It seems like only weeks ago we were packing our bags for long vacations, layering on the SPF, and basking in the sweet, balmy days of summer with friends. We drifted off on the beach for what felt like only a second, opened our eyes and suddenly Labor Day was here! With fall patiently waiting around the corner, we’ve slowly started making space in our lives, wardrobes, and bathroom cabinets for all of the autumnal warmth and loveliness this season brings.
To usher in what might be our favorite season of the year (sorry summer lovers: we’ll take a crisp fall evening and cable knit sweaters over tank tops and a sunburn any day), a few of us on the W3LL PEOPLE team planned a quick staycation at the iconic motor lodge turned effortlessly cool weekender destination the El Rey Inn in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A unique destination for wellness (there is no shortage of luxury spas here), culture, and foodie seekers alike, Santa Fe is a subtle gem refined by its diverse landscapes, an abundant variety of cultures, and the rich history each one has contributed to the area, which is why W3LL PEOPLE’S hearts-- and headquarters-- are firmly stationed here. El Rey Inn boasts its own modern take on the traditional adobe-style architecture found in northern New Mexico, and on its property sits what is possibly the coolest Mezcal & Tequila bar along the infamous Route 66 where the El Rey is located. We let the dry, sunny afternoons and cooler evenings dictate what we packed along in our weekend bags to kick off the coming season.
Though many are under the impression that New Mexico’s climate is solely an arid desert, Santa Fe is over a mile high and sits at the tail end of the pine covered rocky mountains, making for an ideal autumn climate with cool days and even cooler nights. We took that as a cue to put warmer hues on full display, and went for muted earth tones that perfectly blended with our local surroundings. We grabbed for our Narcissict foundation stick, which absorbs easily and wears well throughout the day so we could focus on enjoying Santa Fe without running to the bathroom for touch ups.
Jocelyn uses the Narcissist Foundation Stick ($28.99)
We arrived at El Rey Inn on a late Friday afternoon and after checking into our room-- which featured a southwestern kiva fireplace and thoughtful design accents that pay homage to the spirit of Santa Fe, we got ready in our rooms for an evening at La Reina, the aforementioned tequila bar, and a dinner outing. Not one to delay a Mezcal tasting, we went for an easy evening look and freshened up with the Bio-Correct Multi-Action concealer, swiped with the Bio-Bronzer stick for a natural, high desert glow, and kept things simple with the NEW Expressionist Volumizing Mascara and Bio-Extreme Lip Gloss (we’re all obsessed with the shade ‘Afterglow’).
Larissa preps for the evening using our new Expressionist Volumizing Mascara ($22.99)
If you’ve had the opportunity to visit El Rey before, then you know the property itself, which spans across five acres of classic Santa Fe scenery, is abound with outdoor spaces in which to hang with friends and relax. The next morning, we spent time lounging by the pool (yes it’s the beginning of fall, but it’s still New Mexico, people!) before heading out to see more of Santa Fe. We knew we’d be gone for most of the afternoon, and with the sun shining overhead we made sure to protect ourselves with some SPF. We grabbed for the Nudist Lip Butter, which is super hydrating against the dry Santa Fe air and also has SPF 15. We also went back in with the Narcissist Foundation Stick for light and easy coverage through the day.
Our Lip Butter comes in three different shades: Natural, Nude, & Wine ($13.99)
After a day spent exploring the Santa Fe Plaza and the must-see art installations at Meow Wolf, a collective of artists that build immersive experiences and elaborate art installations for its visitors, we headed back to El Rey for evening R&R. As our weekend getaway came to a close, we spent the evening at the inn sipping tequila in the courtyard, meeting new friends and exchanging our favorite moments from the day. Sunkissed and satisfied, we kept things easy and reached into our bag for the High Vibrations Trio to play up the color we’d gotten that day, and added a little highlighter to our cheekbones for a slightly more dramatic look. We finished it off with a coat of mascara and a pop of color on the lips.
Quite possibly one of our favorite things about Santa Fe is it’s laid back vibe and deep appreciation of natural beauty, which spills over into the aesthetic of both those that live there and visit. For most of our getaway we adopted a relaxed manner across our wardrobes and looks, which makes Santa Fe all the more enticing for a low key weekend with friends. Even those that sat at the very instagrammable bar, La Reina, assumed a cool and casual vibe which reinforced the same reasons W3LL PEOPLE decided to call Santa Fe home in the first place: its effortlessly hip and approachable attitude that celebrates individuality in all its unique and incredible forms.
We Want You to Enjoy the Holiday Weekend, too!
FREE SHIPPING on all online orders & W3LL PEOPLE Studio phone orders.
Plus, receive the following bonus perks when you stock up on your favorite W3LL PEOPLE products! as well as the following site-wide and studio discount tiers *:
Spend $50, get 15% off your entire order
Spend $70, get 20% off your entire order
Spend $90, get 25% off your entire order
Happy Labor Day Weekend! BE W3LL.
* valid Friday 8/30/19 - Monday 9/2/19 online and in store. Restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer.