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Sabrina

Chanel Gift Guide

Luxury Beauty Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

April 29, 2019

Mother's Day Gift Guide Luxury Beauty Edit Chanel

Mother’s Day is coming up soon and the weeks are flying by so quickly this spring! I still cannot believe it’s the end of April. We have a little over a week before Mother’s Day is here on May 12th so if you’re shopping early I have a gift guide rounding up some luxurious splurges! Chanel Beauty has been one of my favorite go-to lines over the years and I’m so excited to share a selection of their Mother’s Day Gift Guide for every kind of beauty lover. I’ve personally gifted Chanel beauty products to a number of women in my life all different age ranges and it’s one line that never fails to impress. Their nail polishes or their lip glosses always spark a lot of joy!

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Makeup Gifts for Her

If you have a mom, mother-in-law, friend who’s a mom who has everything you can’t go wrong stocking her up on classic staples.

  • Chanel Rouge Coco Flash is still a relatively new lip formula and the classic go-to red is Amour. The formula is shiny and the deeper colors pack in quite a bit of pigment.
  • For nails it doesn’t get more classic than Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate. I’ve had this since the original formula many years ago. The newer one is just as good! To make the manicure last I really like the Le Gel Top Coat and it prevents chipping for around a week for me.
  • Everyone can use a restock of their favorite mascara, the Le Volume Revolution de Chanel is their newest one and makes a great one for ultimate volume or you can always opt for their classic Le Volume formula too.
  • For the mom who’s a minimalist with makeup and wants a very natural matte liquid lip, Rouge Lip Ink in Serenity is a very easy to wear muted rose neutral.

Luxury Makeup Gift Guide Mother's Day Rouge Coco Flash Amour, Le Vernis Pirate, Mascara

If you have a mom in your life who already has everything the Les Beiges collection for 2019 just launched! I will have a review for you very soon but am still waiting on a few items to review the full collection. The pieces I’ve tested so far are gorgeous and I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t absolutely love it.

  • Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Powder has been a staple for years as a lovely setting powder that looks natural.
  • Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint is the latest all over sheer glow. I know many women don’t want any coverage and barely wear foundation. This is a great option for that all over glow with just a very slight tint of color.
  • For those who want to know what I think the best Chanel foundation is, splurge on the Sublimage Le Teint for yourself. I did and have no regrets splurging. It is better suited for normal to dry skin but I can wear it just fine with normal combination skin.
  • The Les Beiges Natural Eyeshadow Collection has literally every neutral shade you can think of for the perfect everyday natural eye.

Chanel Les Beiges 2019

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Luxury Fragrance & Skin Treats

There are so many beautiful fragrances from Chanel. I know it’s very personal so buying for someone could be a bit tricky. If the mom in your life has a go-to stock her up on her favorite!

  • I owned Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige many years ago before they reformulated it into parfum form. It’s been a while since I spritzed this but it’s every bit as beautiful as I remember. It’s one of my favorite perfumes for spring.
  • Les Eaux de Chanel offer three gorgeous lightweight fresh smelling perfumes. Paris-Venise is a sweet neroli with a little bit of vanilla and tonka and soft powdery notes.
  • If you feel fragrance is too tricky and risky to splurge on you can always opt for the classic La Creme Main in Texture Riche (I really adore this!) or the Hydra Beauty Nourishing Lip Care. I feel like the hand cream and lip balm combo is a no-fail super safe option for anyone, even the pickiest of women!

Luxury Chanel Beauty Treats

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Skincare to Splurge On

For skincare there are a lot of gorgeous options to pick from. Some of the most luxurious skincare I’ve tried is from Chanel!

  • L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil is a really nice silky smooth non-drying cleansing oil. It leaves the skin feeling clean without that stripped feeling. I have this from last year and still use it weekly. A little goes a long way and the bottle will last a long time.
  • The Sublimage line is hands down the most luxurious line I’ve ever tried. I splurged on a couple pieces for myself over the years and loved them so so much! For Mother’s Day they recommend Sublimage L’Essence Lumiere Concentrate to illuminate the skin combined with the L’Extrait de Creme to restore, regenerate and protect.
    • If you’re unsure about splurging on these individual pieces you might want to consider the Sublimage Le Voyage Set which has minis.
  • The Hydra Beauty Line has one of my favorite Face Mists. They add pieces to the line every year and the latest is the Hydra Beauty Camelia Water Cream. I put this to the test this past week and think it’s really really lovely. It’s one of the best lightweight creams I’ve tried!
  • For those who want firming Le Lift is a great line to look into. I’ve had this Le Lift Creme put on my face during a number of beauty events and it’s a really nice cream. My mother-in-law has been recently talking about issues with sagging skin so I think this is going to be perfect for her to try.

Best Luxury Skincare Chanel Beauty

Lots of beautiful ideas to pick from!

Mother's Day Beauty Gift Guide Luxury Beauty Chanel

Mother's Day Beauty Gift Guide Luxury Beauty Chanel

Wearing in this post: Chanel Sublimage Le Teint in 40, Les Beiges Powder 20 to set, Les Tissages Tweed Beige Blush, Rouge Coco Gloss in 172 Tendresse (my favorite color), Le Vernis in Pirate, Powder Brow Duo in Brun, Le Volume Revolution Mascara, Woven Lilac Ribbed Top from Reformation

I’m bringing a bag of all the makeup items over to my mother-in-law’s for Mother’s Day for her to try out. For skincare and fragrance I’m going to let her pick and choose which items she thinks will best suit her. I love that she’s so easy going she will literally like anything!

For those who are looking for luxury gift ideas for the moms in your life or if you want to treat yourself I hope this gives you some good ideas at multiple price points! Gifting doesn’t have to be complicated or over the top. I’ve found sometimes picking one or two small things and adding a pretty bouquet of flowers or box of baked goods is super easy and fun 🙂 More ideas and inspiration on their online gift guide.

Skincare Gifts for Her
Makeup Gifts for Her
Fragrance Gifts for Her

You can find the Chanel Mother’s Day Gift Guide selects available on Chanel.com now.

Chanel beauty products gifted by Chanel. 

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Sephora Skincare

Best Skincare + Haircare to Splurge on During The Sephora Spring Bonus Event

April 26, 2019

Best Skincare Haircare to Splurge on at the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Spring Bonus Event is happening again! It starts today for Rouge Beauty Insiders who get first access with a 20% discount off purchases online and in stores using code HEYROUGE. The event is open to Rouge Members from today Friday April 26 to Monday May 6. VIBs and BIs will have access starting next week. Today I have my roundup of the best skincare and haircare items I think are the most splurge-worthy. The event is a great time to save on new tries or stock up on favorites. For those interested in makeup, my holy grail makeup picks to follow in a separate post next week!

Quick recap of dates and codes for Beauty Insiders, valid in both US and Canada, available online and in stores. If you’re not a member yet check out their Beauty Insider page for details on how to join:

  • Rouge Members get 20% off, 4/26 through 5/6 with code HEYROUGE
  • VIB Members get 15% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYVIB
  • BI Members get 10% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYINSIDER

I’ve included recommendations by category since I know each person is looking for something a little different. I have normal combination skin that is acne prone. These are my tried and true.

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Face Cleansers and Makeup Removers

  • Kate Somerville wins for me on everything! If I had to use one brand of cleanser the rest of my life it would be Kate Somerville. I have to rotate formulas depending on season, but my go-to’s are the Eradikate and Exfolikate to keep skin clean and acne-free.
  • Glamglow Supercleanse Clearing Cream to Foam is another great purifying cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin and helps keeps pores clear.
  • Farmacy Beauty Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm* is the best solid makeup remover I’ve tried. It’s a solid that transforms into an oil to melt away makeup.
  • Farmacy Beauty Clean Bee is another one I’ve been a fan of for oily skin. This is ideal for me on super sweaty workout days or in the summer when my skin gets oily.
  • Lancome Eau Micellar is probably the one I’d pick if I had to pick one for the rest of my life.
  • Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil is always in stock at my home. It’s one of my most-used cleansing oils. Some of you have mentioned to me you’re allergic to Camellia Oil in which case I’d recommend you try SK-II or Bobbi Brown’s instead. (I love that Sephora is one of the few sites that lists ingredients for most of their products.)

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Face Moisturizers

  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is the best all around everyday moisturizer for me. Even Andrew loves it so much he borrowed mine permanently so I had to buy another jar. It’s hydrating but not heavy and works with most of my foundations.
  • Farmacy Beauty Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer* is another stand out for me. It’s lightweight and also works really well under makeup.
  • Tatcha Water Cream* has been a long-time favorite of mine but I just started using the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream* and like it even more. I thought it would be too heavy based on the description but it’s actually not! It offers a more creamy feel than the water version. The Dewy Skin Cream makes the skin look supple and moisturized.
  • Eve Lom Brightening Cream is another nice super lightweight moisturizer that has a subtle brightening effect. I’ve used this one for years and it never fails me.
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Juice is the best lightweight gel moisturizer. It’s been with me on most every trip since I discovered it. It’s great for humid weather on days I want something ultra light.

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Face Masks and Special Treatments

  • Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask is my most-used mask EVER. It’s the perfect pore refining and clarifying mud mask. Anytime I feel like my skin is clogged or breakouts are surfacing this helps tremendously.
  • Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask is another favorite that brightens and exfoliates.
  • Drunk Elephant TLC Baby Facial is the only 1 of 3 acid treatments I liked enough to use consistently. Anytime someone tells me my skin looks smooth and glowing in person it’s usually after I’ve used this.
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes is a night time lactic acid treatment that works to retexturize the skin. This is pretty strong for me but effective. I don’t use this every night – I typically use this whenever I feel like my skin is having texture issues. If you’re unsure about splurging on this definitely try it in a mini in one of the sets like the Flash Fix Kit or Power Trio Set.
  • Farmacy Beauty Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Mask is my favorite hydrating mask. For me this is huge as I really don’t like honey masks because of their thick gooey texture. This one is one I really like to help with dryness and dullness.
  • Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Mask is another great calming and hydrating mask. It makes me feel like a brand new person when I use this one.
  • Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment is one of Andrew’s favorite spot treatments. It has 2% salicylic acid and we’ve been testing out a lot of pimple treatments. This is a winner for him.
  • Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum works for both of us. I am embarrassed to admit I burned my forehead badly on four separate occasions with the curling iron. It was only a light tap on accident but contact was long enough to leave burn marks and scars. This helped reduce them back to my normal skin state. Andrew had bad acne scars from cystic acne. They normally go away with time he recently had some really bad ones. He put this on his shoulder area and it also made his scar disappear quickly.

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Scrubs and Exfoliators

I’m combining favorites for face and body in this one! I’ve always felt exfoliation is a key part of my skincare routine for the face and body to help get rid of dead skin cells and excess oil. Long-wear formulas for makeup and sunscreen are often hard to remove with just cleanser so exfoliating is key. Ones I find effective but gentle:

  • Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Treatment is hands down the best intense scrub I’ve tried. It is pretty intense so if you have sensitive skin it may be too strong for you. I use this once a week to keep skin glowing.
  • Fresh Sugar Face Polish is the best hydrating face scrub. It dissolves when you rub it into the skin and is super gentle.
  • REN Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Scrub is the best hydrating balm in scrub form. It’s expensive and for me goes fast with how frequently I use it. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smooth without being greasy.
  • Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub is my all time favorite body scrub. I have yet to try it on the scalp but for the body it smells sooo so good and I love it to pieces.

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Body Moisturizer, Glow Products and Fragrance

  • Kopari Coconut Melt is my favorite body moisturizer. I put it on my body at night before I go to bed and wake up with super soft skin.
  • Sol de Janiero Glomotions in Copacabana Bronze and Rio Sunset are my new favorite glow products. I haven’t really been into body glows but I love the subtle sheen these give to the legs and arms. It’s perfect for warm weather date nights.
  • Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil has been a staple for years. It smells like summer in a bottle.
  • La Mer Reparative Body Lotion is something I’ve actually only had in minis. This is the most amazing body lotion I’ve ever tried and I have not been able to bring myself to splurge on it due to the price. I might splurge during this event.
  • Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt, Wild Blue Bell and Basil and Neroli are my top three favorites from Jo Malone! I really want to try the new Frangipani.
  • Tom Ford Soleil Blanc and Eau de Soleil Blanc are my most-worn scents for summer in a bottle that smells fresh and light. If I had to wear just one perfume the rest of my life it would be either of these. The differences are really slight. One Eau de Soleil is lighter and a little more creamy.

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Sunscreen

  • Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen is my all time favorite. It’s never greasy, moderately hydrating, doesn’t leave a white cast, has no smell and is easy to reapply.
  • Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with SPF 50 is another favorite. It has a spray tip applicator which makes it easy to apply. It’s not scented so it won’t interfere with perfume. Non-irritating and works well for me.
  • Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Sol Oil with SPF 30 is a shimmer oil with sunscreen. I used this in Miami where the sun is super intense (it’s further south from where we live and is a lot hotter there!). It worked well to prevent burning with regular reapplication. The shimmer isn’t gritty and is pretty subtle. It’s strongly scented so if you’re sensitive to strong creamy sweet scents you might want to opt for the Supergoop! instead.
  • A few others I’ve tried, loved and reviewed in the past linked below but I am going to do an updated sunscreen post next month.

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Haircare

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Extras

  • Glamglow Supertone Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner is one of the few acids I actually like. It’s not too strong and it’s more of a toner to exfoliate and clarify the skin. I’m so impressed by this. It helped clear up my skin during that time of the month when my face acts up. I use it other times every day only in the evenings.
  • Fresh Rose Floral Toner is a nice lightweight hydrating face mist that doubles as a toner.
  • Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is my favorite face mist.
  • Sephora Collection Cotton is super affordable and they don’t have those little fibers that stick in your eyes or crevices of your face.
  • NARS Afterglow Lip Balm is probably my most-used glow lip balm (even more than Dior Addict Glows).
  • Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is my holy grail lip treatment, if I had to use one the rest of my life this would be it.

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Quick recap on Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Bonus Event details and dates. If you’re not a member yet check out their Beauty Insider page to join:

  • Rouge Members get 20% off, 4/26 through 5/6 with code HEYROUGE
  • VIB Members get 15% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYVIB
  • BI Members get 10% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYINSIDER

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I’m doing another giveaway! One reader will receive a $100 eGift card to Sephora. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. Enter by completing at least one of the tasks in the widget below. Winner will be selected on 5/1 and e-mailed that day. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Press samples in post indicated with a *. All other items purchased by me.

151 Comments
NARS

NARS Heat of the Night Summer Edit Collection

April 24, 2019

NARS Summer 2019 Edit Heat of the Night Collection

NARS is killing it this season with yet more pretty palettes for summer. They just launched called Heat of the Night Summer Edit with two Face Palettes in Summer Lights and Hot Nights along with new colors of Satin Lip Pencil and Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. The palettes are truly phenomenal in terms of pigment, blendability and color selection. They’re pretty for summer to add warmth and glow. Lip pencils offer bold color deeper than I’m used to wearing but are still nice everyday kind of neutrals. The collection is limited-edition and is available now at Sephora and NARS.

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Summer Lights Face Palette

NARS Summer Lights Face Palette review

The Summer Lights Face Palette ($59 for 3.2 g x 4 eyeshadows, 7.1 g x 2 for cheeks) is the lighter option of the two palettes with four eyeshadows, a soft highlighter and matte bronzer. Everything is a powder formula with super soft textures that are easy to blend. If you already own the Skin Deep Eye Palette you might want to skip both of these as you’ll find similar color options. However these palettes do have a really nice lighter shimmer shade for eyes combined with the cheek colors they make for excellent travel companions. In the Summer Lights Face Palette:

  • Rainwater Eyeshadow is a shimmery taupe beige
  • Hibiscus Eyeshadow is a yellow bronze shimmer
  • Papeete Eyeshadow is a terracotta bronze
  • Hei Eyeshadow is a satiny cool brown shimmer
  • Paper Flower Highlighting Blush Powder is a warm champagne shimmer
  • Destination Unknown Bronzing Powder is a neutral soft matte brown

The Beauty Look Book NARS Summer Lights Face Palette review

NARS Summer Lights Face Palette swatches

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Hot Nights Face Palette

NARS Summer Hot Nights Face Palette review

The Hot Nights Face Palette is the deeper option of the two with bolder eye colors ($59 for 3.2 g x 4 eyeshadows, 7.1 g x 2 for cheeks). It’s not too dark for me to wear I still prefer the lighter option. I think this will definitely work better for deeper skin tones to show up more. Colors in the Hot Nights:

  • Pacific Eyeshadow is a pink champagne beige shimmer
  • Paradis Eyeshadow is a violet bronze shimmer
  • Maeva Eyeshadow is a reddish cranberry shimmer
  • Black Sand Eyeshadow is a deep purple shimmer
  • Tautira Highlighting Blush Powder is a shimmering rose gold tan
  • Manihi Bronzing Powder is a matte medium bronze

The Beauty Look Book NARS Summer Hot Nights Face Palette review

The Beauty Look Book NARS Summer Hot Nights Face Palette swatches

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Velvet Matte Lip Pencils

NARS Summer Velvet Matte Lip Pencils

There are four shades of Velvet Matte Lip Pencils. These have medium coverage with a velvety matte finish. The pigment is buildable to cover the entire lip.

  • Good Times is a nude beige matte
  • Take Me Home is a terracotta color
  • Promiscuous is a hot bright deep pink
  • Dance Fever is a 90’s matte brown

NARS Summer Velvet Matte Lip Pencils swatches

NARS Summer Velvet Matte Lip Pencils swatches

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Satin Lip Pencils

NARS Summer Satin Lip Pencil review

I haven’t used a Satin Lip Pencil in so long I forgot how much I liked the creamy formula! They have a nice shine finish and very pretty smooth coverage. Colors run darker than I’d normally wear but they’re a nice bolder option for summer:

  • Balboa is a plum cream rose
  • Giusti is a medium rose
  • Golden Gate is a cool grey mauve pink
  • Exbury is a soft creamy warm rose

NARS Summer Satin Lip Pencil swatches

NARS Summer Satin Lip Pencil lip swatches

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Makeup look wearing the Armani Power Fabric Balm in 6.5 (review here), La Mer Loose Powder to set, NARS Summer Lights Palette on Eyes and Cheeks, Tom Ford Emotionproof Mascara, NARS Take Me Home Pencil. Top by Nation LTD.

NARS Summer Lights Makeup look

Overall a solid collection of easy to wear bronzey shades for summer. I tend to like brighter lighter colors for lips so most of the lip colors were outside my comfort zone. They’re still neutral and easy to wear for a more dramatic but still neutral lip look. I really like the Summer Lights Palette – it’s enough to give me a complete beachy bronze look. I feel like I need a little more color so I’ve added blush in addition to the palette, but other than that these make for great summery looks. The compacts are sturdy and have large enough pans to dip a brush into. Yet they’re compact enough to travel with.

Quality and lasting power is really good, true to NARS powder shadows and lip pencils. For me the palettes lasted all day on the face for a good solid 7 hours without fading. Lips are always tricky to test as I’m constantly snacking, drinking or wiping my face to do swatch tests. They do stay put as long as your lips don’t touch things.

You can find the NARS Summer 2019 collection out now. Available at Sephora and NARS.

 

 

NARS Summer collection provided courtesy of NARS for review consideration.

108 Comments
Tom Ford Beauty

Sunkissed Perfection With Tom Ford Beauty Soleil 2019

April 22, 2019

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil 2019 Review and Swatches

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil 2019 has launched and I’ve been so excited to play with the collection over the past few weeks. As usual the pieces are limited-edition and come in the beautiful white and gold packaging. Overall I think the collection is really beautiful for that perfect sunkissed look. I purchased several products the minute they launched online and also received a few items as press samples. There are a number of other items in the collection I don’t have featured, but I’m really happy with the items I do have:

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Soleil 2019 Lips

Tom Ford Soleil Lip Blush, Lip Color Sheer in Mustique and Carriacou

The lip colors this season are true to the Tom Ford Soleil theme with fresh and sheer color options. I ordered items sight unseen and was lucky that I ended up really loving every piece I bought. I opted for two of the Lip Color Sheers in Mustique (perfect cool toned baby pink) and Carriacou (perfect peach cream). Both are medium in coverage and have a soft glossy finish. I find myself really loving Carriacou for a natural peachy cream lip. Lasting power is pretty good for sheer lip color, although I don’t really consider these “sheer” like the name implies. They are sheer if you compare them to the regular formula lip colors and mattes. I think these have medium coverage.

The Lip Blush is a clear gold flecked color transforming balm that so many of you have been interested in! As soon as I put a sneak peek on stories I was flooded with comments – all of which were mixed. Based on my testing I really like it. It gives my lips the perfect pink flush but it will look different on everyone. I think it’s really flattering on my lips. It’s lightweight, unscented, gives my lips a nice pink glow/stain. Stays put. The only thing not to love is the high price tag. At the $55 price you can find something similar for a lot less like the Dior Addict Lip Glows or Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tints.

Tom Ford Soleil Lip Blush, Lip Color Sheer in Mustique and Carriacou swatches

Lip Gelees seem to be having a bad moment on the internet. On the hands/arm they do not swatch well and look practically clear. As one who does not put counter testers on my lips I can understand why these have been dismissed as fails because I would have passed too had I counter swatched them. I ordered two and received the other two as press samples. I do not think they are as bad as the online reviews. The concept is really nice for a fresh gelee lip look with a slight stain and balm in one. I think the colors are perfect for a sunkissed summer pop of brightness. But the $55 price tag is really hard to justify for something that is sheer, has small packaging, seems to have little product and is more than 1/2 clear. Colors swatched straight from the tube vs. with a lip brush so you can see the actual color. Lustrous is a sheer red, Sunlit is a orange color, Scorching is a light peach, Maldives is a baby pink.

Tom Ford Soleil Lip Gelee

Swatches straight out of the tube versus with a lip brush:

Tom Ford Soleil Lip Gelee swatches

Lip swatches of the items below (forgot to do a detail shot of the lip blush, but scroll down to the bottom to see it on a full face makeup look). All done on bare lips.

Tom Ford Soleil Lip Color Sheer and Lip Gelee swatches

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Soleil 2019 Eyes

Tom Ford Acqua Metal Shadows Venus Rising and Violet Argente

There are three Acqua Metal Shadows and I opted for two in Venus Rising a metallic pink and Violet Argente a metallic neutral bronzed mauve pink (so hard to describe this one!). I’ve worn Violet Argente on stories a few times and everyone was asking about it. These are metallic fluid shadows that come with a sponge tip applicator. The applicator is really flexible and a little hard to control for me so I take a separate shadow brush, brush it off the tip of the applicator and then apply to eyes. You can apply directly to the lids and blend with a finger too which works. I need more control so I’ve found using a separate brush to apply is the best. The color is quite intense with one swipe but sheers out to a lovely smooth sheen. Layering increases the intensity and shine. Once they set they stay put all day. It didn’t budge in warm weather for me and I think I’ll be reaching for these all summer long. That being said if these are out of your price range you might want to wait and check out the Bobbi Brown High Shine Liquid Eyeshadow or Armani Eye Tint Liquids coming out soon.

Swatches and comparisons side by side to a few others including the Armani Eyes to Kill Stellar in 5 Stellar, Hourglass Scattered Light in Aura, Tom Ford Eye Duo in Golden Peach and Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Rose Gold. This is for a color comparison/reference. I really can’t compare formulas because they are all so different. The Tom Ford is the most fluid and metallic.

Tom Ford Acqua metal shadow swatch comparisons

Violet Argente on the eyes with a black liner. Also wearing Gold Dust Soleil Glow Bronzer and the Lip Blush.

Tom Ford Violet Argente

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Soleil 2019 Cheeks

Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer Terra and Gold Dust and Sheer Cheek Duo Lissome

The bronzers Terra and Gold Dust have been reformulated this season in a Soleil Glow Bronzer. I have two in the miniature format. (Also available in the jumbo size.) The colors are really similar to the previous launches. This year the Soleil Glow Bronzer has a softer finish which is more powdery with an almost creamy touch. Because they’re so soft it’s almost made the pigment more intense. I recommend applying with a light hand. The 2019 Terra does seem to be slightly more cool-toned than previous Terras. I’ve used the Tom Ford bronzers for years and really do love them. If you’re looking for a new one though I’d recommend opting for one of the NARS summer palettes like Summer Lights (review coming soon). You’ll get more bang for your buck since it’s a full palette for eyes and cheeks. The Tom Ford bronzers are a really nice splurge. I’ve never regretted buying the previous season’s versions and the mini is nice for travel. Just though I’d suggest an alternative if you’re looking for something a little more unique/fun.

There’s also a new Sheer Cheek Duo in Lissome which I think is so so pretty. I’m calling this a must-have. It has a soft peach and soft pink with the prettiest satiny finish. It makes the skin glow without adding any frost or excess shimmer. Formula is the same as previous launches. It has a smooth almost cream to powder hybrid formula that isn’t really all that sheer. It’s super easy to blend, applies smoothly, doesn’t emphasize texture and stays fresh looking for hours.

Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer Terra and Gold Dust and Sheer Cheek Duo Lissome swatches

Swatch comparisons to the original powder versions of the Tom Ford Bronzers and Sheer Cheek Duo in Bicoastal side by side. I swatched everything with a heavy hand. On the face everything applies a lot more sheer especially with blending.

Tom Ford Bronzer swatch comparisons original vs soleil glow

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Three looks with the cheeks:

Tom Ford Soleil makeup looks

 

Tom Ford Beauty Soleil 2019 Review and Swatches

Overall a beautiful launch with easy to wear fresh natural color. Tom Ford Beauty can be quite the splurge and I’ve been really happy with most of everything I’ve tried from the line over many many years. Based on the numerous launches and repeats over the seasons, I don’t think I’d call the bronzers a must-have if you’ve bought previous year’s colors. For me the top stand outs are Lip Color Sheer in Carriacou, Acqua Metal Shadow in Violet Argent and the Sheer Cheek Duo in Lissome. The Lip Blush is a solid thumbs up for me as I really like the flush it gives my lips, but you can 100% find a cheaper alternative that’s just as good.

You can find the Tom Ford Beauty Soleil 2019 Collection out now. I bought my pieces from Nordstrom. Also available at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora and all other Tom Ford Beauty retailers.

Have you checked out this collection yet? What did you think?

 

 

 

Press samples have a * next to them, all other items purchased by me.

109 Comments
Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

April 19, 2019

Loving Right Now | The Beauty Look Book

Happy Friday! Hope you had a great week. I’ve been busy testing and swatching lots of newness from NARS, Tom Ford Beauty and Laura Mercier which I hope to post soon. In the meantime I have a beauty roundup of some things I’ve been loving right now!

  1. Glossier Play Niteshine Highlighter Concentrates have been something I’m really impressed with! These are super tiny concentrated highlighters. They recommend applying in a few dots on the cheeks or eyes and blending anywhere you want a highlight. Deep Copper is the prettiest medium copper nude for my skin tone. They have a nice natural dry down and stay put on the skin.
  2. I’ve been on the hunt for more travel hair brushes and ordered the Aerin Travel Comb and think it’s really nice! It’s a bit spendy for a mini brush but it’s sturdy and works perfectly for my hair type and needs. Aerin Beauty also has matching combs in two sizes and different colors which I think are really beautiful. For those wondering, I still really love the Yves Durif Petite Brush I reviewed a while ago. Just wanted to try another travel friendly option!
  3. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Rose Gold and Star Gold are now permanent. Right now they’re still only available on her website but should trickle out to other retailers later this spring. If you haven’t checked them out I highly recommend you do.
  4. Glossier Milky Oil is something I tried while in Miami at the Pop-Up. I was so impressed by how well it removed the eyeliner testers I had to order it immediately. It does a very good job at removing my waterproof mascara (although the Almay Remover Pads are better at removing it faster). I apply it to a cotton pad and let it soak on my eyes for about 5 to 10 seconds and it removes eye makeup really well. You can use this referral link to save 10% off your first order.
  5. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc is one of my favorite perfumes ever. I’ve worn it for years! It launched in a Travel Size Atomizer (0.3 oz) last year and kept selling out but relaunched this year and is back in stock. I carry this with me everywhere. The pen spray is also available in Tobacco Vanille and Neroli Portofino. The cap is magnetic and stays on really well.
  6. Slip Beauty Sleep Slipsilk Skinny Hair Ties are my latest obsession for hair. There’s no tugging or pulling with these. They’re stretchy and so far don’t lose their stretch even after a lot of use. So many hair ties end up breaking apart or break/tear my hair. These don’t. They come in a pack of 6 in different color variations.
  7. NARS Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint is one of the prettiest soft rosy pink lip tints. It will look different on you depending on your lip chemistry like their Orgasm Afterglow Balm. Review on this soon along with the full new Orgasm collection.
  8. Out of curiosity I ordered The Daily Edited Pale Pink Clear Pouch to see how it compares to my other clear pouches. I really love the design and personalization. The pale pink color is so pretty. I’ll have to test it to see how it holds up but so far I really love the way it looks!
  9. I bought the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Creme in search for a blow dry product. I’m thoroughly impressed at how smooth it makes my hair with the blow dryer. I have high hopes it will prevent frizz once the humidity returns in Florida. So far I love how it’s lightweight and truly works to smooth the hair without looking greasy. I did not realize that they have an entire Farewell Frizz line and I’m going to look into it this weekend.
  10. I’m always asked what this brush is when it’s featured in a flatlay and it’s the Laura Mercier Bronzing Brush*. I’ve accumulated so many brushes over the years and this one is my favorite for bronzers. It’s soft, plush, large and applies bronzing powders and mineral baked powders perfectly.

Quick swatches of the color items I featured in the post: Glossier Niteshine in Platinum Rose, Pale Pearl and Deep Copper. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Rose Gold and Star Gold. NARS Orgasm Oil Infused Lip Tint (how the color looks after a few minutes).

Glossier Play Niteshine, Charlotte Tilbury Rose Gold and Star Gold, NARS Orgasm Oil Tint

Full review on the NARS Orgasm collection to follow. Tom Ford Soleil 2019, Chanel Les Beiges and more coming your way soon as well! A number of you asked if I’m going to review the Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm collection and I’m undecided. Part of me thinks it’s going to be too glowy for me. Another part of me thinks it’s a knock off of the NARS. Let me know what you think and if you want a review!

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Laura Mercier Bronzing Brush was a press sample. All other items purchased.

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NARS

NARS Fever Dream Collection Review

April 17, 2019

NARS Fever Dream Collection Review and Swatches

There’s a lot of newness from NARS this spring to summer. I’m working my way through all the launches, I feel like I just blinked and so many palettes just popped up! I have a look at the Fever Dream Collection which is a Nordstrom exclusive. There is a super cute mini nude Lip Tint Trio called Lusted which has three sheer glossy lip tints. I was sent the two limited-edition eye and cheek palettes and they far surpassed my expectations! For those who want that neutral look that isn’t too warm or red-pink like the colors that seem to have flooded the market in the last year this collection is worth checking out. In today’s post:

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Lip Tint Trio

NARS Fever Dream Lusted Lip Tint Trio Review

The Fever Dream Lusted Lip Tint Trio offers three neutral nudes in a sheer glossy tint with a balmy feel. The same formula launched in the Lip Duos from Exposed Collection from Ulta (reviewed here). Colors in this trio include:

  • Stoked a neutral nude pink
  • Hot Memory a sheer warm nude peach
  • Escape Plan a sheer pale peach

NARS Fever Dream Lusted Lip Tint Trio Review swatches

Colors are very sheer and offer a soft wash of color. I think they’re perfect for an effortless nude but I think some of you may find them too sheer for your liking. For me they’re truly your lips but better kind of tints. If you need more pigment I’d recommend opting for some of the Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss neutrals like 714 Caresse or 716 Caramel (reviewed and swatched here) or NARS Velvet Lip Glides (some swatched here) which offer more coverage. Lasting power is not extensive. I can get a couple hours of wear but need to reapply which I actually don’t mind. The mini size means I’m going to use them up easily! There’s no scent or taste.

Swatch comparisons:

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss and NARS Lip Tint Trio Swatches vs Velvet Lip Glide

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Lost in Luster Face Palette

NARS Fever Dream Lost in Luster Palette Review

Lost in Luster Face Palette is something I had low expectations for because I swatched it in store and it had really poor color payoff. The pans must have been hardened though from testers being touched by so many fingers though because I tried mine at home and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a true neutral with four shadows, a soft highlight and the perfect soft pink glow for blush. The eyeshadows need a creamy base to show up on my lids but they apply really nicely as long as my eyes aren’t dry. I feel like the eye will need another deeper shadow or liner for a complete look. The perfect liner to add to this is the Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon in Ro(Cocoa) which is my favorite neutral taupe shimmer liner to wear for something that isn’t black or brown. Colors in the palette:

  • As You Please is a soft beige brown (applies more true to pan on the eyes, for some reason it darkened on my arm swatch)
  • Let Go is a medium taupe brown matte
  • Dazed is the perfect champagne shimmer
  • Free Fall is a neutral taupe shimmer
  • Free to Fly is a cool champagne pink shimmer highlighter
  • Crush is a soft warm pink shimmer blush

NARS Fever Dream Lost in Luster Palette Swatches

Below wearing the Lost in Luster Face palette on eyes and cheeks, Lips have Stoked and Hot Memory layered together. Foundation worn is the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Punjab and Vanuatu mixed. Concealer to cover redness is the Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. Tank is an older style from Madewell. Nail polish is OPI Tiramisu for Two.

NARS Lost in Luster and Hot Memory Lip Tint

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Wild Thing Face Palette

Wild Thing Face Palette is the warmer option. Don’t let the orange blush scare you because it is easy to blend and adds nice warmth. Still I think if you’re fair you might find this a little too warm. If you’re medium or deep skin this is going to be a really lovely neutral warm bronze peach palette. I wish I had brought this with me to Miami because it has everything for a complete look.

NARS Fever Dream Wild Thing Face Palette Review

Colors in this one include:

  • Alive is a warm brown matte
  • Psyched is a a deeper matte warm cocoa
  • Erratic is a shimmery neutral warm gold
  • Lala is a shimmering warm neutral brown
  • No Limit is a shimmering soft gold highlighter
  • Goddess Complex is a golden orange shimmer

Swatches:

NARS Fever Dream Wild Thing Face Palette swatches

NARS Fever Dream Palettes

Overall a solid easy to wear collection of colors perfect for spring to summer. Based on everything I’ve tested combined with a peek at what’s coming out for summer I can’t say that I’d call any of these absolute must-haves just based on the unique factor. Colors are standard ones that I think can be duped with previous launches and existing colors. Still performance, quality and pigment for the palettes are excellent. They’re easy to wear and each option has enough for a natural glowy look without being overdone or too frosty. Colors are perfect for the beginner makeup wearer and size is ideal for travel. There are new summer palettes out which I’ll be reviewing soon which have a similar concept (eyes and cheeks) for a more bronzed look. I haven’t tested them yet so keep an eye out for the review.

I really love the lip tints but they are sheer and so natural looking you might think they’re too sheer. If you’re into the no makeup makeup look they will be perfect for you. Otherwise I’d say pass.

I get tons of emails from new readers asking for recommendations on what to wear for something who is just getting into makeup and wants to know what to wear for a natural goof-proof look. I think this collection fits that bill. Even with all the dupes I find myself really loving how effortless Lost in Luster is!

 

You can find the NARS Fever Dream Collection out now at Nordstrom. Everything is limited-edition.

 

NARS face palettes provided for review. Lip trio purchased by me.

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Beauty Favorites Bronzer + Blush

Beauty Favorites For That Post-Vacation Glow

April 15, 2019

Vacation Glow Makeup Essentials | The Beauty Look Book

Fresh glowing makeup has been a huge hit with so many of you! I’m frequently asked what I recommend for that refreshed and glowing back-from-a-tropical vacation look. Living in Florida does sometimes seem like I should be on a permanent vacation with the sunshine here. My actual glow is mainly from a few go-to bronzers and complexion products that help boost luminosity. Today I have a roundup of my favorite beauty essentials to help you fake that post-vacation glow without the sun. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share what I think is the best from eyes, lips and cheeks. If you’re in need of some extra glow and warmth to the complexion I hope you find this roundup helpful!

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Bronzers

Best Bronzers from Armani, Hourglass, Sisley and Chanel

above: hat / sunnies

I think before moving to Florida bronzers were my favorite makeup item to try. I’ve always loved having a warmed up bronze glow! I still really love trying new ones but find that I keep going back to my tried-and-true favorites. Ones I really like:

  • Armani Neo Nude Compact Powder is the best all over glow powder I’ve tried. It’s subtle enough to use all over my face to set. I also love using a darker shade as a subtle contour/bronzer to add a natural looking glow.
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light is a great option to add a subtle glow, especially if you’re on the fairer side. It’s not too shimmery and has a soft glow.
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzers are more intense with a mix of highlighter and intense bronze pigment swirled in one pan. There are four shades total. I like Luminous Bronze Light the best but if you want something that pulls more neutral tone opt for Diffused Bronze Light.
  • Sisley Phyto Blush Twist* is a newish discovery for me. I’ve tried the blush colors but #5 is newer to me. It’s a warm sheer contour color which is perfect for me to add life to the skin. It blends out nicely and smoothly with a soft dry down finish.
  • Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Makeup Base is probably the best cream bronzer I’ve ever bought. I’ve actually gone through an entire tub of this (it does last for a long long time though). No matter what skin tone I am light to super tan this never fails to add the perfect amount of natural warmth to the skin. It’s 100% worth the splurge. I apply with a cream foundation brush or any blush brush.
  • The best bronzing brushes I use are the Laura Mercier Blending Brush* (smaller one above) and her Bronzing Brush* (larger one shown below). They’re ultra soft and smooth.
  • If you’re ultra fair and feel like every bronzer turns orange on you, I recommend looking into the Becca Sunlit Bronzer, Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Bronzer or one of the Armani Neo Nude Powders in a color 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone.

Best Glowing Bronzer Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

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Fresh Glowing Lips

Best Summer Fresh Glowing Lip Colors Bobbi Brown, NARS and Chanel

A good neutral but brightening lip color can work wonders on your complexion. I think anything with a peach or fresh pink under tone can make for a universally flattering shade on any skin color. A few of my favorites for fresh glowing neutrals:

  • Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip Colors* are still in frequent rotation. I love mixing Lychee Baby and Peach and Quiet together for the perfect pinky peach lip.
  • Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint is a nice alternative to the Dior Addict Lip Glow, Melon is the ultimate juicy summer vacation peach. It swatches sheer on the arm but on the lips it transforms to a bright melon.
  • NARS Lip Gloss* has so many amazing color options with new shades out this spring. Outrage gives the perfect milky peach and Sexual Content is a fresh hot pink that screams vacation without being too bright.
  • NARS Lusted Lip Tint Trio has three fresh neutral minis. Color is sheer in finish but glowing in the best way possible. It’s so good for the neutral lip lover and small enough to fit inside the tiniest of clutches.
  • Chanel Rouge Coco Flash offers a nice fresh balmy shine in a stick. My favorites are Flash and Jour for that peachy glow.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Lip Pencil in Pillow Talk is my go-with-everything pencil. It helps extend wear of gloss and lipstick if I put this on my lips underneath and blend the edges.

Summer Fresh Lip Color from Nordstrom

bag / sunnies / swim suit top and bottoms

NARS Lusted Lip Trio Makeup Look

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Easy to Wear Neutral Eyeshadows

Best Neutral Eyeshadows Urban Decay, Tom Ford, Laura Mercier

new mascara (still testing!) / hat / travel case / sandals

There are so many eyeshadow options on the market these days and while some of you are experts at doing that bronzed smokey eye, many of you are intimidated by the options and want to know what’s best for the beginner who wants just 1 to 3 products to start. I’ve rounded up a few I consider easy to wear staples. These are the eye makeup colors I always get compliments on when you see me on Instagram stories:

  • Urban Decay Naked Reloaded has the prettiest mix of warm colors and neutral shades. It has everything you need for a complete eye look and is super easy to wear. Any of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes are great for beginners, I’d opt for either this one or Naked2 if you’re looking for something super versatile.
  • Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Golden Mink and Nude Dip are the quads I get the most questions about whether or not it’s worth the splurge. I think yes. Golden Mink has two shimmer neutrals and two sparkles which add a really lovely glow to the eyes. If you can’t feel like you can pull of glitters Nude Dip is the best easy to wear neutral-cool shimmer palette I’ve tried.
  • Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks* are worn every single week (almost daily) by me. I wear Rose Gold the most as an all over base. Some days I can just layer 3 for a complete effortless eye look. They’re creamy, easy to travel with, easy to blend and on me they stay put really well. My top most-worn shades are swatched below.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream in Bette and Marie Antoinette are also easy one-and-done kinds of eyeshadows. I can apply either shade all over the lid, add a liner and have a simple no-makeup-makeup eye look with either. They’re emollient and blend nicely with the prettiest shimmer!

Neutral Eyeshadow Swatches Urban Decay Naked Reloaded, Tom Ford Golden Mink, Nude Dip, Laura Caviar Eye Sticks

 

Wearing the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation in Buff, Armani Neo Nude Powder in 5.5 to set, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base, Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light Bronzer, NARS Lusted Lip Tints in Escape Plan and Hot Memory mixed

NARS Lip Tint Escape Plan Tory Burch Costa Bandeau Bikini Celine Round Sunglasses

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My Go-To Makeup Bases

Best Foundations and Powders fo Summer Armani, Laura Mercier, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury

I feel like I could do an entire post about my favorite makeup bases and setting powders. When it comes to having glow on the cheeks, bronzer, eyeshadow or lips a lot of times it’s best to have a matte to semi matte looking base so your overall look isn’t too glowy. When I’m asked, “what’s the best foundation or powder to splurge on?” my answer really depends on your skin type and coverage preferences and also time of year. Still many of you want to know what I personally feel are the best options. Ones that never fail me:

  • Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation* and Concealer* both have the longest wear time for me even in Florida humidity. While nothing I’ve tried is truly sweat proof if you’re in humid climates, this pair is the best performing for me. I wear Buff 3N1 for the foundation and 3W for the concealer.
  • Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is the best natural looking foundation with a luminous finish. It has medium coverage and always looks good on the skin. I like that it feels lightweight and isn’t heavy or greasy looking. You do need to set with a powder and if you have super oily skin you might want to opt for the Power Fabric formula instead.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is my holy grail setting and blurring powder. I use Shade #2. It’s the best at evening out the skin while still looking natural and flawless.
  • La Mer Pressed Powder in Light or Medium are also in my top five most used powders. I’ve hit pan several times and it’s crazy expensive but I really love the natural finish. It’s amazing for touch ups too.

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Vacation Mode Makeup Tory Burch Costa Bikini Top Celine Round Sunglasses

Best Makeup for that Post-Vacation Glow

Best Makeup for that Post-Vacation Glow

I hope you enjoyed this glowy makeup favorites roundup! I always get questions about what I recommend so I picked a little from each category to share today. I’d love to hear about your favorites for the complexion, eyes and cheeks!

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. Press samples featured have a * next to them. As always all opinions are my own.

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