What's New: Les Voyages by diptque

photo credit of diptyque.com

Diptyque has just launched Les Voyages, a travel collection that features some of the best products from their skincare, body care, candles, and fragrance ranges in ready-to-adventure travel sizes. I want all the diptyque minis, please! Read more about this new collection after the jump!

Makeup Stash: Foundations

The main makeup product that I'm most picky about are foundations. Either I can never find one exactly my shade, it oxidizes too much, its too oily, matte, heavy...I seem to find more cons than pros with foundations & I don't know if its because I'm too damn picky or what but, foundation is kind of a big deal when it comes to makeup (& mascara, but thats for another post, another day) & so I think for me, that justifies me being so picky about them. I do heavy research before I go out & commit to buying any one foundation, because 1. they are expensive, usually & 2. for reasons stated above. The research I do means reading reviews, watch YouTube videos, the like.

Its also rare that I ever finish one up completely; the last one I did was Dior's 'Diorskin Nude BB Creme', which since I have repurchased but, I've also noticed that it oxidizes awfully pink on my skin now, & I don't know why. I've come to put that on the back shelf, sadly. I will tell you why I loved it though: it never felt heavy, it gave light coverage (BB creme after all) but it didn't separate, never irritated, & lasted for a good part of the day (with work thrown in between). Its sad that I can't use it anymore, I may try again during the fall/winter months, but thats a debate I need to take on myself.

Another BB Creme, which was a bit of a surprise to me on how much I ended up loving it, is the Physicians Formula 'Argan Wear Renew BB Cream'. Its this thick, hydrating & softening foundation that just sits on my combo skin lovely. Even though its a bit thicker in consistency than I'd normally like, in no way does it feel that way. There is a bit of a fragrance to this, but it fades away. Like Dior, I've never run into any issues on this one, & the fact that its super affordable, it will be a constant repurchase again & again & again...

Moving away from BB Cream's now...

The next 2 may not surprise many and I won't make this too lengthy due to the fact that you can find so many reviews & videos on these products. Chanel's 'Vitalumière Aqua Foundation' & Giorgio Armani's 'Luminous Silk Foundation': Both are standout foundations. If you want more of a medium-to buildable-full coverage, Chanel's your best bet out of the two. They both settle on the skin very smooth. Armani is less watery of the two; you really got to shake up the Chanel one before use or it will get slippery. I do notice that Armani clings to dry parts of my face at times, just a note for more drier skins. Also, these two give a more 'dewy' look to the skin so, if you're on the oily side, these probably shouldn't be your top picks but, maybe a matte primer or moisturizer before applying may help subdue that part. I will say that I do love the Armani one just a bit more, only because I was able to find practically my exact skin color in a bottle, which is like HOW WOW FANTASTIC THANK YOU. A lot of positive feelings here.

Clarins' 'Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation': Its about medium, buildable coverage & consistency, probably almost or just as thick as the PF's 'Argan Wear'. Like the 'Argan Wear', the bit of thickness doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I found that a light moisturizer/primer works best underneath this foundation for best longevity & less of a chance of it breaking apart on. I noticed the first few times using it, it had the tendency to do this, mostly in my more oily areas & cling to drier patches, but hasn't since I started incorporating a lighter moisturizer (currently like to use Diptyque's 'Protective Moisturizing Lotion' underneath). I also like applying this with a particular makeup brush, Lancome's 'Foundation brush #2'; this flatter type of brush really helps this foundation disperse evenly and smoothly onto the skin for a marvelous application and look.

A little side-note, like most Clarins products, this does have a fragrance to it. Its not overly strong and  doesn't stay on the skin for very long...yet, if you are very sensitive to fragrances, I may read the ingrediegents list first and/or stay a way from this one, just to be safe. With that said though, I do really love using this and I have been picking this up more lately because it's been outstanding in Florida's summer heat and humidity. It gives such a nice, subtle, radiant look. Its not overly dewy or luminous (which can look more oily than luminous for those prone to oiliness). I'm rarely ever disappointed with Clarins, & this is no exception.

Top 5 Fave Facial Masks, #1...Diptyque's Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay

If you follow my instagram, you know the love that I have for this mask is real, SOOOO real. Like, this mask is #1 on the list because its literally the #1 best exfoliating mask/scrub/magic I've ever put on my face, period. Thats a lot to say about ONE product, but this is literally my most favorite product from all the skincare I own/use/love. 

In a beautifully designed ceramic 3.4 fl oz white jar, there is this beautiful clay-marble-apricot kernel oil concoction inside that makes my face feel and look like its the first time I've ever cleansed my face before...words are becoming difficult now as I type this, but this love is real guys. Its a thick mask, not as thick as the Freeman Beauty's 'Avocado & Oatmeal' (see previous post) but its just enough to not take more than you need (no wasting!). It applies evenly on the skin to perfection as well, naturally. The smell may not be for everyone, though I personally don't mind it, but a scent is there nonetheless; its more on the 'medicinal'-esque side of the fragrance spectrum.

For removal: I massage it in for a few seconds first to activate the exfoliator, then take a damp washcloth and remove, easy-breezy. After removal, my skin looks CLEAN, pure, and perfect with nothing being stripped of its naturals. Its just this wonderfully pure feeling; my face feels like weight has been taken off of it and almost lifted at the same time. It helps detoxify & rid of dead skin cells, while building it back up with its shot of nutrients compacted into this small, eloquent jar. The clay can also be used as a facial scrub, not just a mask, which I have tried both ways an equal amount. Both are quite fine, but I much prefer getting my money's worth and leaving this on as a mask and soaking in all its beautiful benefits.

I'm on my second jar already, and though the price point for this multi-purpose product is a bit steep at $65, honestly, its worth every damn penny. If you were curious about trying out Diptyque's skin range and can't decide which product to choose first (if you can't have them all...DREAMING BIG OVER HERE), get this exfoliating clay, its a solid 10 out of 10 if I had a ratings system, ha!

Ok, I feel my love letter to this clay is complete. Links below on where you can pick up this mask for yourself, and the rest of Diptyque's skincare range!

Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay, $65

Diptyque's L'Art du Soin for the Face 

Getting Ready for Summer series, Part II: Favorite Fragrances for Summer

Ah, summer is finally coming upon us...unless you're like me and have been prepping for summertime since it ended last year...anyway, to continue with the Getting Ready For Summer series of posts here, I thought I'd end it on a very lovely, fragrant note. These fragrances wisp me away to a lush, sunny landscape on an island or dewy, colorful garden in the English countryside.

The first one is by candle connoisseur's Diptyque, with their L'Ombre dans l'Eau toilette (125ml pictured). This is my first personal fragrance from the brand and let me tell you, WOW. This scent is absolutely outstanding, and even more so for the summertime because it takes you to a beautiful English garden in a sunny, dewy atmosphere. It settles in beautifully and you only need about 1-2 spirtz to have a scent last for hours (its quite overpowering at first). Even after its faded throughout the day, I still catch little wiffs of it on me & its just oh-so pleasant and calming. This will not leave my side this summer!

My other favorite fragrance for summer is not a perfume or toilette, but a hair mist! I have dry, color-treated hair that I wash every few days, so by day 2 or 3 (before I wash) I like to spray this hair mist by Fekkai, the L'Air de St. Barths Hair Fragrance Mist as a hair refresher. This one takes you to a beautifully, sun kissed island getaway without ever having to hop on a plane (though who doesn't want to take a rendezvous to St. Barths?!). This light, citrus scent smells delightful without being overpowering, with giving a subtle shine & taming of the frizz. I don't combine the two scents together, yet if you aren't in a perfume wearing mood, this is a great, lighter option. I never used hair mists before this, because I would just spray a bit of my perfume but, this adds extra hair benefits that suit well with the summer weather & something I'll be reaching for on those beach days.

What are some of your favorite scents for the summer season?  Let me know in the comments!

Where to Purchase

• Diptyque L'Ombre dans l'Eau toilette
• Fekkai L'Air de St. Barths Hair Fragrance Mist, $20 (receive 15% OFF w/email subscription)

An Inside Look at my Beauté Cabinet

I posted a picture of whats inside my bathroom beauté cabinet  some time ago on my instagram page, though I failed to list what exactly is inside it...than again, characters are limited on instagram just as twitter (expect with a bit more wiggle room), so I couldn't list every single bit. Well, today's post was a spontaneous one, but thought since I have some extra free time to knock out a post today, thought this would be a good one to do. This has changed and been updated a bit since and I won't be going into any descriptions or reviews of these products on this specific post, but I will try my best to direct link every product mentioned with where you can purchase. If you guys would like a post with more in-depth detail(s)/reviews/etc on everything here, leave a comment below on this post or send me a message on instagram or twitter!

Now, let's get on to it...I will be starting from the bottom to top, left to right.

1st shelf: Cleansers/Mists (& 1 eye cream)

• Emma Hardie: Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm, (200g, $78.40)
• Diptyque: Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay, ($65)
• Clarins: Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream (discontinued, bummer)
• Mario Badescu: Chamomile Eye Cream, ($18)
• Institut Esthederm: Osomoclean Hydra-Replenishing Cleansing Milk, (on sale for $25.50)
• Super Facialist Una Brennan: Rose Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (not available in the U.S.)
• Tata Harper: Purifying Cleanser, ($58)
• Clarins: One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, ($35)
• Boscia: Clear Complexion Tonic, ($24)
• Caudalie: Grape Water, ($18)

2nd shelf: Makeup Removers, Tonics, Moisturizers/Creams

• Institut Esthederm: Osmoclean Osmopure Face and Eyes Cleansing Water, (on sale for $32.10)
• Vichy: Purete Thermale 3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Solution, ($17)
• L'Oreal: Clean Artiste Waterproof & Long-Wearing Eye Makeup Remover, ($6.99)
• Sephora Dispense Pump Bottle: Bioderma Sensibio H20, (prices vary)
• Bobbi Brown: Lathering Tube Soap, ($29)
• Pixi: Glow Tonic, ($29)
• Clarins: Toning Lotion with Camomile, ($24)
• Clinique: Mild Clarifying Lotion, ($13.50)
• Institut Esthederm: Osmoclean Hydra-Replenishing Fresh Lotion, (on sale for $25.50)
• Embryolisse: Lait-Crème Concentré, (2.6 oz, $28)
• La Roche-Posay: Toleraine Soothing Protective Skincare, ($28.99)
• Clarins: HydraQuench Cream-Gel, ($49.50)
• Antipodes: Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream, ($36.70)

3rd shelf: Oils, Serums, Masks, Treatments

• Super Facialist Una Brennan: Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil, (not available in the U.S.)
• Bella Mechelle Cosmetics: Citrus Boost Oil Serum, ($10.99; get 15% OFF your first order with promo code 'JBEAUTE', ends 6/20/15)
• Klorane: Smoothing and Relaxing Patches w/Soothing Cornflower, ($21)
• Antipodes: Divine Face Oil, ($27)
• Clarins: Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, ($53)
• Sephora: Pomegranate Eye Mask, ($5)
• Freeman Beauty: Pineapple Enzyme Mask and Facial Clay Mask with Avocado & Oatmeal, ($4.29 each)
• Kypris: Antioxidant Dew, ($67)
• Decléor: Aroma Cleanse Clay & Herbal Cleansing Mask, ($42)
• Super Facialist Una Brennan: Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask, (not available in the U.S.)
• Charlotte Tilbury: Goddess Skin Clay Mask, ($70)
• La Roche-Posay: Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, ($36.95)
• Super Facialist Una Brennan: Vitamin C+ Brighten Glow Boost Skin Serum, (not available in the U.S.)
• Bite Beauty: 5 Night Fix For Lips, ($15)
• Sheyn Skin Co. : Breakout Control Mask & Spot Treatment (sample, full size is $53)