Holy Grail | My Must-Have Hair Care + Hair Styling Products

I've waited many years to compile this Holy Grail Hair Care + Styling Products lineup because I was always waiting for the next best thing to sweep me off my feet. Now that my hair has endured so many different types of chemical treatments and colors, I am ready to share what hair care is actually worth the money!

Let me start by telling you that I have a very laid-back approach to my hair. When I buy expensive hair care, I expect it to keep my locks looking as healthy and as vibrant as possible. I stick to these tried but true products because they work. I have used atelier salon brands Kerastase and Shu Uemura the longest — nearly 6 years — all throughout various stages of virgin hair, dyed jet black hair, blonde ombre hair, and red ombre hair. I have loved and recommended every variation of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo, and I absolutely adore the Kerastase Cristalliste for those with dark dyed or natural, untreated hair! Other noteworthy products from Kerastase are Initialiste (if you suffer from dry scalp) and Reflection Masque Chroma Riche (a hydrating and soothing mask for colored hair).

My latest obsession for hair care has been Moroccanoil due to its more affordable pricing and phenomenal quality, but if you can splurge, I urge you to try Philip B. The White Truffle Conditioning Creme tames my hair in ways that no other conditioners from even Shu Uemura, Kerastase and Moroccanoil can. My hair feels soft yet bouncy and responds better to styling. Luxury hair care brands like Oribe make wonderful products as well. If you'd like to try something more luxurious than the Kiehl's Damage Repair Treatment, definitely look into the Oribe Split End Seal! I am still in the process of testing it, which is why it did not make it into the video below. I will release my final verdict in a few weeks. My sister is a huge fan of Oribe's Gold Lust Hair Oil and the famed Thick Dry Texturizing Spray, so we highly recommend you try them!

Last but not least, I wanted to mention that you will hear me consistently mention fragrance in the video review. I might have a very dull nose, but I love pleasantly scented hair care. It makes me feel confident and radiates a more polished aura. I hope you'll enjoy the review and give some of my favorites a try! 

Products Reviewed:

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

Philip B White Truffle Conditioning Creme

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Thermo-Milk

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Kerastase Ciment Thermique Blow-dry Primer

Kiehl's Damage Repairing Leave-in Treatment

R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray
R+Co Conformist Hair Paste
Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray

Amika Touchable Hairspray

Oribe Apres Beach Spray

Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Hairspray

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush

Tangle Teezer Original Styler Pink Brush

Macademia Professional Nourishing Shampoo

Macademia Professional Nourishing Conditioner

Makeup Worn:

Charlotte Tilbury Foundation in 3

YSL Touche Eclat in 2

Burberry Powder in Nude Ochre

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Burberry Eyebrow Pencil in Ash

Chantecaille Liquid Pen Eyeliner

em Michelle Phan Lengthening Mascara

MAC x Nordstrom Naturals Eyeshadow Palette

Tom Ford Matte Lip Color in Pussycat

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipglass

Shirt:

J.Crew Crinkle Plaid

Nails:

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

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BEST OF | My Top 10 Face Masks and Skin Care Treatments Review

As much as I adore skin care basics and skin care layering, my latest obsession has been with masks! I truly find that using sheet masks and treatments like peels can boost the results of my standard skin care regimen, so today I will share my favorites from Nordstrom. Some of these are more budget friendly and others are substantial splurges, but all of them are true gems. All details after the jump!

January 2015 Beauty Favorites (Makeup, Skin, Hair, Fragrance)

January 2015 has been one of the most memorable months of my life, as so many wonderful things have transpired! I finally changed my eating habits and am on my way to getting my figure back, and I finally got to visit my dream city Tokyo. Please do try the outstanding products in this lineup because they're all worth every single penny! I only wish I could have discovered them sooner. Also, keep an eye out for my Hakuhodo, Laduree, THREE, Addiction, and HABA goodies because I will be sharing them here on the blog! Many of you had questions regarding where to shop and what to visit while in Tokyo, so I will be sharing bits and pieces throughout the haul posts. If you're interested in a Japanese drugstore makeup haul as well, please comment to let me know.. I picked up lots of lashes and affordable skin care and may even hold a giveaway to share the love!

Products Reviewed:
Tom Ford Lips&Boys Mini Lipsticks

Sk-II Facial Treatment Repair C

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Masque

Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Lotion I

Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Thermo Milk

T3 Micro Bodywaver Styling Iron

MMM REPLICA Tokyo Tea Escape

D&G L'Imperatrice Eau de Toilette

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Clé de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in 7 Shadow

SUQQU Eyeshadow Palette in Kinshiseki

Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in ME735

Shu Uemura Metal:ink Liner in Purple

Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Tom Ford Lips&Boys

Velour Lashes in #Winging
*Get 15% OFF with code RAEVIEW

Sweater:
Jcrew

Earrings:

Prudence C

Nails:

Dior Spring 2015

Dior Top Coat

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THE TEN: My Summer Beauty Essentials [Travel, Beach, Vacation]

1) HAIR: For perfectly tousled beach hair, try the Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray! I like to spritz this into the lengths of my hair and tease the roots for an effortlessly sultry look. Since the spray adds so much texture and body, you can also throw your hair into a big bun or French Twist if you want it off your shoulders!

2) BODY: To protect your body from sunburns, try the Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30! It can also be sprayed onto your hair to protect your color and your scalp from dryness. I love that it dries down quickly while adding a gorgeous glow to the limbs. 

3) SELF-TANNER: For the most even and long-lasting tan possible, try the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse! Despite dabbling with other brands, I still think St. Tropez is the best. There is also a Self Tan Dark version for those who like to look extra tan!

4) SUNSCREEN: To protect yourself from wrinkles as well as unsightly dark spots, always use sunscreen! I highly recommend the Sulwhasoo Age Veil UV Protection Cream SPF 30 for every day use or the Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum BB with SPF 50 for those who prefer a tinted product that can also be used as a primer/base. I absolutely love both of them, and sometimes, I'll even use the Age Veil under the Serum BB!

5) POWDER: To prevent overly shiny T-Zones this summer, use powders with sunscreen protection to set your base makeup and touch up your skin throughout the day! I recommend the Shisiedo UV Protection Powder SPF 36 for those who like a little extra coverage (ideal for oily to combination skin) and the Chantecaille Protection Naturale SPF 46 for those who prefer sheer, undetectable loose powders (ideal for dry to combination skin).

6) NEON NAIL POLISH: Bright nails are always an easy way to brighten up your summer! Try the new Dior Vernis Gel Shine formula since it is so glossy and long-wearing. I have been wearing Wonderland, a deep pink, for a couple weeks. For a true neon shade, however, I recommend Essie's Funky Limelight with a white base to help the color pop. OCC's Radiate is another good neon pick!

7) BRONZER: To balance out self-tanner on the body and also give the face some color, try the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder! Use it to set your sunscreen and/or base makeup, and dust an extra layer on your jawline, cheekbones, and hair line for a truly sun-kissed look!

8) MASCARA: A little mascara will go a long way in opening up your eyes and adding a bit of polish to your casual beach attire! Use a waterproof formula, like Guerlain's Maxi Lash WP to give your lashes the perfect, most enviable fringe. It holds curl, separates, and adds volume!

9) LIP BALM: The heat of the summer sun can cause lips to peel. Try By Terry's Baume de Rose for hydrated, plump lips with a hint of pretty pale pink color! It also has SPF 15 for added protection whether your are poolside or at the beach.

10) DEODORANT: This one is a no-brainer, but deodorant is especially important in the summer! My favorite is the Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream. It does not interfere with your perfume, and it has a formula that softens underarm hair, which results in a smoother shave!

Watch the video below for more details!

Makeup Worn:

Sulwhasoo Snowise Serum BB in 2 Natural Beige

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder in 20

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #210

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Liquid Eyeliners in Tattoo Black + Snow

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black

NARS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Via Veneto

Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Palette in Native [Bronzer/Highlight only]

Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato in CR 04 Spiced Orange

Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer in 107

Velour Lashes in T Dot Ohhh

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Sweater:

Wildfox Couture Little Huskies Baggy Beach Jumper

Nails:

Dior Gel in Wonderland

Earrings:

Forever 21 [old]

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EMPTIES: Products I've Used Up! Featuring Kiehl's, Dior, SK-II, Koh Gen Do, Shu Uemura & More!

I recently asked on Twitter if any of you were interested in seeing an "Empties" video, and the response was so great that I decided to go ahead and run with the idea! I accidentally threw a couple empty bottles out before I was able to film this, but I will try to review/mention them another time. Now, I generally end up going through hair, body care, and skin care products first, but I will try to include more makeup products in the future! You will see many of my essentials in the video -- products that I reach for almost every single day -- as well as new product recommendations. I hope you find this video gave you some valuable insight into my most-loved products!

Products Reviewed:
Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant
Dior DiorSnow White Reveal UV Shield Sunscreen SPF 50
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion
    *Also shown: SK-II Whitening Source Clear Lotion

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
     *Also shown: First Aid Beauty Blemish Control Pads
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Gel Moisturizer
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Makeup Removing Cloths (packs)
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Makeup Removing Cloth Roll (70 count)
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara
Shiseido Benefique Makeup Cleansing Oil
Shu Uemura Anti-Oxi Cleansing Oil [Review HERE]
Shu Uemura Anti-Oil Astringent Shampoo
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo

     *Also mentioned: Kerastase Reflection Bain Chroma Captive Shampoo

Makeup Worn:

Chanel MatLumiere in 40 + Chanel CC Cream in 20

EM Michelle Phan Concealer Palette in Light 

EM Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact in Linen 8

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 204 and Holder

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Seductive Rose 

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra 

Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara 

Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Eyeko Eye Do Eyeliner & Mascara Set

Tom Ford Spring 2014 Lip Color Sheer in Pink Dune 

Velour Lashes Strike A Pose 

     *Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your purchase!

Nails:
YSL Spring 2014 Rose Scabiosa [review here]
Zoya PixieDust in Carter

Earrings:
House of Harlow White Sunburst Studs

Shirt:

J.Crew

SHOP THE POST

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Evening Skin Care Routine + GIVEAWAY: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration & Overnight Hydrating Masque

Winter usually results in dry and/or dehydrated skin, so today I will be sharing my little secret for banishing those unsightly flaky patches that you may be experiencing! As I age, my skin treads a fine line between normal and dry, so I must properly hydrate my skin to prevent fine lines and of course, prep the skin for best makeup application. I have been using two new lifesavers from Kiehl's that have made a huge difference in my skin's condition, and you'll have to opportunity to enter to win a pair of your own! We will be choosing 5 winners, so make sure to watch the video for all giveaway guidelines.

Note: Giveaway entries posted here will not be accepted. Please follow all rules to participate.

Skincare Used:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Intense Hydration [for daily use as moisturizer, AM and PM] 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque [for plump & baby soft skin, 1 or 2x per week] 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution [for hyperpigmenation] 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate [for extra dry patches]

Makeup Worn:

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in 213 mixed with SUQQU Frame Fix Foundation in 003 

Dior Nude Compact Foundation Powder in 20 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector SPF 25 in Pearl 

NARS NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 204 and Holder 

Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara 

Tom Ford Eyeliner Pen in Deeper 

Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 103 

Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lipgloss in 107 

Velour Lashes You Complete Me 

     *Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your purchase!

Sweater:

Wildfox Couture Baggy Beach Jumper

Nails:

Glitzy Nail Bar 

SHOP THE POST

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Kiehl's Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream Review, Photos, Tutorial

The Kiehl's Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream with SPF 50, $37 USD, is my favorite BB. The formula is noncomedogenic! It is also free of parabens and silicones, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin. This is one of the dewiest BB Cream formulas I have ever encountered, but it smoothes out pores beautifully considering it does not contain any silicones. It is very hydrating so I do not use a separate moisturizer underneath. I, however, must set with a mattifying powder to ensure longer lasting results and a shine-free finish. This BB Cream is best fot those with normal to dry skin, and the SPF 50 is perfect for those that are serious about protecting the skin from aging and/or preventing acne scars from discoloring further. 

The one concern that some have is the natural scent of the product, though it is fragrance-free. This BB Cream has a faint Vitamin C scent that is not masked by any artificial citrus fragrance which is more commonplace today. I personally do not smell it unless I take a close whiff of the bottle and cannot smell it at all when it is applied, but I recommend smelling it for yourself at a counter if you have a sensitive nose.

The shade Light is a great match for my skin tone, considering the colors offered are a bit limited at four. It could have been a bit more yellow in tone, but the neutral color helps to brighten up the center of my face. FYI: The jump between Light and Medium is much more significant than the jump between Fair and Fair/Light. The illustration below shows swatches that are fairly true to color. I thought Medium might have been my match at first, but it is noticeably too deep and olive-toned against my neck.

Now check out this BB Cream in action!

Makeup Used/Worn
--Kiehl's BB Cream in Light [Available in Fair, Fair/Light, Light, Medium]
      Available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Ave, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman
--Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer in Shade 1 Light/Medium
--Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 with Pencil Holder
--Lancôme Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder in 300 Bisque 
--Dollywink Eyelashes in No. 1 Dolly Sweet
--Lancôme Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara in Black
--Lancôme Summer 2013 Aquatic Essence Eyeshadow Palette
--Armani Summer 2013 Bronze All Over Face & Eye Palette
--Lancome Rouge in Love in Corail in Love 322M

Nails
--Deborah Lippmann Supermodel

Earrings
--House of Harlow Sunburst Earrings in White 

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April Beauty Edit: Favorites for Skin, Eyes, Lips + Video Details

This was a great month for beauty, so this episode is dedicated to throughly reviewing all the best beauty buys
that I have been loving! I was very excited to share them with you, even though there are not as many color
products. I instead chose to focus on lots of basics and real must-haves!

Feel free to let me know what your Favorites for this month were in the comments below. And more drugstore recommendations would be welcome :)



Products Reviewed:
DDF Glycolic 10% Toning Complex
Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator
Jurlique Purely Bright Spot Treatment
Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer in 001
Jonathan Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum [Purchase it HERE]
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Holder and Cartridge in 204 Natural Grey [View Swatches HERE]
Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Whisper [View TUTORIAL HERE]
Chanel Hong Kong Collection Eyeshadow Palette in Pearl River [View TUTORIAL HERE]
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Natural Glow 100
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine Lipstick in Smitten 02 [View Summer '13 Review HERE]
Lancome Spring 2013 Kohl in Love Pencils in Jade Crush & Deepwater Blue [View Review HERE]
Hourglass N28 Lip Treatment Oil [Review to be posted on Monday!]
Chanel Stylo Eyeshadows [See Swatches HERE]


Makeup Worn:
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Natural Glow 100
L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer in W1-2-3
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Pink Ave Princess
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 Natural Grey
Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Whisper
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Cream Colors for Eyes in Pink Haze & Escapade [View Summer '13 Review HERE]
YSL Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner with House of Lashes Temptress Lashes
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine Lipstick in Smitten 02

Shirt:
DailyLook [Receive 20% off your first order HERE!]

Nail Polish:
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Vapor [View Summer '13 Review HERE]

My Skincare Routine - Day & Night + Affordable Options Video Details

Hello, everyone! I finally have a solid skincare regimen now, so I decided to share it since I always get lots of skincare requests. Please remember I am not a doctor, I am not trying to dictate what skin care products you should purchase.. these are just the products that work for my sensitive combination/normal skin! I usually have a couple dry patches on my cheeks but not at the moment, my nose tends to get shiny midday. I am sharing the information about these products with you because they work for me, in case you are interested in seeing what skin care products I invest my money in. Please see a dermatologist if you have serious skin concerns! Otherwise, I hope you find it helpful :)



Skincare Shown [In order of appearance]:
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Wash [available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc. + Freestanding Kiehl's Stores]
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion [available at Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc.]
CVS Hypoallergenic Cotton Rounds
Lancome Visionnaire Skin Corrector
YSL Forever Youth Liberator SPF 15 Creme [available at Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc.]
SUPER by Perricone Brightening Activator [available through the SUPER website HERE]
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Lancome Genifique Repair Creme
YSL Forever Youth Liberator Eye Creme
*Also Mentioned: Lancome Genifique Serum & DiorSnow D-NA Reverse Night Concentrate [both available at any department store with Lancome and Dior counters]

Affordable Skincare/Cosmetic Options:
Benefit POREfessional [in place of Visionnaire]
Kiehl's Acai Damage-Repairing Serum or High-Potency Skin Firming Concentrate [in place of the Clearly Corrective, depending on your skin's needs]
J'eune d'Age Organics Eye Creme (Anti-Oxidant Eye Moisturizer) and Facial Moisturizer (Anti-Oxidant Clarifying Face Creme) - Online Store HERE

_________

Make-up Worn [Smoky Clubbing Make-up Tutorial, see video below]:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Foundation in 250 Bisque with BeautyBlender
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel with MAC 187
Shisieido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
MAC Greasepaint Stick in Dirty with BrushLab Crease Brush
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Almond with MAC 226
MAC Eyeshadow in Typographic, Tempting, Blanc Type with old Chanel Crease, Sigma Synthetic Pencil, and MAC 239 Brushes
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Sin
Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Mirifique with MAC 239
MAC Technakohl Eyeliner in Graphblack
DUP Japanese False Lashes in 906
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan with Sigma F25
Illamasqua Powder Blush in Katie with old Lancome Brush
Lancome Rouge in Love in 307
YSL Glossy Stain in 19
Chanel Extrait de Gloss in 56 Imaginaire



Nail Polish:
Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Platinum

Shirt:
J. Crew Linen Cowl Neck

Lenses:
Clear Prescription

Earrings:
Forever 21

Fantastic February Haul - Muji, Shu Uemura, Armani, etc.

PRODUCTS SHOWN IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
Muji Travel Shears
Muji Travel Sized-Containers
Lancome Ageless Minerale Holiday Set in Natural Beige 10
Chanel Le Sourcil de Chanel Perfect Brows Kit in 20 Brun
NARS Albatross
YSL Creme de Blush in 6 Passion Red
Kiehl's Mango Lip Balm
Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment
Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Shu Uemura Spring 2011 Morphium Blue Palette
Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani in 405
Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 La Femme Bleue Long Wear Waterproof Eye Pencil in 01 Black
Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 La Femme Bleue Eye Palette
Giorgio Armani Spring 2011 Transluminence Face Palette
Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in 2
Giorgio Armani Manta Ray Eye Duo in 3
***** Temptalia.com's Press Release had the Manta Ray Palettes listed as $38.00 but they are listed on Nordstrom.com and Giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com for $32.00!


Giorgio Armani Contacts -

Elyse Wrathall
714.549.8300 Ext. 1420
Giorgio Armani Counter Manager
South Coast Plaza Nordstrom in Costa Mesa, CA

Anne L. [?]
702.893.8327
Giorgio Armani Boutique
Bellagio in Las Vegas, NV


Products I'm Wearing in the Video:
Lancome Ageless Minerale Holiday Kit - Natural Beige 10 and Translucent Powders
Shiseido Natural Black Brow Pencil
Lancome Taupe Craze 5-Color Shadow Palette [only the lid color]
Lancome Artliner
Lancome Defincils Waterproof Mascara
Burberry Sheer Blush in Peony
Shu Uemura Unlimited Gloss PK333 - GWP, shown in Video!