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| Above: Jethro and I in the Valentine’s Day spirit. |
Valentine’s Day is in less than a week; how, by the way, did it creep up so quicky? I feel like I was just waxing poetic on the New Year! But I digress…in light of this impending gift giving extravaganza, I am excited to share my gift inspirations. Whether you demurely pass the hints on to your significant other or take destiny into your own hands and unabashedly treat yourself, I hope there are some gems that catch your eye!
Kindly scroll on for an overview of gift inspiration for face and body, eyes and, of course, lips as well as images of the products in action and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: A bevy of Valentine’s Day gifts that don’t contain calories (hello chocolate), will not wither (here’s looking at you, grossly over-priced roses) and will not collect dust while nested idly in the corner (a not-so-veiled reference to stuffed bears and other red-themed tchotchkes). |
FACE:
- *Pixi by Petra Glow Mist: This elixir is infused with natural oils and bee propolis to add moisture before makeup, a glow after makeup and a refreshing pick-me-up at any point in the day. This has a permanent place in my work bag…absolutely love it!
- Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones Bronze and Glow (available at Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom and reviewed HERE): I still use this glorious compact weekly after procuring it in the summer…contouring and highlighting could not be easier. So worth it!
- Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales and reviewed HERE and HERE): This nourishes hands and nails for the most luxurious nightstand treatment. My mom and I have adored this cult favorite for years.
- *SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (available at Neiman Marcus, Sephora and Nordstrom and reviewed HERE): This has become a non-negotiable in my skincare routine over the past six month. I cannot say enough good things about its positive influence on my skin (also discussed HERE)…plus, it can be integrated into your existing skincare regimen.
- By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Concealer (available at Barney’s NY and Space.NK…all shades swatched HERE): Every reader and subscriber I have who has tried this magnificent concealer has been super pleased with this skincare-meets-great coverage wonder.
- *Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 (available at Sephora and Barney’s NY and reviewed HERE): Physical sunscreen that leaves the face glowy and fresh with no flashback. It’s a must for the warmer months to come!
- *Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Earthy (reviewed HERE): This neutral taupy beige looks lovely on a spectrum of skintones…if it is in stock, I highly recommend snapping one up.
- *Napoleon Perdis Stroke of Genius Liquid Cashmere Foundation (available at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom and swatched/reviewed HERE): I have been loving this foundation after rediscovering it…B2 is a perfect match for my NC 25 skin and it makes my skin like that of a porcelain doll. Divine.
- Jouer Luminizing Liquid Highlighter: This new release from Jouer is just splendid…the ingredients list is stellar and the liquid light encapuslated in the click pen is delicate and flattering.
- Koh Gen Do Spa Water Cloths (reviewed HERE): I am never without these gentle yet powerful cloths…they remove every trace of everything without stripping my skin.
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| Above: A closeup of the stunning Jouer Luminizing Liquid Highlighter…swatch near the bracelets. This has a complex, gossamer finish that delivers gorgeous light to the face. |
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| Above: And to take it all off, the Koh Gen Do Spa Water Cloths…I will not be without these. Ever.
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EYES ETC:
- *Balenciaga B. Fragrance (reviewed HERE): I am very fond of this sweet, clean and musky skin scent…my favorite from Balenciaga to date…and the overall vibe is perfect for spring.
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad #301 Marmalade Sky (available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Barney’s NY and swatched/reviewed HERE): Subtle and pigmented, this quad brightens the eye effortlessly…truly, the CdPB eye shadow formula is unparalleled in my opinion!
- *Physician’s Formula Eye Boost Instant Lash Extensions Kit: I will be doing a closeup of this kit soon but my preliminary experience is an indisuputably positive one. The lash extensions really add volume and length that doesn’t flake off. Impressive.
- Surratt Beauty Autographique Liquid Liner (reviewed HERE): As liquid liners go, this is, without question, the best of the best. It has the most magnficent lasting power and always goes on dark and smooth. Brilliant.
- Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pigment Primatif Titian (available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Space.NK): This new procurement for me is such a gem…Titian is a warm mahogany and this plush formula adds pigment and luster that lasts for hours on end.
- Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch: My watch for years now, I never tire of its classic look…an investment that I am glad I embraced!
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| Above: The beauty that is the Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pigment Primatif in Titian, a rich and warm mahogany. |
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| Above: A close up of the ultra-high performing Surratt Beauty Autographique liner…the best I’ve ever used. |
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| Above: The Physician’s Formula Eye Boost Instant Lash Extention Kit really gives the look of lash extensions in two coats…incredible! |
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| Above: Swatches of select eye products in natural outdoor lighting. |
LIPS:
- Vintage by Jessica Liebeskind Sparkling Lipgloss in Pink Sequin and Snowflake (also reviewed HERE): These luscious glosses are lovely baby pinks to wear alone or over lip color…they have a smooth, long lasting texture and beautiful opacity. Adore them.
- Le Metier de Beaute Obsidian Odyssey Lip Kaleidoscope (reviewed HERE): For a never-ending litany of lip combination options, this kaleidoscope is a must…jelly pinks, reds and fuchsias work together to create a juicy, lush, flushed pout.
- Gucci Lip Gloss in Breathless (reviewed HERE): A pale pinky beige delight in an uber-luxe Gucci-embossed tube. This versatile shade is perennially in my purse.
- By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri Couleur in #01 Rosy Babe (available at Barney’s NY and Space.NK and reviewed HERE): This gloss in a nutshell…tender pink meets an extremely powerful lip conditioner for a decadent indulgence that will last for ages. Get it.
- Kevyn Aucoin The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil in Cerise: This is my first red lip liner and I am duly impressed; Cerise is a strawberry red that adds impact and structure for the boldest red lip imaginable.
- Kevyn Aucoin Expert Lip Color in Carliana: A vibrant, creamy red for a classic lip look that is both wearable and memorable.
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| Above: Swatches of Snowflake (iridescent pale pink) and Pink Sequin (warm light pink) in outdoor lighting…I love the texture, opacity and lasting power of these glosses. |
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| Above: Kevyn Aucoin Cerise and Carliana for the quintessential red lip. |
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| Above: Cerise + Carliana on the lips (and the images that follow!). |
The following images refelct a few key gift ideas in action, including:
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
- Napoleon Perdis A Stroke of Genius Foundation in B2
- Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow
- Burberry Earthy Blush
- Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Marmalade Sky
- Surratt Autographique Eye Liner
- Physician’s Formula Eye Boost Lash Extension Kit
- Kevyn Aucoin The Fleshtone Lip Pencil in Cerise
- Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Color in Carliana
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| Above: Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this Valentine’s Day-inspired post…anything catching your eye?
Good things ahead including a fresh video, new product procurements a-plenty a FOTD or two, a clothes haual and a skincare update. Can’t wait to share!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** Some PR samples provided for review (denoted by an asterik…the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (20)
My daughter and I love your blog and recommendations!
We both recently purchased the Terrybly Densiliss Foundation By Terry, the primer and concealer. You were right as usual- they are worth it!
Thank you, Rachel for all you do with searching, swatching, and testing out these new products for us!
You make our decisions Much Easier!
That is so wonderful to hear, Teri…thank you!
I am thrilled that you are loving the Densiliss…By Terry is such an exquisite line!
Thank you for taking the time to share your encouraging words…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I adore the red lip combo. You and Jethro are looking stunning. Do you wear a primer over your sunscreen?
I noticed that some of my comments in your previous posts have disappeared or rather, never got to you?
Happy Monday BP. Have a wonderful week.
xxxxxxxxx
Thank you!! Jethro was such a sport to pose with me ; ) I generally put on the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, followed by LMdB Peau Vierge and a dot of the By Terry Densiliss Primer…then the sunscreen! I hope I've gotten to all of your comments now…it's been a crazy 10 days!
xoxo and happy weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
I am going to get that By Terry concealer when Barney's has a GWP (should be this month, I think), and now I am seriously considering the Jouer–is that the gold one you have there?
Love your cherry lipstick. Looks Valentine fab!
Excellent, Suzanna…I don't think you'll regret it! I actually have shade #01 Nude Light in the Jouer…I've been wearing it all week…so good!
Thanks for the compliment…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I have a question about how you evaluate foundation. I am trying a few different formulas partly due to your recommendations. I don't really know how to tell which one is best. What is your method?
Hi Amy,
I try foundations constantly and try to offer a spectrum of formulas for my readers to peruse. Personally, I most prefer a medium to full coverage, no scent, skin finish, good for sensitive skin, long lasting and slightly dewy.
Hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
So do you look at your face throughout the day to see how the foundation is wearing? See how it feels on your face? I suppose you find yourself reaching for a certain one because you just like it more. I tend to stick with the one I have been using for awhile which is Chanel vita lumiere. I'm not actually sure why I even try other foundations when this one works for me!
I do, indeed…I don't want oil breakthrough or cake-y-ness and am always on a rotation because I love trying new things!
xx
I love love love that lip combo on you!
Why thank you, Clever Girl!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
That lip color! Stunning on you. And the pic with you looking at Jethro..love!! Thankyou for the Valentines day post. Genius recommendations as always. Xoxo Happy ❤ Day.
Thank you so much, Lynn…red lips are always an adventure for me ; ) Jethro was such a good boy that afternoon!
Thanks for the encouraging words, my friend…hope your weekend is lovely…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
The images you take are so stunning!! I especially love the pictures of the products on the table, the way you set up the shot is so crisp and fresh! Looking forward to seeing more 🙂
Many thanks to you!! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
that kevyn aucoin duo is to die for! Love it!
It's so very red…a classic and quintessential duo, Maeve!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Oh my gosh I love this bright lip!! Stunning. xoxo, Blondie, Esq.
Thank you, Blondie!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor