December Wishlist

I'm back today with a few things I am wishing for next month and on into the holidays. Hope you enjoy!

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12-Hour Brightening Primer
I purchased a mini sample size of this primer in a tarte trio at Sephora and have been loving it ever since. I never thought I would go for a hydrating primer, given how my combination skin can get quite oily throughout the day. However, this primer works beautifully with my beloved tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer. It contains brightening pigments that bring some life to the skin and the formula feels entirely weightless on my face. I also appreciate that it is not chalk-full of silicones that I find generally clog my pores.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intesive Exfoliating Treatment
I have been experimenting with other Kate Somerville products like her Detox Daily Cleanser as well as the Nourish Moisturizer (reviews coming soon). So far, I am very impressed! Although this exfoliator is incredibly expensive, I am curious to find out what all the hype is about.

NARS Douceurs de Paris Eyeshadow Palette
A collection of six shimmery and matte plum-toned and neutral eyeshadows from NARS... is there really any need to say more?

Kate Spade Primrose Hill Patent Nisha Wallet
Honestly, if I had all the money in the world, I would probably purchase everything in the Kate Spade boutique at my local mall right now! But, if I had to pick just one item it would be this red patent wallet. Give me anything made out of brightly colored patent leather with a bow on it, and I am a happy girl!

Michael Kors Mid-Size Lexington Chronograph Watch
It seems as if I have been eyeing this watch all year! Every time I am in Nordstrom I pass the watch section and give a little sigh. I've been hinting like mad that this is what I would like for Christmas... so who knows, maybe "Santa" will be nice this year!


What's on your wishlist for December?


Thanks for reading!

Lots of Love,

Louise

I've Gone Mad for NARS Blush in Madly!

Feeling a little tired of my usual peachy-pink cheek picks, I went on the hunt a few weeks ago for a more bronzed, natural-looking alternative. I have heard murmurings here and there about how underrated NARS Blush in Madly was, so I thought I would check it out for myself. Ladies, you need this blush in your collection. If bronzed, glowing and sculpted cheeks are what you after, this is the one-stop wonder for you. Just a few swipes of this sheer, yet buildable rose-bronze shade illuminates my skin and sculpts my round face like nothing I have ever used. The first day I wore this, I not only had a coworker tell me I looked tan but even my boyfriend mentioned that I looked like I had gotten a bit of color. And let me say, that is a feat for my otherwise ghostly complexion!

NARS describes Madly as a "soft-focus seashell pink" which in truth, I just don't see. On my skin tone (neutral, fair) is comes across as a warm bronze with hints of rose. There is a slight silver-toned shimmer running through the powder that once applied is hardly noticeable except for the gorgeous luminosity it adds to the skin.

The wear time on this blush is fantastic as well. I apply it in the morning before running off to work, and it lasts on my combo skin through an entire day in the office with hardly any fading or patchiness. I have found that with other NARS blushes such as peachy-pink Deep Throat, I have to touch up by mid day, but that is not the case with Madly.

Many have compared Madly with Luster, another NARS blush I own and love. As you can see in the photo below Madly (on the left) is a much more neutral rose-toned color, whereas Luster (on the right) is true to its description as a "sheer golden apricot". I prefer to wear Luster in the Summer months, with golden and bronze-toned eye looks. Madly has a neutral, slightly silver sheen to it, while Luster is much warmer with a strong golden sheen.

NARS Madly swatched on the left, Luster swatched on the right. 

Please check out my Cozy Autumn look to see Madly in action!  

What are your thoughts on NARS Madly? Do you have any cheeks products that are a go-to when you want sculpted, natural looking cheeks?

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! xx

Best,
Louise

Today I'm Wearing #14: A Cozy Autumn Look

Products Used

Face

Benefit the Porefessional Primer

tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer in Agent 02

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer in Ivory

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC20

Cheeks

NARS Blush in Madly (review coming soon)

Eyes

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige

NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner 

MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara 

Lips

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm

Thanks for reading!

Lots of Love,

Louise

Sephora VIB Holiday Sale Mini Haul!

 For those of you that may not know, Sephora is having their 20% off Holiday Sale from today through November 12! I decided to take full advantage of the savings and picked up a few items I had been eyeing for some time (but never wanted to shell out the cash for).

 First up, are the hair care products. I have been on the hunt for a soft styling cream that will give my hair smooth, soft definition on days when I air dry it. I am really trying to be better about giving my hair a break from all the heating tools I use! Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme is one of the highest rated hair creams on the Sephora website and promises to "support soft, fine curls that tend to droop- keeps them shapely and resilient without crunchiness". So far, all I know is this cream smells fantastic! I can't wait to see how my wavy, unruly hair reacts to this. Another hair product I have wanted to try for years but just never got around to purchasing is the Bumble and bumble Brilliantine which claims to "give hair polish and a sort of languid, slept-in, sexy look with separation and extra sheen." Sounds like a winner to me! In any case, I will report back to you how my hair gets on with these two!

Lastly, I was in need of a new concealer and seeing as how much I am still loving my tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer, I wanted to try out one of their concealers. The tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer is meant to be long lasting, easily blendable, and boasts beneficial natural ingredients. I'm hoping I love this as much as my other tarte products! 

Please let me know if you are planning on picking anything up at the Sephora VIB Sale! I still have 4 more days to do a bit more damage...

Lots of Love,

Louise