Traci Drury

New Brand Alert: Flyte.70

Flyte.70 was created by two women for grown-up skin. A clean beauty brand that believes chemicals are everywhere – and it’s important to use them safely.I’ve had a chance to use the products this week so it’s time for my thoughts.I purchased these products and look forward to trying more from the brand. 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁: The shades are named after songs from the 80s and 90s to evoke memories (music does…

These days most of us dabble in a bit of online shopping and know there is an unlimited choice of storefronts. A good experience will bring you back and, for some, become a loyal customer. I have a lot of friends and family ask me about skincare and makeup – product recommendations, where to buy, etc. So… I’m very excited to announce that I’m now working with SkinStore! They’ve given me an…

There was a time when it was common to have nice writing paper or note cards with matching envelopes. In our ever-evolving cyber world it’s rare to receive a handwritten letter or card, with the exception of holidays (even “Thank You” notes tend to be sent via messaging of some form). Receiving a card or note in the mail is such a delight! Although of late it seems the only people who take the…

New: Gucci Beauty Launches Lipstick Line

Gucci has relaunched its Beauty line with a new creative director, Alessandro Michele.  In May they released a line of lipsticks with 58 shades in 3 different formulas – satin, sheer and balm.  The lipsticks are housed in a lovely gold tube with an engraved design at the base and a different lid for each formula.  All three formulas have a light Violet scent.

I ordered two lipsticks…

  Blow drying my hair always feels like work.  I dread how much effort it takes (the time, having to use a round brush, the heat, etc.).  Last November I saw @yeshipolito on Instagram and watched her very short YouTube video on the Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer.  I decided to give it a go because if it would make drying my hair easier then I had to have it.

I picked up the…

Yardley Soaps: Activated Charcoal Moisturizing Bath Bar

I love Yardley Soaps.  They’re solid, always have a lovely scent, and leave my skin feeling clean but not stripped.

They recently sent over their newest addition for me to try:  Activated Charcoal Moisturizing Bath Bar and they included a nice mesh sponge.

The Charcoal and Bentonite Clay help purify and cleanse the skin.

I find the light scent refreshing, and love that it doesn’t leave any…

Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Bag Event Spring 2019

Photo from Barneys NY

It’s time for my favorite Spring beauty event:  the Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Bag.  Today through March 9th choose from a men’s or women’s bag with any $200 purchase on cosmetics, skincare, fragrance or grooming.   The event is in store and online.

Most brands also have a gift with purchase (in addition to the Beauty Bag).

Photo from Barneys NY

If you would like to speak…

Last year famed makeup artist Gucci Westman launched her luxury makeup collection Westman Atelier featuring 6 products and 3 makeup brushes.  Initially launched at Barneys New York the products can also be found at Westman-Atelier.com and Violet Grey.

Photo taken at Barneys New York in Boston, MA

About the Brand:

Gucci Westman is known for her work as a makeup artist at fashion shows, for special events and editorial sets, as well as her celebrity clients (including Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow) and ability to make your skin look naturally dewy.

I’ve read several interviews with Gucci and “consciously crafted beauty” is a message that consistently pops up.  She was diagnosed with rosacea as an adult so using ingredients that soothe the skin is naturally important (no pun intended).  You’ll find plenty of natural ingredients as well as a few synthetic, but only if it’s the better option for formulation.  Silicones are potentially irritating so coconut oil and camellia oil are used as alternatives.

What’s Out (from the website): • Parabens • Sulfates • PEGs • Phthalates • Formaldehyde donors • Mineral Oil • BHA and BHT • Hydroquinone • Mercury and Mercury compounds • Retinol • Gluten

Website:

Brand websites don’t always leave much of an impression on me, but Westman-Atelier.com captured my attention right away.  As you scroll down to see each product you’ll notice they all have a uniquely designed space specific to the product.  The foundation stick rests on marble while a feather delicately floats into the picture and appears to be whisked away by a breeze.  The powder bronzer is balanced on a piece of similar colored stone as a ladybug climbs up and away from the compact.

Recently I was both surprised and excited to learn Westman Atelier is now at Woo Skincare & Cosmetics here in Charlotte.  I popped in last week to check out the display and get swatches.  The icing on the cake was running into a makeup artist friend who wanted to “play” with the products, so I sat still as she performed her magic.  I’m not going to get into the details of the products (like ingredients) as I’d like to share my thoughts on the products.

The two products I’ve purchaseed are the Vital Skin Foundation Stick and Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter, the others I’ve played with in store.

Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

This versatile blush stick can be used on the lips and cheeks.  The four shades are luminous, buildable and blend with ease.  They have good pigment but don’t shy away from the shades because they blend out.  The packaging is a pretty tube in light gray with a magnetic lid and “Westman Atelier” delicately etched on the side.  Apply directly from the tube or with fingers.  I’m thinking about purchasing one of the shades as I love a good blush stick (they’re convenient for travel).

The foundation:  Vital Skin Foundation Stick

This is a new line so I suspect that’s the reason for the limited shade range.  There are 12 shades in all.  The photo below on the right shows three of the choices:  shades 0 (the lightest), II (the shade I have) and XI (the darkest).

There are a few similarities to the blush stick:  the packaging is a solid tube with “Westman Atelier” written on the side, it has a magnetic lid that has a nice snap sound when it closes and it’s convenient for travel or to keep in my handbag for touch ups.  The Foundation Stick is also multi-purpose as it can be used as concealer.  The color of the packaging is possibly the softest pink I’ve seen, difficult to capture with the camera on my phone but oh-so-lovely.

The shades are numbered with odd numbers having a yellow undertone and even numbers are a neutral undertone.  I picked up shade 2 and after wearing it for about 8 hours it still looked good.  Coconut oil is included in the ingredients which gives the foundation a nice slip.  After wearing Vital Skin for the day I would recommend if you have oily or combination skin try it first before making a purchase.  The summers are hot and humid in my area so I anticipate I’ll have to use a different foundation during that time.

Screenshot from the Westman Atelier website

 Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer in Coup de Soleil and Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter in Peau de Peche

“Butter” is a good word to describe all of the Westman Atelier products.  The Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer is matte and has a soft texture because it contains plant butters.  The Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter was a surprise product for me.  The color looks dark, which concerned me because my skin tone is very light, but it’s a highlighter so you can use a small amount where you need some glow, or layer it on as a blush, which is how I use the product.  Both compacts are solid and sleek.  The Powder Bronzer is a shiny gold compact and the Tinted Highlighter is matte black.

Every Spring and Fall Barneys has a Love Yourself Beauty Bag Event so I decided that would be a good time to try something from the line.  I ordered the creamy Super Loaded Tinted Highlighter (above right) and have been very happy as it’s buildable for just the right amount of color.  A signature heart can be found on the powder bronzer as well as on the mirror in the compacts.  If you look at the heart closely there is a “WA” design at the bottom.

I love to touch the bristles on makeup brushes, running my fingers over them to determine whether they’re soft or just okay.  These are soft and feel good on my skin.  Handmade in Japan, the handles are crafted with hardwood birch and the bristles are made with nylon fibers.

Overall I’m impressed with this line.  The packaging and the products are luxury.  The next product I’d like to pick up is the blush stick, but I’m also curious to see what Gucci Westman releases next!

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NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream

The skin on my neck is sensitive which means I have to carefully choose the products I use.  I find the sensitivity odd because my chest and face are not sensitive, and this only began in the last couple of years.  I’ve wanted to try another neck cream but have been hesitant because I usually end up with itchy skin. NeoStrata is a reputable brand, so when I was given the opportunity to try…

Elemis Rose Cleansing Balm [Limited Edition]

The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has been around for quite some time and many skincare lovers are huge fans.  Now there is a Limited Edition Rose Cleansing Balm and it’s divine.

Elemisis a UK brand and every year they release a limited edition product or set in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  They have committed to donate £25,000 to The Pink Agenda for breast cancer research and care,…

It’s been a while since I’ve shared part of my skincare routine so I thought I would show you which cleansers I’m currently using.  All three cleansers are efficient at removing makeup, sunscreen, oil, dirt, etc.

Origins Cleansing Makeup Removing Jellyis a gel cleanser that turns into an oil as you massage onto dry skin.  It has a light fragrance (I’ve noticed on Instagram some people notice a…

GWP Photos: Neiman Marcus Beauty Event [Fall 2018]

I went by Neiman Marcus to take photos of the gifts with purchase a little later than usual.  First I’ll post the details as I did in my previous post, then I’ll add the photos from today.

When:  Now through 9/16/18

Where:  In store and online

Qualifier:  Spend $125

Receive:   a tote bag in a shade of your choice (navy, rose gold or silver) with samples.  The reason I like the Neiman’s gift with…

Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Bag [Fall 2018]

Photo from Barneys NY Website

I wanted to share a couple of photos with you from the Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Bag which runs through Sunday 9/9/18.  The photo above is from their website (my apologies, not of great quality) and the next photo is from the store display.  Below the photo is a recap of the information about the event.  If you would like to see previous Fall bags, go hereto see…

Fall 2018 Beauty Events: Barneys and Neiman Marcus

Here we are again – September – which means it’s time for beauty events and sales.  I’ve been out of town so I’m a bit late in posting photos.  Here’s the information I have at the moment and photos will follow of the GWP’s for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event.

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event Fall 2018

Photo from Neiman Marcus Website

  When:  Now through 9/16/18

Where:  In store and online

Qualifier: …

Sephora’s Beauty Insider Appreciation Event

Sephora normally has a sale in November but they’ve improved their beauty rewards program and have added a sale to celebrate.  The discount is one time use for online purchases, unlimited use in store.  If you are not a BeautyInsider you can sign up on their website.  You earn points for purchases and can redeem the points for products (usually deluxe travel size).

Rouge:  8/24-9/3 – 20% off. …

Recently I finished using a product with hydroquinone to help lighten my hyperpigmentation.  I was interested in trying something that would be a little more gentle to my skin and after a discussion with Hilary at Laser & Skin MediSpa she recommended:

SkinBetter Science Rejuvenate Even Tone Correcting Serum Face

I’ve seen the SkinBetter Science brand many times on Instagram and the reviews are…

SkinBetter Science Rejuvenate Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream Face

Looking for a retinol product?  Take a close look at this beauty while you’re doing your research:

SkinBetter Science Rejuvenate Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream Face

This treatment is packed with ingredients that aren’t always included in one product. Normally I have to make a cocktail by mixing a few products to get all of these good ingredients onto my skin, but SkinBetter Science has made…