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Everyday Beauty Favorites

May 1, 2020

Everyday Makeup Favorites

Today I’m sharing an updated roundup of my everyday beauty favorites! So many of you have asked what my daily go-to picks are for skin and makeup and I’m thrilled to partner with Nordstrom to share my favorites along with a few new recent discoveries I have added to my routine.

Everyday Makeup Favorites

Base + Complexion

Foundation Favorites Charlotte Tilbury and Laura Mercier

My go-to picks for a flawless but natural complexion has been a combination of products. Layering gives me the perfect coverage to even out the skin without making it look too heavy or flat. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand combined with the Flawless Fusion Ultra Long-Wear Foundation in Buff is my combo to last all day. The Ultra Long-Wear Concealer is the most versatile concealer for me – it’s creamy and easy to blend so it works for highlighting or concealing dark circles in a natural way.

To add a more radiant glow to the complexion I’ve really been loving the new Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir for smoother brighter skin. I’ve only been using this for about a week now but love how it helps smooth the skin and prepares it better for foundation. If I could pick one cream highlighter to use the rest of my life, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter would be it. It’s subtle enough to use on larger portions of the face and makes the skin look more alive with a natural glow. I use Shade 4.

Lip Care

Lip Care

For the lips I’m one of the biggest lip balm and lip plumper junkies! I’ve tried so many but the ones I’ve been loving right now are from MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Fresh and Laura Mercier. The MAC Prep + Prime Lip is the best lip primer I’ve tried. This is not to be confused with a balm, this is a primer you apply on bare lips before lipstick or liner to help smooth the lip. It extends wear of your lip color and smooths the surface at the same time.

For lip plumpers the best non-tingle one I’ve tried is the Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath. She has a clear option called Refresh Rose, but I also like the tinted versions.

For balms the twist up stick version is what I prefer these days as it’s easy to just swipe and reapply. Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy gives instant relief and long lasting moisture. I recently bought the new Laura Mercier Lip Balm which is also a really nice smooth lip balm that doesn’t feel thick or heavy.

Neutral Lips

Best Nude Lips

I love a good everyday nude lip and the colors I keep reaching for are usually in the same color family but have different levels of pigment and finishes. My top two favorites are the Sisley Phyto Lip Twist #11 and Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine in Sepia. Other favorites swatched below including NARS Sheer Lipstick in Chelsea Girls, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Pillow Talk and the three best Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencils. For an oil + tint I’ve really been loving the soft pink color of the NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint in Reef as well!

Best Nude Lips Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Sisley

Wearing Cle de Peau Sepia below

Cle de Peau Radiant Liquid Rouge Shine in Sepia

Eye Makeup Favorites

Best Everyday Eye Makeup Tom Ford

For eyes I think Tom Ford Eye Color Quads are among the best and easiest to use for everyday looks. Honeymoon has been one of the few I’ve hit pan on before and used up, it has a great mix for a neutral or warm smokey eye! A lot of you have asked what the best all-over lid colors are and I think the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold is hands down the one I use the most. If you want more color the Tom Ford Cream Powder Eye Duo in Golden Peach is the next best one in my opinion! The best bronzey lid color is Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Bette.

For mascara and liner the two I’ve repurchased the most are the Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara and Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Eyeliner (Cle de Peau is also really good and worth the splurge).

Best Everyday Eye Makeup Tom Ford + Charlotte Tilbury Swatches

Cheek, Bronzer + Highlighter

Tom Ford Reflects Gilt and Terra

Cle de Peau Cream Blush 4 and Tom Ford Love Lust

For the cheeks, if I had to narrow down my top favorites to just four, my picks would include Tom Ford Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt (this doubles as a great wash of color on the eyes), Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer in Terra (best neutral matte bronzer), Cle de Peau Cream Blush in #4 (makes for the best neutral beige blush) and Tom Ford Cheek Color in Love Lust (soft peach shimmer).

Tom Ford Blush in Love Lust

Body and Fragrance

Best Body Care and Fragrance Necessaire and Jo Malone

Body care and fragrance are so personal as we all have different skin types and preferences. I’ve really been loving the Necessaire Body Serum as an alternative to body lotion. It’s fragrance free and lightweight but adds a nice veil of moisture on the skin. They have a Fragrance Free Body Wash which I’ve been obsessed with and plan on stocking up on. For hands it doesn’t get more chic than the Chanel La Creme Main hand creams. I like the Texture Riche formula for my dry hands these days. It has a nice drydown so fingers aren’t left sticky!

For perfume, I rotate depending on season, but my go-to’s these days are light and citrus options. The ones I wear the most for spring include the Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber (fresh bergamot, cucumber and sweet), Jo Malone Basil Neroli (white musk and neroli) and Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz (fruity soft mandarin).

Best Everyday Makeup Favorites

Best Everyday Makeup

Makeup Favorites from Nordstrom

I hope you found this roundup helpful if you’re looking for some great everyday makeup that’s easy to wear and incorporate into your routine! You can find all my picks at Nordstrom – don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase page as well, they update offers on a regular basis!

 

More favorites here:

 

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

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Haircare Sephora Skincare

Current Favorites for Skin, Body + Hair from Sephora

April 21, 2020

Best Skincare Sephora

By popular request I’m doing another updated roundup for my favorites in skin, body care and hair from Sephora! In putting together my list it I discovered that most of these are tried and true repeats. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to skincare although I love trying new things. I always try to scout out the minis or travel sets to try first. While there are quite a few brands I love that aren’t carried at Sephora (ie Oribe, Chanel, 111skin, etc). Most of what I love can be found at Sephora.

Quick recap on the spring Sephora April sale dates/details (use code SPRINGSAVE):

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

To help give some context on my routine and what I use I have normal/combination skin and in my late 30s. Since moving to Florida I’ve experienced a wider range of climate changes compared to what I experienced in California. The dry season is very dry and then there are humid days where outdoors feels like a wet blanket. And there’s everything n between.

Product rotation and routine changes depending on season and also time of the month as skin oil production changes with climate (ie humidity or lack of) + hormones. I also have different products for morning vs afternoon or evening. Morning routines are pretty much the same. The afternoon/evening routine is different depending on if I have makeup on, if I just worked out, if I just went to the beach and have sunscreen + sweat on etc.

When it comes to finding a good a routine I think it depends on so many factors. If what you’re using works, no need to change it! No need to have a complicated routine but beauty is my job so I don’t mind trying out new launches and products.

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Face Cleansers + Makeup Removers

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Moisturizers + Mists + Essence

Night Treatments

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Scrubs + Exfoliators + Acne

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Hair Care

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Body Care + Fragrance

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Sunscreen

I had such a rough time with sunscreen last year. I really wanted to try a wider range of brands because so many of you asked how it held up in the Florida sunshine. I had so many allergic reactions, I’m scared now to try new brands. My tried and true from Sephora are from Supergoop! and Sol de Janeiro.

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Lip Treatments

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Hope you found this helpful! I’m picking a giveaway winner from my last giveaway today. Also I’ll be hosting another one soon at the end of the week so check back! I’m going to try my best to have the NARS summer picks and Natasha Denona haul swatched before the end of the sale.

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Sephora

Sephora Spring Sale Makeup Recommendations

April 17, 2020

Best Luxury Makeup at Sephora

I have a Sephora Spring Sale makeup recommendations roundup today since the Spring Savings Event is here again! It starts today for Rouge Members and today I have my top makeup picks roundup! I’ve split everything by category for eyes, lips, cheeks, primer and face. The details and dates are as follows for each Beauty Insider Tier:

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

Use code SPRINGSAVE at checkout. Some exclusions and limits on quantities apply. Full details on their Terms and Conditions page. Note this is quite an extensive list but it’s not intended to be a list to persuade you to buy everything. So please don’t feel pressured! It’s simply meant as a resource by category for what I have tried, love and recommend. The most questions I get from readers is, “what’s the best matte lipstick?” or “what’s the best glowy foundation?” or “can you recommend an eyeliner that lasts long but doesn’t tug?” I split the recommendations by category to give you some ideas I hope will help you find what you’re looking for.

Primer

While I don’t think there is a truly one-size fits all primer, here are the ones I’ve tried that I like. My general recommendation is to use the same brand of primer and foundation. Or try to find a formula compatible with your foundation. For example if your foundation is oil-free, look for oil-free primers. Same goes for if it has silicone or is water-based.

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Concealer

Shades I currently use: NARS Ginger, Laura Mercier 3N or 3W, Kosas 5, Armani 6.5, Pat McGrath 13 or 14

Base/Foundation

Setting Powder/Setting Products

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Eye Palettes + Eyeshadow

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Eye Liner/Brows/Mascara

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Cheek Palettes

Highlighter/Blush/Bronzer

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Lip Gloss + Hydrating Balms

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Lip Liner + Lipstick

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Dates are as follows for each Beauty Insider Tier:

  • Rouge Members – Save 20% off 4/17 to 05/01
  • VIB Members – Save 15% off 4/21 to 4/29
  • Insider Tier – Save 10% off 4/23 to 4/27

I hope you found this roundup helpful! I’m doing a giveaway this post for the Sephora sale – one person will be selected to win a $100 eGift Card to Sephora (US site). Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. To enter all you have to do is complete one of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete the more entries you get. Not sponsored or affiliated. Giveaway ends on April 20, 2020 11:59 PM EST. I’ll pick a winner within 48 hours after giveaway ends, list on this widget below and email them directly. Selected winner must respond within 48 hours to claim prize or another person will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Haircare Sephora

Healthier Stronger Hair with HUM Nutrition

April 10, 2020

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

Maintaining healthy and strong hair as I age has been a priority for me and I’m so excited to partner with HUM Nutrition to share a look at one of my favorite hair supplements. After experiencing some hair loss with stress and breakage with color treatments I started trying out some biotin supplements to help with hair growth. I’ve tried several over the years and the one I keep going back to is the HUM Hair Sweet Hair so this collaboration couldn’t be a better match for me!

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Gummies Morning Routine

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Biotin Gummies

The HUM Hair Sweet Hair gummies come in two sizes, a 60 count bottle and mini 14 count bottle. As someone with a sensitive stomach I like that these are easy to eat any time of day with or without food. Your mileage may vary depending on what ingredients mesh well with your body.

These contain:

  • Biotin, Folic Acid, B-12 all help with new hair growth by promoting healthy cell growth
  • PABA Para-aminobenzoic Acid helps maintain natural healthy hair color to increase hair pigment production (supposed to help prevent gray)
  • Zinc helps reduce hair loss by repairing the growth tissue, it’s also great to boost immunity
  • Fo-Ti Extract is for scalp health

Morning Heath and Wellness Routine HUM

HUM Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair results

According to HUM you can expect to see results in 4-8 weeks. I notice stronger healthier hair around week 4 of daily use (take 2 per day). After using these I find I experience less hair loss in the shower or bath, hair grows faster and healthier, my natural shine has returned. I highly recommend giving these a try!

Have you tried any of the HUM Supplements before? If so which ones? What did you think? Several of you have recommended I try the Glow Sweet Glow (just bought the mini of this one) or Daily Cleanse. I have the Beauty zzZz on my list to try to help with sleep. Would love to hear more about what you have in your daily routine!

You can find the HUM Hair Sweet Hair Gummies available at Sephora.

 

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

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Eye Makeup Sephora

New Gucci Mascara L’Obscur

March 26, 2020

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur

I’m excited to share a look at the latest from Gucci Beauty with you! They recently started to revamp their entire makeup line and I was able to try their new Mascara L’Obscur available now online at Sephora. I’m partnering with them to share a review with you and after putting it to the test I am really pleased to report that I’ve found a winner. The mascara is a nice way to add luxury to your beauty routine.

The Gucci Mascara is currently available in one shade called Eve Black. It’s a rich deep color that defines and volumizes the lashes beautifully. Packaging is super chic with pink and gold tones which makes it a joy to use! The mascara comes with a rubberized flexible applicator that coats each lash perfectly. The small tip at the end makes it possible to apply product to the corners and bottom of the eyes. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was easy to build, adheres well to my lashes and adds volume and definition. There’s no clumping or smudging with this one which is a huge plus. Even though this isn’t a waterproof formula I found it stayed put and lasted all day on my lashes.

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur + Sheer Lipstick in The Painted Veil

Gucci Mascara L'Obscur

Gucci Beauty Mascara and Sheer Lipstick The Painted Veil Makeup Look

It gives a clean polished defined look to the eyes. You can build and layer for more drama but I would say this is a really nice everyday kind of mascara. I will definitely repurchase in the future.

A closer look below, also wearing the Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick in The Painted Veil which I hauled recently and love! It’s a smooth sheer rose and now I want to try the other formulas too!

Gucci Beauty Mascara Eve Black

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur Review

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur New

Gucci Mascara Review L'Obscur in Eve Black

Gucci Mascara L'Obscur Sephora

Bottom line, love and highly recommend.

You can find the Gucci Mascara L’Obscur available now at Sephora.

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

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Hauls Nordstrom

Spring Makeup Haul

March 6, 2020

Nordstrom Spring Makeup Haul

I’m excited to share another makeup haul with you today! I picked up some new beauty launches recently and discovered quite a few hits. I’ve found the perfect spring cheek palette and my new holy grail nude lip gloss. I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share my favorite beauty finds.

Spring Makeup Haul Picks NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

Foundation + Concealer

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation and Hourglass Airbrush Concealer

The spring beauty season always brings us new bases to try. I’m still in the process of testing several out but two I wanted to mention include the new Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation and Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer. Both are quite the splurge and I stopped by my local counters to swatch them.

The Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation has SPF 50 and offers medium to full coverage with a dewy finish. It is light reflecting and suitable for my normal skin type. I tested with both a brush and sponge, both work great! It evens out the skin with impressive coverage while still looking natural. I set with a powder to counter the dewy finish and it leaves the skin looking plump and evened out. My match is Natural 06 but I can also wear Dune 5.7 (more neutral in tone). It stays put all day, doesn’t separate, looks great and feels really nice! To me it’s like a more opaque and richer feeling Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.

Below with bare skin and applying Natural 06:

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation Natural

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation Natural 06

The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer is a super opaque concealer. My shade is Beech for under the eye or spot concealing. A little goes a VERY long way so I recommend applying sparingly. Three small dots under each eye is more than enough to conceal dark circles and brighten. I also set with a powder (any of my powders work, I love the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural or Laura Mercier Translucent Loose) and it stays put all day. If you’re dry you may need to add some eye cream underneath.

Below Beech applied under the eyes on just one side so you can see with vs without:

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer in Beech

Dior Rosewood

Dior Rosewood Lip Maximizer, Lip Oil and Lip Glow

From Dior I repurchased the Lip Maximizer in Rosewood. They recently added the Lip Glow Oil and Lip Glow in the same shade and I love the natural rosy flush it gives the lips. The Lip Maximizer gives the lips a super lush glossy look and hydrates all day. The Lip Glow variation will give you more color as it transforms on the lips. The Lip Oil will give you an almost clear shine.

Dior Rosewood Lip Maximizer

NARS Cool Crush

NARS x Nordstrom Cool Crush Collection

Nordstrom has a NARS Exclusive Collection called Cool Crush. I hauled the Hot Fix Cheek Palette which has one champagne highlighter and three neutral pink/peach blushes. This has medium to rich pigment but is easy to blend. As a lover of neutral blushes this one is perfect for spring to summer. It’s very natural and easy to wear. There are also new Loaded Lip Lacquers which are full coverage high shine lip glosses. I bought three of the four colors available and they’re all wearable. Playin’ Around is a creamy pale nude, Young Hearts is my new holy grail nude and Foxy is a warmer brown neutral.

NARS Hot Fix Cheek Palette with Foxy Gloss

NARS Hot Fix Loaded Lip Lacquers

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Extensions

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Medium

Also new this year are more Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk extensions. I will have a separate post on everything I hauled but for now the stand outs are the Pillow Talk Medium Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Pencil. They’re darker than the original color for a really flattering medium brown rose. I also picked up the Pillow Talk Eyeliner which is a reddish brown and a nice alternative to black or brown when you want something different.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Remover

Bobbi Brown Makeup Remover

Last but not least as a fan of the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil I decided to try the Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover for eyes. It’s a bi-phase makeup remover to remover waterproof makeup with I really like it! It’s gentle and not greasy, doesn’t sting my eyes and is effective.

Spring Makeup Haul Picks NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford

That wraps up my favorites from my recent Nordstrom Beauty haul! My favorites are the NARS palette and lip glosses which I think are great everyday kind of neutrals. I really love the new Tom Ford foundation. The formula wears really well and I like that it has SPF in it.

You can find all my picks available at Nordstrom. If you’re shopping online don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase section (they update it regularly).

Have you picked up anything new recently? What did you think?

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. All items featured purchased by me.

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Lips Sephora

Best New Hydrating Lip Plumper Discovery

March 2, 2020

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme New Shades

As a lip balm and lip gloss fanatic, I could not be more excited to have found a new favorite with the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme. I cannot believe it took me so long to try out the formula and I am thrilled to partner with Too Faced to give you a peek at the new colors! The original clear color has been a popular option for years to volumize the lips. They recently added four new shades that give a very natural flush of color while adding moisture and shine.

The Lip Injection Extreme is a plumping gloss that makes the lips look fuller and super lush. They give a hint of color and feel ultra hydrating and smooth. The gloss has the most comfortable cushiony texture that I’ve ever tried and almost acts like a lip oil, but stays put on the lips.

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme review

I recommend applying within the lip line perimeter (avoid getting on the skin outside the lip line). With the plumping ingredients there is a medium tingle factor that only lasts around 5 minutes. As one with sensitive lips, I was thrilled to find the tingle disappears quickly and there is no numbing sensation. Instead, it feels like a hydrating gloss/balm and it lasts for several hours without fading or needing to reapply.

Before and after with the Original shade:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Before and After

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Original

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme New Shades

Colors include:

  • Original is a clear pearly color, goes on clear, transforms my lips into a soft pink
  • Bubblegum Yum is a soft pink
  • Tangerine Dream is a sheer melon
  • Pink Punch is a soft pink
  • Strawberry Kiss is the most pigmented giving a strawberry pink look

Wearing Tangerine Dream below:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Tangerine Dream

Below wearing Pink Punch:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Pink Punch

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Pink Punch

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme new shades

If you’re looking for a good lip plumper, I highly recommend checking out any of the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme glosses! You can find all five shades at Sephora. The clear one also is available in a mini size.

Have you tried these before? What did you think?

 

 

Many thanks to Too Faced for partnering to sponsor this post!

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