Our Loves Lately

Now that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is over we can resume discussing the fact that we shop at other stores. I spent some time in Sephora recently and am using some stuff I absolutely love! I could talk skincare and makeup all day, so it actually jazzes me up to have a place to talk about it. Some of these items I've used for years and some I just recently tried.

1. Glow Recipe Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask - This smells like straight up summer. Crisp, delicious watermelon! It goes on smooth and you feel instantly hydrated. As it dries it doesn't feel sticky. Put it on before bed, sleep with it, and then rinse in the morning. I can not get over the smell, and I wouldn't name watermelon as a smell I even thought of before.

2. Laneige- Lip Sleeping Mask - This shouldn't be called a sleeping mask, I use it all the time, not just at night. . . but I do still wear it every night too. It feels so rich without being too thick or restricting. Goes on smooth and lasts forever. I also put a small amount on when I start doing my makeup- almost as a primer for my lips. The price point is very reasonable and it will last forever. Truthfully, this is a sleeper Sephora brand - everything I've tried by this label I've enjoyed.

3. Hourglass - Veil Translucent Setting Powder - This item and the next one below that are recent finds. I decided to give this a try after having a convo with the Sephora SA about every brand on the market, because I’ve tried them all. I never thought I'd leave Laura Mercier but here I am, and I’m committed. It's that good! I believe Setting Powder and Setting Spray are the secret weapons for a finished look, but more on that another time. Get a sample, give it a go, trust me. If you've never used a setting powder, message me. It's so easy!

4. Charlotte Tilbury - Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder - Another new player in the line up. I first saw this from Courtney Shields on Instagram. Her face always looks so smooth and she said it was this product. I was a skeptic, like no way can a pressed powder make your face look so flawless. Well, I was wrong. If you are a mom - and need an eye refresh - run don't walk. This will have you looking like you got 8 hours of sleep! A little goes a long way, and you can thank me later.

5. Fenty Beauty - Pro Filt'r Mini Instant Retouch Primer - I got this for my travel makeup to try and I love it! It has the lightest of tint that seems to smooth out imperfections and feels so silky on, not sticky or oily like some. I'll definitely be buying the full size next time I need a new primer. I'll say it again— buying the travel or mini size is a great way to not commit to full size until you know you love a product. I'll be trying the eye primer next, and fun fact - this is the makeup company that Rhianna created.

6. Nars- Precision Lip Liner - Color: Vence - I've done the work for you, I wish I would of taken a picture of the Sephora SA and myself walking around the store trying to find the perfect nude but warm mauve pink for a natural lip. I probably had eight shades swiped on my hand. She told me that pencils last longer than twist up liners. No reason not to believe her. (My favorite twist liner is Kat Von D) I also have a more cost effective option that I'll share in a later post.

7. Make Up Forever - Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation - I've used this stuff for forever. I try not to wear liquid foundation in the summer, so this and concealer are my go-to. Recently they repackaged and reformulated this powder. So far so good, and I see no issues with the new formula. If you are looking to try any kind of foundation, I would recommend you give Sephora a try. They carry a ton of brands and they have a shade finder that matches your skin perfectly with a variety of options. I'd say it's the safest bet on ensuring you walk out of the store with something you are happy with.

8. Drunk Elephant - T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask - I tried to find a sample size of this. That's what I have and it has lasted a long time. But it really is a skin reset. I'm not sure what it does when it's on your skin for 20 minutes, but you feel like you have a fresh face when you are done. All of the Drunk Elephant products are on the higher price point, so a great option to put on that birthday or Christmas wish list! They have some great sets too so you'd be able to try multiple products. I've liked everything I've tried, but this one is the current favorite!

9. Briogeo - Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray - Good for the whole family to use! I've tried their Shampoo and Conditioner as well, but this is far and away the star of the show. I believe I've bought 3 bottles now. So it's on the repeat list.

10. Kat Von D - Tattoo Liner - I stopped wearing eye liner about a year ago. I just thought it freshened up my look a bit and saved me about 5 minutes in the mornings, and if you know me at all, you know those minutes are precious. If you do love eyeliner - this was my go to the last few years! She knows what she's doing- it's perfect, lasts forever and goes on easy. It also doesn't dry out which is my biggest issue with liquid liners.

This was our first Our Loves Lately featuring Sephora, but I can guarantee it won't be our last. If there is something you are wanting to try, let us know in the comments below and we will do the dirty work for you and let you know if it's a keeper or a hard pass. I hope this gave you some inspiration to try something new on your next trip or at home!