Is it just me, or has this year's "holiday season" been lacking the Christmassy spirit? My friend Danny put it very well saying that finals "ruin the lead up to Christmas," and I have to agree with him. So, today, to pump up the holiday cheer I decided (with the help of my family) to kick the festivities into full gear by whipping up a batch of cookies and slipping into some cozy attire. Read on for my a few of my essentials (all product information at end of post).
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Ask any non-fashion-devotee who Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang, or Isabel Marant are and you’re most likely going to get nothing but a confused stare, cocked head, and silence. Now, ask about Chanel and suddenly you’ll see a hint of recognition flicker through their glossy eyes. Over the past century Chanel has become a household name –the “McDonalds of the fashion world” if you will (not to be confused with Moschino’s Fall 2014 RTW that did in fact feature McDonalds themed clothing).
Taking a trip to Chanel’s Soho Store on Spring Street, one gets a small glimpse into the empire. Before entering the shop the trendy SoHo streets prepare you for what you’re about to feast your eyes upon: decadence and luxury at its finest. In fact, street vendors lined along Soho’s trottoirs taut Chanel knock-off sunglasses and other designer brands by the bucket load – further propelling the coveted designer image. If any of you have had to battle of the horrifying combination of summer heat and humidity, you've more than likely tried your fair share of mattifying products by this point in life. I'm happy to report that I've found a combination of mattifying products that have proven their worth in the crazy hot box that is New York during the Summer.
The first is, Embryolisse's Emulsion Hydra-Mat. Bought during my stint abroad in Paris, this moisturizer is definitely on the pricey side ($40) but it really does the trick when it comes to combating shine. It's a gel formula so feels really cooling and smooth on the skin. Honestly, what attracted me when I was looking at this in City Pharma (a must-go if you're looking for discounted French pharmacy brands) is that it's formulated without parabens and also doesn't seem to have any silicones in it based on its ingredients list. Plus, it's not tested on animals which is a huge plus! It contains a lot of really great moisturizing ingredients like Apricot Oil so it nourishes my skin while mattifying it. The only downside to this as a daily moisturizer is that it doesn't contain any SPF, so definitely remember to apply some before you go out! Next up is Tarte's Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder, quite a mouthful, but definitely great for really eliminating shine. I use this product when I really want my skin to stay matte throughout the day and often dust a light layer of this powder on after applying liquid or even powder foundation. It leaves a really matte but not powdery effect on the skin. Sometimes I even think it gives a nice airbrushed finish too! I tend to save this one for really hot, sweaty days because it can be a tad drying at times, but overall, it's an amazing, super shine-nixing formula! How do you battle the summer heat?
Unfortunately, a light layer of balm is recommended before slapping this baby on, after doing this prep step this lipstick wears beautifully and feels great for hours (although a slight bit drying at those times when my lips are not at their juiciest). Plus, the blue tones in this eye-popping red make my teeth look slightly less yellow. Not for the faint of heart, this lipstick is as matte as they come, bold, and really gives you that "bam I'm wearing red lipstick" confidence. It's an old Hollywood red that'll have you channeling the grace of Audrey Hepburn, the elegance of Grace Kelley, and the sensuality of Elizabeth Taylor. *RiRi Woo was part of Mac's "Rihanna Hearts Mac" collection which released in Fall 2013 and is sadly, no longer available. However, RiRi Woo was inspired by Mac's Ruby Woo and is almost an exact dupe. I've linked to Mac's Ruby Woo in the link above. Some of you might save the heavy duty lip balms for the winter but I'm all about lip balm all year round. Having just come back from France I can tell you there were a plethora of beauty products I was dying to get my hands on. The first thing on my hit list? Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing lip balm. A lightweight, luxurious pot of perfection that has been "tested in the great Canadian cold" (yes, the back of the packageactually says this).
I love that has a matte finish. Yes, folks, a matte finish. This may not seem like much but for me, a lip balm with a matte finish is essential, I don't like my lip balms turning to gloss or adding any shine because almost every single time I wear a lip color I'm wearing a balm under it and if I want it glossy, I'll go for a glossy lip color. Applying it is really nice. It comes in a pot which means it's not great for travel, but I use this mostly as my night time lip balm (my lip night cream if you will?) so it keeps it from getting too gross. Also, I quite like the action of putting this lip balm on with my fingers, it almost feels like a little manual exfoliation thrown into the mix. It's a really nice, no frills balm that nourishes the lips with honey, plant oils, grapefruit essence, and shea butter. Although it's pretty pricey for a lip balm (I got it for 9 euro but it's sold for $19.00 on Nuxe'swebsite), I think it was worth the purchase (and the trip to France?). What are your thoughts? |