The Two Luxury Bronzers You Need This Summer

It's like looking at works of art, amiright?! Between the packaging and color of these bronzers, these are two of my favorite summer makeup items so far. So many brands are putting out amazing bronzing powders these days that it is hard to narrow them down, mainly because they have become somewhat of a collector's item at this point!

I am very familiar with using Guerlain bronzers, and this one has been in my top 3 favorites for a few years now. However, I have never tried the ever popular Dior Nude Air Bronzer, and there is always a new one each year with a slight variation in color and composition. I finally bit the bullet this year and bought one to see if it was worth all the buzz and constant repromotion every year. Read on to hear my thoughts on each.

1. Dior Diorskin Nude Air Glow Powder - Dior makeup is always a crowd pleaser because of the packaging and hype, but I do not always run to buy each new collection that is launched. Recently I picked up this foundation which has blown my mind, and during that same shopping trip I decided to finally try one of the Nude Air Bronzers. It is called a Glow Powder technically, but it is dark enough to be a bronzer for my skin. First impressions - this powder has the most delicate and beautiful texture that glides over the skin effortlessly. It always applies evenly and goes on quite sheer though can be built up to give a strong bronzed look. I have been loving it dusted all over my face to give a hint of color or applied more heavily on the cheeks to give them a glow. Though there is slight shimmer, it is minimal and makes the skin look healthy and radiant rather than shimmery and glittery. I don't think I need to pick up each year's new Nude Air launch, but I am so happy to finally have one in my collection.

2. Guerlain Terracotta Pause d'Ete Collector Bronzing Powder Duo - No one does bronzing like Guerlain. It's true - they are the masters of it. And what makes them even more superior over every other line is their wide range of shades that work on every skin tone. This bronzer collection is one of their most popular (and a personal favorite) and has a color to complement the fairest to the deepest of complexions. Their newest limited edition Bronzing Powder is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. It has a definite shimmer to it with the gold overspray (it disappears the more you use it), so I only use this on my cheeks rather than the entire face. However, as only Guerlain can do, the shimmer is so finely milled and blendable on the skin that my face ends up having the most perfect radiant glow rather than a disco ball nightmare. The bronzing brush is sold separately but is worth the splurge. It's small enough to travel with, yet the brush itself is better quality than typical travel brushes. It picks up just enough product yet allows you to either dust it on delicately or buff it into the skin for a stronger finish. Guerlain continues it's reign as the winner of bronzing powders with this new launch.

Out of the two, I would say I use the Dior one more frequently because it has a hint less shimmer, though the Guerlain shade is a bit more of what I prefer for my cheeks - bronze with a hint of coral. Either way, they are both stunning and splurge-worthy. 

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New In and Loving from Guerlain, Peach & Lily, Oskia, Omorovicza and Belif

So many new skincare items have landed on my desk recently and I thought I would share with you the ones that have stood out the most or made it in to regular rotation. 

1. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist - Even though my skin is oily, I love adding a face mist after I cleanse (or cleanse and tone) and then quickly apply my next step (serum, moisturizer or face oil) to try and trap that moisture on my skin. I've recently been spritzing my way through this Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist and have really enjoyed it. While some face mists are good for the moment, the moisture leaves almost immediately after the mist absorbs into the skin. My skin felt hydrated for longer periods of time when using the mist. It has now earned a spot next to my bed because I like waking up with it and giving an additional spritz before I go to sleep.

2. Belif Aqua Bomb - I do have a ton of anti-aging products that bring out the heavy guns in terms of ingredients (retinol, glycolic, etc). However, it has been my motto for years that keeping the skin hydrated is the best anti-aging action of all. This Belif Aqua Bomb felt as good on the skin as the name would imply. It manages to mix the lightness of a gel with the rich, nourishing properties of a heavy cream. I am loving this now as we enter into the colder temps, but I can see this also working wonders in the summer to help replenish any moisture loss from being out in the sun. Year round hydration, please!

3. Caolion Blackhead Bubble Pore Pack - I was intrigued initially by the name of this product, and that intrigue continued when I opened it and saw the texture. I had to immediately put it on my face. Any mask the bubbles up is a friend of mine. But even though the experience using it is pleasurable, it means nothing if it doesn't work, right? Thankfully, this gives a great pore treatment that makes my skin looks cleaner, less congested and pores appear smaller. It has a slight warming/tingling feeling on the skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to patch test. But for those that have skin like myself that is not easily irritated, tingle/bubble away!  

3. Dr. Hauschka Quince Hydration Body Milk - Winter time should be nicknamed "itchy skin time". And of course I don't help the issue by taking super hot showers because I'm freezing at night or in the morning when getting ready. But I own my mistakes and try to compensate for it by using intensely nourishing body lotions and creams. I have already had great success with Dr. Hauschka products being soothing, comforting and gentle on the skin so I knew I had to try something for the body. While I typically reach for a rich body butter or cream to fix the itch (lol, that sounded funny), I was surprised when this lightweight lotion immediately soothed my legs and arms. The scent is delicate and pleasant, and absorbs so quickly that before I even get done applying one body part, the other one is dry with no sticky residue.

4. Oskia Super 16 Serum - There are so many fun aspects of beauty blogging, but when you focus a lot on skincare, attention needs to be paid to the efficacy of products and for how long you test them. Some products like masks, cleansers, mists, etc can show their results quickly, but serums need time. This is why I do not review them as frequently as other skincare products. In fact, I regularly turn down press samples of serums because I can't take a product when I know I won't be able to test it until months later. But I was nearing the end of a recent serum test run and felt it was time to give this one from Oskia a go. I already swear by their Renaissance Cleansing Gel and Renaissance Mask, so I had high hopes for this serum. The Super 16 Serum is a powerful anti-aging formula that uses an all natural retinol equivalent called Bakuchiol, which delivers similar results without any irritation. I noticed within the first 2 weeks how my skin looked brighter, less dehydrated, more supple and pore appeared less congested and minimized. It's incredibly lightweight so I can wear it either morning or night, and it wears well under makeup. I am about 2 months in and still loving the result. Oskia stays winning in my book - there is no product yet that has let me down.

5. Guerlain Purete Cleansing Cream - I love a good cleansing balm. I love a good cleansing milk. So when the two come together, magic ensues. I have to confess that I do own a ton of cleansers. They are my skincare weakness, what can I say? But this Guerlain Cleansing Cream is like no other cleansing formula I own. It feels almost like a cold cream style cleanser - giving the skin a comforting yet cooling cleanse. It is not powerful enough to cut through makeup (and frankly too fancy to be wasted on that task), so I use this as a second cleanse. Recently I decided to go one step further and apply a thick layer to damp skin and leave it on for a few minutes as a quick mask treatment. My skin was left so incredibly hydrated and supple that I only needed a light serum after. I don't wish a cold on myself this winter, but I will definitely be reaching for this as a product to help nourish and comfort my skin if I get one.

*pr samples included

3 More Fragrances I've Been Loving

I know, I know. ANOTHER fragrance review? But because I'm so picky about fragrance, I always find it blog-worthy when I find another one that I love. And there are 3 out of the ones I have been testing recently that were instant hits with me.

1. Guerlain Mon Exclusif Eau de Parfum - This is my first Guerlain perfume, though I am a huge fan of the makeup. As a lover of sweet fragrances (and sweets in general - nom), I read the description and notes online before testing it and knew I would love it immediately. Sandalwood (awesome - I live for this sandalwood scent from Nest), Toffee (yum in my fragrance and in my tummy) and lavender (is there a more calming and delightful scent? I think not.) - basically it's a trifecta of scents that come together to make magic. It's warm and sweet with a hint of floral and smells very cozy on the skin. It's definitely a "sweater weather" fragrance.

2. Fresh Cannabis Santal - I have had a ton of Fresh fragrances over the year - mostly the more lemon/citrus/sugar scents that they are famous for. However, during a recent meandering Sephora visit (you know those ones where you are just slowly moving from gondola to gondola picking up everything to touch it, smell it and feel it while checking your phone and not really paying attention. Just me? Oh, ok.), I wasn't even paying attention when I picked up the bottle to smell this. I stopped dead in my tracks and it was as if I was jolted out of my Sephora daze. It's a great mix of sweet (Chocolate, wild strawberries and dark plum), floral (magnolia and rose) and a woodsy musk (vanilla musk, vetiver and patchouli). It the perfect compliment to a big cashmere cardigan coat or fuzzy warm scarf. Yes, I like to pare my fragrances with an accompanying piece of clothing.

3. Kiehl's Aromatic Blends: Orange Flower and Lychee - I discovered this while at the Kiehl's flagship store recently. I believe this particular scent is only sold there but I was hooked as soon as I sprayed it on my wrist. It's a floral mix balanced with orange citrus notes that would seem way too summery for this time of year, but it deepens when on my skin making it more fall appropriate. There are other scents that are part of the Aromatic Blends collection that are available online - this one being my other favorite which surprised me because of it's patchouli notes. But the mix with rose makes it so pleasant. The ancillary body products in the Orange Flower and Lychee scent are available online but as for the fragrance it would be best to call the store and have them ship it.

*pr samples included

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How I Cleanse My Skin

One of the biggest factors in how my skin stays looking its best is by properly cleansing it each morning and night. For mornings I do a single cleanse and for evenings I adopted a double cleansing method a few years ago and never looked back. I prefer to reserve certain cleansers for each step so I wanted to share with you how I cleanse my skin. 

For evening, I prefer an oil or balm as a first cleanse. Typically these formulations are best at cutting through my makeup and removing every last speck of dirt and grime. And surprisingly when I finally began introducing these types of cleansers into my routine, my skin became less oily. When I apply the oil or balm, I always use dry hands and apply the cleanser directly to a dry face. It takes some getting used to, but now I love the sensation and can actually feel the makeup being broken down on my face. I then add a bit of water to emulsify the cleanser, and rinse it off with my hands or a muslin cloth/wash cloth. Here are a few of my favorite cleansing oils and balms:

• Cleansing Oils: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, Tatcha Camelia Cleansing Oil, Jurlique Cleansing Oil, Tata Harper Cleansing Oil, SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cleansing Oil
• Cleansing Balms - NUDE Omega Cleansing Jelly, Eve Lom Cleanser, Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, Clean It Zero, Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Moving on to my second cleanse step - this is when I like to bring in cleansers with any type of additional benefits such as brightening, exfoliating, soothing, nourishing, etc. I typically do not like foaming cleansers (I have a few exceptions - this one and this one being two of the only ones I can tolerate), because they dry the heck out of my skin. That "squeaky clean" feeling is one that I dread. That typically means that I have dried out my skin and it begins to get VERY oily and break out. Many of my favorite gel, milk or cream cleansers also double as great morning cleansers to help give my skin a gentle wake-up. Here are a few of my favorite milk and gel cleansers:

• Cleansing Gels: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Sjal Deep Pore Cleanser
• Cleansing Milks: First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk, Soap & Glory Cleansing Milk

To add to the above list of recommended cleansers, I have been testing out 4 new cleansers and wanted to include a quick review on each. 

1. Orange Cleansing Sherbert - This looks like a thick balm, but is actually quite soft and does a stellar job at removing makeup. It is very emollient and spreads easily on the face, emulsifying to a soft milk with water and leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped.

2. L'Occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Oil - This. Stuff. Feels. Like. Silk. Liquid Silk. It manages to  be thick enough to cut through the heaviest of makeup, but thin enough that it feels comfortable to use. It glides over my skin so easily with barely any rubbing, and if I needed to skip a second cleanse, I could with this. It gives it a thorough deep clean while still managing to make my skin feel as hydrated as a milk or balm.

3. Guerlain Gentle Cleansing Milk - This is my first foray into Guerlain skincare, but I knew that if it was anything like the quality of the makeup, my face was in for a treat. Typically cleansing milks can be very thin and runny and leave my face wanting a bit more comfort. This is thicker than many other milks I've tried and has become a morning favorite because of how nourishing and comforting it is on my skin. I like having that added bit of moisture before I apply my makeup.

4. MV Skincare Gentle Cream Cleanser - I am new to the MV Skincare brand but I have heard amazing things about this cleansing cream. It is an extremely thick cream that feels almost like a treatment rather than a cleanser. I love to rub this in as a second cleanse to a dry face and then give myself a good 1-2 minute face massage. It does not break down as I am moving it around and doubles as a quick mini mask treatment. I then soak my washcloth or muslin cloth in hot water (not scalding but more than tepid) and press the cloth onto my face and hold it there for 10-15 seconds before removing. What is left can only be described as very happy skin. My face looks plump, supple, hydrated and glowing. And the fact that it can double as a both a cleanser and mask treatment is an added bonus.

*pr samples included

For any more cleanser reviews or recommendations, click here to read all my prior posts.

What are your favorite cleansers? Leave me a comment below!

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Summer Launches From Guerlain, NARS And Hourglass

Get ready for all the bronzers and all the colors as the summer beauty collections begin launching. Shimmer on the eyes, glistening cheeks and bold lips - I can hardly wait! And even though many of us may not be fans of the sun (SPF 50 gals raise your hand!), we can still enjoy the typical easy and relaxed summer look. Here is a peek at some new summer launches from NARS, Guerlain and Hourglass. 

1. NARS Gloss in Nebulous and Nucleus - This new collaboration with Christopher Kane is what NARS fans live for. Bold and daring pieces make for a fun and almost theatrical collection. While the cheek and eye colors are a bit more playful, the lip glosses are super wearable! Though they seem bold in the tube, they have this jelly-like finish that makes them sheer and easy to wear. I instantly thought I would love Nucleus being that it's a basic fleshy nude, but I actually ended up wearing Nebulous more day to day. It turns into the most flattering juicy peach color perfect for the summer.

2. NARS Eyeshadow in Outer Limits - Glitter fans listen up! This shadow is right up your alley. It's a chunky rose-gold formula that when layered over a cream shadow or emollient base turns into a bold metallic eye look. For me, this is definitely an evening shadow, but one that can look stunning with glowing skin and a fluorescent lip. 

3. Guerlain My Terracotta Bronzing Powder in Natural Blondes - If there is one thing Guerlain knows how to do, it's bronzers. Rarely does a brand succeed at making bronzers for all different skin tones, yet Guerlain has over and over again. Their newest bronzer launch is more matte and strongly pigmented. I only need a very light hand in order to cover my cheeks, but the result is so natural. While many bronzers can skew too orange, Guerlain always manages to make ones that resemble exactly how you look after a day in the sun. Rich, golden and radiant without being too muddy, too brown, too orange or too dull. There is little to no shimmer in this one which I appreciate and find that the formula and color only solidifies Guerlain as the bronzer experts.

4. Guerlain Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow in Blue Ocean - I know, I know - aqua eye shadow??!! On me?!!! But if there is ever a time to experiment with color, it's the summer. I've only tested this out around the house since I'm waiting to wear it with a full on beachy look, but it's just as  you would suspect - creamy and smooth with just the perfect amount of shine. My perfect look with this would be fresh skin, bronzed cheeks and a peachy, glossy lip so as not to compete with the lid color. Hmmmm....I see a tutorial in the works perhaps.....

5. Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Fluo Stiletto - Wallflowers and those wishing not to stand out need avoid this color at all costs. This fluorescent pink is for the sassy and bold for sure - and I L-O-V-E it! I'm not even sure you need any additional makeup with this lip since it takes all the attention, but maybe a dramatic lash and highlighted cheekbones would be suitable. The formula is not as opaque as you might suspect and I applied the below swatch 4-5 times to get it to look like that, but with such a bold color it's nice to have the option to tone it down if I want.

6. Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light - Is there a more anticipated bronzer launch of the spring? Nope. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are my holy grail finishing powders (I live for Dim Light), and the blushes knocked my socks off so naturally I was ecstatic to finally get this on my cheeks. As with the other ambient light range, it feel incredibly smooth to the touch, applies effortlessly and gives a gorgeous "lit from within" glow that has become synonymous with the entire range. It definitely has some radiance to it, so I prefer it over a matte finish foundation (I have oily skin) or over a radiant foundation that I have set with a bit of powder. But regardless, it has been in my makeup routine almost daily since it arrived. My love affair with Hourglass continues.....

There are so many exciting summer launches already out, and a ton more to come. I think I may pull the trigger on some Tom Ford, Chanel and Dior pieces. 

What about you? What summer makeup launches are you most excited to try?

If You Love A Dramatic Lash, These Mascaras Are For You

When it comes to mascaras, the bigger the better. The more drama, the better. No wimpy, natural lashes for me. I like drama all the way. And I've found 3 new mascaras (well new to me) to add to my arsenal. 

1. Bareminerals Lash Domination - I have heard about this mascara before, but am unsure why it took me so long to try it. Regardless the reason, I am here now for it and a repurchase will need to be made when it runs out. To make that kind of statement so early on is quite something, but when you know, you just know. The brush is large, spiraled and perfect for grabbing each and every lash. It gives a glorious fanned out lash without any clumping. Out of all three, this one makes my lashes look almost false - in a good way, of course. And that is exactly the look I am going for. *blink blink* 

2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - After loving They're Real so much, I was hesitant to try this for fear it wouldn't live up to that type of drama. In a way, it didn't because it gives a more separated and curled lash. It's still inky black and makes my lashes stand out in a strong way, but that over-the-top drama that I love from They're Real is toned down a bit for the Roller Lash. I prefer to wear this one with eye shadow rather than a nude eye and bold lip. I like a curled and flirty lash with a fully done eye and big ridiculous lashes with no shadow and an intense lip. But if you are someone that struggles with trying to curl your lashes, the shape of this brush will greatly help that and give you that strong curl with each swipe.

3. Guerlain Maxi-Lash in Marine - Ok, so this mascara formulation isn't new to me - but the color is! And just an FYI - Guerlain Maxi-Lash is one of my holy grail mascaras. The formula is quite thin at first but after a few weeks of using it, it thickens up to the perfect consistency and gives the best lash. It's been forever since I have worn colored mascara, so this seemed like the perfect introduction back to it. It's a deep gray/blue that is subtle enough for every day, but in the light gives a hint of color. I actually love wearing this paired with a bronzey or golden eye shadow and find that the blue really stands out against those shades. Of course for a more fun look, I've been wearing it with the dark blue shade from the Guerlain spring palette. I like to line my eyes with the royal blue and then throw on the mascara for a step out of my comfort zone. Ok, I know that sounds ridiculous, but my crazy colored makeup days are far behind me, so even a royal blue is stepping out. But it feels good to do it once in a while. Heyyyyyyyy. :)

*pr samples included

Have you entered my Tatcha skincare giveaway?!!! Enter here. 

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Switching It Up With My Eyeliners

I go through phases with my makeup. There are periods of time where I will wear nothing but red lips, then nothing but neutral eyes and then others when I do intense blush. I like that makeup gives me the ability to change up my look whenever I darn well feel like it. I go in and out of my eyeliner phase and now I'm back in it. I've been alternating between two new options and wearing them just with a nude eye and mascara and I love the look.

1. Rouge Bunny Rouge Nocturnal Ink Liner - I don't have a steady enough hand for liquid liners with the flimsy flamsy brushes, so felt tip liners are always my friend.  But then the problem for me is the intensity with which the liner reads on my skin and sometimes it's just too much - I love the look of an intense dark, thick liner......on other people. But I don't tend to like it super intense on myself. So I was excited to get this one on my eyes because it was more of a soft black that can be worn lightly for just a hint of definition or built up to be a bit more bold (though it never gets crazy liquid liner bold to be honest). I'm currently wearing it as I type this post and I'm in my 8th hour of wearing it and there is no transfer to my upper lids (I just peeked in the mirror to check) and it still looks as smooth and even as it did first thing this morning. This will be on repeat for the next few weeks, I can guarantee you that.

2. Guerlain Les Tendres Eyeshadow Palette in Les Nuees - I keep seeing blue liner pop up on my radar, and I was itching to give it a go. I guess electric blue can be fun, but for me it's not practical with my day job. I wanted to find something that gave me a bit of color and felt different than my black and brown, but can still fly under the radar. I received this Guerlain palette a few weeks ago, and instantly knew this blue was perfect. It's navy but not too dark, royal blue but not too bright - and in the above pic I've applied it dry with an angled brush. I have also experimented by applying it wet for a more intense effect which also looks beautiful. The baby blue is not a color I normally wear but I have been putting it on top of the navy to change up the effect and it makes it more colorful but still subtle. The pink and white are sheer with slight shimmer so I have been wearing them alone on the lid - applied with a big fluffy brush to give a hint of shine on the lids. Shine not frost.The only frosting I like at this age is on my cupcakes, not on ma face.

*pr samples included

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A Few New Fall Lip Colors

Dark and bold lip colors for fall? Groundbreaking. I can't help but jump on the cliche bandwagon every time the seasons change. Brights for summer, pastels for spring and dark and bold lip colors for fall. Now that being said, I still wear any color any time of the year because I'm a grown-ass adult and do what I want. But when I'm not exercising my right to wear my big girl pants, I will always fall prey to season appropriate makeup shopping. And here is a look at three new lip colors I am adding to my fall lip collection. And some deep maroon carnations I found at the market which seemed perfect for the shot! How Pinterest-y of me.

1. YSL Glossy Stain #1Violet Edition -This is my second glossy stain and I have to say that I prefer the lighter shades in this formula. My glossy stain in Coril Fauve is so easy and beautiful to wear, but my lips need to be extremely exfoliated to wear this deep purple shade. However, I am so in love with this deep eggplant color that I simply deal with the high maintenance of wearing it. And it looks simply divine when layered with another dark gloss or balm - my favorite is the Fresh Sugar lip balm in Passion. It's the perfect plum-purple lip!

2. Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color in #321 Red Passion - This color looks a bit deeper in person, but is the absolute perfect balance of pink, red and purple. And I have been dying to try this new formula from Guerlain, but was a bit disappointed when I saw many of the colors had shimmer or glitter. But as soon as I swatched this shade, I knew it was coming home with me. Guaranteed sass off the charts when sporting this color. *insert emoji with her hand up next to her hair*

3. Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses - Ah, the ever famous Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses shades. It comes in a gloss, lipstick, lip liner and nail polish and it is stunning. The gloss seemed right up my alley for giving a dark and moody lip that doesn't look too stark in contrast to my pale skin. Rarely do I find a gloss that feels much like a balm, but this has properties of both. Even in the picture you can see how smooth and hydrating this color looks on the lips, and wearing it is feel even better. The deep brown undertone of this color makes it perfect for a neutral eye and cheek and if I had to guess, suitable for just about any skin tone. I love all three of my new fall lips, but this is the one that I would recommend picking up first.  But I don't want to be bossy, so it's your choice. (pick this one. do it.)

*pr samples included

What are some of your favorite fall lip shades? 

Video: August 2014 Beauty Favorites

This month was a big one for favorites - only two skincare items and a TON of beauty stuff. I listed all the swatches below of the eye palette and lip colors, and then my favorites video is at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!

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An Eye Palette That Smells Like Chocolate And My Other Favorite Scented Makeup Products

The Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette is what sparked this entire post. I had seen so many people raving about both the texture of the shadows and the scent of the palette, that my interest immediately piqued. I have mixed feelings about scented makeup products, but when done right they can really enhance the experience. And thankfully, the Too Faced palette lived up to the hype, which led me to wonder what other products in my collection do I enjoy using mainly because of the fragrance. There were only a few to be honest, but all of them successfully marry a pleasant scent with a great, efficacious product. But first, let's look at this Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette a bit more in depth.

The swatches of this palette barely do it justice, but believe me when I tell you the texture of these shadows are magnificent. Buttery soft, rich pigmentation and a great balance of matte vs shimmer. The colors do skew a bit on the warmer side, so if you prefer grays, blues and taupes, this may not be for you. But for me, these colors wear well on my coloring so it has quickly become a regular staple. There is actual cocoa powder mixed into the formula which creates the chocolate scent, but it does dissipate once applied. I found the initial idea of a chocolate scented eye palette sort of kitschy, but the joke is on me I guess because I can't get enough. 

And while I'm at it, I should mention there are a few other items in my makeup collection with beautiful scents that match the great quality of the product. The Guerlain Meteorites scent is a delicate rose that seems apropos to the pristine and feminine look of the packaging. Though I was not expecting this, the Burberry blushes have a floral scent that is almost intoxicating. The other two are lip products which tend to be the most heavily fragranced, but if done right can be a joy to use. Loreal's Colour Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude has one of the best vanilla scents I've ever smelled, while the Fresh sugar lip balms never fail to win at balancing the fruity with the sweet. 

*press samples included

What are some of your favorite scented makeup products? Tell me in the comments below!

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New In And Loving: Bluemercury M-61, Nest Fragrances, Guerlain and Laura Mercier

Some days I feel like I am just going to explode with excitement for products - it's like I am still 6 years old. Too much good stuff not to share my thoughts, and these few items are new to my collection but first impressions are already knocking my socks off. A little skincare, a little makeup and a little fragrance - a complete trifecta of products I am loving right now.

1. Nest Fragrances in the scents Paradise and Indigo* - If you follow my blog, you know I am a Nest fanatic. I love the candles and the personal fragrances (this one being a holy grail fragrance), and once again they hit a home run with their two newest fragrances Paradise and Indigo, now available at Sephora. Paradise smells exactly as the bottle looks - bright, vibrant and citrusy with notes of blood orange, white ginger and cedarwood. It's delicate and fresh for the summer. Indigo on the other hand was a bit darker, moodier but with a sweetness that I simply adore! Wild fig, bergamot, and black cardamom come together to create a scent that is as perfect for day as it is for night. Frankly, I keep them both side by side and do eenie meenie minie mo each morning to decide. I am the picture of sophistication. 

2. M-61 Power Glow Peel* - What happened to that top layer of skin? Oh, the M-61 Power Glow Peel took it away forever!!!! OMG! And what was left was baby soft, glowing, radiant, and gorgeous skin. People have been telling me on Instagram (over and over actually) that I need to try this product. Alright already! So I have. And welp.....it's awesome. Instagram was not lying to me. Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acid, these pads give a strong exfoliation, but surprisingly also help to calm and soothe. I would recommend starting with once a week to see how you do and then build up from there. But watch out, you may not be able to turn back. Your wallet has been warned. 

3. Guerlain Lingerie de Peau - I have a developed a love/hate relationship with this foundation. On one hand, it wears beautifully on the skin. Truly one of the most flawless foundations I have ever used on my face. That being said.....the only caveat is it oxidizes. Quite deeply I might add. But I was too in love with it to give up, so I decreased the amount I use (because a little can go a long way) and it has solved most of the problem. I don't use bronzer on the days I wear this so as not to add fuel (aka color) to the fire (aka my face). But I just can't quit the finish....so stunning. A satin like finish that makes my skin look like it has been airbrushed. And no pulling on dry patches, settling into fine lines or creeping into my pores. It knows better than that.

4. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Shadow Quad in Rendezvous in Monte Carlo* - Part of the new summer 2014 collection, this quad has been on my eyes almost every day since I received it. The colors blend so well together and they wear for-ev-er. Each shade can be worn dry or wet, though I prefer to wear the lighter shades dry and then wet the dark plum/brown shade to use as a liner. When done, I'm pretty sure my eyes look better than your eyes. (ok, ok, I know it's not a competition. sorry)

5. Laura Mercier Sheer Creme Glow* - Golden pink highlighted cheeks is on the menu for this summer. The finish of this new Laura Mercier summer 2014 cream blush is divine and looks gorgeous tapped on the cheekbones for glowing, fresh, 'I just woke up like this' skin. Yes, your summer self needs this. No, your cheekbones won't survive without it.

* press sample

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The Finished Look: Winter Bronze

The title of this post may seem like an oxymoron, but a bronzed makeup look does not have to be left only for summer.  And since I am a strong proponent of staying pale all year round with my dedication to SPF, makeup is all that I have to give that sun kissed glow.  This particular look is a subtle version of a more amped up summer style, and is incredibly easy to replicate.  Under ten minutes flat and I am out the door, looking and feeling polished yet glowing.   I begin with one of my favorite foundations, Urban Decay Naked Skin and buff it in using my Real Techniques buffing brush, followed by a quick swipe of Burberry's sheer concealer under the eyes.  The finish on this foundation is a natural matte and wears for hours flawlessly.  I set it with my La Mer loose powder which is currently in rotation every day for its ability to tone down any shine and set my makeup for most of the day.  The eye look could not be more simple with a quick wash of MAC's Woodwinked all over the lid after the eye is primed (Nars Eye Primer), and a subtle matte brow highlight with NARS' Edie eyeshadow.  This subtle beige color has quickly become any every day staple for either brow finishing, dusting over a look to tone it down, or just to even out my eyelid before other shadows.  A few swipes of the best mascara in the whole world, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara and a brow fill in with my Hourglass Brow tool in soft brunette - otherwise known as my holy grail brow pencil.  I swear by the this Guerlain Four Seasons bronzer for it's ability to go with any and every makeup look I ever put with it - giving the most natural flushed and glowing cheek imaginable.  And to top it off, it comes in a slew of different skin tone colors, so there is a shade for all! My Rouge d'Armani in shade 101 has been rolling around my makeup bag for years since it can't possibly give a more "my lip color but better" look.  I have this look on repeat constantly in the summer but throwing it on in winter feels just as appropriate and if for nothing more than to just put me in a better mood as I schlep through the slush and snow to work.  See the power of makeup?  It's an instant mood lightener.  Excuse me while I fill up my virtual Sephora cart to get through the rest of winter.  

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What Should Be On My Vanity

Snowstorms will not stop me for marching boldly into spring - spring makeup that is.  Sadly I will still be rocking snow boots, scarves and puffer coats for many more months to come but my face and nails will begin to look a bit more colorful.  And of course I had to throw in a few skincare items I have been stalking recently because when am I not planning my next skincare purchase??? (evidence here) Click on the below links to shop all the items.

1. By Terry Cover Expert

2. YSL Rose Scabiosa Nail Polish

3. Bobbi Brown  Brightening Finishing Powder Porcelain Pearl

4. Clinique "Cheek Pop" Blush

5. Tarte Mattenificent Palette

6. Guerlain Light Diffusing Perfecting Primer

7. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

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Beauty Bits: My Current Bronzers

It's rare that I do a post focusing on things to make me darker (as it is nearly impossible with this pasty pallor), but I realized that I have been reaching for bronzers more than usual recently, so I felt there may be something there.  Oddly I don't tend to wear a lot of bronzer in the summer (I know, I am always backwards), but have been wearing it over and over this winter.  I have been loving a dark and bold lip recently (did you read this post on my current dark lip colors???), and I find that a bronzey, neutral cheek is often the best to complement.  Some are definitely more loved than others, so I thought I would share my thoughts on each:

1. NARS Laguna (housed in a duo case) - Everyone raves about this bronzer, swears by it, hits pan before any other product.  Do I agree?  You bet I do.  It truly does impart the most natural "bronzed" look out of all of the 4 I have.  Not too much shimmer, not too much matte.  The perfect balance.  

2. Cargo Cosmetics Hydra Bronze - The shimmer is a bit bold in this product, so I reserve it for evenings or the weekend.  A rather smooth application, it is also designed to help boost the moisture level in the skin.  Not sure if I ever completely noticed this feature when using it, but I do find that it settles nicely on the skin.  

3. Guerlain Terracota Four Seasons Bronzer in Nude - This is hands down, without a doubt the best bronzer of the bunch.  Not only because it has that pink addition to the blend, but also because it is the most finely milled and super smooth powder bronzer I have ever used.  I think there is a slight shimmer but it is barely noticeable, so it's easily worn anywhere, anytime with almost any makeup look.  I like to swirl all 4 colors together for a gorgeous flush and then if I want to add a bit more color, I concentrate the pink shade on the apples of my cheeks.  It is quite the splurge but it's worth every penny in my opinion.

4. MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden - MAC was the first bronzer I ever used and I enjoyed it for many years.  After branching out and trying other brands, the MAC one fell lower and lower on the list.  While I still enjoy wearing it on occasion with certain looks, it tends to turn a little brown on me so it often needs a good pop of color on the cheeks to liven it up.

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Beauty Bits: Eye Palettes On Repeat

Call me old fashioned, but when it comes to my eye makeup, I love a classic application.  Light on the lids, dark in the crease, a mild highlight on the brow bone and a dark, defining liner.  Sometimes I mix it up when I am feeling a bit crazy (imagine my Friday nights, right?), but most of the time I stick with what I love.  So naturally I am drawn to palettes because of the ability to use a few different colors to create the dimension I am looking for.  But with all the makeup I have, I realized I always reach for the same 5 eye palettes over and over - ah yes, I am seeing a pattern.  All of these shadows and combinations are incredibly wearable for every day with the option often to amp up for evening.  If I am going on vacation, one (if not all)  of these are always with me, and I always say that what you pack for vacation makeup is a tell tale sign of your favorite pieces.  Here are the my palettes currently in heavy rotation:

1. Avon True Color Eye Shadow Quad in Berry Love (c/o) - I have said before that little surprises me with makeup, but I had truly not expected this palette to knock my socks off the way it did.  The pigmentation is unreal, the colors wear all day and blend effortlessly.  And 3 out of the 4 shades are matte.  Basically it's perfect.

2. Stila In the Garden Palette - There are a few Stila palettes that people talk about (this and this being two of the most buzzed about), but I fell in love with these colors after I brought this with me on vacation one time.  Though there are 2 or 3 less neutral shades in the mix, I was shocked to see how easy they were to wear when blended with other basic colors.  The pigmentation is rich but not enough that any of these are overpowering.  Most give a nice wash of color and that is what appeals to me the most.  Plus the packaging is just so darn cute.

3. Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs in Les Fumes - When am I not loving something by Guerlain?  I rave about their products over and over again, but it's worth every accolade.  To describe these shadows as buttery smooth is an understatement, it's almost velvety to the touch.  And this color combination gives the most stunning daytime smoky eye, subtle enough for the workplace but a great segue into an evening look if needed.

4. Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Prelude - This was my first Chanel eye quad and it certainly won't be my last.  Nothing gives me a more perfect crease-style eye look than this quad.  And naturally Chanel strikes the perfect balance between shimmer and matte - which so many companies try to achieve but fail miserably.  The colors have good pigmentation but I find do require an eye primer so make sure you apply one first.

5. Dior 5 Couleurs in Greige - Ugh, the color greige is such an awful word to say but truly is my favorite color family.  Nail polishes, clothing, makeup, shoes - give me all the greige.  This palette definitely has a strong shimmer but the colors blend so smoothly that it works well for day or evening.  I often grab this palette to pair with many of my favorite single shadows, because the colors are great accent colors to add into the crease and outer corner of the eye to add dimension.

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