October Beauty Favorites

October 24, 2018

Happy Hump Day! I know, I know… I’m way overdue on my monthly beauty favorites! I’m so sorry that it’s been MIA - August and September were extremely busy for me and I honestly did not have time to do the posts. Instead I went into more detail with specific brands that were launching a new collection of products that I felt would cater to my readers. I did one on higher-end skincare (HERE) and another travel-minded one that was more on the affordable side. (HERE) So, I hope you enjoyed and without further ado, here it is, finally back where it should be, my October beauty favorites is up! From a blush palette that’ll want you to shout to heavens thanking them for such a creation to a great skincare brand fighting against blue light (Hi, cell phones), there are a soiree of goodies that you’ll definitely want to get your hands on ASAP. Continue reading to learn more about my latest monthly beauty faves!

Only at ULTA!

Add seductive warmth with iconic matte and shimmer blushes sure to bring the passion. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette includes three lustworthy shades. Limitless intrigue. The packaging features a metallic red textured design on the compact for a special standout touch.

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's bestselling, most iconic shades for cheeks. NARS blush delivers healthy-looking color that enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush to flatter any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink undertone for a natural-looking blush to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. These soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

Spiked with color. Studded with style. Uncover your inner rebel with a covetable collection inspired by the iconic punk fashion of the 1970s. Stud your style with daring shimmer and shine; spike it with explicitly bold shades for a look that's authentic. Irreverent. Always relevant.

A $66 value!

Shades include:

Luster (sheer golden apricot)
Orgasm (peachy pink w/ golden shimmer)
Amour (matte rose pink)

Mysterious & seductive, the Splendida Magnolia Sensuel fragrance by Bvlgari is definitely one to fall for and is my new favorite autumn scent. Neroli freshness, splendid magnolia and the heart of patchouli collide for a feminine fragrance that embraces the playful passionate and sensual side of being a woman. 😍 Scents: zesty freshness, splendid magnolia, and chypre woods. And can we just admire the gorgeous packaging on top?! So luxe.

TONER

Pure Deep Sea Water balances and visibly strengthens skin's moisture barrier to hydrate while Lychee Peel Extract offers soothing comfort and antioxidant protection. Perfectly suited for sensitive skin types, this toner is formulated without oil and alcohol and has only 10 must have ingredients.

MOUSSE

Blended to perfection with the nutrient-rich Deep Sea Water and polyphenols from Lychee Peel Extract quickly whip into action to deliver instant soothing relief to visibly stressed skin. The non-sticky, mousse formula makes it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.

Find your perfect M·A·C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation shade!

Embrace Every Shade of You with the Studio Fix lineup. This 24 hour wear foundation combines a matte finish with full, buildable coverage, with broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. Applies, builds and blends easily even while controlling shine. Comfortable and extremely longwearing, it helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a smoother, more flawless look and finish.

Benefits:

Longwearing, 24 hours
Reduces appearance of pores
Controls oil and shine
Nondrying
For all skin types, especially oily skin
Provides staytrue colour
Nonstreaking
Noncaking
Nonsettling
Photofriendly

Wunder2's Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder is the easy way to filter-flawless skin in real life. Formulated with High-Resolution Powder Technology, this ultra-soft, bouncy powder magically transforms the skin to become poreless and pixel perfect. Perfect selfie formula contains a high performing blend of perfecting powders, which are uniform in particle size. It provides a smooth feel and soft-focus finish without masking the skin, leaving it looking natural. A combination of specially treated silicone and nylon eliminates the appearance of pores, wrinkles and shine whilst promoting an elastic-like effect so the skin is able to expand and contract with facial movements without the powder setting into fine lines, creating a photo perfect finish. The ultimate finish to your makeup look in under 2 minutes without the use of a photo filter.

In Stores 10-26!

This is the wildest way yet to look better Naked...Urban Decay's Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette has a sexy vibe that's more tart than sweet. With 12 never-before-picked neutrals, this vamped-up cherry-hued palette is sure to bring out your sultriest, most tempting eye looks ever.

These 12 all-new shades include of-the-moment soft mattes and sizzling metallics, ranging from creamy ivory and shimmering rose gold to the most intense black cherry. Urban Decay is addicted to Bing - a deep mauve matte that is right on trend. And they can't get enough of Drunk Dial, a shimmery metallic burgundy that takes smoky looks to a smoldering climax.

Because serious staying power and shadow that doesn't flake or fade out on you are non-negotiables, each shade is made from our mind-blowing formula that gives its velvety texture, rich color and blendability.

Adorned with a row of metallic cherries, the crimson compact includes a full-size mirror and double-sided brush - ready for precision application on one end and seamless blending on the other. Whether you're at the office, in between flights or getting ready at the apartment, Naked Cherry spices up everything from chill neutrals and sexy shimmers to super smoky eyes.

Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free.

Urban Decay is beauty with an edge.

Shades:

Hot Spot (ivory matte)
Caution (soft neutral beige matte)
Bang Bang (shimmering pink with gold shift and iridescent micro-sparkle)
Feelz (soft dusty rose matte)
Juicy (soft warm peach)
Turn On (pale metallic rose shimmer)
Ambitious (metallic rose copper)
Bing (deep mauve matte)
Devilish (reddish plum matte)
Young Love (metallic cranberry)
Drunk Dial (deep metallic burgundy)
Privacy (deep brownish-plum matte)

Essie nail polish never fails me. A fall/winter shade nail polish collection that will have you in love for NYC. Exclusive easy glide brush for quick, even application. Shiny, smooth appearance. Extensive color palette with hundreds of nail polish shades. Uptown, downtown or crosstown-these variated colors will sizzle in any of the concrete jungle neighborhoods. I’ve been really into deep reds and metallics for fall! Which ones would you go for first?

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BAREPRO Glow Highlighter by bareMinerals is more than just a highlighter, this versatile formula with light-reflecting mineral pearls provides a veil of natural-looking luminosity when used alone as a highlighter, and can be used to transform the finish of your favorite liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer or skincare products to add customized luminosity.

This light as air bi-phase liquid is infused with oat sugar to instantly smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and green lentil extract and bamboo extract to smooth the appearance of pores and even skin's texture. Mineral lock technology prolongs wear up to 16 hours.

Energize your skin with LUMIVIVE™ System from SkinMedica by clearing imperfections, alleviating damage and restoring vitality. Formulated with a blend of antioxidants and coenzyme Q10, this face serum works to reduce uneven pigmentation, free radical damage and redness.

The LUMIVIVE™ System includes:

LUMIVIVE™ Day Damage Defense Serum: an antioxidant serum that defends skin from damaging environmental aggressors such as blue light (HEV) as well as pollutants in the air
LUMIVIVE™ Night Revitalize Repair Complex: an evening serum that revitalizes and detoxifies the skin while reducing the appearance of environmental damage

Key Ingredients:

Cacao Seed Extract: offers blue light Protection
Bioflavinoids: create a bio-barrier on the skin
Alteramonas Ferment Extract: provides environmental pollution protection
Mirabilis Jalapa Extract: detoxifies skin
Pentapeptide 34 Trifluoroacetate: supports endogenous coenzyme Q10 and ATP levels to recharge and invigorate skin

Key Benefits:

Protects against blue light and environmental aggressors
Promotes radiant and even skin tone
Decreases visible redness
Discoloration
Detoxifies skin

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Gingham and Tassels

April 2, 2018

WEARING: SHEIN TASSEL TIED OPEN BACK TIERED GINGHAM DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN.

Happy Monday! I don't know about you fellow East Coasters, but I'm so over winter! How is it still snowing on April 2nd?! The last time I saw abnormal snowing was nearly 14 years ago when I was in Ukraine and it was snowing in the middle of April! We were baffled, but today's forecast is only leaving me exasperated. I just want warmer and sunnier weather, which won't be happening this week. But April showers bring May flowers! And before you know it, we'll be complaining about how hot it is outside. So without further ado, I'm bringing summer into spring to potentially jumpstart warmer temps! Continue reading to see the perfect dress for spring and summer. It is quite adorable for a vacation outfit as well.

SHOP THE DRESS

How adorable is this dress?! A multicolor vacation round neck half sleeve shift dress has a backless short ruffle fringe, orange tassels and a gingham print with no stretch. I love the high waist and flounce sleeves, as it brings shape to this type of dress. It's similar to a babydoll dress. I think this would be perfect on the beach or anywhere with a lovely resort. I also believe this dress would look amazing at Coachella! The highlight of this dress? It's on SALE! 25% OFF and ONLY $16!

SHOP THE BAG

I kept my makeup clean and fresh with only a little added sparkle to my lipgloss. If you haven't checked out my latest beauty faves, I've featured the new lipgloss line from Urban Decay and it's so legit! The shade I'm wearing is called '**Nooner**'. My go-to eyeliner as of late is the gel ones by **Bobbi Brown**. They don't smudge and are easy to apply. Highlighter is also Bobbi Brown, using **Bronze Glow SS16**. Nail polish by Essie, called, '**At the Helm**', which matches perfectly with the orange tassels and wedges.

SHOP THE WEDGES

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

March Beauty Favorites

March 30, 2018

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

essie spring 2018 nail polish collection anchor down

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.

SHOP THE PERFUME

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.

SHOP THE PIXI COLLECTION

Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipglosses

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.