5 Favorite Kérastase Hair Products

June 15, 2020

KÉRASTASE HAIR PRODUCTS: GENESIS STRENGTHENING BLOW DRY PRIMER | GENESIS STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO | GENESIS STRENGTHENING HAIR MASQUE | GENESIS SCALP SERUM | FRESH AFFAIR REFRESHING DRY SHAMPOO

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

For the past few months, one act of beauty care I’ve been keeping track with is my hair. I had recently cut my hair this winter and along with the use of toner, I have not been back to the salon since. My hair is no longer short and the colors are slowly starting to fade. Which is why it’s so important to maintain my hair lately. I’ve been using Kérastase for many years and had to share my top 5 favorite products from this amazing hair brand. Continue reading to learn more along with direct links to shop each product!

GENESIS STRENGTHENING BLOW DRY PRIMER

The Genesis Fortifying Blow-Dry Fluid Primer is a strengthening blow-dry primer that protects against heat, adds hydration and shine, and helps prevent split ends. A lightweight, heat-protecting blow-dry primer for weakened hair that also helps reduce hair fall due to breakage from brushing.

GENESIS STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO

Tired of seeing hair on your brush? This ultra-delicate gel shampoo for normal to oily hair is the perfect solution. It gently clarifies, removes intense oil build up, and supports hair to reduce hair fall due to breakage from brushing.

GENESIS STRENGTHENING HAIR MASQUE

Break up with breakage, not with brushing. This intensely rich and creamy hair mask for weakened hair helps to reduce hair fall due to breakage from brushing. It hydrates hair to keep it nourished and smooth. I use this mask instead of a conditioner and leave it in during my entire shower and it’s honestly worth every penny. Plus it smells heavenly! Out of all of the Kérastase masks this has absolutely been my favorite.

GENESIS SCALP SERUM

This daily, non-greasy scalp serum has a scalp applicator that allows for precise application on the scalp. This serum is wonderful. It has really changed my hair for the better. I started noticing after a few days that I had significantly less hair fallout. Texture is more watery than oil. Super lightweight. Noticed healthier scalp right away.

FRESH AFFAIR REFRESHING DRY SHAMPOO

Cheat on bad hair days with the new Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo. Kérastase’s up to 24-hour, long-lasting neroli fragrance will leave your hair smelling gorgeous all day. Fresh Affair is formulated with rice starch and vitamin E to instantly absorb excess oil and leave your hair with a lightweight, clean feeling.

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

EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer Review

March 28, 2020

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY BABBLEBOXX ON BEHALF OF ELTAMD.

I'm back! How're we all doing? I hope this finds you and your family in the best of health and spirits. Being stuck at home has a lot of people feeling restless and anxious, but I'm feeling pretty good. I've been working a lot and recently moved which is keeping me and my husband and busy with unpacking, cleaning, and then some. I also have been getting back to my cooking roots - haven't made so many meals in the past month comparatively in the past years! New York City life! To say we've been productive is an understatement.

Even though we've been keeping ourselves occupied I've been amping up my self-care routine with a heavy focus on my skin. Unfortunately, I won't be going outside as much in the next few months, but that doesn't mean I'm going to disregard protecting my skin! Especially with the change of seasons, my skin always adjusts to this and does better when I better maintain it. Today I'm introducing to you guys my new favorite skincare arsenal in my collection: The EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer.

The EltaMD PM Therapy is an oil-free, fragrance-free, noncomedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. I love the fact this advanced facial moisturizer can be used morning and night but definitely does its magic while you catch some zzz's. I find it important to provide your skin with nourishment and support to repair itself from everyday damage. It is also dermatologist-recommended! So how does it work? Ceramides strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Niacinamide and antioxidants work to improve skin color and tone, while also speeding the metabolism to maximize the nightly skin repair process. Small rice protein peptides penetrate to stimulate cell growth and collagen formation, resulting in more skin elasticity. As it nurtures, revitalizes and oxygenates the skin, wrinkles fade and skin tone improves, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance. So good.

Results I've noticed from using EltaMD PM Therapy are an overall improvement in skin's elasticity with a smoother, refreshed appearance as well as better skin tone and color. I love waking up feeling refreshed and my skin feeling moisturized and well taken care of! If you want to learn more about EltaMD, check out their social media channels below:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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

July Beauty Favorites

July 31, 2019

Last day of July calls for a monthly roundup of beauty favorites! 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 fragrance brand I have never tried but fell in love with, a colorful orange palette makeup collection that’s extremely affordable, a nourishing oil for face, body and hair, shimmering dry oils, and a Korean beauty starter kit perfect for your holiday travels. Continue reading to learn more about these products along with where you can find them!

PARFUMS DE MARLY ‘CISSILI’ FRAGRANCE

A joyful fragrance with a floral fruity scent on a woody vanilla base--this new creation invites you to indulge into the fresh sweetness of its scent.

KEY NOTES:
- Top notes: red currant, Bulgarian rose, transparent white flowers
- Middle notes: plum accord, mimosa absolute, plumeria, petalia
- Base notes: sandalwood, tonka beans, vanilla pod

COLOURPOP ORANGE YOU SWEET SET

The new neutral in town, and she’s orange. Get the entire orange collection including Colourpop’s newest 9-pan palette and brand new curated sets to match! There’s four super shocks, lip glosses, makeup brushes, blush sticks, lippie sticks and lip gloss, it’s the perfect orange palette set. Here are the 9 shades of the eyeshadow palette:

Zested - matte pale apricot
Squeeze Me - metallic yellow orange with gold flip
Creamsicle - matte peachy orange
Rise N Grind - matte vivid orange
Clementine - orange glitter with a copper flip
Sunkiss’d - matte neon tangerine
Tangerine Dreams - metallic mid tone red orange
Mimosa Mami - matte bright red orange
Ya Peel Me? - matte mid tone rust

DAVINES AUTHENTIC NOURISHING OIL

For all hair and skin types. Authentic Nourishing Oil contains 100% natural origin ingredients and 30% of organically grown safflower oil. The oil is free from artificial colors, silicones and PEG, leaving hair and skin silky and glowing. I even use this oil as a cleansing balm to remove makeup from the day, but my favorite use of this oil is for my hair. Now that I’m trying to grow my hair long, it keeps the ends moisturized and softer. And the subtle smell is incredible.

111SKIN ROSE GOLD RADIANCE BOOSTER

Founded by renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, 111SKIN combines decades of expertise with the latest ingredients. Formulated with Damask Rose Extract and Gold, this serum is formulated to relieve inflamed skin and enhance natural radiance. This radiance booster is a bit expensive, retailing at $160 at.68 fl oz (!!) but it is well worth the investment. I use this serum for days when I’m utterly exhausted and my face needs an extreme pick-me-up. When that second cup of coffee won’t do, use this immediately and your skin will immediately be revived.

SOL BODY SHIMMERING DRY OIL

It’s that Friday feeling in a bottle. Delivers a shimmering, good-for-the-soul glow that nourishes skin and highlights your highlights. My favorites are a rich, glowing bronze with highlights of copper and gold pearl. The other is a more silvery tint to it called, ‘Platinum’. Comes with a lovely kabuki brush that’s oh so soft. The perfect accessory for summer. Works for all bodies and skin tones.

DR. CURE 7 STARTER KIT

See a drastic improvement to your skin's hydration and melt those fine lines away. This starter kit includes mini-sized versions of their products so you can change your skin routine with one simple kit. It’s perfect for travel. I love all of them but my favorite out of this kit are the teardrops.

Kit includes:

3 Healing Melting Masques

Trial-Sized Collagen Powder Cleanser
0.5g/0.02oz

Trial-Sized Hyaluron Intensive Serum
10ml/0.35oz

Trial-Sized Teardrop Vitamin A or E
8g/0.28oz

Trial-Sized Snow Pearl Cream Mist
30ml/1oz