Saturday, November 14, 2015

Mini Sephora Haul




While traveling through New Brunswick I made a 15 minute pit stop to pick up some birthday presents (not shown) and to grab a few bits and bobs for myself (shown). 
I'd been in need of a new super nourishing lip balm and wanted to pick up one of the Sephora sleeping masks as it sounded intriguing. I'm a big fan of Sephora's face masks so snagged another one in the "moisturizing & brightening" range. 
While Adam browsed HMV, I rushed around Sephora looking at all the fancy makeup. I came prepared and had a list. A few things weren't on the list which was okay as I found a couple extra pieces and have since tested. 

The first was the Sephora Luster Matte Lip Color in Rose Luster. I've worn this a number of times, and although the product claims to be matte, I'm pleased that it really doesn't dry matte. What I mean is that the product is a little glossy on first application, and as it dries it sinks into your lips but you can still feel the product as your rub your lips together. I love that it is non drying because this time of your my lips don't need to look cracked as I wear bolder lip colours. I'd like more time to check out the other colours as they have a really pretty range. I was happy with the results and impressed that a little bit of product goes a long way!






The second impulse purchase was the "day to night" hair clip by Sephora. They came out with a few cute clips/barrettes and I thought this one was the most versatile ... hence the name. I've been using it quite a bit and have my eyes on the "feelin' fancy" one too. I'm pretty slack when it comes dolling up, but think these clips add just the right amount of "I put some effort in" without actually having to do much.


The Sephora VIB sale is happening now. I've added a few things to my shopping bag and will hold off using them until my birthday or even Christmas. I'd love to hear what is on your wish list at Sephora. I was tempted to purchase a $80 face moisturizer but held off ... it is said to be wonderful with fantastic results but I held off and stuck with Origins. 

Saturday, November 7, 2015

October Trash Talk

 I can't believe how fast I'm going through products! I swear I took pictures of this "now" trash (mostly recycling, don't fret) and 2 days later I was adding things to the bin again! I love it. 
 1. Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash was a little delight I enjoyed in the shower. It was extremely soft on my skin and the subtle sweet aroma made me gravitate towards it. I only used it as a wash, knowing that if I washed my hair with it the product would disappear faster. I purchased this on sale when Target closed and would repurchase again if the price was right. It was gentle and lathered nicely. 

2. Another exfoliating brush used and abused. I which I knew about these sooner. I love using mine and miss it what I forget it places (back in NB for example). When I repurchased after leaving it behind, I made sure to grab an extra. They are approximately $2.50 and my favourite so far are the ones from Sally Beauty Supply as they have softer bristles. The size is perfect, allowing you to get around your eyes and the bristles don't tug at your skin. Can't recommend this enough. 

3. Sample of Marc Jacobs Mod Noir was a great little scent that worked in the warmer summer months. With notes of gardenia the scent is lightly floral. I was happy with the fragrance, but the staying power wasn't the best. It comes with a hefty price tag ranging from $34 - $110 and although it was a nice sample it's not worth the money for me. 

4. The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet  was a decent moisturizer for the Spring/Summer.  It was light weight and felt really fresh on my skin. It had a pleasent smell of shea butter and had a interesting cooling effect once on the skin. Very fresh feeling. My only gripe is that if I didn't let it sit long enough (20 minutes) before applying my SPF then little white balls would form. Not sure what that was all about but other than that I will probably repurchase next Spring. 
5. Quo Nail Polish Remover worked as I needed it to. It was probably on sale and I tend to buy bottles like this so that I can refill the bottle that has a pump top. 

6. Finesse shampoo was quite the throw back for me. While walking the isles of Walmart I stumbled upon this shampoo and decided to give it a go for under $3.00. It didn't add anything significant to my hair, or take away for that matter. It lathered nicely and if you can stand the smell (I can in doses) it works and is worth the price. I haven't found a holy grail shampoo product yet. Please let me know if you have suggestions on a volumizing/moisturizing shampoo.

7. LAVANILA healthy deodorant. GOOD LORD, if "huffing" was acceptable, this would be my huff drug of choice. I freaking love the smell of this deodorant! As an aluminum free deodorant, that is 100% natural and safe this deodorant is totally worth the $17 price tag at Sephora ... if you are an inactive human. For me, this just didn't work the way I needed it to. I'm relativity active in my day to day activities and sadly this deodorant just didn't have the lasting power I needed. I sweat and workout and need something that is going to keep me covered and not reeking of rotten onions half way through my day. So sadly, I won't be repurchasing because wearing $17 deodorant to bed isn't in my budget.  I'm sorry LAVANILA, I really am!!!

Damn You LAVANILA, everytime!


8.  Yes To Cucumber Wipes were on sale and I decided to give the wipes a go as I've heard decent things about this brand. I was not a fan of this product at all. Sadly, they hardly did anything to get rid of the little makeup I do wear, and the product burned my eyes. I'm never sensitive to products, but after using them to clean my face a handful of times, I gave up as my eyes would water and sting. Will not repurchase, and quite frankly, I'm turned off trying anything else from the brand. 

9. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment was a sample size birthday gift I received from Sephora a few years ago. This one is in the tint "rose" and has a faint blend of "rosiness" that shows on your lips. As a balm it is prefect as it enhances the colour of your lips with a pink/red tone. I was literally scooping out the remainder of the product before I tossed it in the bin. I really enjoy these lip treatments, and have been giving them as birthday gifts to friends and family. I have a few shades and find they are a great alternative to use when you don't want to wear lipstick but need a moisturizer with a slight colour. Highly recommend!

10. Secret Deodorant is a necessity in my everyday routine. I'm a fan of all their scents and have a plethora of these deodorants around my house (mostly in bags but the occasional one is found in a drawer). 

11. Another Montagne Jeunesse mask in the bin. I pick these up at Lawtons for $1.00 and while looking them up online I see that they have changed their name to "7th Heaven" because people have a hard time pronouncing Montagne Jeunesse. Funny, but true. 
This particular one, was a peel off and I throughly enjoyed it as it dried quickly and peeled off nicely. I try and use a mask twice a week and enjoy switching it up, so these are fun to try and play around with. I always moisturize really well afterwards and I've never had an sensitivity to this brand.


So there you have it, another "Trash Talk" in the bin on the blog. 
Let me know if you have had any luck with LAVANILA ... if you have, I'm jealous. Not going to lie I really want to retrieve the used product just to smell the lingering bits that might be left. WEIRD, I know... okay, bye!