July Beauty Favorites

July 9, 2020

BEAUTY FAVORITES: VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM | KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5 | GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK | AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM | DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB | PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Haven’t done a monthly beauty favorite roundup in a year! Decided to bring it back since a lot of you missed this section on the beauty side of my blog. I’ve been sharing collections of items from particular brands as well, which has also been well-received, so I’m going to continue doing both. Would love to hear which one you prefer, feedback is always welcome! In today’s post, I’m sharing the latest skincare and makeup products that I deem to be my favorites from this month. This includes a new foundation but in balm form, an amazing eye sleeping mask that’s really done wonders, and a scalp scrub that has saved me from dry, itchy days! This is definitely for those who love dairy but suffer the consequence from having too much of it in your diet (what can I say your girl loves butter, milk and then some!) Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

VERSED JUST BREATHE CLARIFYING SERUM

A serum designed to clear acne and manage excess pore-clogging sebum. The dynamic trio of willow bark extract, niacinamide, and a zinc blend work together to calm inflammation (the root of skin’s problems), decongest pores, and soothe redness. I always use this serum when I tend to be breaking out, it definitely helps clear any blemishes that want to appear.

KEVYN AUCOIN FOUNDATION BALM MEDIUM EF 5.5

A full-coverage foundation with an innovative silky balm texture, fortified with hyaluronic acid for a flawless finish in an extended shade range. The innovative Beauty Foundation Balm comes with a specially-designed brush for effortless application. This foundation matches the Etherealist Foundation shades, and includes four additional shades to find the perfect color. This formula also contains bonus antioxidants, such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, to protect the skin.

GLOW RECIPE AVOCADO MELT RETINOL EYE SLEEPING MASK

An eye sleeping mask formulated with avocado, encapsulated retinol, and coffeeberry to help brighten, depuff and treat the appearance of dark circles. Potent, encapsulated ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide time release throughout all hours of the night, while avocado hydrates and nourishes, and coffeeberry helps to brighten and depuff the delicate under-eye area. The result is brighter, smoother, more awake-looking eyes by morning. Definitely doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t expect to see real results until after using it a few weeks consistently. This product has been ophthalmologist tested and dermatologist tested.

AMOREPACIFIC MOISTURE PLUMPING NECTAR CREAM

A nourishing, silky, plumping moisturizer that delivers radiance and hydration for a dewy, well-moisturized complexion. The star of this technologically advanced formula is the rare bamboo nectar, which is naturally rich in amino acids and emollients to help skin appear visibly plump and moisturized without feeling heavy. This cream includes green tea seed oil and lotus flower extract to drench skin with long-lasting moisture. It’s my favorite moisturizer this summer! Lightweight and pleasantly fragranced.

DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. HAPPI SCALP™ SCRUB

A supercharged AHA/BHA acid blend that breaks down and dissolves dead skin cells and styling-product buildup, while biodegradable, gentle exfoliating beads sweep them away. Using antioxidant and fatty-acid-rich plant oils and a quick-absorbing multi-amino-acid blend, T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub keeps the scalp nourished, flake-free, and balanced. T.L.C. Happi Scalp™ Scrub has a pH level of 3.7. Perfect for those who tend to have a dry scalp. I do include dairy into my diet which is a definite culprit to scalp issues, but this scrub is Heaven sent!

PAYOT PÂTE GRISE JOUR DAY CARE MATTIFYING & SPOT TREATMENT

Discover Pâte Grise Jour, the new day care that fights spots. Its mattifying gel texture leaves a velvety finish on the skin. Pâte Grise Jour moisturizes and helps eliminate blemishes while protecting the skin against pollution. You will love its texture: a light and velvety purifying gel-cream. Active ingredients include Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract (no CBD, no THC), Chilean mint extract, zinc, and bamboo powder. Perfect to getting rid of dark spots.

LOVE & XX’S,

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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,

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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.

LOVE & XX’S,

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March Beauty Favorites

April 3, 2019

Happy Wednesday and the beginning of April, everyone! Today’s post is my monthly beauty favorites from the month of March! I’ve got the latest eyeshadow palette that literally looks like a tequila sunrise, a vegan gummy-supplement for glowing skin, enzyme peels, and a new collection that recently launched from one of my favorite K-Beauty brands. There’s also a new favorite fragrance, mascara, ultimate setting powder (trust me, you’ll never use anything else again) and more. Continue reading to learn more about my latest favorite beauty products!

COLOURPOP COSMETICS SWEET TALK PALETTE

This is my latest favorite eyeshadow palette for spring/summer. I wanted to create a sunset look but subtle for soft, everyday eyes. This Colourpop palette has 4 different shadow formulas: The star of the show is the brand new PRESSED GLITTERS! Self-adhering, insanely sparkly, these babies will bring on the glam. There are also pressed powder shadows in matte and metallic finishes. Here are the names/shades of each color. For this look I used ICYMI, Catch Me, Work It, Melody, Feel Free & Garden Date.

Catch Me: matte pastel peach
Side2Side: warm champagne with silver and pink glitter
Garden Date: metallic coral with a gold sheen
Work It: soft matte yellow orange
Prima Drama: pale rose gold glitter with a copper and gold duochrome shift
Meadow: matte true coral
Early Mornin’: marigold glitter
Dream Maker: matte soft coral
ICYMI: matte dirty terracotta
Melody: metallic rose with a gold flip
West Side: matte camel
Feel Free: rich matte bordeaux

LAURA MERCIER TRANSLUCENT SETTING POWDER

This bestselling translucent powder sets your makeup for longer wear. Created in two shades for all skin tones, the soft-focus effect subtly blurs the look of fine lines and imperfections, and it doesn't settle into lines or pores. The result is natural-looking, never powdery or cakey. I’ve literally have tried probably over a hundred different setting powders and nothing compares to this one. Hands down, the best ever.

GIVENCHY LIVE IRRESISTIBLE ROSY CRUSH

Live Irrésistible Rosy Crush is a confident explosion of pink freshness and bold vitality. A vibrant floral fragrance, bursting with rose and vivacious pink peppercorn. Goji berries, chypre and patchouli blend youthful vivacity with elegant sophistication. A bouquet of pink roses in many shades. A fragrance for women who live irresistibly in the moment and embrace the power of pink. Pink is more than a color; it's a positive state of mind.

LANCOME MONSIEUR BIG MASCARA

Meet Monsieur Big, volumizing mascara that delivers up to 12x more volume and 24 hour wear for your biggest, blackest, boldest lashes yet. It’s the only mascara I’ve been using for several months and have already gone through three of them!

SULWHASOO BLOOMSTAY VITALIZING WATER

Harmonizes the anti-oxidant energy of plum blossom with Yuzu components to rejuvenate skin, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth. The light and watery texture helps deliver moisture quickly into skin. With a subtle plum blossom scent.

SULWHASOO BLOOMSTAY VITALIZING SERUM

Harmonizes the anti-oxidant energy of plum blossom with five germinated fruits and seeds to rejuvenate skin, leaving your skin with a bright glow. This serum spreads evenly to give your skin a soft and smooth finish.

SULWHASOO BLOOMSTAY VITALIZING CREAM

Harmonizes the anti-oxidant energy of plum blossom with five germinated fruits and seeds to improve skin firmness, and the Yuzu and hardy orange components to leave your skin hydrated and resilient. The soft and elastic texture adheres well to your skin and leave a smooth finish. The best cream to prep with before applying makeup! You’ll look radiant every time!

AMORE PACIFIC TREATMENT ENZYME PEEL CLEANSING POWDER

Reformulated for daily use, this deep-cleansing exfoliator uses papaya- and green tea-derived enzymes to remove dulling residue without irritating healthy skin for a brighter glow. The water-activated, powder-to-foam formula leaves skin moisturized and primed to best receive ingredients to follow.

AMORE PACIFIC TREATMENT ENZYME PEELING MASQUE

This gel-to-cream mask dual exfoliates on the surface with papaya and green tea-derived enzymes. AHA and AHA salt help remove dead skin cells caused by aging. This transformative formula is made up of 60 percent green tea water to moisturize and soothe, immediately revealing brighter, smoother skin with a dewy glow.

HUM NUTRITION GLOW SWEET GLOW

A delicious orange-flavored vegan gummy supplement with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help hydrate skin. Glow Sweet Glow features an easily absorbable, low-molecular hyaluronic acid that helps lock moisture into the skin to keep it plump, hydrated and glowing. As we age, we naturally lose vitamin C in both the epidermis and dermis. This contains vitamin E and C to give you an ultimate glow. I personally have been loving them, and I’ve never taken gummy supplements for skin before. Now I do every day!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Top 5 Favorite Beauty Eye Products for the Holidays

December 21, 2018

This post is sponsored by Clear Eyes but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

‘Tis the season for getting picture perfect ready from head to toe. With all the holiday parties and get-togethers with family and friends, not to mention running around doing all that last minute shopping and day-to-day errands, we all can use a little pick-me-up when it comes to our eyes. Because this time of year we always want to look our best and the last thing we all need are red, itchy eyes. When it comes to eye care, we want products we can trust that will eliminate eye redness and irritation and allow our eyes to shine bright and capture attention. Look no further, I got you covered, ladies! In today's post, I'm sharing my top 5 favorite beauty eye products to relieve redness leading to whiter and clearer eyes that will complement your holiday looks so you can be Insta-ready anywhere! Even while doing that last minute-holiday shopping ;)

1. CLEAR EYES MAXIMUM REDNESS RELIEF

There is a reason why Clear Eyes is the #1 selling brand of Redness Relief Eye drops. The Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief eye drops provide soothing comfort from irritation, so red eyes or eye irritation don’t get in the way of looking Insta-ready for your next holiday party or shindig. Conversely, after a late night of celebrating, you don’t want your eyes to look or feel like they’ve been up all night. Clear Eyes makes sure last night’s celebrating doesn’t get in the way of how you look and feel today. That way you can still be on the go, getting all those errands checked off in time for Christmas! Check out the before and after pics above to see the immediate results! Wowza!

2. 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.

3. BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK

Effortless and high impact, that's the essence of NEW Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. This do-it-all formula glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up and highlight eyes. In subtle to eye-popping shades that last for up to 8 hours without creasing, flaking or fading, it's a stroke of genius. Just swipe on and go. I use the shade, 'Golden Pink' for the bottom inner lids of my eyes to give an extra brightened look. You can use white or any other shimmery/metallic rose gold, silver, highlights like this stick to give that effect.

4. FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY TRIPLE REMEDY

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy is a multi-tasking eye treatment that immediately brightens and minimizes imperfections with sheer, light reflecting pigments while offering long-term skincare benefits. Retinyl palmitate and GABA in the formula help smooth away the look of fine lines and wrinkles while caffeine and licorice root work to diminish the appearance of dark circles and undereye puffiness. The unique stainless steel tip mimics the shape of your pinky, delivering a cooling application while supporting microcirculation to enhance the product's benefits. Eye Duty Triple Remedy works great as a light coverage concealer or may be applied directly under your favorite eye concealer.

5. LANCÔME MONSIEUR BIG MASCARA

A BIG volume mascara that delivers instant heart-stopping volume for your biggest, blackest, boldest lashes yet. You'll know Monsieur Big Mascara is the one at first stroke. The ultra-creamy formula glides like silk onto lashes to deliver up to 12 times more volume than bare lashes alone with up to 24-hour wear. No touch-ups, flaking or smudging. Perfect for your BIG evening out and even the morning after. Monsieur Big's brush has a unique shape with soft, wavy fibers to deliver the perfect amount of formula with the very first stroke. The ultra-creamy formula has supple waxes and polymers to adhere immediately to lashes for BIG, buildable volume and length. Apply one coat and you will see why Monsieur Big is the one.

Purchase Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops on Amazon for 10% off using the code 10CLEAREYES from 12/19-1/11. You can also shop directly by following the links in each item I've listed. What beauty eye products do you use when your eyes are red and are looking a bit dull?