HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: SULWHASOO

Sulwhasoo: for the skincare junkie in your life. Sulwhasoo is the pioneer line for ginseng based, anti-aging cosmetics. It is centered around Korean herbal medicine. It was developed in 1966 with the advent of Sulwhasoo Ginseng Creme. As we all know, ginseng has beneficial health properties when ingested, it makes sense that it should also be included as an active ingredient in skincare. This is the Sulwhassoo line. Not many aspects of ginseng are left untouched when it comes to this line, they utilize everything from the roots, stem, leaves, and blossom
The First Care line features some of the most popular of Sulwhasoo products. All First Care items are infused with the JAUM Balancing Complex. 5 major ingredients, Solomon's Seal, Peony, White Lily, Rehmannia, and Sacred Lotus, were all selected to create a line that balances your skin.

They're highly rated products but perhaps the most sought after item is First Care Activating Serum EX (also available on Amazon). It balances the skin, reduces redness and adds hydration for plumping fine lines. It contains licorice, used to brighten the skin, although I myself haven't noticed any fading in brown spots. I use it on my face, eyes, neck and chest. You are to warm the product up in the palms of your hands, then gently pat it into your skin.

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Ex

Not to be outdone in the cushion compact department, they also have a range to offer consumers. The Sulwhasoo Perfect Cushion Intense Compact makes for a beautiful gift because of the luxe packaging. Even the detailing on the foil covering is pretty.  Infused in the makeup are anti-agin and skin firming properties. The downside is the very limited shade range. It contains SPF50, which is amazing for a foundation, cushion compact. This is not full coverage (I don't know of any that are), but it can be built up, and leaves a demi-matte glow to the skin. 

Sulwhasoo Perfect Cushion Intense Compact:

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: COVER FX PALETTE

Today, I'm featuring the Cover FX Perfect Highlighting Palette, a perfect gift for the statement making girl on your list, who loves to sport bold makeup.  It's currently on sale for 50% off. Shipping is free and you don't have to sign up for their e-mails or register as as user on their website. You can also checkout using Paypal. Cue emoji of dancing cabaret twins.

The palette itself is a sleek rosegold, mirrored compact. It's got significant weight to it and feels sturdy. There are six multi-use powders in the compact. The shades are Blossom, Prism, Rose Gold, Golden Peach, Celestial, and Gilded.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: MAC LIPTENSITY LIPSTICKS AND LINERS

MAC Liptensity lipsticks have tons of staying power without being drying. They leave a satin finish. The original shade range included 24 colors that I swatched in a video and blog post when they first launched.  They are super, super opaque and deposit richly pigmented, creamy color. Now, the original twenty four have some new brothers and sisters. The range has been expanded for the Holiday's to include the colors:  

Something else that's new for the Holidays? Matching Liptensity lipliners. The corresponding shades match up perfectly with their partners. 18 new lipliner shades in all. 

Mac Liptensity Lipsticks retail for $21.

Mac Liptensity Lipliners retail for $21. 

FTC: MAC provided me with the Liptensity line, reviewed above.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: CLARINS ADVENT CALENDAR - DAY ONE

Today marks day the first day of a series of Holiday posts where I'll be featuring a gift idea that I love. Each day, you'll get a glimpse of something that I think would be perfect to receive and give. Starting off the holiday series we have the:Clarins Advent Calendar

I feel like the idea of an advent calendar in the beauty industry took off about two years ago. I remember receiving this beautiful one in the mail last year and being blown away. 

There's something about receiving a gift like this that's really fun. The best part is that everything behind these little windows is a great product.  Open a "window" a day to help you countdown the Holiday.

The Clarins Advent Calendar retails for $125 and is over at $215 value. Full product details below. 

OFFICE OUTFITS AND WORK WEAR SALES

With the Holidays in full swing, It's been tough getting some outfit posts together, but, we moved into our new office space recently and I snapped these photos of my office looks. Check them out and let me know which one is your favorite. 

Wearing: 

Banana Republic Sloan side-zip pant: the fit on these is amazing. I buy them in "Long" (I'm 5'7,) and they fit like a glove. The difference between these and the regular Sloan pant is that that they zip on the side. Trust me, it makes all the difference. I have the front zip version and they do nothing compared to these. I love them so much that I bought another plaid version.  They retail for $98 but regularly go on sale where you can snag them for under $50.  Tomorrow, for Cyber Monday, they go on sale for 50% off. 

My blouse is the Banana Republic Riley Fit Ruffle Shirt. Also a great fit for tall girls because it's long enough where it does not untuck from your skirts or pants (pet peeve). The sleeves are just the right length. 

Shoes: Mila Suede pumps by Ann Taylor. These took forever to wear in. I wouldn't recommend them for that reason alone, but, there is a nice color range  to this particular line, and they do have a classic silhouette that pairs well with everything for work. 

Wearing: 
J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt: I've written about this style skirt on TFE for years. It's an absolute classic, fits like a glove, and comes in over 8 colors. This is not a flattering photo; it sits higher on the waist than it appears here, and is slimming. It also has a little bit of stretch in the cotton that makes for a perfect fit.

Shoes: my go-to work pump - the Skyler Patent Pump by Ann Taylor. My feet are difficult to fit - I have narrow, skinny feet with a high arch. All shoes are uncomfortable for me, but these are the better fitting pair in my closet. As you probably already guessed, I have them in multiple colors. They have an almond toe, which which gives a sense of elongating and lengthening to your legs. Tomorrow, they're also 50% off on Ann Taylor with the code 'GoPink.' I'm waiting for tomorrow's sale so that I can snag them up in this beautiful, red suede.

Wearing:
Ann Taylor Leopard print skirt: I remember hunting this down a few years ago. It's got copper, metallic thread that forms the spots on the skirt. It was my favorite piece in my closet for a long time, despite the fact that it doesn't fit my perfectly, because I settled on buying a petite version, since everything else was sold out.  Ha! I needed to have it.

Carrie Cammie by J.Crew: the BEST silk cami for work and play. It is spaghetti strap, racer back, and super flattering. Can be worn with jeans, or paired with suits. It never disappoints, and is constantly sold out. You need this for your closet, so watch out for the re-stocks. Currently in in stock on J.Crew, and 40% off with online code 'Thanku.' I have them in black, and white. They are almost identical to Tibi's Silk Cami, which is double the price.

Shoes: the perfect suede pump by Banana Republic. The inside of the heel is gold plated, adding the prettiest effect. The rounded toe and wide, stacked heel, makes these the most comfortable pair of work pumps in my closet. This version is sold out but they still have this version and this pair available.

Jacket: old BR but similar to their current tie-sleeve jacket or this beautiful moto style version. How gorgeous is the Banana Republic Life in Moto jacket!? Again, tomorrow it will be on sale for 50% off, no code needed. No brainer.

CLARINS FALL COLLECTION AND SWATCHES

Clarins Fall 2017 Fall Collection roundup:

• Jolie Rouge lipstick in the shade Deep Red - super opaque, and creamy. A bold, blue based red that applies seamlessly, and wears very comfortably. Highly recommend. 
• Super Restorative Instant Lift Sheet Mask  - I'm an absolute sheet mask addict. If I'm being honest, I'm actually bothered by my love of the sheet mask. A single use product is difficult to justify, price-wise. But, whatever.  My all time favorite is this mask, but this Clarins mask gives similar results (visibly plumps) and is less expensive. You'll also have a good laugh when you put it on because it wraps around the back of your ears and your neck. 
• Clarins Lipliner Pencil in the shade Roseberry - a creamy matte lipliner that applies very smoothly and is not patchy. This shade is a great berry shade.  I've been wearing it to work and lasts a good portion of the day. It's a bit drying because it's matte, but if you layer it with a balm, it's perfect. I use this one.
• Ombre Matte Single Eyeshadow in the shade Midnight Blue -  the name of this shadow is deceiving. It's not a matte. It's got a beautiful, very subtle sheen. It can be easily built up. It wears best over an eyeshadow base or primer, to bring out the vibrant blue pigment.  I recommend pairing it with this shadow base. 

Swatches below xx

TACOLANDIA MIAMI

Love to eat? Love tacos? Then there's an event that's got your name written all over it. Enter, Tacolandia, Miami's first annual all you can eat taco event where the price of admission gets you all the tacos your little heart desires. Think of it like a pub crawl, but for tacos. You'll have access to unlimited taco samplings from over thirty different South Florida vendors, each putting their spin on a classic taco.  

Participating restaurants include Agave Taco Bar, Amour de Miami, Candela Gastrobar, Coyo Taco, Deck Sixteen, El Grito, El Jefe Luchador, Fresh Guacamole, Huahua's Taqueria, La Lupita Taqueria, La Santa Taqueria, Milty's Gourmet Catering & Events, My Ceviche, Orale Mexican Restaurant, Plomo, Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar, Rubio's Coastal Grill, Tacology, Taquiza, and more!

When: November 18th, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM (VIP) 3:00 PM (GA) until 6:00 PM
Where: SoHo Studios located at 2136 NW 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33127

GA tickets start at $35. VIP tickets start at $50 and include complimentary drinks in the VIP area. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Feeding South Florida.

Buy your tickets here. 

xx

OCTOBER BEAUTY FAVES

October Beauty Favorite: Tan-Luxe

October Beauty Faves time! I love this time of year! Makeup wise, I like wearing a red or wine colored lip. For my eye makeup, I love a good a dark purple and gunmetal smokey eye. I recently discovered the brand Touch In Sol at Sephora.  I've swatched three of their Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo's for you below. They're beautiful and so shimmery. I've also swatched the best shade of Nars' Powermatte Lip Pigment.  For my Miami girls: a homegrown candle and all around spiritual wellness brand is making the rounds. More under the cut.  

WHAT'S NEW WITH AMORE PACIFIC

Getting an Amore Pacific facial at Neiman Marcus, Merrick Park

I'm new to the Amore Pacific line, but have been impressed by my one month use of several of their products. Today, I'm giving you a run-down on some of my favorites and a look into the brand.

VIBES

Sometimes, a period of transition lasts longer than you anticipate. Sometimes you don't even realize that you're actually in one. Roughly six and a half years ago, my Miami fashion blog began as a fashion diary, chronicling daily outfit choices. Today, The Fashionable ESQ is still my passion project, but, you guessed it, it's in transition.

I enjoy blogging just as much, if not more so than when I first began. I'm not going anywhere, but the blog is adapting, and changing. I began a new job seven months ago. It's less restrictive, in some ways, but more time consuming in many other ways. I've also become less tolerant of the way brands pitch, or maybe the right way to say it is that I've become more selective of the projects and collabs I undertake.

I know that a lot of the original Miami blogging community feels the same way - and if you check out their outlets, you'll see the changes unfolding daily.

I never thought I would say this, but, change is a good thing. 

SEPTEMBER BEAUTY FAVES

Wearing Loft Sweater, Pared x Cabana eyewear

Playa Hair Care: the new botanical based haircare line that has Vogue talking. Take a look at the ingredient list on the back of your current shampoo bottle. Lots of alcohol right? Lot's of nasty, shine-stripping, chemicals, too. Not with Playa. The line was developed out of a desire to create haircare without the harmful stuff. The scent throughout the line is amazing and subtle (think Henri Bendel Fig Spray).

• Supernatural Deep Conditioner: this feels really rich and creamy right out of the tube.  It coats your hair beautifully and smells subtle. 
• Endless Summer Spray: gives you ocean beach waves without any stickiness. It's the only product I've tried that truly mimics an oceanside 'do.'
• TFE Pro Tip: I like to pair the Playa Endless Summer Spray with the OUAI wave spray.

Korres Wild Rose Smoothie Brightening Priming Moisturizer: I love this particular line from Korres. The Korres Wild Rose oil is an essential part of my skincare routine. Now, this moisturizer has become another must-have for me. This primes the skin PERFECTLY. It sinks in in seconds. It smells great. It does not make me greasy throughout the day. The only downside is the price, and that it does not contain SPF. I will continue to purchase this product.  Can't say enough good things about it.

ExfoliKate: everyone raves about this. The hype is real, people! I bought the small size, from Sephora, but will definitely be investing in the larger size. I have sensitive skin that is prone to redness but I didn't experience any redness or splotchiness after using this. It did not sting uncontrollably either (some of the reviews on Sephora are crazy), but that wasn't an issue for me.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation: This drugstore foundation continues to be my favorite, long wearing foundation. It's consistently beat out other formulas and other brands. It makes my skin look smooth and can be built up to full coverage (I wear shade 120).  Oh, and it's eight bucks.

Newa: The complete Newa system was sent to me to try out!
What is it? An at-home, FDA approved skin tightening and brightening device that emits radio frequency in the form of a warm facial massage. The end result is firmer skin, lessening of wrinkles, and a more radiant complexion after one use. An added bonus is that using this product has been clinically proven to jump-start your body's own collagen production so that you can rebuild elasticity. I'm planning on filming a first impressions with the Newa this month, so stay tuned for that.

Amore Pacific Vintage Single Extract Essence: Amore Pacific treated me to a facial using their products. I was/am new to the line. The products contain ginseng, green tea extract, and bamboo sap. They focus their budget more on science, and less on ads, which is why you may not be as familiar with this high-end skincare brand as others. 

I am in love with the results of this product. It's like a toner, that restores your skins balance. It has no fragrance, whatsoever, is refreshing and helps calm and sooth redness. It also tightens and hydrates. For someone like me that struggles with uneven skin tone, it has really helped.  The Amore Pacific aesthetician recommended bypassing the cotton pad, and dispensing this right onto the palms of your hands. Gently tap the product into your skin until fully absorbed. PS: be on the lookout for an entire dedicated post on this line, to see what's really worth your dollar.

And my best September beauty secret: laughter + good friends. 

FTC Disclosure: Playa, Amore Pacific and Newa provided me with gifted product. 

LENDING A HELPING HAND

September was a difficult month for many people in the world. The images depicting the wave of natural disasters remain ingrained in my mind. Lives were lost, displaced, transformed. I like to think that we have all tried to lend a helping hand to those in need, in one way or another. If you haven't, you should stop and ask yourself, "Why?" Personally, my main issue centered around the actual distribution of funds.  I wanted to make sure that the donations were truly making it to the hands of those in need. Articles like this one, and this one, gave me pause.

I encourage you to do your own research, vet the organization of your choice, and give it a try. The Better Business Bureau hosts give.org, a website that allows you to screen a charity. It gives you a breakdown of statistics so that you can determine what percentage of donations are actually allocated for relief. It's not too current though, because United for Puerto Rico is not listed, even though it is the First Lady's relief initiative and seems reputable.  At a minimum, it is a starting point.

As a lifelong Miami resident, I know what hurricanes mean. I take them seriously. I lived through Hurricane Andrew and have vivid, and distinct memories from that. When Hurricane Irma veered in our direction, it was time to hit the road. Being in a mandatory evacuation zone meant I was not going to take any chances.  However, with this decision came the turmoil of knowing that that almost all of my family stayed put, refusing to evacuate. In the end, for us, everything was OK. For so many, it has not been.

Yes, September was a difficult month. I read fashion and beauty blogs to take a break from the daily grind, to take my mind off of all of life's serious issues. I know you guys come here for that too. Sometimes, the issues are too large to ignore and not discuss. 

Thank you for your continued support.

AUGUST BEAUTY FAVORITES

Diptyque Fragrance Gestures Line: this luxe, cult-favorite brand (that you know and love for their candles) recently delved into the land of body mousse, oils, soaps, and lotions. The result? Beautifully scented products, with a high end feel. My favorite product:Eau Rose Shower Foam. This stuff is pretty cool, it's dispensed as a gel then quickly turns into a lathering foam. It smells of roses and lychee, and makes your skin so soft.  They also have small perfume rollers that are great for popping in your purse or keeping in your makeup bag. Miami locals can check out the new line at their local BCC location.

CLARINS SUMMER COLLECTION

The new Clarins Summer collection is all about bringing you products that will give you that bronzed, sun-kissed glow. The collection is packed with shimmery, peach and orange hues, to bring out the beach babe in all of us. 

Every year, Clarins debuts limited edition products as part of their seasonal launches. For the the 2017 Summer makeup collection, the focus was on achieving an inner radiance; making your skin shine from within. Clarins is sold at Clarins.com, Bloomingdales, Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, mostly anywhere, but the limited edition nature of some of these products means that they're collectible and fly off the shelves!

New limited edition Clarins Bronzing and Blush Compact

Beach Bunny Babe

Wearing my new, favorite suit; similar style here.

One of the best things about growing up in Miami is the summer. Hot summer nights (and days) aren't just for Lana (see what I did there). There's something about being outdoors in this city, during this time of year, that brings me a huge sense of happiness. It may be a thousand degrees, but we have all of this. For that, I'll always be grateful.

Shop the post here and check below for details!

Outift deets: 

Swimsuit c/o Bollare and Beach Bunny // similar // white //  similar

Sunglasses c/o Bollare and Pared Eyewear x Cabana

Baseball cap c/o Lacoste