current (and forever) beauty favorites

I am really excited about this selection of beauty faves because it's not just current - I feel like I've struck gold and these will be longtime go-to choices. That being said, it is quite an opulent selection - rich Chanel lipsticks, La Mer, skinny gel eyeliners. Combined, these would make up the ultimate gilded look, something really glitzy and festive for a special occasion - not everyday. I think a little touch of red for a random workday doesn't hurt, but layering all of this on does make for a particularly glamorous look. Alright... I am done talking about toning this makeup down! I am so excited, like I said, because I am totally 100% in love with each and every product; I feel really confident on how to wear them.

Foundation I have spent the better part of the last year finding out which moisturizers work for me and what doesn't - I've never thought about it before but it may have been the cause of some minor issues like oily skin and breakouts. So I ditched anything I doubted altogether (which was hard to do). I tried a few samples of Creme de la Mer and of course, it's absolutely divine. It leaves skin light and succulent and nourished. However the price tag is definitely an inhibitor, so I rarely (and I mean rarely) use this before dabbing on my favorite Visible Lift Blur (or as I just call it, "blur") foundation by L'Oreal. To apply, I use one of those awesome foamy tools that cost $5 or so at any beauty store. Then comes the bronzer. I picked out this Bare Essentials bronzer - a perennial favorite - during a complimentary Sephora makeover, which I highly recommend if you're doing a total beauty overhaul.  I really think the unsung hero with my bronzer is the brush, actually. I bought this super-soft brush (not sure if it is a true kabuki brush) solely for my bronzer, and I love it.

Lips The investment pieces are obviously a little pricier; Chanel lipstick is not something I plan to start collecting but man is it fun to have a little stash going! I have two shades, but my more recent acquirement is La Fascinate - a super 'old hollywood' bold red. This is something I'll definitely be reserving for nights out and 'fancier' occasions. My everyday pick is Bonheur, which unfortunately doesn't "last" as long on, but has a beautiful plum tone to it along with a light shimmer to awaken the color.

Eyes For everyday, I use the Revlon and Almay skinny liners (I used to be horrible at applying, but practice makes perfect). Both are great for layering atop the other, since one is jet-black and the other is a pretty gem-tone purple. I don't normally use either on the lower-lids, but the Almay is actually perfect for smudging and creating a jewell-y dimension. I find that I love this amethyst color (and also a jade green) for my eyes. Do some messing around and you can find a rich gem tone that complements you eyes, too. :) I also just received a waterproof Chanel eye pencil in ebene (black) which is really fun for drawing dramatic, bold lines that won't budge. Last but not least - and probably my desert island product - is mascara. For me, I've always gravitated to L'Oreal, anything high-volume.

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This post has made me feel like a beauty editor. New dream job? 

See the details in the products below (they are click-through links).
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

ciao! xo

new skin favorites

Lately I've been feeling very defeated when it comes to skin care and breakouts.

I am sooooo done with my skin! My breakouts have seemed to worsen,

and now I pay more attention to them now that being back at work

means that I spend time in the morning in front of the makeup mirror.

So last week, in my defeatist state, I marched to the Chanel counter at Macy's

and said, "I need lipstick." You know, a little pick me up.

My best friend bought herself a goooorgeous wine color shade from Chanel,

and it looks so good on her, so I was inspired to try it out and see what worked.

It ended in a whole makeover. I was happy.

Then, in a makeup-induced ecstasy, I bopped over to Sephora.

More damage done. She did another makeover.

I found products that actually work with the goals I have for reducing my breakouts,

and makeup that makes them look like history.

So far, so good.

I thought I'd share some of my finds with you - because splurge or not, they are seriously awesome.

(sorry for the poor quality photos).

I've been experimenting more and more and so far have really liked this process of seeing what works,

and what doesn't.

One kind of out-there beauty boost I've been having fun with is false eyelashes.

Not many - like one or two individuals on each eye - and I feel that more dramatic!

Paired with the berry lip, a dash of blush...and I feel very very made up indeed.

ciao! xo!

searching for bronzer

shop these bronzers at sephora

So...I did something stupid the other day.

I was going out and and put my favorite tube of red lipstick in my bag.

Harmless, right?

Then I had the brilliant idea to put my bronzer in my bag.

In under five minutes, it shattered everywhere...turning my leather clutch a nice orange, powdery hue.

Ta-daaaa!

So now I am obviously in need of a new bronzer. (and a new clutch).

Which is okay, because I needed one.

I previously used sorme as a bronzer, and loved it. But I think I need something a little multidimensional.

The above picks are probbbbbably what I am leaning towards...but I don't know yet!

The Guerlain goes for up to $75...can I justify that? Bronzer for $75?

and will the smashbox be too shimmery?

I don't want to be an oompa-loompa, but a nice glow with flecks of pinks and browns would be nice. :)

any tips? picks? recommendations? spill it!

ciao! xo