March Beauty Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone! Better late than never, (well, almost...) my March beauty favorites are now live on the blog! I normally will roundup between 8-10 different products of all different beauty regiments, whether skincare, makeup, haircare and more, I like to mix it up to show you what's new, what have been my favorites (old school too) and products that are appropriate according to the season. (that I'm currently in.) But in this month's picks, I've selected several products from the same brand! Some are collections, like the new Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipglosses, which are totally outrageous, and others are suitable together, like the first one which is the latest skincare I've been using. Continue reading to learn more and to also get the direct links to shop these items for yourself! Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Easter! (for those who celebrate, x.)

I was first introduced to Retrouvé while working backstage in NYFW, and since using their skincare products, my skin has never looked or felt better! ✨ I’ve been using the Luminous Cleansing Elixir, the Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream, and the Revitalizing Eye Concentrate 🖤 (all so fantastic & did I mention it’s unisex?!) and Retrouvé integrates a high concentration of deeply nourishing actives (squalane and vitamin E & C), preventative antioxidants (white tea, pomegranate) and powerful restoratives (apple stem cells), all of which work together to bring out a supple, radiant complexion. 🙌🏻 The luxury skin care line is a bit pricey but so worth it! Here's a breakdown of these 3 products:

Luminous Cleansing Elixir

An elegant, water-free cleansing balm rich in beneficial oils that is ideal to massage onto the skin for an ultimate cleansing experience to moisturize the skin while gently removing dirt, debris, and residue from its surface.

Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream

A rich, soothing cream that elegantly delivers powerful antioxidants and nourishing ingredients to the skin, thus imparting softness and hydration. Utilizing a unique natural sugar-based technology, this classic creamy moisturizer helps transport actives deep into the dermis while reducing irritation and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Revitalizing Eye Concentrate

A revitalizing eye treatment that enriches and plumps the delicate skin around the eyes. Designed to hydrate the skin in the same way it would naturally, this rich, water-free concentrate gently moisturizes the sensitive skin surrounding the eye areas via a powerful fusion of Squalane and pharmaceutical-grade Cholesterol Esters.

SHOP RETROUVE

Treat yourself this season with the ultimate spring trend shades: the limited edition Essie 2018 spring collection. Anchor Down, a denim blue washed with pewter gray undertones; Bon Boy-age, a nautical mint green; Perfect Mate, a pristine pop of coral pink; At the Helm, a fire orange tinged with tomato red; Stripes & Sails, an emerald/teal calmness; and Pass-port to Sail, my favorite whitish/gray toned go-to nail polish. I've been wearing this one for weeks! I think these colors would also be great combinations for more detailed nail art. Which colors would you put together? 

SHOP THE ESSIE COLLECTION

In ancient Greece, one myth stood out as the most passionate and sensual: the love between Psyche and Eros, the beauty's quest to meet with her lover and the happy outcome of their union which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone. Only one scent can convey this legend as a fragrance, that of musks. Equally legendary, they have the unique ability to enhance the skin with their arousing carnal accents. They are at the very heart of Fleur de Peau, as cottony and light as they are soft and moist. Highlighted with the elegantly powdery iris and fruity, ambery ambrette seeds, they reveal their full tactile dimension.

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PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit

PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit has been curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Weylie Hoang. Combining an eyeshadow palette with double-ended eyeliner, the kit is a must-have essential for everyday eyes. The eyeshadow palette combines six neutral shades in matte and shimmer finishes to effortlessly define and add dimension to the lids. Highly pigmented and easy to blend. The dual-ended eyeliner features a liquid liner to one end and kohl liner to the other; perfect for creating sleek cat eyes or sultry, smokey and dramatic effects.

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance'

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance' is a must-have face palette that combines a selection of blush and eye shades to add emphasis and luminosity to complexion and lids. Curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello, the silky pressed powders deliver highly pigmented color that adds subtle or striking definition to the eyes and facial contours. Inspired by love and romance, the emollient colors are perfect for highlighting your best features; they are easy to apply and lay down natural-looking color that can be built upon. The palette also includes a trio of matte eye contour and liner shades that double as brow powders. Expect a glowing, radiant complexion.

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining a selection of powder-to-cream blushers, highlighters, and eyeshadows, the shimmering shades can be used on the lids and cheeks to add multi-dimensional radiance. Easy to apply, the complementary face palette will brighten and highlight the complexion. The blush shades have a duo-chromatic effect to add color and luminosity to cheeks. Use the eyeshadows to illuminate and widen the appearance of eyes.

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining nine universally flattering lip colors, each creamy hue delivers rich, velvety color that applies easily and adheres smoothly to make lips pop. Infused with minerals and antioxidants, the lip colors ensure the pout is left feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable. Wear individually or combine colors to create your perfect, personalized hue. The versatile palette can also be used to add color to cheeks.

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake'

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake' is a luminous lip gloss that has been carefully curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello. With a shimmering, sparkling finish, the liquid lip color can be applied to bare lips or layered over other lip colors to create a 3D effect. Smooth to apply and comfortable to wear, the long-wearing lip gloss is infused with a cocktail of Rosehip Seed and Marula Oil to smoothen and nourish. Lips appear fuller and silky with a dazzling shine.

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Urban Decay's Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss is ultra-shiny, glides on cushiony-soft and provides long-lasting wear that's comfortable, not tacky. Laced with vitamin E and peppermint oil, UD's hydrating formula leaves lips feeling nourished, has an immediate plumping effect and comes in a yummy vanilla-mint flavor. And wait until you see the lineup; whatever gloss frequency you're on, Hi-Fi has got you covered. Tune in to everything from blaring brights to soft neutrals in four different effects - metallic, holographic, cream and sheer cream. Finally, a gloss that is sexy and comfy at the same time! Hi-Fi Shine Lip Gloss delivers ultra-shiny color that won't feather or bleed and instantly makes lips look plumper. UD's shade range is stacked with sheer, sparkly and pigment-rich options to amp up your look. UD's wide range of chart-topping shades includes everything from soft to loud. As expansive as this lineup is, the shades look great on every skin tone. Try the holographic shades (like SPL and Snapped), the must-have neutral Naked, or Obsessed, the perfect universal light pink. The sleek, modern component is clear, so you can easily pick your shade out of a handbag. The iridescent, metallized frame makes the gloss look like it's floating inside. Added bonus: Because the tube is flat, it fits perfectly in your pocket. The flexible, flocked-silicone paddle applicator is the newest technology and allows you to swipe on a generous, even layer of gloss. No need to double dip (but please do if you want!).

SHOP THE URBAN DECAY HI-FI SHINE ULTRA CUSHION LIPGLOSS COLLECTION

bareMinerals BAREPRO(R) 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer Medium-Warm 07

A full-coverage, crease-proof, and waterproof concealer that provides skin-improving long-wear. This ultra-creamy stick glides on with zero drag to deliver up to 16 hours of full coverage for dark circles and blemishes. The crease-proof, waterproof, and humidity-resistant formula conceals, corrects, and contours with ease. It's formulated with bamboo stem extract to smooth the look of pores and fine lines. Powerful, antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and sea lavender nourish, hydrate, and help defend skin against the damaging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution. This highly-pigmented formula is powered by Mineral Lock™ Long Wear Technology to lock into place all day. Available in 15 shades, from fair to deep, this concealer was developed to precisely match with BAREPRO Liquid and Powder Foundations. For my skin tone, I use the medium-warm 07 shade. 

bareMinerals Blooming Blush Brush 

A brush designed with natural fibers for seamless application and blending of blushes, bronzers, and face makeup. This innovative brush features densely-packed fibers that let you effortlessly achieve optimal color payoff. Its 360-design has an angled shape that lets you chisel the cheekbones, the domed tip diffuses and softens edges, and the flared sides sweep over a wider surface area laying down color that appears to be glowing from within. This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush 'But First Coffee'

Create a natural flush of radiance and color with the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, a long-wearing cheek color with naturally derived pigments. Weightless and comfortable, the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush has a mineral makeup formula that instantly warms and brightens the complexion. Infused with a blurring mineral complex, the kind-to-skin blush creates a soft-focus effect for skin that is smooth and perfected. With every complexion in mind, bareMineral's Gen Nude Powder Blush range offers an array of hues in mauves, pinks, peaches and beiges to match all skin tones. Apply after foundation to the apples of the cheeks.

SHOP BAREMINERALS

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Ruffled and Pink

WEARING: CHICWISH ONLY FOR YOU MESH LACE TOP | DL1961 FARROW ANKLE HIGH RISE 
SKINNY LARAMIE | THE LUXELLE SILVER PLATED PURSE | BCBG HEELS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHICWISH, DL1961 & AVEDA.

Happy Monday! Yesterday I shared a favorite new spring top that's definitely a statement piece. It's crisp white details definitely catch the attention of others, and in today's outfit I'm sharing another statement top that's a bit more boho and romantic as well as my new favorite pair of skinny jeans from a great jean brand that you all need to know about! I'm also discussing a little bit more about my hair cut & color, as a lot of you having been asking me several questions regarding where and who does my hair. Continue reading to learn more and also to get the scoop on where to purchase these items from my look.

SHOP THE TOP

This mesh lace pale pink blouse has a v-neck design with semi-sheer mesh, with crochet trimmed on neckline, as well as double layered bubble sleeves with elastic cuffs. The waist is also elastic, easily shaping the top into a beautiful silhouette. You can find this top at Chicwish, where it's currently 25% off! It's fit to size and I'm wearing a size S/M. It is also 10% polyester and lined, which is a win with the temperamental weather. But my favorite part of this blouse is the romantic-feels behind it. Wouldn't it look so chic with white pants or a white flowing maxi skirt?  

SHOP THE JEANS

The Farrow Ankle is DL1961's ankle length Insta-slim skinny with a high-rise, contoured waistband and a high recovery, high retention fit that instantly slims the legs, midsection and waist without ever bagging, sagging or losing its shape. Laramie is a classic mid-indigo wash with rich fading, slashed knees and ravaged hems. Sizes run big due to stretch content - if between sizes, order one size down.

My bag is from a brand in Chicago called The Luxelle, and the silver plated clutch/cross is super unique and fun for several different types of outfits. I think it contrasts well with the soft color and feel of the blouse and indigo of the jeans. My green heels are from BCBG and I've been wearing them since I was in college! Uber comfortable to walk around in. (trust me... I've had these pair for a while now... lol.) 

I am an Aveda ambassador, and I've been getting my hair cut & colored at Tribeca's Fourteen Jay for the past couple of years. David Adams is my colorist and Taylor Lambert is my hair stylist. They are responsible for my hair transformation with the fringe bangs and the major change in color. But mind you, it took up to ten sessions to get to this hair color while keeping my locks healthy. I hope this helps answer a lot of questions regarding my do. If you have more, don't be shy to drop me a message or leaving a comment down below!   

LOVE & XX'S, 

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A Midwestern Victorian

WEARING: SHEIN EYELET EMBROIDERED RUFFLE BLOUSE | DL1961 HEPBURN JEANS |
EGO BOOTS | GUCCI BELT | ANA LUISA EARRINGS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN, DL1961 & URBAN DECAY COSMETICS. 

My Midwest DNA has been infected with a Victorian flair. Today's post focuses on fusing the two together and where the inspiration is behind the look. A lot of you ask me what's my take on my personal style and here's my answer: Midwestern Rock n Roll mixed with European Chic. Since my visit to London, there has definitely been more of a British style within my looks. I've also included my new favorite makeup pieces from Urban Decay Cosmetics, incorporating an overall coral tone for an updated, fresh spring look. Continue reading to learn more about the products along with where you can get this white eyelet embroidered ruffle top for only $20!

SHOP THE FLAT LAY

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Demolition' 
80s purple fala round framed sunglasses 
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Alkaline'
Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat 
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 'Backtalk' 
Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 15 Monogram Pouch 

SHOP THE TOP

The Eyelet Embroidered Ruffle And Bell Cuff Blouse is from SHEIN and is only $20! It's the perfect addition to your spring closet. Its crisp details will turn many heads! And what makes this blouse so fantastic along with it being purely chic? Comfort level 100. It's very wearable and makes me feel uber fashionable with it on. I also tucked it inside my jeans to give the blouse a more fitted, clean look. Hurry now and shop here before it is sold out! 

SHOP THE JEANS

The blouse would also go well with a maxi skirt/dress but I styled it with a pair of wide leg jeans by DL1961, a New York City-based premium denim brand specializing in high-performance, sustainably manufactured denim that always offers a perfect fit. Katharine Hepburn's brazen style is reinterpreted with these aptly named wide legs. Its ultra high rise is fitted through the waist and butt, widening onwards from the thigh. Soft yet sturdy in 100% cotton, Slate is an old-school indigo wash with a heavily ravaged hem. 

Accessories included in this look are Ana Luisa earrings (limited edition only, which makes them all the more special and unique), my favorite Gucci belt, and a pair of rose gold metallic boots from Ego. I also pulled my hair back into a ponytail because of the statement top. A little styling tip from me, to keep a 'busier' piece like this blouse well-balanced and not over the top, slick the hair back to focus attention on the shirt rather than the face. Earrings can sometimes be too much, especially with the hair down in a look as such. 

What do you guys think of this mixed styled look? To clarify (for some), I grew up in the Midwest, in that it's something in my blood, not just a taste in a style I tend to gravitate towards to naturally... and as to what city? Motown baby! Fun fact: The Oldies is probably one of my favorite genres of music, on top of Rock and the Blues. I've always like to hear about where others are from because you can then have a better grasp to their personal style and taste. It's in all of us, and I think it's such a wonderfully cultural thing. 

As to what I did this weekend? Aside from the usual brunch and my birthday (please no, I love you all but I'm really not into mine... hence the quietness about it.) I actually did a fun video shoot with a pretty well-known K Beauty brand on Saturday and am excited to share it with you soon! Stay tuned, lots of spring content coming your way including my monthly roundup of beauty favorites and other current trends in fashion & style. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! :)

LOVE & XX'S, 

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There's a LIE in Believe

WEARING: LIE COLLECTION TRENCH | LIE COLLECTION RUFFLE SLEEVE TOP | 
JOE'S JEANS THE CHARLIE | GUCCI BELT | LOUIS VUITTON BAG | NINE WEST PUMPS

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKS OFF 5TH & LIE COLLECTION.

In case you missed last week's, 'Motorsport Trend' blog post, where I talked of up and coming Korean fashion designer, Chung Chung Lee of LIE Collection, and featured an amazing hybrid pair of navy blue track/tuxedo pants in the look, today's feature also includes some amazing pieces from his latest collection. Continue reading to see the coolest camel trench coat of the season along with a great pair of frayed hem jeans and a ruffle sleeve white top that combines both athleisure and chicness together. I'd like to think of it as an updated version of a casual classic look, with what will be trending this spring season. 

Many classic camel trenches have a horn buckle and button fastenings, a trans-seasonal appeal offering any wardrobe great versatility. Pair it with jeans and a white top for a casual chic look. But this LIE Collection trench coat is anything but traditional. It's ruched/buttoned sleeves are beautifully detailed with a large tag around the waist belt with the writing, 'LIE' on one side, and 'BELIEVE' on the other. "I think nobody is perfect, but that is the real beauty,” Lee said. “We don’t have to think about stand-out beauty or a beauty contest. I want to talk about real, natural beauty.” In that real beauty cannot be a lie. It's not a lie if you believe in it, no matter if it's beauty or, overall, yourself. 

The white ruffled sleeve top is also by LIE Collection. Its slit detail button-down blouse with ruffles and drawstrings definitely amp up the typical white bouse. Its athleisure details are what's currently trending. The cutouts on the arms of the blouse are great for layering, especially right now when the weather won't quite exactly shift to spring. It can also be worn with skirts and dresses, but I kept it with jeans as I'm really a jeans gal. It's rare that I wear more feminine pieces. The jeans are from Joe's Jeans. I got them at Saks Off Fifth and I got them for just a little over $100! They're having a denim sale‪ till 3/27, you can get 40% off all denim in stores and online so you can stock up on cute new jeans for the spring season!

These Nine West white pumps were sold out for a hot minute, but they're now back in stock. Click here for shopping link or shop at the beginning or end of this blog post. What's your take on this updated classic look? Do you like what you're seeing trending? And what are you most looking forward to wearing this season? Leave your comments down below, I don't always have time to comment back but I do read each and every message from you guys! Until next time, let us pray for less snow and a little more spring. ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Transitional Trench + Mink Fur Loafers

WEARING: GWEN SALAKAIA PATENT LEATHER TRENCH COAT | UNIQLO HEATTECH TURTLENECK |
 LEVI'S JEANS | SORELLE SHOES | ELLIA WANG WHITE LAYERED BAG | ROMWE SUNNIES

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Hey, everyone! How was your weekend? I spent the majority of my time working and also caught up with an old friend for brunch on Sunday. I also watched the docuseries, 'Flint Town' while editing yesterday and it is a must watch. It's not just about the problems that surround the town of Flint in Michigan but more about the clashes of racism, political battles and everyday police work that coincides with what is currently happening. You guys really should check it out, not a long one I promise! I've been heavily into documentaries lately while working at the computer, what do you like to have as white noise in the background while you work? Or do you like the silence? Why? Okay, okay... not to get sidetracked; let's get to what I'm discussing in this blog post! In today's outfit post, I'm sharing how a long patent leather trench coat can be chicly styled with a pair of loafers. It's not the typical norm, but rules are meant to be broken and I am far from anything typical ;) Plus, it's still absolutely freezing in New York!

A trench coat is a fashionable product that can’t be separable in autumn, and many girls like the simple matching that a trench coat can solve the dress from head to feet. So in the selection of shoes, flat shoes that are convenient to wear and take off are very matched with a trench coat. I normally will pair a statement coat with more subdued mules or even with some fresh sneakers, but I do like to step outside the box and see what combinations can work when it comes to fashion and styling. And how beautiful are each piece?!

The long patent leather trench coat is from Gwen Salakaia, with a voluminous shape and a beautiful muted color. Isn't the faded brown so lovely? I've always loved a statement coat for any season as I really think it polishes up a look as well as my obsession with outerwear. Because the coat was such a singular piece on its own, I wore my favorite Levi's jeans (yup, total repeat offender) and a Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck due to the STILL frigid temperatures. The mink fur with Swarovski crystal-loafers are from Sorelle Shoes and you can find both the coat and shoes at the NYC showroom, Dreams On Air. 

The gorgeous Italian calfskin, multi-layered white crossbody bag is by Ellia Wang and can also be found at Dreams On Air. I wanted something lighter and softer in terms of color to balance out the dark and neutral colors of the outfit. A trench coat such as this is a great staple/investment piece because it can be worn all year round in various weather conditions along with being quite versatile when it comes to styling it. From a dress to jeans, (to maybe even a surprise visit to your man's showing up in nothing but the trench!) this is a trend that won't be dying out anytime soon. What do you guys think of this look? Shop similar pieces at the beginning or end of this post! Wishing you all a fab week! Catch ya guys back here on M + S real soon!

LOVE & XX'S, 

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