Nordstrom Archives - The Beauty Look Book

Best of Cle de Peau Beaute

November 25, 2019

I have a luxury beauty roundup featuring my favorites from Cle de Peau Beaute. They have so many beautiful high quality pieces many of which I consider to be tried and true staples. Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to round up my top ten beauty picks I think are worth the splurge. I purchase and restock most of my Cle de Peau products from them and have for years, especially their bases. All of my personal favorites and the shades I use discussed below.

Below wearing the Radiant Cushion Foundation O30 and Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine in Sepia

Above left to right: Brilliant Enhancer, Radiant Corrector for Eyes, Concealer

1) Brilliant Enhancer

The Brilliant Enhancer comes in one shade which is a sheer pearly highlight. It has a click pen applicator with a brush tip and provides the most natural looking liquid illuminator I’ve ever seen. You can use it anywhere you want to add brightness or a highlight. I find using it on the eyes, cheekbones or even under eyes under concealer gives the skin a very soft radiant effect. It’s sheer and glowy and never looks overdone. I will sometimes click dispense product onto the back of my hand first and then use my fingertips to apply on the face although the brush works too!

2) Radiant Corrector for Eyes

The Radiant Corrector for Eyes is ideal for brightening or concealing dark circles under the eye area. It has a brush applicator and has a less opaque formula compared to the stick version making it easier to blend for under the eye area. It goes on smoothly and has good coverage without looking heavy. I use the shade Ochre.

3) Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer

The Concealer in Ochre is the best opaque formula I’ve tried for a full coverage concealer. I’ve used Almond in the past but Ochre is my best match now for my Florida tan. I warm up a little bit from the stick with my finger before patting and blending on the face. It is versatile for spot concealing, to cover redness around the nose or to cover redness under the eyes. It has SPF 25 which was introduced sometime last year. To me this newer version is just as good as the original version.

4) Radiant Cushion Foundation

The Radiant Cushion Foundation in O30 is the only foundation I currently use from the line. I do want to try more formulas but many of my old favorites have been reformulated. This cushion has medium to full coverage with a very natural luminous glow. I love that it looks radiant without being too dewy. Skin looks smoothed out and healthy and stays put all day without budging. It has buildable coverage but still feels lightweight.

5) Cream Blushes

The Cle de Peau Beaute Cream Blushes are newer tries for me. I cannot believe I did not discover these sooner! They’re creamy pots that have the most beautiful powder dry down. I’m not the biggest fan of cream blushes because they’re often too dewy for me but these are hands down the best I have EVER tried. I have two shades right now in 1 Cranberry (one I’m wearing in this post) which is a soft rose and 2 Pale Fig (brighter warm pink). I have the other two on my wishlist to order soon. They blend so beautifully into the skin and are the longest lasting cream blushes I’ve tried. They look natural but give a perfect amount of color. You can apply with fingers easily or a small cream blush brush. A little bit goes a very long way.

6) Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner in Black

I tried some eye makeup basics based on rave reviews and they 100% live up to the hype. The Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner has two tips, one short and one long. It is the best liquid eyeliner I have ever tried to date and has surpassed all my other favorites. I love that you have two options to control the thickness of the line. I also think the formula has the perfect density and fluidity to dry quickly so it doesn’t bleed at all.

7) Perfect Lash Mascara in Black

Another eye makeup product I ordered recently was the Cle de Peau Beaute Perfect Lash Mascara. I purchased it on a whim as I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. Few mascaras do it all for me but this one worked out perfectly for everything I wanted. It adds volume, holds the curl, doesn’t smudge and the curved brush makes application easy. I like that the brush is dense enough to coat my lashes with just a few coats. I will definitely repurchase!

8) Radiant Lip Gloss

For lips one of my favorite gloss formulas is the Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Lip Gloss. They have a cushiony feel and beautiful shine without that sticky finish. They are sheer so I recommend layering on top of a liner or lipstick if you want more coverage. My favorites are Warm Crystal, Charm, Dream Stone and Star Dust. They have a tiny amount of shimmer to make the lips look lush and full.

9) Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine Liquid Lipstick

Above wearing Sugar Jelly

The latest lip launch from Cle de Peau Beaute is their Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine Liquid Lipstick. They also launched a matte version which I tried as well (swatches of my picks below) but I’m partial to the shine version. They’re glossy high pigmented liquid lipsticks with the most juicy looking colors. I picked four and hope they launch more colors in this formula! Sepia is a perfect nude, Sugar Jelly is a baby pink, Delicious Dream is a juicy soft red pink, Bird of Paradise is a gorgeous orangey coral. I like mixing the colors as well. (My shine and matte picks swatched below.)

10) Face Cotton

Last but not least is the Cle de Peau Face Cotton which has been one of my go-to’s for years. They’re thick and plush and hold the shape. They won’t disintegrate with toner or makeup remover and they don’t leave fibers on the skin. I repurchase it constantly and my most recent haul I bought the Cleansing Foam Set which has the cotton in it along with some other skincare products. It is 100% worth the price for me.

That wraps up my Top 10 Cle de Peau Beaute favorites! I have tried some of their skincare items but for me the highlights are some of their makeup products. I really want to try their current Serum since I used to be obsessed with one of the older formulations.

You can find the full line of Cle de Peau available at Nordstrom. They often have nice Gift With Purchases available, especially during Bonus Point Events. I recommend checking it regularly if you plan on stocking up on anything!

What are your favorite Cle de Peau Beaute products? Do you have any tried and true skincare items you recommend?

Thank you Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. All products purchased and selected by me.

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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Everyday Makeup Essentials for Fall

October 25, 2019

Happy Friday! I have an updated everyday makeup post today with my top go-to’s that I use on a regular basis. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some favorites for the season. I purchase a lot of my makeup staples (and Andrew’s grooming picks) from there – they carry most of the brands we both love and use.

Base Favorites

I’m frequently asked what my top foundations are. I rotate depending on how much coverage I want but the line I reach for the most is Laura Mercier. They have a wide range of formulas for any coverage and finish preference! For me the best medium to full coverage matte foundation of all time is the Flawless Fusion Foundation Ultra Long-Wear Foundation (I wear either Buff or Dusk). It smooths out the skin, covers spots, lasts all day in hot weather and even though it’s matte doesn’t look flat. If I had to use one base the rest of my life this would be it.

For a glowy more hydrating finish the Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere is one I reach for frequently tied with Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation (I wear 6.5). Both offer a natural luminous finish that is perfectly dewy without being too glowy. Coverage is also medium but buildable and they come in a wide range of shades.

The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating formulas were revamped and improved this year. I love both for weekend or no-makeup makeup days. Sometimes if I have a good skin day I can wear just one and layer some concealer on top. If you like a super sheer base with just a hint of coverage I think the new formulas are among the best!

One formula I just rediscovered is the La Mer Luminous Lifting Cushion (I wear Shade 33 Warm Bisque). It’s one of the best cushions I’ve tried that has medium coverage and looks like skin but better. It’s hydrating but not too heavy. It’s very natural looking and makes the skin look radiant. I am thrilled I have a good match.

For pressed powders I love the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in Medium and the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus or Medium Golden. Both will add a soft blurring effect to the skin and smooth/set your foundation. Pressed is my preferred choice since it’s easier to carry in the purse, easier for touch-ups and less messy.

In terms of loose options there are a wide range of amazing formulas to pick from. I’m partial to Laura Mercier’s Translucent for everyday and on going-out nights I’ll add the Translucent Glow option on the cheek bones for added radiance.

Lip Rotation

Lips are my favorite thing to rotate during fall. There are always so many new formulas and colors launched this season. I’m hard pressed to pick favorites but these four are the ones I’ve been reaching for the most the past couple of months.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm is my daily go-to balm for a soft pink flush. It applies clear on the lips but give it a minute or so and it will transform color into a soft pink glow. The Dior Addict Lip Glow Balms are also still really excellent for more of a flushed deeper color, but I’ve been reaching for the NARS a lot more.

NARS Lipsticks were completely revamped this year. My favorite color is Chelsea Girls which is a neutral pink, but on my lips it pulls more pinkish. It has a semi glossy finish. Dolce Vita is also a really nice and easy to wear rose.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shines used to be in heavy rotation for me a long time ago. I just checked them out again and discovered they discontinued some colors but also added some newer shades. Rose Nu 88 is a pretty rose (worn here).

For a lush hydrating gloss it doesn’t get more classic than the Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss. 119 Bourgeoisie is a classic soft rose plum with a hint of shimmer.

Eye Makeup Favorites

Four eye makeup staples for me include the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Copper (love this shade for an all over wash or base). Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows in Burnish and Blaze (they add the perfect amount of shine!), Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Duo in Reflection (new) for the perfect bronzey smokey eye and Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Black Wood (for a deep black that isn’t too harsh). In terms of eyeshadow palettes I don’t have a regular go-to as I switch those up frequently, although I do still really like the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette that I’ve been wearing pretty much all year long.

Cheeks

My two most reached for cheek products lately are the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel for the best cream bronzer ever and the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette this season. I’m wearing both in this post! The two combined are perfect for everyday and pretty much go with everything I typically wear. Creams don’t always work for me in Florida due to the heat but this Chanel bronzer has a good dry down that lasts all day and doesn’t oxidize.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup! Let me know in the comments if you have any everyday makeup favorites right now for fall or if you keep the same rotation year round. You can find all of my favorite makeup staples at Nordstrom.

Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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GWP Haircare Nordstrom

New Haircare Loves

October 7, 2019

I’ve been trying some new things in haircare the past few months and have a roundup of my top picks right now. I really love trying new things and am always in the market for good hair masks or anti-frizz products to restore moisture and add shine. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve had color-treated hair and I’m currently in the process of trying to grow out my natural color. My haircare routine has changed since getting highlights and I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some of my top go-to picks right now. They carry most of the brands and products I use on a regular basis.

I also love shopping there because they have good Beauty Gift With Purchases year round. In my most recent haul I restocked on some of my favorite hair care items for the Nordstrom x SPACE.NK.apothecary gift (available while supplies last) which includes:

A cosmetics bag and deluxe samples of PHILIP B® Weightless Conditioning Water (2.5 oz.), R+Co Balloon Dry Volume Spray (1 oz.), Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo (0.9 oz.), Verso Hydration Serum (0.35 oz.), 111SKIN Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel (0.25 oz.), By Terry Blackstar Eyeshadow in Purpulyn Gem (0.04 oz.), Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment (0.17 oz.), REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen (0.34 oz.), Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation in Medium (0.18 oz.), Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream (0.23 oz.), Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask (0.03 oz.), ILIA Soft Focus Finishing Powder (0.05 oz.), Rodial Pink Diamond Magic Gel Day Cream (0.3 oz.) and Derm Institute Antioxidant Hydration Gel Masque (2 sachets, 0.1 oz. each) with your $175 SPACE.NK.apothecary purchase. A $278 value. Online and in selected U.S. stores.*

There are a lot more Beauty Gifts going on right now online. There’s a cute one from Lancome right now, also some good options for minis from Dior, Hourglass, Diptyque, Fresh and more. I always love the Fresh skincare minis.

My Go-To Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ve been on the hunt for a good shampoo and conditioner combination for what seems like AGES now. My hair is more prone to breakage with each highlight treatment and Florida water isn’t the best for all formulas. Many formulas are hard to rinse out so finding something that is hydrating but doesn’t weigh the hair down has been tricky. I’ve really loved Olaplex for some time but wanted to try something new. Some Oribe formulas have been hit or miss but I decided to re-try the Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner and my hair loves them! I’m on my third bottle of both and think I need to buy the supersized versions. They both hydrate, add shine and make the hair soft. The formula rinses out nicely and doesn’t weigh my hair down.

Heat Protectant and Texturizer

I blow dry my hair on a regular basis to smooth it and prevent frizz. Most of the time air drying isn’t the best for me. I’ve tried dozens of heat styling sprays and creams. There are a lot of great options out there but the one I keep going back to is the Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray. It doubles as a detangler for me and smooths out the hair. This is also lightweight and helps minimize frizz. I spray it on towel dried hair.

Even though I want to smooth out the hair, I also sometimes want more volume at the roots. The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is my favorite and a nice alternative to dry shampoo because it’s not white or powdery like dry shampoo formulas are.

Olaplex Styling Products

I’ve been so eager to try everything that Olaplex launches. I bought the No. 6 Bond Smoother and No. 7 Bonding Oil the second they both launched. A little goes a long way for both.

The Bond Smoother is a white cream that is a leave-in styling cream that strengthens and moisturizes the hair to prepare for blow drying. I found it lightweight and it did work to fight frizz. It’s nice on my brittle hair and does protect from heat. For me I like this on damp hair.

The Bonding Oil is an even more lightweight product that’s ultra concentrated. It offers heat protection up to 450 degrees. Since I have thicker hair I found my damp hair soaked it up super fast. I prefer applying this on my blow-dried hair to add shine and add more protection if I’m straightening it with a flat iron. It’s super tiny but a little drop goes a long way. The dispenser is designed so that only a tiny bit of product comes out with each drop.

Hydrating and Frizz Treatments

Last, my two latest discoveries from Christophe Robin are his new Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk with Shea Butter and the Hydrating Melting Mask with Aloe Vera. Both are 100% worth the splurge. For a no-frizz product his Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk is a nice effective product that glides through damp hair easily for a nice blow out. I’m normally not a fan of milky hair products because they can feel too thick or sticky. This one absorbs into the hair nicely without any sticky feel and for me it’s like the cream/milk version of the Oribe spray. I also love that it’s fragrance free.

The Hydrating Melting Mask is also quite phenomenal to add moisture to my ends in a lightweight way. I’m a fan of all of his aloe vera products – they have a really nice lightweight scent that’s calming and soothing. Color treatments for my hair have made it more tangle-prone after it’s wet. This one makes the tangles go away and allows a comb or brush to glide through more easily after I rinse it out.

I’m really happy to have rediscovered the Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner. My next purchase will be the large pump sizes of both. For a good hair mask I’ve been so pleased with the Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask. I think the Oribe Royal Blowout Spray will forever be a go-to for me, but I almost like the Christophe Anti-Frizz Rescue Milk a little better right now.

If you’ve been in the market for some new hair care I hope this roundup helped you! I’d love to hear about your hair care loves right now. Does your routine stay the same year round or now that we’ve transitioned to fall do you switch things up?

You can find all my haul picks at Nordstrom. If you’re shopping online don’t forget to check out the Beauty Gift With Purchase page, it’s updated on a regular basis!

Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Becca Nordstrom

Becca x Nordstrom Rose Glow Kit

August 2, 2019

The Becca Rose Glow Kit is a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive this year ($48 for the sale, $90 value). For some reason it didn’t pop up online or in stores until a few weeks after the sale start date but I bought one as soon as I saw it. It contains full sizes of Shimmering Skin Perfector in Spanish Rose Glow + Glow Gloss in Rose Quartz along with two mini complexion products of the Backlight Priming Filter (15 ml) and Hydra-Mist Set and Refresh Powder (2.5 g). You can buy the lip gloss and highlighter individually along with full sizes of the powder/primer. I think the Becca sets are a nice way to try product at a discounted price, especially with the minis, it’s nice to try before committing to the full size.

The Backlight Priming Filter is a luminous fluid highlighter I find a hybrid between a serum feel and cream. It has a lightweight texture and blends in seamlessly to the skin for a soft luminous glow. I used this a long time ago and went through a couple tubes. It’s a nice basic luminizer that works well under foundation. These days I’m more into the ones from Laura Mercier or Tatcha Silk Canvas.

The Hydra-Mist Set and Refresh Powder is a cooling powder that has a very lightweight feel. It has a similar effect to the Prescriptives Magic Powder from many years ago, minus the iridescent glow. I really love this powder and it was a staple when I used it regularly. These days there are so many powders available I rotate more between the Laura Mercier and Hourglass ones when I use loose powder, but after rediscovering this one I plan on adding it back into my routine. It’s compatible with Florida weather!

The Shimmering Skin Perfector in Spanish Rose Glow was a limited-edition rosy pink that flashes a hint of violet. It’s borderline duochrome on my skin, but only because it feels slightly cooler-toned on my warm olive skin. I find it pretty unique compared to my other pink highlighters. I usually opt for warmer pinks but this is a nice change from my usual champagne or warmer colors. On my skin it’s definitely highlighter material, I think it goes well with blushes like MAC Powder Blush Breath of Plum, Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Pillow Talk or Sex on Fire. This was launched a while ago at select sites, you can find it right now individually at Becca and Beautylish.

Swatch comparisons next to Rose Quartz, Lilac Geode, Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powders in Opal, Tawny Glow and Afternoon Glow. The Becca pulls more blue/cool toned on my face while the ones from Bobbi Brown are more on the neutral side.

The Glow Gloss in Rose Quartz is a pale soft cool light pink. It has some shimmer and feels smooth with a moderate tacky sticky texture. It’s not the smoothest gloss I’ve tried, but at the same time it’s not super sticky. I reviewed all the Becca Glow Glosses here. Back when I was a shade or a shade and a half lighter this was easier for me to wear alone. Right now it’s best when paired with a slightly deeper liner or lipstick (ie Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk or MAC Boldly Bare).

Some swatch comparisons for the gloss in case you like the tone but find it too pale for your lips (like me right now). I’ve linked the reviews/swatches for the colors I have reviews on: Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fussy, By Terry Lip Expert in Baby Beige, Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Love Potion, Laura Mercier Bare Baby, Becca Glow Gloss in Rose Quartz and Opal, MAC Lipglass in Cultured and All Things Magical, Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Hippy Shake, Patrick TA Lip Gloss in She’s an Influencer, NARS Lip Gloss in Color Me

Look wearing the Becca Rose Glow Kit along with:

Foundation – Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Foundation in Medium 15* (review soon, if you’re normally my skin twin go with Light-Medium 14, I’m more tan right now and use 15)
Powder – Becca Hydra-Mist Set and Refresh
Blush – Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Sex on Fire
Highlighter – Becca Spanish Rose Glow
Eyeshadow – NARS Mini Wanted* (review here)
Brow – Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown
Mascara – L’Oreal Lash Paradise
Lips – Becca Glow Gloss in Rose Quartz

Overall I like the look of Spanish Rose Glow but I don’t think it’s a must-have for me. The rest are repeats I already have but I’m gifting them away to family. All that said I think Spanish Rose Glow is pretty unique from what I’ve seen compared to other colors. If you want something a little less cool-toned or neutral/warm opt for any of the Bobbi Brown Highlighting powders.

You can find the Becca Rose Glow Kit now at Nordstrom while supplies last for the Anniversary Sale. Have you tried this color yet? What did you think? If not what’s your go-to pink highlighter of the moment?

This will be the last Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive I review this year. I apologize but most of the items I hauled sold out really quickly before I was able to post swatches and a review. I am currently working on testing the Pat McGrath foundation, new Chanel sunscreen and will be swatching the new NARS lipsticks!

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Hauls Nordstrom

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Outfit + Shoe Haul

July 19, 2019

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally open to the public today! I have a roundup of my fashion and shoe picks that I hauled with a few try-on photos and hits or misses. I kept my fashion picks edited since most of the offerings are for pre-fall and fall season. I absolutely love the leather and faux leather jackets but living in Florida it’s only cold enough a handful of days to wear. Contrary to popular belief we do get some cold days, in the winter it hits around the 40s or 50s. I suppose it’s all relative since in the same time it’s much much colder elsewhere! I found some cute camisoles, picked a few longer sleeve tops and some jeans.

Full haul linked below:

Try On 1: J.Crew and Madewell

I found a cute sweater from the sale from J.Crew! It’s called the Tippi Sweater in Multi-stripe in Navy Sapphire. I opted for a size up from my normal size in Small for a more relaxed look. On the left I tried on the Madewell 9-Inch Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans (also on sale) which I really loved, but own a pair almost identical so I passed on these. On the right I have my Agolde Parker Shorts (not on sale) and my fav summer Sam Edelman Sandals (true to size, also not part of sale).

Outfit Try On 2: Leith and Madewell

Above I have on the Leith Side Drape Camisole for something red and drapey from the sale. I could have gone with an XS or S, I’m wearing the Small above and it’s what I bought. Denim is Madewell Ripped 10-Inch High Waist Crop Skinny Jeans which ran a little too short for my taste. I opted for a different pair from Paige (see below).

Outfit 3: Rag and Bone

I really love all things Rag and Bone! I bought a pair of jeans from the sale a couple years ago and even with regular wear and washing they held up really well and don’t stretch out with wear. Above I’m wearing the Astrid Polka Dot Camisole in XS and the Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans. I bought both!

Outfit 4: Treasure and Bond x Rag and Madewell

I love blue and white stripe shirts but finding one with a loose weave and good drape that doesn’t consume my petite frame is hard. My favorite ones are from Joie (super spendy) but this Treasure and Bond Dobby Stripe Boyfriend Top is a nice cheaper dupe. I find the line runs big and often have to wear XXS (as shown above). Also paired with the Madewell jeans I tried on in Outfit 1.

Try On 5: Blank NYC

Someday I will be live in a city again where I can wear leather jackets. I thought this Blank NYC Record Breaker Collarless Faux Leather Moto Jacket was so cute. I love the crop style and color. This is in an XS. I thought it was a steal at $64.90 but since it would not get much wear here I decided to pass. I did seriously consider it for fall for upcoming travel though!

Try On 6: Paige and Frame

I think the Nordstrom sale has the best designer jeans available! I buy a pair from Paige every year. Out of all the brands I think it’s the best and most flattering. On the left is the Paige Hoxton Ripped High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans (true to size but relaxed fit, I bought these in 26). On the right are the Frame Le Skinny Chew Hem Ankle Jeans (size 27), I also decided to buy these and love the length.

Shoe Picks: Tory Burch and Adidas

I bought four pairs of shoes from the sale. One I’m undecided on. I love Tory Burch sandals and of course fell in love with the Everly T-Strap Sandals. I found they ran true to size and bought my usual 6.5 size in the black and red. I wasn’t going to buy the red but both Andrew and the sale associate said it looked good and that it was still neutral enough to not be crazy bright. Most of my shoes are black, tan or some kind of neutral! These are bold for me.

I thought the Everly Sandal was a good moderate heel sandal at 2.5 inches and bought them in Tan/Gold. I found my regular size 6.5 fit well but I’m undecided about these. I feel like my Ugg Kari Sandals (worn here) are a lot more comfortable and easier to wear. Granted the styles are completely different, but for a nice tan sandal I love the Uggs a lot more.

Adidas are new to me as I’ve been more into Nike and APL. I bought the Swift Run Sneakers (they run large, I sized down 2 sizes from my normal sneaker size) and think they’re really nice! Andrew got matching ones in the men’s and we both are really impressed with how stable they are for weight training. I am looking for other non-sale colors to haul this weekend.

Try on 7: Sunglasses

I usually find at least one pair of sunglasses from the sale that I love. This season all the Kate Spade offerings were really similar to ones I already own. I loved these Burberry Check 57MM Polarized Gradient ones thinking they’d be a good dupe for the Tom Ford Lauren ones I’ve been eyeing for months. I did think they were super cute but they felt a little loose in the fit (I tried on several pairs to make sure). I decided to save for the Tom Ford ones or opt for another pair of Ray Bans.

Last but not least I did try on a bunch of workout fitness tops and bottoms. I found the vast majority of the tops either weren’t fitted well or ran super long. I did buy the Zella Zip Go To Hoodie because it’s lightweight and super soft! They didn’t have my size in store, it runs big, I bought both the nude and grey in XXS and love them. I had high hopes to find some good deals for fitness but no matter where I look, I always go to Lululemon for quality staples.

I hope you enjoyed this haul post! More beauty reviews to follow soon from the sale. I did place another online haul and bought a new Barefoot Dreams blanket which I think is the best thing I bought! Did you haul Anything yet?

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Charlotte Tilbury Nordstrom

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit + Easy Smokey Eye Palette

July 17, 2019

Charlotte Tilbury has two limited-edition sets for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I posted quick swatches here but have a more detailed look at both today. There’s a Pillow Talk Full Size Lip Kit ($60) and an Easy Smokey Eye Palette Mini ($55 for 6 shades). Both are beautiful and I highly recommend them!

Above wearing the Charlotte Tilbury Easy Smokey Eye Palette, Pillow Talk Lip Kit (all 3 layered), Pillow Talk Cheek to Chic Blush, Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in Shade 7, camisole from Leith

Pillow Talk Lip Kit

The Pillow Talk Lip Kit has three full size colors of her Lip Cheat Lip Liner, Matte Revolution Lipstick and a Lip Lustre Lip Gloss all in her cult classic shade Pillow Talk. I’ve been a huge fan of her lip pencil and lipstick! I’ve reviewed and featured them many times before and wear both often. Anytime I gift something to a close friend who’s new to luxury beauty or wants a good everyday lip, I give them the lipstick and gloss. It’s universally flattering in my opinion and although it will look different on different skin tones it’s easy to wear for a good everyday rose pink.

The Lip Lustre Gloss is currently only part of this set, I’m hoping it will launch separately eventually. The color matches the lipstick and liner in undertone, but on my skin it pulls about 1/2 to 1 shade lighter compared to the lipstick. It’s still a good neutral that doesn’t wash me out, but since I’m tan now with the summer sun, it’s a lighter nude pink. Coverage of this gloss is opaque full coverage with a high shine finish, yet does not feel thick. It has a slightly tacky feel like many glosses do, but it’s not the stickiest I’ve tried. If you can’t do traditional gloss the smoothest cushiony shines are still going to be the ones from Marc Jacobs or Pat McGrath.

I was 100% certain I’d find a dupe, I could not. Swatches of some neutrals I was able to dig out of my boxes while I still unpack below including:

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Sweet Stiletto
MAC Lipglass in Told You So from the Pink it Over Kit
Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss 716 Caramel (review here)
Hourglass Unreal Lipgloss in Prose, Sublime and Canvas (lip swatches here)
Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Flesh Fantasy and Divine Rose (review here)
NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Bound, Roseland and Xenon

Easy Smokey Eye Palette

The Easy Smokey Eye Palette has six colors in warm rose tones. There’s a mix of matte and shimmer and the pigment is phenomenal. It has an ivory shimmer, rose gold shimmer, matte rose, shimmery rose copper, matte warm terracotta, soft matte warm brown.

I compared it to the Holiday 2018 Stars in Your Eyes here and I don’t think you need the one from Nordstrom if you already own the holiday version. They are not identical but are similar.

A few of you asked how this compares to her Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Quad reviewed here. I think I’m one of the few who did not like her Pillow Talk quad – the colors give me a horrible pink-eye look, it’s worse in real life! I was truly surprised to find the Nordstrom Easy Smokey Eye Palette works because it pulls warmer, but I think it’s the variation in undertone that makes it easier to wear. I love mini 6 pan palettes like this one because it has enough for a full eye look while still being compact and easy to store or travel with. Pigment of the Nordstrom version is a million times better too.

Overall I think both are beautiful sets to own. Quality is great, colors are easy to wear, both are solid winners. You can find them available as part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Beauty Exclusives offerings while they last. If you’re shopping online don’t forget to check out the Gift With Purchases page.

Have you tried either yet? What did you think?

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Nordstrom Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford x Nordstrom Eye and Mini Lip Set 2019

July 15, 2019

This year I picked up one of the Tom Ford x Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives in the Eye & Mini Lip Set ($88 on sale, $126 value) which has the White Suede Eye Color Quad and two miniature Lip Colors in Paper Doll and Autoerotique. There is also variation with the same quad but with two full size eye products + mini lip called the Eye and Lip Set ($155 on sale). I opted for the less expensive version with the neutral/lighter lips.

The Eye & Mini Lip Set comes in a silver box, there’s a separator/insert inside to keep everything in place:

Eye Color Quad White Suede

The Tom Ford White Suede Eye Color Quad from Nordstrom is slightly different from the one launched last year from Neiman Marcus, but both have a very similar vibe and effect. I don’t think you need both. I swatched them side by side here. The Nordstrom White Suede has a glittery pale pink, a sandy beige shimmer, a warm bronze satin shimmer and a blue-dove-grey silvery color. Layered together I get a soft smokey eye. I really like the look and effect. It’s neutral cool which is a nice alternative to the super warm eye trend that’s been going on for a while.

Lasting power is excellent and true to Tom Ford style. Colors pull with medium pigment on me, I’ve found in the Tom Ford line that other quads have stronger more intense pigment (like these three reviewed here). White Suede colors do layer nicely though.

Reposting my swatches of the White Suede Neimans (white compact) vs White Suede Nordstrom (brown compact):

Mini Lip Colors

For the lip colors you will get two minis in Paper Doll (baby pink) and Autoerotique (pink-nude peach). Both are creams with full creamy coverage and a soft shine finish. They’re ultra small and bound to be used up at 0.03 oz/1 g each. I found both to have a nice high quality texture: smooth, creamy, non-drying and long lasting.

Full look wearing:

Foundation – Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural
Powder – Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder in Shade 2
Concealer – NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger
Brows – Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Caramel
Eyeshadow – Tom Ford White Suede Eye Quad
Cheek – Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Terra + Lissome Cheek Duo (review here)
Lip – Tom Ford Minis in Paper Doll (left) / Autoerotique (right)
Knit Top – Reformation Lilac Ribbed Top

Overall love. I’ve bought the Tom Ford x Nordstrom Anniversary sets for the past three years and think they’re all phenomenal. If you already own White Suede from last year in the white compact I don’t think you need this one unless you’re a die-hard fan. I do think though if you’re lighter in skin tone compared to me I think you’ll see a more noticeable difference on your eyes. There are a few other Tom Ford sets available for the sale this year. I’ve linked them below in case you’re interested. Everything is limited-edition for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, while they last.

I’m really happy with my purchase and I highly recommend.