Summer Favorites: The Game Changers

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It's been a while... But that's fine. I'm definitely a believer in the "something is better than nothing" kind of lifestyle.

This summer has been jam packed — aka I no complaints whatsoever. With so many travels as of late, I've come to find there are some specific products I'm not sure what I'd do without. Some are old, some are new, but they're all nothing less than amazing. So without further ado...

My taste in foundation hasn't really changed though I guess you could say I've gotten a bit more specific about what I like. Dewy but natural with the potential for a bit extra coverage. I like light and buildable foundations, ones that last all day and can take on California heat or harsh Scandinavian rain storms (thanks, Stockholm). Armani Luminous Silk is all of these things in one. I've talked about it before and I still love it just as much, if not a bit more.

Redken Pillow Proof is a new one for me. A hair primer that helps shave off some blow-dry time and keeps your hair looking nearly perfect for days after washing? Into it. It protects your hair from 450º heat and keeps frizz at bay. Plus, I'm obviously a sucker for that pink packaging. This is definitely a staple that I'll be keeping around for a while.

Kevin Murphy Angel Masque* has changed my hair in ways I never thought were possible. Every single time I use this stuff I love it more and more. This has essentially replaced my daily conditioner (especially because I only try to wash my hair 1-2x a week) and I'm pretty sure there's no going back. I'm almost done with this pretty little bottle and if you think I won't be purchasing, well you're wrong. This stuff is heavenly, hence the name I suppose.

These are the definite game changers of the season. The select few that have done big things and have earned a permanent spot in my beauty regimen.

What are your all-time summer favorites?

A/W Essentials: Beauty Bases

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat · Armani Luminous Silk Foundation · NARS Creamy Concealer · Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

While San Francisco weather can be a bit finicky, the seasons are definitely changing and with that my makeup changes too. My base becomes more of a light to medium coverage — sticking to products with great lasting power, especially for the harsh winter winds I'll be seein' on the East Coast in a few weeks.

Foundations /

• YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat is still in rotation — I've been using this foundation for a few years and I probably will keep it around as long as they still make it. The coverage is perfect, it's buildable, and it lasts quite long which is a big thing for me when it comes to bases. It's more of my summer color but I can still get away with it (not for long I'm sure)
• Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation has finally made it into my collection. While I usually stick to the same few foundations when it comes to repurchasing, I really wanted to try something a bit new! No regrets on this purchase — it's definitely going to be added to my rotating list of repurchases (along with NARS Tinted Moisturizer, Bobbi Brown Longwear, and Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua.

Pro-tip: I love mixing these two together or topping them off with Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder for a bit more coverage or extra-long wear. 

Concealers /

I should preface by saying I've gained a new appreciation for concealers! I used to use them but wasn't really into them... until now. Now I might actually have a concealer addiction, oops.

• For under the eyes I love using NARS Creamy Concealer — a product I once thought was over-hyped. Silly me. The consistency is beautiful, the coverage is everything you could possibly want, and the subtle brightness it brings to your face is kind of glorious.
• For spots and blemishes I'm really into Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer. It's pretty high coverage and gets rid of any pesky areas I might want to cover up. On lazy days I'll use this around my nose / to cover general redness and I'll pop a powder or something light over it. Sometimes less is more, ya know? 

And that's it for my A/W base essentials. Next in the series will probably be lips, cheeks, and eyes! What are your favorite foundations and concealers for the colder months?