Store Archives - Page 17 of 29 - The Beauty Look Book

New Beauty Launches to Put On Your Radar

January 16, 2020

I’m excited to share my first beauty haul of the year! I’ve been testing out some new products that recently launched at Nordstrom and I’ve partnered with them today to share my thoughts plus a new year beauty look. Nordstrom is truly one of my favorite places to shop for beauty – I’m constantly checking their New Arrivals page alongside their Gift With Purchase section. I hope you find today’s haul post helpful! Everything featured in this post are items I purchased myself.

Charlotte Tilbury Queen of Glow

One of the newest launches from Charlotte Tilbury is her Queen of Glow Eyeshadow Palette. There were several limited-edition quads over the holiday but I found them too warm for my complexion. Queen of Glow has a better mix of golds and champagnes for my complexion without the red tones. There are 3 shimmers and 1 matte. All the colors are ultra pigmented, smooth and long-lasting. I think it’s gorgeous!

Closer look wearing: NARS Tinted Glow Booster in Simos + Tangsi mixed, Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector Medium, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder Medium, NARS Blush in Tempted + Orgasm X Mixed, Anastasia Brow Wiz in Soft Brown, Cle de Peau Liquid Eyeliner, Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in Queen of Glow, Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in In the Buff

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish! Color Corrector

I also ordered her Magic Vanish! Color Corrector in Medium which isn’t new, but new to me. It has a brightening peachy look to it and it’s super opaque. I found it a good color for my medium olive tone skin – a tiny little dab on the fingers patted under the eyes conceals any darkness and it blends without caking. Do note that a little goes a very long way so you don’t need a lot. I use this instead of concealer on days I need extra coverage or brightening. It’s very peach in color – it doesn’t match the skin. The colors are designed to counter darkness and pigment in the skin.

New NARS Blushes

above left: Orgasm X, right: Tempted

There are some new blushes from NARS this season. I wanted to order all of them but limited myself to 2 colors in Orgasm X and Tempted. Orgasm X is a deeper brighter version of Orgasm and has that peachy gold shimmer to it. It’s quite opaque but easy to blend. Tempted is a pretty soft nude shimmer, on my medium olive skin it looks like a neutral highlighter with a bit of depth. It makes my skin glow! If you’re fair and are looking for a good nude blush to wear, I highly recommend looking into this one!

Wearing Tempted + Orgasm X mixed together

New from Bobbi Brown

For the lips I picked up some of the new Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Glosses in In the Buff (soft nude pink, one I’m wearing in this post), New Romantic (soft mauve) and Wild Card (bright coral peach). They’re sheer so the color is subtle. They feel wonderfully smooth with a cushiony feel and glide on the lips nicely. I find them hydrating but not heavy.

YSL lip love

YSL also launched a new formula called Rouge Volupte Rock N Shine and as a huge fan of the original Rouge Volutpe Shines I knew I had to try some of the new ones. These have a silvery shimmer in the center in the shape of a star. The shimmer is visible and noticeable making the overall color look a bit lighter and more shimmery than what you see in the tube. 1 Nude Solo is a pale nude pink, 3 Pink Flow is a soft baby pink, 10 Pink Bass is a deeper rose pink. They’re glossy with a high shine finish. Pigment is sheer-medium.

NARS Tinted Glow Boosters

Last but not least is my first look at the NARS Tinted Glow Boosters. There are four shades total and I picked up the two middle shades in Simos (medium) and Tangsi (medium-dark). My foundation match in their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is usually Vanuatu, but I’ve lost my tan this season and wear Punjab. My best concealer match is still the Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. The Tinted Glow Boosters sheer glowy skin-toned bases with a very slight shimmer to them. The shimmer is very subtle and almost disappears on the skin.

I’m the closest match to Simos right now, but I tan very easily and to add a bit more color I’ll mix in a few pumps of Tangsi to blend all over.

Below left, one pump of Simos (top) and one pump of Tangsi (bottom)
Below right on the face, Simos

You can use these a number of ways but I like it best mixing Simos and Tangsi together then applying with a beautyblender all over like you would a sheer foundation. It offers minimal coverage and glow, almost like a tinted moisturizer without the moisturizer aspect.

I have mixed in equal pumps of the Tinted Glow Booster with foundation like the Armani Luminous Silk (I wear 6.5) or NARS Natural Radiant Foundation to give it a more translucent look. I have some swatches below to a few other shades. It’s thicker in texture than the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow, it’s not nearly as luminous or opaque as the Hollywood Flawless Filter.

I hope you enjoyed this haul post with some of thoughts and swatches! Have you tried any of these new launches yet? What did you think?

You can find all my haul picks now online at Nordstrom.

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

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Holiday Gift Guide Nordstrom

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Beauty Sets $50 + Under

December 11, 2019

I cannot believe Christmas is almost here! Today I’m doing my first holiday gift guide of the year featuring the Best Beauty Sets $50 + Under. I’ve teamed up with Nordstrom to share some of my favorites in case you’re still doing some holiday shopping whether it’s for friends, family or to treat yourself. Nordstrom is truly the best one-stop shop for me. I can find something for everyone on my list. They make it really easy to navigate their Holiday Gift Shop by recipient or price point. I often use the filter Gifts Under $25, Gifts Under $50 and Gifts Under $100. There are tons of options to pick from.

Fresh Beauty Picks

Here are my top picks for any beauty lover. Options included even for the girls who have everything or the picky ones too! Up first are some finds from Fresh Beauty. They make my favorite shower gel and their lip balms are great options for anyone. No matter what age, skin type, skin tone – everyone can use a little extra care for their lips. Their tinted Sugar Lip Balms come in some super cute sets.

Top left is the Fresh Enchanted Essentials Travel Soy Face Cleanser and Sugar Lip Treatment Set ($19.50). I find this a unisex option (my brother loves the Soy Face Cleanser). Bottom left is the Charmed Lip Trio with the Fresh Sugar Caramel Lip Balm ($29) which smells amazing. I almost want to keep this one for myself. On the right is the cutest Sealed With Sugar Travel Size Set ($48). It has 6 minis and almost looks like an ornament! Quick note that some of the sets are marked down from the regular pricing.

MAC Makeup Sets + Holiday Collection

I’m so thrilled to find that MAC has tons of gift options under the $50 price point. I bought the Starlit Lip Bag Set in the neutral color option for myself as it has a full size liner in Dervish, lipstick in Aspiring Star and lipglass Among the Stars for a value price. There is a red option too which looks gorgeous! The Lucky Stars Lipstick Kit has 3 miniature sized lipsticks in a zipped pouch. The neutral kit (shown in the top corner) has A Star In Your Name, Once Upon the Stars and Jar of Stars (all new colors). The individual Holiday Collection items come packaged in a festive clear star packaging which makes for great stocking stuffers. They have limited-edition colors of Lipglass, Lipstick, Eyeliner and Opalescent Powder to name a few.

Fun Luxury Gifts

I’m a huge fan of Slip Silk Scrunchies ($39) and think they make for a cute simple kind of gift. I’m never without these – I keep some in my purse and in our car for whenever I need to reach for one to tie my hair up. They also make such beautiful Silk Sleeping Eye Masks ($50) I have a couple of these and love them.

Hand creams are another great universally great gift option. For the person who loves sweet scents the Laura Mercier Tres Riche Travel Hand and Body Cream ($38) is the ultimate treat. L’Occitane also makes a great Holiday Trio ($29) this season and if you have someone who needs something unscented, I highly recommend Kiehl’s. They have a cute Smooth Skin Delights Travel Trio ($35) with one unscented and two scented. You can split them up in stocking stuffers or keep one for yourself!

Hair Care Loves

When it comes to hair care I feel like for shampoo and conditioner it really depends on hair type to pick something as a gift. Styling products are easier to gift because virtually every single girl friend I have is obsessed with dry shampoo, volumizers or texturizers. Bumble and Bumble has some really affordable options including the Reign, Dear Duo ($20) and the More the Merrier Trio ($33). I have the full size thickening shampoo and conditioner on my wishlist to buy when I finish up some bottles. Oribe also makes some great options. I’ve gifted the Dry Texturizing Spray ($22 to $46) numerous times in the full size and travel size option.

NARS Holiday Makeup Sets

I usually feel like NARS is often at the higher luxury price points but am always thrilled when they launch value sets or minis to gift. The All Access Powermatte Lip Pigment Set ($45) has 3 full sized options with American Woman (one of my favorite rose long-wear lip colors), Fly Robin Fly and Funkytown in a bright red sequins zip pouch. For those who want to try minis before committing to full size products, the Past Curfew Travel Size Mascara and Eyeliner Set ($20) is a great stocking stuffer option to try for yourself. For lips/cheeks it doesn’t more classic than their Dolce Vita color and the Travel Size Dolce Vita Cracker Set ($24) is super cute. I’m a huge fan of the Afterglow Lip Balm and they still have the Afterglow Mini Lip Balm Duo ($22) available which I still use on a weekly basis because I bought backups!

That wraps up some of my favorite finds for Holiday Beauty Gifts $50 and Under! There are tons of options for men’s grooming, fragrance, skin care and more at Nordstrom. I hope this gave you some ideas if you’re looking for gift ideas!

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

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Cle de Peau Beaute Nordstrom

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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Patrick TA Sephora

Patrick Ta Beauty Haul Review + Swatches

November 11, 2019

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

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.

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.

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Monochrome Moment: Silky Lip Creme and Precision Lip Crayon

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.

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.

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.

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

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Velvet Blush

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:

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.

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Major Glow On the Go Duo

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?

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Sephora Skincare

Beauty Favorites for Skin, Hair + Body from Sephora

November 7, 2019

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.

Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser – best everyday gentle gel cleanser
Farmacy Green Clean Meltaway Cleansing Balm * – best solid makeup remover for a double cleanse
Tatcha Pure One Step Camelia Cleansing Oil – my most-used cleansing oil
Kate Somerville Eradikate Cleanser – best one to help with acne issues

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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!

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner – best gentle hydrating toner
Fresh Rose Floral Toner – one of my favorite face mists for soothing
Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist * – the one I travel with the most!

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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.

For normal/combination skin:
- Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream – just rediscovered this and am loving how smooth it makes the skin look and feel!
- Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – currently out of this in the full size but am living off my minis that I stocked up on earlier in the year, best all around moisturizer
- Farmacy Honeydrop Lightweight Moisturizer * – a great lightweight version that is hydrating but doesn’t feel greasy
For dry skin:
- Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream * – a nice more hydrating alternative to the Water Cream
- Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream – one I keep reaching for on dry skin days
- Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream – had minis of this from several sets and really like this for hydration
Best to calm skin:
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – the best one for sensitive skin days, this is one my brother keeps asking me to buy him!
- Farmacy Better Daze Ahead * – the only CBD cream I’ve tried I actually like, I used this on my face when it reacted badly to sunscreen testing, was the only thing that helped it calm down
Favorite daytime oils:
- Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Anti-Aging Oil * – the lightest weight oil I’ve tried that hydrates, feels smooth and blends in beautifully to the skin without that typical oily feel
- Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil * – the best rose oil I’ve tried at an affordable price

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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.

Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Baby Facial – best at home gentle peel ever, it has a high tingle level so your mileage may vary depending on how sensitive your skin is
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment – our most repurchased acne spot treatment, Andrew uses this the most out of all the acne products we’ve bought
Kate Somerville EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment – goes on clear so you can use it on wider areas that have problems, effective without leaving red spots on my face
Glamglow Supermud Activated Charcoal Treatment Mask – best pore minimizing and clarifying mask I’ve used, I have repurchased and used for many years
Fresh Sugar Face Polish – my favorite face scrub because it’s so gentle!
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum – I don’t often use brightening serums, but this is the one I’ve liked the most, when I use it consistently I notice a huge difference in texture and brightness

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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):

Living Proof Flex Hairspray – I asked readers on Instagram stories about a year ago what the best hairspray at Sephora was and this was the one most recommended, I 100% agree, it holds hair in place but doesn’t leave it crunchy!
Living Proof No-Frizz Instant De-Frizzer – frizz is such a huge issue in Florida humidity, even with blow-dry treatments or serums there is still frizz! This saved my life this summer, I spray it and brush it through and it works like nothing else I’ve tried
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo – best smelling option I’ve tried
IGK Jet Lag Dry Shampoo – my most-used dry shampoo
Ouai Hair Oil – one of my top picks to add shine to ends
Moroccanoil Treatment * – my can’t live without shine product
Bumble and Bumble Bb.Glow Thermal Protection Mist – I saw this everywhere on Instagram and was influenced to buy it, I absolutely love it, it’s now a close tie with the Oribe Royal Blowout Spray for me
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Mask – I’m out of this right now but this is my favorite hair mask
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Creme – one of the best cream products for a smooth blow out

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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.

Sol de Janiero Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream – I used the sunscreen oil in this scent during a trip to Miami and ever since then it reminds Andrew of being on vacation! I love this because it’s hydrating and smells amazing!
Sol de Janiero Samba 2-Step Foot Fetish Care – I bought this over the summer and think it’s the best foot cream I’ve tried because it dries to a velvety no-slip finish, the board is super effective too
Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Carnaval Getaway Set – I think this is the cutest body set for $25, it has minis of the spray, cream and shower gel
Fresh Brown Sugar Bath and Shower Gel – Fresh makes the best shower gels, I try to always have backups on hand because it’s gentle and effective
L’Occitane Almond Shower Shake – the most fun shower product ever, I like this better than the oil version!
Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub – best smelling body scrub for me!
Kiehl’s Hand Creams – they make the best for dry skin, the unscented is a classic but I also love the lavender and grapefruit ones

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Lip Treatments

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

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask – best thick hydrating balm
Dior Addict Lip Glow – a classic for adding a flush of color
NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm – my most-used balm for the past couple of years
Kosas Kosasport LipFuel * – a beautiful stick option for a tint and flush of color (also available in a clear version)
Hourglass N28 Lip Treatment Oil – the most luxurious lip oil I’ve ever tried

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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

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Lips Sephora

Luxury Lips With Givenchy Le Rouge

November 6, 2019

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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Lip Favorites

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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