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Sabrina

Haircare Sephora Skincare

Current Favorites for Skin, Body + Hair from Sephora

April 21, 2020

Best Skincare Sephora

By popular request I’m doing another updated roundup for my favorites in skin, body care and hair from Sephora! In putting together my list it I discovered that most of these are tried and true repeats. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to skincare although I love trying new things. I always try to scout out the minis or travel sets to try first. While there are quite a few brands I love that aren’t carried at Sephora (ie Oribe, Chanel, 111skin, etc). Most of what I love can be found at Sephora.

Quick recap on the spring Sephora April sale dates/details (use code SPRINGSAVE):

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

To help give some context on my routine and what I use I have normal/combination skin and in my late 30s. Since moving to Florida I’ve experienced a wider range of climate changes compared to what I experienced in California. The dry season is very dry and then there are humid days where outdoors feels like a wet blanket. And there’s everything n between.

Product rotation and routine changes depending on season and also time of the month as skin oil production changes with climate (ie humidity or lack of) + hormones. I also have different products for morning vs afternoon or evening. Morning routines are pretty much the same. The afternoon/evening routine is different depending on if I have makeup on, if I just worked out, if I just went to the beach and have sunscreen + sweat on etc.

When it comes to finding a good a routine I think it depends on so many factors. If what you’re using works, no need to change it! No need to have a complicated routine but beauty is my job so I don’t mind trying out new launches and products.

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Face Cleansers + Makeup Removers

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Moisturizers + Mists + Essence

Night Treatments

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Scrubs + Exfoliators + Acne

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Hair Care

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Body Care + Fragrance

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Sunscreen

I had such a rough time with sunscreen last year. I really wanted to try a wider range of brands because so many of you asked how it held up in the Florida sunshine. I had so many allergic reactions, I’m scared now to try new brands. My tried and true from Sephora are from Supergoop! and Sol de Janeiro.

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Lip Treatments

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Hope you found this helpful! I’m picking a giveaway winner from my last giveaway today. Also I’ll be hosting another one soon at the end of the week so check back! I’m going to try my best to have the NARS summer picks and Natasha Denona haul swatched before the end of the sale.

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Sephora

Sephora Spring Sale Makeup Recommendations

April 17, 2020

Best Luxury Makeup at Sephora

I have a Sephora Spring Sale makeup recommendations roundup today since the Spring Savings Event is here again! It starts today for Rouge Members and today I have my top makeup picks roundup! I’ve split everything by category for eyes, lips, cheeks, primer and face. The details and dates are as follows for each Beauty Insider Tier:

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

Use code SPRINGSAVE at checkout. Some exclusions and limits on quantities apply. Full details on their Terms and Conditions page. Note this is quite an extensive list but it’s not intended to be a list to persuade you to buy everything. So please don’t feel pressured! It’s simply meant as a resource by category for what I have tried, love and recommend. The most questions I get from readers is, “what’s the best matte lipstick?” or “what’s the best glowy foundation?” or “can you recommend an eyeliner that lasts long but doesn’t tug?” I split the recommendations by category to give you some ideas I hope will help you find what you’re looking for.

Primer

While I don’t think there is a truly one-size fits all primer, here are the ones I’ve tried that I like. My general recommendation is to use the same brand of primer and foundation. Or try to find a formula compatible with your foundation. For example if your foundation is oil-free, look for oil-free primers. Same goes for if it has silicone or is water-based.

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Concealer

Shades I currently use: NARS Ginger, Laura Mercier 3N or 3W, Kosas 5, Armani 6.5, Pat McGrath 13 or 14

Base/Foundation

Setting Powder/Setting Products

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Eye Palettes + Eyeshadow

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Eye Liner/Brows/Mascara

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Cheek Palettes

Highlighter/Blush/Bronzer

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Lip Gloss + Hydrating Balms

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Lip Liner + Lipstick

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Dates are as follows for each Beauty Insider Tier:

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

I hope you found this roundup helpful! I’m doing a giveaway this post for the Sephora sale – one person will be selected to win a $100 eGift Card to Sephora (US site). Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. To enter all you have to do is complete one of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete the more entries you get. Not sponsored or affiliated. Giveaway ends on April 20, 2020 11:59 PM EST. I’ll pick a winner within 48 hours after giveaway ends, list on this widget below and email them directly. Selected winner must respond within 48 hours to claim prize or another person will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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By Terry

By Terry Summer Collection 2020

April 15, 2020

By Terry Summer 2020

I’m so excited to share a look at the By Terry Summer Collection today! I received a few pieces as press samples and immediately ordered the remaining items online to try everything. If you like glowing luminous makeup, I think you’ll love what she launched for summer. There are a few skincare items as well that are part of the new product lineup which I haven’t tried yet but am dying to. Today’s post focuses on the makeup launches.

Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash

By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash

The Brightening CC Palette is a truly stunning glow palette with 2 highlighters, one luminous blush and a bronzer shimmer. The colors in the palette have a soft blendable texture. Everything is luminous and glowy but in a smooth non-frosty way. I do think the shades are different than the previously launched Brightening CC Powders, although they have some similarities. Palette colors are not labeled on the compact but according to the website, the shades include:

  • No 1 Champagne Blush a soft beige yellow shimmer (this is a tad more yellow than the Brightening CC Powder in Apricot Flash
  • No 2 Pink Petal is a soft glistening pink with tiny super fine micro sparkles (this one one warmer and deeper than Brightening CC Powder Rose Elixir)
  • No 3 Vibrant rose is a perfect fresh rose pink shimmer
  • No 4 Desert Sparkle is a soft golden bronze shimmer (more shimmery and slightly more golden than Brightening CC Powder Sunny Flash)

I would describe this as a softer variation of my beloved Becca Chrissy Teigen Palette (now discontinued). The By Terry Brightening CC Palette is versatile in the sense you can wear it on its own if you want an all over glow. Or you can layer onto your regular blush/bronzer for just a subtle highlight.

By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash

By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash swatches

Beauty breakdown below wearing:

By Terry Brightening CC Palette in Sunny Flash Makeup look

 

By Terry Summer 2020 CC palette

Brightening CC Blush in Rosy Flash

By Terry Brightening CC Blush Rosy Flash

The Brightening CC Blush in Rosy Flash is a new formula in the By Terry lineup. It has a similar concept to the Brightening CC Serums in the sense that it has the same Optical Glow technology they use in their formulas. The Brightening CC Blush is essentially a sheer luminous liquid blush. It’s very natural on my medium skin. I can layer for more color, but blending it out gives a barely there glow. One pump is more than enough to apply to the cheeks. I find that if I could truly measure it, I’d probably say I only need 1/2 a pump to apply the product.

Living in humid Florida I don’t know how this will last once we are back in the outdoors on a regular basis. It doesn’t really have a powder dry down. It remains slightly dewy but not too dewy.

Straight out of the pump vs blended:

By Terry Brightening CC Blush Rosy Flash

Below same base/eye makeup as the above photo. Cheeks just have the Rosy Flash Brightening CC Blush. Lips are the Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in #2 Baby.

By Terry Brightening CC Blush Rosy Flash

 

Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Ombre Blackstar New Shades Immaculate Light, Rose Elixir and Sunny Flash

The Ombre Blackstars are among my favorite cream shadow sticks. There isn’t anything on the market quite like the ones from By Terry. They have the most beautiful pearl quality with high shine and gorgeous pigment. There are three new shades listed as limited-editions but I hope they consider adding them to the permanent lineup because I LIVE FOR these kinds of colors!

  • Immaculate Light is the perfect champagne shimmer with a tiny hint of peach
  • Rose Elixir is a light cool-toned pale rose shimmer
  • Sunny Flash is the perfect golden bronze

If you can wear shimmer on your eyes I think these are hands down must-haves. They have an emollient blendable texture long enough to blend or layer on the lids. Once they set they are pretty much budge-proof.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar Summer Shades 2020

Swatches to other colors:

By Terry Ombre Blackstar swatches

Tea to Tan Face and Body

By Terry Tea to Tan Set

Last but not least is By Terry’s cult classic Tea to Tan Face and Body Spray. It’s now available in a duo set and travel size. I don’t typically use self-tanners on the face because I have sensitive skin and feel I can only tolerate some on the body. Also many have a slightly thick feeling or leave a film on the skin which I don’t like. This is the first one I’ve tried that I really like.

There is a very fine gold shimmer in the bottle which mixes into the liquid when you shake it up. The full size comes with a spritzer while the travel size does not. For the full size I spritzed product on a brush and then applied to areas I want more color.

Once it’s on the skin I am pleased to report I didn’t experience any color transfer to the clothes. It stays put pretty well. It has a lovely summery scent I can’t put my finger on. It almost smells like gardenia and tiare maybe?

Overall I think the collection offers some really lovely products to brighten one’s look and certainly one’s mood these days. While you might find similar options in your current stash, I do think the CC Palette is really lovely and one I’ll be reaching for frequently this upcoming season. I can’t get enough of the new Ombre Blackstar colors, hoping they’ll be permanent because they’re truly lovely!

You can find the By Terry Summer 2020 Collection available now online at By Terry. I ordered a few things from their website and shipping was relatively fast. They also have some nice deluxe samples with purchase (there are different options depending on how much you spend). A few items have started to appear online at Beautylish and Space NK.

 

The By Terry Brightening CC Palette and Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadows were provided for review. Other items purchased by me.

 

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Chanel

Chanel Les Beiges Summer of Glow 2020

April 13, 2020

Chanel Les Beiges 2020

Chanel launched their 2020 Les Beiges Collection and I finally have swatches of everything I hauled today! A few of their classics have been reformulated and repackaged in this collection. The entire vibe of this year’s Les Beiges is true their classic line but with a slight summery twist. If you like a natural glow there are some nice options in this collection. I ordered everything except one of the polishes (which I skipped):

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Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream 390

The cult classic Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Cream has been discontinued and replaced with the new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream. The question you all want answered is: are they the same or is it completely different? I’ve seen a few other reviews on the new version. Some say it’s performs the same, others say it does not. The ingredients are different but performance and color-wise I feel they are the same. On my skin there’s no detectable difference in color. Texture is the same – creamy, soft, easy to blend, has a semi-matte dry down. It is on the warm side. I really hope they add some other shades in the future like a cooler tone bronze or perhaps ones with shimmer! For those who did not know, Chanel started adding ingredients to their product pages. Simply scroll down to the area you see tabs like, Description, Ingredients, Reviews, Q&A etc. They have their current ingredient list there! This one right now has:

DIMETHICONE | HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL | SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE | SILICA | POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE | PARAFFIN | PHENYL TRIMETHICONE | METHYLPROPANEDIOL | SYNTHETIC WAX | KALANCHOE PINNATA LEAF EXTRACT | HYDROGENATED MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX | CAPRYLYL GLYCOL | PARFUM (FRAGRANCE) | PHENYLPROPANOL | LECITHIN | TOCOPHEROL | ASCORBYL PALMITATE | GLYCERYL STEARATE | MALTODEXTRIN | GLYCERYL OLEATE | CITRIC ACID | BHT | [+ / – (MAY CONTAIN) | CI 77007 (ULTRAMARINES) | CI 77491, | CI 77492, | CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES) | CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE) | MICA] | IL45B-I

Bottom line, if you have the original (which I still have and find it lasts a LONG time) I don’t think you need the new one. For cream bronzer application, you can use a number of different brushes in your collection. I alternate between the Chanel Angled Foundation Brush (older version, FYI it looks like all the brushes have been revamped slightly on their website), Fenty Brush 115, Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Brush or the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush. The best budget-friendly one I’ve tried is the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 200 (reviewed here).

If you find the Chanel color too warm you might want to check out the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer Stick in Baked (it’s cooler toned and slightly darker).

Original Soleil Tan de Chanel vs New Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream 390

Original Soleil Tan de Chanel vs New Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream 390

On the face, beauty breakdown:

Quick note this is meant to be a face swatch, with normal wear I would blend out the bronzer more like a traditional bronzer/contour product to warm up the face.

Chanel Les Beiges Soleil Tan Bronze Universel 390

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Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid

Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid Review

There are two Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluids similar to the older Soleil Tan de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid. The product has been repackaged with a pump + cap similar to that of the Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops. There are 2 shades in Pearly Glow and Sunkissed, both are sheer as the product name implies.

Pearly Glow is a new color that is a sheer champagne gold and Sunkissed is similar the original which is a sheer soft beige tan shimmer. Both have a very lightweight fluid texture that is thin and easy to blend/layer. On my skin they apply very sheer. Out of all the liquid highlighters I own these are among the most natural looking and on my medium tan skin from a distance they look very similar when on the face.

Below left wearing Pearly Glow over the Soleil Tan Bronze Universel Cream Bronzer. On the right wearing Sunkissed on top of the cream bronzer. Foundation shade right now is the Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet in B40 (I wear B50 in the summer). I pump 1-2 pumps of the highlighter on the back of my hand and dab in my fingers to apply or use a foundation brush. I used the Tom Ford Foundation brush here. You can definitely mix it in with foundation to add glow to your base.

Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Highlighting Fluid in Pearly Glow vs Sunkissed

I think these are nice if you want a subtle highlight on the cheekbone. Once they’re blended on the skin they sheer out quite a bit! If you want more shimmer or pigment, opt for any of the others I swatched below.

Liquid Highlighter Swatches from Chanel, Tom Ford, By Terry and Marc Jacobs

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Healthy Glow Illuminating Powder

Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Healthy Glow Illuminating Powder

Above Sand and Sunset

The new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Illuminating Powders are soft luminous powders that offer the skin a very subtle glow but with color. Sand is a highlighter on me. When applied with a loose brush I can apply all over kinda like a setting powder with glow. With a denser brush it adds a very subtle lit from within glow. Below worn on just one side so you can see the difference. Wearing Sand below:

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Illuminating Powder in Sand

Sunset is a warmer bronze color that looks like a soft warm bronzer with a hint of gold shimmer. This one is really nice to warm up the complexion.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Illuminating Powder in Sunset

Both have the same scent as all the other Les Beiges powders. They have a beautiful embossed rope pattern on the surface adding a lovely touch! Texture is soft and easy to blend. Long-time Chanel lovers will know that the 2019 Les Beiges powders from last year were stiff in texture (which I did not mind but many of you did not like). The 2020 versions have a softer texture making it easier to pick up product.

Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Swatches

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Healthy Glow Lip Balm

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm in Warm

There is one new shade of Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm this season in Warm. It’s a sheer warm peachy coral shade. Looks bright in the tube, swatches sheer on the hand, applies somewhere in between on the lips. Warm is a nice healthy summer color. I was hoping for a softer cantaloupe peach to be launched, maybe next year!

Swatches next to the other existing colors. If you want the lip swatches, you can check out my posts from past years. Light/Med/Deep on the lips/face in the 2018 Les Beiges review. Intense worn in the 2019 Les Beiges review.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm Swatches

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Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette

Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Eyeshadow Palette Warm

I have mixed feelings about the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Warm. This palette has a very soft texture. Powders are very finely milled and soft with a delicate finish. When layered together on an emollient base the colors show up nicely. I do have to apply the brown with a slightly damp brush for it to show up on my skin. Applying the colors on dry lids made them all look like a sheer wash of peach. I do realize the Les Beiges collection is supposed to give a barely there glow, but the palette runs a bit sheer.

It’s workable and I do think it is lovely, I think colors will show up better on lighter or deeper skin with the contrast. The first two times I applied this I felt a slightly itchy sensation from the powders. I feel that the powdery debris and kick up fell into my eyes and caused some irritation. Luckily I did not have an allergic reaction! Adding an emollient cream shadow base underneath helps keep them in place on the skin better (at least for me, I have dry lids).

Colors include a sheer satiny beige, soft blurred brown, shimmery coral peach, soft lighter peach shimmer and a sparkly champagne.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Eyeshadow Palette in Warm

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Le Vernis

Chanel Le Vernis in Cruise

Last is the Le Vernis in Cruise. There are two shades which seemed like your standard orange and red polishes. Pretty, not entirely unique, and in my mind not must-haves. I decided to pick up the orange one Cruise which is almost identical to the older discontinued Mirabella. The difference is slight and barely noticeable. Mirabella has a tiny bit more blue undertone. Cruise is a cream. It’s bright orange and I can get full coverage with 2 coats. I have a feeling Cruise is close to Orange Fizz but I searched all of my boxes and it appears I no longer have it to compare. To date I still think Chanel’s best orangey shades were Holiday, Sea Whip and Resplendissant.

Chanel Cruise vs Mirabella vs Holiday

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Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Collection Review

Overall a lovely collection adding some sunshine and beauty into my life right now! I think there are a lot of natural glow products that are easy to wear and perfect for the conservative makeup-lover. That being said I do think there is a lot of summer beauty newness on the horizon so you might want to wait and see what launches from other lines.

The best products to me are the Healthy Glow Illuminating Powders and Highlighting Fluids. I think they’re nice additions to my daily makeup routine. I do think the Highlighting Fluids might not be for everyone since they are very sheer. I do love the new Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream – to me it’s nearly identical to the original in color and performance. Since I already own the original and still have a lot left I don’t think it’s a must-have for me.

If I were to do my purchase over again I would have skipped the nail polish. Also while I love both of the highlighting fluids, I don’t think I needed both since they look similar on my medium skin. I would have picked just one although trying to figure out which one is better is difficult as they’re both lovely.

You can find the Chanel Les Beiges collection available now at Chanel.com. Have you checked it out yet or ordered anything? What did you think?

 

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Haircare Sephora

Healthier Stronger Hair with HUM Nutrition

April 10, 2020

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

Maintaining healthy and strong hair as I age has been a priority for me and I’m so excited to partner with HUM Nutrition to share a look at one of my favorite hair supplements. After experiencing some hair loss with stress and breakage with color treatments I started trying out some biotin supplements to help with hair growth. I’ve tried several over the years and the one I keep going back to is the HUM Hair Sweet Hair so this collaboration couldn’t be a better match for me!

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Gummies Morning Routine

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Biotin Gummies

The HUM Hair Sweet Hair gummies come in two sizes, a 60 count bottle and mini 14 count bottle. As someone with a sensitive stomach I like that these are easy to eat any time of day with or without food. Your mileage may vary depending on what ingredients mesh well with your body.

These contain:

  • Biotin, Folic Acid, B-12 all help with new hair growth by promoting healthy cell growth
  • PABA Para-aminobenzoic Acid helps maintain natural healthy hair color to increase hair pigment production (supposed to help prevent gray)
  • Zinc helps reduce hair loss by repairing the growth tissue, it’s also great to boost immunity
  • Fo-Ti Extract is for scalp health

Morning Heath and Wellness Routine HUM

HUM Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair results

According to HUM you can expect to see results in 4-8 weeks. I notice stronger healthier hair around week 4 of daily use (take 2 per day). After using these I find I experience less hair loss in the shower or bath, hair grows faster and healthier, my natural shine has returned. I highly recommend giving these a try!

Have you tried any of the HUM Supplements before? If so which ones? What did you think? Several of you have recommended I try the Glow Sweet Glow (just bought the mini of this one) or Daily Cleanse. I have the Beauty zzZz on my list to try to help with sleep. Would love to hear more about what you have in your daily routine!

You can find the HUM Hair Sweet Hair Gummies available at Sephora.

 

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

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Nail Polish

Spring Polish Colors to Brighten the Mood

April 9, 2020

Best Spring Nail Polishes

acrylic display stand from Muji

Doing something as simple as painting my nails these days has some kind of calming effect on me. I’ve been painting my own nails for several years now and since we’re all stuck at home this might a good time to try and improve your own technique! I’m rounding up my favorite spring polish colors to brighten the mood. I’m kinda into softer shades and pastels at the moment. If you have any ones you love let me know in the comments!

First, if you want tips and info on a DIY mani, you can check out my hand and nail care routine roundup.

Chanel

Color-wise, my favorite colors right now are the Chanel Fleur do Pecher and Petale from the La Fleur Et L’Eau Collection. However many of you asked me for more budget-friendly recommendations so I’m sharing some colors I’ve hauled recently from Essie, OPI, Olive and June below.

Chanel Le Vernis Fleur de Pecher and Petale swatch_______________

Essie

Essie is a favorite among many of you. Color-wise I think there are some really nice shades. Formula-wise it’s not my favorite simply because I find other brands last longer/better on my fingers. They recently launched a new quick-dry formula called Expressie and it really does dry faster! I picked up 3 colors to give a whirl and love all of them. I can get full opaque coverage with 2 thin coats.

Buns Up is a neutral beige cream, similar to OPI Samoan Sand, but the Essie is not as yellow and also has more opaque coverage.

Essie Expressie Buns Up

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Crop Top and Roll is a nice everyday neutral pink beige cream, I can get full smooth coverage with 2 coats as well.

Essie Crop Top and Roll

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In the Time Zone is a blue-based cream pink, but isn’t too blue on my golden skin tone.

Essie Expressie In the Time Zone

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For the spring color launch I think all the colors are really fun and fresh. I limited myself to 2 of them including Kissed by Mist, a light blue-based pink with tiny violet sparkles.

Essie Nail Polish Kissed by Mist

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Spring in Your Step is one of the prettiest smooth pearl lavender colors I’ve seen. It flashes a very subtle hint of pink in the shimmer.

Essie Spring In Your Step

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OPI

OPI is my favorite affordable nail polish brand. I think they have the best color selection and lasting power. I’ve used a number of their base and top coats in the past and love them to extend wear. My most-worn neutrals are Samoan Sand, Machu Peach-u and Tiramisu for Two. In case you missed the swatches, check out my Top 5 Best Nude Nail Polishes post. They recently launched a Neo-Pearl Collection and since everything is online only these days I relied on YouTube swatches to pick a couple colors. I normally prefer the regular formula, but it appears the Infinite Shine 2 options for this launch are better and less streaky. I ordered these from Ulta but it looks like they are sold out right now. You might have to do a bit of searching to find these.

I’m a Natural is the perfect pale pink polish color. It’s a soft pink that flashes a slight hint of blue. I think it’s perfect! This one is best with at least 2 coats. In online swatches and photos I’ve seen it flash more purple/blue. I guess it depends on the angle and lighting!

OPI Infinite Shine 2 I'm a Natural

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You’re Full of Abalone is a pale ivory white that has a flashes a tiny bit of blue/violet. It’s sheer so I like it best with 3 coats. It’s a nice clean white that isn’t too stark or sharp on my skin.

OPI Infinite Shine 2 You're Full of Abalone

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Olive and June

The Olive and June nail salon in LA is one of the cutest places I’ve ever been to. I’ve only been there once and it was the most expensive nail treatment I splurged on with a friend. We both still remember it! They launched their own line of polish and nail care products and I think they’re super cute. You can see a previous review of their Tool Box here. A few of their polishes are now available at Target, but the vast majority of their products are online at their website Olive and June.

GH is a pale pink that’s almost white on my skin. The formula is buildable so don’t be shocked if the first coat looks streaky. Just apply 1 thin coat, let it dry completely. The 2nd coat will smooth out to smooth coverage.

Olive and June Nail Polish GH

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TT is a pale lilac, also almost off -white on my skin, but looks clean and fresh!

Olive and June TT

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SE is a baby blue-based pink, best with 2 thin coats. You may need a third on this color.

Olive and June SE

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BI is a perfect peach cream. The formula on this one was difficult for me to work with, but if you have patience to apply slowly and let each coat dry completely, I think the end result is pretty!

Olive and June BI

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Favorite hand cream of the moment is Chanel La Creme Main in Le Lift or the La Mer Rejuvinating Hand Serum. Favorite cuticle moisturizer is Olive and June’s Cuticle Serum and Dior’s Huile Abricot. More recommendations here.

Colors shown in bottom photo:

Acrylic Mini Bottle Stand from Muji (measures 6.9″ wide x 2.6 ” deep x 9.1 inches tall)

Top Row: Essie Buns Up, Crop Top and Roll, In The Time Zone, Kissed By Mist, Spring In Your Step

Middle Row: ChanelPetale, Fleur de Pecher, OPI I’m a Natural, You’re Full of Abalone

Bottom Row: OPI Natural Base Coat, Olive and June GH, TT, SE and BI

Spring Nail Polish Favorites

Swatch comparisons for you!

Nail Polish Swatches Neutrals

What are some of your favorite nail polishes for spring? Have you been trying any DIY at home manicures recently or are you already a pro/expert?

Chanel Petale, Fleur de Pecher, Olive and June SE and BI provided for review. Others purchased by me.

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Laura Mercier Roundup

Best of Laura Mercier

April 6, 2020

Best of Laura Mercier

Today I’m doing a best of roundup of one of my favorite makeup brands Laura Mercier. I have swatches of the new Caviar Stick Eye Colors and thought it might be a good time to do an updated round up of my favorite everyday makeup staples from the line. I get asked for my everyday makeup staples quite frequently and I’ve done several with a mix of brands. Some of you have asked for round ups by brand so I’ve decided to start with Laura Mercier. I’ve used them for years and even through numerous reformulations and revamps still find I use something from the brand almost daily.

If you like classic easy to wear looks and are in search of makeup staples I’m rounding up my favorites today.

Foundation Primers

Laura Mercier New Primers

I have a love/hate relationship with most primers. In my opinion there’s no one-primer-fits all formula. While I do find many will smooth and prep skin and also extend the wear I think finding a good primer depends on your skin type and also what foundation formulas you wear. As a good starting point, I’d recommend sticking with the same brand of primer and foundation as they usually make formulas that are compatible with their entire brand. For example I do think if you use an oil-free primer it might not be compatible with an oil-based foundation. If you find your foundation is separating on your skin I’d suggest looking at the ingredients and taking a look at what moisturizer or primer you are using underneath.

All that said, I put all of the new Pure Canvas Primers from Laura Mercier to the test. Since I use the Flawless Fusion or Flawess Lumiere Radiance formulas most frequently, I felt the new primers would all be compatible. Out of all the new ones my top three are the Protecting SPF 30, Illuminating (when I want more glow) and the Perfecting. All three will smooth the skin to give you better foundation application and help extend the wear. I don’t use them everyday as I think the foundations I have are quite good with lasting power and application, but I do think these are nice ones to try. They’re unscented and silicone-free for those looking for options suitable for sensitive skin.

Foundation and Concealer

Best Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Foundation

I’ve written about the Laura Mercier Foundations countless times. Brands often reformulate and revamp and I have been really happy with all of the bases I’ve tried from the brand. My top 4 favorites:

Setting Powders

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder

I use the classic Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder on a regular basis with their Powder Puff or a Powder Brush. I also really like their Loose Glow Powders which I use more as a highlighter (lighter shade) or bronzer (for the deep color). The classic Translucent Loose doesn’t add any color and is compatible with all of the foundations I use regardless of brand/formula. Even though it’s white it doesn’t add any white cast to my skin. If you’re a long-time Laura Mercier fan you might remember she used to have tinted versions of the matte loose powder, I really wish they would bring those back!

Eyeshadows

For eyeshadows my absolute favorites are her Caviar Stick Eye Colors. I use Rosegold and Copper religiously for an all over wash or as a base for powder shadows. Rosegold is the best neutral shimmer – it looks good alone or with other shades. For her cream shadows I find they are creamy and easy to blend. Pigment ranges from sheer to full depending on how much you layer or blend (with fingers or a brush). Once they set they stay put on my eyes but they remain creamy long enough to work with.

She launched 12 new shades recently, I swatched and played with 10 of them (the ones I thought I would actually wear). They run warm and on the pink side. The fuchsia colors or pinks aren’t really my vibe but I swatched them anyways. I was able to wear Raspberry and Magenta when layered/mixed with other shades though. My favorite of the new ones are the pinks in Sunrise and Nude Rose.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color new shades

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

I swatched 10 of the 12 new colors (there are 2 blue shades I didn’t swatch), new ones include:

  • Pearl is a pale cool white shimmer
  • Sunbeam is a pale yellow shimmer
  • Golden is a yellow gold shimmer
  • Sunrise is a satiny soft warm light pink with a slight sheen
  • Nude Rose is a shimmery rose pink
  • Sienna is a shimmery orange
  • Raspberry is a shimmery mauve rose
  • Burgundy is a slightly deeper plum shimmer
  • Magenta is a hot pink shimmer
  • Violet is a shimmery violet

I wear Rosegold, Copper and Sandglow the most frequently. In pulling the products for my roundup it occurred to me that it has been a while since I swatched the colors I have. These are the shimmer colors. There are also matte options but I find they pull a little dry on me. Colors swatched: Beam, Sugar Frost, Rosegold, Magnetic Pink, Moonlight, Grey Pearl, Intense Moonlight, Metallic Taupe, Sandglow and Copper.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

Purples and deeper shades: Rush, Orchid, Intense Amethyst, Violet, Burgundy, Amethyst, Burnished Bronze, Plum, Cocoa and Smoke. I use the last 3 colors swatched as liner, I’ll apply them onto a detail brush and then smoke or smudge them along my lash line.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

Highlighters

The world has gone highlighter crazy and the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Even with all the new launches I think the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator remains a good everyday staple. Indiscretion is the best neutral champagne in my opinion. It has enough warmth to not look overly frosty or pale on my skin. I ordered the two newest ones with the floral pattern from Nordstrom and think they’re beautiful!

  • Affection (new) is a light pale champagne shimmer, it has a good amount of shimmer in it but is smooth
  • Sensation (new) is a shimmery copper, on me it pulls more like a shimmery blush/bronzer but isn’t too orange
  • Devotion is a pale pink shimmer
  • Addiction is a pale yellow gold shimmer
  • Indiscretion is the best neutral champagne highlighter
  • Inspiration is a lovely pink mauve frost (detailed review + look here)

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Swatches

Color: Blush, Lipstick + Gloss

Classic Neutral Makeup Laura Mercier

For color all the Laura Mercier products have gone through a reformulation at some point. I like what I’ve seen so far! The Blush Color Infusion in Fresco is a perfect everyday neutral blush. It has a tiny bit of shimmer so it’s not flat. I like that it adds a bit of warmth and color without darkening or oxidizing like a lot of nude blushes can do. For the lips the Rouge Essential Silky Creme Lipsticks are the best no-fuss classic lip formula. They’re creamy with full coverage but feel weightless. There’s a bit of shine in the finish which gives them a more natural lush look. I love all the neutrals but find Brun Pale and Nu Prefere are my kind of everyday nudes. I’ve used the Lip Glace since my high school days long before the repackaging and reformulation. I actually really liked the original perfume scent these had back in the day. Right now they’re vanilla scented and have a slightly sticky feel but it’s not too thick. Opal is my favorite for layering on practically everything.

A couple close ups wearing:

 

Everyday Neutrals with Laura Mercier

Everyday Neutrals with Laura Mercier

Best Everyday Makeup from Laura Mercier

That wraps up my favorites from Laura Mercier! I hope you found the favorites helpful. If you want any other brands featured in a Top 10 or Best Of post let me know in the comments.

You can find Laura Mercier available online at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and all other Laura Mercier retailers.

 

Most Laura Mercier products featured are press samples. Items purchased by me include the Face Illuminators in Indiscretion (repurchase), Affection, Sensation, Lip Glace in Opal, Tinted Moisturizer in Sand 3N1.

 

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