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.
The new Clarins Summer collectionis 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!
I can't believe July is already coming to a close! This year has flown by. In Miami, we are currently roasting - the Miami Heat is in FULL force. While the blazing summer sun may cause some to skip makeup altogether, you already know that this girl continues to reach for go-to products. This month (and last), I tested out some great stuff. My July Beauty Faves are below. Hope you enjoy. Read down to the bottom for my favorite eye shadow palette! Please let me know if have tried any of these out!
Clarins Lip Oils: this summer, Clarins launched some new lip oils, in different colors and scents than last year. I like the lip oils because they last on my lips, and have moisturizing properties (they're infused with 100% plant oils). In the summertime, I love a glossy lip. Sometimes I'll top my matte lipsticks with this oil. The two formulas blend perfectly, creating a glossy lip that stays put. I've tried this trick with almost all of the matte lipsticks I own, and it's worked beautifully. The new lip oils are part of the Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.I will have a full post on the Summer Collection coming up soon, but for now, I'll tell you that the gold, bronze and peach hues in the collection totally appeal to me.
Clarins 2017 Summer Collection.
Aveda Essentials Line: this line of naturally based products will tame your frizz, slick your hair, and add shine and softness.Be Curly used together with Smooth Infusionare the perfect combo (apply when your hair is still damp), and let your hair air dry for soft and tamed waves. I also like the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair leave-in conditioner.
Aveda Hair Essentials Collection.
My hair, after applying Aveda Essential's Be Curly and Smooth Infusion
It took some getting used to but the AvedaShampure Dry Shampoohas found its way into my routine. At first, I disliked the packing because I couldn't control the amount of product that was dispensed. It does have a slight white cast when you use it too close to your hair. But, after some fine tuning, I figured it out and have to say that it works well at absorbing excess oil. The key is to shake the bottle each time you use it, and squeeze the bottle about 6 inches from your hair. It's got a light scent and unlike some dry shampoos, you can still brush your hair with this one and it blends well
MAC #NextToNothing:this new line of foundationsand pressed powders have a lightweight texture and feel. The foundations are dewy and balmy, while the powders are finely milled. But, don't expect the regular, full-coverage MAC foundation formula. The Next To Nothing formulamimics that of a beauty balm or tinted moisturizer. Applying this makes you feel pretty - you sort of glow all over in a youthful way. It doesn't settle into lines, either.
For me, the pressed powders are the all-stars in this collection. This formula is great. It sets my makeup, and causes it to last a long time without touching up. The formula is super fine, and oil absorbing. This doesn't cling to dry patches and smooths out the look of the skin. I am in love with this pressed powder. Go buy it, seriously.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence
Caudalie: you already know that I'm a true Caudalie fan. The line is packed with skincare benefits for results you can actually see. My favorite boutique is the Brickelle City Centre boutique. You may recall this post from a few months back, where I recounted how Vanessa (aesthetician) gave me an incredible facial, and helped restore balance to my skin, after a laser facial mishap.
I was sent the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essenceto try. I've been testing it out for about a month and a half. The essence is a combination between a toner and a micellar water. It contains glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin cells. It assists in lightening dark spots and discoloration, providing an overall smoother, and brighter complexion. It really works. The proof? Sephora's website has 25+ reviews and almost all of them are 5 stars. When this runs out, I will definitely purchase a bottle.
Urban Decay Naked HEAT Palette: saved the best for last. The Naked Heat Palette is worth the money and lives up to the hype. It's SO pigmented, it's perfectly warm, it's got beautiful mattes that blend seamlessly, and gorgeous shimmer lid shades. This is my absolute FAVORITE eye shadow palette of the moment. Top drawer, every day, all day. Love it.
July was a definite winner in terms of beauty products. So many good ones this month. I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comment section, down below!
FTC Disclosure: I was provided everything in this post by PR.
The Clarins 2016 Spring line is currently on store shelves. In the past, I've talked a lot about why I love the Clarins skincare products, but today, we're talking about their makeup. I have blush, lipstick and eye shadow swatches down below. My favorite products from the new collection are the new Rouge Eclat lipsticks/shades.
I started 2016 on a skincare kick. My worklife is really demanding (#lawyered) and at the end of the day, I want to come home and get a little R&R. I love having products lined up that are waiting to be cracked opened and tested! Below are products I've purchased, and yes, some that have been sent to me. I only write about things I really like, and I hope you know to come to TFE for honest opinions. I have personally tested everything below and believe you will have good results if you try these products out.
Left: All the shades of the new Joli Rouge lipstick; Right: Clarins Mission Perfection Serum and two Joli Rouge Lipsticks
This new serum is the only one from the brand that focuses on dark spot correction. It is geared towards a younger demographic - women in their early thirties who are just beginning to see the signs of a poor skincare routine and sun exposure. Mission Perfection targets discoloration and hyper pigmentation (a problem that plagues 1/3 of women in the world). It corrects but also prevents new dark spots from coming to the surface. In my opinion, I think this particular formula is going to be preferred over other equally situated serums on the market. This one, unlike others on the market, does not change the color of your skin. Your complexion remains the same - there are no bleaching agents in it.
Clarins is running a special this month where you can get a 50 minute spa facial for $50 (Regular pricing on this is $75).
Clarins facials use ClarinsPRO products; scientfically advanced, professional use formulas that deliver anti-aging results. You cannot purchase ClarinsPRO Products, but some of the other products used are available online and in-store. Some of my favorite products used on me for this facial are below. You should know that all of the facials incorporate the Clarins Double Serum.
It's no secret that I'm a big Clarins loyalist. I really enjoy their products and firmly believe the science behind the brand helps create products that help benefit my skin both shorterm and longterm .
This week, I had a Clarins Spa Facial. What's that you ask? You may not be aware, but chances are that at your nearest Clarins makeup counter, you can get a Clarins Spa Facial.
I was lucky this week, because after being slammed at work, I took a moment to myself and experienced one of these - it was amazing.amazing.
Here's how it works:
You book your appointment at your local Clarins Spa, mine is located inside of Nordstrom, at the Village of Merrick Park (many Bloomingdales stores also offer this service). I recommend you make your appointment with Lourdes, she is really great. If you would like to make your appointment at Merrick park, the phone number to book your facial is: 786-999-1313 (extension 1055).
If you would like to call the Nordstrom Beauty Concierge to determine if your local Nordstrom has this service, you can call 800.7.Beauty (24 hours a day).
The Experience:
When you arrive, you are taken to a very quiet, very zen spa room behind the hustle and bustle of the makeup counters. The room is pretty quiet / soundproof. Whatever background noise you initially hear is drowned out by the soft music that begins to play when the experience begins. There is a comfortable bed, with plush linens (super soft). You change into your robe, get comfy; the lights are dimmed.
The Clarins specialist assess your skin while asking you about any concerns you may have. The facial is then tailored specifically to meet your own needs. The products used throughout are unique from person to person. I would say this was more like an experience than a facial.
There was an upper body and chest massage, where hydrating oils were used to massage my face, shoulders, arms and hands. Certain massage techniques were used to release toxins (lymph draining massage techniques, as well as cupping massages).
There was a really soothing and effective scrub and peel which helped leave my skin so smooth for days after.
This was the best experience. I'll go back every two weeks for as long as I can.
Special Pricing:
Clarins is running a special this month where you can get a 50 minute spa facial for $50 (Regular pricing on this is $75).
Regular pricing:
$40: Le Petit Facial: A 25 minute Spa Facial delivering luxurious pampering with visible results.
$75: Brightening Performer, Skin Healer, Detox Shine Stopper, Moisture Replenisher, Luminosity Restorer and Radiance Reviver. These are each 50 minutes long. For $95, you get 80 minutes.
$85: Super Restorative Facial: After just one treatment skin's denisty and radiance are visibly restored. Deep wrinkles are noticeably diminished. A complimentary dark spot correcting hand treatment is included. 50 minutes for $85 or 80 minutes for $105.
$225.for a package of 4, 50 minute facials (individual stores may vary on this option).
$275 for a package of 4, 80 minute facials (individual stores may vary on this option).
I was turned on to Clarins makeup and products a few years back, when I started to care about fine lines, spots, and all that other fun stuff that emerges on your face in your late 20's early 30's. Reading about the science that went into concocting their makeup and skincare line was what got me hooked. I will always be a Clarins loyalist now. Considering all of the vitamins, botanicals, and good "skin food" that goes into their products, it's actually refreshing to know that their price point is not as high as you would think. Companies like La Mer and La Prairie also follow a scientifically based ingredients routine, but as you are all aware, their price points can be unreachable for the average makeup and product junkie.
I was invited to attend a presentation for the new Clarins skincare and makeup line for Spring, 2014. The presentation was centered around the longevity of the brand and the constant efforts made by the company to ensure that only the highest quality and plant based ingredients are used in their products.
Obviously we have all heard of Clarins, but I was surprised to find out that their products are actually also geared towards women that fall into my age group.
One of the most prominent changes in my skin that I began to notice as I entered this age was the moisture level. I have always had oily skin, and I still do, but certain areas on my skin have now become a little dry. My dermatologist started to tout the importance of vitamin C, serums, and anti-oxidants. "You have to keep your skin balanced by using serums."
What.
Ok.
Of course,now I slather on whatever I can get and my skincare regime is about 45 minutes long. Kidding! But I have added some higher end skincare products into my daily routine.
