Tag Archives: Sephora

Summer makeup

In the summer I rarely wear foundation – it’s just too cakey and hot and I end up feeling like my skin cannot breathe. I do still love applying my makeup though – it makes me feel ‘put together’ before venturing out. This year, thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I have tried a couple of new products. I love them! Now I am no beauty blogger, and no expert but I know what I like. Both these foundations give a wonderful, barely there glow to my skin with very light coverage, but both act as a perfect base.

The first is super indulgent – but it comes in a large pot, and using a stipple brush to apply it I hardly make a dent in it – it will last ages! It also looks gorgeous on my vanity – who doesn’t want to see the Chanel Cs each morning? Meet Soleil Tan de Chanel bronzing makeup base.

chanel

The Nordstrom site describes it here as “The velvety finish of this light cream-gel bronzer leaves your skin with a beautiful sun-bathed look. Wear it on its own, or for a hint of outdoors radiance, over or under your favorite CHANEL foundation.”

It is lovely and creamy and as I say, applied with a stippling brush it leaves a beautiful radiant base. I am a convert!

Next is the new Clinique Chubby in the Nude foundation stick at a more palatable price. I haven’t bought Clinique for years but this has me back at their counter in a hurry. Again it is super lightweight and can be applied from the stick or using a stipple brush – I tend to dab it on then use the brush to blend it. I was matched with the vanilla shade and it is perfect for carrying on vacation and dropping in a handbag. It came as another recommendation – our makeup conversation became expensive 😉

chubbynude_shopthead_bg

While at the Clinique counter I also bought the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder. My nose is always shiny and I figured if I am going to spend money on a foundation then I should at least seal it with a powder. This is beautiful and does as it says – all day in the humidity I have had no shine, with just one additional application in the afternoon.

Screen Shot 2016-06-08 at 11.19.05 AM

I then nipped across the mall to Sephora just to buy their Bright Future Gel Serum concealer – having bought Nars concealer before the Sephora own brand is an equal at a far cheaper price. I use it just to conceal dark circles and redness around my nose.

Screen Shot 2016-06-08 at 11.32.55 AM

Whilst in Sephora I discovered these Bright Future Color Correctors and gave them a try. I absolutely love the yellow one which ‘combats dullness’ – I just apply it in dots on my lower eye socket – or the highest point of my cheek bone and blend it by dabbing with my fingers – it really does work – I love it. Green neutralizes redness, and then there are three shades for skin brightening.

Screen Shot 2016-06-08 at 11.39.00 AM

So there we go – with eyeliner, waterproof mascara and lippy I’m good to go all summer!

Today I am in the office wearing an new top and an new bra (see previous post!) 😉

zara topTop – Zara // Trousers – Gap (similar here) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

 

 

 

Advertisement

Love Sephora lip glosses?

Be quick to stock up – they will go fast!! Several of my favorite Sephora lip glosses, that last forever and are not sticky, are on sale at just $7 instead of $14!!!!

Get them here while supplies last!

PLUS use code NEWBEAUTY at checkout for 2 free samples!

lip gloss

My neck is starting to look like my labia

Yup it’s happening. 25 years of drinking, smoking and sun is finally taking it’s toll. Chicken waddle, neck labia or loose skin under your jawline – whatever you care to call it – it is happening to me. A ‘friend’ told me it only happens to ‘old people’ – thanks. I have tried Strivectin neck cream in the past but to be honest it was a total waste of time and money.

After surveying many said ‘friends’ the majority (all younger than me) have suggested a good moisturizer is all you need. Well there are plenty of moisturizers out there to try and if you read any beauty blogs, like I do you, will only end up as confused as I am. I have decided to take a very random, yet brand focused approach. It’s a bit like clothes shopping there is JUST TOO MUCH OUT THERE. Making a choice by reviews is almost impossible – as you may have guessed there are lovers and haters of every brand out there. I decided to pick 2 beauty bloggers that I trust for their honesty. I also love how concise and to the point they are. Having said that I have never met them in person and I am only going on what they say online so go judge for yourselves and visit ViviannaDoesMakeup and CarolineHirons.com. I have to say I also love them as there is nothing better some days than listening to a good English gal chat away.

OK so first up the brand – Peter Thomas Roth. Anna first mentioned this brand after her recent visit to NYC. She bought the pumpkin mask. Even though my skin has few wrinkles it feels loose and dull – as I mentioned especially around my neck and jawline. This mask and the way she describes it sounds like the perfect antidote.

PTR pumpkin

So I ordered it. While I was online at Sephora I decided to take a peek at the rest of his line. All, I hasten to add, are highly rated on Sephora. I was particularly interested in serums. I really believe that these products are the solution to many a skin crisis, and can easily enhance the effectiveness of a much cheaper drugstore moisturizer when applied before you moisturize. I have ordered these – the VIZ-1000â„¢ 75 percent Hyaluronic Acid Complex for it’s ability to hydrate the skin, and the Glycolic acid gel for it’s ability to turnover cells and diminish the signs of aging. I plan to apply both, on alternate days, under my regular moisturizer and makeup primer.

hydralonic glycolic acid

Caroline is a big fan of hydrating spritzers. I have used The Body Shop Vitamin C energizing spray for years on and off, especially when flying, but I have never considered using it daily. Today I ordered The Body Shop Vitamin E spray along with the Vitamin E serum to try – both highly rated and they have been around for years. I take that to be a good sign.

vitamin-e-face-mist_l vitamin-e-moisture-serum_l

Moving into Spring false tanners caught my eye too. I have read a lot about the God of self tanning, James Read. After researching on Sephora I discovered that his products are available tax free on NAP – no Rouge points, but tax free trumps points in my eyes! I have ordered the sleep mask to try – I cannot wait after reading the great reviews. Even Marks and Spencers stock it! If this works I plan to try the body version.

james read

So do you have a solution I need to try, or even better a problem area you need to share? 😉

 

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

It’s MLK Day here on Monday so we have a lovely long weekend. I wasn’t looking forward to it earlier in the week as it was so cold and lashing it down with freezing rain. Now though I am thrilled as the skies are blue, the sun is shining and my windows are open. Spring is taunting us.

On Thursday night I had a lovely dinner with an old friend from my corporate days. It was so much fun to catch up especially as she has got married and is now in the process of changing jobs – my stories felt comparatively dull!

DSC_0299

Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Yesterday was my day off and after completing another grueling work out (I will be 20lbs lighter by the summer!) I was lucky enough to have the afternoon with my Husband chatting and walking the dogs in the sunshine.

DSC_0307Sneakers – Stan Smiths in navy // Trousers – J.Crew drapey wool trousers in navy // Jumper – Everlane cashmere v-neck

These Stan Smiths are pretty awesome – yup if you’re counting that’s another new pair.

IMG_1688

Today I took Poppy to the mall. It’s always so much fun to treat her after a good week at school and right now her favorite store is The Body Shop and who am I to discourage cleanliness and personal grooming!?

IMG_1695

DSC_0317 DSC_0330 DSC_0321

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

And I got to take my new baby out. Really? Who for one moment thought I wouldn’t buy it? I am in love.

IMG_1693

After hitting The Body Shop, where of course we had to buy the limited edition Smoky Poppy product line, we headed to Sephora where I bought the travel sized Hourglass Veil Primer to try. I’ve heard amazing things about this stuff. Lets see if it delivers.

IMG_1696

 

Tomorrow is my Blogversary – 3 whole years! I still love this little creative outlet as much as ever and my world would be empty without all the amazing friends I have met through it. What will year 4 bring?

 

New beauty products for 2015

It’s still not back to normal here quite yet. The kids and I are off today for a teacher work day and then school starts tomorrow. Poppy is still sleeping here and it is 9.30am – tomorrow morning is going to be hell. I can also say that this has been one of the best, most relaxing Christmas Holidays we’ve spent as the 4 of us, and I am really not looking forward to them heading back tomorrow. I could happily spend another week at home with them. We’re off to the movies this afternoon to watch Into the Woods as my Husband is back at work and I thought it might give me a couple of hours break later 🙂

I had a couple of hours to myself yesterday at the Mall. As I am trying not to buy any new clothes for a while, plus I seem to have unintentionally embraced a sober January, I thought a little indulgence was in order. I used to treat myself to nail polishes but my nails have been such a disgrace since having my acrylics removed that I can’t even consider colored nails right now. More on that later. So instead I have become hooked on lipsticks. Last month I bought 3 beautiful deep plum colors from Mac. Rebel is still one of my all time favorites – it’s not nearly as dark on the lips as it looks in the bullet and it has a lovely soft satin finish – it really makes my teeth look whiter. Odyssey has a beautiful frost finish to it and reminds me of and old Rimmel lipstick I wore years ago – Heather Shimmer, and Hang Up is deeper and creamier than Rebel and full of moisture.

From left to right – Rebel, Odyssey and Hang Up with Vino pencil

IMG_1403

After a few weeks of wearing these lush darker colors I was craving a heavier eye and nude lip – especially with my darker hair. I spent a lot of time reading beauty blogs as Mac do lots of ‘nudes’, but given my yellowy undertones I was really concerned about going too pale and feeling washed out. I decided, especially on viewing, that their classic nude, Creme d’nude, is just too nude for me. The Mac girls at Bloomingdales were super helpful and in the end I walked away with 2 I had on my list and 2 that I hadn’t even considered before – one of these, Myth, now being my favorite!

Left to right Hue, Myth, Pure Zen and Blankety, with Dior Addict liquid liner.

IMG_1660

Hue is very sheer with peachy tones – it is a great every day color. Myth is stunning – really nude on the lips and perfect for that smokey eye look – very dramatic for a night out. Pure Zen is a little creamier than Hue but still has those gorgeous peach tones. Blankety is gorgeous and really creamy with mauve undertones and gives great coverage. Ironically Myth and Blankety were the 2 that weren’t on my list and yet were recommended and are now my favorites – those Mac girls know what they are doing!

As for the eyeliner well I have been looking for a great liquid liner for some time. Only problem is most these days seem to have the felt tip and I prefer a brush. Having browsed Sephora and ummed and ahhed for a while I decided to take the plunge with the Dior Addict – the packaging won me over 🙂

Dior liner

Back to my nails – I first started looking at the Dior counter as I have recently rediscovered my love for their Nail Glow. My nails have been horrific since having my acrylics removed from over the summer – never again – it has taken months to get them anywhere near the strength they used to be, plus Folic acid and Biotin every day! The only thing that has saved them recently and looks decent on them is the Dior Nail Glow – I cannot live without it now. Not to mention reading “How to be Parisian” has encouraged me to adopt the mantra ‘less is more’.

Dior nail glow

As for my skincare routine this year I have splurged on a couple of new products that I now can’t live without. I’ve always been good at cleansing and moisturizing but I felt the need to switch it up a bit heading into 2015.

For the last 6 month I have been using Shiseido Ultimune serum before my basic Nivea moisturiser. I absolutely love it – you only need a tiny amount so it lasts months. I really have noticed smoother skin – especially on my neck were I need it most. It is now a must have in my daily routine.

ultimune

Following on from this success I figured the Japanese must know what they are doing and I purchased the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist night emulsion. It is super light and non greasy so I really feel like it is all absorbed before my head hits the pillow. Again it lasts forever – one pump/drop covers my whole face and neck.

Benefiance

As for cleansing I had been using up a trial size of Clinique Take the Day Off and I nearly bought a full size version until I saw Sephora did their own cheaper version. It does exactly what it says on the bottle and I love it and use it before using a drugstore foam cleanser.

Sephora cleanser

So what with my decreased alcohol intake, increased water intake and new products my skin should be glowing! Have you added any new beauty products to your routine this year?

My outifts from the past couple of days have been rather black heavy – it has taken a lot to persuade me out of my M&S cashmere onesie (now only £89 reduced from £199!!).

DSC_0245Shoes – Stan Smith sneakers // Trousers – H&M faux leather // Sweater – Everlane cashmere v-neck // Jacket – Mango (on sale)

DSC_0247Shoes – Stuart Weitzman Leman (half price in sale!) // Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Scarf – H&M (old) // Jacket – Mango (on sale)

 

 

New makeup!

I get stuck in a rut when it comes to makeup.  Apart from my eyeliner I have probably been applying and using many of the same products for 20 years.  Much as I love clothes and trying new things I rarely do the same with make up – very boring.

My current make up routine begins with a drug store moisturizer with spf – either Boots No7, Oil of Olay or Nivea – I like a light non-greasy fluid.  MM bought me a pot of La Mer for my 40th but to be honest I find it too thick for me – no bad thing at $100 a pot!  That is then followed by foundation in the Fall/Winter – normally from Clinique, or Jergens natural glow in the Summer.  I’ve always loved Clinique and use Aglow blusher everyday.  I’ve been using Clinique since I first splurged on my Wedding makeup back in 1998.  I’ve tried Estée Lauder a couple of times and their foundations are lovely – but the power of branding always brings me back to Clinique and I also use their pressed powder everyday.  Eyes are always drug store brands – due to sheer laziness I never wear eye shadow unless we’re off out somewhere special – my every day wear is a line of L’Oreal Infallible pencil on my top lid and Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Very Black.  This mascara is always a Beauty Editor’s favorite and I love it – it never clumps and is super easy to apply – I doubt I’ll every wander from this little gem.  Lips are normally a quick swipe of gloss – I’ve tried them all L’Oreal, Clinique, Rimmel, but my favorite is Chanel – $29.50 – so expensive – but they last forever, are non sticky and have fabulous colors – well worth the splurge in my eyes.  I also have an array of Revlon super lustrous lipsticks – they are lovely and creamy and there’s a great choice of colors.  At the end of the day before bed I use my Clarisonic Mia and apply Bio Oil – the best night moisturizer I have found and I really believe my Clarisonic has reduced the number of break outs I get.

Given how rarely I switch up my make up I decided that this month it was time to adapt for my 41 year old skin.  It definitely needs a bit more care.  There are certain drug store purchases like my eye make up and moisturizer that I won’t change – I just don’t see the point in paying more.  However, in addition to my moisturizer I am now trying Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus – let’s hope it does exactly what it says on the bottle.  My skin has been ravaged my sun – and although I now wear spf daily – in my youth I fried it in the sun on the rare occasions we saw it back in the UK.  At 17 I even gave myself sun stroke using a heat/sun lamp on my face – I shudder to think of it now!  I nearly bought some Clinique Even Better but have decided to try Ambi Even&Clear instead for now as the price tag is considerably less.

As for foundation – I’ve decided I really just don’t like it.  The thought of applying a goopy fluid on my clean skin just seems counter intuitive to me.  Having said that I still need something to give me a bit of a glow and very light coverage.  After trying a Bare Escentuals starter kit I’ve now invested in a pot of their Matte Foundation powder and a fabulous new applicator brush from Sephora.  I love how silky and light it feels on my skin but it really does provide great coverage.

I also bought a new blusher brush as for the first time ever I have bought a Nars blusher – yes the one that is mentioned in nearly every magazine – Orgasm.  It is a gorgeous peachy color and apparently should work well on my skin that has ‘yellowy undertones’.  One of these blushers is sold almost every second according to the girl in Sephora.

I’m still as lazy as ever when it comes to lips but my current Chanel glosses are Twinkle and Seashell for the summer, so I bought a couple of darker ones for Fall – Myriade and Imaginaire – I can’t wait to wear them!

All in all quite a good haul that I am really happy with.  It did make me question why I think $30 for an item of make up is too much – when I quite happily spend that on a t-shirt.  After a fabulous haircut yesterday I am starting to think that you can have all the clothes in the world but nothing makes you feel as fabulous as great skin and great hair.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta