December Beauty Favorites

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 skincare products

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,

 
 

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March Beauty Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone! Better late than never, (well, almost...) my March beauty favorites are now live on the blog! I normally will roundup between 8-10 different products of all different beauty regiments, whether skincare, makeup, haircare and more, I like to mix it up to show you what's new, what have been my favorites (old school too) and products that are appropriate according to the season. (that I'm currently in.) But in this month's picks, I've selected several products from the same brand! Some are collections, like the new Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipglosses, which are totally outrageous, and others are suitable together, like the first one which is the latest skincare I've been using. Continue reading to learn more and to also get the direct links to shop these items for yourself! Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Easter! (for those who celebrate, x.)

I was first introduced to Retrouvé while working backstage in NYFW, and since using their skincare products, my skin has never looked or felt better! ✨ I’ve been using the Luminous Cleansing Elixir, the Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream, and the Revitalizing Eye Concentrate 🖤 (all so fantastic & did I mention it’s unisex?!) and Retrouvé integrates a high concentration of deeply nourishing actives (squalane and vitamin E & C), preventative antioxidants (white tea, pomegranate) and powerful restoratives (apple stem cells), all of which work together to bring out a supple, radiant complexion. 🙌🏻 The luxury skin care line is a bit pricey but so worth it! Here's a breakdown of these 3 products:

Luminous Cleansing Elixir

An elegant, water-free cleansing balm rich in beneficial oils that is ideal to massage onto the skin for an ultimate cleansing experience to moisturize the skin while gently removing dirt, debris, and residue from its surface.

Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream

A rich, soothing cream that elegantly delivers powerful antioxidants and nourishing ingredients to the skin, thus imparting softness and hydration. Utilizing a unique natural sugar-based technology, this classic creamy moisturizer helps transport actives deep into the dermis while reducing irritation and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Revitalizing Eye Concentrate

A revitalizing eye treatment that enriches and plumps the delicate skin around the eyes. Designed to hydrate the skin in the same way it would naturally, this rich, water-free concentrate gently moisturizes the sensitive skin surrounding the eye areas via a powerful fusion of Squalane and pharmaceutical-grade Cholesterol Esters.

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Essie nail polish

Treat yourself this season with the ultimate spring trend shades: the limited edition Essie 2018 spring collection. Anchor Down, a denim blue washed with pewter gray undertones; Bon Boy-age, a nautical mint green; Perfect Mate, a pristine pop of coral pink; At the Helm, a fire orange tinged with tomato red; Stripes & Sails, an emerald/teal calmness; and Pass-port to Sail, my favorite whitish/gray toned go-to nail polish. I've been wearing this one for weeks! I think these colors would also be great combinations for more detailed nail art. Which colors would you put together? 

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In ancient Greece, one myth stood out as the most passionate and sensual: the love between Psyche and Eros, the beauty's quest to meet with her lover and the happy outcome of their union which led to the birth of their daughter, Hedone. Only one scent can convey this legend as a fragrance, that of musks. Equally legendary, they have the unique ability to enhance the skin with their arousing carnal accents. They are at the very heart of Fleur de Peau, as cottony and light as they are soft and moist. Highlighted with the elegantly powdery iris and fruity, ambery ambrette seeds, they reveal their full tactile dimension.

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Pixi Beauty makeup

PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit

PIXI's Dimensional Eye Creator Kit has been curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Weylie Hoang. Combining an eyeshadow palette with double-ended eyeliner, the kit is a must-have essential for everyday eyes. The eyeshadow palette combines six neutral shades in matte and shimmer finishes to effortlessly define and add dimension to the lids. Highly pigmented and easy to blend. The dual-ended eyeliner features a liquid liner to one end and kohl liner to the other; perfect for creating sleek cat eyes or sultry, smokey and dramatic effects.

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance'

PIXI's Palette Chloette in 'Romantic Radiance' is a must-have face palette that combines a selection of blush and eye shades to add emphasis and luminosity to complexion and lids. Curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello, the silky pressed powders deliver highly pigmented color that adds subtle or striking definition to the eyes and facial contours. Inspired by love and romance, the emollient colors are perfect for highlighting your best features; they are easy to apply and lay down natural-looking color that can be built upon. The palette also includes a trio of matte eye contour and liner shades that double as brow powders. Expect a glowing, radiant complexion.

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette

The PIXI Café Con Dulce Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining a selection of powder-to-cream blushers, highlighters, and eyeshadows, the shimmering shades can be used on the lids and cheeks to add multi-dimensional radiance. Easy to apply, the complementary face palette will brighten and highlight the complexion. The blush shades have a duo-chromatic effect to add color and luminosity to cheeks. Use the eyeshadows to illuminate and widen the appearance of eyes.

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette

The PIXI Dulce's Lip Candy Palette has been created in collaboration with beauty influencer, Dulce Candy. Combining nine universally flattering lip colors, each creamy hue delivers rich, velvety color that applies easily and adheres smoothly to make lips pop. Infused with minerals and antioxidants, the lip colors ensure the pout is left feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable. Wear individually or combine colors to create your perfect, personalized hue. The versatile palette can also be used to add color to cheeks.

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake'

PIXI's Lip Icing in 'Cake' is a luminous lip gloss that has been carefully curated in collaboration with beauty influencer, Chloe Morello. With a shimmering, sparkling finish, the liquid lip color can be applied to bare lips or layered over other lip colors to create a 3D effect. Smooth to apply and comfortable to wear, the long-wearing lip gloss is infused with a cocktail of Rosehip Seed and Marula Oil to smoothen and nourish. Lips appear fuller and silky with a dazzling shine.

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Urban Decay's Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss is ultra-shiny, glides on cushiony-soft and provides long-lasting wear that's comfortable, not tacky. Laced with vitamin E and peppermint oil, UD's hydrating formula leaves lips feeling nourished, has an immediate plumping effect and comes in a yummy vanilla-mint flavor. And wait until you see the lineup; whatever gloss frequency you're on, Hi-Fi has got you covered. Tune in to everything from blaring brights to soft neutrals in four different effects - metallic, holographic, cream and sheer cream. Finally, a gloss that is sexy and comfy at the same time! Hi-Fi Shine Lip Gloss delivers ultra-shiny color that won't feather or bleed and instantly makes lips look plumper. UD's shade range is stacked with sheer, sparkly and pigment-rich options to amp up your look. UD's wide range of chart-topping shades includes everything from soft to loud. As expansive as this lineup is, the shades look great on every skin tone. Try the holographic shades (like SPL and Snapped), the must-have neutral Naked, or Obsessed, the perfect universal light pink. The sleek, modern component is clear, so you can easily pick your shade out of a handbag. The iridescent, metallized frame makes the gloss look like it's floating inside. Added bonus: Because the tube is flat, it fits perfectly in your pocket. The flexible, flocked-silicone paddle applicator is the newest technology and allows you to swipe on a generous, even layer of gloss. No need to double dip (but please do if you want!).

SHOP THE URBAN DECAY HI-FI SHINE ULTRA CUSHION LIPGLOSS COLLECTION

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bareMinerals BAREPRO(R) 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer Medium-Warm 07

A full-coverage, crease-proof, and waterproof concealer that provides skin-improving long-wear. This ultra-creamy stick glides on with zero drag to deliver up to 16 hours of full coverage for dark circles and blemishes. The crease-proof, waterproof, and humidity-resistant formula conceals, corrects, and contours with ease. It's formulated with bamboo stem extract to smooth the look of pores and fine lines. Powerful, antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and sea lavender nourish, hydrate, and help defend skin against the damaging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution. This highly-pigmented formula is powered by Mineral Lock™ Long Wear Technology to lock into place all day. Available in 15 shades, from fair to deep, this concealer was developed to precisely match with BAREPRO Liquid and Powder Foundations. For my skin tone, I use the medium-warm 07 shade. 

bareMinerals Blooming Blush Brush 

A brush designed with natural fibers for seamless application and blending of blushes, bronzers, and face makeup. This innovative brush features densely-packed fibers that let you effortlessly achieve optimal color payoff. Its 360-design has an angled shape that lets you chisel the cheekbones, the domed tip diffuses and softens edges, and the flared sides sweep over a wider surface area laying down color that appears to be glowing from within. This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.

bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush 'But First Coffee'

Create a natural flush of radiance and color with the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, a long-wearing cheek color with naturally derived pigments. Weightless and comfortable, the bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush has a mineral makeup formula that instantly warms and brightens the complexion. Infused with a blurring mineral complex, the kind-to-skin blush creates a soft-focus effect for skin that is smooth and perfected. With every complexion in mind, bareMineral's Gen Nude Powder Blush range offers an array of hues in mauves, pinks, peaches and beiges to match all skin tones. Apply after foundation to the apples of the cheeks.

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LOVE & XX'S, 

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Dollup Beauty Makeup Case

WHAT'S INSIDE: DOLLUP BEAUTY SUGARCUBE WHITE MAKEUP CASE | 
LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER | DOLLIPS LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS | 
DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER | LANCÔME EYE MAKEUP REMOVER | 
LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM | LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID-PENCILS | 
LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA | LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER 

Recently I received a wonderful makeup organizer case from Dollup Beauty. The Dollup Case by makeup artist Nikki Hynek is the perfect way to store your entire beauty look in one place while keeping you and your makeup stylishly organized at home or on-the-road. The hard case design protects and secures your daily essentials – and also comes in several colors other than white. The portable makeup case has a convenient hinge feature allowing the case to open flat for easy access to all your makeup. A customizable naked magnetic palette, elastic holding bands and an interior drop-down vanity mirror completes this amazing case fit for any woman. Dollup Beauty was also generous to gift several of their beauty products along with their makeup case.

1. LUMIE HIGHLIGHTER SHIMMER

The Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer is the best way to achieve that perfect 'glow from within' makeup look that will have everyone asking why your skin looks so amazing! They've crafted their Lumie Highlighter Powder Shimmer out of all natural premium pressed mica minerals, that are so finely milled, they blur out flaws and refract light away from imperfections.  What you're left with, after dusting your skin, is a totally brightened & beaming complexion wherever you apply. There are two colors, one more gold based and another rose, but I received the gold one called Lavish: It's a buttery colored luminous shimmer powder with pearled finish. And my new favorite strobing highlighter! TOTALLY obsessed. :)

2. DOLLIPS™ LIQUID MATTE LIP SPREADS

I received 'Peace' and 'Laughter'. 'Peace' has a more nude tone where 'Laughter' is a full vibrant red. I've tried both and am so in love with them! Aside from its buttery, smooth spread across your lips, the liquid spreads dry to a matte finish for a smudge-proof ten hour wear! Score! And what's even better is these lipsticks are enriched with antioxidants, Vitamin E & Avocado oil; all to keep your lips hydrated!  

3. DOLL-EYES ON YOU LIQUID EYELINER 

You can achieve the perfect 'Doll Eye' look with this line-perfecting brush tip. It offers effortless precision with every winged line, thin or thick. The perfectly tapered brush tip delivers an ultra deep black or deep brown pigment in one seamless swipe. The quick drying formula offers a smudge free application that lasts all day long – even on the oiliest of eye lids! This is something I've been wanting to find for a while and am so happy to have discovered Dollup Beauty and their crazy good products like this fabulous liner!

4. LANCÔME BI-FACIL EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

I received several Lancôme products from Influenster, a great platform where bloggers can test and review products of all kinds, especially beauty products. This travel sized eye makeup remover is an award-winning phenomenon that magically whisks away the most stubborn eye makeup, even waterproof. Simply shake this bad boy to activate the bi-phase formula that leaves the eye area sparkly clean. The lipid phase lifts off eye makeup, while the water phase contains special emollients to refresh and condition skin without a greasy residue.

5. LANCÔME NEW VISIONNAIRE EYE CREAM

Whether you had no sleep or stayed out late (yes, I sometimes still do!), erase the night away with an instant fix for under eye puffiness, crow's feet, and the look of fatigue. This Visionnaire Eye Cream has the power to change the way your eyes look with instant photo-ready correction. I use it as a primer before applying concealer, thanks to its blurring properties your skin will look fresh and rested. And I love the very light but rich cream, it even smells amazing. As does all Lancôme products! :)

6. LANCÔME DRAMA LIQUID PENCILS

Create a sensual, intense eye look with ease. This smudgy, creamy-smooth eye pencil delivers a dose of decadent color that glides on effortlessly and blends beautifully. In an instant, eyes are perfectly lined, defined and contoured for a smoldering effect that's absolutely irresistible. I received two pencils, one in black and the other in purple, and have been applying the black eyeliner on the top lids and the purple for the bottom. It brings a pop to the eye, and any cooler color, such as purple, blue, even a dark green helps brighten brown eyes naturally. 

7. LANCÔME DEFINICILS MASCARA

This has been one of my most favorite mascara's of all time. Lancôme carries some of the best beauty products in the world – this mascara has been the number 1 mascara for over 16 years! For lavishly long, perfectly defined lashes, this iconic award-winning mascara provides the ultimate in separation. Carefully selected polymers coat each lash from root to tip, to help lengthen and outline each lash for unmatched definition. This best-selling mascara's unique brush applicator has specially grooved bristles that hold the perfect amount of product for gradual, even application every time. Simply the best!

8. LANCÔME 2 IN 1 SHARPENER

Straight to the point, this durable, quality-crafted design is the quickest and easiest way to sharpen Lancôme makeup pencils. I've been using it on my new pencils and not once have they been overly done or under done. Excellence at its finest. 


To see more from each beauty brand, go to Dollup Beauty and Lancôme's website to see more of their products including the ones shared in today's post. Stay tuned for an upcoming outfit post – the theme is around emo/grunge/darker vibes. I can't wait to share it with you! Hopefully I'll have it up by this weekend. Working hard to crank out content for you guys! What would you like to see more of? Beauty? Fashion? Food & Cooking? Travel? I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments! Reading your posts always make me happy and inspired. See everyone soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

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