Sabrina, Author at The Beauty Look Book

Tom Ford Beauty Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl + Matte

March 4, 2019

Tom Ford Beauty launched their new Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl and Matte in 20 shades ($57 each). These are full coverage high pigment lip products. I have 10 colors swatched, five I purchased on my own, five are press samples. I’ve been a long time fan of Tom Ford lip products – anytime someone asks me to recommend one item to splurge on I always pick the Tom Ford Lip Color. After testing both finishes of the new Lip Lacquer luxe, I find that I really like them, however have mixed feelings on these mainly because there are some packaging issues. The product itself is very good in my experience. Quick thoughts on both formulas:

The Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl is a thick glossy full coverage lip product. Because it’s thicker it does take some blending but this adheres well to the lips and once blended does not feel super heavy. I can feel the product like I would a regular gloss but it’s not uncomfortable.
The Lip Lacquer Luxe Matte is a soft lightweight matte. It has buildable coverage but some blending is required as well to smooth it out. I like that it’s super lightweight and has a soft velvety matte that doesn’t make the lips look shriveled or dry.

In terms of lasting power the Vinyls stay put better. For the Mattes they don’t slide off and do stay put, but not as long as their Lip Lacquers they launched last year. I actually prefer the packaging style of the Lip Lacquers however with the new Lip Lacquer Luxe you do get 6 ml of product while last year’s slim tube has only 2.7 ml.

There’s a slight scent to them but it’s not really a fragrance, it’s more of a lipstick scent. Once applied the scent fades. As soon as some of you saw I bought these on Instagram stories I received a number of messages asking about the applicator. Many of you were really upset that it broke when you opened it. I do find the sponge tip applicator seems a little too wide for the lacquer opening so there is a bit of tugging to pull it out. Luckily only one of mine broke and I didn’t twist or bend when I tried to open it. If yours broke I hope you will be able to get a replacement. I’ve since opened and used all the other shades multiple times and none of them have broken.

I’ve split the swatches by color grouping from neutrals to bolds. Group 1:

All swatched on bare lips, descriptions:

Insinuate (vinyl) is a medium peachy pink
Softcore (vinyl) is a high shine beige
Intimate (vinyl) is a medium light pink
Darling (matte) is a nude pink, looks beige in the tube but on me pulls more pink
Quiver (matte) is a nude mauve

Group 2 with deeper and bold colors:

Descriptions and swatches, all done on bare lips:

Pussycat (matte) is a mauve rose that deepens and darkens
Unzip (vinyl) is a bold warm bright glossy pink
Infuriate (vinyl) is one of my favorites, it’s the perfect deep red on me!
Jaguar (matte) is the one that broke, it’s a bold warm red matte
Habitual (matte) is a deep bright slightly blue-based red

All the colors side by side:

A few comparison swatches and thoughts:

NARS Velvet Lip Glides are lighter weight and sheerer than the Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Luxe Mattes, I included some swatches of the neutrals for comparison in Bound, Swing, Roseland and Xenon.
Tom Ford Lip Lacquers (in the skinny round tubes from last year) are longer lasting, more matte in the dry down and budge proof once dry. Universal Appeal is still the best liquid lipstick nude from Tom Ford, on my lips in this post here. Pussycat is darker than the luxe version.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Sugar Glider is a similar color to Quiver if you want a lipstick instead of the matte formula.
Tom Ford Satin Matte in London Suede is a more browned neutral and has a soft diffused matte compared to the Lip Lacquer Luxe Mattes.

Aside from the packaging issues I think the formula makes for a solid luxury lipstick. I really love the formula and finish even though they do take a little bit of extra effort to blend because of how pigmented they are. My favorites are Softcore, Quiver and Infuriate. I’ve worn Softcore the most so far and love it for a nude but not washed out lip. I do think that opening a gloss shouldn’t be challenging and it definitely should not break at the tip. Based on the design of the applicator and opening I don’t know if mine will break eventually. I was lucky I had issues with only one of mine. I have splurged on many Tom Ford lipsticks and think that it has been money well spent since I really do love the formula. I do think that $57 is really steep even if it is Tom Ford and luxury. They seem to have a similar vibe to the Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine and Velvet Mattes which are $37 each by comparison. I never tried those even though they seem to be really popular. I still have the By Terry Lip Expert Shine and Mattes I’m working on swatching for you so you might want to wait on swatches before splurging on the Tom Ford ones unless you’re a Tom Ford addict and there’s a color you think you’re absolutely in love with.

You can find the Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Luxe Matte and Vinyl at counters now. I bought five from Nordstrom. Also available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and all other Tom Ford Beauty Counters.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think?

Press samples include Unzip, Infuriate, Jaguar, Habitual and Softcore. The other five shades purchased by me.

13 Comments

Fashion Lifestyle

Spring Transition Essentials

March 1, 2019

It’s been two years now since we’ve moved to Florida and I cannot believe how fast time flies! It seems like it was just yesterday we drove across country from San Diego to Tampa. It’s been quite a transition for us but we’ve really fallen in love with everything here. We love the beaches, the people and the casual relaxed vibe. Every week I get questions from readers asking what to pack for vacation trips to Florida and my answers usually depend on what time of year they’re visiting and where they’re going. Florida is a big state and the weather varies depending on how far north or south you’re visiting (it’s more humid and hotter the further south you go). There is a long distance between Tampa, Orlando and Miami so temperatures and humidity changes depending on how close you are to the coast. Weather is also fairly unpredictable depending on what time of year. Right now the weather is mild in the Tampa Bay area with temperatures ranging from low 60’s to low 80’s. Last week weather was in the high 80’s! I’ve teamed up with Nordstrom to share some of my go-to warm weather essentials for South Florida.

My favorite layering piece is a good denim jacket. For me the best ones are from Madewell because they come in a wide range of washes and fits whether you want something classic, loose or cropped. Temperatures can change from morning to mid-day to night. Also indoors they love to put the AC on full blast making it icy cold. I like that you can dress up or dress down any outfit with a classic denim jacket. I typically size up for a more slouchy relaxed look.

Good shorts are absolutely a must in Florida. Since moving here I’ve tried so many different brands and styles. For those who want a true mid-rise with a casual look I highly recommend checking out the STS Blue Raw Denim shorts. They’re the best affordable denim shorts I’ve found. Even the light blue distressed ones hold up remarkably well after lots of washes in the washing machine. I also love these ones from 7 For All Mankind and Blank NYC.

A simple small crossbody bag is perfect for just carrying the essentials. When it’s hot and humid out it’s nice to have something light and small that you don’t even notice is weighing you down. I splurged on the Chloe Mini Marcie and love it to death. The Tory Burch Marsden Crossbody is a less expensive alternative and I have also been contemplating the Madewell small crossbody as well for something simple.

The tees and tanks I pretty much live in are the Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tank, V-Neck Tee and Northside Vintage Tee. They’re lightweight, super comfortable and come in so many different colors. I am a little embarrassed to admit how many of these I own. They’re great as a casual tee by itself, layered with a sweater or jacket, nice for the beach, also perfect for at-home lounging. They’re not really designed for workouts but sometimes I’ll wear the tank during a run or at home when we’re lifting weights too. I also have and love the Stripe Version.

For shoes I live in the Tory Burch Miller Sandals and Converse Sneakers – they go with everything! I find the classic Converse Chuck Low Tops to be among my favorite and most comfortable sneakers. They don’t give me blisters and are nice to walk in for extended periods of time. I think they’re a super cute sneaker even for the girls who feel like they aren’t really sneaker girls.

One last essential I have to mention is sunscreen. We have tested dozens and our favorite that isn’t heavy, doesn’t smell like sunscreen, has no flash back, is lightweight, easy to apply and also is the best at preventing burn is the Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen. No matter what we try, this is the one we keep going back to.

Outfit details, for sizing reference I’m 5’3″ – petite!

Jacket – Madewell (Size S)
Tee – Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck (Size XXS)
Shorts – STS Blue (Size 25)
Bag – Chloe Mini Marcie
Sneakers – Converse (runs TTS)
Sunglasses – Marc Jacobs Semi Rimless (also love the rimmed version)
Lipstick – MAC Patisserie

Hope you enjoyed this post! More of these to follow since I’ve been getting so many questions about my everyday basics. A few other favorites linked below.

Sponsored by Nordstrom.

16 Comments

Eye Makeup

New Mascara + Primer Testing: Pat McGrath, Marc Jacobs, Sisley + More

February 28, 2019

I have another mascara + primer roundup today! As much as I love and swear by waterproof formulas like Chanel Le Volume Waterproof, L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof and Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme (sold out everywhere!), so many of you prefer regular formulas because they’re easier to take off. I have straight lashes and live in a city that has high humidity so I really prefer waterproof most of the time so it’s beach-proof and sweat-proof. For me it’s worth the extra time and effort to remove every evening. Still I understand it’s a total pain to remove which makes it not worth it for everyone (I swear by these Almay pads to remove the most stubborn of waterproof makeup, make sure you pick the waterproof remover version). The good news is there are a lot of new formulas that launched I think you might want to check out. A couple of these aren’t entirely brand new but new to me.

Home decor / style note details at the bottom of the post, but for all those asking my nail polish is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening.

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Pat McGrath cannot do wrong in my eyes and she launched the new FetishEyes Mascara earlier this month. I received an early sneak peek and have been testing it for a couple months now. It’s a great non-clumping, defining mascara. It adds length and doesn’t smudge. For me it doesn’t quite add as much volume or drama as other formulas do but it’s a solid one and I truly appreciate that there is zero clumping. Curl holding is not the best, but also not the worst. If you don’t have issues with straight lashes I think you will have no problem with this formula. If you haven’t tried anything from her FetishEyes Collection I highly recommend her Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner (the two available in the Xtreme Duo bundle on her website).

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Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara has been raved about my SO many of you. You’ve told me it’s your HOLY GRAIL. I bought the pink packaging one at Sephora and really love it. The regular formula does not smudge but we have had a cold winter here (it has been down to 40s/50s) and even though it’s warming up the humidity isn’t what it normally is. I am worried it will smudge with the humidity so I’m going to investigate in the waterproof version soon. This one adds the most volume that I’ve tried for a non-waterproof formula. It will hold the curl too.

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Marc Jacobs launched a Velvet Primer to go with their Velvet Noir Mascara. I feel like most primers have done little for my lashes except the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Primer which is great, but not necessary. Even most high-end ones just didn’t do enough to wow me so I had low expectations for this Marc Jacobs Velvet Primer. It exceeded every expectation I had. Paired with the Velvet Noir Mascara it helps the mascara adhere SO much better and makes the mascara look much better. I haven’t tried it with other formulas but am going to. For now I’m thoroughly impressed. I think it’s worth checking out.

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The YSL Faux Cils Volume Effect in The Curler just came on my radar. I don’t know how new it is (or if it’s really is new). It’s described as a “curling mascara featuring a unique hybrid brush that dramatically curls and defines lashes for an unparalleled full fan effect.” The description alone plus all near 5-star reviews sold me. It didn’t work for me or knock my socks off. It doesn’t hold the curl or curl my lashes. I really do love the brush and how it’s curved and has rubber bristles. It just didn’t live up to the description for me. I like that there’s no clumping, it defines nicely and doesn’t smudge. I just don’t see enough volume and for me there is no curling effect or hold.

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Last but not least is the Sisley So Volume Mascara. For some reason I did not think this was new but the press email I received says it is. I’ve tried a few other formulas from Sisley and they’re all ridiculously expensive. This one has a thick chubby wand with bristles and does indeed add serious volume. It has ingredients to soften the lashes which is nice. Once applied it doesn’t have that crunchy feel most mascaras have but it stays put. I haven’t used it long enough to see if it is indeed strengthening but I don’t know that I would be able to tell with any formula. I like this because it adds volume with one stroke. It doesn’t hold the curl as well as waterproof formulas but doesn’t make mine go straight immediately. It’s also included in the Rachel Goodwin x Les Stars Collection bundle.

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I hope you found this roundup helpful! I think mascara is always tricky for me to write about because even with reviews it’s hard to tell how one may or may not work for you. We all have different lash lengths, density and eye shapes. I’ve tried so many that worked for others that didn’t for me so I know it can be the case for you as well. I still really prefer waterproof formulas so they’ll hold the curl for me. I end up with raccoon eyes most of the time so I’m surprised I found some non-waterproof formulas that didn’t smudge this round.

A few notes on other items featured in the post. On the nails is OPI Another Ramen-tic Evening, Mirrored Trays here, Coffee table here, my favorite eyelash curler is from MAC. Flat zip pouches in the Marc Jacobs photo are from The Daily Edited.

What’s your favorite non-waterproof mascara formula? Always love reading about your recommendations!

Press samples from Sisley, Marc Jacobs and Pat McGrath.

36 Comments

Skincare

Spring Lip Balm Testing Hits + Misses

February 27, 2019

By popular request I’ve put together a round up of all the lip balms you’ve been asking about. I’ve included thoughts on tinted options, clear ones and a few lip plumper formulas. I know it’s not officially spring yet, but I’m calling this a spring lip balm roundup because seasonal beauty collections launch ahead of the actual season. I put around a dozen formulas to the test. Most of the tinted color options are newer for the season but I also mixed in some clear options that are new to me for those who just want a treatment without color. Formulas covered today:

Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil in Bare, Cameo and Adorn ($49 each for 0.25 fl oz/7.5 g)
Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto Beautifying Lip Balm in 101 Glazed Beige and 201 Timeless Pink ($38 each for 2.2 g)
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm SPF 10 in Clean Cut ($28 for 3 g)
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink, Bare Nude, Bare Blackberry ($34 each for 2.3 g)
YSL Volupte Plump in Color in Made Nude and Furious Gold ($39 each 3,5 g)
Dior Lip Maximizer in Rosewood, Purple Holographic and Pink Holographic ($34 each for 6 ml)
Dior Addict Lip Glow to the Max in Coral and Rosewood ($34 each for 3.5 g)
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm ($18 for 3.7 g)
Lipstick Queen Lip Restore Balm ($20 for 0.09 fl oz)
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss ($18 for 6.2 g)
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20 for 20 g)
Fresh Sugar Mint Rush ($24 for 4.3 g)

The Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil in the new tinted shades are ones I’ve been getting the most questions about. I have used both the clear and red ones in past years, used them up and didn’t repurchase. The formula is one of the most beautiful luxurious lip oils I’ve tried. It feels like a spa treatment on the lips but doesn’t have a bad taste. I ordered the neutrals sight unseen. I think they’re amazing for the beautiful neutral soft pink tints but on my lips all three look pretty much the same. Bare is a soft beige pink, Cameo is a rose, Adorn is a soft pink. Coverage is on the sheer side and like any oil color won’t be long lasting even if you can still feel the product. I think they’re insanely expensive. I was prepared to be thoroughly disappointed just because of the price but after playing with these I think they’re a really nice splurge. I don’t think you need all the neutrals that I bought, to me they’re really similar, if I had to pick one it would be Bare. (Scroll down for swatches, after the Givenchy bit.)

The Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto is a hydrating lip balm that comes in tinted colors now. The original ones are supposed to be color shifting according to your lip/body chemistry but it didn’t do anything for my lips. I tried it once, wasn’t impressed but kept it for future testing. I swatched some new colors on my hand in store and they looked so pretty I had high hopes. I bought two of the new tinted colors 101 Glazed Beige and 201 Timeless Pink which looked promising but I hate them. It’s rare that I’ll full on hate a product, although there have been plenty of products I’ve given a negative review on the blog. I try to be fair in the sense that my personal preferences don’t always make a product bad (ie sheer isn’t always bad, frosty isn’t bad as some like extra shimmer, super matte also isn’t bad as some want that extra matte look). Sometimes I’ll give something a bad review because I think the color is boring or unflattering, or sometimes I think a product is simply not worth the price tag. I actually hate this formula. It has horrible patchy application, not hydrating and sinks into my fine lines. Even blending doesn’t work to smooth out the color. The only nice thing is the pink packaging and slim style of the tube. All that being said the online reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this formula.

Swatches of the Hourglass and Givenchy shades:

Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tints are probably the next best option to the classic Dior Addict Lip Glows. Over the years I’ve received a lot of messages from readers who like the concept of the Dior Addict Lip Glows but their body chemistry causes the colors to turn almost fluorescent on their lips which they think is unflattering. I think the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tints provide a more subtle tint, but this of course is going to be different on everyone. You can read my review of last year’s options here. These are nice hydrating balmy tints that feel moisturizing without being thick. This year I tried Bare Pink (subtle pink on my lips), Bare Nude (sheer subtle beige flush) and Bare Blackberry (perfect soft berry color, think Clinique Black Honey toned down a few notches).

YSL launched a new addition to their Volupte line with the Volupte Plump in Color. I’ve been sitting on these for months and finally put them to the test. I bought the neutrals which barely show up. I normally don’t mind sheer balms but the two I picked 01 Mad Nude (soft pink) and 07 Furious Gold (shimmery pale gold) aren’t flattering on me. These have a super sharp tingle with the plumping factor. It stung my lips so much so that I could not feel my upper lip after 2 minutes which made me panic. When this happens I usually get an allergic reaction and my face looks like I’ve been stung by a bee. I removed it immediately with makeup remover, washed my face and lip again and then used a cleansing water to make sure it was 100% off. I really loved their Volupte Tint in Balm and prefer the color and formula 100%.

NARS launched another version of the Afterglow Lip Balm in a clear option with SPF 10 called Clean Cut. This is a nice non-irritating lip balm. Since Clean Cut is clear I feel like the Afterglow Lip Balm Orgasm version is more special. It’s a really nice smooth balm. Lips are noticably softer and smoother. I really love the way it feels. I’m not sure I feel it’s worth the price for clear. Formula gets a solid A+ though.

Dior makes some of the best lip plumpers and color transforming balms. No matter how many other brands come out with their own version I think Dior still does it best.

The Lip Maximizers aren’t really lip balms but they had new shades that were launched with new balms so I’ve put them in this roundup. In the past I’ve felt the color lineup of the Lip Maximizers were pretty basic. Not a bad thing necessarily but even the tinted ones didn’t do much except add a lush plumpness to the lips. The new ones are sheer but show up better on my lips. I’m LIVING for the Pink Holographic and Purple Holographic ones. They have noticeable shimmer chunks but it’s 100% smooth and not overly frosted. I also bought Rosewood which is new to me (I’m not entirely sure if it’s new) and it’s a sheer effortless beige pink which I love.

As a Lip Glow Addict Lover I was really interested in trying the new Lip Glow to the Max shimmer/tint swirls. I have such mixed feelings about these. If I have a choice between matte and shimmer, I almost will always want the shimmer. The shimmer in these is a little much for me. It’s not frosty but it has a very metallic look which I don’t think is flattering on me. It’s almost a little too glowy. Lips look super lush and full with the shimmer + tint and I like that they are very pigmented. I prefer the Holo Rose Gold and Holo Pink options or even the classic non-shimmer ones instead.

You can see my previous reviews of the Dior Addict Lip Glow here.

Clear Balm Options from Drunk Elephant, Lipstick Queen, Sol Janeiro, Laneige and Fresh

Last but not least I have a roundup of some of the clear Lip Balms options I’ve tried over the past few months. Thoughts on how each one performed:

I bought the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm in a holiday set and was pleasantly pleased. It’s a nice basic hydrating lip balm I think makes for a great unisex option. It’s lightweight and hydrating but does the job at fixing dry patches. It’s a clean formula with avocado, mongongo, cranberry, and marula oils. It’s non-scented and doesn’t have a taste. Finish is semi-matte.
Lipstick Queen came out with a new Lip Restore Balm which is a really nice thick clear option. It has a twist up applicator with a plastic end. I’ve kinda fallen out of love with Lipstick Queen lipsticks over the years as I feel other brands have better colors/formulas, but this was a really nice one. I used it during the day and also over night and think it’s a solid option to try.
The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss has the cutest fun bright packaging I decided to give it a try and am throughly impressed. It’s on the thick side but very moisturizing with a natural glow. It’s heavily scented but not too overpowering for me. I can’t use their body products because I find the scent too strong for me to handle but the lip balm is better. If you’re sensitive to scents this may be too strong for you. It has cupuacu, açaí, and coconut oils.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask came out in a Vanilla option. I asked for thoughts on stories because I feel it’s so heavily hyped. Thoughts and opinions were either extreme love or hate. I can’t use the original berry version, the scent is so strong it nearly knocked me on the floor in the store. I think the Vanilla one is much better in scent. It’s a smooth hydrating lip balm, but I don’t think it’s the best and for me it doesn’t live up to the hype. Bite’s Agave Lip Mask is much much better and more hydrating.
Fresh Sugar Mint Rush is their latest for the lip balm line. It has a nice fresh minty sweet finish that isn’t too strong or sharp. It has a pleasant soothing cooling feel. I left it on overnight and lips were nice and soft in the morning. I feel the Bite is more hydrating and effective for super dry lips.

Summary:

Best: Best tinted ones are Bobbi Brown and Hourglass and favorite clear options are Drunk Elephant and Sol de Janeiro
Worst: Givenchy, YSL Volupte Plumping (because it’s painful) and I think Laneige is just ok

I still think the By Terry Baume de Rose, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask and regular Dior Addict Lip Glows are among the best formulas I’ve tried. I love trying new formulas though, especially tinted ones! There are a few formulas and colors that I probably would not have bought to try but so many of you were asking for reviews I did. I hope you found this roundup helpful!

Quick update, a lot of you have been messaging me about more budget-friendly options. This post focused on newer formulas that just launched. I have a lot of others I’ve tried in the past that I consider excellent staples too. My top budget-friendly affordable balms include Vaseline Lip Therapy Mini Cocoa Butter (love the minis), Lanolips Strawberry, Lanolips Multi-Balm Coconutter, Aquaphor.

Press samples include NARS Afterglow, Lipstick Queen Restore, Bobbi Brown Extra Pink, Fresh Sugar Mint Rush. All others purchased by me.

114 Comments

On My Radar

Spring Wishlist / On My Radar

February 25, 2019

No. 1 Light denim jacket / No. 2 Boxy knit sweater / No. 3 Classic tote / No. 4 Nude sunglasses / No. 5 Mini crossbody zip bag / No. 6 New eyeshadow palette / No. 7 Fancy sunscreen drops / No. 8 Tan slides / No. 9 Dainty gold bracelet / No. 10 Peachy bronze nude eyeshadow / No. 11 Pale coral shimmer polish / No. 12 New Rouge Coco Flash / No. 13 Dainty gold necklace / No. 14 Newest Laura Mercier Foundation / No. 15 Zip clutch / No. 16 Gold hoops / No. 17 Milky orange coral gloss / No. 18 Nude lip / No. 19 Hair mask in new packaging

Happy Monday – the weather has started to warm up here in Florida and it finally feels like spring is coming! Rounding up some things on my radar right now for spring. I’ve already bought a few of the items and started testing them out. A few thoughts and notes.

I’ve been obsessed with the Madewell Denim Jackets for the perfect fit and classic style. I’ve been on the hunt for a lighter color wash and they just launched a Boxy Crop version in a light wash that I just ordered. I also am thinking about ordering the Everlane Denim Jacket because I’m obsessed with everything I’ve bought from them so far.

For tops I’m still really into chunky or lightweight knits for layering. The weather can be unpredictable and also indoors they always blast the AC in stores, restaurants and pretty much any building to the point it feels like an icebox so I always bring something to layer. I love the look of the H&M Knit Sweaters. I also have and love Anthropologie Cloudfleece Tops because they’re loose fitting and hang perfectly.

For totes and bags, I’ve been on the hunt for minimalist options. I want a solid colored leather tote and the Everlane Square Tote looks like it might be small enough for my frame. I did try on the Tory Burch Perry Tote in store and it’s SO beautiful, I’m hoping to find a more affordable alternative but it’s so well made and the material is gorgeous (a couple colors on sale at Shopbop through March 2). My favorite Tory Burch crossbody the Marsden Wallet on Chain is back in stock (I bought it last summer, also compared to a few other bags here) and is now available in a pretty white color. As much as I love flat zip pouches, sometimes I want a little more room. Cuyana has a cute pouch called the Work Clutch which seems to be the perfect in between solution of a flat zip pouch and clutch.

For makeup I’m working my way through some new product launches. I’ve been using the NARS Lipgloss in Outrage more and think it might be a favorite for this upcoming season (swatches here). I received a cute press kit of the new Laura Mercier Flawless Lumière Radiance-Perfecting Foundation but the shades didn’t match. I stopped by the store over the weekend and found my perfect match in Latte and bought it. It has such a beautiful finish, full review soon.

Chanel launched an entire line of new lipsticks called Rouge Coco Flash which I think is replacing the Rouge Coco Shine. I took a quick peek over the weekend but didn’t buy any. I’m thinking a good place to start for me is with their pink neutral shade in Boy. I also have the Pierres de Lumiere Collection on my radar but decided to order the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette instead (launches at Sephora on 2/27).

One more quick note is that a large number of you have been asking for an updated sunscreen post. I did one a couple years ago but am working on a new one. We just bought the Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops with SPF 50 to try out. Andrew said he was impressed after 1 try at the beach. It didn’t clog pores, didn’t feel greasy or oily, prevented the burn and by the end of the day it didn’t feel thick or oily. We will keep you posted!

What’s on your spring wishlist right now?

13 Comments

NARS

NARS Exposed Collection Review + Swatches

February 22, 2019

The NARS Exposed Color Collection just launched with limited-edition shades for lips and cheeks. There’s an Exposed Cheek Palette ($59) and three Explicit Color Lip Duos ($22 each) with mini-sized Velvet Matte Lip Pencils and Lip Tints. Swatches of everything below. The collection is exclusive to Ulta Beauty and online at NARS Cosmetics.

The Exposed Cheek Palette has that unique cream to powder finish NARS has in their dual intensity blushes, but most of the colors are satiny and glowy in finish (versus frost). It has a similar texture and pigment level to their Holiday Hot Tryst Cheek Palette, but the colors aren’t as shimmery for spring. Colors have medium but buildable coverage. On my skin tone the two pinks look nearly identical, if you’re fairer I suspect you’ll see more of a difference. The exterior packaging is so pretty with the pink, orange and pearl swirls.

Colors include:

Tell All is a shimmery champagne
Now or Never is medium nude peach
Give It Away is a soft brown rose
Make You Mine is a perfect apricot peach
Come Hither is a shimmery pink rose
New Fling is a deeper shimmery rose

For lips they have three Explicit Color Lip Duos with a small miniature Velvet Lip Glide and a new formula called Lip Tint. The pencil and gloss match each color in color. I owned Sex Machine many years ago and it’s been a while since I looked into the pencils in general. The formula is on the dry side for my lips, color is sheerer for the lighter natural shades, but the reds and bolds have phenomenal coverage and color payoff. I wish the neutrals applied better alone for me. The Lip Tints are medium-sheer almost balmy like glosses. They have a very lightweight almost slip like feel. I love the effect when the pencil and gloss are layered. It feels comfortable and cushiony, but so much so it feels like it’s going to slide off my lips. Good news is the colors do stay put but they’re not transfer proof.

There are three options:

Intriguing is a beige rose
Sex Machine is a neutral mauve pink
Dragon Girl is a red with pink tones

Colors layered together on bare lips:

Two makeup looks below wearing:

NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation in Punjab + Vanuatu mixed (I’m in between shades)
Armani Neo Nude Powder #4 to set
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel
NARS Exposed Cheek Palette with Tell All, Now or Never and Give it Away layered
Left lips: NARS Explicit Lip Duo in Sex Machine
Right lips: NARS Explicit Lip Duo in Dragon Girl

Overall fresh and pretty for spring! Colors are very wearable and I love that they aren’t overly frosted but still glowy. Love the concept of matching pencils and gloss to layer together. I’m not sure I would call any of these must-haves. Even though the palette is super wearable I feel like the colors have a similar vibe to previous NARS launches. I’m not the biggest fan of the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil formula but I really like the three colors for this launch. The Lip Tint has an interesting feel – it’s super lightweight and glossy. I would have preferred them in the Velvet Lip Glide formula instead for more impact but it’s still nice and fresh for a spring feel.

You can find the NARS Exposed Collection out now. Exclusive to Ulta Beauty and NARS Cosmetics. Have you checked out anything yet? What did you think?

NARS Exposed Collection provided for review.

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Lips NARS

NARS Lip Gloss Shade Extensions + Multi-Use Gloss for Spring

February 20, 2019

For spring NARS has launched 9 new shades of their classic Lip Gloss ($26 each) formula alongside 5 shades of a new gloss called Multi-Use Gloss ($26 each). These launch soon on February 24th at NARS Boutiques and online at NARS, and will also be available at all other NARS retailers later this spring (current backorder date at Neiman Marcus is 03/07/2019).

Lip Gloss Shade Extensions

The NARS Lip Gloss formula has been a long time favorite of mine even with several reformulations. It’s a classic medium coverage lightweight formula that has a wide range of finishes. There’s no detectable scent or taste. Nothing fancy or extra added, just your classic kind of gloss you can wear for any occasion. The new shade extensions are almost all creams with one sparkle. They come with a sponge tip applicator for precise color application. Some of the lighter shades need a little more blending to smooth out but in my testing every single color is amazing.

Sexual Content is a bright fresh warm pink
No Regrets is a medium caramel brown
Pulsion is a light nude pink cream
Outrage is a light milky orange peach, can be a little streaky, but blending creates the prettiest baby peach
Fever Beat is a plum rose cream
Love Me Do is a pastel baby pink
Mythic Red is a soft pink mauve (no red like the name might imply)
Color Me is a milky lavender, also a little streaky, extra blending required
Sexy Time is a gold sparkle

Close ups of each color, lasting power is fairly good for a lip gloss. They stay put for hours as long as you don’t touch them to a cup or snack. Otherwise you’ll have to reapply as there will be transfer, but this is expected with any gloss.

NARS Multi-Use Gloss

The Multi-Use Glosses come with a spatula applicator. These are meant to be worn on eyes, lips and cheeks. As with any other gloss product I have not been able to bring myself to wear them anywhere except the lips. These have a clear base loaded with different sparkles. The formula is a unique super smooth gloss with a lot of slip to them. They’re very sheer on my lips, almost clear – depending on the light you can see various flashes of sparkle and shine. I like these alone or on top of a lip pencil. For a more visible sparkle though I think Pat McGrath’s Lust Gloss in Aliengelic or Pale Fire Nectar are more my thing. Lasting power is average, it will stay on my lips but isn’t transfer proof and fades after a few hours.

Starbabe is a sheer white gold glitter
First Time is a silvery glitter
Relentless is a iridescent pink sparkle
Redemption is a light pink gold glitter
Working Girl is a sparkling gold

Closer up swatches, note I take my swatch photos with a flash which washes out the sparkle a little bit.

I really cannot express how happy I am that gloss and shine is back in for lips! I think this launch gives us a lot of fresh beautiful colors to brighten the complexion. The colors have a nice range from neutral to brighter options, every single one is wearable. My top 3 picks are Sexual Content, Mythic Red and Pulsion. I am undecided about the Multi-Use gloss. I like the concept and quality is there, I just don’t feel like they’re something I’d use a lot. I think it’s nice to have one of the pink ones for layering on top of other lip colors, but for eyes and cheeks I just can’t bring myself to put gloss on my cheeks.

There are a few more formulas I’m still working my way through testing from other brands. I do think you should put these on your radar for when they officially launch in stores and online. I have a hard time finding bright fresh pinks like Sexual Content – most are too bright, too fuchsia or too cool but this one is just perfect. Bright but not too bright for me.

The new NARS Lip Gloss and Multi-Use Glosses are expected to launch soon. Original launch date was listed as 2/14 but I confirmed with the team there was a slight delay and their new anticipated launch date is 2/24 for NARScosmetics.com.

You can find NARS at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Barney’s New York and NARS.

New launches featured are press samples from NARS.

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