Sephora VIB Sale Favorites

It's my favorite Sale of the year!  The Sephora VIB Sale!

The Sale opened up to VIB Rouge's Friday (code 20ROUGE for 20% off at checkout).  Not sure when it opens up for VIB's but it is usually the week after (code 20VIB).  This sale is my favorite because EVERYTHING at Sephora is 20% off (yes you read correctly, everything, no exclusions) so it is a great time to stock up on your favorite products you're running low on or to pick up something you've been lusting after.

I personally love grabbing higher end makeup and skincare products and starting to plan any gifts I want to grab.  

Here is a roundup of my personal favorite picks from the sale

I always grab a few high-end makeup items because while they are expensive, saving 20% is nice.  Palettes are great because you get so much value out of them.  I also love grabbing a few more luxe brands like Hourglass or Kevyn Aucoin that are already super pricey.  Then I grab a few staples like my favorite BB cream, a beauty blender, or my favorite lipstick. 

Shop below:

I think I splurge the most on skincare during the Sephora Sale because skincare can get so expensive!  I love stocking up on masks and creams when they are all 20% off.  The Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Fresh Lotus creams are my two favorites right now, and I love the Sephora sheet masks and glamglow mud mask.  The best part, because the holidays are close by they have a bunch of value sets for all the expensive brands like Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, Glamglow and Tatcha.   

All of these are my personal picks from the Sale if you are debating what you want to pick up.  Once my order from Sephora arrives I'll update everyone with my haul!

What are your picks for the Sephora VIB Sale?

September Wishlist

Happy Sunday night y'all!  Seriously still can't believe that September is well underway.  This year is going by so fast!! I've always loved September and fall in general because I love fall fashion and all things pumpkin flavored (Does anyone know when Trade Joe's will be releasing their pumpkin bread mix??).  Below are a few pieces that I've had my eye on (and a few I'll probably be lusting over for a while).  

On a non fashion related note, this is the first year I have participated in Fantasy Football and now I am deeply invested in keeping up with the NFL...and we're only on week 1!  I have a feeling this is going to turn into a bad obsession of mine over the next 14 weeks...  

Have a good week!

-Claire 

Fall Style Essentials: Transition Outfits

It's September!!! Even though it is still like 80 outside I am so excited that September and fall weather should be shortly arriving.  But like Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back so life is good again (am I right?) 

While the weather is still fairly warm for the foreseeable future I'll probably be rocking transition outfits, aka clothes that make me think fall, but let's be real these outfits are totally summer appropriate too so really I'm just trying to trick myself into thinking the weather is cooler...

My favorites for this type of weather are dresses and skirts here are a few ways you can recreate my favorite transition outfits! 

The Striped Dress

I probably have about 5 or 6 versions of a stripped dress in my closet.  I think these are so universally flattering and easy to wear.  I would wear this look to work, Sunday Brunch, or a casual day shopping.  While it's still warm you can swap out the flats for sandals for an even more casual look, and as the weather gets colder throw on some boots or booties instead! 

Shop my favorite stripped dresses below

Shop my shoes from this look below (and similar)

The LBD

I don't know why but I personally think LBD's make great transition pieces.  Probably because I find the lack of color great for feeling like Fall is upon us (something about the lack of color maybe...).  In all fairness I do wear LBDs year round but I feel like I reach for them much more during the warmer fall months.  Again you can make this outfit work in cooler weather by throwing on boots and a coat.  Great for work, going out to dinner, or anywhere.  

My Favorite LBD's on the market

The Classic (and vague) Shirt/Skirt Combo

I swear this was one my go to combos back in college during the warm fall months.  It's so simple yet classic that it works year after year.  Again throw on a change of shoes or outerwear as the weather changes (I must sounds like a broken record here), plus you can change out your shirt and skirt combos and mix and match, throw in deeper tones ect. to make this simple combo work throughout the fall months.

Favorite Shirts

Favorite Skirts 

Makeup Product Reviews Vol.1

I don't think it is news to anyone that I have a slight makeup obsession (might be an under-exaggeration... is that a thing?  Did I just makeup a word?).  I love shopping and trying out new makeup products, so I thought I would share my thoughts with y'all about some new hits and misses that I've tried!  

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation

 

In case you can't tell by how dirty my foundation packaging looks I've been using this foundation non-stop this summer!  This has to be my current favorite drugstore foundation product because it gives a great natural, light to medium coverage with slight dewiness (most of the L'Oreal Lumi Line is meant to be dewy).  I love the cushion application because it makes applying the product quickly in the morning a breeze (bonus for when I am running late), plus it doesn't exaggerate my pores or scars on my skin.  If you have oily skin this might now be the product for you, but to mattify it I pair it with either a matte primer or my Laura Mercier Powder   

Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Palette

This summer has been the summer of highlights for me!  And let me tell you this palette is one of my new favorites.  First the formulation is top notch! These products apply so beautifully to the skin and give an effortless glow.  But what really drew me to this product is the giant pan sizes (same if not larger than an hourglass pan) and the uniquer colors.  The light gold color and pink are perfect for my cheeks (the pink blends out and doesn't look like you have a pink stripe on your face) and the bronzier color is perfect for eyeshadow.  This is definitely up there with my top highlighter palettes (along with my Anastasia Glow kits and Hourglass Ambient Light Palette)

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Top Row of colors left-right 

Bottom row of colors left to right

The Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette is quite possibly one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes (which is a very bold statement).  First the color selections is perfect for those who love warm neutrals and warm red tones.  The color payoff is insane (all of these swatches are one swipe!! The only color that struggles a bit is Venetian Red, but still a gorgeous color!).  They are easy to blend and work with and very beginner friendly.  Plus this palette comes with a brush (not pictured because I have actually been using it because the brush is super high quality as well).  

  

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ CC Cream

This is probably my favorite face base product of the summer (only just beats out the L'Oreal Foundation because of the added SPF)!  This product applies super well with a beauty blender, gives great coverage for a CC Cream, and the SPF is perfect for summer.  I would say the only downside is the shade range is really limited, but if you can find one that works for you pick this up!   

Benefit Gimme Brow

 This product is a Birchbox sample size, not a full size product, but nonetheless I have been loving this product this summer.  I have very sparse, uneven brows and this product has done wonders for helping me fill them in and give them and even look.  Plus this product is super easy to apply quickly.  I know that once I run out of this I'm gonna have to get the full size. 

NYX Cheek Contour Duo Palette

Swatches of the Palette 

Swatches of the Highlight from my Anastasia Contour kit with the NYX contour kit

Ok so this is my one miss for this post.  I was really underwhelmed by this contour kit.  First the packaging is super cute, and the swatches aren't the worst (looks like a potential dupe for more high end contour kits), however on the face the highlight shade is a disaster!  It literally looks like I picked up chalk and drew all over my face.  It doesn't blend in and looks super stark against my skin.  I had to compare the highlight with my Anastasia one to show the difference in texture and color.  The Anastasia one blends like a dream, while still highlighting the face, the NYX one doesn't blend at all and gives a major white cast to my face.  The contour shade is alright, but in my book not worth to pick up because of the highlight.

Colourpop Highlighter in Churro (no longer listed on their website :( here are all their other highlighters -- quality is pretty consistent IMHO)

Top - Bronze Color / Middle - Light Color / Bottom - The two mixed together

This highlighter... It's no secret I am a huge fan of Colourpop (see my original review here), but this is my new favorite highlighter of theirs.  First off I love the multi-color highlighter as both colors are beautiful independently and mixed together.  The only downside is not all Churros are made equal, as everyone has a different makeup of light vs. dark highlight color.  I was fortunate to get a mostly light pan, but I've heard other people had much darker pans (though that wouldn't be a problem for you if you have deeper skin).  Regardless I love the color of the two mixed together as well, and the deep color looks great as an eyeshadow!  Plus as always Colourpop is super affordable! 

Shop with me: J.Crew (new and sale!)

Is it just me or has J.Crew been killin it lately?  This compilation of things is possibly the most random (both new fall items and on sale summer items).  I think it reflects the fact that I am mentally ready for the weather to cool down, but outside physically it is still roasting hot.  

Regardless here are some of my current favorites on sale at J.Crew right now.  Lots of great things to get your closet ready for fall (the blazers and the classic vest).  Don't forget to grab the perfect transition dresses and my personal staple: the classic chambray.   

Plus Get 25% off certain styles and 30% off sale styles with code refresh! 

Click images below to shop.  

  

Wishlisted - August 2016

Is it just me, or does the hotter the summer weather gets, the more I anticipate the arrival of fall weather?  I've been dying to pull out my boots and sweaters, but until then I'll be craving some nice transition pieces, like the ones linked below.  Perfect styles for the remaining month(s) of warm weather, but they'll also be perfect for as we move into cooler weather this fall. 

What is on your current wishlist?  

-xxClaire

Shop with me: Lilly Pulitzer Summer Collection

It has been a while since I have shopped at Lilly Pulitzer (99% sure it was the last sale in January).  Their winter and early Spring outfit collection didn't really speak to me, but then I went in store recently and fell in love with a few pieces (only picked up this dress though -- I'm seriously in love, the fit is so flattering and the patter is one of my new favorites!)

I tried on a few things, and saw a few old favorite dresses and tops in new patterns and I thought I would share some of my favorite picks 

Plus lets not forget that the end of summer sale should be starting in the next few weeks or so (usually mid August). 

Needless to say I have a feeling I know where my money will be going this month.  Some real struggles am I right?

-xx

Claire  

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

I know this sale is being hyped up like crazy right now, but in all honesty the Nordstroms Anniversary sale is one of the best.  It's the fall preview sale, which means that lots of fun and new fall pieces are coming out on sale.  It's a great time to stock up on boots, sweaters, coats, and loads of other fall styles.

I've collected a bunch of awesome steals, and I've picked out some of my favorites that I think shouldn't be missed! (and for the record while I do go a little crazy with this sale I did not purchase everything I have rounded up.  Once my order arrives I can do reviews on what I did snag). 

Fashion favorites (of course this is a fashion blog).  I think some of the best steals in this category have to be the Patagonia Re-Tool Snap Pullover.  I have 3 of these and wear them on repeat in the winter (living on both the east and west coast it is perfect).  This French Connection Peacoat  is at a great price and it perfect for the winter.  Topshop Jeans are some of my favorites.  Zella Live-in Leggings again are another staple in my closet.  I wear them constantly.   Plus all the cute dresses perfect for fall weather (like this one and this one).  

Barbour and Burberry coats on sale are such a score (if you can afford the still large price-tag).  Classic Frye and Tory Burch ridding boots that you will have for years.  The Stuart Weitzman Flats  and Booties I think are perfect for fall.  Joie Sandals and Booties are more classic pieces that you'll love having for years.  This Kate Spade Skirt is the perfect transition piece for summer to fall styles.  Classic Tory Burch and Kate Spade handbags are total steals.  Dior Sunglasses on sale are still pretty luxury, but also a steal. 

Last up are my beauty and makeup picks.  Beauty is a bit interesting because often they aren't significantly discounted or they are special sets put out just for the sale, but I always try to grab some fun items.  Jo Malone perfume samples are great for sharing with family and friends or trying out a bunch of fun new scents.  The NARS cheek palette has everything you need for your daily makeup (blush/bronzer/contour/highlight).  Luna Foreo and Clarisonics on sale are steals (I have a Clarisonic and use it daily).  The Hourglass Palette is great (I have a bunch of their products and love them).  The Lancome Mascara set is such a great deal (and their mascara is one of my favorites).  The Philosophy Amazing Grace set is one item I always grab because not only is it such a great value, but it is one of my favorite bath items.  Can't forget the $18 Lorac Palette.  Not a Lorac Pro palette quality, but at $18 it is a steal. 

Shop all my picks from above here:

My Favorite Bronzers

I love bronzers in general, but I feel that I reach for them so often during the summer to create that tan and glowy look.  My favorite way to wear bronzer is in a 3 shape along the sides of my face, hitting my temples, hollows of my cheeks, and along my jawbone (the same places you would contour).  I tend to avoid the center of my face, because my personal preference is to keep that area brighter, but let's be real there is no wrong way to wear makeup! 

Here are my 5 favorite bronzers to use in the summer 

1. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

First, this smells like Hawaiian tropic, which I'm not mad at.  Everytime I open it up I get transported to a tropical island.  It goes on my face lighter than others, but creates a nice subtle and natural bronzed look.

2. Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

I was totally drawn to this one because of the packaging (what can I say I'm a sucker) but the color is so nice for a bit more of an intense bronze, or if you aren't as pale as I am.

3. The Balm Cosmetics Balm Desert

Probably my favorite of them all.  This color just works so well on me to create a natural summer glow.  The color is a nice neutral undertone, it is matte, and it blends out like a dream. 

4. Colourpop Highlighter in Kae Pop's Glo Up

This is a bronze highlighter, which I really only use on my temples to give a bit of a dewiness to my skin (especially because my temples tend to be drier).  I always blend this one out with a beauty blender (or dupe) because I think it helps make it look even more natural. If you are tanner than me, this might be more of a golden highlight on you, but still a gorgeous color.

5. Tarte's Park Ave Princess

This is a shimmery bronzer that similar to the Physicians Formula provides a lighter natural color.  Another favorite that I reach for regularly in my routine.  The light shimmer creates a nice subtle glow on the skin. 

Here are swatches in natural light of the bronzers: 

Honorable Mentions:

NARS Laguna (cult classic)

Sephora Collection Bronzer in Los Cabos 

Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer

Shop my favorites below:

What is your favorite bronzer?  I'm always looking for new ones to try! 

Review: Jaclyn Hill x Becca Face Palette

Top L-R: Rose Spritz (shimmer blush)/ Amaretto (matte blush)/ Pamplemouse (matte blush)

Bottom L-R: Champagne Pop (rose-gold highlighter)/ Prosecco Pop (Gold highlighter)

(L-R) Pamplemouse, Amaretto, Rose Spritz, Champagne Pop, Prosecco Pop

Jaclyn Hill has always been one of my favorite YouTubers. Not only is she inspiring, but the positivity she spreads always makes my day better (if you have never seen her videos I totally recommend that you check them out!).  I picked up Champagne Pop as my first Becca Highlighter last winter when they first came out and fell in love.  It is a gorgeous rosey-gold highlighter that you can create either an effortless glow or a majorly intense highlight with.   I fell in love.

When I found out that she was planning to launch a full collaboration with Becca I knew it was going to be amazing.  She has come out with a face palette, eyeshadow palette, a pressed version of Champagne Pop, a poured version of champagne pop, and a liquid version of champagne pop.  I was lucky enough to snag one of her face palettes before they all sold out.

In the face palette you get 2 full sized highlighters, Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop.  And 3 full sized blushes, Amaretto, Rose Spritz, and Pamplamouse

I have been playing with this beauty for a few days now and I have to say it is amazing.  The quality of the products is incredible and I could not recommend this palette enough.  I can only imagine the rest of the collection will be just as amazing.   I think the standouts for me are the two highlighters (no surprise, Becca highlighters are some of my favorites) and Amaretto (loving the natural nudey blushes lately).  

It is sold out now on Sephora.com  but it hopefully will be restocked and sold in stores in the near future! 

Check out the entire collection here