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? 

NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Pigalle

NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Pigalle · $26

If you've been reading my blog for even just like, a second, you'll know what kind of lip colors I gravitate towards. Pigalle is described as pink chocolate and I mean COME ON. Pigalle also reminds me of the metro and Paris and all the things I love in life so I couldn't say no. Well I could have, but why would I want to?

I'd never really considered buying a NARS lipstick before this one. No real reason for that; I've been a MAC lipstick girl for ages and never felt like I wanted to stray. But as one does, I was checking out NARS in Sephora, swatching everything like a crazy person and I found Pigalle and all I could think was yessssss. The thing I love about this color is that it's perfect for this summer to autumn transition period. It's not too pink, not too brown and lasts for ages! Heat, cold, whatever the weird in-between weather might be! Looks amazing with summer brights or fall darks. It's been my go-to for the last few weeks and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

Lastly I should say, I usually don't buy matte lipsticks but this one isn't at all drying and doesn't make your lips look more chapped, which is always a plus. If you're in the market for a color like this go and check it out. It's my new fav!

August 2014 Favorites

MAKE Cosmetics Matte Dew · MAC Hug Me · MAC Viva Glam V Lipglass · MAC Margin Blush · Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer · NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska

How crazy is it that August is over? Gonna be honest though, super stoked for fall weather; leaves changing, chilly nights and gorgeous days. Put me on a rooftop and give me a glass of Pinot and I'll be good. I think I have an obsession with rooftops, guys.

It's been hot in New York — really hot with a stupid amount of humidity that makes you want to shower 341482 times a day. Not cute, therefore minimalism was definitely a thing for me. Less is more and all that jazz. 

To help combat oils, I stuck to the matte side of MAKE's Custom Finish Effects Matte Dew.  It's super silky and will help in any places you need a little less shine. On the other hand, when the nights are cooler, I've been loving the dewy side for a purposely-glowy boost. It's perfect and I really want to try their Face Gloss when the cooler weather comes.

Nude lips are my thing as of late. MAC's Hug Me + Viva Glam V Lipglass are the perfect combo. I usually hate lipgloss but I can't stop wearing this one. If you're looking for a pink nude that leans towards the brown side (as I normally do), definitely check these two out. Obsessed.

While NARS Douceur is my every-day blush of choice, I've started to fall a bit for Margin again. It's kind of a brown peach color with a frost finish so it's gorgeous on tanned / yellow-toned skin. Paired with the aforementioned nude lip and a bit of liner? Hell yes.

Switching gears to bases, Fresh's moisturizer is still in rotation. It's light and hydrating and I can't get enough. NARS Tinted Moisturizer is the new love of my life. It stays on through the hot summer days and doesn't melt off while waiting for the subway (guuuuuuhhhh). The coverage is on the lighter side but totally buildable.

And so we have my August favorites. Let me know if you guys would like me to do separate reviews for any of these! Happy September!

FOTD: Reloving

Face: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat in BD10 / Cheeks: NARS Orgasm, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle / Eyes: L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara, MAC Era, and MAC Patina / Lips: MAC Cut A Caper

We're having some ridiculously nice weather here in Northern California as of late. Something about the summer spring sunshine makes me want to whip out the corals and pinks and do cartwheels in the freshly cut grass — well maybe not cartwheels (just yet). But really, I get stupidly tan in summer and the way coral looks on a tanned skin highly appeals to me and my cheeks. So I thought it was time to whip out some things I haven't used in quiiiiite a long time.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is something I've been using a lot lately after forgetting over winter, oops! I love the smooth feeling that it leaves my skin with. The perfect base for foundation, voila! Touché Éclat has grazed my skin once again. I swear I will never get sick of this stuff — I'm actually repurchasing tomorrow because I've officially run out. I really do feel like it will be holy grail for me forever. 

Orgasm! Ohhhh la la!!!1!1!!11!! No but seriously I love this color and mine (as you can see) is well loved. I haven't really touched it since summertime last year but I am sooo ready to get back to wearing it. It's such a pretty coral-pink, plus I love a little pop of color right on those apples. Swept MAC's Soft & Gentle on the top of my cheekbones which you can't even see, but it's there! I'm still iffy about powder highlighters after getting the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector, but hey. Every product needs a little lovin' now and again. 

L'Oreal Mascara that has been in heavy rotation for me as of late. Now if only I could get seriously dramatic volume with this crazy length I would have the loveliest lashes in all the land. Swiped MAC Era all over the lids (a new edition to my collection/palette) and I'm obsessed already. Patina in the crease just to add a little somthin' somethin'. Definition. EYES. All that jazz. (I forgot to add in what I used for brows but it's just my normal Anastasia Brow Wiz + Charcoal Brown by MAC)

Cut A Caper. Sound familiar? Every time MAC re-releases this color people go nuts. When they did last year, I went nuts, but for good reason. Do you see that color? Perfect bright coral perfection. This was my summer go-to last year and you bet it'll be my go-to this year. P.S. Please re-release this so I don't have to use it sparingly. xoxo.

That's it for my face of the day. Simple! What do you guys think? What are some things you love but may have forgotten about? 

Unpopular Opinion: NARS Sheer Glow

Oh, what's this? A cult favorite and a go-to/holy grail among some bloggers? That's exactly what it is — just not to me.

FOTD: Anniversary Edition

Face: NARS Pro Prime / YSL Touché Éclat in BD10 / BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone / MAC Margin Blush

Eye: MAC All That Glitters / MAC Star Violet / Clinique High Impact Mascara / Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara / Anastasia Brow Wiz / Chanel Liner in Beryl

Lips: MAC Cosmo

Nothing much to say today other than... yay! It's my anniversary. Two whole years of being married and it's flown by faster than I can even believe. We're going out to dinner tonight to a restaurant with a 40's feel— casual dressy, so I figured I'd go a bit feminine with my makeup. Lots of pinks, focus on the lips, soft eyes and cheeks, strong brows. Lots of new stuff here I haven't reviewed yet which means... lots of reviews coming up, whoop! 

My poor Cosmo lipstick looks like it's been through hell and back (it has). It was my first MAC lipstick and is still one of my all time favorites. Also the blush I'm wearing was the one I wore on my wedding, *nostalgia*. While I'd love to stay and chat I've got so much to do before tonight! Nails to be painted, presents to be picked up and... my hair needs a good taming because it's literally taking over my face. Eeeep!

What do you guys think of this look? I may throw on some eyeliner before heading out but I'm not sure! Yay or nay?! Hope everyone has the best Tuesday ever. ♡

FOTD: Muted Neutrals

Face: NARS Pro-Prime / YSL Touché Éclat BD10 / L'Oreal Magic Lumi concealer / MAC Margin Blush / MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in S&G

Eyes: NARS Portobello / MAC Charcoal Brown / Diorshow Iconic Mascara / Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal / MAC Teddy eyeliner

Lips: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 014

Last night I went a little bit Lisa Eldridge crazy. No regrets. I'm late to the game, I know but I am ob-freakin'-sessed. I watched so many videos before bed, that this morning when I woke up I decided I wanted to recreate a look, this look to be specific. While I know it's not the same thing (and I'm not claiming it is), I put my own spin on it and made it work for me. 

For my base I started with the NARS primer and then applied YSL Touché Éclat with my fingers and blended it softly into my skin. I concealed under my eyes and around my nose with the Magic Lumi concealer. I popped a bit of Margin on the apples of my cheeks and added a touch of highlight with Soft & Gentle. I actually haven't worn Margin since my wedding day but I've rediscovered it and have fallen right back in love.

For eyes I used the darker color from Portobello all over the lid and Charcoal Brown from MAC in the crease and outer corners. I applied two coats of Diorshow Iconic to my top lashes and one to the bottom. Followed up by the nude Rimmel liner in the inner part of my waterline and Teddy on the outer part.

I finished with the Rimmel Kate Moss nude lipstick and applied it generously with a Real Techniques lip brush from the Core Collection. First time using that brush and it's sooooo awesome.

I've never ever ever worn a nude lip before, but I've got to say I'm kind of in love. I'm also loving the soft brown eyeshadow paired with the coral/orange toned blush. Not something I would normally wear together but I love the way it works. This is pretty out of my comfort zone if I'm honest as I'm really used to a bright pink or berry lip. I also went a little lighter with my brows, using Charcoal Brown and Mystery; I'm convinced!

Annnnd ta-da, that's my finished look. What do you guys think? I feel like I'll be wearing nude lips so much more now, it's actually kinda nice! Do you like these kinds of posts? If so, let me know!

NARS Pro-Prime Multi Protect Primer

NARS Pro-Prime Multi Protect Primer · $32

While in England I took a look in Harvey Nichols (so dangerous) and hopped over to the NARS counter. Everyone is always raving about their Sheer Glow foundation so I figured I'd see what all the fuss is about. Because being in England always has this whirlwind effect on me, I find myself being way more susceptible to being talked into things I probably don't need. Primers included.

At first I didn't like this primer at all — I just didn't get on with it and I'm not sure why, but after giving it a few more weeks I actually quite like it. Is it love? Well, I wouldn't go that far but I am enjoying it.

When you first rub this into your skin it leaves a nice sheen (as you can kind of see in the second swatch photo) but it ends up drying matte. I was hoping my skin would stay all luminous and glowy, but alas, it didn't. This stuff is extremely light and leaves your skin super soft while which is a total plus. It also seems to calm my skin ever so slightly, bringing the redness down juuuuust a bit. It does also help with foundation longevity but it's not that much better than the Smashbox primer I was previously using which is why I'm still on the fence. I can definitely see this as something I'll be loving come summer, especially with that added SPF 30 (protection is important, kids). That said, as an every day, all day primer, I'm not convinced that this is the one for me.

Has anyone else tried this primer? If so, what are your thoughts? What are your favorite primers/ones that you would recommend?

NARS Douceur

NARS Douceur · $28

NARS Douceur is commonly known in the beauty and blogging world as the "instant model cheekbones" blush and I've got to say, that's pretty much true.

NARS describes this blush as a "soft pink-brown" and in the pan it looks like a beautiful dusty pink — but on the face? It's the most perfect rosy shade to give you both a hint of color and a natural contour. I love wearing this on days where I don't want to do too much with my makeup but I do want a little something to pull my look together. One of my favorite things to do is to pair this up with Tarte Exposed; using this to add a little definition while wearing Exposed on the apples of my cheeks.

I love this blush to bits, especially because it gives your cheekbones a bit of a boost while still doing it's job as a blush. This is most definitely one of those blushes you have to have for autumn and winter. It looks beautiful with a bold berry lip color as well as a more natural looking lip. It kind of gives you that I just walked in from the cold type of look and I really think it's just one of the most beautiful (and flattering) blushes out there!

What do you guys think of this color? What are your favorite autumn blushes?

Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is in exactly one week — can you guess how old I'll be? These are just a few things I've been wanting for a while and are definitely birthday wishlist worthy.

1. ASOS High Brow Mustache Rings - I'm not really into the whole mustache trend but this ring set is just so cute. Eyebrows, glasses, and mustache that stack on top of each other to create the cutest look ever.

2. Enrapture Encode Totem Styler - I've been really into curls and waves as of late and I've heard through the blogger grapevine that this is the holy grail of stylers. The barrel has three separate sections which can be set at different temperatures to create a ton of different style curls and waves. Want. Want. Want.

3. Topshop Jersey Skater Skirt - This is basically the perfect staple skirt for any wardrobe. I'm not sure why I haven't bought it yet, but I'm pretty sure I will within the next two weeks.

4. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - Beauty Flash Balm is another product I've heard really great things about. I've started to get really into skincare and this is something I definitely want to add to my daily regimen. It brightens and tightens and seems like a great product to use under makeup!

5. NARS Deep Throat Blush - I currently own Orgasm but want something more subtle for days that I feel like less is more. Deep Throat seems like the perfect shade of pink to give me a natural-flush look.

5. Topshop VECTRA3 Studded Slippers in Nude - I love the whole loafter/slipper thing going on and basically want every pair I come across. The nude shade + studs make for a pretty adorable combination. I don't own any nude shoes at the moment (gasp) but will probably have more than a few pairs in my collection in the coming months.