Summer Favorites: The Game Changers

*PR sample
 
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?

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Porcelain / $38

Once upon a time, I received a minuscule sample of a Jouer tinted moisturizer — the color was all wrong, so into the trash it went. It's funny what getting the wrong color can do to skew your judgement of a product. Then there it was again. Kate started talking about it, and then Estée and then I thought, what the hell and decided to give it another go. I also wanted to find something a little cheaper to use on days where I don't want to use my YSL foundation (though that seems to be lasting me forever).


I've been using it for a straight week — not even once have I reached for my beloved Le Teint Touché Éclat. That's saying something. I've never really cared for tinted moisturizer, though I have sampled a few in my time. This one's a little different; it's much thicker than the tinted moisturizers I've used, bordering on a light+ coverage foundation. The finish isn't matte, it's like a mix of velvet + dewy, if that makes sense. The thing I love about this is where the YSL foundation can feel a little wet after application, this stuff sinks in and leaves you feel like you're wearing nothing. It covers most imperfections I get (though redness peeks through a bit), and it's perfect for this warm weather we've been having. I definitely agree that it feels like a lesser coverage Silk Creme, which is probably why I love it so much. Not to mention the color match is perfect as well, thank goodness. I have a feeling this will be the base I reach for most days in the coming months, luckily I don't have a problem with that at all.

FWIW: I apply this either with my fingers or a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Both do the job well!

+ eyes / brows / lips

+ blush / contouring

Obsessed! What do you guys think?

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.

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat Foundation

YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat in BD10 · $55

Oh yes, I've finally hopped on that bandwagon. After many weeks of contemplation, I gave in and bought the foundation everyone has been talking and blogging about (and yes, this was another Sephora VIB sale purchase!). Because it's normally quite hard for me to find foundations (due to my fair but olive with a dash of pink complexion), I figured this YSL range would have something for me, and oh ho ho, it did does. 

BD10 is literally the most. perfect. match. for me. ever. I love applying and wearing this; it gives you a really natural looking base while illuminating all the right places. I also love that I can wear this lighter or build it up for more coverage. I've worn this all day long — putting it on at 8am and getting home 12 hours later and it still looks soooooo good. Not to mention it feels really luxurious to use, I mean look at that glass bottle! 

But what happened to Laura Mercier Silk Creme, you say? I still love it and use it sometimes but for me personally, it just doesn't compare to Touché Éclat. I've got to admit, this is holy grail for me. There, I said it. 

So what do you guys think of this foundation? Love it as much as I do?

Laura Mericer Silk Creme Foundation in Medium Ivory

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation · $43

I get a decent amount of compliments and on my skin — and while yes, I have nice normal skin and am not prone to blemishes or spots, I owe a lot to my trusty foundation.

Before this I wore MAC foundation but could never find the right color or coverage. On a trip to Sephora this past April, I was introduced to the lovely Laura Mericer brand and was immediately interested in the foundations. For a while I was going back and forth between two shades but settled for Medium Ivory.

Laura Mercier's Silk Creme foundation is (for me) medium coverage with a natural and dewy finish. It lasts all day and doesn't leave me oily or dry. I've tried other foundations but nothing else has compared to this so I just can't seem to pry myself away. It blends like a dream and is buildable, so on days where I feel like I need a little extra coverage, I just add another layer. It never looks cakey or fake which is one of the things I love most about this foundation.

What do you guys think of Laura Mercier's foundations? Do you have a fav?