Sunday Six Pt. 11
The perfect black boots, the arrival of holiday gift sets, gourmand season, and base routine favorites
Merit Dress Code Set – I got the Merit holiday sets in PR this week and I immediately opened this lipstick set. Listen, I am very picky when it comes to gift sets. I don’t love minis. I don’t want repeat products. This set contains three new limited edition shades, one of which is an entirely new formula. And for this reason, it is perfect.
Merit does like to tease new shades and formulas in their holiday launches, so I’m guessing we’ll see a full shade range of the Lip Blush sometime next year. It’s like Signature Lip and Signature Lip Matte had a creamy, balmy, blurred lip baby.
Full review and swatches here:
Jupiter Shampoo and Conditioner Flake-Free Duo – Shawn’s words exactly: “This is the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever tried for my hair.” Yeah, you heard him. Shawn has thick, curly hair with primary concerns of dryness and frizziness. He specifically mentioned that he feels like it’s the first wash set that has truly moisturized his hair and left it feeling more manageable and shinier. And trust me, I’ve had him try many hair products. He is my guinea pig.
He shampoos every other wash and conditions every wash, and I can say I’ve noticed an improvement in his hair and scalp. Jupiter is designed for those with dry, flaky, dandruff-y scalps, so the moisturizing qualities really make sense. It also contains colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil for extra moisture and shine.
Larroude Ricky Boot – I have several pairs of high lug-sole boots and combat boots, but I’ve been on the hunt for a low heel boot. These are the perfect black leather boost for fall, with a manageable 2.1 inch block heel. The square toe gives these a bit of an edge, while remaining minimal enough to throw on with casual outfits or dress up.
I’ve only had these for a couple of weeks but I think the textured napa leather will be very forgiving of signs of wear and age beautifully. I wear a size 5/5.5, depending on the brand. I have these in size 5 and I’d say they’re TTS. Just be aware they’re pull up boots, so no zipper on these.
Afternoon Delight Eau de Toilette by Maison Margiela Replica – The latest fragrance launch from Maison Margiela, Afternoon Delight is inspired by madeleines and Parisian cafes. I was a bit wary about this because, while I do enjoy gourmands, I was worried this would be a bit saccharine or cloying. I’m happy to say that’s not the case.
Top Notes: Bitter almond essence, angelica root essence
Middle Notes: Madeleine accord, carrot heart, absolu ambrette
Base Notes: Heart of New Caledonia sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla pod, musks
I especially love the bitter almond top note, and I find that it helps the sweetness in this fragrance lean more bakery sweet than sugary sweet. It does become muskier and more skin-like throughout the day, which feels appropriate for an eau de toilette.
Huda Easy Blur Foundation, shade 220N – I finally picked up this polarizing foundation and I have to say, I really enjoy it. But it’s not for everyone, especially if you have dry or flaky skin. Like all blurring products, I think this requires careful application. I like to apply a smooth layer with a brush, then pat to blend. Do not overblend, because once this starts to set down the film-formers will activate. It will start to look textured if you interrupt this process. I also think using minimal skincare prep helps with a formula like this.
That said, the skin does look beautifully blurred, and stays that way, especially when set with powder. It has a natural finish with a solid medium coverage, but I wouldn’t say it’s that buildable. You get one excellent layer of beautiful coverage, so you don’t want to overwork the product or over-apply. I wear 220N Custard, reviewed here:
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ – I tragically emptied my favorite SPF of 2024, but luckily I had this waiting in the wings to lift my spirits. It has everything I love about kbeauty SPFs: advanced chemical filters, elegant texture, no white cast, lovely ingredients. It’s a stiffer cream texture, definitely richer than the sunscreen milk I just emptied, but I feel the added moisture is appropriate for fall and winter especially. I can skip a daytime moisturizer when I’m using this on my combo skin, personally.