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Weekend Reads, Links and Loves

April 17, 2016

I hope you’re enjoying the weekend! We have warm spring weather which almost feels like summer, but I’m not complaining! I have a mix of things I’m loving right now. New summer beauty collections are starting to trickle in and I’m excited to see the new releases over the next month. I’m still 100% smitten with the Tom Ford Soleil Bicoastal Cheek Duo (reviewed here) and the Ultra-Rich Lip Color in Revolve Around Me (swatched here). A few of you asked if Bicoastal was too similar to Wicked to justify both. The finish and color is really similar, almost identical so you don’t need both. However Bicoastal has that gorgeous sheen that makes it extra special.

Additional Loves
  • Diptyque Oud is more of a fall kind of scent (reviewed here) but I’m still loving it for right now to burn something different than the traditional spring floral for the home.
  • Lumira Travel Candles are still an obsession of mine. My all time favorite is the Tahitian Coconut – it is truly the best coconut home fragrance I’ve tried because it’s not too sweet.
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty Hi-Shine Enamored Lip Lacquers offer a lush cushiony kind of shine to the lips, above shown is Pretty Thing (all swatched here).
  • Out of all the new lipstick formulas launched this year to date, the best in-between kind of lipstick that isn’t too sheer and isn’t too opaque is the Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo. It offers medium to full coverage with a pretty shine. All shades swatched here.
  • I just discovered Muji Gel Pens and am obsessed. I bought a set in black and think I want to order a set of the ones with different colors.
Reads and Link Love
  • Makeup artist Rae Morris just launched a new book called Makeup Masterclass ($55, available via Beautylish). They sent one as a gift and the imagery and photographs are stunning. I’ve been browsing through it for inspiration on some bolder beauty looks. It’s also quite comprehensive on beauty basics for application. I highly recommend it.
  • Porter Magazine just launched their Summer Issue and this one marks the end of my year-long subscription. I’ve really enjoyed their publication and have already renewed for another year. 
  • RaeViewer uploaded a really helpful skincare video on her Favorite Skin Care for Acne + Reducing Scars, I always find her skincare recommendations really helpful!
  • Speaking of Tom Ford Summer, Tamira Jarrel has a gorgeous Tom Ford 2016 Soleil Preview tutorial on her channel which is all kinds of gorgeous in a natural kind of way (Revolve Around Me looks amazing on her and she is a bit deeper in skintone compared to me).
  • I adore get ready with me videos and this Dior Poison Girl Party in Paris via Inthefrow is so beautiful!

New In Beauty / On My Radar

Anything on your beauty radar this weekend? Or new discoveries? I received the last bits of my Sephora VIB Rouge haul last week – I stocked up on the nude beautyblenders, ordered some Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadows, bought some Burberry items I had on my wishlist and finally bought 3 neutral pink Louboutin Lipsticks which I can’t wait to play with. If you want to share your haul(s) – please do in the comments!

P.S. If you have anything from Space NK on your wishlist (they carry Diptyque, Eve Lom, Hourglass, By Terry, Oribe etc.) – don’t forget there’s a special promo code for Beauty Look Book readers through May 1st. Details in this post here.

Hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
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Sunday Links and Loves

March 13, 2016

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend – we had rainstorms come through here in Southern California but it was brief and the sun is back out today. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the Urban Decay UD Gwen Stefani Blush Palette which I promise to review soon. I’ve been waiting for a couple blush palettes that I ordered to arrive in the mail so I can do a battle of the blush palettes post as there have been a few new ones that launched this year. For face I’m still working my way through foundation testing. So far the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint is my most reached-for formula so far this year. I’ll have some thoughts on the Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation and Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation soon.

More on the cheeky front includes glow essentials. I’ve still been loving the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Powders for a luminous glowy highlight. If you’re partial to creams I swatched my holy grail cream highlighters from Edward Bess in Sunlight, Afterglow and Paradise here.

Last week I stopped by Sephora South Coast Plaza for my first beauty appointment in a Sephora store to learn about color correcting. I half dread in-store makeup appointments because of you never know what kind of artist you will be working with. So many have a hard sell approach or load up on colors that really aren’t flattering. This visit was hands down the best appointment I’ve ever had – I worked with Dre and if you’re in the area I highly recommend trying to book a sit down with her. I’ll have a write up soon on my whole experience. I went in not knowing anything about color correcting and personally thought that using a full coverage foundation could accomplish the same thing in fewer steps. I was so impressed with her knowledge of all the skincare and beauty brands. She was patient in answering all my questions. The results of her application were amazing.

I haven’t done a link love post in a while – but here are a few reads and links I’ve been loving:
P.S. I’m still obsessed with the Maison Martin Martiela Lipstick On fragrance for a soft girly feminine scent. I just got a mini sample of the new Diptyque Eau Des Sens which is the best orange blossom I’ve ever tried and I am seriously tempted.

Enjoy the last bits of your weekend! Would love to hear about what you’re loving right now. I’m behind on responding to comments but will be following up on your questions soon!

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Loving Right Now

Sunday Details and Loves

February 7, 2016

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you’ve been having a great weekend. The sun finally came back here in Southern California and we have weather in the 70s – I can’t tell you how much of a mood lifter this warm weekend has been. I’ve been on a fragrance kick lately, I’ll have a roundup of what I have in rotation soon on the blog. I just picked up my first Maison Martin Margiela in Replica Beach Walk (the rollerball mini) which is the most amazing beachy mix. It has bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk … I think it’s only a matter of time before I pick up the full size spray. Right now I’ve been loving the Chloé Eau de Parfum for a soft femine scent (shown above). I have Love Story on my wishlist but it seems to have a very similar feel to the regular Chloé – if you’ve tried any of the Chloe perfumes please let me know what your favorite is!

Other details today include the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara Waterproof in Noir (a go-to these days), NARS Blush Duo in Hot Sand + Orgasm (reviewed here) and NARS Babydoll Lip Gloss (such a pretty pink shimmer, lip swatch here). I just started playing with the new Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes last week and am beyond thrilled they’ve re-launched Platinum. It’s one of the best all over lid shades that makes a great easy wash for lazy days. It also makes for a great base for powder shadows. Today I’m testing three layered together. Shown above from top to bottom is Platinum, Opale and Caviar. I have taken photographs of all the shades + swatches, I just need to edit them for a post very soon.

Last but not least, I wanted to do a comparison between two makeup bags. I splurged on the Louis Vuitton Epi Cosmetic Case in Dune last month. The nude pink color is just so pretty and it had been on my wishlist for a long time. I really like the durability and classic look of the Epi line and after thinking about this one for months decided to go for it. A few weeks ago I featured the Tory Burch York Cosmetic Case in my Valentine’s Day Gift Guide round up post as a less expensive alternative (it’s still on the pricey side, but more affordable). I purchased one in Light Oak which is a nude pink color. It’s made of Saffiano textured leather and very sturdy. (More colors here.) If you’re looking to treat yourself, a friend or a loved one on a pretty cosmetic case, I think either of these are great.

Here’s a side by side comparison. The one from Tory Burch is slightly smaller in size compared to the one from Louis Vuitton, but the overall shape and function is the same.

Tory Burch Small York Case measures 6″W x 4″H x 2 ½”D
Louis Vuitton Epi Cosmetic Case measures 6.7″ x 4.7″ x 2.4″ inches

I hope you are enjoying the last bits of your weekend! If you have any new beauty discoveries, or found some items in your stash that you have rediscovered, I’ve love to hear about what you are loving right now! P.S. if you’re a fan of the Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipsticks note they are being discontinued so if you have any favorite shades you might want to stock up. On February 12th they will be launching a new lipstick formula (30+ shades) – I can’t to share more details with you.

Some press samples featured above include NARS Babydoll Lip Gloss, Tom Ford Platinum and Opale Cream Shadows.
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Loving Right Now

November 18, 2015

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope your week is going well so far. A few things I’m loving right now, especially since the weather seems to have shifted overnight here in Southern California. It’s still relatively warm compared to most parts of the US, but we’ve had some rain, lots of wind and dry weather. My skin has definitely felt the impact and my lips and skin have felt dry so I’ve needed to switch things up.

For lips I’ve been loving the Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Lip Treatment that I picked up from Sephora. It comes in a sleek little squeeze tube and has an angled applicator so you can apply it without using fingers. It’s hydrating and feels lush on the lips. I’ll give an update later as I’m testing a few new lip treatments. Also great for dry skin is the Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Oil-Free Essentials Set (not shown). I bought this a couple months ago and loved the items but found them too hydrating when we had super warm and humid weather in the high 80s (I thought fall weather would never arrive here). For right now, the cleanser and toner are just what I need to mix into my routine on days I feel extra dry.

These days I feel like I can’t live without the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist*, the travel size is perfect to keep in my purse and I love that the mini packaging is just as good as the full size. Be sure to check out their gift sets this year. Their packages are beautifully wrapped so you really don’t need to do any extra work if you gift something.

For under eye concealer, I’m still loving the Charlotte Tilbury Retoucher Concealer as the best under-eye and spot cover up (I use Shade 3). Pigment and coverage is impressive but it blends out to a completely natural looking finish. Swatches of all the shades in this post here. Because many of you have been asking about the newer Mini Miracle Eye Wand Dynamic Duo Lift and Light Reflector, I picked up one in Shade 3. I’ll report once I’ve given it a thorough test drive.

Another staple in my daily makeup rotation is the Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Base. Many of you have repeatedly asked what my favorite eye base is, and it’s the one from Edward Bess. It evens out the lids and primes it for eyeshadow. It extends eyeshadow wear and doesn’t crease. Many skin-tone colored primers dry out my lids or make them look wrinkly, the Edward Bess smooths out the skin and makes it glow naturally (even though there is no shimmer).

For color, I’m obsessed with Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Versatile (swatched here), Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Eyeshadow* in Bronze (swatched here), and Chanel Rouge No. 19 Le Vernis (released last year, but still available at Chanel.com, swatch here).

I’ve been testing a number of different hand creams. I did a roundup of my staples back in January. I’ll have another update soon. The Molton Brown Alba White Truffle Hand Treatment* and Hand Exfoliator* are really quite amazing. I’ve never done a hand scrub but the exfoliating treatment is incredibly helpful in scrubbing off dead skin and also offers hydration leaving hand silky smooth and feeling really good. (Not to mention is smells delicious.) The Alba White Truffle Hand Cream is ultra hydrating. 

Also not to be missed is the L’Occitane x Pierre Hermé Collaboration. Both brands have a special place in my heart and I couldn’t be more thrilled that they partnered for a holiday launch. The packaging on the Hand Cream Trio is to die for. As soon as I saw it online I immediately went to my local store to pick it up. Unfortunately it appears to be an online exclusive in the US. If you’re one to shop in store, there is a lot to choose from – but don’t forget to check online for exclusive sets. The gift sets this year are so beautiful (more on these soon). There are some cute Lip/Hand Duos and other items that are only available online. (I ordered multiples of the trio and duos.)

Last three things I’ve been loving are the Gourmand Eau De Parfums from Urban Outfitters. I have Thé Matcha which is a super clean fresh scent. I have several others on my wishlist. Truffle pouches are always on my love-list. The Rose Gold Privacy Clutch is always fun around the holiday season. New for holiday is the Ivory Pearl Cranberry Pouch in Small* and Large. Right now Truffle has a 20% off sale on this color through 11/25 with code CRANBERRY at checkout.

Stay tuned for a hand cream and lip treatment roundup along with more holiday reviews and gift guides. What are you loving this week? Do you have any go-to’s for dry skin during the colder fall/winter months?
P.S. The Garance Doré Book is so incredibly fun and chic!

Press samples included indicated by a * next to the items featured. All others purchased by me.

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Weekend Link Love

September 13, 2015

I hope everyone has been enjoying the weekend! We are having a heat wave in Southern California with temperatures in the high 80s, it’s hard to imagine what fall will feel like with all this warmth. I’m working my way through some new products. I’m really excited to try the new Edward Bess Illusion Foundation and Longwear Lip & Cheek Stains. Also on my testing list have been the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks, Lancome Audacity Eyeshadow Palette and the Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Collection. I’ll have reviews up soon.

Several of you have asked for thoughts on the latest from Marc Jacobs Beauty, including the Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer and Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate. I bought the primer and acquired four mini samples of the foundation from my local Sephora. I’m still putting them to the test. I like the primer, still undecided about the foundation. Right now my preference is still for the Genius Gel Super–Charged Oil–Free Foundation (reviewed here) over the new one, but I want to give it a thorough test before I have a review posted.

A few links I’ve been loving this weekend:

What are you loving right now? Did you end up ordering anything from the recent beauty events from Neiman Marcus, Barney’s or Space NK? I’m still waiting on a couple orders – unfortunately they didn’t arrive in time to post before the events ended – but I’ll start testing things soon as they arrive (I ordered some new items from By Terry and Le Metier de Beaute).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
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Loving Right Now

August 26, 2015
It’s the last week of August which means summer is coming to an end soon. I suspect we will still have really good weather in Southern California for the next few months – although I haven’t been to the beach nearly enough this year. Right now I’m working my way through Chanel, Tom Ford, Sara Happ, and Eve Snow reviews along with some roundup features. Sometimes I feel as though the days go by so quickly and I find it challenging to accomplish as much I as I would like to. I need some organization and time management inspiration!
Right now I’m obsessed with Smith and Cult in She Said Yeah. It’s such a pretty vibrant girly lilac periwinkle colored nail polish – I like it on the toes. For bronzers I’m obsessed with Tom Ford Small Bronzing Powder compacts. I don’t know if they are limited-edition or not, but I picked up 2 of the Gold Dust. Armani Maestro Liquid Summer I got last year has still lasted me a long time (with a long way to go, I don’t know if I will ever use it up). I like how it blends into the skin naturally. There are three shades now.

For the lips, I’m still obsessed with the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors. I almost always have one or two colors in my purse. For fragrance I’m on a rollerball kick. I ordered this Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Coco mini recently. I’m forever in search of a good vanilla perfume I can wear that isn’t too sweet. I’m completely in love with it but my husband is not a fan. He doesn’t like vanilla scents on me at all (inserts sad face).

I featured R+Co in my July Favorites and I’ve been exploring more from the line. I’ve stocked up on a few mini sample packets from various gift with purchase offers. Most recently I was sent a sample of the Rockaway Salt Spray and it smells so so so amazing. The first few times I used it I sprayed too much too close to my roots. It does dry down even if you use too much but I recommend spritzing at least 6 inches from your hair. It gives a nice textured look and volume without making the hair feel crunchy.

The Supergoop! Sun Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50 has been on regular rotation for body. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy, doesn’t have that sunscreen smell, keeps sunburns away and doesn’t irritate my super sensitive skin. I started testing the cream Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology and it also works well without irritation issues. I’ll have a sunscreen testing roundup soon. 

Last but not least, Truffle has new Clarity Pouch colors! Above shown are Large Seafoam Mint Cranberry and Small Pewter Lime Slate.

What have you been loving this week?

Press samples in this feature include items Smith & Cult, R+Co, Clarins and Truffle.

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Summer Loves

August 7, 2015

Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a great week – mine was a very long one and I’m glad it’s almost the weekend. A few things I’m loving right now are summery-themed.
Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom $12 is described as a “vacation in a tube.” It does indeed smell like a dreamy vacation with a delicious coconut scent. It’s Glossier’s do-anything skin salve for the lips, eyes, cheeks or cuticles – basically anywhere you need an added moisture boost. It’s very creamy so I’ve only been brave enough to test it on the lips and so far I love it. It’s hydrating, soothing and smells incredible.

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino $215 was one of my biggest summer splurges. It’s a summery white floral citrus. Similar to the Neroli Portofino and Mandarino di Amalafi but with a floral twist to it. It’s bright and very rich. Lasts all day on me and makes me feel like I’m at the beach. If you own either of the others I would say you probably don’t need the Fleur de Portofino as they are similar. There are noticeable differences, the original Neroli is the strongest and more unisex, Mandarino is the most citrus, Fleur has floral notes which I like the most.

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50 $12-34 has been in regular rotation. The concept of a sunscreen in oil form is new to me. I’m super hesitant about trying new sunscreens in general but this one has been gentle enough for me to wear without any irritation or reaction. It’s meant for both the face and body but I haven’t been brave enough to test it on the face.

Chanel Tutti Frutti $27 is my favorite coral pink nail color for summer. It’s been on my nails a lot lately. I plan on getting a pedicure this weekend for the toes.

Smith & Cult recently launched Lip Lacquers $22 each. I’ve been testing a few that I ordered sight unseen. They are all relatively sheer in finish but have a lush glossy shine to them with a hint of color. My personal favorite is Her Name Is Bubbles (in large part because I like the name). I’ll have a more detailed feature soon on the glosses but for now below are a few swatches. You can find them at Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, Birchbox. If you want to see Her Name is Bubbles on the lips, you can see it in my peachy makeup loves post.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! What have you been loving this summer?

The Glossier Lip Balm was provided as a courtesy sample for review. All other items purchased by me.

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