December Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY | 
GRANDE COSMETICS GRANDE PRIMER | FREEMAN BEAUTY INFUSION® 
FIRMING HYDROGEL EYE MASK | YSL BEAUTY BLACK OPIUM BODY LOTION | 
DR BRANDT OXYGEN FACIAL | RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF'EYES 
SMOKE EDITION PALETTE 003 | ERBORIAN DOUBLE MOUSSE GENTLE CLEANSING FOAM |
LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR SERUM | COLORESCIENCE® SUNFORGETTABLE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER 
BRUSH SPF 30 IN MEDIUM | REVISION® SKINCARE FIRMING NIGHT TREATMENT | CUTEX STRENGTH 
SHIELD NAIL POLISH REMOVER | MADAM GLAM "LIAR" MATTE LIPSTICK 

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY URBAN DECAY, GRANDE COSMETICS AND MADAM GLAM.

Time for my monthly beauty roundup of favorites! And I discovered a ton of new beauty products/brands that I've never tried before, thanks to the busy month of December. In today's post, I've got a special 30% discount code for one of my new favorite lipstick lines, an amazing recovery mask that provides instant results in 3 minutes (completely obsessed), the only nail polish remover I have been using since I was a kid, an acne-fighting serum, and a firming hydrogel eye mask that's not even out in stores yet. Continue reading to learn more about my December beauty favorites and also where you can shop the products.   

1. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LONG-LASTING MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

Mist on this weightless spray to give your makeup serious staying power. The All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay keeps makeup looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 16 hours - without melting, fading or settling into fine lines. Smoother-looking skin and vibrant makeup that lasts all day (or all night). I particularly use this spray with a more heavy-duty look such as vampy lips, smoky eyes and/or full coverage foundation. 

2. GRANDE COSMETICS GRANDE PRIMER

A white pre-mascara primer that helps thicken and lengthen lashes. Grande Primer is a white pre-mascara lengthener and thickener that's infused with a lash-loving combination of no-flake microfibers, nutrients, and peptides that works to condition while you coat instantly increasing lash volume while improving lash appearance over time. It preps the lashes for mascara application and boosts its effects by instantly adding dramatic length, volume, and it curls while maintaining naturally soft, supple lashes. The unique molded brush is designed specifically for lash priming to ensure proper separation of the lashes, resulting in a flawless application.

3. FREEMAN BEAUTY INFUSION® FIRMING HYDROGEL EYE MASK

This next-generation serum-infused hydrogel eye mask instantly helps firm, hydrate, and diminish dark circles. The refreshing marine-scented hydrogel patches adhere to undereye contours to infuse skin with nutrient-rich Blue Marine Algae and youth-boosting Peptides. This fatigue-fighting, luxurious formula illuminates, de-puffs, and reawakens the bounce of delicate undereye skin. Perfect for all skin types!

4. YSL BEAUTY BLACK OPIUM BODY LOTION

My most recent favorite body lotion obsession. Awaken your skin with a jolt of Black Opium's signature notes of coffee and vanilla bean. The luxurious texture of the lotion instantly moisturizes the skin, leaving a subtle veil of sparkles that make the skin shimmer. Highly addictive. Seductively intoxicating.

5. DR BRANDT OXYGEN FACIAL

One of my most recent favorite recovery masks as of late, this luminizing mask helps lessen the look of fatigued skin. It works to provide tired, dull, lackluster skin with a revitalized, illuminated, and re-energized appearance. It also helps smooth the signs of fine lines. The potent formula was inspired by the most popular facial in Dr. Brandt’s practice and takes just three minutes for full effect. 

6. RIMMEL LONDON MAGNIF'EYES SMOKE EDITION PALETTE 003

Find Cosmetics at Target.com! Contour your eyes with just one kit! This palette contains 12 different shades to customize your look from bare nude to ultra sultry. Contour your eyes with just one palette, love using it to get that perfect smoky eye! They also have a nude and blush palette which are also great for everyday, natural makeup.

7. ERBORIAN DOUBLE MOUSSE GENTLE CLEANSING FOAM

Part Korean, part French skincare, I've completely fallen madly in love with this brand. My favorite cleanser at the moment is their double mousse gentle cleansing foam. This foaming mousse cleanser is a two-in-one formula, helping to eliminate impurities and visibly refine the skin's texture for a flawlessly smooth and radiant look. Enriched with seven Korean herbs which help to soothe the skin, this rich formula is gentle enough for daily use. Travel-size friendly too.

8. LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR SERUM

The Effaclar Serum, a pore minimizer, provides a powerful combination of highly concentrated ingredients to exfoliate skin and visibly smooth skin texture. LHA provides micro-exfoliation to help tighten enlarged large pores while refining skin's texture. AHA-Glycolic Complex helps smooth texture, even tone and boost skin radiance.

9. COLORESCIENCE® SUNFORGETTABLE LOOSE MINERAL POWDER BRUSH SPF 30 IN MEDIUM

Stay radiant every day without damaging your skin. Colorescience® Brush-On Sunscreen offers powerful SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection, alone or over makeup. Sheer, natural-looking coverage and SPF in one simple, on-the-go application.

10. REVISION® SKINCARE FIRMING NIGHT TREATMENT

This peptide-rich, age-defying cream provides intense short-- and long-term moisturization while you sleep. Contains two peptides that are clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Includes Sodium Hyaluronate, which binds moisture to the skin. The cream also alleviates dryness with Shea Butter and a blend of botanical extracts. It completely rehydrates, replenishes and brightens dull, dry skin. Amazing night cream!

11. CUTEX STRENGTH SHIELD NAIL POLISH REMOVER

Promotes stronger nails. With hydrolyzed silk protein and vitamins E and B5, this nail polish remover is also infused with a lavender fragrance. Ingredients are known to strengthen, nourish and condition the health of your nails. This is the only nail polish remover I stand by since I've been painting my nails. Fun random fact: I DON'T do mani's or pedi's. EVER. People touching my hands or feet give me the tickles, but not in a good way... more like twitching rather than tickles. HA HA HA.

12. MADAM GLAM "LIAR" MATTE LIPSTICK

Cruelty-free and vegan, this long-wearing lipstick has a velvety, smooth finish with gorgeous texture. They have an assortment of colors, from matte to glossy finishes too. I particularly love this pink-hued one, called, "Liar". It's the perfect subtle pop of color for an everyday lipstick. Here is a special 30% off coupon code for you guys to use if you're curious about those lipsticks shades too. The coupon has no special conditions (no minimum order or anything else): Suzanne30. It can also be used in our Gels and Nail Art category. Go here and shop now!

LOVE & XX'S,

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White Christmas Margaritas

This post is brought to you by Código 1530 Rosa but all opinions are my own.

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Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day was filled with much love & joy a person can hold in their heart. I'm not big on the holiday in particular, but I did enjoy some major quality time with the pup and even squeezed in an old tradition - going to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Shape of Water and let me tell you, one of the best films I have seen in years. I balled my eyes out because I'm a hopeless, die-hard romantic, but everything from the cinematography to the story was absolutely phenomenal. Truly inspiring - if you haven't seen it yet, you HAVE to check it out! Lots of Oscar buzz going around on this particular film, you'll be hearing a lot more about it! And even though it's the day after Christmas, I wanted to create a fun, festive cocktail drink in light of National Candy Cane Day! Get hooked on this coconutty- peppermint refreshment with an amazing new tequila I'm trying from Código 1530. Continue reading to get the recipe and to see more photos of this holiday cocktail. 

White Christmas Margarita Recipe

photos + recipe by ©Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

14oz coconut milk

12 oz Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

1/2 c lime juice

8oz peppermint schnapps

2c ice

Directions:

1. Crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses.

2. In a blender, mix all ingredients until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes.

There's not much to this quick and easy recipe. First, crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses. I did it with a Ziploc bag and the side of a hammer. Very simple. Then in a blender, combine all ingredients blending until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes and sprinkle a little bit of the crushed ones on top of the drinks. I think it gives it an extra dose of fun and playfulness. As for the Código 1530 Rosa, this particular tequila begins with the purity of their Blanco, then is rested for 1 month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The result is a refined spirit with a natural color as beautiful as its taste. Their Rosa has rested just long enough in their fine Cabernet barrels to enrich the natural agave juice, without overpowering its delicate floral notes. I think it goes very well with the balances of the freshness of the peppermint along with the slight sweetness of the coconut milk. What do you guys think of this cocktail? Are you a fan of candy canes and what are your plans for #NationalCandyCaneDay?

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Le Coq Rico – The Bistro of Beautiful Birds

This post is brought to you by Le Coq Rico, but all opinions are my own.

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Happy Wednesday, everyone! Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing the wonderful downtown restaurant, Le Coq Rico. The original Le Coq Rico (The Bistro of Beautiful Birds) is located on Monmartre's Rue Lepic in Paris. Each Le Coq Rico pays tribute to responsibly raised whole-animal poultry. This restaurant is Chef Antoine Westermann's ode to the local terroir, expressed through the flavors of wild and noble birds. Westermann spent more than a year traveling across the Northeast, particularly through the Hudson Valley and Pennsylvania, to meet farmers and learn their poultry raising philosophies. "Fowl is a world unto itself," noted Westermann. "The flavor and texture change depending on the region, breeder, age, and style of farming." The result of this exchange stands today as Le Coq Rico, NYC. Continue reading to learn more about my time at this attractive, chic bistro.

Renowned French chef, Antoine Westermann was just 23 years old when he became the Chef and Owner of his first restaurant. In the twenty-five years that followed, he earned three Michelin stars. Then in 2006, he made the exceedingly rare decision to ask Michelin to remove his stars so his creativity would no longer be confined by the rules and regulations of the guide. Specializing in sophisticated poultry dishes, I was more than excited to try their Tuesday's plat du jour, coq au vin. One of my favorite French dishes of all time, they certainly did the bird justice. It was the best I have ever had!

We started with lovely appetizers of deviled eggs in a bed of octopus, cabbage, and cumin salad along with a creamy mushroom soup with a confit of gizzards (YUM). For our main entrees, along with the coq au vin with egg tagliatelle, we also tried the succulent roasted chicken that is aged 120 days and is served with a side of seasonal salad. Delicious pairings of pinot grigio and pinot noir, we topped it off with dessert, their famous l'ile flotttante (Floating Island) which consists of soft meingue &  crême anglaise and three selections of ice cream: coconut lime sorbet, ginger, and vanilla ice cream. Even the espressos are spot on! A truly magnificent, fulfilling lunch! 

The service was great, very friendly staff and super helpful when it came to making a selection. I'd recommend Le Coq Rico to anyone! But if you want to avoid the holiday crowds and nightlife scene, lunch is the way to go! And sit at the chef's counter, where you are able to watch the chefs cook for you up close and personal! The only problem with that is it might have your tummy rumbling as you wait! How many of you have experience Le Coq Rico? If you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?! ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Cranberry Asian Pear Christmas Sangria

This post is sponsored by Villeroy & Boch.

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Happy Friday, everyone! I've been fighting a cold all week. Just when I thought I was in the clear, it got worse. But I'm on the mend and am definitely trying to catch up on work and am so ready to relax this weekend. It's supposed to snow tomorrow in the city and you know I'll definitely be taking advantage of that for a photo shoot! (Bearing in mind I'll more than likely freeze my booty off ha ha!) I know my pup will be over the moon about the snow. But what to drink afterward? I'd suggest either a warm Hot Toddy OR perhaps something a bit more festive and fruity without burning your tongue off? I've partnered with Villeroy & Boch to share my cranberry Asian pear Christmas Sangria recipe! It's so delicious and easy to make, you're not going to want to miss out on this amazing concoction. Continue reading for the recipe, it'll be a weekend hit!

Cranberry Asian Pear Christmas Sangria

photo + recipe by © Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cinnamon stick

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup water

1 cup fresh cranberries, divided

1 pear, sliced

zest from one orange

1/4 cup brandy

1 bottle white or red wine

sparkling water

Directions:

In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a clear glass pitcher, combine the Brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate and allow the flavors to come together for 12 and up to 24 hours.

When serving, spoon some fruit into a glass, pour the sangria over the fruit and top with a splash of sparkling water.

NOTES:

Try topping the glass off with a sugared cranberry. Just rinse some cranberries under water. Let them sit for second, then dip them individually into granulated sugar.

There's not much to this recipe. You'll need cranberries, an Asian pear, an orange, brandy, white wine, a couple of cinnamon sticks and sparkling water. Oh, and sugar for garnish. You don't have to but I found the added touch of sparkle on the cranberry polished the overall look right up. First, In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. 

In a clear glass pitcher, combine the brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate between 12-24 hours, depending on how patient you are... but the longer you wait the more you'll allow the flavors to come together. I'd even recommend adding a dash of vanilla into the mix, if you like your sangria more on the sweeter side. 

The glassware set is everything needed to toast to health and happiness this holiday season, not just for this weekend. The Ovid White Wine set is so chic (it is also available for Red Wine and Champagne) whether your choice of drink is red, white or bubbly, these dishwasher safe Ovid crystal glasses will ensure that it is enjoyed in style. It also makes a great gift for any wine/champagne enthusiast and/or foodie. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to shop the glassware down below and don't forget to leave a comment with your thoughts about today's holiday sangria recipe! Have a fantastic weekend. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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November Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: MALIN & GOETZ CANNABIS VOTIVE | MALIN & GOETZ CANNABIS
 HAND & BODY WASH | EMILE CORDON N0.1 LISA LIP POT | FYTT HIT RESTART DETOXIFYING
 BODY SCRUB TREATMENT | INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS RENEWING OIL SERUM | SOAPBOX COCONUT 
MILK & SANDALWOOD DEEP MOISTURE BODY WASH | YSL BEAUTY ALL HOURS CONCEALER | YSL BEAUTY 
ÉCLAT GLOW SHOT IN SUNRISE | TRACIE MARTYN PURIFYING CLEANSER | ELIXIR GOLD FOIL MASK

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU MALIN & GOETZ, YSL BEAUTY, AND EMILE CORDON.

It's that time of the month again! My roundabout of monthly beauty favorites, the November edition, is now live on the blog! We've got a cannabis candle that provides a natural aprhodisia, the most luxurious lip balm, a body scrub that looks like it's a smoothie, the most-insanely delicious scent of coconutty body wash goodness, a couple of YSL Beauty must-haves, and a new favorite organic serum that will bounce back that elasticity in no time. From your best girl to the biggest beauty junkie guru, these faves are fantastic holiday stocking stuffers, some unisex which is always a plus when it comes to the shopping madness (I mean, two birds, one stone sometimes, am I right? Ha ha!), but they're also great gifts to give to yourself too! Come check it out and continue reading more!

1. MALIN & GOETZ CANNABIS VOTIVE

A customer favorite (which I can attest to why), is one of Malin & Goetz's best-selling candles with its spicy, herbaceous scent. Top notes of fresh lemon and orange mingle with middle notes of fig and pepper. Base notes of oakmoss, sandalwood, amber and patchouli create a bold and refined, long-lasting aroma that fills a space. The candle’s natural wax blend provides a clean burn for up to 25 hours. Did I mention the general aphrodisia that is provided? I mean... on top of smelling good. ;)

2. MALIN & GOETZ CANNABIS HAND & BODY WASH

Whether at the sink or in the shower, this cannabis hand and body wash delivers a delightfully aromatic experience and thoroughly gentle cleanse. Combining amino acid technology with their spicy cannabis fragrance, this naturally foaming gel purifies, hydrates and balances without drying skin so it’s clean, soft and beautifully scented.

3. EMILE CORDON N0.1 LISA LIP POT

This is probably one of the most luxurious lip balms I've used. An ultra-rich lip treatment housed in a lovingly glass jar that softens, plumps and beautifies lips while delivering a glossy finish and a specially blended scent, I love that this balm can be used more than just on your lips. Secret uses are under the lips, highlighting the cheekbones, taming eyebrows and even an eyeshadow base for dewy eyes! 

4. FYTT HIT RESTART DETOXIFYING BODY SCRUB TREATMENT

This Detoxing Body and Facial scrub is the best! The ingredients are all natural and organic (for example) Kale, Spinach, Spirulina, Cucumber, and so many more. My skin felt so soft and awake after one use. The amount of exfoliation is just the right amount, it didn't irritate or damage my skin. There are traces of spearmint, leaving this cool minty refreshing feeling, perfect for mornings or after a workout. 

5. INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS RENEWING OIL SERUM

Recovers and revives. Removes the red, relights the brightness, plumps to unline and firm, and makes elasticity bounce back for a what-did-you-do-differently radiance. I recently went to the Intelligent Nutrients NYC Flagship store for a complete, thorough facial. This is where I was introduced to this serum and let me tell you, it's one of the best serums I've tried this year! A definite must-have this winter season. 

6. SOAPBOX COCONUT MILK & SANDALWOOD DEEP MOISTURE BODY WASH

Give yourself a deep moisturizing experience with this coconut and sandalwood body wash. This shea butter and olive oil blended formula not only seals in moisture, but also contains coconut oil to intensify your hydrating wash. Coconut oil, rich in vitamins E,K and fatty acids, is highly acclaimed for its nourishing and repairing properties and will leave your skin at its softest. The rich scent of sandalwood blended with the natural sweetness of coconut will bloom a relaxing aroma in your shower with every use.

7. YSL BEAUTY ALL HOURS CONCEALER

The best concealer that I've recently tried, the All Hours Concealer instantly blurs and erases imperfections including dark circles, bags, redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots, and discoloration. This advanced 16-hour formula won’t cake, crease, or fade nor will it accentuate the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The highly concentrated, flexible pigments move with you to provide a highly workable and blendable texture that stands up to makeup meltdowns and resists fading, heat, humidity, and touch. The ultra-smooth, creamy matte finish looks just-applied all day. No touch-ups required. 

8. YSL ÉCLAT GLOW SHOT IN SUNRISE

A liquid highlighter in shimmer tones to brighten the  complexion for a radiant, dewy glow from daylight to sunset. The YSL Glow Shots allow you to choose your highlight intensity. I picked the sunrise color as it is best on deeper skin tones, so it's fun to play around with it for contour and/or highlight depending on the day. This is definitely one of my favorite products from YSL Beauty.

9. TRACIE MARTYN AMIA PURIFYING CLEANSER 

The Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser is a potent serum that works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin free from impurities and imperfections. When I tried this cleanser at the show, I was blown away how purifying my hand look after just one cleanse! And this was just a sample on my hand! Imagine how great it felt to apply on the face! Definitely a top quality facial cleanser!

10. ELIXIR GOLD FOIL MASK

The Elixir golden mask is a unique product, created by the team of professional Korean and American cosmetologist. The mask consists of 100% natural high-quality ingredients. It combines three skin care effects.First, CLEANING. The mask acts deep inside your skin, right where the dirt, oil and makeup are. But won't be anymore! Second, SAUNA EFFECT. Remember spending time at your favorite SPA? That's exactly what you feel with the Golden Mask. Daily.Third, REFRESHING. Well, just feel it. Enjoy!

LOVE & XX'S,

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