Dear Dahlia Favorites

October 29, 2020

DEAR DAHLIA FAVORITES: LIP PARADISE INTENSE SATIN LIPSTICKS | MESMERIZING MOMENT COLLECTION PALETTE ANGELIC NUDE | PARADISE MOISTURE VEIL LIP GLAZE | ETERNAL SHINE ILLUMINATING PALETTE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DEAR DAHLIA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN

Though makeup has the power to change how a person looks to the point of being unrecognizable, I’m a firm believer in makeup enhancing your natural features instead of hiding them. In today’s post, I’m sharing a newly discovered Korean makeup brand that I’m completely in love with! All of their high-performance products are infused with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract, which is perfect for the name of the brand – Dear Dahlia. This extract has been proven antioxidant properties, help protect the skin from damage and provide anti-aging benefits for healthier looking skin. Their packaging has a modern classic design aesthetic, that has a unique charm with sophistication and elegance, the quality of the products are what stand out. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

Lip Paradise Sheer Dew Tinted Lipstick Blooming Edition

LIP PARADISE INTENSE SATIN LIPSTICKS

Lip Paradise Intense Satin lipsticks combines plant based natural ingredients with skin conditioning properties of Dahlia Variabilis Flower extract to naturally nourish lips. Rich and creamy high-pigmented formula gently and continuously wrap your lips without dryness or flakiness. Very moisturizing.

Mesmerizing Moment Collection Dear Dahlia

MESMERIZING MOMENT COLLECTION PALETTE ANGELIC NUDE

DEARDAHLIA Mesmerizing Moment Collection Palette Angelic Nude is an exquisite assortment of complexion complementary eyeshadows. Capturing the grace in timeless beauty, This palette features 8 quintessential shades including velvety mattes, silky shimmers, and high sparkle glitters. The buttery smooth texture adorns the eyes while building and blending seamlessly to offer a rich range of wearable combinations. Infused with Dahlia Variabilis Flower Extract with proven skin conditioning properties to help protect the skin and provide long lasting benefits for healthy looking skin.

PARADISE MOISTURE VEIL LIP GLAZE

This air light formula will delightfully hug your lips and protect them from wear and tear, so that a nice color stays on throughout the day. Kind of tinted lip gloss, but without the stickiness. The glaze finish will have your lips look fuller and voluptuous at any angle. And thanks to the anti-oxidizing effects of the patented Dahlia flower extracts that really make the products. Highly recommended these lip glazes for everyday lippies.

ETERNAL SHINE ILLUMINATING PALETTE

The Eternal Shine Illuminating Palette features highlighters with 4 essential luminous finishes, ranging from a natural, healthy glow to intense radiance. The ultra-fine textures concentrated with multi-dimensional shimmery pigments can be worn alone or blended together to create customized looks. A really beautiful, quality palette.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

9 Favorite Hourglass Cosmetics Products

May 30, 2020

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY HOURGLASS COSMETICS BY ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hourglass Cosmetics, a cruelty free beauty brand, is known for its innovation and commitment to reinventing luxury cosmetics. Complexion, color and skincare are crafted to be undetectably transformative while effortless to apply. Paradigm products feature cutting-edge formulas with active ingredients and covetable packaging that elevate expectations of how a product should look, feel, and perform. Which is why I’ve rounded up 9 of my favorite products from this luxury makeup brand to help you get started. Continue reading to learn more along with direct links to shop each product!

VEIL™ EYE PRIMER

This long-wearing, lightweight formula creates an even canvas for eyeshadow and improves its performance, making its color more vibrant while reducing fading and creasing. Nourishing delicate skin with vitamins E and C, this eye primer also keeps skin moisturized and reduces the look of age spots and sun damage.

VEIL™ MINERAL PRIMER

This cream is formulated with microspheric powders that fill and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimize the look of pores, conceal redness, and create a smooth, even canvas for makeup. It is my most favorite primer of all time!

VEIL™ TRANSLUCENT SETTING POWDER

This finely milled, weightless setting powder is formulated with soft-focus light-reflecting particles to instantly blur imperfections and minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles for effortlessly smooth skin. I have oily combo skin and I find this powder does not magnify my skin, which I prefer! Definitely leaves a natural glow.

ARCH BROW SHAPING GEL

Paired with a custom dual-sided brush that coats brow hairs from root to tip, this soft-hold formula provides lasting, flake-proof wear in just one sweep. This clear, weightless brow gel dries invisible while softly holding brow hairs in place.

ARCH BROW SCULPTING PENCIL

This buildable formula combines powder, pencil, and wax to create the look of naturally fuller brows. The double-ended component also comes with a brush to blend and groom brows into place. I’ve tried many eyebrow pencils and this one is so smooth and perfectly matched to my eyebrow shade in dark brunette.

N° 28 LIP TREATMENT OIL

This is an advanced lip treatment. The formula combines essential oils, vitamins, and three powerful active ingredients in a supremely luxurious oil blend. The sleek applicator features an opulent 24-k gold-plated tip. This lip oil in Hourglass’s bestselling, brick red, exclusive shade, has some great ingredients such as Saliporine-8, known for elevating moisture levels in the skin, Volulip™, known for improving the appearance of lip texture, shape, and softness, and Viamerine, known for hydrating and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

CONFESSION™ ULTRA SLIM HIGH INTENSITY LIPSTICK IN ‘AT NIGHT’

Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick delivers creamy, saturated, long-wearing color with a satin finish without smudging or feathering. Each lipstick is encapsulated in a sleek gold applicator to provide the ultimate control to precisely accentuate, contour, and define the lips. Featuring the ultimate luxury lip accessory, the gold applicator can be used interchangeably with the full collection of Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick Refills (sold separately). My favorite shade is ‘At Night’ which is the most used brick red color I’ve been using lately.

AMBIENT LIGHTING POWDER IN ‘RADIANT LIGHT’

Create the perfect illumination for your face with Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder. Infused with the innovative Photoluminescent Technology, each finishing powder captures, diffuses, and softens the look of the skin. The micron-size, color-correcting particles refract light and create transparent coverage, filtering out harsh light and refining the appearance of the skin. My favorite lighting powder is the shade, ‘Radiant Light’, a sun-kissed golden beige that enhances the overall complexion with believable, subtle warmth, and also extends a summer glow.

VEIL™ SETTING SPRAY

This weightless setting spray sets makeup while blurring the look of imperfections. Undetectable on the skin, the ultra-fine and hydrating mist creates a visibly smooth, even, and naturally radiant appearance. Its water-resistant properties enhance foundation for maximum staying power, setting it in place for up to 24 hours.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

7 Favorite Laura Mercier Beauty Products

October 28, 2019

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LAURA MERCIER BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

When it comes to beauty looks, my favorite makeup is the ‘no makeup’ makeup kind of look. It is that flawless and effortless one, with no drama to be anywhere nearby. One brand that has definitely been a pioneer of that certain ‘face’ and inspires women to embrace their individual beauty is Laura Mercier. Laura Mercier has created some of the beauty industry’s most iconic products, such as the Allure “Best of Beauty” Translucent Loose Setting Powder, the first Foundation Primer, her beloved Caviar Stick Eye Colour, and so much more. In today’s beauty post, I’m sharing 7 of my favorite products from Laura Mercier. Continue reading to learn more along with direct links to shop for each product!

FACE ILLUMINATOR POWDER IN ‘INDISCRETION’

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder highlights the skin with pure light-reflecting pigments for a color-true, multidimensional, and luminous finish that complements all skin tones. Its non-dusting texture allows for excellent color payoff and applies smoothly and evenly onto the skin without dragging. Designed to complement all skin tones, the unique formula brings natural-looking radiance to the complexion for an instant glow that lasts up to eight hours. I’ve tried many highlighters and this one is still the best in the market. My favorite shade is ‘Indiscretion’ which is a great goldish pearly tone for medium skin tones.

MATTE BRONZING POWDER IN ‘SOLEIL 1’

Matte bronzing powder delivers a natural-looking warmth to the skin. Silky, micro-fine powder feels weightless on skin, goes on smoothly and blends seamlessly to provide the ultimate sun-kissed glow. I enjoy using this product as a subtle contour when I want that to be as seamless as possible. It’s a great bronzing powder in general, and I really love how it looks on the skin.

TRANSLUCENT LOOSE SETTING POWDER

Cult-favorite and winner of multiple major awards, Laura Mercier's "best in beauty," #1 setting powder* is your go-to powder. I love the super smooth application, which goes on evenly, blends effortlessly and provides great wear. Sets makeup for 12 hours without adding weight or texture. Literally the best setting powder I have ever used to date.

MATTE RADIANCE BAKED POWDER IN ‘HIGHLIGHT 01’

The ultra-lightweight formula feels comfortable and weightless on the skin, applies smoothly and blends effortlessly. Features a smooth, silky, velvety texture and long-wearing formula that lasts up to eight hours and stays color-true without oxidizing for an even wear. Use for refined highlighting or soft strobing. This multidimensional highlight shade works on all skin tones. A very elegant looking highlighter.

VELOUR EXTREME MATTE LIPSTICK IN ‘VIBE’

Modern matte lipstick so seductive in color, touch, and texture, the sensation is irresistible. Mattifying powders and silky conditioners envelop your lips in the softness and comfort of velour, sans drying and cracking. The collection of 24 vivid, full-coverage shades provide intense color with a dramatic, matte finish. The slim precision bullet allows the formula to grab and glide over lips, defining and filling in one seamless stroke, while the built-in shaper customizes the tip for precision lining and detailed filling. It is ideal for creating edgy effects and everyday extremes, with no liner needed. One of my favorite shades is a medium pink-beige called, ‘Vibe’. Perfect nude color for everyday wear.

CAVIAR STICK EYE COLOR IN ‘GILDED GOLD’

This extremely versatile cream eyeshadow stick delivers effortless application, intense, buildable color and up to 12-hour wear. Pigment-rich shades in creamy shimmer and matte finish glides seamlessly onto the lids, staying crease and transfer-resistant. The luxe formulation gives you plenty of time to smudge, blend, line, fill or define, so you can effortlessly create any look. Don’t be afraid to be playful! Caviar Stick Eye Color layers easily over or under other eyeshadows, including powder. A favorite shade I like to use all the time is called ‘Mystic Gold’.

FOUNDATION PRIMER HYDRATING

Moisture-rich face primer nourishes, soothes and conditions skin as it creates a smooth surface for flawless makeup application. The formula provides a soft-focus effect to help minimize the look of pores, fine lines and imperfections. Laura created this expert hydrating primer specifically for dry, dehydrated skin. Lightweight, creamy formula creates a protective moisture buffer, with an enhanced antioxidant vitamin "cocktail" that helps protect skin against harmful, aging effects of the environment.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

May Beauty Favorites

June 4, 2019

When summer hits my makeup definitely becomes more minimal than any other season throughout the year. I usually only wear lipstick and mascara with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Just enough coverage, but still light enough for my skin to breathe. In today’s post, I’m sharing my monthly beauty favorites for the month of May, which include my in-between skincare regimens for the summer which does include some K-Beauty as well as other classic brands. I also have a favorite new prebiotic mask that’s great for anyone that’s a city dweller. And it’s fun because it changes color after applying. Continue reading to see more of my latest faves, such as a red orange lipstick and texture hair spray for beachy waves.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED CLINICAL DAILY BOOSTERS

Turn your moisturizer into a de-aging powerhouse. Clinique 's breakthrough day and night Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% and A(Retinol) are freshly activated to deliver prescription-level results against visible wrinkles. Simply mix a few pumps with your favorite Clinique moisturizer—Vitamin C in the morning, and Vitamin A at night. Enjoy a potent de-aging boost without changing the moisturizer you love. Everyday, Vitamin C 10% works on skin's surface to instantly brighten. See remarkably even-toned and retexturized skin with continued use. Everynight, Vitamin A (Retinol) penetrates deeply into skin's surface. Overtime, skin appears revitalized, lines and wrinkles 're-filled,' youthful tone recaptured.

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK COUTURE EDITION IN NO. 304 MANDARINE BOLERO

Le Rouge defines lips with its intense, pigment-rich color. Its feather-light, non-sticky, velvety texture glides across the lips to deliver a semi-matte finish and long-lasting wear. The case features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition case on all your Givenchy Le Rouge lipsticks. The shade is a muted red orange, the perfect vibrant bold lip for summer.

GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE COUTURE EDITION

Unify, set, and perfect with Givenchy’s Prisme Libre. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished, skin looks more even, and makeup is set with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The cap features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition cap on all your Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powders.

LUNE + ASTER REALGLOW SKIN TINT IN MEDIUM BEIGE

This light-diffusing Skin Tint covers and perfects with ultra-lightweight, customizable sheer to medium coverage for a naturally radiant look. Your skin, only better! After trying this product, I have given up on foundation as well as BB & CC creams. A tiny bit covers those imperfections and smooths my skin tone without looking like a heavy makeup! You can dab on extra to cover specific spots and it does not look cakey like other tinted moisturizers that I've tried before. It’s the perfect formula for flawless skin, while the ingredients help repair while you wear it:

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and replenish the skin’s moisture level.

Vegan collagen helps to improve hydration and smooth the skin.
Vitamin E helps to hydrate, repair and protect.
Licorice extract helps to support skin's elasticity, fight inflammation, soothe irritation and reduce redness. Consistent use over time has been known to fade dark spots.
Apple seed extract helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.

COSRX FIRST CLEANSING MILK GEL

COSRX's Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel gently removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, without leaving behind a greasy residue. Olive oil and witch hazel are added to this silky formula to alleviate visible pores, oiliness and redness. Maintains skin's pH level, tightens pores, and refreshes skin without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it every other day when I do not do a double-cleanse and it’s a great balancer in between.

COSRX CENTELLA CLEANSING POWDER

Mildly acidic cleansing powder is infused with enzymes to gently exfoliate, and centella extract to soothe sensitive skin. Promotes a healthy-looking complexion with youthful radiance. I use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week, especially if I have had several shoots and am using more makeup than usual. They’re also a great travel companion due to its size.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won't quit until you say when.)Like a second skin, Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening, volumizing mascara coats each lash with triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend - for bigger, blacker, badder lashes. It's sick how black it is...the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable. Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that's not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of ""pull"" so it glides through lashes. The result: Incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it's been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. It NEVER gets brittle or clumpy.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION WATERPROOF FINE-POINT EYE PEN

If you want to nail an eyeliner look that's perfectly exact, you'll enjoy total control with Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, a super-smooth, free-flowing pen that draws crazy-precise, waterproof blacker-than-black lines that last all day.The pen's unique cartridge system allows for a constant flow of ink. Plus, its ultra fine tip glides on smooth without skipping or pulling, providing a smooth, controlled application. Easily create everything from fine lines to bold, thick lines. The waterproof formula lays down long-lasting black lines with ink that dries quickly and won't smudge, run or feather.

PEACE OUT DARK SPOT BRIGHTENING DOTS

Using microneedling technology, these revolutionary treatment dots create micro-channels within the skin that help deliver results in half the time of most treatments. Niacinamide, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid work together to visibly lighten and brighten without causing irritation. All dark spots are different—this product best treats dark spots from post-acne inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Now that I’m older it takes longer for an acne spot to clear up, and these brightening dots are doing the magic trick!

PEACE OUT ACNE HEALING DOTS

Zap that zit! These patent-pending acne-healing dots are the only acne treatment to combine absorbent hydrocolloid technology with active blemish-fighting ingredients. Infused with salicylic acid to kick acne-causing bacteria to the curb, they also contain vitamin A to help support natural skin turnover and aloe vera to soothe redness. Hydrocolloid technology extracts impurities while creating a protective barrier that guards against external irritants. By protecting your blemishes from bacteria, inflammation, and picking, these dots also reduce the potential for acne scarring. Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples, your blemish is less red, less painful, and significantly less irritating in as little as six hours.

SGX NYC ‘THE DO-IT-ALL’ 3-IN-1 DRY TEXTURE SPRAY

Tired hair? Revive flat, 5pm hair with this multi-talented dry texture spray. Designed with dry shampoo to instantly add texture by refreshing and volumizing while hairspray provides brushable hold for that that perfectly undone tousled style. I love to use this dry texture spray all by itself on towel-dried/damp hair. During the summer, I’m not as into styling my hair with a blowdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc; that all do so much damage in the long run. So for those all-naturalé days, it’s my go to for wavy, beachy hair.

ALGENIST ALIVE PREBIOTIC BALANCING MASK

Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a transformative mask that re-balances, detoxifies and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated while enhancing clarity for an even, radiant look. Formulated with a probiotic, and prebiotic from algae, paired with our patented Alguronic Acid, to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for you ingredients that help balance skin's natural surface ecosystem. Skin is more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging. I use it every 2-3 days and it’s so fantastic! I love how it changes color, as if its really getting down to business and cleaning my face, ha ha!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Charlotte Tilbury Review - Waking Up Your Complexion

May 8, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHARLOTTE TILBURY BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Even though Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare and beauty brand has been around since 2013, it wasn’t until this year that I finally got the chance to review the very well known British (now global) brand. I first took notice of the products a couple of years ago while on my very first trip to London. I was impressed with the packaging and quality of each product, but just never got the opportunity to try any of the well-known makeup artist’s brand. Charlotte Tilbury is an award-winning MUA and a British Vogue Contributing Beauty Editor and has collaborated with such designers as Tom Ford and Burberry. A definite game-changer in the beauty industry. So without further ado, let’s get started on some of my favorites from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty!

LIP CHEAT LIP LINER IN PILLOW TALK

When it comes to lips, I always trust a good lip liner to start. That is, after exfoliating and hydrating them puckers. Lip Cheat Lip Liner smooths over lips to create a seamless line, resize, and reshape for a fuller pout. It lasts up to six hours thanks to a no-smudge, waterproof formula that won't feather or transfer. The texture is rich and velvety to layer comfortably on your lips. With a range of 15 shades that can be matched—nudes, reds, berries, and pop colors—to perfect any lip. Wear alone or with a gloss for a lighter finish. I love the ‘Pillow Talk’ shade: a pink nude, which is just perfect for anytime.

MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK IN PILLOW TALK

The lipstick features 3D glow pigments that help lips appear wider and fuller. The matte formula is enriched with Charlotte's secret ingredient and orchid extract to protect and soothe lips for a cashmere finish. The unique, square-angled tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for a precise application. This lipstick comes in a range of 12 shades, including the bestselling Pillow Talk, giving every woman the choice of a perfect nude or pop of color. I love the matte finish and its long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating combination. My new favorite nude lipstick, for sure!

FILMSTAR BRONZE & GLOW DUO PALETTE

Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is a firm believer that shading and highlighting can re-sculpt and re-define your face. This iconic bronzer and highlighter duo has the perfect blend of pearl and golden pigments to sculpt and highlight your features. These universal shades are created from a refined golden base that flatters all skin tones. The sculpt bronzer adds buildable definition along the lower cheek, jawline, and sides of the nose while highlight illuminates the top of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, eye orbital area, and cupid’s bow. Visibly slim, sculpt, shorten, trim, and highlight your features for fabulous, red carpet-ready facial framework—this highlight bronzer duo is perfect for buildable and subtle coverage. This all-in-one pressed powder, bronzer, and highlighter creates killer cheekbones and candlelit skin, with the best control in terms of buildable coverage with a price tag at $68.

INSTANT MAGIC FACIAL DRY SHEET MASK

This sheet mask has a clinically proven five-skin solution IQ that reduces wrinkles, smoothes, brightens, lifts and hydrates exactly where your skin uniquely needs it the most for dramatic facial results now and in the future. It features a bio-mimetic vector delivery system, which allows for a prolonged release of actives, and powers them into the epidermis. The dry textile mask is imprinted with active ingredients, unlike most traditional sheet masks that are water and glycerin. The burst effects of this mask last for up to eight hours, and its technology allows skin to get exactly what it needs with ingredients that fill the intercellular gaps to reconstruct skin. Vitamin B3 brightens tone and revives the skin's glow; a plant stem cell matrix lifts the skin and helps to decrease wrinkles; and crocus bulb extract redensifies the skin to support reconstruction and encourage collagen and elastin production. Peptides work together to reduce wrinkles, and magic oils and butters help strengthen the lipidic barrier for a natural, nourished glow. A revolutionary mask that will have all your magic skin wishes come true.

WONDERGLOW FACE PRIMER

Give your complexion an instant pick me up and create an effortlessly dewy look. Wonderglow is formulated with breakthrough light-reflecting microspheres, collagen-supporting peptides, and patented anti-wrinkle ingredients to turn the look of dull, dehydrated skin around in a flash. Its translucent formula blends seamlessly into any skin tone, while light diffusers blur away lines and add luminosity for a flawless, poreless, complexion. Use under foundation or on its own for a sheer coverage, luminous glow. I love to use it both ways, but it will definitely give you that dewy skin look. Like a sun-kissed shimmer of a glow.

MAGIC CREAM

It certainly is not called ‘Magic Cream’ for nothing. This moisturizer fights visible signs of aging on all fronts, supporting natural collagen production and cell energy while fighting free radicals to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It supports natural hydration and elasticity, smoothing the surface and promoting healthy skin renewal. The youth-boosting ingredients lift and transform tired-looking skin. Give that perfect kind of ‘bounce’ you want before applying makeup. It’s a cool $100 bucks but really worth the price for the quality of this moisturizer.

FULL FAT LASHES MASCARA

Featuring ingredients for the ultimate false lash effect, Full Fat Lashes will give you curl, separation, volume, length, and drama.. The five-grooved brush deposits the optimal line of mascara along the lash line, pushing your lashes up and out. It features fine-tipped bristles that catch every lash—no matter how short or fine—coating them from root to tip in the glossy black formula. The buildable formula creates voluptuous lashes that don’t dry up and fall onto your cheeks and a three-dimensional flutter that is ideal for finely separated, naturally-defined eyelashes.