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Sabrina

Chanel Eye Makeup

Chanel Eye Collection – New Stretch Mascara, Liquid Liner + Brow Duos

March 23, 2020

Chanel Eye Collection Review

Chanel launched new products for the eyes and today I have a Chanel Eye Collection review. There are three new products including:

La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax/Powder Duos

Chanel La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax Powder Duo

There are three La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax/Powder Duos in Light, Medium and Dark. These come with a tinted wax on one side and a powder on the other. The Brow Duos are cased in a compact with four mini tools including a tweezer, spoolie, angled brush and soft small sponge applicator. I tried Medium which is a neutral medium brown color. The wax is soft and easy to apply with the angled brush. It’s been a long time since I’ve tried a wax and this had enough color to wear alone. It filled in my brows and held them in place. The powder is interesting to me. It’s a stiff but pigmented powder. It’s more pigmented than the older brow duos. I haven’t tried a small detail applicator before – most of my brow brushes are angled. The small applicator made it easy to apply in soft strokes although since the handles are so small it took a bit of work to hold. The pros for the applicators are they are compact and easy to travel with. They are usable and well made although full size brushes and tools are easier to hold and use for me.

Lasting power is very good. I didn’t experience any fading or smudging. The brows stayed put all day long!

Chanel La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax Powder Duo swatches

Natural brows vs just the wax:

Chanel La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax Powder Duo Medium

Wax plus powder:

Chanel La Palette Sourcils Brow Wax Powder Duo

Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Liner

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Review

Out of the three items in this launch I found the Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Liners to be the most exciting to me! They launched some of the most beautiful shimmers I’ve ever seen! These dry down to a semi-matte finish although the shimmers still have a slightly wet look because of the shimmer. The brush is well designed to apply in one stroke or a feathering motion. I found these took a few seconds to dry depending on how thick a line you draw on. Formula is thin but smooth and very pigmented. Once it sets it does not budge. As one who struggles with pencil liners during the summer months I was really excited to see a brown and plum matte – I think they’ll be excellent for the warm humid months.

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Swatches

Le Volume Stretch de Chanel Mascara

Chanel Le Volume Stretch de Chanel Mascara

Last is a look at the Le Volume Stretch de Chanel Mascara. This comes in one color and has a rubber twisted brush. I think this is a decent formula to lengthen and define the lashes. The brush did take a bit of practice for me to get used to because of the angles but it’s not impossible to use. It miraculously did not smudge even though it didn’t really hold the curl. I like it a lot but it’s not my favorite. I still think the classic Le Volume de Chanel is the best for me (or the waterproof version). It was easy to remove since it’s not a waterproof formula. Since it did not smudge on me I give it a thumbs up.

Chanel Le Volume Stretch de Chanel Mascara

Stretch versus Le Volume:

Chanel Mascara Stretch vs Original Le Volume

Chanel Eye Collection Review

Full beauty breakdown:

Just for fun my little ragdoll buddy keeping me company. He doesn’t like to take photos lol! He’s 7 years old now and I cannot believe it.

Chanel Eye Makeup + Kitty

Chanel Eye Collection Review

Overall a solid line of eye makeup staples. I think the liquid liners are special because of the color selection. I really like the brow duo because of the wax and compact but don’t think it’s essential. The verdict is still out on the mascara because I think it’s really good but I think there are better options.

You can find the Chanel Eye Collection out now, available at Chanel.com and all Chanel retailers.

P.S. Some of the Les Beiges items already popped up on the website and I ordered the two Les Beiges Highlighting Fluids. Also as of today (Tuesday) the Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops just restocked online! (Rosy Light Drops review here in case you missed it).

Chanel Eye collection provided for review.

Eye Makeup Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Mothership VII Divine Rose

March 19, 2020

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow

The Pat McGrath Mothership VII Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette ($125) has returned and I am so excited to share my review and swatches today. This originally launched last year in limited quantities. It’s made a few restock appearances and has always sold out online. I managed to order this during one of the previous restocks and could not be more thrilled. I really hope they will consider making this permanent! It’s available online at Pat McGrath. UPDATE: Also now available at Sephora as of April 17th!

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow

The Mothership VII Divine Rose Palette has a mix of mattes, shimmers, iridescent shades and one glitter. The pigment is excellent on all the colors with an easy to blend formula. The looks are endless with this one and I think it has a great combination of neutrals, rose tones and more edgy shimmers.

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Colors include a mix of mainly new colors with three relaunch colors. Skinshow Nude is also in the Mothership Subliminal Palette, Rose Dusk is also in the Mothership Sublime, Astral Solstice is also in the Mothership Midnight Sun.

  • Skinshow Nude is a soft shimmery champagne
  • Velouria is a matte dusty mauve (pulls darker on the skin than what I see in the pan)
  • Sable Bronze is a shimmery bronze (love this one)
  • Refined Gold 002 is an iridescent gold
  • Iridescent Pink 003 is a duo-chrome white pink that flashes a bit of lavender and cooler tone pink
  • Xtreme Mahogany is a matte rich warm brown
  • Love Lace is a shimmery taupe with silver flecks
  • Rose Dusk is a shimmery soft muted rose plum
  • VR Rose Venus is a duo-chrome orange pink with gold shimmer, the mix makes it look more peachy on my skin rather than orange
  • Astral Solstice is a chunky ivory glitter that has a super wet look effect

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose swatches

Close ups:

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Closer look:

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Beauty look below:

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette Makeup Look

Beauty breakdown:

Divine Rose Palette

Pat McGrath Mothership Divine Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Lasting power was excellent for me with the combinations I tried. There was some fallout with application as some of the shadows are super soft but it was easy to clean up afterwards. Once on the eyes they stayed put and lasted all day for me. The only color I wasn’t too crazy about is the Astral Solstice because it’s a glitter. Application is ok if applied in a patting motion on the eyes, with a brush the sparkles ended up all over my face.

Overall though I give this palette a solid A for colors, quality and texture. Definitely worth the splurge for me! I think the rose tones are very wearable and have enough of a muted/neutral undertone that it doesn’t give me a pink-eye look. I keep staring at the rose pink box though thinking how awesome it would be to have the colors on the box in gloss, lipstick or blush shades!

You can find the Pat McGrath Mothership VII Divine Rose palette online at Pat McGrath and at Sephora.

 

Have you tried this one yet? What did you think?

 

Loving Right Now What's In My Bag

Loving Right Now

March 17, 2020

Daily Edited Clear Makeup Bag

I hope you are all well! We are staying inside for the most part now although we have enjoyed some short walks and the beaches where people are still very far apart. Today I think I ate my weight in donuts and doritos while being cooped up inside. I have a loving right now roundup featuring some new beauty splurges. Would love to hear about what you are loving right now too!

The Daily Edited Clear Cosmetic Case

Best Chic Clear Makeup Bag

I’ve been a huge fan of The Daily Edited and so many of you have loved their items as well. I love their Large Cosmetic Case, Transparent Cosmetic Case (original style), and the Clear Pouch (flat). My latest recent splurge is the Clear Cosmetic Case in Pale Pink which I had monogrammed with my initials. I think it’s a great compact size which measures about 8 inches wide, 4 inches tall and 2 inches deep.

Here’s a quick comparison for size reference to the Flat Pouch (measures 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches tall):

The Daily Edited Clear Pouch vs Clear Cosmetic Case

Also shown next to the Cuyana Tech Case (meant for cords etc, but I use it as a makeup bag – measures 7 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches deep):

Chic Makeup Bags Daily Edited and Cuyana

Hand Care

Hand Care Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash and Byredo

I’ve been rationing my hand sanitizers I have on hand. By now everything has sold out even in stores near me. I’ve been loving the Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash and the Byredo Hand Sanitizers – unfortunately they also seem to be sold out everywhere! One of my favorite skincare Youtubers Gothamista suggested a DIY option on her Instagram which I found really helpful! For hand cream I’ve still been loving the Chanel La Creme Main.

Lip Loves

Neutral Lip Love Sisley, Pat McGrath and NARS

Always a neutral lip lover, I had a lot of questions on lip colors I’ve been wearing on Instagram Stories. One recent favorite is the Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Balm in 11 Litchi. I own almost all the colors and love them for the nice shine and balmy feel. It’s a twist up one so there’s no sharpening required. This one pulls more nude/beige on my lips even though the swatch looks more pink because of the deeper natural lip pigment.

My holy grail neutral gloss right now is the NARS Loaded Lip Lacquer in Young Hearts (also worn in this post here). At this point I’ve stopped buying backups but this one is SO good I’ve considered one.

Pat McGrath has a lot of great neutrals, I recently started wearing the combo of Done Undone + Skinsane with a little gloss in my Pat McGrath Concealer review here and can’t get enough of it!

If you’re in search of a good lip primer, MAC has their Prep + Prime Lip in a special limited-edition packaging for the Petal Power collection. It’s pink so I had to buy it! I use the one I have in the black tube quite frequently.

Dior Addict Stellar Gloss

Dior Addict Stellar Gloss neutrals

I’ve been trying Dior lip gloss for as long as I can remember. By this time I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve reformulated and revamped the colors. I hauled quite a few of the new Addict Stellar colors and will have a separate dedicated review. This is the thickest one I have tried from Dior. It’s not too thick but has a cushiony thick shine and smells of sweet vanilla cake. I swatched the nudes I hauled for reference which include D-Way, Diorsolight, J’Adior, and D-Light. Some of the colors are harder to find (I could only find some shades on the Dior website). Finishes range from creams to shimmers to sparkles. Pigment on the lighter shades is medium-sheer. I really love the way these look on the lips!

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

Chanel launched a new Eye Collection with some products for Liquid Eyeliner, Brow Duo Compacts and a new Volume Stretch Mascara. I’ve been really loving the Le Liner de Chanel which is an ultra fine precision liquid liner and it’s long wearing. I’m still experimenting with all the colors but I love that there are shimmers in this launch! As one who like brown liner I think Ultra Brun is a really nice longwearing brown that doesn’t smudge. Full review to come soon! Above swatched left to right: Rouge Noir, Bleu Cobalt, Noir Profond, Mauve Metal, Bronze Dore, Gris Argent and Ultra Brun.

More Neutrals

Essie Speedsetter Buns Up and Cle de Peau Cream Blush 4

For nails Essie launched a new quick dry formula called Expressie. I picked up a few colors to try and the first one I’ve swatched is Buns Up. It’s a creamy beige nude with a semi-sheer finish. I can get full coverage with 3 coats although 2 coats is sufficient. It does dry a lot faster than other polishes but to prevent tip wear a top coat is absolutely essential. To me it’s a slightly cooler-toned more pigmented version of OPI Samoan Sand.

I discovered the Cle de Peau Cream Blushes last fall for the first time. (My Best of Cle De Peau roundup here.) I still think they are among the best I’ve tried! I ordered #4 and think it’s a great light neutral. You can see #4 worn in this post.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands

Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter Swatches

Last but not least I finally ordered the two Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands and think they are INCREDIBLE! I love Pillow Talk light for the lighter rose pink tinge and Pillow Talk Medium is more of a bronzey color on me but still very wearable. I think both are absolute musts. I added swatches of the other Beauty Light Wands in Spotlight (REVIEW), Peachgasm and Pinkgasm (REVIEW) for reference.

Best Clear Makeup Bag Beauty Blog Review

That wraps up my loving right now post. I focused primarily on makeup picks. I am testing out some new skincare although I most of what I’ve been using is my tried and true. I might do an updated skincare routine soon if you’re interested. New launch reviews to follow with Chanel, Dior and Charlotte Tilbury!

Also quick FYI Nordstrom is currently offering 25% off sitewide on most items on their website (exclusions apply). Neiman Marcus has a large selection of items at 20% off.

 

 

What are you loving right now?

Chanel liners provided for review. All others purchased by me.

Base Makeup Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer System

March 13, 2020

Pat Mcgrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer Review

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you are all well and safe. I chatted with some loved ones yesterday and my heart goes out to everyone during this time. Some have been impacted by having to work from home while others are still going into the office with everything continuing as usual. We are ok here in Florida so far and I truly hope everyone stays safe. We had planned some travel overseas in April, but as soon as news broke of the virus spreading we cancelled them.

So many of you have e-mailed me over the years telling me this blog has been a good distraction from things going on in their life. I hope during this time it will continue to be a helpful resource for all things beauty-related! I have a new product review to share today – Pat McGrath launched her Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer System and in today’s post I’m covering a review on three products:

Pat McGrath Labs Concealer

Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer

Pat Mcgrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer LM14

The Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer is one of the best concealers I’ve tried. It’s creamy, easy to blend, opaque, dries down perfectly without looking or feeling dry. As popular as the opaque matte concealers are among beauty lovers, I need something with a bit of creaminess so it doesn’t cake/dry/crack under my eye. This one from Pat McGrath is like the NARS Creamy Concealer in the sense that it’s very easy to blend and use for highlighting. The main difference is that the Pat McGrath has a lot more coverage and is slightly less dewy/creamy in finish.

I was sent a selection of colors in a press kit but ended up purchasing 4 additional shades to try out. I featured the concealer in LM13 in my February Favorites and also found LM12 to be excellent for under eye brightening.

My foundation match right now is Light Medium 14 as my winter/early spring color. Medium 15 is my most-of-the-year match when I have a tan. You can read the Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation review with swatches here.

Since I am normally darker in skin tone with the sun I went to my local store to swatch and purchase LM14 and M15. LM14 in the concealer and foundation are exact matches. For under eye I prefer something slightly lighter so I still think LM12 and LM13 are best for my needs.

You can see LM13 in my previous post here, but in this post I’m featuring LM14 which is still a really good for under eye and spot concealing.

Pat Mcgrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer LM14

Pat Mcgrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer LM14 blended

Swatches:

Pat Mcgrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer swatches

Swatch comparisons to Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealers in 2N, 3N and 3W I wear along with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer shades I rotate between Macadamia, Ginger and Praline:

Concealer Swatches Laura Mercier, NARS and Pat McGrath

Sublime Perfection Concealer Brush

Pat McGrath Labs Concealer Brush

There is a small blending brush called the Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer Brush. It has synthetic material and is angled to blend and blur product. Since it’s very dense and on the small side it’s best for precision blending like right under the eye line or in creases between the nose. I found using my fingers or a sponge easier to cover bigger areas on the face. I think it’s well made and performs well, but don’t find it essential.

Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder

I always set my foundation and concealer with a pressed or loose powder. I’ve tried a number of under eye setting powders and usually find them too powdery or dry for my under eye. The Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder from Pat McGrath has changed the game for me, it’s perfect! It’s a finely milled pressed domed powder with a very soft texture. I can use either the Light or Medium for setting and I think the three colors will cover a wide range of skin tones. It has an ultra sheer finish, so no color is added for me. It works to set and hold the concealer under the eye so it doesn’t move. Blurring effect is noticeable but moderate for me.

If you’re looking for a good setting powder for under the eye this is an excellent option. I am minimalist when it comes to my base though so I could probably skip and just use my regular setting powders.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder Medium

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder Swatches

Pat McGrath Labs Concealer System

Full look wearing:

 

Pat McGrath Labs Concealer LM14, LUST Gloss Dare to Bare, BlitzTrance Skinsane

Overall an excellent concealer system complete with everything you need to conceal + set! I think it’s a great versatile formula for both under eye, highlighting and spot concealing. These are very opaque but formula is easy to blend with long lasting power. I give it a solid A+.

You can find the Pat McGrath Concealer System available now at Pat McGrath, Ulta Beauty and Sephora.

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer System provided for review, however shades LM11, LM13, LM14 and M15 purchased by me.

Packing

Away Travel Minis are Back!

March 12, 2020

Away Travel Minis

Away Travel Minis are back again! The minis are usually available during the holidays but they’ve brought them back. For those who missed out on previous launches you’ve asked me to alert you if they are back and they are now! These are my favorite miniature travel-sized cases perfect for quick trips, long vacations, inflight essentials, for the beach, for my gym bag etc. Basically great to carry anything you want protected from the hard shell exterior.

Away Mini Blush

Featured in this post: Hat – Eric Javits / Sunglasses – Celine / Slides – APL / Gloss – Dior (review soon!) / Balm – Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Oil New Romantic / Dry Shampoo – IGK / Mini Brush – Aerin / Comb – Gisou / Sunscreen – Chanel

 

They currently retail for $45 each and are available in the individual empty cases. I’ve done quite a few reviews in the past. If you want to see what I can fit inside you can find previous posts by clicking on my Packing Tag.

Dimensions are 7″ x 5″ x 3″+ latest version reviewed here.

His and Her Travel Essentials

Also thought it was fun to share that Away featured me on their website! Andrew took this during one of our Miami trips you can read about here. Outfit details: Tank – Jcrew / Hat – Eric Javits / Shorts – 7 For All Mankind / Sunglasses – Rayban / Sandals – UGG Kari Sandal (runs true to size).

 

 

Away Beautylookbook Web Feature

You can find the Away Minis at Away Travel or in their stores.

 

Haircare

Current Haircare Routine + Loves

March 10, 2020

Hair Care + Styling Favorites

I have an updated hair care post today! I’m sharing my current haircare routine and loves. I’m in the process of growing out my color treated hair and have been getting occasional toner + glaze treatments. As much as I loved having highlights – the processing was too much for my hair to handle and I started experiencing so much breakage! If you’re curious to see what I’ve tried, loved and used in the past you can always click on the posts by category. The Haircare Category Tag will bring up previous hair posts.

Hair Care Essentials for Smooth Blow Out

I rotate products frequently as I wash my hair every day. Some days are very minimal with styling but I use product in it, even when I air dry. I go through hair products really fast – they get used up easily which makes it easy for me to try new things. Here’s what I use on my hair for shampoo, conditioner and styling treatments.

I’ve split my favorites by category. I don’t use all the products at one time, but rotate depending on what I want to do with my hair or what the weather is like. Some days are humid and require extra work to keep the frizz to a minimum. Contrary to popular beliefs, Florida weather fluctuates a lot. It’s not always super hot or humid. It also really depends how far south you are. We’ve had a colder winter for Florida with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s some days and then it will bounce back up to 80 and then back down. Right now it’s starting to warm back up to mid-70’s. I know it’s only a matter of weeks before we’re back up to the 80’s and 90’s!

Hair Care Styling Favorites

Shampoo, Conditioners + Masks

Best Shampoo and Conditioners Oribe, Olaplex, Hair Rituel Sisley

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner

My two go-to combos right now are the Oribe and Olaplex. I also really love Hair Rituel by Sisley but I go through them so quickly I can’t seem to keep them in stock in my home.

  • Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner are my favorites out of all the formulas I’ve tried from the brand. After going through three bottles of the shampoo in a very short period of time I invested in the larger pump size and love it. It’s a better value and while still quite the splurge 100% worth it!
  • Hair Rituel by Sisley Smoothing Shampoo and Restructuring Conditioner if price is no object then these two are the best money can buy. I’ve repurchased many times and find them perfect for my hair type. I’ve tried every shampoo formula they have and the smoothing is my favorite.
  • Hair Rituel by Sisley Regenerating Hair Mask is what I have in my shower/bath right now. I’ve loved Briogeo, Christophe Robin and Moroccanoil – I go through these so fast as well, I haven’t had a chance to look through all the new launches to see if there is anything else new I should try.
  • Olaplex everything! I can’t even count the times I’ve repurchased the No. 3 Hair Perfector, No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. They are on the thicker side so if you have ultra fine hair they might be too heavy for your hair.
  • Dae Hair was founded by Amber Fillerup Clark who I think has the some of the prettiest hair styling out there! I was so excited to try her line. The Dae Shampoo and Conditioner are great everyday kinds of products. They smell like floral bubblegum to me and love that they wash and rinse without any buildup.
  • dp HUE Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse is something I’ve been trying out as a shampoo alternative since I wash my hair daily. I really like it although it smells pretty terrible to me. The good thing is once it’s rinsed out there’s no residual smell. Makes the hair feel clean and healthy!

Hair Tools

Favorite Hair Tools and Brushes

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

I blow dry my hair almost daily but try to minimize any heat exposure as I’ve been experiencing breakage. I did start working with a new stylist at my local salon and she’s been using a different combination of toner + glaze on my hair which seems to have helped the breakage tremendously!

  • Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is what I’ve been loving right now. Original review HERE. I’ve been seriously tempted to buy the Air Wrap Styler and today they just launched the Corrale Straightener. If you’ve tried it did you think it was worth the splurge?
  • Wetbrush Detangler has been recommended by so many of you, since I experienced so much breakage I ordered one from Target and it truly does work better than anything else I’ve tried on wet hair!
  • Yves Durif Vent Brush has been my go-to brush in general, still love it!
  • Gisou Comb is my favorite comb, it’s currently not available but the most similar option I’ve found is the Mason Pearson Rake Comb
  • Sephora Collection Mini Gloss brush is a great hybrid brush to keep for on-the-go
  • HAI Ceramic Iron is the only flat iron I’ve used for years. It’s still a favorite and leaves hair smooth and shiny after use!
  • Curler – I stopped curling my hair with the T3 Whirl Trio because it fried my hair as in literally burnt off strands. I don’t know if it went bad or if my hair was just significantly damaged from the highlight processing.

Pre-Blowout, Detangler + Heat Protectants

Best Heat Protectants and Smoothers

This is the category where I try new things the most frequently. Some of these are multi-taskers and can be used as finishing products as well. You don’t have to use all of these or more than one. I’ve included different options I’ve tried as sometimes I want a spray, other times a cream is better for me.

Finishers for Shine, Hold and Frizz-Issues

Best Hair Oils and Hair Sprays

Some days there’s literally nothing I can do to combat frizz. I know so many of you feel the same if you live in humid weather! Also with extreme heat + sweat some times hair will go flat within minutes of being outside. Here’s what I have found works, but I’m always looking for something better!

  • Oribe Gold Lust Oil is a great hair oil to add shine to ends, it’s lightweight and smells amazing! It’s actually not my absolute favorite, but I’ve purchased several times and like it a lot.
  • Drybar The Chaser Shine Cream is something I’ve used for many years, it adds shine and smooths the hair beautifully. It is rich so I usually apply on the ends or in very small amounts. Quick note that it looks like they’ve changed the packaging to a pump style!
  • Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil is probably my favorite hair oil of all time. It’s 100% worth the splurge!
  • Living Proof No Frizz Instant De-Frizzer is the best anti-frizz spray I’ve used. I can spray it in a light layer all over the hair and brush it out, or sometimes I will spray directly onto a small comb/brush and brush it through my hair.
  • Living Proof Flex Hairspray is my favorite hair spray because it doesn’t leave the hair super crunchy feeling. There are other stronger hold sprays I’ve been wanting to try but haven’t had a chance yet. This one works for me and I love it.

Volumizers, Texture + Dry Shampoo

Best Hair Volumizers and Dry Shampoos

I don’t typically use thickening sprays. Sometimes I feel like I don’t need a texturizer because the salty air here already gives me enough natural texture. Here is what I love when I need texture or volume:

Miscellaneous

Aquis Hair Towel

I still really love the Aquis Hair Towels to dry my hair and the Slip Silk Scrunchies. I’m looking for some good hair clips to hold up my hair as I always lose mine. I’ve used the ones from Drybar and T3 before and loved them. Currently looking for something new to try!

Hair Care + Styling Favorites

For those who wanted to know what I’ve been loving for the hair I hope you found this post helpful! Also hoping the split by category helps you sort through the products to help you find what you’re looking for.

What is your hair type and what are some of your favorites? Any new recent discoveries or finds you want to share?

Shampoo + Conditioners

 

Styling Favs

 

Dae Hair products, Bumble Pret-A-Powder Spray, Moroccanoil Perfect Defense and Original Treatment provided for review.

Hauls Nordstrom

Spring Makeup Haul

March 6, 2020

Nordstrom Spring Makeup Haul

I’m excited to share another makeup haul with you today! I picked up some new beauty launches recently and discovered quite a few hits. I’ve found the perfect spring cheek palette and my new holy grail nude lip gloss. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share my favorite beauty finds.

Spring Makeup Haul Picks NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

Foundation + Concealer

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation and Hourglass Airbrush Concealer

The spring beauty season always brings us new bases to try. I’m still in the process of testing several out but two I wanted to mention include the new Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation and Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer. Both are quite the splurge and I stopped by my local counters to swatch them.

The Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation has SPF 50 and offers medium to full coverage with a dewy finish. It is light reflecting and suitable for my normal skin type. I tested with both a brush and sponge, both work great! It evens out the skin with impressive coverage while still looking natural. I set with a powder to counter the dewy finish and it leaves the skin looking plump and evened out. My match is Natural 06 but I can also wear Dune 5.7 (more neutral in tone). It stays put all day, doesn’t separate, looks great and feels really nice! To me it’s like a more opaque and richer feeling Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.

Below with bare skin and applying Natural 06:

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation Natural

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation Natural 06

The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer is a super opaque concealer. My shade is Beech for under the eye or spot concealing. A little goes a VERY long way so I recommend applying sparingly. Three small dots under each eye is more than enough to conceal dark circles and brighten. I also set with a powder (any of my powders work, I love the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural or Laura Mercier Translucent Loose) and it stays put all day. If you’re dry you may need to add some eye cream underneath.

Below Beech applied under the eyes on just one side so you can see with vs without:

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer in Beech

Dior Rosewood

Dior Rosewood Lip Maximizer, Lip Oil and Lip Glow

From Dior I repurchased the Lip Maximizer in Rosewood. They recently added the Lip Glow Oil and Lip Glow in the same shade and I love the natural rosy flush it gives the lips. The Lip Maximizer gives the lips a super lush glossy look and hydrates all day. The Lip Glow variation will give you more color as it transforms on the lips. The Lip Oil will give you an almost clear shine.

Dior Rosewood Lip Maximizer

NARS Cool Crush

NARS x Nordstrom Cool Crush Collection

Nordstrom has a NARS Exclusive Collection called Cool Crush. I hauled the Hot Fix Cheek Palette which has one champagne highlighter and three neutral pink/peach blushes. This has medium to rich pigment but is easy to blend. As a lover of neutral blushes this one is perfect for spring to summer. It’s very natural and easy to wear. There are also new Loaded Lip Lacquers which are full coverage high shine lip glosses. I bought three of the four colors available and they’re all wearable. Playin’ Around is a creamy pale nude, Young Hearts is my new holy grail nude and Foxy is a warmer brown neutral.

NARS Hot Fix Cheek Palette with Foxy Gloss

NARS Hot Fix Loaded Lip Lacquers

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Extensions

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium

Also new this year are more Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk extensions. I will have a separate post on everything I hauled but for now the stand outs are the Pillow Talk Medium Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Pencil. They’re darker than the original color for a really flattering medium brown rose. I also picked up the Pillow Talk Eyeliner which is a reddish brown and a nice alternative to black or brown when you want something different.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Makeup Remover

Last but not least as a fan of the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil I decided to try the Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover for eyes. It’s a bi-phase makeup remover to remover waterproof makeup with I really like it! It’s gentle and not greasy, doesn’t sting my eyes and is effective.

Spring Makeup Haul Picks NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

That wraps up my favorites from my recent Nordstrom Beauty haul! My favorites are the NARS palette and lip glosses which I think are great everyday kind of neutrals. I really love the new Tom Ford foundation. The formula wears really well and I like that it has SPF in it.

You can find all my picks available at Nordstrom. If you’re shopping online don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase section (they update it regularly).

Have you picked up anything new recently? What did you think?

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. All items featured purchased by me.