Category: Makeup
Sephora Play! July 2018 – More of the Good Stuff
Lucky Sephora box – you arrived first this month, so you get reviewed first!
I was surprised to see such a tarte heavy box this month – Sephora doesn’t usually focus on a single brand. This month’s box has tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in “paaarty” (boo, I got this shade in LAST year’s birthday bonus – it will be gifted); tarte Color Splash Lipstick – Rainforest of the Sea Collection in “Salt Lyfe”; and tarte Deep Dive Cleansing Gel.
Also in this month’s box: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter; Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence (I am starting to get really excited about Caudalie products – the viney smell is nice); and Rahua Color Full Hair Mask.
No new fragrances again this month.
I promise, this will be the best $10 you’ll spend each month. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
Metal Matte Mini
I cannot resist a smoking deal!
The Kat Von D Metal Matte Mini Eye Shadow Palette went on sale for $24, down from $39. Even though most of the shades are dupes from the full Metal Matte Palette, I decided I couldn’t pass up the deal. (When I looked side by side, all of the matte shades are dupes, but three of the metals are new.) I absolutely LOVE the neutral shade combos in this version – I feel like I’ve neglected the original, but will hit pan on this one.
I couldn’t find anything else I needed so I could bump my total up to $25 to use a promo code, so I just went without. I DID find something in the Rewards Bazaar though. I used 100 points on Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask. I checked the ingredients and it has kaolin, so a clay mask.
For samples, I got Miu Miu (not as good as L’eau Rosee, but nice); Fresh Soy Face Cleanser; and Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment.
$448 to Rouge!
July 2018 Birchbox – How to Hack Your Summer
You got me another month Birchbox!
I was holding out to cancel until I saw the month’s sample choice. I don’t remember what was in the sample choice, but a product in the Curated Box caught my eye…the Makeupdrop The Original Silicone Makeup Applicator. Yeah, it’s tiny…but once I have a chance to try it, I’ll know whether I should use those instead of Beautyblenders. Too bad it’s so fucking hot outside that I cannot even contemplate wearing liquid foundation. Maybe when I got to Vegas in a few weeks?
Also in this month’s Summer Hack box: Bumble and bumble. Don’t Blow It (H)air Styler; Benefit The POREfessional (I have so much of this shit); Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser (love this stuff); and W3ll People Expressionist Mascara.
I ain’t even mad though – if Birchbox can guarantee me at least one desirable sample a month, I don’t mind keeping it. The first month my options are nothing but shit…I will probably cancel.
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
Rainbow Ulta Haul
So I just got an Ulta order with some fun hair colors for the kids. They really liked the bright colors and I was surprised at how well the colors stayed…well, in my daughter’s hair at least. I am definitely “the cool mom” – I was trying to dye my hair with Black Cherry Kool-Aid when I was my son’s age.
I was checking the price for a friend…and noticed that L’Oreal Colorista for Brown Hair (usually $10.99) was on sale for BOGO Half Off. That’s an even better deal then when I bought it for $8.99. I picked up 4 colors – another Midnight Blue (this one was amazing in my daughter’s hair), Burgundy, Green and Red. I was less than impressed with the Teal I got last time, so I did not reorder. Since I spent $20+ on L’Oreal, I got a free makeup bag. Why not, right?
Ulta Collection was also having a Buy 2, Get 1 Free offer, so I stocked up on brow stuff. I am paranoid of running out of brow pencil while traveling – I’m going to Vegas in about 3 weeks and need to have eyebrows. I was right to order now – I used up 2 old brow pencils this week and gave a third to my daughter! I picked up two Ultra Slim Brow Pencils ($10), one in “Dark Brown” and one in “Brunette”, which is a new shade for me – it’s warmer that “Dark Brown” and I like it for summer. I also tried Brow Pomade in “Dark Brown” ($10). I finally got to try ABH Dip Brow and I LOVE it for a sophisticated brow – I’m just a cheap girl at heart though.
For samples, I got a card with Benefit The POREfessional and Moonlight by Ariana Grande. This perfume smelled SO BAD that my 10 year old daughter wouldn’t even take it…and she wears Cotton Candy scented perfume.
$699.45 to reach Diamond Status. Bwaaaaaaaaaa….
Sephora Play! Smarts – Glitter Eyes for Real Life
Every once in while, Sephora Play! puts out a supplemental box that can be purchased outside of the Play! subscription. I’ve passed the last few, due to either duplicative or lackluster products. I did not pass on THIS one.
The “Glitter Eyes for Real Life” box was $20 and the real reason I added the box to my cart was the rose gold mermaid pouch! My daughter is crazy for sequined mermaid fabric – she has a bunch of the pillows and she fusses with them constantly. When I get tired of playing with it, it’s hers.
Also in the “Glitter Eyes” box: Benefit Bad Girl Bang Volumizing Mascara (I just cracked it open today – this is my new go-to mascara); Grande Lash MD Lash Enhancing Serum (if I paint this on my upper lip every night, will it help me grow a John Waters mustache?); Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12HR wear Waterproof in “Black Lace”; stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Kitten Karma” (I just started using the sample I already had and this stuff is the SHIT); Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme; and Bite Beauty Prismatic Pearl Multistick in “Rose Pearl”. The kit also came with a set of cards for each product with application tips and eye shadow looks. There’s also a free webcast on July 15th. The box is still available – CLICK HERE.
OH! and I also added a $5 Sephora Watermelon after-sun mask to my cart – I have avoided sunburn so far this summer, but I still feel like my skin is taking a beating. My $25 purchase (and a promo code) granted me an extra sample – Benefit The POREfessional Pearl Primer (interested to try it). My other chosen samples were it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser, IGK Hot Girls Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner, and Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum.
If you’re interested in finding out about the monthly box, join up now. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
Sephora Play! June 2018 – Summer Nights
Summer fling don’t mean a thing…But, uh oh, those summer nights…
June’s theme for Sephora Play is “Summer Nights” and features products meant to last well into the night. Oh, look at the that deluxe sample of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream! I’ve gotten this few times and never tried it – but I’m committed now. I’ve even secured my husband’s service to apply to my bum bum!
Also in this (or last) month’s box: Too Faced Melted Matte Liquified Matte Longwear Lipstick in “Queen B” (I’ve been wanting to try this formula, even though I’ve been annoyed at the brand for a bit); Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder; Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover; Marajo Nourishing Cleansing Creme and Deep Treatment Butter (um, you mean shampoo and conditioner?); and Living proof. frizz styling cream.
No fragrance again – boo! Still a good box, though!
Don’t be a prude, join up now. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
June 2018 Allure Beauty Box – Kat Von D
So this is why I signed up for the Allure Beauty Box in the first place – I saw ads about the Kat Von D box and wanted in.
Even though I already own one, the full size Everlasting Lip Liner in “Lolita” ($18) made the box a steal all on it’s own. In addition, the box included a mini Tattoo Liner in “Trooper Black”, a mini Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in “Double Dare” (I don’t have this one), and a little Travel Mirror (which I also have.)
The box also included a promo code (ALLURE18) that gives you 2 Everlasting Lip Liquid Minis in “Exorcism” and “Nahz Fur Atoo” with a $50 purchase at katvondbeauty.com. It won’t get me to Rouge though, so I won’t use it.
The Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub ($28) was a strange add, but I’ll take it – it was full size! I’ve tried it out already and love the way it smells.
How is the Allure box turning into my favorite box?
The Allure Beauty Box is $15/month, but they give you $5 off your first box. They also offer an option for $150/year – a savings of $30. You can sign up at https://beautybox.allure.com.
Jeffree Star – The Summer 2018 Collection
Jeffree Star, I can’t quit you. Well, your lipsticks anyway.
When Jeffree Star announced his 2018 Summer Collection, the biggest fanfare surrounded his new eye shadow palette – “Thirsty” ($48). When the Dreamsicle themed packaging was teased, I expected a warm palette with lots of oranges. There are a few, but I was really confused by the yellow and blue hues. Although some of the looks I’ve seen online from this palette are stunning, I ultimately decided to wait on this palette.
Four new flavors of Velour Lip Scrub ($12) also launched – “Pink Lemonade”, “Rainbow Sherbet”, “Orange Gummy Bears”, and “Grape Soda”. I kind of wish that I had added “Orange Gummy Bears” to my cart, but I totally forgot. Oh, and they offered an orange star Hand Mirror ($20). I never thought I needed a hand mirror until my mother-in-law asked for one the other day. Maybe I do need one?
The strength of the 2018 Summer Collection are the eight new shades of Velour Liquid Lipstick ($18). Instead of purchasing the entire collection for $105 (a savings of $39), I decided to just pick three individual shades.
The first choice was easy – “Thirst Trap” – a mellow rose gold metallic. It’s by far, my favorite of the three. It’s somewhat similar to Ofra “Versailles” – of course, with a better formula.
Next up was “Cherry Wet”. I expected a pink/red, like a cherry, but it came out more red on me. Weird.
Last was “Fudge Pop”, a glittery metallic brown. Many brown lipsticks look odd on me, but this one was just right.
You can see me modeling the shades in the Insta post to the left. Clockwise from the top left: “Thirst Trap”, “Cherry Wet”, an ombre of “Fudge Pop” and “Thirst Trap”, and “Fudge Pop” alone. The ombre is AMAZING – this might be my new go-to look this summer.
June 2018 Ipsy Bag – Flying Colors
This month, ipsy is celebrating ‘Pride Month’ with a rainbow selection of striped bags – I got the blue one, but I’ve also seen red and yellow ones.
The products this month are a bit odd. I know I should be more excited to get a MAC product, but I’m still working on a full size bottle of MAC Prep + Prime, so I don’t really need yet another sample of it. Also in this month’s bag: Dream by PS Cosmeceutical in “Raspberry Fizz” (the best color of nail polish I’ve received in an ipsy bag in at least a year); Adesse New York Lip Polish Luxury Lip Gloss in “Skinny Dip”; Kensie Eau de Parfum (never heard of it before, but it smells like one of those ‘Designer Impostor’ body sprays from the 90s); and Feel Pure Anywhere Balm in “Rose” (yassss).
If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my link.
Platinum Order
Another Ulta order? So soon?
I’ve started doing this thing where, if I run out of something or if I see something I want to try, I stash it in my Ulta account and wait for a gift with purchase to hit (usually the Wednesday Beauty Break). Wouldn’t you know it, my basket got full and there was a NARS Beauty Break the week before last!
This Ulta Haul is pretty boring, to be honest. Just like almost every order, I got a Zoya Remove + ($10). I ended up buying 2 Japonesque Solid Brush Cleaners ($20), because they were BOGO Half. Freeman Masks ($4.29) were also BOGO Half, so I got Anti-Stress Dead Sea Minerals Clay Mask (I’ve had this one before and it’s very refreshing) and Brightening Green Tea + Orange Blossom Peel-Off Gel Mask (this one is new to me). The fun item that I picked up was the Memebox Black Cat Headband ($6). Do I really need a fuzzy headband with cat ears? Yes, if only because my daughter wants to steal it.
The NARS Beauty Break included 4 lip products – Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dolce Vita” (I already have the lipstick); Powermatte Lip Pigment in “Starwoman”; Velvet Lip Glide in “Bound”; and Lipstick in “Orgasm” (which I just got, so I’ll give it away).
No other samples – boo, Ulta! Oh, but this order made me Platinum for 2019.