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Gift Guide Holiday Gift Guide

First Look: The Ultimate Beauty Gift from SpaceNK

September 28, 2022

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

Holiday gift sets have already started to pop up and I’m excited to share a first look at this year’s SpaceNK Advent Calendar! This is a stunning gift box with special beauty treats for the 25 days of surprises. It retails for $280 with a total value of over $1,000 and some of the boxes have more than one beauty item! (There’s a total of 31 beauty treats.)

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

The 2022 Space NK Advent Calendar is limited-edition and sells out every year. They recommend purchasing sooner than later so you don’t miss out. I love that they’ve included a mix of everything in beauty from skin care, makeup, hair care and scented products.

Each box has a number corresponding to the day in December you can open a surprise and I love that they added a little hint as well on each box. Makes it fun!

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

There are tons of items in the box I have not tried yet – so even the most experienced beauty and skincare junkie will still most likely find things in this box that are new to them.

I love the deluxe miniature sizes of the skincare items. They give you enough product to really sample it! There are also a number of full-sized items like a Rose Inc. cream blush, Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick, Laura Mercier eyeshadow stick, Necessaire Hand cream and more.

The full list of what’s in the box:

  • Paula’s Choice: Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (118ml – Full size)
  • Nécessaire: The Hand Cream Fragrance Free (65ml – Full size)
  • Charlotte Tilbury: Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk (3.5g – Full size)
  • Summer Fridays: CC Me Serum (30ml – Full size)
  • La Mer: Crème De La Mer Moisturizing Cream (7ml)
  • Caudalie: Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask (75ml – Full size)
  • Drunk Elephant: Wonderwild Miracle Butter (5ml)
  • Olaplex: No.3 Hair Perfector (100ml – Full size)
  • Hourglass: Veil Translucent Setting Powder (2g)
  • Drunk Elephant: Protini Polypeptide Cream (15ml)
  • Dr. Barbara Sturm: Hyaluronic Serum (10ml)
  • Biossance: Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil (12ml)
  • Ultra Violette: SPF 50+ Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen (50ml – Full size)
  • Space NK: Voyage Body Wash (350ml – Full size)
  • Rare Beauty: Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara (3ml)
  • Fresh: Soy Face Cleanser (50ml – Full size)
  • JVN Hair: Complete Air Dry Cream (20ml)
  • Living Proof: Perfect Hair Day Shampoo (50ml)
  • The Ordinary: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30ml – Full size)
  • Sisley-Paris: Black Rose Cream Mask (10ml)
  • Sisley-Paris: Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream (10ml)
  • Laura Mercier: Caviar Stick Eye Colour Matte in Au Naturel (2g – Full size)
  • Sol De Janeiro: Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (75ml)
  • Sunday Riley: C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream (15ml)
  • Dr Dennis Gross: Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (2.2ml x 3)
  • Malin + Goetz: Lip Moisturizer (10ml – Full size)
  • Medik8: Crystal Retinol 3 (30ml – Full size)
  • Rose Inc: Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek in Heliotrope (4.5g – Full size)
  • Jo Loves: Snowflake Votive (70g)
  • Augustinus Bader: The Face Oil (10ml)
  • Tatcha: The Dewy Skin Cream (10ml)

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022 Rose Inc, Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Rare Beauty

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022 Necessaire

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

Space NK Advent Calendar 2022

I think this is a great gift idea that will suit a wide range of tastes and ages. I’m debating whether to keep this for myself or gift it away.

If you’re getting an early start on your holiday shopping I highly recommend checking this one out. SpaceNK is offering a great boxed set for the value!

Available while supplies last at SpaceNK.

 

Many thanks to SpaceNK for partnering to sponsor this post.

Beauty Favorites Lips

The Best Lip Balms, Oils & Plumpers I’ve Tried

August 24, 2022

Best Lip Balms

I’m the ultimate lip balm junkie. I always have at least one in my purse and a couple on my bedside table. It’s been a while since I did an updated roundup of my favorites! Since everyone has different preferences and tastes for what they want in a lip treatment, here are the best treatments I’ve tried. Split into 3 categories: clear treatments, tinted balms/oils and lip plumpers.

Clear Lip Balms & Treatments

Best Clear Lip Balms La Mer, Summer Fridays, U Beauty, Tatcha

Best Lip Balm Too Faced, Laneige and Biossance

I love a good clear lip treatment and there are so many formulas out there, it can be overwhelming. Here are the best ones I’ve tried.

La Mer The Lip Volumizer Lip Serum ($85 at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus) is my most-worn lip treatment. It’s technically a lip volumizer, but I wear this as a balm. It has a smooth cushiony feel. Love that it has a wand/sponge applicator. I wear this at night when I’m sleeping because it hugs the lips nicely and smoothes them. Has a slightly minty scent. No tingle.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter ($23 at Sephora) is my second-most worn lip balm. I love the clear and tinted formulas. They perform equally well for a softly scented vanilla treat to the lips. Hydrating and smooth. Not sticky. Doesn’t feel like it will slide off the lips. Highly recommend.

U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound ($68 at U Beauty, Saks, Nordstrom) was gifted to me by a friend. This is the first U Beauty product I’ve tried and it’s the ultimate splurge for the lips. It has a cushiony feel to plump and contour the lips. The metal applicator has an incredibly smooth cooling effect when you apply. It gives you that glass skin look for the lips. This one is unscented.

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask ($28 at Sephora and Tatcha) is my favorite lip mask. It’s one I’ve used and loved for years. It’s one of the few in pot form that I’ll still use. These days I’m all about having a squeeze tube, wand or some sort of applicator instead. Hydrates, makes the lips soft, love the beautiful packaging too.

Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm ($26 at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Target) is one of the best cushiony swipe and go kind of balms. Has a soft mango almost minty scent to it. The tinted versions are really fun too.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm ($17 at Sephora) is the best flavored lip balm I’ve tried (one in the squeeze tubes). It is much better and more effective than the popular Lip Sleeping Mask which I’ve tried multiple times and just can’t fall in love. The Lip Glowy Balm is smoothing, hydrating, love the flavor options in Grapefruit and Gummy Bear.

Biossance Squalane+ Rose Vegan Lip Balm ($14 at Sephora and Biossance) this was an impulse buy at Sephora. After reviewing their skincare a number of you told me this was a favorite of yours from the line. It’s a really great thicker balm. If you’re looking for something that has a good thick texture this is a nice one to try.

Tinted Balms and Oils

Best Tinted Balms and Oils Bobbi Brown, NARS, Hermes and Makeup by Mario

For tinted options there are tons of great tinted balms out there. Most of them to me are more of a makeup product versus having skincare properties which isn’t bad. Sometimes I’m more focused on color, other times I want more hydration. These are some options I think excel equally for color + hydration.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss ($32 at Sephora and Nordstrom) are my most-worn lip oils. They’re a oil-gloss with tint and the best colors are Free Spirit (left) and In the Buff (right, it’s the one that always gets me compliments). They’re medium in pigment with a glossy finish. Love how they feel and look. Swatches here.

NARS Afterglow Lip Balms ($28 at NARS, Sephora, Nordstrom) if I had to pick one tinted balm formula to wear the rest of my life it would be the Afterglow Lip Balms from NARS. I have every single color and love them. They add the perfect amount of color and shine. Color featured is Dolce Vita. These are the ultimate lazy girl lip tints. Review here.

Hermes Hermesisitble Infused Lip Care Oil ($55 at Saks, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus) these still remain my favorite lip oil for the fun scents, beautiful colors and hydrating formula. The applicator could be improved but the formula is so good I’m not going to dock points off. Review and swatches here.

Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum ($22 at Sephora and Makeup By Mario) love these for the hydrating soft balm formula and color. Every single color is beautiful. I’ve been ordering all of the Makeup by Mario exclusive colors that have been dropping Mondays this summer on their website. Will review + swatch soon.

Lip Plumper Treatments

Best Lip Plumpers Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Lawless and PatrickTa

I rarely use lip plumpers because I already have full lips. I’m also very sensitive to tingles so I tend to only use plumpers that have a more smoothing effect.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath ($35 at Sephora) is my favorite plumping lip product. It smooths lips, adds a lovely shine, adds volume. Refresh Rose and Pillow Talk always get compliment’s anytime I wear them alone or on top of a liner. Swatches here.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($38 at Sephora and Dior) are also staples in my routine. I almost always have one of these with me in my bag. They’re smooth without any sting. Love the color range for a sheer wash of color. My favorite is Rosewood which I’ve used up and need to restock.

Lawless Forget the Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss ($25 at Sephora) in Cherry Vanilla is 100% worth the hype. This formula has so many mixed reviews. Some love it, others hate it. I’ve tried a wide range of colors and like some of them, others are too pale and thick. Cherry Vanilla is the best one for both the formula and color. It’s a sheer red that gives you the most luscious glass like pink red pout. It’s what I wanted the Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat to look like (but that one stings my lips too much).

Patrick TA Major Volume Plumping Gloss ($24 at Sephora) are really nice! Love these for a glass like shine, smooth texture, soft hint of color. These have a subtle cinnamon scent to them.

Tarte

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip and Plump

Last but not least I had to give a shoutout to Tarte. You girls know I’m a huge fan of the Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm ($21 at Tarte, Sephora, Ulta Beauty) for a tinted balm. They’re the perfect effortless swipe and go kind of lip balm. The best shades are Grapefruit and Rose.

I also really love their newer Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump ($21). The colors are all very wearable. These have a noticeable plumping effect on the lips with a tiny bit of tingle. 100% recommend both.

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What are your favorite lip treatments, plumpers or oils?

Beauty Favorites Skincare Suncare

Summer Sunscreens To Put On Your Radar

July 21, 2022

Best Summer Sunscreens

By popular request I have my summer sunscreen roundup with all the formulas I’ve tried and loved recently! I have mainly used formulas from Supergoop!, Shiseido and Chanel but finally put more formulas to the test. My skin is very sensitive to extreme heat and sunscreen so I test with extreme caution. Here is what I’ve tried and thoughts. Up first are formulas for the body!

Sunscreens for the Body

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion with SPF 50

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion with SPF 50 ($25 to $65, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, Ulta Beauty)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10.0% Sunscreen Octisalate 5.0% Sunscreen Octocrylene 5.0% Sunscreen

This is my all-time favorite sunscreen for the body. It’s the best I’ve tried that has a velvety dry down, longest lasting even in water and easy to spread even over wet skin (although I recommend applying on dry skin). It also helps protect against heat. It’s also formulated to use on the face but I use this one only on the body, neck, arms, legs. Love this value duo at Sephora.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40 ($42, Sephora, Nordstrom, Supergoop!)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10.0% Sunscreen Octisalate 5.0% Sunscreen Octocrylene 5.0% Sunscreen

I’ve loved and used this formula since the day it launched (have also repurchased numerous times). It has superfine light reflecting particles (it’s smooth, no chunky texture) and adds the prettiest shimmer and to the skin. Love that it’s smooth and hydrating.

Revive Soleil Superiéur SPF 50

Revive Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 ($165, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bluemercury)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3% Sunscreen Homosalate 10% Sunscreen Octisalate 5% Sunscreen Octocrylene 2.6%

This was one of my latest splurges – for me it was hard to find as it was almost always sold out but seems to be back in stock a few places. It’s one of the most expensive sunscreens I’ve tried and it is pure love. It glides on the skin smoothly. Has an anti-oxidant complex to nourish and hydrate the skin. Has a very subtle sunscreen scent which smells like summer to me. Love that it has a pump applicator. There is also a Soleil Superieur face version which I’ve used and loved before but it’s also quite expensive.

Vacation Inc. Classic Lotion SPF 30

Vacation Inc. Classic Lotion SPF 30 ($18, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Vacation Inc.)

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (8%)

This formula wins for the best scent. It has a nice smooth application. No pilling. Smells like a fun summer vacation. I love how the formula wears and performs. Two things though: I do wish it had a higher SPF and it doesn’t apply well on wet skin. If you’re in the water or super sweaty you will need to towel off before applying otherwise it doesn’t adhere. It has coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, Vitamin E and Niacinamide.

Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45

Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45 ($21, Jack Black, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, Ulta Beauty)

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 3.0%, Zinc Oxide 8%

This formula is Andrew’s favorite and the only body sunscreen he uses. It’s the longest lasting even in water and with sweat. It’s one I order in bulk because Andrew goes through so much. Anytime we have guests in town we give them a bottle of this Jack Black formula (or Supergoop!) to use while they’re here because it’s the best at protecting skin and preventing sunburns.

It’s also available in 3-Pack of Minis at Jack Black. The only downside is that it’s so effective it is very hard to remove at the end of the day. You’ll have to give your body multiple scrubs with a washcloth or sponge. I’ll sometimes have to use a cleansing oil all over and let it sit to break down the formula before using a regular body wash. Andrew’s favorite is the Jack Black Turbo Wash (which I also borrow from time to time). The Big Sir Body and Hair Cleanser is also pretty good.

If you’re looking for the men in your life to up their grooming game, I highly recommend Jack Black. They have some good starter sets. I’ve bought this for Andrew, his brother, my brother, etc.

Sun Care Face Formulas

For the face I have stuck with a very small select group of formulas for the past three years. I am very sensitive to heat and sunscreen. With the wrong formula my face often reacts with red spots and flare ups when exposed to extreme heat. I still get review requests every week to review/test different formulas from you! This year I finally branched out and tried more after careful research and am thrilled to report that I have some new winners.

La Roche-Posay Sunscreens

I’ve loved and used La Roce-Posay for a long time. It’s one that most of you love and use too. Three formulas I started using recently include the following:

The Anthelios Ultra-Light SPF 60* ($30.99) has a lightweight texture and semi-matte finish. It’s a white fluid but has no white cast on my skin. Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5% and Octocrylene 7%.

The Anthelios Mineral Tinted SPF 50* ($34.99) is an excellent mineral formula I actually like and love. I find most mineral formulas don’t work for my skin type with the texture, but this is a really good one with a brown-beige tint. It disappears into the skin. Active Ingredient is Titanium Dioxide 11%.

The Anthelios Melt-In-Milk SPF 60* ($24.99 to $36.99, face & body, chemical sunscreen) is a great formula for the body. 100% recommend. Has a high SPF, melts into the skin, absorbs quickly. Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5% and Octocrylene 7%. See them in action below!

Tatcha Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

Two other mineral formulas that I like are the Tatcha Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 ($60) and the Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36). I bought both from Sephora and absolutely love how they melt into the skin and don’t feel heavy or pill.

The Tatcha formula works under makeup nicely and it has a velvety feel. The packaging could use a bit of work as the product sometimes will squirt out of the top once you open it. I haven’t had any flaking issues that you see online (not yet). This is more fluid in texture compared to their Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen with SPF 35.

Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30

The Summer Fridays formula is a really nice one I found works with me. Reviews seem to be mixed – definitely try a patch test first. I don’t think it’s the best long-wear formula if you’re outside for an extended period of time.

Chanel UV Essential and CC Cream

The Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50 ($55) and CC Cream ($55) have been in my top picks for years. I love the ultra lightweight texture of the UV Essentiel and I don’t sweat a lot on my face so this works for me (it didn’t work for Andrew, he sweats more). Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Titanium dioxide 3.8%, Zinc oxide 17.1%.

My most-worn sunscreen is the Chanel CC Cream with SPF 50. It’s a tinted product with medium coverage and wears so well on my skin. Lasts all day. It is on the semi-thick side so application is key. It’s not one I recommend applying with fingers. Use a sponge to work it into the skin and blend. This method works best for me when applying any CC cream. So many of you have told me you have kept referring to my review from 2018!

Active Ingredients: Active ingredients: Octinoxate 6.8%, Titanium dioxide 4%, Zinc oxide 15.2%

Best Supergoop Face Sunscreens

Supergoop! is one of my favorite brands for sunscreens in general. I love all of their chemical formulas and one mineral. My recommendation for formula would be based on your skin type and preference. Each one has a different texture and purpose.

Out of all the Supergoop formulas I love the Every.Single.Face Watery Lotion SPF 50* and the CC Screen SPF 50 the most. The CC Screen is an excellent tinted option with pretty good coverage. The Daily Dose Vitamin C SPF 40 is a great option and the Unseen SPF 40 is one of the best matte finish formulas I’ve tried.

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30* ($30 to 42) was one of the highest rated/most loved formulas from you based on messages I received on social. So many of you love this skincare line and after finally trying it this year I 100% agree. No white cast on me (although there is a very subtle white tint), no pilling, lasts on the skin. Definitely reapply every hour (as with all formulas) but love that it’s not sticky or goopy and it doesn’t have any smell or weird sunscreen scent.

Shiseido Urban Environment

The last two I wanted to highlight are the Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen SPF 42 ($38, Bloomingdale’s) and Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen ($35, Nordstrom, Sephora).

Both are great formulas for the face. The Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen has a beautiful hydrating feel. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. Leaves the skin feeling smooth and slightly plump. It has enough moisture that I can use this as a moisturizer.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.3%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%.

The Shiseido Urban Environment Sun Dual Care Oil-Free Sunscreen is also a recent winner. It has a more fluid thin texture with a velvety dry down. Super lightweight, long lasting, has a slight pale peachy pink tint when you apply it on the skin but disappears after blending.

Active Ingredients: Ensulizole 1.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Zinc Oxide 15.5%

There is also a Mineral Version of this formula but I have not tried it.

Best Summer Sunscreens Beauty Lookbook

That wraps up my summer sunscreen roundup! I would recommend any of these to anyone. If I had to pick my absolute top favorites, these are my top 6:

  • Best Body Sunscreen: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion tied with Revive Soleil Superier
  • Best Long-Wear Formula: Jack Black Oil-Free Sun Guard
  • Favorite Sunscreen for the Face (with tint): Chanel CC Cream
  • Favorite Non-Tinted Face Formula: Tatcha
  • Favorite Hydrating Sunscreen for the Face: Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh-Moisture Sunscreen

What are your go-to sunscreen formulas?

 

 

Press samples have a * next to them. All other formulas purchased and frequently repurchased by me.

NARS

NARS Summer Unrated

May 3, 2022

NARS Summer Unrated 2022

NARS launched a few new items recently including their Summer Unrated Collection with an eyeshadow palette, three cheek duos and a lip balm called the Orgasm Lip Mask. I have swatches for you today!

Summer Unrated Blush & Bronzer Duos

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duos

There are three Blush and Bronzer Cheek Duos, each with a blush and bronzer in a large mirrored compact. I have the Orgasm + Laguna and Orgasm X + Casino variations. Colors are repromotes and quality with these palettes is very good (just like the singles). They’re nice for a summer glow. Texture is smooth, pigment is medium but buildable, lasting power is great.

Orgasm is a peachy pink with gold shimmer and Laguna is a medium tan. Below wearing:

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo Orgasm Laguna

___________

Orgasm X is a deeper coral pink with gold shimmer and Casino is a deeper bronze. Wearing the same base as above but with different eyeshadows in the lighter/golden/bronze tones instead and with the Orgasm Lip Mask on lips (goes on clear).

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo Orgasm X Casino

NARS Summer Unrated Blush Bronzer Duo swatches

Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

The Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette is a stunning one! It has a beautiful mix of mattes and shimmers with a couple sparkle shades. Every single color performed well on me. They’re smooth, pigmented, apply beautifully and are buildable. I love that there are warm shades but they don’t look too warm or red on the skin. There are enough neutrals to balance it all out and with 16 shades the combinations are endless!

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Summer Unrated Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Orgasm Lip Mask

NARS Orgasm Lip Mask

Last we have a look at the Orgasm Lip Mask. I hauled this from Sephora and like it, but don’t think it’s a must-have. It’s better than the Laneige Sleeping Lip Mask (which didn’t work for me) but you can find other balms that give you the same hydration. It’s thick but not too goopy. It does hydrate but I get better results from the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask or Summer Fridays Lip Butter.

The NARS Orgasm Lip Mask has a pale pink tint to it, but it pretty much goes on clear.

NARS Summer Unrated 2022 Review

Overall everything performed really well. The cheek duos are nice to have if you don’t own any of the colors already. I love the eyeshadow palette. The lip mask is ok for me, but didn’t wow me.

You can find the NARS Summer Unrated Collection out now. Available at NARS, Nordstrom, Sephora and all other NARS retailers.

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Did you check out anything from this launch yet?

Summer Unrated Cheek Duos + Palette provided for review. Lip Mask purchased by me.

Hauls Sales Sephora

Spring Beauty Haul Picks from Sephora

April 8, 2022

Sephora Spring Beauty Haul

It’s been a whirlwind of a couple weeks! If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen why! I hope to get back to regular posting soon. I have a Sephora haul with some quick first impressions of what I bought. I haven’t been able to try everything I hauled from the Spring Savings Event but did swatch most of my order.

Use code SAVESPRING at checkout to save. You can use the code multiple times throughout the event! The access dates and details for each tier:

  • Rouge Members save 20% off 4/1 – 4/11
  • VIB Members can save 15% off 4/5 – 4/11
  • Insiders save 10% off 4/7 – 4/11

Sephora Spring Beauty Haul

Base Picks: Rare Beauty + It Cosmetics

Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer + It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow

I hauled two makeup bases and both are hits. The Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer is a really nice sheer coverage tinted moisturizer that has a dewy finish but isn’t too dewy. I absolutely love it and found a good match to 32N in store (I also picked up 34W because I know I’ll get tan very soon).

I also ordered the new It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation. I ordered Medium Tan sight unseen and it’s a perfect match. I prefer this formula to the Regular CC+ Cream because the formula seems to be easier to work with and looks more natural on my skin. Color-wise the Nude Glow runs a bit deeper than the Regular CC+ Cream. I have Medium Tan in both and the Nude Glow formula works perfectly for me. For the regular version I will need to order Neutral Tan color soon.

Also available on the It Cosmetics website if your shade is sold out, they have sales and good GWPs there on their website!

Face/Cheeks

 

I ordered the new Fenty Rihanna Sun Stalk’R Face + Eye Bronzer Highlighter Palette and I love the overall concept and look. On my arm the colors swatched very patchy. I’m hoping it performs better on the face since the online reviews so far are positive.

Fenty Rihanna Sun Stalk’R Face + Eye Bronzer Highlighter Palette

Fenty Rihanna Sun Stalk’R Face + Eye Bronzer Highlighter Palette swatches

The new Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blushes have been in rotation lately so I picked up another color during the sale. These take a little extra work to blend for me since they have a unique formula that dries/sets quickly on me. I apply on the apples with a Tom Ford foundation brush and blend quickly. Once they set they stay put on me. I like Southbound the best which is a soft pink color.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blush swatchs

Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo in Eclat Nu just arrived and I absolutely love it. It’s sold out at Sephora right now but I’m hoping it will restock before the sale ends! This reminds me of their previous duo in Lissome but I haven’t had a chance to swatch/compare. I think it’s a really stunning subtle duo for spring to summer. I wish they would add more options for us with this because the formula is one of my favorites! This one has a peachy nude color for one half and a pink on the other side. It’s naturally glowy in the best way.

Tom Ford Sheer Cheek Duo in Eclat Nu

Eye Makeup

Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow and Liner

I hauled quite a few eye products! Picked up two of the Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow and Liner in Rose Gold/Brown and Taupe Luster/Black and love these so much I’m going to order more. These are dual-ended pencils. One side you have a cream shadow that is easy to blend and smudge with fingers. The other side has a creamy liner that is ultra pigmented.

I restocked the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadow in Champagne and love this for an all over wash of shimmer.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadow in Champagne

Tarte + Charlotte Tilbury swatches

Since I love the original Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette I knew I had to order the new Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette and I am absolutely obsessed. I don’t always love rose tones for eyes but this one is wearable and really pretty. The sparkle toppers are best applied with a finger in a patting motion for me, otherwise it’s too glitzy. Overall vibe seems to be more fall than summer (to me) but I still love it.

Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette

Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Patrick Ta Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette look

Lips

Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Pencils

I picked up more of the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Pencils (new shades) in Toasty, Tan, Almond and Smokey Pink. Formula seems to be just as good as the first round of shades. As soon as I saw more shades pop up I ordered them immediately. I haven’t had a chance to play with them on the lips yet but swatches look like they’re my kind of colors! Other shades swatched here.

Tarte launched a Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump and they’re gorgous. I actually purchased these from the Tarte Cosmetics website a few weeks ago but bought a back up from Sephora. The shades are mostly sold out online at Sephora now but I highly recommend looking for them at the Tarte Cosmetics website. They usually have good sales too! Formula has a slight plumping effect with a minimal tingle. Pigment is sheer-medium with a glossy finish. I’m wearing Cherry Blossom in this post.

Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

Skincare + Hair

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask + Glowy Lip Balm

For lip treatments I decided to try the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Vanilla. I didn’t like the original because it was too sweet but this Vanilla one is a lot better for me. I recently fell in love with the Laneige Glowy Lip Balm in Grapefruit so I ordered Gummy Bear and am obsessed. It smells delicious and I love the texture.

I also ordered the NARS Orgasm Lip Mask which I tried briefly today. I like it but it’s too early to say if I love it. It comes in a pot style and I would much rather it be in a squeeze tube or stick but it felt comfortable on the lips with a smooth feel!

Also ordered the Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream (it’s a Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge dupe) and picked up the new Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask Exfoliating Pore Treatment which I am really excited to try.

Sephora Sale Haul Picks

Last one I want to mention is the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave In Hair Mask which I hauled too. I tried the mini a few times and really liked it! I don’t know that I’d call it life changing or super unique but I liked it enough to buy the full size!

Did you haul anything fun from the Sephora sale? Or did you find any other good sales going on that you took advantage of? Seems like a lot popped up in my inbox this week but I didn’t have a chance to look at them!

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The Sephora sale runs through 4/11 so there is still time to shop!

Base Makeup Sephora

Must-Have Complexion Products For a Flawless Base

April 1, 2022

Best Foundations, Powder and Concealers at Sephora

Today I have an updated round up of my everyday must-have complexion staples just in time for the Sephora Spring Savings Event! The event runs 4/1 through 4/11 for Beauty Insiders! If you’re not signed up yet you can join for free here.

Use code SAVESPRING at checkout to save. You can use the code multiple times throughout the event. Exclusions apply. The access dates and details for each tier:

  • Rouge Members save 20% off 4/1 – 4/11
  • VIB Members can save 15% off 4/5 – 4/11
  • Insiders save 10% off 4/7 – 4/11

Also all Sephora Collection items are going to me marked down to 30% off (no promo code needed for these items) throughout the event.

Best Makeup Sephora Sale Spring

In today’s post I’ve included the best primers, foundations, concealers and setting products. These are the staples I always go back to for my everyday makeup look.

Primers

Best Primers Tatcha and Bobbi Brown

I like to keep my base as lightweight as possible so my skin can breathe and often look for multi-taskers. The Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base Priming Moisturizer is my go-to for a primer + moisturizer in one. It works well with a wide range of foundation formulas. Can’t rave enough about it!

Also love the Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas which a lighter version of their classic Silk Canvas. The Liquid Silk Canvas is the one I prefer, it makes the skin look smooth and minimizes my pores. Foundation adheres well to the skin with this one!

Foundation

Best Foundations Fenty, Armani, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury

My most-used foundation is the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. It’s the best one for natural medium coverage with the perfect glow. It has enough pigment to even out the skin and just the right amount of luminosity!

For a lightweight base the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is another favorite. It’s what I would want in a tinted moisturizer but with a little more pigment and not as dewy (which is perfect for me). If you’re looking for a nice everyday base for spring to summer with light coverage but enough to smooth out the skin, check this one out. Wearing Shade 10 below.

Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Shade 10

Two new foundations I’ve been loving this year are the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation and the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation. Both have a skincare component to the formula. The NARS offers a bit more coverage on my skin, but both are really beautiful formulas I’ve used a lot this year.

Highlighters / Bronzer

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

To enhance the complexion the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is hands down the best product I’ve tried. I own this in multiple shades but use Shade 3 and 4.5 the most (also available in travel-sized minis). It’s a versatile multi-tasker you can use under foundation to add a glow or as a subtle highlighter on the cheekbones or anywhere you want a highlight.

The Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops are essential in my routine for a truly natural bronzed look. I mix it in with my foundation to add a little warmth and glow.

Concealer

Best Concealers NARS, Dior, YSL

For concealing, if I had to use one the rest of my life it would be the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I’ve used this for years (my match is Ginger) and it’s the best creamy under eye brightener that blends well, looks natural and lasts all day.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Ginger

The second runner up would be the YSL Touche Eclat Brightening Concealer (I use Shade 3 and 4.5). For more coverage the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer (I use 2.5N) is a staple.

To set you can use your regular loose or pressed powder, but I also really love the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Setting Powder to lock concealer and other cream products under the eye into place.

Powder / Setting

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Last I have a roundup of my top setting products. I always set my cream base with a powder to help extend the wear and set everything. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder is the best blurring setting pressed powder I’ve tried! I’ve gone through so many of these.

I also love the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder. It’s like magic on the skin for me! Blurs pores, smooths skin while being completely transparent. They have it in a translucent shade but it’s also available in tinted options as well.

For loose powder it doesn’t get more classic than the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I alternate between the Translucent shade or Honey.

To set makeup or refresh my look the two best setting sprays I’ve used are the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. Both help give the skin a refreshed set look – so it’s not too powdery looking.

Best Setting Powders and Sprays at Sephora

You can find all of my favorites and staples at Sephora during the Spring Savings Event. It’s a great time to restock your staples or try something new! If you’re looking for a good base to try I hope you found this roundup helpful!

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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post! 

Beauty Favorites Sephora Skincare

Skincare Favorites + Staples from Sephora

March 31, 2022

Best Skincare to Shop During the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Spring Savings Event starts tomorrow! The event runs 4/1 through 4/11 for Beauty Insiders with early access for Rouge Members starting first. I’ve rounded up the best skincare tries by category. I rotate frequently depending on season and how my skin is acting. Here is what I’ve tried and loved. If you’re looking for something new I hope you find this list of recommendations helpful!

Dates and Details

Use code SAVESPRING at checkout to save. You can use the code multiple times throughout the event! The access dates and details for each tier (exclusions apply):

  • Rouge Members save 20% off 4/1 – 4/11
  • VIB Members can save 15% off 4/5 – 4/11
  • Insiders save 10% off 4/7 – 4/11

Also all Sephora Collection items are going to me marked down to 30% off (no promo code needed for these items) throughout the event. Here is what I have had in rotation and loved by category:

Cleansers + Makeup Removers

Best most repurchased cleansers are from Kate Somerville, I love pretty much everything in her line! She has an excellent range of effective skincare for all skin types.

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Toners + Serum + Moisturizers

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Night Treatment + Face Masks

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Sunscreens – Face

I’m currently testing a lot of sunscreens and will have a roundup as soon as I can, but here are my favorites right now:

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Body Care

I could probably do an entire list of body care favorites but to keep it edited and more streamlined, here are my favorites:

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Lip Treatments

My Top 5 formulas + Andrew’s favorite:

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That wraps up my favorites in skin care and body care! Let me know if you need any other recommendations or have questions! Stay tuned for another roundup tomorrow with my all-time favorite foundations + bases!