Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask

A few months ago I ordered the Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Mask($48).  The name alone drew me in. Who wouldn't want a dragon's blood mask. But, then I read the description and wanted it even more.  It's a deeply moisturizing restorative mask with Hyaluronic acid that gives the skin a plumping effect. So of course it went into the cart. I use it over night.  It's more of a rich moisturizer then it is a mask. I took this away to Hawaii with me and used it on the plane. It was a god send. Being trapped on a plane for 11 hours with that recycled air was terrible. This leaves my face feeling plump and hydrated the morning after. And it smells divine. We all know how I am about smells. If it's going on my face it better smell good. And this is amazing. Overall if you are looking for an overnight mask I highly recommend this. I like this better than the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask. I feel like the Rodial leaves my skin more plump. 

Have you tried any overnight masks ??  Which are your favorite ?? 

Love, 

City Styles 

Sunday Riley Good Genes

So, this week I decided to dedicate all my posts to skincare.  As I am getting older I have realized how important it is to take care of your skin.  First up this week is Sunday Riley's Good Genes ($105).  This has been on my list for the longest time.  I finally gave in and bought Good Genes over a month ago.  And I have loved it ever since.  I use it at night after cleansing and before moisturizer.  It isn't very thick, which I love, and it sinks into my pores one, two, three.   It leaves my skin feeling nice and plump the next day. Sunday Riley describes this treatment as leaving the skin brighter, renewed, and supporting natural circulation to create a smoother, more vibrant complexion.  I truly believe in this product.  I definitely feel the change in my skin.



What is your favorite skincare product ??  Have you tried the Sunday Riley Good Genes ??


Love,
City Styles 

My Friday Five #13

So it might not be Friday but, these are the five products I've loved the most this week.

Tatcha Classic Rice Enzyme Powder ($15) - I was standing on line in Sephora and was looking at all the cute mini items and came across this.  I have been wanting to try it but, didn't want to buy the full sized item in case I wasn't a big fan.  Turns out I am.  The powder turns into a paste and when buffed onto the face leaves my skin so rejuvenated.  It is a light exfoliant that works wonders for me.   

Chanel Frenzy ($27) - Nude nails have been my thing as of late.  Chanel Frenzy has made quite an appearance.  I love the fact it has a bit of a grey undertone.

By Terry Baume de Rose ($60) - I bought this from Space NK recently and am in love.  I adore the rose smell and just feel so luxurious every time I put this on my lips. 

Sunday Riley Good Genes ($105) - Again this is another recent acquisition from Space NK.  I have lusted over this serum for the longest and finally bit the bullet.  And I am so glad.  This serum leaves my skin with just the right amount of hydration without over doing it.  It also smells auhhmazzzing. 

Diptyque Eau Duelle Parfum - This was a large sample that I received as a GWP.  It has been my go to recently.  It is a light scent that lingers for just the right amount of time and doesn't over power you.



What are your Friday Five ??



Love,
City Styles 

Autumn/Winter Polish Picks

Fall is officially here so you know what that means, dark nails!  I love every deep dark, vampy nail color.  So I went through my collection and chose seven shades I will be wearing all fall and winter. 

JinSoon Auspicious

Chanel Frenzy 

Dior Massai 

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark 

Marc Jacobs Midnight in Paris 

Chanel Vert Obscur

Essie School of Hard Rock 

What are your favorite nail polishes for the autumn/winter time ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Current Foundations In Rotation

I have recently acquired three new foundations.  As if I don't own enough already I just had to have these too.  First up we have Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint($55).  Hourglass claims this foundation will give you a smoother, firmer, more youthful appearance.  I can only attest to the smoothness.  I use one application all over my face.  I enjoy using this with a brush more then my beauty blender.  The beauty blender just doesn't work well with the consistency.  It is on the thicker side but, once on the face it doesn't feel cakey.  Out of all the foundations this is my least favorite.  Since I have combo skin this works well in my t-zone but not so much on my cheeks where I am more dry.

Next up we have Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint($26).  This is one of the best light weight "foundations" I have tried.  Its almost like you are wearing nothing.  I dab a bit of this all over my face and work it in with my fingers.  It gives good coverage and evens out my skin.  You can build this up to give more of a medium coverage but I would say of you want to do that use a brush instead of your fingers.  This is my number one out of all three.  

Lastly we have the Givenchy Teint Couture Balm($43).  This is a pretty light weight foundation that gives a more medium coverage.  Out of all the foundations this one smells the best.  It kind of has that rose smell that Chanel foundations have but, it smells fresher.  I love using my beauty blender with this.  I use about one and half coats.  I go back in and use another coat on my cheeks since they are more red.  I enjoy this foundation but I can't see myself reaching for this on a daily basis.   

Hourglass Illusion in Vanilla

Glossier Skin Tint in Light 

Givenchy Teint Couture Balm in Nude Shell

Have you tried these foundations ??  What are your favorites at the moment ??

Love, 

City Styles 

September Favorites

I was a bit of a makeup minimalist in September.   Since I have been in training with my new job I stuck to the basics. 

Becca/Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop - I can't get enough of this highlighter.  Every time I wear it all I can think is highlight on fleck.  If you are still living under a rock and haven't bought this you need to run to Sephora like yesterday. 

Bite Beauty Deluxe Creme Lipstick in 002 - Bite Beauty has been releasing a limited edition shade of lipstick every month.  For the first few months of the year I had been diligent about buying them.  This is the shade from February.  It is a nice egg plant shade.  Perfect for this time of year.  

Glossier Skin Tint - I recently bought this and have been testing it out.  I enjoy a nice lightweight foundation.  I have a more on depth review coming soon. 

LA Girl Cosmetics Pro Concealer - This has quickly become my holy grail.  I have already bought a back up.  I love the coverage it gives and how great of an eyeshadow base it is. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock - If I had to get rid of all my eyeshadows and only keep one it would be Misty Rock.  It is such a beautiful mauve/purple shade.  I smudge this all over my lids and blend it out with a MAC 217.  

What are your September favorites ?? 

Lip Balms In Rotation

Aesop Rosehip Seed Lip Cream ($15) - I love to use this every morning before putting my makeup on.  This helps soften my lips and prep them for lipstick.

Dior Addict Lip Glow in Coral ($33) - I break this out during the day after my lipstick has worn off and I need a little bit of color on my lips.

Glossier Balm Dot Com ($12) - I keep this in my bag at all times!  I have very dry lips and this moisturizes them so well.

Grown Alchemist Watermelon and Vanilla Lip Balm ($13) - I had to have this because watermelon and vanilla are my two favorite scents and flavors.  I keep this at my desk and use this to freshen up my lips.

By Terry Baume de Rose ($60) - This took me forever to actually buy.  It is definitely a luxury item but worth every penny.  I keep this on my night stand and put it on before bed. 

What lip balms are currently in your rotation ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Blame It on Nars Cheek Palette

Nordstrom recently had their Anniversary Sale.  And being I have a Nordstrom Card I got early access.  There were lots of different Beauty Exclusives but, I only picked up two.  One being the Blame It on Nars Cheek Palette ($59).   The mini Ita brush really drew me in and the fact that I don't have any of the blushes/bronzers in the palette.  The packaging on this is absolutely gorgeous! I almost didn't want to throw the box away.  Inside you have a highlight, Satellite of Love, a bronzer, Casino, and two blushes, Day Dream and New Attitude.  Each of these are smooth and creamy with the same quality as full size versions.  

 Comparison of full size Ita and mini Ita 

  Comparison of full size Ita and mini Ita 

I was so surprised to find the mini Ita is softer then the full size Ita!  I might be using that one more. Overall I think this is a great palette to own.  It would be great for traveling and just a great collectable.  This is my first Nars cheek palette and I am pretty impressed. 

Do you own any of the Nars Cheek palettes ??  What do you think of them ??

Love, 

City Styles 

My Friday Five #12

Aesop Parsley Seed Mask - I have been having some issues with my skin lately and have been breaking out but, this mask helps relax my skin and made me feel refreshed.  It was a nice treat for my poor face.

Grown Alchemist Watermelon & Vanilla Lip Balm - I recently picked this up from Net-a-Porter and love it.  It smells so so so good and really leaves my lips feeling nourished.  

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede - This is the perfect summer scent.  It is light and floral.  It also doesn't stick around forever and isn't too heavy of a scent.  I always get compliments when wearing this.  

Becca/Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop - Well what can I say other then gorgeous.  This has been my highlight everyday this week! 

YSL Glossy Stain in 9 Rouge Laque - I have been into a red lip lately and this is just my go to.  I like a gloss better then a lipstick but, I want something that lasts. So, I went looking for one at Sephora and found this gem! 

What are your Friday Five ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb

Belif is a newer brand that Sephora has started to carry.  One day I was perusing the skincare section and stumbled across the display.  I was in the market for a new moisturizer and The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb($38) jumped out at me.  I have combo skin that is more dry then oily.  So, I try and get an intense moisturizer.  This Moisturizing Bomb says it retains moisture up to 26 hours.  That is a hefty claim to make.   Now I haven't worn this for 26 hours straight but, I have worn it for at least 15 hours and my face didn't feel dry at all.  Since it is summer time I have been using this by itself, no serum or anything underneath.  And, it has been working wonders.  I think once the winter comes this stuff is going to come in handy.  We all know how I feel about smells and this moisturizer smells pretty good.  It smells a bit like lemon and basil and that is because it has a mix of apothecary herbs.  When applying it is light weight and sinks into the skin pretty fast.  It dries down a little sticky and kind of acts like a base for foundation.  Overall I am very impressed by this moisturizer and want to check out more from the brand!

     

Have you tried anything from Belif before ?? Please let me know which product I should pick up next!  I am thinking either Overnight Brightening Mask or the Mild & Effective Facial Scrub. 

Jaclyn Hill for Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed {Champagne Pop}

So !!! Becca just released this incredible Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop ($38) with Jaclyn Hill!!  And OMG it is so pretty.  I seriously have no other words then pretty.  Like all the other Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfectors it is buttery smooth and very pigmented.  For girls with pale skin this looks pretty but, I feel like if you have tan/meduim skin tones it will look so amazing on you.  

      

I pulled out some of my other highlighters to compare.  

Becca Opal 

The Balm Mary Loumanizer 

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (closest to CP)

So since this is a limited edition item I say run don't walk to your nearest Sephora!


Have you tried Champagne Pop ??  What is your favorite highlighter ??


Love,
City Styles

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer

After watching Lily Pebbles go on about the UD Naked Skin Concealer ($28) I decided to give it a whirl.  I got the lightest shade which is fair/neutral.  I strictly use this for under my eyes since it is pretty sheer.  Also side note, it smells a little funky but once on it is fine.  As I said the formulation is pretty sheer but, at the same time hides my under eye circles.  And the shade is perfect to brighten my under eye area.  Over all I do enjoy this concealer.  I wouldn't use this on my face since A) it is too light and B) way too sheer for my liking.  The Nars Radiant concealer is still my ultimate favorite but, the UD is like right under it.  

  

What is your favorite concealer ?  Have you tried any of the UD Naked Skin products ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue

About a month or so ago I picked up the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue ($29).  I, of course, picked up the lightest shade available, Opal.  I was on the market for a tinted moisturizer with good coverage and the Complexion Rescue caught my eye.  It is a light weight gel cream.  It is very smooth to put on and evens out my skin.  I am pretty much in love with it.  I use my fingers to apply most of the time but I also enjoy my Louise Young LY34.  It is very light weight and gives you a dewy look.  I usually like to set this with my Chanel Les Beiges powder.  I can get about 7 to 8 hours of wear out of this, which is perfect.  This has been my go to foundation during the summer. 

  

What is your go to summer foundation ??  Have you tried the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue ??


Love,
City Styles 

My Friday Five #11

The Friday Five is back !!! Here is what I have been loving this week !

Chantecaille Just Skin - Hands down my favorite foundation for the summer time!  It is so light weight yet gives great coverage.  I apply this with my fingers and just massage it into my skin.  The color match is great.  And, I am pretty sure I am going to need a new tube before summer is over. 

Guerlain Meteorites Compact - I have been using this on top of my Chantecaille to just set everything in place.  This is more of a finishing powder but, it works so well over my Just Skin.  It doesn't matify me just gives me a nice glow.  

Too Faced Bronzed & Poreless Perfecting Bronzer - This bronzer is life.  As you can see this is my most used bronzer.  It is the perfect shade for us pale girls.  Not too dark but, gives you the perfect sun kissed look.  

Wayne Goss Holiday Brush - I was lucky enough to take this off of Gummy Vision's hands!  She was selling one and I had to have it.  It is super soft and the best brush for bronzer!! Since it come to a point it fits in the hallows of my cheeks so well.  If this ever becomes available again I highly suggest getting one.   

Bath & Body Works Oahu Aloe - Last week I got a pretty bad burn on my back.  My lovely mother has been applying this for me every night.  It soothes my back and smells absolutely divine!

What are your Friday Five ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom {Peony & Rose}

Back in the Spring Burberry released six shades of the Lip & Cheek Blooms ($28).  I was intrigued by them so I picked up two shades, Rose and Peony.  These are intended to be used either as a blush or a lip color.  They look kind of creamy in the pots but, when you touch them they have a bounce and are more gel like.  They kind of remind me of the Dior Cheek Creme's except, I like the Dior ones so much better.  I have tried using these Lip & Cheek Bloom's withe many different brushes and nothing seems to work for me.  I have tried using a duo fiber brush and a synthetic blush brush but, no matter what when I go to apply them to my cheeks my foundation disperses.  They just don't sit week on top of foundation.  And they look terrible on my lips.  I tend to usually have dry lips and these just cling to the dry patches.  I am very disappointed with these.  The colors are so pretty I just wish I could get them to work for me.  

   

If you have any ideas on how I can get them to work please let me know !!  

Also I guess I am kind of back.  I took like a three month hiatus but, I miss blogging.  I am trying to get back into the swing of things and I have so much to show you and tell you about !! 

Love, 

City Styles 

Dior Rouge Brilliant Lipgloss {Miss 359}

Dior recently came out with a new line of lipglosses called Rouge Brilliant Shine ($35).  These glosses are a long wearing, couture lip balm gloss enriched with a blend of three lip care oils.  The applicator is a bit different then other glosses.  This one has a divot so the right amount of product dispenses from it.  The formula is very creamy and very moisturizing.  I picked up the shade Miss, which is kind of like a my lips but better.  It's a nice neutral pink.  I have been using this on my lips for a few days now and love it.  It wears off in two or so hours but, leaves the lips feeling hydrated.  Now that's my kind of gloss.  

    

Compared to Shiseido Rouge Lacquer in PK430, Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Tiny Pink, and Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in Extase.  

Have you tried the Rouge Brilliant glosses yet ??  What's your favorite gloss at the moment ??

Love, 

City Styles 

Dior Tie Dye Collection Summer 2015 {Pink Sunrise, Sunwashed, Sunkissed}

Dior has released their Summer 2015 Collection and it is absolutely to dye for.  See what I did there ha!  Now that I have gotten my corniness out of the way onto my review.  I limited myself to three pieces from the collection. I ended up getting the Tie Dye Edition Blush Harmony in Pink Sunrise ($57) and two polishes ($27/ea.) Sunwashed and Sunkissed.  

This blush is probably one of the most gorgeous blushes I have ever laid my eyes on.  At first I didn't even want to touch it.  But, eventually I did and it is so creamy and pigmented.  I use my Bobbi Brown Sheer Powder Brush and it picks up just the right amount of color.  All swirled together the blush is a nice rosy pink that looks really nice on my pale skin.  

  

Next up the polishes.  Now we all know how much I love Dior polishes.  I have handfuls of them.  I think they are some of the best around color wise and longevity.  This time around I picked up two new shades that I actually don't have in my collection.  First up is Sunkissed.  Sunkissed is a nice light peachy shade that reminds me very much of sorbet.  And then we have Sunwashed which is a pretty pale yellow that reminds me of Easter.  Both lasted 5 plus days on my nails with minimal chipping.  

Overall I think this Dior collection is on the prettiest to come out this Summer.  I am very pleased with my choices and I am considering picking up the other blush from the Tie Dye collection.  

Have you picked up any of these beauts ??  What do you think ??

Love, 

City Styles

PS - Don't forget that today is the last day of the Sephora VIB Sale 

My Friday Five #10

I know this is going up a little late I am sorry. So let's see what I have been loving this week.


Estee Lauder Double Wear Light - I have had an acne flare up recently and this foundation helps cover them up but at the same time isn't too heavy.

Hourglass Luminous Bronzer - I have been using this all week to warm up my complexion.  It is the perfect shade for me and leaves me with a nice glow.

Armani Eyes to Kill #9 - Gold shades always look great with my blue eyes.  This Eyes to Kill is a nice pale gold that I use all over my lid.

Bite Beauty BB for Lips in Flush - I haven't been using too much lipstick lately so for some color I have been turning to this.  It leaves my lips moisturized and with a bit of color.

Dior Nail Polish in Sunwashed - I am obsessed with this shade of pale yellow.  It has been on my nails all week.  It is perfect for the spring time.  More too come this week.  


What have you been loving ??


Love,
City Styles

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer {Luminous Bronze Light}

Hourglass has come out with another product in their Ambient line.  This time we have the Ambient Bronzers ($50).  There are only two shades available, Luminous Bronze Light and Radiant Bronze Light.  I opted for the Luminous one, which is a bit lighter then the Radiant one.  Now we all know how these powders work.  The luminous powder and bronzer are mixed and baked together and we get a gorgeous marbleized bronzer.  

To be honest I wasn't sure how I would like this bronzer.  I am matte bronzer girl.  Anything that looks like it might have a sheen or shimmer I place right back on the shelf.  However this bronzer looks very nice on my skin.  It really warms me up and does not leave a sheeny finish like I thought.  It is also the perfect shade for my extra pale skin.  Any darker it might have been too much.  I used my Bobbi Brown Sheer Powder brush and it picked up the right amount of product.  I can see myself reaching for this throughout the spring time.    

  

Comparison of the Ambient Blush, Bronzer, & Powder

The Beauty Look Book has both bronzers swatched so you can get a feel of which one would suit you better.  Also now is the time to scoop these up and anything else you might want from Sephora.  Their VIB sale is going on right now until April 2lst.  

Have you tried these bronzers ?? How do you feel about all the Ambient products ??

Love, 

City Styles 

PS - Would you like to hear my recommendations for the Sephora VIB sale ?