There are four new shades of the Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil in bright bold colors. The formula is creamy and easy to blend. They blend out to a much sheerer finish for a veil of color compared to what you see in the pan. Since these are significantly brighter and bolder in color they show up much better on my medium tan skin compared to the other shades in this formula. The colors in the original launch (reviewed here) didn’t work so well for my skin tone (they were too pale for me).
They have a soft dewy finish but it’s not too dewy or shiny. Since they are creams I think they’re best suited for normal or normal to dry skin types. On me lasting power is very good indoors but outdoors they become very dewy looking within a short period of time. To be fair though everything gets dewy looking in this humidity!
Pink Peony is a cool toned powdery pink, this has a very pastel undertone so looks a little streaky on me if I don’t blend it out all the way. For skintone reference I’m wearing NARS Light Reflecting Foundation in Vanuatu below (formula reviewed here).
Below: Pink Peony + Watermelon Glow on the lips
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Papaya Pop is a bright orange but sheers out to a tangerine glow on the cheeks.
Below: Papaya Pop + Tangerine Glow on the lips
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Strawberry Sunset is a bright warm pink.
Below: Strawberry Sunset + Cherry Glow on the lips.
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Paradise Pink is a fuschia pink.
Below: Paradise Pink + Pomegranate Glow on the lips.
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Swatched below next to the blush shades I still have from the original launch.
MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum
There are five new shades of the MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum and I love these colors. Texture is the same as the other lip serums in the lineup: very soft, balmy, glossy, sheer in finish. They are bright and sheer at the same time so you’ll get a healthy wash of color on the lips. You can sheer them out for a more subtle look.
I think every single color is beautiful and perfect for summer. I do wish they were in a squeeze tube format instead. The texture is really soft and almost melty on the lips. I haven’t had any product melting issues but I also haven’t put these in my bag this summer. Also quick note in case you’re new to these: they twist in one direction (they don’t twist back down).
Chanel Beauty added some new fun colorful items in their Summer 2024 Collection. I checked out everything at my local Chanel Beauty Boutique a couple weeks ago and had fun swatching everything. I picked up a few items and love every single thing.
The overall collection is very different from what we’ve seen lately from Chanel and I love it. They created some really beautiful multi-dimensional colors for the eyes and cheeks. I wish they had launched coordinating new lip colors but it looks like for this launch it’s newness for eyes, cheeks and nails.
Jardin Imaginaire Blush and Highlighter Duos
The stars of this launch are the Blush and Highlighter Duos ($75 each). They’re stunning and are SO much prettier on the skin compared to what you see in the compacts. These are have the same texture as the duo from 2021. There is a soft satiny matte side and a silky highlighter.
Light and Berry was another surprised. At first glance I thought they would 100% be shades I would never wear. The mauve fuschia blush swatches very bright with a dense brush but it’s sheer-medium in pigment and blends out much better on the face. The opal pink highlighter almost flashes lavender and adds the prettiest glow. I love this on the cheeks or the eyes. Below wearing Light and Berry on the cheeks, Stylo Ombre et Contour Celestial Pink, Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Black, Baume Essentiel Scintillement on the Lips.
Summer 2024 has Moonlight Kiss which is a soft champagne gold with a bit of peach and Solar Glow a bronzed copper shimmer. These perform true to the Chanel Baume Essentiel standards: glowy, balmy, lovely shine. I really can’t pull these off on the cheeks in Florida heat and humidity but I know lots of you are HUGE fans of the dewy glow. I do really like these in the cooler climates or on the lips.
Chanel added a new shade Scintillement which looks really similar to the Mermaid Glow from Spring 2024. I received tons of feedback from many of you that you heard Scintillement is really just Mermaid Glow renamed and in permanent form. In store the Sas swatched them side by side and I wish I captured a photo because I saw distinct differences in store but it could have been the lighting. I pulled both at home and I really cannot tell the difference when swatched. They have slight differences in the base but the sparkle and effect looks the same.
I think both are stunning. I am amazed that Chanel was able to create something sparkly without any texture or gritty feel. I kinda wish the sparkle was more visible on the skin, but I think it’s beautiful.
There are lots of new fun shades of the Stylo Ombre Et Contour ($38). I own quite a few of these and love the darker ones for liner or matte ones for an all over lid shade. I never ended up using many of the lighter colors since they pull on the sheer side. I picked up Celestial Pink which is a glittery pink that flashes violet and pink. On my bare lids it matches my skin tone so closely it doesn’t show up, but when layered with any powder shadow it transforms into a brighter iridescent glow. 100% love. I do wish it was in powder form though as I really love the new Chanel powder shadow singles.
I also loved Attaya and Ecorce in store but decided to think about them for a while.
Summer Le Vernis
There are three new Le Vernis ($32) shades. All three are absolutely stunning. I picked up two in Songe D’Ete (opal pink shimmer) and Faun (pretty cream brown). I passed on the green Reveuse since I’m not really into greens, but the SA swatched it in store and the shimmer is breathtaking. Wearing the shades I hauled, both with 2 coats.
Overall very different from what we usually see from Chanel but I love what they created. The Summer 2024 collection is fresh, unique and fun. I’m 100% happy with all my splurges even though I won’t be using the baumes on the cheeks (they’re lovely on the lips).
Rhode launched new lip and cheek colors for summer with the Pocket Blush ($24 each) and Peptide Lip Tint ($18 each). They’re available now at Rhode Skin with discounted bundles if you buy one of their sets. The shades looked perfect for summer so I ordered one of everything in the sets. I have swatches today!
Pocket Blush
The Pocket Blush is a creamy blush with a twist up base. There are six shades total and I bought the Pocket Blush Set. Pigment is bold with one swipe but when you blend it’s medium in coverage. They’re dewy in the finish if you apply on bare skin or just on top of foundation or a skin tint. If I apply on top of a powdered face the finish is less dewy and more satiny which I prefer. In terms of a cream blush these are some of the better ones I’ve tried for lasting power. Creams are challenging in humid weather but these have held up pretty well if I’m out for a couple hours. Right now the humidity levels are so high literally nothing will hold up some days.
I really love the look of these. I do get better wear and coverage with the Armani Luminous Cheek Tints but those are different in application and formula.
Freckle is a nude beige
Piggy is a pale pastel pink
Sleepy Girl is a mauve
Juice Box is a bright pink
Spicy Marg is a coral peach
Toasted Teddy is a brown
After trying all the colors I think Spicy Marg and Juice Box are my favorite. Piggy is a bit too pale for my skin tone right now but I can make it work if I layer something else on top. Since Toasted Teddy is deeper and more contrasted with my skin tone I need to blend it out a little more than the other shades, but blending is pretty easy. Overall a solid A.
Peptide Lip Tint New Shades
There are four new shades of the Peptide Lip Tints. Set linked here. I love these lip balms and have purchased every single shade. Some of ones from previous launches seem to have developed some crystalized chunks, but not all of them have. I am hoping these new ones won’t develope the gritty texture.
New shades this launch pull on the sheer side, I wish they had more pigment but the colors are really pretty. As a lip balm lover, I like these. I don’t know that I’d call them must-haves, but the colors are stunning. New colors include:
Rhode launched a super cute iPhone case (available in different sizes) in colors to match the new summer lip glosses. They are super cute and I love the concept. In real life I found mine a bit too chunky feeling and a little awkward to hold. I kept mine on for about an hour and then took it off but I’m the type that has a very streamlined basic phone case so I can slip it in and out of my pocket or put it in mini bags. I think they’re fun, but for me not practical.
Happy Friday! I shopped the Nordstrom Sale earlier this week and have swatches of my beauty haul picks. Here are the beauty sets I picked up. Also since a lot of the sets this year are discounted bundles of permanent items I swatched a few more of the sets since I already own a lot of the colors.
Hourglass Golden Rose Ambient Lighting Palette
The Hourglass Golden Rose Ambient Lighting Palette ($64) is probably my favorite thing I picked out, although not a must-have if already own a lot of palettes from Hourglass. The shades include Celestial Strobe Light (shimmery champagne), Iridescent Rose Blush (medium rose), Dim Infusion Blush (soft coral) and Golden Bronze Light (soft bronze). I think all the colors have been in at least one palette before, but I love the combination and think this is a pretty one.
The Sculpt and Gloss Set ($45) has two permanent colors of the Phantom Glossy Balm in Mist and Sculpt Lip Liner in Flaunt. The colors are really pretty. I’m still not the biggest fan of the lip liner formula, but the color is good. (Review + swatches of the formula in this post here). The duo set is offered at a nice discount for the sale. I already own both shades but I swatched them for you. I’m wearing both below.
NSALE 2024 Lip Sets
There are lots of lip sets offered during the sale. If you’ve had your eye on any or need to restock I think this is a great time to try one. Otherwise I’d say wait until holiday since all the colors in these sets are permanent and there will most likely be some more interesting options come fall.
YSL Loveshine Lip Duo ($60) has two shades Shade 44 Nude Lavalliere and 150 Nude Lingerie. These are permanent shades. In case you haven’t kept up with the YSL Beauty launches, the Loveshine formula replaced the Rouge Volupte Shine formula this year. Full review + swatches here.
Tom Ford Beauty Luxe Gloss Duo ($90) is a beautiful duo of neutrals in Inhibition (beige tan) and Sunrise Pink (soft rose). Both are permanent and since I used mine up quite some time ago I thought it would be nice to restock and buy these. They’re glossy, lush and moisturizing.
Trish McEvoy Lip Trio ($60) has three beautiful wearable pinks. I don’t think this is actually part of the Anniversary Sale but it a new set and it was displayed with all the other NSALE Beauty Exclusives. Either way I’m glad I picked it up. It has a Lipstick in Perfect Pink (soft bright cool pink), Easy Lip Gloss in Babe (creamy powdery pink) and Long-Wear Lip Liner in Barely There (neutral nude). The kit has shades I can see myself wearing on a regular basis. I love the consistency and pigment.
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Duo ($45) has full-size lipsticks in Dolce Vita (soft rose) and Devotion (beige nude). I love this formula and have already used up Dolce Vita. Both have a very comfortable feel one lips. Perfect amount of color and shine. This is one of my favorite lip formulas.
Westman Atelier Sets
I shared a look at the Westman Atelier Sets earlier and added swatches. All the shades are permanent. For those who love that glossy glass skin or dewy look you will love these. The Summer Bronze Trio ($115, PR gifted) has full sizes of Lit Up Stick in Nectar, Baby Cheeks in Dou Dou and the Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator in Peau de Soleil.
I love the Lit Up Stick and Baby Cheeks. The Liquid Super Loaded is too dewy for my taste even if I mix in with a moisturizer, but it performs exactly as described and I know a lot of you love it.
The Petite Lit Up Stick Duo ($40) has two permanent shades in Brulee and Nectar. Love these for travel or to pop in the purse for touch ups on the go.
Eye Bundle Sets
There are lots of eye bundles with permanent shades. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick Trio ($54) has Shell, Moonstone and Smokey Topaz. The Laura Mercier Effortless Eyes Trio ($60) has Burnished Bronze, Dune and Rosegold. A number of you messaged me you wished they launched new colors for the sale instead of offering the same repeated shades every single year. I 100% agree with you. I’ve swatched these anyways in case you don’t have access to these in person.
Charlotte Tilbury Sets
Charlotte Tilbury has bundles of permanent best sellers. I picked up the Charlotte Tilbury Blush & Glow Glide Set ($88) which has Pillow Talk Highlighter, Pillow Talk Matte Blush and Pinkgasm as a gift. I’ve added swatches of a few more items for comparison/reference.
The Pillow Talk Lip Kit ($65) has the Lip Cheat, Lip Blur and Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk. I do think the Lip Liner and Matte Revolution are staples. I’m not a big fan of the Lip Blur Formula, it feels like it just sits on the lips and it’s not transfer proof at all. I didn’t pick up this set as I already own the individual items but I swatched them in case you haven’t tried all 3 yet.
I’ve been using the Magic Cream a lot lately and used up two jars in the past year so I picked up the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Face & Body Duo ($90) since I wanted to replenish them.
Fragrance Sets
The Byredo Les Triples Set ($95) is the same as last year. The bottles are super cute but they don’t come with atomizer spritzers. If you don’t mind the dabber style, these are nice. I prefer the Atomizer Spray Trios like this one or this one instead, although the glass isn’t as thick or sturdy as the bottles. They do make separate leather cases to hold the atomizers but they are fairly expensive. Full size vs minis for comparison below.
I was SO close to buying the Parfums de Marly Fragrance Trio ($435) with miniatures of Delina, Delina La Rosee and Delina Exclusif. I’m not really a rose fragrance fan but after trying the discovery set earlier this year I fell in love with all 3 (I like La Rosee the best). It’s actually still in my online shopping cart, but I already own so many perfumes I decided to pass (for now).
Tools and Devices
Last but not least, I picked up the NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit ($265). It’s been on my radar and the sale price seemed pretty good. I haven’t tried it yet but am really excited to (I used to own the older version). My face definitely needs some toning and I have high hopes this will help.
Another tool I recommend on sale is the ghd Platinum Plus Styler. It’s a straightener but I also use it to curl my hair. It’s on sale now and I still use it all the time. You can see it in action here.
I went on the Ambassador Access day and by the time I was in store nearly everything on my clothes, shoes and accessories wishlist had sold out in my size (or sold out completely). I did pick up two Barefoot Dreams Blankets in the Checks and Stripes Pattern and CozyChic Blanket in Pearl. I love having fresh new ones on hand.
For this week’s Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway the winners are SuzanneG, SarahK and GayleG – please check your emails! You will have received one from sabrina@thebeautylookbook!
Did you buy anything from the Nordstrom sale this year? Let me know what you picked up!
The Nordstrom Anniversary sale starts this week with early access for cardmembers. They launched an online preview of this event and I’ve rounded up the highlights for their Beauty Exclusives, clothes, accessories and more.
The Anniversary Sale happens once a year. Nordstrom Cardmembers have early access depending on what tier you are. Access dates are as follows starting July 9th this week:
There are a lot of options available and since things tend to sell out quickly I recommend going through each category that interests you and start building a wishlist. There’s an “Add to Wish List” button on each individual product page. Simply click the heart icon and it will save it to your Wishlist Page in your account. That way when your access date starts you can easily add things to cart.
For my beauty lovers there are lots of NSALE Beauty Exclusives. I’ve shopped the sale every single year and over the years they’ve seemed to shift the offering themes to discounted bundles and value sets (or sizes) vs. new exclusive colors or things you can only find during the sale.
I went through every category and still found quite a few things to put on my wishlist. There are a lot of luxury brands that have value sets I think are worth checking out, especially if you’ve had something like La Mer, Parfums de Marly, Armani Beauty, Jo Malone, Augustinus Bader, Oribe etc. on your radar.
Whether you’re shopping in store or online, be sure to check out the GIFT WITH PURCHASE page! Once the sale starts Nordstrom updates this page regularly. They don’t always have all the gifts in store (some are online only) and even in store in the associates don’t always know about brand specific GWPs.
Here’s what I’ve put on my radar by category. Quick note: since many of these are bundles or value sets of “best sellers” know that similar options will probably launch come the holiday season. Still it’s a nice way to save.
There are tons more in each category, especially women’s clothes and home so be sure to browse each section before the sale starts!
I’m hosting a few giveaways this month! A few will be here on the blog and a few on Instagram so be sure to follow me and check out my stories for the details on how to enter!
My first giveaway is going to be a $100 NORDSTROM eGift card for 3 current e-mail subscribers. No need to do anything extra to enter as I really appreciate those who have already subscribed and are loyal readers. I’ll announce the winners on my haul post this upcoming week which will be live on the 11th or 12th and I will contact the 3 winners by e-mail (they will be contacted from my [email protected] email address). Good luck!
I can’t believe it’s already July! Lots of sale alerts popped up in my inbox this past week. I already shopped a few sales, here’s a roundup of what I’ve seen so far.
Two big sales I want to put on your radar are from Ulta Beauty and Nordstrom. Ulta Beauty’s Big Summer Beauty Sale is here with different promos every week now through July 13th. I shared a reel of some good sales this week with Vacation marked down 30% off, a new favorite concealer and lots of sunscreens marked down too.
It’s almost time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and it is starting next week! They’ve already launched an early preview of what they’ll offer this year. I’ve started making a list for a few of the Beauty Exclusives and will share more soon.
Dior Beauty – complimentary beauty gift with purchases $130+ using code FOURTH24 or enjoy a lip maximizer + iconic overcurl mini + denim makeup bag on orders $175+ with code 4THDIOR
Elemis – From 7/4-7/7 receive a full-size Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pad Pack (60) + travel sizes of the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and Marine Cream using code 3FAVS on ANY full-size purchase
Tarte – Self-care flash sale up to 60% off, also save 20% off with code SAVE20
Westman Atelier – Summer warehouse sale 50% off selected sets, limited-edition items and accessories with code WESTMAN50 (ends July 4) – I splurged on some of her pouches and train case love them
I really love these. Colors for every single shade I tried is absolutely stunning. Formula is creamy and easy to apply with a matte finish. They glide onto the lips without any tugging and the coverage is smooth and opaque. Once they set on the lips they have impressive lasting power and these are among the few lip products that don’t transfer to my teeth at all. They’re not 100% transfer-proof but the transfer to a cup or napkin is minimal once it sets on the lips. I also like that they feel relatively weightless on the lips which is a huge plus especially in hot summer months.
I do wish they were in a twist up formula or came with a sharpener, but for a matte lip formula I really do like these. They can look a little dry if you have dry lips, but this can be fixed with a lip balm or primer. If you haven’t tried the MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer I think you need to. It is the best lip primer that helps smooth the lip surface, adds a light veil of moisture and really helps lipsticks go on smoother without feathering.
Shades are all on point – I think I can see myself wearing every single color (except the red though, since I rarely wear reds). Some of the neutrals look similar swatched on the arm but on my lips there’s a clear difference in undertone. The darker shades will stain the lips but the lip primer is really good in preventing the staining.
Nude Venus is a light cool nude pink
Coralust is a neutral peachy pink
Divine Rose is a warm mauve rose
Naked Seduction is a warm dusty rose
Nude Oasis is a warm brown rose
Flesh3 is a mahogany rose brown
Garnet Glow is a deeper wine shade
Belle Amour is a cool-toned berry with some fuchsia vibes (this color looks like it’s only available at Pat McGrath online, I like the Lip Fetish Balm color version of Belle Amour a lot more)
OBSESSED! is an electric bold orange red
I lip swatched most of the shades below, also wearing:
Overall love. I’m usually not a fan of matte lips but I like the colors and lasting power of these shades. I would say my top 3 are Coralust, Nude Seduction and Divine Rose.
