Coquette

My Top 10 Favorite Beauty + Skincare Products for 2015

Hello lovelies! Here's my list of my top ten most favorite beauty and skincare products of 2015. I kept these to just new 2015 items, so there are of course my continual favorites that I have loved for years. I've linked also my previous review posts on these items. Enjoy!

1. NARS Audacious Mascara ($26 at Sephora) {review}

2. Clarins Joli Rouge Moisturizing Long-Wearing Lipstick ($27 at Clarins) {review}
I have been using 731 Rose Berry and 742 Joli Rouge the most!

3. CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight ($22 at Sephora) {review}

4. NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder ($36 at Nordstrom) {review}

5. Chanel Angled Powder Brush #2 ($60 at Chanel.com) {review}

6. CLINIQUE Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer ($18 at Sephora) {review}
I love the shade Love Pop.

7. Clarins Mission Perfection Serum ($72 at Nordstrom) {review}

8. REN Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm ($48 at Sephora) {review}

9. Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($5.97 at Amazon) {review}

10. Cocokind Organic Facial Repair Serum ($12.73 on Amazon) {review}

October Favorites: Rimmel, Clinque, Chanel + More

I'm back after a much needed vacation to Hawaii. I also had some dental surgery last week that left me in very uncomfortable sorts. I'm happy to say all is ok now so I'm back to updating Coquette. Thanks for bearing with me!

1. Rimmel 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Contouring Pencil in 007 Rose Quartz ($3.99 at Ulta)
I have amassed quite a few lip liners recently but I love this Rimmel pencil for it's perfect pinky nude color. For days I don't want to wear much, and for most of my trip in Hawaii, all I would do is line and fill in my lips with this color and then apply either lip balm or a gloss over it. The color is just perfect for me.

2. Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Honey Bunch ($16.50 at Nordstrom)
I love this gloss on top of the Rimmel liner. It's a great light coral color and I love the shine when I have it on. It's not gloopy, just beautiful for natural looking, pretty lips that can brighten your complexion.

3. Chanel Utra Fine Eyeliner Brush #13 ($28 at Chanel.com)
I've rediscovered this Chanel eyeliner brush recently that I have had for over a year now. I am loving the precision of the brush but also that I can get a light line going that's really precise. I wet the brush first and then dab it into the eyeshadow.

4. Acure Argan Oil ($10.79 on Amazon)
My skin is getting temperamental with the onset of the colder weather. I have found it to be getting more dry these days. At night, I've been applying Acure's Argan Oil (after serum) and it's been doing wonders for my skin. I love this brand Acure for it's natural products and recently just bought their shampoo/conditioner. (More on that soon!)

5. Sick in the Head by Judd Apatow ($16.66 on Amazon)
I picked this book up recently because I saw the list of comedians that director/writer Judd Apatow interviews. Now that I'm deep in the book, I can't stop laughing. I never knew that Apatow started these interviews as a 15 year old high school kid who also washed dishes as at a Long Island comedy club. I grew up with a love of comedy and the insight, wisdom and humor in this book make it a really fun read.

August Favorites: Clinique, Chanel + NARS

1. Pacific Face Oil ($110 at True Nature Botanicals)
I just started using the Pacfic Face Oil last week before bed. It's been really hydrating and the soft scent relaxes me before bed. It feels great on my skin. The oil uses therapeutic seed oils and rich marine antioxidants to help moisturize the skin. It's supposed to help large pores shrink and soften up wrinkles. (I'll keep you posted if my pores do in face shrink down!)

2. CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream($14.50 for 1 oz or $26 for 1.7 oz at Sephora)
This new cream from Clinique is like their classic moisturizing lotion except in a moisture-rich cream formula for us dry skin folks. I have been using it periodically in the day for a few weeks and like how it is hydrating but feels light on the skin. Use just the size of a dime for your entire face. What's great is that all of Clinique's products are hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

3. Chanel Brooch ($350 at Chanel Boutiques)
I had been eyeing this brooch since after Christmas but it was sold out everywhere. My SA told me she had just gotten one in a few weeks ago so I immediately went to pick it up. I loved it's smaller size and though it would spruce up even casual outfits like denim. It's a classic piece that I will have for years.

4. NARS Audacious Mascara ($26 at NARS)
This is my everyday mascara. The main reason I love it is that it really makes my lashes long and there's no flaking under my eyelids. The case is just gorgeous too in sleek black with the NARS logo. (See previous Coquette review post.)

5. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain ($16.70 at Amazon)
When I found out Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife had a new book out, I really got excited. This is another fictionalized story of a real person, in this case Beryl Markham and her life in colonial Kenya in the 1920s. Who knew she was part of a love triangle with Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton -- the two who were imortalized in Blizen's memoir Out of Africa. But aside from the stories of romance, the book shows Markham's independent spirit which let her to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic alone. The descriptions of Africa and it's habitat is just so visual, you'll feel like you are there. I know some may disagree, but I enjoyed this book more than The Paris Wife.

June Favorites: Clinique, REN + cocokind

1. Women's Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl Poppyy Espadrille Flat ($49.95 at Nordstrom)
One of the shoes I've been living in this summer are these gold and black espadrilles. If you get over the fact that they are from Kendall & Kylie, you're golden. These shoes are so comfy, stylish and affordable. I had a black pair last summer that I wore to death so I actually bought another black pair this summer as well so I could rotate between these two pairs. (Also available in white and silver.)

2. Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer ($18 at Sephora) I've been wearing the Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer pretty much non-stop for two months now. I have the color Love Pop (13) which is a mid-tone shimmery raspberry. I love the pop of color it gives me and the primer really keeps the color going. My lips are soft and never get flaky. I love the price of these lipsticks and plan to get more! (See previous Coquette review post.)

3. REN Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm 5.1 oz ($48 at Sephora)
I tried the Eve Lom balm and just couldn't stand the smell! This balm also comes with a muslin cloth. I use this every 2-3 days when I do my facial massage routine. It's especially good to get out stubborn eye makeup but I love the smoothness when I need to give myself an all over face massage. (See previous Coquette review post.)

4. Evolvh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo and Evolvh UltraShine Moisture Conditioner ($24 and $25 at Credo Beauty)
I haven't done a full review of the Evolvh organic haircare products yet but I have been using them exclusively for the past month. I wash my hair every other day and it no longer looks greasy by the end of the 2nd day. I love the fresh scent and that it really cleans your hair without adding extra stuff. This works for all hair types. If you are in SF, pick them up at the new natural/organic beauty store Credo where you can also purchase the sample size to try them out. I'm almost done with my sample size and am about to go buy the full size soon. The small sizes last and are perfect for when you're traveling. (See previous Coquette post on Credo Beauty.)

5. Cocokind Organic Facial Repair Serum ($13.99 at Cocokind)
I am sort of a serum addict and I love trying new ones, especially in the realm of natural and organic skincare. I picked this new to me brand up at Whole Foods and have since gone on to pick up their divine Rosewater Toner. The serum includes virgin coconut oil, organic avocado oil and organic rosehip oil. I have used it for the past month on these tiny white bumps on my 6 year old's face and now they are almost all gone. Believe in the miracle of coconut oil! (See previous Coquette review post.)

April Favorites: NARS, Radical Skincare, Chanel + Clinique

Hello lovelies! My monthly favorites are back on track. I have been trying out lots of skincare these past couple of weeks and I hope to post up some reviews soon.

1. NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover ($26 at Sephora)
On a whim I decided to try the NARS Velvet Lip Gloss pencil since I love their Satin Lip Pencils. Well bad idea because I really love these sheer glosses even more. The color is just perfect with not too much shimmer and none of the gloop of regular lip glosses in tubes. New lover is a sheer pink (almost like a nude) with some gold shine. I think ti's a perfect color for spring as the golden shine helps to warm up your complexion. It's great for everyday wear and isn't too bright or distracting.The only downside is that it's a pencil you actually have to sharpen so make sure it's sharp before you put it in your handbag!

2. Radical Skincare Hand and Nail Multi-Repair Creme ($55 at Radical Skincare)
I use this cream everyday, at least a couple times a day. I love that it immediately soaks into my skin and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. In fact, my hands feel so much softer lately because of this cream. What's great is that there are special anti-aging ingredients to also help reduce the signs of aging like spots and winkles. They also feel extra great massaged around my cuticles. (See previous post.)

3. Chanel Angled Powder Brush #2 ($60 at Chanel.com)
I use this brush everyday and I only wish I had splurged and gotten it earlier. You can only get this angled brush online at Chanel.com or in a Chanel boutique. They don't sell them at the Chanel beauty counters. Don't ask me why because this is the best brush to apply bronzer and to do subtle contouring. (See previous post.)

4. CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight ($21 at Sephora)
I can't get over how easy it is to highlight with this Clinique Chubby Stick. It literally takes me seconds to get a really cool healthy glow on my face each day. I'm obsessed! (See previous post.)

5. Women's Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Egyptian ($16.50 at Nordstrom)
I love that I am finally straying away from black or true brown liners. This liner is a beautiful dark green color with gold flecks. These gold flecks really bring out the brown in my eyes and make my eye makeup pop! On days I don't do much, I love just putting on this eyeliner and mascara and I'm good to go. (See previous post.)

February Favorites: Clarins, Acure, Tarte, NARS + Simple Skincare

1. Clarins 'Instant Light' Lip Balm Perfector ($23 at Nordstrom)
Each spring, I lust over what new lip product Clarins has to offer and this season, does not disapoint. I have long been a fan of the Clarins Instant Light gloss and this new lip balm, makes your lips look glossy with out any stickiness. Get fuller and hydrated lips with this new formula containing hyaluronic acid. Comes in 6 shades but I am wearing the shade Red a lot. It looks like a glossy berry color on the lips. The skinny lipstick tube shape is perfectly compact for your spring mini bag too! (See previous Coquette post on the new Clarins spring collection.)

2. Acure Marula Oil ($16.48 at Amazon)
I have been a huge fan of Acure's Argan Oil for a while now. When the woman working the skincare aisle at Whole Foods told me that the Marula Oil has more vitamins and nutrients than Argan Oil. This oil is perfect to really hydrate the skin which I needed from those dry winter days. I actually wear it at night and forgo the notion of wearing a night cream. My skin feels soft and I've had no breakouts from using this oil.

3. tarte Lights Camera Lashes™ Inner Rim Liner ($19 at Sephora)
I don't use eyeliner on my lower eyelid so the notion that I would line my inner rim with a nude eyeliner is completely new to me. This inner rim liner is perfection and makes your eyes look so much brighter and energetic. I love how it compliments my eye makeup and just subtly brings out all the pretty. (See previous Coquette post on the Tarte Inner Rim Liner.)

4. Women's NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder ($36 at Nordstrom)
I haven't used a loose powder in years and yet I have been using this NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder everyday. I actually love wearing it just with moisturizer under because it gives me a smooth finish even for days I want to look makeup free. It's weightless and takes away any shine on my face. I usually just dab it on my forehead, nose and my cheeks. (See previous Coquette post on NARS.)

5. Simple Micellar Cleanser ($6.89 at Amazon)
I finally found a micellar cleanser that is better than the French Bioderma brand. Why? This one doesn't have any fragrance at all which is a huge plus in my book. I also found that it really took off my makeup well and didn't strip my skin. My skin actually felt soft after I used it. The price point also makes this a huge plus. In fact, I am loving most of the Simple products these days. (See previous Coquette post on Simple Skincare.)

Beauty Favorites from 2014

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I feel so well-rested and ready to take on this year with lots of beauty, skincare and accessories to try. Instead of posting up my December favorites, I thought it would be fun to collect my favorite beauty products from the past year. These are the items I use on a daily and weekly basis and can't live without. Hope you enjoy!

1. NARS Contour Blush in Olympia ($42 at Sephora)
I love this contour duo for it's fine finish. The powder is finely milled and the ivory/rose shades in Olympia blend perfectly into my skin. This set is perfect for daily use. I like that the color is just matte without any shimmer or sparkles in the highlight. Also available in Paloma (pink/deep rose) and Gienah (honey/amber). (Read more from my post in April.)

2. Dior Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm ($27 at Sephora)
There's just something so wonderful about this lip balm. It keeps your lips hydrated without getting that overly oiled feeling on your lips and I love the soft rose scent. I use it every night and this small container lasts. Mine has been going strong since last May and from the looks of it, I probably have two more months of use. It is worth the price! (Read more from my post in May.)

3. Radical Skincare Advanced Peptide Antioxidant Serum (0.5 oz) ($95 at Sephora)
This year I was introduced to Radical Skincare and it's made a huge difference in my skin. It's one of the best anti-aging skincare products out there with 13 ingredients to repair your skin. I have sensitive skin and have had no issues at all with it. I also love how it makes my skin feel more hydrated and "plumped". (Read more from my post in September.)

4. Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 25 1N1 Ivory Nude One Size ($45 at Nordstrom) and Women's Estee Lauder Sculpting Foundation Brush ($45 at Nordstrom)
Ever since I was introduced to this foundation at the Estee Lauder foundation, I go to it again and again. The coverage is so light and I like that it contains both SPF and skincare properties with their Perfectionist serum. I also love the new foundation brush which helps me really get a light coverage all over my face. Tinted moisturizers don't do much coverage at all for me. This foundation is the best of both worlds. It's light coverage makes it feel like I have no makeup on and people keep telling me how great my skin looks. It's a win-win. (Read more from my post in October.)

5. Jo Malone 'Wood Sage & Sea Salt' Cologne 3.4 oz ($60 1 oz, $120 3.4 oz at Nordstrom)
This fresh scent is just one that I go to on a daily basis. It's light and clean smelling. Great for those who like soft fragrances that don't overpower you. (Read more in my post from September.)

6. Women's Shiseido 'The Makeup' Eyelash Curler ($19 at Nordstrom)
My lashes forever changed that one day in May when I was at the Chanel counter in Bloomingdales. These curlers are an updated version of what the cult favorite Shu Uerma lash curlers were. (Read more in my post from May which includes the technique I learned on how to curl your lashes.)

7. Women's Shiseido Facial Cotton ($9.50 at Nordstrom)
I can never go back to regular cotton pads again! Shiseido Facial Cotton is like Egyptian cotton sheets for your face. It is extra sooooft! Taking off makeup, especially eye makeup will be easy and you'll feel good to know you are being as gentle as you can with the delicate skin on your face. Each pack comes with 165 pads which lasts for months and months. I just bought a new pack in late November after buying my first one in June. (Read more in my post from June.)

8. Burberry Beauty Lip Definer Pencil No. 05 Brick Red One Size ($30 at Nordstrom)

I'm a new convert to lining my lips. Not only does it makes my lipstick color last longer, I like experimenting how pairing one lip liner shade with another lip color and gloss will change the final color in the end. I love the Burberry lip liner because it lines easily on my lips so I'm not dragging my skin too much. It comes with it's own pretty sharpener too. (Read more in my Burberry Beauty post from November.)

October Favorites: Celine, Aerin + Burberry Beauty

1. AERIN Beauty Rose Balm Lipstick in 07 Geranium ($30 at Nordstrom)
I love my new Aerin lipstick that I've been wearing most of the month. The color Geranium looks darker in the photo than it really is. The color is a universally flattering mauve color that brings in a lot of pink. It brightens up my face and the rose balm has a soft rose sent that is very soothing. The gold case is also very luxe and it doubles as a mirror for me to apply my lipstick.

2. Celine Trio, Size small in Black (650€ in Europe, $1050 in U.S.)
I picked this up in August at Brown Thomas in Dublin, Ireland. It was something I had been lusting after for a couple of years and with the whole exchange rate and VAT tax back in Europe, it was a no brainer for me to get! Also, the store had 1 small black in stock. Kismet, right?! Even as I was about to go to Paris, I didn't want to risk it being out of stock. I've been using it everyday (minus a few here and there when I needed a big tote) since I've gotten it and it can hold a lot of daily essentials. I will do a full review on it soon. In the U.S., you can get Celine at Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Saks and Bergdorf Goodman as well as Celine boutiques.

3. Eve Lom Muslin Cloths ($20.50 for pack of 3 at Amazon)
I really wasn't a fan of the Eve Lom Cleansing Balm but I loved the muslin cloth that it came with so much that I ended up buying more. I gently pat my face clean after washing and it helps exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin cells.

4. Burberry Beauty Nude Glow Complete Eye Palette ($60 at Nordstrom)
I just rediscovered my love for Burberry Beauty with this eyeshadow quad. I always remembered that their eyeshadows were very finely milled and wanted to invest in a basic brown palette that was easily portable. I love how light this looks on my eyelids and that it's also very buildable too. You can use the shadows wet or dry and the pigmentation is just want I want. Light color that is perfect for everyday. I just love how soft it looks on my eyes, really creating a natural nude look. I plan on doing a full review on my recent Burberry Beauty purchases complete with swatches. Look for that soon!

5. Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange ($16.92 on Amazon)
Former Chanel mode and muse, Ines de la Fressange brings Parisian style to the masses in this wonderful style book. It also reads like a great Paris travel guide with tips on where to shop and eat. You can read my post about her recent collaboration with Uniqlo here.

September Favorites: Chanel Eyeshadow, Acure Argan Oil + Outlander

I'm a little late this month with my favorites from September but I am happy to post them now and get myself going on this monthly routine. I skipped August because I was mostly in Europe so my favorites from last month will also include a couple of things I really loved from my trip (Chanel palette and Maybeline concealer). Enjoy!

1. Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow ($61 at Nordstrom)
On my summer trip, I only brought this eye shadow palette and a few eyeliners to take me through three countries and multiple evenings of dinner in Paris. I even some times apply it with the applicators it comes with because according to makeup genius Lisa Eldrige, these new velvety applicators can give you a different look. I love how buildable the shadows are and I don't get a lot of powder fallout under my eyes. The palette I bought was 204 Tisse Vendome which looks darker in this image here so check it out in person. I love the soft coral color on my lids that works well with the onset of fall. Major love!

2. Acure Argan Oil ($12.99 at Drugstore.com)
I picked this wonderful argan oil at Whole Foods and it's a much cheaper than Josie Maran's. (I could swear the price there was around $11.99 there.) Filled with rich Vitamin E, this is super food for your skin! With essential fatty acids and proteins, argan oil is said to be "liquid gold". It can repair skin, minimize scars and stretch marks, while restoring skin tone and elasticity. I use it at night on top of my whole routine to "set" it all in. It's left the usually dry skin on my forehead incredibly soft!

3. Radical Skincare Instant Revitalizing Mask ($65 at Sephora) Anything that bubbles like champagne is a good thing, no? Especially when it bubbles on your face so you can see where it's working to clean your skin. My face feels refreshed and hydrated after. I love doing this a couple times a week now!

4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Treatment Concealer ($7.39-$7.99 at Target)
I love this drugstore find for its spongy tip that lets me dab concealer under my eyes like a 5 year old art project. j/k! Seriously, the wide sponge is great to just take away those dark circles and eliminates me from having to have an extra step with a brush. I simply pat it through lightly with my fingers to blend it in after. I picked a lighter shade 215 Fair/Light to have a brightening effect on my face.

5. Outlander on STARZ
If you need a good TV show to get addicted to look no further than Outlander on the STARZ cable network. It's sci-fi meets period romance, if that even makes sense. Ok then how about hot men in kilts? The story centers around Claire Randall a former WWII combat nurse who travels back in time to 1743 Scotland thanks to touching an ancient stone circle. Yes it makes no sense but the story somehow does and you will get sucked in. Plus, you'll love her chunky knits she wears on the show. See if you can catch the first eight episodes via On Demand since the rest of Season 1 resumes on April 4, 2014. Of course the TV show is based on author Diana Gabaldon's series of books in the 90's so you can pick up the Outlander novel to tide you over to April.

July Favorites: Clarins, David Sedaris and Getting Organized

I thought I would start a new monthly post featuring my top 5 favorites from the past month. A sort of quick list of things that I want to share with you lovelies. Some I have posted about before and some I plan on posting more in detail about in the future. Enjoy!

1. Edison Collection from The Container Store (now on sale from $4.99-13.99)
I just got a smaller compact desk for my loft space and spruced up the shelves with these colorful pieces from the Edison collection. I decided to mix and match the colors to make it look more fun. It's been so functional as I have a place for everything which then keeps my desk clutter free.

2. Clarins Lip Balm Crayons - Limited Edition ($20 at Bloomingdales)
These are probably my favorite thing this summer. I pretty have been rotating between my three colors and just bought the coral color last week that I was missing. It's just the right amount of light color on your lips and it keeps them moisturized for hours. I love the crayon shape which makes it so portable in my small cross body bag I use for summer. They are off the Clarins site now but I found that Bloomingdales has all the colors. (Bloomingdales at the SF Westfield just got a shipment at their counters.) See my previous Coquette post.

3. Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder ($30 at Sephora)
I wasn't sure if I was ready to shell out a powder by Too Faced but if you look beyond the plastic packaging, the powder is a perfect one for summer. It's so lightweight and it't just keeps you looking smooth. A little goes a long way and I usually dab my powder brush in there once and gently brush over my face. Unlike other powders, this one comes with a little pad which makes this perfect to put in your handbag when you are on the go and want to be shine free.

4. Clarins Shaping Facial Lift ($80 at Clarins)
I really can't stop raving about the new Clarins Shaping Facial Lift. This updated formula helps contour your facial contours, defines cheekbones and visibly lifts the jawline. See my previous Coquette post.

5. Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris ($17 paperback, $9.99 Kindle version on Amazon)
It's been a busy summer and I've been trying to read more and watch less Netflix on my iPad. To get me into the reading spirit, I couldn't have jumped back easier than with my old favorite David Sedaris. His blend of humor, wit and unforseen circumstances make his everyday life hilarious to read. You can't miss the first story about going to the dentist in France. The short story format makes it easy to pick up each night. I laughed out loud through most of this book while also annoying my husband in the process.