On today’s weekend meanderings, a makeup refresh at Bluemercury, Frank & Eileen’s Jackie cardigan, and why I’m skipping the Sephora sale. For my local friends, the annual Lafayette Lifestyle Tour is just around the corner, do you have your tickets?
Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Elizabeth and Kim, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on.
It’s Masters weekend and Jim’s been glued to the TV since Thursday. I admit Augusta National is gorgeous in all its vivid green and pink glory. My mother, not a sports fan, would wryly observe that the color on her favorite television shows paled in comparison to the vibrant color on televised sporting events.
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Let’s jump right in …
Makeup Refresh at Bluemercury
Last week I made an appointment at Bluemercury for a makeup refresh. It’s been on my to-do list for a while and I was running low on several products. I really like Bluemercury stores. They’re less chaotic than Sephora and feel more manageable to navigate. Also, they carry really good brands, including SkinCeuticals. I’m a devotee of their CE Ferulic and P-Tiox serum.
I’m not a makeup girly and tend to buy products and stick with them. Because I don’t wear makeup everyday, my products last a long time, so long, that when it comes time to restock, they’re often discontinued. That’s a topic for another day.
I was introduced to Coco, our local store’s resident makeup wizard. I told him I wanted a new foundation, preferably tinted moisturizer, that feels light on my skin and a little dewy, a new blush, and maybe a concealer. I want to look better than my natural state without feeling like I have a lot of gunk caked on my face.
Coco recommended Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, shade #3. The pros always choose a lighter shade than I’d pick for myself, and they’re right. For under-eye help, he chose Chantecaille Le Camouflage Stylo (#2) — a click pen with brush tip that makes it easy to control. For color, he went with Charlotte Tillbury’s Cheek to Chic powder blush in Pillow talk. I’ve been using Nars Orgasm blush, so that tracks. I was surprised he chose powder over cream, I’m forever reading that woman of a certain age should avoid powder because it can settle into creases, but I actually prefer powder, and I’m happy with it.
The secret sauce from my lesson with Coco is Lune + Aster PorePerfect Primer, a gel-like formula unlike any primer I’ve used. I usually skip this step, but I like this one for its lightness and transparency. The brand also makes a this RealGlow Primer with a luminous finish. My skin is dull and can use all the glow it can get so stay tuned.
I also bought a few other things and new make up brushes. This is my haul ~
If you’re local, I highly recommend booking time with Coco in Bluemercury’s Lafayette store … I’ll definitely be returning to him rather than flying blind.
Thoughts on the Sephora Sale
Apparently, Sephora is having a sale. You couldn’t have missed it. What’s surprises me is some of the influencer reaction of late. The expected “what I’m shopping at the Sephora sale” posts are being eclipsed by the “what I’m not shopping the Sephora sale” posts. What happened?
Grace Atwood of The Stripe put it well — Rouge members get the most value, but if she didn’t have that status, she’d wait for another sale because the Insider level 10% off isn’t very much. And Bluemercury and Violet Grey regularly offer everyone 20% off. The popular Substack newsletter Totally Recommend ran a piece last year titled The Sephora Sale is Kind of Insulting Actually, which is making the rounds again and pretty much sums up the sentiment.
As a lowly Insider, I’ll be sitting this one out. But if you have Rouge or VIB status, the math may be mathing. If that’s you, let us know if it’s worth it.
Jackie Sweatshirt Cardigan
You know I’m a fan of Frank & Eileen, so when they sent me their new Jackie Sweatshirt Cardigan I was thrilled. Made from their much-loved triple Terry material, it’s cozy, comfortable and easy to wear … and it adds a little polish without formality. I chose British Royal Navy, which is hard to distinguish from black, making it very versatile.
It comes in about five colors – this lemon yellow is gorgeous – and I’ve worn it at least four times this week. To meetings at the house, to lunch with a friend, to a Sharks game, and to a concert last night. Yes, I’m a creature of repetitive wears. And, yes, I ate that entire sandwich.
For the hockey game and concert, I wore the brand’s popover henley underneath. It’s a perfect pairing. The cardigan also comes in a lightweight t-shirt version made from vintage jersey – just as versatile, and ideal for summer events when you need a layer that won’t cause you to overheat.
I also own the Dublin sweatshirt blazer in the same amazing triple terry fabric, also in British Royal Navy – another piece that gets a lot of repeat wear. I wore it to the new house recently and left with sheetrock dust on the sleeves. Renovation realities.
San Francisco Packing List
It was a busy week on the blog. Last weekend’s blow-by-blow of my Summit in the City adventures was followed by a mid-week post detailing my 3-day San Francisco packing list.
Your comments on the complexities of travel packing were so fun to read. Shoes seem to be our achilles heel – ha – but many of you have mastered the two-pair travel edit and my admiration knows no bounds. The consensus – sneakers paired with boots or booties for cooler destinations, and sneakers paired with sandals or flats for warmer ones. Simple, smart, and a goal to which I aspire.
Lafayette Juniors Lifestyle Tour – April 25th
Local friends, the Lafayette Juniors Lifestyle Tour is just around the corner – Saturday, April 25th from 10am – 3pm.
Gorgeous Lafayette homes – indoor and outdoor spaces – open for us to ooh and ahh, get design inspiration, and sometimes meet the architect or designer in person to answer questions. (I always have questions.)
It’s my absolute favorite local event of the year. Get your tickets here – and I hope to see you on the tour!
Odds & Socks ~
- Nothing’s off limits to our dogs and cat, making a sofa blanket essential
- The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s recent performance on Howard Stern blew me away. They’re one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen and if you have the chance to see them on their spring/summer/fall tour, take it. Local friends, they’re playing the Greek theater on August 12th.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. Last weekend I spilled the tea on the content creator summit I attended in San Francisco with some of your favorite bloggers.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Elizabeth and Kim.
I’ve noticed a recent uptick in subscribers, so if you’re new here welcome. I post every Saturday with an occasional post or two each month on topics like style, travel, and the occasional recipe and cocktail. If this is your first visit, I’d love for you to join my mailing list (subscribe here) to have my dispatches delivered straight to your inbox as they’re hot off the press. And, if you’d like to follow me on Instagram, I’d love that too.
Good morning Juliet! I definetly need a makeup refresh! So many good ideas. Love your new Jackie sweatshirt cardigan! And I love a hardworking piece that you can wear over an over!
Xo
Annie! It was fun to get some makeup pointers from a pro. Sadly my execution at home needs work. Oh well! Happy weekend! xo
I love your blog, and style!
I wish I still lived in the Bay Area when I see the fun house and garden tours you talk about.
I live in Santa Fe and there is only one, “Behind Adobe Walls”.
Judee
Judee! Behind Adobe Walls sounds pretty amazing to me! I love Sante Fe style. Thank you for your kinds words, it means so much. Happy weekend! xo
Juliet, good morning!
I am with you in the Sephora sale, and many others. IT is a bit like the Black Friday sales that are not really saving us any money.
Make-up or lack there of is not my strong suit. I never really wore a lot and still don’t. Add in some sort of allergy with post menopause and I am a pale face that cannot even wear my beloved eyeliner! Anyone that has a suggestion for hypoallergenic eyeliner and foundation I am all ears(and eyes).
You new jacket from Frank and Eileen is lovely, and you always look so effortlessly stylish.
As for the Junior League tour, are you going? Please tale lots of photos.
Have a lovely weekend, enjoy the Masters! It is a beautiful course.
xo
Elizabeth! Of course, I’m going … I’ll probably be first in line. Ha! And you can count on me for lots of (too many) photos. Stay tuned. Meanwhile … happy weekend! xo
The majority of your clothing, shoes, bag, etc, price points are way too high for me. I am not looking for Amazon price points, but always disappointed when I click on your links. Glad your subscribers are up, so I am sure you don’t take kindly to my comments.
I do enjoy your writing style on a positive note.
Sharon! Thank you for your honest feedback. I truly appreciate it. In the past couple of years I’ve made an effort to buy fewer but better things. Of course, better does not always mean more expensive and your comment inspires me to spend more time seeking out things I feel are quality and a good value. Quince is one brand that comes to mind. Their price points are excellent and everything I’ve purchased from them is a favorite. If you have any suggestions or pointers I’ve love to hear. And, thank you for being here. xo
Hi Juliet,
I love the Tedeschi Band and went to a concert at the Santa Barbara bowl which was incredible. Love you new Frank and Eileen cardigan! Have a wonderful weekend!
Francesca! I knew we were simpatico. I bet they sounded even better in that amazing setting. Happy weekend to you too! xo
J ,
I’m in love with anything that feels like a sweatshirt so well done on that cardigan.
I haven’t done a make up refresh in some time. I too like Blue Mercury… my vibe for sure. I think I’ll look into doing something like this myself. I do wear make up but minimal like you. I’m never without eyebrows or lipstick and a tinted sunscreen.
Enjoy the golf. Go Rory!
Hi Juliet! You and Kim have great blogs. Good content and none of the crazy pop up ads! It’s fun to get new make-up and tips from the pros. I don’t have a Bluemercury store available to shop and try out. But I was at Sophora this past week and wanted to try a new tinted moisturizer with a recommendation from salesgirl. She suggested Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy (that’s a mouthful) and applied it and have me check it out standing by the windows. I love it because it is lightweight and moisturizing , correct color, and has SPF 30. I’m so happy with it! I’m still hunting down a lipstick I can love.
Btw, you are a girl after my own heart eating that sandwich. I would have done the same! Have a good rainy, windy weekend!
I forgot to mention that I’ve been using RMS Hydra Powder Blush for a couple of years and I love it…creamy powder that stays on all day.
I absolutely adore Blue Mercury in Lafayette! I’ve been using Skinceuticals products for eons…love their AGE eye cream…simply the best. When I was in Blue Mercury several months ago for a foundation overhaul, I was turned onto Chantecaille Future Skin, in Vanilla. All it takes is a few swipes with a brush on red areas and that’s it. What a difference…no cakey, aging, mask effect. Love their lipsticks, too. Blue Mercury blows Sephora out of the water, for sure! Have a great weekend. Karen (Fig) ♀️
Juliet this is the truth about Sephora. In no other place, do you have to prove you’ve spent $300 to get a sample the size of a fingernail. I also don’t appreciate the hoards there and have had way too many products that were already used/opened. I love Blue Mercury- no mall, good brands (including their own), and great personal attention by knowledgeable folks. Their primer is so good! Love all you got. So agree about power blush too. I always try and spend my $ at Blue Mercury so they stay in my town.
Love that F&E cardi! You look so good in it. The tour sounds great. I will be waiting to hear your report of it. I’m off to read your travel post I am so late to it. xo
P.s. My mom and dad loved the Masters just for the flowers! My dad still does.
Hello, Juliet! I love Blue Mercury, but sadly there is not one in Maine — yes, not one in the entire state. That is often our plight. I was recently reminded of their Real Glow primer, which I used and loved for years. So I ordered a new tube. It can be used on its own on makeup-light days. Love your new Frank and Eileen sweater! Have a lovely week!