Obsessions 003
My sun-kissed makeup favorites from MERIT Beauty and everything else I'm loving.
We’re back with my latest obsessions! If you’re new here, you can stop by Obsessions I1 and Obsessions II and see what all the fun is about. If something makes it here, I’m deep in my admiration for it. I’m hyper fixated. I’ve tested it, and I’m certain about recommending it. I have to disclaim that you’ll see the word “obsessed” a lot below.
Since the last time we got together to talk about everything I’m gushing over, I’ve been celebrating the holidays, nesting at home, and enjoying all of the LA spots I’ve been missing. It’s given me a lot of time to grow obsessed with some new things!
If you’ve heard me talk about my makeup routine, you know I gravitate toward makeup that is natural looking and easy. I've been using MERIT products for years, and love that all of their products are vegan, cruelty free, and non-comedogenic. Lately I’ve grown so obsessed with the Cheek Flush Balm in the shade Fox. My makeup never feels complete without it, and it has become a desert island product for me. I love the versatility and how I can wear it on my cheeks, forehead and lips. It is the perfect shade to make me appear sun-kissed in the dead of winter. Also love how it melts into my skin. Since it’s launch, I’ve used the Solo Shadow in Midcentury almost daily. Its probably the easiest eye-shadow product I’ve ever used. My favorite thing about it? You can dust your eyelids with a simple press of a finger tip. I’ve also started to really enjoy the Minimalist as a light coverage moment when I’m on the go. It's a hybrid foundation concealer. I wear the shade Camel. The Shade Slick gloss will always be in my rotation of favs- I always go for the clear shade: Bel Air. This is a great non-sticky, hydrating lip oil that's perfect for everyday use.
To complete this look, I used a few swipes of the Bronze Balm in Seine, which is so creamy and, as the beauty gurus say, blends like a dream. Arguably one of the most important pieces to this look? The perfect brush! I give you: The Merit No.1 Blending Brush. It's made with densely packed vegan bristles and I’ve been using this for years.
Click here to shop MERIT discounted sets- you can get up to 15% off when you purchase in a bundle. Every first order gets a free signature makeup bag, & all orders over $40 ship free.
For Christmas, my Mom gifted me a beautiful pair of earrings: The Elsa Peretti Bean Studs. I was in need want of a good every day, stud that was easy to wear. I love hoops, but sometimes you just need a good stud. These are so special and the perfect size. I’m obsessed with their sweet and unique shape.
I’ve always sworn by the Patagonia fleece. My uncle is a collector of them, which naturally made everyone in my family follow suit. I’ve been in need of a new one that is more oversized (mine are more fitted), so I’ve been stealing Jimmy’s. What I’m really after are the vintage ones. There’s something about a worn in pullover from Patagonia that makes the perfect addition to my on the go look. I most often style mine with a pair of leggings or vintage Levi’s. A great site to find vintage Patagonia.
Speaking of vintage. My love for vintage Levi’s knows no bounds, but I am always looking for a pair that I can recommend to you all that is more accessible. I’ve found our latest denim obsession. They are selvedge2, which makes them special right off the bat. But- the wash is what I’m so impressed by. It’s the closest wash I’ve seen in Levi’s latest offering that resembles a pair of vintage. Honestly, they have fooled a few of you! I’ve sneakily shared them and you’ve asked if they’re vintage. Delighted to share they are not!
On the home front, I’m absolutely loving pieces from Lazy Jamie. Her curation is so, so special and unique. You’ve probably seen her beautiful home on TikTok. I got her spiral flatware set and I am so into it.
Food will always be a part of the Obsessions newsletter:
My best friend put me on to the Simple Mills pancake mix, and I am forever changed. I don’t abide by a strict GF diet, but if you do, or you are persnickety about ingredients, you must check these out. For a box mix, this is very good. I’ve been topping with bananas, Maldon sea salt, and Vermont Maple Syrup. Would be even better with a dash of cinnamon.
Always loved popcorn as a nightcap. My Mom used to pop it fresh, over the stove for us and add EVOO and S+P. I’ve been doing just that, and adding Hu dark chocolate gems on top for a little sweetness. Brett’s Bites dessert bowl inspired, of course. It’s an award winning combo, IMHO3.
Bianca Bakery has been a mainstay in our rotation the last couple months. Jimmy has made it a part of his routine to stop in, pick up the freshest loaf off the press and bring it home for show and tell. We love their rosemary focaccia, snickerdoodle cookies, and well, everything.
Making tea. I love anything non-caffeinated, as I don’t do well with caffeine! I think it’s time to invest in a tea cup! Perhaps this one from the new Il Buco Vita shop at the Platform?
Shortlist of everything else I’m obsessed with at the moment:
I’ve been wearing these leggings non stop. I’ve posted them before, but just reminding you how good they are. Fabric is incredible.
This Petite Plume Robe is buttery soft and light. I’ve been loving it as a light robe, but I think it’s going to be perfect in the spring and summer months.
Kodak FunSavers are so great to have laying around. I love my nice camera, but I so prefer throwing one of these in my bag for an event or hanging out. It does get a little expensive to keep buying these but I’d love to hear your compact film camera recs!
This newsletter is in partnership with MERIT Beauty.
Hope you all enjoyed! I’ll catch you soon for my next round of Obsessions.
Love, Gabs
Obsessions: my Substack series where I share all of the latest things I’m loving! All of these obsessions are in my current rotation of favorites and taking up prime real estate in my head.
Selvedge — also called selvage or self-edge — is the vertical edge of the denim fabric that prevents the end of the denim from unraveling. On the Levi's® 501®, selvedge has been a design feature and a study in denim loom evolution through the years. (Levis.com)
IMHO = in my humble opinion. One thing that’s fun about writing your own Substack: you can do whatever you want in your footnotes.
Just discovered you and love your content :) thanks for putting it out there for us to enjoy!
Love the footnotes! lol The history major in me feels I need to add them to my newsletter as well. Thanks for all the shares. I have one merit product, but I think I need to explore more. Also, how great are those vintage Patagonias? I always make my boys wear the pull overs and find them so classic and perfect.