Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Sephora Beauty Splurge Pt. IV

Hey guys! I just wanted to start out by telling you some exciting news...
 
 
I'm a VIB!!!
 
This is my first time becoming a VIB! In order to achieve VIB status you must spend $350 at Sephora in a calendar year. You maintain VIB status the year in which you become a VIB and the following year. I can not wait to take advantage of all my benefits!!
 
My welcome package gives me three one time perks to be used within 90 days:
45 minute dedicated makeover session with an expert beauty advisor
10% off next purchase
Free shipping on next purchase
 
VIB benefits include:
Attending Private Events
Get Seasonal Gifts
Try New Products Early
Shop Sales First
 
Now that I just achieved VIB status, I see Sephora has a VIB Rouge status. You can reach VIB Rouge status when you spend $1,000 in a calendar year. While my Sephora addiction is growing, I don't know if I'll quite reach that status anytime soon.
 
Now a quick look at the purchase that gave me VIB status:
 
 
 
Sephora Beauty Haul #4
Clarisonic Plus Sonic Skin Cleansing System
I finally invested in a Clarisonic!! I have been going crazy researching the different models, debating between purchasing the Mia 2 or Plus. I finally decided upon the Plus since you can also use it on your body in addition to your face. I went with this Sephora Exclusive set-I just love the coral color!!
 

 
Free Deluxe Sample: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (Beso)
I have been dying to try Stila for quite some time now! I don't have a lot of red lip products and I don't tend to have a lot of liquid lipsticks, so this will add some diversity to my makeup stash!!
 
 
 
Free Samples: Philosophy Living Grace (tried it- it's a nice light scent), Living Proof Satin Hair Serum, Philosophy Miracle Worker, and Laura Mercier Foundation Primer-Radiance
 
One of my chosen samples was bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara, but they must have ran out since they gave me the last two other samples in its place. I'm a little disappointed for the substitution, but I already have a ton of mascara so it's not a major loss.
 
Are you a Beauty Insider, VIB, or a VIB Rouge?
Do you have a Clarisonic? Which model do you prefer?
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Zoya Summer 2012 Surf Collection

Remember my big Zoya Summer Flashback purchase? Today I'm going to show you my swatches from the polishes I bought from the Summer 2012 Surf Collection.


Kimber
I was a little disappointed in this polish given my love for pink. I thought I would love this color, but it didn't stand out to me. I wish it had more of a foil finish like other shades in the collection-I could hardly see the shimmer!!


Carly 
Purple is one of my go-to colors. This is a pretty purple-I was glad to see that the metallic shimmer was more apparent in this shade.

 
Myrta
I don't own many orange shades, but I love this coral color-it's so warm and pretty! I absolutely love the foil finish on this polish!!
 
 
Meg
Green happens to be one of my favorite colors, but I'm very particular about my shade of green polish. But Zoya did not disappoint-this is such a gorgeous green!
 
Which is your favorite polish from this collection?
 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Sephora Beauty Splurge Pt. III

Just like my last Sephora purchase, almost everything I got was on sale! Can't beat well rated brand name cosmetics on clearance!! The only thing I did buy at full price was the Urban Decay palette-but it's to die for and I know I will love it!!

 
Sephora Beauty Haul #3
 
 
Urban Decay Ammo Palette
Retail: $34.00
 I could not resist splurging on this palette! I've been wanting to try Urban Decay and I just love the skull design of this palette! The eye shadow shades look gorgeous-I will have so much fun coming up with different color combinations! I love that this comes with a mini shadow brush instead of those cheap ones that usually come in eye shadow compacts! I am also super excited to try the Eyeshadow primer!
 
 
Eyeshadow: Smog, Mildew, Oil Slick, Last Call, Chopper, Maui Wowie, Shattered, Polyester Bride, Grifter, and Sin
0.13 oz Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original
Mini Shadow Brush
 
 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Kohl Expert Eyeliner (Brun Perfect)
Retail $8.00 on sale for $3.00!
I love kohl eyeliners and I will get a lot of use out of this neutral shade!

 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Flashy Liner Waterproof (Flashy Blue)
Retail $8.00 on sale for $3.00!
I love colored eyeliners-they are so fun to use when you want to add a pop of color for an easy summer look!
 
 
SEPHORA by OPI Trend Tips (Blue Snake Skin Sparkle)
Retail $12.00 on sale for $6.00!
I love silver and turquoise and snakes, so this is perfect for me!

 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Moisturizing Bronzing Body Lotion
Retail $16.00 on sale for $5.00!
Since tanning is bad for your skin, I stick with tanning lotions if I want a subtle glow!
 
 
Free Deluxe Sample: Murad Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles
Since I'm fairly young and don't have deep wrinkles, I may give this away.
 
 
Free Samples: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette, Marc Jacobs Honey Eau de Parfum Spray, Carol's Daughter Monoi Shampoo and Conditioner, and Marc Jacobs Honey fragrance card (extra freebie)
 
 Do you ever use tanning lotions or bronzers to change your skin color?
Do you like using nail appliques or do you prefer to stick with nail polish?
 
 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Paula's Choice Pt. II

I was originally going to try Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 before investing in the complete set. But since Paula's Choice is having a 15% off everything sale, I took the opportunity to buy the complete Hydralight System. Even though I already had one product in the set, it seemed worth buying the complete system for the price difference. I figure I can give away the extra moisturizer to a friend!

 
Hydralight System: Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser, Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner, Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant, Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30, and Hydralight Moisture-Infusing Lotion
 
 
Step-By-Step Guide

The system comes with a complete step-by-step guide telling you exactly when and in which order to apply the products. With a tool like this, it will be a breeze learning my new skincare routine!

 
Free Bonus: Oil Blotting Papers
 
This skincare set was such a great deal! Not only did I save money buying the complete set over buying the products individually, but I got the 15% off discount on top of the sale price! Plus the system also included a free pack of oil-blotting papers!!
 
 
 
Free Samples: Beautiful Body Butter, Slip Into Silk Body Lotion, and Almost the Real Thing Self-Tanning Gel
 
 
Shop Paula's Choice now to save 15% off your order!
Have you tried Paula's Choice yet?
 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Ipsy Glam Bag July 2013

Ipsy is a beauty subscription service where you pay $10 a month to receive a glam bag filled with deluxe samples or full size beauty products. I recently subscribed to Ipsy and am super excited to share with you the contents of my first glam bag!! I read some spoilers ahead of time, so I knew to some extent what to expect. I was pretty content with the products I received. 

 
Ipsy Glam Bag
 
The bag was a bit smaller than I was expecting, but it's super cute. I love the clear pink plastic design, but it wouldn't double as a going out bag.
 
 
Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray
 
I was happy to get this item because I don't buy as many hair products as I do makeup. Plus it's been a while since I've used a texturizing spray! I will use this a lot over the summer.
 
 
BH Cosmetics California Collection
 
 
Hollywood, San Francisco, & Malibu
 
I wasn't jumping up and down over this since I already have plenty of Eyeshadow due to yet another Sephora order that I just placed (post to follow). However, I do think this was a great idea to give people a feel for the different collections offered. Based on the colors in the sample palette, I'd go for Hollywood or San Francisco. Malibu could be a good going out shadow, but I don't think I'd get regular wear from the shade.
 
 
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint
 
This item was a variation item which could have been swapped with another product. The other items that I could have received were Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub, Demeter Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On, and Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer in Mai Tai. Given the other options, I'm glad I got the much coveted Benetint! I like multi-use products, so I think I'll enjoy this lip & cheek stain.
 
 
Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented Moisturizer
 
This is one of the products I'm most likely to use often. I have been obsessed over sunscreen of late and I just love that this is for use on the face since most of my sunscreens are for use on the body.

 
Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon (Rose Romance)
 
This was one item I was most excited about after seeing the spoilers-I love lip crayons! I had originally wanted this in one of the brighter colors shown during the sneak peaks, but I'm actually kind of glad I got this shade instead. I already own Avon Mark Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon in Punch, so this shade will add more diversity to my makeup bag.
 
If you'd like to subscribe to Ipsy, use my referral link here!
 
 Do you subscribe to Ipsy or any other beauty subscription services?
What do you think of this month's Ipsy bag? 
 


Monday, July 15, 2013

Sephora Beauty Splurge Pt. II

I've made yet another Sephora Purchase. As always, I was tempted by their sale items, free samples, gift with purchase, and free shipping with $50 purchase!! Not everything I got was on sale this time- I did pay full price for two items, but they were on my wish list.

 
Beauty Haul #2
 
 
SEPHORA by OPI Quick Dry Top Coat
Retail $14.00 on sale for $9.00!
I am loving this SEPHORA by OPI sale right now! And I can always use more top coat!!
 
 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Lovely Lips
Retail $15.00 on sale for $7.00!
I'm love me some lip balm! I love reapplying lip balm throughout the day after drinking several cups of coffee or tea!
 
 
LORAC TANtalizer Highlighter & Matte Bronzer Duo
Retail $12.00 for 0.2 oz.
This item was on my wish list-I love that the highlighter and bronzer is in one compact, which by the way is so shiny!! LORAC also sells a larger version of this for $32, but I went with the smaller one. This compact is actually a decent size for being the travel-sized version that it makes me wonder how large the regular compact is!
 
 
SEPHORA COLLECTION The Shape Shifter
Retail $12.00
This has also been on my wish list. I love the color and think this kit will be perfect to stash in my bag for touch ups on the go!
 
 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Outrageous Prisma Chrome Metallic Eyeshadow (Purple #5)
Retail $16.00 on sale for $7.00!
I had purchased this in Metallic Beige #1, and thought it was such a good deal to invest in another shade! Purple is a great color for me because it makes my green eyes stand out and I love metallic cosmetics!
 
 
SEPHORA COLLECTION Pastel Pop Twinkle Light Eye Pencil (Sparkling Black)
Retail $12.00 on sale for $5.00!
I love black eyeliner-I can never get enough! It's a main staple in my makeup bag!!
 
 
 
Free Deluxe Sample: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
I wanted this just for the name! Plus I love the look of the packaging of the full sized mascara!!
This was a must-have and I'm glad I will get to try it out for free!!
 
 
Free Samples: COACH Coach Love Eau De Parfum Spray (tried it-love the scent), Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, BOSCIA Super-Charge Overnight Moisture, and Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (extra freebie!)
 
 
 
Lately, I've been buying more products form the SEPHORA COLLECTION and trying out some new brands. Do you like the SEPHORA COLLECTION or do you prefer to use other brands?

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

SEPHORA by OPI

As you all know, I picked up a few SEPHORA by OPI polishes during Sephora's 50% off sale. I purchased Mermaid To Order, Teal We Meet Again, Meet For Drinks, and I'm With Brad. You can view my swatches of Mermaid To Order here. Today, I will be showing you my swatches for the other three.

 
Teal We Meet Again

 
I'm always a sucker for teal, so I love this deep blue green color! 
 
 
 
Meet For Drinks

 
This color is a typical shade I'd wear. It's a deep magenta plum-perfect for a night out for drinks as the name suggests!
 
 
 
I'm With Brad

 
This color is definitely one of my new favorites-it's a mix of espresso and wine. I absolutely love coffee and wine, so this polish is the perfect vampy color for me!
 
Have you tried SEPHORA by OPI? What's your favorite shade in the line?
 Which of these three would you wear?