Travel Glam: Award-Winning Beauty Picks

Conde Nast is one of my favorite publications. Although I have zero stamps on my passport, I dream of scenic vacations where I explore quaint places and unique spaces. But there’s one thing that I forgot to consider while I was daydreaming about all of this. 

What makeup will I bring? 

The recent article by Conde Nast traveller gave me a good idea of where to start. At least this leaves me with one more thing to fantasize about (and who doesn’t like to dream about vacation and makeup?) 

Here are a few award-winning beauty essentials to help you look amazing… wherever summer takes you.

Glam on the Go 

La Bonne Brosse No.7 Detangling Brush – Like a head massage and hair detangler in one. 

Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan Cream – Think vacation glow without the awkward streaks (or sunburn).

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Serum – Glowy, protective, and doesn’t feel like sticky sunscreen.

Augustinus Bader Hydrogel Mask – Jet lagged? This mask is like sleep in skincare form.

Parfums De Marly Valaya – Fresh, flirty scent that’s perfect for a weekend trip or night out.

Hero Mighty Patch Duo – Life-saving spot patches. Pimples disappear like magic.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream – Soft hands, cute tube, no airport dryness.

Dream On

In my imagination, the right beauty products and a good trip go hand in hand. These beauty winners are the kind of treats that make you feel a little extra glam while you’re on the go. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an exotic adventure these products are much needed. Level up your beauty bag before your magical getaway.

From Desk to Date Night: Lipsticks for Every Summer Mood

A real summer beauty refresh starts with stylish new lipstick shades. This year, I took a hard look at my makeup bag and realized it was overflowing with lipsticks that had simply gone stale. Some were dried out, others were empty, and a few were just… not it anymore. I held onto a few staples I knew I’d repurchase, but the rest? Tossed.

I’d previously tried doing a new lipstick haul—but let’s just say, I wasn’t thrilled. One of the lipsticks (from a brand I won’t name) literally broke off the first time I applied it. Tragic.

So here I am again, searching for the shades that fit every part of my life: work, play, and those daring, eccentric moments when I want to make a statement. I thought it would be easy—but the options were overwhelming. Some brands offer over 50 shades (and don’t get me started on the price range—from $2 drugstore finds to $30+ luxury bullets).

The only thing I was sure about? I’m a crème lipstick girl. Glosses are cute, but a rich, creamy lipstick? That’s where the magic happens.

I went on a little beauty mission and found shades that truly express my vibe and style.

Here’s what made the cut—and yes, you can actually buy these:

💼 Mid Pink / Nude — Polished for Work

A “your lips but better” shade that whispers I’m put together without trying too hard.

Try:

• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk – a cult-favorite pinky nude that flatters almost every skin tone.

• Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon in Lead the Way – a comfortable drugstore nude-pink that lasts all day.

💋 Hot Pink — Bold, Bombshell Energy

Fun, flirty, and a little spicy—hot pink gives instant confidence.

Try:

• MAC Girl About Town – an iconic bright fuchsia that turns heads.

• Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle in Candy Venom – bold color with a smooth matte finish.

🎀 Soft Pink — Sweet but Glam

The soft Barbie-pink moment that always works with lashes and highlighter.

Try:

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose – a creamy, classic soft pink.

• Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Worthy – a muted pink that’s feminine and modern.

💜 Plum / Purple — Edgy with a Touch of Drama

Perfect with a smoky eye, oversized sunglasses, or an all-black outfit.

Try:

• Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Backtalk – a mauve-pink-plum hybrid that’s surprisingly wearable.

• Milani Color Statement in Sangria – a rich plum with major pigment.

🔥 Red — Timeless & Powerful

Deep or sheer, red makes you feel instantly put together.

Try:

• NARS Audacious in Rita – a statement-making classic red.

• L’Oréal Colour Riche Shine in Enamel Red – a glossy red with summer sparkle.

🍑 Bonus Shade: Red-Peach Fusion — Unexpected & Fabulous

I didn’t think it would work on me, but it’s a total summer slay.

Try:

• YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in Coral Incandescent – a luxurious peachy red that brightens your whole face.

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Morocco – an affordable warm red-orange with a velvety finish.

These are my top picks for lipstick shades this summer. I’m curious—what’s in your makeup bag?

Let me know what shades you’re loving (or tossing) this season! 💄✨

Celebrate National Smile Day with the Perfect Lipstick

There’s something undeniably powerful about a radiant smile—it’s contagious, uplifting, and one of the most beautiful expressions. But what if you could take your charm to the next level?

This National Smile Day, we’re celebrating joy and spotlighting stunning lip colors that will brighten anyone’s day. Happiness looks good on you, and these shades will have them grinning from ear to ear!

Here are some favorite lipstick brands and iconic shades that are just right for this cheerful day:

Classic Favorites

1. MAC Cosmetics – “Ruby Woo”

  • Classic red that flatters almost every skin tone.

2. Fenty Beauty – “Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored”

  • Bold red with a liquid-to-matte finish.

3. NARS – “Dolce Vita”

  • A soft, dusty rose that gives a natural flush.

Spring Vibes

4. Charlotte Tilbury – “Pillow Talk”

  • A best-selling neutral-pink nude that enhances your natural lip tone.

5. Glossier – “Generation G in Crush”

  • Sheer matte lipstick with a hint of raspberry pink.

Whether you’re a lover of bold reds, a soft pink enthusiast, or a fan of glossy nudes, the right lip shade can enhance your natural glow and make your smile shine even brighter.

May 31 is National Smile Day and it’s the perfect time to spread your contagious zeal.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2025

If you’re looking for a gift that says “Best Mom Ever” louder than a lavish Sunday brunch, Elle’s latest roundup has got you covered. I had a chance to read their article, “Win Mother’s Day With These Beauty Gift Ideas,”  and was delighted by the 24 editor-approved beauty treats that they suggested. These are just perfect for pampering mom this Mother’s Day. 

From best selling skin care and posh perfumes to chic new hair tools and must-have makeup, there’s something for every kind of mom.

Here’s your 2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide: 

Dior J’adore Les Adorables Hand, Nail & Décolleté Cream: Think of a bouquet of flowers in a tube..This jasmine-and-cotton-infused cream turns every moment of self-care into a floral fantasy.

La Mer The Essential Discovery Collection: Looking for a high-end skincare to make mom glow like she just came back from a vacation? This collection is a must have for rejuvenation. 

Yves Saint Laurent Libre L’eau Nue: She’lll thank you for this luxurious, iconic fragrance. It’s a fresh, alcohol-free scent bursting with citrus and lavender—perfect for moms who love a soft, long-lasting signature fragrance.

T3 Twirl Trio Interchangeable Curling Iron Set: Say goodbye to frizz and hello to effortless curls with this unique, trendy three barrel curling iron. Gift mom endless good hair days for her endless love. 

Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosée Eau de Parfum. This ultra luxury, exclusive scent is “fit for a queen”.  With its long-lasting scent and elegant presentation, it’s a gift that exudes sophistication and thoughtfulness.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural 72-Hour Collagen Boosting Night Crème. A smoothing night cream is formulated with peptides, plant stem cells, liposomes, and collagen to deeply nourish the skin. It’s designed to hydrate and rejuvenate overnight, leaving mom’s skin feeling soft and refreshed by morning.

From spa-day to minimalist skin care and classic fragrances, there’s a lot to choose from. According to Elle, thoughtful gifts = happy moms. This list blends luxury with practicality, proving that a little beauty goes a long way this Mother’s Day. 

For the full list and details, you can visit the full article here: 

Elle’s Best Mother’s Day Beauty Gifts 2025

Spring Beauty Battle: Fenty Beauty vs. NARS

Beautiful weather and blossoming flowers….
Yet the only thing blooming is a big bad beauty battle.

Any classic girl fights come to mind?
Who wants to mess up their makeup on a beautiful sunny day?

This fight is all about the brands.
It’s the Spring Beauty Battle!
Which Brand Reigns Supreme for Spring Makeup?

Fenty Beauty or NARS?

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor

Springtime is a good time to refresh your makeup bag and a few new items. Two brands that are always launching noteworthy products for each season are Fenty Beauty and NARS. Both known for their extensive range of shades and innovative products, they each offer unique approaches to the glam squad takedown.

So whose side are you on?

Photo by Valentina Eganovic

Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty a well known heavy weight in the beauty world, founded by Rihanna. Fenty’s know to pack a punch when it comes to inclusivity and glowing skin. For spring, Fenty’s Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is perfect for a lightweight, buildable coverage that enhances natural radiance. The Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter delivers a glow, making it ideal for fresh, minimalist look.

Photo by Ziphaus

Fenty also offers versatility with its Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush and Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, both of which provide a natural, flushed finish and a glossy lip perfect for the season.


Photo by Karly Jones

NARS
Another reigning champ in the beauty world is NARS. This brand is all about sophistication, but don’t let the classiness fool you. Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation offers a full coverage finish with a radiant glow that can last all day.

Photo by Mathilde Langevin

NARS blushes, like the iconic Orgasm shade, add a subtle flush with a soft shimmer, perfect for spring. For eyes, NARS’ Voyageur Eyeshadow Palettes offer a range of versatile, blendable shades for both everyday looks and more dramatic, bold statements.


Photo by Karly Jones

Both brands bring something special to the fight, so choose based on the vibe you’re aiming for this spring season!

In your opinion, which brand reigns supreme for spring makeup looks?