Beauty Favorites Archives - The Beauty Look Book

November Favorites

November 26, 2019

I cannot believe it’s holiday season and that the year has pretty much flown by. It still seems like it should be summer to me but the holidays are here whether I’m ready or not. Today’s post features my November Favorites with another giveaway at the end!

Favorites in Fragrance

1 – Diptyque Santal Candle has been one I’ve been burning since fall. I’ve gone through a few and it’s a beautiful warm sandalwood that gives all the cozy vibes. It’s my favorite sandalwood candle out there.

2 – Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my year round fragrance. I think it’s wonderful for this time of year. It has a mix of ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage. I’ve been eyeing the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Set to possibly gift myself. Nordstrom also has it in a pretty teal limited-edition packaging this year in the smaller travel size.

3 – Byredo is another fragrance favorite. The travel sprays are my favorites to carry in my purse. La Selection Boisee has three of my favorites. Black Saffron is the one Andrew likes the most on me (it’s a berry kind of scent, listed notes are notes of pomelo, saffron, juniper berry, black violet, accord cuir, cristal rose, blonde woods, raspberry and vetiver). One of my favorites is Mojave Ghost (described as a woody and aromatic scent with notes of ambrette, Jamaican nesberry, violet, sandalwood, magnolia, chantilly musk, crisp amber and cedarwood). I also really love Super Cedar for a more earthy scent (has rose petals, Virginian cedarwood, silk musk and Haitian vetiver). I think all three are super unique and beautiful.

4 – Diptyque Baies is my favorite scent from the Diptyque line. I’ve bought it in all forms and all candle sizes. The room spray is lovely if you live or work in a setting where you can’t burn candles.

Skincare Favorites and Highlights

5 – The Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Essence Mist* is a new to me face mist. It was part of the 5 Step Normal Skincare Set I tried from Soko Glam and it’s very calming and hydrating. I highly recommend giving it a try.

6 – Sol de Janeiro just launched an unscented Brazilian Nude Cream which I ordered on launch day. I’m a huge fan of the Bum Bum Cream and Shower Cream-Gel which I usually order from Sephora but sometimes it’s nice to have a fragrance-free option. The Brazilian Nude Cream is currently exclusive to Sol de Janeiro’s website and they’ve started Cyber Monday early! Save 25% off orders $75 or more now through 12/2. I really love it and Andrew has been using it too. It’s thick (in a good way), hydrating, absorbs nicely and has a velvety dry down. To me it’s very similar to Kate Somerville’s Dry Skin Saver which I used to use but have not restocked in a while.

7 – Tatcha The Silk Peony Eye Cream* has been wonderful this in this dry weather for me. It’s hydrating and fills in fine lines under the eye that have been creeping up on me. It melts into the skin wonderfully and I highly recommend giving it a try if you want some extra moisture.

8 – Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist has been a favorite that’s made my “best of” list many times. It’s the one I travel the most frequently with for it’s super fine spritzer and a refreshing hydrating feel. It’s available in multiple size options, also in this 3-Piece Travel Set with special edition packaging if you want to be extra fancy.

Kosas Wet Lip Oils

9 – Kosas Wet Lip Oils* launched earlier in the month with five color options. They’re beautifully hydrating and have serious pigment for a lip treatment! I think all the colors are perfect. I’m partial to Dip and Malibu but every one is really phenomenal. They are hydrating but don’t feel like they’ll slide off. They’re also starting Black Friday early (full Black Friday roundup coming your way on the blog soon), save 20% on orders of $50+, 25% on orders of $75+, and 30% on orders over $100 (excludes gift cards).

Chanel Skincare and Bodycare

10 – Chanel Les Exclusifs line is so amazing. Their Fresh Body Cream has been a long time favorite I splurge on repeatedly. They just launched the Gentle Oil Hair and Body* and it is SO amazing. It comes in a large glass open top pour out bottle and has a very lightweight scent of citrus and white musk and jasmine just like the body cream version. I’ve been using it on the body and it’s the best body oil I’ve tried. I want to find a little dropper to use with it though. My skin has never been so soft!

11 and 12 and 13- The Sublimage line is among the best I’ve tried in skincare. I love the Sublimage La Brume Face Mist (it comes with refills). They’ve added more to their Sublimage line including Les Grains de Vanille Purifying and Radiance Revealing Face Scrub* (super hydrating) and L’Huile en Gel de Demaquillage* which is a gel to oil makeup remover cleanser. I’ll have a more detailed review soon but the oil cleanser leaves the skin feeling supple and smooth and I LOVE it.

14 – La Creme Main Le Lift has been in rotation this season. I love how it smoothes the hands and hydrates in a beautiful way. I like all the hand creams they’ve launched but this one is my favorite.

Base Favorites

15 – Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating* in Warm Radiance has been a lovely base to add a sheer glow and hint of radiance on dull skin days. Detailed review + swatches here.

16 – Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer in 220* was sent for me to try along with a box of other goodies! I had previously been using 235 for spot concealing but it didn’t do much for brightening or under the eye. Using a lighter and warmer color in 220 has made a WORLD of difference for brightening under the eye. It’s creamy, opaque and blends easily. It doesn’t budge or cake on my skin either. Fenty for the win!

17 – Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder Glow* in Translucent and Medium Deep have been lovely for adding a bit of glow. I don’t use them as setting powders as the name suggests – it’s too glowy for all over, but I use them as a bronzer or highlighter and skin looks candlelit in the best way possible.

Storage Solutions

18 – I’ve been promising a beauty storage post for you and I still have one coming! I have accumulated several different acrylic storage units and my favorite one to date is the Original Beauty Box. I just bought the smaller Original Beauty Box size (shown in this post) which measures 10 deep x 7 wide by 9.5 inches tall. It fits on my Ikea Billy Bookcase shelves and also works for the top of my bathroom counter. I have 3 of the larger Deluxe Beauty Boxes which store more (and also fit taller compacts) which I also like and still use, but having the smaller one is easier to fit on my desk, on a shelf or on the bathroom counter. You can see more photos of the larger ones in my old loft tour post here.

I plan on doing an updated storage post and will do my best to do it before end of year with comparisons, side by sides, pros and cons of everything I use.

Bite Beauty

19 – I bought the Bite Creamy Color 4-Piece Mini Amuse Bouche Supercharged Lipstick Set from Sephora last month and it’s so cute! It has four new colors and when I put it on stories several readers asked me if it was the original or new formula. I had no idea there was a “new” formula but readers pointed out that the entire Amuse Bouche Lipstick line had been discounted online at Sephora, shades have been pulled as they sell out and that it was rumored that this was a preview of a new formula. I don’t have any news or info but it appears that many of you are beauty super sleuths! I just checked the Bite Beauty section at Sephora and so many things have been marked down including the Agave Lip Mask, Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick, etc. I wonder if it’s because items are going to be reformulated or repackaged or both.

The colors in the 4 piece set seem creamier and with a more glossy finish compared to the original Amuse Bouche, but the texture does feel very similar. I can’t tell for sure if it’s different. I feel like they’re a little bit softer but am not sure if it’s because of the mini size bullets. They’re creamy, opaque, long wearing and rich. More on Temptalia – you can read her thoughts and see swatches in different lighting and on different skintone which I find super helpful.

Shop my November Favorites

That rounds up my November favorites! I’m doing another giveaway! One person will be selected to win all 5 of the Kosas Lip Oils (I have an extra set of all colors, brand new!). Not sponsored or affiliated. Simply enter through the widget.

Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older.
You must enter via ALL the steps in the widget below, partial entries will be disqualified.
Runs through 12/2/2019 11:45 PM EST.
ONE winner will be selected at random via the widget and contacted by me via email within 48 hours within giveaway ending.
Prizes ship within 1 week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Press samples featured in roundup have a * next to them. All others purchased by me.

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Everyday Makeup Essentials for Fall

October 25, 2019

Happy Friday! I have an updated everyday makeup post today with my top go-to’s that I use on a regular basis. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some favorites for the season. I purchase a lot of my makeup staples (and Andrew’s grooming picks) from there – they carry most of the brands we both love and use.

Base Favorites

I’m frequently asked what my top foundations are. I rotate depending on how much coverage I want but the line I reach for the most is Laura Mercier. They have a wide range of formulas for any coverage and finish preference! For me the best medium to full coverage matte foundation of all time is the Flawless Fusion Foundation Ultra Long-Wear Foundation (I wear either Buff or Dusk). It smooths out the skin, covers spots, lasts all day in hot weather and even though it’s matte doesn’t look flat. If I had to use one base the rest of my life this would be it.

For a glowy more hydrating finish the Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere is one I reach for frequently tied with Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation (I wear 6.5). Both offer a natural luminous finish that is perfectly dewy without being too glowy. Coverage is also medium but buildable and they come in a wide range of shades.

The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating formulas were revamped and improved this year. I love both for weekend or no-makeup makeup days. Sometimes if I have a good skin day I can wear just one and layer some concealer on top. If you like a super sheer base with just a hint of coverage I think the new formulas are among the best!

One formula I just rediscovered is the La Mer Luminous Lifting Cushion (I wear Shade 33 Warm Bisque). It’s one of the best cushions I’ve tried that has medium coverage and looks like skin but better. It’s hydrating but not too heavy. It’s very natural looking and makes the skin look radiant. I am thrilled I have a good match.

For pressed powders I love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in Medium and the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus or Medium Golden. Both will add a soft blurring effect to the skin and smooth/set your foundation. Pressed is my preferred choice since it’s easier to carry in the purse, easier for touch-ups and less messy.

In terms of loose options there are a wide range of amazing formulas to pick from. I’m partial to Laura Mercier’s Translucent for everyday and on going-out nights I’ll add the Translucent Glow option on the cheek bones for added radiance.

Lip Rotation

Lips are my favorite thing to rotate during fall. There are always so many new formulas and colors launched this season. I’m hard pressed to pick favorites but these four are the ones I’ve been reaching for the most the past couple of months.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm is my daily go-to balm for a soft pink flush. It applies clear on the lips but give it a minute or so and it will transform color into a soft pink glow. The Dior Addict Lip Glow Balms are also still really excellent for more of a flushed deeper color, but I’ve been reaching for the NARS a lot more.

NARS Lipsticks were completely revamped this year. My favorite color is Chelsea Girls which is a neutral pink, but on my lips it pulls more pinkish. It has a semi glossy finish. Dolce Vita is also a really nice and easy to wear rose.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shines used to be in heavy rotation for me a long time ago. I just checked them out again and discovered they discontinued some colors but also added some newer shades. Rose Nu 88 is a pretty rose (worn here).

For a lush hydrating gloss it doesn’t get more classic than the Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss. 119 Bourgeoisie is a classic soft rose plum with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Makeup Favorites

Four eye makeup staples for me include the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Copper (love this shade for an all over wash or base). Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows in Burnish and Blaze (they add the perfect amount of shine!), Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Duo in Reflection (new) for the perfect bronzey smokey eye and Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Black Wood (for a deep black that isn’t too harsh). In terms of eyeshadow palettes I don’t have a regular go-to as I switch those up frequently, although I do still really like the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette that I’ve been wearing pretty much all year long.

Cheeks

My two most reached for cheek products lately are the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel for the best cream bronzer ever and the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette this season. I’m wearing both in this post! The two combined are perfect for everyday and pretty much go with everything I typically wear. Creams don’t always work for me in Florida due to the heat but this Chanel bronzer has a good dry down that lasts all day and doesn’t oxidize.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup! Let me know in the comments if you have any everyday makeup favorites right now for fall or if you keep the same rotation year round. You can find all of my favorite makeup staples at Nordstrom.

Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

August 13, 2019

I’m back with a round up of 10 things I’m loving right now – all things I purchased on my own with a few items that are repurchases! Things have been a bit slow on the blog the past few weeks with some unexpected personal things going on in our life. I’m not quite ready to talk about it yet but don’t worry, we are 100% ok! I will have the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation post up tomorrow, I wanted to make sure I put everything to an extensive test before I posted a full review for you.

Beauty purchases I’ve been loving:

1. MAC Lipglass in Love Nectar is one of the prettiest soft sheer peach shimmers. This isn’t the same as the original LustreGlass formula – both the formula and color are different but it’s still in the same color family. This is a repurchase for me (swatches here).

2. Real Techniques Mini Multitask Brush 407 is one I found at Walgreens in store but you can find it online at a number of places like Amazon or the Real Techniques website. It’s super cute, plush and really does a great job at multi-tasking for powder, bronzer or blush. I love how compact it is but still functional.

3. Essie Come Out to Clay is part of their fall collection Rocky Rose Collection, I checked it out in stores near me and picked out two of the colors, Come Out to Clay is the perfect light creamy peach!

4. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Mini comes in all the colors now, I’m usually the shade Ginger but they’ve added more colors and when I’m super tan Praline is the next shade up (before there were huge gaps between Ginger and the deeper tans). I think the mini size is a nice way to try it if you’re new to the formula and want to test it out.

5. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is a repurchase as well, I really love this to refresh and hydrate the skin. I have combination skin this season. It tends to dry out if I’m indoors with the A/C and then becomes oily when I’m outside because the humidity this time of year is INTENSE! This soothes and hydrates. I usually buy the mini sizes even though full sizes are the better buy (value wise).

6. Pat McGrath Mini Lip Fetish Balm Trio has the clear, Blow Up and Flesh3 minis of her Lip Fetish Balm swatched here. I’m the biggest sucker for minis and just bought these to throw in my purse. Since I’m loving mini bags right now I’ve needed to downsize my card case, lip products, etc. I haven’t used the minis yet but I really love the full sizes. She also has mini trios in the MatteTrance and Mini Lust Gloss Trio (several color options available).

7. Omorovica Peachy Micellar Cleanser Pads were on my radar a few weeks ago and I splurged to buy them. The tub is huge but in a good way. Pads are sturdy so they don’t disintegrate when you wipe them on your face and they don’t leave any fibers or greasy residue. I like this as a first step or second step cleanser. They’re gentle, hydrating and effective for face makeup. The scent is something I was really concerned about ordering this sight unseen but it’s a really pleasant subtle peach and after a couple minutes I do not smell any residual scent and the fragrance did not irritate my skin.

8. Oribe Royal Blowout Spray is another repurchase. I really like this as a heat protectant and smoother before I blow dry my hair. I also mix in some of the Moroccanoil Treatment or some kind of serum, but the spray makes a huge difference to protect ends and add shine. It’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh down the hair. You can try this in a mini size which is pretty spendy but I always buy the full size option.

Last but not least are some Chanel neutral favorites. I’m obsessed with their neutrals! The Organdi Le Vernis is probably in my top five neutral polishes of all time. Recent lip repurchases:

9. Rouge Coco Gloss in Noce Moscata is the prettiest glossy pink beige with subtle shimmer. Anytime I wear this it gives that plush natural your lips but better soft pink glow and I’m always asked “what’s on your lips?” Another popular neutral is Caramel 716 which is a cream and more opaque. Lip swatches here.

10. Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur is a hit or miss for many because you can’t sharpen the tip. It’s a twist up crayon and as you use it the tip becomes flatter/chubbier. I still love these for the glossy finish. It’s been a while since I’ve used up some of the colors and I repurchased two Beige Rose (swatched here) and Bois Rose (swatched here).

That wraps up some of my favorite recent beauty buys! What have you been loving lately? For those who keep asking about the white cosmetic case I’ve been featuring in some photos, it’s the Cuyana Vanity Case in Ecru.

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Beauty Favorites

July Favorites

July 31, 2019

I have a roundup of July favorites! I’ve included a mix of everything from makeup, skin, hair and a few accessories. We are slowly settling into our new place and we absolutely love everything about it – the house, the neighborhood, location etc.

Skin and Hair

Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream* is my favorite everyday lightweight moisturizer and has made it to the top of my list three months in a row, I love the lightweight feel and texture and packaging
Glow Recipe Watermelon Juice Moisturizer is another consistent winner for me, it’s perfect for days I need something ultra light
Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil* is something I rediscovered this past month, it has helped restore moisture and shine to my dried out ends from the sand, salt water and chlorine

Eye Makeup

Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow in Ray is one of the newest shades, I’ve found this to be my favorite for the summer! (swatches here)
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara Primer + L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara Waterproof is my go-to combo for life! I do love other brands and formulas, but this one combo is the one I keep going back to, holds up the best in the Florida heat for me!
NARS Mini Wanted Eyeshadow Palette* is one that surprised me because I already own the original Wanted. Like many of you commented on my review, even though it’s super tiny this palette has been really convenient and perfect for a quick and easy polished eye look! (swatches here)

Lip Favorites

Pat McGrath LUST Gloss* in Peach Perversion and Faux Real are my top picks for her lip gloss for an effortless ultra smooth shine, I really think all her shades are amazing, especially the sparkle ones! (swatches here and here)
NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint in Orgasm is the prettiest lip oil I own right now, it’s one that always gets compliments too! I absolutely think this is a must for everyone, it’s also available in a mini in this super cute Orgasm Mini Set (on my lips here)
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is the most versatile gloss I have, it goes with everything whether I wear it alone, with the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner or on top of any lip color, you can see all three shades + beauty looks in this post here

Scent

Byredo Black Saffron is a sweet berry and black violet mix, I’ve been loving the minis I have and think I’m going to splurge on the full size again!
Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz (travel size) is a purse-friendly size of the Chanel Les Eaux perfumes, this one is the lightest and softest citrus, perfect for Florida weather – you can find the three original ones in the minis on Chanel.com and a Le Voyage Set as well
Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Riviera* is the latest addition to the Les Eaux line, if you love citrus you’ll really love this one! It has a little more punch and kick to it compared to the Biarritz, to me Riviera smells like a spa scent!
- My favorites for summer in this post here.

Nail Polishes

The most frequently asked question I receive DAILY (yes daily!) is “what polish are you wearing?” – even on old photos from years ago. If you want to know my top 5, there’s a good chance I’m wearing one of these shades. This month’s favorites:

Essie Topless and Barefoot has been one of my go-to neutral colors but I could never get Essie to last more than a day on me until I tried the Essie Speed Setter Top Coat. It seems like other brands of top coats aren’t compatible with Essie and cause major shrinkage (at least in my experience). With any nail brand I usually recommend you stick with the same brand for base/color/top.
Chanel Le Vernis in Organdi* is also a classic staple with the perfect mix of pink and beige (swatches here and also here)
Chanel Le Vernis in Afterglow* is the best barely there sheer cool beige nude (review here)

Accessories

Real Techniques Makeup Brushes – I can’t rave enough! They’re soft, well made, plush and perform really well. Ones I have listed in this post here.
Tory Burch Perry Mini Bombe Bag in Black has been in such heavy rotation I decided to order a second one in Perfect Sand and I absolutely love it! The sand one is exclusive to Toryburch.com right now. You can see the full review + OOTD look here. The material is also available in a Small Tote and 13-Inch Laptop Tote size (both have also been on my radar).
Tory Burch Gemini Link Canvas Bag is another one I’ve had on my radar for a couple months now, I was torn between the Light Umber and Ivory/Blue color. I opted for the neutral tan and also love this. It’s slightly larger/taller than the Perry Mini and has one open compartment versus the separated zipper sections. Since it’s taller and more open inside I feel like it can fit more things easily. The material is really sturdy and looks like it will hold up well. If you can’t do mini bags this also comes in a Tote Version.
Chloe Mini Marcie – I still love this one! I love all things mini, this one is going to be a favorite for a long time to come. Review here.

What were your favorites this month?

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

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Easy Everyday Summer Makeup

July 5, 2019

I’m all about the easy everyday kind of makeup look and today I’m rounding up some of my daily luxury beauty staples from Nordstrom. Even though this blog focuses on featuring and reviewing new product launches, many of you ask what I use the most on a daily basis so I’ve been putting together more roundups of what I reach for. If you’re a long-time reader you’ll probably recognize from previous features! It’s because I really do reach for these on a regular basis for my everyday makeup look and because they’re classic enough to incorporate into more trendy looks throughout the year.

Above: Wearing Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer 3W, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder 2, Charlotte Tilbury Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold, The Dolce Vita Eyeshadow Palette, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra, NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm

Base and Powder

Foundation is one of the items I’ve had to change up in the last year because so many of my holy grails have been phased out, reformulated or discontinued. I have an updated foundation post coming up soon but in the past month I’ve been loving the new Tom Ford Flawless Glow Foundation with SPF 30. I use the shade Natural 6.0 and it’s a great sheer coverage base that evens out the skin in a natural way. There’s no flash back and it lasts all day on me. It comes with a dropper which I apply directly to the face, then I’ll take a sponge or brush and blend/buff into the skin.

Other staples in rotation include the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Powder in Shade 2 (I’ve hit pan probably a dozen times), Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder for the best lightweight soft matte powder, concealer tie is between the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer in 3W and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. If I had to use one pressed powder the rest of my life it would be the one from Charlotte Tilbury!

Cheeks

For the cheeks I’ve really been loving the Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Palette (also reviewed here), it has everything I need for a full cheek look: blush, highlighter + bronzer. I picked up a new highlighter recently from Bobbi Brown in the Rosy Glow color which is limited-edition, it’s a really pretty basic no-fuss opal champagne.

The two cheek products I use the most are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra (doubles as a highlighter for me too) and the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel cream bronzer. I cannot live without either one. I’ve used the Chanel bronzer for as long as I can remember being into makeup. One tub will last you a long time and as long as you close it after use it won’t dry out like many cream products can.

Eyes

My most-used quad these days is the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette. It’s the perfect warm smokey eye palette and has everything I need for a complete eye look. I still love the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded as well, but many of you prefer the smaller palettes for easier wear.

For the longest time I felt like I could not wear pink-toned shadows. Most had too much red in the undertone and looked a little off on me. I’m so happy to have found more options that I can pull off without having that pink-eye look. I love creams or liquids because they adhere well to the lids. My top three favorites are the Tom Ford Acqua Metal Shadow in Violet Argente, Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Rose Gold, Hourglass Scattered Light in Blaze (this is such a pretty topper). For liner my go-to is usually a bronze color, the Hourglass 1.5 MM Mechanical Gel Liner gives the most precise line for a pencil (it’s a twist up and only twists one so I’d recommend being careful when you click-twist). For liquid liners my holy grail is the Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Pen. It’s double sided with two sizes of tips. I’ve found a number of really good ones from other brands, but the Tom Ford is the only one that did not dry out on me within a few months.

Lips

Above left wearing the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm

You girls know that I’ve been obsessed with the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm and Oil-Infused Lip Tints in Orgasm. I still am! They’re worn every week. Other good color changing balms are the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint and Dior Addict Lip Glow (if you haven’t tried these I’d suggest waiting for the upcoming anniversary sale, there are going to be really good sets available!). I also like the Dior Lip Maximizers for a nice lip plumping gloss that doesn’t sting.

If you’re a beauty junkie like me mark your calendars because their Anniversary Sale is this month. All Nordstrom cardmembers will have early access on July 12th, and if you’re an Icon or Ambassador Level member you have access to their pre-shop in stores starting July 9th. All the details and dates are on their Anniversary Sale Page.

I highly recommend signing up for their Nordy Club Program if you haven’t already – it will give you early access to the sale, events throughout the year and bonus point days. It’s one of the few programs that I’ve stayed a member of. As usual I also recommend checking out their Gift With Purchase page as well, the gifts are updated frequently and some are online exclusives.

I hope you enjoyed this round up! I’d love to hear what your easy everyday makeup favorites are in the comments.

Sponsored by Nordstrom. As always all opinions are my own.

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Beauty Favorites Sephora

Summer Loving

June 30, 2019

Summer’s in full swing and I could not be happier that we now have a pool and also live within minutes of the beach! The summer humidity and heat has officially returned and I’ve been changing a few things up in my beauty routine. I’ve partnered with Sephora to share some new makeup discoveries I’ve had in rotation now that the heat is here.

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Bronze and Glow

There are so many new bronzer and highlighters this season. I plan on doing a full bronzer roundup soon, but the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzers are some of the best matte options I’ve tried. I bought the two lightest shades in Inda Sun and Shady Biz, both offer a soft natural matte hint of warmth. Inda Sun almost matches my skin tone and pulls very neutral, so if you’re fair or light skinned, I highly recommend you check it out. Shady Biz is what I’ve been loving for a very natural bronze. It’s smooth, doesn’t oxidize, isn’t heavy or overly matte.

I also hauled the new Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette in Glitz. The top two shades are more glitzy with tiny micro sparkles which I think look pretty on the eyes. The bottom shades have a smoother more refined shimmer I can wear on the face. The overall effect is a soft golden glow. It has a superfine texture that adheres to the skin and stays put all day, even in intense heat.

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Lip Loves

For the lips I’ve been loving the NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints – Orgasm was the first color launched and they just added three new shades that give a slight hint of color. The new ones are pretty sheer and on my lips they don’t have the same color-changing properties Orgasm does, but they’re ultra smooth and hydrating. My lips get ultra dry with the heat outdoors or the constant A/C indoors, these feel super emollient and comforting. I’m wearing Primal Instinct below. Other lip favorites include the Becca Glow Lip Gloss in Tiger Lily for a perfect bright peach, Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Bronze Divinity (or any of the colors) for a good non-sticky gloss and Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Gloss in Some Girls is a fun punchy peach. For days I don’t want color the Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm is a nice smooth balm with a sponge applicator. I like the packaging and it’s super soft on the lips. On me it’s clear.

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Hair, Sunscreen + Body Essentials

Florida humidity is intense here. I need lots of help with styling products to help smooth the frizz or absorb oil from sweat. I’m always looking for new products to try, but rely on old favorites the IGK Mistress Anti-Frizz Leave In Conditioner (smooths out flyaways and helps with the frizz) and Briogeo Farewell Frizz (as a heat protectant for blow drying my hair).

Sunscreen favorites for me are still the Supergoop! Sunscreen Oil with SPF 50 and Everyday Sunscreen with SPF 50. There’s nothing that works as well for me as these two. They’re easy to re-apply, there’s no scent, no white cast and don’t irritate my skin. I also really like the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil with SPF 30 but it has a strong scent which I like but I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

For summer date nights I’ve been adding a little of the Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions in Rio Sunset or Copacabana Bronze to the legs. It adds a super subtle but pretty pearlescent sheen. A little goes a long way. If you’re a fan of sweet warm scents you’ll love it.

That wraps up some of my new beauty favorites from Sephora! Don’t forget to check out their Beauty Insider Program so you can accumulate points for samples and early access to their events. Have you hauled any of the new launches recently in makeup, skincare or haircare? Let me know in the comments!

Sponsored by Sephora. As always all opinions are my own.

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Beauty Favorites Skincare

June Skincare Favorites

June 29, 2019

June has been a transition month for us literally as we’ve moved! We managed to do everything fairly quickly but with moving there’s always a chance things might take longer than planned, especially with the unpacking and getting everything setup. For my just-in-case things take longer scenario I made sure to pack our essentials in a few dedicated boxes that I set aside. In the humid months maintaining a good skincare routine is a must and I did not want to lose track of my essential cleansers, moisturizers and treatments. I packed my must-haves in a few travel cases and these are the items I relied on all month long. I could also call this my skincare on-the-go routine! I have the Truffle Clarity Jumbo Jetset Case featured above which just restocked and launched in new colors. You can see my previous review in this post here too.

Cleanse and Tone

Kate Somerville Eradikate Daily Cleanser has helped keep my skin clear and minimizes breakouts. I cannot live without this cleanser.
Farmacy Beauty Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser is the best gel cleanser for oily skin days.
Tatcha Pure One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (travel-size) has been my go-to for double cleansing, love that Tatcha is one of the few brands that carries nearly everything in their lineup in a travel size option.
Glamglow Supertoner Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner is the best to exfoliate and clarify, it’s gentle enough for me to use daily and it’s one I’ve used for a few months now.
Sisley Botanical Floral Toning Lotion is the best hydrating toner lotion I have on repeat, it’s alcohol free and works to soften the skin, I have a mini I got from the subscription program and I keep refilling it for on-the-go times.
Almay Longwear + Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads are something I use every day!

Hydrate

Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream* has made my favorites list two months in a row, I love that it comes with a pump (versus jar) and it has been a great lightweight moisturizer that doesn’t feel too heavy, even on hot humid days, it works with all of my foundations too.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Juice Moisturizer is the best lightweight moisturizer I rely on for hot days, I have both the mini and full size.
Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Serum* has been a pleasant surprise for a Vitamin-C treatment to help brighten and hydrate, and it doesn’t irritate my skin (full review here).
Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm has the best balm packaging I’ve seen in a while, it has both a squeeze tube and sponge applicator so there’s no mess on your fingers from applying! It’s hydrating and soft on my lips (goes on clear).
By Terry Baume de Rose Mini* something I got in one of the GWP bags a few months ago, always a favorite for night time, it’s the most lush rich lip balm I’ve tried.
Chanel La Creme Main is the best smelling hand cream I own that has a really nice velvety dry down.

Extras/Treatments

Glamglow Supermud Activated Charcoal Treatment Mask is one I can never be without, I use this once a week during the humid season, even if it’s sometimes just as a spot mask, the full size is better, but I had minis on hand thrown into my travel bag.
GrandeLASH MD Lash Enhancing Serum* is the first lash serum I’ve tried that actually works for me, I started seeing results by the end of the first week of use (even Andrew noticed!), it also didn’t darken or irritate my lids like other formulas did.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ is a must-have for me as a multi-tasker, either to hydrate bare skin or set foundation/powder and make it look a little less powdery, I did give the new scented options a smell at the counter and bought Peony as it has the lightest scent of the four options.
Hero Mighty Patch Original is the best hydro colloid pimple patch I’ve tried, we got these from Amazon early in the year because my bestie recommended them. Since then we’ve tried other brands and I’ve been meaning to review them but Andrew uses them up so fast I rarely have them in stock at our home, I had to order a bunch and hide them from him lol. Full acne treatment post to follow on what we’ve tried, but we really like these.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Spot Treatment is something I’ve had to use more frequently this past month, even though I’ve been able to maintain clear skin with a good routine, moving this summer in the extreme heat took a toll on my skin. This has helped my skin tremendously for those unwanted spots.
Volition Beauty Turmeric Brightening Polish* has been a really good exfoliating treatment for me this past month.

That wraps up June’s most-used favorite skincare items. I had other things in rotation but these were my favorites! Did you have any favorites this past month? Do you switch things up as the weather heats up or stick with staples year round? For those who always want to know what I have on my nails in this photo I have the Olive and June EC Nail Polish* on (with three coats) topped it with the Essie Speed Setter Top Coat and it lasted a full seven days without tip wear or chipping.

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

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