and it’s still available in most sizes. I hope they restock the other colors. I wear their sneakers in a Size 7 (same size as I wear in Nike) and I wear the Slides in a 6 because I have narrow feet. They’re an exact fit for me although if they made ½ sizes it would be even better. Andrew is a 12 or 12 ½ for sneakers and wears the slides in a 12.

5 // Madewell Sherpa Scuff Slippers

Madewell Sherpa Scuff Slippers ($45) – These are still available right now at Zappos (I ordered mine from Madewell but they sold out there). These are probably my favorite out of the ones I bought. They’re basic but soft and cushiony. They do run wide but on me they’re comfortable and cozy. You can also find similar options in their Suede Scuff and Recycled Faux Fur Quilted (at Madewell, Shopbop and Nordstrom).

Above also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length, glass side table from West Elm, boucle chair and ottoman from Article

My favorites are the ones I ordered from Amazon and Madewell. The Uggs are my least favorite. I might exchange them for the Scuffette even though Andrew doesn’t approve of the look. I’ve bought him the men’s version before and he liked those on his feet lol.

I’m sure by now you’ve already found your favorite cozy at home slippers, but in case you’re looking for some new ones to try I hope you find this roundup helpful!

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Hauls Sephora

Mini Sephora Haul

December 9, 2020

I have a mini Sephora Haul to share – I ordered some things online for their Sephorathon promo that ends today 12/9. I restocked on a couple things and also bought some items I had my eye on. Use code SAVE2020 online at Sephora to save depending on tier. You can also use the code in store (ends today) – it’s a one-time use promo:

Rouge Members Save $25 off a $75 purchase
VIBs Save $20 off a $75 purchase
Insiders can Save $15 off a $75 purchase

P.S. for those who want to know, opening image details: nail polish is Essie Expressie Crop Top and Roll, side table is West Elm, chair is the Article Turoy Boucle Chair

Kate Somerville Eradikate Cleanser – one of my favorites to help prevent acne. I’ve raved about this one so many ties, it’s REALLY the best one to help with acne-prone skin. I ran out (even though I had recently restocked), stopped using it and started getting a wave of breakouts. It could have been from a number of things (hormones, stress, extra sweat) but when I use this I feel like it truly helps keep my breakouts under control, especially with the mask wearing.

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Sol de Janeiro Hand Sanitizer Spray is back in stock at Sephora. It doesn’t leave a sticky film and I love how it smells just like their body cream/shower gel. I ordered a couple more because I’m obsessed. The current version has a clear bottle (original one had a tinted bottle). Makeup bag below is from The Daily Edited (large size), also reviewed here.

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Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils have been on my radar as I used to use and love Peyote and Naked2 a lot. These have a smooth texture with a lot of great neutrals. I ordered 1993 (90’s-ish brown), Rush (rose pink), and Naked2 (nude pink). I swatched it next to Liar (deeper rose) and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk.

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Lawless The Little One Eyeshadow Palette was on my radar and I have mixed feelings about this one. I haven’t had a chance to try it on my eyes yet since it just arrived but upon swatching it I feel like the powders have a LOT of powdery kick up. Also the colors look a little dry/chalky on the skin with my arm/hand swatches. The Anastasia Beverly Hills or Natasha Denona Palettes seem to have a much better texture and color payoff. I will keep you posted once I get a chance to try it on my face.

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Last I ordered the Too Faced Hangover Rx Pillow Talk Balm. I had this one a while ago but gifted it away (brand new) to a friend and decided to buy one for myself again. It has a cushiony feel, glides on nicely, smells almost like a minty pina colada with a cooling sensation. Tingle is minimal. So far I really like it!

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Did you haul anything during the Sephorathon promo? Or did you already shop a lot during Black Friday/Cyber Week?

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Beauty Favorites Skincare

Winter Dry Skin Savers

December 7, 2020

The dry season is officially here in South Florida and although our winters are mild compared to everywhere else we’ve had some fairly cold days and nights. My skin has been going nuts with the weather change and everything is dry! I’ve rounded up my favorite hydration heroes for body, hands and lips. If you have any favorites you swear by, please let me know in the comments!

Body Care

marble tray from Crate and Barrel

Body care favorites:

Sisley Velvet Nourishing Body Cream with Saffron Flowers* ($150 for 200 ml/6.7 fl oz) is the best velvety body cream I have ever tried, it’s quite expensive but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy once it’s used up, it has the same scent as their Velvet Sleeping Mask with Saffron Flowers – it’s a super soft almost powdery floral that is very soothing and pleasant
Chanel Huile Douce Gentle Oil Hair and Body* has been one of my favorite body oils – it looks like it has been discontinued but they still have the Scented Options in L’Huile Orient, L’Huile Jasmin, L’Huile Vanille and L’Huile Rose – I may splurge on one for myself for the holiday
Augustinus Bader Body Lotion ($35 for 30 ml or $95 for 100 ml) is something I bought over the summer, back then it was a little too rich for my taste, but now that the dry season is here I find it perfect, it is hydrating and there’s no fragrance – it has a semi-matte finish in the drydown
Necessaire Body Lotion ($25 for 200 ml/6.8 oz) is my favorite day-time unscented body cream, it’s gentle, effective and doesn’t interfere with perfume

Also love:

L’occitane Shea Butter Hands and Body Extra-Gentle Lotion ($29 for 10.1 fl oz) is one I don’t have right now, but it has been a favorite in the past, after using it up several times I just wanted to explore other products and try new things, but this one has never failed me

Hand Creams

Favorites for the hands:

La Mer Hand Treatment ($90 for 3.4 oz the full size option, note that mine is a mini) is one of my latest loves for hand treatments, I bought mine as part of the limited-edition holiday Rejuvenating Hydration Set ($95) which seems to be selling out nearly everywhere (as of now still available at Net-A-Porter and Blue Mercury). It’s silky, emollient and super luxurious!
Chanel La Crème Main in all the formulas have been staples for me, I really like the original La Crème Main for the velvety finish, for those who need more moisture the Texture Riche or Le Lift La Crème Main are better options
L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm ($19 for 1.7 oz or $36 for 5.3 oz) was something one of my sweet readers sent to me a year ago (the only fan mail I’ve received!) – she was so sweet to send me one she bought while traveling and the large tube lasted quite a long time! They’ve since launched a smaller tube which is purse friendly, it’s a thicker version of their Classic Shea Butter Hand Cream which I also love
Kiehl’s also makes great hand creams, so many of you have said you swear by the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve as the best unscented option (I agree it’s great! available in multiple sizes), I also really like their scented options in the Lavender and Grapefruit – they have a nice Healthy Hands Trio ($35) I highly recommend getting (and fast because it’s selling out quickly)
Molton Brown also makes great scented hand creams, I love the Fiery Pink Pepper* ($15) the best although their new Flora Luminaire* ($15) is also really lovely!

Cuticle Care

Cuticle care favorites:

CND Essentials Solar Oil Care Pen ($12.99 for 2.5 ml) is one that always makes the best-of lists for so many magazines, I bought the click brush pen version recently and really like it – it seems a little pricey for the amount you get, but it works well (also available in the Bottle with Brush Applicator)
Dior Huile Daily Nutritive Serum ($28) has been one of my holy grail cuticle oils but is so hard to find as it’s always selling out, you can still find this at Dior.com – if you see it at your local counter I highly recommend you pick it up!
OPI Pro Spa Nail and Cuticle Oil* was something I received recently in a PR package and it seems to come in a few formats, the one I have is a 0.29 fl oz dropper style ($9.95 available on Amazon). It helps with dry cuticles and a little goes a very long way. It also comes in a Bottle (.5 fl oz for $15.95) or a To Go Brush Applicator (.25 oz for $9.50)
Olive and June Cuticle Serum* ($15.99 for 1 at Target, or $30 for 2 at Olive and June, .13 fl oz) comes in a pen applicator with a sponge tip, if you’re one who doesn’t like the super emollient feel of oils, you will love this because it’s a serum that is more like a sponge-on cream vs a drippy liquid oil. It softens cuticles, it’s easy to use and works!

Lip Favorites

small round marble tray from Goop, makeup bag is Cuyana

Lip care favorites right now:

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask ($28) – best cushiony clear gel like lip mask you can wear during the day or leave on over night
By Terry Baume de Rose* ($60) – best soothing thick lip cream (also available in a tube form with a slightly sheerer feel and finish, it’s not as thick but just as hydrating)
La Mer Lip Volumizer ($80) – not really a lip balm, but more of a smoothing lip volumizer with a serum feel, it leaves my lips feeling super soft and smooth
Fresh Sugar anything! I’ve been loving the Sugar Advance Therapy Treatment Lip Balm* ($26) because it comes in a tube form and doesn’t require fingers to apply. I do really love the Sugar Hydrating Lip Balms* ($18) like the Caramel, Coconut and Lime Mint ones as well.

What are some of your favorites?

Press samples indicated with a *. Others purchased by me.

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Armani Fragrance Nordstrom

Armani My Way Eau de Parfum

December 4, 2020

I’ve been playing with some new fragrances this holiday season and one of my latest discoveries is the Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum. Armani has been a favorite since the day it launched and I’m excited to partner with Nordstrom to share a look at this beautiful fragrance alongside some of my go-to makeup staples.

The Armani My Way Eau de Parfum is something I would describe as a bright sweet floral. If you like tuberose and jasmine you will love this. It also has notes of bergamot, orange blossom, vanilla, white musk and cedarwood, but to me the floral notes dominate. It has a slight fruity undertone to it which makes it sweet, but not too sweet. Lasting power is quite amazing – just a few spritzes lasts all day long. It’s definitely one that lifts and brightens the mood – it’s a happy kind of scent!

A few of my makeup staples from Armani include:

Luminous Silk Foundation – among the best of the best for a natural glow foundation with good lasting power, medium coverage and a wide shade range! My match is usually 6.5 or 7 depending on time of year. I am wearing Shade 7 in this post.

Luminous Silk Concealer – one of the best opaque full coverage concealers that is still easy to blend. I wear shade 6.5 for brightening and spot concealing. A little goes a long way so you don’t need a lot.

Eyes to Kill Mascara – I’ve tried this in both the Classic and Wet Waterproof formula. Both have been staples for years for that defined volume and length.

Fluid Sheer – The Fluid Sheers were my very first Armani purchase back when I discovered the line. I really love Shade 2 for the perfect champagne glow. Right now since I’m more tan I like Shade 11 because it’s such a pretty soft bronze. I apply them as a highlighter on the cheek bones.

Wearing my favorites listed above. Also wearing the Eye Tint in Shade 44, Neo Nude Powder in 5.5, A-Blush Liquid Tint in 32, Ecstasy Mirror Gloss in 101.

Armani My Way is available in a few size options and sets. Mine is the 1.7 fl oz/50 ml option for $97.00 (retail). If you’re looking for a gift for someone who already has everything, you can’t go wrong with gifting them their favorite fragrance. It’s something they can always use! If you love sweet florals I think this is worth checking out.

Available at Nordstrom.

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

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Beauty Favorites Chanel

Best of Chanel Makeup

December 2, 2020

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I’ve put together a Best of Chanel Makeup roundup for you today. I’ve been such a long time fan of Chanel – it’s one of the makeup brands that inspired me to start blogging because I was so excited about finding the latest and greatest from them.

I intended on writing about the Chanel Good to Glow Cyber Monday launch but it sold out in record time and was completely gone within a couple hours! The good news is that the set included permanent items in the Chanel Makeup line so if you missed out, you can still buy the Rosy Light Drops, Rouge Coco Flash in Boy and Mirror Compact individually which I have swatched for you below. It came packaged in a red makeup bag in case you wanted to see what it looked like:

Chanel Good to Glow Limited-Edition Makeup Set (sold out, but items available separately)

I hope you find this roundup helpful if you’re looking for recommendations of my favorites. You can always click on the CHANEL category tag to see a full list of all the Chanel reviews I’ve done. Quick note that this post focuses on makeup! I like a lot of the skincare, fragrance + body care items but wanted to give a more edited list for just makeup.

Base

The latest foundation from Chanel is the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. It’s a natural medium coverage glow foundation. I like that it’s not heavy or thick like the previous formulas in past years. I bought four of the shades and found that B40 (more neutral) or BD41 (more yellow) work best for me right now. It is scented so if fragrance irritates your skin do a patch test before applying. This has decent lasting power for a glow foundation – it’s not too dewy or luminous but I do set with a powder.

Swatches next to a few other formulas (I’ve linked my previous reviews, I have swatches of other shades in a lot of those posts):

Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint – review here
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet* – review here
Chanel CC Cream* – review here
Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation – review here
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – review here
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation – on the face here
Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte – review here

For powder the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder is one of my favorites for a soft diffused glow. It’s a matte but has a slight translucent quality so you can buff into the skin to set your foundation. I use No 20 to set and No 30 or 40 as a warm-up/contour color. They did relaunch their Loose Poudre Universelle in extended shades this year. I bought 30 and 40 – they’re pretty standard and basic. While they work, they’re just not my favorite.

Blush

The Chanel Joues Contrast Blush is one of the best for a soft hint of color. Most of the colors will give you a natural look that is impossible to overdo. My top four picks are below (click on the name to see face swatches):

Alezane* – best neutral beige with a hint of shimmer
Rose Bronze* – pretty soft rose with a hint of pearl
Quintessence – best soft rose pink matte
Foschia Rosa – best bright pink with a hint of coral blush

Highlighter

The Chanel fluid highlighters are stunning for a soft delicate glow. You can mix them in with foundation, apply them all over the face, or dab them where you want a highlight. They are sheer but noticeable on the skin.

Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops* is a pale opal pink (also reviewed here)
Les Beiges in Pearly Glow is a pale champagne (swatches here)
Les Beiges in Sunkissed is a medium bronze champagne (also reviewed here)

I have collected almost all of the Chanel highlighters over the years. Most of them have been limited edition but I’ve linked the current powder versions available below:

Les Chaines de Chanel Illuminating Blush* reviewed here
Eclat du Desert Illuminating Powder* review here (LOVE this one)
Metal Peach Illuminating Powder* review here
Duo de Camelias* reviewed here
Poudre Lumiere* swatches here and here
Le Signe du Lion* reviewed here

Bronzers

The Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream is a classic easy to wear cream bronzer. It adds warmth to the skin in a natural way. This replaced the original cream bronzer and while many say they’re different, I feel the new one performs the same as the original. Review + swatches here. I hope they add more shades!

Chanel powder bronzers are typically limited-edition launches with summer collections. I’ve been using the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Powder in Deep as a bronzer and love it! I didn’t like the lighter shades as a setting powder on my skin, but the darker ones seem to work well for me as a powder bronzer that isn’t too harsh or orange.

Eye Makeup

For the eyes, here are my favorites:

Le Volume Mascara Waterproof for the best classic long-wear volumizing mascara
Stylo Yeux Waterproof for the best long-wear eyeliner
Les 4 Ombres in Candeur Et Experience* for the best everyday matte palette (swatches here)
Ombre Premiere Laque* for the prettiest most under-rated fluid shimmer shadows (swatches here)

Rouge Coco Flash

The Rouge Coco Flash is one of my favorite sheer lipstick formulas. My original review + lip swatches here. I’ve added more swatches – they launched some new ones this year.

Rouge Coco Gloss

The Rouge Coco Gloss is a cushiony hydrating gloss with a lot of shine. These are semi-thick but smooth on the lips. My favorite one is 722 Noce Moscata which is a pearlescent beige. My other favorites shown above.

Also included swatches of some others side by side for reference:

My original Rouge Coco Gloss post with lip swatches here.

Le Vernis

Last but not least is the Le Vernis Nail Polish. I’ve been a die-hard fan of Chanel nail polishes for years. The current formula is better and longer wearing than the original version. I’ve done a number of posts with swatches and love them for the classic colors and long wear. I wear Organdi and Vamp the most. For a few roundups + swatches:

Best Chanel Neutrals here
Matching Chanel Lips + Nail Colors here

Makeup look wearing:

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in BD41
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in No 20
Les Beiges Bronzing Cream + Les Beiges Luminous Powder in Deep
Rosy Light Drops
Les 4 Ombres in Candeur Et Experience
Rouge Coco Flash in Boy
Le Vernis in Organdi
Top from Nordstrom

That wraps up my Best of Chanel post! If you have questions about any other product not listed chances are I’ve tried it – so feel free to ask in the comments. Would love to hear about your favorites!

You can find everything available at Chanel.com.

Press samples indicated with a *. Other items purchased by me.

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EM Cosmetics

EM Cosmetics Review + Swatches

November 30, 2020

By popular request I have an overview of EM Cosmetics today! Several of you have expressed interest in seeing swatches and a review of the products created in Michelle Phan’s line and I have a look at a little of everything.

Eyeshadow Palettes

There are two colors of the Divine Skies Eyeshadow Palette ($38 each) in Magic Hour and Faded Clementine. These come in 6-pan mirrored compacts with a mix of mattes and shimmers. The pigment in each palette is beautiful. The mattes have a velvety powder finish that are easy to blend. Shimmers have a pretty multi-dimensional finish that is smooth and soft.

Magic Hour has a mix of softer pinks, tans, shimmery pearls and pink-gold tones. This one is my favorite of the two.

Faded Clementine looks like a sunset. It has a mix of tangerine, plum, berry and peach. It looks intense but is surprisingly wearable even for my neutral-loving self. It does take some layering and blending, but it is pretty!

Swatches below:

Eye Makeup Basics

I tried three of the EM Cosmetics eye basics. These are no-fuss easy to use staples. The Pick Me Up Volume + Length Mascara ($24) is a lengthening mascara in a tubing formula (takes a few uses to get it going). I loved that it did not smudge on me and adds serious length, but it does not always hold the curl.

The Flexibrow Clear Brow Gel ($20) is a nice clear brow gel to hold the brows in place.

The Illustrative Liquid Eyeliner ($32) comes in two shades, Black and Brown. I tried the Brush tip version and LOVE it (I actually prefer this format in general). It has a glossy finish that dries quickly and is completely smudge-proof. I highly recommend it.

You can also find all three in one of their Holiday Cozy Essentials Set ($50) which comes at a value price in a cute pink bag.

Cheeks

For cheeks there are two shades of Heaven’s Glow Radiant Veil Blush ($34). This is a powder formula with a soft luminous glow. Magic Hour is a soft rose and Faded Clementine is a tangerine. I think both are easy to wear with good lasting power.

The Color Drops Serum Blush ($25) is a liquid serum formula with a sheer dewy finish. Venetian Rose is a mauve rose that is easy to blend and layer. Lasting power is pretty good for a liquid product. It comes with a dropper applicator and gives a glowy dewy look. (I’m ordering Pink Nectar today!).

Foundation

The Daydream Cushion Foundation ($48) is one of the best cushions I’ve tried. It has SPF50 and is available in six shades. I am in between shades of Sweet Secret and Summer Hue – if I mix them I get my exact match. I love this formula because it’s not overly dewy or too luminous. It has perfect flawless natural coverage that melts into the skin. Lasting power is really good when set with a powder. It covers uneven areas without looking cakey or heavy. This is a solid A+ formula-wise. I hope they expand the color range!

Lip Gloss

The lip products are the stand outs for me. They have a nice everyday kind of clear gloss called Morning Dew Crystal Lip Gloss. For color the True Gloss formula ($20 each) is a unique almost whipped kind of cushiony gloss with a plumping effect. Color has a watercolor wash effect on the lips.

Lip Cushion

I’ve saved the best for last because I am COMPLETELY obsessed with the Lip Cushion Tinted Lip Luminizers ($22) and Soft Blur Velvet Lip Liners ($19). It’s rare that I will say anything is a MUST try because of dupes or similar options, but I think both of these are musts.

Every single color of Lip Cushion is beautiful and wearable. They’re luminous, hydrating and give the lips a lush look. Magic Hour is my favorite for that perfect peachy pink. Lasting power isn’t going to be long because it’s a glossy kind of product, but it’s one I don’t mind reapplying.

Venetian Rose is a soft mauve, Angele is a bright flattering pink, Mystic is a pretty plum, Faded Clementine is an orange but a wearable orange. They are all creams (as in no shimmer). Below also wearing:

Foundation – EM Cosmetics Daydream Cushion in Sweet Secret + Summer Hue mixed
Powder – Laura Mercier Translucent Loose in Honey
Blush – EM Cosmetics Heaven’s Glow Blush in Magic Hour
Eyeshadow – EM Cosmetics Divine Skies in Magic Hour
Eyeliner – EM Cosmetics Brush Tip Eyeliner in Black
Tee – Reformation

Faded Clementine Blush + Lip Cushion below

Lip Liner

Finally we have a look at the Soft Blur Velvet Lip Liner ($19) which is the best lip liner formula I’ve ever tried. It’s opaque but glides onto the lips flawlessly – there is absolutely no feathering or tugging and I think every single color is wearable.

That wraps up my EM Cosmetics overview! I hope you found this helpful. They have some good bundles available at some discounted prices if you’re shopping multiple items.

You can find everything online available at EM Cosmetics. Have you tried anything from the line? What did you think?

Most EM Cosmetics products featured provided for review. Venetian Rose Lip Cushion and Summer Hue Daydream Cushion purchased by me.

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