beauty products
Hi friends! I'm back with another monthly Sephora Play box! This post is brought to you by the lovely Emma York Photography as we continue or creative journey. Emma's insight is ever so helpful in helping see through my vision for my latest posts, many many thanks to her.
February Sephora Play Review + Nügg Beauty
March 31, 2016
Hi friends! I'm back with another monthly Sephora Play box! This post is brought to you by the lovely Emma York Photography as we continue or creative journey. Emma's insight is ever so helpful in helping see through my vision for my latest posts, many many thanks to her.
Finally! I've got around to trying almost everything in my December & January Sephora Play boxes! Let's dive in!
Smashbox Full Exposure Palette
I love, love, love this little mini palette. Although it only has two shades s3 shimmer 3 & m3 matte 3 (it bugs me terribly that Smashbox doesn't name their eye shadows). I adore both of them. The two shades are absolutely amazing. This little palette reminds me so much of one my favorite Kat Von D shadows, Unrequited from the Lady Bird palette. Similar to m3 shade it's light-medium muted peach-orange, with a matte finish. It's my favorite shadow because its a great everyday kind of shade for me. It's a shame I have to use it sparingly. I wish I could wake up with this shadow on, truly.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Matte Black
I used to be a crayon only eyeliner kinda lady but that has changed a lot since I've started sticking to one eyeliner brand (Sonia Kashuk). I swear by her liquid eyeliners, so pigmented and affordable. This crayon eyeliner isn't bad but isn't spectacular. I have a hard time sometimes getting eyeliners to become softer and glide on better however this eyeliner is fairly smooth. I liked this sample better than Marc Jacobs' 'Blacquer'.
NUDE SKINCARE Advanced Renewal Serum
I've been into anti-ager serums since I turned 18. Funny isn't it? I'm almost 21 and there aren't noticeable lines on my face but if there were I don't think I'd mind it too much.
I think it was because I enjoyed reading the New York Times opinion pages Room for Debate on Renee Zellweger and the Question of Aging. A fascinating read if you have some time to spare. The box gave 7 packets to try and they suggest to try 2-3 drops in the morning and evening. I've been using it casually and haven't noticed any revolutionary changes but it certainly helps me apply foundation more effectively.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
At first I thought I would detest this perfume. As I finally coached myself to at least try it I was surprised by how much I didn't dislike this scent. This perfume has sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia. I don't really consider it a truly floral perfume though, it's subtle but striking. Although this is something I would never purchase on my own a sample of it was fun to mix it up mid week.
At first I thought I would detest this perfume. As I finally coached myself to at least try it I was surprised by how much I didn't dislike this scent. This perfume has sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia. I don't really consider it a truly floral perfume though, it's subtle but striking. Although this is something I would never purchase on my own a sample of it was fun to mix it up mid week.
Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
I use this product at the end of the night after I've applied moisturizer. Supposedly a drop of this which has buckthorn oil provides 10 times more vitamin c than oranges. So I try to apply it every day or every other day. I wish they would've given a little bit bigger size. Can't say I've seen noticeable changes but it is rejuvenating and I wake up moisturized. 0.16 oz is so small!
Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator
Pores on my nose really scare me so I've been trying to use this exfoliator frequently but it insists you leave the product on for a few minuets (a very daunting task for me). I realized that the way to get best results is to really scrub this stuff into wherever (for me my nose). Gently scrubbing (more like medium scrubbing) made my nose a bit red but after this weeks Suits episode I took it out on my pores.
Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray
I think this spray preps my hair in the best way possible. I tend to avoid using my Chi these days and replace it with straightening enhancing products from OGX and L'oreal. I like this spray because it prepares my hair for the products and I think allows them to do the best they can! However I think a placebo effect would do well for this opinion as I really am not sure if I am seeing results.
Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More
As I mentioned above I don't really have serious wrinkles yet, or any serious lines, and if I did you know, so be it. I think I'm going to keep this product in my stash for when I have a mid life crisis, Frankie Heck in the Middle kinda moment. You know that episode where she pays close to $200 (or was it $70?) for a cream to relieve wrinkles and then tries to return it? Yeah I think this product will be good for a day where I tap into my inner, currently non-existent Frankie Heck.
Lotus Eye Mask
I LOVE FACE MASKS! Did you read that as Oprah? I really love that this box comes with a product that's half the value of the box- these masks alone are $5 and in a $10 box I really feel like I'm getting my money out of it. I used this mask after a long week of work and school while reading Attachments by Rainbow Rowell and drinking a diet Dr. Pepper (my kind of Friday night). I did not really adore this product but it was definitely rejuvenating. I didn't like putting these eye masks on because I didn't think the instructions were telling me how to apply it very well. I struggled to put this mask on and it took four times before I had it on right and I had to watch a Youtuber do it. However the mask comes from the lotus flower and locks water into the eye contour to moisturize and reduce signs of fatigue and strain. When I woke up the next morning I still felt like my under eye area was still pretty much the same =( I've looked online and to get better results you have to use more of these a week. I did have some extra serum in the bottom of the package and the Play Book suggested that you put it in the fridge for a pick me up.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting
I've always wanted a Clinque Chubby Stick and when I got this box I almost squealed. I was a bit disappointed it wasn't a lip product as I've always wanted to try one but a highlighter was pretty cool. I usually only use Benefit's Watts Up highlighter or Nars' multiple Puerto Vallarta (which I'm wearing in my past two posts). I like this highlighter because it's softer than Watts Up and I think blends a little bit better. I'm really not good at blending my bronzer and highlighter though, any tips?
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel
For awhile I was terrified to try this Alpha Beta Peel but I finally tried it while watching some X-Files. A Youtuber gave me a better background on what the Alpha Beta Peel was and how to use it properly so I highly suggest watching her review here. Essentially you just rub the step 1 product on your face in a circular motion for 2 minutes (or until the product dissipates), wait two minutes and do the same thing with step 2. Do not wash your face or use any alcohol based products afterwards, just moisturize. I enjoyed the feeling this peel gave me. My face has truly never felt so soft. This helped reduce some hormonal blemishes I was having #blessup. I would consider buying the full version, but it's pretty pricey.
Tocca Beauty Isabel
I'm always amazed at the amount of resistance I have to change, even in the smallest ways. I decided on a whim to try this perfume and see how much I detested it but to my astonishment it was quite refreshing. It has a very soft scent and has a citrus-y kind of scent. The hints of rose are beautiful and I agree with the definition that this perfume has a very unconventional scent. I don't know if I'd purchase this fragrance, I like it as an alternative to my favorite perfumes but not enough to switch. Overall the fragrance is a mixture of, "Spanish rose, offering a modern, vibrant take on classic beauty. Unconventional notes of leather, vetiver, and guiacwood offer a modern edge, making this the perfect scent for the woman who stands out from the crowd."
Image via
December/January Sephora Play Review
February 8, 2016
Finally! I've got around to trying almost everything in my December & January Sephora Play boxes! Let's dive in!
Smashbox Full Exposure Palette
I love, love, love this little mini palette. Although it only has two shades s3 shimmer 3 & m3 matte 3 (it bugs me terribly that Smashbox doesn't name their eye shadows). I adore both of them. The two shades are absolutely amazing. This little palette reminds me so much of one my favorite Kat Von D shadows, Unrequited from the Lady Bird palette. Similar to m3 shade it's light-medium muted peach-orange, with a matte finish. It's my favorite shadow because its a great everyday kind of shade for me. It's a shame I have to use it sparingly. I wish I could wake up with this shadow on, truly.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Matte Black
I used to be a crayon only eyeliner kinda lady but that has changed a lot since I've started sticking to one eyeliner brand (Sonia Kashuk). I swear by her liquid eyeliners, so pigmented and affordable. This crayon eyeliner isn't bad but isn't spectacular. I have a hard time sometimes getting eyeliners to become softer and glide on better however this eyeliner is fairly smooth. I liked this sample better than Marc Jacobs' 'Blacquer'.
NUDE SKINCARE Advanced Renewal Serum
I've been into anti-ager serums since I turned 18. Funny isn't it? I'm almost 21 and there aren't noticeable lines on my face but if there were I don't think I'd mind it too much.
I think it was because I enjoyed reading the New York Times opinion pages Room for Debate on Renee Zellweger and the Question of Aging. A fascinating read if you have some time to spare. The box gave 7 packets to try and they suggest to try 2-3 drops in the morning and evening. I've been using it casually and haven't noticed any revolutionary changes but it certainly helps me apply foundation more effectively.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
At first I thought I would detest this perfume. As I finally coached myself to at least try it I was surprised by how much I didn't dislike this scent. This perfume has sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia. I don't really consider it a truly floral perfume though, it's subtle but striking. Although this is something I would never purchase on my own a sample of it was fun to mix it up mid week.
At first I thought I would detest this perfume. As I finally coached myself to at least try it I was surprised by how much I didn't dislike this scent. This perfume has sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia. I don't really consider it a truly floral perfume though, it's subtle but striking. Although this is something I would never purchase on my own a sample of it was fun to mix it up mid week.
Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
I use this product at the end of the night after I've applied moisturizer. Supposedly a drop of this which has buckthorn oil provides 10 times more vitamin c than oranges. So I try to apply it every day or every other day. I wish they would've given a little bit bigger size. Can't say I've seen noticeable changes but it is rejuvenating and I wake up moisturized. 0.16 oz is so small!
Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator
Pores on my nose really scare me so I've been trying to use this exfoliator frequently but it insists you leave the product on for a few minuets (a very daunting task for me). I realized that the way to get best results is to really scrub this stuff into wherever (for me my nose). Gently scrubbing (more like medium scrubbing) made my nose a bit red but after this weeks Suits episode I took it out on my pores.
Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray
I think this spray preps my hair in the best way possible. I tend to avoid using my Chi these days and replace it with straightening enhancing products from OGX and L'oreal. I like this spray because it prepares my hair for the products and I think allows them to do the best they can! However I think a placebo effect would do well for this opinion as I really am not sure if I am seeing results.
Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More
As I mentioned above I don't really have serious wrinkles yet, or any serious lines, and if I did you know, so be it. I think I'm going to keep this product in my stash for when I have a mid life crisis, Frankie Heck in the Middle kinda moment. You know that episode where she pays close to $200 (or was it $70?) for a cream to relieve wrinkles and then tries to return it? Yeah I think this product will be good for a day where I tap into my inner, currently non-existent Frankie Heck.
Lotus Eye Mask
I LOVE FACE MASKS! Did you read that as Oprah? I really love that this box comes with a product that's half the value of the box- these masks alone are $5 and in a $10 box I really feel like I'm getting my money out of it. I used this mask after a long week of work and school while reading Attachments by Rainbow Rowell and drinking a diet Dr. Pepper (my kind of Friday night). I did not really adore this product but it was definitely rejuvenating. I didn't like putting these eye masks on because I didn't think the instructions were telling me how to apply it very well. I struggled to put this mask on and it took four times before I had it on right and I had to watch a Youtuber do it. However the mask comes from the lotus flower and locks water into the eye contour to moisturize and reduce signs of fatigue and strain. When I woke up the next morning I still felt like my under eye area was still pretty much the same =( I've looked online and to get better results you have to use more of these a week. I did have some extra serum in the bottom of the package and the Play Book suggested that you put it in the fridge for a pick me up.
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting
I've always wanted a Clinque Chubby Stick and when I got this box I almost squealed. I was a bit disappointed it wasn't a lip product as I've always wanted to try one but a highlighter was pretty cool. I usually only use Benefit's Watts Up highlighter or Nars' multiple Puerto Vallarta (which I'm wearing in my past two posts). I like this highlighter because it's softer than Watts Up and I think blends a little bit better. I'm really not good at blending my bronzer and highlighter though, any tips?
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel
For awhile I was terrified to try this Alpha Beta Peel but I finally tried it while watching some X-Files. A Youtuber gave me a better background on what the Alpha Beta Peel was and how to use it properly so I highly suggest watching her review here. Essentially you just rub the step 1 product on your face in a circular motion for 2 minutes (or until the product dissipates), wait two minutes and do the same thing with step 2. Do not wash your face or use any alcohol based products afterwards, just moisturize. I enjoyed the feeling this peel gave me. My face has truly never felt so soft. This helped reduce some hormonal blemishes I was having #blessup. I would consider buying the full version, but it's pretty pricey.
Tocca Beauty Isabel
I'm always amazed at the amount of resistance I have to change, even in the smallest ways. I decided on a whim to try this perfume and see how much I detested it but to my astonishment it was quite refreshing. It has a very soft scent and has a citrus-y kind of scent. The hints of rose are beautiful and I agree with the definition that this perfume has a very unconventional scent. I don't know if I'd purchase this fragrance, I like it as an alternative to my favorite perfumes but not enough to switch. Overall the fragrance is a mixture of, "Spanish rose, offering a modern, vibrant take on classic beauty. Unconventional notes of leather, vetiver, and guiacwood offer a modern edge, making this the perfect scent for the woman who stands out from the crowd."
Image via
I'm sorry my Sephora Play reviews are always so late! They ship around the 18th of each month and I really like to use the products quite a few times before I culminate a review/opinion. However I've been so busy over winter break and I'm still getting into the swings of things as the spring semester commences.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
I don't know much about Josie Maran or argan oil, but I've always admired her packaging. The description of this product is also pretty vague as to what to use the argan oil for suggesting nails, hair, cuticles, and on your skin. This is where the Play Book comes in handy suggesting useful tips about the product and interesting facts about the brand. I had a really awful, terrible, whitehead not too long ago. After popping it there was kind of a puffy acne scar but I put a few drops of this argan oil throughout the week, and after a week the acne scar faded completely! It probably helped that my skin care game is pretty serious, but I really think the argan oil helped. This product is one of the reasons why I adore Sephora Play, I would never have thought of using it until I had it!
Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof - 29 My Boyfriend's Jeans
I'm going to be honest here, I'm scared to try this eyeliner. I remember the days in high school where I was really eclectic and purple, electric blue, and hot pink eyeliner were apart of my beauty routine. Now I'm in that stage of life where I have some sort of aversive conditioned response to saying no to colored eyeliner and jeans. I will say that this is eyeliner is pigmented and a cool color, but I honestly have no idea where to start with it. Any suggestions?
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream - Dolly
Interestingly enough I've tried this lip cream before. On a positive note I love the smell of this lip cream it has a strong and sweet cotton candy scent. I love the shine and the fact that it really is a full-on lip cream although gloss is a better word. Now for the negatives. This lip cream is incredible sticky, like maple syrup sticky. If you have crazy long hair like me imagine constantly having to pick your flyways out of your lips, not pleasant whatsoever. I don't like the white/bubblegum pink color to the lip cream either. It reminds me specifically of when Lindsay Lohan's character is applying lip gloss while her character Cady realizes that she's nominated for spring fling queen. Lindsay does no wrong to me though, she can pull off anything. For the semi-normal girls of the world I'd suggest another less-sticky-pigmented lip product. I just honestly hate lip gloss but this is the only one I can really stand despite its flaws.
Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer - Hydrating Primer
I'm extremely skeptical about most things- NASA, the NSA, Roswell, and watching the X-Files doesn't help either. The one makeup product that makes me super skeptical is primer. I've never really seen its effects or product claims unfold as I have normal skin. However, I really love this primer. I would consider buying the full product. It's a nice smooth and even base that I think helps even out my foundation and use less! I think I like this primer more than Hourglass'
Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil - Rhubarb
I knew I was going to love this pencil, and I certainly did. It's lightly pigmented but in a good way, and the color is completely buildable. Sephora says its a plum rose, but I'd say its a softer berry. I've been wearing this shade quite frequently especially when I'm not feeling a bold lip. It's the perfect, simple lipstick.
Stella McCartney Stella
I'm not going to lie, I truly hate floral perfumes. This perfume is primarily comprised of rose, peony, and mandarin. I didn't even spritz any on me but immediately once I sniffed the tester holder I knew wearing this perfume, even trying it, would be completely inauthentic (plus it'd give me a migraine). My Mom loves perfume testers so its nestled on top of a Chloe gift set I bought her. Sorry Stella, but Stella isn't for me.Overall a few of these items just were not for me. Nevertheless, the remaining products were all winners. I would definitely consider purchasing a full size Bite Beauty Pencil and Make Up Forever's primer.
Similar:
November Sephora Play Review
January 12, 2016
I'm sorry my Sephora Play reviews are always so late! They ship around the 18th of each month and I really like to use the products quite a few times before I culminate a review/opinion. However I've been so busy over winter break and I'm still getting into the swings of things as the spring semester commences.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
I don't know much about Josie Maran or argan oil, but I've always admired her packaging. The description of this product is also pretty vague as to what to use the argan oil for suggesting nails, hair, cuticles, and on your skin. This is where the Play Book comes in handy suggesting useful tips about the product and interesting facts about the brand. I had a really awful, terrible, whitehead not too long ago. After popping it there was kind of a puffy acne scar but I put a few drops of this argan oil throughout the week, and after a week the acne scar faded completely! It probably helped that my skin care game is pretty serious, but I really think the argan oil helped. This product is one of the reasons why I adore Sephora Play, I would never have thought of using it until I had it!
Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof - 29 My Boyfriend's Jeans
I'm going to be honest here, I'm scared to try this eyeliner. I remember the days in high school where I was really eclectic and purple, electric blue, and hot pink eyeliner were apart of my beauty routine. Now I'm in that stage of life where I have some sort of aversive conditioned response to saying no to colored eyeliner and jeans. I will say that this is eyeliner is pigmented and a cool color, but I honestly have no idea where to start with it. Any suggestions?
Buxom Full-On Lip Cream - Dolly
Interestingly enough I've tried this lip cream before. On a positive note I love the smell of this lip cream it has a strong and sweet cotton candy scent. I love the shine and the fact that it really is a full-on lip cream although gloss is a better word. Now for the negatives. This lip cream is incredible sticky, like maple syrup sticky. If you have crazy long hair like me imagine constantly having to pick your flyways out of your lips, not pleasant whatsoever. I don't like the white/bubblegum pink color to the lip cream either. It reminds me specifically of when Lindsay Lohan's character is applying lip gloss while her character Cady realizes that she's nominated for spring fling queen. Lindsay does no wrong to me though, she can pull off anything. For the semi-normal girls of the world I'd suggest another less-sticky-pigmented lip product. I just honestly hate lip gloss but this is the only one I can really stand despite its flaws.
Make Up Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer - Hydrating Primer
I'm extremely skeptical about most things- NASA, the NSA, Roswell, and watching the X-Files doesn't help either. The one makeup product that makes me super skeptical is primer. I've never really seen its effects or product claims unfold as I have normal skin. However, I really love this primer. I would consider buying the full product. It's a nice smooth and even base that I think helps even out my foundation and use less! I think I like this primer more than Hourglass'
Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil - Rhubarb
I knew I was going to love this pencil, and I certainly did. It's lightly pigmented but in a good way, and the color is completely buildable. Sephora says its a plum rose, but I'd say its a softer berry. I've been wearing this shade quite frequently especially when I'm not feeling a bold lip. It's the perfect, simple lipstick.
Stella McCartney Stella
I'm not going to lie, I truly hate floral perfumes. This perfume is primarily comprised of rose, peony, and mandarin. I didn't even spritz any on me but immediately once I sniffed the tester holder I knew wearing this perfume, even trying it, would be completely inauthentic (plus it'd give me a migraine). My Mom loves perfume testers so its nestled on top of a Chloe gift set I bought her. Sorry Stella, but Stella isn't for me.Overall a few of these items just were not for me. Nevertheless, the remaining products were all winners. I would definitely consider purchasing a full size Bite Beauty Pencil and Make Up Forever's primer.
Similar:
Sephora Play Review
September 26, 2015
For some strange reason I love seeing an empty product almost more than I like buying something brand new. Why? I guess the reason for this is due to my everlasting desire to try new beauty or haircare products. I feel like I always read about a new product to try when I don't need it, thus the end of a products life for me is a happy time.
Empties
July 14, 2015
For some strange reason I love seeing an empty product almost more than I like buying something brand new. Why? I guess the reason for this is due to my everlasting desire to try new beauty or haircare products. I feel like I always read about a new product to try when I don't need it, thus the end of a products life for me is a happy time.
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