Gift Guide: For The Beauty Lover

Tom Ford Nail Polish in Blackout | Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Lip Conditioner | Anastasia Brow Duality | Glossier Balm Dot Com Trio | Anya Hindmarch Cosmetic Case | Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit | Byredo Discovery Box | Aesop Intensive Body Balm | By Terry Gold Lip Balm | T3 1 Inch Defined Curl Barrel | Chanel Cotton Face Pads | Oribe Hair Refresher | Diptyque Liquidambar Candle | Eve Lom Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder | Rodin Holiday Box

Today's Gift Guide: For The Beauty Lover is filled with things that I have either used or would love to try [like Glossier's signature product and this delicious smelling body balm]! It's also a great go to list for any lady in your life that you might be having trouble finding a gift for [luxe fragrance sampler for your mom? pretty highlighters for your bestie?]. Hoping to get a Gifts Under $100 post up this week for stocking stuffer + Secret Santa ideas along with a Closet Clean Out update [check my resale IG account for early preview]! XOXO

Sales & Steals: Sephora VIB 20% Off Code

Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist | Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum | Bare Minerals Double Domination | Dior Addict in #680 After Party | Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gel in  #108 Have We Met? | Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold| Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Vanilla

Sephora's VIB sale is happening now through tomorrow November 16th - save 20% on everything in stores and online with code VIB20 at checkout! I always like to try new things during this promotion as well as pick up some staples that I know I will use throughout the year [like my favorite Tata Harper serum]. They also have great beauty sets that are perfect for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts [love this pretty Nars cheek palette and this Drybar hair set]. Start shopping here. XOXO

Beauty: Recent Buys

Tom Ford Eye Quad in Nude Dip | Oribe Gold Lust Conditioner | Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo | Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo | Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask | Tom Ford Lip Shine in Nubile | Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence 

Happy Monday! I ran out of pretty much all of my beauty products this past month [seems like it always happens all at once!] and picked up these replacements, some old + some new - reviews below! Don't forgot to browse the Nordstrom Anniversary sale if you haven't already, see all my picks from Friday's post here. XOXO

Tom Ford Eye Quad in Nude Dip: This is my first time trying his eyeshadow but I've read many rave reviews for the consistency and pigmentation of this quads. I picked this palette because it looked easy to wear but was also tempted by the Cocoa Mirage colors.

Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo + Conditioner: I love the Oribe Texturizing Spray and these were recommended after a recent haircut. I'm excited to try them out, they both smell amazing!

Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo: I've bought this dry shampoo multiple times - it is great at making blow outs last and adds a lot of volume. I also use it in place of hairspray when I curl my hair.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask: This has an interesting jelly like consistency but was I was really impressed with the results from the sample I had - I've been loving all the products I've bought from her line so far.

Tom Ford Lip Shine in Nubile: Unfortunately this ended up being a little browner than I would have liked but I think it would love great on someone with a tan or darker hair. Hoping with a lip gloss on top I can make it work!

Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence: This spray is super refreshing and has a great scent, I also love that it's full of antioxidants and is all natural. I use it after washing my face before putting on sunscreen and serums for the day and before my lotion at night time.

Beauty: Spring 2015 Favorites

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer | Tata Harper Tata's Daily Essentails | Arcona Reozone SPF 40 Sunscreen | Anastasia Brow Wiz in Taupe | Mac Kohl Eyeliner in Teddy | Mac Lip Pencil in Subculture + Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup | Tata Harper Be True Lip Treatment

After some majoring spring cleaning of both clothing and beauty items, it was time to pick out some new items for spring as well as repurchase a few favorites. Mini reviews of my spring 2015 picks below! XOXO

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: I started using this foundation in college and have purchased it on and off ever since. It's a really nice, light weight foundation with coverage that goes from sheer to medium depending on how much you apply. 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer: My favorite is Cle De Peau and I've yet to find something better but this is pretty great and the price point is way more accessible. It's perfect for under eye circles! I use the color Custard for reference. 

Tata Harper Tata's Daily Essentails: I've been wanting to try Tata Harper's 100% natural,  anti aging line for a while but the price point is a little hard to swallow ... Sephora recently had a 15% off promo and I decided to try this kit which contains 7 products from her line. It is AMAZING! I have such a hard time with skincare since my skin is really sensitive but this is probably the best line I've ever tried. I do think that to really get the results from her products you need to use the line exclusively but I really think it's worth it [also make sure you read the directions for each product since some need to go on dry or wet skin to get the full benefits]. I've already repurchased a few of the items in full size [including this cleanser and this serum]. Love how great this brand is for your skin and what the company stands for!

Arcona Reozone SPF 40 Sunscreen: This is one of the only face sunscreens that doesn't irritate my skin or leave a greasy film. Definitely a great staple with the summer months ahead!

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Taupe: I previously never used any sort of product in my brows besides the occasional clear gel for special occasions but this makes such a difference. There is a pencil on one side to fill in any sparse areas and the other side has a little brush to blend everything together.

Mac Kohl Eyeliner in Teddy: I used this eyeliner in high school and still love the color. It's a really pretty dark brown that's a little softer for daytime than black but still does a great job defining eyes and making them pop.

Mac Lip Pencil in Subculture + Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup: This duo makes the prettiest nude lip - great to wear during the day or paired with a darker eye at night!

Tata Harper Be True Lip Treatment: The perfect ultra moisturizing treatment to put on before bed or when you wake up in the morning. It's also all natural and full of antioxidants like rhubarb, acai and green tea oils - smells great too!

Beauty: Arcona Skincare

Arcona Tea Tree Mask | Arcona Cranberry Gommage | Arcona Eye Dew | Arcona White Tea Cleanser

Gal Meets Glam blogger Julia posted some of her skincare favorites on Instagram a few weeks ago and I had to look into her recommendations - she seriously has the most beautiful skin so I figured she must know what she's talking about! Arcona is a skincare brand that that uses live, active ingredients and contains no parabens, perfumes, dyes, or fillers. I recently picked up a few products at Nordstroms but if you are in the LA area they also have a studio in Santa Monica where they do facial treatments [hoping to make it over there one weekend soon for a review].

Planning on posting a new Closet Clean Out Sale next week... have a great weekend! XOXO

Beauty: Recent Favorites + Reviews

One Truffle Large Clarity Clutch | Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hair Spray | Dior Addict Lip Polish | Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm | Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant 

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: I've seen this product for awhile now and am not sure why I waited so long to try it, it's a miracle worker! It reminds me of a dry shampoo but instead of just absorbing oil it also adds volume and texture. I also love that it makes freshly washed hair a little more natural looking... I bought the travel size version but will definitely be purchasing this set when it runs out.

Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hair Spray: Kérastase products have been a staple of mine for years but I was never crazy about their hair spray mainly because of the smell [the one in the green bottle]. They recently came out with this new version and it's perfect! I like the medium hold version but it also comes in flexible hold as well.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm + Dior Addict Lip Polish: I saw both of these products on Instagram a few times and was wondering what the hype was all about. The Lip Glow Balm is my favorite of the two products since it's super easy to apply and the color adjusts to enhance your own natural lip color. The Lip Polish is supposed to act as a "lip primer and polish all in one" and it does just that.  I'd definitely recommend both products especially for a pretty summer glow.

Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant: Last weekend I got a facial at Face Haus [a concept similar the Drybar but for your skin; 30 minute facials for just $40!] and some products from Eminence Organic Skin Care were used on me including this exfoliant. It dispenses as a powder with a very fine texture that you mix with wet hands and put onto a wet face [I added mine to my cleanser]. Works great at keeping skin soft and getting rid of any dry skin and extra makeup. I also love that it contains lactic acid which helps remedy fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. This one product inspired me to purchase a few other items from their organic, natural line... hopefully I'll have good reviews to share for them in a few weeks! 

Also, be sure to check out my giveaway with Diana Ciler [direct link here] for a chance to win one of her lovely bracelets before it ends Thursday, July 24th. XOXO

Beauty: Current Favorites

Aerin Amber Musk Perfume | Marc Jacobs Beauty Re[Marc]able Concealer | Ardell Individual False Lashes | Crest 3d White Stripes | Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara | Bareminerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation [used with this brush] | Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer | Kate Somerville Exfolikate Acne Clearing Treatment | Kate Somerville Daily Detox Cleanser

Sharing a few of my current beauty obsessions today! I have been using this perfume and mascara for a few months now and absolutely love both. The Bareminerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation just came out this month and so far I really like it [I took #4 Bare Ivory]... it give sheer to full coverage depending on how many drops you use. I would definitely recommend getting the brush to apply it properly, I think it makes a big difference in the application! Cle De Peau's concealer [I use it in Beige] has been my holy grail product for awhile now, but this one by Marc Jacobs Beauty does a great job as well for half the price [I took #3 Young Beige]. And as someone who loves all Kate Somerville products, the three pictured above have been great for my skin during the spring heat. Let me know your current picks below! XOXO

Sales & Steals: Sephora Beauty Insider 15% Off

Buxom Lip Polish in Sophia | Kate Somerville Detox Daily Cleanser | Marc Jacobs Concealer in #3 Young Beige

Sephora's Beauty Insider 15% off sale is happening now through April 11th [online and in stores] with code ROUGETICKET. Be sure to check your inboxes for a printable coupon code or ask your a salesperson at your local Sephora store. It's always a great time to stock up on favorite products [like items from this skincare line] or try something new [this concealer in #3 came home with me]! More of my tried and true favorites along with a few wish list items below. XOXO

Beauty: Self Tanning Essentials

This week I made an excuse to pop into Sephora to cash in my VIB Rouge points for their amazing St. Tropez gift set. I love their Self Tan Bronzing Spray [although I haven't had the time to use it in awhile!] because it is one of the only self tanners I've used that actually gives a realistic glow. Super excited to try the products in the set: Everyday Gradual Tan, Bronzing Mousse, Self Tan Face Lotion, One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion and Tan Applicator Mitt. I also purchased a Nars lipstick in Roman Holiday [love their blushes but this is my first lipstick purchase from the brand] and was pleasantly surprised. The color is described as a sheer, delicate pastel pink and looks a little bright in the tube but goes on beautifully and has buildable coverage which I always like. The orangey red Heat Wave is next on my wish list! Any current beauty favorites? XOXO

Beauty: New Year, New Beauty

Dry Bar Detangler Brush | Dry Bar Medium Round Brush | Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Pads | Tom Ford Lip Color Shine in Quiver | Aerin Beauty Perfume in Amber Musk | Make Up For Ever HD Complexion Kit in #120 | Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Set | Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Corrector Gel Moisturizer | Aerin Fragrance Sampler [exact pictured not for resale]

A new beauty haul for 2014! Lancome mascaras + their artliner and the Make Up Forever HD Foundation are some of my favorite beauty staples so these value sets were the perfect way to restock [the Lancome one was basically the same price as purchasing the mascara by itself]. I also haven't worn perfume regularly since Hudson was born but have been drooling over the new Aerin Beauty fragrance collection [the bottles are gorgeous, I'll have to share a pic when it's out of the box]. I went with the Amber Musk since it had the strongest vanilla note [my favorite] but also loved the Ikat Jasmine and Gardenia Rattan. I got the little fragrance sampler as a gift with my perfume purchase for free but this mini set of all five scents would be a great way to try the collection. I'm really excited for the new Tom Ford Color Shines [which remind me of my favorite Revlon Lip Butters but with a better texture] and think this will be really easy to wear during the day [I chose this pretty pink one but I loved Ravenous and Smitten too]. A few new face products and some hair brushes from my favorite blow out bar round out my January goodies. Any beauty favorites of 2014 [or from 2013] so far? Please share below! XOXO

Fabulous Friday

Le Jour De Chanel by day | La Nuit De Chanel by night

Happy Friday! I've been hearing rave reviews for the new Chanel trio skincare system [Le Jour, La Nuit + Le Weekend] and am looking forward to seeing if the day and night serums are able to work some magic before purchasing the third potion for weekend wear. I'm loving the simple and chic packaging! Today I'm headed to the flower mart in preparation for our Friendsgiving event on Sunday. Looking forward to sharing some photos next week! I'll also be posting all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday codes [hopefully] by Wednesday along with a few more Gift Guides!

P.S. Closet Clean Out Sale: November 2013 happening here if missed. XOXO

Beach Bag Essentials

Instyle + Elle magazine September issues | iPad | J.Crew Panama Hat in Natural | Tom Ford Sunglasses | Ray-Ban Oversized Aviators | Karen Walker Sunglasses | Reconstructing Amelia book | Victoria's Secret Pink Bikini | Victoria's Secret Blue Bikini | Revlon Lip Butter in Sorbet | Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 55 | Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion | Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 30

I thought it'd be fun to share what I'm packing in my beach bag for our vacation this weekend! Yes, I am that crazy girl who has multiple sunglasses in my bag at all times [comes in handy when friends forget theirs!] and I might be the only person who still reads paperback/hardcover books but I just can't seem to switch to reading them electronically... This week, I finished Dan Brown's Inception which I thought was just ok so I'm hoping Reconstructing Amelia lives up to the hype [Nicole Kidman is supposedly starring in the movie version]. Both of the Victoria's Secret bikinis above are on sale btw! XOXO

Beauty: Sephora VIB Sale Picks

Kate Somerville Clinc-to-Go Pads | Kate Somerville ExfoilKate + DermaQuench Liquid Lift Set | Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray | Make Up For Ever HD Foundation | Dr. Brandt Dark Circles Away | BeautyBlender Sponge | Kate Somerville Nourish Moisturizer

The Sephora VIB sale is happening now and in stores through Monday, April 22nd and I wanted to share my picks with you! Most of these are old favorites that I've used in the past that I needed to replace [the Kate Somerville products and the Make Up For Ever Foundation] and the others are products that I've heard great things about and wanted to try. One of the great things about Sephora is that if something doesn't work for you they let you return it for a full refund... great customer service in my opinion! Use code VIBCHIC to get your 15% off this weekend here.

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway with Jen of EllandEmm by Friday, April 26th! XOXO

Beauty: Spring Favorites

Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Case | Lolita Lempicka Perfume | Tom Ford Blush in Wicked | Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes | Cle De Peau Concealer in Beige | Buxom Lip Shine in White Russian | Benefit Yes They're Real Mascara | YSL Lipstick in #13 Peach Passion | Chanel Coromandel Perfume | Chanel Illuminating Powder

I'm always looking for great, new beauty products and wanted to share a few of my current favorites for spring. I very rarely switch perfumes and these two have been my staples for many years [I've worn Lolita Lempicka since 7th grade!]. For hair, I recently picked up Kerastase's Bain Thermique Shampoo and am excited to see how it works... I've loved all of the products that I've tried from the brand in the past! Would love to hear about your beauty favorites this season. XOXO

Review: Too Faced Beauty Balm

Too Faced Beauty Balm in Creme Glow

I've been hearing a lot of raves for beauty balm {also known as bb cream} over the past year but I wasn't sure how to incorporate it into my daily makeup routine.  It's basically a tinted moisturizer and primer packed with added skin benefits like SPF, antioxidants and anti aging properties. After browsing the selection at Sephora, I found many of the bb creams only came in one color option which usually had a pinkish tint to it {something that would not work well on me}. I decided to go with the Too Faced Beauty Balm in Creme Glow because it most closely matched my skin tone {light with yellow undertones, tans easily}.

Pros

6 color options to choose from.

Contains SPF 20 UVA/UVB.

Has a soft, subtle shimmer which gives the skin a nice glow.

Kept my skin oil free all day.

Cons

The packaging {a plastic tube with screw cap} could be improved on.

A little on the expensive side {$32 for a 1.5oz tube}.

Overall, I'm really happy with this purchase and liked how it held up throughout the day. It's great for everyday use on it's own for someone who likes sheer to medium coverage and it also adds a nice glow under foundation. I would love to try the Dior Diorskin BB Creme once this runs out to see how it compares. Have you tried a beauty balm yet?

P.S. Thank you for all of the great concealer recommendations, I have a lot of options on my list now! XOXO

Review: Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Light

My all time favorite concealer is Cle de Peau in Beige and while it lasts a really long time the price is not so great. I've been searching for a cheaper alternative for awhile with zero luck. After reading a lot of reviews of Maybelline's Age Rewind Concealer online, I had high hopes and decided to test it out for myself.

Pros

Easy to apply and cute packaging. 

Great for on the go touch ups.

The thin coverage prevents the product from settling into fine lines.

Under $10.

Cons

The brush attached can't be cleaned.

Not an ideal product for problem skin or blemishes.

The coverage doesn't build up very well.

I'd recommend this if you are looking for something to cover light spots or circles {plus the price is great!}. However, this is not a good match for someone who likes full coverage or who has problem skin. My search continues...do you have a favorite concealer at a decent price that you'd rec? XOXO

Beauty: Current Favorites From Sephora

Some current favorites from Sephora: 

Josie Maran SPF 40 Moisturizer, Sephora Instant Nail Polish Remover + Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara Collection.  

This Lancome set is such a good deal! You get a full size of their Hypnose Star Mascara and Artliner Liquid Eyeliner {my favorite + super easy to apply} along with their eye makeup remover and lash booster for basically the price of just the mascara. I think I've raved enough about Josie Maran products but if you are new to the line and want to try it this Bestseller Set would be a great place to start. I was also eyeing this lip plumping Buxom Time To Shine Lipgloss Set that I have been hearing great things about {apparently the White Russian color is the perfect nude}. If you use the Sephora VIB code CELEBRATE you get 20% off your order too! The sale ends on November 12th and is in stores as well. Start your shopping here.

I'm headed to NYC tonight for a wedding so in case I don't post tomorrow have a great weekend! All the weekend sale reminders below. XOXO

 - Shop up to 70% off markdowns at Shopbop here.

- Shop Bloomingdales Friend's + Family sale with code HOLIDAYFF until the 12th.

- Shop the Saks sale until the 10th here.

- Shop the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale here.

- Shop J.Crew's 25% off $150 with code OURTREAT until the 8th here. My picks here.

Inspiration: Fall Beauty Board

The perfect hat hair.

Maximizing the end of summer's glow + matte red lips.

Burgundy nails short + square.

Fishtail braids + carmel locks.

Perfect lashes + glossy nails. 

Understated smokey eye vs. bold lips + liner.

Metallic nails.

I recently shared my fall fashion inspiration and have compiled some of my beauty favorites for the season as well! I'm itching to add some honey highlights at my next hair appointment like photos one and six. And how great are these manicure shots? Follow my Pinterest boards {nsguidetostyle} for more ideas! XOXO

Links to all images available here.

Baby: Face + Body + Hair Pregnancy Necessities

Face + Body Necessities 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action Cream. Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+. Burt's Bee Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil. Clarisonic Brush {not pictured}.

Hair Necessities

Moroccanoil Hair Spray. Klorane Dry Shampoo. Kerastase Elixir Ultime Serum. Kerastase Bain De Force Shampoo. Kerastase Ciment Anit-Usure Conditioner. Oribe Royal Blowout Styling Spray. Kerastase Ciment Thermique Heat Activated Cream.

I'm 26 weeks today {hooray!} and thought it'd be fun to share some of my pregnancy safe beauty favorites. These are great for any girl pregnant or not! When it comes to my face, I've found that simple is best. I use purpose cleanser followed by the argan moisturizer with SPF 40+ in the morning and then my Clarisonic with purpose cleanser followed by the 100% argan oil at night. As a preventative measure, I started using the stretch mark cream and vitamin e oil around 6 weeks and so far so good {knock on wood it stays that way}.  Also, I often get emails asking what my favorite hair products are and these have been some of my favorites since before baby. If you have any suggestions of new products to try please leave me a comment!

As promised, it's time to announce the winner of my favorite things giveaway. The amount of participation was unbelievable! Congrats to Ashley {AshesMcG} of McGriff Moments blog. Check your inbox later today! Happy weekend. XOXO

Reminders

- Bloomingdales Friends + Family 20% is happening now through October 1st.

Use code Style20 at checkout and shop my looks here.

- Closet Clean Out Sale still happening here.

- Selling my Notte by Marchesa bridal shower dress seen here and here. 

Email me at nicole.guidetostyle@gmail.com for details!

Favorites: Beauty Products

Face Products: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. Hourglass Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #2.

Lip Products: Tom Ford Lipsticks in Pink Dusk and True Coral. Maybelline Lipcolor in Coral Crush. Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Hibiscus.  Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake. Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in Genie. Tom Ford Lip Gloss in Naked.

Eye Products: Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Enigma. Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. Ardell False Lashes. Tweezerman Eyelash Curler. Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Smoky Eyes.

Eye Products: Stila Smudge Sticks in Triggerfish, Lionfish and Stingray. Chanel Le Crayon Kohl in Noir. Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear. Benefit Yes They're Real Mascara. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara.

Eye Products: Urban Decay Naked Palette.

Blush: Nars Blush in Desire. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Peony. Nars Blush in Deep Throat. 

Blush & Bronzer: Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in #10. Benefit Blush in Dandelion. Tarte Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blissful.

Miscellaneous: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick For Body. Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes.

I've gotten a lot of reader emails regarding what makeup I use so I thought it would be helpful to showcase some of my favorites!  The only things not photographed that I really love are Cle De Peau Concealer {definitely worth the money; it lasts for forever} and Chanel Glossimer Lip Glosses {great texture and range of colors}. I always love trying new products so please leave me a comment with some of your favorites!  XOXO