I have an obsession with flat pouches. I’ve found several good ones that aren’t too small or too big (review and feature soon). I’ve been loving the small ones from Whistles. I ordered one in black a week ago and I’ve been really happy with it. A few details I’m loving right now, accessories and beauty details for later tonight include:
Several have requested a monthly favorites round up – welcome to The Beauty Look Book’s first monthly favorites feature! I wanted to feature some midsummer beauty favorites for the skin, body and hair. Many of these items are things I’ve been using all summer long.
Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Water is a gentle lightweight cleansing water that refreshes the skin. It won’t remove waterproof eye makeup or mascara all the way, but I like this for the face. I have this in the full size as well but like to keep the small travel sizes.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse has been a favorite this summer for dry body oils. (Three I tested here.) I alternate between this and the Caudalie Divine Oil, but lately I’ve been reaching more for the Nuxe, the fresh floral beach-like scent is perfect for summer. It layers nicely with most perfumes as it’s very gentle and not overpowering. I love that the skin absorbs it quickly.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is an alternative to dry shampoo. I’ve tried several and don’t like the powdery crunchy look they give to the hair. The Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is the only one I’ve tried that doesn’t leave any residue. It’s more of a texturizing spray that I like to use on days where my hair looks a bit flat. I love all things Oribe that I’ve tried it’s a brand I keep exploring and looking into. The signature Oribe scent is incredible.
St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse is a new discovery this year and it is hands down my favorite self tan product. I purchased the mini size to compare it to the Gradual an Everyday Body Lotion from Sephora. I tested each one simultaneously with the mousse on one leg and the lotion on the other. The mousse gives a better tan without being orange. The lotion has a more gradual darkening effect. The tint to the mousse also helps you see where you applied product and helps as a guide for even application. It didn’t stain or transfer to white sheets and after letting it set for 10 minutes I found it didn’t transfer to a white denim skirt. I applied it for two consecutive days and my tan will last about 5 days. I have super sensitive skin and I’ve gotten allergic reactions to spray tans and other self tan products (like Clarins).
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser was sent for review and it is an amazing cleanser. It has red clay which is suppose to draw out toxins, remove oil and unclog pores. It’s designed for combination or oily skin. My skin is slightly combination, dry on the cheeks area and slightly oily in the T zone. I found this to be amazing at unclogging pores. It comes with a slightly gel-like texture that is a reddish pink with a pearly shimmer. It works well with the hands, a washcloth and my Clarisonic Aria. It’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin but very effective. I’m on my second tube.
Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi is one of Tom Ford’s latest, it’s one of two new scents that are an extension of the Neroli Portofino line. I can’t wear a lot of orange citrus scents but Tom Ford is the only one I can pull off. It’s the perfect summertime scent with citrus, florals and musk.
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream is something I bought from the Flower Power Kit (has the Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream in 1 oz, Rose Face Mask in 1 oz, Sugar Tulip and Rose Floral Toner 0.5 oz). I love this lightweight face cream for hydration. It’s too heavy for me right now for daily use but I like to use it 2x per week during the day and alternate this as a night cream. It has a refreshing cucumber scent and feels amazing on the skin. It makes the skin look refreshed and improves the overall skin tone by smoothing over time and is great for calming the skin.
MAC Cleanse Off Oil has been my favorite go-to for removing makeup at the end of the day. I did a roundup of several oils I tested and the MAC is one I keep reaching for because it has the best emulsifying quality and gets everything off without leaving a residue or drying out the skin.
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask is something I tried with the mini pods first. I liked it so much I bought the full size. It’s a mask that really works and clears pores. It has a slight tingly effect the first few minutes but it goes away. The charcoal and white clay both work to draw out pore-cloggers. I’ve used it up to 3x per week when my skin was messed up. I don’t recommend using it if you have broken skin or areas with irritation, but it is a gentle enough mask that won’t sting your skin.
Malin+Goetz Lip Moisturizer is my summer favorite for a relative inexpensive lip balm with a nice lightweight gel formula. It’s super effective without being too rich or heavy for summer.
L’Occitane Extra Gentle Lotion for Hands and Body has been a staple for me for years. It’s the only body lotion I’ve repurchased. It has a super lightweight feel that absorbs into the skin. It’s part of the Shea Butter line and is moisturizing and soothing.
Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer was a Sephora freebie. It’s a pre-styler product that I apply to the hair before blow drying and it helps smooth the hair, decreases frizz and protects it from heat styling. It smells absolutely amazing like coconut and vanilla. It adds softness and shine without weighing down the hair.
L’Occitane Frisson de Verveine Hand Cream Gel is a great alternative to regular hand creams for the summer. It’s a unique hand moisturizer that absorbs into the skin really quickly. It has an interesting dry down that’s smooth and soothing with a slight velvety feel. It comes in the new Frisson Verbena scent which is a lightweight summery lime. One tube was sent for review and I’ve already purchased a second one.
Tatcha Aburatorigami Beauty Papers are the perfect blotting papers for me. They are compact and easy to carry in the purse. I love how they are super absorbent without having any powdery residue. I use about one sheet with every use and it’s so much better than touching up with powder mid-day or late afternoon. Sometimes with the summer heat and humidity I’ve found adding powder to oily skin can get cakey (at least on me).
Chanel UV Essential Anti-Pollution Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is the only face sunscreen I like to use. It’s lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. I like to layer serum with moisturizer under my foundation but I don’t like anything that feels heavy. This sunscreen is light enough to wear with both a serum and moisturizer and foundation. It’s suitable for my sensitive skin. It also comes with an SPF 20 and SPF 30 versions as well.
What have been your summer favorites this past month?
I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I’m spending the day editing and swatching. I have quite a few new things to share with you this upcoming days including some new discoveries from By Terry, Cle de Peau, Marc Jacobs Beauty, Bite and Chanel.
In case you missed some of this past week’s posts, here are a few highlights:
Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Liner is now available at Sephora, I love that it doesn’t smudge, glides on easily, is truly black, and also has a super precise point
Thoughts on 9 Cleansing Oils I tested from Tatcha, Chanel, Shu Uemura and more
A few summer details today: 1) Banana Republic Striped Timeless Tee (similar here and here) has been a weekly go-to, it’s versatile enough to wear with a number of different outfits. It goes with casual jeans, shorts and capris, you can also dress it up with a pencil skirt and pumps, or layer a blazer.
2) Nude pink sunglasses are one of my weaknesses, these are some old ones by Chanel that come with small frames (rare find). Continuing the nude-pink theme, 3) Tom Ford Tawny Pink Lipgloss and 4) Spanish Pink Lipstick are staples for the perfect nude pink pout. I love that there’s a hint of nude and peach in these but they don’t wash out my complexion. The lightness contrasts with a tan but it’s not too sharp. (Tawny Pink looks like it’s sold out online, Rose Crush is very similar.)
For the perfect glow 5) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are my favorite powder highlighters, I keep reaching for them and they seem to last forever (even with regular use I have barely made a dent). Luminous Light is shown above. Radiant Light is another favorite. Or if you want more options check out the Ambient Lighting Palette. They give the perfect candlelit glow.
6) Chanel Holiday Le Vernis is an oldie but goodie. I’m surprised it’s still available since it was released quite a while ago. I rarely match tips and toes with the same colors but for this one I’ll make an exception. See it compared to Chanel Mirabella.
I’m a minimalist when it comes to jewelry. I love the looks my friends can create with creative layering but I always feel like I can’t pull it off. For me, some simple layering includes stacking simple detailed pieces. I’ve been loving my 7) Celine Rose Gold knot cuff stacked with 8) Gorjana Mila Hexagon Cuff (c/o) and any 9) Hermes Enamel Bracelet for some color. Gorjana has great visuals for bracelet layering ideas that are easy to pull off. I’ve been very inspired from browsing their site – be sure to check out the Gorjana x Happily Grey collaboration with curated picks.
I’m obsessed with open toe sandals, these 10) Banana Republic tan sandals fit perfectly and didn’t break the bank. It sold out online months ago but I’ve spotted them instore.
Last but not least, I’ve fallen head over heels with 11) Tom Ford Mandarino di Almafi which is an extension of the Neroli Portofino line. I’m not typically a fan of citrus orange scents on me (I adore them on others). The ones by Tom Ford are the only citrus scents I feel like I can wear. It’s a refreshing summery fruity scent. My local Neiman Marcus sold out of it but they were able to order it for me. More detailed review to come soon.
Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana (review) for something fresh, light and super feminine
Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara (favs here) for long-lasting mascara
Chanel Illusion d’Ombre in New Moon (swatches) for added sparkle and shimmer
Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Rose Tricheuse (swatches here) for a bright summery lip
Oribe Anti-Humidity Spray (mini) because I love the superfine mist it dispenses and also love the smell (I actually love the smell of all Oribe items)
Not beauty-related but I need to give a quick rave about two Nordstrom-Anniversary Sale items:
These Nike Legend Capris are amazing, they are super flattering for workout bottoms, they hold everything in but aren’t too tight, I might get a second pair because the price is so good
I live for Paige Denim (one of the few brands that fit me), I splurged on these Skyline Ankle Peg Skinny Jeans and am obsessed with them
I passed on all other clothing items even though there are some amazing items, I tend to get overwhelmed by all the options, if you have any raves or good finds I would greatly appreciate your suggestions
Some online beauty reads I’ve been loving this weekend:
Hourglass will open it’s first store this fall – Forbes
Christian Louboutin Beauté will launch new nail colors – Café Makeup
Bite Beauty Champagne Agave Lip Mask has a pretty pearly finish – Temptalia
Tatcha Ritual Discovery Kit looks like a great starter set – Cute and Mundane
More love for NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows in Dione and Himalia – The Non-Blonde
Thanks to everyone who entered my Fresh Sugar Tulip Giveaway, the winner was randomly selected via the Rafflecopter widget. Lisa B. at email lbuller@p*****.com, check your inbox!
I love discovering new bloggers and fashion experts via Instagram. It’s one of my favorite places for inspiration, sneak peeks on what’s coming out soon, or to see a snapshot of other people’s lives. I love the stylized flat lays, outfit inspiration and learning about new places. Ten Instagrams I’m loving right now:
@frontrowbeautyblog for her keen eye for all things pretty, love her fashion sense
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@parisinfourmonths is a long-time favorite, this is the best account for dreamy pictures of Paris and all the beautiful places she travels to, love her fashion shoots too
I have a quick moment to share a snapshot of some details for tonight’s date with my husband. It’s a warm summery evening which calls for a lightweight dress and open-toe sandals. I’m keeping everything simple with a few accessories as accents:
Dress – Iro (old)
Sandals – Banana Republic (sold out online but I’ve spotted them in stores)
I spent a good part of the day swatching the new Fresh Sugar Shines, Dolce & Gabbana Nail Polish and Chanel highlighter. I hope to get some editing done tonight to have posts up soon. I’ve also received a lot of requests about the cute little Fujifilm that I have been featuring. I’ll work on a review on it as well and share the research I did to decide which brand/version to go with (there are quite a few options out there!).
I hope you are enjoying the weekend with some relaxation and fun!
