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| Happy 4th of July weekend from Johannah and me. |
July is here! Along with unbridled sunshine, two online classes (I’m teaching 2 public speaking courses during our 6-week summer session). Aslo, a lot of uncertainty across the nation and the world. It also has brought an array of new beauty and skincare launches that I am excited to share in tandem with a slice of real-life at home.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| Skincare. |
July Newness from LAWLESS, Sisley, BY TERRY, Wayne Goss and Charlotte Tilbury + A Slice of Life at Home
In terms of skincare, I’ve been using a mix of current favorites and new releases. The *Serucell KFS Serum is still a staple in my anti-aging routine and I am stunned by the transformation in my skin over the past few months. Then, I follow with the *Mila Moursi Broad Spectrum SPF 30, which is a powerful sunscreen with anti-oxidant rich skincare benefits. It’s so lightweight and offers a soft matte glow that keeps skin looking its best for hours.
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| *Mila Moursi Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
For body, the *BY TERRY Tea-to-Tan for Face and Body (reviewed HERE)
It instantaneously creates a bronzed and true tan look on my limbs. The unique formula bathes skin in a water-based wash of color that doesn’t transfer or fade while easily removed with soap and water. It’s positively genius for moments when you don’t want to self tan but still want to look tan. For the under arm region (yes, I said that), the new *Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant (initially reviewed HERE) has been a welcome addition. I’ve been using it nonstop since early last week. I am stunned by how effective it is, especially since it doesn’t contain aluminum or baking soda. The AHAs actually transform the environment of one’s pit to make it less apt to create odor (true story). Despite stress and high temperatures, my armpits are responding to the formula beautifully. I can’t wait to continue using this and strongly urge you to give it a try (it’s $15). If you’ve been disappointed with natural deodorants in the past.
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| *BY TERRY Tea-to-Tan for Face and Body |
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| *Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant |
Some products on heavy rotation in the evening hours include the *Ranavat Luminous Ceremony Cleanser (reviewed HERE).
I like to use in the shower to remove every last trace of face makeup. The cream–which is apropos for all skin types–smells divine, cleanses without stripping. It is rife with detoxifying and restorative manjishta, a key component in Ayurvedic healing. Since I’ve been wearing lots of waterproof mascara lately, I’ve been in search of a potent eye makeup remover and the *Sisley-Paris Eye and Lip Gel Makeup Removercouldn’t have arrived at more opportune time. The plush formula melts away long wear and waterproof cosmetics. It’s a fresh, balanced and clean orbital area in mere seconds. I can’t wait to try on the next bright (read: staining) lipstick I wear! To calm, relax, firm and tone my clean evening skin, I’ve been embracing the *Skin Inc. 24K Gold Sculpt Lift Bar. The smooth tip gently whips my face into shape, increasing contours and lifting while the vibrating component incorporates a luxurious facial massage. It’s a bedside must!
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| *Sisley-Paris Eye and Lip Gel Makeup Remover |
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| Skin Inc. 24K Gold Sculpt Lift Bar |
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| Introducing *LAWESS Make Me Blush. |
LAWESSS Make Me Blush
Earlier this week, I did an Instagram Live with Annie Lawless of LAWLESS and, in addition to talking about our mutual histories in the beauty industry and motherhood, we were able to explore and apply her latest launch, the *Make Me Blush cheek color.
Velvety smooth with clean and impeccable ingredients (100% talc-free) and gorgeous color payoff, *Make Me Blush comes in seven flattering shades that are buttery, buildable and wildly long lasting for fresh and flawless cheeks with a imitable flush. I have found all seven tones to be extremely wearable but my favorites include the peachy pink Soft Nectar, plummy neutral pink Vintage Love (insanely good for all skin tones!) and lustrous peachy Angel Suede.
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| Swatches of *LAWLESS Make Me Blush in direct sunlight. |
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| The *LAWLESS Make Me Blush Blush Brush…synthetic yet super soft with a luxe and artisan feel…truly special. |
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| Which *LAWESS Make Me Blushshade is your favorite? |
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| Elements of the look. |
For the look reflected in the images towards the end of this post, I embraced a clean and glowing canvas with the *SUQQU Nude Wear EX #035 (reviewed HERE).
This foundation imparts medium coverage that looks incredibly natural and lasts for 8+ hours…it’s simply sublime. Then I followed with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzing Powder in Tan, which is the perfect tone for my summer skin. Just a bit along the perimeters of my face and hollows of my cheeks creates a pore-blurring depth and dimension that looks straight from the sun, rather than from a compact. For blush, I added a mix of the *LAWLESS Make Me Blush in Soft Nectar and Vintage Love (see above for swatches) for a pinky plum cheek that looks lit from within.
I employed the usage of the *Wayne Goss Artist Collection for This handcrafted set, featuring lush maple wood handles and grey squirrel hair makes applying makeup an opulent ritual. I love the smallest brush for detail work, the medium brush for blush and highlight and the large brush for bronzer and translucent powder.
For the Lips
For lips, I applied a coat of the Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick in #553 Magnetic Smile. This shiny cool nude pink imparts a juicy glaze of color that feels so good on the lips. I topped it with the brand new *Sisley-Paris Le Phyto Lip Gloss in #6 Paradise, a lively coral with a sophisticated sparkle. This gloss is hydrating and bouncy with the most beautiful shine. I can’t wait to show you more shades in this formula in the coming days!
Th Eyes
In terms of eye, I used a mix of the glimmering Roen Eyeshadow in Summer Disco (reviewed HERE)–a warm coppery bronze–and Disco, which is a platinum hue that blends the best of gold and silver for an endless glow. The combination can be applied with one’s fingers and wears without creasing all day. Every time I wear this mix, someone–without fail–asks what is one my eyes. For the waterline, I used the *Tom Ford Emotionproof Eyeliner in Dominateur, a jet black that stays in place all day…I forgot how stalwart this formula is.
To finish and set the look a swipe of the brand new *BY TERRY Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder. The luxe compact packaging is portable and secure and offers the same velvety smooth perfecting result as the iconic loose version. Pores, unwanted shine and fine lines be gone!
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| A close up of the *Wayne Goss Artist Collection |
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| A close up of the *BY TERRY Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder. |
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| Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzing Powder in Tanand Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick in #553 Magnetic Smil at the center of it all. |
The following images reflect all products in action in afternoon sunlight…
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| Wearing a mix of Roen Eyeshadow in Summer DiscoandDisco. |
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| Applying the Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick in #553 Magnetic Smile |
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| Style notes. |
// STYLE NOTES //
Commando classic bandeau:
Where has this piece been all my life? The ultra comfortable bandeau doubles as a bra or half top and I love that there are removal straps (worn in the images above and below), too. They add a classic and feminine flair.
Leopard bike shorts:
A timeless take on a comfortable staple, these leopard print bike shorts are just the type of natural I prefer. Additional option HERE.
Oversized denim shirt:
I wear an oversized denim shirt in some capacity or another at least 2-3 times a week. That’s probably why I have at least seven in my closet this moment!
FitFlops:
I am about to deem these my shoes of summer…there is nothing more cushiony, comfortable and calf-toning in my collection and the clean lines make them a must every single day lately.
Kelly Bello Designs J-E necklace:
I haven’t taken this special custom necklace off since receiving it last month. The delicate J and E represent Johannah Elle and I love how the 14K gold and white enamel seamlessly blends with my other perennial pieces. Use code RACHEL15 for 15% off.
Joey’s outfit is by Burt’s Bees Baby; I ordered a set of 2 for under $25…such a deal!
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| Hello, Mr. Racoon. |
// A SLICE of HOME Life //
Here are some real-life bits and pieces from our day-to-day as of late.
Last night we saw a raccoon in our backyard…it was peering through the bushes on the other side of our fence and my goodness, it was cute. I know they can have rather salty dispositions but this little angel face was a delight to encounter. We definitely kept our distance, though!
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| Joey’s new gate and her Burt’s Bees Baby outfit #2. |
There’s a new addition to the main level of our tri-level house…a gate!
Joey can maneuver the stairs that go both up and downstairs like a champ. But we like to make sure that she only goes downstairs when we’re with her. The *Regalo gate installed like a dream. The swinging gate makes for easy access while having a secure lock that guarantees the lower level is off limits for Joey until we head down with her. We’ve used a few gates over the past year and a half and this version is by far the most sturdy, secure and aesthetically pleasing!
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| Joey by her *Regalo gate. To say that she’s intrigued by it would be an understatement. |
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| Cotton candy grapes. |
I rarely discuss food here but had to share the wonder that is cotton candy grapes. Have you tried them? They are bursting with the sweet vanilla taste of cotton candy while being perfectly healthy for you to consume. Joey and I could eat them all day but everything in moderation, right? It’s next-level fruit in my book…highly recommended.
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| On our backyard to-do list. |
Backyard Update
All this time at home has given us the opportunity reassess our backyard. We’ve decided that we need a few strategically placed Italian cypress trees for privacy and beauty. I love how just a simple tree can transform the feel of one’s environment. Also, it won’t be long until our backyard feels like an escape to Tuscany…cannot wait.
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| Jethro on my mat post-workout. |
Workouts have been taking place in my living room as of late and I’ve found that a plush yoga mat is a great way to alleviate the discomfort that doing stretches and crunches on a wood floor…not a particularly groundbreaking (pun intended) realization but certainly a true one! And anything that can compel me to workout more is welcome in this home.
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| Time at home with Joey…my heart is full. |
The time at home with Joey this summer thus far has been blessing beyond.
I love witnessing her acquisition of a new word (or words!) or skill each day. I can’t believe she’ll be two later on this month. In preparation for her birthday, I’ve been indulging in some online sales for the holiday weekend including:
- Crate & Kids: 15% off site wide! I stocked up on bedding, a kid’s bead set and a toddler rail for when she outgrows her convertible crib.
- Equipment France: Up to 80% off with code JULY60…OK, technically not for Joey but I can’t pass up a sale like this and my Equipment pieces are the most worn in my closet, year round.
- Nordstrom: Crazy markdowns up to 60% throughout…also, mark your calendar for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, this time beginning for Icon Members on 8/4/20 with a preview for all (to start making your list!) on 7/24/20. I’ll be creating a shopping guide as always…stay tuned!
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line:
I hope you enjoyed this look at some of the month’s most beautiful launches as well as a peek at what’s going on here at home and would love to know what caught your eye. Do tell!
In case you may have missed last week’s Instagram Lives with Annie Lawless of LAWLESS and Michelle Ranavat of Ranavat, they have been archived and can be viewed HERE and HERE, respectively.
My next IG Live will be a joining of the USA and UK. It’ll be with esteemed Japanese beauty and skincare brand SUQQU on 7/22/20 at 9AM PT/5PM BT. Mark your calendars and hope you can make it!
Good things ahead, including a fresh video, an office tour, a deep dive into my jewelry collection and a host of new product procurements…can’t wait to share.
Wishing my fellow Americans a safe and blessed Fourth of July. We are so fortunate to live in this great land–and sending love to ALL of you in the Beauty Professor community!
xx and more soon,
–The Beauty Professor
**Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. 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. © 2012-20 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comment (1)
Great post and your Instagram Lives with Ranavat, Annie Lawless and Terry were helpful for me to learn more about their brands. Thank you!