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
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:
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).
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!
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.
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.
Shop the Post
Did you check out anything from this launch yet?
Summer Unrated Cheek Duos + Palette provided for review. Lip Mask purchased by me.
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
Base Picks: Rare Beauty + It Cosmetics
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!
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.
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.
Eye Makeup
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.
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.
Lips
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.
Skincare + Hair
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!
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!
Shop the Post
The Sephora sale runs through 4/11 so there is still time to shop!
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Shop the Post
Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post!
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.
Most Repurchased Cleanser – EradiKate Cleanser, also love Exfolikate is also great if you like one with AHAs, Goat Milk is great for a hydrating cleanser, DeliKate Soothing is nice if you have flare ups or sensitive skin
I could probably do an entire list of body care favorites but to keep it edited and more streamlined, here are my favorites:
Best Lightweight Longwear Body Sunscreen Sunscreen – Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50, hands down lasts the longest and most effective on me
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!
Happy Thanksgiving to you! Grateful for so many things even though this year has been a challenge. Particularly grateful to each and every one of you who continue to read my blog, follow me on social, send me the sweetest messages and thankful for your support. I still pinch myself every now and then. Some days I cannot believe that I am able to do what I love (this blog). Happy to be able to connect with beauty junkies like myself around the world.
I’ve rounded up what I feel are the Best Black Friday Sales to shop this year. I went through my full list and edited it down to the sales I think are worth exploring. Since Black Friday and Cyber Week sales launched early I’ve already completed a big chunk of my holiday shopping. I have a few more people on my gift list this year that I still need to shop for though!
Here are the best sales by category!
BIG RETAILER SALES + SAVINGS
Anthropologie – 30% off, discounts marked down at checkout
Bloomingdale’s – Take 25% off items labeled TAKE 25% off, ends 11/28, plus loyallists get a $25 reward for every $100 you spend
Neiman Marcus – Up to 75% off Regular Price + Sale Items, Up to $500 Off with code THANKFUL (includes beauty and fragrances)
Sales I’ve shopped so far include the Alo Yoga sale (bought the Foxy Sherpa Jacket in the Ivory color), Victoria Beckham Beauty (ordered the new Chiffon Lid Luster Shade + Cream Blushes I’ve been eyeing), Chantecaille (to stock up on some staples like the Blur Powder), Sugarfina Sale!
What’s on your shopping list this year? Any sales you shopped that I didn’t list?
The dry season is officially here in South Florida and although our winters are mild compared to everywhere else we’ve had some fairly cold days and nights. My skin has been going nuts with the weather change and everything is dry! I’ve rounded up my favorite hydration heroes for body, hands and lips. If you have any favorites you swear by, please let me know in the comments!
Chanel Huile Douce Gentle Oil Hair and Body* has been one of my favorite body oils – it looks like it has been discontinued but they still have the Scented Options in L’Huile Orient, L’Huile Jasmin, L’Huile Vanille and L’Huile Rose – I may splurge on one for myself for the holiday
Augustinus Bader Body Lotion ($35 for 30 ml or $95 for 100 ml) is something I bought over the summer, back then it was a little too rich for my taste, but now that the dry season is here I find it perfect, it is hydrating and there’s no fragrance – it has a semi-matte finish in the drydown
Necessaire Body Lotion ($25 for 200 ml/6.8 oz) is my favorite day-time unscented body cream, it’s gentle, effective and doesn’t interfere with perfume
Also love:
L’occitane Shea Butter Hands and Body Extra-Gentle Lotion ($29 for 10.1 fl oz) is one I don’t have right now, but it has been a favorite in the past, after using it up several times I just wanted to explore other products and try new things, but this one has never failed me
Hand Creams
Favorites for the hands:
La Mer Hand Treatment ($90 for 3.4 oz the full size option, note that mine is a mini) is one of my latest loves for hand treatments, I bought mine as part of the limited-edition holiday Rejuvenating Hydration Set ($95) which seems to be selling out nearly everywhere (as of now still available at Net-A-Porter and Blue Mercury). It’s silky, emollient and super luxurious!
L’Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm ($19 for 1.7 oz or $36 for 5.3 oz) was something one of my sweet readers sent to me a year ago (the only fan mail I’ve received!) – she was so sweet to send me one she bought while traveling and the large tube lasted quite a long time! They’ve since launched a smaller tube which is purse friendly, it’s a thicker version of their Classic Shea Butter Hand Cream which I also love
Kiehl’s also makes great hand creams, so many of you have said you swear by the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve as the best unscented option (I agree it’s great! available in multiple sizes), I also really like their scented options in the Lavender and Grapefruit – they have a nice Healthy Hands Trio ($35) I highly recommend getting (and fast because it’s selling out quickly)
Molton Brown also makes great scented hand creams, I love the Fiery Pink Pepper* ($15) the best although their new Flora Luminaire* ($15) is also really lovely!
Cuticle Care
Cuticle care favorites:
CND Essentials Solar Oil Care Pen ($12.99 for 2.5 ml) is one that always makes the best-of lists for so many magazines, I bought the click brush pen version recently and really like it – it seems a little pricey for the amount you get, but it works well (also available in the Bottle with Brush Applicator)
Dior Huile Daily Nutritive Serum ($28) has been one of my holy grail cuticle oils but is so hard to find as it’s always selling out, you can still find this at Dior.com – if you see it at your local counter I highly recommend you pick it up!
OPI Pro Spa Nail and Cuticle Oil* was something I received recently in a PR package and it seems to come in a few formats, the one I have is a 0.29 fl oz dropper style ($9.95 available on Amazon). It helps with dry cuticles and a little goes a very long way. It also comes in a Bottle (.5 fl oz for $15.95) or a To Go Brush Applicator (.25 oz for $9.50)
Olive and June Cuticle Serum* ($15.99 for 1 at Target, or $30 for 2 at Olive and June, .13 fl oz) comes in a pen applicator with a sponge tip, if you’re one who doesn’t like the super emollient feel of oils, you will love this because it’s a serum that is more like a sponge-on cream vs a drippy liquid oil. It softens cuticles, it’s easy to use and works!
Lip Favorites
small round marble tray from Goop, makeup bag is Cuyana
Lip care favorites right now:
Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask ($28) – best cushiony clear gel like lip mask you can wear during the day or leave on over night
By Terry Baume de Rose* ($60) – best soothing thick lip cream (also available in a tube form with a slightly sheerer feel and finish, it’s not as thick but just as hydrating)
La Mer Lip Volumizer ($80) – not really a lip balm, but more of a smoothing lip volumizer with a serum feel, it leaves my lips feeling super soft and smooth
Fresh Sugar anything! I’ve been loving the Sugar Advance Therapy Treatment Lip Balm* ($26) because it comes in a tube form and doesn’t require fingers to apply. I do really love the Sugar Hydrating Lip Balms* ($18) like the Caramel, Coconut and Lime Mint ones as well.
What are some of your favorites?
Press samples indicated with a *. Others purchased by me.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful start to the holiday season. Black Friday and Cyber Week deals have already started! I’m rounding up all the Best Black Friday Sales and Deals I have on my radar. Many are already live right now and a few will be starting on Friday (dates noted below). Check back later this week because I’ll be able to share more info on some special launches this Friday!
AmorePacific – 30% off best sellers, starts 11/25 – 11/30
Anastasia Beverly Hills – 30% off brow, palettes, blush + bronzers, up to 50% off lips, now through 11/29
Becca Cosmetics – 25% off sitewide + gift with purchases at $75+ and $100+ no code needed, runs through 11/27
Bergdorf Goodman – Rewarding Beauty Event, save up to 25% off beauty purchases with code BEAUTY at checkout, running now through 12/6 instore, ends 12/3 online
$35 off purchases $250
$100 off purchases $500
$250 off purchases $1,000
$625 off purchases $2,500+
Bite Beauty – 35% off sitewide, starts 11/25-11/30
Charlotte Tilbury – Save 30% off select kits and receive a free Bella Sofia Palette with orders over $125, discount runs now through 11/30, GWP runs through 11/28 or while stock lasts
Cyber Week Bonus gift with purchase set with orders $250 or more (pouch with samples of The Serum, La Creme, Clarifying Cleansing Foam and Vitality Enhancing Eye Mask Supreme)
Black Friday Sale 20% off $200+ orders, 50% off last call items, free 2-day shipping + samples, valid 11/27-11/29
Clinique – 30% off any order with code JOY30 and free 6-piece kit with orders $65+
Decorte – 20% off site with code BLACKFRIDAY20, valid 11/23 – 12/1
Dermstore – Save up to 30% off participating brands and products with code SHARETHELOVE, runs through 11/30
Diptyque – special 2020 Black Friday Baies candle available for sale from 11/27 – 11/30 while supplies last (there will be a gift with purchase as well)
EM Cosmetics – 20% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY starts on Friday 11/27 (excludes Faded Clementine Lip Cushion and Palette)
Fenty Beauty – 30% off Fenty Beauty products, no code needed, ends 11/30
First Aid Beauty – Black Friday Gifts, purchase any select FAB Favs and receive a free gift with each purchase
Offer from 11/19 – 11/24 buy two, receive third product free with code HOLIDAYTRIO (third item must be equal or lesser value than other two), receive a 5-piece beauty set with orders $100+
From 11/27 – 11/30 enjoy 30% off sitewide, Armani will donate your 30% saved to support UNICEF Acqua for Life, with code DONATE30
Kerastase – 11/23 – 11/26 free travel size Dry Shampoo with orders $100+ using code GFTG20 at checkout, from 11/26 – 11/27 20% off and free Kerastase Tote Bag with code THXFF20
Kiehl’s – 25% off all purchases, plus get a 2-piece gift on orders $125+, use code CYBER at checkout, valid 11/24 – 11/30
Kosas – holiday sitewide sale, 20% off $25+ orders, 25% off $50+ orders, 30% off $75 orders
La Mer – Black Friday Customizable 4-Piece Gift and 3 Spa Accessories With $150+ purchases, while supplies last through 11/28
L’Occitane USA – Black Friday exclusive value sets and gift with purchases
Hope you find some great deals! I’ve already shopped from Anastasia Beverly Hills, La Mer and The Daily Edited. I ordered one of the Our Place Always Pans although it won’t ship until end of next month (but I’m still excited). I have my eye on some things for the home too!
