Tag: Sephora
Sephora Play! November 2018 – Merry and Bright
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This is an…interesting…box.
First off, Commodity Gold straight up smells like donkey ass. Unwashed donkey ass. Someone come take this shit out of my house.
Everything else is less controversial. I’m a big fan of Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser. I’m also happy to get Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder, Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in “Pink Tea”, and Lancome Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Moisturizing Face Cream. I was, however, really confused when I looked at the Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay and Rose Extracts. At first, I assumed it was another mud mask…great! Then I read the directions – this shit is for your hair. What? I’ll let you know.
Sephora Play is THE best beauty box I receive every month. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
Sephora Play! Smarts – Complexion Your Way: Matte
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On the second weekend of Sephora’s ROUGE BONUS 20% off sale, they dropped new Sephora Play! Smarts boxes – Complexion Your Way ($20), with a choice between “Matte” and “Dewy”. Of course, I chose “Matte”.
The star of this box was the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Matte Longwear Foundation + Primer. The sample card came with Primer and three shades of foundation. Amazingly, the lightest shade, “150”, was the near-perfect shade for me. There was just enough in the pack for a thin full face application (with a Beautyblender). It was BEAUTIFUL, especially topped with the Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder, also included in the box. This will definitely be the next foundation I buy.
Along with a nifty netted zipper bag, the “Matte” box had It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Skin-Transforming Hydrating Cleansing Serum (love this cleanser); Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight; Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer; Peter Thomas Roth Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Moisturizer; and Sephora Collection Beauty Magnet Concealer Brush. I will use all of these, immediately.
I added another purchase to my order – the Ellis Brooklyn Bibliotheca Discovery Set ($20), a fragrance sampler that includes six of the brand’s set. Can you believe that the one I originally received was totally evaporated??? I was SO pissed. I called Sephora immediately and they sent me a new one, no questions asked. Luckily, it was fine…and I got two more samples. Oh yeah, did you hear that Sephora only gives two samples per order now? There will be riots in the street!
Back to the Ellis Brooklyn set…it was utterly disappointing. I really didn’t like any of the scents enough to buy a full size. I had especially high hopes for “Rrose” – I love a good rose, but it was bland. “Raven”, “Myth” and “Sci Fi” were the best of the bunch, but didn’t last long enough for me to get a feel for on me. “Rives” was straight up POISON that gave me a headache (probably the lavender). I wore “Fable” today and I cannot even remember what it smelled like. I am utterly disappointed in this set. I was hoping to find another high quality niche brand to love, like Atelier or Replica, but every formula was weak and was gone within 10 minutes. FAIL.
Oh samples! In the first shipment, I got foundations – Milk Blur Liquid Matte Foundation (3 shades on a card) and Giorgio Armani Face fabric Second Skin Makeup (4 shades foil packs). The second shipment gave me another sample of Ellis Brooklyn Myth and Dior Joy. Oh, joy.
Just $44 to Rouge!
ROUGE BONUS
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Oh, Sephora…you really do spoil me. This past weekend and now this weekend, Sephora is offering 20% for Rouge Members. You know I took advantage the very first day of last week’s sale – I had to get that sample bag!
I really wanted to smell some Ellis Brooklyn scents, but they didn’t carry them at my local store. Boo. I had a hard time coming up with something I needed/wanted – until I noticed how many shades of lippies that Kat Von D is discontinuing. I was vaguely aware, but not fully – they are getting rid of about a third of their shades of Studded Kiss, Everlasting Lip Liquids, Everlasting Glimmer Veils, and Everlasting Lip Liners. I decided to grab an Everlasting Lip Liquid in “Underage Red” ($13) – you know, because the name pisses so many people off. I also got an Everlasting Lip Liner in “Misfit” ($11) – a darker maroon. I’ve gotta say, the two of these colors together is stunning. I’m very happy with my purchase.
So…that sample bag…so packed full! It included Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color (in little weird plastic pots); Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Skin Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup (2 shades); NARS Power Matte Lip Pigment in “American Woman”; Tory Burch Eau de Parfum; Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment; Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream; Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask (excited to try this); and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Just $86 Until ROUGE for 2019. I will do it!
Sephora Play! October 2018 – Scary Good Beauty
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Scary good beauty? Count me in!
I am always happy to get products from First Aid Beauty. This box has First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream. I love smelling like a coconut.
Also in this month’s box: Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (I keep getting this and I never use it – I need to stop being so lazy); Benefit Gimme Brow Brow-Volumizing Fiber Gel (I’m too far gone for this); Anastasia Beverly Hills Banana Stick Contour (interesting – I might give it a spin); Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum; and Kat Von D Saint & Sinner Eau de Parfums (two fragrances is a good deal, even though I already have them).
I guess the switch to ziploc baggies is a permanent one. That’s OK – I have at least 2 dozen fabric pouches that I don’t know what to do with.
Goshdarnit! I went to Sephora today and I forgot to use my Play! card. You’d think I’d be better than this by now.
Sephora Play is THE bestest box I receive every month. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
I’ve got a Fetish…or Two
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I found myself pleasantly surprised last week, when a friend in one of my fb groups added me to her list for Sephora’s Friends & Family Event – a day of 20% off shopping!
I may have splurged a little bit…not only did I order the Kat Von D Fetish Eyeshadow Palette ($63), but I also got the Kat Von D Fetish Blush + Highlighter Palette ($43). I thought there was supposed to be a lipstick set to, but it never launched…probably because people got their panties in a bunch over “Underage Red” again.
I’ve been using both palettes this week and let me just say…neither of them are subtle! The matte eyeshadows are VERY pigmented and the shimmer/glitters are pigmented AND super glimmery. I am struggling with how I would wear this palette to work. The lighter matte colors in the palette are deceptive – they are NOT light once they get on your face. I do feel that there is sort of a disconnect between the eye palette and the cheek palette. The cheek colors are almost neon, but the shadows are all dark and goth. The cheek colors are seem to lean cool, as well – no warm colors. I’m still experimenting with the blushes and and highlighters, but I’m not sold on the cheek palette yet.
I also splurged on a Bite Beauty Sweet Treats Agave Lip Care Set ($12). It’s a Xmas set that includes Agave Sugar Lip Scrub Packette, Agave Lip Balm and Agave Lip Mask – I am addicted to the Lip Mask that I picked up in Vegas.
I used 250 points A Rosy Duo by Fresh Beauty, which comes with a Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream and Sugar Lip Treatment in “Rose”. (I know I just got one of these – shut it.) The other samples I got are Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, Clinique Self-Heating Blackhead Extractor, and Klorane Soothing and Anti-Irritating Gel Shampoo & Conditioner with Peony (looking forward to trying this one – I love peony almost as much as rose).
Just $106 to Rouge Status for 2019…it will be a breeze!
Sephora Play! September 2018 – Next-Gen Beauty
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As soon as I saw that this month’s products came in a fancy ziploc bag, I got suspicious…is Sephora starting to cut corners on their monthly box?
I was somewhat relieved when I poured this month’s products into my lap – plenty of products, nice brands, too.
Sephora is pushing Sunday Riley hardcore. Not only did I get two of their products in this month’s extra skincare box, but another one here – Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream. I think I have enough for a complete regime now!
Also in this month’s Next-Gen box: Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer (I’m down on this brand after their messy Social Media drama, but I’ll try this product); Peter Thomas Roth Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Atomic Heat Mask (sounds fancy, yet scary at the same time); Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil in “Kiss”; Sephora Collection LashCraft Big Volume Mascara in “Black”; and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Nectar.
Don’t worry, Sephora Play is still the BEST box I receive every month. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
Sephora Play! SMARTS – Skincare by Age: 40s
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I’m not ashamed to admit it – I’m in my 40s – and my skin needs help!
Sephora Play! launched three extra boxes this month – Skincare by Age for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. All of the boxes have great products, so I decided not to be a glutton and order all of them. I just ordered the 40s box.
The first thing I tried out of the box was the Volition Detoxifying Silt Gelee Mask. I’ve never heard of this brand before – but I’ve never met a mask I didn’t like. It was much thinner than a traditional mud mask, hence the silt? It kind of smelled like dirt, too…but it made my skin as soft as my 10 year old daughter’s.
I’ve also been using the Tatcha The Water Cream. It’s got an unusual slippery texture, but it sure does make my makeup stay on seamlessly, almost like it floats on my skin.
Also in the box: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream (I really need to start using eye creams); Kiehl’s Glow Formula Skin Hydrator; Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil; and Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment (great brand).
And can we talk about the amazing plastic case it all came in? It’s a hard-side case, perfect for travel!
I did NOT get the samples I chose. Instead, I got Rita Hazan True Color Shampoo & Conditioner, Becca Ultimate Coverage 24-Hour Foundation, and Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence. I wanted NONE of that. I did get something I wanted very much – a Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment for 100 points.
Just $211 to Rouge…
Sephora Play! August 2018 – Beauty Schooled
Just so you know…I canceled my Birchbox. August’s box was the last one that I will review…I finally put my money where my mouth is – back in my wallet.
I don’t know why I always end up procrastinating on the Sephora Play! box – or why I always end up leaving it to be reviewed last. I know I didn’t receive it last. It’s usually the best box I receive each month, too. I must crave delayed gratification?
I snatched up the Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay. I love clay masks…but add rose into the mix…the mask is rose colored AND has a light rose scent. I am not sure what it retexturized, but it made my skin soft and smooth.
Also in this month’s Beauty Schooled box/bag: Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick in “C211” (ugh, what’s up with the goddamn number – it’s a dusty rose nude); Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel (skip); Living proof. T.B.D. Multi-Tasking Styler (their products are always good); Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer (I already have one of these open); and OUAI VOLUME Shampoo and Conditioner.
I remembered to use my 50 point card this month – go me!
Give up 2 pumpkin spice lattes and you’ve paid for it! Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
Blazing
So I found this gem, digging around in my basket of untried polishes…how did I pass this one by? It’s gorgeous!
This is Formula X “Blazing” – one of the polishes I picked up for $2 each last summer when Sephora discontinued the Formula X polishes. A blue-leaning burgundy, with a firey shimmer, I got full coverage in a single coat! Of course, I did two coats – just to make sure. I used Glisten & Glow Base Coat and Top Coat.
The lasting power is impressive – I painted my nails several days ago, but they still look fresh…and it is still going strong. It looks so good, that the guy at the oil change place asked if I had just gotten them done. (I am not sure if he was flirting or just really appreciated my nails…Lily says flirting.)
“Blazing” is a close cousin…or even sister…to Julep “Laurie”. Man, I should keep better track of dupes…but I am too goddamn lazy.
Vegas – Summer 2018
We did it! The bestie and I lived through a trip to Las Vegas in the Dog Days of Summer!
Seriously, walking outside was like walking into an oven…an oven full of melted plastic tourists. I went several stretches of 24+ hours without going outside, and even then – only at night. It’s 99 degrees outside at night. Anyone who says Texas is a hellscape during the summer has never been to Nevada.
Strangely enough, my skin loved the Vegas weather. Or maybe it loved that I did not go outside and sweat in my car? In any case, the breakouts on my chest and back disappeared and my skin was lovely. Even my hair decided to behave in the humidity-less desert. The one problem I had was my lips – they were so dry that my upper lip felt like it would split at any moment. I brought probably a hundred liquid lipsticks, but I couldn’t wear ANY of them!
Sephora to the rescue! We bopped into the Miracle Mile Location and begged for help with our parched pouts. The castmember immediately led us to try the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Masks ($24). DOH! I still have a sample of this at home and didn’t think to pack it. I also asked to look at some Fresh products, but another lip balm wasn’t going to do the job. She then showed me the Bite Beauty Nude Lip Essentials Set ($15), which came with a mini tube of the Agave Lip Mask and a tube of Amuse Bouche Lipstick in “Pepper”. It was a smoking deal, so I grabbed it. I swore I looked all around for something else to buy, but this location didn’t have any Jo Malone to check out. Another castmember directed me to the Sephora in The Venetian…but that would require too much walking.
The one thing about shopping in-store – usually no samples, but this time we got samples of Drunk Elephant Lala Cream. Nice!
Sally also made a GlamGlow purchase, but gave me her points, so just $384 until Rouge. I just saw that the 20% sale is coming next week – August 24th…is there even anything left I can buy???
Oh, did you know there is a Morphe store in Vegas now? Yup, just a few hundred feet away from Sephora. Sally was finally able to get her hands on the Jeffree Star Blood Sugar Palette, although they were sold out of most of the new summer collection – the Thirsty Palette was no where to be seen and all of the good lipstick colors were gone. We were also able to see the Laura Lee and Manny MUA Palettes up close…ugh, we were not impressed.
I was THRILLED to find that my bestie brought me a gift all the way from Scotland – the new Pressed Glitter Palette from Makeup Revolution!
I’d been seeing demos on Insta for a bit, but I did not realize how much I needed it in my life. There’s a wide variety of fiery pinks, reds and golds…although I’m a bit scared of “Inflamed”, which appears to be red/green glitter.
We tried out the glitters over the Jeffree Star Blood Sugar Palette. We used Urban Decay Primer Potion as a fixative – worked like a charm. The primer kept it from flaking all over our faces.
One caveat…I AM still finding random pieces of glitter on my face…four days later.
I had a fun trip with the bestie – it was our first time spending so long together, but it felt like we’d been doing it for decades. It’s a relief to know that there a like-minded people out there who just want drink ridiculous amounts of rum and people-watch, as opposed to those who want to hump anything that roves into their field of vision. Vacation partners for life!