Every New York Fashion Week, Nordstrom goes backstage to assess the biggest beauty trends and then brings this intel direct to their customers. For the Spring 2018 season, they’ve identified trends such as Luminous Skin and Hi-Definition Lips.
Guests can learn how to achieve the freshest runway-inspired looks of the season and get free samples and exclusive gifts with your purchases (while supplies last). Receive one-on-one time with Nordstrom beauty experts, tips tricks to nail the newest trends and receive beauty buzz intel from industry insiders — and it’s free to attend!
Customers can simply RSVP online or ask for special accommodations by calling or stopping by their favorite cosmetics or skincare counter, located within Nordstrom.
Lipstick Queen, as previously noted in these virtual pages, is such a magical and whimsical brand, and there is no end to the pleasure that I experience with their flattering and long-lasting lipsticks. I have collected quite a few of their beautiful lipsticks, and from their color transforming Frog Prince lipstick to their beautiful nudes– they remain among my most reached for lipsticks. Just in time for spring, the Lipstick Queen Dating Game Lipsticks feature an array of gorgeous pinks that are perfection for the season. This collection is available in 4 richly saturated, and utterly gorgeous, shades, and I have all four to share with you.
Each of the Lipstick Queen Dating Game Lipsticks feature a nourishing and hydrating formula that leave lips soft and supple. The glides across the lips effortlessly, deposit color evenly and neither settle into lip lines, nor do they migrate. Furthermore, they offer buildable coverage, and therefore can be built up for greater opacity, or sheered out for a wash of color. The emollient formula lasts several hours before the need to reapply, and it offers the perfect amount of cushion for comfortable wear. The finish boasts a luminous sheen, which is such a welcome departure from all of the matte lipsticks that have been trending, and it is very flattering on the lips.
Available Shades:
Good Catch: Soft, rosy blush Mr. Right Now: Bold Magenta Mr. Right: Warm, rosy pink Bad Boy: Adrenaline-rushing fuchsia
According to Lipstick Queen,
Flirt, date or fall in love - have a fling with pink! Lipstick Queen invites you to take a chance and play the Dating Game. Choose between four medium-coverage, creamy, possible pink suitors all with a rich, silky and polished finish. Featuring a nourishing formula with SheaButter & Vitamin E, for beautifully conditioned lips, these flirtatious shades are vying to win your heart.
Good Catch: A pink that checks off all the boxes; this soft, sweet, dependable pink is super flattering with warm undertones and a beautiful rosy blush finish.
Mr. Right Now: A high-voltage pink that captures that in-the-moment thrill of instantaneous attraction; this bold magenta is electrifying with cool blue undertones.
Mr. Right: A pink that's upbeat and vibrant; this bright,warm, rosy pink with hints of cheery coral will light up your face, and give you that new romance glow.
Bad Boy: A pink that likes to break the rules; this shocking pink offers a bit of rebellion with berry and cool undertones in an adrenaline-rushing fuchsia.
Note the luminous, glossy finish!
Ingredients:
Overall Assessment: These lipsticks are absolutely gorgeous, and they are pitch-perfect for the spring! I love the formula, the richly saturated colors and the gorgeous finish! A+
By now, you have no doubt reached the proper conclusion that I am in the midst of a love affair with Charlotte Tilbury makeup, and I am thoroughly smitten with the Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette. This beautiful palette features 12 eyeshadows that are broken into 4 sets of 3 that were conceived to create 4 distinctly different looks. Of course, if you are anything like me, you will likely mix and match each of the colors as you see fit. Charlotte Tilbury refers to this as "the ultimate smokey eye shadow palette" and it is definitely a beautiful luxury neutral palette. The texture of each of the shadows is very finely milled, and the shadows glide across the skin effortlessly and deposit color evenly. Each of the shadows, from the mattes to the shimmer shades offer buildable coverage, but the palest ivory (on the far right) remains a barely-there base color. I experience little to no fallout, long-wear and the creamy highly blendable textures make this such a satisfying palette to use. Each of the looks– The Day Look, The Desk Look, The Date Look and The Disco Look– offer the intensity and pigmentation that is required to achieve their designated looks.
According to Charlotte Tilbury,
Darlings, the Instant Eye Palette, inspired by Charlotte’s smokey eye legacy, is a revolutionary control-pressed palette that will change the way you apply your eye makeup for perfect application every time.
The looks in this palette include:
The Day Look for a fresh, natural eye makeup look, with a delicate matte cream, shimmering neutral brown & taupe matte perfection.
The Desk Look with pink champagne, chocolate brown & caramel shades, this smokey eye is the perfect power of makeup look for work.
The Date Look has sultry, shimmering mauve-cocoa and chocolate shades for the ultimate smokey, soft and dreamt eye makeup.
The Disco Look is the go-to party eye! Indulge with black and emollient-rich molten gold for a dramatic rock chick look.
Close-up view of the Deco-inspired design
Left to Right: Day Eye Swatches 1-3 and Desk Eye Swatches 4-6
The Day Look for a fresh, natural eye makeup look, with a delicate matte cream, shimmering neutral brown & taupe matte perfection.
The Desk Look with pink champagne, chocolate brown & caramel shades, this smokey eye is the perfect power of makeup look for work.
Left to Right: Date Eye Look Swatches 1-3 and Disco Eye Look Swatches 4-6
The Date Look has sultry, shimmering mauve-cocoa and chocolate shades for the ultimate smokey, soft and dreamt eye makeup.
The Disco Look is the go-to party eye! Indulge with black and emollient-rich molten gold for a dramatic rock chick look.
Create the Day Eye:
1. To use, start by applying the first cream matte shade back and forward across the eyes using your Blender brush.
2. Next, using the second taupe oyster shade, sweep across your eyelid & for an extra wash of colour, use the Smudger Brush, applying directly on the centre of your eyelids.
3. Still with the Smudger Brush, dip it into the chocolate Smoke shade and sweep it across your upper lash line, slightly blending upwards and outwards.
4. Finish off the look by applying Full Fat Lashes Mascara, Hollywood Lips matte liquid lipstick in Rising Star, and a sweep of Cheek to Chic blusher in First Love.
Create the Desk Eye:
1. Starting with the first shade in the Desk trio, sweep the pink champagne shade all over the eyelid with the Blender Brush.
2. Use the Blender Brush with the second caramel peach hue, nestling it into the eye socket then blending backwards and forwards. Then use the Smudger Brush to bring it along the lower lash line and in the outer corner of your eyes.
3. Lightly define your eyes with The Classic eyeliner in Sophia, drawing along your upper lash line then extending out for a subtle flick. Then sweep the third chocolate peach shade along the upper & lower lash line for gorgeous definition.
4. Finish the look with Full Fat Lashes Mascara, create a fuller looking pout with Lip Cheat lip liner in Pillow Talk & K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in Penelope Pink for chic sophistication. Then sweep on Cheek to Chic blusher in First Love for a perfect desk makeup look.
Create the Date Eye:
1. Start by dipping the Blender Brush into the first shade of the Date trio, the gorgeous rose-gold hue, and sweep all across your eyelid. Use your Smudger Brush to get in the inner corner of your eye for a dreamy look.
2. Use the Blender Brush with the second dark pearl shade and blend into the outer corner and socket of your eyes.
3. Then dip your Smudger Brush into the dark cocoa chocolate shade and sweep along the upper & lower lash line for added intensity.
4. Create a subtle feline flick with Rock ‘n’ Kohl eyeliner in Barbarella Brown, and use the Rock ‘n’ Kohl eyeliner in Eye Cheat on the inner waterline to open up your eyes. Then apply Full Fat Lashes Mascara for a dramatic, wide-eyed gaze. Finish the look with Lip Cheat lip liner in Pillow Talk, Matte Revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk and Lip Lustre lip gloss in Portobello Girl.
Create the Disco Eye:
1. Use your Blender Brush in the shimmering gold first shade of the Disco trio, and sweep all over the eyelid.
2. Blend the molten gold khaki shade into the socket and across the eye using the Blender Brush, then take your Smudger Brush and drag along the upper & lower lash line. Still using your Smudger Brush, apply the shimmering gold into the inner corners of your eyes.
3. Use the Smudger Brush with the matte black shade to add intensity to your eye makeup, creating a slight wing with your eyeshadow, and sweeping along the lower lash line, making sure to blend well.
4. Create a seductive feline flick with the Rock ‘n’ Kohl eyeliner in Bedroom Black & apply in the lower waterline for a super intense gaze. Then finish off your eye makeup with Full Fat Lashes Mascara.
5. Use the Lip Cheat lip liner in Iconic Nude to cheat a fuller pout, and use the Hollywood Lips matte liquid lipstick in Charlotte Darling for a gorgeous beige nude pout. Finish off your look with a sweep of Cheek to Chic blusher in First Love.
This product is vegan-friendly, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and not tested on animals.
Matte Eyeshadow Ingredients: (Day 1 Prime, Day 3 Smoke, Desk 2 Enhance, Desk 3 Smoke, Date 3 Smoke): Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Mica, Silica, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hoya Lacunosa Flower Extract, [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)]
Overall Assessment: I am so pleased with this purchase, and while it has a luxury price tag, the quality of each of these beautiful shadows made this a very worthwhile purchase– particularly since I have used it every day since opening it.
Recently BioSilk launched their new Silk Therapy with Organic Coconut Oil 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash and Leave-In Treatment for Hair & Skin, and I have been using both of them for several weeks, and wanted to share my thoughts about them with you.
BioSilk Silk Therapy with Organic Coconut Oil 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash is a delicious toasted coconut smelling gentle shampoo/cleanser that can be used on the hair or the body. It has an emollient texture, is very hydrating and it leaves behind no greasy residue. As a shampoo, it leaves my hair very soft, nourished and hydrated without any stripping whatsoever. As a body wash, it leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated.
According to BioSilk,
A versatile and gentle cleanser that removes impurities while adding essential moisture to the hair and skin. Conditions and provides balanced care for the hair and skin while helping to maintain and preserve hair color. Skin is left soft, smooth and nourished.
Directions: Apply desired amount onto palms and distribute evenly throughout damp hair. For use as a body wash, apply onto a wash cloth or body sponge and massage into the skin. Rinse.
BioSilk Silk Therapy with Organic Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment for Hair & Skin is a lightweight leave-in silicone and coconut oil based treatment for the hair that leaves it remarkably soft, smooth, manageable, shiny, and it effectively fights frizz and fly-aways. It also has a warm and creamy toasted coconut aroma that is very pleasant, but it does not linger in the hair for very long. I have not tested it on my skin, but I use it on my hair all of the time.
According to BioSilk,
In is lightweight and quick absorbing, improving the overall condition of the hair and skin by adding luster, shine, and softness. It is comprised of certified organic, virgin coconut oil. This oil contains the many essential fatty acids which nourish the hair and skin while acting as a gentle moisturizing agent. For the hair, it conditions each strand from within, protecting it from heat and environmental damage. It also helps to control frizz and fly-a-ways while preventing split ends for smooth results with incredible shine. For skin, it is a rich natural moisturizer since coconut oil leaves skin soft and supple.
Overall Assessment: I really like both of these products a lot– they do an effective job moisturizing and taming my dry and curly hair, and they leave it soft, smooth and shiny.
$25.50 for set of two 5.64 oz. bottles, or they can be purchased separately from BioSilk (Unaffiliated Links).
I am always on the lookout for skincare and haircare products that are free of excessive chemicals, and therefore, when I was recently introduced to PUR Attitude products, I knew that I wanted to share them with you.
Based in Boca Raton, Fla., PUR attitude was created by a team dedicated to the research, development and manufacturing of advanced therapeutic topicals and skin care. All PUR attitude products contain only safe beauty ingredients. More than 1,300 chemicals have been banned from the company’s lab, which adheres to strict EU standards. Additionally, all PUR attitude products are created with 100 percent pure, active ingredients, and are not diluted with water.
N.B.: You will note in the picture above that I have included a picture of their Purifying Rice Face Wash for Oily Skin, but I did not review it since it is no available on their website.
PUR Attitude PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Shampoo ($22.00 for 6.6 oz. from PUR Attitude): I have naturally curly hair, that has a tendency to be a bit dry, and therefore I can only use non-stripping shampoos. This is a low-lathing, thoroughly non-stripping, sulfate-free shampoo that leaves my hair moisturized and manageable without leaving behind any sort of greasy residue. Furthermore, it has a delectable aroma that reminds me of toasted almonds, and that I find especially pleasant.
According to PUR Attitude,
This low lather, sulfate-free shampoo with caviar extract helps to restore moisture and protect hair from daily stresses and future damage. Soap-free. Sulfate-free.
Features:
Infused With Caviar Extract For Soft, Silky Hair
Non-Stripping, Soap-Free
Directions: Massage small amount of PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Shampoo through hair and scalp. Rinse. Massage small amount of PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Conditioner through hair and scalp. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
PUR Attitude PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Conditioner ($28.00 for 6.6 oz. from PUR Attitude): This is a very moisturizing conditioner that leaves my hair soft, smooth, manageable, detangled and with a lovely shine. It allows me to effortlessly brush or comb out my hair, and it has the same wonderful aroma as its companion shampoo.
According to PUR Attitude,
This break-through technology combines pure Moroccan argan oil, kukui nut oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and caviar extract to nourish the scalp and replenish dry, brittle hair. Creates more youthful looking hair that is smooth, refreshed and radiant.
Features:
Conditions, Repairs, Detangles
Leaves Hair Soft, Smooth, Radiant
Infused With Natural Oils & Caviar
Directions: Massage small amount of PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Shampoo through hair and scalp. Rinse. Massage small amount of PUR Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Conditioner through hair and scalp. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
PUR Attitude PUR Scrub Foaming Bamboo Almond ($32.00 for 6 oz. from PUR Attitude): I am a huge fan of exfoliating my skin, and I really like this body scrub a lot. While it includes essential oils in its list of ingredients, it is not suspended in oil, and therefore it does not leave a greasy film on the skin or in the shower. The formula is best described as a dry powder that activates against wet skin and its fine exfoliating particles have the perfect amount of grit to effectively sweep away dead skin cells. The exfoliating particles, which are comprised of Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder,and Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Powder, effectively exfoliate the skin while remaining gentle against my at-times sensitive skin. Skin is left soft very soft, supple and smooth. I didn't experience any foaming, as the name might suggest, but I note that it did emulsify a bit when the scrub was combined with warm water.
According to PUR Attitude,
Crushed bamboo and almond create an amazing deep cleansing formula that invigorates and rejuvenates your skin. It exfoliates rough, dry, and dead skin debris, preparing your skin for the optimum benefits of moisturizing. Enhanced with natural botanicals and essential oils to soothe and condition skin.
Features:
Invigorating, foaming scrub
Sloughs away dead skin cells
Eliminates rough flaky skin
Directions: Use 2-3 times per week. Wet body. Massage a small amount over body, especially heels, elbows and knees. Rinse well.
PUR Attitude Fusion-C Brightening Serum ($39.00 for 1 oz. from PUR Attitude): This serum, which features four different types of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbate), is formulated to brighten skin, even skin tone, lighten sun spots and improve the appearance if fine lines. It has a very light weight watery consistency that sinks into he skin immediately. It has a very light citrus aroma, but that fades upon absorption. I find this serum very hydrating and brightening, but will have to use it longer to see if it lightens my small area of slight hyperpigmentation (sun damage from driving– near my hairline on the left side of my face). I strongly suggest seeing a dermatologist if you have any moles or areas of hyperpigmentation in order to determine whether any of those areas are cancerous or precancerous– before trying to lighten or treat those areas.
According to PUR Attitude,
Fusion-C Brightening Serum is an essential step in any skin care regimen created to improve your skin's firmness and make you look younger while using 4 different forms of Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbate. All of these forms deliver the proper skin essentials in different ways in order to get better results. Fusion-C also contains BV-OSC Ester, which is an active form of Vitamin C that improves collagen synthesis, along with a Hyaluronic Acid base, designed to optimize absorption into the skin and to help prevent free radical damage associated with skin aging. This serum's benefits also include improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, lightening age spots, and discoloration with the use of Licorice Extract, Vitamin E, and Collagen.
Claims:
Significantly lightens age spots
Combats hyperpigmentation
Evens out skin tone texture
Improves skin elasticity
Directions: Apply a few drops to face and neck area and allow to absorb. Follow with HydroDrench Moisturizing Gel-Cream.
PUR Attitude Advanced Cell Renewal Night Crème ($59.00 for 1 oz. from PUR Attitude): This mid-weight night cream, which has a lovely light aroma, is ultra emollient, deeply moisturizing and fast absorbing. Filled with oils such as Marula, Baobab, Amla and Jojoba, this night cream offers deep moisture while the Hyaluronic Acid binds it. Furthermore, Retinyl Palmitate, which is a form of Vitamin A, stimulates collagen production and increases skin cell turnover, for more radiant skin. However, I strongly suggest seeing a dermatologist if you have any moles or areas of hyperpigmentation in order to determine whether any of these areas are cancerous or precancerous. The last thing that you want to do is encourage the sloughing off of such cells. The following morning after use, I routinely note that my skin is brighter, more luminous and deeply hydrated. I use a high SPF sunscreen (between and SPF 30-50) daily, and I am very careful to continually apply it through the day– particularly when I am using any retinol-based products.
According to PUR Attitude,
Advanced Cell Renewal Night Crème revitalizes your skin while you sleep. Say good-night to sagging, aging skin with our luxurious night crème. Natural polymer technology time-releases bio-advanced peptide technology that nourishes the skin at the cellular level, optimizing the skin's appearance and elasticity. Wake-up to younger, firmer, healthier, more radiant looking skin. Infused with fermented, nutrient rich oils for a silky feel you dream of.
Directions: After cleansing and toning, smooth over face and neck and blend in upward and circular motion. Leave crème on overnight to wake up with firmer, more evenly toned skin.
Overall Assessment: This is my first time trying PUR Attitude products, and I really like what I have tried, and want to further investigate their products.
I am currently in the midst of a serious love affair with Charlotte Tilbury makeup, and after testing numerous products I am delighted to say that her brand lives up to its hype, and it is one of the very few luxury brands that is cruelty-free.
Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil in Dark Pearl, which is described as a "sparkling grey eyeshadow pencil for brown eyes," strikes me as a bit more of a bronzy taupe shade. It has stunning shimmer that does not migrate, and the consistency is silky smooth. It glides across the skin effortlessly, depositing color evenly, and it sets after about 30 seconds, as suggested, so you want to blend it out rather quickly since I have found it budge proof after it sets. Whether you wear it as an eyeshadow, or as an eyeliner– it offers all day wear without any creasing or migrating on my eyes. I should note that I do no have particularly oily eyelids, and therefore I can wear this without a primer and it stays put until I remove it, but your wear may vary. It is also very important to avoid tightlining, or wearing this in your waterline because it "is infused with Synthetic Sapphire, a mineral gemstone" and Charlotte Tilbury suggests that you immediately, and thoroughly, rinse your eyes with water should it get into them. I have sensitive eyes, and always avoid putting liner on my waterline, but even when I used to I never put shimmering liners that close to the eye.
According to Charlotte Tilbury,
Darlings, my Colour Chameleon eyeshadow pencil in Dark Pearl is a smokey grey glittering shade that will enhance your eyes’ natural colour in an easy-glide formula.
Features:
• You can cheat your way to an intense, bedazzling eye colour in the stroke of a pencil!
• The formula is infused with Synthetic Sapphire, a mineral gemstone that has natural soft-focusing to give you a smooth finish.
• It lasts for up to 10 hours or until you take it off, so it is amazingly long-lasting!
• Do not use this eyeshadow pencil on the insides of your eyes. If it comes into contact with your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Ideal for a pop of colour, brightening and widening your eyes.
• Always make sure the cap is firmly shut to ensure your COLOUR CHAMELEON lasts as long as possible.
Directions: To use, make sure the pencil is sharp! Run the eyeshadow across your eyelid, then using your finger smudge up and out to blend. The formula will set after 30 seconds so blend, blend, blend!
•Charlotte’s Tip: Use this eyeshadow pencil with my Full Fat Lashes mascara for a timeless, chic eye makeup look!
Overall Assessment: I really love this eyeshadow pencil, and plan to pick up a few more colors because I am so impressed by the formula. It has such a gorgeous and flattering finish, and the color and longevity are extraordinary.
Prime Beauty is reviewing her all-time favorite spring blushes to brighten your complexion.
Lisa from Beauty Info Zone took the time to spring back to her youth with the newest FarmHouse Fresh products in her repertoire. Read why these will take you back to your most youthful skin.
Pammy Blogs Beauty shares her 21-Days of Positivity update with Pamprin. Find out what she does to stay positive on a daily basis and read her easy tips and life hacks!
Allison from Never Say Die Beauty finally took the plunge and bought 4 gorgeous pressed powder eyeshadows from indie brand Makeup Geek. Check out the swatches!
Stacie from Makeup Obsessed Mom has been using a brand new sunscreen OVER her makeup. Check out Zinc It Over from Seriously Fab and see if this will be a game changer for you too.
Searching for a green alternative for your eyebrow pencil? Antonym Cosmetics just came out with a new one! Justina's Gems shares the details in her blog post.
MAKE UP FOR EVER has released two new ULTRA HD complexion products. Christa from Realizing Beauty shares why you might need to add the new Underpainting and Soft Glow to your collection.
