February Beauty Favorites

March 5, 2019

Only a week late! Without further ado, here are my beauty favorites from the month of February. This month is a particularly busy one for me, that shouldn’t be an excuse but yes I’m still doing everything on my own without an assistant of any kind. It was also a big beauty PR month with so much to go through deciding on what makes the cut in about roughly ten items each month. That’s over 120+ products a year that make it to the blog aside from the other hundreds of items. So thank you for your patience because I know how much you guys like this particularly segment on the blog! I tried many new brands that I’ve been dying to try this past month and oh boy, the results are in - from Japanese luxury skincare to colorful affordable makeup it’s all going down now! Keep reading to learn more about my chosen few and for more details, of course :)

COLOURPOP X ILUVSARAHII

THROUGH MY EYES PALETTE
Get endless looks with iluvsarahii’s first ever 16-pan shadow palette, includes 8 stunning metallics and 8 rich matte finishes. Get ahead of the curve with the trendiest shades, from rich emeralds to Pantone’s color of the year. Inspired by Karen’s unique perspective from her side of the beauty world, this palette was made for you to embrace and express your own individuality.
Lucido: metallic light gold
Wild Soul: matte dusty mustard yellow
Mesmer-Eyez: metallic orange gold
Sandalwood: matte soft light beige
In a Wink: matte soft pastel peach
Euphoric: matte bright true orange
Canela: matte soft terracotta sprinkled with gold glitter
Lomo: metallic bright coral red
Emerald Dream: metallic vivid emerald green
Muze: metallic bright warm gold sprinkled with silver glitter
Divina: matte deep blackberry
Flecks: metallic icy taupe packed with silver glitter
Nostalgia: matte mid-tone warm rose
Moody: matte rich forest green
Nocturne: metallic rosy red
Missbehave: matte rich wine red
3 LIP BUNDLE
Get iluvsarahii’s third lip bundle in her most essential shades. Includes 2 Ultra Matte Lips (one more rosy and the other nude) and 1 Ultra Glossy Lip (which is my personal favorite).
Use my code, 5Suzanne to receive a discount off your purchase!

BIORÉ WITCH HAZEL

PORE CLARIFYING TONER
This light-weight Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner with witch hazel helps restore skin’s balance as it deep cleans and removes residue a cleanser might have missed. Witch Hazel is known to tighten pores, while salicylic acid controls oil and treats blemishes. This toner definitely gives you the benefit of clearing blemish prone skin, and the lightweight formula refines and tightens your pores. I always use this straight after cleansing my face thoroughly.
ULTRA DEEP CLEANSING PORE STRIPS
Working like a super-magnet, the Bioré Witch Hazel ULTRA Deep Cleansing Pore Strips lift out even the most stubborn blackheads and deep down dirt & oil that can lead to acne-prone skin. Formulated with , these strips deep clean, remove blackheads, refine pores, and help prevent future breakouts. I always like to use these after wearing full-coverage makeup on a long day. I feel like they really purify and refresh my pores.
For more details see blog post HERE.

LANCÔME STARLIGHT SPARKLE LA ROSE A POUDRER

This delicate rose-shaped illuminator is infused with light-enhancing pearls for a smooth, buildable glow. Also packed with Vitamin E for a non-drying formula that wears comfortably all day long, it’s the perfect rose gold highlighting luminous powder!

DRUNK ELEPHANT THE LITTLES

Developed to balance and reset your skin to a healthy, glowing state, Drunk Elephant's small but mighty littles deliver unparalleled results when used together as a system and are compatible with all skin. Approximately 30-45 day supply, 100% free of essential oils and fragrance, it is the perfect travel-size skincare companion. Drunk Elephant is committed to using only ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of our formulations. They never take into account an ingredient’s synthetic or natural status, but instead choose based on its biocompatibility. You won’t find what they call the "Suspicious 6" in their products (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS,) making them, in their opinion, appropriate for all skin. They believe that these six ubiquitous ingredients are at the root of almost every skin issue we see. When formulating the products, they focus on pH levels and safety, and always making sure that the active ingredients are at efficacious levels. .

CLÈ DE PEAU BEAUTÈ X JOANNA CZECH

VITALITY-ENHANCING EYE SUPREME SHEET MASKS
Incorporating a new approach based on Clé de Peau Beauté Laboratories’ innovative research on the structure of the eye, Vitality-Enhancing Eye Mask Supreme combats the look of myriad eye-area concerns, from visible depressed wrinkles to under-eye bags and drooping at the outer corners. This generously sized eye and upper face mask was developed to work in powerful synergy with Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme. Six sheet masks. Made in Japan.
FACIAL MASSAGER
A few minutes a day using a facial massager will achieve brilliant results - it speeds circulation and directs oxygen to your skin, resulting in reduced puffiness, lifted features and a brighter complexion. This handheld device from celebrity aesthetician Joanna Czech is sculpted from cooling zinc and aluminium alloys in a silhouette that makes it really easy to maneuver around the contours of the face and neck. Use it in tandem with cleansing oils, essences and creams so they really sink in.

CLARINS SKIN ILLUSION NATURAL HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Discover the secret to a flawless complexion with the Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF15, an ultra-lightweight makeup base that will create a radiant, barely-there finish. Created for all skin types, Skin Illusion will help you to achieve immediate freshness and a beautiful glow without masking your skin's natural beauty. It's created with red jania extract, a seaweed found in calm waters, which will encourage cellular turnover whilst promoting a clearer complexion. The inclusion of the leaf of life extract will reboot your skin's mechanisms to promote hydration on multiple levels of the skin, inducing a lit-from-within glow. Long-lasting and protective, this ultra-fresh base is created with a Light Optimizing Complex in order to subtly accentuate your features, while an Anti-Pollution Complex will act as a protective barrier from external aggressors and offer a rich source of antioxidants in order to neutralize free radicals.

AMOREPACIFIC

YOUTH REVOLUTION RADIANCE CREME & MASQUE
This transformative formula suspends the aging cycle with 24-7 brightening benefits. Its versatile, sherbet-like texture absorbs effortlessly onto skin, allowing you to customize your results: one layer for morning moisture and two layers for nighttime nourishment. This multi-tasker calls upon white peony to help improve skin’s overall tone and firmness and green tea polysaccharides to brighten complexion. Truly a great creme.
YOUTH REVOLUTION VITAMIN C RADIANCE CONCENTRATOR
This serum helps rid skin of Aging Dust™, preventing these damaging factors from accumulating on the surface causing dullness, uneven tone, and pigmentation. Its dual-chamber release combines two skin-brightening, antioxidant-rich formulas to address early signs of aging and boost radiance. Vitamin C works to even skin tone, while white peony helps with overall tone improvement and skin's firmness. Soothing green tea polysaccharides further work to brighten the complexion

DERMALOGICA

PRECLEANSE
The professional's deep cleansing weapon! Achieve ultra clean and healthy skin with a double cleansing regimen that begins with PreCleanse. This plant-based cleansing oil, fortified with Olive and Kukui oils, thoroughly melts layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual skin products that build-up during the day. When water is added it transforms this hydrophilic (water-loving) formula into a milky emulsion, easily rinsing away oil-based debris from the skin's surface and allowing your recommended Dermalogica Cleanser to penetrate even further for professional cleansing results. It is strong enough to remove waterproof mascara. Offers a deep cleansing ideal for even the most oily skin conditions too.
SPECIAL CLEANSING GEL
A soap-free, foaming gel designed to thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin, while natural Quillaja Saponaria gently foams away toxins and deep-cleanses debris. Purifying Lavander Extract assists in cleansing. Contains no artificial fragrance or color. Professional recommendation advised.
DAILY MICROFOLIANT®
Dermalogica Microfoliant is a unique, rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. Their unique Skin Brightening Complex of Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation. Active agents derived from Rice Bran and Rice Extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Fragrance free.
DYNAMIC SKIN RECOVER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF50
An SPF moisturizer to help combat triggers that lead to skin aging. Achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin aging with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 50. A patented polypeptide combined with glucosamine and soy helps stimulate collagen synthesis, enhances the skin's natural ability to fight skin-aging free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and helps prevent the signs of aging caused by sugar reacting with proteins in skin (AGEs). White tea polyphenols help regulate the formation of collagen-degrading MMPs brought on by UV rays while tripeptides, yeast extract and phytoestrogens help enhance skin firmness. Advanced sunscreen technology provides critical protection from daylight exposure, yet blends smoothly into skin to create a perfected finish.
STRESS POSITIVE EYE LIFT
Stress Positive Eye Lift by Dermalogica is a high-performance leave-on eye mask instantly lifts, brightens and de-puffs the delicate eye area. Wild indigo seed extract brightens dark undereye circles, sea water extract counters the look of puffiness and hyaluronic acid firms to lift the skin. Cooling massage applicator energizes the undereye area. Ideal for daily use on all skin types.
I’d recommend that first-time Dermalogica users visit an authorized skin treatment professional for a client consultation in an ULTA store. View Dermalogica skin treatments at all ULTA locations.

ERNO LASZLO PORE CLEANSING CLAY MASK

Kaolin and Bentonite, mineral rich white and pink clays, are among the world’s best at absorbing oil and cleansing impurities, while reversing dryness and dullness on skin. Sugar Cane Extract not only balances skin’s natural oils but also gently exfoliates with glycolic acids to purify and minimize pores. Rosewater ingredients also offer a beautiful, light fragrance and a variety of moisturizing, detoxifying, and soothing benefits. So if your distressed skin calls for powerful measures: this hydrating, detoxifying mask by Erno Laszlo is the perfect solution. Harnessing the natural benefits of clay, it helps remove impurities without drying and infuses moisture and nutrients into skin as it draws out the dirt and oil from pores. Your face feels brand new; smoother and with a more even glowing tone. Though creamy and lightweight, this cleansing mask uses a super blend of natural cleansing materials to clear away the debris that stressors—both external and internal— can leave on skin.

LOVE & XX’S,

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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

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Disco Naps with MaQ

December 14, 2017

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY 41 WINKS, MICHAEL TODD BEAUTY & PARTAKE FOODS.

The weekend is near and I can't wait to just unwind, relax and stay warm with my pup! We sure do love to play in the great outdoors but sometimes it's too freaking cold and we'd rather stay in, snuggle and eat to our heart's content. And at the end of each week, I like to take some time out of a Saturday or a Sunday to do a little 'spa session' at home, with face masks, serums, massages; the whole nine yards. Because sometimes you need to be pampered and it's never a negative thing to be taking care of yourself (or the pooch). So in today's post, I'll be sharing some of our recent favorite essentials for a great 'spa day' at home. We've got some cookies that are perfect for anyone (even if you're allergy-filled), an anti-aging electronic device that helps skincare products get where they need to go, and the grooviest, cutest eye masks you ever did see! Did I mention they're made of velvety goodness too?! Continue reading to hear more!

Michael Todd Beauty® Daily Renewal Serum™

Michael Todd Beauty Sonic Eraser Pro with Triplex Infusion Technology

41 Winks crafts & curates fun & colorful bed accessories. The brand is inspired by women who stand for independence & self-expression. Something I definitely can relate to. :) They also donate 4.1% of profits from each product purchased from their GIRL POWER Eye Mask Collection to the amazing non-profit, I AM THAT GIRL. I AM THAT GIRL is dedicated to fostering self-love, purpose and a sense of community for young girls. This collection screams girl power from its core, which is why I was so happy to partner with 41 Winks and their supporters. We met last month, and like many of my encounters/chance meetings here in New York City, we just instantly connected. I was immediately drawn to their positive energy and adorable bed accessories, especially their eye masks, let alone what their brand stands for. They put such a smile on my face and anything that does that for me lately is such a good thing, you don't even know! I've never been one to sleep with an eye mask but after using theirs I'm completely hooked. And for anyone like myself who sometimes has trouble sleeping, put one of these bad boys on and you'll conk out in no time. Even MaQ is super into his! Block out the haters. :)

Now before you make any kind of remark to this device in today's post (because great minds think alike right hahaha) you have to hear the wonders of The Michael Todd Sonic Eraser Pro. It's my new favorite daily beauty essential! Apply anti-aging creams and serums to get maximum benefits for your skin. With the Innovative Triplex Infusion Technology™ 3-in-1 delivery system, the device utilizes Sonic, Ionic, and Thermal infusion to your skin. Sonic oscillations at more than 30,000 times per minute for more evenly distributed product and really provides anti-aging massage to revive the look of tired skin for a more youthful complexion. You can definitely see and feel skincare products get deep into your skin, and the results are amazing! I've been using it for a little over a week and my skin has never looked brighter and smoother in years! A really great gift idea, maybe just for you or one of your girls, either way it's a definite keeper!

Partake Foods makes super delicious, real and healthy, allergy-friendly foods. The story behind this brand and family is their daughter is allergic to several common ingredients in many foods and they wanted to create recipes where she and others could benefit and enjoy from. Their products are all free of the top 8 allergens (Wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, corn & sesame) so your family can eat safely, healthfully, and deliciously — even on-the-go. We love their mini cookies, I especially am hooked on their chocolate chip and MaQ loves to share the carrot oat cookies with me. You can find Partake Foods at a number of NJ/NY grocery stores here. Got any questions about any of these products from today's post? Drop a line in the comments below! Always happy to hear from our readers! Stay tuned before the holidays arrive because we've got a couple of giveaways coming your way soon too! Enjoy the rest of your week and have an even greater weekend!

BLOCK OUT THE HATERS and take a DISCO NAP this holiday season ;) The GIRL POWER Eye Mask Collection is the perfect holiday gift! Each eye mask you purchase gives back to girls via the amazing non-profit I AM THAT GIRL. Learn more and shop at www.41winks.com #THEEXTRAWINK