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,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Julep Passport To K-Beauty

August 30, 2018

This post is brought to you by Julep Beauty but all opinions are my own.

Many of you have asked about affordable skincare and especially, K-beauty since my last luxury skincare post, so I finally have something for you guys that I think you'll really love as well! Julep is the latest brand to bundle up its K-beauty essentials into one convenient place. Its brand-new Passport To K-Beauty is the ultimate Korean skin-care vault, complete with 11 of Julep's best-selling products for helping your skin become as clear and glowing as a member of any K-Pop band. Continue reading to learn more about every product in this amazing beauty box and as always, where to shop!

The products are neatly organized in a multi-tiered pink box that can be easily stored on your vanity or under your bathroom sink. The packaging itself is quite aesthetically pleasing. With ingredients straight from Jeju Island, (a popular vacation destination site below the southern tip of South Korea,) you have a complete K-beauty routine in one easy-to-navigate place. You can mix-and-match the products depending on the time of day or what your biggest skin concern may be. Again, there 11 products divided up into three different sections: Protect, Hydrate, & Cleanse. Let's take a closer look at each section:

PROTECT

NO EXCUSES INVISIBLE SUNSCREEN GEL

A completely transparent face sunscreen in an essence-gel base, Julep No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel delivers broad-spectrum SPF 40 that helps protect against UVA/UVB rays. This lightweight gel goes on smoothly and dries to a satin finish, making it perfect to wear under makeup. How do I use it: Apply liberally, 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.

TRIPLE QUENCH DEEP HYDRATION SHEET MASK SYSTEM

Julep's Triple Quench Deep Hydration Sheet Mask System offers three steps to help reveal the appearance of softer, brighter skin. The complete three-part sheet mask system is all you need for a deeply hydrating and ultra-pampering boost to your skin-care routine. How do I use it: Use once to three times a week, depending on your skin's hydration needs. Perfect for traveling.

NIGHT SHIFT SLEEPING MASK

An overnight moisture mask that you wear while you're fast asleep, so you wake up to smoother, more hydrated skin. It's formulated with a unique peptide blend, sodium hyaluronate, and botanical extracts--including Power Cell Complex--that work to deliver moisture to the skin. How do I use it: Massage a thin, even layer onto face, avoiding eye area. Apply to clean, bare skin or layer over serum and moisturizer. Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Your skin will be oh so soft!

HYDRATE

BOOST YOUR RADIANCE REPARATIVE ROSEHIP SEED FACIAL OIL

Julep's Boost Your Radiance Reparative Rosehip Seed Facial Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing facial oil that gives an antioxidant boost to your skincare routine. Perfect for all skin types - even oily skin. The rosehip seed oil reduces the appearance of fine lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Regulates oil production while moisturizing. Vitamin E protects against dehydration and free radical damage while it aids in the absorption of the rosehip seed oil. Bergamot oil brightens skin while providing a natural uplifting fragrance.

WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS RESTORATIVE FACIAL MILK

What Your Skin Needs Restorative Facial Milk is an ultra-lightweight facial moisturizer, with a high-tech blend of five skin-boosting oils that absorbs quickly into your skin to treat, nourish, and hydrate. It's formulated with squalane, as well as the skin-loving oils of jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. How do I use it: Apply one to two drops onto face after cleansing. Can be worn alone or under moisturizer. Apply day or night.

YOU GOT THIS PRESSED SERUM DAILY MOISTURIZER

You Got This daily moisturizing routine down with this stick that streamlines your serum and moisturizer steps into one. Formulated with soothing hydration and antioxidants with ingredients like camellia japonia seed oil, jeju blossom extract, sodium hyaluronate, and ceramidesso, it's ready to help you take on the day. How do I use it: Swipe the pressed serum stick on forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently massage in with fingers. Follow with an SPF during the daytime.

DREAM BIG NIGHTLY RENEWAL PRESSED SERUM WITH BHA

Julep Dream Big Nightly Renewal Pressed Serum with BHA is an innovative stick that streamlines your nighttime serum and moisturizer steps into one. It deeply hydrates as it gently exfoliates to unveil smoother, more refined skin overnight. The salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid) lifts and loosens dead skin cells and purges the pores of impurities to improve skin's clarity, tone, and texture. Antioxidant-rich Jeju Blossom Extract protects against environmental damage. Sodium hyaluronate deeply hydrates to promote skin's suppleness and elasticity. Ceramides strengthen the skin's natural barrier, restore damaged lipid barrier caused by environmental damage, and prevent water loss.

SO AWAKE DEPUFFING GEL EYE CREAM

Julep So Awake Depuffing Gel Eye Cream is a lightweight, multitasking eye cream that handles all your everyday eye woes. It hydrates and depuffs the delicate eye area as it reduces the look of dark circles. Plus, illuminating micro-pearls perk up the look of tired eyes instantly. The Sodium hyaluronate deeply hydrates to promote skin's suppleness and elasticity. Turmeric root extract and banana flower extract soothe redness and irritation as they reduce the appearance of dark circles, providing long-term brightening effects. Antioxidant-rich Jeju bamboo grass & Jeju blossom extract protect against environmental damage as they soothe, nourish, and moisturize. Caffeine perks up tired-looking eyes and diminishes puffiness. Collagen improves skin's elasticity.

CLEANSE

CHARCOAL BODY KONJAC SPONGE

Julep took their cult-favorite Konjac face sponge and made it big enough to use from top to toe. Helping to gently exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal a soft, radiant, and glowing looking complexion, the special teardrop-shape helps reach every facial curve and nook, while an attached suction cup makes for easy shower storage. How do I use it: Rinse under warm water before each use. Massage in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water after each use. Replace every one to two months.

LOVE YOUR BARE FACE HYDRATING CLEANSING OIL

This lightweight cleanser from Julep gently and thoroughly dissolves makeup and dirt without over-drying skin, then rinses clean. This formula treats your complexion to ingredients such as grapeseed oil; olive oil; and power cell complex, a blend of ultra-hydrating ingredients that includes rosehip seed oil, malvaceae lipid extract, and green coffee bean oil. How do I use it: Pump into dry hands and massage over dry face. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

LOVE YOUR BARE FACE DETOXIFYING CLEANSING BALM STICK

An innovative stick cleanser with a blend of natural oils and fruit enzymes that removes dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating for a deep-down clean. You can finally nourish and deep cleanse your skin at the same time. Treat yourself to a luxurious blend of natural oils that dive deep to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities while delivering essential nutrients to soothe, repair, and moisturize the skin. Natural pomegranate fruit enzymes work to gently exfoliate and dissolve surface debris that can cause dullness and uneven skin texture, leaving you with a noticeably softer, more radiant complexion. Key Ingredients: Rice bran oil dives deep to purge impurities grapefruit peel oil cleanses and evens skin tone camellia japonica seed oil hydrates and clarifies skin.

So what is the verdict on Julep's Passport To K-Beauty vault? A big two thumbs up! It is available for $249 on julep.com, ulta.com and nordstrom.com. At first glance the price may not be 'right' BUT... the individual products add up to $326. With the vault, you're saving $77. You're basically getting two or three products for free, which is a plus when K-beauty routines typically account for 10 to 11 steps. Plus many of the products are travel-friendly, and I'm always down for K-Beauty while traveling! What do you guys think of this pretty pink beauty box?! Would you rather buy the products separately or in a bundled collection as such? Drop your comments down below!