Beauty over 8 years ago by Liz Adams

Little Beauty Luxuries {Giveaway Closed}

Blue-Mercury-12Blue-Mercury-11Blue-Mercury-7Blue-Mercury-9Blue-Mercury-5Blue-Mercury-2Blue-Mercury-3Blue-Mercury-13Blue-Mercury-6Blue-Mercury-1Blue-Mercury-8In the past year I’ve discussed my recent obsession with skincare. After someΒ signs of aging seemed to grace my face in a few short months I decided it was time to up my game. I talked a little bit about this before our wedding but since getting pregnant {and enjoying the beautiful side effects of extra dry skin, brittle hair, etc.} I’ve since become even more obsessed with keeping my skin happy and healthy. This pertains to my general beauty routine overall and my go-to destination for everything and anything beauty is Blue Mercury.

If you’re not familiar with the brand it’s an amazingΒ store for the most luxurious beauty, hair, and skincare brands out there. I grew up in a town that happened to have Blue Mercury so I have been familiar with the brand for a long time and it just so happens that there is a store 2 blocks from our apartment in Chicago which I visit frequently. Visiting a department store to restock or find new skincare/beauty lines to fall in love with is great but I love that Blue Mercury is a well curated collection of EVERYTHING I want and need and the fact that it doesn’t require a trip to Michigan Avenue, a mall, and browsing long aisles not really knowing what to look for – is a win in my book. I’ve been playing around with a few of my favorite products from Blue Mercury and wanted to share them with you…

1. M-61 Skincare. I’ve talked about my love for Blue Mercury’s exclusive skincare line before and there areΒ two specific products I’ve been using consistently for over a year. The M-61 Power Glow Peel is seriously a 60 second facial that will transform your skin. Before our wedding my makeup artist told me that I really needed to exfoliate my skin and that’s exactly what this little wipe does in under a minute. It is the fastest way to make sure your skin is fresh and clean and ready for any other products you’re using, too. Honestly, if I go one day without using one of these I notice a difference in my skin – I keep them stocked! Another M-61 product I love is their Hydraboost Eyecream. It is filled with healthy nutrients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines, under eye circles, and puffiness. It also helps to repair and soothe the skin surrounding your eye since it it can typically be extremely dry and it contains white mulberry which helps improve circulation making the skin brighter and more youthful. Plus it is seriously feels like a cloud on your eyes, so soft and full of moisture.

2. R + Co. Dry Shampoo. I’m really picky when it comes to dry shampoo because I typically wash my hair everyday so on days when I can’t IΒ really need my dry shampoo to work wonders. The first thing I noticed about this dry shampoo is that it smells amazing and not like baby powder which was a huge draw for me. It makes my entire hair smell like I’m fresh out of the shower! It also provides a great amount of texture for that ‘I just got a blow out!’ look. Their shampoo and conditionerΒ is magical, too.

3. Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Invisible OilΒ Primer. This protective primer has been a game changer for my hair since I started using it. I spray it on throughout my hair and let it set for 5 minutes before blowdrying/styling. It conditions and protects my ends from getting too dry. For even more protection I use the Invisible OilΒ just on my ends to keep them soft all day long {this is especially useful in between hair cuts!}.

4. Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir. This little miracle is a godsend for my skin. It’s made of 8 pure essential oils to detoxify your skin, reduce fine lines, and renew your skin’s natural glow. I like to use a M-61 Power Glow Peel followed by a few drops of this on my face and neck before bed and the aroma itself makes you feel like you are lying at a spa rather than in your own bed. After a week of using this every night I noticed a difference in my skin – a more natural glow and dewiness. Well worth the money!

5. Smith & Cult nail polishes. Not only is their branding spot on but their colors are so buttery and gorgeous! Definitely a must for the girl who loves her polish collection {like me}.

6. Trish McEvoy Eye Opener Set. I am CLUELESS when it comes to makeup but there is no doubt that some eyeliner and good mascara can make your eyes pop! If you’re like me then putting on eyeliner and perfecting your eye makeup is not an easy task but this set makes it so much easier. You get everything you need in one and each product balances the other perfectly. Dave told me after I tried this out that my eyes looked “amazing.” Win!

7. Tocca Isabel Eau de Parfum. My new favorite scent for spring! Vibrant, exciting, and classic.

8. Caudalie Beauty Elixir and Anti Wrinkle Defense Serum. This beauty elixir is my newest obsession. Dave yells at me because I spray it on my face at least 3 times a day. It’s the perfect refresher on a long day, gives you a boost of energy and an instant burst of radiance to your skin, and immediately tightens up any droopy eyes. The anti wrinkle defense serum is the first thing I put on my face when I wake up! It’s the perfect base to my moisturizer and helps to keep my skin fighting any signs of aging. The entire Caudalie line is amazing.

9. Darphin Ideal Resource Radiance Cream. I’ve tried a lot of face lotion in my days and this cream greatly outweighs the rest. A lot of face creams can be incredibly moisturizing but way too heavy for my skin. This product is so light on the skin but hours later you can still feel it moisturizing even the deepest layers of your skin. Honestly after using the Youth Elixir at night, Power Glow Peel in the morning, followed by CaudalieΒ anti wrinkle defense serum and this radiance cream – my face feels significantly tighter, more smooth, and honestly more buoyant {ha! if you can visualize what that would be}. Think supple baby skin!

Blue Mercury has put together an exclusive offer just for Sequins & Stripes readers! The first 45 readers to make a purchase on bluemercury.com will receive a free Blue Mercury tote bag filled with a variety of deluxe samples from Trish McEvoy, Bumble & Bumble, Clinique and more! Be sure to use code SEQUINS at checkout.

I’m also givingΒ two readers the chance to win 1 of 2 $50 gift cards to Blue Mercury! To enter simply leave a comment telling me what you would purchase from bluemercury.comΒ and aΒ winner will be announced on Friday! *This giveaway is closed.

Congrats to Brittany Schwartz and Tina, you’re the winners of the Blue Mercury gift cards! I’ll be contacting your shortly.

This post was done in collaboration with Blue Mercury. All opinions are my own!

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    1. Skin care has been my new obsession too, ever since I saw 30 quickly approaching I have been a skin care fiend. I have been looking for a new Anti- wrinkle serum and I think the Claudalie Polyphenol Serum is going to be my next purchase. Also may need to buy the beauty elixir… And the eye cream…

  1. Hi Liz! Great post! I would put the $50 gift card towards the Bobbi Brown hot nudes eye palette that I have been eyeing. The colors are fun but still practical enough for everyday, and I love the hot pink palette!

  2. I would definitely try the M-61 Power Glow Peel! I’ve heard it’s an awesome product before too, but never gotten to try it.

  3. I would definitely invest in more m-61 products. I’ve been using the face wash and the hydraboost serum, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my skin! Obsessed.

    Annie

  4. Love BlueMercury, and everything is so tempting! I’ve been dreaming about Nars Audacious lipstick and the R + CO thickening spray!

  5. After always passively stopping into the Georgetown store, I FINALLY went in this past weekend and got some samples of sunscreen/moisturizer with SPF for the summer! I’m currently testing them out and would buy whichever one works best for me… right now La Roche-Posay is the frontrunner πŸ™‚

  6. I am also recently pregnant and am experiencing similar issues with my complexion and hair! Would love to try the Youth Elixir you mentioned since I am also in my early 30s and experiencing some signs of against as well. Good luck to you during your pregnancy!

  7. I have very dry hair so I would purchase the Kiehls Oli Fruit Oil Repairative Hair Mask. I also just turned 30 and swear I developed wrinkles and fine lines overnight! I would love to put the GC towards the La Mer Illuminating Eye Gel.

  8. Great post! I’ve never used the M-61 line, and would love to give it a try. The B&B Invisible Oil also sounds like it would be perfect for my hair!

  9. All of these products look like the perfect addition to my skincare routine! If given the change to purchase something from bluemercury.com, I would love to try the M-61 Power Glow Peel and the Smith & Cult nail polishes for a fun way to ring in Spring.Thank you for sharing, Liz! xo

  10. I would definitely buy the Hydraboost Eyecream. My wedding is in July, and I’m also trying to keep my skin as healthy as possible, which includes keeping my under eye as moisturized a possible!

  11. I would use the gift card towards the Darphin Radiance Cream! I need a new moisturizer, and I am looking for one that provides enough moisture without being heavy on the skin. This cream sounds perfect!

  12. I’ve tried, and loved, anything from the caudalie line. So, it’s time for something new and the Power Glow Peel wipes sound fab!

  13. I’d finally purchase a high quality set of brushes, maybe the Bobbi Brown brush collection (and of course some makeup to go with it). Over the years I’ve spent so much money on knock offs and “dupes” that didn’t last – it probably would’ve been cheaper to just buy the good set a long time ago!

  14. I love Bluemercury. I go to the Southport location. They are always so nice and helpful there. Thank you so much for sharing these reviews. I’m definitely checking out that eye cream! Have a great day! πŸ™‚

  15. I love the sound of the M-61 Power Glow Peel and the R + Co. Dry Shampoo. I have not found a dry shampoo I love yet (like you I typically need to wash my hair everyday), this would be perfect for the days I oversleep!

  16. Oh my goodness! I knew you had to be a Blue Mercury fan based on your love for M-61! I would consider myself addicted to the Power Glow peels as well. The Power Cleanse wash has helped my Clarisonic use too! I lived right by the Southport location before moving this past summer and I am very thankful for the online site! I would love to try the Caudalie line if chosen. Thank you!

  17. The M-61 power glow peel! As a nurse working 12 hour shifts with a delicate patient population, a 60 second “facial” sounds heavenly!

  18. Now that it’s spring, I’d love to get a fun pink Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour. I also adore Bumble & Bumble products. I’ve never tried their Invisible Oil Primer, but it sounds amazing!

  19. I have a wedding coming up and I pan to take your advice and purchase the M-61 POWER GLOW PEEL from Blue Mercury, or hopefully win it!

  20. I really want to try the Caudalie beauty elixir—I’ve heard such great things! Also the Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir sounds amazingggg! Trying to set a beauty routine to get ready for my wedding!

  21. I loved reading this post, thank you for sharing! I now want to get my hands on the M-61 Fast Blast & the Power Glow Peel πŸ™‚

  22. Love, love Blue Mercury. With a $50 gift card I’d purchase anything Oribe makes (particularly the apres beach wave hair spray) or Laura Mercier souffle body creme – the almond coconut milk scent smells like cookies!

  23. Definitely the M-61 power glow peel! Just found out that there’s a store that’s not too far from my apartment in Boston, so I would probably go into the store and see what they recommend for my skin. πŸ™‚

  24. I’d love to try the radiance cream, I’m allergic to so much that I’m always looking for a calming face lotion.

  25. I am similar to you, Liz, in that I wash my hair every day. I have searched high and low for a dry shampoo that leaves my hair feeling clean, yet still manageable and presentable, and my search continues on. I’d love to try the R+Co dry shampoo if you swear by it! Maybe it will be “the one!”

  26. I have been dying Tory the M-61 Power Glow Peel! My skin needs some serious TLC after this Chicago winter!

  27. I have been dying to try the M-61 power glow peel! My skin is in need of some serious TLC after this Chicago winter!

  28. I have been dying to try the Power Glow Peel pads. My skin is extremely dry yet sensitive, and I am always struggling to find a gentle exfoliator to smooth out my skin. I also really am interested in buying an anti-wrinkle product because I am, unfortunately, seeing some beautiful wrinkle signs by my eyes and forehead. I treasure your advice and I cannot wait to try these products πŸ™‚

  29. I would definitely try the M-61 Power Glow Peel and love a good dry shampoo, so I would also try the R + Co Dry Shampoo. Thanks for sharing your tips!

  30. Awesome post & congrats again on being pregnant! I would love to try the M-61 Power Glow Peel – sounds incredible!

  31. I DEFINITELY want to try the M-61 Power Glow Peel – I have read your raves of that and would love to be able to give it a go!

  32. Blue Mercury is the best! I don’t think my wallet to handle living 2 blocks from the store πŸ˜‰ I definitely want to check out the R+Co dry shampoo as well as the Caudalie serum.

  33. I’d turn my bathroom into a Blue Mercury spa! I’d love to try their Oribe shampoo and conditioner, Caudalie skincare and Lafco candles to add a glow! Thank you!

  34. I love the SkinCeuticals serums at Blue Mercury! They’re pricey, though, so this would really help! πŸ™‚

  35. I can never get enough of new skin care products, so I would love to try some new Darphin. Their products are so luxurious and smell amazing.

  36. I would love to buy and try to R & Co. dry shampoo! I am always looking for a great dry shampoo for emergency situations and have yet to find a great one!

  37. I would love the M-61 Power Glow Peel! I’ve actually used this brand before and loved it but my student budget (I’m in PT school at Northwestern) won’t accomodate it… Thank you for the tips!

  38. Loved this post! I typically don’t comment, but I recently had my first facial at Blue Mercury and have been trying out a lot of these products! I agree the M-61 pads are fantastic and the Dauphin face cream.

    I have had my eye on some Trish McEvoy makeup brushes! Would love to use the gift card toward a set.

  39. Hi Liz-

    I would love to use the gift card toward the peel pads! Would be a nice change from the ones I currently use that have been as effective as I’d like. Thanks for hosting this give away!

  40. The M-61 Power Glow Peel sounds like a 60 second spa, so I am sold! I’ve also been lusting after Bobbi Brown’s blush lines, in particular the ‘Nectar’ Shade. I really enjoy the recent posts on skincare, keep ’em coming πŸ™‚

  41. Thank you for all the wonderful product information! I definetly would love to try the M-61 skincare line, it all sounds amazing! I also took advantage of your code and bought the R+Co dry shampoo and shampoo & conditoner!!

    I read your blog every morning, and just love it! Thnaks for the giveaway!

  42. I would get the Aerin Amber Musk perfume because I love it but don’t have the budget to purchase it right now! A gift card would be amazing to get it!

  43. Hi! I would most definitely buy something Caudaile! I discovered the line in Paris a year ago and stocked up because it is so much less expensive there (about the only thing that is) but I am almost out of my various products. I love their vinosource night recovery oil!

  44. i love blue mercury! its all over nyc too and a dangerous place for any skin care enthusiast to walk into… πŸ™‚

  45. I’ve had my eye on the Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum for a while now and now reading your post I’d love to purchase. Since I just turned 30, I am now starting to see sings of aging and would like to start targeting the fine lines now. Thanks so much for this post! I’m inspired!

  46. I would try the Power Glow Peel! I’m not very good at exfoliating either, so the faster I can get it done the better!

  47. I would definitely use it to buy the hydraboost eye cream you recommend! I am just about to hit my “late” twenties and its time to find an eye cream.

  48. I would definitely try the two Claudalie products you recommended; I’ve used their face oil before and would love to try out the serum under my moisturizer!

  49. Pregnancy has definitely take a toll on my skin so I’ve had to up my game as well! I would purchase the Power Glow Peel and the Hydraboost Eyecream to help exfoliate and avoid fine lines around my eyes. Next up would be the dry shampoo as I hearing showering will be tough with a new baby around. πŸ˜‰

    Great roundup!
    Michele
    http://www.prettysmartme.com

  50. I would try the Hydraboost Eyecream and the Trish McEvoy Eye Opener Set. Pregnancy has my eyes looking extra tired these days!

  51. I want to try that Darphin serum. Sounds heavenly. The nail polishes by Smith and Cult look fun too — especially Ghost Editor since I’m an editor. πŸ™‚

  52. I would love to try the Darphin oil! You have amazing taste, and a super article! Thanks for putting your thoughts together on this topic!

  53. I would love to try the M-61 Hydraboost Eyecream. I’ve been looking for a new/good one! Blue Mercury is also down the street from me, so I should check it out!

  54. I would get the Caudalie overnight detox oil, the night infusion cream, Ahava extreme night treatment, and the Clinique moisturizing lotion.

  55. I’m just starting to notice that my skin isn’t what it used to be – the lovely signs of getting older! You have mentioned how much you love Blue Mercury’s M-61 Power Glow Peel. I would definitely like give those a try.

  56. I’d try out that R + Co. Dry Shampoo! I have tried several brands, from Dove – Bumble & Bumble, and have not found one with the ideal combination of oil-removal, scent, and not-too-toxic chemicals πŸ™‚

  57. Those M-61 peels! They look amazing.

    Question though – can you use them everyday? I thought you’re only supposed to exfoliate once a week?

    1. On the box it says start with 3 days a week and then you can ease into a week! They aren’t as rough on your skin as a true exfoliating cream that contains buffers. This is more of a quick peel that just removes dead skin/evens out your skin! It’s completely up to you how often you’d like to use it. But I love using one everyday!

  58. Thanks for the great post Liz! My beauty routine is in dire need for a mascara and eye lift! The Trish McEvoy set is exactly what I need! I’m an interior designer; need my eyes to look like I haven’t been on my computer 50 hours a week! πŸ˜‰

  59. I would love to try Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir. I started using Bio Oil at your recommendation during the brutal winter in Boston and am now obsessed with face oils. Anything to fight those fine lines.

  60. I would buy the M-61 Power Glow Peel and the M -61 hydraboost Eyecream. I’m getting married at the end of May and this winter has not been kind to my skin. I’ve been suffering from dry, dull skin and have been getting facials to remedy, which is not sustainable nor in my wedding budget. I’ve been looking for a good beauty regiment to get my skin back to normal and glowing again, that doesn’t cost me a trip to the spa every month!

  61. As a first time mommy to be also, who just hit half way mark (yay 20 weeks!) I am looking to keep this pregnant skin clear yet moisturized! I am major Caudalie fan but would love to try the M-61 Power Glow Peel. Hoping all is going smooth πŸ™‚

    1. Also, just curious, my doctor has clearly said no Retinols during pregnancy. Just curious if your doctor has mentioned anything about salicylic acid? My doc said he wasn’t a fan but then my dermatologist said completely OK. Let me know if you have any insight!

  62. I’ve been wanting to try out Laura Mercier’s oil-free tinted moisturizer to add that healthy glow, that still allows my natural skin color to shine through. The R + Co. Dry Shampoo also sounds worth giving a try! Thanks for the giveaway!

  63. I had my makeup done at Bluemercury this past fall. Prior to applying any makeup the makeup artist used a M-61 Power Glow Peel. Buying into her sales pitch I bough the M-61 Power Glow Peel, but never thought it would become a staple in my bathroom. Whenever I am stressed or breaking out the M-61 Power Glow Peel is my first go too. Within hours my skin feels exponentially better. By far one of my favorite buys from Bluemercury!

  64. After recently seeing your skin up close and personal I can testify that your skin looks absolutely amazing. Seriously I know I was staring! Thanks for sharing your routine/secret with all of us…love you.

  65. Oh! I was just in the brand new Bluemercury in Portland on Sunday. I was really intrigued by the Darphin collection!

  66. eye cream! i have yet to start using it, but now that i’ve hit my mid twenties i think it’s probably time to start!

  67. I would purchase the “Trish McEvoy Eye Opener Set” because I’m a real mess when it comes to applying an eyeliner and I’m neither someone who has great skills when it comes to make-up so I’m sure this set would help me a lot to look great in a few minutes! πŸ™‚

  68. I love Blue Mercury. I’ve recently become obsessed with Bobbi Brown’s makeup – I get compliments every day. Absolutely the first thing I would purchase.

  69. I would definitely put the money toward the Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir, I’ve been dying to try it out on my parched Chicago skin!

  70. I would definitely buy the M-61 Power Glow Peel and Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir! I’m obsessed with any products that make my face glow πŸ™‚ Even better they opened a Blue Mercury by my house recently! YAY!

  71. R+CO Death Valley Dry Shampoo so I can sleep in and Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener so I actually look rested!

  72. Definitely the M-61 Power Glow Peel! Chicago just kills my skin going from a super dry winter to lots of moisture in the air. I need all the help I can get πŸ˜‰

  73. Sounds like a wonderful store!! I would purchase the M-61 power glow peel and would love to try the Hydraboost eye cream!!

  74. This post is exactly what I’ve been needing! I feel like my skin’s aging went from 0-60 in the last few months which is terrifying so I’ve been searching for a great multi-tasking product to rejuvenate it and help slow down any further aging. Based on your review I’d love to try the Dauphin Youth Elixir! I trust your opinion so I’d love to try it for myself πŸ™‚

  75. I would love to buy the M-61 Power glow peel! I changed my entire skin care line this past winter after reading your blog and it was life changing for my unpredictable skin. Thank you! I now want to try all your skin care favs and recommend your blog and tips to all my lady friends. Wish I could buy everything on your list! I am tempted to go to Blue Mercury tomorrow and do just that. Ok maybe just one thing a week to start… #skincareobsessed

  76. I would definitely stock up on the M-61 Power Glow Peels. They are my current obsession- if only I could afford to use them every day!

  77. Definitely interested in trying the M-61 power glow peel to exfoliate and refresh my skin after our long winter!

  78. I started using the M-61 Power Glow Peel based on your previous post highlighting their benefits. I am a beauty-product-junkie and have been struggling with hormonal acne for the past year and had to try them. Not only did I discover that they are amazing and actually really helped with some of the issues I am having, but also included in the order was a sample of the M-61 Vitablast C Serum which is unbelievable and the combination of both the peel and serum, in a very short time, has really helped my skin. Needless to say, that is my item of choice for my next order! Thanks for the great recommendations!

  79. I NEED the Darphin A Precious Youth Elixir! Fine lines are starting to pop up on my forehead, I can’t stand it! Your description of the smell sold me since my other creams drive my boyfriend crazy.

  80. I NEED more of those M-61 Power Glow wipes. I started using them after reading them on your blog last year and am hooked!

  81. I’ve gotten super into skincare recently as well! I’m obsessed with face mists and serums in particular so I would have to pick ESTEE LAUDER LIMITED EDITION ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED RECOVERY COMPLEX II or Caudalie Beauty Elixir as my favorites from Blue Mercury.

  82. I’d purchase the Caudalie beauty elixir. I KEEP hearing amazing things about it and then you mention it as well – so I feel like I need it? πŸ™‚

  83. I have been a Blue Mercury shopper and lover since I moved to DC in 2000! I love all the items you listed but have never heard of or tried the R + Co. line before. I am looking for a good dry shampoo.

  84. I have definitely been eyeing the Smith & Cult nail polish in Stockholm Syndrome and of course some Oribe Dry Texturising Spray! Love all your recommendations!