Author: Lindsay

NARS Last Resort Collection

Well seems that Spring is in full swing down here. And that can’t help me think of beaches, bronze skin and glowing skin. Once again, I have been remiss on sharing a launch from NARS but this Saturday is a perfect time to spread the word on this collection of beauties.

Building on François Nars’ love of French Polynesia, NARS’ Last Resort Collection is both classic and on-trend. Inspired by one of the first fragrances I fell for as a beauty blogger, the Tahiti-inspired collection is infused with gardenia, monoi and coconut. Ready to book your trip to the South Pacific yet?

This limited edition has some of my favorites, some new things to drool over and a little surprise:

Tahiti Bronzer – still my favorite bronzer (although I have also recently fallen for NARS’ Casino as well), this limited edition version of Laguna includes a mini Ita brush.
Body Glow – oh how I coveted this until my bottle ran out 🙁 The not too shimmery bronze is perfect for legs, arms and chest to fake a summer glow and nourish skin. And bonus it has that infectious scent of monoi oil and gardenia-infused coconut oil.
Monoï Body Glow II – also a favorite but without the bronze effect and slightly more hydration. Think of it as Body Glow in body oil form.
Tattoos – and now for the surprise… tattoos! This set (which I cannot wait to try) includes four limited-edition temporary tattoos for when you are having a commitment-free edgy moment.

Available now at narscosmetics.com and at Sephora on 4/1.

The Caress Forever Collection

My good friend, Gretchen, has raved about Caress body wash for ages. While I have loved the Caress Emerald Rush Body Wash (which is her favorite) I tend to get distracted by testing other body washes and soaps. But the new launches from Caress have made me sit up and pay attention. By that I mean I need to always have a bottle of Caress in my shower.

The new launch brings romance and fancy to the table. The Caress Forever Collection is the first of its kind with Fragrance Touch Technology. The Caress Fragrance Release Pearls™ releases bursts of perfume with each touch of your skin. Given, it is subtle effect, I love that little note that reemerges upon touch for about 12 hours after my shower.

Floral notes were designed by perfumer, Loc Dong who has close to two decades of experience crafting more than 40 renowned scents for major fashion and fragrances houses.

“Fragrance is emotion brought to Life. The Caress Forever Collection evokes love, passion, sensuality, and elegance.”- Loc Dong

Love Forever
- Top Note: Mandarin Orange and Peach
- Heart Note: Scarlet Red Rose, Peony and Freesia
- Base Note: Sandalwood and Vanilla Musk
Adore Forever
- Top Note: Raspberry and Cassis
- Heart Note: Angel Face Rose and Muguet
- Base Note: Amber, Honey and Vanilla

Available at your local drugstore or at drugstore.com.

Thank you, Caress, for sponsoring this post.

Wednesday On The Web

While my effort at a bare face this week (inspiration above) is going fairly well, I am a bit discouraged by my persistent red nose thanks to this nasty spring cold. I have been relying on Fresh Black Tea goodies to sooth skin while hydrating with Aquaphor and face oils. My routine includes primer, blush, filling-in and brushing eyebrows and a heavy application of mascara (helps looking awake despite clogged sinuses). And clearly there is nothing on my lips but my beloved Carmex despite my proclamations last week.

My nights have been spent recuperating at home and I have some finds from around the web for you:

Social media and how it relates to our “real life” – great perspective on our Instagram profiles.

Need an excuse for a more carefree attitude? Check our Dr. Murad’s book on Conquering Cultural Stress.

I’ve been dreaming about Iceland and Morocco for my next vacation but this ghost town in Texas all of a sudden looks awesome – and much easier to get to. (found via Amber’s Barney’s post here)

Love this European inspired NY apartment.

Sweet sleep – glad to know I am not the only one who swears by these.

Fresh Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

image here

ULTA’s Spring 2015 21 Days of Beauty and a GIVEAWAY

ULTA‘s twice yearly 21 Days of Beauty is quickly becoming my favorite time to stock up on all my beauty needs. The three-week celebration features special offers, tips and brand focus days – so many of my favorite beauty brands are part of the fun! We are in full swing of this Spring’s event and it runs through 4/4.

Each day, there is one “Beauty Steal” and one “Beauty Focus Day” – Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products & Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments.

21 Days of Beauty brands include Stila, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Too Faced and more. This beauty extravaganza is celebrated in all ULTA Beauty stores nationwide with special offers also available here.

To celebrate, I’ve teamed up with ULTA for a huge giveaway! Confession: I actually got to indulge in a prize of my own and – trust me – you want a chance to win this prize bundle. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be featuring some of the 10 products included in the exclusive ULTA beauty prize pack. Clue: includes kits from brands like LORAC, bareMinerals, stila, Becca and more. Enter using the widget below (sorry again international friends, US Only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

image via ULTA’s instagram

Samples and giveaway prize have been generously provided by ULTA and, as always, opinions are my own.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

I has been a long time since I have hit up a Clinique counter. But if anything was tempting me, it was their “Chubby Sticks” – launched a couple years ago, I loved the multi-use and what appeared to be creamy texture.

When Neimans sent over the newest Chubby, I was so excited to have a chance to dive in. The Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight has the creamy texture that I envisioned. This light-reflecting formula is super sheer which works well on my mid-30s skin, especially in a professional environment. I like to swipe over foundation on cheekbones, nose and brow bones. I totally skip eye shadow, preferring just this slight wash of shadow below brows.

The sophisticated shimmer lasts all day. Those with oily or combo skin types will love that this is oil-free. And to dispense more of the stick, all you do is twist the bottom – so far it appears to have a generous amount of product, particularly for the price point. This week, I am going to attempt a bare face but you better bet I will be “cheating” with this (and a little concealer).

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

NARS Spring 2015

I am way not on the ball when it comes to NARS Spring – so unlike me! Their launches are usually among the ones that I am most excited for probably because it is always so darn good. And somehow I didn’t get this up until today – a couple weeks after it hit shelves.

If it was even possible, I am drawn more towards neutrals as the years go on and Spring 2015 is all about nudes – but not neutral – a more daring subtle color palette. Something in my wheelhouse but just a slight twist – I like it.

Tilda Swinton is featured in the collection’s photos designed by François Nars to “expose a new natural state”. Look for pink shimmer on cheeks, barely there eye shadow and deep neutrals. The shades pictured above (from left to right):

Liguria Lipstick – Nude caramel
Porto Venere Eye Paint – Soft pale pink
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow – (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut
Valhalla Single Eyeshadow – Soft shimmering pink peach
Guyane Lip Gloss – Seashell pink
Vent Salé Lip Gloss – Silver highlight (to be used on top of a deeper shade in the middle of the pout)
Reckless Blush – Sheer pink shimmer

Available now at narscosmetics.com and Sephora.