Happy Monday lovelies! I hope you all had a great weekend. So many of you have sent me the sweetest notes, comments and messages about my recent move. We’ve all adjusted quite well and are loving the Florida sunshine. I’m still on west coast time internally and with the recent time change now I’m even more confused about timing. The first couple days we arrived in South Florida were the hardest for me. I didn’t realize how homesick I’d get – but I am adjusting and each day we love exploring the Tampa Bay area. We’ve driven all over the place in search for cute places to visit, explore and also have found some really amazing food places. My mother in-law flew in to visit us for a week and having her here was the best. We’ve also found that the Bahamas are only a little over an hour flight away so we have already started planning some fun weekend getaways!
I have upcoming reviews from Tom Ford, Chanel, MAC, Sisley and more coming this week, but first I wanted to do a quick post of what I’ve been loving right now and an Instagram roundup as there are some things I don’t want you to miss.
First, in the top image has a mix of long-time favorites and new items. The MAC Work It Out collection has three new scented Prep + Prime Fix+ Sprays that come in the mini size. They launched scented versions a long time ago (I missed out) and have brought back Lavender, Coconut and Rose. I received Lavender as a press sample and loved it so much I bought the other two. These are setting sprays to make your makeup look a little less powdery. Or you can spray it before you start the makeup process to add a bit of hydration. There are also new eyeshadow palettes from MAC in the x9 version or a x15 version called In the Flesh. I prefer the larger palettes with the full size pans as they’re a bit easier to use and dip a brush into.
Also the weather in Florida is quite a bit warmer than what we’ve experienced this winter in Southern California so I’ve had to experiment with different moisturizers, foundations and bases. Two I’ve really been liking are the Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation (Bisque) and the Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation (Bisque, all shades swatched here). My go-to setting powders are still the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (Medium Plus) and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder (Shade 2) – but I suspect I’m going to have to do more testing with my other formulas to see what will last the best in warmer humid weather.
The first thing I did when we arrived in our new home was to burn candles to try and make it smell like home. We went from a 1,100 sq foot loft to a 3,000+ sq foot home and we love all the space we have now! I also ran around spraying a different room spray in each room. I’m still hoping that Diptyque will launch all the scents in the US eventually. Baies and Figuier reviewed here. Gingembre and Fleur D’Oranger reviewed here. I usually buy mine from Nordstrom.
One of the things I’m most excited about is the Away x Popsuki Collaboration. I’m a huge fan of their carry-ons and so is my husband. We’ve used ours in the Carry-On size for many trips and are obsessed. The latest is a limited-edition pink in all their sizes. Since I first discovered them last summer they’ve since added more sizes. They have a new Bigger Carry-On which they sent over and I can’t wait for our next getaway so I can use them. You can see my review of the carry-ons in this post here from our New York trip (save $20 off your first order by clicking this referral link).
Next is a sneak peek at two new-to-me brands. I just started testing the Sisley cosmetic line with the new Phyto-Blush Twist. I had used a few sample packets of their skincare before and it’s just SO amazing. I do love and use the Radiant Glow Express Mask. Based on raves from many of you I found a few packets at my local counter before I moved and my wallet is crying that I now love their Black Rose Mask and the Creamy Mask with Tropical Resins. I also started testing out some Maison Francis Kurkdijian – Aqua Celestia is amazing!
Many of you asked for a close up and more thoughts on the Stuart Weitzman Nearlynude Sandals. They are pricey but for me well worth the splurge. Different retailers have different colors and finishes so you may have to shop around to find the exact combo you want. At 5’3″ I am high-heel challenged. Most are too high for me to wear. These are just the right height and there’s no pain or break in period. They do run large so I recommend sizing a 1/2 size down. In most American brands of shoes I’m a 6.5, but with Stuart Weitzman I go down to a size 6. Below is the Naked Suede from Nordstrom.
Another close up shot taken by Jessica Alexander of the Black Nappa Leather:
Last but not least a sneak peek of some upcoming Chanel goodness. I bought a few of the Rouge Coco Glosses before I moved. My favorite is Tendresse. I just started testing more of the colors and will swatch what I have as soon as I can. I know many of you have asked for comparisons of old colors to new ones. I’m still unpacking (it’s going to take me forever) and we are planning some remodels to a few rooms, so for now I’ll most likely only be able to review the new colors for you. Cute eyelash mug below is from Etsy. Many of you asked when the Le Blanc Energies Et Puretes collection would launch in the US – it’s finally here! Currently only available on Chanel.com and this will be reviewed in tomorrow’s post.
One last note, I splurged on a couple new leather goods and a few of you also asked whether I prefer the Gucci Marmont Card Case in the fold over wallet style or the traditional Card Case. I prefer the fold over larger one as it holds more but is still compact. You can fit cash inside and there’s plenty of room for ID, bank cards, credit cards without having it feel like it’s stuffed (I usually carry around 5-6 cards including ID). The leather is soft and plush but has held up remarkably well so far, both are great though.
That’s a wrap for my Instagram roundup/sneak peek! A Chanel post will go live tomorrow 🙂
