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Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Color Collection: A Review of Gwyneth Paltrow's Makeup Line + Swatches

A couple weeks ago I posted about Gwyneth Paltrow's new Organic Makeup Line with Juice Beauty. Well, I finally was able to test some of the amazing products from the Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Color Collection and can't wait to tell you my thoughts. The amazing thing about this cosmetics line is that the makeup is created with plant-derived pigments, fruit stem cell skincare technology, cold-pressed oils, organic base of botanical juices, waxes, and powders. There are no harsh chemicals, parbens or silicone in the products. Over time, that's better for your health.

As a beauty writer, each week I'm testing A LOT of different products -- trying to find what I like in order to post and share with you gals here. Whether it's products sent to me, ones I purchase, or just test at the counter – the truth is always in the testing. I'm so happy to have found some new makeup staples that are organic and I can use daily without guilt.

Let's talk mascara. I've always wanted to go for a more natural version because mascara is used so close to my eyes and I know those little bits get in there sometimes. Second, I'm pretty picky when it comes to mascara because I need them to hold the curl well for the day. The The Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara ($22) is just amazing. It's all about the wand. Not only do my lashes look longer after I apply it, it really keeps my lashes curled and holds it for the rest of the day. I read on Fashionista that the beauty team had to work hard to find a mascara brush that Paltrow and her makeup artist loved. Well, I'm so glad they did because this brush really does wonders for my lashes! I'll be purchasing this on repeat!

The Phyto-Pigments Precision Eye Pencil ($20) is a fantastic compliment to the mascara. It comes in three shades: Black, Brown and Charcoal which is the shade I have. I love that it glides on creamy and really lines my eyes well. It's buildable so you can have a light touch for a light look, or build it on for a more intense eye. I need to get this in black now!

For the face, the Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer ($36) is beyond amazing. it goes on really smooth and immediately you see the illuminating glow in your skin. It works really well in conjunction with the Flawless Foundation ($42) which comes in ten shades. You have to know how amazing it is to have a primer and foundation that doesn't contain any silicones in it. The foundation goes on light and smooth. I have been blending it in with my Beauty Blender and it works perfectly. I would say it's light to medium coverage and is buildable. I really like how light it feels. If you are someone who wears foundation everyday, please give this a try because it's so much better for you as well as your skin.

This is the shade I have in Cream which works really well for light Asian skin with yellow undertones.

Here are all the foundation shades:

• Fair - porcelain; for very light skin with neutral undertone
• Buff - for very light skin with yellow undertone
• Cream - for light skin with yellow undertone
• Rosy beige - for light skin with pink undertone
• Sand - for light to medium skin with yellow undertone
• Medium Tan - for light to medium skin with neutral undertone
• Golden Tan - medium skin with yellow undertone
• Medium Tawny - medium to deep skin with golden undertone
• Tawny - deep skin with pink undertone
• Deep - deep skin with golden undertone

Now on to the lippies! I love experimenting with lip colors and textures. Lipstick is another item that we should all invest in a natural and organic version. Can you even imagine how much lipstick or gloss we have swallowed over all the years? I don't event want to think about it. The new line has a lot of lip products for you to try from glosses to balms. I got to test out four of them and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of color. I also thought that overall the packaging was comparable to a brand like Clinique and the prices are really affordable so there's no excuse to not pick up a handful of colors for your makeup bag.

Phyto-Pigments Liquid Lip ($24)

The Liquid Lip are really pigmented lip color using the highest concentration of plant-derived Phyto-Pigments.

Phyto-Pigments Sheer Lip Gloss ($22)

I love layering lipstick with gloss and this Sheer Lip Gloss is a total fav of mine. There are three shades and I have it in the shade Bikini. I love the nude look it gives me when I layer it over the Lip Crayon in Caramel or Satin Lip Cream in Blush.

Here's a swatch of the Liquid Lip in Chelsea (burgundy) and Kate (pink) as well as the Sheer Lip Gloss in Bikini.

Phyto-PIgments Luminous Lip Crayon ($22)

These lip crayons come in eight shades and are very light and sheer. It's enough light color for those that want a subtle look but they were very light and not too moisturizing. If you need more of a creamy texture, I found the lipsticks to be more moisturizing. But layering the sheer lip gloss over this crayon was just perfect!

A swatch of the Lip Crayon in Pebble and Caramel.

Phyto-Pigments Satin Lip Cream ($24)

There are eight shades of this wonderful creamy lipstick which includes an infusion of age-defying serum which will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines around your lips. I love the pigment and plan to pick up a few more colors.

A swatch of the Satin Lip Cream in Merlot and Blush (great nude lip!).

(Photo Warwick Saint)

I'm blown away by Gwyneth Paltrow's Phyto-Pigments Color Collection. It's a perfect collection for an everyday face. If I could only purchase one product, it would have to be the mascara. I don't think I could live without the mascara now! I plan to purchase the Phyto-Pigments Flawless Finishing Powder ($26) and the Correcting Concealer ($18) as these are part of my daily makeup needs. Their blush and bronzer are currently out of stock but will be back soon.

Overall the prices are really good for a natural, organic brand and I think it's a good start at giving a shake up to mainstream cosmetics. Hopefully, we'll see less and less chemicals and additives in our beauty products but for now, I'm looking forward to all of Juice Beauty's future cosmetic developments and look forward to trying them out!

Shop Gwyneth Paltrow's Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Color Collection at juicebeauty.com.

Review products were provided by Juice Beauty.

Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub and Lip Balm

If there ever was a time for dry flaking lips, now's the time in this middle of winter season. Thankfully Clinique has popped in for Spring 2016 a colorful solution – their new Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub & Lip Balm ($19.50). These adorable Sweet Pots are dual-sided: one side is a sugar-smoothing scrub and the other is a moisturizing sheer colored lip balm. The balm comes in 6 shades. The sugar scrub goes on smoothly and is not harsh at all as the crystals are very fine. Just tissue off the excess scrub after you have gently worked them into your lips. Clinique mentions that you can use the sugar scrub up to three times a week. I have the shades Red Velvet and the Sweet Rose. The sheer tinted balm is really luxuriously moisturizing. I love the wonderful small hint of color to the lips too. These little candy-colored Sweet Pots are just so adorable and pretty, definitely give them a try!

Purchase the Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub & Lip Balm at clinique.com.

Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick

I've been a huge fan of Clinique's Chubby Sticks for years and now they've come up with something new in their Chubby family. Just launched is the new Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick ($24 at Clinique). This is a wonderfully creamy stick foundation that goes on light and really blends into the skin. It's buildable but I would say the coverage is sheer to medium, which works perfectly for me. I have it in 07 Capacious Chamois which blends in perfectly with my skintone. (There are ten shades in all.)

I also like to use it as sort of a light concealer since it can be sheer, I can wear it it in certain areas of my face sometimes (i.e. my nose and chin). You can just stroke the stick on your face and gently blend in with your fingertips. Lastly, this is the perfect foundation to keep in your handbag. It's not going to leak like a liquid foundation and since it's a stick, doesn't take up as much room as a compact.

Purchase the Clinique Chubby in the Nude Foundation Stick at clinique.com.

Review product provided by Clinique.

Dana Rebecca Designs Jewelry on Sale at Bloomingdales

I've been a huge fan of the delicate jewelry of Dana Rebecca Designs for years now. I have been wearing my Lauren Joy Mini Necklace for almost five years now. I never take it off and I constantly get compliments on it! Last week, the two rings I ordered on Bloomingdales arrived. I picked up the Diamond Lauren Joy Double Ring in 14K Rose Gold (On sale for $356, originally $660) and the Diamond Double Bar in 14K Yellow Gold (On sale for $297, original $550). I wear them both together or alone and they are just so stunning on. I actually got an extra 15% off as a Bloomingdale's Loyalist sale was happening that weekend as well. I lucked out on this sale and it's still going on! There are actually quite a few amazing Dana Rebecca pieces on sale right now so I thought I would spread the word!

Here are some of of my favorites of the Dana Rebecca sale jewelry:

Jennifer Yarnia Necklace with Diamonds in 14K Rose Gold (On sale for $453.60, originally $840)

Diamond Combo Ring in 14K Yellow Gold (On sale for $445, originally $825)

Diamond Double Bar Ring in 14K Rose Gold (On sale for $297, orginally $550)

Emily Sarah Necklace with Diamonds in 14K Yellow Gold (On sale for $356.40)

DL1961 Margaux Jeans: The Perfect Skinny Jeans!

Last month, I shared my Rakuten Bonus Box where I received a pair of DL1961 Jeans. I chose the Riley Jean (now on sale), a figure flattering boyfriend jean that I have been wearing so much lately. Well, I've been loving them so much that I knew I needed another pair. I chose the DL1961 Margaux Jean in Winter ($178 at DL1961). I love the dark wash and the 28" inseam means I don't need to take the jeans to the tailor to get them shortened! Hurrah!

The Margaux is just *the* perfect skinny jean. With the four way stretch that DL1961 jeans have, they are my most comfortable skinny jean ever. They look sexy on and feel so comfortable! This style comes in a variety of washes so don't be surprised if I pick up more of these fabulous jeans. It's worth the splurge! There's free shipping for all orders over $100 or more on DL1961.com.

Here are more DL1961 Margaux Jeans picks:

Margaux in Monsoon ($188)
Washable Black Wax Coated Denim

Margaux in Blizzard (On sale for $125)

Margaux in Breeze (On sale for $125)

Margaux in Cole (On sale for $125)

Shop for more jeans at DL1961.com.

NARS Spring 2016 Color Collection: Nouvelle Vogue

Is anyone else so looking forward to spring?! With all this rainy weather we've been having in the Bay Area, it's hard to believe that in just a couple months, we'll get the sun back on our side. Luckily enough, we can start prepping with the new Spring 2016 Color Collection from NARS called Nouvelle Vogue.

I was so excited to be able to try some of the new products and colors. The Lip Gloss in Vida Loca ($26) is a limited edition Guava color that I can only explain is a perfect light peachy nude that reminds me of JLo. I can wear this alone, on top of my NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien or the new Spring color lipstick, Rosecliff (soft rose). It's definitely my favorite shade of lip gloss now!

There are two new spring shades of the Satin Lipstick ($28). I have it in Rosecliff which is a nice soft rose and a perfect nude lipstick. I love this subtle color that is just so perfect for spring. It also works amazingly well with the lip gloss. There is also a deeper muted red color called Banned Red.

I mean you can't go wrong with NARS blushes and this new NARS Blush in the shade Impassioned ($30) gives your cheeks a really healthy looking glow in a Pink Orchid shade.

Finally, I really adore the small compact size of the Duo Eyeshadows. This spring, the new shades really warm up the lids. I have been wearing the NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Hammamet ($35) non-stop for the last few days. The colors are a perfect matte beige that I wear all over my lids and then highlight with the Bronzed Rose color.

Take a peek of the entire NARS Nouvelle Vogue Spring 2016 Color Collection at narscosmetics.com.

Review products were provided by NARS Cosmetics.

New NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint with Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I love wearing tinted moisturizer and this new NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint ($44) is just a perfect pick-me-up for drab winter skin. The skin tint comes in 12 shades from light to dark. You can see all the shade swatches online. I wear Alaska - light 2 with a neutral balance of pink and yellow. The Velvet Matte Skin Tint has a soft-matte and light finish on the skin. I really love how light it feels on the skin and how it immediately gives me an easy, even skin tone. I have been applying it with my fingers all over my face or sometimes I like blending it in with my pink Beauty Blender. What's great is that your skin is also protected with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

Find out more about the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint at narscosmetics.com.

Review sample provided by NARS Cosmetics.

Monica Vinader Siren Rings

I've become obsessed lately with browsing jewelry, especially pretty rings. The new Monica Vinader Siren Rings caught my eye. I love the beautiful stones and the rose gold. The come in a variety of sizes so you can wear them alone or stack smaller ones. The rings are 18ct Gold Plated Vermeil on Sterling Silver and range in price from $130-345 for the collection. The prices include taxes and import duties and there is free global shopping included.

Here are some of my favorites:

Siren Small Stacking Ring ($110)

Siren Stacking Ring ($130)

Siren Stacking Medium Ring ($135)

Siren Medium Stacking Ring ($150)
in Rose Gold

Siren Cocktail Round Ring ($330)

Shop more rings and jewelry at monicavinader.com.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Organic Makeup Line with Juice Beauty Arrives

(Photo: Warwick Saint)

It's finally here! The much anticipated cosmetics line from Gwyneth Paltrow and Juice Beauty has arrived. Last summer I had the chance to meet Juice Beauty founder Karen Behnke (post here) and she mentioned to me that they were working on this exciting new venture with Gwyneth who is the Creative Director of this beauty collection. The Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Color Collection features 78 antioxidant-rich makeup products that are powered by certified organic ingredients such as botanical juices, waxes and powders infused with natural whole Phyto Pigments, age-defying serum and cold-pressed oils. The price range is also really affordable with makeup running around $20-$48.

Here are some of the products I'm interested in trying out:

Luminous Lip Crayon ($22), Satin Lip Creme ($24), Flawless Pressed Powder ($32),
Last Looks Blush ($24), Ultra-Natural Mascara ($22), Precision Eye Pencil ($20), Flawless Serum Foundation ($42)

The #1 product I want to try is the mascara. I'm hoping it gives me the same volumizing look as my NARS or YSL. It would at least make me feel better to have more natural products near my eyes.

Overall the packaging is just so beautiful and luxe. On par with beauty products at the department store. The eye shadows are shadow sticks so I'm looking forward to see if they come out with eye shadow palettes in the future. On the Juice Beauty site, there are photos of women of different nationalities to better help you choose your foundation or powder shade.

Here's a peek behind the scenes:

(Photo: Warwick Saint)

Purchase the Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Collection online at Juice Beauty and at select Ulta stores.

Obsessed with NARS Lip Pencils + The $6 Sharpener That Will Change Your Life!

NARS Satin Lip Pencil ($26 at Sephora). I have it in a few colors but my favorite is n Rikugien which is a soft rose pink. I'm on my third pencil in Rikugien. Bansar (rose brown) comes in a close second. I do love lipsticks but there's something really amazing about these pencils. They are light and thin and fit well in a small handbag. (Just make sure the cap is closed tightly.)

Since I loved the NARS Satin Lip Pencils so much, I decided to try theNARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($26 at Sephora). I have it in New Lover (gold infused strawberry pink). I love that this is such a pretty light gloss to wear. I sometimes end up layering first Rikugien, then splashing on New Lover to give my lips some vibrant shine.

These NARS lip pencils have been on repeat these past two weeks so I really wanted to share my love for them. They are perfect to wear alone or to top off with lip balm or lip gloss. The only thing annoying about these pencils is that they are actually real pencils. Which means you have to sharpen them. For a long time I was using a Lancome sharpener. Since these are fatter pencils, you need a sharpener that will fit them. My Lancome sharpener was annoying because I would have to lean over the trash to sharpen because it was uncovered. It wasn't particuarly good for toting around because there would always be a bit of lipstick residue no matter how I cleaned it off. I finally gave in and purchased last week the NARS Pencil Sharpener ($6 at Sephora). This sharpener collects all your pencil shavings in it's secure cover. On the side you can pop out a toothpick like blade cleaner to help clear out the gunk that gets collected around the blade. I can't believe I waited this long to get it!