Chanel Sublimage Essential Comfort Cleanser

When I think of cleanser, my first thought is not essential oils. But I have been reading so much about cleansing oils that I wanted to try some myself. While picking up some red lipstick at the Chanel counter (they make the best), I was introduced to Chanel's Sublimage skin care line. The salesgirl described it as Chanel's "luxury" line. I don't know about you, but just the mention of Chanel screams luxury to me, so I knew that I was in trouble when she started testing the products on me. 

The Essential Comfort Cleanser was the most intriguing product to me. First, because it was a cleansing gel made up of mostly oils. And second because it made my skin so incredibly soft, instead of the usual tightness that I get from the harsher cleansers I use. 

The fun thing about this cleanser is that you apply with no water, steam your face a bit with a hot towel, then gently wipe away the day from your skin. After a quick rinse and pat dry, your skin feels incredible. Soft, clean, and full of moisture without feeling greasy. 

I have added this cleanser to my routine as the best make up remover and the perfect ritual after a long day. I am still using other cleansers, but this one has a time and place when I feel my skin needs a break from the harshness of the acids and soaps that help my acne-prone skin. 

The bottle is of medium size and the price tag will give you sticker shock, but you just use a bit with each use so it will last for quite some time. I do love the feel of it and I would like to try some of the other products in this line soon. 

Have you tried any oil based cleansers? 

xo

Erin 

Crossing Over: Foundation

One of my most vivid beauty memories is when I was with my mom at a Lancome counter while she was stocking up on her favorite essentials. I, being the always-cool-and-everything-else-is-not eleven year old, was bored and could not understand why anyone would ever wear so much stuff all over their face. As I complained to my mom and the salesgirl, they both looked at me and said, "You just wait. One day you are going to be sitting here buying the same products and you will understand." I rolled my eyes and wondered off to the shoe section to look at Doc Martens. 

Almost twenty years later, and I for sure understand the purpose and allure of make up. But only until last month did I finally try my hand at what I think is the ultimate in the "what mom wears" make up category, foundation. 

For every day use, I still am a huge fan of Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturizer. But I have been needing a bit more coverage with the effects of pregnancy all over my face and the loss of some of my favorite retinol products (cannot use while pregnant) that usually keep my skin an even tone after a break out. 

And I have to say my first endeavor into foundation has been a great one. I found one that is water based, light as can be and does not go on like a mask, which is by far the worst look on the planet. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, has just a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and evens out skin tone like nothing else I have used. The built in SPF 15 is a great bonus. Because it goes on so smoothly (apply with clean fingers), your skin looks like itself only better. It does not look like your grandmother's cakey mask. 

It is a small bottle, but you only need to use a little bit to see the difference. Then once applied all over, reapply a bit more where you might need more coverage. I would visit a counter and ask for help to make sure that you match your skin color perfectly. 

So I guess I finally get it. After all these years, sometimes you need a little help to cover up what life has tossed you. As long as it looks fresh and natural, I think my eleven-year-old self would think it looks "okaaaaaay". But I would still get an eye roll. 

xo

Erin 

Ode to Chanel

I have been looking for a print for my closet, where I keep my jewelry and perfume. You know that girlie shelf that starts out all organized and fun and after a month of not putting things back in its place it gets a little messy and not so cute? Well, a print couldn't hurt to make it look more polished. 

I am a one scent girl. I do not even wear perfume every day. When I do, I wear Chanel No. 5. It has a classic, powdery scent that I love. It is not for everyone, but I love it. 

This cute print on Etsy could be the perfect print as an ode to my signature scent. Small, unassuming and just girlie enough. 

CathrynsDesigns, the shop this is from, has some other fun illustrations of some of girls' favorite things. Even a pair of black Louboutins. So even if you cannot have the real thing, you could hang it in your closet as inspiration. 

xo

Erin 

Diane in Venice

popsugar.com

Diane Kruger can really do no wrong when it comes to red carpet looks. She has fantastic taste, knows how to push boundaries just enough and she carries everything she wears with complete ease.

This soft pink Ellie Saab from the Venice Film Festival opening is gorgeous. I love how the layers work so you can see her silhouette, but it is not offensive. This is much more Hollywood glamour then we usually see and I like it. Her undone hair and simple make up is the perfect styling.

She then changed into this lovely Chanel for dinner later. How perfect is that dress? The sequins dress it up and the illusion that there is layering keeps it cool. The casual side braid, one of her signature styles, keeps the entire look fresh.

I heart her. I cannot imagine how fun it must be to be one of the designers that dress her. Her fearless and cool attitude make for the perfect combination. And she never leaves the house not looking just plain pretty.

xo
Erin