First thing’s first: I’d like to introduce you to my new marble pastry board. My father-in-law sourced this beauty last weekend and I’m completely obsessed. You’ll be seeing a lot of her over here and over on Instagram. I hope she tides me over until we find a house and I can install the marble countertops of my dreams. But let’s not get distracted…
It’s been awhile, so settle in: it’s going to be a long one. SO much pretty has been happening in the beauty space recently and it’s all so perfect for summer. The good thing is that these favourites will stand the test of time: they’re that wonderful. I won’t keep you: let’s get enabling.
Call it the Kylie effect, but some girlfriends have been experimenting with lip filler and I’m all about that look. The subtle fullness almost has me sold on filler, until I remember that it involves needles. Enter Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper: the magic behind a plump lip without the prick of a needle. I received this as a press sample last summer and recently rediscovered it. I love the subtly fuller lips it gives me and the high-shine of the gloss…not to mention the vanilla-mint scent and slight tingle. I’ve got it on my lips in the pic below if you’re still not convinced.
I rarely feel like I need a full face of makeup, but something about the weather this summer has my skin feeling a bit dull. Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer, which can be worn alone or under makeup, manages to lock in moisture, absorb excess oil and blur out imperfections. Yes, all at once. I was skeptical, but it really does add a gorgeous veil to your skin and smooth it out.
Say hello to my new favourite summer essential. I’ve been wearing this multi-use Nudestix Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm in Rebel nonstop since they sent it over and you can always find it tucked in my bag. For me, it’s a slightly punchier my-lips-but-better shade that goes with just about any look. The best part? You can quickly apply it (the texture is unreal) and then pat your fingers on your lips and smooth the excess colour on your cheeks for a matching flush. It’s comfortable without being sticky and easily goes from office to poolside.
Let’s talk about lashes & brows for a second. I’ve been enhancing my brows for years, but never realized how amazing they could look until I tested out the entire range of new Benefit brow products. I keep going back & forth on what my favourite product from the range is, but for now let’s say it’s Ka-Brow, a gel that gives me full-yet-natural brows. Stay tuned for a full review plus before & afters. But if you can’t wait, give Ka-Brow (or one of the pencils) a try.
And the lashes. I tend to get wholly obsessed with certain mascaras, but I can honestly say this is the first one where I get compliments each time I wear it. Beautycounter lengthening mascara is my new go-to for daily long, fluttery lashes. I love the look it gives and how comfortable it is to wear, but I also love Beautycounter’s commitment to using safer ingredients. I’m not about to go green on you (not just yet) but I am more than happy to make the switch to a safer product where I can. This is definitely the mascara to try – next time, I’m ordering the 3-pack.
Let me preface this by saying these Essie polishes were not a press send. I wish they were. But, I guess it’s only fair that I spent a bunch of money on these when I’m about to convince you to do the same. Essie Gel Couture Polish has been on my wishlist since they were announced. It seems like just about everyone is raving about them and I’m here to tell you the rumours are true. They apply beautifully, the shades are just lovely and I got nearly a week of perfect wear out of my rushed, imperfect DIY mani. The twisted bottle is a dream to hold and the brush is similarly twisted to prevent excessive dripping. Shades above: Sit Me In The Front Row, Couture Curator, Style In Excess
Last but not least, this gorgeous little LoloBag. I hadn’t even considered getting a new makeup bag until I bought the same one in a different colourway for my Mom when I was in Martha’s Vineyard. And then quickly bought this one for myself. I couldn’t resist this little bag and I’ve found it’s just the perfect size and material for my everyday bag. Now I want one in every style.
That’s all for now! Let me know what you’re lusting after in the comments xo
