January Beauty Favorites

January 31, 2018

11 January Must-Have Beauty Favorites

1. Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm, $60

2. Kat Burki PH & Enzyme Essence, $100

3. Kat Burki Form Control Marine Collagen Gel, $150

4. Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Moisturizer, $99

5. Urban Decay Cosmetics Troublemaker Eyeshadow Palette, $25

6. Dome Beauty Eye Brush Set, $65

7. Pixi by Petra MatteLast Liquid Lip in 'Really Rose', $14

8. KORRES Greek Yoghurt Under Eye Priming Moisturiser, $36

9. Madam Glam New York Gelementary in 'Teacher's Pet', $12

10. Herbal Dynamics Beauty Rose Water Calming Face Toner, $20

11. Neon & Co. Body Oil, $32

Phew! To be quite honest, I've been so busy I didn't think this beauty post would go up today but I burned the midnight oil because I was too excited to share my January beauty favorites with you guys! There's a ton of skincare going on here today because let's 'face' it (ha ha ha sometimes I think I'm 'p'unny) the harsh winter months wreak havoc on to our skin. I've got all sorts of goodies to keep your skin hydrated and glowing, on top of a really cool eyeshadow palette that's a bit of a Troublemaker, an amazing new nail polish where I also found my perfect nude shade color, and a body oil that's the best I've ever had. Continue reading to learn more about these amazing beauty products! Happy (Almost) February! ----> [Insert: One crazy, hectic month for moi.]

1. KAT BURKI VITAMIN C NOURISHING CLEANSING BALM

Repairs, renews and illuminates skin using a reparative combination of 15% STAY C (Vitamin C), Camu Camu berry, Gotu Kola and seven reparative Cold Processed Oils: Coconut, Sunflower, Jojoba, Rose Hip Seed, Olive, Avocado and Cranberry Seed. Helps repair the signs of aging, increases skin plumpness, prevents dryness, brightens skin, retains moisture, cleanses skin and removes stubborn makeup/mascara. Some of you may have seen a mini-episode of me using this cleansing balm on Insta-Stories and it took makeup off when I thought I had a thoroughly clean face! This is after washing with a different cleanser. I'm thinking of sharing it on my Highlights on Instagram. What do you guys think? Yay or nay?

2. KAT BURKI PH & ENZYME ESSENCE

Rarely addressed, our skin is best (and looks best) when its ph (potential hydrogen) level is mid-level to acidic – alkaline ratio, 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). The skin’s barrier (acid mantle) is responsible for keeping lipids and moisture locked in as well as protecting against pollutants, toxins, and bacteria. Optimizing the skin’s ph level is an important step towards overall skin health and protection from environmental damage and the aging process.
Kat Burki created a unique complex of ph balancing ingredients. Fruit enzymes help to resurface the acid mantle. Once a strong barrier function is achieved, secondary conditions, such as hyperpigmentation and weakened elasticity can be addressed. Healthy acid mantle maintains moisture and keeps skin soft and smooth. Antioxidant dense turmeric strengthens while vitamin C from orange hydrosols, pumpkin seed oil, and papaya support collagen to maintain skin structure and firmness. I use it as a toner after cleansing my face am & pm. I'm not a huge fan of the smell, but after having used it consistently, you get accustomed to it after a while. I find it to be one of the best balancers when it came to skin tone, overall hydration, and bounce. I wish they made one in travel-size!

3. KAT BURKI FORM CONTROL™ MARINE COLLAGEN GEL

Clinically proven to transform your skin, this marine collagen gel increases skin’s firmness and elasticity. Pure algae Keratin provides essential nutrients while Botanical Hyaluronic Acid fused with Silk Amino Acid Proteins visibly fills in fine lines and wrinkles and increases hydration. 14 known Collagen Boosters not only encourage skin to uptake the Marine Collagen for filling and plumping, but are also proven generators to increase skin’s own collagen production. Further boosted by KB5™ Complex and Reishi Mushroom, Plant Stem Cells provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This gel does wonders and even though is a bit pricey, is worth every penny. My skin hasn't looked this good in I don't even know how long! :)

4. LANCÔME RENERGIE LIFE MULTI-ACTION ULTRA FIRMING & DARK SPOT CORRECTING MOISTURIZER SPF 30

Meet your new moisturizer that breaks all of the rules: Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra. Powered by linseed extract, this moisturizer works to lift, firm, improve wrinkles, and visibly reduce dark spots. (Hi, sun damage & acne scars.) The quick-absorbing texture is oil-free and will not clog pores. SPF 30 provides additional protection against future environmental skin damage. The texture blends seamlessly into skin, leaving behind no white residue regardless of skin tone, revealing radiant, comfortable, hydrated skin all day long with or without makeup. The fragrance is lovely as well.

5. URBAN DECAY COSMETICS TROUBLEMAKER EYESHADOW PALETTE

Urban Decay is always stirring up trouble, and Troublemaker Eyeshadow Palette is no exception. Inside, you'll find 10 sultry shades perfect for scandalous nights. Whether you want to go bronzy, jewel-toned or smoky, it's all here. The perfect finishing touch? A travel-size Troublemaker Mascara, plus some scandalous thoughts, courtesy of designer (and fellow troublemaker) Jac Vanek.

Small enough to take anywhere, Troublemaker Eyeshadow Palette was made for sin. These shades are perfect for when you're up to no good - from a warm red matte to a metallic smoky gray with a shifty red-brown undertone. This palette even includes one split-pan shadow, Clash, that has a shimmery white on one half and UD's legendary blackest black matte (Blackout) on the other. Every shade has a velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power, and blendability.

6. DOME BEAUTY EYE BRUSH SET

It all started with a brush. Without the right brush, application will falter and frustrate. Designed to respond to varying contours of the face, Dome Beauty brushes provide the control you need for a fluid, flawless application. The Eye Brush Set includes: Eye Blender, Eye Shadow and Eye Liner brushes and is protected by their exclusive BEAUTY BRUSH ARMOR. (Genius for anyone who has a pet with haiiiiiirrrrrrr as this cover isn't called an armor for anything.)

7. PIXI BY PETRA MATTELAST LIQUID LIPSTICK IN 'REALLY ROSE'

Extreme longwear, highly pigmented yet comfortable, this rosehip oil infused liquid lipstick quickly sets to a matte veil. In a few strokes your lips are enveloped in full on color that will last all day!PREP - Gently exfoliate lips with a lip scrub to smooth and condition.APPLY - Outline lips with the point of the applicator. Apply a thin layer to clean bare lips, allowing color to set. There's five really beautiful shades of pink that I received from Pixi Beauty, but my favorite lip color and I think the one that suits me best out of them all is the 'Really Rose' shade. But I really, really, love these lipsticks. A LOT.

8. KORRES GREEK YOGHURT UNDER EYE PRIMING MOISTURISER

This advanced nourishing eye cream is formulated with yogurt, a centuries-old Greek skin soothing solution, and myrtle and rhodiola rosea extracts to reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and puffiness. The cooling treatment perfectly primes the delicate eye area for flawless concealer application and is ideal for sensitive eyes prone to allergies. The ceramic cooling tip gently massages eyes with each application, giving eyes a refreshed and rested look.

Madam Glam New York Gelementary Nail Polish

9. MADAM GLAM NAIL POLISH GELEMENTARY in 'TEACHER'S PET'

This gel-like nail polish has the right amount of elegance and it is the perfect shade to lighten up your vibrant personality! Madam Glam has an assortment of colors ranging from bright to more subtle, such as nude shades. I always have a hard time finding the right shade with my skin tone but 'Teacher's Pet' is the perfect peach nude! I tried it once and have been using it since I have been getting a ton of compliments on the shade. I love that it lasts longer than normal nail polish and you don't need the typical LED/UV light to dry gel nails. I literally do two coats for full opacity and a top coat and I'm good for about ten days.

10. HERBAL DYNAMICS BEAUTY ROSE WATER CALMING FACE TONER

Soothe and calm skin with rose, green tea, chamomile, and witch hazel. Aloe and hyaluronic acid deliver instant hydration for a fresh, youthful appearance. Rose oil helps improve the effectiveness of beauty and skincare treatments by increasing permeability, making this toner perfect for use prior to serums and moisturizers in your routine. The smell is intoxicating and I love how relaxing the spray feels to my face, especially on drier winter days.

11. NEON & CO. BODY OIL

Oil is the answer. A vegan-friendly, super rich, hydrating, and illuminating body oil. The kind you’ll want to bathe in - but who has time for that. Super absorbing, rub it all over. That means everywhere. It should only ever irritate you when it runs out. Let the gentle ingredients like Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil work their magic on your skin. All I have to say about this body oil is that it's my all-time favorite. That is all. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

Kat Burki Form Control Marine Collagen Gel

Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Firming and Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer SPF 30

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Under Eye Priming Moisturizer

Herbal Dynamics Beauty Rose Water Calming Face Toner

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

How to Achieve a Perfect No Makeup Makeup Look

September 20, 2017

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I have a lot of content coming your way in the next week or so, but today's post is on how to achieve a perfect "no makeup" makeup look. Meaning... you do have some makeup on, but the goal is to keep it looking fresh and natural. Especially after a crazy week like NYFW, where every day I had some pretty heavy duty makeup on, I like to give my skin a break and let it breathe afterward. And with Perricone MD's No Makeup Instant Blur, it's the perfect last and lasting addition to my most recent everyday makeup wear. Continue reading to get the step-by-step tutorial to this "no makeup" makeup look, there's even a tutorial video to follow along and ask any questions along the way!

1. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER

The only kind of toners I ever use are Korean. This pure, refreshing toner made up of 89% green grape extract controls pores with natural grape tannin and helps remove dead skin cells. Panthenol calms agitated skin, while fruits seed oil complex helps to maintain skin clarity. The tannin works with and vitamin E from the green grapes to not only hydrate the skin but keep it smooth and healthy. Soothe and hydrate your irritated skin with this fresh-feeling green grape toner, it smells fantastic too!

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB COCONUT SKIN SMOOTHIE PRIMING MOISTURIZER

A superfood-powered, oil-free priming moisturizer that brightens, smooths, and visibly blurs pores and imperfections while leaving skin with a natural, dewy glow. Solutions for: Dryness- Pores- Dullness and uneven texture If you want to know more… Makeup meets skincare with this two-in-one moisturizer and makeup-gripping primer. Formulated with superfood ingredients that are rich in vital proteins, electrolytes, and minerals and infused with a natural coconut scent, this priming moisturizer hydrates and smooths skin as light-reflecting micro-pearls impart a dewy luminosity. The result is beautiful, healthy-looking skin when worn alone and long-lasting makeup when used as a prep step. It is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates & Phthalates. This product is noncomedogenic, allergy-tested, and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

3. LANCÔME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR CAMOFLAUGE CONCEALER

This ultra-pigmented, full-coverage color corrector hides imperfections. It won’t crease or cake, and it easily addresses the following common skin concerns: redness, dark spots, under-eye dark circles, sallowness, dullness, and acne scars. It blends seamlessly for a lightweight, second-skin feel and a natural finish—a little goes a long way. I use it under my eyes as a color corrector and it's my favorite concealer I've discovered in a very long time!

4. KISS NEW YORK PROFESSIONAL CREAM CONTOUR PALETTE

A wide range of concealer cream shades that color-correct, conceal and contour the face. Its lightweight, satin finish concealer for long-lasting contour is perfect for color correcting shades for discoloration, scarring, and imperfections. There are eight different shades for a wide range of skin tones, but I use the green almost every day to reduce redness and the darker colors for contouring.

5. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHT LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75

A full-coverage, matte-finish, waterproof foundation that lasts all night. All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get all-night wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible for a flawless-looking complexion that looks incredible and stays that way. Perfect for all-night affairs, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day. While Naked Skin complexion products are semi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte and oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with a higher amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There's no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. This waterproof formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin, while it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. It's a wonderful foundation for fall.

6. FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB MANGO BUTTER MULTI STICK ROSE

An all-in-one, cream-to-powder multi-stick that imparts a natural-looking, lit-from-within glow. Solutions for:- Dullness and uneven texture If you want to know more… This must-have cream-to-powder complexion finisher imparts a natural, gorgeous glow. With the help of superfood mango butter, it glides on easily over skin leaving behind a soft, luminous finish that's never dry or cakey. The versatile multi-stick is available in two universally flattering shades that can be used anywhere including the cheek, eyelids, lips, and decollete to capture the light and warm the complexion for a custom finish. The lightweight formula provides buildable coverage to create your desired look, from subtle illumination to intense strobing.

7. MARC JACOBS BEAUTY DEW DROPS COCONUT GEL HIGHLIGHTER

Give your highlight a dose of skincare. Inspired by Marc Jacobs' love of coconut water and the glow of youthful-looking, radiant, well-hydrated skin, this gel-cream instantly lights up the complexion. Directly highlight skin or blend this concentrated luminizer with foundation and primer to transform them into illuminating elixirs. A little goes a long way: This gel highlighter builds for the ultimate sheen, and the sensual, golden-peach hue flatters all skin tones with warm radiance. It’s formulated with five forms of coconut and provitamin B5 to help hydrate and nourish skin.

8. DERMABLEND LOOSE SETTING POWDER

Want a complexion that stays all day? Try the legendary Dermablend Loose Setting Powder. This powder provides a shine free finish that helps keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours of wear. Simply dust all over your concealer or foundation to lock your look in place. Formulated with silky micronized powders, this product helps keep your complexion matte, even and flawless. It's my first setting powder and trust me when I say this, I don't think I'll be switching to any other setting powder anytime soon!

9. PERRICONE MD NO MAKEUP INSTANT BLUR

A multi-tasking, invisible primer and complexion perfector powered by skin-smoothing Alpha Lipoic Acid to blur and minimize the look of pores, redness, wrinkles and fine lines both instantly and over time. I've been using it over my makeup to set in place. Just pat the applicator onto the formula and smooth over face, focusing on areas with oiliness, uneven texture, pores, or lines. I truly love how it looks and feels - very lightweight but really gets the job done in terms of ridding of imperfections.

How to Achieve a Perfect No Makeup Makeup Look Hi, everyone! Today's video is a makeup tutorial focusing on the simple "no makeup" makeup look, brought to you by Perricone MD. Check down below for links to products. I hope you enjoy this easy everyday wear makeup tutorial!