Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Therapy Systems


It seemed only fitting to do a post on a brand that is dominating my makeup drawer as of late & just happens to be a local gem brought to life by the owner of Private Edition and Cosmetic Market, Linda Roberts.  The brand, Therapy Systems is sold at both of her cult classic boutiques (the staff at Private Edition know me by name) and apparently is sold in boutiques stretching as far as Hong Kong.  I think Linda and I probably have many similarities… it appears our favorite store is also the same – H. Audrey – deserves a post of its own!

My love of Therapy Systems started with a single “Smoky Taupe” shadow, I got near daily compliments on it & suddenly I’d scooped up three more shades.  My new fav is “Broadway” – a perfect lightest of light brown with just a hint of violet & shimmer.  I passed these shadows in Linda’s boutiques for years and never tried one – true they’re so much more gorgeous on than in their pretty mirrored packaging. 
 

As a major lip balm addict I’m surprised I’m just now trying Therapy Systems’  Rx for Lips.  I bought it Sunday while fretting over an Omorvicza balm that seems to have disappeared in my own home.  I didn’t want to shell out $50 for a new one knowing the lost one would surely surface soon… no doubt hidden in a Manolo somewhere by my toddler.  I also knew I needed something more powerful than Smith’s Salve (no disrespect to that brand, which I adore)… Enter the $32 RX for Lips which contains just a touch of retinol to plump your pout and swiftly rid it of any dry/dead skin.  Ideal for under your lipstick or worn alone to constantly kiss your child without leaving any colored residue.
 

I read an article dated back to 2005 that said Linda planned to be the next Estee Lauder.  To that I’d have to say, Get it, Girl! 


*All images via Therapy Systems site.

 

Friday, October 9, 2015

That AHA Moment



It’s true, as we age our skin completely changes.  I actually have dry skin.  I spent years cursing my oiliness & fretting over it and now like I’ve been smacked in the face, I see that my skin has totally changed.  Maybe it is my age (approaching 36) or the fact that I’ve had a baby (hormones are such a bitch) – whatever the reason, my whole routine has had to slowly change too.

I blogged a week or so ago about getting a 1) Clarisonic, truly life changing.  I swear I’ve not had one clogged pore and my skin is smoother and SOFTER than it’s ever been.  I think I’m totally done with foundation.  I feel like it instantly ages me and it lasts no longer on me than a fluid tint, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer. I see now, after spending a fortune throughout my adult life on products and care, that my skin is pretty good.  I’m sensitive and reddish but things could be SOOO much worse.  My current favorites are 2) Edward Bess and Revision.

3) Luminizer is easy and the effect is really pretty when done lightly – especially in pictures.  I’m using one by Trish McEvoy and it is amazing how quickly it brightens and lightens the area under the eyes, bridge of nose (tricky for me bc my nose is not delicate (i.e. it’s big)) and the cupid’s bow. 

4) Blush, in a gel or cream form, is super easy to apply IF you have the right brush & instantly you look perkier, more awake, and brighter.  I am using a liquid blush and brush by Trish. 

This might sound like a lot of stuff but each amount is so small and because all the formulas are so sheer, light, and easy to work with that you can knock out this entire look in 5 mins.  The result is really plumped, smooth, glowy, and I’ll admit it, radiant skin.

*Look for follow up with product details next week!  Until then TGIF.

 

Monday, September 28, 2015

Late to the Party

Clarisonic

I finally got a Clarisonic – yes, I’m a decade late & I really don’t know why I waited so long.  In short, everything everyone says about these facial brushes is true.  It makes skin radiant, smooth, and baby soft after just one use.  Slowly you see blackheads disappear and pores look smaller due to their being squeaky clean.  Moisturizers, serums, toners & essences are all more effective.  It’s pretty phenomenal. 

 



 
Ultra dewy complexion Perfector

I am especially enjoying this Edward Bess dewy complexion perfector after washing my face.  It is so seamless and pretty and leaves your skin so glowy & youthful looking.  A little bit of this formula goes a very long way but doesn’t feel heavy at all – the coverage is very sheer and light.  Amaze.  Perfect for the drier Fall and Winter months.

 

Monday, August 10, 2015

Tint-In-Oil


YSL Volupte Tint-In-Oil

If I had to invent a lip gloss/balm this would be it.  It’s seriously a dream.  I love it so much I immediately bought 2 colors.  The formula is a super sheer tint that doubles as a deep conditioning oil.  Your lips are immediately super soft & have the most gorgeous natural glow.  If you refrain from eating, drinking or kissing immediately you’ll find that it almost acts as a lip stain with a glossy smooth finish.  I loved every color I tried.  My favorite was “I Rose You” – the most beautiful pale baby pink shimmer.  Yum. 

 
 
More later in the week on the two products below which make weekends a breeze! #glossier
 

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Right now I can't live without...


Omorvicza Hydra Lift Cream

 
I use this as my night cream, I wake up plumped, firm & fresh.
I find it keeps my skin looking better throughout the day as well.  Hydration is key.

 
 


 Revision Intellishade Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45

Words cannot even describe how happy this tinted moisturizer makes me.  I own the original (dewy) and matte version – where have you been all my life?  Read the reviews anywhere, this stuff is medical grade and magic.


 Jo Malone’s candles/diffusers

My favorite candles are Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Incense & Embers.  My favorite diffuser is Red Roses.  AMAZING.  They make coming home even more relaxing & make weekends in (these are frequent lately due to record heat and humidity in the south) super cozy.







 

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Hometown Love

Imogene + Willie Tees

I have to give major props to a local favorite store, Imogene + Willie, for creating a line of seriously killer tees and tanks.  I snapped up a white tank & gray tee but could have honestly grabbed every single one.  I’ve been wearing Hanes men’s white undershirts forever (at my skinniest & most pregnant I still wore the same size & felt my best) – Imogene’s white tank is basically a better version.  The material is perfection & the fit is extremely flattering. 

It’s no secret that I love a good tee (hello life uniform!) and this cute gray “Welcome” tee is cut from the softest fabric that provides for another ultra-flattering fit.  It has the ideal “tee shirt neck” – other tee connoisseurs will know exactly what I mean & the sleeves are the best length. 

I will be wearing these both well into Fall & Winter under my favorite flannels & jackets. Apparently fans of this store stretch way west to California as a lovely & quite friendly Kate Capeshaw (aka Mrs. Steven Spielberg) stood next to me in line.

 



*Images via Imogene + Willie

Monday, June 29, 2015

Smooth Operator


RMS Beauty “un cover up”

This is honestly a life changer of a product for me & I’m forever grateful to my friends at Private Edition for introducing me to the brand this weekend.  As stated multiple times recently, I’m over foundation.  I am gravitating towards sheer tinted moisturizers or skin tints (hello, Glossier!) – The product in this little glass pot literally melts into your skin immediately banishing redness, dark spots, and enlarged pores.  I swear, it is magic.  You can use it as foundation, concealer, or cover up.  I have been adding a couple pats to the areas of my face that still have a fair amount of redness after I apply my skin tint/moisturizer.  The results is gorgeous & perfection.  I am truly in awe & can’t stop checking out my reflection in the mirror.  I swear, my skin has never looked so amazing. I bought shade #22, which is yellow based and their biggest seller.
 
Keep in mind this is an organic company & one of the key ingredients in this product is coconut oil. 



Monday, June 22, 2015

Simplicity courtesy of Glossier & Hourglass


Glossier’s perfecting skin tint is like your own skin only better.  It’s perfect for people who don’t love foundation but need a touch of coverage that evens and brightens.  The older I get the less makeup I like on my skin – this is problematic bc the older I get the less perfect my skin is.  However,  I’m way more diligent about taking care of my skin now that I’m in my mid-thirties so maybe that’s why I can sometimes get away with the “less is more” look/approach. I use Glossier’s priming moisturizer too – it’s simple, clean, and buildable – fuss free & my skin really agrees with it. What I love most about this duo is that it perfectly covers my redness without feeling or looking cakey or heavy.  Occasionally, I add a touch of concealer.


 

To seal the deal, I do a very light dusting of Hourglass’ ambient lighting powder – this powder is silky smooth and packed with light diffusing pigments.  It truly gives you an ethereal glow.  Sheer perfection.

 




Glossier just launched their cult classic balm in a coconut version.  Mine arrives this week.  Pumped!!  It’s the little things…

*Images via Glossier

Friday, April 24, 2015

LA Stories (III of III)


Rag & Bone Denim

 


I do not usually like boyfriend jeans on my frame.  I am almost 6 feet tall and while I’m thin, I also am more of an athletic build.  I look like a boy in boyfriend jeans not like some sex pot who threw on her man’s jeans and looked effortlessly chic.  Enter the slim boyfriend… love it.  Super comfortable, not overwhelming, and looks equally cute cuffed with flats or worn straight leg with heels. 

Being so tall, most cropped styles on me hit way too high and look frumpy. The wash and details on these were too gorgeous for me not to try – I guess it was my lucky day bc they were perfect on me.   Two for two on Rag & Bone which is not typically a brand I’d gravitate too. 

Organic Cami


Everyone needs the perfect black top.  For me it’s more versatile & important than the little black dress.  I love this one by John Patrick’s line “Organic” so very much.  The silk is substantial so you don’t feel that cling to skin that can make you self-conscious and the fabric has a slight crinkle, so it travels well. I would pair this chic cami that even has adjustable straps with almost any bottom I own.  Truly a forever piece for a steal price.

 Tees
We decided that these tee shirts by IRO that are filled with holes are just the best tee shirts ever made.  I’m not embarrassed to say I own a pale pink, black, navy & beige one. 


 
It you’re not feeling the holes, opt for this version that’s more polished with just an artfully shredded hem (I own it in white). 
 
 
Or a chic, three quarter sleeve version with a lower scooped neck that I’m lusting over. They are the most comfortable & flattering linen blend fabric and something about the crewneck, sleeve fit and just overall shape is seriously a dream. 
 
I bought a black one to wear on NYE 2 years ago and my obsession spiraled out of control from there…

My short sleeve grey one is currently en route! 



 

Thursday, April 16, 2015

LA Stories (II of III)

Violet Grey continued...

I don’t use eye cream, I am lazy and can’t be bothered.  I feel like since my primary moisturizer is La Mer, and that gets fairly close to my eye that it’s good enough but in reality, it’s not.  In reality, wrinkles are coming and I do not want to have to Botox that area like I do my forehead. 

Lip balm or lip cream I apply tirelessly, continuously and immediately at the first sign or hint of dryness.  I will go to my grave with fairly plump, minimally wrinkled, nicely colored lips even if I live to be 100.  They are always sealed and protected.

Enter, La Prairie’s Eye & Lip Perfection A Porter – this guy is whopper expensive but when you think about it as a two-in-one it’s a bit more tolerable. I regularly throw down $50-60 for lip balm by La Mer, Omorovicza, or By Terry so why not spend an additional $100 for a lip balm with eye cream attached to it. (An eye cream for $100 is actually middle of the road as far as price)  The idea is that every time I reach for the lip balm, I will smooth a bit of cream around my eye – yes, it’s meant for day too over your make up as a pick-me-up/brightener/moisturizer.


 


 

Finally I snapped up 2 Hourglass products that I am obsessed with already.  A primer and an eyebrow pencil.  The brow pencil is seriously the most amazing brow pencil ever, it is shaped perfectly, requires no sharpener & has a brush on one end.  The primer is gorgeous, has SPF 15 & feels exceptional on the skin.



Tuesday, April 14, 2015

LA Stories (Part I of III)


Violet Grey 

I had the pleasure of visiting the most amazing boutique beauty spot while in L.A. last weekend – it was like a little plush purple dream of a space packed full of the most expertly curated mix of products ever.  I’m uber grateful to my BFF for hooking this up!  The entire experience deserves a post of its own but first, I’ll tell you what goodies I left with…

SK II Facial Essence

I quickly grew to love this new twice daily part of my routine, I feel like it’s a splash of holy water, one that promises to smooth fine lines, tighten pores, and visibly create clearer and more even skin tone.  It’s calming and my skin has reacted very well to it thus far.  I’m super grateful to have been introduced to this line because I honestly found it to be a bit intimidating prior to this occasion.
 
 


Tata Harper Mist

I’m obsessed with mists and was waiting until my favorite Caudalie one was empty before I tried another.  I love using a mist during travel to keep my skin looking hydrated, fresh and bright after being exposed to all that gross, condensed, and dry air while flying.  I also love using a mist at night to set my foundation & give me a moisturized glow. This particular product is great for people with rosacea or sensitive skin – I don’t have rosacea but I have a lot of redness and I’m also fairly sensitive so it’s been amazing on my skin.  Mists are equally as lovely when applied before bed.

 


Guerlain Bronzing Spray

Disclaimer – it’s easy to F up this application, that being said, when applied properly, the results are natural and gorgeous.  It is perfect for a light all over glow!!
 


 






Thank you again to my sweets for hooking this up.  Does she know me well, or what?

Oh, and look who just happens to be Violet Grey’s neighbor??!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

perfect white denim!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frame Denim Le Color Rip Skinny
 
 
Oh My God.  It exists… white denim that I don’t look like a sausage in & that’s comfortable & chic.

I’m going to live in this pair ALL spring & summer. 

It’s true – like the raving reviews said – this pair sucks you in yet isn’t constricting & is extremely wearable.  Now, the heavy distressed look might not be for everyone but the slits when worn are so small and perfectly placed that the result is very subtle.  If you’re between sizes like I feel like I am then pick the smaller of the two. 

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Inspiration


I just chopped my hair off & I love it.  It’s still long but for me, it’s VERY short.  I was craving a change & had been pondering the LOB long before it became super trendy.  I like it polished and chic similar to Olivia Palermo (below) but I also love it, messy & tousled with a deep side part (also below).   I’m loving a smudgy messy smoky eye with a bit of gloss lately.  My trick is a swipe of Vaseline on the brow bones and to tame the eyebrow. 

Here are a few of my recent inspiration pins:






 

  and a few photos of the real deal:





 
 
 
 
 



Friday, February 13, 2015

Oh just a Coupla things


Nothing beats a shiny, instantly dry, 2 week long wearing gel manicure – unless you’re me & you’re incessantly washing your hands or washing a baby than those 2 weeks are more like 9 days.  Ugh.  I like to let my nails breathe every so often anyway and take a gel break and I’ll tell you what… nothing beats the pretty, classic, minimalism & natural finish of manicured nails painted with a coat or two of Essie’s ballet slippers, Mademoiselle, or Sugar Daddy.  Easy Breezy & you’re not stuck in a nail spa for a solid hour. Boom.  It’s my new thing.  I go once a week – it lasts 5 days, if I only do one coat of color.

 


A few weeks ago I went to an Armani event at Nordstrom, I bought & love one of their new-to-me foundations and equally loved my entire makeup application.  I’m so bad and self-conscious about selfies that I could only bring myself to give you a sneak peek – not full face.  Next week I’ll post the items we used to create my lovely look.


 

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers!  The ring in the photo was my Valentine’s Day gift last year from my hubby.  Not holding my breath for a repeat… LOL  Love him just the same.  XO

Thursday, February 12, 2015

My Two Favs by Tom


Tom Ford Illuminating Powder & Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum
 
I’ve been using Ford’s pressed finishing powder forever – I recently switched to the illuminating version and I’m obsessed.  This is actually the one product that I can’t live without.  It instantly finishes your look leaving you polished and perfect but, it is also ideal for refreshing your look, like after hours of sitting behind your desk when you just want to freshen or revive your skin.  It makes everything sort of perfect.  The illuminating version gives you this faint lit-from-within glow that’s ethereal and gorgeous.  It’s totally weightless and glides onto the skin like fluid silk erasing and blurring imperfections in its path.

This perfume is just killer. It stays on my skin better than any other fragrance I’ve tried to date. This is a spicy fragrance but vanilla and musk warm it up.  Truly delicious and almost so fabulous it’s indescribable.  They both make me so happy.

 Is it Friday yet??