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!
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!
Charlotte Tilbury is my favorite new beauty launch this year! Her makeup beats Gucci's by a long shot (first impressions review here), so I apologize for not being able to share this compilation sooner. I was waiting on some additional products to arrive and figured it was worth the wait to share as many shade variations as possible. Check out the individual product reviews and swatches after the jump!
Most of my Gucci Beauty order arrived the other day, so I wanted to share my first impressions with you! I ordered via the Gucci site, but I recommend pre-ordering from Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue due to their superior return policies. Gucci only allows returns that are brand new (meaning unopened and in plastic wrapping), meaning that you cannot try or swatch and return. Usually, that would not bother me whatsoever, but considering my experience with some of my order, I will definitely order Gucci products from only Neiman Marcus or Saks moving forward.
The linen paper packaging reminds me of Giorgio Armani's, though the gilded gold lettering on the Gucci boxes has a more luxurious feel. I'm not a fan of the excessive brand labeling and monogramming — since I personally prefer more subtle packaging — but I do think the overall design is in tune with Gucci's designs, target demographic, and buyer preferences.
Let's start with the bad. I was most excited for the lipsticks and the lip gloss, but I was most disappointed by them. The Vibrant Demi-Glaze Lip Lacquer is the worst of my haul. I expected full-pigment color based on the description, but the product has a very sheer, watery formula. The signature 'Blue Chocolate' scent and taste are VILE. Yes, it is so incredibly awful that I had to use the caps lock. I have a terrible sense of smell from having endured a long bout of bronchopneumonia as a child, but I could smell this lip gloss on my lips for a couple hours after removal. I tried my best to leave it on for as long as possible to see if the scent would dissipate, but I could only bear it for a total of 15 minutes. The taste was almost worse than the scent. It felt as though I was drinking a very bad vanilla-based perfume.
The lipsticks are a little more tolerable since the fragrance is not as overpowering, but the taste is unacceptable. The Moisture-Rich formula itself is well executed (creamy and smoothing with moderate coverage), but what a pity.. as such, I will definitely not be ordering any Color-Rich lipsticks.
The bronzer and powder foundation are quite nice. I cannot say that either was a life-changing experience or love at first swipe, but I have only tried them once thus far. The Finishing Powder (pictured above) is more mattifying than I had anticipated, but it should perform well on oily skin. The half-moon brushes included in both powder and bronzer compacts is lovely. The dyed bristles are actually soft, and I would recommend using the brushes for touch-ups. The Golden Glow Bronzer is smooth but not quite as silky as the description boasted, though I love that Carribean Ochre (the lightest of four shades offered) is shimmer-free. I do think it is an affordable alternative to Tom Ford's bronzer, one of my Holy Grail favorites. The best of my haul is undoubtedly the Shadow Mono in Iconic Copper, which is one of the impressive 19 shade lineup. I love the shimmery, slightly metallic finish. It is creamy, semi-sheer yet easily buildable, and wears well on my normal lids even without a primer. I will definitely be ordering several more of these single eyeshadows!
I also ordered a couple Nail Lacquers, but they had to be shipped via ground and will arrive Friday. I will purchase more single eyeshadows as well as duos, so please stay tuned for additional details and swatches. I did not order the Lustrous Glow Foundationsince I have been testing one too many liquid foundations recently, but I will do my best to try it sometime this Fall.
NOTE: Please do not remove my watermark and/or repost these copyrighted photos without
my permission. Be respectful of my time and effort in sharing these products. Many thanks.
To celebrate the arrival of summer, I wanted to host a giveaway for all my readers who love to tan! Please wear sunscreen and protect your skin whenever possible. To promote the message of safe and healthy tanning, I wanted to share 3 of my favorite self-tanning products for the face!
I highly recommend the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster($30 USD), which is a unique made-to-measure self tanning product for the face that is meant to be mixed into your daily and/or evening moisturizer. The Glow Booster makes radiant, sun-kissed skin so easy to achieve! The Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum($47 USD) is a skin care product that creates a gradual tan. You can spread this multitasking elixir on both face and neck, and it will also help the first signs of aging for a brighter and smoother complexion. The convenient Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes($21 USD) are a diva's must-have this season. Throw these into your beach bag or pack them into a carry-on for your upcoming summer vacation. These towelettes are perfect for those who do not have time for a gradual treatment and need some color immediately!
These 3 amazing self tan goodies will allow you to maintain a gorgeous, sexy tan that looks totally natural without incurring any sun damage. Furthermore, you'll be able to avoid that awkward bobblehead look with a super tan body and pale face!
To complete this 'Bronze Diva' summer giveaway, I wanted to include the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Undone Texture Spray. These two lovely purse-sized products are ideal for touch ups to your tousled goddess hair while on the go, and the best part is that they smell amazing! Last but not least, always remember to pack a travel-sized makeup remover when going away on holiday, like the Shu Uemura Fresh Cleansing Oil included here in the Bronze Diva Summer Giveaway!
This contest will end on Monday, June 30th, 2014 at 11:59 AM PST. I will announce the winner here and on Twitter! Please make sure to keep an eye out and claim your prize if you are the winner. Best of luck xo
THE WINNER IS Emmy P. Congratulations and thanks to all those who entered! xo
Chanel's new collection did not initially wow me, but I have grown to love all the products! I first purchased the Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation [review and swatches HERE] with the Vivacite blush first, which hit counters before the official Summer 2014 releases. Once the nail polishes and glosses launched, I picked up Sweet Lilac and Happy as well as the Ambre Dore eyeliner.
Gloss is HELLO [not Happy]
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed, but I am so glad I went back for the Mirage Illusion D'Ombre cream eyeshadow and the other two nail polishes. I, however, put filming the video on hold because I was patiently waiting for the new Les Beiges Multi-Color to launch! I had heard a few negative reviews about it, but it is totally awesome!! It is smooth, creamy, and has more than generous color pay-off on my light-medium skin tone. I highly recommend it, as it is actually a smidgen more pigmented than my original Les Beiges in 30.
Typo: Gloss is HELLO!
The nail polishes in this line-up do not look exceptional, but all 3 of my purchases have the invisible shimmer that Chanel Le Vernis are famed for. You can only catch the shimmer at certain angles, but it is such a fun little surprise! I despise using flash in my photos since it looks quite harsh and highlights fingerprints, but it did manage to capture the shimmer well. My favorite of the Summer collection is Pink Tonic, but Tutti Frutti and Sweet Lilac are must-haves, too!
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!
