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Monthly Beauty Favorites

August 31, 2014

I discovered quite a few new favorites in August it was difficult to narrow down my list to under 20 items. My Sony NEX-6L/B
just broke right after photographed my monthly favorites along with some new items from Tom Ford Fall and Edward Bess. It will take 2-3 weeks for me to get it back after it goes to the repair center. As a blogger and photographer, I really should have more than one camera for times just like this. I called up my brother to ask for a camera recommendation. I wanted something that was super easy to use, easy to hold, affordable and compact. He said hands down buy something from the Canon G Series – after doing a few hours of research and watching several videos, I ordered a Canon PowerShot G16 as my second camera. I took my first photos with it for the Tom Ford Black Cherry post and am so impressed with the image quality and functions. Many of you have asked me for more info on my cameras, as soon as the Sony gets back from repair, I’ll do a post on both to compare. If you have any camera favorites I’d love to hear what you love. I hope to upgrade to an SLR by the end of the year.

Onto my favorites for the month of August:

  1. Truffle Privacy Clutch in Blush has become a favorite for a classic, sleek and compact clutch. It’s super sturdy and extremely well made. Use code LABORDAY for free US shipping through Monday. (Review and more photos here.)
  2. Clare Vivier Wallet Clutch is another new favorite, it’s the compact version (measures 8″ x 5″) of their regular Flat Clutch (measures 11.5″ x 7″) making it perfect as a change purse that will also hold a lipstick, business cards, and keys. 
  3. West Elm Acrylic Trays are a new discovery for me. I’ve been a huge fan of their Lacquer Trays (we have them all over the house). I’m thrilled West Elm made one that is high quality at an affordable price. Huge thumbs up (they come in the square and rectangle options).
  4. YSL Volupté Sheer Candy has been a go-to this summer, I almost always have one in my bag or purse with me. (Review on new shades here.)
  5. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is a favorite darker scent. It will be perfect as we transition to fall and suitable to wear through winter. (Full review here.)
  6. YSL Gris Deco has been the most commented-on polish I’ve worn all month. It was amazing how many people asked me “what nail polish are you wearing?” It has this unique mix of blue in it to make you wonder if it’s blue, grey or white. I love it for a super polished look that’s not too pale. (Swatches and review here.)
  7. Diptyque Figuier is one of my favorite Diptyque scents. I never tire of it no matter what the season is. I’m particularly fond of it in fall/winter. It’s a warming soothing scent that completely lifts one’s mood. It’s super relaxing and lush. (Cleaning and recycle tutorial here, find the 411 on size options here.)
  8. Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip sold out online within a few hours, I still haven’t seen it pop up on Nordstrom or Bloomingdales yet, there is a possibility some other retailers might re-stock. You will have to do a bit of calling around to locate one but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. I’d recommend calling Neiman Marcus Fashion Island or Beverly Hills to see if they have any left. (Review soon.)
  9. Guerlain Cils D’Enfer Waterproof Mascara is something I’ve been obsessed with for a few months now. I discovered this one thanks to The RaeViewer’s channel (if she loves it, I usually end up loving it too). It really stays put, doesn’t smudge, has a deep lush black finish and doesn’t make the lashes look crunchy. (My review here.)
  10. Garance Doré x Rifle Paper is one of the cutest collections I’ve seen for stationary. I love the chic designs, they have cards that are really fun. They make great gifts, I know my friends have loved the notepads and birthday cards. 
  11. L’Occitane Hand Cream Pouch has been selling out very quickly (it’s a steal!), I managed to buy three sets when they restocked a couple weeks ago, it looks like it just sold out again, but I recommend you keep checking, I expect they will restock again.
  12. Clé de Peau Beauté Almond Concealer is an exact match for me. I’m thrilled they expanded their color options. I hope they do the same for foundations as well, I just tested a couple and fell head over heels with two of the formulas (my wallet is crying now). (Swatches here.)
  13. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow has been a staple duo this month. The line will launch in a few days in the US. (I’m so excited!) I am still photographing the two sets I ordered from the UK. Reviews will be posted as soon as possible.
  14. Edward Bess Illuminating Eyeshadow Base is one of my holy grail eye bases. (My thoughts here and here.)
  15. Kat Von D Ink Liner has seriously made my life easier when it comes to liquid liner. (Review here.) You can’t beat the ease of use, color, pigment, and quality at an affordable price.
  16. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel is my new favorite nude pink. It’s literally everything I have ever wanted for that perfect nude pink lip color. I can’t always pull off nudes on the lips because they often look so pale. This one is absolutely perfect. It’s a good nude pink that doesn’t wash out the complexion. (Swatches here.)

What have been your favorites this past month?
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Truffle Privacy Clutch in Blush

August 29, 2014

Truffle recently launched their Privacy Clutch ($54 each, 6 1/2″ H x 10 1/2″ W) in four colors White, Blush, Seaglass and Dove Grey. It’s a chic flat leather zip pouch perfect for carrying just the essentials. I recently discovered and fell in love with the Small Clarity Clutches for keeping beauty essentials compact in your tote or purse while making it easy to see what’s inside (no more digging of fishing around in your bag). The Privacy Clutch is a similar sleek option but one made of solid textured leather with a beautiful red lined interior. Truffle sent the Blush as a gift and I’ve found it perfect for on-the-go holding just the essentials. (Update, Truffle is offering free US shipping this weekend for Labor Day, use code LABORDAY at checkout.)
Items I’ve featured that fit inside my clutch:
Close up of the texture of the leather and detail features:
For size reference on the two kinds of Truffle clutches I own, the Small Clarity Clutches measure 7 1/2” H X 9 1/2” W. They are similar in size to the Privacy Clutches. Both styles come in four different colors White, Blush, Seaglass and Dove Grey. I can fit more items into the clear version, with the solid leather clutch, I need to stack things well otherwise they bulk up the pouch.

The construction of the Privacy Clutches are well made. The leather is sturdy, interior is nicely lined, zipper is also well constructed. When I told my husband I spent $40+ on the Clear Clutch, he said, “you spent what on a clear pouch?” but when he saw the actual product he was very impressed with the quality and design. He also approves of the Privacy version as well. Contents featured above all inside the pouch (minus the jewelry).

Bottom line love. The Privacy Clutch is functional as a makeup bag yet sleek enough to use as a stand alone clutch. At $52 I do find them on the pricey side for something simple, but those who own a Truffle Clutch or Pouch know that once you have one, you absolutely love it. The products from the line are sleek, classic and well made.

The Privacy Clutches retail for $54 each at Onetruffle.com. There are currently four color options. If you’re interested in other designs, they offer a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Do you own any Truffle pouches or clutches? What’s your favorite?

Update: for Labor Day, Truffle is offering free US shipping on order with code LABORDAY. 

The Privacy Clutch was gifted by Truffle. The Clarity Clutch in Grey was purchased by me. For more information, refer to my Disclosures.

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On My Radar / New in Beauty

August 19, 2014

A few new items on my radar this week:

  1. Truffle Privacy Clutches have just launched in 4 colors Dove Grey, Blush, White and Seaglass
  2. Edward Bess has designed a new Ultra Slick Lipstick in Betty named for personal shopper Betty Halbreich, an emblem of style at Bergdorf Goodman since 1976
  3. Urban Decay Naked Basics2 just launched today on Urbandecay.com (it will be available at other retailers later this fall)
  4. Make Up For Ever launched their new Artist Shadows (over 200 shades), I quickly swatched a few in-store a couple days ago but didn’t have time to look in detail, the texture seems super soft and pigmented
  5. Guerlain Les Sables Four Pan Palette is one of three Guerlain eye palettes to launch early fall
  6. Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick is a new formula that comes in over 20 shades, there are a number of stunning soft rose pinks, I have my eye on Fall in Rose, Baby Rose, and Golden Girl
  7. MAC Prep + Prime Finishing Mist is supposed to be the regular Fix+ in upgraded packaging, I’ve been a huge fan of the regular Fix+, I hope the formula didn’t change too much (or at all really), if you’ve seen this, do you think it’s the same?
  8. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is Shiseido’s latest for anti-aging and skin smoothing, it claims to give your skin the ultimate glow in just one week, I’ll have to investigate and see if I can find a small sample
  9. Bobbi Brown has a new limited-edition Smoky Nudes Eye Shadow Palette, I’ve found these to be hit or miss in the past with formulas, the colors look stunning from stock photos
  10. Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmerbrick is a repromote with the Smoky Nudes collection, it is one of my favorites of all the Shimmerbricks, if you missed out before I highly recommend you check this one out
  11. Bobbi Brown has four new Creamy Matte Lip Colors in Nude, Warm Nude, Soft Nude and Pink Nude, all of these colors look like they are right up my alley, although I’m not a fan of matte lips, I might make an exception if the colors are naturally flattering
What’s on your fall beauty radar?

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Truffle Clarity Clutches

August 14, 2014

I have an obsession with clear makeup pouches and flat clutches, so when I discovered a brand called Truffle that combined the two into one product I was beyond thrilled. I fell in love with this clear one by Bobbi Brown which was part of a GWP one year, I haven’t been able to find anything similar that I liked enough to purchase (Make Up For Ever
has similar ones but you can’t buy them online). The Truffle pouches
come pretty close but with a different design twist which I love. Truffle carries a number of different flat pouches that range in size, design, color and shape. I was particularly smitten with the shape and size of the Small Clarity Clutch ($42). It measures 7 1/2” tall X 9 1/2” wide and is designed with a luxe textured leather trim and gold plated hardware, and it’s size is TSA approved making it the perfect companion for any carry-on. Truffle kindly sent a white one for review, I loved it so much I bought another one in grey.

The small Clarity Clutches are compact enough to fit the essentials for makeup: compact, mini hand cream, lipgloss, eyeshadow stick, eyeliner, mini perfume and a lipstick. The plastic case is well made so it’s thick and sturdy yet flexible. The leather trim is well designed, it has a textured surface that is also extremely sturdy and holds the shape of the bag well. I’ve found these really good for organizing accessories and makeup. The small size helps me keep a well edited makeup bag. Those who have seen past Inside My Bag posts know I tend to have an overpacked makeup bag (even on the go).

When it comes to my purses or totes, I like bags that are flat so they slip in easily and don’t bulk up my bag. I like that these keep everything slim and compact. Here’s the Small Clarity Clutch next to my Prada Saffiano Tote which measures approximately 8 1/2″H x 13″W x 5″D for size comparison with makeup essentials stored inside:

Above shown includes: Small business cards
Chanel Glossimer Wild Rose
NARS Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday
By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Frozen Quartz
YSL Volupté Candy No. 14 Belle Cannelle
Hermes and Celine Bracelets
These are also great for the pool or beach to carry a few things with you. The clear pouch makes it easy to find things in your bag. Below is the Small White Clarity Clutch with beach and pool essentials tucked inside. For the beach the larger size would be more ideal to carry larger sunscreens, hair ties, a small comb etc.

J.crew Summer Straw Hat (similar)
Purex Hand Sanitizer mini
Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers

Overall a huge thumbs up. Even though the $42 price tag seems a bit steep for a small makeup bag, they are extremely well made clutches – the quality is definitely there in the material and design. The leather is thick and sturdy and the hardware is also very good. You can find out more about Truffle on their website www.onetruffle.com. Also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for new on the latest releases, occasional promo codes and Truffle inspiration. There are a number of different pouch and clutch options to suit your personal taste.

I’d love to hear what your favorite makeup bags are. Do you have any favorites that are clear?

 
One clutch courtesy of Truffle for review consideration, the other clutch was purchased by me. For more information see my Disclosures.

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Sneak Peek, Reviews Soon: NARS, Clé de Peau Beauté, Elizabeth and James, One Truffle, YSL, Chanel and more …

August 12, 2014

A quick sneak peek at reviews to be posted soon, some things I’ve been testing now for a couple weeks, others I’m working my way through swatches as fast as I can:

Stay tuned!
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On My Radar / New In Beauty

August 7, 2014

Some items on my beauty radar this week, I hope everyone is having a great week so far. It’s almost Friday 🙂

These come in 6 shades and the darker shades Bloom Berry 4, Fig Fiction 5 and Toffee Cream 6 and look absolutely stunning, I think a trip to Barneys is in order soon (see Mandarina Pulp and the lighter/brighter colors swatched here)
Many of you have asked for recommendations on clear makeup bags, these Small Clarity Clutches by One Truffle look chic, sleek and absolutely adorable (they’ve been added to my wish list)

3. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty
The line is launching in the US in September, I have my eye on so many things from her line since I’ve fallen in love with the Filmstar Bronze & Glow, I placed an order from Charlottetilbury.com because I couldn’t wait to try some items, I’m loving the look of her Beach Sticks.
This Christian Louboutin nail polish has been on my radar for a while, I couldn’t justify the $50 price tag on a nail polish, but so many lovely readers from Europe and the US have been emailing me with raves and also requests to review, I caved and ordered, will report when it arrives.
5. Lash Growth Serums
I’ve had my eye on several lash serums on the market and I personally know several girls who have use Latisse and Neulash and they have lashes that are seriously to die for, I’m going to try one soon.
This sounds intriguing with it’s multi-purpose benefits, have you tried this before? It’s supposed to be a makeup remover and lash moisturizer that helps them grow.
This looks like an exquisite classic palette, I’ve splurged on quite a few eyeshadow palettes already this fall, I’ll have to investigate in person to see if it’s unique enough to buy, but the colors look perfect for an everyday polished look.

8. NARS Audacious Lipstick Collection
NARS will be releasing 40 shades lipstick to celebrate their 20th Anniversary in the Audacious Lipstick Collection, colors will include a full range of provocative hues from neutral nudes to striking reds and bold pinks, housed in a modern, matte-black metallic case with a magnetic closure, launching on Narscosmetics.com on September 1st (10 of the shades will be exclusive to Barneys).

9. J.Crew Ceramic Tray
J.Crew has a new Gold/Ivory Ceramic Jewelry Tray which looks gorgeous for storing small accessories and trinkets. I have these in previously released patterns and they make nice accents for the home.

As fall collections and new product releases trickle in, what’s on your radar? As beauty fans in the US wait for Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty line to arrive I’m living vicariously through UK girls and their swatches. If you’ve tried the line please tell me what your favorites are. For lashes, do you have any favorite lash treatments or serums?
 
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