Last week, following a full day of finals, I hopped on a red eye and headed to NYC, where I was slated to host a DECORTE event on the newly opened beauty floor of the flagship Saks. From feverishly grading exams to packing enough for a few days across the country, I embarked on my travels sleep deprived but excited. The following images reflect my four days in New York and specifically detail my beauty choices and style selections. Towards the end of my post, I am over the moon to share swatches of all shades of the new *La Prairie Essence-in-Foundation (initially discussed and demonstrated HERE) as well as my shopping list for the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale (currently running now through June 3rd).
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of my product selections in action as well as the Bottom Line…
The whimsical ballon wall for the DECORTE event on the new Saks NYC beauty floor.
Event day.
My New York City Travel Diary
DAY 1: EVENT STYLE + MAKEUP DETAILS
After flying all night, I had exactly 30 minutes to wash my face, reapply makeup and change before heading to the Decorte event…of course, I reached for tried, tested and true products that wouldn’t fail me when I needed them most!
Bardot Betty Spot Dress: I ordered this dress on a whim and am SO happy that I listened to my initiation. With its easy wrap cut and slightly staggered hem, this dress is wildly comfortable and wears like a dream in a variety of settings. It fits true to size (I ordered a small)
Honey Nude Sandals: I wear this particular Chloe pair (that I got on major sale last year) constantly–with jeans and dresses alike–because they match everything. Although they are no longer available, I found similar options HERE, HERE and HERE
From 9AM until well past 4:00, Laura and I traversed the entire city for meetings with a host of brands. To accommodate the very hot day peppered with plenty of walking, I wore:
Topshop Mini Dress: Lightweight with a classic cut, this dress effortlessly got me through an incredibly long day. Longer version HERE.
Reebok Classic Leather Sneaker in Chalk: These fresh suede tennis shoes are ultra bouncy and comfortable and required exactly zero break-in time. Chalk is the perfect shade of off-white.
Bleached Denim Jacket: A quintessential summer jacket that matches absolutely everything.
Gucci vintage bamboo bag: I am loving this pre-owned find…the bamboo handles are iconic and even though it’s small, it holds everything I need.
A sneak peek at the BY TERRY Nude Expert Duo Stick foundation, launching soon!
In motion in mid-town.
Pre-dinner and ready for carb overload.
DINNER STYLE
Dinner uptown with close friends featuring cheese galore…what could be better?
Black off the shoulder top: I have many iterations of this particular top (a bodysuit version HERE) and find they get plenty of wear as they are timeless and chic.
Honey Nude Sandals: The same ones as earlier in the post…I told you they were versatile ; ) Similar options HERE, HERE and HERE
From L-R: Laura, me, Caroline (of DECORTE), Fabio Granato (Serafina Co-Founder) and Emi Hayashi (of DECORTE).
In the West Village with Laura and Troy Surratt.
BRUNCH + EXPLORING
A free day on the town began with brunch with dear friend Troy Surratt (of Surratt Beauty) in the West Village. For our nearly 12-hour day, I wore:
Ragdoll LA Tee in Bone White: Let’s just put it this way, I own three of these in this exact shade and they all get worn regularly. Try one and you’ll see what I mean.
Black wide leg jeans: Additional options HERE and HERE. A fresh take on dark denim, this wide leg cropped pair keeps me cool yet covered when humidity is insurmountable.
Sephora Pack It All Organizer: I managed to fit most of my skincare (detailed below) in this genius travel case. With separate compartments and removable pouches, it’s deceptively roomy and the reviews on the Sephora site corroborate my sentiments.
*Sisley-Paris Eye Contour Mask (reviewed HERE): Perfect to de-puff after a flight or even as an extra-strength eye cream, this tube is a lifesaver.
*Decorte Total Relief Eye Mask: These gel-based masks reverse signs of orbital fatigue like a champ, making them a makeup bag must.
Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray: Forever my hair styling product of choice, this decadently fragranced spray reduces frizz and static while adding texture and a glossy shine.
*Sisley Hydra-Global Booster Serum (reviewed HERE): I am loving the hydrating and anti-aging benefits of this new elixir…I’ll continue to calibrate results and weigh back soon. All I know in the meanwhile is that my skin loves it.
*BY TERRY Cellularose Detoxilyn City Mask (reviewed HERE): What better place to test a city mask then in the city? It works through oxygenation to gently purify and revive, fighting the insidious effects of pollution along the way.
Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes: A cult classic, this eye makeup remover always does the trick…my mom and I have used it for years.
*Omorovicza Acid Fix (reviewed HERE): I recently rediscovered this gentle acid formula, which resources the skin overnight without irritation. The stellar reviews online echo my opinion!
*BY TERRY UV Base SPF 50 (reviewed HERE): Weightless and powerful, this has been my sunscreen of choice as of late.
*Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: Lush and luxurious, this cream works a host of miracles on the skin…more on this buzz-worthy formula soon!
*IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Bronzer in Beach: This super finely milled bronzer truly blurs pores while bathing skin in a believable matte bronze that still looks multidimensional…I predict that it will be on heavy rotation for me this summer due to its ease of wear and flattering effect.
Chantecaille Mermaid Eye Color in Copper: Captivated by its glowy neutral patina, I purchased this while in NYC and find that it creates a balanced wash of color that lasts the entire day. Simply beautiful!
Chanel Le Rouge Crayon in A La Rosee: My final purchase in NYC was this gorgeous peachy pink; I initially thought it would be too bright but, as you can see in the images that follow, it is a fantastic balance of pigment and shine. Highly recommended.
Clutch, A Novel by Lisa Becker: I am a third of the way into this breezy yet compelling book focused on a relationally-challenged handbag designer’s quest for authentic love. If you love a strong and witty heroine with plenty of relatable appeal, then I recommend you read some Lisa Becker this summer!
Sofft Flora Sandals: I love the classic styling of these sandals and Sofft never disappoints in the comfort department.
Via Spiga Slides: In a myriad of pastel hues these sandals boast clean lines and a seriously utilitarian nature.
Prada Sunglasses: I am intrigued by the semi-cat eye shape of these glasses and the nose pads guarantee that they won’t be sliding around when the weather gets extra sweltering.
Capri Blue Candle: Epic in living room or bedroom, this beautifully scented candle has been a home staple for me for years.
Tumi Voyager Cosmetics Pouch: I am always in the market for a good pouch to store makeup on the go and Tumi’s quality craftsmanship and minimalist appeal are undeniable…can’t wait to give this a spin.
–Shop the Sale–
Last look…where am I exactly?
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line
I truly hope you enjoyed this product-laden New York City travel diary…it’s truly an accurate depiction of my four days in the city and it was my joy to share it with you!
What may have caught your eye? Do tell!
Good things ahead, including a fresh video and a host of new product procurements…xx,
This was such a comprehensive and informative post. Thank you for such dedication to your fellow beauty lovers. SFA has always been my favorite store in NYC and have been shopping there since I was a youngster with my grandmother. I have found the Sisley eye contour mask to be indispensable in my carry on bag. I'm keen to try the SKII midday essence. I'm completely out of facial mists as of today. Have a wonderful weekend. Get some rest!
Comment (1)
This was such a comprehensive and informative post. Thank you for such dedication to your fellow beauty lovers. SFA has always been my favorite store in NYC and have been shopping there since I was a youngster with my grandmother. I have found the Sisley eye contour mask to be indispensable in my carry on bag. I'm keen to try the SKII midday essence. I'm completely out of facial mists as of today. Have a wonderful weekend. Get some rest!