The Group Chat | Vol. 4
what's in my Sephora cart, beauty stocking stuffers, and a mini holiday style guide
The Group Chat is a monthly roundup of things on my radar — from new brand discoveries and emerging trends, to beauty obsessions and home decor gems. Think of it as VIP access to my current hyper-fixations and niche finds that get sent to the group text.
Hi friends!
We’re keeping things light and breezy this week. Whether you need a breather from election coverage or you’re deep in holiday shopping mode, I hope this letter offers a bright spot or a gentle escape.
What’s in my Sephora cart
In case you missed it, the Sephora sale kicked off this past weekend. Rouge members got first dibs (20% off), while VIB’s (15% off) and Insiders (10% off) get access starting tomorrow (code: SAVINGS.) I’m mostly replenishing a few go-to’s with a smattering of new products I’m curious to try.
Crown Affair Cleansing Scalp Scrub Shampoo: One of my Crown Affair favs — this will be my third repurchase. I use it 1x week to gently exfoliate and remove buildup. The formula is clean and has a whipped, grainy texture that’s lightly scented with the brand’s signature scent (spoiler: it’s divine!) It makes exfoliating your scalp feel luxurious and ‘everything showers’ so delightful.
Kosas Air Brow Tinted Eyebrow Gel: Another repurchase but I’ve completely lost count of how many tubes I’ve gone through. Similar to Glossier’s Boy Brow with a more extensive shade offering. I use Medium Chocolate Brown which is a warm medium brown.
Fara Homidi Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil: The only lip pencil I’ve finished in record time. The formula is outstanding — creamy, velvety, smudgeable, and long-wearing with a suede finish. I wear the shade Doux which is a soft pinky-nude with cool undertones. Another Fara Homidi holy grail for me is the Essential Face Compact. The coverage is somewhere between a concealer and foundation that gives you an airbrushed skin-like finish (I wear shade Ochre.)
Iris & Romeo The Reset Luminous Spray: I tried the mini version of this spray and fell in love, so I’m purchasing the full-sized bottle. When I’m too lazy to do my full skincare in the morning, this serum spray has become my go-to. It’s a multitasking formula that combines a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and luminizer in one effortless step.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer: I’ve been following the buzz around this concealer, and knowing Gucci Westman’s stellar reputation for product development, I’m intrigued. My makeup collection is calling out for a reliable full-coverage concealer, and this one seems promising.
Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Cleanser: I’m already obsessed with Dieux’s Deliverance and Air Angel, so their newest launch has been high on my wishlist. Perfect timing too — I just finished my last drop of Sophie Pavitt’s cleanser (which I loved btw!), making this sale the ideal moment to try something new.
Stocking Stuffers: Beauty Edition
If you’re in holiday shopping mode and want to take advantage of the Sephora sale, here are some solid gift sets I’ve spotted that would make the most promising stocking stuffers:
Crown Affair The Healthy Hair Value Set (includes the hair towel which is the number 1 thing I recommend from Crown Affair)
Crown Affair Hair Refresh Value Set (includes their best-selling dry shampoo)
Glossier You Travel Spray Trio (includes the OG Glossier You, Rêve, and Doux)
Mini Holiday Edit
Welcome to party season! And yes, I know what you’re thinking: ‘What am I going to wear?’ Don’t fret — I’m crafting a detailed holiday style guide, but in the meantime, let me share some knockouts I’ve discovered.
A black tie-worthy dress (also comes in a mini dress and top version)
Silk tafetta trousers you can easily dress up or down.
A velvet-trimmed top to pair back to trousers and skirts.
These statement earrings bring holiday glamour now, but you’ll treasure them all year round.
An embellished LBD that would look très chic with above earrings.
A statement belt (or a sleek one) to dress up your jeans and a sweater for a casual fête.
Kitten heel mules that are dance-floor friendly and will go with everything.
If sequins are your thing, this midi skirt feels of the moment (here’s another sequin skirt I love.)
A satin mini bag for parties, date nights, and beyond.
Holiday content
As the holidays approach, I’d love to tailor my content to what you need most. Let me know below.
Take it easy this week and chat soon!
xx Angela
Follow me @linkswesendfriends
Excited for the holiday content!! Love the kitten mules!