Hey everyone! Sephora had its annual VIB sale so I definitely took advantage of that this year! I picked up some really cool things and I can't wait to share them with you :) I'm sorry about the picture quality but I used artificial lighting because it was nighttime when I took these and was too excited to wait for morning >.<
First up, I picked up these liquid liners from Kat Von D. I've never tried anything from her line before but got really interested in these because I love defining my eyes. I've been looking for a liner that stays put on my eyes and packs intensity. I used to use liquid liner a lot in high school but gradually moved to pencil and gel liners for a softer look. Using these liners makes me remember why I loved liquid so much as these really do stay put!
The Triple Threat Tattoo Liners come in three different tips for different effects. According to Sephora, "Poetica's chiseled tip creates a bold line. Use Saint's skinny tip to create a super precise and slender line. For a medium line, choose Sinner to contour and define eyes." However, I found that all three can make thin lines or thick lines, depending on how you lay the tip on your eyes. I haven't tried them on my eyes yet, but I rubbed the swatches on my hand really roughly and they didn't smudge. I'm not sure how waterproof they are on the eyes, but I will let y'all know when I get around to testing them more! I have a review on the Tattoo Liners if you're interested :D
 |
| From left to right: Poetica, Saint, and Sinner |
 |
| From bottom to top: Poetica, Saint, and Sinner |
 |
| From left to right: Poetica, Saint, and Sinner |
MakeUpForever is a line that is well-loved by the movie industry for its long-lasting formulas and intensity. I picked up the Aqua Shadows Essentials Set because it lets me try two of the pencils for a very good value at $23 for both full-sized Aqua Shadows plus a bonus travel-sized Aqua Eyes liner. They come in three different sets, but only two seem to be available on Sephora's website.
I got the Pop of Color Set, which includes:
- Aqua Shadow 6E (Matte Navy Blue)- Aqua Shadow 20E (Pearly Taupe)
- Aqua Eye Mini (Black)
The black is very intense; with one swipe, I got pretty good color pay off. The matte navy blue shadow took three swipes for the intensity seen in the swatch below. I wish it was a darker blue but I'm still liking the color. It is a little patchy but nothing that can't be worked with. The pearly taupe shade has got to be my favorite; two swipes gave immediate color and smoothness.
Giving them roughly 5-10 minutes to set, I rubbed the swatches. The black smudged very, very slightly, the navy blue smudged a little, and the pearly taupe did not budge at all. I did rub very hard though to see if they would ever smudge so I think it's more on me than the quality of these pencils. I am testing them as a base for other shadows and on their own right now, so I'll update when I'm satisfied.
 |
| From top to bottom: Aqua Eye Mini (Black), Aqua Shadow 6E , and Aqua Shadow 20E |
 |
| From top to bottom: Aqua Eye Mini (Black), Aqua Shadow 6E , and Aqua Shadow 20E |
Urban Decay's Primer Potions have been a cult favorite for many years. I never really understood the hype around these and could never justify the price when there are really good drugstore options that work pretty well for me. However, I decided to give them a try and am very glad that I did!
I picked up the Original formula because it's a classic. I also picked up Greed which was on sale, so I don't know if they're discontinuing it or not.
The Original formula dries matte and semi-clear. It did even out my skin tone a little and lessened the visibility of the veins on my eyes but I could still see them. When I applied my eyeshadow over it, it looked so smooth and I had no fall out whatsoever! I'm on hour 10 with these on right now and there is only slight creasing in my inner corners but the shadow is still as vibrant as when I first applied them! I can definitely see why it's such a cult favorite. I love the new packaging because a squeeze tube is more sanitary in my opinion. You can find it on Urban Decay's website, Sephora's website, and Ulta's website.
The Greed Primer Potion is a shimmery gold color. It looks great on its own! I haven't tried it out on my eyes yet but I do like how shimmery it is. I don't wear much gold eyeshadow anymore, but this is definitely making me reconsider that ;) They don't have it on the Sephora website but I found it on the Urban Decay website.
 |
| Original (top) and Greed (bottom) |
 |
| Original (left) and Greed (right) |
 |
| Original (left) and Greed (right) |
 |
| Greed (left) and Original (right) |
I love Hello Kitty and so had to have this when I saw it! I have it in the color Minty, which is no longer available on Sephora's website (Sorry!). I think this is a misnomer because it was more of a baby blue on my nails, which I don't mind but yeah. It lasted well with a base coat and no top coat but got dull within two days. I don't think this color compliments my skin tone very well and is more of a Spring color in my opinion but I love it for the packaging!
I needed some replacement sponges for my FaceShop CC cream and decided to try these out. The Sephora sponges are okay--the texture is not as soft and smooth like the included sponge in the FaceShop CC Cream's. They also don't have that ribbon running across which makes it more convenient to use but that's a minor problem. I haven't tested it out yet with the CC Cream, but I will soon (I haven't been wearing much face makeup lately).
These are samples from a sample bag from Sephora! There's four kits available with the code BLITZ. I chose the second one because I felt this kit would be best suited for my needs! It also came with a perfume sample in Philosophy's Amazing Grace.
I've never tried Lancome's Hypnose Star Mascara* before because I couldn't justify the price. Drugstore mascaras perform just as well as department store ones in my opinion so this is a nice sample to try. The brush reminds me of a Christmas tree, perfect for the holiday season! It comes in the regular version, a waterproof version, and a limited edition. I've review the Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara on the blog before so check it out!
I used a coupon code to get the Bobbi Brown BB Cream with SPF 35*. I got it in the shade Medium, which is a little too orange for my skintone but if I blend it well, it doesn't look too off. It comes in 8 shades so there's a lot more variety compared to Asian BB Creams. I haven't tested it yet, but I'll be sure to update soon! *UPDATE 12/31/13*: The long awaited review is now here!
The Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream* intrigued me because I'm slowly starting to try out CC Creams. I am really excited to try this one out because it matches my skintone well. I can't wait to see how it performs on my skin. :) It comes in 6 shades and I'm in the shade Light.
 |
| Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium (left) and Smashbox CC Cream in Light (right) |
 |
| Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium (left) and Smashbox CC Cream in Light(right) |
I've never been a fan of highlighters much since I have combination skin and didn't feel like I needed the extra shine. However, hearing Lisa Eldridge and Danna from LollyDolly128 (go to 3:00) rave about the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter*, curiosity got the better of me. It is a sheer crème-liquid that perfects skin with light-reflecting pearls for a soft, natural glow. It comes in four shades: Pearl, Moonstone, Opal, and Topaz. I have it in the shade Opal. It is a pearly pale rose gold-ish color that looks really lovely on the skin.
It creates a luminous glow instead of chunky glittery shine, which is very nice for dull, winter skin. It has a multitude of uses: you can use it on its own to highlight key features, use it as a base or you can mix it in your tinted moisturizer or foundation for a dewy skin look. You can also find it at Sephora.
 |
| Full swatch (left) and blended out (right) |
This is the first Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss* that I own. I have it in the color Maverick. It's a dark rosy mauve color with tiny gold microshimmers in it. I think it is perfect for the holiday season for those who don't want to rock a bright red lip. It has a minty smell that doesn't linger. It is pigmented but you can definitely sheer it out if desired. I can't speak for lasting ability just yet but it does look lovely on the lips. Swatches on the lips will be updated soon! *UPDATE 06/30/14*: I have a full review on this color + 2 additional ones + 2/3 more new shades I just bought :D
I've been looking to switch up my skincare routine because I've been getting loads of white bumps around my nose and chin area. The Murad skincare line is well-loved by thoes with blemish-prone skin so I decided to give it a try. I got the Murad Blackhead Remover* and the Murad Pore Refining Sealer*.
You use this duo 2-3 times a week as needed. Apply the step 1 Blackhead Remover to areas prone to blackheads, leaving it on for up to 10 minutes. Add warm water and massage into skin to exfoliate. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Next comes step 2, which is the Pore Refining Sealer. You apply a thin layer to your entire face. After 12 hours, you apply a second layer to seal your pores. After each layer, you should apply a moisturizer.
I've never tried any Sephora brand things but this travel-sized moisturizer is perfect for holiday trips! Te Instant Moisturizer* doesn't contain parabens or mineral oil and is suited for all skin types, according to Sephora. It comes in two sizes: a squeeze tube and a jar.
Lastly, the kit comes with the Living Proof Prime Style Extender*. I don't really style my hair but I guess this will be handy for the holiday season with the multiple parties and not having enough time or energy to redo hair everyday! It apparently repels dirt and oil while perfecting and smoothing strands. You can wear it alone or layered under your style. You use it on clean and damp hair, coating throughly from roots to ends. Lastly, comb through and style like usual. You can try it out yourself on Sephora!
So I picked up the L'Occitane Hand Indulgences Set and the Caudalie Hand Cream Trio for my mom and aunt. They work in the nail industry and are constantly washing their hands to keep them sanitized to prevent spreading infections between clients. As a result, their hands get very dry and cracked. These little sets are perfect because they are small and compact. I haven't smelled any of the scents because I'm going to be gifting them and don't want to open them. I hear a lot of good things about these two brands and am very excited to be giving back to these two wonderful women--even if it's just hand cream >.< They are one ounce in size. The packaging on both is very pretty.
These hand creams are special, limited-edition formulations for this holiday. The three scents are inspired by the lush vineyards of Bordeaux: Feuille De Cassis, Pamplemousse Rose, and Miel De Vigne. Feuille De Cassis is supposed to smell like black currant leaf and blackberry. Pamplemousse Rose smells like the Sauvignon grape. Miel De Vigne is inspired by the Cabernet, which has woody and green notes. They do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or animal ingredients. I think these would be perfect as gifts for the wine connoisseurs, vegans, and hand cream enthusiasts in your life :) The price sticker was a little hard to remove and left some residue but some rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol got rid of that easily.
The small sizes of these hand creams make it perfect for traveling or for your purse! The three scents in this set are: Rose Tenderness, Subtle Violet, and Passionate Jasmine. One of these usually retails for $12 so it's a great deal at only $28 for all three. I've never used anything from this brand before but the 20% shea butter sounds divine. The price sticker came off easily on these. These scents are also limited edition so if you want to pick these up, head on over to Sephora quickly! The L'Occitane Hand Indulgences Set are perfect stocking stuffers or as gifs for yourself :)
Sorry this post is late but I had a busy Friday with a talent show, social, AND a surprise birthday party from my friends...thanks y'all--seriously touched :,) I'll definitely update with more information when I try out these products some more! Hopefully, Monday's post will be on time >.<
XOXO,
MWAH ♡
•´`•.¸.» •´`•.¸.» ¸¸.•´°•´`•.¸.» •´`•.¸.» ¸¸.•´°•´`•.¸.» •´`•.¸.» ¸¸.•´°•´`•.¸.» •´`•.¸.» ¸¸.•´°
Disclosure Statement: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money. I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned above and was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Links are not affiliate links and are provided for the readers' convenience. Products marked with an asterisk (*) were either given to me as a sample or gift with purchase or given to me by my friends and family.
No comments