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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November Beauty Favorites

December 1, 2018

My monthly roundup of beauty favorites is now live on the blog! We have an assortment of skincare and makeup products, old and new, that I’m so excited to share with you guys! I love each and every one of these items as if they were my firstborn child (okay… pushing it there a bit LOL) but really, they’re just that good. I’ve discovered a K-beauty brand that has my all-time favorite cleansing balm that smells out of this world and is affordable; a super luxe creme that will probably have your eyes rolling (and not in a good way) but is sooooo completely worth its price; multi-faceted palette that makes for a blush, lip/eye tint; a men’s soap that I’ve been obsessed with its scent since I was a little girl, and the only perfume I’ve been wearing these days is done by the Italians… it’s all going down here on M +S! Continue reading to learn more!

LANCÔME ABSOLUE WHITE AURA

Looking for that extra luxurious skincare item for this time of the year? The Absolue Luminous Rejuvenation: an ideal look of rejuvenated skin, incredibly luminous. Lancôme has created Absolue White Aura Cream, specifically developed to reveal skin's brightness. White rose extract for the first time is paired with Pro-Xylane™ in a subtle, pearly texture, elegantly rich, yet fresh. Exceptional results; skin seems hydrated, rejuvenated as though illuminated. Skin seems to glow with an aura of light.

BVLGARI LE GEMME REALI VERIDIA EAU DE PARFUM

I literally can’t get enough of this fragrance. Essence of galbanum, incense tears, bourbon vanilla, Veridia is a mysterious elixir, a concentrate of opulence with a deeply contrasting and charismatic Oriental woody green silage. There are other scents from the collection, but this one, by far, is my favorite. Everything about this bottle screams decadence, and Bvlgari is just that. If you’re looking to get something extra special for your day but not going too far over your budget, this perfume will make her VERY VERY happy. And you too, I know for sure! :)

Sulwhasoo

Perfecting Cushion Intense SPF 50 in no. 13

SULWHASOO PERFECTING CUSHION INTENSE SPF 50 NO. 13

What it is: A moisturizing and nourishing anti-aging cushion foundation that spreads seamlessly onto the skin, creating a smooth finish that delicately reflects light for remarkable, youthful luminosity.

Who it's for: Anyone with any skin type who wants buildable coverage and a luminous finish.

What it does: It's formulated with precious red pine extracts, which deliver unrivaled radiance and resilience to the skin while boosting skin's look of firmness and density and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich plum blossoms deliver clarity to the skin, while Sulwhasoo's unique Radiance Pearl Powder Complex provides remarkable radiance. The result is a silky, seamless yet perfected complexion with a healthy, natural-looking glow.

How to use: After dispensing an appropriate amount onto the cushion puff, gently spread the product across the face. Start from the center of the face and work your way outward. Apply more on areas where more coverage is needed, for a flawless finish.

Screen Shot 2018-12-01 at 7.21.12 PM.png — Farmacy Beauty

Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

FARMACY BEAUTY GREEN CLEAN MAKEUP MELTAWAY CLEANSING BALM

A nourishing cleansing balm that gently melts away makeup and impurities caused by pollution, leaving the skin hydrated and silky smooth. Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm instantly melts into the skin, dissolving away makeup and pollution residue so even the boldest eye makeup and sunscreen applications are easily removed. It refines the skin’s surface for a younger looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types, Green Clean can be used even on dry and delicate complexions. The balm features sunflower oil and ginger root oil to gently cleanse and nourish the skin for a glowing complexion. Extract of the Moringa tree, a native tree to India and Africa, helps to purify and refresh skin by removing impurities caused by pollution. Papaya extract acts as a natural exfoliator to help renew the look of the skin’s surface. An aromatic blend of lime, bergamot and orange essential oils revitalizes the look of skin. It features the unique patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea, GreenEnvy™, which contains a high concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent natural antioxidant that promotes an evenly toned complexion. All in all? Hands down the BEST cleaning balm.

img (1).jpeg — Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask

LANEIGE WATER SLEEPING MASK

Recharge dehydrated skin overnight. This innovative mask is formulated with highly concentrated Hydro Ionized Mineral Water to deliver intense doses of moisture to stressed, parched skin.

Calming Sleepscent™, infused with orange flower, rose, and sandalwood, relaxes and comforts while apricot and evening primrose extracts brighten and purify fatigued skin.
The result: skin looks and feels radiant, refreshed, and soft. Wake up to soft, glowing skin.

Sleep-Tox™
A purification technology to help calm skin from damage and external stressors that skin suffers during the day. Antioxidant-rich Hunza Apricot and Evening Primrose work throughout the night to purify fatigued skin.

Hydro Ionized Mineral Water
Formulated with 6 moisture-maximizing minerals—zinc, manganese, magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium—that are ionized and stabilized in water to penetrate quicker and deeper into skin. It provides Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), similar to skin's own moisturizing agents, to circulate and retain long-lasting moisture.

Moisture Wrap™
An exclusive technology that features a mineral network of moisture-rich beta-glucan to form an 8-hour time-release moisturizing layer over skin. It locks in active ingredients and mineral water.

Directions
Apply evenly across face. Leave treatment overnight and rinse off in the morning. *Use once or twice a week.

ERNO LASZLO PORE REFINING DETOX DOUBLE CLEANSER

Treat your complexion to Erno Laszlo Pore Refining Detox Double Cleanse; a clarifying formula that delivers deep daily cleansing for clear, healthy-looking skin. Fortified with encapsulated Black Charcoal and a Fruit Enzyme Complex, the resurfacing cleanser reaches into pores to effectively draw out dirt, impurities and pollutants, without over-drying or uncomfortable tightness. A Kale Protein blend of mega-nutrients helps to restore a youthful appearance, whilst nourishing and smoothing for improved skin texture and tone. An easy, convenient alternative to two-step cleansing and exfoliating. Expect a detoxified, purified complexion with renewed radiance.

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD CLEARING TREATMENT MASK

The SUPERMUD® Clearing Treatment was developed to address common skin concerns, which include blemishes, redness, scars, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. The potent mud formula supports skin's natural oil balance, while a proprietary blend of six acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid) works to help minimize pores and create clearer skin. Activated-X charcoal lifts away dirt and other skin congestions, resulting in a refined, healthy-looking complexion. I love using this mask even as a spot-on fixer-upper, you know… that one zit just just won’t go away without a vengeance! This is the only mask that helps calm it down fast!

REDKEN MEN’S CLEANSE BALANCED BAR SOAP

Now I know this bar is supposedly for men. But this soap bar is just magic and the smell is super intoxicating. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl and have been using it ever since. I have the hardest time finding them as they only exist in a certain amount of stores. But I love it especially in the winter. With Vitamin E and peppermint, the smell is my favorite part of this bar, even though it does a body good. Cleanliness-wise!

LANCÔME LE MONOCHROMATIQUE BEAUTY

WHAT IT IS:
A unique cream-to-powder tint that can be applied all over the face--eyes, cheeks and lips. This cushiony, soft texture glides seamlessly onto skin providing a subtle flush of color or a buildable rush of color.

WHAT IT DOES:
This oil-free flush of color was curated for the woman who wants an effortless makeup application and look! Available in 10 buildable shades--play in the monochromatic trend or spice it up and mix & match your favorite shades! Just a quick swipe on the eyes, touch on the cheeks and kiss on the lips, and you're ready to go!

LANCÔME X PROENZA SCHOULER LIMITED EDITION EYESHADOW PALETTE

A limited-edition eyeshadow palette featuring intensely pigmented, wearable hues straight from the Proenza Schouler runways. These hues will have you turning heads. Each palette features 10 shades in three lust-worthy textures: creamy matte, sparkling pearl and glitter.

LANCÔME X PROENZE SCHOULER LIPS KAJAL PENCIL ORANGE ARTY 08

The newest innovation in lips, these dual-ended Proenza Schouler lip kajals, provide the creaminess and precision of a lipstick on one side and the comfort and shine of a gloss on the other side. For ultimate versatility, use each side interchangeably or layer the gloss atop the lip crayon for the perfectly irresistible pout! Favorite shade: Orange Arty 08.

MDNA SKIN BEAUTY ROLLER

Created based on advanced medical technology used by Madonna’s renowned personal dermatologist, MDNA SKIN's The Beauty Roller harnesses the benefits of ultra-infrared energy powered by pure, high-density carbon to provide the appearance of lifted, luminous skin and toned contours. Designed to perfectly hug every curve of the face and body, this battery-free device helps visibly energize, lift, firm, and retexturize the complexion and enhance the absorption of serums and creams. Oversized dual-sculpting carbon spheres: promote lymphatic drainage, optimal product penetration, and tension relief. Ultra-infrared energy: permeates the skin’s surface to help visibly energize, lift, firm, boost hydration, and retexturize fine lines and wrinkles.