August Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS | ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA | GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW TONER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW PRIMING MOISTURIZER | ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER | GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM | FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

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Summer is coming to an end and I’m back with my monthly beauty favorites! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I discovered to be my favorites from the month of August. This includes a lip gloss with a responsibly source vanilla, a pore-minimizing toner that smells of juicy watermelon, a multi-purpose moisturizer that also works as a primer and a highlighter, a summer fragrance that is unisex and also can be continually used through the fall season! And more! Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

BEAUTY COUNTER BEYOND GLOSS

This gloss delivers high-impact shine and conditioning lip benefits, while taking transparency to the next level with ingredients that care for your lips—and the greater good. Formulated with a blend of waxes to lock in moisture (with no stickiness), this gloss delivers cushiony color and a sophisticated scent thanks to responsibly sourced vanilla. ECOCERT-certified organic vanilla from Madascascar, Beauty Counter’s supplier is committed not only to sourcing the highest quality of vanilla, but also to improving the quality of life for their community of farmers. This is definitely something I am on board with!

ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA

This scent contains notes of clementine from Italy, juniper berries from Turkey, and vetiver from Haiti. The fresh and fruity perfumes from across the world combine in this citrus cologne for men and women to create a summer scent that evokes sunshine, blue skies, and endless miles of sparkling beachfront. Perfect for those who love a citrus-based fragrance as well as those who love a fragrance that smells sweet but not too sweet and really fresh.

GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON GLOW PHA + BHA PORE-TIGHT TONER

Suitable for all skin types, this bouncy, alcohol-free toner is made with PHA and willow bark, a natural form of BHA, to help unclog pores while hydrating skin. Combined with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and cactus water, it smooths without stripping skin of its moisture, for poreless, glowing skin. Due to cactus water and cucumber in the formula, scent is herbal with a fruity finish. I definitely noticed a significant reduction in my pore size after only using it for a couple of weeks.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD GLOW-PRIMING MOISTURIZER

Turn up the brightness while hydrating skin with Elemis’ glow-getting Superfood Glow Priming Moisturizer. A radiance enhancing blend of kombucha and fermented ginger extracts helps to even out skin tone, while green tea seed oil and an active prebiotic help leave the complexion feeling soft, balanced and nourished. Enhanced with universally flattering light-reflecting minerals, the featherlight formula can be used as a radiance-enhancing moisturizer, a hydrating makeup primer and an illuminating highlighter.

ELEMIS SUPERFOOD AHA GLOW CLEANSING BUTTER

Packed with brightening AHAs and skin softening Mango Butter, this nourishing facial cleanser removes makeup, daily pollutants and daily grime to reveal a healthy-looking radiance. The buttery formula can be used as a daily cleanser, a deep cleansing mask or a hydrating makeup remover around the eyes and face for smooth and glowing skin.

GOOD MOLECULES DISCOLORATION CORRECTING SERUM

Formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate) and 4% niacinamide, this lightweight serum improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. It’s a great lightener but please note it takes a few weeks to start noticing results.

FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY NIACINAMIDE BRIGHTENING CREAM

This cream is formulated with peach micro-pearls to help the eye area appear dewy and revitalized, while sodium hyaluronate helps smooth and visibly plump. It is also formulated with niacinamide, pumpkin seed extract, and caffeine to help diminish the look of dark circles over time by targeting two key causes: skin pigmentation (brown circles) and puffiness (blue circles). I can literally see a difference as soon as I apply the brightening cream around my eye area, really amazing stuff!

LOVE & XX’S,

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July Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: PARFUMS DE MARLY CISSILI FRAGRANCE | COLOURPOP COSMETICS ORANGE YOU SWEET SET | DAVINES AUTHENTIC NOURISHING OIL | 111SKIN ROSE GOLD RADIANCE BOOSTER | SOL BODY SIMMERING DRY OILS | DR. CURE 7 STARTER KIT

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Last day of July calls for a monthly roundup of beauty favorites! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I deem to be my favorites from this month. This includes a new fragrance brand I have never tried but fell in love with, a colorful orange palette makeup collection that’s extremely affordable, a nourishing oil for face, body and hair, shimmering dry oils, and a Korean beauty starter kit perfect for your holiday travels. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

PARFUMS DE MARLY ‘CISSILI’ FRAGRANCE

A joyful fragrance with a floral fruity scent on a woody vanilla base--this new creation invites you to indulge into the fresh sweetness of its scent.

KEY NOTES:
- Top notes: red currant, Bulgarian rose, transparent white flowers
- Middle notes: plum accord, mimosa absolute, plumeria, petalia
- Base notes: sandalwood, tonka beans, vanilla pod

COLOURPOP ORANGE YOU SWEET SET

The new neutral in town, and she’s orange. Get the entire orange collection including Colourpop’s newest 9-pan palette and brand new curated sets to match! There’s four super shocks, lip glosses, makeup brushes, blush sticks, lippie sticks and lip gloss, it’s the perfect orange palette set. Here are the 9 shades of the eyeshadow palette:

Zested - matte pale apricot
Squeeze Me - metallic yellow orange with gold flip
Creamsicle - matte peachy orange
Rise N Grind - matte vivid orange
Clementine - orange glitter with a copper flip
Sunkiss’d - matte neon tangerine
Tangerine Dreams - metallic mid tone red orange
Mimosa Mami - matte bright red orange
Ya Peel Me? - matte mid tone rust

DAVINES AUTHENTIC NOURISHING OIL

For all hair and skin types. Authentic Nourishing Oil contains 100% natural origin ingredients and 30% of organically grown safflower oil. The oil is free from artificial colors, silicones and PEG, leaving hair and skin silky and glowing. I even use this oil as a cleansing balm to remove makeup from the day, but my favorite use of this oil is for my hair. Now that I’m trying to grow my hair long, it keeps the ends moisturized and softer. And the subtle smell is incredible.

111SKIN ROSE GOLD RADIANCE BOOSTER

Founded by renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, 111SKIN combines decades of expertise with the latest ingredients. Formulated with Damask Rose Extract and Gold, this serum is formulated to relieve inflamed skin and enhance natural radiance. This radiance booster is a bit expensive, retailing at $160 at.68 fl oz (!!) but it is well worth the investment. I use this serum for days when I’m utterly exhausted and my face needs an extreme pick-me-up. When that second cup of coffee won’t do, use this immediately and your skin will immediately be revived.

SOL BODY SHIMMERING DRY OIL

It’s that Friday feeling in a bottle. Delivers a shimmering, good-for-the-soul glow that nourishes skin and highlights your highlights. My favorites are a rich, glowing bronze with highlights of copper and gold pearl. The other is a more silvery tint to it called, ‘Platinum’. Comes with a lovely kabuki brush that’s oh so soft. The perfect accessory for summer. Works for all bodies and skin tones.

DR. CURE 7 STARTER KIT

See a drastic improvement to your skin's hydration and melt those fine lines away. This starter kit includes mini-sized versions of their products so you can change your skin routine with one simple kit. It’s perfect for travel. I love all of them but my favorite out of this kit are the teardrops.

Kit includes:

3 Healing Melting Masques

Trial-Sized Collagen Powder Cleanser 
0.5g/0.02oz

Trial-Sized  Hyaluron Intensive Serum
10ml/0.35oz

Trial-Sized  Teardrop Vitamin A or E
8g/0.28oz

Trial-Sized  Snow Pearl Cream Mist
30ml/1oz

LOVE & XX’S,

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October Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: NARS HEARTBREAKER BLUSH PALETTE | BVLGARI SPLENDIDA FRAGRANCE | LANEIGE FRESH CALMING TONER | LANEIGE MOUSSE MOISTURIZER | MAC STUDIO FIX FOUNDATION NC30 | WUNDER2 PERFECT SELFIE | URBAN DECAY NAKED CHERRY EYESHADOW PALETTE | ESSIE NAIL POLISH FALL/WINTER COLLECTION 18 | bareMINERALS BAREPRO GLOW HIGHLIGHTER IN WHIMSY | SKINMEDICA LUMIVIVE SYSTEM

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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?

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,

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Bikini Questa Sera

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK KNIT TOP | MAVI JEANS ANIKA CROP FLARE | 
TKEES JO SUEDE GEORGIA SANDALS | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BIKINI QUESTA SERA 

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTE. 

Hi, everyone! How was your MDW? I have a new post up with an editorial video! For those who didn't catch my last post, I had been wanting to create more video content but given that video editing is not one of my favorite things to do, I do not create this kind of content often. However, so many of you, along with my peers have been strongly urging me to do more video so voila! When it comes to making a video, there's so much more that goes on besides a photoshoot. I feel like a like an internet browser... 19 tabs open, 3 of them are frozen, & I have no idea where the music is coming from! In all seriousness, that's another reason why I don't do videos often. It takes a lot of time and effort and if I don't see some sort of visual that I need to come to life, I wait until the inspiration comes. And when I received the Bikini Questa Sera perfume from Christian Louboutin, a strong sense of summer encouraged me to create this for you guys. 

We literally had a total of two people in production and on set for this video. My husband and I are a team: He is the photographer & videographer - I am the creative director, location scouter, stylist, hair and makeup, and editor. While shooting photographs, you're too thinking a million and one things at the same time. Is my shirt tucked in properly? What about my hair? Are the sunglasses on straight? Am I on the good side of my face? Where is the light? Don't blink. Okay... car coming. Back to my mark. Another cat call? Great... oh where did I put my phone? Is it almost noon? I have a meeting to run to, I have to leave in a bit. Honey, now there's car behind you! Phew! See what I mean?

And doesn't even get to the shooting film, imagine doing all that again plus the multiple takes to get the shots you envision. And the more specific the frame gets, the more time and patience it will take, which to be honest can sometimes be challenging to me. But videography strengthens that along with my visual eye and apparent need to create film. I'm sure many other photographers, writers, and artists feel this way, where you get so many visual images in your head and this sudden outpour, this compelling conviction to bring it to life. To try to show others what you see, think and feel.  

I hope this video (scroll toward the end of this post to view) brings you a certain feeling and appreciation for the artistic notion of oneself. I am still trying to get to a level where the content is super-glossy editorial, but alas, no one is perfect. But I am, every day trying to elevate my skills and to exercise them in the best way possible, and to me, I think that is through writing, photography, and film. So enjoy, and please leave me any feedback! I really appreciate and listen to what you guys look forward to on MaQ + Suz.

Lastly, a footnote on this summery outfit. The coral knitted top with shoulder straps is from Saku New York, the faded black crop jeans are by Mavi, and the coral suede sandals are by TKEES. You can shop the entire look at the beginning or at the end of each blog post. Don't forget to drop a comment in the section box down below. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on new videos! Happy Tuesday. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Holiday Gifting with Babbleboxx

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY BABBLEBOXX.COM

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Happy Tuesday, guys! I hope you're all getting well prepped for Thanksgiving Day! With all the to-do lists, last minute running around and even traveling (for those that are), we all can relate to how crazy this week can get. So, let's take a breather and catch up with one amazing event I went to last week. I had the pleasure of attending Babbleboxx's "Holiday Preview" Event where multiple brands came together at the luxurious 404 NYC event space hosting pop-up shops filled with holiday inspiration and gift-giving ideas for the upcoming season. It was a lovely evening with tasty bites and bubbly, along with running into old friends and networking with new ones and in today's post, I'm sharing my top five favorites brands that I think would make for the coolest and trendiest gifts this year. Ranging from beauty products to tea and even DNA kits, and with Black Friday right around the corner, this list will certainly come in handy. Don't miss out, come check out these awesome gift ideas for everyone you know, and/or even for yourself!

What better gift you can give (or get!) than the chance to understand what makes someone who they are? With 23andMe, you can share your genetic information with your family members to get an even clearer picture of who you are and where you come from. How cool is that? They offer two Personal Genetic Services: 1) their Ancestry Service and 2) their Health + Ancestry Service. How do they work? Provide your saliva sample from home. Mail it back to their lab in the same kit it came in- the postage is even prepaid. In 6-8 weeks, they will send you an email to let you know your reports are ready in your online account. I'm even considering doing an entire blog post on this, as there is a huge debate that I may be part Ukrainian. I'm half-Korean and half-Polish, but from further travels and studies, it is possible this may be the case. I can't wait to share my results - so stay tuned! 

Algenist, the first ever vegan, plant-based collagen formulation with the highest concentration of active collagen helps condition the skin to visibility improve resiliency and bounce. With 13,000 beads of Microalgae Oil in every bottle hydrates, nourishes and restores skin's radiance. Plant collagen is a new innovative technology created by binding together corn, soy and wheat protein fibers resulting in vegan amino acids that structurally mimic collagen that allows for a functional equivalent to animal-derived collagen. Even just sampling this collagen serum at the event showed significantly smoother and cleaner skin after one try! I'm so happy I was introduced to this skincare brand; I'll definitely be trying more of their products! If shopping at Algenist use promo code: LOVECOLLAGEN to receive a FREE Sample of GENIUS Liquid Collagen ($16 value) with orders $75+. Enter code at check out. Excludes gift cards. Valid 11/4-12/31/17.

Okay, one gift that can never go wrong if done the right way, and yes this isn't exactly some ground-breaking, creative present idea, but for both men and women, or a gift to yourself, perfume is always a win in my book! At the event, I went with La Vie est Belle by Lancôme, its floral accents of iris, orange blossom, and vanilla bean put me in such a delightful mood. To me, fragrance makes and is part of an entire look and represents you. And at Perfumania, they will help find your next fragrance obsession among the hundreds of designer brands! Indulge in a fragrant experience curated by fragrance experts at any of their 150+ retail locations. Or visit them online where you can get your fragrance fix at any time, day or night. Perfumania, it’s your one-stop shop for all of your fragrance essentials.

For many women, obtaining thicker-looking eyelashes and fuller, bolder-looking brows are definitely on their wish lists this holiday season. Let me introduce you to Grande Cosmetics: their GrandeLASH-MD Serum and GrandeBROW Serum are revolutionary lash and brow enhancing serums that promote these desired features. These are perfect stocking stuffers for any holiday beauty lover. 

Tea Forte 2017 Limited Edition Holiday Collection – Warming Joy is a collection of festive teas beautifully presented and exciting to receive. Comforting holiday tea blends are festively donned to celebrate the spirit and joy of the season and are a great collection for the tea connoisseurs we know of. Holiday tea blends include Raspberry Ganache, Rum Raisin Biscotti, Spiced Ginger Plum, Winter Chai, and Ginger Snap (not available in the Petite Tea Tree.) The perfect holiday gift for any tea fanatic! And how adorable is the packaging?!

LOVE & XX'S, 

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