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Patrick TA Sephora

Patrick Ta Beauty Haul Review + Swatches

November 11, 2019

Patrick Ta Beauty Haul Review

I have a Patrick Ta Beauty haul to share today! I’ve accumulated quite a few things I’ve purchased from Sephora over the past few months. As a neutral nude makeup lover I was really interested in his Monochrome Moment collection and so I’ve put together a roundup of everything I’ve tested to date. Overall I think there are some really nice pieces, but I don’t think they’ll appeal to everyone. More thoughts on why for each product below.

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Major Glow Lip Shine

Patrick Ta Major Shine Lip Glosses

Up first are the Patrick Ta Major Glow Lip Shines ($22 each) in three colors. These are smooth non sticky glosses with a minty scent. There’s no tingle sensation as one might expect with the mint and they feel smooth without any gritty texture even with the sparkle. These have a clear base even though they look tinted in the tubes. The sparkles are different colors. These are pretty alone or on top of lipstick, but I wish there was more visible color payoff rather than just sparkle. Lasting power isn’t the best – they feel like they disappear from lips fairly quickly. I prefer Pat McGrath and Hourglass glosses for texture, color and lasting power.

I have two different kinds of applicators: two have a flat sponge tip and one has an angled sponge tip. I’m not sure if they changed it at some point or if there are different applicators for different colors.

Patrick Ta Major Shine Lip Glosses swatches lips

I’ve added swatches of other sparkle glosses below including Pat McGrath LUST Glosses in Pale Fire Nectar, Aliengelic, Earth Angel, Hourglass Unreal Gloss in Cosmic and MAC Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed.

Glitter Gloss Swatches Patrick Ta, Pat McGrath, Hourglass and MAC

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Monochrome Moment: Silky Lip Creme and Precision Lip Crayon

Patrick Ta Beauty Silky Lip Creme

As a neutral lip lover the Monochrome Moment had me so excited. The colors ended up being a lot different than promotional stock photos and swatches but I still really like the concept and colors. I bought 3 of the Silky Lip Cremes (the lightest one was too light for my skin tone) in She’s Independent, She’s Secure, She’s Confident and they’re all warmer and lighter than I anticipated. To get a better sense of the undertone I included swatches of other colors I thought would in the same color family including Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion in Beige Naturel, Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Universal Appeal, Lawless Soft Matte Liquid Lipsticks in Leo and George, NARS Velvet Lip Glides in Swing and Xenon, NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in American Woman and Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncuffed.

Nude Liquid Lip Swatches

She’s Independent is a neutral pink beige nude, She’s Secure is a warm peachy pink nude, She’s Confident is the darkest option which is a warm nude rose. I anticipated them being more rosy and cool-toned. On me they all pull warm.

Texture wise they’re like liquid cremes that don’t dry down to a matte finish (which I really love). They’re super creamy and opaque and give full coverage with a tiny bit of shine. They will transfer if you touch your lips, in particular I found they stuck to my teeth easily. Lasting power is decent as long as you don’t touch your lips. If you’re looking for a neutral rose I recommend passing on the colors he has out right now.

Patrick Ta Precision Lip Crayon

The Precision Lip Crayons are click-up pencils with an angled flat tip. They’re creamy and easy to apply for full coverage. I recommend feathering as they’re very opaque and have a matte finish. Once they set they are super long wearing. You can definitely pair these with the Silky Lip Creme but the lip cremes are so pigmented and opaque the liners won’t show through. I bought three: She’s Humble is a neutral nude pink and She’s Proud is a slightly deeper rose and She’s Strong is a cool-toned brown.

Swatch comparisons to other neutrals I have: Pat McGrath Permagel Done Undone, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude and Pillow Talk, Marc Jacobs Poutliner in Nudist and Primrose, MAC Lip Pencils in Stripdown, Whirl and Boldly Bare.

Neutral Lip Pencils Patrick Ta, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC

Lip swatches of 2 of the lip pencils and 3 lip cremes:

Patrick Ta Monochrome Moment Lip swatches

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Velvet Blush

Patrick Ta Velvet Blush Review

I hauled all four the Monochrome Moment Velvet Blushes and think these will be hit or miss depending on how much color payoff you want in a blush. The texture is stiff/hard but not so hard that it’s impossible to pick up color. The texture makes it so the product is buildable and will give you a natural blushed look without being overdone. Swatching on hand in store won’t give you the true sense of how these apply on the face. Fingers barely pick up any powder or pigment. Using a brush and swatching on hand as well won’t show you much color. Sheer/hard texture doesn’t necessarily mean bad – they do show up on my skin, I just wish it had a softer and easier to apply formula.

Swatches on the arm with a heavy hand and then below applied on the face, She’s Adorable has the best color payoff/pigment:

Patrick Ta Velvet Blush Swatches

For skintone reference I am wearing the Milk Flex Foundation Stick in Golden Sand, equivalent of Armani Luminous Silk in 6.5, MAC NC30-35, Pat McGrath 14 or 15, Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet in Beige 40. I’m starting to lose my tan slightly and I’ve also gone back to 100% dark hair as I’m trying to grow out my highlights. My colorist added a dark toner that almost matches my natural hair color last week.

Blushes are packed on pretty heavily on the face to show the color differences. With regular application of just one or two swipes the color is a lot more sheer.

Patrick Ta Velvet Blush Face Swatches

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Major Glow On the Go Duo

Patrick Ta Major Glow On the Go Set

The last thing I wanted to review was the Major Glow on the Go Duo with the Glitter Body Oil in A Dream and Major Glow Lip Shine in She’s Expensive. I really like the body oil finish and texture – it has a spritzer applicator and the oil itself smells like sweet candy. I’m not the biggest fan of the scent but it’s not a deal breaker and it fades after a few minutes. The Lip Shine isn’t a must for me but if you’re looking for a subtle glitter gloss this is a nice one to try.

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Overall I really love the lip liners for the lasting power, texture and packaging! The lip cremes have a nice texture but the colors weren’t anything like I expected. The ones I bought still work for a nude lip look on my complexion but they’re very warm toned so may not work for all skin tones. I would like them more if they didn’t transfer to my teeth so easily. The blushes are nice for a subtle everyday kind of blush but the stiff texture and sheer color payoff will most likely make it a miss for many. While I don’t think they’re bad I do think other brands and options are better. The lip shines are just ok for me – I had higher expectations and hopes with the pretty sparkle, on my lips they’re so sheer and the lasting power isn’t there.

 

 

Have you tried anything from Patrick Ta Beauty? What did you think?

 

4 Comments
Sephora Skincare

Beauty Favorites for Skin, Hair + Body from Sephora

November 7, 2019

Best Skincare for Winter Favorites

The Sephora Holiday Bonus Event opens up for all beauty insider tiers today! I rounded up my top makeup favorites last week. Today I’m rounding up the skin, hair and body care favorites you can find at Sephora. The weather is still warm here but has definitely shifted to cooler temperatures. My skincare routine has changed up a little with more hydrating creams and lotions. If you’re shopping online use code HOLIDAYSAVE (some exclusions apply). Details for all tiers are as follows:

  • Rouge Members can save 20% off 11/1 to 11/11
  • VIBs can save 15% off 11/7 to 11/11
  • Beauty Insiders can save 10% off 11/7 to 11/11

Press samples featured have a * next to them below. All others purchased and often repurchased by me.

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Cleansers + Makeup Removers

My favorite brands are Kate Somerville, Farmacy and Tatcha. I also really like SK-II but haven’t restocked on them in quite some time as I’ve found more affordable alternatives.

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Toner + Face Mists

I always use a toner after every cleanse to balance the skin and make sure every trace of residue is removed. I love a good face mist – there are so many good ones!

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Face Moisturizers + Oils

This is the area I’ve switched up the most. My face is noticeably more dry and combination. I’ve used up quite a few of these so I don’t have them all right now – but favorites I’ve had in rotation.

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Night Time Treatments

  • Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil – the best night time oil to help replenish moisture and repair skin overnight, I just discovered Andrew uses this too (he “borrowed” mine and put it in his bathroom cabinet, lol) – also available in this Midnight Must-Haves Set which I hauled yesterday
  • Kate Somerville RetAsphere Micro Peel – one of the few night time peels I can use without it irritating my skin, a gentle but effective resurfacing treatment
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes – probably the best lactic acid night resurfacing treatment I’ve tried, I use it sparingly though, around 1x per week, sometimes 2x! For those who don’t want to splurge on the full size, I highly recommend you try in smaller trial sizes available in the holiday sets like the Power Trio (just ordered), Power Couple or the Flash Fix Kit

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Treatments: Mask, Acne, Resurfacing

Treating spot acne is something we’ve had to do more frequently over the summer. I stopped using any kind of acid over the summer but occasionally do a light peel.

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Hair Styling Favorites

I’m obsessed with Living Proof and IGK for hair styling products. Shampoo loves have been Olaplex, Briogeo and Christophe Robin in the past but these days I’m really obsessed with Sisley and Oribe (which aren’t available at Sephora):

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Bodycare Favorites

This is the category I use up the most frequently as Andrew and I share a lot of our body care products.

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Lip Treatments

I’m a lip balm junkie but am so picky with texture and scent. My favorites right now:

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Andrew’s Favorites

Andrew’s most-used brands are a tie between Jack Black and Kiehl’s. His top five:

That wraps up my lengthy favorites list for skin care, hair care and body care! I realize it’s a lot – but I put a lot to the test and rotate frequently. I hope this gives you some ideas by category if you’re in search of something specific. Always happy to answer questions if you have any. The skincare sets are so good this year – it was hard for me to narrow down my picks but I stocked up on some Kiehl’s, Farmacy Beauty and First Aid Beauty.

Let me know what you ended up hauling!

 

 

I’ve put together a giveaway with some favorites. To enter use the widget below and complete at least THREE of the steps in the widget below. It’s open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway will run through Monday 11/11 11:59PM EST. I’ll email the winner within 24 hours and they must respond within 24 hours or another winner will be selected in their place. Not sponsored or affiliated.

One winner will be selected via the widget to win: Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Fruitjuice, Urban Decay On the Run Palette, ABH Glow Kit in Sweets, Pat McGrath Mini MatteTrance Trio, Pat McGrath MatteTrance in Guinevere, Tatcha mini Water Cream, Tatcha mini Dewy Cream, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Glow Powder + Brush, Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Cocoa, Laura Mercier Primer, Urban Decay Setting Spray, Hourglass Minis x4.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

113 Comments
Lips Sephora

Luxury Lips With Givenchy Le Rouge

November 6, 2019

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick

I’ve been testing out some luxury lipsticks from Givenchy in the Le Rouge Classic formula alongside their new Le Rouge Deep Velvet and Le Rouge Night Noir options. Given that the Classic is such an iconic formula I cannot believe it has taken me so long to try them out. I’ve teamed up with Givenchy Beauty to give all three formulas a test. You can find them at Sephora ($38 each for 3.4 g/0.12 oz). They’re also available at a discounted price during the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event (now through 11/11) if you’re a beauty insider!

Each lipstick formula has a special case that coordinates with the formula finish. The Classic has a black leather casing, Deep Velvet has a deep red plush velvet case and Night Noir has a fun sparkling glittery black case.

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick review Sephora

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Le Rouge Classic

Givenchy Le Rouge Classic

The Le Rouge Classic is my personal favorite of the three. It’s your classic luxury lipstick with a semi-matte soft satiny finish. Pigment is phenomenal and offers smooth full coverage with a single swipe but isn’t heavy. It feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips (it contains hyaluronic acid for moisture). Lasting power is excellent and stays put for hours without creasing or budging. I was sent three colors to test: 103 Brun Createur is a warm rose pink, 304 Mandarin Bolero is a bright coral cream, 333 L’Interdit is a classic deep red.

Givenchy Le Rouge Classic swatches

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Le Rouge Deep Velvet

Givenchy Le Rouge Deep Velvet

The Le Rouge Deep Velvet is a modern matte with a lightweight velvety soft texture. It has a very smooth matte finish and is super comfortable on the lips. It doesn’t feel dry or thick. This is now ranked in my top 3 favorite matte lipstick finishes. I put three colors to the test in 10 Beige Nu which is a cool toned pink nude, 33 Orange Sable is a hot bright coral, 42 Violet Velours is a perfect soft plum. With this formula you also get full smooth coverage with one layer – it’s a one-swipe wonder!

Givenchy Le Rouge Deep Velvet

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Le Rouge Night Noir

Givenchy Le Rouge Night Noir

Last but not least is the Le Rouge Night Noir which comes in six color options. These are sparkly deep colors you can wear alone or on top of lipstick. It will deepen any lipstick you layer it on top of. There are tiny flecks of micro sparkle in these but there is no gritty texture. They’re 100% smooth and glide onto the lips with a shiny finish. 01 Night in Light is a deep black berry with glitter. 05 Night in Red is a deep reddish glitter with slight plum tones. I think Night in Red is going to be fun for holiday – especially if you want to wear a color that isn’t neutral but isn’t too bright.

Givenchy Le Rouge Night Noir

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A closer look at my favorites from each formula: Le Rouge Classic in N103 Brun Createur, Le Rouge Deep Velvet in N10 Beige Nu and Le Rouge Night Noir in N2 Night in Red.

Givenchy Le Rouge

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick Review

Givenchy Le Rouge Luxury Lips

Out of the three I think the Classic formula is my favorite and if you’re looking to gift one to a friend this is the one to go with! You can find all three formulas out now at Sephora. Have you tried this lipstick formula yet? I’m still new to the line – any other favorites you think I should try out?

Quick reminder for the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event you can save up to 20% off purchases online and in store with code HOLIDAYSAVE (some exclusions apply). Dates and discounts for all tiers are as follows:

  • Rouge Members can save 20% off 11/1 to 11/11
  • VIBs can save 15% off 11/7 to 11/11
  • Beauty Insiders can save 10% off 11/7 to 11/11

Shop the post:

 

 

Sponsored by Givenchy.

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Sales Sephora

Top Makeup Picks to Shop During the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event

November 1, 2019

Sephora Holiday Bonus Event Makeup Favorites

It’s that time of year again and the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event starts today for Rouge Beauty Insiders! Sephora Rouge Members have early access starting today 11/1 through 11/6 and can save up to 20% off purchases online and in store with code HOLIDAYSAVE (some exclusions apply). Dates for all tiers are as follows:

  • Rouge Members can save 20% off 11/1 to 11/11
  • VIBs can save 15% off 11/7 to 11/11
  • Beauty Insiders can save 10% off 11/7 to 11/11

I’ve been a Beauty Insider for years and highly recommend you sign up if you’re not one already. As a member you will get access to perks such as early access to events, launches, promotions and more. You can sign up in store or online. The discount is available for multi-use both online and in stores. Does not apply to taxes, shipping and some exclusions (listed at end of post).

I’m rounding up my top makeup picks for eyes, lips, cheeks and complexion. I have so many tried and true favorites it was a challenge to edit down my list but I’ve narrowed down my list to my top picks.

Best Makeup at Sephora: Hourglass, Natasha Denona, Tom Ford, NARS

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Lip Favorites

Best Lip Colors NARS, Charlotte Tilbury and Pat McGrath Labs

I’ve been using the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm and Oil-Infused Lip Tints in Orgasm religiously for months. If you are in search of a pretty flushed pink with hydration I highly recommend both! You can find both in minis in the NARS Orgasm Mini Set (has a blush/highlighter duo, lip balm and lip oil). I think it would make a great gift for holiday. Any of the tinted Oil-Infused Lip Tints are nice as well – I really love Primal Instinct.

Pat McGrath is another favorite and I love every single formula she has launched for lips. The best formula for me is her BlitzTrance Lipstick in Skin Flixx for a pretty everyday neutral. Her Permagel Ultra Lip Pencils in Done Undone and Bare Rose are super long wearing and great lips but better colors. Her LUST Gloss is the best for a smooth cushiony non-sticky gloss (also available in two mini sets).

Charlotte Tilbury is a brand I always have in rotation. You can’t go wrong with her Lip Lustre, Lip Cheat or Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk. They’re the perfect everyday rose neutrals. I’m also really obsessed with her Collagen Lip Bath in Rosy Glow which makes the lips look super full and luscious!

Fenty Beauty Holiday Glossy Posse Set

The one lip set I think everyone needs is the Fenty Glossy Posse set. It has 5 minis of the Gloss Bomb and every single color is beautiful. They are sweetly scented like cherry candy and they all have shimmer. Colors include Confetti (iridescent opal), Fu$$y (soft light mauve pink), Pretty Please (shimmery hot pink), Cheeky (hot coral), Hot Chocolit (perfect cocoa shimmer).

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Cheek and Highlighter Favorites

Best Holiday Cheek Palette: Hourglass Ghost

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Ghost Edition has been in heavy rotation ever since I bought it. I’ve worn it a lot more than I anticipated and it’s so easy to use for everyday. Since it’s a pricey item I think the Sephora Holiday Event is a great time to save. I also really like the Ambient Lighting Ghost Blush Palette as well for more color.

Blush and Highlighter Favorites

For a more glowy highlight the Hourglass Vanish Flash Highlighter and Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Duo in Moodlight offer the prettiest noticeable glow. For a slightly deeper and honey highlighter the Fenty Killawatt Highlighter in Afternoon Snack/Mo Honey has been a really nice option for my medium tan skin. I think any of these will be great for the upcoming holiday season.

If you want something more subtle the Tom Ford Glow Drops are perfect for a very soft highlight and glow that isn’t glaring or sharp.

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Eye Makeup Favorites

Best Eye Palettes at Sephora

My eye makeup staples include the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Caramel and Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold or Copper. I wear these on a weekly basis. Other makeup basics for me include the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner (I love the colors Bourbon and Double Life) and Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel.

For an added sparkle/top coat the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows and Natasha Denona Chroma Crystal Top Coats are the best options I’ve tried.

Natasha Denona Biba Palette

For palettes the Natasha Denona Biba Palette and Mini Nude Palette are 100% worth the splurge. It’s rare that I like every single color in a palette but both of these are pure love for me. The Biba palette has the most beautiful creamy like powder texture to blend and layer.

For a quick and easy eye the NARS Mini Wanted is also still in frequent use for me. It’s convenient with the mini size. The colors layer beautifully for a full eye look. If you want to go for a splurge you can’t go wrong with any of the Tom Ford Eye Color Quads. I like Honeymoon, Nude Dip and Body Heat the most.

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Base Favorites

Concealer and Foundation Favorites

Foundation and powder favorites remain the same for me. This time of year is a time when I’ll stock up on a concealer or powder to replace what I run out of. Laura Mercier has been the line I’ve used the most these days. I think the reformulated Tinted Moisturizer is excellent for no-makeup makeup days. I really love her Flawless Fusion Longwear Foundation (it’s my favorite!) and her Flawless Fusion Concealer in 2W and 3W are perfect for under eyes and to highlight.

The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Pressed Powder in Medium is my holy grail setting powder for a truly perfect blurring effect. I’ve started using the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders again in Dim Light and it’s a nice one to layer on top of my foundation for a subtle glow or to blend out the edges of blush or bronzer for a more diffused look.

In terms of foundation application I swear by the beautyblenders for the best application and blending. Many of you want to know what I recommend for a brush and the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush works to buff and blend liquids or creams.

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That wraps up my top makeup picks! To recap the Sephora Holiday Bonus Event starts today for Rouge Members online (with code HOLIDAYSAVE) and in store as well for savings up to 20% off purchases. A separate skin/hair post to follow. Let me know if you want a haul post too!

Per Sephora, here are the exclusions: Valid on merchandise purchases made in Sephora US stores, Sephora Canada stores, Sephora inside JCPenney stores, and on sephora.com and sephora.ca. Offer not valid on jcp.com. On Friday, 11/1/19 in stores only, Rouge client and one guest of Rouge who is a member of the Beauty Insider program and is present at the time of redemption will be eligible for 20% off all merchandise purchases. Not valid on The Ordinary and MAC Cosmetics VIVA GLAM products. Clients are limited to the purchase of one Dyson item and five Morphe items per SKU per transaction. Not valid on in-store services, previous purchases, purchases of gift cards or eGift cards, FLASH, PLAY! by SEPHORA, gift wrapping, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling charges. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Sephora is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen offer materials or barcodes. Offer has no cash value and may not be altered, sold, bartered or transferred. Rouge status must be attained prior to redemption. No minimum purchase required. Due to heavy demand, Sephora FLASH delivery times cannot be guaranteed for this offer. Not valid on orders shipping outside the US or Canada. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offer or reward. Sephora and JCPenney employees are not eligible for these offers. Sephora may modify or cancel offer at any time.

 

 

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

6 Comments
Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Everyday Makeup Essentials for Fall

October 25, 2019

Everyday Makeup Favorites

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

Favorite Foundations Laura Mercier, Armani and La Mer

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!

La Mer Cushion Foundation Warm Bisque 33

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

NARS Chelsea Girls Lipstick

Fall Lip Rotation NARS, YSL and Chanel

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.

Lip Rotation for Fall

Eye Makeup Favorites

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick, Hourglass Scattered, Tom Ford Reflection and Chanel

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

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzer and Hourglass Ghost Palette

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.

Beauty Look Book Beauty Shelfie Favorites

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.

 

14 Comments
Fenty Beauty Sephora

Fenty Beauty Minis Haul

October 21, 2019

Fenty Beauty Minis

Holiday sets are starting to catch my eye and the cutest ones I’ve seen are from Fenty Beauty! As a huge lover of the Gloss Bomb I immediately added the Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set to cart along with some other new holiday launches. I’ve actually accumulated a few previous launches from the line in mini sizes but never did a full review. I think minis are such a fun way to try product before committing to the full size. I thought I’d do a roundup of all the minis I’ve hauled to date from Fenty.

For holiday:

From the regular lineup:

Fenty Beauty Minis Holiday Picks

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Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set

Fenty Glossy Posse Set Lip Gloss Holiday

My favorite out of all the minis is the holiday Glossy Posse Mini Gloss Bomb Set which has 5 mini lip glosses in the most beautiful luminous smooth shimmers. These have a smooth cushiony texture that isn’t sticky. They’re semi-thick depending on how much you put on but it’s comfortable and lasting power is pretty good for a gloss. They are scented with a sweet candy cherry like scent which might be hit or miss depending on how much you can tolerate sweet scents. There’s no detectable taste as far as I can tell. These make the lips look full and lush, I love layering on top of a liner like Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, Pat McGrath Done Undone, MAC Boldly Bare, MAC Stripdown or Kevyn Aucoin Minimal. The glosses are on the sheer side but have enough color to show up. Colors include:

  • Confetti is an opalescent glow
  • Fu$$y is a soft pink shimmer
  • Pretty Please is a bright sheer hot pink
  • Cheeky is a gorgeous sheer bright orange coral
  • Hot Chocolit is a shimmering sheer chocolate

Fenty Glossy Posse Lip Gloss Set Holiday 2019 swatches

Fenty Glossy Posse Lip Gloss swatches

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Mini Body Lava Body Luminizer

Fenty Mini Body Lava Who Needs Clothes

The Body Lava Body Luminizer had mixed reviews online. It has been on my list to try in store but everytime I go in there are so many other things that manage to distract me I never remember to try it. I decided to try the mini and it comes in one color option Who Needs Clothes?! which is a sheer rose gold but on my skin is more golden. The pros are it smells so amazing and gives the skin a beautiful shimmery sheen. It is quite sparkly but it’s really beautiful. The downside is pretty much a deal breaker for me to wear which is that it has a tacky sticky finish that never dries down. I tried applying to places on the body I thought would not come in contact with other things but it’s virtually impossible to do so. If they could reformulate this to have a better dry down I think it would be amazing.

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Bomb Baby Mini Gloss and Highlighter Sets

Fenty Bomb Baby Sets

The first Bomb Baby Set has the classic Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb (universal warm rose shimmer) and 1/2 of one of their Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters in a mini called Hustla Baby (yellow champagne gold). There’s a new Bomb Baby 2 Mini Gloss and Highlighter Set with a new gloss shade called Sweet Mouth (pale pink shimmer) and Sand Castle (pulls silver metallic on me). Pigment on the highlighters is quite intense and they will show up on any skin tone with an almost blinding sheen. You can sheer it out for a more subtle glow but they are on the high shimmer side. I found both better on the eyes for my complexion. For the cheeks and my skin tone the Killawatt Highlighter in Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Honey is better suited for my coloring since it is deeper and not quite as contrasted in color with my skin.

Left is the Bomb Baby Set, right is Bomb Baby 2 Set:

Fenty Bomb Baby Sets swatches

Lip swatches:

Fenty Gloss Bomb Fenty Glow and Sweet Mouth

I do think both are excellent and easy to wear. They’ll be super fun to wear for the upcoming holiday season.

A look at Bomb Baby 2 on Eyes and Lips:

Fenty Bomb Baby 2 Sweet Mouth and Sand Castle

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Pro Filt’r Mini Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Fenty Mini Loose Powder Cashew

The Pro Filter Loose Powder is something that immediately popped on my radar when it launched but after swatching it in store it seemed a bit dry and chalky. It has that talc/silica feel which does a great job at blurring but if you have any dry patches it ends up making the skin look even more dry. I bought the mini in Cashew but really would have a better match with Banana but it wasn’t available in the mini. I’ve used the mini numerous times over the past few months and can’t get consistent results. If have a well moisturized and creamy base the powder looks ok. If I have any matte finish base or dry patches the powder just doesn’t set right with my skin. The super matte effect makes my skin looked tired in an unflattering way sometimes. I didn’t like it enough to investigate the larger size or other shades.

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Fly Baby Mini Eye Primer and Liner Set

Fenty Mini Liquid Liner and Eye Primer Set

The minis always get me at checkout in store. I picked up the Fly Baby Mini Eye Set as an impulse buy and have mixed feelings. The Flyliner Longwear Liquid Liner provides a super deep satiny black line. I love the packaging and the applicator for an easy to apply precise line. I found that it stays wet longer than other liquid liners I have so it transfers if I open my eyes or blink right after applying it. With a primer the product sets faster but I still have to keep my eyes semi-shut for at least a minute for it to dry completely otherwise it smudges and never really fully sets. The Eye Primer is ok – it has a semi-sticky feel when I blend it on the lids but it does help powder shadow adhere well. I don’t think it’s essential or holy grail material but it was nice to try and it does work to help shadow stay on the lids longer. After I tried it though I discovered I had already bought the full size months ago and completely forgot about it!

Fenty Minis

Overall I’ve had some hits and misses. I think my absolute favorites from the line are the Gloss Bomb lip glosses. I hope they will add the new minis in full sizes eventually because I love the formula and new colors. I hauled everything from Sephora.

Have you tried any of the new holiday minis yet or anything else from the line? What are your hits or misses?

 

 

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GWP Haircare Nordstrom

New Haircare Loves

October 7, 2019

Top Hair Care Loves Oribe, Olaplex and Christophe Robin

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.

Anti Frizz and Heat Protectant Favorites

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.*

Nordstrom Space NK October Beauty GWP

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

Oribe Gold Lust 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

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

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.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Smooth Blowout

Olaplex Styling Products

Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother and No 7 Bonding Oil

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

Christophe Robin Aloe Melting Mask and Anti-Frizz Milk

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.

Hair Care loves Oribe, Olaplex and Christophe

Hair Care Favorites from Nordstrom

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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