Happy New Years Eve! I cannot believe the year is ending and am hopeful for a better one in 2021. Thank you to each and every one of you who stuck around through the highs and the lows. I know it has been a trying and emotional year for all of us. I am truly thankful from the bottom of my heart to those who have showed kindness, positivity and support – it means more to me than I could express in words.
I have a 2020 beauty favorites roundup! I’m rounding up my Top 25 of the year. Here is my list (in alphabetical order). If you’d like to share your favorites let me know in the comments! It doesn’t have to be a long list like mine – I’d love to hear about anything you loved in the beauty world this year.
Sharing 10 Things I’m Loving Right Now today! A few of my favorite everyday staples that I have had in rotation lately.
Glowing Base Favorites
For my base I’ve really been loving that natural glow. Two favorites are the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand 3N1 (1) and the Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation in Latte 3N1.5 (2). You can see the before/after application of the Tinted Moisturizer on my face here and the Flawless Lumiere in this post as well. Both offer a nice natural glow to the skin with good lasting power.
Quick tip: Sephora carries the Tinted Moisturizer in a Mini Size in case you wanted to try it out before committing to buying the full size. They also have a Prime+Perfect Set you can customize as well which has more mini sizes.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II Mini Eyeshadow Palette (4) was a recent beauty buy. It is a mini version of their Soft Glam Palette. There are 2 shades in the mini that are slightly different than the full size version. If you have the original you don’t really need the new one unless you’ve used it up or are looking for a convenient travel size version. The colors are super smooth and easy to blend/layer. They look a little boring in the pan but it’s a really great palette that has everything you need for a complete eye look!
Beauty look wearing all my favorites in this post:
Earrings are the 6-6.5mm Pearl Earrings (not new, but several of you have asked the size)
Eye Staples
I’ve also been loving the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Shadow in Copper Sunrise (5, new shade reviewed here) for a soft wash of color. It’s a nice one and done kind of color and super flattering on the eyes! So many of you have messaged me asking for a good long-wear eyeliner, I think it depends whether you want a pencil or liquid but for pencil, my go-to has been the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner (6, swatches here). I like a lot of the colors and am wearing Black Wood in this post.
Last but not least – the combo that gets me the most compliments and questions “what are you wearing on your lips?” is the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk (9) + Charlotte Tilbury Jewel Lips in Pillow Talk (10) combination. I love ALL the Pillow Talk Lip colors and many of you want to know “do I need them all?” especially for the glosses. I personally think I do, but if you don’t want dupes or colors that are too similar here are the colors swatched side by side.
My take on the difference between the glosses:
Lip Lustre is most opaque and has a more dusty rose color (on the face/lips here and here)
Collagen Lip Bath is the most sheer out of the three, has a translucent finish and gives the lips the most full plump effect (without the tingle, other colors also swatched here)
Jewel Lips has some shimmer, is brighter in undertone, super glossy (review here too)
That wraps up my 10 Things I’m Loving Right Now! Would love to hear what you are loving lately. Any beauty staples you have in rotation that you can’t get enough of?
I’m rounding up a few of my summer beauty staples and favorites I’ve had in rotation lately. Even though we’re at home most of the time now having a routine to get dressed and put on some makeup helps keep me feeling more like myself and somewhat normal – even if it’s low key or super casual.
Summer Bases
For powder I will have a new updated roundup soon (my last Pressed and Loose Powder Roundup was in 2018! how time flies!). Right now I have a tie between the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Medium (always a favorite) and the new Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in Honey*. It’s a new tinted setting powder with honey and yellow undertones. It leaves a soft satiny smooth matte for my medium tan skin, doesn’t have any flashback and lasts a long time.
For foundations and tinted moisturizers I recently shared my new Summer Base Edit in July reviewing new formulas. I do like to rotate but out of all the ones I’ve tried (new and go-to’s) my current top three right now are:
I love so many formulas for bronzer. It is hard to pick just one favorite but one formula that I’ve used for years is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer. I prefer bronzing powders with a luminous shimmer (versus full matte) and the colors from Hourglass are frequently in rotation. Luminous Bronze Light and Radiant Bronze light are my favorites for the face, although if you’re fair they might turn orangey on your skin. In that case I would recommend you try Diffused Bronze Light or Nude Bronze Light as they have a different undertone. I will often use Diffused Bronze Light as an eyeshadow too.
I added a swatch of the new Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder which I can use as a soft all over glow powder (more on this in my powder roundup coming soon).
I feel like it’s been forever since I did a perfume review or roundup but some of you have been asking what I’ve been loving this summer so here are my top picks. Jo Malone Yuja Cologne is a citrus-lover’s dream come true. It’s a soft sweet citrus and limited-edition. I’m considering buying the larger bottle before it’s gone forever.
For the ultimate soft white floral with a hint of coconut Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc has been a favorite for years. To me it’s similar to the classic Soleil Blanc, but right now I’m using the softer version.
My favorite citrus scent is the Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in the Paris-Biarritz perfume. It has a mix of mandarin and lily for a softer citrus scent and to me is the perfect summer perfume. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year in Florida I like this year round. (Mine shown is the travel size).
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my year-round go to regardless of season. I think it works well for a unisex scent and is so unique to me. I try and get minis with GWPs anytime I can so I can carry one my purse. I also love their mini sets which is the best way to sample their perfumes to see which ones work best on your skin. The Jo Malone Cologne Collection Set from Nordstrom is a great value for the Anniversary Sale. Sephora has a Mini Discovery Set available too (smaller spritzers) and a few Mini Duos with Wood Sage + Sea Salt / Peony Blush Suede and Wood Sage + Sea Salt / English Pear and Freesia. I’ll link a few other sampler discovery sets in the widget at the bottom of the post.
Long-Wear Tan + Summer Lips
One thing I don’t use a lot of is self tanner. The Florida sun is enough to get a tan in just a few minutes even with sunscreen and being covered up. Still a lot of you have asked what a good self tanning product that doesn’t have a heavy scent and I always recommend the By Terry Tea to Tan*. You can use this on the face or chest and it doesn’t transfer on me. It’s really subtle – just spray on a brush and then buff it in anywhere you want a tan. It will wash off but when I use this it will last all day.
These days I have a love/hate relationship with lip products. It’s pretty annoying having to take off lipstick or gloss when you wear a mask outside. I still keep a balm or gloss with me in my purse out of habit. At home my favorite colors to wear are peaches or corals. I really love the Fenty Beauty Slip Shine in Tang Thang, Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Peachy Plump and the Sisley Le Phyto Lip Gloss in Paradise.
I’m going to have a roundup of my favorite accessories soon as some of you have asked for side by sides and more try-ons in a single post for easy reference. I cannot live without sunglasses in Florida and I do not understand how some people can go outside without wearing them! The sun is so bright here it’s almost blinding. We’ve been in Florida 3 and a half years now and I’ve found hats to be essential. In San Diego I rarely wore hats even though it’s still pretty sunny there.
Left: I bought the Brixton Lera Straw Fedora and the Small size works for my head which is 22 inches around. Medium also works (accidentally bought this one in my Nordstrom haul) but definitely feels a little loose. I don’t like hats too tight because I get a lot of hair breakage. My Celine 48 mm Cat Eye Sunglasses were a splurge in Miami last year and I really love them. For hair I’m never without the Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies. They don’t cause any breakage with my color-treated hair and don’t leave hair kinks when tied. I’m currently about 1/2 way there to growing out my highlights. My latest splurge you may have seen on stories are the Chloe Sandals. I ordered the white ones in a Size 7 which fit perfectly (I’m usually a 6.5 or 7 with narrow feet).
That wraps up my summer beauty staples roundup! Hope you found this helpful if you’re looking for any new perfumes or bronzers to try out. If you have any favorites you want to share please let me know in the comments!
Shop the post:
Press samples have a * next to them. Other items purchased by me.
I’m back with a loving right now favorites post! I hope you are all well and safe – I’ve been taking some time offline. Many thanks to those who have e-mailed me to check in – we are well! Experiencing some serious heat, humidity and storms but well and safe. Our two fur babies send you some snuggles and hugs from our home! Several of you have asked for an updated spring-to-summer favorites list so I’ve put together a list of beauty favorites I’m loving right now for you today.
Hand Care
Augustinus Bader recently launched The Hand Treatment ($50 for 50 ml) and of course I had to try it! I ordered it online and it shipped relatively fast. It doesn’t have any fragrance but has a sterile kind of smell to it. I found it smoothing and nourishing. It has a semi-thick feel and almost has a velvety dry down. The first few times I used it I felt it was too thick for me – but I was using too much. A little goes a long way. Since I’m indoors most of the time now it’s perfect, especially since my skin gets dried out from constant air conditioning.
They also have a Hand Sanitizer (50 ml) with 68% alcohol that is available online where they only charge shipping (one per household, while supplies last). I ordered mine a few weeks ago but it still has not shipped but if it’s still in stock by the time I receive it I will definitely review!
Chanel La Creme Main and La Creme Main Texture Riche are still my favorites for the formula, packaging and drydown. If you need something more hydrating L’Occitane remains one of the best tried-and-true lines for me. I love their limited editions, in particular the Ultra Light Hand Creme in Violet (also available in this cute set on sale). I find the L’Occitane prices more budget-friendly too.
Lip Care
These days I’m all about balms, especially since we are at home most of the time. The lock down has been lifted in phases and things have slowly started to open up but it varies by area. I feel like all I’ve been wearing for months now is lip balm or gloss balms! The creme de la creme of balms is the By Terry Baume de Rose. They have a cute limited-edition packaging option this year for summer. It’s thick, lush, hydrating and while extremely expensive will last a long time. The next best more affordable alternative I’ve found is the Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream. I’m also love the Sugar Advance Therapy Lip Balm (I keep this on my night stand) and the flavored Coconut Sugar Hydrating Balm is another delicious favorite.
For some more self-care indulgence I’ve been loving 111Skin. The Rosegold Line has been in heavy rotation. I started using the Rose Gold Set which includes the Rose Gold Radiance Booster and Sheet Masks last Christmas and love them for adding a beautiful glow. The Radiance Booster Serum has a super fine rose gold shimmer to it which I think is so beautiful. It’s not like a highlighter so it’s definitely something I feel like I can wear or mix in with moisturizer on a daily basis. I love the Eye Masks as well. You can find these at a wide range of retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Space NK etc. If you order on the 111Skin website they offer the masks in singles (versus the packs).
Fragrance
The humid hot weather is here which means I feel like I can wear my summery citrus scents more! I was able to track down some GWPs with mini samples of the Jo Malone Blossoms Collection and the one I fell in love with is Yuja. It’s a citrus orange with some sage and amber. To me it’s like a sweeter less sharp version of the Lime Basil and Mandarin. I ordered the travel size and am obsessed. I may order the larger one too since it’s limited-edition.
Other Jo Malone favorites are the Basil and Neroli (sweet floral citrus) and Wood Sage and Sea Salt (woody unisex). I started ordering some things from the Jo Malone website as they have really good gift with purchase options. Nordstrom also has good ones as well (they have the minis of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt + Poppy Barley right now). I rediscovered their Body and Hand Wash and have stocked up on several scents. They last really long on my skin!
Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz has been a favorite for a very long time now. It’s one of the best fresh citrus + lily scents I’ve tried. I love that it also comes in a travel mini size. The Shower Gel is a super luxurious splurge that’s on my repurchase wish list.
Glow Makeup
Three glow makeup loves I’ve had include are for that natural glow. I’ve rediscovered the Tom Ford Soleil Glow Foundation in Natural 6.0 and really love how naturally radiant it looks on the skin. It’s marked down at 30% off at Nordstrom which makes me a bit worried it’s going to be phased out. It’s a gel-serum formula with medium natural looking coverage that adds some natural glow to the skin.
To add warmth and shimmer to the complexion I’ve been using the By Terry Brightening CC Serum in Sunny Flash almost like a bronzer (or I’ll mix it in with foundation).
For eyeshadow my absolute favorites this season are the By Terry Ombre Blackstar shades in Immaculate Light, Rose Elixir and Sunny Flash. I’ve ordered a backup set which I rarely do anymore but I think these colors are perfect! Swatches of all three here.
So many of you have asked for an updated sunscreen roundup since the one I did a few years ago. Several of my usual go-to’s have been reformulated so I started trying new formulas. Unfortunately it seems that I’ve developed more sensitivities to various formulas and I’ve had so many allergic reactions I’m scared to try anything new. Right now my favorite sunscreen brand is still Supergoop! – I’m really happy to report most of their new and improved formulas still work for me.
For the face I rely on their Unseen Sunscreen with SPF40 or their Glow Screen with SPF40. For the body I like their Glow Oil because it works well in humid weather for me.
Bronzer
Last but not least a bronzer update. I still really do love the Chanel Les Beiges 2020 collection that launched earlier in the spring. Many of you have asked,”which formula is better: the Chanel bronzers or new Charlotte Tilbury bronzers?” I always love a little bit of glow so for me Chanel wins hands down. After months of wear time, the Les Beiges Soleil Tan Bronze cream bronzer has not irritated my skin even though it has coconut oil and many of you were concerned about this. Your mileage may vary though depending on your skin type. For those who missed out, it has restocked several times online at Chanel.com. I don’t have any info on when/if it will launch at Nordstrom, Neimans, etc. – it has in past years, but given the current climate with COVID-19, I’m not sure if it will.
That wraps up my beauty favorites that I’m loving right now. I’ve kept things minimal but still have been enjoying things that spark joy. As we transition to warmer weather I’ve been changing my skincare so I’ll have an updated skincare routine soon. There are some more summer launches I’m excited to share including Chantecaille summer and new Westman Atelier. I have some more fun roundups in the works which I think you’ll love.
Sending you my best wishes for health, safety and calm during this time. If you have any beauty favorites you’ve been loving now whether it’s a new discovery or tried and true favorite, let me know in the comments!
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I’m doing a giveaway including some of my favorite things.
Running from June 11th to June 14th, 2020 11:59 PM EST.
Due to shipping restrictions this is for US Only, 18 years or older.
Simply complete at least 1 of the steps in the widget below. The more steps you complete, the more entries you will receive.
ONE person will be selected via the widget below to win: (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Sheet Mask, (1 sheet) 111Skin Rosegold Eye Mask, The Daily Edited Flat Pouch (almond), Chanel La Creme Main Texture Riche, Fresh Sugar Lip Balm (mini), MAC Lipstick in Mocha, MAC Mini Strobe Cream, Pat McGrath MTHRSHP Golden Opulence Palette.
Winner will be selected and e-mailed within 72 hours after giveaway ends. They must respond within 72 hours or another person will be selected in their place.
Press samples featured include the By Terry CC Serum, By Terry Ombre Blackstar, Fresh Petal-Soft Rose Lip Cream, Supergoop! Sunscreens and NARS Afterglow Lip.
I cannot believe it is already May! It seems as though summer will almost be here and I feel like it was just yesterday the new year arrived. I have a quick roundup today featuring five new things I have been just started testing but wanted to put on your radar. A lot of you have been asking me about a couple of these I previewed on Instagram stories so I hope this will answer all your questions!
1 / Gisou
First I wanted to let you know that Gisou restocked their Mini Series Set ($55 available online at Gisou). I’ve loved their Hair Oil and a few other items from the line. I had been wanting to try their hair mask and heat protectant spray so when they launched a minis set I thought it was a perfect way to try. The set sold out within one day when it launched but just restocked. I plan on buying the full sizes of the Heat Protectant Spray – I think it’s a really nice one! (You can also find the full size items at Revolve, but minis and travel sizes are exclusive to Gisou.)
2 / Glossier Hand Cream
Glossier launched Hand Cream in the cutest most creative packaging I’ve ever seen. And of course it’s PINK! My DMs have been flooded with questions about the formula. You want to know is it actually good and not just worth it for the cute packaging? I bought two and at $18 each I do think they’re worth it. It has a semi thick texture but absorbs into the skin easily. It has a soft dry down so there’s no sticky residue – similar to the Chanel Hand Cream. The Glossier does smooth the skin, offers a nice lightweight veil of moisture, but it is very lightweight and not super rich. It has a soft pleasant perfumed scent like a watered down version of their perfume. The packaging has the perfect amount of flexibility to squeeze easily but still bounce back and retain its shape. I like it for lightweight hydration, but if you need a lot of moisture I still think L’Occitane or Chanel will be better.
3 / Fresh Petal Soft Lip Cream
Fresh added a couple new things to their rose skincare line including the Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum (still testing) and the Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream. I immediately started using the lip cream the day it arrived and am 100% in love. I think it’s a super nice hydrating soft cushiony balm. Think By Terry Baume de Rose but softer and not quite as thick in texture. I love how the Fresh Rose Petal-Soft Lip Cream feels and it has a soft pleasant rose scent.
4 / Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Foundation
Ever since the Armani Neo Nude Foundation popped up online so many of you have asked for a review. I ordered Shade 6.5 online sight unseen and it’s a perfect match right now. It has a thin easy to blend texture with medium coverage. It’s supposed to give the skin a glow effect but on me it looks very matte. I like how it looks natural on my face but I still prefer the Luminous Silk Foundation formula and finish as it has some glow/luminosity. For a matte finish base I find the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Foundation is still better – I like the way it blends and sits on my skin. Still I do think the Neo Nude Foundation is a nice lightweight base that is easy to blend and looks natural, I just find other bases better. It has silicone and alcohol in the ingredient list (which is hit or miss for my skin depending on how high up it is on the list). It did not irritate me but your mileage may vary.
Here are swatches next to the other 6.5 shades I have and wear:
Luminous Silk Foundation
Neo-Nude Foundation
Luminous Silk Concealer
Power Fabric Concealer
5 / Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto Liquid Balm
Last is a sneak peek of the Givenchy Le Rose Perfecto Liquid Balms. I managed to order a few shades before they sold out on Sephora for the recent sale. I’ll have a full review soon, but I like these SO much better than the stick version (which I actually hated). I’ve been playing around with 001 Perfect Pink (soft pink that turns a soft flushed pink) and 17 Nude Chill (perfect beige). They have a semi thick but non-sticky finish. The liquid balm has a cushiony feel with shea butter and has a slight plumping feel but minimal tingle. I really like how easy to apply and love the pigment. More to follow soon as I’m still waiting on a couple other shades to arrive but I really like these!
That wraps up my Five Things Roundup today! Hope your week is off to a good start and hope you’re all hanging in there! Sending you lots of love and good vibes.
Fresh Rose Skincare provided for review. Other items purchased by me.
I hope you are all well! We are staying inside for the most part now although we have enjoyed some short walks and the beaches where people are still very far apart. Today I think I ate my weight in donuts and doritos while being cooped up inside. I have a loving right now roundup featuring some new beauty splurges. Would love to hear about what you are loving right now too!
The Daily Edited Clear Cosmetic Case
I’ve been a huge fan of The Daily Edited and so many of you have loved their items as well. I love their Large Cosmetic Case, Transparent Cosmetic Case (original style), and the Clear Pouch (flat). My latest recent splurge is the Clear Cosmetic Case in Pale Pink which I had monogrammed with my initials. I think it’s a great compact size which measures about 8 inches wide, 4 inches tall and 2 inches deep.
Here’s a quick comparison for size reference to the Flat Pouch (measures 8.5 inches wide by 6 inches tall):
Also shown next to the Cuyana Tech Case (meant for cords etc, but I use it as a makeup bag – measures 7 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall and 2.5 inches deep):
Hand Care
I’ve been rationing my hand sanitizers I have on hand. By now everything has sold out even in stores near me. I’ve been loving the Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash and the Byredo Hand Sanitizers – unfortunately they also seem to be sold out everywhere! One of my favorite skincare Youtubers Gothamista suggested a DIY option on her Instagram which I found really helpful! For hand cream I’ve still been loving the Chanel La Creme Main.
Lip Loves
Always a neutral lip lover, I had a lot of questions on lip colors I’ve been wearing on Instagram Stories. One recent favorite is the Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist Balm in 11 Litchi. I own almost all the colors and love them for the nice shine and balmy feel. It’s a twist up one so there’s no sharpening required. This one pulls more nude/beige on my lips even though the swatch looks more pink because of the deeper natural lip pigment.
My holy grail neutral gloss right now is the NARS Loaded Lip Lacquer in Young Hearts (also worn in this post here). At this point I’ve stopped buying backups but this one is SO good I’ve considered one.
If you’re in search of a good lip primer, MAC has their Prep + Prime Lip in a special limited-edition packaging for the Petal Power collection. It’s pink so I had to buy it! I use the one I have in the black tube quite frequently.
Dior Addict Stellar Gloss
I’ve been trying Dior lip gloss for as long as I can remember. By this time I’ve lost count of how many times they’ve reformulated and revamped the colors. I hauled quite a few of the new Addict Stellar colors and will have a separate dedicated review. This is the thickest one I have tried from Dior. It’s not too thick but has a cushiony thick shine and smells of sweet vanilla cake. I swatched the nudes I hauled for reference which include D-Way, Diorsolight, J’Adior, and D-Light. Some of the colors are harder to find (I could only find some shades on the Dior website). Finishes range from creams to shimmers to sparkles. Pigment on the lighter shades is medium-sheer. I really love the way these look on the lips!
Chanel Le Liner de Chanel
Chanel launched a new Eye Collection with some products for Liquid Eyeliner, Brow Duo Compacts and a new Volume Stretch Mascara. I’ve been really loving the Le Liner de Chanel which is an ultra fine precision liquid liner and it’s long wearing. I’m still experimenting with all the colors but I love that there are shimmers in this launch! As one who like brown liner I think Ultra Brun is a really nice longwearing brown that doesn’t smudge. Full review to come soon! Above swatched left to right: Rouge Noir, Bleu Cobalt, Noir Profond, Mauve Metal, Bronze Dore, Gris Argent and Ultra Brun.
More Neutrals
For nails Essie launched a new quick dry formula called Expressie. I picked up a few colors to try and the first one I’ve swatched is Buns Up. It’s a creamy beige nude with a semi-sheer finish. I can get full coverage with 3 coats although 2 coats is sufficient. It does dry a lot faster than other polishes but to prevent tip wear a top coat is absolutely essential. To me it’s a slightly cooler-toned more pigmented version of OPI Samoan Sand.
Last but not least I finally ordered the two Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wands and think they are INCREDIBLE! I love Pillow Talk light for the lighter rose pink tinge and Pillow Talk Medium is more of a bronzey color on me but still very wearable. I think both are absolute musts. I added swatches of the other Beauty Light Wands in Spotlight (REVIEW), Peachgasm and Pinkgasm (REVIEW) for reference.
That wraps up my loving right now post. I focused primarily on makeup picks. I am testing out some new skincare although I most of what I’ve been using is my tried and true. I might do an updated skincare routine soon if you’re interested. New launch reviews to follow with Chanel, Dior and Charlotte Tilbury!
Also quick FYI Nordstrom is currently offering 25% off sitewide on most items on their website (exclusions apply). Neiman Marcus has a large selection of items at 20% off.
What are you loving right now?
Chanel liners provided for review. All others purchased by me.
I’m wrapping up the year with my Best of 2019 Beauty Favorites Roundup. I narrowed down the list to my Top 30 for the entire year. The list is quite edited as I tried to pick 1-2 max per category. I’d love to hear what your favorites were for the year – they can be anything! New finds, tried and true favorites, long-time staples etc.
13. Best Nail Polish – Chanel Le Vernis, colors shown are Organdi (swatched here), Vamp (swatches here), Richness (swatches here), and Rouge Noir (swatch here)
