Sephora Haul feat. Smashbox, Benefit, Murad, Korres, Tarte, Lancome

 

I made a small order from Sephora and want to share what I got.

I was able to get free shipping, a 100 point perk, and used a coupon code for a little Benefit set.

+ I got all three samples I picked and they threw in an extra fourth sample!

 

 

 

 

Sephora Pore Perfection Kit

 

This set comes with:

- Double-ended Blemish Extractor
- Face Complexion Brush
- Silicone Precision Pore Cleansing Pad
- Travel case

 

I wanted it for the complexion brush and silicone cleansing pad. I love them both. The complexion brush is great because it exfoliated without having to buy an exfoliating product. The silicone pad makes washing my face so much easier. I really feel like I am getting the face wash deep into my pores instead of just smoothing it around on the surface of my skin. The travel case is a nice zippered clear bag that will be great for travel. I haven't used the extractor and don't plan to. It looks painful and just the thought of it grosses me out.

 

Smashbox Try It Kit -- Best Sellers

 

 

 

I bought this same set about a year and a half ago. I loved it so much that I decided to get another one. I already know I love the face and eye primers. The lip gloss is such a pretty light shimmery peach/nude. This mascara is actually new for me because the set used to come with a different one so I'm excited to try the Full Exposure mascara. The eyeliner is nice as well. You can never have too many black eyeliners, right?

 

Lash Stash To Go

 

I am so excited to finally try one of Sephora's Lash Stash sets. The idea is that you get 5 of their top selling mascaras and after you decide which is your favorite you can take the voucher to Sephora and get it in full size for no additional cost!

This set comes with:

-Benefit BADgal Lash in Black
-BUXOM Lash in Blackest Black
-Korres Volcanic Minerals Voluminizing Mascara
-Lancome Définicils in Black
-Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! in Rich Black

 

I started with Buxom mascara and I'm not impressed so far. It doesn't seem to curl, or thicken, or lengthen. It just makes my lashes black. The brush is HUGE! When I've decided on my favorite I'll do a post on all of them.

 

Now on to the free stuff!

 

Benefit V.I.B. Spree!

 

I used a coupon code to get this set with my order. It comes with the sugarbomb lip gloss (which smells amazing), a mini BADgal Lash mascara, and a little bitty Sunbeam liquid golden bronzer.

 

I've only used the lip gloss so far. It is a very pretty color, nice and shimmery, and I love the sweet scent!

 

One of the 100 Point Perks they were offering was 

Murad Instant Radiance Eye Cream

 

I had been looking at eye creams on their website but doesn't not to get one because they are so expensive for such a small amount of product. Then, as luck would have it, they were offering one for free! I snatched this up right away and am really love it! It feels very similar to a silicone based primer. It's more a gel than a cream but so far I've really enjoyed applying this.

 

And did I mention the adorable little jar it comes in!?

 

Finally, the free samples!

 

I get so excited about these...

 

 

 

Aqualina pink sugar perfume

Ralph Lauren Romance perfume

fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Cream

Tokyomilk/Dark La Vie La Mort Shea Butter Hand cream

 

So far I've only used the hand cream and I'm in love. I got three uses out of the sample and when I finished it I went on Sephora's website and almost bought a full size. I was really close to doing it. But it's $22.00 which is crazy for a little tube of hand cream but I love the smell and it was SO moisturizer without being greasy at all. oh, love this stuff!

 

 

Well, there you have it.

 

I hope you enjoyed!

xoxo

Summer Clothes from Old Navy!

I wanted to share with you some cute clothes I just ordered from Old Navy. I live in a small town where the only clothing option is Walmart. Over the last few years I have stopped going into the city to buy my clothes and I do all of my shopping exclusively on Old Navy's website.

 

Probably three or four times a year I will make an order from Old Navy. I only order when I can find a coupon code and I only order from their sale section. When you spend $50.00 you get free shipping and all of their plus size clothing comes with free returns.

 

So lets take a look...

 

Left: Printed Chiffon Tank in Navy Dots

Regularly: $24.94 Sale: $20.00 After Code: $14.00

 

Right: Sleeveless Tunic in Royal Rowena

Regularly: $29.94 Sale: $10.97 After Code: $7.68

(also ordered a second tunic in Green Goddess that is not pictured but is a really pretty mint green)

 

Both of these tops are made from very thin lightweight fabric which makes them great for the hot summer months. You can't tell when looking at the tunic but the back is actually longer than the front so that it covers your bum if you wanted to wear it with leggings.

 
 

Linen-Blend Tunics in

Left: Aqueous

Right: Bright White

Regularly: $32.94 Sale: $15.97 After Code: $11.18

 

This top is so cute. The sleeves go a little shorter than three-quarter length on my arms. The fabric is light (though not very soft) but I still think it will be cool enough to wear in the summer. It calls these tunics but they didn't seem that much longer than a normal blouse to me.

 

Left: Boyfriend Cardi in Neon Peach

(I actually order two of these cardis one in white and one in bright blue but they didn't have pictures of those colors)

Regularly: $36.94 Sale: $10.97 After Code: $7.68

 

Right: Long-sleeved Cardi in Rebellion Red

Regularly: $36.94 Sale: $6.97 After Code: $4.88

 

Both of these cardigan styles are made of really really soft fabric. The long-sleeved cardigan is slightly thicker and has more stretch to it (this is my most purchased cardi style). The boyfriend cardigan is very thin (perfect for summer) but does not have any stretch or give to it.

 

I actually hate wearing long sleeves. They drive me nuts so I always push or roll up my sleeves to my forearm so I never actually wear the long sleeved cardigan as pictured above. I leave it unbuttoned over a cute blouse and then push the sleeves up so it doesn't look so... stuffy. I am returning both of the Boyfriend cardis that I ordered because the arms are sized much smaller than the rest of the cardi and without any stretch to the fabric I can't push up the sleeves. But I still love the style of the cardi, the fabric, and the colors.

 

Then I stocked up on some basics...

 
 

Jersey Stretch layering tanks in L to R: Pollywog, Black Jack, Bright White

Regularly: $12.94 Sale: $12.00 After Code: $8.40

 

These are my very favorite layering tanks. They are just the right length and also go up just enough to make a low cut shirt more modest or peek out of a regular neckline. They don't shrink or stretch out and the fabric is very soft. I have three white ones, two black ones, one gray, forest green, lilac, coral, magenta. I wasn't kidding when I called them my favorite layering tanks :)

 

Left: Jersey Leggings

(pictured is charcoal but I actually ordered black jack)

Regularly: $10.94 After Code: $7.65

 

Right: Shirred Tank in Black Jack

Regularly: $16.94 Sale: $9.97 After Code: $6.98

 

I don't love the leggings. My favorite leggings are from Lane Bryant and I can tell they are made from a higher quality fabric because they have more stretch to them and are overall more comfortable. However, if I wasn't expecting them to be like the LB leggings then they'd be great leggings. I am going to keep them because they were a good price and fit well but in this situation I definitely feel like I'm getting what I pay for.

 

Will someone please explain to me what "shirred" means!?! Seriously... I'm so confused. Hold please, I'll Google it.

"Gather (an area of fabric or part of a garment) by drawn or elasticized threads in parallel rows"

I'm still not entirely sure I understand that but... there you go.

 

I ordered this tank one size too big because that's all they had. There is a chance it might shrink in the dryer a little and then it would fit quite nicely but right now it is took long and too baggy. I have fallen in love with it the last few days because I come home from work and change into this tank and some leggings and my whole world becomes so comfortable. If I'd been able to get this in my size then I think it would be really cute with a cardigan and jeans.

 

 

And that's everything!

All of these are still available online (in varying colors) in case you were wondering. If you end up ordering something then I totally recommend searching for a coupon code first. Don't ever pay full price if you can help it! :)

 

Alright I didn't trust you to find a code so I found one for you ONSAVE20 to get 20% your entire order until 07/17/2013.

 

 

xoxo

Products I've Used Up!

For the last several months I have been saving the products I used up so I could share them on here as a sort of mini-review extravaganza!

 

1. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

You can probably guess that I'm a fan of these {see four empty packages above}. They are only $4.00 from Walmart, they don't make my skin feel dry, and they don't have a strong fragrance. I haven't strayed from these makeup remover wipes since I first started using them and have no desire of trying any other kind.

 

2. YesToCucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer

3. Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

 

I had repurchased this moisturizer several times. It didn't leave my skin feeling greasy. It had a nice smell. It didn't break me out. The only thing I didn't like about it and what made me stop buying it was the $15.00 price tag. If it didn't cost so much I would still be using it today.

 

I had also purchased this toner more than once but am not using it anymore. I switched to a more gentle Mario Badescu toner because this Neutrogena toner was too harsh and was drying out my skin without healing the breakouts. This toner was okay for usage once or twice a week but more than that and it dries out my skin.

 

4. Studio35 Eye Makeup Remover (generic brand from Walgreens)

5. Equate Eye Makeup Remover (generic brand from Walmart)

 

I absolutely love the studio35 eye makeup remover and have used it since high school. I loved it so much because it took off all of my eye makeup quickly and without irritating my eyes or leaving any residue behind. However, I recently started using my first waterproof mascara and had to stop using the studio35 remover because no matter how long I left the cotton pad on my lashes it would not take off the mascara. Once a week or so I still wear a regular mascara and then I get to use my studio35 makeup remover {and totally love it}. So if you don't wear waterproof mascara then I recommend this remover but if you do then I would steer clear.

 

Because of the aforementioned waterproof mascara I started using this Equate eye makeup remover and I hate it. Absolutely hate it. But it is a necessary evil because I need to wear waterproof mascara to keep it from flaking and smudging all over my face. If you can avoid this stuff then do because most nights it irritates my eyes and leaves behind a horrible oily residue. The only redeeming quality is that after much soaking of the lashes and gentle scrubbing it will take off the waterproof mascara.

 

6. Dove gofresh anti-perspirant deodorant in Cucumber Green Tea

7. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser

8. Proactive Refining Mask

 

I have used this deodorant in this scent for a long time and even when I switch to a different kind I tend to always go back to this one. I really love the smell and does a decent job at keeping my armpits from sweating. Otherwise, nothing else really stands out. I don't agree with its claim that it last 48 hours. I mean come on... two days? Pssh.

 

I first decided to try this facial cleanser because it is a cream and I was looking for something that wouldn't dry out my skin while still treating my acne. I won't be re-purchasing this face wash because although it didn't dry out my skin it didn't treat the acne either. The exfoliating beads didn't do much for actual exfoliation. Even when I switched to a different daily cleanser I still kept this in the shower and it was good for removing my face makeup. So if you're not concerned with treating breakouts then this makes a nice gentle cream cleanser.

 

This Proactive mask was a free sample but had enough product to last me several uses. It is meant to be used on damp skin so I would put it on in the shower and by the time I got out my skin felt so soft. It never left me with that tight/dry feeling which is common after a mask. I don't know how much a full size costs but if it was reasonable I would definitely get another bottle!

 

9. Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care

10. Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner

 

I have an oily scalp that is also prone to itchiness and dandruff. I use this shampoo to help combat that unfortunate combination. I find it does treat my hair woes and I have repurchased this several times and plan to continue using it.

 

This conditioner was nothing special. The smell was nice. My hair felt fine but there wasn't anything noteworthy about it. I'm not against using this product in the future but I'd rather find something that I love.

 

11. Nair Face Wax Strips

 

I did a post on these about a year ago and I am still repurchasing and using these today. I wax my own eyebrows and also occasionally use them to wax my upper lip. They are affordable, quick, and mess free. If you're interested in some facial hair removal then I recommend trying these strips.

 

12. Colgate Optic White toothpaste

 

My husband and I love this toothpaste. Our teeth feel very clean after using and we like the taste and whitening effects.

 

13. Nailtiques Non-Acetone nail polish remover

14.Garnier Nutriste Skin Renew Anti-puff eye roller

 

I ordered this nail polish remover online. It took off everything but glitter polish. I bought it because it was acetone free. I am currently using up a bottle of pure acetone and can't wait to be able to order this kind again. The only downside was that it costs $6.00 a bottle which seems like a lot for nail polish remover. I justified the purchase because of how hard it is to find a good non-acetone remover from the drugstore.

 

This roller ball was a big fat fail on my part. I bought this a few years ago when the product first came out. I thought it was for treating under-eye circles. I was wrong. It is for puffy eyes. I don't have puffy eyes. I used it up to use it up and saw no results, for obvious reasons.

 

15. Covergirl Lashblast Volume

16. Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express (one in black drama the other in water resistant) 

 

Covergirl Lashblast Volume is my favorite mascara. I am currently using this same kind but in the waterproof formula. Normally I don't like the plastic bristle wands but I find this one makes my lashes look thicker and helps keep them curled and voluminous.

 

I tried the falsies mascara because of all the hype it gets on YouTube. I won't be buying it anymore. It flaked every time I wore it. I would have flakes all over the under eye area and sometimes even in my eyes. I know some people love it but it just does not work for me.

 

17. Revlon Colorstay 24 Hrs foundation for Combination/Oily Skin

 

Yes, you guessed it, I love this foundation as well. I switched to this kind because my last foundation was a slipping, sliding, oily mess all over my face. I heard a lot about this on YouTube from others with oily skin so I decided to give it a shot. I apply it with a damp makeup sponge (like a knock off beauty blender) and have loved it from the first application. It applies smoothly to the skin and is very long lasting. One of the things that really sealed the deal is that it doesn't feel like I have makeup on. Previously, my face makeup always felt too heavy and cakey.

 

18. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat

 

I am currently using my third bottle of this top coat. I bought it while searching for a cheaper alternative to the cult favorite SecheVite top coat. I had tried one bottle of the SV top coat and while I found it to be the best top coat I've ever used it was way too expensive and the bottle dried out way before it was empty {curse you quick dry}. This SH top coat is a very close dupe in my opinion even down to the bottle drying up before it was empty {see second picture above}. Luckily this one is only half the cost of the SV so I'm only losing half as much money, right!?!? I think the bottle drying out and getting goopy is a necessary evil of a quick dry product. I can't really expect it to dry quickly on my nails but not when the lid is off. Anyways, it dries very fast, leaves a very shiny finish to my nails, and keeps me from smudging my nails when I'm too impatient to let them dry before using my hands.

 

19. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails base coat

20. NYC In a Minute Quick Dry nail polish in Radio City Rose

 

I have flimsy nails that are prone to flaking and breaking so I always use this base coat. I have used it several times and already repurchased a new bottle.

 

You probably don't believe me that the polish above is used up. However, as has been established earlier, quick dry nail polishes dries quickly, even in the bottle. I love this color and I've already repurchased a new one but this was too used up and goopy to be finished.

 

21. Nivea A Kiss of Milk and Honey lip balm

22. L'Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Rose Elixir

 

I honestly don't love the Nivea lip balms very much. They are okay if your lips aren't actually dry or chapped and you just want to add some shine but when I was looking for actual relief from or treatment of dry chapped lips this stuff did not deliver.

 

I really like this L'Oreal Balm but had the same problem as the one before. It is more of an "add shine" lip balm than an actual "treat your lip problems" kind of product. It added a nice sheer rose color to my lips and the product smelled pleasant. One thing that annoyed me was that it still had a lot of product left when I reached the point where it stopped twisting up any further so I had to use something to dig out the rest of the balm.

 

23. L'oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner

24. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

 

I love this L'Oreal liner. I find the felt tip pen very easy to use and don't find the product to smudge or transfer on my lid throughout the day. I have repurchased this several times.

 

This Kat Von D liner was amazing! I only had a sample size but I wish it didn't cost so much or I would buy a full size in a heartbeat. The color was such an opaque black and the formula was very long lasting. It is also a felt tip liner {which I find to be the easiest kind of liquid eye liner to apply}.

 

25. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

26. The Porefessional PRO balm

 

These are both sample size foundation primers that I had purchased from Sephora in their Value Sets. I like those because they allow me to try many high-end products without the high price tag. I loved both of these primers. I think the Smashbox is the better of the two at keeping my foundation on longer. But both were excellent for minimizing the appearance of large pores and creating a smooth surface on the skin. The Benefit primer also smelled magnificent. But if I was able to buy one full size I would go with the Smashbox primer.

 

27. NYC Smooch Proof 16Hr Lip Stain in Champagne Pink

 

I really enjoy using lip stains. This gave a nice bright pink color. I didn't feel like it dried out my lips nor did it fade and leave a funny ring around the edge of my lips (like some stains). I believe it was almost $5.00 which seems like a bit much from NYC but if I felt like buying another stain from the drugstore I wouldn't be against trying another from this same line.

 

28. DKNY Women Perfume by Donna Karan

 

Now I realize finishing a little baby perfume sample is no great feat however, I fell so in love with this scent that if ever I could buy a high end perfume this would be it. It smells so fresh and I could smell it for hours after applying it. I'm just so obsessed. It is my dream perfume. If you're ever at a perfume counter I recommend giving it a little spritz! 

 

Whew! *wipes sweat off brow*

 

We made it through my tote of empty bottles that I've had sitting around for months! I'm so happy to throw it all away. I love reading these posts and watching these videos on YouTube. It is a great way to get a real opinion on a product instead of sometimes first impression when they first buy a product. Plus it is a good motivation to make sure I'm not wasting products!

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

I am already starting to collect empty products in my brown bin again for the next time!

 

xoxo