Happy end of February…we made it, friends. It’s been a rather intense winter for many, both in terms of weather and circumstances, but spring is finally beginning to show signs of arrival and, in honor of the shift in seasons, I am excited to share some ways to update your skincare and beauty routine with fresh launches (Kate Somerville! Sisley-Paris! Kosas! Chanel! Dior!) from Nordstrom well worth the pursuit.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Spring Beauty Routine with Newness from Sisley, Kosas, MAC, Kate Somerville and Dior
// SKINCARE, FRAGRANCE + MORE //
Elevate your day-to-day beauty routine with the RIKI Loes RIKI Skinny Mirror. With a spectrum of lighting settings and ultra thin styling to fit on the smallest countertop, this mirror makes makeup application a breezy enterprise and the cell phone mount means you can effortlessly film and video chat in optimal light.
For skincare, I am significantly impressed with the new Kate Somerville KateCeuticals range.
Boasting a clinic-inspired ingredient cocktail of tri-peptides, hyaluronic acid and active vitamin E, the *Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Firming Serum is a lightweight anti-aging force. For skin needing more moisture, the lush and restorative *Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Repair Cream: has a similar ingredient profile to the serum with more hydrating texture. Finally, eyes look visibly brighter, lifted and more alive thanks to the vitamin C and algae complex in the*Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Lifting Eye Cream.
I can’t wait to continue to calibrate results with this trio over time. Lately, I’ve also been slathering my limbs in the decadent *Augstinus Bader The Body Lotion.Fragrance-free and instantly absorbed, it bathes skin in moisture while yielding a soft and gorgeous glow.
In terms of fragrance, I wholly suggest the sensual cognac, cinnamon and tonka bean wonder of *Kilian Angels’ Share to reset your senses.
Equally entrancing and ever so apropos for the evening hours, the recently launched *Sisley-Paris Izia La Nuit EDP smells like nothing else in my collection. Notes of rare rose, leather, amber and vanilla brilliantly harmonize for an alluring result that is equal parts floral and skin scent.
Finally, the *Parfums de Marly Delina Shower Gel expands the iconic Delina range with a sensorial experience that takes bathing to the next level. The delicate lather gently cleanses and leaves skin silky and smooth. So opulent!
// FACE + BASE //
Warmer weather and an excess of sunlight make highlighter that much more essential. My favorite rebuy in this vertical (I’m on my fourth compact) is the Tom Ford Soleil Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt, which features two warm gilded tones for beautiful dimension on a spectrum of skin tones. The powder is finely milled with a softly reflective (rather than shimmery) finish that makes skin look positively lit-from-within.
For foundation, I must recommend the recently reformulated MAC Studio Fix Tech Cream-to-Powder.
I remember purchasing the original iteration of this foundation five or so years ago. And, while I appreciated the coverage and finish, the lasting power was a touch lacking. I am happy to report that the new version has been updated to resist humidity and transfer in a stalwart way while still feeling lightweight and looking natural (reference the direct sunlight images at the end of this post for proof!).
The coverage is buildable–blurring pores and imperfections without settling into fine lines. And skin looks absolutely flawless for hours. My perfect match is NC35. I know I’m going to be wearing a lot of this for the next two seasons. Another formula update that I’ve also really been enjoying is the *Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Duo in 3N. Which possesses two different shades for a custom blend that seamlessly melds with one’s skin. It’s quick and easy and resists creasing for bright eyes and banished blemishes on contact.
I also need to discuss the *Kosas Cloud Set Powder.
Luxuriously packed with skincare ingredients, this baked powder somehow achieves the seemingly impossible: it removes unwanted shine without compromising one’s inherent glow. It also yields some buildable coverage (the formula comes in a range of shades for all skin tones) without covering the beauty of one’s natural skin. It truly behaves much like a filter…Pillowy is my perfect match atop foundation and I used a mix of Softly and Silky as a velvety bronzer/contour. Simply sublime.
I have been gleefully testing the new *Sisley-Paris Le Phyto-Blush Powder Blush for the whole month of February and to say I am smitten would be an understatement.
The exceptionally silky formulation glides on, creating a second-skin finish that looks naturally flushed and glowing.
At this point, I have worn all six shades (swatched below) with great aplomb but have a special affinity for the multidimensional pinky gold Golden Rose (worn in the images at the end of this post), vibrant Coral (killer in sunlit moments) and radiant Shimmer, which can be applied as a highlighter or atop the more matte blush shades (Peony, Rosy Fuchsia and Rosewood) for additional depth and dimension.
As one would expect from Sisley-Paris, the formulation is pure opulence…finely milled with an almost creamy (especially for a powder) texture, it enlivens the complexion in a single swipe and feels ever so aligned with the rebirth of spring.
Which shade is your favorite?
// EYES + LIPS //
I had many readers and followers who have recently recommend the Bobbi Brown Real Nudes Eyeshadow Palette in Blushed Nudes and I am glad that I finally picked it up! This pentad of hues are buttery smooth and still quote neutral (in light of the word “blushed” in its title) and layer beautifully for a minimalist eye with a twist. For the fluffiest brows in a few seconds, the lives up to its UOMA Brow-Fro Blow Out Volumizing Gel Pomade Deep Brown name. The diminutive brush adeptly distributes the tinted pomade and the lasting volume is, in a word, wondrous.
Check out this independent brand and let me know what you think!
I also recently rediscovered the clever *Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Exagger-Eyes Double Ended Eyeliner in my stash and love how I can get a jet black waterline and radiant dewy inner corner in a single product. Both liners are creamy and long lasting to boot! As heat and humidity ramp up, I often opt for a more indelible mascara option and the Lancome The Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara is a terrific one. The extra fluffy brush really builds lash volume and length. And, once it sets, it does not budge.
For lips, I am temporarily diverging from my pinky pink nudes in this post to bring you an array of brighter, rosier tones that just feel right for the impending seasonal shift. Intense yet entirely wearable, the Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge Pigmented Hydra Lipstick in Ultra Lively is a creamy coral peach for a pop of color that doesn’t overwhelm. I also am quite taken by the Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick in 525 Cherie, which is a subtly metallic rosewood (worn in the images at the end of this post) that makes lips look full and classic, sans liner.
It’s one of those shades that I think would flatter absolutely everyone. And I’m happy to put it on your radar.
Whenever I want to lighten up something just a smidge, I reach for my *Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Liquid Rouge Lipstick in Creme Crush. This velvety demi-matte shade is the quintessential pinky beige for all seasons and is one of those Clé de Peau Beauté indulgences you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Finally, the new Chanel Rouge Allure Laque have arrived at Nordstrom and I’m thrilled to be able to show you swatches of five shades, kindly gifted to me by my dear friend Sabrina of The Beauty Lookbook.
This wildly weightless formula applies sheerly but can be built up to medium opacity in a couple of coats. It’s hydrating and long lasting for a resplendent glaze that resists transferring, making it a viable choice for these times. I am partial to the coral pink Imperturbable but love the graceful nude Still as well.
The following images reflect the products in action in afternoon sunlight…
// STYLE NOTES //
One Shoulder Bodysuit:
I have a weaknesses for black bodysuits. And, while I have many, I don’t have one that looks like this one. Medium weight material (not see through at all!) flatters the form (I’m wearing a medium) and single off-the-shoulder detailing showcases the collarbone while remaining extremely comfortable. This will be a new staple in my wardrobe, indeed!
AGOLDE Dee Shorts:
I have purchased three pairs of these shorts in the last year and a half and wear them constantly. The high waist holds everything in. And the slightly flared leg looks good on a spectrum of body types.
Schutz Sandals:
It’s finally warm enough for sandals and I was on the hunt for a new pair to add to my rotation. Enter, this chic pair from Shutz. Which features a plush, molded foot bed and subtle zebra detailing (they will match everything) with adjustable back straps for a sporty yet sophisticated look. I am over the moon for these shoes. They are like walking on clouds, require zero breaking in and are under $100.
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you found inspiration in this overview of some of some of the freshest skincare and makeup for spring from Nordstrom and would love to know what caught your eye…do tell.
Good things ahead, including a new video tutorial, an office tour and a host of new product procurements for the warmer months ahead. Cannot wait to share!
Stay strong, seek wisdom, much love and more soon,
xx
–The Beauty Professor
**Many thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-21 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comment (1)
Great review and swatches as always. Thank you.