This past week reminded me once again how important it is to lead with empathy, strength, and the Golden Rule. In times when the world feels heavy, even the smallest acts of kindness can shift someone’s day for the better.
On a personal note, I just returned from a much-needed three-day escape along California’s Central Coast with my family. It was the first time in months that I ventured more than thirty minutes from home, and the change of scenery proved to be exactly what we needed. Nestled in a rustic setting with barely a bar of cell service, we slowed down, reset, and simply enjoyed being together. Sometimes, it’s the absence of constant noise that reminds us what true rest feels like.
Five-Minute Hotel Room Makeup
While away, I challenged myself to keep beauty simple. I filmed a quick video of my everyday look during the trip—done in less than five minutes in the imperfect glow of hotel room lighting. It’s as real as it gets, and honestly, it might be my favorite kind of tutorial.
Skincare Prep
Before makeup, I focused on fresh, glowing skin. A few staples kept me balanced and ready:
- Juice Beauty Prebiotix Instant Flash Facial for a quick reset.
- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer, my go-to for hydration with radiance.
- City Beauty Skin Perfecting Daily Veil SPF 39 (launching July 26), because sun protection is always non-negotiable.
Makeup Essentials
For coverage, I alternated between Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter and the Au Naturale C2P Foundation Stick in Mallorca, topped with Kosas Revealer Concealer for a natural, skin-first finish. To add warmth, I reached for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer and Guerlain Terracotta Nude Powder.
Eyes stayed neutral but polished: the Charlotte Tilbury Desert Haze Palette, a touch of SUQQU Tone Touch Shadow #12, and the ever-trusty Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner in black. A quick swipe of Tom Ford Fiber Brow Gel kept brows defined yet natural, while City Beauty Beyond Mascara opened up the lashes.
For lips, I rotated between soft, effortless shades: Sisley-Paris Photo Lip Twist in Peach, Givenchy Le Perfecto Balm in Frosted Nude, and a Lancome Natural Mauve Lip Liner to subtly shape. The result? A polished, travel-friendly look that lasted all day without fuss.
Tools + Touches
My routine wouldn’t be complete without the Surratt Artistique Cheek Brush, the Clé de Peau Liquid Eyeliner for a touch of precision, and a spritz of Oribe Apres Beach Spray to keep hair relaxed yet styled. These little details made the look feel finished without being overdone.
Style Notes from the Getaway
Beyond beauty, a few fashion staples carried me through the trip with ease:
- Oneteaspoon Venice Jeans – casual yet flattering.
- HRH top – simple, breezy, and versatile.
- Fendi buckle slides – comfort with polish.
- A two-tone Seth Wegter tote – spacious enough for all the essentials.
- And perhaps my favorite, a custom Kelly Bello gold + enamel necklace with Joey’s initials. It’s become a part of my everyday jewelry stack, and I love carrying that little piece of her with me.
Looking Ahead
Returning home, I feel both recharged and inspired. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a home tour, diving deeper into foundation reviews, and exploring more facets of my work in communications alongside the beauty launches that continue to arrive on my desk.
There are also several Instagram Lives to look forward to:
- July 2 at 12 PM PST: A conversation with Michelle Ranavat of Ranavat on the @ranavat handle.
- July 22 at 9 AM PST / 5 PM BST: A chat with SUQQU Creative Consultant Jorge Balzaretti on @suqqu_uk_official.
- And more to come with Annie Lawless, ReFa, and others—dates to be announced soon!
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway from this week, it’s the importance of slowing down, finding gratitude in small moments, and letting kindness lead the way. Whether it’s a coastal getaway, a simple beauty routine, or a meaningful conversation, each experience offers the chance to reset and reconnect.
As always, I’d love to hear what resonates with you—whether it’s the quick hotel-room look, a product that caught your eye, or simply your own recent moment of reset. Grateful for you, always.