R&D: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

Into February I found myself with a little more of a tan than I was used to around this time of year. The color that I got in Thailand over the Christmas/New Years holidays has really stuck around - surprising since I use chemical exfoliants like they are going out of style. My chin and the perimeter of my face have also kept around their new friends from Bangkok - aka the pollution there made my skin breakout so badly and I am still trying to get a handle on it. With these two dilemmas, I bring you a medium to full coverage foundation review and demo on the MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. 

Even though this isn't my new favorite holy grail base product, I have come to learn how to use it and I like the effect it has. I won't be repurchasing this when I'm done with my tube - there are just so many others I prefer and new products hitting the market constantly - but I don't regret my purchase. 

I hope you enjoy the video! If you have ever tried this foundation please let me know your thoughts below :)

Love,
Claire 

Favorites: April 2014

Another favorites video is up and live on the TUBE! There are some really stand out products that I'm looking forward to doing more extensive blogposts/videos about (the Elemis cleanser and the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation). I hope you enjoy the video and be sure to leave a comment letting me know what your favorite products were over the month of April!

Products Mentioned:

Lorac Pro Palette

Laura Geller Blush N Brighten Down to Earth (Limited Edition)

Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Precision Pen

MAC Studio Fix Boldblack Lash

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil Madeira

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Mont Blanc

OPI Kiss Me I'm Brazilian

OPI Live.Love.Carnaval

Nuxe Serum Merveillance

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne

Hope you enjoyed!
Love,
Claire

Empties: March 2014

Only after a mere two weeks, I completed enough products to fill up an entire bag to talk about! Many of the deluxe samples I tried ended up being full size purchases during the Sephora VIB Rouge 15% Sale. Check out the video below to see my mini reviews of all the products I used up during the last half of march (aka since my Current Empties video).

Products Mentioned:

Shiseido Facial Cotton

Julep Quick Dry Drops

Philosophy Fresh Peaches with Cream Body Lotion

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Honey & Vanilla Dream Body Wash & Foam Gel (discontinued)
Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
Rene Furterer Fiorvanti No-Rinse Detangling Spray
Joico K-Pak Shampoo
Joico K-Pak Conditioner
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50
PCA SKIN Clearskin
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum
Marc Jacobs Lash Lifter Gel Definition Mascara 20 Blaquer
MAC Prep + Prime Lash

Samples

Aqua di Parma Colonia Intensa

 Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum

Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion
Amika Oil Treatment
Phyto Phytobaume Hydration Express Conditioner
Phyto Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Shampoo
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray
Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Dior Capture Totale One Essential
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Candles

Bath & Body Works Wild Strawberry (discontinued)

Hope you enjoyed, 

Claire

2013 Favorites: Hair, Body, & Tools

Finally, the last installment of my overdue 2013 Favorites featuring haircare, body care, and tools (including brushes). There were a surprisingly large amount of items in this category, and many extremes (i.e. mentions of Bath & Body Works items while also Oribe). I've found myself over the last year really getting into makeup brushes and starting to appreciate the art of a well manufactured brush and that affects it can have on your makeup application. I've even already made a few more brush investments in 2014 that I'm excited to share and review! Let me know what you think of the video in the comments below and I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned

Korres Body Butter Guava

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

Origins Ginger Burst Savory Body Wash

Bath & Body Works Cashmere Glow Shower Gel

Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Malibu Smooth Body Scrub

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish

L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hand Cream

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Contour Brush

Real Techniques Multi Task Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

Sephora Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45

Sephora Pro Flawless Airbrush #56

Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki

Sonia Kashuk Domed Blusher Brush No. 29

Sonia Kashuk Blusher Brush No. 2

MAC 150 Large Powder Brush

MAC 109 Small Contour Brush

Kevyn Aucoin Concealer Brush

Bobbi Brown Ultrafine Eye Liner Brush

MAC 217 Blending Brush

MAC 219 Pencil Brush

MAC 286 Duo Fibre Blending Brush

MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray

Love,
Claire

Empties: January to Mid March 2014

During my absence I still collected my empty products in anticipation for review! I hope you enjoy the video below and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more!

Products Mentioned:

Suave Kids Detangling Spray Double Dutch Apple*

Phyto Phytheol Intense Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo*

Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head for Sensitive Skin*

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, & Rosewater*

Mario Badescu Keratoplast Cream Soap*

Earth Therapeutic Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Brightening Sheet Mask*

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Anti-Blemish Mud Mask*

The Face Shop Essential Collagen Sheet Mask*

Panier de Sens Nourishing Body Lotion w/ Organic Olive Oil*

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel Vanilla Bean Noel (Limited Edition)

Vera Wang Shower Gel Lovestruck

Bath & Body Works Sleep Luxury Bath Honey Vanilla Dream*

Aveeno Stress Relief Foaming Bath*

Hourglass Film Noir Mascara

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara 005 Burgundy

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW20*

Model Co. Lip Luxe Duo Dusk/Striptease

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soap Holly Citrus Wreath (Limited Edition)*

Travel/Sample Sizes:

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

Ojon Rare Blend Oil

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Vibrant Color Shampoo

Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Conditioner

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo*

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Conditioner*

Wei East Black Mushroom Beauty Therapy Re-Elasticity*

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew*

AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra Gel*

Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea Toner*

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner*

First Aide Beauty Facial Radiance Pads*

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Cleansing Foam*

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift & Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm*

Murad Clarifying Cleanser

Fresh Rose Face Mask*

Boscia Bright White Mask

Laura Mercier Tarte au Citron Hand Creme (Limited Edition)*

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream*

Farm House Fresh Agave Nectar Body Oil

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Vanilla Apricot

Elemis Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixer*

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Body & Hand Wash*

Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette*

Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum*

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup*

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara

Lancome Definicils Prescious Cells Mascara*

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Retsina*

Candles

Bath & Body Works Autumn (Limited Edition)*

Fresh Picked Blackberry Spice (Limited Edition)

Snowed In (Limited Edition)*

Mystery Candle (see video)*

Caudalie Divine Candle (mini)*

* = I would repurchase

Love,
Claire

Favorites: January to Mid-March 2014

After months of no posts, I am back with the hopes of consistent blogging and video making. After having surgery and moving house, life got the best of me and took me away from one of my favorite hobbies. Today I bring you the products I've been enjoying as of late. Old favorites and a few new loves grace the screen in the video linked below. I hope you enjoy!

Products Mentioned
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye
Liole Triple The Solution BB Cream
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color Soft Iris
MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
OPI My Very First Knockwurst

Love,
Claire

2013 Favorites: Makeup & Nails

2013 was a year that I discovered so many amazing products I know will be in my arsenal for years to come. This includes Burberry Cosmetics, a brand I got my paws into at the beginning of the year and immediately became obsessed. At the end of 2013, Marc Jacobs (specifically their blushes) really stood out to me and will certainly be a line that I'll be diving further into over 2014.Even though the video doesn't contain in depth reviews on these much loved products, it is a great way to get an understanding of who I am as a makeup junkie :)

Products Mentioned:

Foundations/BB Creams

Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45

Concealers

Maybeline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Radiant

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer

Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Creme

Powders

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder Light Plus

Burberry Sheer Powder No.2

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Bronzing/Contouring

Burberry Warm Glow Nude Glow No. 3

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder Medium

Highlighting
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter SPF 25+ Moonstone
Benefit High Beam

Blush

Jouer Mineral Powder Blush Rose

Nars Blush Douceur

Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush 206 Reckless

Stila Convertible Color Peony

Eyeshadow

Burberry Eye Shadows

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection

Laura Mercier Artist Palette (limited edition)

Jouer Creme Eyeshadow Crayon Baroque

Eyeliner

Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner Rue Bonaparte

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes 19L

Brows

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel

Kevyn Aucoin 'The Precision' Brow Pencil Brunette

Lipstick/Lip Crayon

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipsticks

NYX Black Label Lipsticks

MAC Viva Glam II

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm Tender Mauve

Maybeline Vivids Lipsticks

Nars Lip Pencils

Too Faced La Creme Lipsticks

Lipgloss

MAC Cremesheen Glasses

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses

Lip Liner

Makeup Forever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencils

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils

Nails

Julep Cleopatra (Black Latex)

Dior Vernis Nail Lacquers

Essie Disappearing Trick

Other

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray

Fragrance

MAC Turquatic

Hope you enjoyed!
Love,
Claire

Empties: December 2013

Surprisingly enough, even with a broken wrist, my obsession with beauty products doesn't falter. Products I'm sad to see go are my MAC Cremesheen Glass in Just Superb and my sample of the Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay Body Creme. I did also include the candles I burned through this month. Hope you enjoy and be sure to watch the video below!

Products Mentioned:

A! Absolute! Makeup Cleansing Tissues Green Tea*

Shiseido Facial Cotton*

Julep Acetone Free Conditioning Nail Polish Remover

Bath & Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin*

Kiehl's Simply Mahvelous Legs Shave Cream

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelette

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life*

100% Pure Organic Flax Seed Cleansing Oil

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Cleanser

Boots Expert Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

LUSH Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask*
Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor*
Beauty Addicts Show Off Mascara
MAC Cremesheen Glass Just Superb*

Travel/Sample Sizes:

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (x4)*

Soap & Glory Righteous Butter*

Love + Toast Clementine Crush Body Lotion

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Body Creme*

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil*

Babor Cleansing HY-OL

Babor Phytoactive Base

Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser*

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash*

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water*

Murad Resurgence Age Balancing Night Cream

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair*

Nuxe Creme Fraiche Masque*
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo*
Sachajuan Color Save Conditioner
Tresemme Tres Two Hair Spray*
Sebastian Shaper Fierce Hair Spray
John Frieda Frizz Ease Take Charge Curl Boosting Mousse
Redken Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk*
Tom Ford Violet Blonde Eau de Parfum*
Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau de Parfum*
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum*
Escada Cherry In The Air Eau de Parfum*
Kiehl's Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit Aromatic Blend*
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation
Marc Jacobs Remedy Concealer Pen*
Benefit The POREfessional*
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener*
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint*
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara*

Candles:

White Barn Flannel (discontinued/seasonal)*

Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin*

* = I would repurchase

Love,
Claire

FOTD: Ox Blood Lashes

Today's look is on a slight twist to an easy every day eye. Over the last couple months this has become my go to look when I'm in need of something flattering, fresh, and work appropriate. The star of the show is YSL's Faux Cils Mascara in No.5 Deep Burgundy. This beautiful mascara not only lengthens and thickens, but gives a slight burgundy tint to lashes. As you can see form the photos below, from certain angles, the color can be seen.

As much as I love this luxury product, the focus is on the color, which can be found on the drugstore market as well. For dark brown eyes, I truly recommend trying this slight variation out. For the rest of the face, I used one of my favorite foundations, the Liole Triple the Solution BB Cream and the Maybeline Dream Lumi Concealer in Radiant under the eyes. As always, I set my under eye concealer with Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder. 

 I did a typical combination of neutrals on the eyes: Maybeline's Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all as a base, Sigma Command all over the lid, Sigma Publicize on the brow bone and inner corner, and Urban Decay Tease in the crease. I also dusted a little of Sigma Surrender in the outer "V" of the eye. This little Sigma trio that you see above is a free gift with purchase that came with a brush set a couple years ago. I also lined my waterline and lower lash line with the Rimmel ScandalEyes in Brown.

After completing the eyelook, I went back to the face and set my foundation with Burberry's Sheer Powder in Porcelain No. 2, bronzed and contoured with Burberry's Warm Glow in Nude Glow No. 03, and highlighted with Dior Amber Diamond. Finally I dusted MAC's Lured to Love on the cheeks and MAC Viva Glam II on the lips.

Hope you enjoyed!
Love,
Claire