Browsing Category

Hauls

Hauls Sephora

New Fall Makeup Haul Picks from Sephora

October 24, 2021

Sephora Makeup Haul

There are so many good beauty launches this time of year and I’ve put together a haul roundup of some things I’ve tested and loved from Sephora. I’ve partnered with them to share a closer look at new makeup for the face, cheeks, eyes and lips with swatches. If you’re shopping online you can use the code FREESHIP for free shipping on any order. I highly recommend checking out their Beauty Insider Program for extra benefits, early access to events and new product launches.

Sephora Makeup Haul | The Beauty Lookbook

I’ve split everything in this review by category. Here are 10 things I hauled recently and loved!

Face Products

Fenty Eaze Drops, MUFE Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder, YSL Nu Bare Look Tint

I’m always excited to try new foundations and skin tints. Two that I’ve been really impressed with are the Fenty Eaze Blurring Skin Tint ($29.50) and YSL Nu Bare Look Tint Skin Tint Foundation ($38). The Fenty Ease Blurring Skin Tint is a nice lightweight base that has a super natural look – like your skin but smoother and better. I wear Shade 10 and it has good coverage and lasts all day. The YSL Nu Bare Look Tint is my current favorite sheer dewy base. I wear either Shade 8 or 9 and it’s like a tinted moisturizer without being too dewy. It’s radiant, smoothing, glowy and lightweight.

I’ve been really impressed with the new Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Setting Powder ($37) in 3.0 Golden Neutral (available in 6 colors). It’s a great setting powder to smooth out pores, set your foundation and has a nice matte finish.

Complexion

Westman Atelier Holiday 2021 Sets Sephora | The Beauty Lookbook

For the cheeks Westman Atelier has some cute sets out for the holiday season! If you are looking for a super cute luxe gift for a beauty lover (or yourself) the Clean Glow Trios ($78 each) are super cute! There are two variations with a Lit Up Stick, Face Trace Contour Stick and Baby Cheeks.

Below wearing: Fenty Glow Eaze Blurring Drops in Shade 10, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Matte Setting Powder in Golden Neutral, Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio II with Truffle, Nectar and DouDou, Fenty Gloss Bomb Cream in Candy Milk, Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pearls, Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara

Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio II | Blush in DouDou

I hauled the Clean Glow Trio II (deeper variation) with Face Trace in Truffle, Lit Up Stick in Nectar, Baby Cheeks in Dou Dou. These come in the twist up sticks like the full size, just miniature and without the magnetic cap. Texture of the contour stick and blush is creamy with a nice dry down (great for longer lasting power). The Lit Sticks are super pretty for that dewy glow. On my medium tan complexion these sticks are fairly sheer and add a luminous glow.

Westman Atelier Clean Glow Trio II

Another beautiful option to gift this year is the Westman Atelier Gift Edition Holiday Box Highlighter + Lip Set ($133). It has new colors with Lit Up Stick in Parla (glossy champagne gold) and Lip Suede in Les Bordeaux (bright cherry red, pale mauve nude, deep plum and wine). The Lit Up Stick is really beautiful! The Lip Suede has a palette of matte shades that adhere well to the lips for exceptional lasting power. Colors run on the bold edgy side. You can always mix the shades for a custom lip look too.

Westman Atelier Holiday Box Highlighter & Lip Set

Westman Atelier Holiday Set swatches

Lip Suede in Bordeaux

Westman Atelier Holiday Box Set Lit Up Stick Parla and Bordeaux Lip Suede

Palette/Eyes

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara

The Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara ($20) has been a good one for me! I love it for a nice defining and lifting formula that doesn’t clump or smudge.

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pearls

I love holiday palettes for the pretty shimmers and I hauled the new Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pearls ($53) to try. For a complete eye look you will need to add some deeper shades or a liner (I added some of the mattes from the Too Faced Natural Nudes). But the colors are gorgeous, texture is smooth, shadows adhere well to the skin and last all day. I’ve added a swatch next to Star Aura (one of my favorites) for comparison.

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pearls vs Star Aura

Lips

 

Last but not least we have my favorite part of the haul lips! Every year I haul the Fenty Lip Sets. I’m a HUGE fan of the Gloss Bomb and Cream formulas and look forward to the new limited-edition colors. This year’s set is the Fenty Glossy Posse Fantasy 4Sum ($38) with a full size Gloss Bomb Cream in Candy Milk (pink), and 3 mini holographic Gloss Bombs in Champ Stamp Fenty Glow, Fenty Glow Fantasy and Hot Chocolit Fantasy. I love these. The glitter and sparkle is really wearable and not too over the top. Texture is super smooth and even with the sparkles I don’t feel any texture.

Fenty Glossy Posse Fantasy 4Sum

Fenty Glossy Posse Fantasy 4Sum vs a few individual full-size colors

Fenty Glossy Posse Fantasy 4Sum vs Fenty Glow, Hot Chocolit, Creams

Fenty Glossy Posse Fantasy 4Sum lip swatches

Hands down my favorite set that I’ve hauled is the Tarte Bow & Go Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm Set ($35, $76 value). I just recently tried this lip balm formula and cannot believe it took me so long to try it. They’re the perfect swipe and go kind of gloss + balm tint in one with a click up applicator. This set is packaged in two sets of two which makes them perfect for stocking stuffers. Colors in this set include Orchid, Coconut, Petal and Wild Berry.

Tarte Bow & Go Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm Set

Last I have a look at the newer shades of the Kosas Wet Lip Oil ($22 each). If you’re a neutral lip lover and want something you can throw on and look more polished, definitely check out the newer colors! Unzipped is a pale pink, Unhooked is a medium neutral nude pink, Unbuttoned is a soft warm blush. I love Unbuttoned the most, but all the colors are really good.

Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Unzipped, Unhooked, Unbuttoned

Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Unzipped, Unhooked, Unbuttoned lip swatches

That wraps up my haul roundup review! I hope you found the swatches helpful! You can find everything available at Sephora. If you’re a Beauty Insider, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the upcoming Holiday Savings Event in a few weeks! Savings start on 11/5 for Rouge Members!

Shop the Post

 

 

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

Hauls Nordstrom

Valentino Beauty Haul From Nordstrom

August 23, 2021

Valentino Beauty Launch from Nordstrom

I have a look at the new Valentino Beauty launch from Nordstrom today! I hauled a little bit of everything from eyes, lips, cheeks and foundation to try out and found some new favorites. If you haven’t checked out the launch yet I hope you find this roundup helpful!

Valentino Beauty Launch from Nordstrom

FACE MAKEUP

Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation MN4 and V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighter Ambra

I’m very impressed with their base products so far. The Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation ($64) is a fluid foundation with impressive lasting power and buildable coverage. I love that even with the long wear formula it still feels natural enough to allow the skin to breathe. I picked the shade MN4 to try with the neutral undertone and it’s a perfect match.

It has medium buildable coverage with a demi-matte finish. I always set with powder and tried it with my favorite Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless in Medium which worked perfectly together. I wasn’t able to test it for a full 24 hours but it did last from morning until late evening with minimal touch ups required (just around the T zone and nose with a bit of powder).

Very Valentino 24-Hour Wear Liquid Foundation MN4

I also tried one of the V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighters ($58) in Ambra which is the peachy option. For me it works really well as a primer or mixed in with foundation. Ambra is a pearlescent peachy shade and it adds just the perfect amount of glow to the skin. It looks quite pigmented but blends out easily to a sheerer finish.

Valentino V-Lighter Face Primer Highlighters Ambra

For the eyes and cheeks they have a multi-purpose cream to powder product called the Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow ($58 each). These have a creamy texture with a powdery dry down. Pigment is medium and buildable. The cheek colors do require some blending on the skin but the color adheres well and stays put for an extended period of time!

I tried:

04 Sweet Rebel is a cool toned pink rose with a hint of pearl
06 Call Me Coral is a coral with a hint of shimmer
08 Roman Sky is a soft glowy light peach
12 Bright Dream is a beautiful gold shimmer (I love this as an eyeshadow)

Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow

Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow swatches

EYE MAKEUP

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette review

For the eyes I hauled three things. So far there is one eyeshadow palette called the Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette ($98). It has eight shades to mix and match the colors for a few different looks. I tried this palette two ways, one look with just the top shades, and another with just the bottom. The textures are mixed from soft mattes, smooth shimmers, stronger shimmers and a couple more sparkly colors. Application was flawless with all of the colors and they blend really well on top of each other!

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Below with the top shades in the eyeshadow palette, also wearing 1ooR lipstick, Magnificent Mascara and Sweet Rebel Eye2Cheek Blush

Valentino Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette review

Side by side of the top colors vs bottom bottom colors:

Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette makeup look

Two other things I tried include the Magnificent Mascara ($32) which I am really impressed with for a good volumizing, thickening mascara that holds the curl and does not smudge on me. I also tried their Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner in Black ($40) which is convenient if you want a pencil and liquid liner in one. Application is smooth, lasting power great, pigment is rich.

Valentino Magnificent Mascara and Twin Liner Gel & Liquid Eyeliner in Black

LIPS

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 107A and 100R

Last I have a look at two lip products. They have full size lipsticks which are refillable and also some select colors in a mini format. I bought the Rosso Valentino Lipstick in 107A Matte which is a matte dark rose brown ($55 for the lipstick, $30 for the refills). I also tried the Rosso Valentino Lipstick Mini in 100R Satin ($30) which is a neutral cool rose pink. It pulls more neutral cool toned on my warm skin, if you have neutral or cooler tones I suspect it will look more neutral or warm on your lips/complexion. I really love the texture of the 100R which is a satin finish – smooth pigment with a slightly glossy sheen.

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 107A and 100R swatches

Valentino Rosso Valentino Lipstick 100R

Overall I’ve had a really good experience with the new items from the Valentino Beauty launch! My top 3 favorites I would recommend include the Foundation, V-Lighter Highlighter and Mascara.

You can find all of the new items available at Nordstrom. Have you tried anything from the line yet? What did you think?

Shop the Post:

 

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post.

Hauls Nordstrom Sales

Best Hair Care + Fragrance Sets From the Nordstrom Anniverary Sale 2021

July 16, 2021

Best Hair Care Fragrance Sets Nordstrom Sale Beauty Exclusives 2021

I have my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul Round 2 today with my picks in hair care and fragrance! If you have favorites in any of the lines there are some great bundles and savings available in sets. I’ve rounded up the Best Hair Care + Fragrance Sets I’ve found at Nordstrom Sale this year. Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives here. Don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchase options too!

Anniversary Sale is available to shop for Icon, Ambassador and Influencer Card Members now! Public Sale starts July 28 and runs through August 8th.

HAIR CARE

Oribe Magic Duo Full Size Gold Lust Dry Shampoo & Dry Texturizing Spray Set ($64 sale price, $96 value) is usually available in a value set or travel sizes during this sale and this year they have the full size duo. I love the Dry Texturizing Spray to add soft texture and definition! The Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is one of my favorites.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner Set ($90 sale, $136 value) comes with full and travel sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo + Conditioner! One set for home and another for travel. I usually buy the jumbo sizes when I order this but the set looked really good for travel.

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Olaplex Bond Maintenance Hair Care Set ($84 sale, $126 value) my most-used shampoo and conditioner formula for the past year! Has the No 3 Hair Perfector, No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. I relied heavily on this formula when I had color treated hair but it’s still good for those with natural hair.

Olaplex Bond Maintenance Hair Care Set

BODY CARE

Kopari Coconut Melt Duo Set Nordstrom Sale

Kopari Full Size Coconut Melt Set ($35 sale, $56 value) it’s been a while since I restocked on the Kopari Coconut Melt and I forgot how nice this is to have for dry skin days. It’s so versatile to use as a moisturizer or in the bath. I love the Tropical Coconut scent, it’s similar to the original just a little more sweet.

FRAGRANCE + CANDLES

I picked up some goodies from Diptyque, Tom Ford, Jo Malone and Boy Smells for the sale.

Diptyque Travel Size Scented Candle Set ($60) I always get these every year, mainly for gifting away. This year’s variation has Baies, Figuier, Roses, Feuille de Lavande and Feu de Bois. If you’ve never tried Diptyque and don’t want to commit to the full sizes before trying I think this is a great way to sample scents!

Diptyque Mini Candle Set Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

Diptyque Do Son Eau de Toilette and Hair Mist Set ($90 sale, $125 value) has two mini sizes of the Do Son Eau de Toilette and Hair Mist. This one is such a unique scent and I would say is one of Diptyque’s signature scents. It has a mix of tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine. These both come in the 1 oz size. Full sizes are 1.7 oz – 3.4 for the perfume and 1 fl oz for the hair mist.

Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist Perfume Duo Set Nordstrom

Jo Malone Travel Size Wood Sage and Sea Salt Set ($40) this is another great gifting set, it has three minis in a pouch of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (0.3 oz), Peony and Blush Suede Body Cream (0.5 oz) and English Pear and Freesia Candle (1.2 oz). The sizes are super minis so they’re mainly trial size but the set makes a nice chic gift that won’t break the bank.

Jo Malone Wood Sage Mini Set Nordstrom

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Set ($72) has two mini Shimmering Body Oils in the Soleil Blanc set. I already own the regular classic Gold color and have bought several of the mini sets in the past (love them!). This year’s has Rose Gold and Bronze – both don’t really show up color-wise, but your skin glows with tiny micro sparkles in the Soleil Blanc scent.

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil Duo Nordstrom

Tom Ford Travel Size Soleil Fragrance and Atomizer Set ($164 on sale, $205 value) comes with three Soleil scents in:

  • Soleil Blanc (coco de mer, ylang-ylang from the Comores islands and cardamom)
  • Soleil Neige (bergamot, jasmine and lemon)
  • Soleil Brulant (warm and spicy orange flower, amber, black honey)

Several of you have asked me to review/try the newest Soleil scent in Soleil Brulant. I had a feeling I would not like it as several other beauty bloggers tried it and said it smelled like a spicy herb. I would say that description is spot on. It’s not terrible but it’s not something I could ever envision myself wearing. I spritzed on Soleil Neige which I know a lot of you love – it smells fresh and floral with lemon notes, I’m still undecided. I think my heart still belongs to Soleil Blanc, Sole di Positano or Neroli Portofino.

Tom Ford Soleil Travel Atomizer Set

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set ($56) has five small 3 oz candles in Prunus, Cameo, Petal, Les and Gardener. I’ve tried a few of the candles in the past and really liked them! I can’t recall if I tried any of the scents that are in this particular one but I think they smell really pretty. There’s another Moody Woods Variation you might want to check out if you like woody scents. My store did not have this available but it’s still available online.

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set

Boy Smells Late Bloomer Votive Candle Set

OTHER SALE ITEMS TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR

A note on a few things on sale I already own and love that you might want to check out!

Simplehuman and Riki both have their mirrors on sale. I use both nearly everyday and think this is a great time to save on them. You can see my Favorite Mirrors roundup post if you want more details. Riki Love Riki Skinny is on sale for $130 ($200-$210 after the sale) in both the White and Rose color. The Simplehuman 8-Inch Sensor Mirror is on sale for $140 ($200 after the sale).

Riki Skinny Vanity Mirror review via The Beauty Look Book

Skincare Favorites from Sisley, Fresh, Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown:

Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base

For skincare I’m pretty stocked on my favorites right now so I didn’t buy anything. Moisturizer-wise I really love the Sisley Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream for a really nice lightweight water cream and they have a Black Rose Skin Infusion Set with a full size cream and minis of the Mask and Oil to try ($155 on sale, $268 value, the cream by itself is $210).

I love the Fresh lip treatments and the Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream Set includes a full size Petal Soft Lip Cream and mini Advanced Treatment Lip Balm (my stick balm shown is the full size, but sale set comes with the mini) ($25 sale, $37 value).

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream is available in two sets including the Magic Cream Set ($160 sale) and Setting Spray and Magic Cream Set ($75).

The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is one of the best priming moisturizers I’ve tried that doubles as a foundation primer + moisturizer in one. They have a Face Base Primer Set on sale for $62 ($139 value).

If you had the NuFace Trinity on your radar they have mega savings in the NuFACE White Trinity Facial Toning Kit – available for $199 sale, $339 value.

NuFace Trinity Toning Kit

Also one thing I wanted to mention is that Nordstrom started carrying the minis of Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances. They put them out on display for the sale, BUT they’re not a sale exclusive or on sale. I just wanted to mention it since the mini sizes have been so hard to find in the US but I’m really happy they’re now available in select scents! Minis are in the 1.1 oz size and are either $135, $165 $180 depending on the scent. I already own the Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum in the small one and love it.

Mini Maison Francis Kurkdjian

SHOP THE POST:

 

 

Did you haul anything yet from the Nordstrom Sale? I know many of you mentioned you were shopping starting today! Let me know if you found anything good 🙂

Hauls Nordstrom Sales

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Haul

July 14, 2021

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Haul

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 is live for Icon and Ambassador Card Members! I hauled quite a few things and can’t wait to put everything to the test. I haven’t had a chance to thoroughly test anything yet – my priority was to get swatches up for you in case you’re shopping online or don’t want to swatch in stores (I didn’t swatch anything in store).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives Haul

There are lots of good sets and palettes this year! My NUMBER 1 tip to shop the sale is to take a few minutes to look online at the GIFT WITH PURCHASE page. This is my recommendation every year and in the chaos and wonder of seeing everything in store, I did not follow my own advice. Once I got home I checked online and realized I missed out on TONS of gifts I qualified for. Many are available both online and in store, but some are online only. The associate who helped me was really helpful but when they pull things from the sale section the gifts aren’t really that visible unless you go outside the sectioned off sale area and go to each brand counter.

My store in Tampa had most of the beauty items on my wishlist this year. They did not however have a lot of the clothes or shoes I had favorited so I placed an order online when I got home for the things I did not see. The associates in the clothing area told me there were a number of things they didn’t receive in store because of shipping delays.

I took a few snapshots of the displays in stores in case you don’t have a Nordstrom near you and want to see how they’re setup! For the Early Access everything is sectioned off for sale items.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Beauty Exclusives

Quick note though best things on sale this year were the Barefoot Dreams selections. I bought so many blankets (many are priced under $100) but the best thing I bought was the CozyChic Leopard Pet Bed ($98.90 on sale, $168 full price). The only one they had in store was the Large which I thought might be too big but it’s perfect. The cat already loves it. He’s been doing a face plant into the bed for the past couple of days with some major self snuggling!

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Leopard Pet Bed

 

 

My BEAUTY HAUL PART 1 below. I will have two more beauty roundup posts with my MAC Purchases and then Hair + Fragrance Selects. If you want any makeup looks or more detailed reviews on any of these let me know in the comments!

_________

Bobbi Brown Full Size Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($34 sale, $68 value) shades include Golden Pink, Shell, Bronze and Peach Mimosa. Love these for the long lasting power once they set! If you don’t own the set colors from Laura Mercier their Full Size Caviar Stick Eye Color Trio with Cocoa, Au Naturel and Nude Rose is a good one too!

Bobbi Brown Full Size Dual-Ended Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

_________

Charlotte Tilbury Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Set ($68 sale, $105 value) shades include Pillow Talk, Walk of No Shame and Refresh Rose. I’m obsessed with this lip formula – it’s one of the best plumping lip glosses that doesn’t have a tingle. There’s a slight fresh scent to them but it’s not overpowering. I already own all the shades but bought this anyways because I use them a lot. The Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath is the one shade that always gets me compliments.

Charlotte Tilbury Full Size Collagen Lip Bath Set

_________

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set ($75 sale, $90 value) is in the Instant Look Palette format with 3 eyeshadows (champagne, shimmery copper, matte plum brown), 1 bronzer (light matte tan), 2 cheek colors (darker brown rose and medium matte dusty coral pink) and 1 face highlight (soft shimmery champagne). I haven’t had a chance to compare it to any of her other face palettes but I like the look of this one – all the shades seem very wearable and show up on my medium tan skin. Also comes with a miniature Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara.

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set

Charlotte Tilbury Sunset Dreamscape Face & Eye Palette Set swatches Nordstrom Sale

_________

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette ($64) includes Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light. Dim Light is available in full size. Surreal Effect was in their Surreal Light 2016 Palette and Eternal Bronzing Light was in Hourglass Ghost Holiday 2019. Texture is soft and just like all the other Hourglass powders.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light Nordstrom Sale 2021

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Essentials Palette Dim Light, Surreal Effect and Eternal Bronzing Light Nordstrom Sale 2021

_________

Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set ($88) includes Eye Color Quad in Cognac Rose, two mini lip shades in Casablanca and Fascinator. Cognac Rose is in the finely milled pressed metallic formula similar to Honeymoon. I will try to do swatch comparisons on my Instagram Stories and save them to an NSALE Highlight this week.

Cognac Rose has four shimmery shades including a metallic champagne peach, shimmery wine color, shimmery warm gold and a cool-toned bronze shimmer. First impressions are that they are softer in pigment compared to Honeymoon with a brush, but it is buildable with a dense brush or when applied with a sponge applicator. I think this palette is lovely and I can’t wait to try it out. The two miniature lip colors are creams in Casablanca (classic rose) and Fascinator (pale pink).

Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set + Lip Color in Casablanca and Fascinator

Tom Ford Cognac Rose Eye Color Quad Set + Lip Color in Casablanca and Fascinator

_________

Tom Ford Coquette Eye Color Quad Set ($169 sale, $213 value) with Eye Color Quad in Coquette, Full Size Extreme Mascara I Raven, Full Size Eye Defining Liquid Pen in Deeper, mini Lip Color in Impassioned. Coquette Eyeshadow Palette looks very different from the online stock image and I was kinda hoping it would be more like what you see online.

In real life it has a dusty pale pink satin soft shimmer, a metallic glitter topper with a soft rose base + silver sparkles, soft grey mauve satin and a diffused soft plum shimmer. I did try this one already and texture is soft and medium in pigment level. Colors themselves are on the softer side – if you’re looking for a neutral cool toned palette you will love this.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Set Coquette Eyeshadow Quad

Tom Ford Coquette Eyeshadow Quad Swatches + Impassioned Lipstick

_________

There are three sets from NARS I hauled and I think these are among my favorites!

NARS Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Sets

The NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette ($45 sale, $87 value) has three shades in Wanderlust, Lucky Star, Wild at Heart. I also played around with this one and love the colors. The bronzer can swatch a little streaky on the hand, but it applies better with a loose fluffy brush on the cheeks. The highlighter and shimmer blush are both really pretty.

NARS Afterglow Lip Shine Set ($45 sale, $78 value) comes with three shades including Laguna, Orgasm, Broken Glass. I played with the color Orgasm and it has a smooth non-sticky texture with a sheer tint of color. I really love these and think if you are looking for a non-tacky smooth gloss, GET THIS!

NARS Pleasure Trip Cheek Palette swatches + Afterglow Lip Shine Set

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane – love these for the soft wash of color + shine! I already own these in the full size and plan on gifting this so I didn’t swatch them. You can see my review of these two in my NARS AfterGlow Collection Review post.

Mini Duo Set vs Full Size for size reference:

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) in Deep Throat and Fast Lane

_________

Based on my quick swatching session at home, I would say that my favorites are the:

That wraps up my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul Part 1! I will have two more beauty roundups with my MAC Picks and my Haircare/Fragrance Picks. If you want to see any looks or tutorials with any of these let me know in the comments.

SHOP THE POST

 

Did you haul anything yet? Any good finds?

Hauls Nordstrom

New Spring Beauty Launches Worth the Splurge

March 5, 2021

Nordstrom Spring Beauty Launches MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown | The Beauty Lookbook

Happy Friday – I’m excited to share a roundup today with 10 new spring beauty launches I think are worth the splurge! I have a mix of makeup for eyes, lips and cheeks that I’ve been testing out recently and have teamed up with Nordstrom to share a look at some of my favorite haul picks.

(Top photo wearing MAC Studio Fix Tech in NC35, Gucci Pressed Powder in Shade 5, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Nudes, Laura Mercier Blush in Fresco + Bellini, Charlotte Tilbury HappiPeach)

Nordstrom Spring Beauty Launches MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown | The Beauty Lookbook

Foundation + Powder

MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream NC35, Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion, Gucci Pressed Powder

MAC recently launched their new Studio Fix Tech Cream-To-Powder Foundation and it is amazing! It’s a solid cream foundation described as a lightweight sweat and humidity-resistant foundation with medium coverage and a natural matte finish. It’s like a foundation dream come true! Coverage is medium and it smooths the skin in the most beautiful way. This one lasts all day, melts beautifully into the skin, covers my imperfections and dark spots. I like that it doesn’t cake or crease and looks nice and fresh all day. Shade-wise I picked up both NC30 and NC35, I can wear either shade (wearing NC35 in this post).

Bare skin vs MAC Studio Fix Tech in NC35:

MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream Foundation NC35

As a lover of cushion foundations, I couldn’t be happier to learn that Chantecaille launched a new one. The Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation is a water based formula with medium dewy coverage and long lasting power. I like that it is both blurring and smoothing at the same time – when you press it into the skin it melts in nicely and is easy to blend. Once it sets it stays put and does not budge. The Shade in Wheat is my perfect match.

The Gucci Poudre de Beaute Mat Naturel Pressed Powder has finally arrived in the US! It’s a sheer medium powder that is lightweight powder that sets foundation in a very natural way. You can use the sponge for more coverage but I like applying with a brush. It’s nice for touch ups and feels comfortable on the skin. It has a floral scent but it did not irritate my skin. I have been using Shade 04 or 05 and both work for my skin tone.

Cheeks

I’ve written about a number of different blush favorites from NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel and a few other brands, but my latest obsession is the Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion Powder Blush. I’ve been loving Fresco for a perfect natural soft tan with a hint of shimmer. I recently bought Ginger which is lighter and it gives the prettiest soft tan peach glow. There are four newer shades that are perfect for that natural glow. Guava is a light pale peach, Bellini is a pretty bright light peach, Watermelon is a pale pink with a light pearl finish, Passionfruit is a softer pink. If you want a good soft natural blush that won’t oxidize or look muddy, I highly recommend checking out the colors from Laura Mercier.

Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion Powder Blush

Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion Powder Blush swatches

Eye Makeup

Bobbi Brown Real Nudes Eyeshadow Palettes in Golden Nudes

Two new eye discoveries include the Bobbi Brown Real Nudes Eyeshadow Palettes in Golden Nudes and the Gucci Stylo des Yeux Eye Pencil in Noir. The Bobbi Brown Golden Nudes palette has the perfect mix of neutrals in golden and brown tones for a polished eye look. If you want shimmers that aren’t super frosty or too trendy this one is a great one to look into. The middle shade looks orangey but on the eyes it’s perfect to warm up the eye for a summery look!

Bobbi Brown Real Nudes Eyeshadow Palettes in Golden Nudes swatches

A number of you have asked for a smudge-proof eyeliner and I think I’ve found a new favorite. The Gucci Stylo des Yeux Eye Pencil in Noir is smooth, ultra pigmented and once it sets it does not budge. I picked one shade in black to try, but based on how long it lasts I think I’m going to try a couple more shades.

Gucci Stylo des Yeux Eye Pencil in Noir

Neutral Lips

Rouge Dior Lipstick and Lip Liner in 100 Nude Look

Dior Nude Look Lipstick and Liner and Bobbi Brown Crushed in Buff

You girls know I’m such a huge nude lip lover! I picked up some new shades to try. The new Rouge Dior Lipstick in 100 Nude Look (matte) combined with the matching Contour Lip Liner in 100 Nude Look is my perfect everyday neutral. The matte lipstick is a full coverage weightless matte that has a smooth finish (no tugging!). The lip pencil is a long wear formula that helps extend the wear of the lipsticks.

Bobbi Brown added some new shades to the Crushed Lipstick formula and I picked up Buff which is a lighter neutral pink beige. It has smooth medium-to-full coverage and it comes in a wide range of shades and undertones. I really like this one! I swatched these next to a few others from MAC for reference including the classic Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, new Powder Kiss Lipstick in Teddy 2.0, Powder Kiss Liquid Lip in Date Maker, and Lip Pencil in Subculture.

Neutral Lip Swatches Dior, Bobbi Brown, MAC

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balms

If you’re looking for a tinted balm with lots of pigment, definitely check out the Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balms. This a rich glossy balm with lots of color. Crystal Happikiss (soft pink) is one of the sheerer ones but still shows up on my lips. Happi Peach is a pretty pigmented peach. Pillow Talk is a soft rose (this formula is warmer than the lipstick version). Enchanting Kiss is the prettiest rose pink. Lasting power is medium since it’s a balm but if you add a lip liner underneath you can extend the wear. They’re comfortable and hydrating with a subtle vanilla scent.

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balms swatches

Makeup looks wearing MAC Studio Fix Tech in NC35, Gucci Pressed Powder in Shade 5, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette in Golden Nudes, Laura Mercier Blush in Fresco + Bellini.

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balms makeup looks

Nordstrom Spring Beauty Launches MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown | The Beauty Lookbook

That wraps up my new beauty roundup! If you’ve been looking at any of these newer launches I hope you found the swatches and review helpful! You can find all of my picks at Nordstrom.

Shop the Post:

 

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

Hauls Sephora

Sephora Haul

February 24, 2021

Sephora Haul Picks | The Beauty Lookbook

I’m back with a Sephora haul roundup! I’ve been trying a few new things over the past several weeks and have a comprehensive roundup on some new makeup, skincare and hair care tries. This is more of a combination of several hauls in one post. I feel like my testing process can take a while on some of the things!

Sephora Haul Too Faced, Urban Decay, Kerastase, Rare Beauty

Hair Care

Sephora Haul Hair Care Kerastase Primers, IGK Good Behaviour, T3 Clips

My hair salon recently started carrying Kerastase and my stylist uses their line on my hair when I get a cut + toner treatment. She’s used both the Kerastase Resistance Serum Therapiste for Severely Damaged Hair and Kerastase Resistance Ciment Themique Blow-Dry Primer for Damaged Hair when she blow dries my hair. I’ve used both in the past many years ago. I like them both for a leave-in heat protectant and sealant.

The Blow Dry Primer is a heat protectant and helps protect hair from breakage. The Serum from what I’m told is a heat protectant and also repairs damage and can also be used on the scalp. To me they both perform the same – I alternate between the two. By now my highlighted ends are almost all the way grown out and I feel like it’s a lot healthier now. I don’t get as much breakage and these two products definitely help on the ends.

I also picked up a mini of the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum as a finishing product to add shine. I think it’s a good one, but still prefer my Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Oil. Also Kerastase oils and serums are heavily fragranced, and I think it’s hit or miss depending on your preferences.

The IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Anti-Frizz Smoothing Spray was a mini from a beauty insider bonus. I also had this a few years ago but go through so much product to try and test out I don’t often repurchase the smoothing or styling products. This is a nice smoothing spray that is supposed to mimic the results of a keratin treatment (which I’ve never had). You mist over damp hair evenly and then blow dry in sections to seal in the product with the heat. I’m still undecided about this. I like it but it’s not 100% love. It looks like they recently added two other items the Good Behavior Smoothing Balm and Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray which look interesting.

I also ordered the T3 Clip Kit and extra Slip Scrunchies. I’m always losing my hair ties and hair clips as I am forever leaving them in random places around the house. The clips are similar to the ones from the Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips. I use these to hold up hair in sections while I dry out portions. I like them! They’re easy to use, sturdy and functional.

T3 Hair Clips

Makeup Haul Picks

Sephora Haul Fenty Gloss Bomb, Cream, Lancome Lash Idole, Dior Addict

For makeup I hauled a bunch of lip products from Fenty including Fenty Lil Gloss Bombs Mini Lip Duo + Keychain Holder. Pink Dragonfly is a shimmery rose gold color I hope they make in a full size version. It also comes with Fenty Glow which is one of my favorite colors.

I picked up 3 of the Fenty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream in Fenty Glow (pretty soft pink), Mauve Wives (light purple), and Fruit Snackz (berry). They are all creams with a high shine. Pigment is medium to full and finish is semi thick but not sticky. I like Fenty Glow the best. I am forever hoping I can find a lilac purple lip I can pull off but have yet to find one. I think it’s just not my color. Swatches of the newer ones next to a few others I have:

Fenty Gloss Bomb and Cream Color Dip Lip Swatches

Fenty Gloss Bomb Pink Dragonfly, Cream Color Drip Lip Fenty Glow

Dior added a new shade of the Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Ultra Pink. It’s a pretty fresh pink with a hint of shimmer. I may purchase a backup of this one because it’s limited edition and I like how fresh and pretty it looks on the lips.

The new Lancome Lash Idole Mascara was a total miss for me. Based on a poll I did on Instagram, 75% of you also did not like it. For me it didn’t really do much for my lashes. It didn’t hold the curl, it flaked, didn’t add a lot of volume.

Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette swatches

The Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is a new favorite. A lot of you wanted swatches so I’ve added them below. I like that it has a good mix of warms and neutrals. The colors for me are perfect everyday kind of shades. The shimmery colors are best as a topper for me to wear on top of the mattes to add a glimmer to the lids. I like to dab the lighter colors on the lids with fingers, the medium and deeper shimmers apply well with fingers or a brush. I think pigment and texture is pretty good! It’s one I can see myself wearing the rest of the year if I had to stick with 1 palette for an entire year, this would be it.

Sephora Haul Rare Beauty Review

A number of you had asked for my thoughts on Rare Beauty. When it launched I had zero interest in the line, but my bestie convinced me to try some things. I had high hopes for the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balms but found them so sheer they barely show up on my lips. Formula is nice and smooth and if you need just a hint of color they’re nice. I can see these being better suited for those who don’t wear a lot of makeup or people just getting into makeup. If you like to wear lip liners and then add a bit of gloss on top these are nice to add shine and hydration.

The Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blushes exceeded my expectations. I tried two in Nearly Rose and Nearly Apricot. In general I am not a fan of cream products for my normal/combination skin. They rarely last and get greasy looking within an hour or so. These have a nice dry down so when they’re blended they almost have a matte finish. Colors are easy to wear and naturally flattering. Lasting power is pretty good as we have mild climate right now. However since they are creams I don’t really expect them to have good lasting power once the weather warms up here in Florida.

I think my favorite from the Rare Beauty line is the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight. These come with a sponge tip applicator you can dab onto the cheekbones or anywhere you want a highlight. I like that the finish blends out to a very thin finish and nice dry down so it’s not emollient. Transcend is a pretty rose pink and Flaunt is a soft copper gold. They’re glowy in a very nice way!

Below wearing the Nearly Rose Melting Cream Blush + Transcend Liquid Luminizer and Nearly Rose Glossy Lip Balm. Brush is the Real Techniques Brush 200 (available at Target, Ulta, Walmart).

Rare Beauty Nearly Rose Balm and Cream Blush

Swatches of my Rare Beauty haul picks, top to bottom:

Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm
Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush
Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight

Sephora Haul Rare Beauty swatches

For bases I have been playing around with the Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation in Shade 50 for a few weeks now. It’s a creamy medium coverage base best suited for normal to dry skin. I love the color and finish! It looks very natural and gives the skin a healthy kind of glow. Unfortunately it’s a bit too heavy and dewy for my skin type. If you have dry skin I think you will love this. For me I prefer the Chanel CC Cream for a similar finish/coverage (I wear Shade 40 in the Chanel). The Chanel has a similar texture in the sense it feels semi thick on the skin, but for me the Chanel lasts a lot longer.

Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation Shade 50

Last thing for makeup is the Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder. This comes in a pretty decent range of colors. I have four to show you below. Two were sent as press samples and I thought they might be too light so I ordered the next two darker shades. The finish is sheer and very lightweight. I do think it’s best for normal combination skin – if you have super dry skin it may be too matte for you unless you use a very dewy base underneath. My best match is either Feathery or Comfy. It sets foundation in a very lightweight and natural way with a sheer finish. I still prefer the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush or MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder better for a pressed setting powder but this new Kosas formula is still very good.

Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder

Skin + Fragrance

Fresh 2-in-1 No-Rinse Cleanser & Prebiotic Treatment, Farmacy Whipped Greens Oil-free Foaming Cleanser

To wrap up my haul I have a couple skincare items I wanted to talk about. Fresh launched their Kombucha 2-in-1 No-Rinse Cleanser & Prebiotic Treatment and I really like this as a cleansing water. I’ll use this as a first step to remove face makeup before I workout and then follow with a regular cleanser. I also use this after I cleanse (almost like a toner) to make sure all my makeup is removed. Even with regular cleansing sometimes the long-wear makeup is still left on the skin. This is why I always double cleanse if I’m wearing sunscreen or makeup. I really like this one – it’s soothing and hydrating without leaving a film on the skin.

Farmacy launched their new Whipped Greens Oil-free Foaming Cleanser a few months ago and as a huge fan of the Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser and Green Clean Balm, I had to try this one. It’s a nice foaming cleanser but I found it a little too drying for my skin right now. We are still in the dry season here and it’s a little too stripping for my face. I have used up quite a bit of this though – I’ll use it after a sweaty workout to clean out my pores. In general I think it’s a good one – but one that will probably be better for my skin once the humidity and heat returns to Florida. For winter it’s a bit too strong.

Last we have a look at two fragrances. I love a few of the REPLICA perfumes and when Bubble Bath launched I was super curious and ordered the travel size. Perfume is so personal so I hope you won’t be offended if you love this one when I say that it’s not for me. I found it too powdery and very soapy and it did not mix well with my skin. For a fresh scent I prefer their Lazy Sunday Morning or their Beach Walk for a summery scent. For me this was a miss although based on the online reviews it seems to be very popular.

One I do really love is the new Atelier Cologne Lemon Island. I have a number of their scents that I like to keep in my purse with me. I don’t consider myself a lemon lover when it comes to perfumes but this one has a really interesting mix of lemon, jasmin and vanilla with a salty feel. I think it’s a really nice scent to wear for warm weather and since I live in Florida I think it’s perfect!

Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

That wraps up my Sephora haul. Hope you enjoyed reading! If you’ve hauled anything new or restocked on anything fun let me know in the comments!

Shop the Post:

 

Press samples include the Fresh Kombucha No-Rinse Cleanser, Kosas Cloud Set in Breezy + Feathery, Atelier Cologne Lemon Island.

Fashion Hauls

Cozy Slipper Try-On Haul

December 11, 2020

APL Shearling Slides and Alo 7/8 Leggings in Chestnut | The Beauty Lookbook

Happy Friday! We made it through another week and I cannot believe it is almost Christmas time! I have a cozy slipper try-on haul roundup with my hits and misses. I tried several different styles and here are my thoughts on each style plus sizing. If you have any favorites I would LOVE it if shared your loves! It’s rarely cold enough to need slippers here in Florida although we’ve been through several years of cold seasons and my toes have been in need of something to keep them warm at home.

1 // Fuzzy Open-Toe Slippers

Amazon Soft Plush Flurry Cozy Open Toe Slippers | The Beauty Lookbook

Women’s Cross Band Slippers Soft Plush Open Toe House Shoes from Amazon in New Camel and New Cream ($24.99 each) – I’m usually a 6.5 in most shoes, based on the reviews I ordered the 5-6 and it fits perfectly. I have narrow-ish feet and these fit me perfectly. They are a little snug but will loosen up a little with a couple of wears. Love that they’re breathable, soft, fluffy, anti-skid and have a nice foam cushion on the base.

Above also wearing: James Perse Relaxed Crop Pullover in White, Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings in Chestnut, mirror from West Elm, mirror in background from Anthropologie, Sheepskin Rug from Pottery Barn

Amazon Soft Plush Furry Cozy Open Toe Slippers | The Beauty Lookbook

2 // Ugg Fluffette Slippers

Ugg Fluffette Slipper in Goat

Ugg Fluffette Slippers in Goat ($89.85) – These are fluffy and comfortable on my feet, but they’re not the softest. I ordered a 7 based on the reviews and agree that you should probably size up a ½ size if you’re in between sizes. Compared to other ones I tried the Fluffettes aren’t as soft. I wish I had opted for their classic Scuffette II but Andrew said they looked hideous on my feet so I did not buy them.

Also wearing: Lululemon Align Leggings in the 21” Crop Length (also love the 25” Length)

3 // Naked Cashmere Mules

Naked Cashmere Mule Slippers in Mink

Naked Cashmere Mule Slippers in Mink ($95) – I bought the S/M and they fit but are slightly big on me. These have the best cushiony sole out of all the ones I tried, but the front is semi-wide/loose. They don’t fall off my feet but I would have liked them a little more snug. The upside of them being a little loose on me is that my feet don’t get too hot or sweaty as air can circulate around the sides. Since they are cashmere you can’t machine wash these.

The ones I bought unfortunately have sold out, but you can still find them in the Love Mule Slipper style and Emory Mule Slipper. If you want a Bootie style they still have their Da Booties in stock.

Also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length (prefer the Lululemon Align or Alo Yoga 7/8 ones), side table from West Elm, tray from Nespresso, mug is Le Creuset, hot chocolate stirrer from Trader Joe’s

4 // APL Shearling Slide

APL Shearling Slides | The Beauty Lookbook

Also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length

APL Shearling Slide in Pristine/Black ($150) – I’m the biggest fan of all things APL and when they launched their shearling slide I ordered them immediately. The Pristine/Black is my favorite of the colors I ordered and it’s still available in most sizes. I hope they restock the other colors. I wear their sneakers in a Size 7 (same size as I wear in Nike) and I wear the Slides in a 6 because I have narrow feet. They’re an exact fit for me although if they made ½ sizes it would be even better. Andrew is a 12 or 12 ½ for sneakers and wears the slides in a 12.

5 // Madewell Sherpa Scuff Slippers

Madewell Shearling Scuff Slippers

Madewell Sherpa Scuff Slippers ($45) – These are still available right now at Zappos (I ordered mine from Madewell but they sold out there). These are probably my favorite out of the ones I bought. They’re basic but soft and cushiony. They do run wide but on me they’re comfortable and cozy. You can also find similar options in their Suede Scuff and Recycled Faux Fur Quilted (at Madewell, Shopbop and Nordstrom).

Above also wearing: Everlane Perform Legging in the Ankle Length, glass side table from West Elm, boucle chair and ottoman from Article

Cozy Fluffy Slippers Amazon | The Beauty Lookbook

My favorites are the ones I ordered from Amazon and Madewell. The Uggs are my least favorite. I might exchange them for the Scuffette even though Andrew doesn’t approve of the look. I’ve bought him the men’s version before and he liked those on his feet lol.

I’m sure by now you’ve already found your favorite cozy at home slippers, but in case you’re looking for some new ones to try I hope you find this roundup helpful!