Beauty Edit: 10 Winter Skincare Must-Haves
For myself anyway, I use a lot of the same products that I use year-round however, I've started adding a few more exfoliators to my routine to keep the dry skin away and to keep skin looking fresh.
I also started incorporating a rich oil-based serum into my routine which happens to have only two ingredients - vitamin E and oat oil (it's awesome for hydrating and nourishing skin).
Otherwise - it's more or less the same but really, I find there to be something comforting about taking that extra effort to look after my skin during the cold months.
Below you'll find my top 10 skincare products to get your skin winter-ready. Oh - and in case you're wondering, my skin type is a combination (oily T zone and normal cheeks) and has a tendency to be dehydrated as well.
This post features affiliate links. f you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
HERBIVORE Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum
This lightweight exfoliating serum is infused with a blend of 12% AHA to target dull and uneven texture, and 3% BHA to clarify and minimize the appearance of pores. It's gentle enough to use up to five days a week will reveal smooth and glowing skin. Just make sure to SPF the following morning to protect your skin as it is a liquid exfoliator.
SULWHASOO Essentials Kit
Korean skincare brand Sulhwasoo is revered for its ultimate skin solutions and holistic beauty. Their skincare is hydrating and feel luxurious on the skin and perfect for winter. My favourites are the First Care Activating Serum, Essential Balancing Emulsion, and Essential Firming Cream, but you’re better off getting the Essentials Kit and trying it out for yourself. PS - all of the ginseng based products in the kit are suitable for all skin types.
CONSONANT Vitamin E + Oat Serum
As someone with combination skin, I've become very careful about the type of products I put on my face. This rich serum from Consonant only contains two ingredients: vitamin E provides antioxidants, and oat oil hydrates and soothes. It targets dullness and uneven texture and is everything you need for your wintertime skincare routine.
Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner
If your skin is feeling dull from the cold dry air, then you might want to step up your exfoliating game. This liquid exfoliator from Kiehl’s is gentle enough to use twice daily, which means that soft, glowing skin is possible during the winter months. Lipohydroxy acid exfoliates while emollients and almond milk nourish the skin.
HERBIVORE Rose Quartz Gua Sha
Honestly, I thought long and hard before jumping on the Gua Sha train because a) I already have a facial roller, and b) I’m in the middle of decluttering my house so buying more stuff is the last thing I need. However, the thought of relaxing on my couch on a cold winter day, watching Netflix, and while getting a Gua Sha facial massage just sounded like heaven. And it is.
This rose quartz Gua Sha stimulates circulation to help relieve facial tension and reduce the appearance of puffiness. It also promotes lymphatic drainage to improve the appearance of elasticity of the skin and aids the absorption of skincare products on the skin's surface.
I’m sure a facial roller does more or less the same but I love how the cool rose quartz feels on my skin.
KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
I love a rich moisturizing cream that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy and weighed down. If you have oily/combo skin and suffer from milia, like me, then you know that rich and heavy creams are a big no-no. This is why I'll always go back to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream because I get the hydration my skin needs without having my pores clogged.
GLOW RECIPE Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
If you’re like me and wear waterproof mascara, then you know that an oil-based eye makeup remover is the only thing getting that ish off. This is exactly why I was surprised to learn that Glow Recipe’s Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm melts away all traces of waterproof makeup. I use it as the first step in my double cleanse routine and I just love how it rinses away clean with water.
AVENÉ Eau Thermale
This soothing and calming thermal water is everything! I use it to add a boost of hydration to my skin - either right after washing my face before any serums or toners, while other times I’ll use it as the last step in my skincare routine. Trust me when I say everyone needs this thermal water in their skincare routine - no matter how many steps said routine might have.
BITE BEAUTY Agave + Intensive Lip Mask
I keep this Bite Beauty Classic on my nightstand table at all times because it’s the only lip product that actually hydrates my lips overnight. It contains agave nectar to help soothe and nurture and mangosteen extract, a tropical fruit known for being rich in antioxidants.
CONSONANT Cooling Face Globes
These round cooling globes help minimize puffiness all while receiving a facial massage. Just pop them in the fridge overnight and the next morning, roll them over the contours of the face and neck after your skincare routine. PRO TIP: Add a couple of drops of the Vitamin E + Oat Serum by Consonant first to help the globes smoothly glide over the face.
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Beauty Edit: 10 Warm and Luxurious Products To Buy Right Now
As we head into November, my needs in skincare and beauty are shifting towards creamier, warmer, and more luscious feeling products.
My skin has been dehydrated and I’m finding myself reaching for emollient creams and hydrating serums.
With makeup, I’m layering rosy cheeks with a tinted lip for that healthy, “I just took a walk in the woods” look.
At home, I’ve been lighting candles almost daily to set the tone for fall.
And with my fragrance, I’m craving warmer notes like sandalwood and bergamot.
In this post, you’ll find ten beauty products that I’ve been reaching for often.
They’re products that make me feel cozy and warm and have me embracing the chilly fall weather.
This post features affiliate links. f you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum - Limited Edition Pink Lantern
I’ve gone through many bottles of Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum and I adore this product just as much today when I first discovered it years ago. This serum addresses the 5 signs of skin aging™, when resilience, vitality, nourishment, clarity, and elasticity lose balance. Apply a couple of pumps into the palms to warm up the product and then apply to the face and neck.
BYREDO Bohemia Candle
If you like unique woody scents, I highly recommend Byredo’s Bohemia candle. This home fragrance is a mishmash of scents that blends opoponax with rum, geranium with rosemary and labdanum, and vanilla with sandalwood and oak moss. Yum.
I love a good brow gel to set everything in place and the latest from BareMinerals is infused with a peptide serum that promotes healthier, stronger brows. It’s available in 3 shades, blonde, medium brown, and dark brown in addition to clear.
GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria Orange Soleia
This fresh and citrus fragrance is the unexpected scent you didn’t know you needed for fall. Blood Orange, Bergamot and Woody Notes gives Guerlain’s Orange Soleia warmth and depth.
LA MER Eye Concentrate
Eye cream is a must any time of the year and for fall I’m completely smitten with La Mer’s hydrating formula on The Eye Concentrate. It helps brighten and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and under eye circles.
CHANEL Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
I love the look of hydrated, dewy skin and my favourite trick these days is to layer a bit of Chanel’s Multi-Use Glow Stick overtop of my blush. I creates a gorgeous glow and looks incredible on the eyes as well.
WESTMAN ATELIER Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Clean beauty brand Westman Atelier makes a killer blush stick that’s easy to use and lasts all day. I love to layer it on just after my tinted moisturizer and then again once I’ve set my makeup with a bit of powder for that glow from within look.
We all love a good lip balm and this one from Guerlain is enriched with rose oil extract to hydrate and plump the look of lips. It comes in four flattering shades.
GLOW RECIPE Plum Plump™ Hyaluronic Acid Serum
My skincare just isn’t the same without a good serum, which is why I’m including another one on this list. Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum leaves the skin feeling hydrated and plump. It has a gel like consistency that glides over the skin like silk. It also contains three antioxidant-rich plums (kakadu, illawarra, and burdekin) to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate skin‘s appearance.
GROWN ALCHEMIST Hand Cream
This non-greasy hand cream is scented with Vanilla and Orange Peel and comes in a handy pump that dispenses this luscious cream. I keep it by my night stand because the scent is warm and comforting, but also because I can’t fall asleep until my hands are moisturized.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
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Awesome Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while it’s always the right time to spoil mom, I think it’s even more fun when it’s an entire day dedicated to her.
In this post, I’ve gathered up some incredibly fun gifts you can spoil her with - from skincare to fancy pj’s, art, furniture, and everyone’s favorite - fragrance.
It’s all about pampering mom and I say go all out if you can!
Full disclosure, I gave my mom her present an entire week early to lift her spirits and it totally worked. In case you’re wondering - she got a limited edition Diptyque candle and skincare.
Happy Mother’s Day!
1// KIP SLEEPWEAR
This Canadian line of luxury sleepwear looks so chic that she’ll be tempted to wear them all day. In addition to looking great, they’re also extremely soft and comfortable thanks to the Turkish cotton which helps keep her cool at night. (Perfect for those who run hot at night, such as myself.) KIP is currently 25% off on sleepinkip.com and comes packaged in a beautiful box that’s perfect for gift giving.
2// SLIP SILK SLEEP MASK
Since we’re on the topic of sleep, consider getting mom a silk eye mask from Slip so she can get a good night’s rest. Honestly, I can’t sleep without mine anymore and I’ve noticed it makes a big difference in how quickly I get to sleep but also in my quality of sleep meaning I don’t wake up in the middle of the night. According to sleepfoundation.org, “Too much light, right before bedtime may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.”
3// DIPTYQUE LIMITED EDITION CANDLE
If mom is into home scents then you can’t go wrong with one of these limited-edition candles from Diptyque. The special colourful jars come in five scents Freesia (pink), Mimosa (yellow), Geranium, (red), Iris (purple, shown here), and Choisya (green). They’re exclusive to Holt Renfrew so pick them up while you can.
4// JONATHAN ADLER EYES VALET TRAY
If mom likes to keep a pretty vanity or desk situation, then have a look no further than Jonathan Alder. This valet tray almost feels like a work of art so she might want to keep it empty. In case you’re wondering what purpose it serves, I use my trays to hold jewelry, glasses, and lipsticks - basically any small trinkets.
5// BERNARD CHAIR FROM HAY
If mom is more into unique pieces for the home - check out Denmark company Hay. The Bernard chair was created by designer Shane Schneck and consists of leather and solid wood. The soft lines of this contemporary piece would look beautiful as a pair or as a statement piece on its own. While you’re visiting hay.com - check out their collection of home accessories, lighting, and dishes for yourself.
6// NIGHT RUNNER BY SOPHIA AHAMED
This stunning artwork of the night sky blurs reality and imagination with its vibrant colors and sense of calm. Available in 11”x13” and up to 50”x60” prints, framed or unframed, artstar.com is an online platform that curates contemporary works from international artists - perfect for Mother’s Day if art is her thing.
7// BYREDO BIBLIOTHÉQUE
This floral woodsy scent contains top notes of peach and plum, with middle notes of peony and violet, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla, and musk. Sounds like an odd pairing? Well, it is, and yet it works so well! Slightly sweet but intriguing, this fragrance is for those who are looking for something elegant, contemporary, and memorable.
8// CONSONANT SKINCARE HYDREXTREME CHARCOAL SHEET MASK
If mom is into natural and clean skincare or just skincare in general, this could be the perfect gift for her. These sheet masks by Canadian brand Consonant provide superior hydration and leave skin soft and smooth. It targets dull, dry, and uneven skin and is suitable for all skin types. The award-winning HydrExtreme® formula is clinically-proven to outperform hyaluronic acid, even after 24 hours; hydrates and plumps the skin.
9// ‘MY BAG SAVES WHALES’ BY GALLANT
This organic cotton tote supports ocean conservation and is perfect for running errands. It’s made without the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs and uses 88% less water and 62% less energy compared to conventional cotton.
10// DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DRYER
The motor on is on average six times faster, a third of the weight, and half the size of other hair dryer motors. It’s comfortable to hold and dries hair in a fraction of the time compared to other hair dryers. In case you’re wondering, yes it’s totally worth the money. I gave one of these to my mother one year and it has been life-changing in her hair care routine!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.
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Top 10 Best Products To Buy During The Sephora Insider Sale
The Sephora Beauty Insider Sale is here and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been making and revising your list for the past week.
I thought long and hard about my own self-care routine and before putting together this list of 10 Best Products to buy. These are my holy grail items and things I plan on repurchasing once they’re done.
Head over to Sephora and use code SPRINGSAVE to get your discount.
Rouge members save 20% off from April 17 - May 1
VIB members save 15% off from April 21 - April 29
Insider members save 10% off from April 23 - April 27
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1// ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
This incredible serum leaves my skin visibly hydrated and plump the next morning. I use it on my face and neck at night whenever my skin is feeling dull and dry.
2// ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate
I layer this at night as a second step following the aforementioned Night Repair Complex. The two products work beautifully together so if you already love the serum, I highly recommend you check out the Reset Concentrate. It’s an overnight treatment that soothes the look of irritation and immerses the skin in 24-hour hydration.
3// SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum Mist
I’m one of those people that keeps a facial mist and their desk, and considering how much time we’re all spending indoors now, I’m reaching for that bottle every couple of hours. This unique oil-water spray is infused with hydrating jojoba seed oil and Sulwhasoo’s signature JAUM Balancing Complex™, a potent cocktail of five Korean herbs.
4// TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask
Tata Harper is high on everyone’s holy grail list for a reason. Her products are 100% natural and vegan and while pricey, totally worth the splurge. This Resurfacing Mask transforms a dull complexion into glowing, healthy-looking skin with beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes.
5// KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
If you prefer creams over lotions and prefer a thicker moisturizer that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin, you’ll love this one! Ultra Facial Cream is a lightweight moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration. It’s suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin.
6// LA MER The Eye Concentrate
Fans of La Mer and luxury skincare have good reason to fall in love with The Eye Concentrate. It’s a lightweight, hydrating cream that feels luxurious and silky on the eyes. The cooling massage applicator also helps support microcirculation.
- Clarity Ferment: Helps brighten and reduce the look of dark circles, lines, and wrinkles for a healthy look of vitality and wellness.
- Concentrated Miracle Broth: Delivers essential energy and hydration to the eye area.
- Lime Tea Concentrate: Helps defend against damage from environmental aggressors and pollution.
7// JO MALONE LONDON Candles
It’s the perfect time to invest in elegant scents considering how much time we’re all spending at home right now. Jo Malone has a beautiful selection of home scents to set a different mood for every room of your house (yes, this is a thing now) - from English Pear & Freesia (lively, fruit & floral, and my fave), to Lime Basil & Mandarin (fresh and relaxing), to Pomegranate Noir (warm, floral & mysterious). Grab the collection of travel-sized candles if you’re new to the brand or can’t make up your mind.
8// SULWHASOO First Care Activating Sheet Mask
This five pack of masks are nourishing and hydrating with antioxidant-rich green tea, soothing honey, and JAUM Balancing Complex™. But it’s also an experience.
The light herbal scent sets the most beautiful and relaxing atmosphere for sheet masking like nothing you’ve ever felt before. Lie back, throw on some meditative music, close your eyes, and let the mask nourish your skin.
9// LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Named Allure’s Best of Beauty Award Winner in 2019, this leave-on lip mask soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, the exclusive Moisture Wrap™ technology boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals lock in moisture and active ingredients.
10// KERASTASE Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum
This leave-in, overnight serum that nurtures and detangles hair while you sleep and is suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair types. The unique leave-in treatment leaves hair feeling soft, protected, and easy to style.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.
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You'll Want to Follow @objects.de.luxe on Instagram!
Creating a new Instagram page has been on my mind for months now, so I’m finally biting the bullet and making it happen. I mean, I have to keep busy somehow seeing as we’re all stuck at home because of the virus.
@objects.de.luxe, my new IG, is a new home dedicated to my love of photography, fashion, beauty, and luxury all wrapped up in a minimalist style.
I’ll be posting often, so make sure you follow me there for ongoing inspiration.
Oh - and I haven’t done so yet, but I’ll be making the page shoppable moving forward so you know where to buy the featured items.
I hope you’re doing well and keeping safe!
xx, Nathalie
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Spoil Yourself with These Luxe Items
19 Likes, 3 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "mixed metals"
I’m wearing a David Yurman silver chain necklace, gold necklaces gifted to me by my mother, a gold evil eye charm and circle charm from Anine Bing.
26 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram
My friend Michael made me realize how important it is to invest in good jewelry. I used to rely on my husband and parents to gift me the good stuff, but these days I’ll treat myself.
These Balenciaga BB Cosy slippers are ridiculously chic and comfortable. In case you’re wondering, they’re true to size.
object de luxe | nathalie posted on Instagram * See 11 photos and videos on their profile.
I love stacking rings and mixing metals.
object de luxe | nathalie posted on Instagram: "living in sweatpants" * See 11 photos and videos on their profile.
Living in quarantine means wearing sweatpants 75% of the time.
19 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "lime basil & mandarin"
Jo Malone makes some of my favourite candles. The Lime Basil & Mandrin scent is the latest my collection.
28 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram
I’m a sucker for patent leather. Go figure everything in my small Chanel collection is black and shiny.
19 Likes, 10 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "treat yourself"
I bought my lipsticks on hermes.com and they soon arrived to my doorstep. Packaged in a discrete white box, I opened it up to find a cute illustration on the inside flap and a white elastic holding my lipsticks in place.
15 Likes, 0 Comments - object de luxe | nathalie (@object.de.luxe) on Instagram: "orange boîte"
Lifting my spirits from COVID-19 with a little online shopping. Yes, I’m still on a low buy year in case you’re wondering. ;)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
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Luxury Beauty During Quarantine. Should You Feel Guilty?
Most of us are stuck at home right now no thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, however, I think we still need to maintain some sense of semblance in our daily lives. It may be tempting to wear pajamas day in and day out and lose sight of how we would normally care for ourselves, but we shouldn't go down that path because it impacts our self-esteem more than we may realize.
Here’s a story that I’ve never shared with you before.
I freelanced for about three years and in that time I spent most of my days working from home alone. I developed some harmful habits in that first year. I’d start my day by jumping out of bed, head straight to my desk, and stay there until I had to use the washroom or get a snack, and would work late into the evening.
I was stressed to my core, I wasn’t eating healthy, I wasn’t exercising, and I looked a mess. Above all else, I felt completely out of touch with reality and depression soon started to creep in.
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Of course, my depression wasn’t as simple as wearing pajamas seven days a week and there was more happening in the background. Being overworked and not checking in with myself was a recipe for disaster in terms of my mental health.
If there's anything you can take away from my experience, it is to make time for yourself and do things that bring you joy. Maintain a balanced routine to keep your mental and emotional health strong.
Also, practice gratitude and think about the things you do have rather than the things you don't. Get into the habit of listing five things you're grateful for first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night. You'll likely sleep better or start your day off on a better note allowing you to be more productive.
Finally, try waking up at the same time every day, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water, meditate, get plenty of sleep, and know when to turn off the news.
I encourage you all to do some self-care this week because we all need some TLC right now.
So with that, here are 10 of my favorite beauty items that I'm recommending to help lift your spirits while in quarantine. Stay home and stay safe.
Spoil Yourself with These Luxe Items
I've tried my fair share of luxury lip balms but this one tops them all! Clé De Peau's Lip Glorifier (in Pink) is insanely moisturizing and conditioning, and has a subtle yet pleasant rose scent. It feels slightly tingly and enhances the lips natural color leaving them looking dewy and plump. Highly recommend it on its own or under your favorite lipstick as a primer.
I’m a self-proclaimed lipstick addict so it's surprising that I waited this long to get my hands on the new Hermés lipsticks. Not only are the colors richly pigmented and feel hydrating on the lips, but the packaging is also absolutely to die for with its heavyweight enamel case that comes housed in the classic orange box from the luxury fashion house.
Springtime In The Park, a male and female fragrance, is the latest addition to the Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' collection. While I typically favor warm and spicy scents over floral ones, I will switch over to a floral if the mood strike - but it needs to have depth. The key notes in Springtime In The Park are Pear Accord, Lily of the Valley Accord, and Musks that smell so good, you'll want to bathe in it.
Glowy skin is something we all strive for but even more so now that we're in quarantine and staying indoors. I've been using the IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Rosy Tone Moisturizer to help liven my complexion during the day. It also has subtle light-reflecting particles that's lovely on its own or under makeup.
One of the things I like to do to elevate my mood is to light a bougie candle. At first, The scent of Diptyque's popular Baies candle radiates the compelling freshness of a bouquet of roses, sweetened by Blackcurrant Leaves.
NARS award-winning Radiant Creamy Concealer provides medium, buildable coverage that's long-wearing looks natural on the skin. It's the only concealer that I consistently repurchase and always have in my makeup bag.
NARS Orgasm blush is probably one of the most iconic makeup items in modern-day history and it’s said that one is sold every minute. This universally flattering peachy-pink shade has golden shimmers which gives cheeks that natural glow-from-within look.
I go through more bottles of serum than I do moisturizer. This Smart Moisture Serum from the Giorgi Armani skincare line contains hyaluronic acid and crimson seaweed, to give skin luminous moisture.
Anyone experiencing dull skin will want to get their hands on Neostrata’s Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish asap. It's a gentle, but effective polish containing 10% AHA and professional-grade crystals to revitalize skin instantly.
If you're like me with combo/oily skin, you know how frustrating it is to rely on powder to set your makeup because you hate the matte finish you're left with. I was devoted to my MAC Fix+ Setting Spray before getting my hands on ABH's Dewy Set Spray. It leaves my skin with a natural dewy finish and locks everything into place.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Artwork and photos by Nathalie Martin.
Stock photography from ShopStyle.com.