Spring beauty launches are here in full swing and there is so much to explore this season! I love that there is literally something for everyone this season whether you want something glowy or matte, sheer or full coverage etc. Most of my new discoveries are from Sephora so I’ve teamed up with them to share my top beauty picks for a spring makeup bag refresh.
I feel like my go-to concealer is always going to be the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger but I still love trying out new formulas. Many of you like the ones that are creamy and lightweight for under the eyes. I’ve recently discovered the Armani Power Fabric High Coverage Stretchable Concealer in 6.5 and think it’s an excellent alternative for a similar blendable feel but with a semi-matte finish. It has a creamy easy to blend feel making it really nice for under the eyes. I am a 6.5 in the Luminous Silk Formula and usually like to match my concealer shade, but you might want to go a shade down if you need extra brightening. The Laura Mercier Flawless Concealer is another great lightweight option that isn’t quite as creamy as the NARS but still blends nicely. I wear 3W in this formula.
Three Go-To Cheek Products
There are a lot of great cheek palettes out this season but I’m really liking what I already own for this spring transition. I find the best natural bronzer to warm up the skin without looking overdone is the Becca Sunlit Bronzer. The shade options go from light to deep so there is something for everyone – even super fair skin girls who feel like they cannot wear any bronzer. I also think for spring anything peachy or pink-gold is universally flattering. You can’t go wrong with something like NARS Orgasm. For a natural cream highlight that won’t look greasy or too sparkly I highly recommend the NARS Super Radiant Booster.
Neutral Eyeshadow Colors
The eyeshadow palette I’ve been most excited about is the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette. It’s a really pretty updated version of their original Naked and I’m 100% obsessed. For something deeper with more mattes opt for the NARS Skin Deep. If you want something simpler for an easy everyday wash of color on the lids I’ve always sworn by the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks. I often layer 2 colors together and then add a liner for a super quick and easy eye.
Spring Lip Must-Haves
I’m still really loving the Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip. They’re probably my most reached-for lip products this year. Mixing and layering the colors will give the best effect – I love mixing Lychee Baby with Juicy Date or Peach and Quiet. For a tint and balm in one you really can’t find anything better than the Dior Addict Lip Glow. I’ve loved the classic shades like Coral for years now, but my favorite is the Rose Gold option. If you want to splurge on a tint + oil the Hourglass N. 28 Lip Treatment Oil in Adorn is a really pretty pink rose.
That wraps up my spring makeup bag roundup refresh for the best things I’ve seen so far this year. If you’re shopping at Sephora make sure you take advantage of their Beauty Insider Program! You can accumulate points every time you shop for minis and early access to launches and events throughout the year. As always I’d love to hear what you have in your spring makeup bag right now! Or what you have on your spring wishlist/radar!
I love glowing makeup especially this time of year! There’s nothing quite like combining a good glossy lip with soft shimmering cheeks to brighten up your whole look for the holiday season. Today I’ve partnered with Sephora to share a few glowing holiday makeup looks that I’ve been loving lately. Sephora is truly one of my go-to’s for beauty shopping. They have most of the brands I love and I’ve been a Sephora Beauty Insider for years. The points and perks they offer are among my favorites out of all the beauty rewards programs I’ve signed up for. By popular request I’m doing three looks with each of the three Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizers in Fenty Glow, Diamond Milk and Fussy. So many of you have asked for a review!
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Glowing Look 1: Featuring Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fussy
Holiday Look 1 features the new Fussy Gloss Bomb which is a sheer soft pink shimmer. This one is also on the sheer side but has enough color to give a glowing pink tint to the lips. I like this also layered on top of Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner. I mix a blended blush + highlighter from Hourglass which adds the perfect amount of glow. For those who haven’t tried the Gloss Bomb it’s a cushiony smooth gloss without the tacky feel. All three colors have a smooth shimmer to them. They are softly scented like a faint cherry.
Glowing Look 2: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow + Stunna Lip Paint Fluid in Uncuffed
Look 2 features original color in Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fenty Glow which is a pretty rose shimmer. It’s fairly sheer on its own but makes for the best layering gloss over any other color. I tried this over the Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid in Uncuffed and it’s one of the best liquid lip products I’ve tried. It does have a matte finish but isn’t dry looking.
Look 3 is with the lightest color Diamond Milk. This adds the prettiest sheen to the lips. It’s also really nice layered over nude lipsticks or peach colors for a more diffused look. Wearing in this look:
That wraps up three holiday glowing makeup looks! Hope you found these helpful if you’re looking for some lip and cheek combinations. If you’re set on color I think three things that can really make a difference in your routine to give you a fresh glow include the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Glow Powder (I use in place of highlight) and the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow to mix in with any base you have. You can find all the items I featured at Sephora.
What are some of your favorite glow products for eyes, lips or cheeks?
Happy Weekend! Taking a quick break from reviewing new makeup launches to highlight some other things I’ve had in rotation that I’ve been loving. This is a mini peek at some things I’ll be expanding on soon. Working on more hair care stories, fall fragrance and skin care roundups by popular request so stay tuned!
Top Row: Chanel La Creme Main Texture Riche, Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Compact, Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 6.5
Middle Row: Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Baby Facial, Fresh Sugar Face Polish, Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Venise, Chanel Les 4 Ombres Clair Obscur
Bottom Row: Byredo Bal d’Afrique, Ouai Hair Oil, Bite Beauty Agave Lip Masks in Maple and Champagne, Sisley Hair Rituel Hair Oil
Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Compact
So many of you have been asking for a review on the Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Compact. I’ve featured it on Instagram a few times and have found it to be quite handy. It comes in several different color options and I bought it in two colors Rose Gold and Silver (you definitely don’t need more than 1 color, I bought one to keep at my desk, another for on-the-go/travel). It has 3x magnification and it’s extremely sharp and clear. It has Simplehuman’s lighting that they call “tru-lux” which mimics natural sunlight. I like that it’s really sturdy, comes with a pouch you can store it in, has two light brightness settings and also comes with a fold-out ring you can hold in your hand or use to stand up on a flat surface. It’s rechargeable and the lights last a long time without me having to recharge frequently, although I find the mirror is so good I don’t always use the lights.
It’s indeed quite a splurge for a compact mirror, but the quality is very good, it’s well made and designed. I really like the pouch because it’s compact and not bulky. The product itself measures a little over approximately 4 inches in diameter, mirror is 4 inches wide. Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s.
The Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is something I’ve used up several times. I think many of you will agree it’s one of the best most hydrating lip products. For some reason I didn’t think any of these had a fun scent/taste. I just realized that Maple and Lavender both have a sweet candy like taste which is really pleasant. These pretty much go on clear even the tinted ones. Maple is my lips but better and actually does give my pigmented lips a tint. Smashed is a very sheer red. There’s a new one that looks like it’s an online exclusive called Candy Apple. Also available in a cute Agave Treat Trio Mini Set with Natural, Candy Cane and Maple. Available at Sephora and Bite Beauty.
Skincare Favorites Right Now
So many things I’ve been wanting to write about for skincare. I’m trying to organize my roundups by category in an updated series for you. If you have any requests or questions let me know in the comments! For now a few things I think are amazing are from Sisley, Drunk Elephant and Fresh.
The Sisley Black Rose Face Mask is one of the best hydrating masks I’ve ever tried. It’s a cult classic and lives up to the hype. A tube is quite the splurge and I’ve hoarded every mini and sample I’ve gotten for ages. The Sisley team sent a tube and I was beyond grateful for it! It’s really truly amazing. It will be forever in my routine. It softens and plumps the skin making it feel super soft and radiant. There are a few sets available with this in the full size and minis so if you’re in the market to splurge I highly recommend looking online first. They give price breaks for the sets and often have good gift with purchases. Available at multiple retailers including Sisley-Paris.
I’ve received so many questions about Drunk Elephant lately! It’s a line I’ve really wanted to try more but haven’t had a chance to yet. Skincare testing takes so much time. I’ve only tried two things so far, but have had great success with both. The TLC Sukari Babyfacial is one of the few AHA/BHA resurfacing products I’ve tried I think works, but over multiple uses. This is an area I want to experiment more with. I’ve had more time to experiment with this and find that the tingle truly depends on what other items you’ve been using in your routine. Any acids or retinols or even scrubs you use increases skin sensitivity. Both Andrew and I have been really interested in learning more about acids and peels. Until we get a strong one done at a dermatologist or clinic, we’ve been testing a few at home. I think this one is strong enough to give visible results. Skin is left baby smooth after a single use. For me I didn’t really see texture improve until a few uses, but that is expected. The other Drunk Elephant item I’ve tried which I love is the Protini Polypeptide Cream which I still recommend and love. Both available at Sephora.
Then there’s the Fresh Beauty Sugar Face Polish which I’ve featured a number of times already but had to mention again. It’s a sugar scrub that melts into the skin so it’s not harsh. It smells amazing, leaves the skin soft and exfoliates without being too gritty. Everything in the Fresh Beauty line is on the pricey side but the products leave me feeling like a new person. For the holiday I always get questions about what to get the person who has everything. I’m compiling a gift guide series, but for sure you cannot go wrong with Fresh. Even if they already own the products, it’s such a beautiful line – their masks are amazing and are bound to be loved and used up. I think their Mask Sets are the best things you can buy for yourself or a friend. Last year the four piece mini set sold out super fast. This year’s there are a few options. The Great Escape Face Mask Set is available at Nordstrom. There is also a slightly different variation called Mask for Miles exclusive to Sephora (minis shown above are from the Sephora set).
Fragrance
A fall fragrance edit coming your way soon but right now it’s still in the high 90’s. No signs of feeling like fall here in Florida but scent helps put me in the mood. Three I’ve been reaching for frequently include Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt (but I like this year round, notes include bergamot, ambrette seeds, buchu leaves, sea salt, mineral accord, dry fruits, driftwood accord, guaiac wood, white musk, sage). I bought mine from Nordstrom. Also available in a mini in the 5-piece Cologne Collection set.
Byredo Bal D’Afrique has a warmer feel for me and I love it during this time of year (notes include bergamot, lemon, neroli, African marigold, bucchu, violet, jasmine petals, cyclamen, black amber, musk, vetiver, Moroccan cedarwood). I bought mine at Nordstrom. You can also find it in the travel spray size in the La Selection Nomade trio.
All three Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel-Paris perfumes are perfect. Les Eaux de Chanel Biarritz is the best for citrus lovers but it has a lighter feel more like spring or summer. For fall I think Les Eaux de Chanel Venise is perfect with neroli, oriental accord, amber, a bit of vanilla and tonka bean. Based on the notes you can sense the feel that I love bergamot and citrus notes. Available at Chanel.com.
Hair + Makeup Basics
I get asked about the Gisou Hair Comb frequently. It’s such a beautiful basic wide tooth comb although it’s not available at a lot of places. I ordered it directly from the Gisou website and really like it. It comes in the prettiest pink pouch which I don’t use but when I travel I’ll keep it inside. For hair oils I have more that I’ve been testing coming your way soon, but two I love include the Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Hair Care Oil (reviewed here and here) and the Ouai Hair Oil (reviewed here). Both are great for shiny smooth hair.
There are so many great makeup basics that I have in rotation. With all the new beauty that launches weekly I sometimes forget to mention everyday basics. The Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was one I used years ago and the formula never lasted on me. I decided to give it another try based on the overwhelming number of requests I’ve had to review it again. I’m 6.5 and 7 mixed. I’ve found if I combine it with the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer it lasts all day on me (I do need a touch up mid-day though). I think what moisturizer and primer you use with this is key. Otherwise as with many foundation formulas using a base that isn’t compatible will make the product either separate or pill on your skin. I mix the shades because 6.5 is a little too yellow and 7 is a little neutral. I bought both of mine from Nordstrom.
Chanel Matte Les 4 Ombres in Clair Obscur is my go-to matte quad these days. It’s easy to use and I don’t have to think about what else to combine for eyes, cheeks or clothes. It’s versatile and goes with everything I wear. Review + swatches here. Available at Chanel.com.
That wraps up my loving right now roundup! As always I’d love to hear what you are loving right now. I’m starting up weekly giveaways again now through end of November. There are two places I’m doing giveaways, one is on Instagram (announced weekly on stories so make sure you follow for details there). Another one is going to be via the blog. This week I’m giving away a full-size bottle of the Sisley Hair Rituel Precious Oil + Ouai Hair Oil to one reader. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to win. To qualify you must follow ALL the steps in the widget below, partial entries will be disqualified. Giveaway runs through 10/22 11:59 PM EST. I’ll pick a winner within 48 hours after giveaway ends and contact via email.
Rounding up some of my beauty shelfie favorites right now including more thoughts on the best clear makeup bag I’ve found along with a new hair oil I just discovered. A quick look above at one of my shelfies. I’m constantly reorganizing things and trying to find better storage solutions to stay organized. I finally put together more of the Ikea Billy Bookcases which I find more convenient these days compared to the Alex Drawers. Having an open shelf allows me to see things better vs. a set of closed drawers. I still also make a lot of use out of acrylic storage units and clear shoe boxes to store items. I hope to have an updated post but in the mean time you can see how they were put to use when we lived in San Diego here.
I’m highlighting my favorites below, but if you want everything on the top shelf photo listed out, scroll down to the bottom of the post!
Fragrance Favorites
Byredo has been a long time favorite and a mini hair perfume trio just launched in two variations. I bought the Triplé Gannant Bois Hair Perfume Trio which has three 30 mls vs the 75 ml individuals. The trios are pretty expensive but I’m obsessed with how cute they are. The one I ordered has Mojave Ghose, Bal D’Aftique and Gypsy Water. I’ve also been loving the candles from the line – they’re really strong and have excellent throw. Tree House has been burning at our home lately. It’s not really a summer scent but I love it any time of the year. It has notes of cedar, bamboo, sandalwood, guaiac wood and hay.
For perfume my new go-to has been the Jo Malone Neroli and Basil perfume. I still have my others in frequent rotation (Spring to Summer Fragrance Edit here with my favs from Creed, Tom Ford and more). But the Jo Malone one has been a new favorite. It’s fresh and light and I find it pretty strong.
So many of you have been asking what the nail color is that I’ve been wearing – it’s OPI Samoan Sand, but with three coats. For some reason I always felt it was too warm/dark for me, but I just looked at it recently at Ulta. Maybe it’s because I’m more tan now but it’s like my perfect everyday neutral that isn’t too pale. On the nails here and here.
Other Things I’ve Been Loving
The best clear makeup pouch pick for me is still The Daily Edited Transparent Cosmetic Case. The color shown is their Pale Pink but I also have it in Taupe and Black. You can see the full review, dimensions and colors side by side in my post here. Quality is on point and I compared it to the ones from Anya Hindmarch and Truffle as well. I’ve received a number of questions on which color is my favorite. I really find that hard to answer! I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their options. Also for monogramming questions I often get the small font size with a blind monogram.
Other beauty favorites right now include the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist because it’s lightweight enough for humid weather but still has enough hydration to refresh the skin. I mentioned that I ordered the La Mer Moisturizing Matte Lotion and I’ve been testing it for a little over a week and really like it for this humid weather here in Florida. It has a soft matte finish but is still moisturizing on the skin. I’ll have to test it more for a detailed review but first impressions are really positive for me.
Gisou launched a travel size of the Honey Infused Hair Oil and they sent one for review. It’s the best smelling hair oil I’ve ever tried and I’m usually not a fan of honey scents. It’s thick/dense in the bottle but a little drop does blend well when warmed up in the hands. It adds moisture and shine. I only need a tiny bit from the middle to ends of my hair. It’s just what I needed as the heat and water here tend to dry out my ends. You can find the full size at places like Revolve or Urban Outfitters as well. Right now the Travel Size is only available on the Gisou website.
Last but not least I’ve been really liking the By Terry UV Base. I reviewed it here in this post. It has SPF 50 and really does prevent the burn and while nothing here can truly prevent the tanning process from the sun, I feel like it has minimized it. I still like the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen but sometimes it’s nice to rotate. I feel like the By Terry one has less slip/silicone-like feel.
Sunglasses below are from Kate Spade. I bought them in two colors from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – it’s so hard for me to find frames this size and I love them. The color on the sides/back also make for a fun accent.
What have you been loving lately? I love reading about your beauty favs!
Press samples featured include the NARS Santo Domingo, Pat McGrath Flesh Fantasy, Gisou Hair Oil, By Terry UV Base. Other items purchased by me.
Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Starting the week with a highlight of 10 things that I’ve been loving in the beauty world. There are a lot of spring launches I’ll be covering soon. So many pretty palettes for cheeks and eyes that I’m really excited about and swatching this week. In the meantime a few things in skin, hair and makeup I think are worth checking out right now.
Shown above from left to right:
Charlotte Tilbury Brightening Youth Glow Primer ($55) is an ultra smooth glow primer with a soft pearlescent sheen. It’s designed to be color-correcting and help with redness. I find it on the sheer side so for me it doesn’t quite color correct but it does noticeably brighten the skin and prepare it better for foundation application. I’ve also been experimenting with her Hollywood Flawless Filter in a few shades. I’ve worn her Magic Foundation in Shades 5, 6 and 7 depending on how tan I am. I ordered her Hollywood Flawless Filter in 3 and 4. Review soon, but I’ve been loving how versatile it is underneath or on top of foundation.
Armani Lip Magnet in 508 ($38) launched late last year, a few new shades were added to the line. I fell in love with 508 which is the lightest option in the formula and a light neutral nude pink. I also really liked 510 which is a pink plum but found it similar to 507 which I already own and reviewed so passed on that color. I’ve added swatches to the Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stains in the nude shades I own below (review here).
I’ve always been a bronze eyeliner fanatic. I find it more interesting than basic browns but still falls in the neutral territory. Three I’ve been obsessed with that don’t smudge, tug or feel dry include:
NARS Kohliner in Altiplano ($26) because it’s creamy, pigmented and the prettiest shimmering brown.
Hourglass 1.5 MM Mechanical Eyeliner in Bronze ($18) these are pretty spendy for the amount of product you get, but these are have the finest point for a liner that I’ve ever tried, I also like Canyon which is the regular brown version.
Lanolips has been a favorite for a long time for an affordable lip balm that is super hydrating. My favorite has been the Lips 101 Ointment Strawberry Multi-Balm and as the ultimate coconut lover, I went nuts when I learned they launched a Coconutter Multi-Balm version and ordered 3. You can find it at Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty. It’s been in my top 3 lip treatments this past month (the other two loves are Sisley and By Terry). The Lanolips gives instant relief, has a thick enough texture to really hydrate and stay on the lips but doesn’t feel goopy or thick. I haven’t tried the Coconut Hand Cream version yet but I am really tempted to.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Urban Moisture Hydro-Nourishing Double Serum ($38) is a leave-in conditioner spray. It’s bi-phase so you have to shake it to mix the two serums. I’ve rediscovered this (I used it a few years ago and loved it and used it up). I’ve found this to be really good to add moisture, shine and help detangle the hair. I can use it as a pre-heat treatment or just spray and let it air dry.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask ($45) is something I feel 100% lives up to all the hype. It has the best fresh watermelon scent that is very natural smelling and isn’t overly sweet. I’m super picky about what I put on my face at night because I don’t like feeling or smelling product. I feel like it interferes with my sleep, but I still do use night time skincare. The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask feels amazing on the skin. Hydrating but still lightweight. It’s a truly breathable sleeping mask that has soothing watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs. I do wake up with noticeably smoother and balanced skin. It’s something I think everyone should check out. They have the cutest Mini Size ($22 for 1 oz) I plan on taking with me whenever I travel.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer ($39) is the latest from Glow Recipe. It’s an ultra lightweight moisturizer for oily to combination skin. For me it has just the right amount of moisture but if you’re dry they recommend using it as a serum to layer on before your regular moisturizer. It has a bouncy gel texture which feels really nice and smooth on the face (I usually do not like gels because they’re sticky). It softens and calms my skin.
Also this one makes for favorite #11 but I get so many questions about the large cosmetic pouches I have. The one above is by The Daily Edited, it’s the Large Cosmetic Case. I bought two of mine with the Blind Monogram Initials (which means they just emboss it with letters but there’s no gold foil). I’ve also featured my pouches in these posts Best Travel Beauty Cases, San Francisco Travel Packing and Sisley September Subscription Highlights.
That wraps up 10 things I’m loving right now! More to come this week featuring new spring makeup launches. What are you loving right now? P.S. I am going to resume weekly giveaways this week. For the month of March, they will be announced weekly to blog newsletter subscribers only. Make sure you’re subscribed to stay in the loop!
Press samples include Glow Recipe Skincare + Sisley Eyeliner.
I’m back in Florida compiling my photos and notes from my San Francisco trip and hope to have the first travel post up tomorrow. I’ve failed miserably trying to blog and travel at the same time although if you follow me on Instagram you’ve seen snippets of our travels. I’m so touched by your comments and recommendations and was even so surprised a few of you recognized me in the city while I was wandering the Union Square area and stopped me to say hello. A quick roundup of some things I’m loving right now and I’m giving away my extras of these in this post to 1 lucky winner. Details on how to enter at the bottom of this post in the widget but a few notes on current favorites.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo 2.2 oz (mini) is my favorite dry shampoo, I love the scent and the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast on my dark hair
Laura Mercier Face Illuminators (full size) are among my favorite highlighters, Addiction is shown which is a yellow gold but I really like all the colors
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks (full size) are a regular staple in my beauty routine, I am obsessed with Rose Gold and Copper
Glossier Wowder Brush is such a great synthetic pink brush, I love the little zip pouch it comes with too
Tatcha The Essence (mini 20 ml) is the best essence I’ve tried, it works in a wide range of climates for me and helps keep skin plump and hydrated, it’s lightweight but effective – I notice a difference when I stop using it! (Individual travel size is sold out, but you can find it in their sets)
Tatcha Sheet Mask (full size, x1) a classic no-fuss mask that adds the perfect amount of hydration
NARS Velvet Lip Glide (full size) is one of the best velvet lip products I’ve tried – it’s great for those who don’t like the liquid lip trend but still want to try something with a velvety finish
Glossier Pouch is something I carry with me frequently – they’re good throw in the bag things and the bubbles help protect compacts, the zipper isn’t the best and often breaks on me but I still like them
Truffle Clarity Clutch in Black (small) you ladies know I love these clear zip pouches, they go with me everywhere!
To enter my giveaway simply enter through the Rafflecopter widget below, perform at least 1 of the entry tasks.
It’s open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify.
Giveaway will run through Monday September 4th at 11:45 PM EST.
I’ll select 1 winner at random through the widget and e-mail them for their contact info within 24 hours after giveaway ends.
Winner must respond within 24 hours otherwise another winner will be selected in their place.
Note all entries are subject to verification. Giveaway not affiliated or sponsored with anyone.
1 winner will receive 1 of each item listed: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo (mini 2.2 oz), Chanel Ombre Premiere Cream Shadow in Scintillance, Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Addiction, Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Full Size (winner’s choice), Christophe Robin Mini Regenerating Mask, Glossier Wowder Brush, Tatcha Essence (mini 20 ml size), Tatcha Sheet Mask (x1), 111SKIN Biol Cellulose Sheet Mask (x1), NARS Velvet Lip Glide (full size, winner’s choice), Glossier Pouch, Truffle Clarity Clutch Black Small.
Happy Thursday! Quick roundup post today of some things I’ve been loving lately. Summer is in full swing here and the humidity levels here in Florida keep rising. I’ve experienced summer thunderstorms for the first time and so much here is completely new to me as I’ve lived in Southern California for most of my life. Even with the heat, we’ve been loving the sunshine and seeing real weather although lately we’ve stayed indoors to avoid sweating from the heat. At this point in my life fall fashion is something I cannot even start to think of and there are times I wonder if I will ever wear a leather jacket again while in Florida. Seven things I’ve been loving lately:
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger is the best for me these days with this warm weather. It works for under eyes and redness. The creamy texture melds well with my skin and blends easily with other foundations. For my under eye area it definitely works to give a brightening effect and I like that it doesn’t crease as long as I set it with a good powder. Swatches of Custard, Macadamia and Ginger here.
Sisley-Paris So Intense Mascara in Deep Black is just so amazing. I bought it from the Nordstrom Sale reviewed here. I love it for the thickening and deep black color it has. No smudging and it holds the curl. It has the tiniest comb I think I’ve ever seen but it allows me to get the lashes right at the base without touching the skin around the eye area.
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara is another winner. I had a tube I bought from a set a while ago still sitting in the box. I was waiting for my other mascaras to hit the 3 month mark to toss them and try some new formulas. This one has no smudging. It lengthens, holds the curl, defines and doesn’t clump. Huge thumbs up.
Replica Beach Walk Dry Body Oil Spray is summer in a bottle! A little goes a long way and even with a lot of spritzing I’ve barely made a dent in this one. The spritzer dispenses the perfect amount of product and sprays it evenly. I use a couple sprays on each leg to cover them entirely. It smells like the perfect beachy vacation. Compared to the perfume this one is almost identical, the oil just has a slightly salty scent to it making it more beach like. It’s just perfect for warm weather.
Tatcha The Body Mist (Limited-Edition) is a new lightweight hydrating body spray. It smells like the Indigo line with a lightweight feel. I’ve used face mists before for moisture but haven’t really explored body mists unless they are oils. This one has a cooling feel and nice lightweight finish. The scent has a calming effect and I love the way it absorbs into the skin in a light way. I wish it weren’t limited-edition as I’d probably like to restock when this is finished, unfortunately by that time it will probably not be around anymore.
Sisley-Paris White Ginger Contouring Oil for Legs is one of the most luxurious and most expensive body products I own. I tried this in a sample packet from one of the subscription boxes, fell in love and ordered the full size. The sample packet lasted several days for both legs. I found it had enough uses for me to decide I needed it. At $190 per bottle this is insanely expensive but it feels amazing on the legs and has an energizing feel. Right after I ordered one, the Sisley team sent one in a press package so now I’m double stocked on this. I don’t know how this works in terms of the contouring effects – there are quite a few body creams and lotion on the market that claim to have this effect. I feel like you would have to use this for months to notice results. For me the finish, scent and feel is enough to justify the price. It’s the best silky feeling oil I’ve used on the legs ever. It is emollient but it does absorb into the skin after a few minutes. If you’re looking for an oil with a dry down, this may be too emollient for you.
Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil is something I’ve rediscovered. I’ve been experimenting with the Shu Uemura cleansing oils again and will do a roundup review of all of them in a couple weeks. Right now I’ve been loving the Balancing One as it’s designed for sensitive skin and for me it leaves the skin clean and soft and removes all traces of makeup. There is also a new one called nutri:nectar cleansing oil in emulsion which has a thicker almost gel-like texture so it won’t run into the eyes like most fluid oils. It’s very gentle and effective. A more detailed review to follow on both – but these days double cleansing and starting with a cleansing oil for me is a must. The Shu Uemura team is offering Beauty Look Book readers a promo of 5 deluxe samples and free shipping on orders $50+ with code BLBXSHU (samples include mini laque supreme rd01, mini maxi:hydrability essence-in cream, sakura-rose-petal-mask, ultime8 cleansing oil mini, nutri nectar sample) – promo is valid online at both Shu Uemura USA and Shu Uemura Canada.
Don’t forget there’s still a few more days to enter my Charlotte Tilbury giveaway. Coming up next are reviews on new launches from Chanel and Bobbi Brown. What are you loving right now? Any favorite body care products you rely on during the summer months?
Press samples include the Tatcha Body Mist, Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils and Sisley-Paris Ginger Contour Oil.
