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Beauty Favorites Nordstrom

Easy Everyday Summer Makeup

July 5, 2019

Everyday Makeup Favorites Summer Beauty | The Beauty Look Book

I’m all about the easy everyday kind of makeup look and today I’m rounding up some of my daily luxury beauty staples from Nordstrom. Even though this blog focuses on featuring and reviewing new product launches, many of you ask what I use the most on a daily basis so I’ve been putting together more roundups of what I reach for. If you’re a long-time reader you’ll probably recognize from previous features! It’s because I really do reach for these on a regular basis for my everyday makeup look and because they’re classic enough to incorporate into more trendy looks throughout the year.

Everyday makeup favorites

Above: Wearing Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer 3W, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder 2, Charlotte Tilbury Cream Eyeshadow in Rose Gold, The Dolce Vita Eyeshadow Palette, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra, NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm

Base and Powder

Favorite Base and Powders | The Beauty Look Book

Foundation is one of the items I’ve had to change up in the last year because so many of my holy grails have been phased out, reformulated or discontinued. I have an updated foundation post coming up soon but in the past month I’ve been loving the new Tom Ford Flawless Glow Foundation with SPF 30. I use the shade Natural 6.0 and it’s a great sheer coverage base that evens out the skin in a natural way. There’s no flash back and it lasts all day on me. It comes with a dropper which I apply directly to the face, then I’ll take a sponge or brush and blend/buff into the skin.

Other staples in rotation include the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter Powder in Shade 2 (I’ve hit pan probably a dozen times), Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder for the best lightweight soft matte powder, concealer tie is between the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer in 3W and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger. If I had to use one pressed powder the rest of my life it would be the one from Charlotte Tilbury!

Cheeks

For the cheeks I’ve really been loving the Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Palette (also reviewed here), it has everything I need for a full cheek look: blush, highlighter + bronzer. I picked up a new highlighter recently from Bobbi Brown in the Rosy Glow color which is limited-edition, it’s a really pretty basic no-fuss opal champagne.

Summer Cheek Favorites

The two cheek products I use the most are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Incandescent Electra (doubles as a highlighter for me too) and the Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel cream bronzer. I cannot live without either one. I’ve used the Chanel bronzer for as long as I can remember being into makeup. One tub will last you a long time and as long as you close it after use it won’t dry out like many cream products can.

Best Cheek Products from Hourglass and Chanel

Eyes

My most-used quad these days is the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette. It’s the perfect warm smokey eye palette and has everything I need for a complete eye look. I still love the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded as well, but many of you prefer the smaller palettes for easier wear.

Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita Quad

For the longest time I felt like I could not wear pink-toned shadows. Most had too much red in the undertone and looked a little off on me. I’m so happy to have found more options that I can pull off without having that pink-eye look. I love creams or liquids because they adhere well to the lids. My top three favorites are the Tom Ford Acqua Metal Shadow in Violet Argente, Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Rose Gold, Hourglass Scattered Light in Blaze (this is such a pretty topper). For liner my go-to is usually a bronze color, the Hourglass 1.5 MM Mechanical Gel Liner gives the most precise line for a pencil (it’s a twist up and only twists one so I’d recommend being careful when you click-twist). For liquid liners my holy grail is the Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Pen. It’s double sided with two sizes of tips. I’ve found a number of really good ones from other brands, but the Tom Ford is the only one that did not dry out on me within a few months.

Everyday Eye Makeup Favorites Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Tom Ford

Lips

Favorite Summer Lips

Above left wearing the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm in Orgasm

You girls know that I’ve been obsessed with the NARS Afterglow Lip Balm and Oil-Infused Lip Tints in Orgasm. I still am! They’re worn every week. Other good color changing balms are the Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint and Dior Addict Lip Glow (if you haven’t tried these I’d suggest waiting for the upcoming anniversary sale, there are going to be really good sets available!). I also like the Dior Lip Maximizers for a nice lip plumping gloss that doesn’t sting.

Everyday Makeup Favorites Summer Beauty | The Beauty Look Book

If you’re a beauty junkie like me mark your calendars because their Anniversary Sale is this month. All Nordstrom cardmembers will have early access on July 12th, and if you’re an Icon or Ambassador Level member you have access to their pre-shop in stores starting July 9th. All the details and dates are on their Anniversary Sale Page.

I highly recommend signing up for their Nordy Club Program if you haven’t already – it will give you early access to the sale, events throughout the year and bonus point days. It’s one of the few programs that I’ve stayed a member of. As usual I also recommend checking out their Gift With Purchase page as well, the gifts are updated frequently and some are online exclusives.

I hope you enjoyed this round up! I’d love to hear what your easy everyday makeup favorites are in the comments.

 

 

Sponsored by Nordstrom. As always all opinions are my own.

99 Comments
Beauty Favorites Sephora

Summer Loving

June 30, 2019

Summer Favorites Sephora June

Summer’s in full swing and I could not be happier that we now have a pool and also live within minutes of the beach! The summer humidity and heat has officially returned and I’ve been changing a few things up in my beauty routine. I’ve partnered with Sephora to share some new makeup discoveries I’ve had in rotation now that the heat is here.

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Bronze and Glow

Dior Glitz and Fenty Shady Biz Bronzer

There are so many new bronzer and highlighters this season. I plan on doing a full bronzer roundup soon, but the Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzers are some of the best matte options I’ve tried. I bought the two lightest shades in Inda Sun and Shady Biz, both offer a soft natural matte hint of warmth. Inda Sun almost matches my skin tone and pulls very neutral, so if you’re fair or light skinned, I highly recommend you check it out. Shady Biz is what I’ve been loving for a very natural bronze. It’s smooth, doesn’t oxidize, isn’t heavy or overly matte.

I also hauled the new Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette in Glitz. The top two shades are more glitzy with tiny micro sparkles which I think look pretty on the eyes. The bottom shades have a smoother more refined shimmer I can wear on the face. The overall effect is a soft golden glow. It has a superfine texture that adheres to the skin and stays put all day, even in intense heat.

Dior Glitz and Fenty Shady Biz | The Beauty Look Book

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Lip Loves

Summer Lip Loves NARS, Marc Jacobs, Fenty, Pat McGrath

For the lips I’ve been loving the NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tints – Orgasm was the first color launched and they just added three new shades that give a slight hint of color. The new ones are pretty sheer and on my lips they don’t have the same color-changing properties Orgasm does, but they’re ultra smooth and hydrating. My lips get ultra dry with the heat outdoors or the constant A/C indoors, these feel super emollient and comforting. I’m wearing Primal Instinct below. Other lip favorites include the Becca Glow Lip Gloss in Tiger Lily for a perfect bright peach, Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Bronze Divinity (or any of the colors) for a good non-sticky gloss and Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Gloss in Some Girls is a fun punchy peach. For days I don’t want color the Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm is a nice smooth balm with a sponge applicator. I like the packaging and it’s super soft on the lips. On me it’s clear.

NARS lip oil Primal Instinct

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Hair, Sunscreen + Body Essentials

Summer Beauty Favorites Sephora | The Beauty Look Book

Summer Hair and Sunscreen loves supergoop! Igk Mistress and Briogeo

Florida humidity is intense here. I need lots of help with styling products to help smooth the frizz or absorb oil from sweat. I’m always looking for new products to try, but rely on old favorites the IGK Mistress Anti-Frizz Leave In Conditioner (smooths out flyaways and helps with the frizz) and Briogeo Farewell Frizz (as a heat protectant for blow drying my hair).

Sunscreen favorites for me are still the Supergoop! Sunscreen Oil with SPF 50 and Everyday Sunscreen with SPF 50. There’s nothing that works as well for me as these two. They’re easy to re-apply, there’s no scent, no white cast and don’t irritate my skin. I also really like the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil with SPF 30 but it has a strong scent which I like but I know isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

For summer date nights I’ve been adding a little of the Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions in Rio Sunset or Copacabana Bronze to the legs. It adds a super subtle but pretty pearlescent sheen. A little goes a long way. If you’re a fan of sweet warm scents you’ll love it.

Fenty Sun Stalkr Bronzer Matte in Shady Biz

That wraps up some of my new beauty favorites from Sephora! Don’t forget to check out their Beauty Insider Program so you can accumulate points for samples and early access to their events. Have you hauled any of the new launches recently in makeup, skincare or haircare? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Sponsored by Sephora. As always all opinions are my own.

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Barneys New York GWP

Barneys New York Beauty Bag Event June 18-22

June 18, 2019

Barneys New York Beauty Bag Event June 2019

Barneys New York is running their Summer Beauty Bag Event from June 18-22 (online only)! With any $200 purchase in cosmetics, skincare, fragrance and grooming you will receive a beauty bag with samples valued at around $360. I’ve teamed up with Barneys New York to share a peek at the gift bag along with a few recommendations plus what’s on my beauty radar. There are also 50+ individual brand gifts available online.

Beauty Bag Event Gift with Purchase

Barneys New York Beauty Bag GWP Event June 2019

Inside the bag they have over 20 minis:

  • MMM Replica Under the Lemon Tree 2 ml
  • Harmonist Magnetic Wood 2 ml
  • Mila Moursi Refining Lotion 10 ml
  • MDNA Finishing Cream 0.1 oz
  • Sisley Phyto Blanc Buff and Wash 10 ml
  • Starskin Lace Revamping Mask (2 sheets)
  • Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste 10 ml
  • Oribe Supershine Cream 15 ml
  • Harry Josh Carbon Tail Comb
  • Malin Goetz Stem EDP Vial .75 ml
  • Shiseido Bio Performance Lift Dynamic Eye Treatment 12 ml
  • Lab to Beauty CBD Lip Balm .5 oz
  • The Laundress Wash and Stain Bar Classic
  • Hourglass Caution Mascara .12 oz
  • By Terry Mini Baume de Rose 3 g
  • La Mer Regenerating Serum 5 ml
  • Byredo Perfume (assorted) 2 ml
  • Diptyque Eau de Minthe 2 ml
  • YSL Matte Pore Refiner 5 ml
  • JINSoon Nail Polish (assorted)
  • Baxter Skin Concentrate BHA 5 ml
  • Foria Awaken 1.5 ml

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Top Recommendations / On My Radar

Beauty Favorites from Barneys Byredo, Diptyque, Aesop, Tom Ford

There are so many great brands available at Barneys I don’t think it’s hard to find something good to splurge on. In case you need some recommendations, some things that I love include:

  1. Byredo La Selection Set has six miniature 12 ml perfume vials, it’s perfect to sample a wide range of scents, I also carry these in my purse
  2. Tom Ford Beauty Skin Illuminating Duo in Moodlight is one of the best highlighter duos
  3. Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Foundation Stick is one of the best full coverage foundations, I use this on top of regular foundation as a concealer
  4. Aesop Redemption Body Scrub is the best body scrub I’ve ever tried
  5. Hourglass Confession Lipstick is one of the best formulas even though it’s ridiculously expensive, full lineup swatched here, Barneys appears to have an exclusive called I Hope
  6. Hourglass Unreal Lip Gloss is a really nice formula that’s new, swatches of my picks here
  7. Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder is one of the nicest loose formulas I’ve tried, review here and here
  8. Hourglass Arch Brow Gel in Soft Brunette is my go-to for brow gels
  9. Diptyque Baies Candle is my favorite scent of all time
  10. By Terry Lip Expert Shine offers some of the prettiest gloss colors, I love Bare Flirt and Peachy Guilt, swatches here (they are fairly strong in the rose scent)

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The gift with purchase is offered from June 18 to the 22nd while supplies last. Gift will be automatically added to your cart at checkout once you’ve reached the minimum $200 beauty spend. Available online at Barneys.com.

 

Many thanks to Barneys for partnering to sponsor this post!

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Charlotte Tilbury Nordstrom

Ultimate Glow With the Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Collection

May 13, 2019

Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Collection Nordstrom | The Beauty Look Book

I think I’ve found my ultimate summer glow with the Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Collection! I picked up almost all of the new pieces at Nordstrom and think everything is just so stunning. I’ve been such a long time fan of Charlotte Tilbury from the very first day her products launched in the US. So many of you have asked me, “if there’s one brand that you had to stick with for the entire face, what would it be?” One of my top picks would Charlotte Tilbury – her line has something in every category from base, cheeks, eyes, lips etc. that I love. Today I’ve partnered with Nordstrom to share some beauty looks featuring the new Glowgasm Palettes. I’ve mixed in products from her existing lineup to give you ideas on how to wear everything!

Glowgasm Face Palettes

There are two Glowgasm Face Palettes in Lightgasm and Lovegasm. Each one has four shades for the face including a bronzer, blush and highlighters. They’re absolutely gorgeous and give the skin a very pretty lit from within kind of glow. The formula has a unique almost cream-like gel to powder finish. They’re soft to the touch and are like a solid cream but apply like a powder. You can apply wet or dry, on the eyes or cheeks. Application is smooth, it doesn’t emphasize my pores or skin imperfections, lasting power is excellent and they adhere really well to the skin.

Lightgasm

The Glowgasm Face Palette in Lightgasm is the lighter option of the two and on my medium tan complexion this pulls more like a highlighter palette. It’s really pretty on both the eyes or cheeks. I applied with a lighter hand layering all four shades – you can intensify with a damp brush. Colors are a pale yellow champagne gold, a light shimmering peach, a neutral contour satiny bronze and a duo chrome pink-gold.

Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Lightgasm Palette Review

Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Lightgasm Palette swatches

Makeup look below wearing the lighter option, since the shades run lighter this is more of a glow palette on my complexion with a little bit of dimension with the deeper colors. It has a nice soft and diffused kind of look on the cheeks.

Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm Makeup Look

Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm Makeup Look

Full beauty breakdown using the Lightgasm Face Palette:

Lovegasm

The Glowgasm Palette in Lovegasm is the deeper one and if I had to pick just one this would be it. It has deeper variations of a yellow gold highlighter, deeper peach shimmer, medium tan bronze and a glimmering coral gold shimmer. This has enough color to look like I’m wearing blush on the face. As a peach lover this couldn’t be more perfect for me.

Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Makeup Look

Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Makeup Look

Makeup look wearing the deeper palette option

Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Makeup Look

Charlotte Tilbury Lovegasm Makeup Look

Beauty breakdown using the Lovegasm Palette:

 

Glowgasm Beauty Wand Highlighters

There are three new Beauty Wand Highlighters. I bought two of them in Peachgasm and Pinkgasm. Both have enough color that I feel like I could get away with wearing these as a shimmering blush. Both have a twist open cap. Squeeze the tube to dispense product into a sponge applicator and then dab on the face anywhere you want a highlight. They have an iridescent finish  and a really nice dry down. The Beauty Wands stay creamy long enough to blend and once they set they stay put on the face. Swatches with two different light settings and angles to show depth and shine.

Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wands

I have a look below with the Pinkgasm – you can see it swatched on the face straight out of the tube and then blended out alone. For a more complete look you can add bronzer, contour, blush or whatever suits your mood. I applied it alone like a face swatch to give you a sense of how it looks on the skin just by itself. Beauty breakdown wearing:

Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm Look

Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm Makeup Look Ideas

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Overall love and I give everything a solid thumbs up. As one who loves a good glow I think you really can’t go wrong with either palette. If you have medium to deep skin, opt for Lovegasm for a more complete look. Lightgasm is really pretty as well but will be more like a highlighting glow palette. I hope the three beauty looks give you ideas on how to coordinate the colors! I think both are very versatile to wear with any kind of lip or eye. Charlotte Tilbury has a wide range of neutral lips alongside bolder bright shades.

I think these will be perfect all summer long. I was initially worried they might be too glowy but the finish is really pretty and easy to blend out. Textures and finishes are going to also be perfect for warm weather months as they adhere to the skin really well and stay put!

You can find the Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Collection out at Nordstrom now. If you’re shopping online don’t forget to check out their Gift With Purchase options as well!

 

Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All items purchased by me. As always all opinions my own.

 

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Hauls Sephora

Sephora Haul Picks Skin, Hair + Makeup

May 6, 2019

Sephora Haul Picks

I have a quick haul post for what I picked up from Sephora! I still have some things in my online cart for products we could not find in our store but these are the skincare, hair care and other beauty picks both Andrew and I bought during the spring bonus event. It ends today Monday May 6th so there’s still time to shop! Details for the tiers on their Beauty Insider page for details on how to join. Discounts as follows:

  • Rouge Members get 20% off, 4/26 through 5/6 with code HEYROUGE
  • VIB Members get 15% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYVIB
  • BI Members get 10% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYINSIDER

With the exception of our restocks I haven’t been able to test most of the makeup products. Reviews to follow as soon as I can but I have a lot already pre-planned to post for this week so the swatches for the lip products most likely won’t be up until sometime next week.

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Skin + Hair Picks: Sabrina’s and Andrew’s

Sephora Skincare Picks Hers and His

I still remember distinctly when Andrew refused to go into Sephora with me. Anytime we were shopping together he would see me walk towards the store and say, “meet me at (x place) when you’re done.” He’s always been a well-groomed person but I can’t express how happy it makes me that in the past couple of years he has taken a bigger interest in skincare and taking care of our health and wellness. These days he goes in the store with me to shop the skincare areas and wanders off to do his own browsing.

Above left are my picks which includes restock on Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen, Christophe Robin Shade Variation Hair Mask in Warm Chestnut (love love love this!), Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother and Tatcha Silk Canvas mini. I bought the Glamglow Bubble Sheet Mask because I had one before but lost it and never tried it. I also picked up the Smashbox Studio Flawless Concealer in Light Medium Warm and the Farsali Rose Gold 24K Skin Mist – it has gold flecks inside! I used some points for an Amika Perk Up Mini Dry Shampoo.

Above right are what Andrew picked out including the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (mini), First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads, Farmacy Clean Bee Cleanser (this one is for both of us), Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior Serum (his second bottle because it’s one of the few serums that doesn’t have a thick or sticky finish), Fresh Black Tea Eye Serum, Sephora Collection 3-in-1 Extractor and Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment (another restock for him).

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Fenty Beauty Picks

Sephora Fenty Beauty Picks

I’ve been really loving Fenty Beauty the more and more I try from the line. I bought two highlighters in the Killawatt Freestyle in Afternoon Snack/Mo Hunny and Foil Freestyle Highlighter in Penny4uthots. I tried the duo today and think it’s so so pretty. I also picked up the two lightest matte Sun Stalk’r Bronzers in Inda Sun and Shady Bix. I haven’t had a chance to try them yet but took a quick peek at them in store. I’ve been really interested in the Pro Filter Powder but the testers look so chalky in store on my hand. I opted for a mini in Cashew which I have on my face right now and it’s too dark but could possibly work in the summer for me. I’m not sure if I’ll go back for the lighter shades. From Charlotte Tilbury I bought one of the Glowgasm Highlighters in Peach (ordered the rest online).

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Lip Haul Picks

Hourglass Unreal Lipgloss, Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip and Dior Stellar Shine

I spotted two new Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lips and picked the lighter shade East Coast Slay. It’s a pale nude yellowish beige cream. I also saw the new Hourglass Unreal Lip Glosses and wanted every single color. I bought 5 in Ignite, Truth, Prose, Canvas and Cosmic. I tested Truth yesterday and really like it – it’s smooth and not sticky with good coverage. Has a minty scent to it but not really plumping on me (no tingle). I’ll keep you posted! I also opted for one of the Dior Stellar Shine in D-Galaxy. I had high hopes for these but none of the other colors really spoke to me. If you think there are any that I should check out let me know in the comments!

My haul picks:

 

Still in my cart:

 

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That wraps up my Sephora haul! I think I might order a few more of the Hourglass Lip Glosses even though I don’t need anymore. The Sephora Beauty Insider Event ends tonight – what did you end up hauling?

 

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Beauty Favorites Sales Sephora

Top 25 Makeup Must-Haves in My Weekly Beauty Routine From Sephora

May 2, 2019

Top 25 Makeup Essentials for Everyday Makeup

The Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Bonus Event opens up to all Beauty Insiders today! It’s available both online and in stores now through 5/6 with the following codes:

  • Rouge Members receive 20% off purchases with code HEYROUGE
  • VIBs receive 15% off with code HEYVIB
  • Beauty Insiders receive 10% off with code HEYINSIDER

If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet you can still join (details here). You’ll get access to events and beauty rewards as you accumulate points with all your purchases. Last week I rounded up my go-to skincare and haircare favorites. Today I’m excited to partner with Sephora to share my Top 25 makeup go-to’s that I use every week. As a beauty blogger I frequently rotate products as I test and review the newest launches. Still many of you want to know what my daily staples are. While I don’t use the same things everyday I do have a handful of products that are in my beauty routine every week without fail. Here are my Top 25!

Best Everyday Makeup Staples

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Base

Favorite Makeup Bases NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Laura Mercier and Armani Luminous Silk

The base products I use every week include the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (1) for a luminous natural glow, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation (2) for the longest lasting matte full coverage, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (3) for the best brightening under eye concealer and my beautyblender (4) to give me a flawless seamless foundation application. To add a glow to the base I really love the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (5). I use it both underneath or on top of foundation to highlight places I want a little more glow.

Favorite Foundation Armani Luminous Silk and Beautyblender

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Prime

Tatcha Silk Canvas Full vs Mini

For primers I often rotate depending on what base I use. Whenever someone asks me “what’s the best primer?” my answer is dependent on what base you use. It’s best to use something that’s compatible, ie oil free primers with oil free bases etc. My most-used primer is the Tatcha Silk Canvas (6). It helps keep everything in place on my face and works with most of my foundations. They now have it in a mini size which I just bought! I’m restocking on the full size because I’m nearly out of my larger one.

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Set

Best Setting Powders La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury, Laura Mercier and Hourglass

Long-time readers can guess what my favorite setting powders are because you will usually see the same powders used in every single makeup breakdown. For loose powder my top picks are Laura Mercier Translucent Loose (7) and Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder (8). Both work to set every kind of liquid or cream foundation without looking cakey or heavy. They keep everything looking soft and matte without looking dry. For pressed powders I swear by the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish (9) for a perfect blurred finish and the La Mer Pressed in Light or Medium (10) for a sheer natural finish.

Best Setting Powder Charlotte Tilbury

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Blush

Best Natural Glowy Blushes Hourglass and Charlotte Tilbury

I like to keep things glowy and soft for blush on most days so I prefer blushes that have a little shimmer and glow mixed in. For the person who is afraid to wear blush the Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic (11) blushes are really perfect. They have two shades in each compact to give you depth and dimension without looking overdone. My most-worn shade is Love Glow which is a perfect pinky peach. If you want a nude opt for First Love (best nude blush ever) or Pillow Talk for that perfect pinky brown flush. I also love layering Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes (12) on because they have highlighter and pigment in one. Incandescent Electra is my go-to soft coral.

Best Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Love Glow

 

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Eyes

Favorite Eye Makeup Staples

My go-to eye makeup products are the ones that are easy to use. For brows I alternate between the Diorshow Brow Styler (13) in Universal Brown or Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (14) in Medium Brown or Caramel (depending on my highlights). They come with a spoolie at the end to brush out. I love that they have a twist up format so no sharpening required! I also use the Hourglass Arch Fiber Brow Gel (15) on a regular basis to groom and fill in brows without looking too heavy.

For eyeshadows I swear by the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks (16). I use these almost daily as an all over base for powder shadows or just on easy makeup days for an all over wash. Rose Gold and Copper are the best shades for me! I also really love the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadow (17) in Bette. It’s the perfect shimmering gold for a lid color.

For eyeshadow palettes my go-to’s have changed over the years from neutral to more neutral warm. Since moving to Florida and getting more tan I find I’ve gravitated towards warmer colors! My top two palettes are Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon (18) which is my second one because I’ve used it so much and hit pan and the new Natasha Denona Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette (19) which I’ve used every week since discovering it. Both offer a complete eye look with light and deep shades.

The best shimmer shadow is the Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadows (20). Anytime someone asks me what my shimmer shadow is, it’s usually one of these layered on top of powder shadow for that added glow! I think every color is a must-have. I bought every single one and love them but the two colors that get the most compliments are Blaze and Smoke.

Eye Makeup Essentials

 

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Lips

Best Everyday Lip Colors

I’m a neutral lip lover at heart and prefer gloss for a shiny luminous glow. My most-used colors and products include the Pat McGrath LUST Gloss (21) in Faux Real (although all of her shades are really incredible), Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow (22), Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip in Lychee Baby (23), Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk (24) and the Lip Cheat Lip Pencil in Pillow Talk (25).

Below wearing the Pillow Talk Liner, adding Fenty Glow on the right:

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb

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Sephora Makeup Must-Haves

That wraps up my most-used go-to makeup products that I have in rotation every single week! Some product categories are missing because I rotate each week and can’t commit to just one or two! For example I probably alternate highlighters the most frequently because sometimes I like liquid, other days I prefer powder. Same goes for eyeliner, mascara, etc.

I hope you enjoyed this makeup roundup! I can share what I ended up hauling if you’re interested (let me know in the comments)! In the meantime here is what I plan on hauling during the Beauty Insider event. I already picked up a few things but will probably make one more stop for some more things to try.

To recap, event is going on both in stores and online at Sephora:

  • Rouge Members receive 20% off purchases with code HEYROUGE
  • VIBs receive 15% off with code HEYVIB
  • Beauty Insiders receive 10% off with code HEYINSIDER

Shop my favorites in this post, face, cheeks and eyes:

Favorites for lips:

 

Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post! Press samples featured include the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose, Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip, Pat McGrath LUST Gloss, Hourglass Veil Powder. As always all opinions my own.

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Sephora Skincare

Best Skincare + Haircare to Splurge on During The Sephora Spring Bonus Event

April 26, 2019

Best Skincare Haircare to Splurge on at the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Spring Bonus Event is happening again! It starts today for Rouge Beauty Insiders who get first access with a 20% discount off purchases online and in stores using code HEYROUGE. The event is open to Rouge Members from today Friday April 26 to Monday May 6. VIBs and BIs will have access starting next week. Today I have my roundup of the best skincare and haircare items I think are the most splurge-worthy. The event is a great time to save on new tries or stock up on favorites. For those interested in makeup, my holy grail makeup picks to follow in a separate post next week!

Quick recap of dates and codes for Beauty Insiders, valid in both US and Canada, available online and in stores. If you’re not a member yet check out their Beauty Insider page for details on how to join:

  • Rouge Members get 20% off, 4/26 through 5/6 with code HEYROUGE
  • VIB Members get 15% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYVIB
  • BI Members get 10% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYINSIDER

I’ve included recommendations by category since I know each person is looking for something a little different. I have normal combination skin that is acne prone. These are my tried and true.

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Face Cleansers and Makeup Removers

  • Kate Somerville wins for me on everything! If I had to use one brand of cleanser the rest of my life it would be Kate Somerville. I have to rotate formulas depending on season, but my go-to’s are the Eradikate and Exfolikate to keep skin clean and acne-free.
  • Glamglow Supercleanse Clearing Cream to Foam is another great purifying cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin and helps keeps pores clear.
  • Farmacy Beauty Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm* is the best solid makeup remover I’ve tried. It’s a solid that transforms into an oil to melt away makeup.
  • Farmacy Beauty Clean Bee is another one I’ve been a fan of for oily skin. This is ideal for me on super sweaty workout days or in the summer when my skin gets oily.
  • Lancome Eau Micellar is probably the one I’d pick if I had to pick one for the rest of my life.
  • Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil is always in stock at my home. It’s one of my most-used cleansing oils. Some of you have mentioned to me you’re allergic to Camellia Oil in which case I’d recommend you try SK-II or Bobbi Brown’s instead. (I love that Sephora is one of the few sites that lists ingredients for most of their products.)

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Face Moisturizers

  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is the best all around everyday moisturizer for me. Even Andrew loves it so much he borrowed mine permanently so I had to buy another jar. It’s hydrating but not heavy and works with most of my foundations.
  • Farmacy Beauty Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer* is another stand out for me. It’s lightweight and also works really well under makeup.
  • Tatcha Water Cream* has been a long-time favorite of mine but I just started using the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream* and like it even more. I thought it would be too heavy based on the description but it’s actually not! It offers a more creamy feel than the water version. The Dewy Skin Cream makes the skin look supple and moisturized.
  • Eve Lom Brightening Cream is another nice super lightweight moisturizer that has a subtle brightening effect. I’ve used this one for years and it never fails me.
  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Juice is the best lightweight gel moisturizer. It’s been with me on most every trip since I discovered it. It’s great for humid weather on days I want something ultra light.

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Face Masks and Special Treatments

  • Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask is my most-used mask EVER. It’s the perfect pore refining and clarifying mud mask. Anytime I feel like my skin is clogged or breakouts are surfacing this helps tremendously.
  • Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Mask is another favorite that brightens and exfoliates.
  • Drunk Elephant TLC Baby Facial is the only 1 of 3 acid treatments I liked enough to use consistently. Anytime someone tells me my skin looks smooth and glowing in person it’s usually after I’ve used this.
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes is a night time lactic acid treatment that works to retexturize the skin. This is pretty strong for me but effective. I don’t use this every night – I typically use this whenever I feel like my skin is having texture issues. If you’re unsure about splurging on this definitely try it in a mini in one of the sets like the Flash Fix Kit or Power Trio Set.
  • Farmacy Beauty Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Mask is my favorite hydrating mask. For me this is huge as I really don’t like honey masks because of their thick gooey texture. This one is one I really like to help with dryness and dullness.
  • Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Mask is another great calming and hydrating mask. It makes me feel like a brand new person when I use this one.
  • Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Spot Treatment is one of Andrew’s favorite spot treatments. It has 2% salicylic acid and we’ve been testing out a lot of pimple treatments. This is a winner for him.
  • Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum works for both of us. I am embarrassed to admit I burned my forehead badly on four separate occasions with the curling iron. It was only a light tap on accident but contact was long enough to leave burn marks and scars. This helped reduce them back to my normal skin state. Andrew had bad acne scars from cystic acne. They normally go away with time he recently had some really bad ones. He put this on his shoulder area and it also made his scar disappear quickly.

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Scrubs and Exfoliators

I’m combining favorites for face and body in this one! I’ve always felt exfoliation is a key part of my skincare routine for the face and body to help get rid of dead skin cells and excess oil. Long-wear formulas for makeup and sunscreen are often hard to remove with just cleanser so exfoliating is key. Ones I find effective but gentle:

  • Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Treatment is hands down the best intense scrub I’ve tried. It is pretty intense so if you have sensitive skin it may be too strong for you. I use this once a week to keep skin glowing.
  • Fresh Sugar Face Polish is the best hydrating face scrub. It dissolves when you rub it into the skin and is super gentle.
  • REN Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Salt Scrub is the best hydrating balm in scrub form. It’s expensive and for me goes fast with how frequently I use it. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smooth without being greasy.
  • Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub is my all time favorite body scrub. I have yet to try it on the scalp but for the body it smells sooo so good and I love it to pieces.

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Body Moisturizer, Glow Products and Fragrance

  • Kopari Coconut Melt is my favorite body moisturizer. I put it on my body at night before I go to bed and wake up with super soft skin.
  • Sol de Janiero Glomotions in Copacabana Bronze and Rio Sunset are my new favorite glow products. I haven’t really been into body glows but I love the subtle sheen these give to the legs and arms. It’s perfect for warm weather date nights.
  • Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Oil has been a staple for years. It smells like summer in a bottle.
  • La Mer Reparative Body Lotion is something I’ve actually only had in minis. This is the most amazing body lotion I’ve ever tried and I have not been able to bring myself to splurge on it due to the price. I might splurge during this event.
  • Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt, Wild Blue Bell and Basil and Neroli are my top three favorites from Jo Malone! I really want to try the new Frangipani.
  • Tom Ford Soleil Blanc and Eau de Soleil Blanc are my most-worn scents for summer in a bottle that smells fresh and light. If I had to wear just one perfume the rest of my life it would be either of these. The differences are really slight. One Eau de Soleil is lighter and a little more creamy.

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Sunscreen

  • Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen is my all time favorite. It’s never greasy, moderately hydrating, doesn’t leave a white cast, has no smell and is easy to reapply.
  • Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with SPF 50 is another favorite. It has a spray tip applicator which makes it easy to apply. It’s not scented so it won’t interfere with perfume. Non-irritating and works well for me.
  • Sol de Janiero Bum Bum Sol Oil with SPF 30 is a shimmer oil with sunscreen. I used this in Miami where the sun is super intense (it’s further south from where we live and is a lot hotter there!). It worked well to prevent burning with regular reapplication. The shimmer isn’t gritty and is pretty subtle. It’s strongly scented so if you’re sensitive to strong creamy sweet scents you might want to opt for the Supergoop! instead.
  • A few others I’ve tried, loved and reviewed in the past linked below but I am going to do an updated sunscreen post next month.

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Haircare

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Extras

  • Glamglow Supertone Exfoliating Acid Solution Toner is one of the few acids I actually like. It’s not too strong and it’s more of a toner to exfoliate and clarify the skin. I’m so impressed by this. It helped clear up my skin during that time of the month when my face acts up. I use it other times every day only in the evenings.
  • Fresh Rose Floral Toner is a nice lightweight hydrating face mist that doubles as a toner.
  • Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is my favorite face mist.
  • Sephora Collection Cotton is super affordable and they don’t have those little fibers that stick in your eyes or crevices of your face.
  • NARS Afterglow Lip Balm is probably my most-used glow lip balm (even more than Dior Addict Glows).
  • Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is my holy grail lip treatment, if I had to use one the rest of my life this would be it.

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Quick recap on Sephora Beauty Insider Spring Bonus Event details and dates. If you’re not a member yet check out their Beauty Insider page to join:

  • Rouge Members get 20% off, 4/26 through 5/6 with code HEYROUGE
  • VIB Members get 15% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYVIB
  • BI Members get 10% off, 5/2 through 5/6 with code HEYINSIDER

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I’m doing another giveaway! One reader will receive a $100 eGift card to Sephora. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older to qualify. Enter by completing at least one of the tasks in the widget below. Winner will be selected on 5/1 and e-mailed that day. Not sponsored or affiliated.

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Press samples in post indicated with a *. All other items purchased by me.

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