This time of the year glows differently.
The temperature hits fifty degrees, leaves are crunching beneath your feet and the unforgettable scent of snow is in the air.
Not fully formed, but there just enough to let us know that Winter is on the way.
Yet, the unmistakable sheen of this time of the year shines.
It's in the shimmer of a glossed lip, the way candlelight dances across satin sleeves, and the sheen on a golden croissant pulled fresh from the oven.
(That croissant may include a bit of chocolate custard in it on cheat days)
Gloss and glaze aren't just finishes or cherries on top. They're moods.
Moods that remind us that shine, when intentional, is a form of energy.
A touch of sheen on the skin, a thin layer of highlight in your makeup, a drizzle of honey on the plate. Even a satin ribbon, tied just right.
A baked good doesn't have to be perfect to have a beautiful taste!
The Gloss
Lipgloss is confidence turned tangible.
Not too much, but just enough of the perfect gloss is an essential staple in a girl's makeup routine. As we may know, your makeup look isn't complete without a colored shine or soft matte to the lip.
It's the luminous highlight that says "You're awake",
the patent leather that catches light on city pavement,
the glass of prosecco reflecting like liquid gold under bistro lights.
During the colder seasons, the go-to shades are that of nudish browns, soft pinks, and even a clear shimmery shade.
These go perfect with a sweet treat, enjoyed in a cashmere sweater with your hubby by the fire!
"Chestnuts roasting by the fire..or marshmellows for a smore"
This season, the "gloss look" goes beyond beauty - it's about presence.
Fashion Translation: Glazed leather trenches, high-shine boots, shimmery tights, and liquid silk tops
Beauty Touch: Dewy skin over matte, lip oils over lipstick, clear balm instead of heavy gloss.
Natural radiance that displays confidence in focus.
A beauty feature that I've been interested in is a clear coat manicure! No color, but a nice shade that presents the health of nails. Yes, the inspiration comes from a few scrolls on Pinterest, but it is something that I have always admired yet never touched on myself. This is due to the size of my nails and fingers, they're rather small. All to say, it is such a beautiful and elegant look!
Wellness Twist: Hydration as beauty - what you drink, eat, and rest in becomes your glow.
Shine starts from within. The Gloss is the glow that seals the deal.
The Glaze
Glaze is not only softer, but slower and precise.
Where gloss catches light, glaze absorbs it.
It's the golden coating on baked pears,
the honey drizzle on warm bread,
the quiet radiance of candlewax melting at dusk.
Rather than the top layer of your lip being a light and sealing sheen, the glaze is the special ingredient that combines your colors together in an elegant way.
While some may prefer gloss due to the mixture or texture, glaze does just as good a job of adding to your makeup look!
Glaze feels like warmth meeting surface.
It's self-care in texture form, a linen robe after a bath and the spoonful of caramel on a cold afternoon.
Culinary Parallel: Think roasted root vegetables brushed in olive oil, or cucumbers tossed in apple cider vinegar (with salt and pepper). A citrus-glazed salmon paired with a linen napkin and your favorite seasonal shade of color on your nails.
Fashion Reflection: Coated fabrics, metallic jackets or knits, champagne tones, and minimal shimmer against matte skin.
Wellness Angle: Savoring what's warm, slow, and sensory - "Wellness as Glaze".
Gloss is shown, glaze is felt.
Gloss, Glaze & Reflection
The art of shine is balance.
Too much gloss feels loud; too little, muted.
The secret is in layering - in both beauty, the kitchen, and in life!
Your holiday ritual may start with a glazed skincare routine and end with glossy lips at dinner. It may also be as simple as polishing your family's fine china or arranging fruit in a glass. All elegance in lighting a candle after a long day.
Remember to take the time to put extra effort in pouring back into yourself, even in little ways at home. After a long day of work or running errands, pour back into you! So that you may shine at your best.
- Wear silk or a shimmery satin at home
- Drink water to hydrate, glowing inside and out
- Glaze your food, skin, and mood with care
Let the season shine and remain whole in your glow!
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