Happy February, friends! I hope you are well and staying warm as we navigate the tail end of winter. I am back to campus (via my computer) and teaching a full++ load of Communication Studies courses with a new roster of incredible college students. Between that and the beauty projects that I’m working on this month, to say that I am grateful would be a massive understatement.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, what better way to find inspiration than with a look at a serious round of new beauty including recent launches from SUQQU, BY TERRY, Natasha Denona, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Koh Gen Do, Lise Watier,Charlotte Tilbury and LAWLESS?
Celebrating skincare, makeup and style alike, this is a February story of unabashedly epic proportions!
Valentine’s Day Beauty Gift Guide
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of everything in action as well as the Bottom Line…
For hair, I love the *Raincry Restore Brush to evenly distribute natural oils from the scalp to the rest of my tresses. It adds shine and manageability with every stroke (Use code RACHEL20 for 20% off). If you’re seeking a formulation to help repair split ends on contact, I cannot recommend the *Redken Acidic Perfecting Leave-In Treatment enough. It detangles like a dream and leaves hair looking radiant and healthy. Also, I must put the *Sultra Thermalite Dryer Brush on your radar. This ultra quiet hairdryer is also a brush. Enabling me to get a quick and bouncy blowout in half the time. I am in love.
Harnessing the transformative power of retinol with none of the irritation, the *Omorovicza Midnight Renewal Serum has been my evening companion as of late. The innovative and nourishing formula masterfully refines and brightens without the typical dryness often associated with retinol. I also am enjoying the Agent Nateur Ageless Eye Serum, which has rounded out my collection of products on heavy rotation from the brand. It helps to combat fine lines and darkness and can even be applied atop makeup for an ethereal glow. To relieve tension and encourage collagen production on the go, there is nothing more portable and effective than the palm-sized *ReFa CAXA M1. It comes in two colors and makes a perfect gift to share with a best friend. (Use code BEAUTYPROFESSOR15 for 15% off.)
I also wanted to put a new fragrance on your radar.
Decadently edgy and opulent, the *Initio Parfums Prives Oud for Greatness is a warm and sensual juice with alluring notes of oud, leather and musk for a skin scent with wildly impressive sillage. I can’t wait to share more from this gorgeous line in the coming days.
Finally, I am a blanket lover…one the couch, at my desk…I am someone who is ever in search of extra warmth (especially in the winter). Enter: the *Pedipocket Blanket. The soft and washable blanket has a brilliant pocket for your feet. So that every part of your body stays warm easily. It’s so simple yet so genius!
My beloved SUQQU recently released some new products for spring. And swatching them, per usual, was a dream thanks to their pigment rich, velvety textures.
There are new *SUQQU Signature Color Eyes Eyeshadow options including the pinky coral 04 (worn in the images at the end of this post), khaki green 06 and orange and grey 101.
Additionally, I’ve been testing the subtle and radiant *SUQQU Pure Color Blush #125, which create an incandescent flush and am constantly reaching for the ultra-pigmented, indelible *SUQQU Nuance Liquid Eyeliner 01 Black (also worn in the images at the end of this post). Finally, for lips the plush caramel beige 08 is a new shade in both the *SUQQU Comfort Lip Fluid Fog and Glow formulations.
As always, SUQQU creates products that are preternaturally sophisticated and exquisitely high performance. And the latest launches reflect this distinction as well.
Last June, I did an Instagram live with Terry de Gunzburg of BY TERRY and she mentioned that she was working on a new concealer.
Forever a fan of her base products, I could hardly contain my excitement! The venerable *BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer has now launched and it is every bit as good as I anticipated. Infused with 87% skincare ingredients, including the hydration star hyaluronic acid, this click pen wonder delivers excellent crease-free coverage on all areas of the face. My best match is #300 (will bump to #400 in the summer) and now that my under eyes have been introduced to this exemplary formulation, they simply won’t know what to do without it.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Natasha has launched her brilliant Love Collection, which includes the pink and lilac dominant *Natasha Denona Mini Love Eyeshadow Palette (SO resplendent for a multidimensional eye), the *Natasha Denona Love Cheek Duo Cream Blush and Highlighter, which features a very wearable creamy coral blush and pinky champagne highlight (worn in the images at the end of this post) and the *Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lipstick in Amorosa, which is a cool toned mauve with lush beige undertones. All three work synergistically to create a canvas that looks youthful, ebullient and, dare I say it, in love.
Forever in search of a glow, I recently ordered the RMS Master Radiance Base and am loving its versatility in my routine.
The champagne toned cream can be applied as a priming base for lit-from-within skin or mixed into foundation for an ethereal radiance. Equally illuminating is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (reviewed HERE), which I discuss frequently here at BP. My perfect match is 4.5. If you haven’t found your match yet, it’s high time you do! The glossy, bouncy skin it creates is positively addictive.
There is a new powder in the Koh Gen Do lineup!
The *Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Brightening Moisture Powder in Brightening Pink is a swirly formula with a vein of pale pink to instantly banish dullness and deliver light to the complexion. Great for finishing and touch ups alike, the gossamer finish is sheer enough to play well with all complexions and the brightening effect is divine. The compact comes with a handy fan brush. And when I’m seeking a more pronounced application, I reach for one of my luxurious *Yano Series Face Set brushes. The soft bristles blend powders to absolute oblivion!
For eyes, I am beyond entranced with the new *Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara. This jet black formula possesses tubing technology for long and voluminous lashes without the slightest risk of smearing. Easily removed with warm water, this mascara has been on my eyes nonstop as of late. Highly recommended.
Foundation Focus: Lise Watier
I have loved the Canada-based Lise Watier line since the early days of Beauty Professor. And, after an extremely informative chat with Lise Watier makeup artist and trainer Francoise St. Pierre (she’s a wealth of knowledge on the brand) I wanted to update you on the vast range of foundations in the line.
I’ve tested five formidable formulations and have come to the following conclusions:
The *Age Control Supreme (Beige Pur) is optimal for those seeking medium to full coverage. With anti-aging ingredients that increase skin’s overall elasticity.
For lightweight long-wear effect with a matte yet balanced finish the *Teint Velours Velvet Matte Foundation Oil Free (Neutre) is excellent (worn in the images at the end of this post).
If you prefer a cream texture (I often do!), the *Teint Lift Anti-Rides (Beige Pur) is a befitting option.
The formula combines a nourishing serum with buildable color payoff. And a satin finish that is waterproof!
The *Teint Velours Foundation Stick (shown below in Natural and Neutre) is a 2-in-1 foundation and concealer. With transfer-resistant wear and a velvety matte finish that looks good on all skin types.
For glowing buildable coverage that is equal parts hydrating and long lasting (up to 8 hours), the *Teint Lumiere Nude Glow (shown in Natural Beige, Natural and Neutre) is wonderful. The fluid finish glides onto skin. And looks incredibly natural while still perfecting the canvas.
For lips, I am excited to show you the new Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm.
Almost fondant in nature, this insanely hydrating formula combines a buttery, hyaluronic acid rich base with cellophane color that makes lips look full, voluminous and juicy. I am partial to the pinky mauve Crystal Happikiss (worn in the images at the end of this post) but also appreciate the vibrant HappiPeach, classic Pillow Talk, bold HappiPetal and sultry Passion Kiss (collectively swatched below).
Also in my lineup is, of course, my Au Naturale Lip Creme in Me (reviewed HERE).
I love combining this true pink cream with a variety of liners (including Lancome Bronzelle Lip Liner, reviewed HERE) to achieve different results and am so proud of how lovely it looks on a spectrum of skin tones. Another gorgeous shiny lip can be found in the *EM Cosmetics Lip Cushion Tinted Luminizer Venetian Rose. With skincare-level ingredients and a radiant finish, this fresh mauve also has a timeless appeal.
After selling out multiple times since its launch last month, I am happy to report that the LAWLESS Forget the Filler (reviewed HERE) is back in stock (at least for now!) and just in time to compliment the brand new *LAWLESS Forget the Filler Definer Liner, which I’ve had the privilege of testing for the last few weeks. The four shades–Pink Sand (pinky nude), Honey Rose (rosy beige), Burnished (deeper burgundy nude) and Coco (neutral true brown)–collectively work to create a balanced lip liner wardrobe for all of the lip color shades in your collection. The formula is creamy, hydrating and long lasting…in a word, brilliant.
For the deskside, consider the limited edition *Payot Enhancing Nourishing Care Lip Balm in Candy Pink and Rouge Cherry.
This luxe and velvety formula bathes lips in moisture while imparting a flattering wash of color and lustrous shine.
For touches of unbridled femininity, the *Venus et Fleur Small Square Box in Blush is a stunning investment. When properly cared for, the roses last over a year and deliver such joy to the senses. Next, a beauty tool encased in 24K gold? Yes, please! The *Jillian Dempsy Gold Bar gently vibrates for lifting, toning and contouring on contact. Try coupling it with the *Jillian Dempsy Hydrating Eye Masks for an extra sensory experience that results in brighter yes in mere minutes.
I also recommend the *Deborah Lippmann Love Wins Gel Lab Pro Nail Color Set, which features six mini nail polishes in delightfully neutral hues to compliment a spectrum of skin tones. And if traditional paint is not your cup of tea, the ready-to-use Color Street nail polish strips ensure a rapid manicure that lasts. Rich with fresh rose and restorative Manuka honey (one of my favorite ingredients in, well, anything!), the *Tammy Fender Celestial Rose Cream is a beautiful multitasking splurge for the skincare lover in your life.
Finally, in my last story, I also shared a review of Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosee.
For the month, of February, I am thrilled to be able to offer Beauty Professor readers this custom vial box with all three iterations of Delina with the purchase of a feminine fragrance. So simply enter BeautyProfessor at checkout!
The following images reflect many of my suggestions in action in afternoon sunlight. Keep scrolling for a cameo from makeup artist-in-training, Joey…
// STYLE NOTES // Simple, timeless and comfortable, I would wear this outfit everyday if I could.
- Reformation Gaia Bodysuit: I love this bodysuit so much that I purchased a second identical one! The wide neckline is so flattering (can even be worn off the shoulder should you fancy). In addition, the material is slimming yet not too tight.
- Frame Le Original: This is my favorite cut of Frame jeans…I have multiple pairs (and just picked up another this week) and appreciate the mid-rise, straight leg and slightly cropped ankle.
- Fendi Promenade Sandals: Still one of my best splurge investments of the last 12 months. In fact, these sandals match absolutely everything. They are sold out most places but I scoured the Internet for this story and found them HERE.
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I truly hope you enjoyed this post, found some inspiration for Valentine’s Day and discovered something new. So please let me know what caught your eye!
Good things ahead, including a close-up of the new Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder, some fresh foundation discoveries and a host of new product procurements…cannot wait to share.
Stay strong, seek wisdom, much love and more soon,
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. © 2012-21 Beauty Professor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comment (1)
Always exciting to see anything new from ByTerry!