Tag Archives: Kjaer Weis

Summer 2017 Beauty Wishlist

May 23, 2017

Cleaning out my beauty closet was so satisfying (catch up with that here!) More like random boxes in cabinets, products stuffed in drawers, stacked in bins all for the appearance of having a place. But it was all just taking up space.

Before figuring out what my summer beauty wardrobe is all about, I want to consult with my ever expanding wishlist. In the beginning of the year, I attempted to curb unnecessary beauty spending by writing down what I want. I’ve heard others have a lot of success with this method – essentially, don’t buy without talking to yourself about needs/wants first – and I wanted to see if it could work with me. It did, until it didn’t. Like everything you want to get better at, you gotta put the work in. Ignoring the list and not being honest with yourself are a recipe for failure. I’m all about accountability: I’m bringing it online.

I’m putting some parameters around my process. First, no more Instagram shopping. Easier said than done? It’s a dangerous place! Seriously, I had a whole post dedicated to this and it is a very real thing. Sometimes those beauty buys end up being my favorite, though, so it just means I need to give myself a pause before adding to cart is all.

Here is what I can’t stop thinking about for summer. Beauty on the brain!

New Becca. Every summer has a palette. Last year, I was all about the Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Face Palette. I’d probably still be using if it hadn’t broke on me. All of the powders fell out, basically. Super disappointing YET I’m totally eyeing up the Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette. I consider it my greatest proof of restraint that I haven’t gotten it yet. The Shimmering Skin Perfectors are no joke and there’s a new one in this palette called Beach Nectar. I think it might be better than Champagne Pop. I’m honestly surprised it’s still available because these things tend to go fast. (read: Please, just go away already and stop tempting me!)

Cream Everything. Especially this RMS Mod Collection Palette. Did you guys know RMS has palettes now? I have so many of her pots of color so seeing them grouped in one chic palette is calling out to me. It has Master Mixer and Living Luminizer, two Lip2Cheeks and even the Cocoa Lip and Skin Balm. It’s reminding me how much I love RMS.

Summer-proof lashes. It’s like waterproof but easier to remove. I love my Maybelline Lash Sensational but it is really hard to get off. I appreciate that it doesn’t budge but it’s not even waterproof and I have a three-step routine to get it all off. Traveling can be a real pain. One of my long-standing favs is from Kjaer Weis (see it in action here) – it’s organic and chic as hell. I have the outer packaging (it’s refillable!) so would just need to get a refill. Another mascara I’ve heard nothing but raves for is from Wander Beauty. Has anyone tried? The reviews I’ve seen make it seem like a hidden gem – volumizing, curling, no flaking, long-lasting, lengthening. Seriously? That’s all the things.

Glow Makers. My name is Laurie and I can’t stop acquiring illuminators. The NARS summer collection with Charlotte Gainsborg has a particularly attractive gel cream that can take the place of makeup. Adding fuel to the fire is its limited edition status. And, then there is the Milk Makeup Mars Holographic Highlight. This one has a peachy golden hue that reflects with a slight hologram in certain lights. Every time I see someone wearing this, I’m always way impressed with the reflection. It’s not purple like other holographic highlights but more natural.

What is on your list for summer? Do you wear more, less? Cream, powder? Very curious to know if you switch it up. Also, I don’t want to hear anything about the Chrissy palette. Seriously!

top photo by Emily Prendergast

Oh My Goop

October 26, 2015

Well, hot damn, Gwyneth. I usually leave the Gwynnie fan clubbing to my girl Bets but I was scrolling through my news feed and did a major double take at my screen when I saw this pop up from US Weekly. Queen Goop is looking hot! Her face looks so radiant and fresh — I need to know what’s happening here. Something tells me it’s her coming soon makeup collection with Juice Beauty, where she’s been serving as Creative Director. I’ve been paying a lot of attention to Goop lately, ever since they hired Jean Godrey June (of Lucky Magazine fame) as beauty director. JGJ was the reason I read Lucky – always flipping to her Beauty Closet page immediately – and I was smitten as all get out to see her land a home at Goop. It feels like a match. While I don’t subscribe to the Goop lifestyle prescriptively (um…who can?), they are my beauty kindred spirit.

Jin Soon created two “classic” exclusive nail polish sets for Goop. They’re classically basic in a not basic way. // No matter how many mascaras I try, I keep coming back to Kjaer Weis. Sometimes I think I should stop trying, but that wouldn’t be as much fun. // Beautycounter isn’t available many places but Goop snagged the line! The Touch Eclat doppleganger and jasmine face oil are really special. // I take Goop recommendations seriously and am way curious about this Lip Sheer by Rituel De Fille. Also, side reading: Jean did a piece on pairing lip colors for a one-of-a-kind custom color. // It’s a BALM COMPACT. WHAT. No words. Just crazy eyes. // I’d bet that Gwyneth’s body glow has something to do with The Good Stuff. // This summery candle was released at the Goop Chicago Pop-Up this spring, aka, the magical mirage that appeared at the Waldorf and disappeared in two weeks. May this candle be my reminder that the Goop store was real, albeit for a short time.

Fall Colors for the Weekend

October 24, 2015

Hello, weekend, I’ve been waiting for you all week! How about you, feeling the same?

I’m approaching my final week in Toronto and plan on soaking up as much of this city’s energy as possible. Can’t believe it’s been three months. I’ve definitely felt the passage of time in a very real way but it’s still shocking that a change in seasons is coming in quick. It’s all putting me in a rather reflective mood. Here are a few things on my mind and stuff that grabbed my attention this week.

BEAUTY

Kjaer Weis released fall colors this week and they’re stunning. Don’t you love how the entire color mix mirrors the trees at the moment? Copper eyes, bright coral cheeks and a brown lip tint that I’m totally loving. It’s a modern take on the 90s resurgence that is so clearly happening. I’m going to make a stop at The Detox Market and see if I can peep it in person. Going to miss having that boutique as a neighbor!

BODY

Quite possibly the greatest pleasure of my day is massaging this Rosemary Body Mousse on my feet and hands, sometimes my chest. The whipped shea butter is intensely moisturizing (yet, so light) and the rosemary oil absolutely aromatherapeutic. I saw on Osmia Organics’ Instagram whisperings of new extensions and that made my month. My vote is for Vetiver.

BEING

It’s not about happiness but wholeness. This resonated.

BROWSE

I cannot wait to cook in my own kitchen again and plan on getting real fancy. I’ve been scrolling Bon Appetit for carb inspiration. I will be trying this burrata and mushroom lasagnette…because, cheese.

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I always knew we excelled at pizza and that was confirmed after having very lackluster pizza experiences in Toronto. May this Chicago Mag feature be your pizza bible and my to-do list when I’m back.

Lashing Out

September 22, 2015

Trying out new makeup is fun. Except when it comes to mascara. It’s always such a roll the dice affair. In order for me to truly put it through a day in the life, I actually like to wear it for a full day in the life. So when it transfers and flakes by the time I get to work, it throws my whole day (and mood) off. Sure, I may have brought about 20 lipsticks with me to Toronto, but I only brought one mascara. It’s the most functional beauty product and I don’t want to switch it up by mood. After a particularly exhausting stretch of tossing out tube after tube, I picked up a refill of the Kjaer Weis Mascara since I still had my original sleek silver tube hanging out in a drawer. I loved this when I first tried it but naturally got beauty ADD and started trying new formulas when it got time to replacing the cartridge. My mistake – how was I not more excited by the fact that my mascara was REFILLABLE?! And how did I forgot the lovely scent of roses and lavender every time I use this? Or the fact that it never flakes or smudges and can be layered and curled without any damage to lashes?

Shove aside any notions you may have about natural mascara being subtle and tame because Kjaer Weis plumps up my lashes just as good as a Diorshow (for what it’s worth, that particular formula smears on me by lunchtime). The trick is to apply a coat, let it chill for a bit, curl your lashes and then if you’re really wanting to amp it up, apply one more coat. No clumping or damaging dryness , just some luscious lashes you’ll want to bat around.

The refilling part is easy peasy, too. I took a pair of tweezers to pull out the old cartridge and pulled out the wand and simply slotted in a new set. Bam!

Wild for Reese and Her Power Cheek

January 15, 2015

Well, hot damn, Reese. I love this off red carpet moment captured the night of the Golden Globes. There’s something infinitely more glamorous about this scene than a step and repeat filled with media and publicists. I hosted a few friends over on Sunday to kick off award season in yoga pants and a surplus of Prosecco and carbs (specifically this pasta recipe… YUM!) It was a divine start to inspiration week if I do say so myself. I loved Claire Danes’ smoky blue eye shadow but Reese in all her Calvin Klein sparkling glam glory took the cake for me. The best part? That power cheek! Reese’s makeup artist Molly Stern used Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Abundance. I am a Kjaer Weis devotee but have always feared this plummy taupe shade a bit. Fear be gone! The proof is in the Witherspoon. I’ve got major heart for her playing a 26 year-old bare-faced gritty Cheryl Strayed hiking the PCT. While I’m not so sure it’s her year for the trophies, I am rooting for Reese all the way. I’ve got thoughts and POVs on Wild – the book and movie – but leave you instead with just this simple piece of advice: listen to the soundtrack! It helped me survive December.

photo via

Grey by Choice

October 6, 2014

Color has a time and a place in my life. Hint: it’s almost never my wardrobe. I style myself to a grey existence with the occasional touch of white, black, beige and blue. This is most evident in the cooler months. The more grey layers, the less purple I am. I’m not kidding. My hands and feet take on a blue hue as soon as the temps drop below 50. I asked my Doctor if I needed to be concerned about my circulation and she said I should wear gloves as early as I need to and wear multiple pairs of socks. That was actually the official Rx. It works, for the most part. But I try to keep my greys and pre-winter style a little more fab.

Zara Sweater – There are so many cozy and chic grey knits this season at Zara—real thrilling stuff. I love this one with the slits and how it’s paired with a skirt. There is a match for sweaters like these beyond just leggings. Though, that is a fan fav. // Alima Pure After Hours – The smoky eye returns! I’m hooked on Alima’s Fall ‘By Night’ shimmer eyeshadows. This charcoal is as good as it gets with just a hint of gold to make it interesting. Apply it wet and watch yourself go from ordinary to sexy morning after face (though I never condone this…just replicating!) NARS Lhasa – For a less smoky grey, I reach for this lavender-ish shadow. I find it takes on a different tone depending on the person. // Kjaer Weis Radiance – I started using this silver-tinged luminizer in the summer and it has made the transition to fall swimmingly. I’m not far off from a refill, which in Kjaer Weis world means I can reuse the compact and just buy (and save) on a refill pan. // Madewell Ava Heel – My god, these heels are hot. I know my feet are about to be locked in boots (and two pairs of socks) here real soon but these need to happen. I’ll pair them with skinnies and a big old grey sweater!

The 3-Minute Face

August 25, 2014

After too many trips with an overstuffed makeup bag, I’ve reached the conclusion that less is more. Summer brings out the simplistic side of me. I was in Minneapolis last week working, visiting family and going to Katy Perry concerts (so so fun!) That was basically a two hour dance party with my favorite girlies in the world. It was also the first concert for two of my nieces and their energy was so contagious. 12 year-olds really know how to have a good time.

During the concert, there was some mascara and a little eye shadow but the rest of the weekend was mostly a few complexion products. The humidity was in full force in the ‘sota so bareMinerals Bare Skin Serum Foundation was a savior. I have been wearing this a ton all summer. I give the bottle a few good shakes and then squeeze a few drops onto the Face Perfecting Brush – which holds excess foundation like a reservoir. When you press down on the brush, you get more coverage. It’s as genius as you think. I spend about 60 seconds buffing it onto my face by sections. I’ve completely abandoned all of my tried and true luminizers for the Kjaer Weis Radiance highlighter. It’s a silvery taupe that lights up my face. I also use it as eye shadow – so convenient! And, for a non-bronze take on the summer staple, I’ve been using Bobbi Brown Telluride Illuminating Bronzer. Yes, a bronzer that isn’t quite a bronzer. It’s more dusty rose but it gives my skin a healthy glow. And, that’s what I call a good use of three minutes.

I Woke Up Like This

April 15, 2014

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me I looked tan this past month, I’d have enough to buy a latte. Which is a lot….my office isn’t that big. I always say, “oh, must be from Mexico,” but that was almost two months ago and I used so much SPF I think I got negative sun. I don’t seek out a tan, clearly, but I sure love bronzer. I’m all about the I Woke Up Like This Face, monochromatic edition. After my accidental experiment, I can guarantee these steps will have people spontaneously complimenting you on your tanned complexion. Our little secret, k?

Bronze, generously. I take it a step further than this model and bronze along my hair and jawline as well. The key is to avoid too much shimmer. Might look OK for a second but as the day goes on, it will be party at the disco. Enter the new NARS Matte Multiple in Altai. Using this product wet gives you complete control over the result. Keep the eyes minimal but defined. The light brown matte in ‘Limit’ from the Naked3 Palette in the crease with a smudge of a copper-colored liner – I love Smog. Intensify the lash line. I’ve been using It Cosmetics Tightline Mascara Primer …aka WHERE has this product been all of my life…which you apply at the very base of your lashes. I’ve never mastered tightlining (the impossible technique of lining your waterline) so It Cosmetics is genius. Natural lip tint. A balm looks more natural than lipstick or gloss, so a few dabs of Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Dream State finishes it off flawlessly.

Photo via

Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation

February 4, 2014

I’m in constant pursuit of a flawless complexion. I’ve tried countless foundations, tinted moisturizers, BB, CC and other alphabet soup creams all in the name of complexion perfection. And I’m like Goldilocks with most of them. Too drying. Too oily. Not enough coverage. Too much coverage. Heavy. Cakey. Doesn’t wear all day. And the list goes on. Of all of the product territory I cover here, foundation is not something I rave about often. That’s why I’m so excited to talk about this beauty from Kjaer Weis. It’s worth getting excited over, which my gal pals at Eco Diva assured me of early on! A short list of ingredients that includes coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oils and a velvety finish that feels weightless on your face? Yes and yes = oh, hell yes. Most days I blend it on with a stippling brush, but the real magic happens when you have the patience and extra time to press on with a damp beauty blender sponge. With every buff of the blender, I think of how the jojoba is doing its thing, improving skin elasticity. For as many of my hard earned pennies I’ve shelled out for foundation in the past, the splurgey price tag of this seems justified. Especially because the Kjaer Weis compact is refillable.

Speaking of skin elasticity, did you see that Christie Brinkley turned 60? I mean….insane.

Ear Cuff Style

January 28, 2014

All it takes is one crystal ear cuff to change how you’ve parted your hair for the better part of a decade. I’m totally on board with this ear accessory, despite that isolated incident where it was mistaken as a Bluetooth. Do people still wear those? As soon as this winged cuff came back in stock at BaubleBar, I snatched it up. I wasn’t totally sure I could pull it off but that usually doesn’t stop me from trying. Dare I say, I’m now hooked?

For the sake of showing it off, I’ve even moved my part way left which is probably the most drastic thing I’ve done to my hair in years. Even a daintier version like the one seen here, would look incredible with a messy updo look. While I love how it looks paired with this tunic (snagged on incredible post-holiday sale!), I think it looks just as good with a plain grey tee. It has a way of dressing everything up with a little edge. Also, I’ve been trying out the new MAC Huggable Lipsticks and really like them. The colors are beautiful on and they have a glossy balm finish. I’m wearing the plummy Commotion here.

Photo credit: Megan // Stylish & Scatterbrained

What I’m wearing:

The Best of 2013

December 30, 2013

I’m not good with goodbyes, but I’m ready to give 2013 its final sendoff. The promise a brand new one holds is pretty thrilling, especially when this year has been so good to me. I hit publish on my very first 312 Beauty post in January, the start of a wild and crazy ride! There was the time Refinery29 included me in a list of bloggers “you need to be reading,” the reminiscing I did on wedding day beauty for POPSUGAR and the segment I did on Chicago’s FOX 32 on Memorial Day. I’m still awestruck from meeting so many incredible women at A Night for Green Beauty and honored I got to interview Butter LONDON’s global colour ambassador Katie Hughes, Space NK founder Nicky Kinniard and Illamasqua founder Julian Kynaston when they came to Chicago. Most of all, I’ve had the best time talking beauty and getting to know so many of you (on the internet and in real life!) Let’s do more of that next year, k?

I can’t wait to see what the next year in beauty will bring. It’s fitting that my last post of 2013 is all about the products I loved most this year. I give you, my top 10!

Deborah Lippmann Glitter and Be Gay is hands down, the best nail polish I bought all year. I wore this constantly! The sparkling yellow gold and bits of blue holographic glitter are killer.

I used to think that salt sprays were drying until I tried Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray. It’s the best styling aid for my type of hair (stick straight). I spray on dry hair before I curl and get the softest waves that last all day. No small miracle.

Everything I thought about natural mascara changed thanks to Kjaer Weis. The 99.8% organic mascara is better than most others (natural or otherwise). Plus, it smells like roses!

I tried at least a dozen facial oils this year and Lina Hanson’s Global Face Serum was easily my fav. It plumps up my skin and makeup looks better when I apply this first. The scent, from a blend of 11+ exotic plant oils, is intoxicatingly good.

ILIA Cosmic Dancer is the most flattering gold highlighter. It’s soft and brightening and not the least bit brassy. Word is that it’s limited edition for the holidays, which I’m not ready to accept.

Katie Hughes herself introduced me to Butter London Cheeky Crème Blush in Pistol Pink. It’s a bright pop of color and you can dab it on your lips, too.

This year will go down as the year of MAC RiRi Woo. It was released several times with all of Rihanna’s MAC collections and it sold out quickly with each one. Worth the hype.

My mornings were greatly improved after discovering R.L. Linden & Co Thousand Petal Beautifying Mist, which is like a blast of floral adrenaline. Plus, I want to be friends with the owners. They seem like such cool chicks!

Washing my face will never be the same. Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil exfoliates with plant extracts as it breaks down all of your makeup. Two thumbs up.

I’ll never be Camilla Belle, but at least I have Benefit Gimme Brow to get me a little closer in the brow department. It’s part brow filler part volumizer and takes 2.5 seconds to apply. I’m already on my second tube!

Happy New Year!

A Luxe Holiday

December 5, 2013

What are the holidays without extravagance? Eat the extra cookie and wear as much sparkle as you want. It’s never too much. Today’s luxe gift guide, for the beauty junkie in your life, channels this theme.

I adore this sparkly trio of polishes from Jin Soon. And, thankfully they are a package deal because honestly, who could pickjust one?

Dear Santa, please bring me this Chantecaille Diamond Palette.

Kjaer Weis and their weighty compacts ooze luxury. How fancy would you feel whipping this Lip Tint out of your purse for a touch-up?

Guerlain always releases a gasp-worthy meteorite face powder for the holidays. This year’s version is extra slick.

If you’re going to spend $65+ on a candle (oy), may as well make it a Diptyque holiday edition.

Luxe without the price tag? Sonia Kashuk has you covered with this brush set.

Green Beauty for Black Friday

November 28, 2013

Stark Skincare Neroli Midnight Oil // May Lindstrom The Honey Mud // Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation + Brush // La Bella Figura Decouverte Under Eye Serum // Herbal Philosophy Feel Beautiful Tea

It is straight up overwhelming to keep up with all of the deals for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. If your email inbox looks anything like mine, chances are you’re aware of your options. The deals are there if you choose to seek them out. I won’t spend much time directing you to all of the places to spend your hard earned dollars – there are hundreds of other bloggers that have already conquered that task! What I’m most excited about is supporting my green girls — May, Kirsten, Victoria and Jess. They work their tails off and are the poster children for small biz Saturday. I’m hoping to see a flurry of sale emails from them and retailers like Spirit Beauty, EcoDiva and the new Beautea Bar tomorrow. Mama needs some Honey Mud!

I know for sure that everything on Stark Skincare, including the brand new Neroli Midnight Oil, will be 15% off through Monday, December 2, and I think we can also expect the annual La Bella Figura buy-one-get-one promo on their cult fav Eye Serum.

And, because I’ll be spending the overnight hours here for work (not a bad place to have a media event!) you know I’ll be swinging by Last Call (everything is 40% off) and J. Crew Factory (50% off!)

The List: November 2013

November 5, 2013

November has its perks. The holidays are in sight and that means lots of sparkle and shine. Everywhere, really. The streets are now glowing with holiday lights and walking into J. Crew this time of year is like strolling through candy land. If winter decides to encroach on the last bits of fall, even that is welcome. You know…big picturesque snowflakes, infinity scarves and warm boots. Everything is just better in November. Here’s what I’m loving for the month ahead.

Dewy skin. Drier air has moved in and I’m feeling it on my skin. Time to break out the moisture-rich Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation. I love the finish and the coverage but tend to avoid it in the summer months. It’s just right this time of year.

Bronzed complexion. Who says bronzer is only for summer? I think it’s fresh and modern to wear bronzer and hardly anything else on the skin. RMS Buriti Bronzer is a cream bronzer made with Brazilian Buriti Oil and can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips (see it in action on Bare Beauty – stunning!) Pur Minerals Mineral Glow Bronzer is subtle enough to dust all over and and for a peachy bronze, the creamy Kjaer Weis Desired Glow is where it’s at.

Incense. Diptyque’s holiday collection is sick, guys. They are the ultimate splurge but my gosh, I need no convincing. Nicky Kinniard of Space NK gifted me with a mini of the Indian Incense – frankincense, myrrh and rose, can you even? – and it’s transformed my living room into some exotic destination. It’s all very “we three kings” and puts me in the mood for the holidays.

Body serum. Speaking of exotic…Kahina’s Fez Body Serum. I’ve never been to Morocco, but I think I have a good idea of what it smells like. I tried a mini sample from a recent Spirit Beauty Lounge order and it was incredible. Stay with me – rose and orange blossoms layered over patchouli, vetiver, ylang ylang with hints of cumin and clove. I’ve never smelled anything like it before. I want to take a hot steamy bath every night and layer this on after. Adding to the allure is this New York Times culture piece on Fez, the city. Kahina may be singlehandedly responsible for boosting Moroccan tourism.

Neutral tote. Leopard print is the hardest working neutral. I’ve added this French Connection ‘Animal Mania’ Tote to my wishlist. It would fit my computer and just about everything else I lug around. What do you think?

Mini oils. Can it be November 15, already, so this little trio can be mine? La Bella Figura is launching a value set for the holidays – a rollerball of the Daily Elements Defense, Barberry Fig Renewal Serum and the brand spanking new Travel Therapy Mood Booster with some mighty fine soothing botanicals (including rose essential oil – my fav!)

All Eyes on Mascara

October 25, 2013

Formaldehyde in hair salons, lead in lipstick, toxins in your supposedly non-toxic nail polish. The attention on chemicals hiding in our personal care products is only growing stronger. And now, mercury in your mascara? Well, maybe. The UN got the conversation started this month after 140 countries signed a new treaty to ban mercury in cosmetics and soaps. All good, but the kicker? Mascara and eye makeup are exempt. Currently in the U.S., the FDA permits the use of mercury in eye cosmetics in a tiny concentration and doesn’t require ingredients that make up less than 1 percent of a cosmetic product to be divulged on a label. Does mercury have any business as a preservative in your mascara? Of course not and it likely isn’t in your favorite tube. The bigger question is what is? Preservatives are prevalent – gotta keep the product on the shelf and prevent it from building bacteria that could infect your eye – but are they doing more harm than good? With more attention on the bad stuff, more natural options are cropping up. There’s the 99.8% organically-sourced Kjaer Weis, which is one of my favorite mascaras –natural or otherwise. It does wonderful volumizing things for lashes and smells of lavender and roses. ILIA also launched a new formula that bears no sketchy ingredients (and check out that brush!) In this case, knowledge is power (Scientific American has the full skinny.)