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Sephora Fragrance For All Event

December 19, 2023

Sephora Fragrance for All Event, Save 20% off

Sephora’s Fragrance For All Event is here with 20% off full-size fragrances for Beauty Insiders! The event runs through 12/24 with code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout (one-time use). They carry a wide range of perfume brands so if there’s something you wanted to try or stock up on this is a great time to save! Some exclusions apply. If you’re not a member you can sign up for free here.

Best Winter Perfumes at Sephora

Scent is seasonal for me so I rotate depending on time of year, but here are few that I really love.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my go-to for the best year round scent. It’s the best earthy woody scent with ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage. Nothing else compares and I love that it can also be unisex.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Wearing:

Phlur Missing Person Perfume

You girls know my love for Phlur and I would say my most reached-for scents are from this line. Missing Person is the best skin-like musk scent. It’s warm, cozy, skin-like with a tiny bit of spice. It has a soothing comforting feel to me with white musk, bergamot, blonde wood, orange blossom, jasmine.

Best Phlur Perfumes: Missing Person, Somebody Wood, Vanilla Skin

Phlur Somebody Wood is another one I love for a warm cozy sandalwood amber musk mix. I like layering this with Missing Person, but it’s great on its own too.

The Phlur Skin, Hair and Body Mists are beautiful. I think Vanilla Skin is one of the best cozy vanillas ever made. It’s sweet but not too sweet. Has a soft warm feel I think I could definitely wear year round.

Viktor and Rolf’s Flowerbomb

For date-night spicy scents, I think Viktor and Rolf’s Flowerbomb and YSL Libre are the best ones. I just tried the Libre Absolu Platine which has a fresh floral vibe to it (really pretty).

YSL Libre and Libre Absolu Platine

Best Sephora Perfumes to shop during the Fragrance for All Event

The Sephora Fragrance For All Events runs now through 12/24 for Beauty Insiders. If you’re not a member yet you can sign up for free here! Use code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout for 20% off full-sized perfumes!

If you’re shopping for last minute gifts they are offering same day delivery for select areas with Free Same-Day Delivery using code GETGIFTS (for beauty insiders only, ends 12/24 at 12pm PT.)

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Sponsored by Sephora.

Lips Sephora YSL Beauty

YSL Rouge Pur Couture + Bold High Pigment Lipstick Haul

November 6, 2023

YSL Rouge Pur Couture and The Bold High Pigment Lipstick Review

Today’s the last day of the Sephora Savings Event! If you had anything on your wishlist today is the last day to save for Beauty Insiders! Use code TIMETOSAVE to take advantage of the 10% to 20% savings depending on your tier.

I hauled some of the new lipsticks from YSL Beauty and think the formulas are among the best they’ve launched. I picked out some of the new Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick ($45 each) and a few of The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks ($45 each, not new but there are new shades).

Rouge Pur Couture

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick Review

above left to right: N1, N3, N5, N8 and N12

The YSL Rouge Pur Couture Caring Satin Lipstick is one of the best lipstick formulas I’ve tried. They are scented like the fruity lipsticks from YSL but it’s not quite as strong. I posted an Instagram Reel last week with a try-on haul of this formula and you girls seem to LOVE these tones! To me they are like a more pigmented less glossy version of the Rouge Volupte Shines. The new Rouge Pur Couture is creamy, smooth and opaque.

Based on the online swatches and stock photos, these look very different on me compared to what I see swatched online. N8 and N12 pull a lot warmer on me. Out of all of these I like N3 and N5 the best.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick swatches

Also please keep in mind these may look very different on you if you’re cool or warm, lighter or darker. Neutrals are tricky with undertone and lip tone. I have a neutral golden undertone with pigmented lips.

N1 is a neutral beige nude
N3 is a pinky peach beige
N5 is a light cool pink
N8 is a warmer pink
N12 is a nude with slight mauve tones

Swatches on the lips, also wearing:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick N1

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick N3

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick N5

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick N8

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick N12

A lot of you wanted swatch comparisons to the Rouge Volupte Shine so I pulled what I still have to swatch for you below. Some of them have been discontinued and I don’t remember the shade names but I have listed the numbers. Also added a couple of the Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick.

Swatch comparisons:

YSL neutral lipstick swatch comparisons

The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks

YSL The Bold High Pigment Lipstick Shades 12, 13 and 1968

I picked up a few of The Bold High Pigment Lipsticks and really love the formula. It’s a satin almost matte finish (not quite matte). Super opaque and full coverage. Shades are indeed bold and more on the dramatic side. 12 Nu Incongru looks like a soft pink online but it’s a bold cool pink and I kinda love it. 13 Nude Era is a neutral-cool tone beige nude and kinda makes me look like a corpse but if I added darker liner I think I could make it work. 1968 is described as a nude pink but it’s really more of a warm pink almost reddish.

I swatched 2 of them on the lips below.

YSL The Bold High Pigment Lipstick Shades 12 and 13

Overall lots to love. If you like neutrals I think you’ll like some of the Rouge Pur Couture shades. They do have a slip to the texture and shiny finish so the lasting power isn’t going to be as long as The Bold High Pigment. Rouge Pur Couture does last longer than the Rouge Volupte Shines though.

I did a Sephora haul online and in store! I received most of the items (one package is still in transit) and while I won’t have time to test or review them before the sale is over, I’ll share them below. Some of the items have sold out or are only available in store but if you missed out not to worry – I think there will be plenty of great holiday sales coming up soon!

Sephora Sale Haul Picks Huda Beauty, Merit, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury

Haul Picks Linked

 

I’m pretty excited to try the new Huda beauty picks and the Urban Decay moondust shadows! Did you splurge on anything exciting during the Sephora sale? What did you pick out?

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I bought the lipsticks at Sephora. Also available at YSL Beauty, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Beauty Favorites Lips Sales Sephora

Sephora Savings Event Shopping Guide: Best Lip Products That Live Up to the Hype

October 28, 2023

Best Lip Products Worth the Hype

above wearing Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y

The Sephora Savings Event is here starting with early access for Rouge Members! I’m putting together a few updated “best-of” shopping guides and today’s roundup covers the Top 5 in Lips for every category from lip liners, lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, glosses and more. If you’re not a Beauty Insider you can sign up now for free here to get access to the Savings Event. Use code TIMETOSAVE during these dates (exclusions apply):

  • Rouge Members – save 20% off 10/27 thru 11/6
  • VIB Members – save 15% off 10/31 thru 11/6
  • Insiders – save 10% off 10/31 thru 11/6
  • Sephora Collection is 30% off for all members

I’m shopping the Rouge Tier and still building my shopping cart but I have my eye on the La Mer Treatment Lotion Sheet Masks (my holy grail), Kerastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo, Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Sultry Palette and Saie Mini Dew Blush Trio to name a few.

Best Lip Products Worth the Hype

Best Lipliners

Best Lip Pencils at Sephora

There are so many good lip liner formulas these days. My top 5 favorites are below.

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 ($21, color Pinky Brown shown) has the best long-wear lip liner formula. They glide on with full coverage pigment and I love that they’re packaged in a twist up format with a removeable sharpener at the base. My favorite shades are Pinky Brown, Terracotta, Honey Beige and Sandy Beige.

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 Automatic Lip Pencils

Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0 Pinky Brown

Also wearing:

Pat McGrath Permagel Ultra Lip Pencil ($29, color Structure shown) is another great formula with the best colors. Structure is the perfect neutral brown, Nude Venus is a perfect peachy nude, Buff is the best nude pink.

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil ($22, Wherever Walnut shown) is another great classic pencil. The formula can be used on eyes, brows and lips – they are easy to blend with a matte finish. Wherever Walnut seems to be the most popular color, but I also really love Up & Down Tan and Anywhere Caffeine. They launched a really cute Mini Artist Pencil Set ($35) which has their best-selling shades.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat ($25, Pillow Talk shown) is my most-worn lip pencil. Pillow Talk is my lips but better shade. I also love Pillow Talk Medium and Iconic Nude.

Sephora Collection Lip Liner To Go ($6, Light Brown shown) is a mini lip pencil perfectly sized for the smallest clutch or pouch. I have a couple colors and Light Brown is my favorite everyday neutral.

Best Lipstick Formulas

Best Lipstick Formulas Armani, NARS, Gucci, Pat McGrath and YSL

Sephora carries so many great lipsticks. Narrowing down my top 5 was really hard as I can list at least a dozen formulas I think are excellent. Here are the best ones I reach for the most.

Armani Lip Power Shade 109

Armani Lip Power ($45 each, Shade 109 shown) is one of the best creamy opaque smooth lipstick formulas I’ve tried. There are lots of great colors but 109 is the best everyday pink in my opinion. They also launched this in a Matte Formula too (lots of great nudes, I love Shade 111 Matte).

NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick ($32, Orgasm shown) is my favorite formula for a shine lipstick. Pigment is impressive for a shine formula. They have a comfortable hydrating feel that feels like a balm. My favorites are Orgasm which is a peach pink gold, Breathless a beige nude and Dolce Vita which is a classic rose.

NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick

Gucci Care Glow and Shine Lipstick ($47, Sally Soft Honey shown) is another great shine lipstick formula. Pigment is very good with these and I love the glossy finish. Sally Soft Honey is the best everyday pinky nude. Call It a Day is the best mauve (great for fall). I also love Julie Blush for a bright peachy shade.

Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick ($39, Nude Venus shown) is hands down the best matte lipstick formula I’ve tried. It’s smooth, opaque, doesn’t look dry on the lips and the color selection is outstanding. They have a good range of neutrals, reds, bolds, browns – my top 3 shades are Nude Venus (peachy nude), Christy (pink nude) and Divine Rose (rose pink).

YSL Rouge Pure Couture Caring Satin Lipstick ($45, N5 Tribute Nude shown) is a new formula and after trying a few shades I have to say I am REALLY impressed. It has an ultra smooth formula that glides on the lips with absolute perfection. I’ll have a full review on the shades I picked up soon.

Best Liquid Lipstick Formulas

Best Liquid Lipsticks

Gucci Transfer-Proof Matte Liquid Lipstick ($47, Grace Cinnamon) is a beautiful formula. Grace Cinnamon is the perfect nude pink shade with smooth coverage and a super lightweight texture.

Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick ($27, OG Backtalk shown) is the best long-wear liquid lipstick in the sense that once it sets it does not budge or transfer. OG Backtalk is a really pretty mauve. I also think Text Em is the best rose pink shade ever made.

Tom Ford Lip Luxe Matte ($59, Naked Haze shown) is another exceptional formula. I’ve only tried one shade in Naked Haze which is a great everyday nude pink. I plan on picking up one or two more during the Sephora Savings Event. Texture is lightweight and coverage is smooth and really good.

Tom Ford Liquid Lipstick Naked Haze

Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer Liquid ($45, Shade 100 Forever Nude) is another great long-wear formula that is also transfer proof. I have this in a couple shades and they really do stay put without transferring. Shade 100 Forever Nude is perfection.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15, Shade 70 First Date shown) is a budget-friendly Liquid Lipstick with an impressive color selection. Formula is full coverage with a creamy satin finish. I love that these feel super lightweight on the lips and they don’t look dry. All Sephora Collection items are 30% off during the Sephora Savings Event.

Top 5 Lip Glosses

Best Lip Glosses Lawless, Dior, Fenty, Pat McGrath and Bobbi Brown

I’m 100% a lip gloss girl at heart. Here are the best top 5 formulas I reach for the most.

Lawless Forget the Filler ($26, Cherry Vanilla shown) is the best smoothing lip gloss that plumps without any tingle. I like the darker/bolder shades for a lush lip look. They are on the thicker side but I love the finish. Cherry Vanilla is the best sheer red I’ve ever tried. Juicy Watermelon is the prettiest bright pink. They also launched a few shades in a Jumbo Size ($38 each) and for holiday they have a cute Mini Dreamy Darlings Plumper Set ($27).

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($40, 12 Rosewood shown) is my most-worn lip gloss formula for the color and texture. I splurged on nearly all of the shades and can easily say they were 100% worth the splurge.

Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($21, Fenty Glow shown) is another favorite. It’s been a favorite since the day they launched Fenty Glow. Every color is wearable and super flattering. I love the smooth texture and shine. I think every color is a must-have.

Pat McGrath LUST Gloss ($29, Nude Venus shown) is another great smooth texture gloss. Nude Venus is the best peachy pink color with pretty good coverage. Flesh Fantasy is a pretty beige pink. Divine Rose is a stunning plum pink.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss ($33, In the Buff Shown) offers hydration, color and shine in one. Finish is very comfortable and they are great for vacation (or beach) no-makeup days where you want a little bit of color to look polished.

Most-Worn Tinted Balms/Sheer Lips/Oils

Best Lip Balms and Sheer Lipsticks

Last we have a look at the best tinted balms. A lot of these double as sheer lipsticks.

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump ($24, White Peach shown) is a formula I always have in my bag. Every single color they’ve launched is super wearable. They’re smooth in finish and I love how they feel on the lips. During the holiday season they have a lot of great value sets and limited-edition shades. If you’re a fan of the Maracuja Lip formula definitely check out the 2023 Best of Maracuja Juicy Lips Set.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter ($24, Vanilla Beige shown) is another formula I carry in every single purse. I also have the clear one on my night stand. Each shade has a different scent to match the color name but they aren’t overpowering. Love the cute Mini Lip Butter Set too which I think would make a super cute gift.

Kosas Wet Lip Oil ($22, Revealed shown) is one of my favorite tinted lip oil formulas. It actually doesn’t feel thick like you’d expect from an oil. Every single shade is beautiful. The one I get asked about the most is Revealed which I’m wearing in this post.

Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Revealed

Last but not least, I really love the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine ($43, Shade 162 shown) and YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($39, 15 Showcasing Nude in hand, 13 Flashing Rose in background). Both have a balm-like formula. The Rouge Volute Shine has more slip with a sheer glossy finish while the Candy Glaze is thicker and feels like a jelly finish. Both are really phenomenal for formula and color.

YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick Review

That wraps up my extensive best-of lip shopping guide! If you’re looking for the best of the best in lip formulas I hope you found this round up helpful. Happy Shopping!

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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsored this post.

Beauty Favorites Sales Sephora

Best Makeup Staples to Splurge on from Sephora

October 27, 2023

Best Makeup To Splurge on from Sephora

Sharing an updated roundup of the best of the best in makeup from Sephora! Today’s roundup focuses on favorites for the face, eyes and cheeks. I’ll have a dedicated lip roundup going live tomorrow because it’s going to cover the best in every category.

Primers

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer and Highlighter

I’m not really into primers because with skincare layering and SPF I don’t really want another layer of product on my face, but here are two that I love. Both are available in minis if you want to try a smaller size before committing to the full size ones.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the best multi-tasking moisturizer and primer in one. It’s hydrating, smooths out the skin, and doubles as a foundation primer. It’s the one I have used up multiple times and keep going back to.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is another great multi-tasking glow product. I can use this as a glow primer or highlighter. I use shade 3, 4 or 4.5. (I will say though that the Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter is a very good alternative that’s a lot more affordable.)

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer/CC Cream

 

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Concealer, Powder in 6.5

I have so many foundation and base favorites. I’ve tried to split my recommendations by type/coverage/finish level because I know some of you like super light coverage while others need satin finish or full coverage.

Hydrating Tints/Bases

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is one of the best sheer skin tints (emphasis on sheer). Coverage is very light and finish is dewy and glowy. It does have enough pigment that you need to find a good match but it looks very natural on the skin. I wear Shade 4.

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops is the best glowy hydrating base. It’s the best for dry skin in my opinion but on the sheer side so you definitely need to add some concealer for more coverage (or layer a stick on certain areas you need more color). I found the shades of the drops match the stick formula.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation is a great hydrating foundation with medium coverage. It’s not so hydrating that it looks too dewy or emollient but it is definitely on the hydrating side. I wear N280 or W310.

Natural Looking Bases

Patrick Ta Major Skin Creme Foundation and Finishing Powder Duo Light Medium 2

Too Faced Born This Way Healthy Glow Skin Tint is my favorite new base of the year. It has natural medium coverage, lightweight feel and looks like skin but better. It has a nice satin dry down with a subtle glow. If it’s separating on you I highly suspect it’s your moisturizer that is not compatible with this formula. I wear Warm Beige.

It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Foundation is the best CC Cream I’ve tried (aside from the Chanel one that is temporarily discontinued). I like that it’s not super thick but has substance to it so it’s still creamy. I’ve tried all the It Cosmetics foundations and this is the best one in my opinion. I wear Medium Tan.

Patrick Ta Major Skin Crème Foundation Powder Duo is the best solid cream foundation I’ve tried. I really like the powders that come with this too because the pigment level is low so it acts as a natural setting powder without adding color (also does not oxidize). Colors run darker than described in my opinion. I’m typically a medium or medium tan but in this formula I wear Light Medium 1 or 2.

Medium Coverage

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation VI

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick is the best natural looking foundation stick I’ve tried. It’s easy to blend and evens out the skin perfectly. I wear Shade V, VI or VII depending on how light or tan I am. Most of the year I wear Shade VI. See it in action in this reel here.

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a classic formula I think everyone needs to try. Has a natural glow and the perfect amount of coverage. I wear Shade 6.5 most of the year.

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation is a favorite but I don’t think it’s universally loved. It does have medium coverage that is a bit more opaque than most so a little goes a long way. It’s easy to blend and doesn’t take much work to buff out. I do think your skincare needs to be good though (ie don’t apply this on super dry skin, make sure it’s well moisturized). I am a match to Santa Fe right now, but also wear Sahel and Vanuatu.

Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation is another classic. Anytime I wear this I wonder why I don’t wear it all the time. Has natural finish and whenever I think of a classic solid foundation this formula is THE one. I wear Light Medium 14.

Concealer

Best Concealers YSL, Natasha Denona, Givenchy, NARS and Armani

Natasha Denona Hy-Glam is THE BEST CONCEALER I think I’ve ever tried. If I had to use only one the rest of my life this would be it. Coverage is really good and texture is still easy to blend (which isn’t the case for all opaque concealers). I have several different shades I rotate depending on how bright I want to go. I can wear Shade N5 to N9.

YSL Touche Eclat is the best lightweight hydrating brightening concealer. It’s great for under the eyes to brighten and bring the complexion back to life. Very expensive but 100% worth the splurge. I wear Shade 3.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer is another favorite. It live up to the hype 100%. It’s creamy and the wand picks up a good amount of product so you don’t have to layer or swipe a million times to get good coverage. In action here.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is the concealer I think I’ve used the longest. It’s for sure a classic and one I think is universally loved. By comparison to other formulas though I do think the sponge applicator could use an update. It’s small which is nice for detail application, but sometimes I feel like I have to really pump the product to get enough on the applicator.

Gucci Multi-Use Concealer is one of the best new concealers I’ve tried this year. Full review + swatches of lots of shades in this post here.

Setting Powders

Givenchy Prisme Libre Setting Powder

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting Powder is the best setting powder ever made. You can see Shade 3 in action here and Shade 4 in action here. It’s the best flawless airbrush looking setting powder I’ve ever tried.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder is my holy grail pressed powder. It has the perfect amount of color to give the skin a flawless finish. I wear Medium. I hope they never change the formula and that it stays around forever.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is the setting spray I’ve been using the most lately. There are lots of great formulas from Gucci, Urban Decay, Omorovicza etc. I’m not really committed to one single formula, but the Charlotte Tilbury is one I’ve been using a lot.

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder is another favorite. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cup of tea because it has a stiff finish. I really love it for a natural finish – when you swipe it on the skin you will literally see your face transform into a smooth finish. It’s like magic.

Cheek Bronzer/Contour

Rare Beauty Contour Bronzer Stick

I love a good bronzer and there are so many great formulas. Here are the ones I love from Sephora.

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick is one of the best creamy bronzer sticks. I wear a couple shades and really like the formula and undertone. They’re creamy, satin in finish and easy to blend. I wear either Happy Sol or Always Sunny.

Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick is another great natural contour. I wear Truffle which is a nice neutral-warm brown shade. It’s easy to blend, natural looking and smooth. If you’re new to Westman Atelier I highly recommend checking out one of her Holiday Trio Sets (one has Biscuit, one has Truffle).

Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Matte Powder Bronzer is the best matte bronzer I’ve tried. I like both Coup de Soliel or Soleil Riche. They warm up the skin with a matte finish.

Dior Forever Natural Powder Bronzer Shade 5 is another great matte formula. I wear Shade 5 for a natural warm bronze.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light is the best naturally glowy bronzer. I do recommend opting for the Ambient Lighting Cheek Palettes though because they have a bronzer included. I like Jellyfish or Leopard the best from this year’s options.

Cheek Blush

New Gucci Beauty Launches Blush Shades, Lipsticks and Illuminator

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush has a beautiful formula with a natural glow. Full review + swatches in this post here.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush is another favorite. I love the colors and think the loose powder format is really fun. Full review + swatches here.

Gucci Beauty Luminous Matte Beauty Blush is pure love for a soft silky texture. They glide on the skin beautifully and every color is flattering. Review + swatches here.

Dior Rosy Glow Blush is another powder favorite. I like Pink, Coral and Rosewood. You can read the full review here. I wear the pink one the most out of all the shades.

NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush is my favorite natural looking liquid blush. I like that the pigment isn’t too opaque so it’s more forgiving on the skin. If you want a super opaque liquid blush Rare Beauty is the way to go (they have lots of great colors, I think this Mini 4-Piece Set is a great way to start).

Cheek Palettes

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes Holiday 2023

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palettes for the win this year! I think all three are phenomenal but my favorites are Jellyfish and Leopard. Full review + lots of swatches in this post, but if you buy ONE cheek product I think the Hourglass Palettes are the best options.

Cheek Highlighter

I have so many favorites for highlighters but I think if you’re looking for the best of the best, Tom Ford Beauty is the way to go.

Tom Ford Soleil Neige Glow Highlighter is new for holiday in two shades. I didn’t think they were worth the steep price but the most I wear them, the more I like them. They’re absolutely beautiful on the skin and I think the Rose Irise is the better one but they’re both stunning. Swatches in this post.

Tom Ford Soleil de Feu Glow Highlighter is from spring/summer and it’s available in two options. I bought and love Oasis for that gorgeous champagne bronze glow. Review here.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Duo in Moodlight is a classic that’s been around for years but I think the newer Peachlight is even better. If you’re looking for something with a pink or peachy sheen rather than your standard champagne I think Peachlight is really flattering and more modern looking.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands are also holy grail material. I think Pinkgasm and Pillow Talk are the best ones but they are really all so beautiful. Definitely lives up the hype and the colors are SOOO good. If you don’t know that you want to commit to the full size I recommend checking out the Superstar Glow Kit Mini Duo which has Spotlight and Pinkgasm.

Eye Makeup

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

I still swear by my Top 5 Eyeshadow Palettes I rounded up two years ago. Half of you have told me this is boring, the other half have said it proves these have withstood the test of time. I agree with both sides. I really wish I had something new to share every month for the eyes but palettes are tricky because it’s so rare that I am in love with EVERY single shade in a palette.

If you’re looking for something new and fresh, I say the Natasha Denona I Need a Nude is the best palette of the year (I think it’s better than the Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes). I really think anything from Natasha Denona is a solid win – if you’re new to her line this is a great time to splurge/save all at the same time. Her formulations are the best of the best.

I still really love the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Palettes. This year they added some great new variations including Lumiere D’Hiver (swatches here), Hazy Sensuality and Golden Hour (review here). These three are the best ones and they all launched this year.

The best mascaras to me are the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara and YSL Lash Clash.

That wraps up my best-of makeup roundup! Stay tuned for my Lip Must-Haves going live tomorrow!

Sales Sephora Skincare

Skincare, Body Care + Fragrance Must-Haves from Sephora

October 26, 2023

Best Skincare, Body Care and Fragrance Sephora Sale

The Sephora Savings Event starts Friday 10/27 for Rouge Members and I’m rounding up my best-of favorites and recommendations. This is Part 1 focusing on my skin care, body care and fragrance favorites within the last year – so for those asking for an updated list, this is for you! Here are my favorites by category.

Use code TIMETOSAVE during these dates (exclusions apply):

  • Rouge Members – save 20% off 10/27 thru 11/6
  • VIB Members – save 15% off 10/31 thru 11/6
  • Insiders – save 10% off 10/31 thru 11/6
  • Sephora Collection is 30% off for all members

Cleanser/Makeup Remover

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Balm – This is my all time favorite makeup removing balm. It’s a solid cleanser you apply on dry skin, massage and then rinse off with warm water and a wash cloth. I’ve really liked their limited-edition scented ones which surprisingly do not irritate my skin. I loved the Strawberry Shortcake Clean. I plan on ordering their Tea Harvest Green Clean Trio.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator – This is the one of the best rice-based powder cleansers I’ve used. It’s a classic and great for clearing out pores and exfoliates gently. Add water to activate and turn it into a paste and massage + rinse. I do believe they have a few different variations of this but I’ve only tried the classic version.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – This is my favorite gentle everyday cleanser. It’s one I’ve repurchased the most in the last year. I like that it’s not drying but gets the skin squeaky clean. Anytime one of my nieces or friend’s kids ask for a recommendation for cleanser, this is the one I gift them.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser – Another favorite I keep stocked at all times. It’s a thicker liquid but lathers up well with warm water. Keeps skin clean but also soft.

Jack Black Acne Remedy Balancing Foam Cleanser – This is Andrew’s favorite but he only uses it 2x per week (he alternates with Kiehl’s or Turbo Wash which is technically for the body, but he uses it on the face too). It has 0.5% Salicylic Acid and keeps his skin clear and free of blackheads and pimples from sweat/sunscreen/etc.

Toner/Treatments/Masks

Sunday Riley Good Genes

La Mer The Tonic is one of my top 2 favorite toners. I’ve tried a lot of different formulas and this is the one I keep repurchasing. My other favorite is the Sisley Floral Toning Lotion but it’s not available at Sephora.

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer is a new to me toner I just started trying and I really like it. It’s the first hydrating toner I’ve actually liked. It’s a milky cream formula but doesn’t leave a sticky film on the skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Baby Facial is the best at-home AHA + BHA resurfacing treatment. I’ve kept my skin pretty clear the past year with proper face cleansing and I keep my brushes super clean so I haven’t had many issues with clogged pores. This is one I’ll use once every other week.

Sunday Riley Good Genes is hands down THE best lactic acid treatment. Anytime I feel like my skin is getting a little bumpy from clogged pores or feeling a little dull this brings clear glowing skin back to life within a few days.

La Mer Sheet Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask is my holy grail sheet mask for hydration.

Moisturizers/Serums

La Mer Skin Favorites Moisturizing Soft Cream, Concentrate, Eye Concentrate

I rotate moisturizers depending on season. The La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream is my go-to this year. They reformulated it earlier this year and it’s even better than before. For a luxury moisturizer Augustinus Bader is also very good.

La Mer Concentrate Serum is my current go-to serum. I pair it with the Moisturizing Soft Cream.

La Mer Eye Concentrate Cream is what I’ve been using most of the year. I love the little ball applicator which has a nice cooling effect on the eyes. A little goes a long way, I feel like this little jar could last me a VERY long time.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is another long-time favorite. It’s a great versatile everyday moisturizer – it’s the most-loved among family and friends. If you have dry skin I recommend the Lala Retro Nourishing Whipped Moisturizer.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is the best lightweight moisturizing cream. I think it’s great for both men and women. If you’re looking for a great starter moisturizer this is the one I recommend. Kiehl’s has a lot of great starter sets – I highly recommend them!

Biossance Squalane+ Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil is my go-to face oil. I’m typically a cream kind of person for moisturizers. This one is soothing, hydrating and firming. It feels like it really sinks into the skin. I use this at night.

Sunscreen

Shiseido Sunscreen Favorites

I have a full sunscreen roundup from summer, but my top 3 go-tos are the Supergoop! Glowscreen, Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick and Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion. Andrew’s go-to is the Jack Black Sunguard and it really does have exceptionally good lasting power.

Misc

Beautybio Cryo Face Roller

I don’t have a lot of skin care tools that I’ve used consistently in the past few months. I’m looking to step up my game again but the one tool I really love is the BeautyBio Cryo Skin Icing Dual-Ended Roller. The stainless steel chills skin and really helps for depuffing and tension. I like that it has two sizes in one. A few weeks ago I had the worst tension headaches and swelling and this tool helped a lot.

Body Care

I love splurging on body care! I haven’t done a lot of roundups on this category but here are my favorites.

Ouai Cleansing Scalp Body Sugar Scrub is my favorite body scrub of all time. If I didn’t go through it so fast I’d keep it stocked all the time.

Ouai Dean Street Gentle Body Wash is my current favorite shower gel. I love the way it smells. It’s gentle and very soothing.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Shower Cream-Gel is the best for hydration. It smells delicious – like vacation in a bottle.

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Body Wash is a great AHA exfoliating body wash. If you have any body acne this one is great to help with unclogging pores.

Jack Black Turbo Wash is Andrew’s favorite and I use this one too. It’s the best effective body cleanser to remove sweat, sunscreen and excess oil but doesn’t strip the skin. They have several different scents in the body wash but the Turbo Wash is the most effective.

Herbivore Botanicals Hot Coco Coconut Oil Body Scrub is something I bought recently and I LOVE IT. It’s on the small side but super fun. It’s very hydrating and I think I might order a couple more during the sale.

Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Coconut Firming Cream is my current obsession for body moisturizer. I am super picky with body creams because I don’t like to wear anything that feels sticky or heavily scented (I’m normally a body oil kind of person). This is heavenly and the coconut scent is perfect – not too light and not too heavy. It has a very smooth texture. 100% recommend.

Lip Treatments

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Brown Sugar

I’m a lip balm junkie and will try almost any lip moisturizer. My top 3 from Sephora are the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, Laneige Lip Glowy Balm (in Grapefruit or Gummy Bear) and La Mer Lip Volumizer.

Perfumes

Phlur Missing Person Gift Set Duo Sephora

Last but not least is fragrance. I’m obsessed with all things Phlur these days. My top 3 are Missing Person, Somebody Wood and Father Figure. I think the Amber Haze and Vanilla Skin Hair Body Mist are amazing and the lasting power is pretty good too.

That wraps up my absolute favorites in skin/body care from Sephora! Stay tuned for my makeup favorites! I know I covered a lot but I wanted to be thorough. If I had to rank my Top 5 must-haves in this category they would be:

La Mer Sheet Mask
La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream
Beautybio Cryo Face Roller
Herbivore Botanicals Cloud Milk Cream
Sunday Riley Good Genes

What’s on your wishlist for the Sephora Savings Event?

Hauls Sephora

Fall Beauty Must-Haves from Sephora

October 20, 2023

Sephora Haul Fall Beauty Must-Haves

Sharing another Sephora haul today rounding up tons of new beauty launches this month! I’ve hauled a little bit of everything from eyes, lips and cheeks. Here are the winners from what I’ve tested and tried.

Sephora Haul Fall Beauty Must-Haves

Eye Makeup Launches

Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Patrick Ta added a matte eyeshadow palette to his lineup with the Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($70) and it is 100% worth the splurge. It has two dark cream shadows (both which can double as a liner) and 10 powder shadows. All the shades are matte variations of brown, black and cream. I love that he has both cool and neutral tones in this making it super versatile for a warmer day time look or a more dressy smokey eye look. Powders are ultra smooth, easy to blend and layer.

Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Westman Atelier added a new mascara formula called the Eye Want You Mascara ($45) which has a really nice lengthening formula. It’s available in black or brown (I picked up black). I love the bright red bold packaging and fluffy brush. It’s great for length and does not clump or smudge.

Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara

I picked up two of the Merit Solo Shadow Cream to Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadows ($24) in the lighter brown tones and I really love them. Vachetta and Midcentury are both neutral browns and they have a creamy easy to blend texture with a matte drydown finish. I love tones like these because they’re just slightly darker than my skin tone. They make for a great one and done kind of shadow that looks like a natural contour on my lids. I picked up the No. 2 Double Sided Brush ($20) to use and love the small size for detail application. It’s well made and works well but you can use your fingers or any shadow brush from your stash to apply these shadows.

Merit Solo Shadow Cream to Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadows

Fenty added a new eyeshadow formula called the Shadowstix Longwear Eyeshadow Stick ($25 each). Reviews and feedback on these were very mixed but I really love the formula, pigment and lasting power. I picked up three shimmer shades and think they’re super flattering and easy to wear. They apply smoothly and set to a truly long-wear formula.

Fenty Shadowstix Longwear Eyeshadow Stick

A few swatch comparisons below to some of my other favorites for comparison.

Merit, Fenty, Armani, Laura Mercier eyeshadow swatches

Cheeks & Highlighters

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes Leopard

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes ($90 each) have arrived at Sephora. I really love both the Jellyfish and Leopard Palettes, but find I’ve been reaching for Leopard the most. It has everything I need for a complete face + cheek look. I will most likely be bringing this one with me for holiday travel because it goes with so many different looks.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palettes Leopard

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette Holiday 2023 - Leopard swatches

You girls know I love the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powders so when the Prisme Libre Loose Highlighter popped up online I ordered it immediately. There is one shade available in 10 Organza Or ($43) and it is absolutely beautiful. It has a stunning golden shimmer and I love it on the eyes or cheeks.

There are also two liquid highlighters called the Givenchy Prisme Libre Liquid Highlighter ($42). I ordered the pink one Rose Extravaganza and it’s a really pretty soft pale pink champagne. It’s more on the subtle/sheer side which is nice for those who want a natural glow.

Dior added some new shades of the Addict Lip Maximizers ($40 each) and two of them are available at Sephora now in 049 Pure Copper (shimmery bronze) and 050 Holographic Silver (sheer opal silver shimmer). These are perfect for the holiday season.

Givenchy Loose Highlighter

Givenchy Loose Highlighter and Dior Addict Lip Maximizers

Lip Loves

I have tons of new lip products I hauled this month! Armani launched a Lip Power Matte ($45 each, six new shades). As a fan of the regular Lip Power I was really interested in the new matte formula and picked up six to try. 111 is a perfect nude pink, 112 is a soft brownish color, 114 is a pale powder pink, 116 is a cool toned pink. Formula of the matte shades is just as creamy as the original, just matte in finish.

Armani Lip Power Matte

Armani Lip Power Matte

Armani Lip Power Matte swatches vs Regular Lip Power

As a huge fan of the Fenty Lip Glosses I feel like I’m on a mission to collect every color they launch. This year’s holiday set is the Glossy Posse Volume 6.0 ($42, a $69 value) has three full-sizes in the Glass Slipper Heat (clear plumping), Fenty Glow Cream (love this as an everyday pink) and Pink Dragonfly (stunning pink shimmer, it was available in a mini in previous years).

There are some new shades of the Fenty Gloss Bomb too in Champ Stamp (sparkling champagne) and Riri (re-promote mauve). For holiday they launched Holla’gram ($26) which is a really pretty oyster pearl pink shimmer.

Fenty also launched a The Gloss Bomb Vault ($150 with 10 full-size glosses) which has some new shades mixed in. I’m very tempted and added it to my Sephora wishlist for the upcoming Holiday Savings Event.

Fenty Glossy Posse 6.0 and new Gloss Bombs

Fenty Glossy Posse 6.0 and new Gloss Bombs swatches

Fenty Glossy Posse 6.0 and new Gloss Bombs swatches

Fragrance Loves

Phlur Hair and Body Mist Amber Haze, Mango Mood, Vanilla Skin

Last but not least is a quick look at the latest from Phlur. Everything they launch is phenomenal and I’ve fallen head over heels for the Hair and Body Fragrance Mists ($20 – $35 each). I have the smaller 3 oz sizes which are perfect for me. Vanilla Skin is my favorite. It’s a soft pleasant warm semi-sweet vanilla that isn’t too sweet or bitter.

Mango Mood is a fruity mango + brown sugar mix that reminds me of my teenage years. It’s fun and feels like a summer vacation.

Amber Haze is a warm floral with amber notes. It’s soft and cozy with a bit of sweetness.

That wraps up my October Sephora haul! If you haven’t signed up for their Beauty Insider Program I highly recommend doing so. You can sign up for free and being a member opens up tons of benefits like deluxe samples, early access to products and events too.

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Sephora

Beauty Newness To Check Out at Sephora

August 25, 2023

New Fall Beauty Launches Sephora

I have a Sephora haul roundup review sharing a look at some new launches! There are lots of new products that dropped this month. A few of these I’ve already shared but many of you have asked for comparisons and more details so I’ll answer your questions below. If you’re not signed up for the Sephora Beauty Insider Program I highly recommend you do (you can sign up here for free). Being a member opens up access to their promos, events, early access and more.

New Fall Beauty Launches Sephora

New Base Products

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops

I’m always excited to try new foundations and complexion enhancers. The Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops combine skincare and color in glowy golden shimmer serum. The B-Goldi Bright Drops have 5% niacinamide to help with brightening and dark spots. I like mixing this with the D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops and Protini Polypeptide Cream for my base. It gives my skin a naturally glowy base with a hint of bronze for more color. The drops are versatile – you can use them all over the face, mixed with moisturizer, mixed with foundation or as a subtle highlight. I like that the shimmer has just the right amount of glow – not too much and not too little.

Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops v D-Bronzi

There are quite a few new foundations out now. Two hydrating skin tints I tried and love are the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint (I wear Medium 1) and the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (I wear Shade 9 or 10). Both are great for normal to dry skin types and have a balm like texture with sheer to medium coverage. I like these for a glowy very natural skin-but-better kind of base. On good skin days or days I don’t want a lot of makeup I apply either tint and then add concealer to spots I need more coverage.

New Foundations Hourglass, Bobbi Brown, Fenty

A lot of you wanted to know which one was better, I think they’re both great. The Bobbi Brown tint has SPF and a slightly thinner texture. On my skin it has more of a hydrating finish while the Hourglass tint is thicker and more balmy with a tiny bit more pigment. I have a slight preference for the Bobbi Brown, but both are great. If you have normal/oily skin and want the same concept but not as hydrating, check out the Too Faced Healthy Glow Skin Tint or It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow instead.

Fenty Eaze Drop Blur Stick Foundation

Fenty Eaze Drop Blur Stick Foundation Shade 9

Fenty Eaze Drop Blur Stick Foundation Shade 9 vs 10

Fenty Eaze Drop Blur Stick Foundation Shade 9

Fenty added a foundation stick called the Eaze Drop Blur Stick Foundation and I’m obsessed. It has a texture that glides onto the skin with a satin finish. I really like that it’s not too matte so it doesn’t emphasize texture or pores. It has a slight blurring effect with medium coverage. I like layering it on top of the Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. I wear the same shade in both the fluid and stick in Shade 9. I also swatched Shade 10 of the stick below as well.

Patrick Ta Launches

New Patrick Ta launches

I love what Patrick Ta has been creating these days and always look forward to the next launch. He added a few new shades of the Major Headlines Blush. I picked up one of the new shades She’s Flushed which is a pretty medium rose pink duo (I think it will be pretty for fall).

He also added new coordinating shades of the Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick & Silky Lip Cremes. I picked up a few to try. Shy is a pale pink, Flushed is a neutral rose, Blushing is a berry rose and Seductive is a deeper plum mauve. Out of all the shades I tried I think Blushing is my fav in the Silky Lip Creme formula.

New Patrick Ta launches

New Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick & Silky Lip Cremes

Eye Makeup Favorites

Laura Mercier Caviar Tightline Eyeliner

There are some new basics for the eyes which I think are worth checking out. Laura Mercier reformulated the Caviar Stick Matte Eyeshadow and Caviar Tightline Eyeliner. I really love the new eyeliners for intense pigment, smooth texture and long lasting wear time.

Too Faced Better than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer

For the lashes I can’t rave enough about the Too Faced Better than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer. It’s one of the few primers I’ve tried that holds the curl and helps mascara adhere better to the lashes. 100% worth checking out in my opinion.

Kosas Brow Pop and Brow Pop Nano

For brows my usual go-to’s are from Anastasia Beverly Hills or Benefit, but I’ve been really enjoying the Kosas brow products too. The Brow Pop is a great shaping pencil with intense pigment to fill in the brow area. Kosas just launched the Brow Pop Nano which has a super fine tip. This has one of the smallest tips for a brow pencil that I’ve tried and I like that it’s sturdy. I wear Medium Brown in both.

Last but not least is a quick look at the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush. I’ve been really loving everything I’ve tried from Givenchy and I’m so happy the loose powder blushes finally arrived in the US. I ordered three to try but honestly I think I’m going to have to try them all. 1 Mousseline Lilas is a lilac pink, 2 Taffetas Rose is a soft baby pink and 3 Voile Corail is a soft coral. Each powder contains four different colors. They come with a sifter cap where you can mix and swirl the colors on the cheeks. I prefer applying with a brush but the puff allows you too apply product with more coverage/pigment.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder Blush 2 Taffetas Rose

Formula is soft, matte and really pretty! Above wearing 2 Taffetas Rose with the YSL Candy Glaze 13 Flashing Rose (back in stock).

That wraps up my Sephora haul roundup review. I hope you found the swatches helpful! Let me know if you’ve tried any of these and your thoughts.

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