All Posts By

Sabrina

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Beauty Favorites to Kick Off Summer

June 22, 2020

Summer Beauty Essentials | The Beauty Look Book

above: summer hat / sunnies / lace-up strappy sandals

It’s officially summer so to celebrate I’m rounding up some of my summer beauty favorites to kick off the season! I’ve been putting quite a few new makeup launches to the test for eyes, lips and cheeks. Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share my top picks for bronzers, peachy lips and shimmery eyeshadows.

NARS Laguna + Laguna Matte

NARS Laguna Bronzer and Laguna Matte | The Beauty Look Book

So many of you have asked for bronzer recommendations! I have several tried-and-true favorites but always like playing with the new launches. NARS Laguna Bronzer has been a go-to for years. This year they launched an extensive collection with shimmers and also added a Matte Version. I prefer shimmer in my bronzer for a bit of glow but the NARS Laguna Matte is a really nice true brown/bronze alternative for those who need something without any shine.

Below wearing the classic NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna, Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card, Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shade in Lion + Giraffe. Brush is the Laura Mercier Blending Brush (but I also love their bronzing brush for a larger fluffy option).

NARS Laguna Bronzer + Bobbi Brown Crushed-Oil Infused Wild Card

MAC Bronzing Collection Picks

MAC Summer Bronzing Beiging Beauty, Totally Taupeless and Bronzelite

Although I love shimmery bronzers I just hauled the new MAC Radiant Matte Bronzing Powders in Beiging Beauty and Totally Taupeless and think I’ve found my new holy grail mattes. They have a very tiny bit of radiance in the powder but apply on the skin like a matte. The formula is creamy powder with a natural super smooth buildable finish. Beiging Beauty is the lighter slightly warmer option while Totally Taupeless is a deeper neutral-cool toned bronze.

Wearing MAC Beiging Beauty below and Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Color in Veridique

MAC Radiant Matte Bronzing Powder Beiging Beauty and Tom Ford Ultra Shine Veridique

A number of you had the new MAC Strobe Body Lotion in Bronzelite on your radar and when it finally popped up online at Nordstrom I ordered it immediately! I find it challenging to find a good smooth body shimmer that isn’t too glittery. The MAC Strobe Body Lotion has an ultra fine glow so it leaves your skin looking skin is radiant versus looking like a disco ball. It has a soft light peachy glow with a hint of bronze pearl. It’s a lotion so it is hydrating but lightweight and also has the signature strobe cream scent.

MAC Strobe Body Lotion Summer Bronzelite

Peachy Lips

Best Peach + Coral Lip Colors for Summer

I love a good peachy lip of any undertone, intensity and finish. There are so many variations for light peach, coral, shimmer, cream, sheer, gel etc. I pulled quite a few to swatch and compare for you. Everyone seems to have a different color in mind when they think of a peachy color!

Best Peach Lip Colors Swatches Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, Chanel

Ones I love along with a few new ones:

Below wearing Armani Ecstasy Mirror Gloss in 101 Beyond (pulls peachy pink on my complexion) with MAC Radiant Matte Bronzer in Totally Taupeless

Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Gloss in 101 Beyond

Below wearing Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card – I find it still has a lot of color even though it’s a sheer tint!

NARS Laguna Bronzer + Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Wild Card + Celine 50mm sunglasses

Bronze-Gold Luminescent Eye

Best Bronze and Copper Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass and Chantecaille

Last but not least, a bronzey shimmery eye for summer is an absolute must-have for me. I love layering and mixing coppers and bronze shades over regular powder eyeshadows for added depth and glow. Sometimes I can just use one of these all over the lid and then add a liner + mascara for an easy everyday look. My favorites include:

  • Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Copper for a nice all over wash of warmth + shimmer, once it sets and dries it does not budge
  • Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows are my most-worn eyeshadows as toppers! I sometimes mix colors together or layer them with other powders, Foil is a metallic gold, Burnish is a pretty bronze, Ray is a sparkling taupe bronze
  • Chantecaille Luminescent Eye Shades are some of the prettiest eye shimmers I’ve tried! I like applying these with a finger to pat and blend, Lion is a pretty golden shade and Giraffe is a deeper bronze shimmer (I want to order all of them!)

Best Bronze Copper Eyeshadows Laura Mercier, Hourglass and Chantecaille

Summer Beauty Essentials

That wraps up my beauty favorites to kick off summer! I hope you found some inspiration for new beauty launches to try or add to your routine. Do you have any favorite bronzers, shimmery eyeshadows or peachy lips?

You can find all of my picks available at Nordstrom. Don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase page if you’re shopping online!

Shop my summer beauty favorites:

 

Summer sandals, favorite sun hat + sunnies below:

 

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

 

Home / Interiors

10 Things I’m Loving for the Home

June 18, 2020

Home Bookcase Shelf West Elm Diptyque Photophore

So many of you liked the my last home decor post I decided to do another one! I’m rounding up 10 things I’m loving for the home including a few favorite home accents, my favorite hand washes and a few countertop organizers to help keep things more tidy.

We’ve been loving nice hydrating hand washes for the home as we’ve been washing our hands more frequently! Molton Brown sent over a cute care package with their Delicious Rhubarb and Roses Liquid Hand Wash (1) and Hand Lotion (2) and I love how fresh and floral it smells! You can also find these in a Duo Set (nice for gifting) and also Travel Sized Minis (love that these come with pumps too).

Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb Hand Wash and Lotion

Another long-time favorite is the Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash (3) for a nice cleansing gel that won’t strip the skin. It’s invigorating and is easy to rinse. We love the rinse-free version too, but my favorite is the one you can wash off.

Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash

For the bathroom I’ve been trying to find some countertop solutions for my hair dryer/brush. I decided to try the Haircare Holder (4) from West Elm which is made by Yamazaki Home. It’s small and compact so it won’t take up a lot of counter space. It’s made with a powder-coated steel. (Also available in black). It works for the hair dryers I alternate between which include the Dyson Supersonic (reviewed here) and the Harry Josh Ultra Light (review here). The stand itself fairly small and compact so if you own a larger hair dryer it probably won’t work for your needs. So far it’s held up really nicely over the past few months since I bought it.

Yamazaki White Hair Care Holder

Also below shown with the Harry Josh Ultralight dryer in the larger opening. You can also put curling irons or flat irons inside. There is an attachment that comes with this for you to hang on the cabinet door/under the sink if you want to store it a different way.

Yamazaki White Hair Care Holder

I’ve also been loving these Wood Handled Bathroom Caddies (5 and 6). You may have seen these several times on the blog or on my Instagram as I use them to store sheet masks. I ordered these from West Elm in the Small (base is 5″ wide, 3.25″ tall, 5″ deep) and the Large (base is 10.25″ wide, 3.25″ tall, 5″ deep). These are the same material and brand as the Hair Dryer holder – made a powder coated steel. They are on the small side so they won’t hold larger items but to keep smaller things in place they’re perfect!

Wood Handle Bath Caddy West Elm

Below the small vs large:

Wood Handle Bath Caddy Small vs Large

As a huge Diptyque fan I’m obsessed with their Photophores in all the sizes! I have both small and large sizes (7 and 8). The ones I own have an opening at the top so you can burn the candle inside it. However sometimes the flames get too high/strong so I mainly use the glass ones for decorative purposes these days. The Large Glass twist version is an older style which you might still be able to find in boutiques, but for now they the Full Twist with a black stripe. The Coast Glass is still available in the small and large options. They come out with sets and new variations during the holiday season so if you don’t see one you 100% love, I would recommend waiting until later in the year for the limited-edition launches.

Below small coast vs. full sized twist:

Diptyque Photophore Glass

I’ve been looking for some candle covers to keep some opened ones dust-free. I ordered a few Glass Cloches (9) from Crate and Barrel which is on the small side. It will fit a standard size Diptyque candle inside but for anything larger it’s a snug fit. Target has a similar style that’s slightly larger but I have not seen/tried it. I do like the look and feel of the ones I ordered though!

Crate and Barrel Glass Cloche Candle Cover

Last but not least are the Mini Countertop Trash Cans (10) from simplehuman. These are small at 1.5 liters but perfect for things like counter tops, small spaces or even an at-home coffee bar area for sugar packets/stirrers etc. I ordered mine from simplehuman online but you can find these at a number of places like Target, Amazon, etc.

Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Pro and Mini Trash Can

Below is the small white one we have in our kitchen next to our coffee machines.

Home Kitchen Nespresso Vertuo Next and Keurig K-Mini

 

What are you loving for the home these days? Any organization favorites or boxes you love? I would love to hear how you store your hair appliances whether it’s in the drawer, on counter or some other storage solution! I’m always looking for ideas and inspiration.

Molton Brown hand wash + lotion provided for review. Other items purchased.

Highlighters Lips

Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Collection – Summer 2020

June 15, 2020

Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Summer 2020

I’m so excited to share a look at the Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Collection for Summer 2020. The limited-edition highlighters were created to support WildAid to help protect endangered species. You can read more about their journey and partnership on their Saving The Ocean’s Gentle Giants story.

There are two color options for the Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duos ($84 each) and four shades of their Lip Tint Hydrating Balms ($34 each). The Chantecaille team was kind enough to send the whole collection for review so I have swatches for you today.

Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duos

Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Radiance Chic Blush Highlighter Duo

The Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duos each have a smooth almost cream to powder highlighter and a soft satiny blush. The texture has a similar to feel to Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duos where they are smooth hydrating powders that have a unique finish. Both have a beautiful wave pattern embossed on the surface.

Chantecaille Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duos

Chantecaille Coral Radiance is the brighter/peachy version with a smooth metallic peachy champagne highlight and a coral blush. On the nails is OPI Lisbon Wants Moor Opi.

 Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo Coral Radiance

_____

Rose Radiance has a lighter yellow/white gold highlight and a soft light rose pink blush.

 Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo Rose Radiance

You can wear these layered on top of each other or swirl a brush and mix the shades together. Pigment is medium and soft but buildable and easy to blend. They adhere to the skin and feel weightless once blended. I want to say that Coral Radiance has a similar vibe to Tom Ford’s Paradise Lust but I’ve searched my stash and can’t find it to compare.

Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Radiance Chic Blush Highlighter Duo swatches

Right now I’m medium-tan and both show up well on my skin tone. I think even as I get darker with the summer sun both will still be visible on my cheeks. Lasting power is pretty good. They stayed put all day without fading or sliding around as they have a powder finish. I’m partial to the coral shade although the pink one is lovely too.

Lip Tint Hydrating Balms

Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm Summer 2020

Beauty Look Book readers know I’m a sucker for a good tinted balm, especially in the summer. I think this is the first time I’ve tried a tinted balm from Chantecaille (I used to own a number of their Lip Chics and Lipsticks but haven’t tried the balms). These are lovely! They are on the tiny side and expensive for the amount of product similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Superstar Lips (reviewed here). The Chantecaille Lip Tints are sheer but bright in color so there is a nice wash of pigment on the lips. Even the lightest one still showed up on me!

These are nicely hydrating, smooth and creamy. They have a hint of shimmer in them and come in four pretty shades perfect for the upcoming season. Left to right: Beach Rose, Calendula, Madeira and Verbena.

Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm Summer 2020

Beach Rose is a light soft petal pink, Calendula is a bright but sheer orange, Madeira is a soft rose-red and Verbena is a soft plum with shimmer.

Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm swatches

All four lips and both cheek duos worn below. Other makeup details:

Look 1: Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm in Beach Rose + Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo in Rose Radiance

Chantecaille Rose Radiance + Beach Rose

_________

Look 2: Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm in Verbena + Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo in Rose Radiance

Chantecaille Rose Radiance + Verbena Balm

_________

Look 3: Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm in x Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo in Coral Radiance

Chantecaille Coral Radiance + Madeira Lip Tint

_________

Look 4: Chantecaille Lip Tint Hydrating Balm in x Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo in Coral Radiance

Chantecaille Coral Radiance + Calendula Lip Tint

_________

Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Summer 2020

Overall a beautiful launch to with some easy to wear colors for a soft wash of color. I like the effortless vibe it gives and think the lip balms are perfect to brighten the face. You can find the Chantecaille Vibrant Oceans Collection available now at Chantecaille. I’ve seen some products start to pop up online at Blue Mercury, OliveLA and Space NK US.

Do you have any Chantecaille favorites? What are some of the things you’ve tried and what did you think?

 

Chantecaille summer collection provided for review. Other items featured purchased by me.

 

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

Beauty Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

June 11, 2020

Summer Beauty Favorites Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Chanel and Fresh Beauty

I’m back with a loving right now favorites post! I hope you are all well and safe – I’ve been taking some time offline. Many thanks to those who have e-mailed me to check in – we are well! Experiencing some serious heat, humidity and storms but well and safe. Our two fur babies send you some snuggles and hugs from our home! Several of you have asked for an updated spring-to-summer favorites list so I’ve put together a list of beauty favorites I’m loving right now for you today.

Hand Care

Best Hand Creams L'occitane, Augustinus Bader, Chanel

Augustinus Bader recently launched The Hand Treatment ($50 for 50 ml) and of course I had to try it! I ordered it online and it shipped relatively fast. It doesn’t have any fragrance but has a sterile kind of smell to it. I found it smoothing and nourishing. It has a semi-thick feel and almost has a velvety dry down. The first few times I used it I felt it was too thick for me – but I was using too much. A little goes a long way. Since I’m indoors most of the time now it’s perfect, especially since my skin gets dried out from constant air conditioning.

They also have a Hand Sanitizer (50 ml) with 68% alcohol that is available online where they only charge shipping (one per household, while supplies last). I ordered mine a few weeks ago but it still has not shipped but if it’s still in stock by the time I receive it I will definitely review!

Chanel La Creme Main and La Creme Main Texture Riche are still my favorites for the formula, packaging and drydown. If you need something more hydrating L’Occitane remains one of the best tried-and-true lines for me. I love their limited editions, in particular the Ultra Light Hand Creme in Violet (also available in this cute set on sale). I find the L’Occitane prices more budget-friendly too.

Lip Care

Favorite Lip Balms By Terry, Fresh and NARS

These days I’m all about balms, especially since we are at home most of the time. The lock down has been lifted in phases and things have slowly started to open up but it varies by area. I feel like all I’ve been wearing for months now is lip balm or gloss balms! The creme de la creme of balms is the By Terry Baume de Rose. They have a cute limited-edition packaging option this year for summer. It’s thick, lush, hydrating and while extremely expensive will last a long time. The next best more affordable alternative I’ve found is the Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream. I’m also love the Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Balm (I keep this on my night stand) and the flavored Coconut Sugar Hydrating Balm is another delicious favorite.

For a tinted balm I’ve been reaching for the NARS Afterglow Tinted Lip Balms the most (still). Review + swatches here. My most-worn colors are Torrid, Dolce Vita and Fast Lane but they’re all really nice.

111Skin

111Skin Rosegold Skincare Sheet Masks

For some more self-care indulgence I’ve been loving 111Skin. The Rosegold Line has been in heavy rotation. I started using the Rose Gold Set which includes the Rose Gold Radiance Booster and Sheet Masks last Christmas and love them for adding a beautiful glow. The Radiance Booster Serum has a super fine rose gold shimmer to it which I think is so beautiful. It’s not like a highlighter so it’s definitely something I feel like I can wear or mix in with moisturizer on a daily basis. I love the Eye Masks as well. You can find these at a wide range of retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Space NK etc. If you order on the 111Skin website they offer the masks in singles (versus the packs).

Fragrance

Favorite Citrus Perfumes Jo Malone Yuja, Basil Neroli, Chanel Paris-Biarritz

The humid hot weather is here which means I feel like I can wear my summery citrus scents more! I was able to track down some GWPs with mini samples of the Jo Malone Blossoms Collection and the one I fell in love with is Yuja. It’s a citrus orange with some sage and amber. To me it’s like a sweeter less sharp version of the Lime Basil and Mandarin. I ordered the travel size and am obsessed. I may order the larger one too since it’s limited-edition.

Other Jo Malone favorites are the Basil and Neroli (sweet floral citrus) and Wood Sage and Sea Salt (woody unisex). I started ordering some things from the Jo Malone website as they have really good gift with purchase options. Nordstrom also has good ones as well (they have the minis of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt + Poppy Barley right now). I rediscovered their Body and Hand Wash and have stocked up on several scents. They last really long on my skin!

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz has been a favorite for a very long time now. It’s one of the best fresh citrus + lily scents I’ve tried. I love that it also comes in a travel mini size. The Shower Gel is a super luxurious splurge that’s on my repurchase wish list.

Favorite Citrus Perfumes Jo Malone Yuja, Basil Neroli, Chanel Paris-Biarritz

Glow Makeup

Glow Makeup Favorites Tom Ford Foundation and By Terry CC Sunny Flash

Three glow makeup loves I’ve had include are for that natural glow. I’ve rediscovered the Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural 6.0 and really love how naturally radiant it looks on the skin. It’s marked down at 30% off at Nordstrom which makes me a bit worried it’s going to be phased out. It’s a gel-serum formula with medium natural looking coverage that adds some natural glow to the skin.

To add warmth and shimmer to the complexion I’ve been using the By Terry Brightening CC Serum in Sunny Flash almost like a bronzer (or I’ll mix it in with foundation).

For eyeshadow my absolute favorites this season are the By Terry Ombre Blackstar shades in Immaculate Light, Rose Elixir and Sunny Flash. I’ve ordered a backup set which I rarely do anymore but I think these colors are perfect! Swatches of all three here.

Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Suncreen and Glow Screen

slides from APL, sunnies Ray-Ban

So many of you have asked for an updated sunscreen roundup since the one I did a few years ago. Several of my usual go-to’s have been reformulated so I started trying new formulas. Unfortunately it seems that I’ve developed more sensitivities to various formulas and I’ve had so many allergic reactions I’m scared to try anything new. Right now my favorite sunscreen brand is still Supergoop! – I’m really happy to report most of their new and improved formulas still work for me.

For the face I rely on their Unseen Sunscreen with SPF40 or their Glow Screen with SPF40. For the body I like their Glow Oil because it works well in humid weather for me.

Bronzer

Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Bronzers

Last but not least a bronzer update. I still really do love the Chanel Les Beiges 2020 collection that launched earlier in the spring. Many of you have asked,”which formula is better: the Chanel bronzers or new Charlotte Tilbury bronzers?” I always love a little bit of glow so for me Chanel wins hands down. After months of wear time, the Les Beiges Soleil Tan Bronze cream bronzer has not irritated my skin even though it has coconut oil and many of you were concerned about this. Your mileage may vary though depending on your skin type. For those who missed out, it has restocked several times online at Chanel.com. I don’t have any info on when/if it will launch at Nordstrom, Neimans, etc. – it has in past years, but given the current climate with COVID-19, I’m not sure if it will.

June Beauty Favorites NARS, Jo Malone, by Terry, Chanel

That wraps up my beauty favorites that I’m loving right now. I’ve kept things minimal but still have been enjoying things that spark joy. As we transition to warmer weather I’ve been changing my skincare so I’ll have an updated skincare routine soon. There are some more summer launches I’m excited to share including Chantecaille summer and new Westman Atelier. I have some more fun roundups in the works which I think you’ll love.

Sending you my best wishes for health, safety and calm during this time. If you have any beauty favorites you’ve been loving now whether it’s a new discovery or tried and true favorite, let me know in the comments!

 

______________

 

I’m doing a giveaway including some of my favorite things.

  • Running from June 11th to June 14th, 2020 11:59 PM EST.
  • Due to shipping restrictions this is for US Only, 18 years or older.
  • Simply complete at least 1 of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete, the more entries you will receive.
  • ONE person will be selected via the widget below to win: (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Sheet Mask, (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Eye Mask, The Daily Edited Flat Pouch (almond), Chanel La Creme Main Texture Riche, Fresh Sugar Lip Balm (mini), MAC Lipstick in Mocha, MAC Mini Strobe Cream, Pat McGrath MTHRSHP Golden Opulence Palette.
  • Winner will be selected and e-mailed within 72 hours after giveaway ends. They must respond within 72 hours or another person will be selected in their place.
  • Prizes usually ship within a week.
  • Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Press samples featured include the By Terry CC Serum, By Terry Ombre Blackstar, Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream, Supergoop! Sunscreens and NARS Afterglow Lip.

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury

New Charlotte Tilbury: Airbrush Bronzer, Air-Brush and Desert Haze Quad

May 28, 2020

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, Air-Brush + Desert Haze | The Beauty Look Book

I’m back with a new Charlotte Tilbury haul post featuring the new Bronzer, Retractable Brush and Eyeshadow Quad. I ordered everything online from Charlotte Tilbury as they had an early product launch. The products are now starting to appear on other retail sites like Nordstrom, Sephora and Beautylish. I also have a swatch lineup of a couple other products by popular request as some colors have now appeared at Sephora, Nordstrom, etc.

________

Airbrush Bronzer

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Fair and Medium | The Beauty Look Book

There are four shades of Airbrush Bronzer in Fair, Medium, Tan and Deep. These are large refillable matte bronzing powders (pans are magnetic and there’s a hole on the bottom to pop out the pan). Online they have shade recommendations based on your Charlotte Tilbury foundation match. I am a match to the Airbrush Foundation in 7N and 7.5N (when I’m not as tan, reviewed here) so the best bronzer shade for me according to Charlotte Tilbury is Medium. I also ordered Fair out of curiosity also because often times “fair” isn’t always truly light in color, but rather just a light tan.

Formula-wise these are easy to blend and very smooth. There’s no patchy texture and it is easy to layer for a truly natural blurred bronzed look or soft contour. Lasting power is good – it stayed put without oxidizing or looking muddy.

Fair 1 Airbrush Bronzer

The Fair 1 Airbrush Bronzer is a close match to the Medium 2 Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder. On my skin the Fair Bronzer looks like powder. I was hoping because of the size that it would be a good alternate for the Pressed Powder since I hit pan frequently on the setting powder (it’s one of my holy grails!). I tried it as both a bronzer and setting powder since the ingredient lineup is pretty similar. The formulas are very similar in the fact that they blend well. The pressed powder is a little heavier in coverage on my skin while the bronzer seems a tad bit more lightweight. Color-wise the Fair 1 Airbrush Bronzer has a bit more cool tones with more olive so on my skin it looks a little more olive/greenish when applied all over the face. It works as a setting powder, but I prefer the regular pressed powder for all over.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder vs Bronzer

Wearing below:

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer Fair 1 | The Beauty Look Book

 

Medium 2 Airbrush Bronzer

The Medium 2 Airbrush Bronzer is a truly natural looking soft matte bronze. Normally I think I might be able to go one shade darker but there seems to be a huge jump in between colors so the next shade up will most likely be too dark for me.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Medium | The Beauty Look Book

Same beauty breakdown as above except with Airbrush Bronzer in Medium and Lip color combo is Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Medium 2 + Collagen Lip Bath in Pillow Talk on top.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Medium | The Beauty Look Book

Swatches next to the Filmstar Bronze and Glow Palettes in Fair-Medium and Medium-Dark.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer Fair Medium vs Filmstar Bronze and Glow swatches

Also swatched next to a couple Fenty Sun Stalk’r Bronzers and Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Terra.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Bronzer Fair Medium vs Fenty and Tom Ford

________

Air-Brush Retractable Bronzing Brush

Charlotte Tilbury Air-Brush Retractable Bronzing Brush Review

The Air-Brush Retractable Bronzing Brush is a super soft plush white fluffy brush for the bronzer. It’s well made and I think it’s perfect for packing in your makeup bag since it has a cap. I do worry it might be a bit tricky to wash but I really like it and think it’s worth the splurge.

________

Desert Haze Luxury Palette Matte Eyeshadow Quad

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Quad in Desert Haze

The Desert Haze Luxury Palette Matte Eyeshadow Quad is yet another warm eyeshadow palette from Charlotte Tilbury. It has all matte shades with a beige cream, matte orange brown, deeper warm matte brown and terracotta. Pigment on this one is amazing and when applying it from light to dark I thought it was for sure going to be too orangey. The deepest shade however pulls it all together for a more complete warm smokey sunset eye look and I really like it! Pigment is really smooth and easy to blend with a rich finish.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Quad in Desert Haze makeup look

If you can’t do warms but want a good matte neutral palette I think Tom Ford Mink Mirage is the best one available right now.

Swatches below next to Charlotte Tilbury’s The Sophisticate and Transformeyes (currently discontinued, but it has made a comeback a few times, hoping it might return someday)

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Quads in The Sophisticate, Desert Haze and Transformeyes

________

Collagen Lip Bath

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath

The Collagen Lip Bath is one of my favorite lip plumpers that doesn’t have an intense tingle. I wanted to swatch all of them side by side for you since all the colors are now available at Sephora and Nordstrom! (Pillow Talk was previously exclusive to Charlotte Tilbury.) Also added a couple other neutrals from the Lip Lustre formula lineup which I also love.

Left to right: Collagen Lip Bath Refresh Rose, Peachy Plump, Rosy Glow, Pillow Talk and Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk and Sweet Stiletto

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath swatches

________

Beauty Light Wands

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Last but not least is another look at the Beauty Light Wands as the two Pillow Talk Light and Pillow Talk Medium colors have finally arrived at Sephora. I don’t think I’ve done makeup looks with all of them on the blog, but you can see Spotlight on the face here. Pinkgasm on the face here.

________

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, Air-Brush + Desert Haze | The Beauty Look Book

That wraps up my Charlotte Tilbury bronzer haul! Hope you found this helpful. I really like the things I ordered. The bronzing powders are smooth and easy to blend for a natural look. I don’t know that Fair will show up as a bronzer even on truly light/fair skin tones as it looks pretty light to me. If you are fair and tried it let me know what it looks like on you! Medium works for a natural bronzer on me right now. As the summer progresses I know I will get more color from the sun so I’m not sure if it will still show up in a month’s time. As much as I don’t like warm or matte eyeshadows I was surprised to find I really love the look and finish of Desert Haze quad. It’s one I think I’ll reach for a lot this summer!

You can find all of the new beauty launches now online at Charlotte Tilbury. Some retailers like Nordstrom, Sephora and Beautylish have the bronzers. I haven’t seen the quad pop up anywhere else yet but I suspect it will launch at other retailers eventually.

 

Accessories in the post: Beach Towel Tory Burch / Sunglasses Tom Ford / Clear Zip Pouch The Daily Edited (similar here) / Nail Polish OPI Samoan Sand on Tips and Chanel Coralium on Toes

Have you tried the new Charlotte Tilbury launches yet? What did you think?

 

Roundup Sales

Memorial Day Sales 2020

May 22, 2020

Warm Weather Favorites By Terry Tea to Tan, IGK Jet Lag, Rayban

Rounding up all of the Memorial Day Sales happening now for beauty! Included a few others for home and fashion. If you have any others to add let me know in the comments!

BEAUTY SALES

Antica Farmacista – Save 20% off sitewide through Monday with code MEMORIALDAY

Beautylish – Spring into Summer Event, save up to 50% off bundles

Becca Cosmetics – 30% off Sunlit Bronzer and 5 deluxe samples with purchases of $75+

Bite Beauty – 4-piece set on every $40+ order including: mini Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask in Agave, mini Outburst Longwear Lip Stain in Orange Fizz, Kiss Printed Makeup Pouch & Round Mirror, use code: SUMMERNOW ends 5/25

Bloomingdale’s – Memorial Day savings 30-50% off select items, extra 50% off marked items

By Terry – 20% off sitewide with code GLOW20, through the weekend

Clarins – Save up to 30% off select products, choose 5 travel sizes with any $100+ order, use code MDW20

Charlotte Tilbury – Save up to 22% off Magical Savings bundles

CoverFX – Use code SUNNY for 20% off all orders, plus a free gift on orders of $65+

Dermstore – 20% off sale on participating brands with code SUMMER, ends May 27

Drybar – 20% off select tools online and select shops

EM Cosmetics

  • Spend $50 get 10% off with code HAPPY10
  • Spend $75 get 15% off with code HAPPY15
  • Spend $100 get 20% off with code HAPPY20

Farmacy Beauty – 25% off + free tote with orders $100+ with code SUMMER25

IGK Hair – 20% Off sitewide with code MAY20, ends 5/31

It Cosmetics – 25% off sitewide + free shipping, no code needed

Kate Somerville – Free full size ExfoliKate Cleanser with purchases $65+ this weekend with code EXFMAY

Kiehl’s – 15% off any sunscreen and SPF product with code SUN, ends 5/27

Kerastase – Spend more get more minis with $85 – $125 spend, use code MEM20

Lancome – 25% off sitewide, no exclusions

Molton Brown – 20% off online through 5/25, no promo required

Pat McGrath Labs – Save up to 40% off eye and lip spring products, prices as marked

Peace Out Skincare – Save 15% off sitewide with code MDAY15

REN Skincare – Weekend savings:

  • Save $10 off orders $50+ with code SAVE10
  • Save $15 off orders $70+ with code SAVE15
  • Save $25 off orders $100+ with code SAVE25

Sephora – Save up to 50% off for Memorial Day, prices marked down

Sisley Paris US – 20% off sitewide, no code needed

Smashbox – Take up to $50 off purchases

  • Spend $50 get $10 off
  • Spend $75 get $15 off
  • Spend $100 get $25 off
  • Spend $150 get $50 off

Soko Glam – Glow Savings

  • 15% off orders $50+ with code GLOW50
  • 20% off orders $85+ with code GLOW85

Tatcha – Mini Silk Canvas with orders $100+ use code SILK20

Tarte – $25 summer steals (includes palettes, shape tape and more), runs 5/22 through 5/24

T3 Micro – Spend more save more event

  • Spend $150 get $25 off with code SAVE25
  • Spend $250 get $50 off with code SAVE50
  • Spend $400 get $100 off with code SAVE100

Peace Out Skincare – 15% off with code MDAY15

Violet Grey – Summer savings at checkout

  • $15 off $100
  • $50 off $250
  • $100 off $500
  • $250 off $1,000+

HOME DECOR

CB2 – Save up to 40% off all things outdoor, added daily weekend deals change daily throughout the weekend

Crate and Barrel – Up to 40% off sitewide, exclusions apply

Pottery Barn – Buy more, save more 10% off $100 or more, 15% off $250 or more, 20% off $500 or more, 25% off $1,500 or more with code SAVEMORE

Serena and Lily – 20% off sale with code LIVEWELL

West Elm – Buy more, save more 10% off $100 or more, 15% off $250 or more, 20% off $500 or more, 25% off $1,500 or more with code SAVEMORE

Williams-Sonoma – Special limited-time savings throughout Memorial Day

FASHION / FITNESS

Alo Yoga – Save up to 50% off OMG sale items

Ann Taylor – 60% off with code SUMMER

Banana Republic – Save up to 75% off everything including new arrivals

Club Monaco – Save 25% off purchases with code LONGWEEKEND

Coach – Select styles up to 50% off

Current Elliott – Extra 60% off sale styles, prices taken at checkout

Equipment – Extra 60% off sale styles, prices taken at checkout

Frame – Save an extra 30% off sale items

Jcrew – Up to 60% off purchase with code HISUMMER

Joie – Extra 60% off sale styles, prices taken at checkout

Nike – All sale items up to 40% off

Paige – 30% off all white styles with code WHITEOUT30

Ray-ban – 20% off selected eye wear, 30% off online exclusives with code FLASHSALE

Revolve – Take an extra 20% off sale items

Sam Edelman – Start of summer sale with an extra 30% off with code MEMORIAL30

Splendid – 40% off almost everything with code THISISBIG

Stuart Weitzman – Take 40% off warm-weather styles with code NEWWEDGES

Tory Burch – 25% off select styles with code TOGETHER

 

Beauty Favorites Home / Interiors

Best Decorative Trays for Your Vanity + Beauty Products

May 21, 2020

Best Spring to Summer Perfumes 2019 | The Beauty Look Book

Today I’m rounding up all of the best decorative trays for your vanity! I’m always on the hunt for better ways to organize, display and store my beauty products. I love trays of all shapes and sizes because it helps me keep things in place and makes things look less cluttered! So many of you have asked questions about where I get all of my trays so today’s post is a comprehensive roundup.

Many of you have also asked for an updated makeup storage/organization post. You want to know how I store everything from the best acrylic organizers, boxes, shelving, drawers etc. I haven’t done one since we were in San Diego in my Home Loft Tour (3 years ago!). We’ve done a lot of moving around over the last few years since we’ve moved to Florida. I feel we have been in a long transition phase as we took our time to explore the different areas of Tampa Bay. We’ve finally found an area we truly love that feels like home to us now. I will be putting together my full beauty organization setup in a separate post. Today’s roundup focuses on all my vanity trays.

_________________

Restoration Hardware Bath Tray

Measures 12″W x 7½”D x 1¼”H

Restoration Hardware Marble Bath Tray

I’ve loved and used my Restoration Hardware trays for years! It’s held up really well over many years and moves and it’s such a classic piece. The one you see in most of my photos is their White Italian Carrara Marble Bath Tray and it’s a single solid piece of marble with the center interior carved out. It looks like the rectangular ones I own have been discontinued from their website although some of their other Bath Accessories are still available. I’m trying to find a high quality dupe but haven’t found one yet.

_________________

Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Rectangle Tray

Measures 14″W x 8.5″D x 1″H

Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Tray

I ordered this Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Tray because of the rave reviews and the $39.95 price seemed like a steal! I think for the price it’s a great buy. However it is not a single piece of solid marble. The base and four sides are bonded together with some kind of smooth white grout or epoxy which is visible where the pieces are connected. The cut isn’t 100% exact so some of the corners have more white grout/glue showing in between the corner lines than others. It’s not a deal breaker and overall it’s well made. Also this is not totally noticeable once you have product (or food) set on it.

Side by side of the Crate and Barrel (larger on the left) tray next to the Restoration Hardware Tray (smaller on the right). If you look closely at the photo, you can see the white grout showing in the corners on the top right and bottom right corners of the Crate and Barrel Tray – I do think each piece will be different though. Yours might not show any!

Marble Trays for Your Vanity

_________________

Goop Marble Petite Round Tray

Small measures 8″ in diameter, 1.5 inches high

Everyday Makeup Favorites

I love the small but still practical size of the Goop Marble Petite Round Tray ($50). I do not think it’s carrara marble as the veining and coloring isn’t quite as nice as other marble furniture pieces I own, but I think it’s really well made and I love the size. The Petite Size is currently in stock ($50 for 8 inches) and I just ordered the Grand Size ($80 for 12 inches, currently on waitlist). They’ve restocked multiple times since I first ordered mine. More views of it and full breakdown of the makeup in the photo listed in my Everyday Makeup Favorites post here.

_________________

West Elm Marble Cheese Board Round

Measures 14 inches in diameter (from my Best of Cle de Peau)

Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine Liquid Lipstick Sugar Jelly

Round Marble and Brass Cheese Board

I love West Elm! I stalk their site on a weekly basis. Their Marble and Brass Cheese Board Round ($49.50) is perfect for our kitchen to display a few candles and room sprays. I also borrow it for a prop on some of my beauty shoots from my Best of Cle de Peau, Charlotte Tilbury review and Hair Care Favorites to name a few. I really should just order a second one.

_________________

Marble and Brass Cheese Board – Rectangle

Measures 14″w x 10″d x 2″h

Marble Brass Tray for Beauty Vanity

Marble Brass Vanity Tray

I also love the rectangular Marble and Brass Cheese Board ($49.50). You’ve seen this in my bathroom, on my vanity, on my desk etc. It’s heavy and I love the quality. There are some other options that I think are super cute including the Cake Stand (could double as a stand for beauty products) or their Marble Brass Footed Board.

_________________

Acrylic Trays

CB2 Measures 14″W x 6.25″D x 2″H

Acrylic Tray CB2

I’ve gone through several acrylic trays over the years. I had some larger square options from West Elm and CB2 that I loved but got rid of over some past moves. Acrylic tends to scratch as you move product over the surface (even the sturdy durable options). Over time they wear down. I do like the CB2 Acrylic Tank Tray for my sunglasses and also for my desk. Note that this style does not have rubber feet (I added them on my own) so if you don’t want it sliding around I’d recommend adding them. They’re easy to find at a wide range of places. I ordered some from Amazon and really like them. The Container Store has some options for acrylic trays which are decent and functional, but in my experience not the best quality.

For those curious the sunglasses from top to bottom in the photo: Black round (Celine), Brown square (Tom Ford), Honey brown round (Ray-Ban), Beige round (Ray-Ban), Dark brown round (Ray-Ban), Pink small (Chanel, old style).

_________________

West Elm Mirrored Trays

Small Size Measures 15″ x 10″

Favorite Face Brushes and Tools

West Elm Mirrored Tray Small

I love the look of mirrored trays, especially with any brass or gold accents! However they’re high maintenance as they scratch easier than other surfaces and show every speck of dust or finger prints. Mirrored trays are easy to clean, I just find I have to clean and dust them frequently. This Fishs Eddy Gilded Cafe Mirror Tray – Brass from West Elm has held up for many years though. It’s the same one I’ve had since I lived in San Diego. There are a few scratches as it has been well loved. I have the small size but they have a larger option too.

_________________

Lacquered Trays

Medium Shown measures 7.2″w x 10″d x 1.1″h

Pink Color Tray West Elm

Most of my lacquered trays (gloss or matte finish) have been from West Elm. I’ve loved and used them from years! I’ve bought them long before I started blogging. As we’ve moved around I have switched and rotated them with other styles. This one is the Color Block in the Medium Size. I like that it’s on the compact side and easy to fit in small places/shelves. They also have other colors and sizes which I have but haven’t put to use yet. CB2 also makes nice options!

_________________

Marble Wine Coaster

Measures 4.75 in diameter and 1.75 high

Byredo Candle, Marble Wine Coaster, Diptyque Photophore

This Williams Sonoma Wine Coaster ($15.96 on sale) is the perfect size to hold a Byredo Candle or standard size Diptyque Candle. It’s also tall enough to store small things like my Slip Silk Scrunchies or rubber bands. Long matches from Tommy Bahama. Photophore from Diptyque (older style, but current versions here). Wick Trimmer from Diptyque.

_________________

Small Marble Brass Inlay Tray

Measures 9″w x 4.5″d x 1″h

Marble Brass Inlay Tray Small

If you want an extra small tray to keep things super tidy, I think the Small Brass Inlay Marble Tray ($40) from West Elm is really lovely. It’s quite small and only holds a few things but it well made, heavy and looks lovely on the night stand, shelf or desk!

Trays added to my Ikea Billy Bookcase shelf (option is with doors):

Beauty Lookbook Shelfie

A few extra tips on finding the perfect tray(s) for you:

  • Some trays do not come with anything on the base. You might want to buy a set of thin small felt pads if you have a surface that might get easily scratched. Adhesive bumpers/rubber feet are also another option if you want the tray to stay in place and prevent them from sliding around. I ordered a bunch from Amazon (also for furniture too). You can find these easily at Target or any home improvement store etc.
  • Look for products that aren’t labeled “tray.” Some other things will pop up on search that can double as display trays. For example on home good sites like West Elm or Crate and Barrel (etc.) type in the search bar words like dish, board, trivet, cake stand, coaster etc.
  • I tend to look for small to medium trays for beauty product storage as larger ones can get cluttered REALLY fast for me. If you’re organized it should not be an issue or problem at all though! I also have a console and shelves that are on the narrow side so finding a smaller tray has been ideal for me.
  • Sites like West Elm, CB2 and Crate and barrel often have sales on their sites. Lots are happening this weekend for Memorial Day. Target has some really nice affordable home decor options but the seasonal launches tend to sell out quickly.
  • If you stain your marble with watermarks or oil, it’s possible to remove by applying a baking soda + water mixture. Mix it into a paste and apply to the stained area. Leave on for 24 hours and then wipe away. For smaller stains that haven’t settled too long it should absorb any oil and remove them! This has worked for me when oil from skincare or water from a cup/jar has left a ring on my tray. Your mileage may vary depending on what the stain is made of, how big it is, how long it’s been there etc.

Beauty organization post to follow soon but leave all your questions in the comments below so I can add them to my list for FAQs! I hope you found this roundup helpful. I’m asked on a daily basis “where did you get your marble tray?” – the answer is usually that I have several! This post has them all in one place so now for reference.

Trays featured:

 

Other decorative accents/accessories featured:

 

Do you have any trays you love for your beauty products? Or do you tend to display them on a shelf, drawers or boxes? I’d love to hear how you organize your beauty stash!