Finished It!!! Volume 6

It's that time again. I want to throw a bunch of stuff out, so I have to blog about it first. Hooray for getting rid of things!

Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo and Henna and Pomegranate Sunflower Conditioners - The Tea Tree Shampoo and Pomegranate Sunflower Conditioner are staples for me. I have bought multiple bottles of each and will continue to do so. The Henna Conditioner wasn't bad, but it didn't work as well as the Pomegranate Sunflower one, so I don't plan on repurchasing it.

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Body Wash - This was my Sephora birthday gift from 2011, and I finally got around to using it. I like the Philosophy body washes, but they are, in my opinion, over-priced for what they are. I might buy more at some point if there is a really good deal, but it's not going to become a staple product for me.

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Conditioner - This is the conditioner that comes with the John Frieda hair dye, and they always stick around forever because I forget to use them. I liked the hair dye and just bought another box yesterday because it's that time again. I'm trying a new color this time, which makes me nervous. I'm going a bit darker because my town doesn't carry the color that I used before, and I want to try a darker shade for the winter.

Skindinavia 10 Years Younger Makeup Finish Spray - I do believe that this spray helped my makeup stay on longer. Another benefit was helping get rid of the powdery look after I've finished my makeup. I bought the XL bottle of Urban Decay's All-Nighter Spray when this one started running low since Skindinavia makes that as well. I will continue to purchase whichever brand has a better deal at the time I need to purchase more finishing spray.

Benefit The POREfessional Deluxe Sample - I think I got this in a set from last Christmas. I liked it. It did seem to help hide my large pores. I've got several other primers to get through before I buy any more, and I don't think I loved this enough to repurchase it when I do need more primer.

EOS Travel Lotion in Cucumber - Another lotion bites the dust. Yes! I sound like a broken record when I finish lotions, but I'm going to say it again. I have a ton of lotions to use up before I buy any more.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - The was a decent, no-frills moisturizer. It didn't have SPF, so I used it at night. I might actually pick this up again after I go through my current moisturizer since I'm using a retinol cream at night, so I don't need a nighttime moisturizer with a lot of frills.

Bobbi Brown Correctioner in Porcelain Bisque - I'm still on the hunt for a Holy Grail corrector for under my eyes. This one wasn't it. Having a different shade might have helped (I purchased blind off Sephora.com because I don't have access to a Bobbi Brown anywhere nearby), but I didn't like the formula enough to repurchase it in another color.


Chloe Perfume Sample - This is a nice floral scent. I'm not big on floral scents, but I like this one. I have a mini bottle that I got in a Sephora value set and a rollerball of this from the Superstars Beauty Essentials set that I picked up. I will continue to use and enjoy those.

Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Mascara - I got this over the summer in a Meg's Makeup package, and I really enjoyed using it. I loved the comb wand, and the formula didn't make my lashes feel stiff or flake on me. The only reason this is going away is because I used it for three months, and I'm trying to be good about switching my mascaras in that amount of time. I'm normally hesitant about purchasing high-end mascaras, but I've had so much bad luck with drugstore mascaras that I've purchased to try that I might break down when I'm through my current stash and buy a high end one that I know I like.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Powder Foundation in Translucent Light - I had one of these in my last post of finished products. I think I went through this one much quicker than my last one because I wasn't wearing makeup as often over the summer. I have one more of these left, but I won't be opening it up just yet because I'm now officially too pale for it. The last remnants of this one got mixed in with my regular super pale powder to use it up.

Philosophy Full of Promise Samples - These samples were so small that I used both of them for one application. I've been tempted to purchase high end skincare, but I haven't actually done it yet. Philosophy is at the top of my  list to try if I do go the high end route.

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer Sample - This came with a $2 coupon off a Simple moisturizer, which I ended up using on their Vital Vitamin Night Cream. It's a nice basic moisturizer, which is what I was looking for since I'm using a homemade serum and a retinal cream; I don't need bells and whistles in my moisturizer too.

Urban Decay Primer Potion - I think this has officially become my favorite primer. I've tried a few other primers recently that other people say work just like UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance, and they crease on me. I like TFSI, but I get annoyed with the fact that it separates.

Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion Samples - These are okay. I didn't notice anything special about them. I have a bunch of other primers right now.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 3.5 and 2.0 - I am loving this foundation. I'm now too pale for both of these shades. I picked up a sample of 0.5 yesterday at Sephora. I'm dying to get a full size of it, but I want to try out this shade first, and I need to work through at least one of the foundations I currently have before I buy another one.

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum - This was okay. It wasn't a big enough sample to notice the effect of this over time. I'm sure a full size is much more than I'm currently willing to pay on hair care.

Pond's Original All Day Clean Towelettes and Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes - I've mentioned before that I primarily use these when I'm swatching products or occasionally when I want to remove my makeup before doing a face mask, so I'm not overly particular about them. Both of these worked well enough for my purposes. I tend to buy whatever I can get for a good price.

That's it for finished products for now. I'm pleased with what I've been able to finish off even though it always feels like I'm fighting a losing battle. I need to start working my way through mineral eye shadow and blush samples because I have a million of them, and they barely get touched. That however, it a project for another day and another post.

Have you made any progress finishing up items recently?

Sephora Favorites In the Glow Set - Get Glowing!

I'm disappointed that I fell off the wagon in terms of posting regularly. I was doing really well for a while there, and then I wasn't. *sigh* I don't think I've been a whole lot busier than usual either. I was hoping to get this particular post up before the VIB sale at the beginning of November, and that clearly didn't happen. 

This is a look at the second Sephora Favorites set I got during the Sephora Employee Appreciation Sale back in October. If you want to see my thoughts on the Sephora Favorites Superstars Beauty Essentials Set, you can find it here.

The In the Glow set has 9 deluxe samples and retails for $45. It comes in the same kind of sturdy cardboard box that the Superstars set came in, which can be used for storage after the products are removed. The products are a mix of bronzers, blushes, and highlighters.

Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight - 3 g - Approximate value - $10

I'd read rave reviews about this highlighter in the past, but I was worried it would be too dark for me. This set was a great way to try it out without committing to a full size. In the swatch above, the right swatch is a heavy one, and the left one is more blended out. It will be a little dark when my summer tan is gone, but I think I'll still be able to use it. One of the nice things with this highlighter is that it isn't glittery at all; it just has a really nice sheen.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic - 4 g - Approximate value - $25

This product is one that looks gorgeous, but I wasn't originally sure how to use it. In the swatches above, the first four swatches are the individual colors, and the last swatch on the far right is all four shades mixed together. Mixed together, it's too dark for me to use as a highlight, and it isn't a color I would normally use as a blush. I tried using a couple of the colors as eye shadows, and they made a really pretty look. I'll have to keep playing with it though. I might have to try using it as a blush one day.


Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor - 3.2 g - Approximate value - $13.75

This is a really pretty bright pink with a lot of gold shimmer and some gold glitter. I cringed initially when I saw the chunkier glitter pieces in this, but thankfully, they don't really seem to stick to the skin. The color is similar to Nars Orgasm, but it isn't an exact dupe. It Splendor doesn't have the peachy undertone that Orgasm has, and it is also has more gold shimmer.

Benefit High Beam - .13 fl oz - Approximate value - $7.30

This is a cult classic liquid highlighter that adds a soft pink sheen to the skin. I've had a small sample sized bottle for a long time, and I like it, but I don't love it. I reach for my powder highlighters more. In the swatch above, the one on the right is a heavy swatch and the one on the left is blended out.

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna - 2.5 g - Approximate value - $9.80

I have to say that this is one of the products I was really excited to try. So many people in the online beauty community us this as their go-to bronzer, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. This is a nice warm bronzer with a slight golden sheen to it. I haven't decided if I love it yet, but I've been enjoying testing it out.

Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flushed - 4.8 g - Approximate value - $3.30

This cheek stain looks really scary in the tube, but, as you can see from the swatch, it blends out to sheer berry color. I have several of their cheek stains, and the way that I like applying them is with a stippling brush. I find that they feel a bit tacky, so they are hard to blend with my fingers. A stippling brush works well. I usually sweep a bit of translucent powder over the stain after I've applied it to help get rid of that tacky feeling.

BareMinerals All Over Face Color in Pure Radiance - .57 g - Approximate value - $12.50

 This is another highlight product that looks like it would be questionable for my pale skin, but, sadly, that's because of my camera skills. With a heavy swatch like the one above, the skintoned base is really apparent, but when applied lightly to the skin, it doesn't. What does show up is tons of very fine pieces of shimmer, that don't show up in the photo. This is a gorgeous shimmery highlight, and my photos fail miserably at showcasing it.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matter Bronzing Powder - 2.5 g - Approximate value - $7.25

This is another favorite in the beauty community that I was happy to get in this set. It is completely matte and is cooler in tone than Laguna. Like Laguna, I haven't decided if I love it yet, but I'm enjoying playing with it. I blame my general fear of bronzers. I'm always afraid of over-applying them, so I don't apply enough to really notice a difference.

Stila Convertible Color in Peony - 2.2 g - Approximate value - $11.50

This is a highly pigmented cream blush that has a really smooth feel. It blends out easily, and the color Peony is a great neutral, slightly brown-toned pink. 

My total estimated value: $100.40. The box claims a $111 value. 

Final Thoughts

I love these types of sets. I get to try a bunch of products for a lot less than if I was buying full sizes of everything, and it's a great value for just the mini sizes of them. If you love blushes, bronzers, and highlighters, I would suggest picking this set up.

Sephora Favorites Superstars Beauty Essentials - Superstar Value!

I was lucky enough to get a 20% off coupon code through their employee appreciation sale. One of the things I picked up was their Superstars Beauty Essentials kit because it came with ten products (FIVE of them are full size) for $75 before the discount. It has a nice mixture of products, and they most of them stand out to me a cult classics that beauty fanatics rave about.

The set comes packaged in a nice cardboard box tied with a glittery red ribbon. The outside of the box is a shiny red that I couldn't get a good picture of because I kept getting glare like you see in the picture above. Once the products and insert are removed, this will be a nice storage box.

The Products

*Note* I only did detailed pictures of the colored makeup products in this set.


Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil - .5 fl oz - $14 value -   I have another smaller sample of this oil, but I've only used it once or twice. I just ordered some essential oils to add to this and make it more of a skin treatment for acne-prone skin with acne scars.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - .5 fl oz - $19 value - I have another one of these that is almost gone. I LOVE this product, so I'm glad to have another one waiting in the wings. It is a scrub that also has enzymes in it, so it exfoliates two ways. It smells like clove to me, which isn't my favorite smell, but I don't mind it.

 Makeup Forever HD Powder - .035 oz - $3.20 value - I'm  not overly excited about this one. It's just 100% silica powder, and I already have silica powder from TKB Trading, where you can get a full ounce of product for $4.95. I'll use it, and I'll try and compare it with the TKB silica, but I can't see it being that much different.

 Chloe Perfume Rollerball - .2 fl oz - $25 value - This is a nice floral perfume that I will enjoy using.

 Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - .33 fl oz - $18 value - This claims to be a water-resistant primer with SPF 15. Like most primers it says it with minimize the look of fine lines and pores and make your makeup stay on longer. I've only tried this once so far.

Benefit They're Real Mascara - .3 oz - $23 value (full size) - This mascara hasn't been on the market for very long, but it was an instant success. The feature that stands out with this mascara is the brush, which has bristles around the tip of the brush. I didn't take a picture of it because I'm not ready to use this mascara yet, and I don't want to open it until I do. You can see the brush here.

Sephora Microsmooth Baked Eyeshadow Trio in Sunset - 1.8 g - $17 value? (full size) - This is a nice trio that seems like it would work for most skintones.

Nars Orgasm Blush - 4.8 g - $28 value (full size) - This product is just about the epitome of cult classic products. I have heard of some people who don't care for it, but they are few and far between. It's a pretty peachy-pink blush with gold shimmer.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner - .016 fl oz - $20 value (full size) - I have very limited experience with liquid liners. This will be fun for me to play with. I like that it has a fine, felt tip.

Buxom Big & Healthy Lipgloss in Dolly - .15 fl oz - $19 value (full size) - From the limited amount of time that I've had with this set, this gloss is my surprise favorite. It's a pretty plummy colored gloss with gold shimmer. It isn't sticky and gives a slight tingling sensation on the lips. My only minor complaint is that the tube itself is really bulky.

 

Total Value: $186.20 - The box claims that it is $189 value. I'm guessing the difference comes from the HD powder (I had to calculate the price based on a full size, and mini sizes tend to cost more) and maybe the Sephora eye shadow (I couldn't find this exact product listed online).

 Final Thoughts

This is a great set! It would be great for someone who wants to try out a bunch of new things for a great price or for someone who already loves these cult favorites and wants to get a great deal on them. Sephora is supposed to be having a VIB/BI sale soon, so that would be a great time to pick this set up!

I also picked up the In the Glow Sephora Favorites set, and I'll try and get up pictures/first impressions of that one by the beginning of next week.

What do you think? Is this set going on your wishlist? Do you have a favorite product from this set?

Haul - DermStore, Sephora, and Urban Decay

I made it through my March no-buy only to go on a buying binge. Oops! I got a few packages this week to share.

Dermstore

I had a $25 off of a $50 purchase code for Dermstore that I received in my March GlamBag. It was set to expire on May 1, so I wanted to get it used. Here's what I got:

I picked up the LaVanila Healthy Sunscreen because I was down to a couple of deluxe sample moisturizers with sunscreen, and I don't particularly care for either of them. I had a sample of this one already, and I liked it. I will say that darker skintones might have a bit of trouble with this because it contains physical sunscreens, so I can leave a little bit of a white cast to the skin. Being ghostly pale, I don't have an issue with that.

I picked up the Skindinavia setting spray because it has been on my wishlist for a while now. I'm liking it so far, but I haven't done any specific tests to see if it has helped my foundation stay longer. I do like that it helps get rid of the powdery look after I set my face makeup.

I threw in the MOR lip balm to get me to the $50 limit to use my coupon code. I was disappointed when I first opened the tin because the balm had shifted and there was a huge glob on the lid. I knew it was older stock though (they have oval tins now), so it didn't bother me too much. I've got it on my bedside table to use at night.

My order included a couple of freebie samples, which I always enjoy. I haven't tried either of these yet.

Sephora

I couldn't resist the Sephora 15% off sale, so I placed an order with them too:

I tried a sample of Nars Sheer Matte foundation in Siberia over the summer, and I liked it. It took me until now to bite the bullet and actually buy a bottle. The color is a perfect match for me, so I'm loving it.

I've been wanting to try Benefit's Erase Paste for a while now, so I went ahead and grabbed that too. This product glides on like a dream. I don't have to tug at all to get it to blend into my skin, and I think the color does a nice job of helping to hide my under-eye circles.

I included a picture of my freebies too. I was glad that Wonderstruck was one of my freebie options because I've been wanting to give that a try.

Urban Decay

My final order that arrived this week included:

I had looked for something colorful to purchase from DermStore and Sephora, and nothing was jumping out at me, so I decided to grab the Book of Shadows IV since it was on sale for $29 (Of course went down to $25 on HauteLook this week. *sigh*). I liked that it was a nice mix of neutrals and wearable, muted colors.

I'd also debated picking up the Shadow Pencil Stash before Christmas, so I figured I would grab it on sale for $12. The pencil in Sin will probably get a lot of use on lazy days.

I also grabbed a sale Pocket Rocket lip gloss. I wanted to get both Doug and David, but I waited too long, and Doug sold out. I was sad about that because I have and love Doug already, so a backup would have been nice. I'm happy to try a new color though, and I love the scent of these glosses. Yum!

Again, I got a couple of freebies. I haven't tried ay of UD's face primers, so I'm interested in trying those out.


What about you? Have you hauled anything recently? Or have you been good about not adding to your stash?