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Best Decorative Trays for Your Vanity + Beauty Products

May 21, 2020

Best Spring to Summer Perfumes 2019 | The Beauty Look Book

Today I’m rounding up all of the best decorative trays for your vanity! I’m always on the hunt for better ways to organize, display and store my beauty products. I love trays of all shapes and sizes because it helps me keep things in place and makes things look less cluttered! So many of you have asked questions about where I get all of my trays so today’s post is a comprehensive roundup.

Many of you have also asked for an updated makeup storage/organization post. You want to know how I store everything from the best acrylic organizers, boxes, shelving, drawers etc. I haven’t done one since we were in San Diego in my Home Loft Tour (3 years ago!). We’ve done a lot of moving around over the last few years since we’ve moved to Florida. I feel we have been in a long transition phase as we took our time to explore the different areas of Tampa Bay. We’ve finally found an area we truly love that feels like home to us now. I will be putting together my full beauty organization setup in a separate post. Today’s roundup focuses on all my vanity trays.

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Restoration Hardware Bath Tray

Measures 12″W x 7½”D x 1¼”H

Restoration Hardware Marble Bath Tray

I’ve loved and used my Restoration Hardware trays for years! It’s held up really well over many years and moves and it’s such a classic piece. The one you see in most of my photos is their White Italian Carrara Marble Bath Tray and it’s a single solid piece of marble with the center interior carved out. It looks like the rectangular ones I own have been discontinued from their website although some of their other Bath Accessories are still available. I’m trying to find a high quality dupe but haven’t found one yet.

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Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Rectangle Tray

Measures 14″W x 8.5″D x 1″H

Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Tray

I ordered this Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Tray because of the rave reviews and the $39.95 price seemed like a steal! I think for the price it’s a great buy. However it is not a single piece of solid marble. The base and four sides are bonded together with some kind of smooth white grout or epoxy which is visible where the pieces are connected. The cut isn’t 100% exact so some of the corners have more white grout/glue showing in between the corner lines than others. It’s not a deal breaker and overall it’s well made. Also this is not totally noticeable once you have product (or food) set on it.

Side by side of the Crate and Barrel (larger on the left) tray next to the Restoration Hardware Tray (smaller on the right). If you look closely at the photo, you can see the white grout showing in the corners on the top right and bottom right corners of the Crate and Barrel Tray – I do think each piece will be different though. Yours might not show any!

Marble Trays for Your Vanity

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Goop Marble Petite Round Tray

Small measures 8″ in diameter, 1.5 inches high

Everyday Makeup Favorites

I love the small but still practical size of the Goop Marble Petite Round Tray ($50). I do not think it’s carrara marble as the veining and coloring isn’t quite as nice as other marble furniture pieces I own, but I think it’s really well made and I love the size. The Petite Size is currently in stock ($50 for 8 inches) and I just ordered the Grand Size ($80 for 12 inches, currently on waitlist). They’ve restocked multiple times since I first ordered mine. More views of it and full breakdown of the makeup in the photo listed in my Everyday Makeup Favorites post here.

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West Elm Marble Cheese Board Round

Measures 14 inches in diameter (from my Best of Cle de Peau)

Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine Liquid Lipstick Sugar Jelly

Round Marble and Brass Cheese Board

I love West Elm! I stalk their site on a weekly basis. Their Marble and Brass Cheese Board Round ($49.50) is perfect for our kitchen to display a few candles and room sprays. I also borrow it for a prop on some of my beauty shoots from my Best of Cle de Peau, Charlotte Tilbury review and Hair Care Favorites to name a few. I really should just order a second one.

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Marble and Brass Cheese Board – Rectangle

Measures 14″w x 10″d x 2″h

Marble Brass Tray for Beauty Vanity

Marble Brass Vanity Tray

I also love the rectangular Marble and Brass Cheese Board ($49.50). You’ve seen this in my bathroom, on my vanity, on my desk etc. It’s heavy and I love the quality. There are some other options that I think are super cute including the Cake Stand (could double as a stand for beauty products) or their Marble Brass Footed Board.

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Acrylic Trays

CB2 Measures 14″W x 6.25″D x 2″H

Acrylic Tray CB2

I’ve gone through several acrylic trays over the years. I had some larger square options from West Elm and CB2 that I loved but got rid of over some past moves. Acrylic tends to scratch as you move product over the surface (even the sturdy durable options). Over time they wear down. I do like the CB2 Acrylic Tank Tray for my sunglasses and also for my desk. Note that this style does not have rubber feet (I added them on my own) so if you don’t want it sliding around I’d recommend adding them. They’re easy to find at a wide range of places. I ordered some from Amazon and really like them. The Container Store has some options for acrylic trays which are decent and functional, but in my experience not the best quality.

For those curious the sunglasses from top to bottom in the photo: Black round (Celine), Brown square (Tom Ford), Honey brown round (Ray-Ban), Beige round (Ray-Ban), Dark brown round (Ray-Ban), Pink small (Chanel, old style).

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West Elm Mirrored Trays

Small Size Measures 15″ x 10″

Favorite Face Brushes and Tools

West Elm Mirrored Tray Small

I love the look of mirrored trays, especially with any brass or gold accents! However they’re high maintenance as they scratch easier than other surfaces and show every speck of dust or finger prints. Mirrored trays are easy to clean, I just find I have to clean and dust them frequently. This Fishs Eddy Gilded Cafe Mirror Tray – Brass from West Elm has held up for many years though. It’s the same one I’ve had since I lived in San Diego. There are a few scratches as it has been well loved. I have the small size but they have a larger option too.

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Lacquered Trays

Medium Shown measures 7.2″w x 10″d x 1.1″h

Pink Color Tray West Elm

Most of my lacquered trays (gloss or matte finish) have been from West Elm. I’ve loved and used them from years! I’ve bought them long before I started blogging. As we’ve moved around I have switched and rotated them with other styles. This one is the Color Block in the Medium Size. I like that it’s on the compact side and easy to fit in small places/shelves. They also have other colors and sizes which I have but haven’t put to use yet. CB2 also makes nice options!

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Marble Wine Coaster

Measures 4.75 in diameter and 1.75 high

Byredo Candle, Marble Wine Coaster, Diptyque Photophore

This Williams Sonoma Wine Coaster ($15.96 on sale) is the perfect size to hold a Byredo Candle or standard size Diptyque Candle. It’s also tall enough to store small things like my Slip Silk Scrunchies or rubber bands. Long matches from Tommy Bahama. Photophore from Diptyque (older style, but current versions here). Wick Trimmer from Diptyque.

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Small Marble Brass Inlay Tray

Measures 9″w x 4.5″d x 1″h

Marble Brass Inlay Tray Small

If you want an extra small tray to keep things super tidy, I think the Small Brass Inlay Marble Tray ($40) from West Elm is really lovely. It’s quite small and only holds a few things but it well made, heavy and looks lovely on the night stand, shelf or desk!

Trays added to my Ikea Billy Bookcase shelf (option is with doors):

Beauty Lookbook Shelfie

A few extra tips on finding the perfect tray(s) for you:

  • Some trays do not come with anything on the base. You might want to buy a set of thin small felt pads if you have a surface that might get easily scratched. Adhesive bumpers/rubber feet are also another option if you want the tray to stay in place and prevent them from sliding around. I ordered a bunch from Amazon (also for furniture too). You can find these easily at Target or any home improvement store etc.
  • Look for products that aren’t labeled “tray.” Some other things will pop up on search that can double as display trays. For example on home good sites like West Elm or Crate and Barrel (etc.) type in the search bar words like dish, board, trivet, cake stand, coaster etc.
  • I tend to look for small to medium trays for beauty product storage as larger ones can get cluttered REALLY fast for me. If you’re organized it should not be an issue or problem at all though! I also have a console and shelves that are on the narrow side so finding a smaller tray has been ideal for me.
  • Sites like West Elm, CB2 and Crate and barrel often have sales on their sites. Lots are happening this weekend for Memorial Day. Target has some really nice affordable home decor options but the seasonal launches tend to sell out quickly.
  • If you stain your marble with watermarks or oil, it’s possible to remove by applying a baking soda + water mixture. Mix it into a paste and apply to the stained area. Leave on for 24 hours and then wipe away. For smaller stains that haven’t settled too long it should absorb any oil and remove them! This has worked for me when oil from skincare or water from a cup/jar has left a ring on my tray. Your mileage may vary depending on what the stain is made of, how big it is, how long it’s been there etc.

Beauty organization post to follow soon but leave all your questions in the comments below so I can add them to my list for FAQs! I hope you found this roundup helpful. I’m asked on a daily basis “where did you get your marble tray?” – the answer is usually that I have several! This post has them all in one place so now for reference.

Trays featured:

 

Other decorative accents/accessories featured:

 

Do you have any trays you love for your beauty products? Or do you tend to display them on a shelf, drawers or boxes? I’d love to hear how you organize your beauty stash!

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Everyday Beauty Favorites

May 1, 2020

Everyday Makeup Favorites

Today I’m sharing an updated roundup of my everyday beauty favorites! So many of you have asked what my daily go-to picks are for skin and makeup and I’m thrilled to partner with Nordstrom to share my favorites along with a few new recent discoveries I have added to my routine.

Everyday Makeup Favorites

Base + Complexion

Foundation Favorites Charlotte Tilbury and Laura Mercier

My go-to picks for a flawless but natural complexion has been a combination of products. Layering gives me the perfect coverage to even out the skin without making it look too heavy or flat. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand combined with the Flawless Fusion Ultra Long-Wear Foundation in Buff is my combo to last all day. The Ultra Long-Wear Concealer is the most versatile concealer for me – it’s creamy and easy to blend so it works for highlighting or concealing dark circles in a natural way.

To add a more radiant glow to the complexion I’ve really been loving the new Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for smoother brighter skin. I’ve only been using this for about a week now but love how it helps smooth the skin and prepares it better for foundation. If I could pick one cream highlighter to use the rest of my life, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter would be it. It’s subtle enough to use on larger portions of the face and makes the skin look more alive with a natural glow. I use Shade 4.

Lip Care

Lip Care

For the lips I’m one of the biggest lip balm and lip plumper junkies! I’ve tried so many but the ones I’ve been loving right now are from MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Fresh and Laura Mercier. The MAC Prep + Prime Lip is the best lip primer I’ve tried. This is not to be confused with a balm, this is a primer you apply on bare lips before lipstick or liner to help smooth the lip. It extends wear of your lip color and smooths the surface at the same time.

For lip plumpers the best non-tingle one I’ve tried is the Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath. She has a clear option called Refresh Rose, but I also like the tinted versions.

For balms the twist up stick version is what I prefer these days as it’s easy to just swipe and reapply. Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy gives instant relief and long lasting moisture. I recently bought the new Laura Mercier Lip Balm which is also a really nice smooth lip balm that doesn’t feel thick or heavy.

Neutral Lips

Best Nude Lips

I love a good everyday nude lip and the colors I keep reaching for are usually in the same color family but have different levels of pigment and finishes. My top two favorites are the Sisley Phyto Lip Twist #11 and Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine in Sepia. Other favorites swatched below including NARS Sheer Lipstick in Chelsea Girls, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk and the three best Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencils. For an oil + tint I’ve really been loving the soft pink color of the NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint in Reef as well!

Best Nude Lips Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Sisley

Wearing Cle de Peau Sepia below

Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine in Sepia

Eye Makeup Favorites

Best Everyday Eye Makeup Tom Ford

For eyes I think Tom Ford Eye Color Quads are among the best and easiest to use for everyday looks. Honeymoon has been one of the few I’ve hit pan on before and used up, it has a great mix for a neutral or warm smokey eye! A lot of you have asked what the best all-over lid colors are and I think the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold is hands down the one I use the most. If you want more color the Tom Ford Cream Powder Eye Duo in Golden Peach is the next best one in my opinion! The best bronzey lid color is Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Bette.

For mascara and liner the two I’ve repurchased the most are the Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara and Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Eyeliner (Cle de Peau is also really good and worth the splurge).

Best Everyday Eye Makeup Tom Ford + Charlotte Tilbury Swatches

Cheek, Bronzer + Highlighter

Tom Ford Reflects Gilt and Terra

Cle de Peau Cream Blush 4 and Tom Ford Love Lust

For the cheeks, if I had to narrow down my top favorites to just four, my picks would include Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt (this doubles as a great wash of color on the eyes), Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Terra (best neutral matte bronzer), Cle de Peau Cream Blush in #4 (makes for the best neutral beige blush) and Tom Ford Cheek Color in Love Lust (soft peach shimmer).

Tom Ford Blush in Love Lust

Body and Fragrance

Best Body Care and Fragrance Necessaire and Jo Malone

Body care and fragrance are so personal as we all have different skin types and preferences. I’ve really been loving the Necessaire Body Serum as an alternative to body lotion. It’s fragrance free and lightweight but adds a nice veil of moisture on the skin. They have a Fragrance Free Body Wash which I’ve been obsessed with and plan on stocking up on. For hands it doesn’t get more chic than the Chanel La Creme Main hand creams. I like the Texture Riche formula for my dry hands these days. It has a nice drydown so fingers aren’t left sticky!

For perfume, I rotate depending on season, but my go-to’s these days are light and citrus options. The ones I wear the most for spring include the Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber (fresh bergamot, cucumber and sweet), Jo Malone Basil Neroli (white musk and neroli) and Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz (fruity soft mandarin).

Best Everyday Makeup Favorites

Best Everyday Makeup

Makeup Favorites from Nordstrom

I hope you found this roundup helpful if you’re looking for some great everyday makeup that’s easy to wear and incorporate into your routine! You can find all my picks at Nordstrom – don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase page as well, they update offers on a regular basis!

 

More favorites here:

 

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

Beauty Favorites

Best of 2019 Beauty Favorites

December 31, 2019

Best of Beauty 2019

I’m wrapping up the year with my Best of 2019 Beauty Favorites Roundup. I narrowed down the list to my Top 30 for the entire year. The list is quite edited as I tried to pick 1-2 max per category. I’d love to hear what your favorites were for the year – they can be anything! New finds, tried and true favorites, long-time staples etc.

Skin Care

1. Best Face Wash – Farmacy Beauty Clean Bee

2. Favorite Cleansing Oil (1 of 2) – Tatcha Pure One Step Cleansing Oil

3. Favorite Cleansing Oil (2 of 2) – Chanel L’Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil (review here)

4. Favorite Makeup Remover – Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

5. Most-Used Moisturizer – Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream

6. Best Face Scrub – Fresh Sugar Face Polish (minis in the holiday mask set on sale right now)

7. Best Sheet Masks – 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask (also love the Biocellulose Sheet Masks)

8. Favorite Cleansing Pads – Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansing Pads

9. Favorite Face Mist – Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Face Mist

10. Best Face Sunscreen – By Terry UV Base SPF 50

11. Best Resurfacing Mask – Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial

Hand and Nail

12. Best Hand Cream – Chanel La Creme Main Texture Riche

13. Best Nail Polish – Chanel Le Vernis, colors shown are Organdi (swatched here), Vamp (swatches here), Richness (swatches here), and Rouge Noir (swatch here)

Eye Makeup

14. Best Eyeshadow Palette – Natasha Denona Mini Nude (swatched here), Natasha Denona Biba came in close second (review here)

15. Best Sparkle Shadow – Hourglass Scattered Light (swatches here, here and here)

16. Best Mascara – L’Oreal Lash Paradise (other budget beauty loves here)

Lip Products

17. Best Lipgloss (1 of 2) – Fenty Gloss Bomb (swatches here and here)

18. Best Lipgloss (2 of 2) – Pat McGrath LUST Gloss (swatches here and here)

19. Best Lipstick – Pat McGrath BlitzTrance (swatches here)

20. Best Lip Balm – NARS Afterglow in Orgasm (review here)

Face Makeup

21. Best Matte Foundation – Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion in Buff or Dusk

22. Best Glow Foundation – Armani Luminous Silk in 6.5 or 7

23. Best Concealer – NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger

24. Best Base Highlighter – Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (review here)

25. Best Highlighter – Westman Atelier Superloaded Tint Peau de Peche (review here)

26. Best Bronzer/Highlight Palette – Natasha Denona Tan and Bronze Glow (review here)

27. Best Bronzer – Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

29. Best Blush – Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Incandescent Electra (worn here)

30. Best Setting Powders  – Laura Mercier Translucent Loose

Shop my Skincare Loves:

 

Shop my Makeup Loves:

 

 

What were your 2019 favorites? Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

November Favorites

November 26, 2019

November Beauty Favorites

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

Favorites Diptyque, Jo Malone and Byredo

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

Skincare Favorites Face Mist, Eye Cream and Sol de Janeiro Body Cream

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

Kosas Wet Lip Oil

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

Chanel Favorites for November Body Oil, Le Lift Hand Cream, Sublimage

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

Base Favorites Laura Mercier and Fenty Beauty

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

Original Beauty Box makeup storage

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

Bite 4-Piece Mini Amuse Bouche Supercharged Lipstick Set

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.

Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Everyday Makeup Essentials for Fall

October 25, 2019

Everyday Makeup Favorites

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

Favorite Foundations Laura Mercier, Armani and La Mer

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!

La Mer Cushion Foundation Warm Bisque 33

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

NARS Chelsea Girls Lipstick

Fall Lip Rotation NARS, YSL and Chanel

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.

Lip Rotation for Fall

Eye Makeup Favorites

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick, Hourglass Scattered, Tom Ford Reflection and Chanel

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

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer and Hourglass Ghost Palette

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.

Beauty Look Book Beauty Shelfie Favorites

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.

 

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

August 13, 2019

Ten Beauty Purchases I've Been Loving

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.

MAC Love Nectar, Real Techniques Mini, Essie Come Out to Clay, NARS Mini Concealer

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.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner, Pat McGrath Mini Balm Trio, Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleanser, Oribe Royal Blowout Spray

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).

Best Chanel Neutrals Rouge Coco Gloss and Jumbo Crayon

 

 

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.

Beauty Favorites

July Favorites

July 31, 2019

July Favorites Shelfie Sabrina | The Beauty Look Book

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

Eye Makeup

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!

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.