Author: Lindsay

Budget Lip Balms for Winter

I am always reaching for a lip balm, but this time of the year I seemed to constantly have one at arm’s length. No wonder I fly through them in a jiff. So I always appreciate a good value. These three are my three recent favorite budget buys:

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant: My high school favorite reinvented. This little cube houses a dome of pure goodness. I keep Fresh Mint at my blog desk and Pomegranate Blueberry at my desk desk. They are chic but affordable and keep my lips hydrated but not sticky all day long.

Carmex Lip Balm Jar: I haven’t grabbed this classic in years but there was something that was so appealing about this throwback. And it works just as wonderfully as ever. I know the scent is unique, but if can get on board, this really is a workhorse healer for seriously chapped lips.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm: These formulas are natural and paraben-free and feature nourishing beeswax. I love all the flavors but Vanilla Bean is especially cozy on winter days. And when I need a perk up, I grab Coconut & Pear for a tropical escape. Wild Cheery is actually clear and will please any lover of fruity scents.

Note: Don’t miss Burt’s Bees’ fun event now featuring original songs on Vine and Twitter – share yours with the tag #UnCapFlavor.

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New Year’s Skin: Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and Glow Pen Highlighter

Let me say this off the bat: this is a true luxury duo with a price to match. But when I showed up to lunch sans makeup except for these two yesterday, I was met with “Your skin looks so good! So dewy!” For me, that says quite a bit when I am going relatively bare.

I am both pleasantly surprised but then again not much at all. After all, Le Metier de Beaute was one of the first lines I fell hard for as a new blogger five years ago. But slowly they fell off my radar – still adored but not quite as prevalent on my vanity. All that changed with what I sense is a bit of a revamp from the brand.

As always, they are front and center at Neiman Marcus stores. And it is a beautiful marriage – gorgeous packaging, state-of-the-art skin care and beautiful and timeless shades are all qualities of the brand. Their marquis products are from their Peau Vierge line. Peau Vierge translates to “virgin skin” – I am totally on board.

Previously packaged in a metal container with a pump, Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe is now in a friendly tube – a little less glamorous given the price tag but so much easier to use, especially for travel. This tinted moisturizer is sheer but correcting. But the bright spot is how the formula works to improve skin over the long term. It restores and tightens while providing protection with SPF 18.

For those looking for a gentle retinol, search no further. In all my testing, this formula has been the easiest to use – I avoid all that irritation and redness but still see a clarity after about a week of using. I always had an affinity for Shade Two – a neutral beige. But after using both Two and Three over the last couple of weeks, I like the golden base of Three for much needed warmth on my winter skin. Unfortunately, these shades will only work for those with fair-to-medium skin tones.

I follow up with a “new to me” product by Le Metier: the Lueur Stylo PV Glow Pen Highlighter. While highlighting pens are ubiquitous these days, I really do find this version great for brightening the under eye. It is definitely not a concealer, but the radiant finish corrects without being heavy. I prefer Shade Two while Shade One will be perfect for those with fair skin.

Talk about a New Year’s win-win: I get natural, glowy and dewy skin. Plus I am working in retinol and SPF daily while also improving my skin tone and fine lines. While the duo is a splurge and a little under the radar, my rediscovery of Le Metier proves it still has products for great skin and true pay-off.

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.

Glossier

I am fairly sure nothing could drag me away from my happy life here in Oklahoma. But if there is one thing I occasionally miss, it is the pleasures of a big city. The latest and greatest, trendy food and fashion inspiration come to mind. So when iconic beauty blogger, Emily Weiss, launched a beauty line up in New York City, I immediately hit purchase and a set of her complexion essentials arrived at my doorstep. A little Manhattan in Tulsa.

While Glossier does offer a la carte, I think their Phase One Set is the best value and really what you need to experience the fun and sophisticated brand. And once you do, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and natural look. Phase One comes with a mist, moisturizer, balm and tint, all for $80 which I think is a remarkable price for four luxe products.

The packaging was solid. Not porcelain or anything (but after breaking my Tata Harper mask in the shower, I’ve come to appreciate plastic). I loved the box it arrived in – so much so that I saved it for a month until I realized I was crazy. I did hold onto the adorable bubble zip bags – those are cherished for travel.

Because I ordered right after Thanksgiving, I received a free tote and extra mist. I use both at work – the tote for my lunch and the mist to refresh my makeup. Beware: keep away from the eye area (even with eyes closed) – it can be irritating. That being said, the rosewater spray is a welcome addition to the moisture factor and I use it to prep skin before the moisturizer.

Rather than stand alone hydration, I think the priming moisturizer plays better as a primer for my dry skin this time of year. In the summer, I expect it to be perfect just on its own but for now I need an extra facial oil or cream. The oil-free formula might be perfect for those with oiler or combo skin. The gel texture absorbs quickly and makes the perfect canvas for makeup.

The BalmDotCom is probably the line’s most iconic product. The beeswax based formula is soothing, healing and locks in moisture like a champ. It is my little winter MVP. I have used it on cuticles, elbows, dry spots and lips. And I actually appreciate that it is basically scent-free – perfect for sleep, work or layered. The thick texture takes a while to come out of the tube’s dispenser, but that keeps me from wasting this precious goodness – as my ex would say, haste makes waste.

The final products is Perfecting Skin Tint which, unlike the moisturizer, packs a punch of delicious hydration thanks to glycerin. And ever since the arrival of these serum-like foundations, I adore the way they add slight coverage, improve skin but still look so natural. Make sure to shake. And I need extra concealer for blemishes and under-eye but overall this might be my favorite out of the bunch. I think it will also be ideal in the summer when I am doing the “undone” look more often than not. I ordered a medium and it is perfect. If you need help, there is a graphic to help you decide on the site. Available in Light, Medium and Dark. Keep in mind that coverage is very sheer so you don’t need to fear a huge mismatch unless you are on the edges of the complexion spectrum.

Available at glossier.com.

Favorite New Cleansers From Tata Harper and Fresh

Are many of you (like me) trying to be more aware of ingredients in your skin care and makeup? A favorite friend of mine is really making strides making over her routine, and I am inspired to do the same. My brand of choice when it comes to natural ingredients in Tata Harper. Sure, it is a splurge. But I always know what I am getting is the best of the best.

Her new facial cleanser landed on my desk and I am totally appreciating the oil formula in the dry winter weather. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser removes makeup and dissolves impurities while keeping the skin’s moisture barrier intact.

After washing, my face is ultra-soft and a little more radiant but not the least bit greasy. The formula contains Sacha Inchi Oil which happens to be the most concentrated source of Omega-3 in the world. While I need one of my beloved foaming cleansers (see below) when I am wearing a full face of makeup, the Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is my pick for weekends and mornings. I apply to dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. Or soak a cotton pad with the oil and apply to the face.

Fresh is one of those brands that I have limited exposure to. I adore the Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream and the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments but I haven’t tried much else. Might as well start with one of their fabulous cleansers, right?

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a gel formula and while not wildly foaming, it does get a little sudsy. This one also removes impurities while leaving most of the moisture intact. The real selling point is how well it plays with my sensitive skin.

So many of Fresh products are centered around soy. A new fun fact for me was that this ingredient promotes moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness. Rosewater balances and tones skin. And the scent can’t be beat with notes of cucumber – my shower becomes a spa.

Between these two stars, I’d say my cleansing game is really stepping up. I use the Fresh with my Clarisonic, but the Tata Harper really inspires me to get after massaging with my fingers – so great for circulation.

Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanner For The Face

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I had the most low-key, sleep-filled weekend and it was glorious. I was actually happy to turn the calendar page, put the holidays behind us and brave 2015. Which I know has so much good in store. It just called for a bit of rest, relaxation and reading. Speaking of reading, I just set a goal of 50 books in 2015. I have already finished two (fine I cheated a little because I started both in December). If you are on Goodreads, pop over and check out my reading list here.

In between my bouts of cooking warm soups, reading and naps, I was reevaluating my skin care routine. I have been sensing a look of sallowness in my complexion, which is odd because I tend toward redness. This prompted me to break out my Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanner For The Face.

I absolutely adore the radiance that sets in after about 12 hours. It made a world of difference. While this is gradual, take care. I did overdo it slightly. But that “little to bronze” glow abated by this morning. The formula also delivers antioxidants – something the Caudalie line is known for, adding in a youthfulness. There is negligible scent, no stickiness and the effect is gradual enough that you don’t have to worry about your normal makeup routine having to be altered.

I apply a thin layer. Proceed with moisturizer. Don’t forget to wash your hands. I think a little natural glow is the perfect way to welcome the first full week of 2015. Available at us.caudalie.com or your Caudalie boutique.

Nails Inc + Victoria, Victoria Beckham

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I have to admit this was a welcome blog break – sorry for my sudden disappearance. I was in a bit of a holiday funk. Don’t get me wrong – I had a lovely time with family. I just wasn’t as jazzed about sharing looks or routines. And having analyzed my 250-ish posts in 2014, I can safely say those are your favorites, dear readers. So rest assured, you will see more in 2015.

But for now, let me share a new mani that is supremely chic. I admit to being a huge fashion admirer of Victoria Beckham and am thrilled that she has made some starts into the beauty industry. Her latest is my favorite yet.

The London-based Nails Inc. and Victoria worked together to create two limited edition bottles to sit with the label’s spring collection. Bamboo White is a sophisticated nude that I cannot stop wearing. I get an opaque and bone ivory with three coats and it lasts a good three days (a New Year’s Miracle on my little nails).

The other shade is Judo Red – think a deep tomato red inspired by Japanese culture. I might just have to nip this holiday funk with a manicure in this cheerful shade for New Year’s Eve.

The shades are housed in Venetian glass by art director Fabien Baron and customized by Beckham herself. They are truly a collector’s item for the 2015 beauty buff.

Available at NET-A-PORTER and Nails, Inc.