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Beauty Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

June 11, 2020

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

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

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

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

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.

Glow Makeup

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

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

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.

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.

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Loving Right Now What's In My Bag

Loving Right Now

March 17, 2020

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

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):

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):

Hand Care

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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.

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Loving Right Now Monthly Favorites

February Beauty Favorites

February 29, 2020

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

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

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.

3) Cuyana Tech Case

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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Loving Right Now

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 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!

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Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

November Favorites

November 26, 2019

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

Favorites in Fragrance

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

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

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

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

Skincare Favorites and Highlights

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

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

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

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

Kosas Wet Lip Oils

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

Chanel Skincare and Bodycare

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

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

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

Base Favorites

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

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

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

Storage Solutions

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

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

Bite Beauty

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

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

Shop my November Favorites

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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Loving Right Now What's In My Bag

What’s In My Makeup Bag

September 18, 2019

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:

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”.

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:

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.

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!

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!

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Beauty Favorites Loving Right Now

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

August 13, 2019

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

Beauty purchases I’ve been loving:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Loving Right Now

Beauty Favorites I’m Loving Right Now

Hand Care

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111Skin

Fragrance

Glow Makeup

Sunscreen

Bronzer

Loving Right Now

The Daily Edited Clear Cosmetic Case

Hand Care

Lip Loves

Dior Addict Stellar Gloss

Chanel Le Liner de Chanel

More Neutrals

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands

February Beauty Favorites

1) Chanel Petale Le Vernis

2) Chanel Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops

3) Cuyana Tech Case

4) Estee Lauder x Danielle Lauder Act IV Spotlight Highlighter

5) Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer

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

7 through 10) Lips!

Merry Christmas!

November Favorites

Favorites in Fragrance

Skincare Favorites and Highlights

Kosas Wet Lip Oils

Chanel Skincare and Bodycare

Base Favorites

Storage Solutions

Bite Beauty

Shop my November Favorites

What’s In My Makeup Bag

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now

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