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?

Weekend Beauty Haul: Pretty In Pink and Purple

Announcement!  I just joined Twitter.  Follow me @ClassyOnTheRun. 

Sometimes (okay, always) its nice to treat yourself.  On Saturday, armed with some coupons, some free time, and a new found love of OPI nail polish I went to the mall.  After a long week, I thought I deserved a little something.  My new little collection sort of reminds me of macaroons.  Only better because I bought truffles. 

Without thinking about it I ended up with a haul loaded with pastel shades.  

With samples!  Unfortunately, the BB Cream samples from The Face Shop are in a shade so dark for me that I could use it to contour.  

First Stop: The Face Shop

My first stop was The Face Shop.  Not to be distracted by the alluring call of all of the pretty things, I went in there with a singular focus to pick up some nose pore strips.  Some how I managed to get S to agree to do one with me.  When we used one that night he complained that removal hurt, but was happy enough to see how much gunk it drew out of his pores that he is willing to use it again.  Win!  I will be picking up these again.  

These cost $1 each.

Second Stop: Trade Secrets

OPI Kiss Me I'm Brazilian

OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender

I came here vaguely interested in Kiss Me I'm Brazilian from their Rio 2014 line, but ended up leaving with Lucky Lucky Lavender as well. (Swatches to follow).

Third Stop: Shoppers Drug Mart

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 060 Gumdrop

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 001 Pink Truffle

Essie Go Ginza

I have been eyeing Essie's Go Ginza for the last few weeks.  It reminds me of Julep's Ramona which I just ordered, but I wanted it now and shipping lately has been horrendous.  

I'm not really a drugstore make-up person.  However Shoppers emailed me a personalized set of coupons which included a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" on Revlon lipsticks.  Thankfully the coupon worked for the butters!  To make this deal even better they were on sale from about $10 each to $4.99.  I ended up paying about $2.50 for each.  

Swatches

Julep Kayla

Essie Go Ginza

OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender

OPI Kiss Me I'm Brazilian

Julep Abigail

Essie Go Ginza

Go Ginza has an average formula.  Opaque in two coats, and a bit streaky with one.  This polish is neither thin nor thick.  It is a very light lavender with pink undertones.  Neutral enough to be work appropriate, but pretty enough to enjoy.  I'm really glad I picked up this polish as it is entirely unique to my collection.  This colour would look beautiful going for a walk in the park with a mint purse.  Perhaps enroute to some high end stores!

OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender

Lucky Lucky Lavender is from OPI's Hong Kong collection.  While it looks lavender in the bottle it applies much more like a pink with a strong purple base.  This polish dries to a high gloss finish and manages to look both professional but pretty.  It reminds me of a lighter version of what I imagine Julep's Rae to look like.  I think this colour is great for all seasons, and I know it will be my next mani colour!  This is the real winner of the weekend for me for sure.  I can just imagine wearing this colour, sitting at a little café enjoying a macaroon.

OPI Kiss Me I'm Brazilian

Kiss Me I'm Brazilian is a hot coral pink that sort of looks like pepto-bismal in the bottle.  It skirts the neon-coral line with out crossing it which is nice.  Kiss Me I'm Brazilian dries to a beautiful flamingo pink with a high gloss finish, and after 3 days I have no chips to report!  This colour would look fantastic with a tan, sipping a drink poolside.  

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 001 Pink Truffle

This was my first experience with Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters.  I gravitated to this warm spice tone first.  It is a flattering pink-taupe neutral with an ever so slight mint flavour.  I can completely see myself  applying this through out the day.  This product comes in a plastic quilted case and outperforms expectations.  For $2.50 this was a steal!  the packaging feels cheaper than what I am use to but given the price I am satisfied.  

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 060 Gumdrop

I grabbed this colour almost entirely based on the colour of the package and the name.  I was hoping it would satisfy my desire for Benefit's Lollitint balm, and it pretty much does.  It applies easily and leaves a slight lavender tint.  Hmm, I guess I really was feeling the lavender this weekend.  A beautiful spring-summer colour, I am glad I picked it up!  Not exceptional staying power, but good enough that I am satisfied with my purchase given the price.  I don't think I would go out of my way to get these, but if I had another coupon I would happily pick up a few more.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 060 Gumdrop

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 001 Pink Truffle

Godiva Ice Cream Parlor Truffle Flight

This chocolate set is designed to be eaten in order, rolling one flavour to the next.  It really is quite an interesting concept.   Each piece was delightful.  I really enjoyed that it included some chocolates I wouldn't normally pick.  My favourite was the Neapolitan.  There are a fair number of varieties of Godiva's Truffle Flights.  Retailing for $18, I recommend picking one up for a day that you want to treat yourself (or surprise your SO).  

I love each little treat I picked up this weekend.  How was your weekend?  Any great finds?

Skin Care Haul: The Face Shop

I have previously mentioned how much I enjoy the Face Shop!  Specifically their masks.  Well, much to my delight they have a sale on right now.  Normally $2 each, if you buy 10 masks you get 5 for free!

I walked out with 15 masks paying $20 and tax.   

I am most excited to try the Honey mask and to compare it to Sephora's $8 Honey Mask.  I have also heard great things about the Blueberry mask.  I am curious about the Kelp mask.

Needless to say, I am stocked up on masks for the next 15 weeks. 

Have you tried their masks?  Which is your favourite/least favourite?

K Beauty: Intro to The Face Shop

Walking through the mall the other day I stumbled upon The Face Shop.  I first spotted this store around Christmas in Toronto and had dismissed it as a cheap knock off of The Body Shop.  Seeing that it was still in business in the summer in Ottawa I figured I would give it a shot, and I am really happy that I did!

This haul came to about $20.  Not too bad!  Most items at this store are super affordable.  I had a lot of fun looking around.  

I really enjoyed the cucumber mask.  It was cooling.  My skin felt refreshed.  These come in all sorts of different styles? Flavours?  Scents? And they retail for $2.

I haven't tried the nose pore mask yet.  It was only $1.

I really loved the lip mask .  I didn't notice huge results, but I felt really silly wearing the big pink lips.  Novelty value?  Hilariously high.  This was $4.

The $6 hand cream is quite nice.  Once I get through some sample hand creams I have I will be tossing this in my purse.

These nail masks were way easier to figure out how to use than Julep's.  My cuticles felt hydrated.

This Konjac sponge was $4 (much cheaper than Boscia's $22 sponge).  It is a bit thinner than others I have used, but given how cheap it is I am not complaining!  It gets the job done.

This was a little sample kit that came as a gift with purchase.  Loved the BB cream, the CC cream was too dark, and I haven't tried the rest yet.

So far I am super happy with the Face Shop and I know I will be dropping by again to pick up more face masks!

Have you tried the Face Shop?  What do you think of it?