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Summer Beauty Staples on Repeat

August 14, 2020

Summer Beauty Staples

I’m rounding up a few of my summer beauty staples and favorites I’ve had in rotation lately. Even though we’re at home most of the time now having a routine to get dressed and put on some makeup helps keep me feeling more like myself and somewhat normal – even if it’s low key or super casual.

Summer Bases

Best Summer Foundations and Powder

For powder I will have a new updated roundup soon (my last Pressed and Loose Powder Roundup was in 2018! how time flies!). Right now I have a tie between the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Medium (always a favorite) and the new Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in Honey*. It’s a new tinted setting powder with honey and yellow undertones. It leaves a soft satiny smooth matte for my medium tan skin, doesn’t have any flashback and lasts a long time.

For foundations and tinted moisturizers I recently shared my new Summer Base Edit in July reviewing new formulas. I do like to rotate but out of all the ones I’ve tried (new and go-to’s) my current top three right now are:

Summer Beauty Staples | The Beauty Look Book

Best Cream Bronzer

The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream is my go-to to warm up and add a natural bronzey look. You can see the full review here. A number of you asked what brushes I use for this and I added a few videos to my Instagram Story Highlights @beautylookbook under the CHANEL feature. I like the Tom Ford Brush 02, Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Brush 200 and Zoeva 135 Petite Face Brush* but you can use any cream product brush to apply and blend.

Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream

Luminous Summer Bronzers

I love so many formulas for bronzer. It is hard to pick just one favorite but one formula that I’ve used for years is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer. I prefer bronzing powders with a luminous shimmer (versus full matte) and the colors from Hourglass are frequently in rotation. Luminous Bronze Light and Radiant Bronze light are my favorites for the face, although if you’re fair they might turn orangey on your skin. In that case I would recommend you try Diffused Bronze Light or Nude Bronze Light as they have a different undertone. I will often use Diffused Bronze Light as an eyeshadow too.

I added a swatch of the new Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder which I can use as a soft all over glow powder (more on this in my powder roundup coming soon).

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Eye Makeup Staples

My top three simple eye makeup staples this summer have been a good cream shimmer shadow like the By Terry Ombre Blackstars in Sunny Flash (swatched here), deep black eyeliner like the Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Eyeliner (reviewed here) and the new Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara* (perfect for length and volume).

Eye Makeup Favorites By Terry, Victoria Beckham Eyeliner and Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara

Top Summer Perfumes

I feel like it’s been forever since I did a perfume review or roundup but some of you  have been asking what I’ve been loving this summer so here are my top picks. Jo Malone Yuja Cologne is a citrus-lover’s dream come true. It’s a soft sweet citrus and limited-edition. I’m considering buying the larger bottle before it’s gone forever.

For the ultimate soft white floral with a hint of coconut Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc has been a favorite for years. To me it’s similar to the classic Soleil Blanc, but right now I’m using the softer version.

My favorite citrus scent is the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in the Paris-Biarritz perfume. It has a mix of mandarin and lily for a softer citrus scent and to me is the perfect summer perfume. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year in Florida I like this year round. (Mine shown is the travel size).

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my year-round go to regardless of season. I think it works well for a unisex scent and is so unique to me. I try and get minis with GWPs anytime I can so I can carry one my purse. I also love their mini sets which is the best way to sample their perfumes to see which ones work best on your skin. The Jo Malone Cologne Collection Set from Nordstrom is a great value for the Anniversary Sale. Sephora has a Mini Discovery Set available too (smaller spritzers) and a few Mini Duos with Wood Sage + Sea Salt / Peony Blush Suede and Wood Sage + Sea Salt / English Pear and Freesia. I’ll link a few other sampler discovery sets in the widget at the bottom of the post.

Best Summer Perfumes Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Chanel

Long-Wear Tan + Summer Lips

One thing I don’t use a lot of is self tanner. The Florida sun is enough to get a tan in just a few minutes even with sunscreen and being covered up. Still a lot of you have asked what a good self tanning product that doesn’t have a heavy scent and I always recommend the By Terry Tea to Tan*. You can use this on the face or chest and it doesn’t transfer on me. It’s really subtle – just spray on a brush and then buff it in anywhere you want a tan. It will wash off but when I use this it will last all day.

These days I have a love/hate relationship with lip products. It’s pretty annoying having to take off lipstick or gloss when you wear a mask outside. I still keep a balm or gloss with me in my purse out of habit. At home my favorite colors to wear are peaches or corals. I really love the Fenty Beauty Slip Shine in Tang Thang, Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Peachy Plump and the Sisley Le Phyto Lip Gloss in Paradise.

Below wearing: Eric Javits Hampton Hat in Cream (on sale at Nordstrom and Eric Javits), Rails Cotton Ellis Shirt in Small (similar from Topshop, more colors from Rails here), Celine 48mm Sunglasses, Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Peachy Plump, Smith and Cult Nail Polish in Poppy Papi*

Summer Staples By Terry Tea to Tan Bronzer and Peach Lips Fenty, Sisley and Charlotte Tilbury

Summer Accessories

I’m going to have a roundup of my favorite accessories soon as some of you have asked for side by sides and more try-ons in a single post for easy reference. I cannot live without sunglasses in Florida and I do not understand how some people can go outside without wearing them! The sun is so bright here it’s almost blinding. We’ve been in Florida 3 and a half years now and I’ve found hats to be essential. In San Diego I rarely wore hats even though it’s still pretty sunny there.

Left: I bought the Brixton Lera Straw Fedora and the Small size works for my head which is 22 inches around. Medium also works (accidentally bought this one in my Nordstrom haul) but definitely feels a little loose. I don’t like hats too tight because I get a lot of hair breakage. My Celine 48 mm Cat Eye Sunglasses were a splurge in Miami last year and I really love them. For hair I’m never without the Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies. They don’t cause any breakage with my color-treated hair and don’t leave hair kinks when tied. I’m currently about 1/2 way there to growing out my highlights. My latest splurge you may have seen on stories are the Chloe Sandals. I ordered the white ones in a Size 7 which fit perfectly (I’m usually a 6.5 or 7 with narrow feet).

Right: My favorite sun hat the Eric Javits Hamptons Hat (100% worth the splurge, currently on sale at Nordstrom and Eric Javits), Celine 50mm Polarized Brown sunglasses (on the face here), and the Marc Fisher Marina Tie-Up Sandals.

Favorite Summer Accessories Brixton, Eric Javits, Chloe and Marc Fisher

Summer Beauty Favorites | The Beauty Look Book

That wraps up my summer beauty staples roundup! Hope you found this helpful if you’re looking for any new perfumes or bronzers to try out. If you have any favorites you want to share please let me know in the comments!

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

Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

Beauty Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

June 11, 2020

Summer Beauty Favorites Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Chanel and Fresh Beauty

I’m back with a loving right now favorites post! I hope you are all well and safe – I’ve been taking some time offline. Many thanks to those who have e-mailed me to check in – we are well! Experiencing some serious heat, humidity and storms but well and safe. Our two fur babies send you some snuggles and hugs from our home! Several of you have asked for an updated spring-to-summer favorites list so I’ve put together a list of beauty favorites I’m loving right now for you today.

Hand Care

Best Hand Creams L'occitane, Augustinus Bader, Chanel

Augustinus Bader recently launched The Hand Treatment ($50 for 50 ml) and of course I had to try it! I ordered it online and it shipped relatively fast. It doesn’t have any fragrance but has a sterile kind of smell to it. I found it smoothing and nourishing. It has a semi-thick feel and almost has a velvety dry down. The first few times I used it I felt it was too thick for me – but I was using too much. A little goes a long way. Since I’m indoors most of the time now it’s perfect, especially since my skin gets dried out from constant air conditioning.

They also have a Hand Sanitizer (50 ml) with 68% alcohol that is available online where they only charge shipping (one per household, while supplies last). I ordered mine a few weeks ago but it still has not shipped but if it’s still in stock by the time I receive it I will definitely review!

Chanel La Creme Main and La Creme Main Texture Riche are still my favorites for the formula, packaging and drydown. If you need something more hydrating L’Occitane remains one of the best tried-and-true lines for me. I love their limited editions, in particular the Ultra Light Hand Creme in Violet (also available in this cute set on sale). I find the L’Occitane prices more budget-friendly too.

Lip Care

Favorite Lip Balms By Terry, Fresh and NARS

These days I’m all about balms, especially since we are at home most of the time. The lock down has been lifted in phases and things have slowly started to open up but it varies by area. I feel like all I’ve been wearing for months now is lip balm or gloss balms! The creme de la creme of balms is the By Terry Baume de Rose. They have a cute limited-edition packaging option this year for summer. It’s thick, lush, hydrating and while extremely expensive will last a long time. The next best more affordable alternative I’ve found is the Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream. I’m also love the Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Balm (I keep this on my night stand) and the flavored Coconut Sugar Hydrating Balm is another delicious favorite.

For a tinted balm I’ve been reaching for the NARS Afterglow Tinted Lip Balms the most (still). Review + swatches here. My most-worn colors are Torrid, Dolce Vita and Fast Lane but they’re all really nice.

111Skin

111Skin Rosegold Skincare Sheet Masks

For some more self-care indulgence I’ve been loving 111Skin. The Rosegold Line has been in heavy rotation. I started using the Rose Gold Set which includes the Rose Gold Radiance Booster and Sheet Masks last Christmas and love them for adding a beautiful glow. The Radiance Booster Serum has a super fine rose gold shimmer to it which I think is so beautiful. It’s not like a highlighter so it’s definitely something I feel like I can wear or mix in with moisturizer on a daily basis. I love the Eye Masks as well. You can find these at a wide range of retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Space NK etc. If you order on the 111Skin website they offer the masks in singles (versus the packs).

Fragrance

Favorite Citrus Perfumes Jo Malone Yuja, Basil Neroli, Chanel Paris-Biarritz

The humid hot weather is here which means I feel like I can wear my summery citrus scents more! I was able to track down some GWPs with mini samples of the Jo Malone Blossoms Collection and the one I fell in love with is Yuja. It’s a citrus orange with some sage and amber. To me it’s like a sweeter less sharp version of the Lime Basil and Mandarin. I ordered the travel size and am obsessed. I may order the larger one too since it’s limited-edition.

Other Jo Malone favorites are the Basil and Neroli (sweet floral citrus) and Wood Sage and Sea Salt (woody unisex). I started ordering some things from the Jo Malone website as they have really good gift with purchase options. Nordstrom also has good ones as well (they have the minis of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt + Poppy Barley right now). I rediscovered their Body and Hand Wash and have stocked up on several scents. They last really long on my skin!

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz has been a favorite for a very long time now. It’s one of the best fresh citrus + lily scents I’ve tried. I love that it also comes in a travel mini size. The Shower Gel is a super luxurious splurge that’s on my repurchase wish list.

Favorite Citrus Perfumes Jo Malone Yuja, Basil Neroli, Chanel Paris-Biarritz

Glow Makeup

Glow Makeup Favorites Tom Ford Foundation and By Terry CC Sunny Flash

Three glow makeup loves I’ve had include are for that natural glow. I’ve rediscovered the Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural 6.0 and really love how naturally radiant it looks on the skin. It’s marked down at 30% off at Nordstrom which makes me a bit worried it’s going to be phased out. It’s a gel-serum formula with medium natural looking coverage that adds some natural glow to the skin.

To add warmth and shimmer to the complexion I’ve been using the By Terry Brightening CC Serum in Sunny Flash almost like a bronzer (or I’ll mix it in with foundation).

For eyeshadow my absolute favorites this season are the By Terry Ombre Blackstar shades in Immaculate Light, Rose Elixir and Sunny Flash. I’ve ordered a backup set which I rarely do anymore but I think these colors are perfect! Swatches of all three here.

Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Suncreen and Glow Screen

slides from APL, sunnies Ray-Ban

So many of you have asked for an updated sunscreen roundup since the one I did a few years ago. Several of my usual go-to’s have been reformulated so I started trying new formulas. Unfortunately it seems that I’ve developed more sensitivities to various formulas and I’ve had so many allergic reactions I’m scared to try anything new. Right now my favorite sunscreen brand is still Supergoop! – I’m really happy to report most of their new and improved formulas still work for me.

For the face I rely on their Unseen Sunscreen with SPF40 or their Glow Screen with SPF40. For the body I like their Glow Oil because it works well in humid weather for me.

Bronzer

Chanel Les Beiges 2020 Bronzers

Last but not least a bronzer update. I still really do love the Chanel Les Beiges 2020 collection that launched earlier in the spring. Many of you have asked,”which formula is better: the Chanel bronzers or new Charlotte Tilbury bronzers?” I always love a little bit of glow so for me Chanel wins hands down. After months of wear time, the Les Beiges Soleil Tan Bronze cream bronzer has not irritated my skin even though it has coconut oil and many of you were concerned about this. Your mileage may vary though depending on your skin type. For those who missed out, it has restocked several times online at Chanel.com. I don’t have any info on when/if it will launch at Nordstrom, Neimans, etc. – it has in past years, but given the current climate with COVID-19, I’m not sure if it will.

June Beauty Favorites NARS, Jo Malone, by Terry, Chanel

That wraps up my beauty favorites that I’m loving right now. I’ve kept things minimal but still have been enjoying things that spark joy. As we transition to warmer weather I’ve been changing my skincare so I’ll have an updated skincare routine soon. There are some more summer launches I’m excited to share including Chantecaille summer and new Westman Atelier. I have some more fun roundups in the works which I think you’ll love.

Sending you my best wishes for health, safety and calm during this time. If you have any beauty favorites you’ve been loving now whether it’s a new discovery or tried and true favorite, let me know in the comments!

 

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I’m doing a giveaway including some of my favorite things.

  • Running from June 11th to June 14th, 2020 11:59 PM EST.
  • Due to shipping restrictions this is for US Only, 18 years or older.
  • Simply complete at least 1 of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete, the more entries you will receive.
  • ONE person will be selected via the widget below to win: (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Sheet Mask, (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Eye Mask, The Daily Edited Flat Pouch (almond), Chanel La Creme Main Texture Riche, Fresh Sugar Lip Balm (mini), MAC Lipstick in Mocha, MAC Mini Strobe Cream, Pat McGrath MTHRSHP Golden Opulence Palette.
  • Winner will be selected and e-mailed within 72 hours after giveaway ends. They must respond within 72 hours or another person will be selected in their place.
  • Prizes usually ship within a week.
  • Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Press samples featured include the By Terry CC Serum, By Terry Ombre Blackstar, Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream, Supergoop! Sunscreens and NARS Afterglow Lip.

 

 

Loving Right Now What's In My Bag

Loving Right Now

March 17, 2020

Daily Edited Clear Makeup Bag

I hope you are all well! We are staying inside for the most part now although we have enjoyed some short walks and the beaches where people are still very far apart. Today I think I ate my weight in donuts and doritos while being cooped up inside. I have a loving right now roundup featuring some new beauty splurges. Would love to hear about what you are loving right now too!

The Daily Edited Clear Cosmetic Case

Best Chic Clear Makeup Bag

I’ve been a huge fan of The Daily Edited and so many of you have loved their items as well. I love their Large Cosmetic Case, Transparent Cosmetic Case (original style), and the Clear Pouch (flat). My latest recent splurge is the Clear Cosmetic Case in Pale Pink which I had monogrammed with my initials. I think it’s a great compact size which measures about 8 inches wide, 4 inches tall and 2 inches deep.

Here’s a quick comparison for size reference to the Flat Pouch (measures 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches tall):

The Daily Edited Clear Pouch vs Clear Cosmetic Case

Also shown next to the Cuyana Tech Case (meant for cords etc, but I use it as a makeup bag – measures 7 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches deep):

Chic Makeup Bags Daily Edited and Cuyana

Hand Care

Hand Care Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash and Byredo

I’ve been rationing my hand sanitizers I have on hand. By now everything has sold out even in stores near me. I’ve been loving the Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash and the Byredo Hand Sanitizers – unfortunately they also seem to be sold out everywhere! One of my favorite skincare Youtubers Gothamista suggested a DIY option on her Instagram which I found really helpful! For hand cream I’ve still been loving the Chanel La Creme Main.

Lip Loves

Neutral Lip Love Sisley, Pat McGrath and NARS

Always a neutral lip lover, I had a lot of questions on lip colors I’ve been wearing on Instagram Stories. One recent favorite is the Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Balm in 11 Litchi. I own almost all the colors and love them for the nice shine and balmy feel. It’s a twist up one so there’s no sharpening required. This one pulls more nude/beige on my lips even though the swatch looks more pink because of the deeper natural lip pigment.

My holy grail neutral gloss right now is the NARS Loaded Lip Lacquer in Young Hearts (also worn in this post here). At this point I’ve stopped buying backups but this one is SO good I’ve considered one.

Pat McGrath has a lot of great neutrals, I recently started wearing the combo of Done Undone + Skinsane with a little gloss in my Pat McGrath Concealer review here and can’t get enough of it!

If you’re in search of a good lip primer, MAC has their Prep + Prime Lip in a special limited-edition packaging for the Petal Power collection. It’s pink so I had to buy it! I use the one I have in the black tube quite frequently.

Dior Addict Stellar Gloss

Dior Addict Stellar Gloss neutrals

I’ve been trying Dior lip gloss for as long as I can remember. By this time I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve reformulated and revamped the colors. I hauled quite a few of the new Addict Stellar colors and will have a separate dedicated review. This is the thickest one I have tried from Dior. It’s not too thick but has a cushiony thick shine and smells of sweet vanilla cake. I swatched the nudes I hauled for reference which include D-Way, Diorsolight, J’Adior, and D-Light. Some of the colors are harder to find (I could only find some shades on the Dior website). Finishes range from creams to shimmers to sparkles. Pigment on the lighter shades is medium-sheer. I really love the way these look on the lips!

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

Chanel launched a new Eye Collection with some products for Liquid Eyeliner, Brow Duo Compacts and a new Volume Stretch Mascara. I’ve been really loving the Le Liner de Chanel which is an ultra fine precision liquid liner and it’s long wearing. I’m still experimenting with all the colors but I love that there are shimmers in this launch! As one who like brown liner I think Ultra Brun is a really nice longwearing brown that doesn’t smudge. Full review to come soon! Above swatched left to right: Rouge Noir, Bleu Cobalt, Noir Profond, Mauve Metal, Bronze Dore, Gris Argent and Ultra Brun.

More Neutrals

Essie Speedsetter Buns Up and Cle de Peau Cream Blush 4

For nails Essie launched a new quick dry formula called Expressie. I picked up a few colors to try and the first one I’ve swatched is Buns Up. It’s a creamy beige nude with a semi-sheer finish. I can get full coverage with 3 coats although 2 coats is sufficient. It does dry a lot faster than other polishes but to prevent tip wear a top coat is absolutely essential. To me it’s a slightly cooler-toned more pigmented version of OPI Samoan Sand.

I discovered the Cle de Peau Cream Blushes last fall for the first time. (My Best of Cle De Peau roundup here.) I still think they are among the best I’ve tried! I ordered #4 and think it’s a great light neutral. You can see #4 worn in this post.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands

Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter Swatches

Last but not least I finally ordered the two Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands and think they are INCREDIBLE! I love Pillow Talk light for the lighter rose pink tinge and Pillow Talk Medium is more of a bronzey color on me but still very wearable. I think both are absolute musts. I added swatches of the other Beauty Light Wands in Spotlight (REVIEW), Peachgasm and Pinkgasm (REVIEW) for reference.

Best Clear Makeup Bag Beauty Blog Review

That wraps up my loving right now post. I focused primarily on makeup picks. I am testing out some new skincare although I most of what I’ve been using is my tried and true. I might do an updated skincare routine soon if you’re interested. New launch reviews to follow with Chanel, Dior and Charlotte Tilbury!

Also quick FYI Nordstrom is currently offering 25% off sitewide on most items on their website (exclusions apply). Neiman Marcus has a large selection of items at 20% off.

 

 

What are you loving right now?

Chanel liners provided for review. All others purchased by me.

Loving Right Now Monthly Favorites

February Beauty Favorites

February 29, 2020

February Beauty Favorites

I’m wrapping up the month with a Top 10 February Beauty Favorites roundup! It has been a challenging month for me since I was sick for quite some time. Having an allergic reaction to antibiotics was pretty scary, but I’m full recovered and optimistic next month will be much better! Here were this month’s best products.

1) Chanel Petale Le Vernis

Chanel Le Vernis in Petale

Petale Le Vernis* is part of this year’s Chanel La Fleur Et L’eau Collection and everything is stunning. I’ve been obsessed with Petale as the perfect petal pink. It’s not quite a neutral yet not too bright making it the perfect in between color. Comparison swatches on my latest Instagram post if you’re interested! Other colors in this photo are the Les 4 Ombres Warm Memories (review here), Rouge Coco Gloss in 119 (swatch here) and Ombre Premiere Laque in Quartz Rose (review here).

2) Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops

Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops

The Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops* is one of the prettiest multi-tasking highlighters I’ve tried and I LOVE the packaging! This is a pale iridescent rose liquid cased in a pump style bottle. I was chatting with my friend about these last night and she asked what I thought, my response was she needed them in her life ASAP since she’s obsessed with glowing dewy skin. You can use these as a highlighter on top of foundation, mix it in with your base or wear alone all over underneath your foundation too. It adds a soft luminescent glow and has a very soft rose scent. Since I love this formula so much I’m tempted to order the Le Blanc Healthy Light Creator Oil to try too.

Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops Swatch

3) Cuyana Tech Case

Cuyana Tech Case Favorite Makeup Bag

I’ve been loving all the things I’ve ordered from Cuyana so far and the Tech Case has been a favorite for the size and shape. It’s longer but skinny so I find it fits in my tote easier than a rounded or domed makeup bag. It’s the perfect length and size to hold essentials and I love how it’s lined with leather in side. It’s held up remarkably well! I also love the Travel Set Case and the Vanity Case (this one seems to have been slightly changed in the design).

4) Estee Lauder x Danielle Lauder Act IV Spotlight Highlighter

Estee Lauder Danielle Lauder Act IV Spotlight Highlighter

Earlier this year I partnered with Estee Lauder to share a look at the Danielle Lauder Act IV Collection and my favorite item was the Spotlight Highlighter* for its lavender and golden honey swirl. When mixed it gives the prettiest soft glow and it has been in heavy rotation. I find it so unique for me and love layering it on top of just a bronzer or blush. I think it coordinates well with the Luxe Lip Cremes* in Reel Rose and Reel Coral as well, or both of them mixed together (I layer them on top of the Lip Balm for my perfect spring lip color).

5) Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer LM 13

So many of you have asked me for a review of the new Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer* and it’s coming soon! I was sent a selection of colors and found LM12 (more peachy) and LM 13 (more yellow) to be a great match for my under eye area to brighten. It also works to spot conceal although it’s lighter than my skin tone and has a slight peachy undertone. My current foundation shade is Light Medium 14. I’ve ordered a few more concealer colors to try before I do a full review but so far this has been one of the best concealer formulas I’ve ever tried. It blends well, covers and smooths, doesn’t oxidize or budge and doesn’t crease. The Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder* is amazing (and a must-have). I still need to play around with all the colors but Medium seems to be great for me.

Wearing LM 13 Concealer below: Right photo has a comparison with concealer on the left side vs right side of face bare to show you the coverage/brightening, no setting powder worn (although I do recommend using one), also shown with Dior Lip Glow in Rosewood, sweater from Vince

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer LM 13 swatch

6) Estee Lauder x Danielle Lauder Act IV Brushed By Fame Makeup Brush Kit

Estee Lauder Danielle Lauder Act IV Makeup Brushes

Another favorite is the Mini Makeup Brush Set* which I pack in my makeup bag when I’m on the go. It’s perfect because it comes with a small flat pouch to keep the brushes protected. I can slip it into my tote or makeup bag and don’t have to worry about the brushes getting ruined or smashed because of the the little case.

7 through 10) Lips!

February Lip Favorites

I had so many favorite lip products this month it was hard to narrow it all down. I really love the Marc Jacobs Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil is so nice on the lips and has a pleasant coconut scent to it. I bought mine from Sephora (currently sold out online) but it’s also available at Neiman Marcus. I highly recommend it. It’s smooth and not sticky.

Dior’s latest Lip Glow is the Rosewood color which I think is one of the best ones yet! It gives my lips a soft rosy glow (as shown in the photo above with the Pat McGrath concealer).

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask is back and permanent. It’s one of my favorite lip treatments for dry lips. If you haven’t tried it I think it’s a must-have!

For lip plumpers, I’ve actually found two formulas that I really love this month. One I’ll be talking about next week. But one I wanted to mention now is the Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath because it’s now available in their cult classic Pillow Talk shade! It’s a sheer nude pink with high shine and I love how glossy it looks.

February Beauty Favorites

That wraps up my Top 10! What were your favorites?

 

Press samples have a * next to them. Others purchased by me.

Loving Right Now

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2019

Christmas 2019

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! Sending you lots of snuggles and kisses from our furbabies Calvin (the ragdoll, age 7) and Lucy (the jack russell, almost 15)! They’ve been so good together ever since our ragdoll was a kitten.

This is our first Christmas without our other pup Jake (you can see him from last Christmas here). He passed away over the summer peacefully and without any pain. He lived a good life, loved the Florida sunshine, loved chasing lizards and was the best snuggle buddy ever. I miss him dearly.

I’m grateful to still have our other two fur babies right now. They are near and dear to my heart. Both of them bring us lots of laughs and happiness.

I hope your holiday is filled with peace and joy!

Merry Christmas!

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.

Loving Right Now What's In My Bag

What’s In My Makeup Bag

September 18, 2019

What's Inside My Bag Cuyana Travel Set

I’m back with a what’s in my bag post! I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these so I thought I’d share the cute little makeup bag I’ve been loving lately. As much as I love the flat pouches sometimes a regular makeup pouch with a wider base is a little more functional to hold bigger items.

I’ve received so many requests to review more from Cuyana and compare it to other brands I own. I finally ordered the popular Travel Case Set (comes with two bags, small and large) and am so impressed with the quality. It’s much more functional for me compares to the other style I own called the Vanity Case Set (shown here).

Quick look at the large and small bags that come in the Travel Case Set for comparison:

Cuyana Travel Set Black Makeup Bag

I will have a full review, comparison and roundup of my favorite makeup bags in a separate post. Today I wanted to share what I can fit in the smaller makeup bag for the Cuyana Travel Set which measures L 8” x H 5” x D 2.5”.

Cuyana Makeup Bag Small

Yes, all shown in the above photo fits inside the small makeup bag! I’ll be posting a mini video on Instagram stories today as well:

 

 

A few more thoughts and details below:

Makeup Bag Favorites Cuyana

My go-to touch up powder is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Medium. If you’re a long-time reader you know I’ve gone through many compacts! I just bought the foundation which I’ll be reviewing soon and have high hopes for. These days I also have a small retractable brush from lilah b. which is actually a Retractable Foundation Brush but works for pressed powders just fine. I’ve kept a mini NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in my bag but I rarely find the need to touch up my concealer if I’m out all day (it’s for just in case). The Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Papers are so cute and they’re refillable. I bought these recently and like them although I think the ones from Tatcha are actually a lot better.

For lips I rotate picks frequently, so these change on a daily basis! These days I’ve been loving just using a liner and topping with a sheer gloss. Pat McGrath LUST Glosses are among my favorite, left to right is Love Potion, Peach Perversion and Faux Real (swatches here). I like her Permagel Lip Pencils in Done Undone and Bare Rose the most (both swatched here).

Laura Mercier is another favorite, I’ve just started using her new lip pencils and love her Longwear Lip Pencil Baby Lips with Lip Glace in Opal on top.

Neutral Lip Rotation Favorites Pat McGrath LUST Gloss

On the nails, Essie Come Out to Clay

I’ve found the smaller makeup bag in the Travel Case Duo Set fits a small brush at the base. The Aerin Small Brush fits perfectly but it’s quite a splurge. I’ve also really loved the Sephora Collection Mini Brushes in previous styles and just ordered this newer one.

Lip balms are essential for me, I love the Dior Addict Lip Glows and the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm for twist-up stick balms so I don’t have to worry about getting my fingers sticky from pots.

I keep a mini perfume on me at all times because I find spritzing it on mosquito bites helps reduce the swelling and itch. Right now it’s not too much of an issue for me, but there are always out here – even more so at dusk. I love the Byredo Mini Trio Sets because the vials perfect size for a small bag or pouch. There’s a leather case you can buy separately to protect them, but I just keep them in my bag as is, I haven’t had one break yet but they are glass so I would at least keep them in some kind of protective case or pouch. I also adore Jo Malone minis, I wish they kept these available permanently!

Sometimes I keep a hand cream with me other times it’s just a hand sanitizer. I love the Byredo Hand Sanitizers in both Suede and Rose, they smell amazing and they’re ultra luxurious!

Makeup Bag Essentials

What do you keep in your makeup bag? Do you rotate frequently or keep the same staples you use daily?

 

 

New posts and review coming soon! I’ve been taking a little time off the blog and social for some me time!