Beauty Favorites Archives - The Beauty Look Book

12 Things I’ve Been Loving for the Home

August 9, 2022

Rounding up a few new home favorites I’ve been loving lately! A number of you asked me to review the Diptyque La Droguerie collection and Dior Eden-Roc Candle so I have a roundup today!

I’ve fallen in love with the Dior Eden-Roc fragrance for a luxurious ocean salty kind of scent (best I can describe is that it has a similar vibe to Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt). The Dioriviera Limited-Edition Candle (1) is just as beautiful with a gorgeous Toile de Jouy motif on the exterior. I love everything about this candle from the porcelain container (design is not a sticker), subtle beige pattern, and aqua blue wax.

It has a strong throw just like the perfume. The limited-edition version with the design is a little more expensive than the regular candle (which is plain white on the exterior) but it’s 100% worth it. I loved it so much I bought another one and may buy a few more before it’s gone for good. It’s just so beautiful!

Diptyque launched their La Droguerie Collection and I ordered 3 things to try. Each item has a really nice earthy potent kind of scent, almost with an Aesop skincare. The Diptyque home cleaning line is eco-friendly with ingredients of natural origin. Both the Dishwashing Liquid (2) and Multi-Surface Cleaner (3) come in a sturdy glass jar with refills available for both.

The Dishwashing Liquid has a mix of orange blossom, mandarin and basil. It has an Aesop kind of vibe to the scent. A little goes a long way and I like that it suds up nicely and cleans dishes effectively. I’ll sometimes use it as a soak with 1-2 pumps in warm water although most of our dishes are cleaned in the dishwasher.

The Multi-Surface Cleanser contains vinegar in it but the scent is not too overpowering. The product itself is very potent with mixed notes of lavender, cedar and fig.

The La Droguerie Candle (4) has a green basil kind of vibe meant to be an odor-removing candle. It’s nice after cooking to help remove cooking odors but it’s also calming on its own. It has a green feel to it in the notes. Another great option to combat cooking smells is the Verveine Candle (lemon verbena).

I like all three and am glad I bought them. I don’t use the dishwashing liquid as much for dishes, it smells so nice I will sometimes use it to wash my hands. It is a nice splurge to wash things that can’t go in the dishwasher although I wouldn’t call it a must. Out of the three I’d say I like the multi-surface spray the most.

Diptyque added some new home décor items online although I wish they would sell everything they use to decorate their stores! I bought a few of the trays which I think are cute. I have the Oval Tray (Medium) shown above (5). It’s made of porcelain and I love the oval pattern.

Another scented item I love is the Jo Malone Moonlit Camomile Pillow Mist (6). There are two available right now, the other is the Lavender and Moonflower. Out of the two I prefer the Moonlit Camomile which has a very soft musk feel with a mix of chamomille and moonflower. Both are really nice. They’re strong enough to scent your pillows before you go to sleep but not so strong that it keeps you awake. I also still really love the Casper Glow Lights (7) I mentioned a while back (they’re still on sale at Nordstrom).

I love the décor from Anthropologie and love that they’ve been adding more sizes and designs to their Gleaming Primrose line. I’ve had the Gleaming Primrose Vanity Mirror (8) for a while now and it keeps selling out. It’s currently on backorder and I highly recommend ordering it now if you’ve had your eye on it. They also have a cute Brodie Tabletop Vanity Mirror and a Triptych Mirror Variation as well.

For vases we have a few we rotate in our home and I always get questions about the ribbed glass and porcelain options. I love the Lyngby Vases (9). I have them in both glass and porcelain vases. They come in a wide range of sizes and color variations for the glass. I like that they’re classic, simple and streamlined. I purchased mine from both Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma.

For the bathroom, I have a few recent loves. I’ve been on the hunt for some more body scrubs and found two that I love. I wanted something that had a finer texture than what I’ve been using and one that didn’t stick to the skin. Some scrubs are so hard to rinse off! The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub (10) was high on my radar since I love the face scrub. I really love this one on the body although use with caution if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure.

For a gentle body scrub that melts into the skin but doesn’t leave it oily the Biossance Squalane+ Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub (11) is amazing. It has enough grit to feel the exfoliation but melts into the skin like the Fresh Sugar Face Polish does (just for the body). It softens, smooths, hydrates, doesn’t leave a film and rinses off nicely.

I finally tried Phlur Missing Person* and love it (it’s a lovely floral musk). They just added body care to some of their scents in a Body Lotion and Body Wash* (12). Both are on the lighter side scent wise but it’s the perfect strength for me so it doesn’t overpower. The body wash has a gel texture and the lotion has a nicely hydrating finish with a nice drydown (absorbs nicely). They’re available at Phlur and I am I’m hoping they will pop up at Sephora like the perfumes (at this time Phlur doesn’t accept returns).

Last but not least, not technically new but I wanted to let you know two of my favorite trays are back in stock at Pottery Barn. The Square Quartz Stone Catchall is back and I think it’s one of my favorite trays.

The oval Agate Stone Catchall is also another one I love. Mine looks different from the stock image because the stone varies but I think it’s stunning! Glass Match Cloche is from Skeem Design, available at Anthropologie.

If you had questions about some of my home favorites I’ve featured recently I hope you found this roundup helpful! Anything you’ve been loving lately for the home?

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

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Beauty Favorites Skincare Suncare

Summer Sunscreens To Put On Your Radar

July 21, 2022

By popular request I have my summer sunscreen roundup with all the formulas I’ve tried and loved recently! I have mainly used formulas from Supergoop!, Shiseido and Chanel but finally put more formulas to the test. My skin is very sensitive to extreme heat and sunscreen so I test with extreme caution. Here is what I’ve tried and thoughts. Up first are formulas for the body!

Sunscreens for the Body

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion with SPF 50 ($25 to $65, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, Ulta Beauty)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10.0% Sunscreen Octisalate 5.0% Sunscreen Octocrylene 5.0% Sunscreen

This is my all-time favorite sunscreen for the body. It’s the best I’ve tried that has a velvety dry down, longest lasting even in water and easy to spread even over wet skin (although I recommend applying on dry skin). It also helps protect against heat. It’s also formulated to use on the face but I use this one only on the body, neck, arms, legs. Love this value duo at Sephora.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40 ($42, Sephora, Nordstrom, Supergoop!)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10.0% Sunscreen Octisalate 5.0% Sunscreen Octocrylene 5.0% Sunscreen

I’ve loved and used this formula since the day it launched (have also repurchased numerous times). It has superfine light reflecting particles (it’s smooth, no chunky texture) and adds the prettiest shimmer and to the skin. Love that it’s smooth and hydrating.

Revive Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 ($165, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bluemercury)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10% Sunscreen Octisalate 5% Sunscreen Octocrylene 2.6%

This was one of my latest splurges – for me it was hard to find as it was almost always sold out but seems to be back in stock a few places. It’s one of the most expensive sunscreens I’ve tried and it is pure love. It glides on the skin smoothly. Has an anti-oxidant complex to nourish and hydrate the skin. Has a very subtle sunscreen scent which smells like summer to me. Love that it has a pump applicator. There is also a Soleil Superieur face version which I’ve used and loved before but it’s also quite expensive.

Vacation Inc. Classic Lotion SPF 30 ($18, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Vacation Inc.)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (8%)

This formula wins for the best scent. It has a nice smooth application. No pilling. Smells like a fun summer vacation. I love how the formula wears and performs. Two things though: I do wish it had a higher SPF and it doesn’t apply well on wet skin. If you’re in the water or super sweaty you will need to towel off before applying otherwise it doesn’t adhere. It has coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, Vitamin E and Niacinamide.

Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 ($21, Jack Black, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, Ulta Beauty)

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 3.0%, Zinc Oxide 8%

This formula is Andrew’s favorite and the only body sunscreen he uses. It’s the longest lasting even in water and with sweat. It’s one I order in bulk because Andrew goes through so much. Anytime we have guests in town we give them a bottle of this Jack Black formula (or Supergoop!) to use while they’re here because it’s the best at protecting skin and preventing sunburns.

It’s also available in 3-Pack of Minis at Jack Black. The only downside is that it’s so effective it is very hard to remove at the end of the day. You’ll have to give your body multiple scrubs with a washcloth or sponge. I’ll sometimes have to use a cleansing oil all over and let it sit to break down the formula before using a regular body wash. Andrew’s favorite is the Jack Black Turbo Wash (which I also borrow from time to time). The Big Sir Body and Hair Cleanser is also pretty good.

If you’re looking for the men in your life to up their grooming game, I highly recommend Jack Black. They have some good starter sets. I’ve bought this for Andrew, his brother, my brother, etc.

Sun Care Face Formulas

For the face I have stuck with a very small select group of formulas for the past three years. I am very sensitive to heat and sunscreen. With the wrong formula my face often reacts with red spots and flare ups when exposed to extreme heat. I still get review requests every week to review/test different formulas from you! This year I finally branched out and tried more after careful research and am thrilled to report that I have some new winners.

I’ve loved and used La Roce-Posay for a long time. It’s one that most of you love and use too. Three formulas I started using recently include the following:

The Anthelios Ultra-Light SPF 60* ($30.99) has a lightweight texture and semi-matte finish. It’s a white fluid but has no white cast on my skin. Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5% and Octocrylene 7%.

The Anthelios Mineral Tinted SPF 50* ($34.99) is an excellent mineral formula I actually like and love. I find most mineral formulas don’t work for my skin type with the texture, but this is a really good one with a brown-beige tint. It disappears into the skin. Active Ingredient is Titanium Dioxide 11%.

The Anthelios Melt-In-Milk SPF 60* ($24.99 to $36.99, face & body, chemical sunscreen) is a great formula for the body. 100% recommend. Has a high SPF, melts into the skin, absorbs quickly. Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5% and Octocrylene 7%. See them in action below!

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Two other mineral formulas that I like are the Tatcha Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 ($60) and the Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36). I bought both from Sephora and absolutely love how they melt into the skin and don’t feel heavy or pill.

The Tatcha formula works under makeup nicely and it has a velvety feel. The packaging could use a bit of work as the product sometimes will squirt out of the top once you open it. I haven’t had any flaking issues that you see online (not yet). This is more fluid in texture compared to their Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen with SPF 35.

The Summer Fridays formula is a really nice one I found works with me. Reviews seem to be mixed – definitely try a patch test first. I don’t think it’s the best long-wear formula if you’re outside for an extended period of time.

The Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50 ($55) and CC Cream ($55) have been in my top picks for years. I love the ultra lightweight texture of the UV Essentiel and I don’t sweat a lot on my face so this works for me (it didn’t work for Andrew, he sweats more). Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Titanium dioxide 3.8%, Zinc oxide 17.1%.

My most-worn sunscreen is the Chanel CC Cream with SPF 50. It’s a tinted product with medium coverage and wears so well on my skin. Lasts all day. It is on the semi-thick side so application is key. It’s not one I recommend applying with fingers. Use a sponge to work it into the skin and blend. This method works best for me when applying any CC cream. So many of you have told me you have kept referring to my review from 2018!

Active Ingredients: Active ingredients: Octinoxate 6.8%, Titanium dioxide 4%, Zinc oxide 15.2%

Supergoop! is one of my favorite brands for sunscreens in general. I love all of their chemical formulas and one mineral. My recommendation for formula would be based on your skin type and preference. Each one has a different texture and purpose.

Out of all the Supergoop formulas I love the Every.Single.Face Watery Lotion SPF 50* and the CC Screen SPF 50 the most. The CC Screen is an excellent tinted option with pretty good coverage. The Daily Dose Vitamin C SPF 40 is a great option and the Unseen SPF 40 is one of the best matte finish formulas I’ve tried.

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30* ($30 to 42) was one of the highest rated/most loved formulas from you based on messages I received on social. So many of you love this skincare line and after finally trying it this year I 100% agree. No white cast on me (although there is a very subtle white tint), no pilling, lasts on the skin. Definitely reapply every hour (as with all formulas) but love that it’s not sticky or goopy and it doesn’t have any smell or weird sunscreen scent.

The last two I wanted to highlight are the Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen SPF 42 ($38, Bloomingdale’s) and Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen ($35, Nordstrom, Sephora).

Both are great formulas for the face. The Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen has a beautiful hydrating feel. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. Leaves the skin feeling smooth and slightly plump. It has enough moisture that I can use this as a moisturizer.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%.

The Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Sunscreen is also a recent winner. It has a more fluid thin texture with a velvety dry down. Super lightweight, long lasting, has a slight pale peachy pink tint when you apply it on the skin but disappears after blending.

Active Ingredients: Ensulizole 1.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Zinc Oxide 15.5%

There is also a Mineral Version of this formula but I have not tried it.

That wraps up my summer sunscreen roundup! I would recommend any of these to anyone. If I had to pick my absolute top favorites, these are my top 6:

Best Body Sunscreen: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion tied with Revive Soleil Superier
Best Long-Wear Formula: Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard
Favorite Sunscreen for the Face (with tint): Chanel CC Cream
Favorite Non-Tinted Face Formula: Tatcha
Favorite Hydrating Sunscreen for the Face: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen

What are your go-to sunscreen formulas?

Press samples have a * next to them. All other formulas purchased and frequently repurchased by me.

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom Skincare

Summer Skincare Saviors

July 18, 2022

It’s been a while since I’ve done a skincare roundup and with summer in full swing I have an updated routine with my favorites for clean and clear skin. With the heat, sunscreen and extra sweat my skin is prone to getting clogged and irritated. If you also experience the same issues during the summer, I have my current go-to’s I swear by from Nordstrom. These are my favorites to help clear out the pores and keep skin looking fresh!

Cleansers

Long time readers know I’m a fanatic about cleansing my skin. Keeping skin super clean and making sure I remove all traces of sunscreen and makeup at the end of the day is essential but with long wear makeup formulas it can be tricky. I rotate cleansers and use different formulas for morning vs afternoon.

Using a good makeup remover whether it’s a cleansing balm or cleansing oil is always a must. It helps break down foundation, concealer, blush etc.

I really love the Chanel Sublimage L’Huile En-Gel De Demaquillage Gel-To-Oil Cleanser ($110). I love it because it’s less messy than a regular liquid oil. The gel melts right into the skin and has that signature Sublimage scent (obsessed!). It makes the skin feel super soft and smooth and clean!

For a good cleansing oil I am currently loving the Chanel L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil ($50, on my third bottle) and the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil ($53) is a classic I’ve repurchased multiple times too.

For my second step cleanser I love a wide range of brands but right now am rotating between the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash ($52) and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser ($23). Both are really good for cleansing the skin without stripping it.

Toners

I always follow with a toner to help rebalance the skin and make sure all traces of cleanser and makeup are removed. My two go-to’s right now are from Kiehls and Sisley. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner ($12 – $20) helps moisturize the skin and refine texture. I also swear by the Sisley Balancing Floral Toning Lotion ($115) which is the best alcohol-free formula I’ve used.

For texture and resurfacing, the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads ($59) have been the best resurfacing pads I’ve tried. There’s no stinging, no uncomfortable residue, and really works for smoother skin. You can use these daily but I use them 2x per week.

Pore Cleaning Masks

To keep the pores clear and clean I use Glamglow. The Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($25-86) is one I cannot live without (Value Set for $69 here). Anytime I feel like pimples or clogged pores are surfacing I use this and it’s the most effective AHA and BHA acid mask for problem skin. Charcoal helos absorb excess oil and toxins. Apply a thin layer and leave it on for 5-20 minutes (I usually leave it on for 10). Rinse thoroughly.

I also really love charcoal based masks/cleansers and the Glamglow SUPERCLEANSE Clearing Cream-to-Foam-Cleanser ($32) and SUPERSMOOTH Acne Clearing 5-Minute Mask ($34) are essential for my summer routine. Both are gentle enough for me to use daily but I usually have these in rotation 2-3x per week. Andrew loves these too. They’re great to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin.

If you have ultra sensitive skin the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask Set ($40, NSALE) is the best gentle pore mask I’ve tried.

Moisturizer Routine

I rotate with oils and moisturizers but really love the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream ($220) right now. It’s the perfect lightweight moisturizer for a fresh glow. I use this as a first layer then add the Sisley Double Tenseur Moisturizing Gel ($210) on top for my perfect smooth base. They’re quite the splurge but there’s nothing quite like either!

For eye treatments I love the Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid ($165). It’s another expensive buy but 100% worth the splurge if you want a really nice lightweight eye cream. Right now Nordstrom has the Black Rose Set for the Anniversary Sale which has the full size cream, eye fluid and mini black rose mask ($230 on sale, $415 value).

La Mer is always a nice luxurious treat. I splurged on the La Mer Luminous Renewal Set ($95) from the NSALE which has travel sizes of the Cleansing Foam, The Treatment Lotion, Renewal Oil and Moisturizing Soft Cream. If you have dry skin they also have this set with the regular Crème de la Mer in the Radiant Hydration Set (also $95).

The last thing I wanted to highlight is a new try! La Mer recently launched The Micro Peel ($270). It is a leave-on resurfacing peel treatment with AHAs, BHAs and PHAs to polish the skin and clear pores. I just started using it at night 1x to 2x per week. It has a bi-phase formula so you shake the bottle to activate the formula and mix contents. Use on clean skin and don’t rinse. You can add moisturizer on top if you want but I’ve been applying it on its own. It has a minimal tingle and I really like it so far. Will keep you posted as I can test more!

Sunscreen is also a very important part of my summer skincare routine but I’ve saved that for a future post (coming very soon!).

You can find all of my picks available at Nordstrom.

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Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own. All products purchased by me.

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Beauty Favorites

Summer Luxury Beauty Staples Worth the Splurge

July 15, 2022

Summer is in full swing and I’m excited to share a look at some of my favorite luxury beauty staples this season from Neiman Marcus. They have so many of my all-time favorites, I’ve restocked on a few favorites from them for an upcoming trip! I’m excited to share a look at some of my tried-and-true beauty staples today. They’re having their Summer Beauty Gift with Purchase Event going on now through 7/22!

The La Mer Face Mist is the ultimate skin refresher to hydrate the face with a soothing veil of hydration. It has a lovely cooling sensation on the skin with a fresh and relaxing scent. I love bringing face mists on travels with me and this one is coming with me on vacation.

I’m obsessed with trying all kinds of lip balms and a tried-and-true staple of mine is the La Mer Lip Volumizer. It’s a lip serum with a plumping effect but I love this as a lip balm. Makes the lips feel smooth, hydrated and lush. I often wear this as a night time lip mask.

I’ve owned a few smaller Mason Pearson brushes for over a decade and can say they’re 100% worth the splurge. I had been eyeing the full-sized Popular Mix Brush and it finally popped back in stock at Neimans and I snapped one up immediately. It’s now currently on backorder, but I highly recommend it. It has a mix of bristle and nylon and works to stimulate the scalp, brush hair in way I’ve never seen in any brush and gives the hair a super smooth look.

I like to have a hair clip or scrunchie on hand so I can tie my hair up when I’m on vacation. I splurged on the Balmain Hair Couture Medium Hair Clip and it’s a beautiful one! It’s the perfect size and exactly what I was looking for.

If I had to pick one lip product to wear this summer it would be the Hermes Hermesistible Infused Lip Care Oils. I love every single color, but my two favorite shades are Beige Sapotil (one I’m wearing in this post) and Corail Bigarade. They are each scented with a unique scent. The formula is nourishing and I love the tint.

Out of all the bronzers on the market I would have to say my most worn bronzer is the Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Gold Dust (I also like Terra for a lighter neutral cool-toned option). It has a soft almost gel to powder formula that adheres to the skin. Looks super natural and is the best way to warm up the complexion for a soft bronzed glow. My favorite bronzer brush is the one from Laura Mercier.

The last splurge I wanted to highlight is the Cle de Peau Cream Blush. I have loved and used this formula for quite some time and just splurged on Shade #3. It’s a really lovely bright peach that brings the complexion to life. A little goes a long way and this cream formula is one of the few that I truly love.

If you’re looking for some summer staples I hope you found this roundup helpful! Neiman Marcus is also having their Summer Gift With Purchase Event now through 7/22. Spend $150 or more for an assortment of beauty samples and a step up gift with a purchase of $200 or more. Here’s a peek below.

You can find all of my staples at Neiman Marcus.

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Many thanks to Neiman Marcus for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Beauty Favorites Fragrance

The Best Scents That Smell Like Summer

June 28, 2022

I’m back with a summer roundup of my favorite summer scents this year! There are so many great new discoveries I’ve made. Happy to add a few new ones to my regular go-to’s. I have a look at 10+ scents that lift the mood for warm weather months.

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel

above: Chanel beach towel (in stores, in action here), Butterfly Sunglasses (worn on the face and in action here)

If I had to pick one scent to wear this summer it would be Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette ($90 to $140, available at Chanel and Nordstrom). I’m a huge fan of citrus scents and I love this one so much. On my skin it has good lasting power. This is one of Andrew’s favorites on me.

Paris-Riviera Notes: Sicilian orange, petitgrain, neroli, jasmine, sandalwood, musk

I also really love the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz Eau de Toilette which I own in both the full and travel size. This one is a little softer compared to the Riviera option. Both are great citrus scents.

Paris-Biarritz Notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley, vetiver and white musk

above: Eric Javits Hamptons Hat, Squishee Isla Tote, Nail Color OPI Bubble Bath

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Jo Malone Aqua Lemon Cologne

above: Beach Towel, Loewe Small basket, Scarf, Celine Sunnies, Nail Polish OPI Lisbon Wants Moor OPI

Every summer I’ve fallen in love with at least one of the limited-edition Jo Malone scents. My classic year round go-to is the Wood Sage and Sea Salt, but I’ve worn it so much I try to mix it up. This year the Jo Malone Aqua Lemon Cologne ($75 for 1 oz, still available at Jo Malone, Sephora and Net-A-Porter) is my favorite of the newer ones. It’s packaged in a smaller size in a beautiful light aqua blue bottle. The lemon notes can be hit or miss depending on your taste, I really love this one!

Aqua Lemon Notes: Mandarin, Lemon Petitgrain, Cedarwood

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Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum

above: scarf, Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Sweet Talk, swimsuit, sunnies

The Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum ($80 for 1.7 oz, available at Bobbi Brown, Sephora and Nordstrom) smells just like summer to me. It has that pool beach vibe that makes you think of sandy beaches, pool time and coppertone sunscreen. It’s very potent and strong. If you’re looking for a classic summer beach scent this is it!

Bobbi Brown Beach Notes: Sand jasmine, sea spray, mandarine

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Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette

Out of all the new perfumes I’ve tried this year Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette ($60 for 1 fl oz at Ulta Beauty and Vacation.Inc) wins for the best scent that truly smells like summer. I love this one so much, I would say it’s tied with the Chanel for me. Their sunscreens smell amazing too!

Notes: Petitgrain essence, Coconut water, Coconut milk, Bergamot, Solar Musk, Banana, Pineapple, Pool Water, Swimsuit Lycra, Sea Salt

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Creed Virgin Island Water

above: bucket hat, straw tote from Sezane (also in action here), sunnies 52 mm oval, sage stripe beach towel

Creed Virgin Island Water ($320 to $430, available at Creed and Neiman Marcus) is the ultimate tropical vacation scent. I’ve worn this for years and to me it’s the perfect summer time scent if you want to feel like you’re on a beautiful summer beach vacation. It has a very unique vibe – I’ve never smelled anything quite like it.

Notes: Jamaican Lime, Sicilian Mandarin, Sicilian White Bergamot, Hibiscus, Indian Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Tonkin Musk, Tropical Wood

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Tom Ford Beauty

above: Naghedi St Barths Medium woven tote (comes with the pouch), knot bracelet + oval sunnies Celine, Tom Ford Gloss Luxe Crystalline

The Tom Ford Soleil Blanc lineup is another winner. I’ve loved both the regular parfum and eau de toilette for that coco mer vibe. You can find both at multiple retailers but Sephora has the most size options available.

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum ($270 for 1.7 fl oz, also available in other sizes)
Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang Comores Islands, Cardamom

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Eau de Toilette ($140 for 1.7 fl oz)
Notes: Coco De Mer, Ylang Ylang from Comores Island, Bergamot Flower

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Mizensir Blue Gin

above: small shell basket tote, beach towel, knot bracelet, sunnies 52 mm oval

Mizensir Blue Gin* ($260, available at Mizensir Parfumes) is a new one this year. It has a fun fizzy spicy fresh feel for summer. I think it’s very unique and if you’re looking for something warm and a tiny bit spicy definitely check this one out. They have customizable discovery sets online, Blue Gin isn’t available in the samplers yet but I hope they add it.

Notes: juniper, blackberries, Sichuan pepper, bitter mandarin, tonka bean, iris

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Dior Eden-Roc

If you like Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt you will also love Dior Eden-Roc ($125 to $350). It has a warm sea salt kind of feel to it with a mix of coconut and white flowers. It’s really strong and long lasting. I also ordered the Dioriviera Eden-Roc Candle which has a beautiful design on the exterior. I have not burned the candle yet but can’t wait.

Notes: white flowers, jasmine, coconut, sea salt, marine, pine and citrus fruit

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Runner Ups

A quick mention of three more that I’ve tried and loved. The Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis is a beautiful light fresh clean scent. It’s a very calming kind of scent with notes of lemon, bergamot, white flower and light musk.

NARS Monoi Body Glow Oil II is the perfect mix of tiare flower, white frangipani, ylang-ylang and vanilla. A few years ago they had this in candle form and it was the perfect home summer scent. I wish they would bring it back!

Skylar Perfumes is a line I tried at Sephora and I think all of their scents are incredible. Salt Air is another great sea salt scent with a fresh clean feel. They have an Eau de Parfum Discovery Set if you want to sample them. I think this also makes a great home fragrance, sometimes I will spritz this around the house although I just realized the Skylar website has this in candle form. They’re having a 20% off sale sitewide and 40% off select scents through July 5 with code JULY4TH. I will be ordering the candle and probably a few more scents.

If you’re looking for a new summer perfume I hope you found some inspiration here! Out of all the ones I featured today I would say my top 3 would be the Vacation Inc, Chanel Paris-Riviera and Dior Eden-Roc.

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Easy Summer Glow

June 20, 2022

Sharing a look at some summer beauty loves for an easy glowing beauty look. If you’re looking for some no-fuss beauty staples to add into your summer routine I’ve rounded up some recent favorites from Nordstrom.

Westman Atelier

Westman Atelier has some of the best quick and easy beauty products for an effortless look. I love the Vital Skin Foundation Stick ($68) for a summer base. It has natural buildable coverage, blends easily (I use a beautyblender) and stays put on the skin. I love the twist-up format for easy application and it’s perfect for touch ups on the go too. I wear Shade VI and it’s a perfect match.

The newest launch from Westman Atelier is the Vital Pressed Skincare Powder ($75). Based on their shade chart I ordered Crème which looks pale in the compact but works for my skin tone! It’s a sheer ultra light weight pressed powder. It’s a nice natural powder that sets the creams, smoothes skin and looks very natural. I still prefer the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder for more coverage/blurring but this new one from Westman Atelier is very good. I splurged on her Powder Brush ($85) and it’s a nice smaller brush which has a very soft plush feel.

Summer Bronze

I’m thrilled Chanel added new shades of bronzer this season. I love the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream ($50). I’ve been using Shade 390 for a long time and am thrilled to see they added a new Shade 392 for medium tan skin tones. I hope they continue to expand the color range. This one offers a nice warm glow to the skin.

Glowing Complexion

For a natural glow on the cheeks I’ve been loving several things. The Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tint in Peau de Peche ($75) remains one of my favorite unique cream highlighters. On my medium tan skin it’s a champagne peach with shimmer. On lighter skin tones it will appear more bronzey/tan. I also think the Baby Cheeks Blush Sticks ($48) are beautiful! Chouchette is the best natural peachy pink on my skin tone.

Other glowing blush/highlighter favorites in rotation include the By Terry Brightening CC Liquid Blush in Sunny Glow ($38 each, for the most natural glow) and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blushes ($28 each, love Coastline and Corsica for warmer tones). The Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Wand in Peachgasm ($40) is another favorite for a pretty glowing highlight.

Swatches below:

Summer Eye Makeup

I love the one and done kind of shimmers for eyes. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($30 each) have been in heavy rotation. I love the mix of Moonstone, Golden Amber and Espresso for my summer bronzed eye look. The Sisley Ombre Eclat Liquide Eyeshadows ($58) also have a really nice long-wear formula. I’ve swatched all the colors here but my favorites are 1, 3, 4 and 5. They’re spendy but if you’re looking for something ultra long-wearing these are the best I’ve tried.

Neutral Lips

I’m a neutral lip lover for life! The MAC Lustreglass Lipsticks ($22 each) are really good. I’m wearing Sellout in this post but there are so many good shades to pick from (neutral to bolds). For hydration, shine and color the Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Glosses ($29 each) are my go-to. Long time readers have seen these on the blog so many times but I keep going back to these. My favorite neutrals are In the Buff and Free Spirit. They added shimmer shades this season and I think Bare Sparkle and Bellini are really fun.

For the Tom Ford beauty lovers you might want to check out the Matte Lip Color ($58) options if you want something full coverage and longer wearing. I recently picked up Fascinator which is a neutral peach pink (on my lips/complexion looks more peach). It’s a really nice neutral.

I have summer accessories roundup coming soon! But I’ve been really loving this woven tote for summer. It was one of my biggest splurges recently but I absolutely love it. For the style details in this post I’m wearing a knit tank from Topshop. I’ve been on a kick with Celine sunglasses and this pair is a favorite!

That wraps up my Easy Summer Glow favs from Nordstrom! I hope you found some helpful ideas on how to add some sparkle and glow to your summer beauty look!

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

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Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

11 Things I’m Loving Right Now

June 17, 2022

Happy Friday! Sharing a quick little roundup of some things I’ve bought and loved recently.

For summer I’ve still been really loving the Rare Beauty Tinted Moisturizer ($29). It’s one of the best tinted moisturizers I’ve tried because it’s not too dewy, not too emollient and has enough coverage to even out the skin naturally. My match is 32N. Available at Sephora and Rare Beauty.

A number of you asked if I was going to try the Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer ($29) and I finally did! I ordered 3N and love it. It’s caffeine-infused to help revitalize the under eye area. I haven’t really noticed a huge amount of difference with caffeine but I like this to brighten under eyes and it is a long-wear formula that doesn’t budge on me.

It’s not as creamy or thick as the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer. I really like both. Shade wise I’m usually a 2.5 or 3 in Dior. For the Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer 3N works for me. I’m getting more color now that we’ve been going out more to the beach and dog parks with Ollie. If they had 2.5N in this formula I think that would be ideal for me, unfortunately they don’t (at least not yet). Available at Dior and Sephora.

I purchased the Vacation Eau de Toilette a few months ago (review here) and still really love it. It’s one of the best vacation scents I’ve tried. If you’re familiar with Bobbi Brown Beach it has a similar vibe but the Vacation perfume is a little less sunscreen-like and more pool-beach like if that makes sense. I love both. The Vacation Eau de Toilette is sold out at Nordstrom right now but you can find it at Ulta Beauty and it’s back in stock at Vacation Inc.

For hair I’ve been struggling with frizz more than usual this year. I lost a lot of hair late last year and this year with tons of shedding. The good news is that it’s started to grow back but I have all these tiny baby hairs growing in that seem impossible to tame. I’ve tried tons of pomades and waxes to try to hold the hairs in place and they only work temporarily. The two best solutions I’ve found are from Dae and Kosas. The Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream has really impressed me. It’s multi-tasking. You can use it on damp or dry hair. It tames flyaways, helps soften hair, adds shine, doesn’t weight down the hair. It smells like bubblegum to me similar to their shampoo and conditioner. (Also love the Mini Wet Brush to throw in my beach bag or purse. Wish it had a small case to keep the bristles from getting smashed in my bag, but I still love it.)

To hold the baby hairs in place on stubborn days I’ll use the Kosas Air Brow Gel (tinted version) because they have shades dark enough to match my hair color. Clear brow gels don’t work well for me. They always leave a crusty looking white film on my hair when they dry.

For mascara I ordered the new Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara and it’s REALLY GOOD! I’m not usually a fan of tubing mascaras but I really love this one. Adheres well to the lashes, doesn’t smudge, holds the curl, defines. I haven’t tested it in the water to see if it’s waterproof but for day to day use I really love it.

I’ve been really loving lots from Patrick TA. I bought the Patrick TA Precision Gel Liner in Deep Bronze a long time ago. Loved it and used it up! I recently picked it up again along with the shade in Black and forgot how much I loved them. I have four shades now swatched below. They’re creamy, twist up, ultra pigmented, long-wearing and intense. You can see Burgundy in action in my reel below.

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The Patrick TA Crème Contour and Bronzer Duo in She’s Sculpted has been a winner for me. This surprised me because most cream contours are too creamy or too grey. This one looks cool in the pan but on the face it’s more neutral and it has the perfect texture to blend easily.

Also started using the Patrick TA Major Plumping Lip Glosses again. I bought three earlier this year. Started using them again. Love the texture, plump and shine. The tingle is mild on me and they have a cinnamon scent.

Still really loving the Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Gloss! My favorites are Picante and Bungalow. Review + swatches here in case you missed it.

Last but not least I have a win in new sunscreen tries! Testing sunscreen always makes me so nervous. My skin reacts to so many different formulas and it doesn’t matter whether its chemical or mineral. I’ve relied mainly on Shiseido and Supergoop! for the face but still test a number of new formulas. The Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen with SPF30 is a huge win for me. No pilling, no irritation, no break outs, no clogged pores. It has a pale yellow tint which is nearly transparent when it’s blended. On my medium tan skin I still see a tiny bit of a cast when it’s blended.

As a quick side note/update on some other formulas I tried the Ilia C Beyond Triple Serum did not work for me. It immediately pilled on my skin similar to the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sunscreen which I had high hopes for. I’m currently testing the Kjaer Weis Beauty Tint Tinted Moisturizer in M3. I’m undecided as the first time I tried it, it looked beautiful on the face. Loved the look, coverage, feel and finish. The next few times I tried it, it separated on my face which makes me think it was not compatible with my moisturizer. Will keep testing to see if I can find a way to make it work again.

That wraps up my favorites of the moment! Excited to share more soon! Bought some things for the home I really love. Also have some summer favorites coming up. Been putting a lot of things to the test in beauty, home and life!

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What have you been loving lately?

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Older Posts

Beauty Favorites

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Sunscreens for the Body

Sun Care Face Formulas

Cleansers

Toners

Pore Cleaning Masks

Moisturizer Routine

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Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel

Jo Malone Aqua Lemon Cologne

Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum

Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette

Creed Virgin Island Water

Tom Ford Beauty

Mizensir Blue Gin

Dior Eden-Roc

Runner Ups

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Summer Accessories

Westman Atelier

Summer Bronze

Glowing Complexion

Summer Eye Makeup

Neutral Lips

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