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Hourglass Cosmetics Sephora

New Hourglass Haul Picks

September 2, 2020

Hourglass New Launches Sublime Flush, At Night, Unlocked Extensions Mascara

Hourglass launched a few new things recently and I have a new Hourglass haul roundup featuring products for eyes, lips and cheeks. Everything is available at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics. In today’s roundup:

Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder Review

The latest addition to the Ambient Lighting Powder line is the new Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder. This has a mix of two Ambient Lighting Powders and a Strobe Highlighter in one swirled compact. I wasn’t exactly sure what this was intended for – is it a highlighter? Setting powder? Blurring powder? On my medium tan skin I found it to be a good finishing powder to use after my foundation and regular powder. It acts like a soft glow powder to add some radiance all over.

Color is sheer – it looks like a beige yellow with some pink swirls in the compact. On the skin I think your mileage will vary depending on skin tone but for me it’s sheer and subtle enough to use all over the face. The effect is subtle but still noticeable on my skin. I don’t think it’s different enough from the Diffused or Dim Light to justify owning but I do like how it looks on the skin.

I’ve read a few people said this made their skin look dry. This was not the case at all for me. However I do think some shimmer powders can emphasize dry patches or lines if the color is either too light or too matchy. Sometimes pale pink or pale champagne highlighters look terrible on my medium skin because the shimmer emphasizes lines.

Product is sheer so this will look different on you depending on your skin tone and undertone. Swatch comparisons below for reference:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder swatches

Ambient Lighting Blushes

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes in Sublime Flush and At Night

There are two new Ambient Lighting Blushes in Sublime Flush which is a soft pink shimmer (this was in Ghost 2019 palette) and At Night which is a brick red mixed with pink champagne. Both are really lovely! Pigment is medium but easy to build or sheer out. On me lasting power is very good – they stay put all day. Swatch comparisons to a few other blushes, they look really similar on my arm but they definitely look different on the face:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush swatches

Sublime Flush is not quite as deep or flushed on my medium tan skin but definitely shows up. Since I’m a bit darker than normal it is almost light a highlighter.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush

Below wearing the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush with the No. 28 Lip Oil in Adorn. Beauty breakdown:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Sublime Flush and Lip Oil Adorn

At Night is a really pretty soft almost diffused brick red on the skin. It’s very wearable and for me one of the more unique colors. I think this is the perfect transition to fall. It’s not too dark or dramatic.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in At Night

Below wearing the At Night Blush with At Night Lip Oil

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush and Lip Oil in At Night

No 28 Lip Treatment Oil

Hourglass No 28 Lip Oil in At Night

I’ve been a huge fan of the No 28 Lip Treatment Oils even though I think they are crazy expensive. At Night is a medium-sheer brick red with blue tones on my skin. I believe it was a limited-edition release a while ago but it slipped my radar until now. The color itself will fade within a few hours but since it’s an oil it fades evenly and nicely so you don’t have that dark ring around the edges. This is a nice red option that isn’t too bright or deep – it’s the perfect red for those who feel like they can’t pull off reds. It’s what I had hoped the Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint would be (which turned purple on my lips).

Swatched next the other Lip Oils I have and a few shades I thought might be similar including the new Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Walk of Shame and Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Flesh 6 (swatched here).

Hourglass Lip Oil Swatches

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Extensions Mascara Review

Mascara is a category I just don’t get excited about. I feel like most of them are hype but in all fairness I have wimpy lashes which will rarely holds the curl and since they are very straight it often looks like I don’t have any. The Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is a tubing mascara which I found ok for a tubing formula. It takes 2-3 uses to get it going for me. I found it did lengthen and added nice volume but it had zero holding power for the curl and it made my lashes straighten out. I prefer the Caution Extreme formula from Hourglass, but out of all the new formulas that have launched this year I feel like the best ones are the new Pat McGrath Dark Star and Kosas Big Clean. A lot of you have mentioned you love the Ilia Limitless Lash which I did try and like the look of, but think I’m allergic to (my eyes got terribly itchy with this one).

Bottom line I think it’s ok. Didn’t work for me but most formulas don’t. If your lashes can hold the curl and you don’t mind tubing mascaras then I do think it’s worth a try.

Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner

Hourglass Liquid Eyeliner

The Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Liquid Liner isn’t a new launch but it’s been on my radar for some time. I had high hopes as I love their 1.5 MM Mechanical Gel Liner. My feelings are mixed – it does give a super deep glossy black finish and is indeed waterproof on me. Cons for me are the dry time isn’t quick so it smudges if I blink without letting it dry. Once it sets it does stay put. The other downside for me is the brush. It’s like a felt tip which is very delicate and after one use already looks like it will wear down. Since the applicator is kinda essential I don’t think I will be repurchasing. The Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Liner Pen and Cle de Peau Intensifying Liquid Eyeliner are far superior and 100% worth the splurge.

Hourglass Haul Picks

I think there are some winners with the new launches! I really love the look of the At Night blush and lip oil. Sublime Flush is a pretty pink but still a little light for me unless I pack it on. The Infinity Powder ended up working for my complexion but I don’t think it’s unique enough to get super excited about.

You can find the Hourglass launches now at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics. Have you checked anything out yet? What did you think?

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Fenty Beauty Sephora

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Review + Swatches

August 11, 2020

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Review + Swatches

I hauled a few of the Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipsticks ($22 each for 2.8g / 0.098 oz) from Sephora and finally have a review with swatches. I’m a huge fan of sheer glossy lipsticks in general so I had high hopes for these sheer lipsticks from Fenty. I think they’re winners – they’re comfortable, cushiony, not heavy or too slippery and have a nice sheer-medium coverage. I feel like they have a little less slip than the YSL Rouge Volupte Shines (these feel like they slide around a little more) and a little more pigment than the neutral Chanel Rouge Coco Flash lipsticks.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Review

Given the overall vibe of Fenty Beauty I was surprised to see so many neutrals in the lineup. I’m not complaining though since I’m a neutral lip lover! My favorite one ended up being the brightest color they launched. I hope they expand the line – would love to see a plum, a deeper brighter rose, and a few more peachy colors.

Lasting power is decent for a sheer lipstick. They have a balmy like feel so they won’t be long lasting like a traditional lipstick. You can always use these to top a liner for more depth or color. I hauled 7 of the colors. I love 5 of them. 2 were just ok because of the color, but quality is still really nice.

Close ups and swatches of the Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick on the arm, as usual with sheer lipsticks, these will look very different once on the lips. All of these have some degree of shimmer in the tube but it’s not frosty at all. The shimmer is very subtle on my lips.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick | The Beauty Look Book

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Swatches

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Makeout Break is a light sheer beige nude. Since I have pigmented lips this barely showed up on me so I had to pack it on. Other things I’m wearing in the post:

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Makeout Break

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Glazed is a really nice neutral beige. It has a slightly pinkish undertone on my lips, but on the hand it pulls more peachy.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Glazed

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Retro Rose is such a pretty soft pink rose, I kinda wish this were a little more pigmented but I like the overall vibe. I can just add a rosy lip liner underneath to bring out the color.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Retro Rose

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Goji Gang is a deeper rose with a subtle plum tone to it.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Goji Gang

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Cookies and Cocoa is a great everyday brownish plum color.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Cookies and Cocoa

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Suga Kiss is a blue based baby pink. When I bought this I knew it probably wouldn’t work but I still wanted to give it a try. Does not work with my coloring.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Suga Kiss

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Tang Thang is my favorite. It’s a bright orange in the tube but is more wearable than it looks.

Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Tang Thang

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Fenty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick Review + Swatches | The Beauty Look Book

I’m overall pleased with my haul picks and I think the quality is really nice. They’re comfortable to wear. Naturally flattering. Easy to just throw on for some shine and color. I almost think they are better than the YSL formula. My top three picks are Glazed, Retro Rose and Tang Thang. That being said if you’re a sheer lipstick or balm fan and you haven’t bought any of these yet, you may want to wait for the new Pat McGrath Rose Decadence collection launching this week and there are new tinted balms which I am DYING to see.

I bought mine from Sephora. You can also find these online at Fenty Beauty. Have you tried any of these yet? What did you think?

 

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Haircare Sephora Skincare

Current Favorites for Skin, Body + Hair from Sephora

April 21, 2020

Best Skincare Sephora

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Face Cleansers + Makeup Removers

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Moisturizers + Mists + Essence

Night Treatments

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Scrubs + Exfoliators + Acne

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Hair Care

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Body Care + Fragrance

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Sunscreen

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

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Lip Treatments

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

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Sephora

Sephora Spring Sale Makeup Recommendations

April 17, 2020

Best Luxury Makeup at Sephora

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

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

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

Primer

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

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Concealer

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

Base/Foundation

Setting Powder/Setting Products

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Eye Palettes + Eyeshadow

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Eye Liner/Brows/Mascara

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Cheek Palettes

Highlighter/Blush/Bronzer

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Lip Gloss + Hydrating Balms

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Lip Liner + Lipstick

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Dates are as follows for each Beauty Insider Tier:

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Haircare Sephora

Healthier Stronger Hair with HUM Nutrition

April 10, 2020

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

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

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Gummies Morning Routine

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair Biotin Gummies

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

These contain:

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

Morning Heath and Wellness Routine HUM

HUM Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair

HUM Nutrition Hair Sweet Hair results

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

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

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

 

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

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Eye Makeup Sephora

New Gucci Mascara L’Obscur

March 26, 2020

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur

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

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

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

Gucci Mascara L'Obscur

Gucci Beauty Mascara and Sheer Lipstick The Painted Veil Makeup Look

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

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

Gucci Beauty Mascara Eve Black

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur Review

Gucci Beauty Mascara L'Obscur New

Gucci Mascara Review L'Obscur in Eve Black

Gucci Mascara L'Obscur Sephora

Bottom line, love and highly recommend.

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

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

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Lips Sephora

Best New Hydrating Lip Plumper Discovery

March 2, 2020

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme New Shades

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

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

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme review

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

Before and after with the Original shade:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Before and After

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Original

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme New Shades

Colors include:

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

Wearing Tangerine Dream below:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Tangerine Dream

Below wearing Pink Punch:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Pink Punch

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Pink Punch

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme new shades

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

Have you tried these before? What did you think?

 

 

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

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