Browsing Category

Skincare

Chanel Skincare

No 1 de Chanel Haul + Review

January 26, 2022

Chanel No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation Review BD41

I hauled a few items from the latest No 1 de Chanel Skincare collection and have a review with some thoughts to share today! The lineup has products with their Red Camellia extract and oils to refresh and hydrate the skin. You can find the collection now at Chanel.com and Ulta Beauty. What I hauled:

I skipped most of the new skincare and tested everything with other Chanel skincare items I own and love including the Hydra Beauty Water Cream, Hydra Beauty Micro Serum and La Solution 10 de Chanel. The new foundation formula worked beautifully with these.

No 1 de Chanel Haul + Review

Revitalizing Foundation

Chanel Revitalizing Foundation in BD41

The No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation is a fluid illuminating foundation with sheer-medium coverage. It’s very lightweight with a nice glowy finish. On its own it’s very glowy but I liked that it wasn’t greasy feeling. It has a plumping smoothing effect on the skin with the Red Camellia Oil. Finish has medium lasting power even when set with a powder. Since it’s dewy/luminous adding a powder on top will cancel out the shine and glow with most formulas. I found the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder added on top helped set and tone down the shine but still allowed the glow to show through.

I picked B40 and BD41 and my perfect shade match now is BD41. I also picked up B50 for summer.

Overall feels and looks nice on the skin. If you have oily skin it may be too hydrating for you. Right now it works for me but in the summer months I suspect I will gravitate more towards the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation or CC Cream.

Compared to the Les Beiges Moisturizing Tint the new No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation has more coverage, a more fluid texture and is more lightweight.

Just the Revitalizing Foundation in BD41 on the skin:

Chanel Revitalizing Foundation in BD41

No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation Review BD41

Full makeup look wearing:

Swatches below compared to other formulas including the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation in 6 Neutral, Les Beiges Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint, Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation and NARS Light Reflecting Foundation.

Foundation Swatch Comparisons Chanel, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury

Lip and Cheek Balm

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink, Wake-Up Pink, Lively Rosewood

There are six shades of the Revitalizing Lip and Cheek Balms. I picked three to try knowing that there would be a chance I would not like these on the cheeks and I was right. These are luminous tinted balms. Applied with the fingers you will get a more lightweight tint but if you apply them with a lip brush you will get more pigment.

I have mixed feelings about these. They’re not bad, the quality and performance is quite good. But they are too dewy for my personal taste on the cheeks and I found they had no dry down which makes them have a sticky texture. They have a more sticky/tacky feel compared to the Baume Essentiel sticks but have the same amount of glow/shine in the finish.

On the lips they’re more comfortable and easier to wear but I would have preferred something in a twist up stick format instead.

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink, Wake-Up Pink, Lively Rosewood

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink, Wake-Up Pink, Lively Rosewood

Healthy Pink is a medium nude pink color, applied on lips (with lip brush) + cheeks

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Healthy Pink Makeup Look

Wake-Up Pink is bright coral pink on lips + cheeks 

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Wake-Up Pink Makeup Look

Lively Rosewood is a mauve plum (on lips + cheeks)

No 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Lively Rosewood Makeup Look

No 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge Fragrance Mist and Revitalizing Serum-In-Mist

Chanel L’eau Rouge Fragrance Mist + Revitalizing Serum-In-Mist

The last two items I hauled are my favorite! The No 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge Fragrance Mist was a huge surprise for me. It has a soft refreshing soothing kind of scent to it. To me it’s hard to describe, it has a similar vibe to the Hydra Beauty skincare line and also smells like some of the Shiseido skincare line. Chanel describes it as:

“Opening with an energetic burst of citrus and red berries, the scent unfurls into a heart of jasmine and rose, the iconic signature of the House’s fragrance, along with comforting iris and musk notes.”

To me this is a must-have but I know scent is so personal it might not be for everyone. It’s currently sold out at Chanel but still available at Ulta and I am ordering a backup.

I also really adore the No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum-In-Mist. It’s a bi-phase formula with Red Camellia Oil and camellia water for a dewy refreshed mist of moisture. The oil is noticeable on the skin but it’s still lightweight. If you don’t like the emollient feel I’d recommend their Hydra Beauty Essence Mist instead for a more lightweight feel.

No 1 de Chanel Haul + Review

No 1 de Chanel Haul + Review

Overall some nice pieces in the collection. I think the foundation is beautiful but it’s not my favorite simply because I prefer something with more coverage and something less dewy. The stand outs are the L’Eau Rouge and Revitalizing Serum-In-Mist. I like the concept of infusing makeup with skincare.

Shop the Post

 

 

Available now at Chanel.com and Ulta Beauty. I suspect it will be available at other stores soon! Have you checked out anything from the collection? What did you think?

0 Comments
Beauty Favorites Nordstrom Skincare

Self-Care Beauty Favorites to Relax and Unwind

January 12, 2022

Self Care Beauty Favorites from Nordstrom

Sharing a few of my self-care favorites in my weekly routine to help me relax and unwind! For me the best kind of relaxing self-care treat is to take a nice long bath with a good candle, bath soak or scrub and a luxury face mask. I also love a good body cream or oil to hydrate the skin. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some of my go-to’s along with some new discoveries that launched recently for the new year!

Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Shower Gel and Bubble Bath Candle

I love fresh clean scents for the bath and if you’re a fan of clean powder linen scents then I recommend checking out the Replica Lazy Sunday Morning scent which now comes in a Shower Gel format. The Replica Bubble Bath Candle is another new favorite. It has a soft powdery floral kind of vibe that’s super relaxing for the bath.

Diptyque Chamomille Candle

You girls know I’m the biggest fan of Diptyque and their candles are my favorites. Some new scents for spring launched with a beautiful pattern design on the outside. Chamomille is one I picked up recently and thought it would be perfect for an evening relaxing scent. It has a green floral kind of vibe and I love it. Other new ones with the limited-edition design include Roses and Litchi – all of which I think are stunning!

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Soak + Ouai Scrub

For the bath I love a good bath soak and scrub. The Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Soak is one of my favorites for a skin-softening soothing treat. It’s pricey but one I have repurchased many times and love.

Another tried and true is the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. It has sugar crystals and is scented in in a sweet kind of scent. You can use this on the scalp and body, but I mainly use it on the body for a luxurious body exfoliator.

Best Self Care Body Treatments Necessaire, La Mer, Sisley

For body treatments the best of the best I’ve tried is the Sisley Velvet Nourishing Body Cream with Saffron Flowers. It has the best texture and feel for my skin and doesn’t have a sticky feel so I can wear it to bed comfortably without sticking to the sheets!

Sisley Velvet Nourishing Body Cream

I’ve loved La Mer and have been rationing my Body Creme samples and minis that I have. It’s one of the most luxurious body creams I’ve tried and I noticed they recently launched it in a Body Creme Tube (6.7 oz) so I splurged and couldn’t be happier. It has an ultra rich smooth texture and I think it’s 100% worth the splurge. It’s also available in the Body Creme Jar 10 oz size and Reparative Lotion 5.4 oz format.

Self-Care Body Treatments Necessaire, Sisley, La Mer, Kopari

A few other more affordable body treatments I really like include the Necessaire Body Oil (super thick and emollient, unscented), Necessaire Body Lotion (also unscented and lightweight) and the Kopari Ultra Restore Body Butter (sweet coconut scented but thick and lush).

Hand Creams Replica, L'Occitane, Diptyque

I’ve tried a few newer hand creams recently. I love the purse-size Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Hand Cream which is heavily scented in the powdery clean scent.

For those with dry hands I think L’Occitane makes the best formula to make a huge difference in skin texture and hydration. I am never without one of the smaller tubes (love these in their Hand Cream Trio). I bought the newest Youth Hand Cream Serum-in-Cream with their Immortelle Flower blend. It’s a really beautiful formula with a silky smooth texture. Smells just like their Immortelle skincare line.

If you love Diptyque perfumes they have a number of hand creams in their best selling scents. I love the Do Son Hand Cream for a unique mix of tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine.

Best Rose Face Masks Fresh and Sisley

Last but not least I love a good hydrating face mask to calm the skin and finish off my self care routine at night. I love rose face masks for their soothing properties and my two go-to’s for glowing skin are the Fresh Rose Face Mask (nice for a weekly pick me up) and Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask (splurge).

New Year Self Care Favorites from Nordstrom

That wraps up my self care favorites from Nordstrom! Would love to hear about your favorites right now. Do you have any self-care rituals to help you relax and unwind?

Shop the Post

 

 

Sponsored by Nordstrom. As always all opinions are my own. All products featured purchased by me.

0 Comments
Beauty Favorites Skincare

New Year Skincare Refresh Favorites from Kiehl’s

January 7, 2022

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

I’m excited to share some of my skincare favorites from Kiehl’s today! I have used and loved so many things from Kiehl’s over the years. They have a lot of great everyday staples for a wide range of skin types and needs. (Andrew also uses a lot from the men’s line!) I’ve partnered with them to highlight some of my favorites. If you’re looking for some things to refresh your winter skincare routine, I hope you find this roundup helpful!

Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

The Ultra Facial Cream has been a go-to staple for a great everyday lightweight moisturizer. It’s one of their best sellers suitable for all skin types. It has a lightweight feel, absorbs nicely into the skin, and has a mix of Squalane and Glycerin to restore and retain moisture to the skin. I love that it’s smooth and balancing. A little goes a long way.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

Cleanser

I have quite a few other things from Kiehl’s in my skincare routine. I tend to rotate skincare as the seasons change but I have several staples I use regularly. Their Ultra Facial Cleanser is a favorite of mine for it’s thick texture. It’s great to remove excess oil, dirt, makeup and even sunscreen. I love that it’s effective at cleansing but doesn’t strip the skin.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Toner

Kiehl’s has a lot of great toners too! One I’ve been loving lately is the Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner. I like this one because it has salicylic acid and a mixture of other ingredients to gently resurface, soften and brighten skin.

Kiehl's Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Night Time

For night time treatments I love the Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum. It’s one of the few retinol products my skin can handle. It works well to keep my skin smooth and helps reduce wrinkles over time. The Micro-Dose technology allows for positive anti-aging results without harsh side effects.

Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

Detox Mask

One last favorite I want to highlight is the Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask. I love this to give the skin a detox cleanse once a week and this is one of my favorite masks to do just that. It helps reduce clogged pores and blackheads. I’ll use it as a spot treatment on trouble areas. Leave it on for around 10 minutes and rinse. Skin feels a lot smoother, tighter and pore size is reduced.

Kiehl's Skincare Favorites

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

That wraps up my Top 5 Kiehl’s favorites in my routine right now! You can find all the items available online at Kiehl’s.

Shop the Post

 

 

Sponsored by Kiehl’s.

0 Comments
Beauty Favorites Haircare Skincare

Best Skin + Hair Care of 2021

December 31, 2021

Best Skincare + Hair Care of 2021

I’m wrapping up the year with a best of Skincare and Hair Care favorites roundup of 2021. This year has been a very sad one for us, if you follow me along on social you know we had to say goodbye to Lucy this past week. We are very grateful she made it through Christmas with us. She was a very happy dog and we feel so lucky to have had her in our life for 17 years. We have family in town for a couple of days to help distract us with their company. To all who lost a loved one this year, my heart goes out to you!

In my effort to end the year on a positive note, here is by Best of Skin Care and Hair Care for the year with my top picks in each category.

Best Skincare 2021

Face Cleansers

Makeup Removers / Micellar Cleansers

Toner/Essence/Serum

Moisturizer

Best Skincare Hair Care 2021

 

Scrub/Exfoliators/Treatments/Masks

Eye Treatment

Night Treatment

Body Care + Lip Care

Hair Shampoo + Conditioner + Mask

Hair Styling

Hope you are ending the year on a good note! I’m hopeful for a better year next year. I have a lot to be grateful for with so many good things even though there were a lot of tough moments this year. Sending you all lots of love!

 

0 Comments
Giveaway Skincare

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

December 6, 2021

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with one of the co-founders of Omorovicza, Margaret de Heinrich. Omorovicza has been a long-time favorite for years and it was so great to connect with the brand founder and learn more about her skincare philosophy, background behind the brand and her own self-care routine.

The line was founded in Budapest where Margaret and her husband Stephen met. They were impressed by the healing properties and benefits of the Hungarian mineral rich waters and began their quest to capture these ingredients into their own skincare line. You can read more about their brand history and the inspiration behind their skincare line here. I love that she has so much passion for her brand! Also truly appreciate that she understands the seasonality of skincare as well.

I’ve used quite a few things from Omorovicza over the years. Long-time readers know that I’m a huge fan of the Queen of Hungary Face Mist. It’s made my favorites list countless times and they’ve since added a few more formulas to their lineup! For those new to the brand I thought it would be fun to share my Top 10 favorites!

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

Cleansers

Omorovicza Cleansers

Readers know I love trying cleansers. I think having a good cleansing routine is essential to having clear healthy skin. I’ve tried nearly every cleanser Omorovicza has!

Moor Cream Cleanser ($82) is the first cleanser I tried and it’s one I’ve kept repurchasing. It has such a unique cream mud texture that works to purify the skin while moisturizing. It has Moor Mud with calcium, magnesium and a blend of essential oils to cleanse and purify.

Cleansing Foam ($82) is a sulfate free cleansing foam. This has been formulated for all skin types but for me I find it best suited for normal-oily skin or combination skin. It’s gentle and non-stripping but works to help remove excess oil. Key ingredients include Copper Gluconate, White Lupin Extract, Apple Pectin and their patented Healing Concentrate.

Queen Cleanser ($95) is one of the newest additions to Omorovicza and I love it! It’s like a cold cream cleanser and works well to clean the skin gently while calming the skin. Calendula extract calms the skin. It contains evening primrose oil, Vitemin E and linseed oil to smooth and protect the skin. This cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft and well balanced.

Peachy Micellar Cleansers ($52) these cleansing pads are among my favorite from the line. I use it as a first step cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the day. It has a super fresh feel to them. These contain natural Olive Oil Ester to draw out oil and impurities, Damask Rose Flower Water to soothe and soften and a gentle Patchouli + Peach fragrance.

Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers

Mask/Treatments

Omorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel and Deep Cleansing Mask

There are several masks and peels from Omorovicza. I have not tried them all yet but two I really love are the Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel and Deep Cleansing Mask. The Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel ($200) is an ultra-gentle exfoliating and brightening peel with AHA and Lactic Acid. This is one of the few peels I can use that is gentle enough for my sensitive skin. You leave it on for a couple of minutes and rinse off. It’s recommended to use 2-3 times per week.

The Deep Cleansing Mask ($125) Is a great purifying mud-mask. It has a slight cooling effect and works to reduce pore size and clarify the skin without stripping it. It contains their Hungarian Moor Mud rich in calcium and magnesium to clear the skin. I’ll use this 1 time per week or every other week. I like that this one is soothing and not too strong.

Queen Cream

Omorovicza Queen Cream

For moisturizers I’ve really loved the mists from Omorovicza but haven’t really explored the other creams or lotions yet. One that I have tried is their new Queen Cream ($249). It is phenomenal! Margaret describes it as a cloud cushion for the skin and I couldn’t find a better way to describe it. It has a unique balm texture that glides onto the skin and doubles as a makeup primer. It primes and preps the skin for foundation. Love that it has a nice blurring effect!

Face Mists

Omorovicza Face Mists

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Face Mist

I’ve saved the best for last! I’ve loved the Queen of Hungary Mist for years. It’s a gentle hydrating mist that works to refresh the skin without being too heavy or oily. It has a mix of orange blossom, rose and sage. It’s the best skin refresher I own.

The Magic Moisture Mist ($99) is a bi-phase formula that also acts as a liquid moisturizer. It has oil and water that gives the skin a nice fresh glow.

The newest addition is their Queen of Hungary Evening Mist ($84). This is designed to help soothe the skin overnight and has lavender oil to relax, melatonin to repair the skin overnight and CBD to calm and reduce any inflammation. I keep this on my nightstand and I love it. It’s the perfect skin treat to end the day.

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

You can find all of my favorites at Omorovicza. There’s a lot to explore by skin type and collection. They also have some items in travel size as well.

SHOP THE POST

 

 

The brand has kindly offered to host a giveaway to one US reader (18 years and older)! Giveaway will run from 12/6 through 12/9/2021 11:59 PM EST. To enter follow all the steps in the widget below. They’re giving away:

  • Queen of Hungary Mist
  • Peachy Micellar Pads
  • Gentle Buffing Gelée
  • Midnight Renewal

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you tried anything from Omorovicza? What are your favorites?

0 Comments
Skincare

Healthy Fresh-Faced Skincare Loves from Dermalogica

December 1, 2021

Dermalogica Best Cleanse + Glow Set

I’m all about that ultra-clean feeling when it comes my skin and I’m a firm believer in double cleansing to keep the skin clear and healthy. These days so many makeup brands have formulated their products to last longer throughout the day which I love, however it also means you need make a little extra effort to remove it all the end of the day. Cleaning your skin thoroughly is must for me to maintain healthy glowing skin.

I’ve loved Dermalogica for years for their easy-to-use no-fuss skincare staples. I love their philosophy and that all their formulas are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and cruelty-free as well. If you’re looking for some skincare sets there are some great ones from Dermalogica this season. I’ve partnered with them to share a look at their Best Cleanse + Glow Set ($95) which includes full-sizes of the PreCleanse (5.1 oz). Special Cleansing Gel (8.4 oz), and Daily Microfoliant (2.6 oz). The cleansers will remove makeup, oil and dirt without stripping the skin.

Dermalogica Best Cleanse + Glow Set

Dermalogica Best Cleanse + Glow Set

I’ve been really loving the Best Cleanse + Glow Set because it offers a simple cleansing routine. Step 1 is their PreCleanse which is a cleansing oil that works to break down and melt away makeup, excess oil, sunscreen and waterproof makeup. Apply on dry skin and massage it over the face, then wet hands and then work the emulsified oil into the face. Finish by rinsing with warm water.

Dermalogica PreCleanse

Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil

Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil

Step 2 is to use the Special Cleansing Gel. I’ve used and repurchased this several times in the past and love that it’s a lightweight but effective cleanser. It’s soap-free with a gel formula that lathers well. It’s gentle and also has Balm Mint to calm the skin and Lavender Extract to soothe.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

The final step in their Cleansing Routine is to use the Daily Microfoliant which is a gentle rice-based exfoliating powder. It’s activated with a little bit of water and has papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to gently polish the skin. It’s been a while since I’ve used a face scrub as I found most too harsh for my skin. I still know it’s important exfoliate and this is a gentle option that really makes a difference in texture and tone. It also has colloidal oatmeal to calm the skin.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I also love their masks! I’m always on the hunt to try a good detoxifying mask that helps clear out pores and clears skin while still calming it. I tried their Charcoal Rescue Mask ($49) around the areas I have congestion and it works really to refine pores and brighten the skin. I apply it on the nose and T-zone area along with some trouble spots on my cheeks but you can apply it all over as well.

Dermalogica charcoal rescue masque

Dermalogica charcoal rescue masque

Dermalogica Skincare Review

If you’re looking for some other sets check out their Skin Kits and Sets page.

You can find the Best Cleanse + Glow Set available online at Dermalogica. Have you tried the line before? If you have what are some of your favorites? If not, do you double cleanse? What products do you have in your routine right now?

SHOP THE POST

 

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

0 Comments
Budget Beauty Skincare

Glowing Skin with the L’Oreal Midnight Serum

September 27, 2021

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

Sponsored by Walmart Beauty.

One of my latest skincare loves is the L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum, available at Walmart. Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid it works to help renew the skin’s surface for smoother and more radiant skin.

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

 

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

The L’Oreal Midnight Serum comes in a 1 fl oz dropper bottle and one pump is enough to cover my entire face. I love that it has smooth lightweight feel that absorbs easily into the skin. It has a nicely hydrating feel and I love that it’s not sticky and non-greasy. The serum helps lock in moisture during the night and skin and after consistent use for several weeks, my skin is noticeably smoother, fine lines are starting to soften, skin is refreshed in the morning.

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum review

I prefer a lightweight texture in my night time skincare so just the serum alone is perfect for night. It also works well layered under moisturizer if you need extra hydration. They recommend applying the Midnight Serum nightly on clean skin and then pairing it with their Cell Renewal Night Moisturizer which I just started using and love. I also started incorporating the Age Perfect Cell Renewal Eye Cream to help with anti-aging and fine lines. It has a nice creamy texture with good hydration, smooth texture, good dry down (works well under makeup too!).

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum review night routine

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum

L'Oreal Age Perfect Night Cream and Eye Cream

If you’re looking for a good moisturizing serum for your night time routine, you can check out the L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum available at Walmart. Other skincare items in their Age Perfect lineup also available here. I’m a huge fan of L’Oreal Makeup but am relatively new to their skincare line. If you’ve tried any other skincare from L’Oreal let me know your favorites!

Shop the Post:

 

 

Sponsored by Walmart Beauty.

0 Comments