We’ve been in the thick of Winter for a while now, especially here in New England (it’s flurrying outside as I write this!) which means it’s about that time for me to talk about the makeup I’ve been wearing over these past few weeks to help keep me looking fresh-faced and camera ready given it’s still very much the season of parties, get-togethers and social gatherings!
While a lot of the past products I’ve highlighted here on ‘Coffee & Chiffon‘ over the years are still in my regular rotation depending on my mood and the occasion I’m getting ready for, I like to take the opportunity with these seasonal posts to talk about the newer additions and finds in my collection – although I have to say that in this installment – a few old favorites and friends I haven’t used in a long, long time have made quite a comeback!
As always, I’ll have some swatches of the shades as they appear on my very pasty skin at the end of the post, and I’ve linked to previous years’ collections for anyone who might be feeling curious.
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I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but many years ago (and it feels like it was another lifetime!) I was a consultant and makeup artist for Clinique. I wore the white lab coat, I made people look exceptional for their proms and weddings, and I tried all of the skincare – even the stuff I didn’t need at the time!
If I hadn’t been suffocating under the Macy’s Department Store blanket that my counter had been located in, I probably would still be there to this day. I loved that job!
I digress. I felt a little nostalgic when it came time to pick out some new products for the Winter season – and I decided that it was finally time to return to a few of my old Clinique favorites I used to wear pretty much every single day at work. The first are these “All About Shadow” duos in the shades ‘Strawberry Fudge’ and ‘Beach Plum’. While the purple crease shade in ‘Beach Plum’ makes my eyes pop like something fierce – it’s the pink/golden hue in ‘Strawberry Fudge’ that I am still obsessed with after all this time. It is GORGEOUS.
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And of course, you can’t use a stellar Clinique shadow and not finish the look with one of their expertly formulated mascaras. Out of all the ones I’ve tried or used religiously over the years – the “High Impact” mascara in black has always been my favorite. This one lengthens, curls, and thickens the lashes to give the appearance of wearing falsies without all the fuss and the glue.
You can’t mess with a classic!
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For my blush look this season, I’ve wanted to glow. I’m talking otherworldly, ethereal glow – and it’s mainly because my skin dries out so much this time of year that I want to give the illusion of having a hydrated and healthy complexion (fake it ’til you make it!) To achieve that, I’ve been using Tarte’s liquid “Blush Tape” in the shade ‘Peach’, which I had received in a promotional gift package right before the holidays and immediately fell in love with
Working as both a blush and a highlighter, this quick-drying formula has buildable coverage/color with the applicator tip and makes my cheekbones look incredible – especially out in the sun and under any soft indoor lighting!
My only gripe with this product is that it can get messy within the container, with the blush sometimes leaking out under the cap after it’s been closed/sealed or leaking into the inside of the cap – so just make sure you’re storing it properly and opening it carefully!
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Finally, I had only just mentioned this long-lasting matte lipstick from M.A.C. just a couple of days ago when talking about PANTONE’s Color of The Year for 2025, but for good reason! This creamy, non-drying formula in the shade ‘Meticulous’ has been the perfect neutral color for everyday Winter wear. I sport this at the office, when I’m out running errands, hanging out with friends, etc. It’s a beautiful shade that compliments so many skin tones and complexions, I think.
And I like to top it with some clear balm or gloss given how cold and dry the air is this time of year. It further seals in the color and keeps my lips both looking and feeling very moisturized!
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As promised, and as is tradition with my makeup posts – I’ve swatched the products mentioned above so you can get a better idea of their texture, finish, and pigmentation.
If you have any seasonal makeup recommendations you think I should check out or consider for my Spring routine I’ll be putting together in a few months, feel free to reach out or leave a comment!
Next week on the blog, I’m going to be celebrating/commemorating another milestone here on ‘Coffee & Chiffon‘ along with my birthday, sharing a recap of a very unique event I’m attending later on tonight, and talking about another “Local Love” spot now that I’m back in New England again!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 