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Loving Right Now

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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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Summer Loves + Weekend Reads

July 19, 2015
 
Above: Summer hat by J.Crew, Pouch by Truffle, Blanket by SEVI, iPhone 5 case by Gray Malin (iPhone 6 versions available here), Sunglasses Marc by Marc Jacobs, cheeks Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick and Edward Bess Afterglow Highlighter

We’ve had a few days of on and off rain storms here in Southern California. We’ve had record breaking rain in the past few days, I don’t remember ever seeing this much rain in July before. I was able to enjoy the sun in the park for a few hours earlier today before it started to pour again. We had clear blue skies for a good part of the morning so I was hopeful that it would be sunny the remainder of the day. Here are a few things I’ve been loving:
For lips I’ve been loving the YSL Pop Water Glossy Stains (swatches of my picks here) and the Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector Sticks (review to be posted soon). Both products give the lips a lush glossy tint which I’m obsessed with for summer.
I’ve mentioned in a few posts I was looking for a good face sunscreen. My go-to is still the Chanel UV Essential SPF 50 because it’s super thin in texture and doesn’t feel heavy. I find layering it over my regular moisturizer and under foundation works really well. Many other sunscreens are too heavy.

Two others I’ve been loving are from First Aid Beauty. The Ultra Repair® Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a really good one for sensitive skin. A little goes a long way so I’d recommend using sparingly. It doesn’t slide into my eyes when I sweat. The 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30 is also really good but it’s more moisturizing compared to the other one. 

My husband’s favorite body sunscreen is the Jack Black Sun Guard SPF 45 because of the high SPF and because it’s water resistant. We bought the travel size 3-pack for travel. He also likes the smaller sizes for carrying to the beach or the park. I’ve been really liking the Supergoop! Oil Spray.

I’ve been testing a number of foundations. Over the last month I’ve gotten a few shades darker because of our travels through Europe. I thought it would be a good time to test out some new formulas. I’ll have a roundup in the next couple of weeks. I’ve been testing the Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium and it’s a really good sheer no-makeup kind of makeup. It has enough coverage to even out the skin but is on the sheer side so it looks super natural. I wish I had this with me last month while traveling.

Last but not least, a few blog posts I’ve really enjoyed: RaeView shares her travels in Tokyo with a new vlog, Café Makeup takes on along her travels on a Paris Beauty Crawl, Really Ree has sneak peek swatches of fall releases from Tom Ford Beauty (I need everything).

I’m working my way through swatching my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks, Chanel Fall Beauty (I think the four new Stylo Yeuxs are must-haves), the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eye Palette and new Charlotte Tilbury. What are you loving right now?
Press samples were provided by Truffle, First Aid Beauty, Clarins and Glossier for review. All other items purchased by me.

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Weekend Reads, Link Love + Instagram Favorites

March 29, 2015
Shown above: macarons picked up from one of my favorites Bottega Louie, home-made Nespresso with the Pixie, mugs part of the VertuoLine set, on the nails Marc Jacobs Daisy (reviewed), Fresh Sugar Nude (swatched), March 2015 issue of Vogue

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I’ll be attending The Makeup Show LA today for the first time even though this year marks the 7th year they have been on the West Coat. Stay tuned for a full recap of my experience. In the meantime I have a few reads that I’ve been loving this past week that I wanted to share.
  • Café Makeup reviews and compares the new Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder in Indiscretion to the previously released Spellbound
  • British Beauty Blogger has a preview of Chanel Les Beiges coming out this summer, I need one of everything please!
  • I have major envy of this beautifully edited and well organized makeup desktop on Tamira Jarrel (formerly Lipstick With Some Sunshine)
  • The RaeViewer has a gorgeous tutorial on how to use the MAC Nordstrom Naturals x15 palette
  • It’s been a while since I bought something from Clinique but the Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush looks utterly gorgeous on Temptalia
  • Beauty Professor has 6 shades of Burberry Kisses swatched and reviewed
I love using Instagram as a way to keep up with my favorite reads in beauty, fashion, travel and more. A few that I’ve been loving:
  • @theglowedit Kate Rooney has some of the most gorgeous beauty images filled with amazing marble backgrounds, Jo Malone, Tom Ford Byredo, and much more 
  • @gossmakeupartist is always a fun one to follow, right now he has a sneak peek of Tom Ford Beauty Summer and it’s to-die-for gorgeous
  • @savinachaiyj has a feed filled with crisp and clean imagery of all things beautiful
  • @parisinfourmonths is forever a favorite and brightens up my day every day
  • @bigskymunchkins is a must for kitty-lovers, the new kittens are too cute for words
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday! (P.S. Above shown is Fresh Sugar Nude, in case you missed it, the review + swatches here.)
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Loving Right Now

March 26, 2015

The week is flying by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s almost Friday. I picked up a couple new fragrances that have been on my wish list for ages. I picked up the small bottle of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige and Byredo Black Saffron (reviews coming in the next few weeks). Also new acquisitions are MAC Cremesheen Pearl Lipsticks in Shanghai Spice and Peach Blossom, both repurchases of lipsticks I used up a while ago. MAC lipsticks usually dry out my lips but I still can’t stop using them because some of the neutrals are really good.

The Le Volume de Chanel Mascara is a long-time favorite. I just found out they released a waterproof version so I ordered it. So far I’m really liking it and I hope they release more colors in the waterproof or bring back the Navy Blue one because as far as colored mascaras go, that one was my favorite.
Also on the lips this week are Chanel Glossimer in Seashell and YSL Pop Water Glossy Stains (swatches and review here). For cheeks I still can’t get over how much I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light (also in a palette form). I’m going to call this one my never-ending bronzer. I use it a lot and still haven’t made a dent. It will probably last me forever.
Non-beauty related is my love for these rimless aviators (more colors here). It’s virtually impossible for me to find small sunglasses these days when oversized everything is in everywhere. Most of my sunglasses are several years old and it’s rare these days to find smaller frames to fit my face shape and size. These are 59mm and the perfect size for me. I bought them in multiple colors (three to be exact).
Last but not least, I’ve been really liking the Armani Eye Tints (#9 shown above). I am eager to see how the YSL Pop Water Full Metal Shadows compare (still waiting on these to ship, I have a few on backorder).
What are you loving this week? Any new beauty discoveries or staples you’re loving right now?
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Weekend Loves + Reads

March 7, 2015

It’s sunny and warm this weekend in Southern California. I’m currently smitten with the new MAC Amber Times Nine palette. The pans are smaller than the regular-sized eyeshadows making the compact the same size as the quads with pro-palettes. They are super cute. The MAC Burgandy Times Nine is also a stunning option. (Review soon.) Other loves include Frederic Malle Travel Sprays in Carnal Flower, Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gel in Eat Cake and Tom Ford Lip Gloss in Rose Crush. The NARS Dual Intensity Blushes are absolutely stunning (Craving shown above). I’ll be testing these more this week. 

Current reads I’m loving this weekend:

  • Café Makeup swatched and reviewed all of the new NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powders, if you’re ordering online, her post is a really good resource for the color swatches
  • The RaeViewer gives a gorgeous sneak peek + tutorial of the beauty look for Burberry A/W 2015 
  • Beauty Professor features a list of items to get a warm glow with color in her Glow Getters post
  • Mostly Sunny has awesome swatches of a few new Chanel Rouge Coco shades
  • Paris in Four Months’ photographs become more and more beautiful by the week, I have Paris on my list to visit by the end of next year
  • J.Crew’s Blog has some beauty notes and details on how to get the look behind their Fall/Winter 2015 Presentation (looks are stunning and glowy)
What are you loving this weekend?

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Loving Right Now + Weekend Reads

January 18, 2015
Above: Smythson Notebook, Truffle Clutch, Celine Bracelet, Gucci sunnies (old style)

I’m officially one week into my 28-day long take-down challenge / workout bootcamp and I’m going through major cookie, cupcake and candy withdrawals but overall feeling good by eating healthier. It’s really difficult to resist the unhealthy foods – all I can think about is Sprinkles Cupcakes. I’ve been successful in sticking to the meal plans so far but if you have any diet tips I’d love to hear them. This weekend I went through a substantial stack of magazines but only found a few really inspiring. Glamour always has interesting articles and topics I feel like I can relate to. Do you still read print magazines? Which ones are your favorites?

Right now five beauty things I’m loving include:

Weekend reads I’m loving right now along with some beauty news:

  • Jo Malone Rock the Ages Collection coming this spring – The Sunday Girl
  • Chanel will be launching reformulated versions of their Rouge Coco Lipsticks – Beautezine
  • Swatches + review of the NARS Spring 2015 Collection – Makeup and Beauty Blog
  • Details and the 411 on Bite Beauty’s #001 Creme Deluxe Lipstick – Temptalia
  • A first look at Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil – Café Makeup
  • Steps to create a pretty DIY Floral Bouquet – Erika Brechtel
  • Beautiful dreamy pictures of beaches, sunsets and more – Paris in Four Months
What are you loving right now? P.S, I’m behind on responding to a lot of e-mails from readers but here’s a quick thank you for some of your kind notes over the last week. I was really touched by some of the e-mails I received, I hope to get caught up with responses very soon, hoping today!

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Loving Right Now

December 28, 2014

I can’t believe that this is the last week of 2014. I will have a year-end roundup/review shortly with some thoughts and reflections soon. For now I wanted to share a few things I’m loving right now. As always I would love to hear what you’ve been loving too! 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes are a current favorite. It has the perfect mix of glow and pigment in one compact. I’ve been reaching for Luminous Flush lately which brightens the complexion and adds a nice healthy glow with the soft shimmer. Review + swatches here and here.

I’m a sucker for cute notebooks and Vianel has small Moleskin Pocket Notebooks that you can have personalized (for now the personalization is free of charge). I like that they give you a choice of engraving on the front or back of the notebook.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys in Peter is a pretty neutral nude shimmer I’ve been really pleased with. Based on reader comments, many of you seemed to like this one most in my recent post here. I like it so much that I bought a backup.

Marc Jacobs O’Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara is seriously good. When it comes to mascara it takes a lot to impress me, most mascaras turn grey on my lashes once they dry or smudge or flake. The Marc Jacobs O’Mega volumizes and separates my lashes without any clumping or flaking. It holds the curl without looking crunchy. Once it dries the color remains a true black. I will definitely be repurchasing it.

So many have raved about the Aesop Parley Seed Cleansing Masque. I have a few loves from Aesop for body products but many of the facial skincare products have a really strong earthy and herbal fragrance which I cannot tolerate. I decided to give this a try and am thoroughly impressed. This mask is amazing. It is gentle on the skin but really works to remove impurities from the pores. What I like about the Aesop mask is that it seems to be perfect for sensitive skin. It has a soothing feel once applied. There’s no tingly or burning feeling. If you have super sensitive skin and want a good clarifying/cleansing mask I highly recommend looking into this one. It has a natural earthy scent but it’s not too strong and actually quite soothing.

With the dry weather I’ve been exploring more in hand creams. I’ll have a roundup of all the ones I’ve been testing later this week. One new discovery of mine is the Eve Lom Hand Cream. For those who cannot tolerate highly fragranced hand lotions this is a good one. It has no added fragrance but still has a nice super lightweight naturally clean scent. It has lightweight airy texture that moisturizes well and absorbs quickly into the skin. A more detailed review to come soon.

For the home, I’ve been obsessed with Diptyque Figuier. In my opinion this is the best fig candle that I’ve tried (it beats Henri Bendel and Jo Malone, although those are very good too). It’s a good holiday candle that gives a warm and cozy feel to the home.

Last but not least, I’ve been loving the Faux Fur Throw from Williams-Sonoma Home (used in the background of the photo above). It’s super soft and thick and warm.
What have you been loving right now?
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