Author: Lindsay

NARS Fall 2015 Color Collection and Velvet Shadow Sticks

Yes, it is boiling hot but Fall Color Collections have already started hitting shelves. NARS’ fall collection appeared at NARSCosmetics.com and NARS boutiques on July 15th. While I haven’t had a chance to spot the entire line, I have been enjoying the new Velvet Shadow Sticks (so so good). In all, the collection has 14 pieces: 8 Velvet Shadow Sticks, 2 Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows, 2 Lip Glosses, 1 Lipstick and 1 Blush.

For this season’s inspiration,François Nars looked to the eyes. “It just seemed like the collection needed to revolve around eyes and especially how eye color and texture can convey not just character and mood but a period in time, be it an era or a decade or even a season.”

And of course their newest product is all about these windows to the soul. The Velvet Shadow Sticks are creamy and glide over skin without pulling. There is quite a range of shades, but I have been reaching for Goddess (and pink champagne) and Hollywoodland (pale gold). I use the stick for a layer of pigment on lids and then blend with my fingers. The shadow stays all day and makes for a minimal but luminous look.

You can also pair these with powder for a bolder look. I also use the darker shades like Flibuste Velvet (black above) with a liner brush. I haven’t gone dramatic with these sticks yet, but those looking for a more editorial look can layer these for more opaque color.

Find the collection now at NARSCosmetics.com and at Sephora, department, and specialty stores on 8/1.

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Wednesday On The Web

One of the best things I’ve read lately – the art (and need) for conversation.

Madewell is offering 40% off all sale items with code EXTRA40. I love these blue heels, this classic tunic, and this Turkish beach towel.

The most comfortable thong underwear on sale.

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Sheer Summer Tinted Moisturizers

I struggled with the title of this post. These aren’t technically called “tinted moisturizers” but I thought it got the point across best. If you are anything like me, in the summer months I like a simple wash of bronze-y color with maybe simple mascara and nude lip gloss. That’s it. And these three winners all do the trick. And I even like to go crazy and use two (or all three!!) at the same time. Think natural and warm – even slightly European.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF 15 – a new tinted version of this colorless original – is what I reach for to achieve hydration and a little bit of coverage. If I am wearing more than one of these moisturizers from this post, I start with this one. The very sheer coverage also provides ceramides to protect skin from drying. And the very slight tint is perfect for the weekend. Note that this only comes in one shade, but works well on my medium skin tone.

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe in Shade 3 provides slightly more color and coverage but still comes off as super natural. The addition of retinol – especially one that I can wear during the day – helps stimulate collagen cell rejuvenation and elasticity. I can’t believe I wore shade 1 when I first purchased Peau Vierge years ago – this shade for medium to dark skin tones is perfect during the summer and provides even an additional later of SPF. Shade 2 works best for me in the winter.

By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in Sunny Flash is absolutely my favorite beauty find from this summer. I have been a long-time fan of the brand as their luxury formulas are always a pleasure to use on my dry and sensitive skin. The effect of this serum is a radiant energy for my skin. The concentrated formula uses light-reflecting technology to add a summer glow. While this is probably too dark for the winter months, the rich bronze is perfect to add a look of vacation (even though I haven’t been near a beach in months). Vitamin E also works against aging free-radicals. Also available in Immaculate Light, Rose Elxir and Apricot Glow (what I have my eye on for the winter).

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Happy Friday – Nordstrom Sale

Let me preface that this isn’t a complaint, but this week has been weird. My best buddy and I discussed last night over wine that something must be going on with the planets – we immediately pulled up our horoscopes. It hasn’t been bad but I’ve felt this odd sort of self-awareness and awkwardness. So the plan for Saturday and Sunday is to hunker down and spend some time at my pool. It is hotter than ever here in Tulsa so likely it will be more like “time IN my pool”. And tonight I will be decompressing from the work week with some research for a vacation. I am due for a beach like the one above… seriously. And of course another review of the Nordstrom sale, which became available to everyone today. Here’s what I have my eye on:

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Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette

I haven’t be able to resist tinkering with my new Buxom Customizable Eyeshadow Bar Palette since it arrived earlier this week. It was just too good to delay on posting on second longer. This palette isn’t like others (they seem ubiquitous lately, right?). This one is refillable, so no more lonely, unattended shadows while other hit pan in a hot second. This palette holds a collection of single eyeshadows you get to curate yourself.

There are 40 shades to chose from – no shocker that I went with the nudes. But these primer-infused shades range from tame to sassy. The formula is seriously pigmented and a light hand gives me the wash of color I usually wear to work. What I love most is that the shadow lasts all day long. The powder-to-silk feel doesn’t wear off like other creamy powders I have tried.

The process is simple on Sephora – just add the palette to your basket and customize it. The discount is applied at checkout for a total of $40 – a steal considering the value is $85. I literally took all my other palettes out of my everyday makeup drawer and stored them in the beauty closet because I just know this is the one I will be reaching for on the regular.

palette image here

single eyeshadow image here

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Wednesday On The Web

So I have a confession. I live off of Amazon. I have a small apartment and there aren’t many stores super close by. I love the fact I can come home from work with essentials waiting for me at the door. Not to mention Amazon also carries some of my beauty favorites like RMS and Bioderma. Heck, I will even tell you guys I get toilet paper and dog food at Amazon.

Needless to say I will be celebrating today as Amazon celebrates the big 2-0 birthday tomorrow. Yeah, I know other retailers have something going on, but Amazon is my only love at this point. The first ever Prime Day has deals that rival Black Friday. Starting at midnight – and every 10 minutes – there will be new Lightening Deals, Deals of the Day each day and always fast and free shipping. Not already a member of Prime? (another confession: I have been for YEARS) You can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime at amazon.com/primeday.

Some other links from around the web from this week:

Love this Caftan for my lazy, summer pool days.

Absolutely in love with this dress… and then I found out it was called the “Lindsay Wrap” – NEED.

Current favorite: this clever nude eyeshadow palette – talk about staying power.