a list of beauty essentials
for an endless summer vacation
My beautiful, beautiful friends.
It’s a Tuesday evening in Rome. And I am so excited to write this letter to you. Of course, there’s a second litre of water of beside us and a bowl of figs. The figs were props in today’s photoshoot, and what better way to honour fig season than to use them as chic content accessories?
I’ve wanted to write this post for so long. There’s honestly nothing like sitting with a girlfriend and spilling out the contents of your make-up bag. Also, the best part of going to a friend’s house is going through their make-up cabinet while you’re using their washroom. I have done this many times.
My aesthetic has always been this: I want to look like I just rolled out of bed with my summer boyfriend (who ceased to exist this summer), at noon. I want the tousled waves and the messy pony. I want the flushed cheeks, I want the doe eyed gaze. I want that sun-kissed glow all day and all night, regardless of the time, date, or season. I want effortless, and I want ease. I want to know that if I accidentally fall asleep in my tinted primer and cream blush, I won’t break out the next morning. And I want to know that I’ll still look fresh and glowy, while waking up next to my summer boyfriend, of course.
Here is a list of my current favourite beauty products to achieve that “I don’t care but I really, truly do” look.
PRIME SKIN by Gee Beauty I’ve never been a huge foundation fan, and I never want to feel like I’m wearing make-up. I always look for tinted moisturizers that are blendable, buildable, moisturizing, and give that light (but can also give that medium-when-you-need-it) coverage. Gee Beauty is a Toronto based make-up brand, and it is always one of my go-to stops when I’m back home. Prime Skin is pure magic. It’s a tinted primer with SPF 20 that contains my favourite ingredient on the entire planet - hyralounic acid. It is so, unbelievably lightweight and gives you that glow without being oily. I’ve worn it to the beach, to the pool, it’s lasted through many hot and humid Italian summer nights, and my skin always looks and feels healthy.
Gucci Mascara L'Obscur: If you were to ask me the stranded on a deserted island question - this is my answer. Not only is this the chicest mascara tube you will ever hold in your own two hands, it honestly looks like someone painted butterfly wings on your lashes. It’s the mascara of my dreams. It separates, lengthens, holds a curl, and the tiny applicator really allows you to fan out and feather your lashes.
And you want to know something else? That feathery lash is key for when you need to flirt with the bouncer to skip the line. Or when you need to flirt with the bartender to get a martini or two knocked off your bill. Thank you to the gods of Gucci.
Gucci Éclat Soleil: Okay, there’s a pattern here. But Gucci’s packaging is a work of art. That turquoise and gold - how can you not? It’s a matte bronzer with the tiniest bit of shimmer, which means you can still contour with it, too. I have to be honest - I did buy the third shade which, for me, means that a little goes a very long way.
There’s a really beautiful, warm undertone to this bronzer - which only amplifies that “you look like you got some sun today” compliment that we all love so much. Also, I’ll rarely wear eyeshadow, but when I want a little something, I’ll sweep this across my lids and line my upper lash line with a chocolate coloured eyeliner.
Gucci Blush De Beauté in Tender Apricot: Okay, my last Gucci product - I promise. Again, a semi-matte eye and cheek colour. Am I think the only one who loves repurposing their blush/bronzer for eyeshadows, too? But I just love, love this shade so much. When you want to look like you just finished your second espresso, brought to you by your summer boyfriend - it’s that perfect, perky shade of peachy-pink.
Nudestix Matte Bronzing Stick in Sunkissed: Another Toronto-based brand - Nudestix is truly amazing. You know those products that immediately become a game changer? That was Sunkissed for me. It’s another hybrid cheek/eye/lip colour, but this time, in cream form. This is the product for that flush.
Where she has been, what has she been up to? I think it’s the red undertone that really does something. I’ll buff Sunkissed on top of my bronzer, right underneath the tops of my cheekbone, but avoiding the apples. It’s a way to keep the contour going.
Nudestix Dewy Highlighter Stick in Illumi-Naughty : The best for when you haven’t gotten your brows done in 6 months, and want to look like you’ve had a little something done. Conceal + highlight - that’s my secret. But there’s something ethereal about a cream highlight. I think it’s because it doesn’t look like you’ve just swept a jar of glitter across your face. Illumi-Naughty ties everything together. I’ll add it right on top of Sunkissed, and right on top of my cupid’s bow. The perkiness of the second espresso and that post summer nap glow.
Charlotte Tilburry Hyralounic Happikiss Lip Balm: Hyralounic is the key to happiness. Hyralounic solves all of our problems. This is my mantra. I also can’t believe I only discovered Pillow Talk this year. Tinted balms will always remain superior to me, just because it’s always about doing the very least, while making the most impact. The hyralounic moisturizes, add shine, and makes your lips look fuller. Who has she been making out with? I like to imagine everyone saying.
Is it her summer boyfriend? The bartender? The bouncer?
Who knows? Who really knows.
Benefit 24 Hour Brow Setter: I have to say, I really love a messy, slighty overgrown brow. The last time I shaped my brows was 6 months ago. And I swear, each week I tell myself that I am going to get my brows done, and each week, I never do. Luckily, Benefit’s Brow Setter has saved me from a summer of eyebrow procrastination. There’s two brush lengths on each side of the applicator, which actually makes it easier for you to shape them on your own. And when they say a 24 hour hold - they really do mean it.
Okay, that was beyond fun. Let me know if you want more of these beauty and lifestyle favourites. And DM me yours. Or comment below.
What a fun community we have here.
Ah, I just love you all! Happy Wednesday, friends.
Xo,
Emily