The Haute Hydrangea

fashion / home / beauty / life

Laura Mercier Lightstruck Prismatic Glow Palette Review

I’ve been trying out the new Laura Mercier’s new Lightstruck Prismatic Glow Palette for the last few weeks & am sharing all of my thoughts on it with you today!  The Lightstruck Prismatic Glow Palette is a limited edition palette of cream highlighters that is available exclusively at Sephora.  Its 5 cream shades are designed to mimic the way light reflects & refracts to create a holographic glow.CONTINUE READING

Spring Nail Colors

With spring comes the desire to refresh just about every aspect of my life.  I’ve been slowing cleaning out my closet, replacing the dark, heavy sweaters with bright, cheerful sundresses.  With a refresh in clothes, comes a refresh in beauty too.  Makeup gets lighter, contouring gives way to highlighting, & updos are more common.  Today, I’m rounding up the top spring trends in nail color to give you a little updated mani inspiration!CONTINUE READING

The Zoe Report: Box of Style

By now, almost everyone has heard of The Zoe Report’s Box of Style. Every season, it delivers over $400 of exclusive Rachel Zoe picks for only $99!  I started receiving the Box of Style this past fall & was immediately hooked!  The soft, color-blocked poncho was a game-changer.  And let’s get real – if Rachel Zoe says that something is a must-have, then you have to have it.  Plus, it’s a chance to get pieces that can’t be found anywhere else.  In case you’re undecided, I thought that I would share what was in the Winter 2016 box.  Click here to get $10 off your first box!

Everything comes packaged in a chic box.  Usually, the box is black, but I like that they changed it up for winter.  Each item is individually wrapped in tissue paper, so you the excitement of unwrapping each little gift!  It’s the small things in life, lol.  Included in each box is a guide with tips on how to use each item.

Dylanlex Zoey Custom Necklace ($200)

How gorgeous is this crystal necklace?!?  I tend to lean toward more delicate jewelry, but I cannot resist this statement maker.  The length is adjustable so you can wear it as a choker or more of a collar.  I wore it recently with jeans & a white button down for some instant glam!  I’ll also be pairing it with a cocktail dress later this week.   The necklace was designed exclusively for the Box of Style, so you can’t get it anywhere else!

Soia & Kyo Olivia Cable Knit Hat ($50)

We don’t get many days where it’s cold enough to need a warm beanie, but this soft knit one will come in handy when it does!  Subscribers got the choice of three colors – black, winter white, or burgundy.  I went with the winter white because it’ll go with just about everything in my closet.

Sunday Riley Tidal Enzyme Brightening Water Cream ($65)

Winter weather can be so harsh on your skin.  My skin is more dry & breaks out more during the winter, so I’m always on the lookout for something to give my skin a little TLC.  I was excited to see this cream included in the winter box.  It’s a water-based cream that will soothe & hydrate the dryest skin.  It also helps fight wrinkles & brighten dark spots.  You can layer it on for a deep hydration mask at home, or wear a thin layer under makeup during the day to protect skin.  I love how light it is & it smells sooo refreshing!

D.L. & Co The Zoe Report “Birch” Custom Candle ($50)

I am a candle-hoarder.  Seriously, I can’t walk out of Bath & Body Works without a new scent.  This black & gold candle is perfect for a winter night, with a woodsy “birch” scent.  Right now, it ‘s sitting on the desk in my home office, ready for me to buckle down & do some work!  I was really impressed by the quality of the candle, it holds a ton of scent & the jar is heavy glass.  Once I’m down with the candle, the jar will make a great holder for makeup brushes!

Dagne Dover Leather Card Case ($50)

Does anyone else have trouble finding a wallet small enough to fit into a clutch?  I have so many cute, tiny bags that I love to carry out, but I end up just tossing my ID & cards into the clutch & hoping that I don’t lose anything.  This card case holds just the essentials – ID, credit card, some cash – & fits perfectly into my smallest bag!  I carried it several times over the break to keep everything together & organized while out & about.  When you aren’t using it as a mini-wallet, it’s a chic alternative to a business card holder.

Clinique Lip Color + Primer in Berry Pop ($18)

A deep berry lip is a great winter alternative to the classic red lip.  I’d been looking for the perfect color & it turned up on my doorstep!  This formula has a built-in primer to make the lipstick go on smooth & last for hours.  Anything that combines steps is a lifesaver in my book.  The berry color is universally flattering & is saturated to stay true as it goes on.   The color + primer also comes in 15 other shades, so I may have found my go-to formula.

Juciy Couture Viva La Juicy Fragrance (bonus!)

As a bonus, each box contained a trial size of Viva La Juicy, a fresh & fun fragrance.  It blends berries, vanilla, & jasmine for a floral, fruity scent that will be amazing for spring!

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Splurge & Steal: Makeup Edition

splurge-steal-makeup-editionHappy Friday y’all!  After being sick all week, I’m finally feeling like myself again so I’m spending the day catching up on work, errands, & life.  Last Friday I shared my fall makeup routine & it’s clear that I have my favorite high-end brands like Urban Decay,  NARS, & Bare Minerals.   But, you can also find tons of great makeup at your local drugstore.  Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite drugstore products & the high-end products that can replace.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer // NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer
Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup // Maybelline FIT Me Matte+Poreless
Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Undereye Brightener // Almay Wake Up Undereye Concealer
Urban Decay Naked 2 // NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil // L’Oreal Pencil Perfect Eyeliner
Dior Diorshow Lash-Extension Effect Volume Mascara // L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
NARS Blush in Orgasm // Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink

My Fall Makeup Routine

Fall fashion is all about deeper colors – like rich burgundy, vibrant copper, & warm forest green – so it’s no surprise that our makeup would change with the seasons too.  Today, I wanted to share how I’ve changed up my everyday makeup routine for the fall.  I’ve linked up all of the products I use at the bottom.

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I always start any makeup routine with a layer of primer to prep my skin.  My favorite is Smashbox’s ‘Photo Finish’ Foundation Primer.  It’s a lightweight formula that goes on smooth, blurs fine lines & makes your makeup last all day.

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I have always had the worst undereye circles & no matter what concealer I used, they always seemed to peek through.  A makeup artist introduced me to Urban Decay’s 24/7 Concealer Pencil, penciled in a triangle shape under my eyes, & I was sold!  The triangle application seems a little odd, but the shape is key to concealing undereye circles.  I love that the creamy consistency is so easy to blend using a damp beauty blender.

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During the summer, I don’t typically wear foundation because it gets so hot here that it streaks & sweats off so quickly.  Gross!  During the fall though, I love Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation.  I apply 1-2 pumps to the back of my hand & use Urban Decay’s Pro Optical Blurring Brush to buff it onto my skin.  It doesn’t streak, isn’t heavy, & provides just the right amount of coverage for me.  It’s also buildable if you prefer more coverage.

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To further lighten up my undereyes, I apply BareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener to the same undereye triangle & blend.  It gives a hint of sheer highlight to the undereye area, helping to further blur dark circles & hide bags.

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My favorite feature to play up has always been my eyes.  While the rest of my makeup routine stays pretty much the same, I love changing up my eyeshadow & liner.  For a day appropriate fall eye, I apply Urban Decay’s eyeshadow in ‘Tease’, or a similar matte light mauve-brown, over my entire lid using a flat shadow brush.

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Then I apply Urban Decay ‘Buck,’ a matte medium fawn brown, to the crease, blending up & out, using a blending brush.  I also make a small arrow in the outer corner, blending toward the crease & along the lashline.  To finish off, I apply a touch of ‘Vanilla,’ a warm beige shimmer, to my brow bone with a small brush, like MAC 283.

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Stila’s ‘Stay All Day’ Waterproof Liquid Liner is hands-down my favorite eyeliner.  The pen tip makes it so easy to apply & it stays exactly where you put it.  I use either Intense Black or Dark Brown, just along the upper lash line.  I use an eyeliner pencil in the same shade, like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, to the lower waterline.  The key is to use a sharpened pencil so you don’t get a line that’s too thick.

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I finish off my eyes by curling my lashes & applying a coat or 2 of Dior’s cult favorite DiorShow Lash Extension Effect Volume Mascara.  There are so many good drugstore mascaras now, but I keep coming back to DiorShow because it builds volume without getting clumpy or cakey.

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I don’t use much contouring & highlighting daily, but I love the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit!  It has 3 shades of highlighter & 3 shades of bronzer.  For contouring, I use a small, flat brush, like Bare Minerals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, to add the medium bronzer color under my cheekbones & on the sides of my nose.  Using a fluffy powder brush, I blend the bronzer so it doesn’t look streaky.  You can also add a little bronzer using the powder brush around the outside your face.

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Apply highlighter anywhere that the light would naturally strike your face.  I typically apply the lightest highlighter with a bit of shimmer above my eyebrows, down the center of my nose, to my cupid’s bow, & on top of my cheekbones.  Highlighter doesn’t require as much blending as bronzer, but I try to soften the edges.

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There’s a reason that NARS blush in ‘Orgasm’ is one of the most popular blush colors – it works on just about every complexion.  I’ve been using the shade exclusively for years & have no plans to leave the peachy, shimmery shade anytime soon!   I use MAC’s 168 Large Large Angled Contour Brush to buff the blush onto the apples of my cheeks & blend up toward my temple.

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Most days I wear Stila’s ‘Stay All Day’ Liquid Lipstick in ‘Patina.’  It is amazing how long it stays on, without getting flaky.  I haven’t jumped on board the matte lip trend yet, so I top it off with IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain in ‘Naturally Flushed.’  This gloss came in the fall Box of Style & it’s the perfect pink-nude shade for everyday wear.  Because it has a hint of stain, the color stays true for hours.  I finish off with Bare Minerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder to set my makeup & give a flawless, all-over glow using their Full Flawless Face Brush.

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POPSUGAR September Must-Have Box

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This month I got the opportunity to try out POPSUGAR’s Must-Have Box service.  I was so impressed with the value that I received in September’s box – nearly $150 in products!  The products included are full-size, no tiny one-use samples here.  I love subscription boxes, like POPSUGAR’s, because they are a great way to try new products that I wouldn’t normally pick up for myself.  You can use the code SHOP5 to get $5 off your first box now! Just click here!

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Jack & Lucy – Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat (Sugg Retail $58)

The first item out of the box was a wide brim, fedora style hat.  It’s an effortlessly chic classic that will pair with everything from a clean suit to distressed denim.  I am not typically a hat person, but this allowed me to experiment with it at home.  I can definitely see this hat becoming part of my weekly wardrobe.  The best part?  The hat is adjustable to fit a range of head sizes!  Genius for someone like me – my smallish head tends to let hats fall down over my ears in a weird way.  Overall, the quality is good, the fit is easy, & the style is classic.

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ncLA – Mani-ER Tool Kit (Sugg Retail $16)

This mani kit has everything you need to keep your nails in shape in an easy, cute, & portable pack – clippers, a nail file, scissors, & 2 shaped pushers.  It immediately went into my purse, because is there anything more annoying than a chipped or split nail when you lack the tools to fix it?  Now, no matter where I am, I can take care of any mishaps before they get worse!   This would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for any beauty addict.

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Briogeo – Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (Sugg Retail $36)

This restorative hair mask promises to reduce breakage & restore natural vibrancy to even the most over-processed hair using B-vitamins, rosehip and argan oils, algae, and biotin.  I’m a little skeptical of most deep conditioners because they can weigh down fine hair like mine, but after one 5 minute treatment, all I’ve noticed is softer & more manageable hair.  The cream was light-weight & smells like summer – amazing!  It doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, or silicones, so it’s safe for color-treated hair.  Briogeo recommends weekly treatments, with best results after at least 3 treatments, so I’ll keep you posted on my results!

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Flint Lint Roller (Sugg Retail $9.99)

I have 2 animals at home that both shed uncontrollably, so I also have lint rollers everywhere.  This tiny little tube contains a retractable lint roller.  I love it!  You can toss it in any bag & know that the top sheet will stay sticky & clean.  It’s easily refillable & 60 sheets are only $3!  Plus, because you aren’t throwing away the plastic base that a typical lint roller is made from, you’re helping to reduce waste & protect the  planet.

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Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer – The Warning (Sugg Retail $22)

I love a good lipgloss!  At any time, I probably have a half dozen in my bag, lol!  This Smith & Cult lacquer meets all of my expectations.  It’s a thick gloss with high shine, but isn’t sticky or tacky like some glosses.  Don’t let the bright red color scare you – it goes on smooth & provides a layer of sheer coverage.  Gold microshimmer adds a cheeky touch to this beauty staple.  Because it’s vegan, & paraben & gluten free, it has an extended wear & you don’t have to worry about what ingredients you’re putting on your lips.

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The Gluten Free Bites – Dark Chocolate & Coconut Bites (Sugg Retail $4.99)

The GFB was founded by two brothers, who had trouble finding high protein but still tasty snacks.  They created these little bites & bars.  All are vegan & gluten-free, made without GMO’s or dairy, & are sweet & high-protein.  Holy deliciousness!  These tiny little bites pack a rich chocolate flavor, which combines perfectly with the toasted coconut shell.  They’re only 100 calories for 2 bites.  If you’re worried about being able to tell that they’re vegan or gluten-free, don’t be!  They are so tasty & have a smooth texture.  The best part, I can recognize & pronounce all of the ingredients!  I cannot wait to try the other flavors!

**This is a sponsored post.  I received a complimentary Must-Have Box in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

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Summer Essentials

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We’re already closing in on 90+ degree temperatures & high humidity, so I’ve been dreaming of a getaway.  While my summer vacation is still a month away, there are some pool days in my near future.  In honor of the start of summer, I’ve compiled my must-haves for time in the sun, whether it’s a beach trip or a day by the pool.

Summer Essentials

No matter where you’re heading, a large straw tote will keep everything together.  I love this one with poms in almost any color you want!  An oversized towel or mat is perfect for covering your chair or lying out on the sand.  There’s not much worse than hopping across concrete or sand, but a pair of cute sandals will protect your feet.  I always leave my wallet at home & bring only the essentials (cash, license, etc) & keep all of my smaller items in a small, water resistant pouch.  I bring a secondary battery for my phone since I use my phone to keep up with friends, post to social media, & for music.  It’s just not summer without a fun float like this flamingo.  We all know how obsessed I am with flamingos!

I have very fair skin & am prone to sunburn, so I take several steps to protect my skin, beginning with a good coat of broad spectrum sunscreen, like Coola Sport or CeraVe.  Both are light & cooling, with a high SPF.  A big, floppy hat & chic sunglasses not only look great, but will help protect your face & eyes.  A tinted lip balm, with sunscreen, will protect your lips from the sun & keep them hydrated all day.  Sand, sun, & salt water can do a number on your hair, so always apply a good leave-in conditioner, like this one from Unite, and use a detangling comb.

Spring Manicure

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I love a colorful mani, but it’s so hard to find time for a full manicure during a busy week.  Over the weekend, I took the time to do my nails properly with Pool Side Service, a deep cerulean blue from Essie’s spring 2016 collection.  Here are my 3 steps to a foolproof at home mani:

1.  Begin with clean, dry nails.  Wipe with polish remover to remove any oils from your nails.  Paint nails with a clear base coat to prevent stains and prepare the nail surface.  There are base coats to treat any nail issue from dryness to peeling to promoting growth.  I use Sally Hanson’s Miracle Cure because my nails tend to get brittle & split.  Essie’s Grow Stronger is another great option to help strengthen nails.  Allow at least 2 minutes for the base coat to dry.

2.  Begin adding color by painting only the tips to give an extra layer of protection to the area most likely to chip.  Be sure to paint over the tip, you want to wrapping around the underside of the nail tip in color.  Allow 2-5 minutes to dry.  Then paint nails, from the cuticle to the tip, with the first coat of color.  Add a second coat of color if necessary.  Some polishes will cover nicely with one coat, while some make take up to three.  I’ve found that most of Essie’s color go on smoothly with just one coat.  Allow 2-5 minutes between each coat.

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3.  Finally, apply a layer of top coat to protect from chipping and add shine.  I got Teeez’s Head Over Heels top coat in a GlossyBox & love the shine it gives!  Essie’s Good To Go and Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure Ultra Wear Top Coat are also good choices that can be found at most drug stores.  Be sure to paint over the tip, like you did in step 2.  Use an orange stick dipped in polish remover to clean up any mistakes and allow around 15 minutes for nails to dry fully.

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