October Beauty Favorites

October 24, 2018

Happy Hump Day! I know, I know… I’m way overdue on my monthly beauty favorites! I’m so sorry that it’s been MIA - August and September were extremely busy for me and I honestly did not have time to do the posts. Instead I went into more detail with specific brands that were launching a new collection of products that I felt would cater to my readers. I did one on higher-end skincare (HERE) and another travel-minded one that was more on the affordable side. (HERE) So, I hope you enjoyed and without further ado, here it is, finally back where it should be, my October beauty favorites is up! From a blush palette that’ll want you to shout to heavens thanking them for such a creation to a great skincare brand fighting against blue light (Hi, cell phones), there are a soiree of goodies that you’ll definitely want to get your hands on ASAP. Continue reading to learn more about my latest monthly beauty faves!

Only at ULTA!

Add seductive warmth with iconic matte and shimmer blushes sure to bring the passion. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette includes three lustworthy shades. Limitless intrigue. The packaging features a metallic red textured design on the compact for a special standout touch.

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's bestselling, most iconic shades for cheeks. NARS blush delivers healthy-looking color that enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush to flatter any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink undertone for a natural-looking blush to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. These soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

Spiked with color. Studded with style. Uncover your inner rebel with a covetable collection inspired by the iconic punk fashion of the 1970s. Stud your style with daring shimmer and shine; spike it with explicitly bold shades for a look that's authentic. Irreverent. Always relevant.

A $66 value!

Shades include:

Luster (sheer golden apricot)
Orgasm (peachy pink w/ golden shimmer)
Amour (matte rose pink)

Mysterious & seductive, the Splendida Magnolia Sensuel fragrance by Bvlgari is definitely one to fall for and is my new favorite autumn scent. Neroli freshness, splendid magnolia and the heart of patchouli collide for a feminine fragrance that embraces the playful passionate and sensual side of being a woman. 😍 Scents: zesty freshness, splendid magnolia, and chypre woods. And can we just admire the gorgeous packaging on top?! So luxe.

TONER

Pure Deep Sea Water balances and visibly strengthens skin's moisture barrier to hydrate while Lychee Peel Extract offers soothing comfort and antioxidant protection. Perfectly suited for sensitive skin types, this toner is formulated without oil and alcohol and has only 10 must have ingredients.

MOUSSE

Blended to perfection with the nutrient-rich Deep Sea Water and polyphenols from Lychee Peel Extract quickly whip into action to deliver instant soothing relief to visibly stressed skin. The non-sticky, mousse formula makes it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.

Find your perfect M·A·C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation shade!

Embrace Every Shade of You with the Studio Fix lineup. This 24 hour wear foundation combines a matte finish with full, buildable coverage, with broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. Applies, builds and blends easily even while controlling shine. Comfortable and extremely longwearing, it helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a smoother, more flawless look and finish.

Benefits:

Longwearing, 24 hours
Reduces appearance of pores
Controls oil and shine
Nondrying
For all skin types, especially oily skin
Provides staytrue colour
Nonstreaking
Noncaking
Nonsettling
Photofriendly

Wunder2's Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder is the easy way to filter-flawless skin in real life. Formulated with High-Resolution Powder Technology, this ultra-soft, bouncy powder magically transforms the skin to become poreless and pixel perfect. Perfect selfie formula contains a high performing blend of perfecting powders, which are uniform in particle size. It provides a smooth feel and soft-focus finish without masking the skin, leaving it looking natural. A combination of specially treated silicone and nylon eliminates the appearance of pores, wrinkles and shine whilst promoting an elastic-like effect so the skin is able to expand and contract with facial movements without the powder setting into fine lines, creating a photo perfect finish. The ultimate finish to your makeup look in under 2 minutes without the use of a photo filter.

In Stores 10-26!

This is the wildest way yet to look better Naked...Urban Decay's Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette has a sexy vibe that's more tart than sweet. With 12 never-before-picked neutrals, this vamped-up cherry-hued palette is sure to bring out your sultriest, most tempting eye looks ever.

These 12 all-new shades include of-the-moment soft mattes and sizzling metallics, ranging from creamy ivory and shimmering rose gold to the most intense black cherry. Urban Decay is addicted to Bing - a deep mauve matte that is right on trend. And they can't get enough of Drunk Dial, a shimmery metallic burgundy that takes smoky looks to a smoldering climax.

Because serious staying power and shadow that doesn't flake or fade out on you are non-negotiables, each shade is made from our mind-blowing formula that gives its velvety texture, rich color and blendability.

Adorned with a row of metallic cherries, the crimson compact includes a full-size mirror and double-sided brush - ready for precision application on one end and seamless blending on the other. Whether you're at the office, in between flights or getting ready at the apartment, Naked Cherry spices up everything from chill neutrals and sexy shimmers to super smoky eyes.

Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free.

Urban Decay is beauty with an edge.

Shades:

Hot Spot (ivory matte)
Caution (soft neutral beige matte)
Bang Bang (shimmering pink with gold shift and iridescent micro-sparkle)
Feelz (soft dusty rose matte)
Juicy (soft warm peach)
Turn On (pale metallic rose shimmer)
Ambitious (metallic rose copper)
Bing (deep mauve matte)
Devilish (reddish plum matte)
Young Love (metallic cranberry)
Drunk Dial (deep metallic burgundy)
Privacy (deep brownish-plum matte)

Essie nail polish never fails me. A fall/winter shade nail polish collection that will have you in love for NYC. Exclusive easy glide brush for quick, even application. Shiny, smooth appearance. Extensive color palette with hundreds of nail polish shades. Uptown, downtown or crosstown-these variated colors will sizzle in any of the concrete jungle neighborhoods. I’ve been really into deep reds and metallics for fall! Which ones would you go for first?

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BAREPRO Glow Highlighter by bareMinerals is more than just a highlighter, this versatile formula with light-reflecting mineral pearls provides a veil of natural-looking luminosity when used alone as a highlighter, and can be used to transform the finish of your favorite liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer or skincare products to add customized luminosity.

This light as air bi-phase liquid is infused with oat sugar to instantly smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and green lentil extract and bamboo extract to smooth the appearance of pores and even skin's texture. Mineral lock technology prolongs wear up to 16 hours.

Energize your skin with LUMIVIVE™ System from SkinMedica by clearing imperfections, alleviating damage and restoring vitality. Formulated with a blend of antioxidants and coenzyme Q10, this face serum works to reduce uneven pigmentation, free radical damage and redness.

The LUMIVIVE™ System includes:

LUMIVIVE™ Day Damage Defense Serum: an antioxidant serum that defends skin from damaging environmental aggressors such as blue light (HEV) as well as pollutants in the air
LUMIVIVE™ Night Revitalize Repair Complex: an evening serum that revitalizes and detoxifies the skin while reducing the appearance of environmental damage

Key Ingredients:

Cacao Seed Extract: offers blue light Protection
Bioflavinoids: create a bio-barrier on the skin
Alteramonas Ferment Extract: provides environmental pollution protection
Mirabilis Jalapa Extract: detoxifies skin
Pentapeptide 34 Trifluoroacetate: supports endogenous coenzyme Q10 and ATP levels to recharge and invigorate skin

Key Benefits:

Protects against blue light and environmental aggressors
Promotes radiant and even skin tone
Decreases visible redness
Discoloration
Detoxifies skin

LOVE & XX’S,

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Transitioning with Olay during NYFW

September 6, 2018

MAGIC IN A JAR: Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF 25

This post is brought to you by Olay but all opinions are my own.

This summer was a first for me. I wore little to no makeup! Aside from a tinted moisturizer here and there, I've cut out makeup all-together to give my skin some breathing room. Especially when summer's in New York City are not cool at all. The humidity alone will wreak havoc on your face! So I find it imperative to take breaks in between to keep my skin fresh and healthy. I've been trying out the Olay Regenerist Whips with SPF 25 and all I have to say is wow! Continue reading to learn why this is my latest go-to moisturizer at the moment.

Time and time again as the seasons change, I make slight tweaks to my beauty routine. I think it's great every few months to switch up your regiment to refresh your skin to new nutritious ingredients. To me, it keeps my skin fresher and more active. And with Fashion Month around the corner, I'm super excited to have the Olay Whips with SPF with me to bring along a rather crazy couple of weeks. With long nights of editing, events, early morning meetings/shoots, then the shows on top of after-parties, I get sleepy just talking about my schedule. Imagine how the skin reacts to little to no sleep!

Made with a unique formula, including Active Rush Technology that transforms from cream to liquid on the skin for instant absorption, it also is able to absorb oils on your skin throughout the day, for a dewy (not oily) finish. My skin is velvety-smooth, it's like the no primer, primer! And anything that's going to cut my time in half when getting ready is a major bonus during hectic days as I previously mentioned, because let's face it (no pun intended...) who has all the time in the world to get ready when you should be out ready to take on the world?! ;)

Want to give the Olay Regenerist Whips moisturizer? Shop from Walgreens here!

LOVE & XX'S,

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July Beauty Favorites

July 30, 2018

JULY BEAUTY FAVORITES: DERMAdoctor® MED e TATE WIPES | DERMAdoctor® KP duty | 
LAURA MERCIER FACE ILLUMINATOR POWDER 'DEVOTION' | LAURA MERCIER FAN POWDER BRUSH | 
GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYAL YOUTH WATERY OIL | GUERLAIN KISSKISS LIPSTICK 'HOT CORAL' | 
KÉRASTASE TOUCHE CHROMATIQUE 'COOL BROWN' | AMOREPACIFIC CREME FLUID | 
PYT BEAUTY NO BS EYESHADOW PALETTE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GUERLAIN, AMOREPACIFIC & LAURA MERCIER BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

My monthly roundup of beauty favorites is now live! I've mixed it up a bit in today's post, ranging from different items in skincare and makeup. In today's post, I'm featuring several on-the-go products ranging from a multi-purpose eyeshadow palette, antiperspirant wipes and even a hair color corrector. There are also a couple of beauty brands that I LOVE but just haven't had the pleasure of trying until now. One is Laura Mercier and the other is Guerlain! I even found my summer's moisturizer for those extra hot days, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this creme! Continue reading to check out all the details plus reviews and as always, links to directly shop the beauty products featured in today's post.

DERMAdoctor® MED e TATE ANTIPERSPIRANT WIPES

MED e TATE your way to a blissfully dry existence with antiperspirant wipes that purify the being and help reduce embarrassing sweating and wetness. This patented harmonious union of antiperspirant therapy is fortified with botanicals to help create a supremely dry state of consciousness with a simple swipe. These wipes are a lifesaver, especially in the summertime when the temps rise. I find using a few wipes, one after the other helps on those extra hot days. I do notice a shine left from using them, but a little face powder takes that away. Great for people who sweat more than the average person, you can use them on your face, neck, underarms and on your hands.

DERMAdoctor® KP DUTY

KP Duty is an AHA moisturizing therapy for dry skin that contains a patented blend of glycolic acid, green tea extra and urea to help exfoliate, calm and hydrate skin. It helps to improve the appearance of parched skin and rough chicken skin bumps (like keratosis pilaris), leaving your skin feeling softer, smoother and more hydrated. This condition develops when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop. The bumps are usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. They're white, sometimes red, and typically don't hurt or itch. But they're annoying! I always get them during the summer and this is the ONLY lotion that helps get rid of these bumps! Highly recommended.

LAURA MERCIER FACE ILLUMINATOR POWDER 'DEVOTION'

A long-wearing, buildable and versatile highlighting powder that provides a natural-looking, radiant, allover glow. 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 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.

LAURA MERCIER FAN POWDER BRUSH

"I developed this product to help women create a radiant look for themselves using a performance makeup artist tool that allows a buildable layer of shine from subtle illumination to extreme radiance." Laura Mercier A fan brush made to pick up and softly apply product onto the skin for a flawless application, I love that it's buildable to your liking. Some days I want that glow to be more subtle where others I want to pack that extra 'punch' to my skin. This brush has become an essential highlight brush in my makeup brush arsenal!

GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYALE YOUTH WATERY OIL

Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil offers the skin all the power of Guerlain-exclusive ingredients: Ouessant Black Bee Honey and exclusive Royal Jelly. This revolutionary formula combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. Replenishing micro-drops of oil are released at the very last minute, leaving the complexion looking radiant. The skin feels incredibly silky and baby-soft to the touch. Shake the bottle. Take 2-3 drops of the oil. Apply morning and night to the face and neck before the cream, instead of, or before the serum. Bee products are some of the world's most effective natural healing substances. Guerlain Research has extracted their powerful active ingredients to create Abeille Royale: a skincare programme with a Repairing Concentrate that stimulates key skin repairing mechanisms, continuously helping to diminish wrinkles and maintain skin firm. Definitely an A+ in my skincare book.

GUERLAIN KISSKISS MATTE LIPSTICK IN HOT CORAL

Guerlain imagines KissKiss Matte, a hydrating and plumping matte lipstick, intense like a lipstick and comfortable like a balm. The subtle spice extract it contains gives the impression of voluminous lips while the precious oils and the hyaluronic acid smooth and hydrate them. KissKiss Matte offers 9 captivating shades for all special occasions. The iconic packaging is adorned with a golden matte veil. My favorite color for the summer is their 'Hot Coral' shade.

KÉRASTASE TOUCHE CHROMATIQUE IN COOL BROWN

Kérastase Touche Chromatiques - Cool Brown is an ink-in-care to mix in Masque Chromatique. It neutralizes unwanted red reflects for an enhanced cool brown. I use this product about once a week to keep my hair from looking too brassy. They have other color correctors for copper and red shades as well. It's perfect for those who don't have time to make a trip to the salon every few weeks. I try to go every two months if time allows it. This has been such a game changer in terms of color for my hair in between salon visits!

AMOREPACIFIC THE ESSENTIAL CREME FLUID

The Essential Crème Fluid offers the ultimate in green tea antioxidants for your skin. Each bottle contains 150 baby green tea leaves handpicked from the brand's green tea gardens. T-Essentials, a vital nutrient from green tea polysaccharides and green tea carotenoid, enhance and recover skin's moisture, texture, and flexibility. Neutra-Melting Emulsion Technology, the brand's exclusive technology, neutralizes oils from botanicals for all the nutrient-rich benefits in a silky texture. Micro Moisture Capsule Factor unlocks moisture deep within skin's layers and teaches skin to retain moisture more effectively.

PYT BEAUTY NO BS EYESHADOW PALETTE

Consider this your new go-to, on-the-go eyeshadow palette. 8 shades, including essential mattes and glam shimmer finishes (plus a mirror to do it on the fly). PYT knows you hate hitting the pan on your favorite base shades, so they've made them twice as big. Best of all, it is small enough to fit in any makeup bag (or your back pocket) so you can really take it with you. This is a perfect travel-sized palette because you don't have to take 8 different products, just one that fits more than just eyeshadow! Plus the eyeshadows are easily transitioned from day to night looks, so there's that as well. All in all, a total steal and at only $28!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil

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The Importance of Quality Skin Care Products with Lionesse

July 23, 2018

LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION: AMBER EYE SERUM | AMBER DARK CIRCLE EYE CREAM | 
AMBER NEW AGE SYRINGE

This post is brought to you by Lionesse Beauty but all opinions are my own.

Hey guys! I've been getting several questions about my higher-end luxury skin care and a lot relating in the anti-aging & eyecare department so I thought of creating a post to share with you more on my thoughts on this and, especially now that I'm getting older, why it's so important to be using quality skin care products. Some of the main problems I've had with my skin due to age are dark circles and puffiness under the eye area and yes, a few wrinkles are starting to make their grand appearance. Continue reading to learn more about Lionesse Beauty and some of the products I've been using to fight back and prevent these common imperfections in our skin. But first, let's dive into why I choose quality over quantity every time when it comes to skin care products.

1. Your skin is only as healthy as the products you apply.

While some popular products may have designer packaging and celebrity endorsements, it doesn’t mean that the ingredients are of any quality. These ingredients play a critical role and can range significantly. I really take the time to consider the ingredients that are in the products I"m applying to my skin. The reason? Because some lower cost options may list that they use some of the same ingredients as higher-end products, but it’s been found that many of the lower cost options dilute the ingredients or don’t use as much of the same ingredient. For example, there are two main types of ingredients found in skin care – Cosmetic Grade and Pharmaceutical Grade. The latter of these two exceeds US quality standards and is also more highly refined, removing bacteria and impurities from the products. Your skin will benefit, both short and long-term, from using better ingredients. Looking like a million bucks is worth the extra pennies it may cost you. Think of it as a really good investment!

2. The amount of product used

Another factor that plays into using quality skin care products is how much product you actually need to use. When using genuine quality skin care products, you shouldn’t need to use an excess amount of products to get the results you’re looking for. In addition to the amount, you likely shouldn’t need to be using a massive collection of different products in your daily regiment. In which case, less is always more :) Using quality skin care products should allow you to use a minimal amount of product but produce quality results. When the products are created with quality ingredients that are truly beneficial, less product is needed to achieve results.

3. Protection from damaging environmental agitators

Top quality moisturizers and body products help to seal your skin, both retaining important moisture and sealing out damaging particles and products that may be in the environment, like pollution, dust, even UVA, and UVB rays. Your skin is your defense system against foreign substances that can make you sick or cause irreversible damage to your body. Skin is nourished and strengthened by the products you apply, make sure you are protecting this natural barrier and promoting healthy skin for your long-term health. Don't forget to put on that sunscreen before leaving the house! Be mindful to not just protect the face but also the body as well.

4. Help fight the looks of Aging

Keeping your skin sufficiently hydrated is key to keeping your skin looking young but more important, healthy. Starting skin care at a young age helps to defy some of the aging effects on our skin. Don't fret if you haven't because it's always better late than never! Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, discoloration, dryness and problem skin, that can start as early as the late 20’s, can all be cared for with a dedicated skin care regiment. Quality products will help to alleviate some of the concerns about aging while nourishing and restoring your skin’s vitality.

5. I'm all about confidence, baby!

Who else here agrees that first impressions matter? Within a matter of seconds after meeting someone new, they will make their first judgment about you. Skin care is important to help you give your very best first impression. Your skin’s appearance is a check to your general health. A radiant and healthy complexion mirrors the health of your body on the inside and reflects a healthy lifestyle. Nourishing your skin with quality products is just as important as taking vitamins, drinking water, eating healthy foods, and getting enough rest. The way you feel about yourself also projects onto others- if you are feeling great and looking good, your confidence will shine throughout!

SHOP THE LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION

Speaking of lasting impressions, there's nothing worse when you have that big meeting in the morning and you wake up with the puffiest, darkest circles ever. But no need to fear: Lionesse is here! Roar! As I mentioned at the beginning of my post, these common imperfections are such a buzzkill, but look no further - I got your eyes covered with the Amber Collection by Lionesse Beauty, a beauty brand that brings you a range of skin care, hair care products and tools that are as diverse as your needs and as unique as your beauty. Eyes that sparkle are eyes without puffiness and dark circles. Let's take a deeper look at the three most favorite items within this collection:

1. Amber Eye Serum

This is the first product I apply out of the three. I love to use it thoroughly around the eye area, to get the full usage out the serum. You can instantly feel how much tighter the skin is where you apply the product and my skin around the eye area looked immediately more radiant as well. Definitely reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this soothing, light-weight serum. Formulated with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Aloe, this serum will leave the skin surrounding your eyes looking younger and tighter. Apply a small amount of serum to the eye area and lightly dab until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Cream.

2. Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream

Once the eye serum is completely absorbed, I move onto this delight: this shimmery lightweight dark circle eye cream that is everything. I've been trying to find a cream that can really combat with my dark circles and voila! I finally met my match. Formulated with Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) and Caffeine, this light eye cream instantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eye area for brighter, well-rested look. Apply to freshly cleansed skin. Gently apply Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream under eye area and massage until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Serum.

3. Amber New Age Syringe

I'm going, to be honest... when I first received this final and last product of the three, I was a little intimidated to use it! I think my exact words to my husband were, "Want to play 'Operation'?" Haha! But all kidding aside, the luxuriously wonderful New Age Syringe's properties will help you refine the look of wrinkles while moisturizing your skin. Formulated with Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) this rich formula immediately reduces the look of deep wrinkles while moisturizing your skin with this innovative formulation and advanced application method. I've been applying it the edges of my eyes where I've obtained what I call my, "smiley wrinkles" from all the years of laughter! You can definitely see a major improvement and it's shed years off to my face! I literally look and feel like a young teenager again! Just apply to clean skin. Gently press the top of syringe down until product comes out and apply directly to wrinkle. If necessary, remove excess product with a cotton swab.

Now before you come at me with how expensive these products may be, remember what I talked about in this post. When it comes to skincare, the earlier you start the better, ALWAYS quality over quantity, and yes, less is more when it comes to luxury skincare beauty products! Like I said, think of it as an investment, just like the quality pieces you choose to hang in your closet, it's the same concept with your skin! Let all those delicious, high-quality ingredients hang from your beautiful, radiant face! Which product are you most intrigued to try? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. I can't wait to hear what your guys' thoughts on this skincare post! And as always, you can shop the beauty products featured in each individual blog post at the beginning or at the end of each post! Since this post is a little longer than my usual ones, I've also linked them in the middle of the article - that way you don't have to scroll as much to get to the links. Happy reading and happy skincare ya'll! Follow Lionesse® on Facebook and Instagram!

LOVE & XX'S,

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June Beauty Favorites

July 5, 2018

BEAUTY FAVORITES: BROOKLYN CANDLE STUDIO MAUI ESCAPISM CANDLE | 
JESSICA JOHNSON BEAUTY 3N1 HYBRID FACE OIL | JESSICA JOHNSON BEAUTY T3 HYDRO-ACTIVE 
SPRAY SERUM | ISLE OF PARADISE MEDIUM SELF-TANNING DROPS | KNOURS. BODY + V ZONE SOAP | 
KNOURS. GEL CREAM | PIXI GLOW-Y GOSSAMER DUO DELICATE DEW & SUBTLE SUNRISE | 
MELTMORE PORE REMOVER DUAL PRIMER | URBAN DECAY COSMETICS BORN TO RUN EYESHADOW 
PALETTE | bAREMINERALS MATTE FOUNDATION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15 GOLDEN BEIGE 13 | 
bAREMINERALS MINERAL VEIL | bAREMINERALS BEAUTIFUL FINISH BRUSH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY URBAN DECAY AND bAREMINERALS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hi, everyone! Hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July (to those who celebrated.) We kept it very low key since we both still have a lot of work to finish up on this week - plus we've never been the type to go away when everyone else does. The traveling is awful and everything is more expensive so we like to go away when less people do. Along with keeping up with my work, I always take advantage of New York City when everyone's away. You get to go to restaurants you'd otherwise never have a chance to get into and in the mornings there's no street traffic to fight off! The city is very different when it's a ghost town. This is also the time I clean out my closet and get the apartment spic and span and totally cozy. What can I say, I'm old(er) and like to be home nowadays! And what better feeling that cleaning up your place and seeing how great it looks afterward? Hence the delay on my monthly beauty roundup! Sorry guys, I'm super late on this post, and with the holiday being smack-dab in the middle of the week, it made my content scheduling a bit wonky. Apologies for keeping you waiting, but I promise it's worth the wait because in my June beauty favorites I'm sharing my newly updated summer skincare and makeup routine. One huge change? Goodbye liquid foundation! Continue reading to learn more and also to shop the products!

The tide rises and falls on a secret beach on the island of Maui and, with it, notes of sea salt, sea moss, and driftwood evaporate into the air. A touch of zesty bergamot and soft ylang ylang round out aromas of the ocean. The Escapist collection takes you to our favorite places in the world, places we’ve traveled to that have a permanent place in our olfactory memories. Double-wicked and housed in white textured boxes and screen-printed glass tumblers, this collection will tug at the heartstrings of minimalists around the world. Hand poured by Brooklyn Candle Studio in Brooklyn, New York with 100% soy wax for a clean burn, a cotton braided wick primed with vegetable wax, and fine perfume oils and essential oils sourced from around the world. No phthalates, dyes, or preservatives. Volume: 13 oz Diameter: 3 3/8 in Height: 4 1/4 in Burn time: Up to 70 hours

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Johnson from Jessica Johnson Beauty to check out their two new products being launched: a 3 in 1 face oil and a spray serum that is truly out of this world. I've been using these in my new skincare regiment and the results have been nothing but amazing! During the warmer months, my combination skin is far from flawless but since using these two products, my skin has never looked more supple, softer and full of that natural dewy glow we women all covet! These two products will remove your makeup, cleanse your skin, hydrate, strengthen, protect, nourish, and reduces inflammation. Think about how much time and cabinet space you save! Here's a breakdown of these two products:

3N1 HYBRID FACE OIL

This proprietary blend of 6 oils deeply cleanses, nourishes and hydrates. C02 Botanical Extracts of turmeric, calendula, & St. John's Wort that reduces redness and inflammation. For best results, use with their organic bamboo face cloths (so freaking soft!!!)

STEP 1: MAKEUP REMOVAL/MASSAGE/FIRST CLEANSE

Massage 4-6 pumps of oil over entire face, neck, chest and eye area. Using gentle circular motions, massage for one minute. Lay warm, wet washcloth over the entire face, take a few deep breaths and enjoy the relaxing effects of lemongrass, citrus, and sage essential oils. Gently wipe off oil, using circular movements, paying extra attention to the eye area to remove all makeup (completely safe!).

STEP 2: SECOND CLEANSE

Double cleansing at night is essential to healthy skin. Using 4-6 pumps of oil, spread evenly over face. Moisten fingertips with warm water and gradually add warm water to the face, creating a milky emulsion. Rinse well with warm water and pat skin dry.

STEP 3: TREATMENT

Moisten skin well with the t3 Hydro Active Spray Serum. Place 1-2 drops of oil in the palm of your hand. Rub hands together then evenly massage a fine layer of the oil into the serum. All creams and lotions are an oil & water emulsion. In this step, when you blend the two products, you are creating a lotion right onto your skin! How amazing is that?!

T3 HYDRO ACTIVE SPRAY SERUM

The T3 Hydro Active Spray Serum is packed with the powerful treatment ingredients found in intensive serums, but it's easily applied as a spray! To use, after cleansing the skin spray serum on skin. While skin is still wet, massage 1-2 drops of 3N1 Hybrid Face Oil over serum. Use as needed throughout the day or during air travel to keep skin hydrated and protected. Here are some of the key ingredients founded in this serum:

Sodium Hyaluronate: An intense hydrator that attracts and binds moisture to the skin.

Royal Jelly: Contains complex B vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, natural antibiotic and antibacterial properties.

Olive Leaf Extract: Moisturizing fatty acids and antioxidants hydrate and protect skin.

Peptides: Softens the appearance of wrinkles, supports elasticity, reduces puffiness, anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory.

Grape Cell Extract: A powerful anti-oxidant that protects skin from UV stress and helps maintain the cell characteristics of epidermal stem cells.

Pomegranate Extract: High levels of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, helps speed wound healing, sun damage, supports collagen & elastin production.

Isle of Paradise Medium Self Tanning Drops n Self tanning water with colour correcting actives a green base for a natural golden glow with no streaks no smells or orange tones. Whether that s for the beach or brunch Isle of Paradise has got your tan covered! Formulated with Superbalance Complex to reduce redness, calm the skin and improve your karma :) I strongly recommend mixing these drops into your moisturizer WITHOUT your hands. Isle of Paradise has other products that are also recommended using a mitt with, so just a small piece of advice when using this brand. The results are great but you have to be careful... but with any self-tanning products, I strongly suggest a glove or mitt to blend it in. These drops are very subtle but you will still get a great sunkissed tan!

I came across Knours. in June while attending Foundermade for the second year in a row. It's basically a summit where emerging brands come together to network and connect with press, buyers etc while sharing knowledge and experiences. The founders of Knours. have always been inspired by clean living. Through a shared passion for exercising and eating right, it naturally evolved into skin care. Believing that everything has an effect on one's body, they sought to provide women with the best, clean beauty line that would help and not harm them during pivotal moments of each month. Thus, Knours. was born. An efficacious collection of 8 essentials dedicated to helping women feel beautiful and confident every day.

KNOURS. pH 5.6 BODY & V ZONE SOAP

Formulated with naturally fermented, Korean artisanal vinegar 'Hanega'Using a low-acid formula to match skin's slightly acidic pH, this soap is gentle on the skin and prolongs moisture retention. It removes impurities and excess sebum. It’s not only beneficial for the skin on the body, but also on hair and the sensitive V-zone. Your all-in-one cleanser.

KNOURS. GEL CREAM

A lightweight, soothing gel cream that keeps temperamental skin under control.This hypoallergenic, soothing gel cream will give your skin peace. Meditate on how good it feels.

Add a touch of light to your makeup with PIXI Glow-y Gossamer Duo in 'Delicate Dew' Or 'Subtle Sunrise', a highlighter duo with natural glow.The delicate, super-silky powders deliver natural-looking brightness to the complexion, creating lit-from-within luminosity. With a creamy, skin-like texture, the highlighters blend effortlessly onto skin, brightening and enhancing high points on the face, such as cheekbones and brow bones. Perfectly pigmented, the results will look natural in any light.

MELT MORE PORE REMOVER DUAL PRIMER CREAM & BALM

Meltmore is 100% formulated with ECOCERT certified, EWG verified all natural ingredients.
The worlds’ first pore specializing in cosmetics solely formulated with ECOCERT certified EWG verified all natural ingredients.

1. Formulated with no chemical ingredients for perfect cleans + zero trouble. All natural ingredients design to melt away perfectly. No remaining product is left behind to clog pores or cause breakouts, but this dramatically reduces the look of pores while smoothing your complexion. It's the ultimate blur balm.

2. Pore removing primer balm. Powerfully refines pores! Candelilla wax deeply purifies pores, while instantly working to help smooth skin while peppermint tightens the pores and leaves skin smooth and healthy.

3. Hydrates your skin with a flawless finish. The light texture cream refreshingly hydrates, smoothes, and blurs common skin concerns such as blemishes, redness, scars, bumps leaving you virtually flawless.

If you find yourself packing multiple kits for one look, Urban Decay's Born To Run Eyeshadow Palette is your globe-trotting go-to. When it's time to grab your carry-on and dash off to the next big adventure, you'll want to pack light. Enter Born To Run, an all-in-one eyeshadow palette that has everything you need to create neutral looks, add in pops of color and play with brights, no matter where you're going. With 21 of-the-moment shades - from jewel tones and modern neutrals to more colorful shadows - you've got every possible eye look covered in one sleek kit. Made from UD's mind-blowing formula that gives each shade its velvety texture, rich color and blendability, Born To Run's Eyeshadow shades hold tightly onto pigment that stays put.

Urban Decay Born to Run Eyeshadow Palette

I'm revealing my new way of putting on foundation and I'm kissing liquid-form goodbye! I've been using mineral foundation and Holy Cow! It's got the same full coverage as liquid! Here are my three current summer favorites from bareMinerals:

bAREMINERALS MATTE FOUNDATION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15 GOLDEN BEIGE

A mineral foundation with buildable coverage and a naturally matte finish available in 30 shades for all skintones. This foundation's weightless minerals buff and blend seamlessly upon application. Redness, imperfections, and fine lines and wrinkles are visibly blurred, while excess oil and the appearance of pores disappear with just one sweep across skin, and improve over time, too. Matte Foundation is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, nonacnegenic, and noncomedogenic so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin, and it's available in an array of skintone-perfecting shades. It is formulated Without: - Parabens - Sulfates - Phthalates All bareMinerals® Foundations are oil-free, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested.

bAREMINERALS MINERAL VEIL SPF 25

Get the ultimate flawless finish while protecting your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Make the most of your makeup with Mineral Veil, a see-through but spectacular finale for any kind of complexion. Minimizing lines, absorbing oils, and softening your complexion, it gives you a flawless finish that's too good to miss. And best of all, it's utterly weightless. Just a bare veil of minerals that lock makeup in place and give your skin airbrushed perfection. Benefits: Protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB raysGives your skin a soft, airbrushed quality. Is entirely translucent, allowing for a natural look. Keeps your skin clear of preservatives, waxes, talc, and binders. Minimizes pores and fine lines for a youthful complexion. Absorbs oils to keep your skin looking fresh and clean. Prolongs wear of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Lipcolor, and Eyecolor. Can also be worn on bare skin for a fresh, feather-light finish. Works beautifully for all skin tones

bAREMINERALS BEAUTIFUL FINISH BRUSH

This luxuriously soft, extra-large, patent-pending brush delivers fast, even, controlled coverage to reduce application time. Engineered with a unique convex center and waved synthetic fibers that hold powder like water to a sponge, it deposits more product with less effort. Its skirted silhouette fits perfectly into our proprietary ORIGINAL and MATTE Foundation lids to help capture (and contain) every mineral.