AIRPORT | Beauty Bag Must-Haves + Travel Hair Tutorial

With summer vacation season in full swing, I get lots of travel related questions! I've tried countless brands and styles in the last two years, but here I'll present the very best beauty bags that keep me organized while flying. Plus I show you how to use the T3 Compact Folding Dryer that I have been packing on all my trips! I had been obsessed with the Bodywaver for months, and it is still my favorite curling iron, but I never full grasped the concept of looking like you've had a blow out without having to use a blow dryer. Now I finally understand it! Since I tend to be bare-faced during my flights, a clean bouncy blow out makes me feel confident but not overdone. Minimal yet polished is the way to go when traveling!

Now, since I get asked about my luggage regardless of the time of year, I wanted to answer your questions regarding my beauty bags and carry on suitcase. I am petite at 5'0, so I prefer to travel with bags that I can carry and lift on my own. The Rimowa was an investment, but it was worth every penny! It does scratch occasionally, but overall, the white color is not difficult to maintain. I just wipe it down with a damp microfiber towel after every trip! I've talked about my Anya Hindmarch a lot, but I love it the more I carry it. It's so useful for storing my in-flight skin care, hair care products, and other liquids (3.3 oz bottles or smaller). Also, I now separate my makeup products into the Tumi toiletries bag because it actually fits all my makeup essentials! I tend to carry powder makeup only when flying to avoid having it thrown out by the TSA staff. I hope these tidbits and tricks will help you pack for your next trip!!

Featured:

T3 Micro Featherweight Compact Folding Dryer

Anya Hindmarch Inflight Case in Neon

Tumi Travel Toiletry Kit in Aubergine

Rimowa Carry On Suitcase in White

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Cream Foundation

La Mer Loose Powder

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

MUFE Pro Bronze Fusion in 10M and 20M

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Silvered Topaz

Tom Ford Eyeliner Pen in Deeper

Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Sugar Frost

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Velour (Silk) Lashes in Full Of It

MUFE Artist Plexi-Gloss in 401P

Nails:

Louboutin Scarabee II and III

Shirt:

DailyLook

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Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance, Caviar Stick Eye Colors, and Extra Lash Sculpting Mascara Reviews, Photos

Laura Mercier makes some truly impressive makeup, and today I'll share which of her products I have on heavy rotation this Spring/Summer transitional period. Since I have been drowning in the very complicated and hectic process of moving and unpacking, my makeup has been more minimal than usual. Laura Mercier's efficient yet flawless products allow me to keep my makeup bag light without compromising! All details and swatches can be found after the jump xo

Chanel Summer 2015 Méditerranée + Les Beiges Review, Photos, Swatches

Chanel Summer 2015 brought us two fabulous beauty collections! Méditerranée was released a few months ago, and I only purchased a few pieces, so I had only planned on a dedicated blog review. When the new Les Beiges product photos surfaced on Instagram last month, however, I knew I had to create a video! I wanted to try something different and fuse the review + tutorial together to make the video flow more efficiently, so I hope you'll enjoy this new format. Feedback is welcome!
And if you've ever been curious about my worldwide travels and beauty adventures outside of my channel, don't forget to check out my Everyday Luxe series on Icon!

Products Reviewed:

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid in 10

Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer in 10

Chanel Méditerranée Illuminating Powder

Chanel Les Beiges Multi-Color in Mariniere 01

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in 127 Laurier Rose

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Liner in Orchidee

Chanel Les Beiges Glossimer in 204 Rose Tendre

Nails:

Chanel Beige Rose and Beige Pur

Chanel Méditerranée and Lavanda (swatches here)

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

Guerlain Baby Rose

Other Makeup Worn:

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 202

La Mer Loose Powder in Translucent

Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink

Burberry Glow Shadow in Optic White

em Cosmetics Eyeliner in Tattoo Black

Laura Mercier Sculpting Mascara

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

Brushes Used:

Chikuhodo MK-2 Powder

Wayne Goss Face 12

Shu Uemura 20h Cheek

MAC 217 Eye

Hair:

T3 Micro Bodywaver

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BREAKING NEWS | The Summer 2015 BEAUTYLISH X CHIKUHODO Sakura Collection

"Beautylish has partnered with Japan's legendary brushmaker Chikuhodo to release the first ever Beautylish collaboration project called The Sakura Collection.

The Sakura Collection is a five piece brush set designed by Beautylish and handcrafted by Cikuhodo's team of artisans in Japan. Each brush is made of the softest natural hair and constructed with a makie handle featuring cherry blossom design inspired by the Japanese tradition of sakura. The set includes two face brushes and three smaller brushes for eye and detail work with everything you need to complete an entire look.

This limited edition brush set will launch on July 2nd, exclusively on Beautylish.com. Due to significant interest, Beautylish is also providing the opportunity to waitlist for early access here."

I plan to purchase a back-up for travel and a few extra sets to gift to special friends and family members! All the other short-handled Chikuhodo brush sets have sold out within minutes on Beautylish, so be prepared and sign up!

UPDATE | Beautylish is now accepting pre-orders for their next shipment, scheduled to be delivered July 30th. The first shipment sold out before they could even put it up on the website, so do not miss this opportunity to grab a set! CLICK HERE to order now!

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REVIEW | What's In My Bag feat. Saint Laurent Sac du Jour

This highly requested "What's In My Bag" episode is dedicated to my Saint Laurent Sac du Jour Nano Crossbody purse in smooth calfskin with golden hardware. I ordered mine from Neiman Marcus a week after I first spotted it on the website. A week after my bag arrived, it went on sale in both the nano and small sizes (now completely sold out).

Still, I'm so grateful for this dreamy tuxedo bag! If you, too, are on the hunt for something unique, here is the nano in a gorgeous gold as well as sunshine yellow. I am not generally a fan of animal print, but this sexy leopard pony version is making my heart swoon! Of course there are standard and more practical colors like black, red, and ladylike poudre in the nano as well.

As mentioned in the video, I unsnapped the back tabs since cinching the sleek gusseted sides prevents me from easily accessing the bag's contents. I try to handle my purses carefully, so I have been wearing the bag belted in the front but open in the back. The five golden feet at the bottom of the bag offer plenty of stability and protection, but it does not weigh the purse down whatsoever. The dimensions are quite smaller, even smaller than I expected, with a height of 8.5 inches, width of 7 inches, and depth of 4 inches. 

The removable strap has a 20" drop, but I always wear it as a crossbody or on the shoulder. I removed the signature padlock charm because it was unexpectedly very heavy, and I did not want it to create indentations against the soft dove white leather. I love it so much that I am considering the small size now, which I think is the perfect hand-held size against my pear-shaped frame!

Saint Laurent currently offers the nano, Baby (approximately the size of my Celine Nano, although a bit wider), Small, and Classic sizes in a wide range of colors and textures. I usually prefer smooth leather, but I really love the new Warm Taupe in Grain Leather and Bright White in Grain Leather. Some retailers refer to the sizes by different names than my Saint Laurent boutique SA does, so it's best to double check the measurements before ordering online. I hope you found this bag review helpful! xo

Products Reviewed:

Saint Laurent Nano Sac du Jour Bag

Beats by Dr. Dre PowerBeats2 Headphones

Chanel Zip Coin Pouch (similar here)

Tom Ford Sunglasses

Tech21 iPhone Case

YSL Tint in Oil in 5

Tom Ford Lip Color

Dior Rouge Brilliant

Makeup Worn:

NARS Weightless Foundation in Fiji

La Mer Loose Powder in Translucent

Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer

Tom Ford Blush in Flush

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Pink

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Burberry Shadows in Optic White & Shell

Burberry Bold Lash Mascara in Black

Addiction Pencil Eyeliner in Blackjack

YSL Glossy Stain in 202

Velour Lashes in Loose Ends
*Take 20% OFF with code RAEVELOUR

Nails:
Louboutin Kohl & Sweet Charity

Hair:
T3Micro Bodywaver

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Christian Louboutin Scarabée Nail Collection Review, Photos, Swatches

Christian Louboutin just launched the Scarabée Collection, three new and limited edition nail lacquers inspired by Egyptian iconography. The iridescent beauty and mesmerizing wonder of the sacred scarab beetles represents rebirth and riches, perfectly themed for Autumn/Winter 2015! Check out the swatches after the jump xo

MOON MANI | Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity and Kohl Review, Photos, Swatches

While I was in New York City last month, my friend Cat took me to get a manicure at tenoverten in Soho. I requested tuxedo-inspired nail art to match my new handbag, but the finished design, upon closer inspection, was crooked and uneven. This is my attempt to recreate the vision for the perfect half-moon manicure using Christian Louboutin Beauté Sweet Charity and Kohl. How-to directions and tips after the jump!

Tom Ford Summer 2015 Soleil Collection Recap + Tutorial

Even though Tom Ford's Summer 2015 Soleil Collection was launched a few months ago, I created this video due to the large volume of requests! Many wanted to see the eye duo and blush in action, so I decided to showcase Naked Bronze and Pink Sand in this tutorial video. They're both limited edition and surprisingly enough, Naked Bronze made a comeback and is still available at Nordstrom, so order them before they're gone! I am so head over heels for the creme blush as well; even though I generally dread applying creme blushes, Tom Ford's new formula performs well on top of liquid foundations as well as powders. Check out my swatches of the entire collection here! Hope you enjoy the tutorial!

Reviewed:

Tom Ford Eye Duo in Naked Bronze

Tom Ford Creme Blush in Pink Sand

Tom Ford Small Bronzer in Gold Dust

Tom Ford Sheer Lip Colors in Skinnydip + Rose Soleil

Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil

Tom Ford Large Bronzing Powder

Tom Ford Summer Eye & Cheek Compact

Makeup Worn:

La Mer SkinTint in Light

Sulwhasoo Cushion in 23

Cle de Peau Eyebrow in 202

Burberry Powder in 5 Trench

em Scribble Liner in Black Coffee

em Lengthening Mascara in Black

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

*use code RAEVELOUR to get 15% off

Nails:

Louboutin Tres Decollete

Hair:

T3 Micro Bodywaver (ON SALE)

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Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion and Beauty Haul

It's time for another haul video! I had already featured my new Saint Laurent handbag in my YSL Black Opium review here, but I wanted to show it in video this time around! Unfortunately, this particular white/black nano went on sale a week or two ago (of course it goes on sale after I buy it.. sad face). I was, however, able to grab the link for the small on Neiman Marcus if you wanted close-up photos or dimensions, but keep in mind that the bag sizing is structured like Céline's. A nano is truly mini-sized, but a "small" is a fairly large purse.
Now moving on to the rest of the fashion and beauty! Featured in this video is the DailyLook Elite styling subscription service and some new makeup releases from some of my favorite brands. I highly recommend you try DailyLook Elite because the service truly is tailored to your body, your budget, and your preferences. I'm ordering more Joe's Jeans in the Flawless style this month!! Again, I will keep you updated on the Lancome cushion and share swatches of the cream eyeshadows and cheek bloom colors soon! Let me know what kind of haul video you'd like to see next in the comments below xo

Products:

Saint Laurent Sac du Jour Nano

*Saint Laurent Sac du Jour Small in W/B

Phyllis + Rosie Bar Necklace in Rose Gold

Cameo Wrap It Up Top

Tularosa Jacket

Cameo Leather Skirt

Rails Hunter Button Down

Joe's Jeans Flawless Skinny Jeans

Paul Laurence Chambray Shirt Dress

DV by Dolce Vita Wendi Sandals in 6

Lancome Miracle Cushion

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize

Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom

Makeup Worn:

La Mer SkinTint in Light

Sulwhasoo Cushion in 23

Cle de Peau Eyebrow in 202

Tom Ford Creme Blush

Tom Ford Bronzer in Gold Dust

Burberry Glow Eyeshadow in Shell

em Scribble Liner in Black Coffee

em Lengthening Mascara

Dior Rouge Brilliant in 310 Paname

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

*Promo code RAEVELOUR to get 15% OFF 

Nails:

Louboutin Tres Decollete

Hair:

T3 Bodywaver Iron (ON SALE)

Mesh Chignon Donut

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May 2015 Beauty Hits & Misses

May 2015 was very stressful but very rewarding! After many months of hunting, I finally found a new apartment, and I even traveled to New York for an exclusive Sephora x YSL launch party! My skin is finally improving dramatically again — thanks to the fabulous products I have been switching up my normal routine with. I promise it's not just the lighting! My skin looks and feel firmer and bouncier than ever, which I'm very grateful for. Many of you have requested skin care updates as well as more affordable skin care features, so I am doing my best to show you a balanced selection of products that consistently give me results! Skin care is oftentimes a big investment, so I hope you will find these recommendations helpful. Don't forget to take advantage of the 20% OFF offer on the entire Michael Todd website HERE!

Products:

YSL Black Opium (review here)

Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner

Michael Todd Intensive Eye Treatment

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Kane NY Serum Savant

Tom Ford Creme Blush in Pink Sand

MAC Technakohl Eye Pencils

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Makeup Worn:

La Mer SkinTint in Light

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder in Medium

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Tom Ford Creme Blush in Pink Sand

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

Lancome Brow Expert in Medium Ash (ON SALE)

Armani Eye Tint Eyeshadow in 12

em Lengthening Mascara in Black

YSL Tint in Oil in Cherry (ON SALE)

Dollywink Eyelashes in 1

Shirt:

LNA V-Neck Tee

Nails:

Louboutin Tres Decollete

Hair:

T3 Bodywaver (ON SALE)

Lenses:

Acuvue Define in Shimmer

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Review, Photos

I never knew about the importance of deodorant or perfume as I was growing up. My grandmother was skin care obsessed, but she was never interested in fragrance so I never had those quintessential childhood memories of raiding a perfume tray. Since I also have a weak sense of smell due to my poor health growing up, I discovered that reviewing fragrances was more challenging. Working in beauty, however, made me realize the power of scent.

The right fragrance can uplift your mood, enhance your confidence, and complete a great outfit. Now, I enjoy strong and traditionally "masculine" scents, but I choose my fragrances carefully because I always consider my company and surroundings. This can make it difficult to find a universally pleasing Eau de Parfum. YSL's new bright and playful release, Black Opium, is everything I've been waiting for!