Major kudos to everyone that successfully works from home and changes their clothes/wears makeup everyday. Last week, I worked remotely and found it near impossible to take off my Glossier sweatshirt for anything but a bath. I was the very definition of bum all week. It was both lovely and terrifying.
I’m back to changing my clothes more regularly and ventured into my fall beauty wardrobe a bit more as well. My Dior Cushion is all but dried up and I’m going to wait on opening the next disc until a future beauty wardrobe. Perfect time to use the bareMinerals Bare Pro liquid foundation. I like to buff in with in a dense fluffy brush on just the areas I need it. It’s easy to wear, like all bareMinerals base products, but it is a true foundation – this stuff will cover. I like to apply foundation before any other base products – I know everyone has their own order. I follow up with concealer, in the event I need less.
I also don’t put foundation near my under eye area. I went in after with my Onomie concealer, buffing that in with a small flat Real Techniques brush under the eyes, around the nose. That stuff is mega brightening and has a fluffy light consistency that I love. It’s the opposite texture of Glossier Stretch, which I also love, but more so on the skin than under my eyes because it is mega dewy.
In my lazy slumper, I also got off the healthy eating track. I blame my boyfriend for stocking our freezer with a Costco size pack of frozen pizza. That is my weakness. I love frozen pizza! And now I have some breakouts to show for it. Worth it? Ehhhh, in the moment, yes. Nars Soft Matte Concealer is the concealer of all concealers for a breakout. I use my ring finger to press and blend on any spots. Color match is the key to this one – I’m a perfect match to custard, it has the right amount of yellow to balance out the redness. It perfectly conceals and has incredible staying power, two musts if you’re covering a zit in my opinion.
I decided to break out the Wowder as well, dusting on the center of my forehead, under my eye and on any blemish I covered. Wowder photographs really well.
I used my trust Tilbury Film Star — side note, I’m thinking of getting the contour and highlight wands in liquid form next, if it’s as good as the powder I think I’ll love it — on my face and eyelids. I decided to skip most eye makeup and let lips be the star of this look. I curled my lashes and put on a few coats of Maybelline Lash Sensational. This mascara is the very best – that lift!
The perfect almost moody fall lip is Glossier Gen G in Jam. It looks like a deep blackberry in the tube but is more raspberry on the lips. This can be built up, a choose your own intensity adventure. This tube is from when it launched – I love the shade, but I know there have been some Gen G packaging improvements since. Still that simple skinny balmy tube but more protected in there.
The sweater is from a few years ago Everlane. It’s no Glossier sweatshirt but it’s just as cozy.
I’m at it again with picking favorites in my fall beauty wardrobe. It’s been a tough few weeks and I haven’t been that focused on switching up my makeup. I’ve been aiming to look put together in hopes that it would help me feel the same.
If you follow me on Instagram, I shared some details this weekend about what’s been happening. My dog – my love, my baby – has cancer. We’ve had countless appointments and meetings with various specialists, each leaving me gutted emotionally. I’ve cried so much I think I have no tears left. I’m now in fight mode, ready to conquer this tumor and match the strength my sweet terrier has shown all along. My sadness and anger has transformed into hope out of necessity.
Turns out, having a five product face is so immensely valuable during those moments you need to go on autopilot. In fact, I’ve almost used up the Dior DreamSkin Cushion. This is really peak beauty wardrobe-ing… it’s so hard to actually finish something! This compact comes with two discs, so I do have a built-in backup. At times, I use the built in sponge but mostly one of my Real Techniques face brushes. If I’m skipping concealer, I’ll pat a little extra on red areas and concentrate it on a blemish. It is weightless.
I’m also making a dent in the Charlotte Tilbury Film Star duo. I use her brush as well that goes with the duo, for both contour and highlight. I feel like this instantly wakes up my face, even if I don’t do anything else. Most days, I’ve been fluffing this on my eyelids as well.
Whether or not I’m wearing eye makeup, I usually curl my lashes with my Surratt. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll wear Maybelline Lash Sensational. It doesn’t smudge under normal circumstance but I had some all out ugly cries recently. This mascara wasn’t initially in my fall beauty wardrobe but I added it after I realized the Beautycounter Lengthening was so subtle.
I’m about ready to open a new tube of Boy Brow this week. I go through about one every season so this is my reminder to order another one. As soon as I open a new one, I get a backup so I don’t forget. Throughout the day, I’ll dab on Rose Balm Dotcom. It’s been getting real dry and I notice I need more.
Technically, this may be more than five products, assuming we’re counting the tools. But close enough.
A woman spun out of the finest silk makes the strongest robe. This line stood out to me when I devoured Eve’s Hollywood on the flight to LA. It was the book my friends and I decided to read together for our trip to LA. A vacation book club is a fun tradition my friend Lindsay started when we went to Mexico together earlier this year. And we always try to base our choice off of the destination.
Traveling with friends is different than a vacation with your partner. I’m sad it’s over. Since the spring, I’ve been looking forward to a trip to LA with my dear friends. One lives in Chicago, so I see her regularly, and the other in Northern California and I miss her so much. I lean on these ladies for laughs, advice and strength. They are my strong robes.
It was a much needed four day getaway. The highlight was all of the food we ate, with a close second just being able to hear the sounds of the ocean and see a western sunset. There was one night when we took a Lyft to Manhattan Beach during rush hour to make a dinner reservation and ran from it to soak up the sunset. We had about two minutes to spare and it was.WORTH.it. It wasn’t so much of a makeup trip, but I did pack a fair share of options from my fall beauty wardrobe. I’m realizing that so many of my additions this season are base and concealer versus color and that’s what exciting me most. It’s also more bronzer heavy than my summer beauty wardrobe. Mainly because I use Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar as contour, blush and eyeshadow. This felt especially appropriate in the LA heat.
Some days I used my Glossier Skin Tint and layered over Dior Dreamskin Cushion for a little more glow and SPF power, especially on our hike. I skipped concealer under the eye most nights (we were well rested!) but I did layer NARS Soft Matte Concealer on redness, around the nose and a few travel blemishes. Always travel zits. Without fail, there’s always one reminder that I was on an airplane for several hours.
Since I’ve been back this past week, I’ve been using mostly the same makeup. I had a moment the other day where I realized that I’m halfway through my beauty wardrobe. Fall is flying by. It’s clear that there are a few things that I just don’t need to own and a wish list that is growing for the holiday season.
3 months, 41 products and endless combinations later, here we are.
This beauty wardrobe was so much more than just makeup: it’s like a time capsule and goal-setting expedition all in one. At the start of the season, I shared what my summer had in store: a trip to Sweden and Finland, a wedding/girls trip in Mexico, a momentous birthday, a move (that has been filling my to do list up ever since it happened).
Check. Check. Check and Check.
There was also this momentous hair day I had in Stockholm.
I read 18 books, watched all of Parks and Rec and am fulfilling my last summer goal: volunteering with One Tail at a Time. This one came together at the last possible moment; I start volunteer training in a week! They are doing such amazing work and I cry often out of joy and sadness at what they do for pups (and kitties, too). They just went down to Houston to help with Harvey dogs and I want to do all I can to support their efforts.
Dare I say having a beauty wardrobe helped me focus more on life? I didn’t completely achieve my goal of buying no beauty products but I did way better than I thought I would. I like the structure and being able to really experiment with what’s in my makeup bag. After all, I got it for a reason, yes? Enough looking at pretty things, I want to dirty them up and incorporate them into how I live. I’m in the process of transitioning to my fall beauty wardrobe and am planning on applying the lessons I learned about my beauty habits into the upcoming season.
I think I try to convince myself I like things that I know deep down aren’t for me. For reasons that I’m sure you can relate to: the packaging is pretty, I love the brand, the color is stunning, it works well for other people. Insert ____ reason here. Why do we try to convince ourselves we have needs just because of wants?
LESSONS LEARNED
I prefer black liquid eyeliner. In fact, I really missed mine this season. Don’t get me wrong: my Kat Von D Tattoo liner in that espresso-ish brown got plenty of use but I really love black. And pencil eyeliner? Nope. Not something I reached for.
Palettes are overwhelming. It’s like option overload and I shut down. I also don’t think a palette that mixes in cream and powder options is for me. The powder gets in the cream and also expire sooner. Guess what? I built this palette. As in, went to a MAC event and got to design this palette at no cost to me. I’m pretty sure deep down I knew I didn’t like mixing these products, yet I did anyway. But why??
I really like complexion products. Complexion options don’t overwhelm me, in fact, it’s comforting. In July, I added in Make Up For Ever’s Ultra HD Foundation when I started working with the brand. It rounded out my options in a way I think I needed all along. Also, I had a late in the season attachment to Too Faced Born This Way concealer.
Trying new mascara is fun. It was time for a new tube in June so instead of replacing my Maybelline Lash Sensational that I started off with, I tried the L’Oreal Lash Paradise and treated myself to the Dior Pump n Volume because self-control is hard, guys. I loved both. Wore them both regularly all summer.
WHAT I USED MOST
My most used are definitely my most loved.
RMS Lip Shine in Honest 4-eva. I will let a out a YAY for nearly finishing it. I’m going to keep it in my purse until it’s gone, it won’t last through fall but for a few more weeks I bet. I think I used this almost every day. I’d say I’d replace it but for now, I’m going to work through some other products I have.
I wore Cloud Paint almost exclusively. Sorry, other blushes. Dusk and Beam were on my face almost every day I wore makeup. I wore them together, separate, mixed in with MAC Strobe Cream, with bronzer and without. I put them on four bridesmaids when I did makeup for my friend’s wedding in Mexico. Somehow, I still have not finished these tubes which goes to show you how necessary owning a tube of Cloud Paint is. (you know I can help you out… glossier.com/reps/laurie if you haven’t gotten the memo!)
It Cosmetics CC Cream is synonymous with summer. I am almost finished with my tube and stand by the assertion that this is the best of any BB or CC cream on the market. I wore Medium, but can also get away with Light.
Rust colored eyeshadow looks good on me. All of the colors I included were in the peachy bronze family and I only wish I had more eyes to wear them all every day. All last week, I wore NARS St Paul de Vence. It started out in the week as a wistful reminder that it was one of my favorites and quickly turned into a challenge. I tried new combos, layering and it cemented its status as one of the best NARS duos I’ve worn.
Having a flesh toned neutral eyeshadow is clutch. One of my most used products wasn’t even in my initial plan: the single MAC eyeshadow in Grain.
Haloscope. That is all. This was one of the products I replaced with a new tube about halfway through the summer. I’m considering just putting this into the ‘staple’ category with my eyelash curler and Boy Brow because there’s no way I’ll ever not include this in future seasons.
WHAT I OVERLOOKED
There’s a theme I’m noticing: I don’t really prime my face with makeup products. Skincare, yes. I mist, tone, serum, moisturize and SPF and by the time that’s all done, I really don’t want to wear any more “base” layers. I did use my Juice Beauty Illuminating Serum on the weekends but on my most days I skipped this step. I think it may be more of a summer phenom. I’m definitely going to try and work in the Juice into my next wardrobe.
I also only wore Glossier Gen G in Leo a handful of times. Every time I wore it, I loved how it looked but I kept forgetting. The lesson here is that less is more when it comes to lips.
WHAT I CHANGED MY MIND ON
Do you ever get it in your head that you really love something and then you have to come with terms that isn’t true once you really try it out. That is me and this Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet foundation. Here’s the thing: the formula is awesome, it makes my skin feel and look flawless but only for a short window of time. It’s so frustrating! I leave the house and I feel great. A few hours later, I look in the mirror and look really blah. This is a tough realization but necessary.
Another item I thought I’d wear nonstop was this Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Peach. It’s too orange and the dewy factor fades quickly. I barely had enough eyes to wear my favorite shades much less one I’m just kinda ‘meh’ on.
WHAT NOW?
Some of these products will officially retire. Like my Born This Way concealer, which is leaking from the top so I can’t travel with it. Some will carry over, like Haloscope. Others will go into my my simplified beauty storage, like St Paul de Vence.
My goal is not to start from scratch every season but rotate in things I have and also what’s inspiring me for the season.
I know the idea of capsule living is something a lot of people are experimenting with. I see this sort of in that vein but am inviting frequent change and limiting the rules. I’d be really interested to know how you choose the makeup you wear and if you change it up. Does anyone want to beauty wardrobe with me for fall? I’m going to reveal my plan for fall soon. Can’t wait!
I’ve gone through phases with my summer beauty wardrobe. On one hand, I might have given myself too many options and on the other, just enough so I didn’t feel limited. It’s all psychological isn’t it? Really, though, I’m truly loving this experiment and got excited when I realized I should probably start thinking about fall. I’m going to stick with summer for another three weeks, just past Labor Day.
I did a mini audit of what I’ve been using and realized there’s some things I’ve used almost every day and some things I’ve barely touched. I’m going to do a rotation and make the most of my summer beauty.
First, things I’m close to finishing up.
I’m almost coming up empty on my IT Cosmetics CC Cream and Glossier Skin Tint – these have definitely been my summer workhorses. The coverage on the IT never ceases to amaze me. I’m also almost done with my NARS Velvet Gloss Pencil in Frivolous. I’ve gone through a handful of these over the years but for such a low maintenance pink color, it’s high maintenance to use. They need sharpening often. And, they are pretty glossy, so they will fill your sharpener with gloss. Regardless, I’m really glad I included Frivolous in summer. It’s the perfect I’m wearing makeup but you can’t tell lip color. I keep it in my purse and then usually curse when I pull it out and it’s a stubbie.
As for makeup I haven’t really used…
There are some surprises in here. My custom MAC palette. I made a point to put it on my bathroom counter now. I think with the move and travels, I haven’t given it enough love. It’s big and doesn’t fit in my travel makeup bag. I wish I had a slightly smaller size that didn’t have Cream Colour Bases in it. Cream products don’t last quite as long and looking at it every morning reminds me of how wasteful I am.
Ilia Cucumber Stick. Isn’t that weird? I was sure I would use this nonstop but the truth is it confuses me. Is it a toner? Skincare? Should I use it when I wake up to wake me up? Do I reapply it over my makeup? I’m deeply torn on the right way to use it. I feel like I missed a huge opp to bond with this by not bringing it to Mexico. I so needed the refresher in that heat.
MAC Strobe Cream. Nothing against you, MAC, I promise you’re a fav. It’s just that I haven’t used this peachy strobe cream more than a few times. I think I’ve wanted less on my face and I equate this more with winter beauty. When I want a strobe-y moisturizer under my makeup.
There have even been a few additions.
I apparently go through eyebrow pencils at rapid pace. I finished the It Cosmetics Super Skinny Brow Power in June and then broke an Anastasia replacement (not user error – super frustrating). TrèStiQue sent me their brow pencil, which has a built in brow setting gel not dissimilar to Boy Brow. However, Boy Brow is a perfect color match and I prefer the texture. The combo of the two has been working great for my brows.
I’ve also tried a few new mascaras. I knew this would happen because I was almost finished with my Lash Sensational and was looking for something easier to remove. Funny, I did not choose formulas that were easier to remove but I’m still pleased with my options. Dior’s new Pump’n’Volume formula has been such a worthy splurge. I also love L’Oréal Lash Paradise – the wand has really dense soft bristles that grab on to lashes well.
Last, I’m trying some new complexion products. I’m working with Make Up For Ever and am remembering how much I love the Ultra HD foundation. This isn’t so much new as it is a classic. I brought it to Mexico with me and ended up using it on four of the bridesmaids (we’re all about the same shade – Y245!)
I’ve also been testing Glossier Wowder. My first impressions are the packaging is straight genius. It has what Glossier calls trampoline mesh instead of those little holes that sift powder usually unsuccessfully. And the inside of the lid is custom fitted so it fits over the mesh circle. It’s dream packaging! I am trying it out now and going to be comparing it to my RMS Tinted Unpowder, which is what I’ve been using for years to set and reduce shine.
I’ll do a full recap when summer wraps. Definitely learning more about what I really love.
If you’re just joining me here, make sure and catch up with yesterday’s post all about the inspiration for my summer beauty wardrobe. I’m calling it peachdrenched because, well, it’s very peachy! This is a tone that I’ve always liked on my eyes because anything that leans slightly orange-ish always makes them look even bluer. And, when I started looking through my products, I realized I had a lot of peach. I’ve mixed in tones of bronze and beige to balance it out and am so excited with the final list.
Presented to you in the order I actually apply my makeup! Side note on that: I’m fascinated by people who can do their eye makeup first.
Skin prep is key in summer. I’ve got quite a bit here, actually. The ILIA Cucumber is something I recently picked up – I always love how ILIA’s summer collections are so functional for how you live in the summer. I can’t wait to use this to refresh or prime skin on a really hot day. The Juice primer is something I loved when I first got (from Gwyneth’s collab) but in typical fashion found that I wasn’t using it at all. Part of the Beauty Wardrobe is to use and love the things I’ve invested in. I got a sample of the trèStiQue and have been saving it for the weather to warm up – it’s so useful for touch-ups! I actually apply highlighter just after concealer, so technically Haloscope is out of order. But, sometimes I do apply it before any face makeup!
My plan is to wear less makeup this summer. But, for when I do, I chose the formulas that work well in the summer. Glossier Skin Tint is an always on for me – I use it alone (because it’s perfect!) but also mix it with other foundations, too. The Chanel is really lightweight and has a velvet satin finish. I love how it wears on my skin in the heat. I’m guessing I’ll use this entire CC Cream – I did last summer. It is the best of any BB/CC cream and helps you skip a bunch of steps. There’s SPF, it primes, conceals, covers and even gives you a glow.
Stretch Concealer is another staple that I’ll always use. I’ve also included Too Faced Born This Way because I really like the liquid formula under my eyes. I picked this up last year and it’s gotten hardly any love since. Another note on why I included Haloscope in Quartz as my only highlighter. It’s all I really need – betting I’ll need to replace it mid-summer, though, it does last a long time.
I think it took me more than a few years to finish my original Laguna bronzer so it was with MUCH delight that I replaced it with this special edition version. I just started using it and love how soft the finish is.
Last spring (as in 2016), I built a custom MAC palette. It’s the only palette I’ve included for summer. It has everything in it – cream highlighter, cheek and eyeshadow. The two blushes are awesome with this color story and will be nice if I want a powder option. Let’s be real, though, I’m probably going to wear my Cloud Paints almost every day. Multi-use products are so awesome in the summer, so I also included a Bite Multistick in a neutral beige and the Olio in melon.
I always do my brows before I do any eye makeup. Again, it helps me see if I even want to wear any at all. Out of habit, I always put on a little eye base. NARS is the only one that really works for me.
This was the hardest part to narrow down. But, it’s also the category that I try and obey expiration dates so I’m including a lot of cream-based products in here to use up. And, the NARS duo is something I’ve hardly used since I got. I’m excited to experiment and layer the two shadows. Noticeably missing: black eyeliner!
I use this under my eyes and around my nose, depending on the day. It’s the best finishing powder and one of those always on products for me that will be in future beauty wardrobes.
I’m getting back in the groove with gloss. The NARS in Bimini is from a few seasons ago and (surprise) it’s gotten no love from me. I also use the Glossier Lip Gloss on my eyelids – it’s not intended for that, but I like it and find it wears well.
And, there you have it: my summer beauty wardrobe! It’s going to be a great summer of beauty. Can’t wait to try something new with these combos and figure out if this whole narrowing down for an entire season helps me use what I love and keep me from needlessly buying more beauty products.
I wanted to wait a hot second before I shared a review of Crème de Glossier. a.k.a. Priming Moisturizer Rich, Or, PMR, for short. But Crème de Glossier has a nice ring, right? The Frenchified descriptor is appropriate given the simplicity and power of PMR.
After 12 months of formulation and a hell of a lot of ITG reader input, Glossier released PMR last month. Let me not bury the lead: it’s a luxurious face cream for $35. I love love love that this product is affordable and not filled with frills. Believe me, I can get down with a complicated moisturizer. I do often get down with complicated. This is far from it yet it sacrifices nothing.
So what makes it awesome? Here’s a few ingredient callouts. Ceramides that naturally occur in skin to bind skin cells together and strengthen skin’s barrier. Fatty acids to act like a waterproof coat for your skin and keep moisture in. Glossier’s secret sauce – an anti-redness complex to help prime skin for makeup. Two butters that give this its decadent texture: shea and a dense butter called murumuru that melts into skin without any heaviness. There’s a slight lavender scent that gently taps your senses and whispers, “shhh….everything will be OK.”
When to use PMR? Your call. I was fully expecting to use this at night only. I heard thick and luxurious and had already envisioned a spot for it in my nighttime routine. Turns out, I prefer it in the morning. True to its Priming Moisturizer roots, it’s a total rock star under makeup. I think you see what makes this so special when you apply it for daytime wear. It doesn’t leave any trace of weight or greasy feeling – it absorbs into skin, plumps it up nicely and immediately calms any redness the eff down. Winter is debatable at the moment but forced heat and the yoyo temps are always a recipe for dryness and breakout. PMR is a total skin stabilizer!
But that’s just my two cents. If you’re down with uncomplicated, you can shop PMR with me here.
P.S. Just got word that Glossier is having free shipping today on any order, February 22 only!
The forever answer to “what do you recommend for brow maintenance?” is Boy Brow.
I’ve earned simplicity for what I’ve put them through since middle school – shaving my uni (ugh, I was YOUNG. DUMB!), tweezing to no end and regularly waxing in my 20s because I thought that’s what grown ass women did when they got a salaried job. Honestly, I don’t touch them anymore – a few stray hairs get tweezed every couple months.
You know they stop growing back at some point, right? I’ve tried a lot of brow fillers and had a very complicated routine at one point. Until Glossier Boy Brow was launched. Sigh of relief.
Lemme back up for a quick sec.
It’s this girl’s DREAM GIG to be connected with Glossier in an official capacity. Well, it’s actually HAPPENING and I am GEEKING out. I’m now a Glossier Rep. If you’ve been following along on my Instagram, you may have seen some rumblings about this. I have a Glossier URL with my name and a video (so awk, but yeah, that’s me, hi!) and I get to share space with a brand I so genuinely love.
So what does this mean? Honestly, it isn’t going to change anything about what I do. If you decide to shop through my page, I’ll get a commission. If it’s your first time ordering, you’ll get 10% off. Wish I had more power over perks to make that discount happen every time! You can shop with me or not (but thank you to the moisturizing moon mask and back if you do!) – my plan is just to share sneak peeks, get your feedback to share with the Glossier team and of course, continue to share all of my favs and how I wear them.
Like Boy Brow. Since it came out, I’ve been wearing the Brown. It’s a tinted pomade for your brows so it gives them shape, structure and volume. The tiny wand is perfect and the formula is conditioning – no stickiness or crunch. And, I love most that the message behind it is to embrace what makes your brows your brows. If they’re sparse, unruly, cowlicky, full – whatever it may be – there’s no one way to Boy Brow. Embrace what you got.
I think the latest add to the range will excite a lot of you: it comes in Clear now. It’s the same pomade without the tint. It’s like my boyfriend’s hair pomade – white in the tube but dries clear in your hair. It is more of a subtle look than the tint but wrangles in the strays like a champ.
Any BB fans want to share feedback on what this product has done for you? Because, for real, I have such passion for it.
I am all about the reflective year in review. I do it through a beauty lens here and from a personal POV in my journal. I used to find this time of year rather sad because it was saying goodbye to a year but now I see it as hopeful. And, let’s be honest, is anyone else really sad to see 2016 go? Peace out, you were ruthless.
And about that beauty lens. This year was awesome from that view. The 90s came back with a vengeance, YouTubers put 100 coats of makeup on for fun and rainbow highlighter was a sensation. Not all my jam but trends that made this year what it was in beauty. We’re also living the rise of skincare as makeup and individualism, ala Glossier – an ascension I am 100% on board with moving into 2017.
I’ll get to it. My top 10 favorite beauty launches of 2016.
Honestly, Glossier everything. But especially the Stretch Concealer and Super Pure serum. I use two shades of the concealer (Light and Medium) and often use that combo in place of any other face makeup. They are so creamy and dewy.
Lancome had maybe the best idea for a liquid eyeliner: make the handle bend so application is easier. It works. And, to boot, the eyeliner formula itself is extra inky and concentrated so there’s never any tugging or skipping.
Technically, this is not a 2016 launch but I didn’t discover it until this summer. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is the best drugstore mascara, ever. It lengthens and curls lashes, holds them in place all day and is 100% budgeproof – even the non-waterproof version.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil squeezed in just under the wire – but I’ve been using it for a month now and it’s love. This definitely has a place in every top of the year list. It breaks down makeup beautifully but its power is in bringing you the zen. I swear using this at night this helps separate me from the stress of the day.
As I said in my original review, it’s really rare that I want to use a multiuse product as intended. Inevitably, they are always best on the cheek. Not so with the Bite Beauty Multistick at all. Somehow every color works as an eyeshadow, wears comfortably as a lipstick and looks good on cheeks. Cashew is my favorite shade.
I love having a Diptyque boutique in Chicago. I remember trying their spring fragrance, Eau des Sens, on a freezing cold spring day. It gave me hope of warmer days to come. The best way to describe it is like an orange tree. But not just the sweet blossom but also the greenery and tree itself. In-freaking-credible.
As you can see in my photos, I am about to squeeze the last drops of my Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF. This isn’t merely a really fancy sunscreen (but forgive me, I’m known for that at times…) but the most essential step in my daytime skincare routine. This formula is the color of pantyhose and the consistency of a thin lotion. It is loaded with Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage and helps protect against all of the damage you encounter outdoors – sun and pollutants. It truly is for city girls.
Like Glossier, Ouai had a sensational year. This line cropped up what felt like out of nowhere and for months it was all I heard about. As soon as I tried the line (review here) I understood the hype. The Hair Oil is a standout for me. It helps my hair dry shiny and bouncy and smells like an exotic vacation.
I try and love a lot of lip color. But most of all I love MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Driftwood. It’s a pinkish mauve that runs cool. I’m always attracted to these colors but find they can go awry. Not Driftwood – I give off healthy vibes with this one. I love that it is unlike anything I have in my collection.
So there you have it: my year in beauty. What rocked your world in 2016? Beauty or otherwise.
I saw a Kickstarter this summer for a new makeup bag concept called Kusshi. They call it the “Perfect Makeup Bag’ for the modern (/busy) woman. OK, intrigued. That’s me! The premise: solves everything wrong with your current makeup bag. You know how most makeup bags sit upright? Well, Kusshi’s zippers go all the way down the side so you can folds down flat and see all of your product. There’s a zippered pouch, two super handy mesh compartments to help organize your pretties. They even rethought the brush roll –different sized slots so you can store lipstick, eyeliners and other makeup beyond brushes.
I backed two beauty Kickstarters this year – Drifter Organics and Kusshi – I’m pretty pleased with both of those decisions.
I got my Kusshi in the mail just after Thanskgiving and couldn’t wait to give it a go while I went to Miami. The zipper down sides are a game changer. I don’t really have to take anything out – it’s all just there, flat for me to see. Kusshi is good for travel, sure, but I see this appealing for at home if you keep all of your products in a makeup bag. I wouldn’t say Kusshi fits more or is compact – but it makes it easier to do your makeup and keeps you organized. However, this is a sturdy bag. The nylon is thick (it also comes in leather) and sturdy. I’ve shattered makeup before (see my sad NARS blush from my August trip) so protection is key.
I opted for the black nylon and also got the leather clutch cover for my brush roll. There’s a ton of different combos – I believe all linings are red, hoping to see more options soon.
I packed this full. I only brought two base products – my Glossier Skin Tint (– > see my rep page to shop with me on Glossier!) and the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Totally overdid it with the concealer but it won’t be the first time. Full disclosure, after I snapped these pictures I tossed both the Light and Medium Glossier Stretch Concealers in there because I didn’t want to be without them for 10 days. And you know what, I’ve already used them both so NO REGRETS!
Ever since I had my dermaplaning facial last month, I’ve been on top of my skincare game. I was always in the mindset that I was really good at taking care of my skin. I remove my makeup, wash my face every day, exfoliate weekly and use serums, masks, treatments. Yet, I was majorly dehydrated on my forehead and it was blackhead city around my nose. I thought I would get a gold star for being such a rock star but I think I was more of a B- student. I realized that I was too conservative with treatments. For awhile, I was hooked on May Lindstrom’s The Problem Solver and I would mix that with either water or May’s Honey Mud cleanser. It is an intense mask and can be extremely messy so I sort of halted that and got out of my routine. And it stayed that way. Oops.
But I’m back! And I’ve kicked it into high gear. Not all masks are created equal so you should feel free to use a few each week. You can multimask – the practice of using two or more masks at the same time on areas of your face – or pull a Martha and use a luxurious face mask when you get up. Never forget that Martha Stewart masks every morning. Consider that your permission slip to go buck wild. She’s onto something with morning masking. I’ve started doing it, too, and the morning is where it’s at. It forces you to start your morning doing something for YOU and you see an immediate result. Don’t we all want to see the fruits of our labor?
I’ve got a good system going right now – I’m loving these four masks. My skin feels healthy and looks brighter. I’m due for another dermaplaning facial in the beginning of November at Elevare and am hoping she notices my hard work.
Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque is like a wakeup call for your skin. You only need to wear this for 5-10 minutes and you’ll see results. I like to put this on when I’m making coffee or packing my lunch and then I hop in the shower and rinse it all off. It has crushed cranberry seeds to gently exfoliate and the combo also brightens skin. When you get out of the shower, your skin is plump and rosy – like you just worked out.
I love the creamy clay texture of the Belif Peat Miracle Revital Mask. I am a huge fan of this K-beauty brand – the Aqua Bomb is the only thing that got rid of my dry patches last winter – and was really excited by the new Peat Miracle line. Trust in the power of peat. It’s really cool – peat is sourced from the tundra of Finland and is made from dozens of different herbs that were deposited in glacial water pools. It’s a rare botanical that I’ve never seen in beauty products. Even though this mask has clay, it’s not drying and it really does a good job softening skin. I use this when I’m blemish-y and will sometimes just concentrate it around my nose and areas that I get blackheads.
If I want start my morning feeling really accomplished, I go with Boscia Sake Bright White Mask. There’s something about peeling this off that leaves me so satisfied. Like the high I get checking something off my to do list. The key is to layer on a semi-thick even layer and avoid eyebrows and hairline. Leave it on for about 25-30 minutes before peeling. There’s an instant brightening effect and it helps with hyper pigmentation so over time the results will really last.
I’m almost scraping the bottom of my tub of Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask and I know it’s time to order up. This is intensely hydrating and I love the zing of hyaluronic acid in the morning. There’s a cooling effect and it plumps up skin with moisture visibly so I like to use this on mornings after I’ve been drinking or out late. And I think we all know that Glossier can do no wrong – the $22 price tag on this is also really appealing.
Any favorites to share? Are you a morning masker, too?
How was your weekend? I found cotton candy grapes at the grocery store yesterday and also made this barbacoa beef in the crockpot so I’m feeling pretty good and accomplished. I also relaxed in bed for a few extra hours on Sunday morning and realized I need to do that more. The bedroom in my new apartment has three giant east-facing windows that fill the room with light. I can’t be in there enough.
All of that loafing around has me thinking about beauty in a stripped down way. I’m all for no-makeup makeup days.
I’ve been layering on bareMinerals Butter Drench at night and waking up with soft, plumped up skin. I love this for summer because it’s heavy without the weighty feel on skin. It’s deeply moisturizing in an unassuming way. I’m impressed with the new bareMinerals skin care range overall – the oil cleanser is a part of my evening routine now, too.
Did you know there’s a subscription box for minimalists? Irony aside, I’m loving everything that Minimalism.Co has to offer – they deliver quarterly parcels that you can opt into filled with essentials for travel, home, closet, beauty. The last parcel was all about grooming and brought me the Henne Organics Luxury Lip Balm. I keep it on my nightstand and use it before bed and when I wake up. It’s been helpful now that I’m testing so many different matte liquid lipsticks!
Speaking of matte liquid lipsticks, it isn’t made for shortcuts. Liner is a must – fill around and in for best results. I picked up the H&M Lip Liner in the pinky nude Choc Therapy and find it is also a great lip color on its own with a bit of balm.
Becca Backlight Priming Filter is hands down one of the best things I’ve bought all year. It’s a great makeup primer but also perfect for no-makeup days. It has just the right amount of sheen and blurs out any blah skin. Sometimes I mix it with Glossier Priming Moisturizer to dilute it a bit and give my skin more moisture.
I also wear NARS Pro-Prime eyeshadow base on most days even if I’m just doing a wash of shadow. It’s the best eye primer out there.
I’ve been seeing the Aerie billboards all around Chicago and really love how they project body positivity. I always had this idea that this brand was for younger girls but am impressed with their range of under things. The Vintage Lace undies (10 for $35 right now!) are a total knock for Hanky Panky thongs and I’m loving the Mesh Sporty Bralette. It does great things for your chest and is beyond comfortable.
Lips are making headlines today. We’ve got ourselves a beauty holiday with National Lipstick Day. If there’s a case to be made for making this a gift giving holiday, I’m game. I’d love another pinky nude lipstick, please. I wear my reds occasionally and there’s a mood that calls for a bright but everyday is for pinky nude lipstick. I used to try and push myself to other colors because who needs THAT many lip colors that are essentially the same but you love what you love. Plus, it’s a category in itself. There are so many nuances to appreciate. Some are more brown, others rosy or pink. Textures vary from sheer to matte or glossy. When you find your color, go all in and discover!
I’ve rounded up my favs as of late for a National Lipstick Day tribute.
The Go To…Nars makes a mean lip color – I love their pencils but their classic tubes should not be forgotten. Rosecliff was a color that came out last fall that I was immediately drawn to (duh). Love the pinky brown and how conditioning it feels on lips.
The One That Feels Like Silk… Pomegranate and rose make up this organic lipstick from Vapour in the shade Au Pair. It’s more mauve in tone and glides on to lips like silk. Vapour has a seriously impressive range of pinky nude lipsticks.
The Satin Finish…Ciate teamed with Olivia Palermo and the results were obsession-worthy (remember that palette?!) The lipstick in Truffle gives me vintage beauty vibes. It’s opaque – one swipe and you have full coverage – so a little goes a long way.
The Luxurious One…Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel in Role Play. Not actually sheer – which I love – and the tube is extra fancy. On lips, it’s a saturated dusty rose hue.
The One You’ve Never Heard Of… This indie beauty brand from Australia captured my attention majorly with their handcrafted organic lipsticks. Nudus 27 Kisses is a universally flattering neutral rose with 27 active ingredients – vitamins, cold-pressed oils, colors from flowers, fruits and minerals, etc. The color is much darker in the tube but it doesn’t translate that way on lips.
The New Generation…Already on my second tube of Glossier Generation G in ‘Like’ – a soft pink. These are magical tubes – they are a sheer matte lipstick. It’s diffused the moment you put it on – like you had a popsicle.
The One that is My Lips But Better…Ilia is OG when it comes to organic lipstick. For summer, they ditched the silver bullet and instead packaged up up the lip conditioners in a sleek white metal tube and added SPF 15. Kokomo is a sheer pinky mauve that looks just like my natural lip color.
Maybe I did too much this weekend because I feel like I did nothing. I accomplished very little around the house which always makes me feel stress-y come Monday morning. I really struggle with the balance of enjoying my weekend and catching up on life. If I don’t do the latter, I find I can’t relax and enjoy myself. Also giving me anxiety is The Good Wife (series, tear) finale. My sister said it best – I feel like a jilted lover. I had to chase it down with some Kardashians because I couldn’t just go to bed. That show has defined my Sunday nights for so long. For tradition sake, I poured myself of glass of wine (red, Alicia is very Olivia Pope in that way) and got out my nail polish. Went with Essie Urban Jungle this week; I’m still using some favs from the archives instead of buying anything new. Cannot stop thinking about the slap and have the image of Alicia tugging at her suit, gathering her composure. Too much.
I really did a ton this weekend but realized I spent it almost entirely in a sweatshirt. As soon as I got home Friday night, I put the Everlane crew neck (in grey) on and wore it for all but a few hours on Saturday night. It’s slouchy and oversized and looks awesome half-tucked into a pair of high-waisted denim. It’s the comfiest sweatshirt I have. It’s even a little tempting to wear it to work today. A lot, actually.
I started the weekend off on a fun note. The IT Cosmetics crew was in Chicago for a big event out in the burbs with Ulta on Saturday so we met up on Friday for a bit. I love their CC Cream and Brow Power and now I’m adding the Superhero Mascara to the list of IT must-haves. Like, holy cow, this so easily gives really long lashes. It doesn’t transfer or bleed, which is huge. It’s Laurie tears approved — I’m a cry laugher and I get emotional watching TV – so I know it’s a goodie.
Oh, and I made sure this weekend to snag the new Glossier Balm Dot Com trio! There’s a tinted Cherry and Rose plus a Mint version now! I can’t even wait. I have strong positive feelings about this product.
I’m officially a Glossier fanatic. I honestly can’t wait to see what they do next because they absolutely BROUGHT IT this year. And it’s only April. Between making a face wash to put all other face washes to shame and a highly superior concealer, they also managed to do something brand new with lipstick – a feat I didn’t even think was possible. Generation G is an unfussy matte stain of sorts that glides on smooth and wears like a tinted balm. Do you ever blot your lipstick to tone down the effect? Make it look a little lived in? This is how Generation G looks on the lips. They take to lips really well and application is easy. It’s the lip color you can apply without a mirror – even the non-neutrals – and the one you’d want to wear on a date. I ordered the Phase 2 set in the color Like, a natural rosy pink, and quickly ordered every color after I wore it for a day. Like is my favorite but the peachy nude Cake is a close second. The other two are Crush, a brighter pink, and Jam, a berry stain. I have to imagine Glossier is working on more colors. I’m patiently waiting for them conquer red at some point. I envision it be the perfect ‘just ate a cherry popsicle’ color and we all be raving about that one together. Let me know if you’ve tried these yet. And, if so, what do you think?
Major kudos to everyone that successfully works from home and changes their clothes/wears makeup everyday. Last week, I worked remotely and found it near impossible to take off my Glossier sweatshirt for anything but a bath. I was the very definition of bum all week. It was both lovely and terrifying.
I opted for the black nylon and also got the leather clutch cover for my brush roll. There’s a ton of different combos – I believe all linings are red, hoping to see more options soon.
