Happy March to you! It’s been nearly a week since I’ve been back from London and, between sleep deprivation and major jet lag, long lecturing days and beauty events and an absurd amount of laundry, this week has been but a (good) blur.
As I continue to work to catch up in all areas of my life, I am excited to share a few rare and unique beauty discoveries (including foundation!), some key wardrobe staples and a Shopbop Sale top 10 list!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action as well as some on-location style staples, a Shopbop sale shopping guide and the Bottom Line…
 |
| Base + Face. |
// Base and Face // While in London, I sourced a new foundation that just may be the stuff that dreams are made of; for the resulting look, I tossed in an easy bronze cheek and a subtle highlight.
- Suqqu Frame Fix Liquid Foundation Lightness: Compelled by its full coverage and weightless, satin matte finish, I was so happy to find a match (swatches of all six shades below) in this gorgeous base. The opacity of the formula is offset by an extremely natural effect that stretches over skin, blurring pores and fine lines for–in my experience–10+ hours. In short, it is perfected skin in a bottle.
- By Terry Sun Designer #02 (reviewed HERE) applied with my Chikuhodo GSN 04 Brush (reviewed HERE): Forever a go-to, I will be purchasing my third compact in the coming months.
- *Rodial Instaglam Illuminating Powder applied with the *Surratt Artistique Highlight Brush (reviewed HERE): This illuminator is stunningly restrained; the pearly glow creates a soft-focus finish rather than a traditional highlighter gleam; it’s an apropos option for those seeking an inconspicuous, color-free radiance.
- *Rodial Baking Powder, applied with the *Rodial Baking Brush: I let a touch of this powder set or “bake” in my under eye region and then used the coordinating brush to buff away the excess; I was impressed by the porcelain smooth finish that resulted.
- La Mer The Concealer in Medium (reviewed HERE) blended out with the *Jenny Patinkin Domed Multi Blender Brush (reviewed HERE): This concealer works well to hide imperfections without creasing over the course of a long day.
 |
| My latest Rodial procurements. |
 |
| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
 |
| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
The Suqqu Frame Fix Liquid Foundation Lightness currently comes in six shades (swatches above and below for reference). Targeted for the Asian market, the shades run quite light, which means that my light-medium olive toned skin has found a perfect match in the darkest hue, #203 (@NC 25-30). If you can find a match, I highly recommend this sublime foundation.
Official details, courtesy of Harrod’s:
A new addition to the SUQQU Frame Fix Foundation series renowned for its exclusive property of blurring imperfections whilst bringing out the natural look of the skin. With increased radiance and translucency, it gives a timeless, enlivened and luminous finish with a texture that is so light that you will forget that you are wearing it. Infused with airy oil, it glides effortlessly and forms an ultra-thin veil that fits the facial contour perfectly, while the newly infused Japanese rose flower extract naturally lifts the complexion and enhances the sharpened contour.
 |
| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
 |
| Swatches in indoor lighting. |
 |
| Eyes. |
// EYES // A rosy taupe wonderland with rich black accents.
- Suqqu Benimiyabi Eyeshadow Quad: During a rapturous visit to the Suqqu counter at Selfridges, I picked up this warm rosy eyeshadow quad; offset by a couple of cooler, pearly taupes, it’s truly a unique combination of tones. The shadow is velvety smooth and performs a an impressively crease-free level, proving itself to be well worth the pursuit.
- Sisley-Paris So Intense Mascara (reviewed HERE): I’m still so in love with this lush mascara…the tiny comb builds wild volume and length.
- *Tom Ford High Definition Eyeliner in Black (reviewed HERE): This works so well along the waterline…I am almost out of mine and will be picking up a new one soon.
- Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel in Taupe (reviewed HERE): Sets my brows in seconds.
 |
| The full eye look. |
 |
| Swatches in natural lighting. |
 |
| Lips. |
// LIPS // A creamy, warm nude combination with a touch of neutral shine.
- Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Nude Spice Lipstick (also available at Harrods): For now, I can only seem to find to find this gorgeous nude lip color in the UK but imagine it will eventually make its way stateside. I much prefer the lush pink beige tones of Nude Spice to the warmer VB x EL Brazilian Nude release from last year. Hydrating, full coverage and a flattering rosy neutral undertone make this release a gem…get your hands on it if you can!
- Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick in #11 Sharegaki: A glistening golden peach with lovely pigmentation, this moisturizing formula feels like butter on the lips…sumptuous on its own, it’s also marvelous atop a matte nude hue (as worn below).
 |
| Swatches in indoor window lighting. |
The following images reflect all products in action in natural indoor lighting…
 |
| In motion. |
// STYLE NOTES // I wore this outfit during my last full day in London; it all at once felt modern and like an homage to the late 1960’s.
- & Other Stories Dotted Silk Shirt: This 100% silk blouse combines my two favorite colors: black and nude. I am wearing a size medium for a slightly more voluminous effect.
- Gucci Double G Belt (also available in an array of colors at Gucci): My singular splurge while abroad, I knew that I would wear this belt as much as the Gucci Liza booties I picked up nearly a year and a half ago (and wear 1-2 times weekly to this day!). The classic double G look is unmistakable and the gold and black motif is guaranteed to match positively everything.
- Black straight leg jeans: Neither skinny nor boyfriend fit, a straight leg jean feels very fresh for spring.
- Nike Dunk Sky High Hidden Wedge: I purchased my pair of these brilliant waterproof sneakers last year and have worn them nonstop since then.
- A long lightweight coat in a pale neutral: similar coat in grey, found HERE, in beige, found HERE and in a trench style, found HERE.
 |
| In Notting Hill. |
 |
| Off of Kings Road. |
 |
| Milk Makeup Eye Pigment. |
Since arriving home from London, I have been working my way through a host of new launch deliveries, including the resplendent *Milk Makeup Eye Pigment. Housed in a convenient tube, this lavishly pigmented eyeshadow creme feels lightweight and silky while possessing significant color payoff. Although easy to blend (for best results, do so within 10-15 seconds), once the formula sets, it is incredibly long lasting. The light-reflective satin finish is glowy without feeling glittery and the array of color options–from subtle neutrals to potent jewel tones–guarantees a shade for every mood and moment.
 |
| Swatches in outdoor sunlight. |
The *Milk Makeup Eye Pigment comes in 11 blendable shades:
- Rager: Cool silver.
- Hotel Lobby: Pale champagne.
- Peep Show: Luxe taupe.
- Gig: Warm bronze.
- After Party: Medium rose gold.
- Jam Room: Icy blue.
- Sesh: Bold and royal blue.
- Mermaid Paradise: Vivid sea green.
- Rave: Opulent violet.
- All Nighter: Pearly charcoal.
- Silent Disco: Deep reddish brown.
 |
| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Official details, courtesy of Sephora:
What it is:
A vivid, highly pigmented cream eyeshadow in a portable tube that delivers bold color in one swipe.
What it does:
Bring a pop of color to your look with Milk Makeup’s long-wearing Eye Pigment. It gives you tenacious color with a soft, silky texture, drying on quickly without creasing. Create a dimensional, long-lasting look that’s as refined or rebellious as you want—layer to intensify. Easily blendable, this shadow is perfect for giving lids a vibrant touch of color for everyday looks.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
A vivid, highly pigmented cream eyeshadow in a portable tube that delivers bold color in one swipe.
What it does:
Bring a pop of color to your look with Milk Makeup’s long-wearing Eye Pigment. It gives you tenacious color with a soft, silky texture, drying on quickly without creasing. Create a dimensional, long-lasting look that’s as refined or rebellious as you want—layer to intensify. Easily blendable, this shadow is perfect for giving lids a vibrant touch of color for everyday looks.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
Ingredients: Isododecane, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluophlogopite, Polyester-4, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Synthetic Wax, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, Carmine.
Finally, the Shopbop Buy More, Save More Sale is in full force; with major savings on both sale and full-price items, this is the perfect time to stock up on timeless basics and pieces for the warm weather ahead. Full savings breakdown and my top 10 shopping suggestions below–don’t forget to use the code GOBIG17…
Shopbop Top 10 Shopping List:
(1) Derek Lam 10 Crosby Laced Leggings: A clever take on black pants, these feel like a perfect springtime refresh.
(2) Tee by Alexander Wang Striped Tee: I imagine Audrey Hepburn wearing a shirt like this during the first half of Two for the Road.
(3) Equipment France Larkin Dress: Black silk, a swingy, relaxed fit and pockets…yes, please!
(4) Alexander Want Simona Mid Heel Pumps: These darling shoes have a flair of dressiness but could be completely casualized (is that a word? If not, it should be!) when paired with denim.
(5) Saint Laurent Classic 8 Sunglasses: I love the clean lines and chic appeal of these black specs.
(6) L’AGENCE Aurora Long Sleeve Henley Dress: I plan to wear this delightful army green dress to work (with heel or booties) and dress it down with some sneakers on the weekend.
(7) Zoe Chicco Paris Bezel Short Pendant Necklace: I am a sincere fan of jewelry that you never have to take off; this 14k gold number ensures maximum wear time and will effortlessly layer with other pieces.
(8) Diane Von Furstenburg Faleria Mules: In one of the prettiest nude tones in town, these suede mules will look lovely with jeans, dresses and shorts alike.
(9) B-Low The Belt Bri Bri Belt: Intriguing yet wearable, this double buckle belt makes a sophisticated statement.
(10) Rag & Bone Harrow Booties: I already have these ultra-comfortable booties in a couple of colors but think it might be time to embrace the basic black shade (which I will wear to work like crazy), especially with the savings from the sale.
–Shop the Shopbop Sale—
 |
| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this multi-faceted post; from new beauty discoveries (including a transcendent foundation formula) and wardrobe staples to a streamlined approach to the Shopbop Sale, I had a lot of fun creating this latest installment of Beauty Professor.
Good things ahead, including a new video tutorial, a Sisley-Paris Spring/Summer overview and a host of new product procurements!
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. © 2012-17 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (6)
Hi Rachel,
I have a question about the foundation shades – is 002 just darker than 101, or is there also a slight undertone difference as well? Thanks!!
Hi Liz,
I swatched everything quickly and didn't have the advantage of taking the swatches outside (it was already evening) but it does appear that 002 is indeed a hair darker and more yellow in undertone than 101.
Hope that helps!!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you! I enjoyed this blog so much. More makeup to buy!!!!! You look so beautiful!!!!! xoxoxo
I am so incredibly happy to hear that, Judi!! Thank you for the wonderful feedback and compliments, my friend.
XO and speak soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel you look great! Hope u had a fantastic trip. Do u think the suqqu foundation is glowy? It mentioned that in the description. I'm not quite 25-30 should I go with the shade before? Thanks as always for the swatches.
Hello, dear Lynn!
Thank you so much…the trip was indeed amazing. I don't think that the Suqqu foundation is too glowy. In fact, I was stunned by the lasting power and coverage of this formula…so good. I am guessing that you will also find a match in the 003, which would be my go-to if I was a hair lighter than I currently am.
Hope that helps, my foundation-loving friend!
xx
–The Beauty Professor