Coquette

April Favorites: YSL, Clarins, Marin Bee + More

Finally it feels like spring for me. I spent last week camping with my daughter and seventy-five third graders in the mountains of Santa Cruz. It was beautiful and meditative to be among redwood trees that were a thousand years old. (Instagram pics: here and here) I didn't wear any makeup that week and kept up with a limited skincare routine. In the day, I wore my moisturizer, SPF 50 and Marin Bee's Lip Repair. I loved how it hydrated my lips and gave me a glossy sheen with a teeny tiny hint of color, thanks to the pomegranate. More on that lip balm below. For sunscreen, While camping, I was using the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Facial Sunscreen with SPF 50. My dermatologist told me that the only sunscreen that works is when it has both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. I'm not 100% sure about it yet -- I feel like it drys out my face (and my daughter's). I'll keep you posted on that one. For now, I am loving the tinted one by KARYNG, that's making my skin look so good.

Enjoy my April favorites!

1. Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain 412 Rose Mix ($36 at Sephora)
I love having a colorful lip color on to boost my mood. I am enjoying this YSL lip product because the color lasts forever. The diamond-head applicator really helps you apply the color on perfectly. My lips don't feel dry at all and I love the soft scent. The color I have 412 Rose Mix is a perfect rose pink color. I love that it stays on for hours and I never have to worry about reapplying my lipstick unless I just finished eating. (full review)

2. KARYNG Complete Broad Spectrum SPF50 ($75 at karyng.com)
This wonderful tinted sunscreen contains both Titanium Dioxide an Zinc Oxide. There's no "sunscreen" smell and the tinted color I have (light/medium) works perfectly with my skin tone. I wish I had brought this on my camping trip but we needed to go light so I just shared sunscreen with my daughter. I like how it also feels matte on my face and doesn't go on all shiny. Really, just about the perfect sunscreen for me right now because it gives me a nice wash of color and doesn't dry out my skin at all! I love that there are no chemicals and made with natural ingredients too. (full review)

3. Clarins Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow ($25 at Clarins USA)
I think you guys know by now how much love I have for these little Clarins eyeshadow pots. I have been using the 09 Silver Rose color the most. Just doing a dab with my fingers over my eyelids to brighten them up. I then line them with a liquid brown liner. It's a very simple look, perfect for everyday. (full review)

4. Marin Bee Lip Repair ($26 at Marin Bee)
I said a lot about this great lip balm in the intro but I wanted to add that the Marin Bee products are natural and made from honey. The California Wildflower Honey gives a natural barrier from environmental toxins and draws moisture from the air to hydrate your skin. So now that you know it's natural, let me tell you how good your lips will look! I love the glossy shine and the tiny hint of color. (full review)

5. Impressions of Paris: An Artist's Sketchbook by Cat Seto ($12.68 on Amazon)
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world and fellow San Franciscan Cat Seto captures it so beautifully with her pretty illustrations. The book is also like a guide to Paris, showcasing some of Seto's favorite places to go. This book is chock full of inspiration, that I like to get lost in it on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Clarins Joli Rouge Brilliant Sheer Lipsticks: New Color Shades for Spring

Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant Lipsticks ($29 at Clarins USA) are moisturizing, sheer lipsticks with a fabulous shine. This spring, there are three new colors added to the collection: 31 Tender Nude, 32 Pink Cranberry and 33 Soft Plum. Each of these colors are beautiful! I've been wearing a lot of Pink Cranberry lately and I love the sheer color and shine. You don't need a lip gloss at all with his lip color which makes carrying it around in your mini bag just perfect! My lips also stay moisturized and soft thanks to the Organic Marsh Samphire Extract and Mango Oil. Clarins' has an exclusive shine booster to get your lips plump and shiny. I really love the makeup by Clarins because you know there are amazing skincare elements in there to help your skin. The color really lasts for me and I love the sweet candy scent.

Here are some swatches for the colors in daylight. From top to bottom: 31 Tender Nude, 32 Pink Cranberry, 33 Soft Plum

Purchase the Clarins Joli Rouge Brillant Lipsticks at Clarins USA.

Review products provided by Clarins

KARYNG Skincare: Replenishing Cleanser + Complete SPF 50

You know how much I love discovering new skincare brands, especially natural skincare, right? Well I just found a new favorite - KARYNG by Dr. Karyn Grossman. Dr. Grossman who has a practice (and new spa services) in Santa Monica, CA and NY has been named one of the five "Hot Derms" by Harper's Bazaar and also listed as a top cosmetic surgeon by the NY Times and Vogue. The skincare line consists of six essential products which she created helps to target the key signs of aging: fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven pigmentation, inflammation and dullness in skin. Her products are 90% natural and 10% science. The products are formulated without parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene or butylene glycols, phthalates, BPA’s,PEG’s, TEA, DEA, GMO, glutens, or synthetic fragrances. The products are vegan and not tested on animals.

I was so excited to be able to test out two of her wonderful products.

I have been using her KARYNG Replenishing Cleanser ($25) each morning (I use an oil cleanser at night) and it's really cleaned my skin without stripping it dry. I really like the subtle citrus smell. The cleanser contains her patented Pro-Verte Complex which is a natural anti-inflammatory complex, Coconut Oil, Coconut Fatty Acid and Glycerin. The pop lid container is easy to open and dispense the cleanser in your hand.

My favorite product is the KARYNG Complete SPF 50 ($75). It is a tinted SPF that comes in two shades: light/medium or medium/dark. I have it in the light/medium and it blends perfectly into my skin. It's a great way to get an even complexion for vacation days in the sun and when you don't want to wear much make up in the summer. It's also a great primer under your makeup too. I find the formula amazing because it doesn't smell like sunscreen. My dermatologist always told me to get sunscreen with both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for real, full production and this is the first tinted sunscreen that I have seen that has both.

I'm looking forward to trying out more of the KARYNG product line. Also in the collection is a Retinol Renewing Serum, an eye cream and night cream. All of the products sell for under $100 each making it easy to stock up on an entire skincare regimen without going broke. I also like how she planned different skincare regimens as examples.

Purchase KARYNG skincare products at KARYNG.com.
(Free shipping on orders over $50)

Review product provided by PR firm

Slip Silk Pillowcases: A Beauty Treat that Works While You're Sleeping

For the last few weeks, I've been sleeping on one of Slip Silk Pillowcase ($79 standard/queen, $99 king). I have to be honest my husband is a little jealous, but I don't care! I typically sleep on my side and I usually wake up with a small crease on my forehead (sometimes one on each side). Ever since I started using the Slip pillow case, no more said creases! I couldn't believe it.

Your regular o' cotton pillow case can actually cause damage to delicate facial skin and hair. Cotton isn't smooth like silk and can scratch your skin while also grabbing your hair and twisting it at the root throughout the night. Hence, the familiar bed head. Slip's purse silk pillowcase is so gentle on your skin and hair, it protects and hydrates your skin while also reducing split ends for your hair.

Honestly I'm hooked. Not only all this, silk just feels soooo soft and luxurious to sleep on. There are lots of colors to choose from to match your bedding. I chose charcoal to match my dark gray sheets and it matches perfectly. Other colors are: gold, pink, white, caramel, and black.

I recommend to purchase these pillowcases at Sephora because they seems to have all of the colors and various sizes in stock right now and you can use this week's current VIB 15% off. You can also purchase these Silk pillowcases at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. Read more about the benefits and reviews on the Slip Silk Pillowcases web site.

Purchase the Slip Silk Pillowcase at Sephora.

Review product provided by PR firm

Personalize Your Pinrose Perfume for the Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Are you looking for a Mother's Day gift or any kind of gift that's different? I love personalized gifts myself and this one I have today is perfect for the beauty lover mom. Pinrose (I featured them in my Valentine's Day roundup last year in Racked SF) now let's you personalize their products with a custom photo of your choosing! You can upload at put any photo of yours onto a bottle of one of their amazing scents (30 ml Eau de Parfum is $60). You can also do this for some of their scented candles too (9oz candle is $50).

Pinrose was nice enough to let me try this out myself. I chose a fragrance from their wide selection and I sent in a photo of my girls, Chloe and Lulu. First off, I had never bought a fragrance without smelling it in person first. I read through all their descriptions and picked Merry Maker. Merry Maker is described as a refreshing nectarine blend and I thought it would be a nice fragrance for spring/summer. I really liked the pictures they put on the mood board for it and I thought it would be a nice, fresh scent.

When my bottle arrived, I couldn't believe how adorable it was to see my two pretty girls on the bottle. But when I smelled it? Instant LOVE!! I have to say their mood board and descriptions are right on if you are choosing a fragrance. Even my husband loves to smell it one me and he's picky on what kids of perfumes I wear. Chloe is so excited when she sees her bottle on my perfume tray in the bathroom. This is the best early Mother's Day gift. Thank you Pinrose!

To purchase a custom perfume or scented candle, visit Pinrose.com.

Review product provided by Pinrose

Clarins Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow Pots: New Shades for Spring

My favorite eyeshadow pots are the Clarins Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow ($25 each at Clarins USA). These eyeshadows are the easiest to wear. You don't need any primer and you can apply the cream-to-power formula with your fingers if you want! I have it in Silver Pink and Silver Plum and love the combination of how they look together. There's a soft, pearlescent glow that's not too shimmery. And of course with Clarins, skincare is always in the mix with ingredients such as Jojoba (moisturizes skin) and Musk Rose (revitalizes skin cells).

This spring there are three new colors added to the collection: Silver White, Silver Grey and Silver Rose. You can see the swatch above to see what it looks like on my skin tone.
I love using the Silver Rose on it's own all over my lid and then I line it with a simple black or brown liquid liner. It's a perfect spring look.

The metallic cap on the pot show you what color is inside which makes it handy when you have a few of these in your makeup drawer. These are my go to eyeshadows that are great for everyday wear and travel perfectly with you when you are on the go!

Pick up the Clarins Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow at ClarinsUSA.com.

Clinique's Special Gift with Purchase at Macy's

From now through April 15th, when you shop at the Clinique counter or online at Macy's get this seven piece gift with purchase for free with any $28 Clinique purchase. This super cute citrus makeup bag is perfect for toting around your beauty goods in your summer beach bag.

Inside you'll find:

• Moisture Surge Extend Thirst Relief


• Rinse off Foaming Cleanser


• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+


• Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara in Black


• Eye and cheek palette in a matching citrus print and lipstick (Choose from: Spring Pinks or Spring Nudes)

Shop Macy's and Clinique now to get your gorgeous 7 piece gift with purchase.

Review products provided by Clinique

Lush Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic

I love a good tunic for spring and the Lush Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic has the perfect drape and high/low hem. Plus want to hear the extra great news? It's on sale right now for $27.90 at Nordstrom (regular price $42). Depending on your size, some colors are not available but I picked it up in white, black and olive green. I picked these three colors because I couldn't decide which color to get. When my package arrived, I tried all three of them on. The top fits so well, I ended up keeping all three. It works with leggings or skinny jeans. You can belt it, tuck the front into your pants, or let it all be free. I love how flowy the material is. It's the perfect transitional spring piece that I can layer now and wear religiously all summer. The black piece is perfect for layering on some jewelry and going out to dinner. At this sale price, definitely pick it up in a few of your favorite colors!

Pick up the Lush Perfect Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic at Nordstrom.