I hope your week has been wonderful! I, for one, am functioning on a sleep-deprived form of overdrive…I’m in the midst of finishing out the semester, getting ready to engage in some major travel and actively preparing to post more regularly once the hectic nature of the end of the school year dies down. There are so many product reviews in the works!
In the meanwhile, I wanted to invite those of you who live in or will be visiting Southern California this weekend to the Patchwork Show in Long Beach. Taking place at Marine Stadium (Appian Way @E. Sorrento Dr.) on Sunday 6/12 from 11 AM-5PM, this premiere free event features 150+ Art, Craft and Design vendors, aritisan food and live music.
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| My brother and me at a Maybelline NY event last week. |
Moreover, my ultra-talented brother Seth (his work is discussed HERE, HERE and HERE) will be having a booth (#140) brimming his handcrafted leather purses, pouches and bags. Please swing by should your Sunday schedule allow!
Most recently, my brother crafted two brilliant new bags that I am excited to feature in the images that follow; coupled with some beauteous perennial inhabitants of my purse, this is a handbag, makeup and style extravaganza!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Up first is this insanely genius cell phone holder. I don’t know about you, but I spend a large portion of my life holding my cell phone in my hand. It is so constantly clutched that I almost feel like I’ve voluntarily relinquished the usage of said hand for anything other than a cell phone holder. That being said, meet this gem of a mini bag–handcrafted of light yet durable leather, it has a long adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn cross body or over one arm and a secure and protective interior pocket for an iPhone or Android.
Additionally, there are three slots for credit cards, ID’s and business cards, all while covered by a clever flap. I’ve learned that I hate when my credit cards are exposed while using my phone, which is an issue for many cell phone/wallet combinations.
He has made them in an array of neutral colors and I am loving the bronze version (as shown in this story) as well as a black one that I recently bought from him (to be featured soon). Streamlined, stylish and classic, my phone is safe and my hands are FREE!
Next up is this olive green wonder–an augmented version of his traditional Quincy bag. Smooth and sophisticated with a mid-century modern sensibility, this bag features a large top zipper, two interior pockets, gold hardware (including a reinforced bottom panel), black handles and a long black strap for major versatility. There is also a outsize zipper (on side opposite of label) that makes for a perfect place to stash your cell phone and other slim valuables.
I like combining the usage of both this bag and the cell phone case (with long strap removed) for a stunning pairing that effortlessly balances form and function…oh, and a Ferragamo scarf (like this one that’s seriously on sale) haphazardly tied to one handle simply ups the ante.
Onto the BEAUTY: The following are some products that have been on heavy rotation in and out of my handbags over the past month…
- Decorte Soft Powder Foundation (reviewed HERE): To banish oil, even skin and smite imperfections, I love the significant coverage and invisible finish of this powder…warm beige is still a perfect match for my skin.
- Natasha Denona 5 Lip Palette in Peaches 04: Infinitely pretty in the pan and on the lips, the shades are pigmented, buildable and hydrating and mix like a dream. If you like light pinky peaches, this palette is for you.
- *Ardency Inn Modster Instant Lash Mascara: This mascara is superb…it builds lashes’ length, depth and volume in two coats and I haven’t experienced any smudging or flaking, even after 10+ hours of wear. Try this.
- *By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bubble Glow (reviewed HERE): An instant brightener for the undereye region…I like to think of it like a magic wand.
- *SK-II Mid-Day Essence (reviewed HERE): Always in my purse this powerful elixir tightens pores, delivers radiance and makes my skin feel healthy whenever it needs a pick-me-up. So worth it.
- *C-3 Recovery Spray: Excellent for moments when skin has been stress (flights, no sleep, dehydration and pollutants), this spray calms skin and helps restore it to its former glory.
- *Hourglass Ambient Strobe Powder in Euphoria (reviewed HERE): Gossamar light with a peachy champagne tone, this is my favorite hue in this formula as it always seems to brighten the face in seconds.
Specifically Lips: It’s no secret that I love my pinky nudes, but I am proud that at least a few shades in this roundup deviate from my norm…exiting the comfort zone now and then is exhilarating!
- *Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Bondi Beach (reviewed HERE): Always in my purse, this deep mauvy nude is a perfect everyday shade and never want to be without it.
- *Lise Watier Fondant Supreme Lipstick in Giselle: This plush pink has supermodel-esque shine and color for days and the mid-toned pinky peach is flattering on a spectrum of skin tones.
- *Youngblood INTIMATTE Lipstick in Flirt: A soft coral red with immense pigmentation, this is one of the most moisturizing matte formulas I’ve worn to date.
- *Jouer Long-Wear Lip Creme in Citronade Rose (reviewed HERE): The best metallic ballet pink ever.
- *Makeup Atelier Long Lasting Lipstick in Beige Rose: Plush pigmentation that dries down to a stain-like matte finish, this lipstick truly lasts for hours. Full feature on all shades coming up soon!
- *Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in Drama Pink (also available at Bloomies): Glowing, bright and creamy with enough white undertone to be entirely wearable, this is one divine shade.
- Natasha Denona 5 Lip Palette in Peaches 04 (see above)
- Gucci Lip Color in Cipria (reviewed HERE): A lovely peach cream nude, this shade is 1960’s chic incarnate.
- Laura Mercier Paint Wash Lip Color in Nude Rose: Deeper than my usual nude, I love this muted dusty mauve as it is unique in my collection and has a subtle drama my lips aren’t used to.
Base and Face: For an even canvas, warm cheeks and ethereal glow (that lasts all day), these
- *Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Stick Foundation in 410 Bisque W: I adore the weightless texture and intense staying power of this new foundation formula. In a covenient stick, it’s purse-friendly and can flawlessly withstand even the most exhausting of days (including tears)…trust me, as one who feels things deeply, I’ve certainly put its fortitude to the test lately!
- Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric #600 (reviewed HERE): The quintessential true tan for light contouring and a warm bronze effect, I recommend this shade to everyone.
- *Edward Bess Undo Time Blurring Perfector in Medium (reviewed HERE): A hybrid concealer/foundation with terrific coverage, this lightweight concentrated formula truly blurs while looking nearly invisible on the skin.
- *Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick: Creamy and emollient, this highlighter offers a hydrated radiance that looks like crushed pearls on a dewy morning…just gorgeous.
- *Tom Ford Nightbloom Iluminating Powder: Launching later this summer, this golden powder offers an intoxicating and luxurious glow. Feature soon!
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Swatch in direct sunlight…such a golden glow. |
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| Swatch in direct sunlight…such a lush gleam. |
Eyes, Lips + Tips: Juxtaposed next to Seth’s handpainted box bag (have you ever seen something so pretty?), these details make face and nails pop.
- *By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bubble Glow
- *Surratt Beauty Prismatique Eyes in Real Eyes (reviewed HERE): A lovely pale neutral that sparkles in the subtlest of fashions.
- *Surratt Beauty Expressioniste Brow Pomade (reviewed HERE): My brows need this every day for low-key grooming and polish.
- *Tom Ford High Definition Eyeliner in Black (reviewed HERE): The best I’ve found for my waterline.
- *La Prairie Luxe Lip Pencil in Nude (reviewed HERE): Retractable and creamy, this neutral beige works well to tame darker shades.
- Chanel Lip Pencil in Nude: The darkest nude lipliner I own, there is something very special about this shade. Try it and you’ll find out what I mean.
- Surratt Beauty Moderniste Lip Pencil in Faire La Bise (reviewed HERE): A mauvy nude with a chic retracaable holder, this was one of my first Surratt purchases and I love it to this day.
- *Edward Bess Lip Pencil in Barely (reviewed HERE): A pinky peach hue that is extremely long lasting, this has been on heavy rotation since early this year…truly a stellar product.
- *Jenny Patinkin Kitten Paw Brush (reviewed HERE): I love using this small paddle brush to apply highlighter…it also works well to precisely pick up only certain shades in a palette with multiple tones (like By Terry and Sisley).
- Tom Ford Golden Peach Eyeshadow Duo (reviewed HERE): An absolutely worthy pursuit, I am still over the moon for this dreamy cream and powder combination and entire year after buying it. I suggest snapping it up if you come into contact with this fantasy unicorn.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Swatches of all four lip liners in direct sunlight…I guess I’m partial to a certain shade, no? |
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| A perfect lip pairing. |
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| Giorgio Armani Drama Pink alone on the lips…this shade has a creamy bright, white pink energy with nearly imperceptible shimmer and a velvety, long lasting finish. I adore it. |
The following images reflect the specific BEAUTY products (listed below) in action:
- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Stick Foundation in 410 Bisque W
- Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric #600
- By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bubble Glow
- Surratt Beauty Prismatique Eyes in Real Eyes
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick
- Ardency Inn Modster Instant Lash Mascara
- Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in Drama Pink
And now for some STYLE: I picked this outfit up at Neiman Marcus last weekend and love its marriage of a cropped top and extra long jeans…
- Rag and Bone Cropped Army Tee: You know when you see an article of clothing for the first time and instantly know you’ll wear it all of the time? Such is the case for me and this tee shirt (which is currently on sale). Super soft with just enough crop to make it interesting (wear it, as I did, with high-waisted jeans to make a less scandalous statement), the word “army” is spelled though negative space and the light heather grey hue guarantees that it will match practically anything.
- Frame Denim Le Micro Flare Jeans: High-waisted and decadently long, this stretch jean has a tab waist and an uncanny ability to slim the figure while still offering fluidity. I love pairing them with a mid-height peep toe and find this particular pair just as easy to dress up for work as they are to dress down for play. Oh, and they’re on sale, too!
- Baske Fury Open Toe Bootie: The intrigue of these booties are not as aptly featured as they should be as they are obscured by a long and lean jet black pant. That being said, I am duly enchanted with this brand discovery and find this particular pair of shoes to have just the right levels of uniqueness and comfort to make them a worthy splurge.
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into which beauty products have been making a home in my handbag(s) and implore you to swing by the Patchwork Show in Long Beach on Sunday and see Seth (booth #140) should you be able!
If not, you can also take a peek at his wares at: www.sethwegter.com should you be so inclined.
Good things ahead, including a host of fresh product features…any requests?
I am also continuing to do my very best to answer your comments and emails…sometimes it takes me quite awhile, but please know that I read each and every one and my goal is to remain as communicative, collaborative and connected with you, lovely readers, as possible!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-16 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (2)
I like all your choices of makeup Ms. Rachel!!
Nice jeans find, Rachel! I am soooo over skinny jeans and I don't care what anybody says, the jeans you are wearing here are so much more flattering than skinny jeans. They make your legs look a mile long.