This summer I was finally able to take on the big city of New York. Unfortunately, I did arrive during one of the hottest weeks of summer but on the bright side I had 3 beauty products that were my lifesavers: YSL's Touche Eclat Bur Perfector, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Lancome's Bienfair Teinte Beauty Balm in naturel. The YSL Blur Perfector turns from a balm to a powder after application to soften any imperfections while creating a subtle rosy-glow effect. I love that it works for every skin tone and type. It's an easier purchase not having to hassle with different shades. I used the Blur Perfector to get rid of any excess shine in my T-zone. The Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer I used before I applied my Lancome BB cream, to keep my makeup long lasting. I love using the Lancome BB cream because it is lightweight while giving a natural even coverage. The heat was almost unbearable at times, I didn't let it interfere with my plans or makeup look.
Although it was my first time in NY I tried to stay away from the touristy places because I wanted to get a traditional feel for a New York lifestyle. Rather than staying at a hotel, I stayed at a friend's apartment in the Upper East Side. I created a daily routine for myself where I discovered Juice Press. Their Doctor Green juice was my personal favorite, very refreshing and all organic. A block away from Juice Press is where I had the pleasure of dinning at Richard Sandoval's Maya Restaurant with my dear friend Nikki and WOW!! I was blown away by their outstanding customer service. The food was so delicious, their Zucchini flower & Poblano chile quesadilla was my favorite dish.
You can't go to New York and not go shopping in SoHo but to be completely honest my favorite shops turned out to be Buffalo Exchange and Beacon's Closet. Both shops are consignment stores where I found the most fabulous vintage designer pieces from a Versace bomber to an Alexander Wang collaboration piece. These shops were way better than most shops in Soho because they were all one of a kind pieces.
As most of you should know the arts play a big factor in New York's culture so, I spent a majority of my days going to museums and watching my first broadway. I managed to visit: The Met, Brooklyn Museum, The Frick Collection and Wicked. All of which carried amazing exhibits but I must say my all time favorite was the Costume Institute at The Met. Which might have been because I've read about this exhibit for years and it definitely lived up to it's expectations. Carrying everything from a vintage 1956 Chanel dress to an Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2006-7 dress, this exhibit is heaven to any fashionista! I recommend everyone to see a broadway show at least once in their lifetime. I can see why Wicked has been on Broadway since 2003, it was one of the most beautiful performances I've ever seen and very humorous. Following my visit on Broadway, I was able to visit Into The Gloss, Glossier's HQ. And If you follow me on social media you have seen my posts from the Glossier Braid Bar, to my experience in Grace Villamil's "The Escape Room" installation. It was at this moment while visiting Glossier's HQ that I realized "This is New York!". I am completely obsessed with Into The Gloss and all of their posts and products, so to be in their show room where everything is brought to life was a true inspiration. The culture in New York is so diverse and unique I can't wait to return. I went ahead and linked all beauty products used and places visited for you guys!
With Love,
G.G
Must see places:
- Time's Square
- A Broadway Show (Wicked was amazing)
- Brooklyn Bridge & Museum
- The Met
- The Frick Collection
- St. Patricks Church
My favorite shops
- Buffalo Exchange (in Chelsea)
- Beacon's Closet
- SoHo Shops
My favorite places to eat:
- Maya Restaurant
- Tacombi
- Juice Press
- Laduree Paris (for the best macaroons)
Summer Beauty Favorites:
- YSL's Touche Eclat Bur Perfector
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
- Lancome's Bienfair Teinte Beauty Balm