Tag Archives: Chanel

Beauty Products I Splurge and Save On

Quality over quantity is my metric for beauty spending but that doesn’t always equate to price. There are so many other factors. I look to ingredients and formula when it comes to my skin care, and also try to check myself when I realize I’m paying for a luxury name. Take my Fall Beauty Wardrobe, for example. I was so excited for the Tom Ford Liquid Eyeliner but I’m quickly realizing that it isn’t all that. It’s fine, but I think it might smudge a bit. I don’t think it’s as longwearing as everyone says it to be AND it costs $57. I feel like I hustled myself. I do like Tom Ford beauty but it is unbelievably expensive. You’re paying for name and slick packaging, for sure.

Meg Biram tapped her panel of beauty experts (including yours truly) to dig into our beauty saves and splurges. I thought I’d share mine here and link you over to Meg’s post for the full dish. I was not surprised to see a few of the same saves … when something is that good, it’s not something to keep to yourself.

First and foremost, you can absolutely save on makeup brushes. Of all of the brushes I have, my most used are the face brushes from Real Techniques. They blend makeup so well, are easy to clean and don’t shed.  They all do multiple things, too. I use the Buffing Brush (maybe only available in sets?) to blend in cream bronzer or blushes as well as foundation and I also use the Setting Brush to apply highlighter and setting powder. Around this time of year, they release some great value sets for the holidays. I use a few from last year’s set with a black and white print.

Another save for me is mascara. While I will splurge here sometimes, I really don’t need to. It has such a short shelf life and there are many good formulas that perform just as well as their expensive counterparts. The one I can’t stop talking about it is Maybelline Lash Sensational. I love the curved wand that easily lifts lashes and it never smudges. Smudges are the worst! I’m also really into L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise, which just came out this year.

Lip balm is something I’m all for saving on, given the rate I go through it. But, I’m picky with it – I like a higher quality ingredient list that isn’t waxy or filled with artificial ingredients. I use John Masters Organics Lip Calm – only $6 – every night. You can find it at Whole Foods. I think it must be popular since it’s always sold out online but I never hear anyone talking about it. It’s like a buttery citrusy melt onto lips and it’s the best thing for overnight. Or if you like a lip balm in your winter coat pocket… this is the one to stash everywhere.

As for my splurges, definitely skin care. I think having a few high powered serums in your arsenal will do more for you in the long run than a shortcut with less effective ingredients. I’ve worked up to this though, I’m 35 now, I started with Clinique in my teen years. I will continue to buy the highly active Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum because I see the difference it makes in my skin. Clears up bumps, plumps, soothes. It’s intense and worth the splurge. That said, I try to ease the pain of plunking down the money by finding it on promo somewhere or with a GWP. The last refill I picked up was during one of Space NK’s promos.

I also tend to splurge on bronzer. I like a weighty compact and find the pigment to be more intense. Plus, think about how long it lasts, even if you use it every day. I think my last NARS Laguna lasted three years. Currently working on the Chanel Bronzing Base, too.

I also am a believer in splurging on tools you use every day. My Surratt Eyelash Curler is one of my most beloved items – it’s sleek with black matte and works better than anything I’ve tried in the nearly 20 year history I’ve been curling my lashes. It is VIB sale season, so you should probably get on that one.

If you’re curious about the rest of everyone’s splurges and saves, check out Meg’s post here. And share yours in the comments!

The Fall Beauty Wardrobe Reveal

Planning my first fall beauty wardrobe has been almost as fun as thinking about wearing sweaters again. I didn’t start planning out my fall beauty wardrobe until almost the end of August. I knew I craved the return of black liquid liner but wasn’t as intentional about the next steps as I was with summer. Right before Labor Day, after a cleaning binge, I went through my makeup and selected items that were exciting me and that I missed. There were quite a few “yessss, I have this already,” moments that almost felt like I was shopping. You all know that ‘new new’ high that comes when you buy something. Satisfying but gone in a flash. This was decidedly better. My plan to “trick” myself may actually be working well. But, I did buy a few things also that I’ll point out.

Fall fell into place after a cozy weekend at home after what felt like back to back travel. Ultimately, it’s a return to classics. The makeup I know and love with a luxurious twist. A beauty wardrobe that will be reliable on sleepy mornings (it is so dark right now when my alarm goes off!) and also makes me feel really amazing on those nights I take myself out, as I plan on doing often the next several months. And, obviously, the kind of makeup that complements the prelude to cozy sweaters.

I decided organizing by product type was a capital B bore, so I’m filtering it by mood. This is what my fall beauty wardrobe looks like on my counter. A perfect balance of classic, autumnal and luxe.

CLASSICS

L-R, top to bottom:
Dusk / Skin Tint / barePro / Wowder / Haloscope / Stretch Concealer / Easy Baked Eyeshadow / Smudgeproof Eye Base / Paint Pot / Grain Eyeshadow / Boy Brow / Trestique / Sheer Lipstick

These are the workhorses of my makeup bag. My NARS smudgeproof eye primer, brows and wear everyday eyeshadows.

No surprise, there is also a ton of Glossier in here. Skin Tint and Wowder will be in every beauty wardrobe, as will Boy Brow and Haloscope. I also included Cloud Paint in Dusk—couldn’t get enough of it in summer—and Stretch Concealer. These truly are my favorite beauty products, and I’m so not saying that just because I’m a Glossier rep.

I’m also testing out the new barePro Performance Wear Liquid – bareMinerals is an instant classic when it comes to complexion. This is a new launch and I’m so excited to see how it wears. I’ve tried it a few times and first impressions are positive.

I also have a tiny nub of one of my fav lip colors of all time: Armani Rouge Sheer in 502. I think I’ve been holding on to it but now is the time to use it. Why do I have a habit of using a lipstick almost all the way and then clinging to it for (not even joking) years. Candidly, this may be past the point of expiration but I’m not throwing it away. It doesn’t have a funk sooooo… yeah.

I learned a lesson during the summer: I like a simple eye. No palettes in sight here. I’m planning on a heavy rotation of MAC’s Soft Ochre Paint Pot, which is great on its own, and Urban Decay’s best eyeshadow color, Easy Baked. You know Half Baked that is in so many of the Naked palettes? This is its less brassy sister shadow. Also carried over MAC Grain because it was a summer necessity.

FALL FALL FALL !

L-R, top to bottom:
RMS Content / NARS Dolomites / Rockateur / Multistick in Cerise / Gen G Jam

My color story for fall is quintessential fall. Berries all the way. Is there another way to be? I’m most excited about my RMS Lip Shine in Content. This was one of those “yesss” moments when I was looking through my beauty drawers. It flexes as a cheek color, too. Reminds me of a glass of wine. I also brought back a combo I loved a few years ago at this time of year: NARS Dolomite Eyeshadow Duo and Benefit Rockateur Blush. Sadly, Dolomite is limited edition so I don’t think you can get it anywhere now. Also, I tossed all of my old Benefit blushes in the great purge of spring 2017 and this was the only one left standing. Here’s to seeing if I still love it as much as I used to.

A LOT OF LUXE

L-R, top to bottom:
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar / Onomie A.C.E. / Chanel Bronzing Base / Tom Ford Eyeliner / Nars Soft Matte Concealer / Onomie Bright Concealing Elixir / Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick / Surratt Eyelash Curler / Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara / Glossier Rose Balm dot Com / Dior Dreamskin Cushion / Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil / Luminous Silk Foundation / Juice Illuminating Serum  / Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner

Ahhh, a touch of luxury.  This is about 45% of my beauty wardrobe, so perhaps more than a touch. I’ve got quite a few complexion products in here. Allow me to explain, as it may seem counterintuitive to my less is more mantra. I have been intentionally wearing less face makeup but I like different options depending on my mood. This is entirely reasonable to me – sometimes I’m in the mood for a cushion compact and other times mixing up a liquid concoction. When Emily Ferber (darling beauty editor at Into The Gloss) shared her summer beauty routine, I was struck by how perfect her skin appeared and noted that she was using NARS Soft Matte Concealer (an early fav of mine this year) and Dior’s Dreamskin Cushion. So, I picked up the Dior and have to say it is every bit as perfect with the NARS Soft Matte as she explained.  I’m also testing out, c/o the brand, Onomie’s Bright Concealing Elixir and the A.C.E. Illuminating Treatment which is kind of a highlighter, kind of a concealer. In the short time I’ve been in my fall beauty wardrobe, I’m having so much fun playing with different combinations.

I included the Juice Illuminating Primer. I struggled to use this the summer because it felt like extra weight on the skin. It’s not heavy by any means but I really didn’t do any form of priming in the heat. Now, I use a flat foundation brush to apply before my makeup and I can’t imagine not including in my routine. It really shines under that Dior compact, let me tell you.

I also included two rose scented lip balms because what is more luxurious than rose. Glossier’s Rose Balm Dot Com makes me feel fancy. They pair particularly well with a bit of Bite Beauty’s Lip Pencil in 10, which is just slightly mauvier than my natural lip color.

There’s quite a few newbies making their debut. There’s Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzing Makeup Base, which is as large as a compact disc. It’s the only bronzer I included. I wanted a departure from my Laguna for fall since that felt so summery to me. Also, the reformulated Beautycounter Lengthening Mascara. I picked this up from my friend Lauren who is a Beautycounter rep. I really liked this when it launched the first time so am curious how this version will fare – supposedly less smudging, thought that was never a problem with me the first go around. And, the SEXIEST lipstick ever:  Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick. It has a vintage feel and I couldn’t not try it in my favorite color: a rosey nude, obviously. And, last, for my return to black liquid liner I decided to reenter in the most over the top way: Tom Ford. Here’s hoping it’s as good as everyone says.

I’m so excited to keep experimenting and will share updates along the way. Anything you’d like to see more of?

I’ve been sharing all of my beauty wardrobes on Instagram – I would LOVE if you’d join with me. #FallBeautyWardrobe on Instagram is ours for the taking.  Show me your fall beauty!

7 Nail Polishes to Wear This Fall

Fall Nail Polish

 

Every season brings a new nail color palette and fall is always the best. The return of deep broody colors, rich hues, greys and pre-holiday glitz. I can’t get enough. I eased into the season with this red and my fav color of Essie’s fall collection, For the Twill of It, which is like three metallic nail colors in one. The teal shimmer that reflects from that polish is major. We’ve still got a lot of fall to enjoy so I’ve pulled together the rest of my top picks to inspire your next manicure!

After seeing Deborah Lippmann Rolling in the Deep on The Glossarie’s nails, I picked up a bottle. It’s the most incredible navy crème and I’m obsessed. In fact, before you get distracted with Deborah Lippmann holiday (who could blame you?!), check out the rest of her ‘Jewel Heist’ collection. The holographic Glitter and Be Gay is truly jewelry for your nails. I’ve been wearing it ombre style, like this.

Speaking of nail jewels, Marchesa designed a set of nail appliques for Revlon inspired by couture gowns. Each design is prettier than the next but the Gilded Mosaic pattern especially stands out. Another collection that caught my eye? Jin Soon’s collab with Tibi. I get lost in the glossy black Obsidian which has little bits of shimmer to give it the look of volcanic rock. Beyond cool.

It’s not fall without a deep purple and Chanel Taboo fits that bill. It looks burgundy in the bottle but on nails is a complex mix of plum and navy. When the sun hits your nails, it lights up. I bought this to get parking validation at Nordstrom a few months ago and am so glad I did! For a softer take on fall grey, I recommend NARS Galathee, a creamy lavender grey with cool undertones. It may be new, but I can already see this one being a classic staple.

What are you wearing on your nails this fall?

Vacation Makeup Bag: Fall Getaway Edition

Vacation-Makeup

The pretties are packed and I’m ready for a vacation! Seriously ready. I’ve hardly taken any time off this year. A glaring reminder is the fact that I still have 14 vacation days stowed away for the rest of the year.  I’m ready to burn a few with a long weekend to DC. Since I moved back to the Midwest from DC in 2009, I’ve hardly been back. Can’t wait to catch up with friends and visit some of my fav places. Though, I’m not too happy about all of this rain heading up the coast from Hurricane Karen. I’m determined to make the best of the dreary days.

Vacaction-MakeupBag-DC

The makeup I’m bringing for this trip is a lesson in self-control. Two blushes is editing for me, guys. And please do congratulate me on bringing a single eyeliner. Cream blushes are my jam right now so I couldn’t possibly choose between Butter LONDON Naughty Biscuit and Illamasqua Velvet Blusher in Peaked. The BECCA Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation is like a tinted moisturizer with a little more oomph. Wears beautifully all day, so I like to travel with that one. I always over pack eye makeup, so I’m keeping it simple with Benefit Nude Swings, an always perfect with everything rose gold, and the option to go smoky with Chanel Enigma. That one eyeliner I can survive on for four days? Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl in Penny Lane. When you twist the cap, it sharpens itself! Since I know there’s probably a handful of lipsticks buried in my purse, I’m only packing two in my makeup bag. Burt’s Bees Sunny Day and MAC Retro Matte in Flat Out Fabulous. If I can’t actually get a sunny day, may as well channel good vibes through makeup!

Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer, a Stress-Relieving Moisturizer?

 Kiehls-Skin-Rescuer

{Chanel Azure on the nails!}

Stress is the new norm. It’s all about how you manage it, right? I balance my crazy by drinking lots of water and getting my daily giggle on. Seriously, when neither happens, stress creeps and shows on skin.  Somehow, I even managed to avoid getting a cold this year when everyone I knew was down and out with that nasty flu. (Cue knocking on wood.) I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of the havoc stress can wreak on skin. It’s no joke how puffiness, redness, dullness, blotchiness and fatigue just takes over. The “you look tired” is the worst thing you can hear.  And it’s not just superficial, but over time the effects of stress weaken the skin barrier and causes premature aging. Which, honestly, is stressful just to think about. A vicious circle that Kiehl’s is hoping to disrupt.

The OG apothecary just released the Skin Rescuer, a lightweight moisturizer with a formula specifically designed to limit the release of stress signals to skin. How exactly? Extracts from the petals of the Rosa Gallica flower minimize inflammation and mannose, a rare sugar, helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier. Plus a side of shea butter, squalane and blend of ceramides. I tell ya, I like everything about the Skin Rescuer. It’s intended to be layered over a serum and is light enough to layer another moisturizer on top. But, no worries if you want to trim a step because this can double as a moisturizer. And, this one is totally dude-approved, too. If you’re up for sharing, this could be one to let your man steal.

312 Beauties: Rachel Gillman

I’m rolling out a new feature here, fittingly called 312 Beauties. I’ll be tapping some of Chicago’s most fabulous women to tell me of all of their beauty secrets and dish on makeup must-haves. I’m excited to kick off the series with Rachel Gillman, a PR Specialist and Freelance Writer for NBC, Michigan Avenue and Serious Eats. Rachel is the ultimate media pro and knows all when it comes to BYOB and gluten-free dining in Chicago.  She also has the most enviable lashes you’ll ever see. Lucky for us, she tells all.

 

Rachel-Gillman

How do you start your mornings?

I’ve learned that I do better working out in the a.m. Two mornings a week at 6am, I’ll do the elliptical or an Insanity or P90X video in the living room. On those mornings, I’ll wash my hair. I usually aim to wash my hair every other day. A trick — which you taught me! — is to go to sleep with my hair twisted on top of my head in a clip. It’s a game-changer! It makes two-day hair full and fresh looking. It’s a major time saver in the morning.

You have flawless skin. What is your skin care routine?

I use Cetaphil cleanser, though if I get something in a Birchbox, I always try it out. I use Lancome Bi-Facil to remove my eye makeup. I stock up on it when I buy mascara, whenever there’s a free gift at the counter. I was really hooked on Chanel skin care, the Hydra Beauty Crème, but I haven’t made the effort to splurge all over again on a new tub. Occasionally, I rotate Retin- A into my routine. I recently got a facial at Cellular Intelligence spa and bought the Lumiere Bio Restorative Eye Cream on a recommendation. It’s very light, and I use it every morning. I use Neutrogena SPF 50 as well, especially if I know I’ll be out in the sun. I’m more concerned about protecting my skin lately.

Rachel-Gillman-Makeup

How about your everyday face?

I use a concealer from Benefit and then follow up with this Pür Minerals powder I got from Birchbox — it’s more matte and it helps even my skin out. A makeup artist at the Chanel at Bloomingdales, Ana Oveido, sold me two of the Quadra Eyeshadows in Mystic Eyes and Prelude and taught me how to use all four shadows together or take it down with just one or two. She is fantastic. I’m pretty particular when it comes to my makeup being done because you know what looks like you and what you’re comfortable wearing. She takes everything I do and improves upon it. I use those eyeshadows pretty much every day. And when I feel like I’ve done a good job and I’m near the Bloomingdale’s building, I’ll go and visit her and she’ll tell me how I did!

I also use Chanel eyeliner, in the shade Cassis. You twist it up, so it’s not a true pencil. It’s precise, lasts and really lets you get in between your lashes.  My blush is Laura Mercier Pink Lotus and I use NARS Risky Business Lip Gloss. I also carry around a CO Bigelow tint with me always. A great makeup artist Jenny Patinkin (of Dollface Beauty) coached and shopped with me for makeup. I trust her judgment. She helps you create a better version of yourself.  I fill in my brows with an Anastasia Powder. Jenny helped me pick that out as well. I just use a little bit.

Now about those lashes…

I am obsessed with Lancome mascara – completely loyal to the Hypnose Drama. I buy it two tubes at a time because I never want to be without. I’ve used something from Tarte and another from Sephora but I always go back to Lancome. The amount of time I spend on my lashes could be considered comical. I curl them to start and put on a coat. Not a wimpy one, either, but from the base and I coat every lash. I let it dry, do some other makeup and then come back. I’ll curl my lashes again, use a lash comb to separate and then apply one more coat. It never clumps. The Lancome brush is magic.

Rachel-Gillman-Lipstick

Rachel’s lip wardrobe

I love Birchbox, too. What are some of your favorite discoveries?

Let me tell you, this $10 a month service fuels my beauty routine. Some of my favorite items have come from Birchbox. I love the Jouer Lip Enhancer – I need to buy a big tube! Also, I love this chubby Tarte lip pencil in a coral shade. I also got the Benefit primer, POREfessional, and I’m pretty hooked. It helps smooth my skin before makeup.  I love anything skin-related they send.

What is your beauty splurge?

I really have no problem spending money on my hair, but for some reason I do on my skin. I should probably reverse that! I love my hair stylist. I get my hair cut about every three months by Ingrid Trevino at Nancy Angelair  on Rush Street. I’ve followed Ingrid around to three salons. Her blowouts are second to none and she cuts wavy hair so well. I can’t go much longer than three months because my ends get so damaged from heat and styling.

I’ve been using this donut lately to create the perfect bun. It requires a little effort but is so worth it. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding recently and they styled my hair with it so I just held onto it after the wedding. I don’t like too sleek of a look. Just a little bit messy when I wear my hair up.

Where have you been eating lately?

I probably eat out about five nights a week (research!)  My favorite sushi restaurant right now is Kai Zan. It’s BYOB, which is one of my favorite ways to dine. Yuzu has really good maki rolls. I’m on a whiskey kick at the moment, and am enjoying cocktails in a new way with darker spirits. I had this drink called Cocktail at Billy Sunday – potent but very drinkable.

Grange Hall Burger Bar has a gluten-free bun. When I want a true burger experience, that’s my go-to. Bountiful Eatery in Lakeview is a great, healthy gluten-free cafe.  They have these pita wraps with portabella mushrooms or bison burgers inside. It’s affordable and tasty. Prasino is my favorite brunch right now. They have a hippie omelet that is worth looking forward to all week!