Sephora Favourites | Time to Prime

Sephora Favourites sets always prove to be a worthy purchase.  I love the chance to try a bunch of different products in deluxe sizes at an affordable rate.  This fantastic set retails for $30 and has a $61 value and I was lucky enough to receive this as a birthday gift last month.

DEAL ALERT | Sephora 2x the Points on Skin Care

Attention fellow Beauty Insiders!  Until Monday the 19th Sephora Beauty Insiders get 2x the points on all skin care!  For exact rules and details head over to www.sephora.com.  Points are awarded automatically, which means you can still use a coupon code!

Sephora Black Friday | Tarte

I was really impressed by this year's Sephora Black Friday deals.  I ordered a few different ones that I am slowly working my way through testing.  I decided that rather than just do a haul post that I would go into a bit more detail about each one.  I ordered this set because I was pleasantly surprised by another set of minis I ordered from Tarte earlier this holiday season.  

All Sephora Black Friday sets retailed for $12 CAD/ $10 USD.

First, how adorable is the packaging?

Hourglass | Ambient Lighting Blush Palette

Lately I have been really into rose gold.  Add to that my life long obsession with blush... and yeah well this set was obviously going to be a ~$70 problem for me.  I was really, really good about self restraint, until the Flowerbomb bonus set came along.  A chance to get my favourite perfume and my dream blush set? Well at this point I have my Christmas gift shopping for me done.  

Soft As a Bunny | Tarte Holiday 2014 Set

When I saw this beautiful little set on Sephora's website for $53 CAD I had to have it.  Unfortunately somewhere between ordering it and testing it out enough to report on it disappeared off their website!

This set contains the Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush, which is $42 on its own.  I was already considering purchasing it, so getting this kit was a great deal!  It also contains a general foundation brush, a blush brush, a concealer brush and a double ended eyeshadow brush all packed up in a pretty purple and gold case.

As somebody who ends up packing up every other weekend to go see her boyfriend, I appreciate that I can do a pretty decent face using only these brushes.  Further, the case has enough space to fit everything I need for the weekend.  Not everything I need for a larger event, but there is more than enough space to create a pretty day-to-day look that is enough to give that extra "glow".  

How pretty is that design?!?

Look how nicely things line up!

The quality of these brushes is unreal.  No shedding, soft as a bunny on my face, and just the right size to get the job done.  I use the flat foundation brush to apply my foundation, the concealer brush where needed, and then buff and set it with the larger brush.  From there I use the blush brush for my highlighter, blush and contour, making sure to buff out the leftover colour.  I finish up with the eyeshadow brush.

I love that I can actually do a full face using only this little set.  I wish it was still in the store so I could purchase a second set!

And that is what heaven on earth looks like. Kidding.  But isn't the set pretty?

I am so thrilled with this purchase.  If it pops back up in the store don't hesitate to order it!  I've never been a Tarte person before, but these brushes totally exceed expectations.  I will be checking out their other products, particularly their blushes, as Christmas approaches!  

Happy shopping! xoxo

Deal Alert | Sephora Sale Section

Sometimes when I am bored I check out the Sephora Sale section.  When I checked it out today there were loads of new items including brush sets, Tarte cheek stains, OCC lip tars...you name it!  I've included two screen shots, but its well worth your time to go check it out!

If I was going to buy something it would be the Ole Henriksen set.  I love his products, and need some minis for travel!

Happy shopping!

To check out the Sephora Sale section click here!

Spend or Save Your Sephora Points: An Analysis

When I was in high school I use to hoard my points and would only redeem for 500 points.  Back in the day the 100 point gifts weren't so hot, and the 500 point gifts were fantastic.  But times are a changing and Sephora has really picked up its rewards game.  Every month they have been releasing new perks, and every month there has been at least something I wanted!

I should note, with close to 4000 points in the beauty bank, and what seems like an endless pile of deluxe minis to get through I have taken a bit of a moratorium on redeeming my points.  Unless I can redeem for an experience, or the gift is utterly fantastic, I will be taking a pass.  I am also trying to minimize my beauty purchases until January 1st so I can start working towards VIB Rouge for the next year.

However I have always wondered.  What is a better value?  A 500 point gift, or a bunch of 100 point gifts?  The results were inconclusive, but I have thrown in my two cents.

All $ values represent the value of the product based on the size of the sample and the cost of the full sized product unless otherwise indicated.  All gifts are either currently available, or have been available recently.

100 Point Gifts

Make Up Forever HD Powder - $4.54
Marc Jacobs Eyeliner - $3
Sephora Rouge Infusion Lip Stain - $8.05
Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation - $7.05
Sephora Collection Super Regenerating Oil-Serum - $8.75
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Cream - $5.64
Philosophy Time In a Bottle - $4.25
Tarte Cheek Stain - $12*
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - $12

Average - $6.68
Median - $6.34
5 Average 100 point gifts: $33.40

500 Point Gifts

Benefit - $50.08
Lollitint - $6.85
Watts Up - $8.72
Hoola Bronzer - $12.85
PoreFessional Primer - $12*
They're Real Mascara - $9.66

Alterna - $33.85
CC Cream - $9.69
Shampoo - $9*
Conditioner - $9*
Hair Milk - $6.16

*Price based on a deluxe mini of the product for sale at Sephora of the same size

So while the dollar for dollar value of the 500 point gifts tends to be higher than 5 average 100 point gifts, is the 500 point gift really a better value?

Well, it depends on how you draw your value.  For me, its all about if I would actually use all of the products in the 500 point gift.  Take the Benefit gift for example:

Lollitint - $6.85

Watts Up - $8.72

Hoola Bronzer - $12.85

PoreFessional Primer - $12*

They're Real Mascara - $9.66

I already have 3 deluxe samples of Watts Up and honestly...I rarely use it.  I have more than enough bronzer to count our my entire body every day for 5 years, and I already have 2 deluxe samples of the primer.  I love They're Real-- but I have three minis of that as well.  I just don't see myself getting the value out of this gift set.

Also consider if the 500 point gift contains a tinted moisturizer that doesn't match your skin, a skin care product you may react to, or a makeup bag that you really don't need.

Personally, I would rather get 100 point gifts if I see something that looks like a good value that I would actually use, and a 500 point gift only if I could really see myself using everything.  It may not be the best financial value, but it has the most value for me!

How do you spend or save your points?

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction

Urban Decay has recently launched a limited edition Pulp Fiction line in celebration of Urban Decay's 20th birthday.

The line includes a neutral eyeshadow palette ($41), a red lipstick ($26), a red lipliner ($24), a red nail polish ($18) and a glittery liquid eyeliner ($23).  It is available at Sephora in store and online.

Yesterday Sephora at the Eatons Centre had an Urban Decay event in store to promote the new line.  Sorry for the poor quality photos!

I was most interested in the eyeshadow palette and the liquid liner.  While I loved the quality and the look that the Pulp Fiction palette was able to create I was not convinced that it was significantly different from the other neutral palettes I own.

The palette has a pale pink, a matte warm brown, a shimmery darker warm brown, a shimmery white and a matte-ish black.  In general this palette runs warmer than the Naked Basics palette.  For a make-up fanatic, or a Pulp Fiction fan this palette is significantly different from Naked Basics to merit ownership.  However, the average person would manage just fine with one or the other.

I came very close to purchasing this palette.  However, I am convinced that I could create a similar look using Naked Basics with some help from the original Naked palette.  In addition, I don't love how big the palette is compared to how little eyeshadow there actually is.  If I bought it I would really want to depot it, which would defeat the purpose of purchasing a limited edition item.  I still want it, but I have made enough purchases for a while with the points promotion.  If this item is still around in September then I will make room for it in my collection.

I did however end up buying the glitter eyeliner.  It is a black and silver glitter held in a black gel.  Layered over top of black eyeliner it looks really sharp.  I think it is the perfect way to wear glitter on a daily basis.  Enough of a "pop" to be noticed but not so much that it looks childish.

Final verdict:  This is a great line of products.  If I had to choose this palette over Naked Basics I would choose the Pulp Fiction palette, but I do not think the average person needs both.  The lipstick, liner and nail polish are all nice, but not terribly unique.  For mr the real winter was the glitter eyeliner which I am delighted to have in my collection.

What do you think of the Pulp Fiction line?  Will you be picking anything up?

Event Recap: Sephora VIB Rouge Reception (Ottawa)

I am such a fan of deluxe minis.  I use them almost as often in my daily routine as I do full sized products.  In fact, there are some products that I actually prefer as a mini.  Wild lipstick or lip gloss colours come to mind.  When it came to my attention that Sephora was having a VIB Rouge reception with a bag full of deluxe minis as a gift for spending $50 or more, plus 4x the points, it was booked in my calendar as non-negotiable.  One of the best party about going to this event is that I was able to invite a friend.  Having once gone to one of their Rouge events alone, I can tell you it is much better with company!

The event started at 7, but we arrived at 6 to confirm it was a 7pm start time, ask a few questions, and then grab a quick dinner at Rideau's new and improved food court.  You can't shop on an empty stomach.  At 6:58 we were back at Sephora ready to shop.  My friend and I had both put a lot of thought into this, and as a result already knew with 98% certainty what we wanted.

Upon entry we got name tags that said "VIB Rouge" and "Future VIB Rouge".

After making my initial $50+ purchase to ensure I got the sample bag (and a small additional gift with purchase aka a TOA), I wandered around the store to see what reps were there and who was handing out what.

The sample bag with 50+ purchase can also be redeemed online with code VIBPARTY.

Escada Perfume vial, MUFE Blush sample, Watts Up Mini, Living Proof PHC Hair styling cream, Hope in a Jar, Clinique Mascara, Buxom Mascara, Agisist Eye Cream

While there were some reps there, I was disappointed to note that none were handing out freebies or even gifts with purchase of their product.  To make up for it I went around and asked for a few samples of products I had been thinking about.

After taking a walk around I came across their little snack department.  There were patriotic cupcakes (fitting for our nation's capital!), bananas, granola bars, mini water bottles, coffee and tea.  I was delighted to see the tea so I poured myself a mint tea.  Life really is grand.  I grabbed a banana to eat...and then put it in my bag after re-noticing the cupcakes.  Oops?

Cupcakes!

Healthy stuff!

Water and tea!

In consultation with my friend we determined that we were a touch disappointed by the Rideau event compared to the Eatons Centre events we are use to.  I think in the future I will try and stick to the Eatons Centre.  That being said, Rideau did exceed my expectations for Ottawa.

I had a tough time telling the reps apart from the regular Sephora staff.  I ended up talking to the Guerlain rep and asked her about the new Kiss Kiss lipsticks that they have coming out (ahh can't wait!) and then idly asked her what this weird looking eyeliner did.  Well!  She explained that it was a "feeling" to apply and it was a "lipstick for your eyes" designed to make tight lining easy.  Oh. My. Gosh.  It works.  So I threw it in my bag!

It is called The Original Creamy Khôl Me Kajal Eyeliner.  It is specifically designed for easy tight lining.  I love how tight lining looks (lining your waterline) but I generally find it awkward, ineffective, and painful.  This product makes it so, so easy.

The actual eyeliner of this eyeliner starts where the red lip pencil indicates.  

I felt this event was a big improvement from the last VIB Rouge event I went to.  Last time as a Rouge I got samples and gift bags left right and centre and my guest who was just a BI got shafted.  It put me in an awkward position because I was getting so much and my guest...wasn't.  This time my guest got almost as much as I did, with the main difference being the VIB Rouge tote.  All things considered, I thought they did a good job at treating the Rouges well while respecting the friends.  After all, one of the Rouge perks is getting to bring a friend to these events.  Having my friend treated poorly just puts a damper on the whole experience.  Gold stars for fixing that Sephora!

My friend who I went to the event with had a good suggestion: Reps should each be handing out a deluxe mini of their product rather than tossing it in as a TOA.  Of course, the gift with purchase gift set should remain a set because those are amazing.  This way customers will engage with the reps, maybe discover a new product, and feel like they are getting more bang for their buck.  Think trick or treating but for beauty.

I didn't feel like the event was exclusive.  There weren't enough staff on hand to cater to all the customers, and I got the impression that somehow people who weren't on the list got in.  But, all things considered I had a great time at this event and I can not wait for the next one.  They usually do some sort of holiday party!  Mmmmm Christmas sets....

My Haul

Things I Paid For:

Living Proof Style Extender Spray

Ole Henriksen On The Go Cleanser

Hourglass Lipliner in "Icon"

NARS Dual Intensity Shadow in Andromeda 

Stila Convertable Colour Blush in Lillium

Guerlain The Original Creamy Khôl Me Kajal Eyeliner

Orchid-Violet Hair Ties

Things I Got for Free:

2x Sample Bags with 8 samples

2 Clinique bags with a nail file, mini mascara, and nail clippers

See By Chloe Deluxe Mini

2x Benefit They're Real Mini Mascaras

An eye cream

Guerlain foundation mini

Some perfume samples

I actually ended up with two of the sample bags because I had made an initial purchase and then near the end of the event went back to buy the Guerlain liner and the hair ties.  They had a different girl on cash, and well, I wasn't going to say no to another bag of samples!  My mom will be getting some of the goodies when I get home tonight.

I use this cleanser and hair primer daily.  Never a bad idea to stock up on staples!  I first received this cleanser for Christmas (2013).  I not have about 1cm left at the bottom.  Not too shabby!

Andromeda is the prettiest palest gold that completely brightens up my eyes.  Lillium is a soft, pretty blush that gives just the right flush of colour.

These two follows are more true to colour:

Icon is such a powerful red.  I ordered the lipstick online but after thinking about it realized that such a bold colour needs the matching lip liner.  I can't wait to rock a strong red lip this fall.  The Guerlain eyeliner is something else!  I love how smoky and smouldering it makes my eyes!

Love these new additions to my collection!

Swatches!  Icon, Andromeda, Kajal eyeliner, Lillium

For comparison, I have swatched my Stila Convertible Colour in Peony next to Lillium.  Lillium is the lighter shade, where as Peony has more of a mauve undertone.

The sample bag:

I was so happy that the Living Proof hair cream was from their PHD line.  I have tried it a bit but am excited to make it a part of my daily routine!

Some of the TOAs I received:

I walked out with 8 free mini mascaras!  What is this madness?  I guess I will continue my trend of not buying mascaras...I've got 8 more at home!  Delighted to have two of They're Real by Benefit.  One of my top 3 mascaras.

I was pleasantly surprised that this foundation actually mostly matches my tone.  It is 02, where as I would be 01, but in the summer I can get away with it.  Beautiful feel to the foundation!

The Escada samples appear to be half full.  But given how much I got for free, no complaints!

In the end, this is my haul:

The red totes are really useful.  I have a few from last year and I use them for almost everything!

All things considered I am delighted with my haul!  I love all the deluxe minis I was given.  Walking out with 8 deluxe sample mascaras means I will not be buying mascara for a very very long time.  I also earned close to 800 points.  Oops? Bringing me to a total of about 3000 points.  Lately I haven't seen anything worth redeeming for.  However I can't wait to see what they will have over the next few months.  I walked out of that event happy, and despite the rain on my walk home I stayed happy all the way to my bedroom where I proceeded to dump my bag and start swatching.

Today I was chatting with my friend who joined me and her boyfriend.  Her boyfriend wanted to know if when I got home I wanted to show each and every object to my boyfriend.  The answer is yes, yes I did.  Her boyfriend was about as amused by her haul as mine was.  They should be happy that we're happy!  I could swatch and play with my haul all day.

I will be doing a second haul post of all my products that I ordered online once they arrive!  I will also be doing posts on the products I purchased.

Did you go to the VIB Rouge reception?  How was your experience?  What did you get in your haul?

INSANE Sephora Points Gifts

Sephora emailed me this morning to remind me that this week is 4x the points.  Not that I needed reminding!  They also let me know that they have some insane points gifts right now!  Check them out.

Not bad, but personal shopping and make-up application are free anyways as a Rouge.

I love the case, but I am not in love with the Sephora brand enough to forgo 50 deluxe samples.

So...this is prettttttty tempting.  Effectively you get two free 500 point gifts.  If there was a way to pay for this like a subscription service I wold be so down.  However, there is no way you can pick which gifts you get.  Lately I have been loving the 100 point gifts more than the 500 point gifts, and I don't want to risk 5000 points.  But...if I could pay money for this monthly...yes please.

This is a pretty good deal.  The purse is really pretty.  I wouldn't spend 10,000 points on it though.

I want this!  I want it so badly.  But I would have to spend another $2000 to get it and that's just not in my budget right now :(

Are you interested in any of these neat point promos?

2x, 3x, 4x the Points Starts Today At Sephora!

Just a friendly reminder...Sephora's point promo is on now!  I am going to be making several $35ish orders so I can take advantage of fee shipping and deluxe samples.  This promo runs unit August 10th.

I ordered the mini Smashbox Full Exposure Eyeshadow Palette for $23 and Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer in Sin for $24.  As for my sample I picked the Bumble and Bumble oil primer.  I'll be making a few more orders, and of course, an in store purchase over the next week.  But I wanted to make sure that mini palette didn't sell out!

PS.  Don't forget to use some of these codes!  I did a full post which included a whole bunch more.

What will you be ordering?

Honey, Honey: Comparing Sephora and The Face Shop

I love honey when it comes to beauty products.  I'm not big on eating honey, but it has always had a soft spot in my heart since one of my grandfathers was a hobby bee keeper.  

When I saw each of these masks I new I had to give them a try.  Both of these masks claim to nourish/moisturize and balance.  But which one does it better?  

The mask from Sephora comes in a tangerine coloured disk and retails for $8.  The mask from The Face Shop comes in a rectangular packet and retails for $2 (I got this on sale 15/$20).  Both are heavy duty cotton single use sheet masks with contours which help adhere to your face.  I found with both that I was able to get up and walk around with out any issues. Other, than you know, looking a tad ridiculous.

Sephora:

I was quite happy with this mask.  It didn't smell really like honey.  I put it on my face, as per the instructions.  It was cool when applied.  When I took off the mask (no mess!) my sin was damp and appeared more balanced.  I can't measure if it is better nourished.  Of course, given that this is a single use product I can't speak to any long term benefits. I enjoyed using this product but id not notice any dramatic differences.   

Perk: This is a cheap item that I actually like from Sephora.  When I see things I like as free samples or point gifts on their website I will be ordering either this mask or the Pearl mask.  Yay for free shipping!

The Face Shop:

I enjoyed using this product and had generally similar observations to the Sephora mask. However I found the cloth to be a touch thinner, and the liquid to be a touch more slimy. Neither of these things were detrimental to my enjoyment of the product nor was it a hinderance to the benefits enjoyed.  Honestly, I found both of these products to be effectively the same.  It was an enjoyable way to spend $2 and 10 minutes of my time.

Verdict:  I think using either one of these masks about once a week benefits your skin.  I don't think it matters which one or really even which style (Pearl, Blueberry, Acai, etc).  I will probably generally go for The Face Shop mask as it costs 4x less than the Sephora mask.  However, I will keep the Sephora mask in mind for gifts with purchases at Sephora, and for minimum orders/spends.  I like to treat my skin to a mask about once a week.  I think I will pick up some Face Shop masks for my Mom's birthday this fall since she really enjoys sheet masks (no mess).

What is your favourite sheet mask?  Have you tried the offerings at Sephora or The Face Shop?

Deal + Event Alert: Sephora at Yorkdale and the Eatons Centre

Just got an email from Sephora!  

Online and in store, for VIB and VIB Rouge only.  Spend $50 or more and get a deluxe sample of the Marc Jacobs moisture balm, and this collection of lip samples.

I want this.  However I am going to wait until August 4th so I get 4x the points on the $50 purchase.

More exciting news!  On August 8th and 9th Yorkdale and the Eatons Centre are having events.  Check out the details here!

I think I am going to try to go to both...The YSL event looks like a lot of fun.  Best part?  Purchases at these events will qualify for the 2, 3, or 4x the points since it is within the window.  #win

I would recommend calling the store for details.

Will I see you there?