December Beauty Favorites

December 28, 2018

Happy last Friday of the year and also my last monthly beauty favorites of 2018! There’s tons of skincare going on in today’s post as I discuss my viewpoint on switching from two different skincare sets during the week - which better your skin regimen and its effects. We’ve also got my latest favorite scented candle from Diptyque, a mysterious fragrance from Jimmy Choo, the best liquid eyeliner and only eyeliner I’ve been using these days, and a dark spot corrector that’s so insanely good I had to let you know about it NOW even before it’s available online! Don’t worry though, it will be by next week so check it out and pre-order! Continue reading to learn more about my December beauty favorites!

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN HYDRA-GEL EYE MASK

Only at ULTA! Smoothes, tightens, hydrates. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks are clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, these refreshing hydra-gel eye masks smooth, tighten and hydrate your delicate eye area. Potent plankton extract, combined with the power of padina pavonica and chlorella, provides an instant skin-tightening effect, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the fragile eye area. Eye contours are left looking visibly smoother and feeling intensely moisturized.

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN CLEANSING BALM

This No.1 Bestselling cleansing balm deep cleanses and leaves skin supremely soft. Luxurious Rose and Mimosa waxes are infused with nourishing Elderberry, Starflower and Optimega™ oils and supercharged with anti-aging algae, Padina Pavonica. For an intensely nourishing treatment, you can also use this product as a facial mask. This powerful, deep cleansing balm is a cult hero, and I can firmly attest to this. It’s the only cleansing balm I’ve been using since I’ve tried it!

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD CLEANSING WASH

This rich and creamy facial wash revives and refreshes while deeply cleansing the skin. Nutrient dense, green superfoods have been chosen to enhance your natural radiance, offering skin lacking vitality, a balanced diet of active ingredients for an outdoor, fresh glow. Broccoli Seed, Avocado and Pumpkin Seed oils are combined with a natural sugar derived Pre-Biotic to help ensure the skin’s precious microbiome balance is maintained while Wheatgrass, Kale, Nettle and minerals are combined to leave the complexion looking fresh, luminous, bright and radiant. Leaves your skin looking radiant, bright and fresh. A green and balanced skincare diet to leave the complexion feeling nourished and replenished. Dull looking skin is replaced by a radiant and fresh complexion. Offers skin the benefits of your recommended daily greens. The integrity of skin’s microbiome is maintained, leaving it feeling balanced and nourished. Vegan Friendly.

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM

This is the ultimate wrinkle-smoothing day cream from ELEMIS. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is clinically proven* to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in 14 days, for skin that looks and feels younger and more firm. Padina pavonica, has been blended with ginkgo biloba, chlorella and precious rose and mimosa absolutes to moisturize the skin and visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, while supporting a feeling of suppleness, firmness and elasticity.

AMORE PACIFIC TREATMENT CLEANSING OIL FACE & EYES

This gentle cleanser for the face and eyes is a blend of botanical oils—including green tea seed, babassu palm, and coconut oil—that dissolves and lifts away impurities and makeup (even waterproof mascara) without stripping away skin’s natural moisture. Upon contact with water, the multitasking formula transforms into a silky, non-oily emulsion that also works to improve skin luminosity and moisture retention for a smooth, glowing complexion. It is further enriched with hydrating green tea leaf extract and a radiance-boosting blend of ginseng root and white birch extract.

AMORE PACIFIC TREATMENT CLEANSING FOAM

Effectively remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin of essential moisture with AMOREPACIFIC US, INC.'s Cleansing Foam. Formulated with super hydrating Bamboo Sap and firming Red Ginseng Root, this anti-bacterial face wash contains exfoliating Vitamin E micro-beads that dissolve to release antioxidants. I like to use this skincare set along with the Elemis, and rotate them in the week. I feel when you use the exact same products all the time to the skin starts to not have the same effects versus to switching it up here and there. How do you guys feel about this?

AMORE PACIFIC TREATMENT ENZYME PEEL

Forget what you think you know about exfoliating peels - AMOREPACIFIC US, INC.'s gentle, botanical-infused formula is light enough for daily use. When combined with water, the fine powder transforms into a light emulsion that washes away dull, dead skin cells. You'll see a smoother and brighter complexion instantly. I use this enzyme peel twice a week and my face is smoother than a baby’s bottom! Truly amazing product!

CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR MINI

A natural, innovative toning mist that sets makeup, provides an instant burst of radiance, and tightens the appearance of pores, featuring the same bestselling formula with a new, improved pump to finely and evenly distribute the lightweight mist. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's famous elixir of youth, Beauty Elixir is formulated with grape extracts and clarifying ingredients to provide an immediate burst of radiance. The complexion treatment reduces dullness and is infused with toning rosemary, astringent mint, and soothing rose essential oil to prepare your skin for further treatments. Beloved by celebrities and makeup artists worldwide, the Beauty Elixir is the ideal priming base and setting spray between layers of makeup for a long-lasting and smooth finish. Perfect as an aftershave for men too! This mini is ideal for travel.

DIPTYQUE POMANDER CANDLE

If you don’t know by now, my all-time favorite candles are from Diptyque. And this newly discovered scent is all the rage. Pomander is a delicious orange studded with cloves and cinnamon, the spicy scent of winter. It’s the most incredible fragranced candle, and you Diptyque’s candles burn for quite a long time on top of its quality scents. What’s your favorite scent by Diptyque?

JIMMY CHOO FEVER EAU DE PARFUM

Jimmy Choo Fever Eau de Parfum is an addictive and sensual fragrance. Effortlessly glamorous, the Fever woman has a mysterious side, yet always has the ability to shine.

Fragrance Notes:

Top: Black Plum Nectar
Heart: Heliotrope
Base: Roasted Tonka Bean

TARTE MANEATER LIQUID EYELINER

This vegan, quick-drying liquid eyeliner features intense black, lash-enhancing pigment spheres & a waterproof formula to ensure tonight's eyeliner won't turn into tomorrow's smoky eye. The micro brush tip glides on smoothly to create precise definition or drama where you want it & moves with the contours of your lashline for the perfect, one-swipe application. You can use it to sculpt & fill in spaces between lashes for an ultra-black boost in volume or extend it out to a sexy #maneater wing.

DR. DENNIS GROSS CLINICAL GRADE IPL DARK SPOT CORRECTING SERUM

A viable alternative to hydroquinone, this pro-level treatment fights discoloration by removing over-pigmented surface cells, brightening skin tone, and fighting against environmental aggressors. Skin brightness improves in as early as two weeks, while diminishing visible discoloration in eight weeks. Containing lactic acid helps fight acne and I can confirm dark spots are gone even after a month! I started to notice results right away. It will be available online and in stores January 4th. It’s $90 for one 1.0 fl oz bottle, but it’s literally magic potion in a jar so you will definitely be getting your money’s worth.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

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Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gift Guide

November 21, 2018

‘Tis the Season! It’s Black Friday time! I did five roundups of gift ideas for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure. :) The first 2 are for the hardcore beauty lovers, one is the best sets of both makeup and skincare from a variety of Black Friday specials ranging from Ulta to Sephora and others. The second is for small gift-giving ideas, ranging at prices points from $20 to no more than $75. The other three gift guides are fashion, home, and pet-related, where I picked up items not only I’d grab for myself, but would love to give to someone else even more. Several items, mostly from the beauty boards are of limited edition (holiday collection/item) so don’t miss your chance to score big, as there’s so many deals to be had with these items I’ve listed! Lots of sales I’ve listed are from Nordstrom, Shopbop, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others along with Sephora & Ulta and even Amazon. If you’re interested in one of the products mentioned in my gift guides, hover over the number with the mouse to click-through. Happy shopping and happy loads and loads of turkey and love.

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT SETS 2018 MAKEUP & SKINCARE

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty Waterproof Eyeliner & Volumizing Mascara - Fall Runway Edition, $49

2. IT Brushes Your Glam Must-Haves 5 Pc Brush Set + Exclusive Clutch, $125/30% off at Ulta

3. NYX Professional Makeup Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar, $30

4. Lancôme Definicils Mascara Collection Holiday Set, $35

5. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Gift Set, $76

6. Mario Badescu Spritz. Mist. Glow. Set, $12

7. Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $48

8. OUAI Swing Both OUAIs Kit, $48

9. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Vault, $100

10. LANEIGE Sleep & Glow Set, $39/$52 value

11. Ole Henriksen Glow Brightly™ - Radiance-Boosting Super Set, $49

12. First Aid Beauty Skin Summit, $48/$112 value

BEAUTY HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER $75

1. Diptyque Black Friday Candle Limited Edition, $75

2. Lime Crime Diamond Dew Liquid Eyeshadow, $20

3. Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette Mini, $18

4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Pink Grapefruit, $18/$42 value

5. boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $20

6. Bobbi Brown Snow Glow Mini Highlighting Powder, $25

7. Jin Soon Encore Collection, $42

8. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Mini Ornament, $15

9. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder - Limited Edition, $60

10. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette, $42

11. Stila One Step Correct, $23

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE HOME

1. Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable, $70

2. Nordstrom at Home Kennebunk Bliss Plush Throw, $40

3. CALPAK Ambeur 20-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On, $135

4. Mikasa® Swirl 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in Blue, $80/$150

5. Nordstrom 5-Piece Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set, $69

6. KitchenAid® Artisan® 5 qt. Stand Mixer, $280/$380

FASHION BLACK FRIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker, $135

2. AKIRA Teddy Hug Midi Jacket, $40

3. Topshop Sela Crossbody Bag, $48

4. DL1961 Farrow Jeans, $199

5. Gucci Double-G Buckle Calfskin Belt, $350

6. kate spade one in a million initial pendant necklace, $35

7. Shopbop Escapade Sunglasses, $59

AMAZON BLACK FRIDAY DOG GIFT GUIDE

Lanyar Dog Reindeer Holiday Pet Clothes Sweater for Dogs Puppy Kitten Cats, Classic Red, $15

2. Christmas Dog Bone Ornament - Set of Three, $8

3. Petist Professional Pet Nail Grinder, Electric Pet Nail Trimmer, Clippers, File with 3 Different Gen, $26

4. West Elm Found My Animal Adjustable Dog Leash, $54

5. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Squeaking Toys Dogs, $16

6. Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher, $9.45

7. Christmas Dog - German Shepherd Naughty List Shirt, $20

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

May Beauty Favorites

May 25, 2018

BEAUTY FAVORITES: AVEDA FEED MY LIPS COLLECTION | 
LONDONTOWN GUILTY PLEASURE NAIL POLISH | KERASTASE COLLECTION | 
INNISFREE BRIGHTENING MASK | DIPTYQUE CHOISYA CANDLE | EVE LOM RADIANCE FACE MIST

Cheers to the long weekend! What's everyone up to this #MDW? We are keeping it low key and staying in the city to catch up on work and then some. We just filmed and shot for something pretty exciting yesterday, and I can't wait to share so I'll be spending some time on it for the next few days. This past month I was supposed to release a video I had done with a brand but when they decided to go in another direction, I was completely disappointed. All my work on the film was for nothing. But it's not! You see, I have been wanting to get more into videography and because of the original plans with the collab, it forced me to start learning more advanced stages in post-production in film. It's not easy, and quite frankly, I stress myself out to the max when doing it, but many of you have expressed your enjoyment in my film work, so I'm continuing my journey with it. My actual videographer is my husband, but I direct, style and edit the film. Just like with photographs. Wish me luck! I could just be relaxing on this long holiday weekend, but I'm a workaholic and way too giddy about the content we created! In the meantime, here is my monthly roundup of beauty favorites! Mint-scented, pigmented lipsticks that are actually good for your lips, the perfect summer pink nail polish, a collection of haircare products that'll make your head spin, a yellow brightening mask, orange blossom scented candle and the best face mist out there right now... it's all going down in today's post so don't miss out! Continue reading to learn more about these products and where the shop them!

You guys know I'm a big Aveda haircare user, and I've never tried their makeup before, but after trying this collection, it's safe to say I love both. 95% naturally derived, these long-wearing feed my lips™ lipsticks with nourishing certified organic cupuaçu fruit butter and botanical oils and their signature certified organic peppermint, vanilla and ginger aroma-flavor. You can choose from different shades in a satin finish created to complement your hair color. A balanced blend of botanical waxes helps deliver long-wearing benefits for color that lasts all day. Stays true for 8 hours and does not feather. The cupuaçu fruit butter helps nourish and moisturize for beautifully soft lips and the blend of botanical oils, including certified organic kukui, jojoba and sunflower help smooth lips. The lip liners are also well-pigmented and long-lasting and there's even a lip treatment with no shade to use as a lip balm in between shades. :)

Make that two martinis & a pop of cherry red! Give your nails the good stuff. Florium Complex infused Lakur by Londontown takes color to the next level by fusing bold hues with enriching botanicals to deliver long-lasting., high-shine wear that hydrates and strengthens with every application. My most favorite hot pink shade (without the shade being too bright) is their 'Guilty Pleasure' shade. Don't choose between nail care and color, pick both. Made in USA 9-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Instructions Apply two coats of lacquer following an application of kur Nail Hardener; allow lacquer to dry for 10-15 seconds, then seal in nutrients with kur Protective Top Coat, kur Protective Matte Coat or kur Gel Genius Top Coat.

I've been using Kérastase haircare products since I was in college! They have amazing hair masks and lotions on top of shampoo/conditioners. With their new Reflection collection, it's the perfect regiment for hydrated, healthy summer hair! Especially if your hair is colored. To maintain my hair color and keeping my locks nourished, I've been using the Reflection shampoo, hair mask, hair balm and the new Incroyable hair lotion for a while now and the results have been amazing! Here's a breakdown of these four products:

Kérastase Reflection Chroma Captive Fondant

A multi-tasking styling hair balm. Features a half cream half paste texture. Helps tame and mold style with no sticky feeling. Provides medium, flexible and long-lasting hold. Leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable with a natural look.

Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Colored Treated Hair

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique sulfate-free multi-protecting shampoo for colored hair gently cleanses hair to protect and maintain healthy hair color. This shampoo not only cleans the hair beautifully, it leaves it feeling nourished too. Free from the nasty chemicals in so many shampoos means that there is no further damage to color-treated hair. Would not use any other shampoo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Kérastase Reflect Chroma Rich Masque

Kérastase Reflection Chroma Riche Masque is a luminous, softening, treatment masque for dry, highlighted, or color-treated. I've been using their hair masques for years and this one has been by far my favorite! The texture is very rich, thick and concentrated and a little bit goes a long way. It makes my over-processed hair exceptionally soft and smooth!

Kérastase L'Incroyable Blowdry Heat Lotion

Create endless looks with our first-to-market* ground breaking Couture Styling innovation. Miracle heat-sensitive microwax technology allows the hair to set and re-set styles with ease. For fine to normal hair, apply two pumps of L'incroyable blowdry lotion into hands. Distribute on towel-dried hair and blowdry for desired look. Restyle or change the look easily with the use of heat tools.

A volcanic cluster yellow mask for sebum control and brightening. This is perfect for anyone with oily or combination skin. Aside from drawing out impurities from skin with the Jeju lava ingredient, this mask comes with special ingredients such as Vitamin C complex (yellow) for brightening. Perfect for when your skin is looking AND feeling a little dull.

When I think of one of the world's finest luxury candles, Diptyque is definitely one of them. This finely scented candle releases the clean, vibrant fragrance of Mexican orange blossom Orange blossom is renowned for its calming, soothing properties. There are a variety of scents, but the Choisya candle is my favorite during the summertime. Burns for approximately 60 hours

A versatile, effective skincare treatment in mist form that hydrates helps to protect against the effects of environmental aggressors on the skin, and gives the complexion a radiant glow. The perfect solution for: Dryness! Formulated with enhanced actives in a water-light form, the Radiance Face Mist delivers an immediate increase in skin moisture by up to 80 percent after application, and hydrates up to 48 hours after use. A key moisture ingredient complex in the Mist supports skin's natural ability to regulate water retention and adapt to changing fluctuations in humidity, keeping skin balanced and refreshed. The formula is enriched with antioxidants that protect against free radicals and other oxidative damage that can lead to premature aging. An antipollution active of wild indigo extract acts to calm skin and reduces visible signs of stress caused by air pollution.