So, I was long overdue for a little Sephora spree, I only bought a few things but I got a lot of neat little perks. Don't you just love freebies?
YES, so I was really pumped when I heard the 500 point perk was a Nars cult favourites set. I've been saving my points for Nars and I figured I might as well get some other stuff I've been wanting as well. The set comes with a 4 adorable minis, a .14 oz. Blush in Deep Throat, a .05 oz. Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien, a .01 oz. Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto, and finally a .01 oz Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
First of all, I just have to say these swatches literally didn't budge all day, I tidied my bedroom, did some spring cleaning, ran some errands and they were still as fresh as when I put them on in the morning.
The Satin Lip Pencil is a rosy pink colour. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of this sample, it's only .02 oz smaller than the full size which runs for $30 CAD. The only downside is that it's quite shimmery which is something that I usually wouldn't go for, since I'm more of a tinted balm girl but this pencil is very smooth and velvety and pretty much goes on feeling and looking like a balm.
The Eyeliner is just a plain black, but you can never have enough black eyeliners, amirite? and this one is a mini, so it fits nicely in my to-go bag. Honestly, I didn't feel like it was anything special, it's definitely smooth but I've found other drugstore eyeliners for a fraction of the price with the same quality.
The Blush was my favourite item in the set, it's fairly small at 4g but I'm happy with the size because I can finally fit a blush in my small to-go bag and plus it's really cute. Deep Throat is a warm peachy colour with a subtle pink and golden shimmer, it's more sheer than I was expecting but it's buildable and gives a nice glow to the skin for the warmer months. It's definitely subtle enough that it can be used as an everyday blush.
* prices are for full size products
I was in need of a new foundation since my L'Oreal Nude Magic BB cream is nearing its end, and I saw this set in the sale section so I figured, why not? I always love buying from Tarte because their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates and other not so great ingredients and best of all, they are 100% cruelty free. It was definitely a good deal at $28, which was $13 off the regular price and at a value of $82. This set comes with an full size Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in black, a full size Pure Maracuja Oil Roller-ball, an .8 oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation, and a really cute makeup pouch.
Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara - $24
I am a mascara junkie, I've used so so so many brands, from drug store to high end and I just absolutely loved this mascara, it's now made its way into my top 5 mascaras. It stays all day, has absolutely NO clumps and defines + lengthens every single lash (even the dingy ones) The colour is a true black, and best of all; it doesn't smear or flake.
So, I have only used the Maracuja Oil a handful of times but I already feel like it lives up to all the hype about how great it is. I use it as a nighttime moisturizer and my skin always feels extremely soft and radiant after I use it. You'd think an oil would be well.... oily, but nope, it doesn't just sit on the skin like a lot of oils and feel heavy but it really sinks in and moisturizes your skin. I'll definitely repurchase.
The foundation was the only product in the set that wasn't full sized but it's still a fairly generous size. I've only tried it once but my first impression is that it's pretty good. It has a mousse type texture, and it's for sure full coverage foundation but I just wasn't blown away by it, It didn't really feel like it lasted all day and I even used a setting spray. I'll definitely have to experiment with it more to see what brush or sponge works best with it and base my opinion off that.
I'm obsessed with any and all lip & cheek stains, they are so easy and versatile to use, you just sweep some on your cheeks and/or lips, blend, and you're set. So obviously I love the entire range of tints that benefit offers, they are some of my favourite beauty products on the market. Unfortunately I lost the Posietint that I bought myself for my birthday so I had to repurchase it, because this is something everyone needs in their makeup collection.
I've heard so many amazing things about the Smith's Rosebud salve but I opted to instead buy the minted rose version and I'm happy I did. So this product was created especially for Sephora, it heals chapped lips but also soothes and heals irritations, minor burns and can be used on the lips, elbows, or knees to condition and relieve dry skin. I was a bit skeptical about the healing of minor burns, but I did get a small curling iron burn and it actually did relieve the pain fairly quick, I was extremely impressed. This is pretty much a mintier & cuter version of Vaseline.
So here are the samples and I choose:
1. Origins CC Cream
2. Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil
3. MUFE HD Pressed Powder
I also used one of their promo codes and choose 3 deluxe samples, I picked:
1. Philosophy Miracle Worker Overnight Moisturizer ( It's funny that the print is off center lol)
2. Urban Decay Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
3. Prada Milano Infusion D'Iris Rollerball
So I had to talk about how AMAZING this deluxe sample is, it's not even a sample really, it's a full size rollerball, like what? it''s absolutely gorgeous, it came in a mint coloured leather case and it smells so nice. It's a very gentle, fresh and elegant smell, there are notes of oranges, iris, incense, and it's also a bit powdery as well. The longevity is amazing, it literally lasted all day on my wrists. I'd definitely recommend if you tend to lean towards perfumes that smells of citrus and florals.
So, that's it for my haul, I spent roughly $50 CAD, which I'd say is pretty good!!
