GUILT/LUST: sephora

Showing posts with label sephora. Show all posts

Sunday, 29 June 2014

I can't imagine the makeup world without brushes. Having the right makeup tools is essential to achieving the right makeup look. With that in mind, I absolutely agree that it's important to invest in high quality makeup tools for applying makeup. In my experience, the best premium brushes came from NARS. A few months ago, NARS introduced new line of exquisite makeup brushes designed with the finest quality hairs. This 16 piece comprehensive Artistry Brush Collection features iconic design - the matte black finish with sharp debossed logo and signature pop of red - it's stunning, sexy, and seductive!

These brushes are perfect for achieving a full look:

Bronzing Powder Brush #11 - $58
- a natural, soft bronzing powder brush.
An essential for controlled application, this bronzing powder brush has a dense concentration of high-quality goat hair that holds and applies product evenly for an allover glow.

Contour Brush #21 - $47
- an angled brush ideal for contouring.
Expertly angled for sculpting and contouring the cheekbones, this brush is an essential for highlighting. High-quality, premium goat bristles blend and define for controlled product application.

Eye Shadow Brush #40 - $36
-a versatile brush ideal for application of eye color.
An essential for a masterful sweep of allover shadow, this brush is made of high-quality sable hair. It picks up and deposits the perfect amount of pigment to create a polished look.

Precision Contour Brush #44 (for eyes) - $32
The firm, flexible hair design of this brush is ideal for applying concentrated color. A must for creating a smoky eye, it deposits color perfectly in the eye crease.

These brushes are beautiful. I have them on display in my bathroom and it's been such a pleasure using them everyday. Overall, they rate very well on both Sephora.com and other channels. I would highly recommend most of NARS brushes as they are so well designed. If the price wasn't a factor, I would get all 16!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Design: 5/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 4/5

Would I use it again? YES!

Having oily skin is no fun! Especially when having a flawless complexion all day is a must. With the blotting papers and tissues conveniently stored in my purse, I run to the nearest mirror every chance I get. Touching up on the go is the norm and can be quite a nuisance if I have to do it so often. Yes, it can be so frustrating when I'm out and about and the makeup is literally melting.

I've always been looking for a silky, lightweight finishing powder that doesn't increase the appearance of pores and doesn't make the skin look dry. Luckily, I think I've found the one! The industry's leading professional makeup brand, Make Up For Ever, has reinvented its best-selling HD Microfinish Loose Powder and has launched the HD Pressed Powder.

So very impressive - it does it right and does it well. It's lightweight texture softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. The exclusive formula is a combination of three premium powders (silica, vinyl crosspolymer and Micro & Spherical powders). Best of all, the talc free, professional touch up powder is perfect for use throughout the day helping reduce that dreaded shine while remaining completely invisible.

Available in one universal shade, as it's translucent, the powder is suited for all skin types and skin tones and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help prevent skin dehydration.

Stay tuned for featured looks! I will be trying it out for all day events this week.

PROS:

Sheer, chalk-free finish
Oil-absorbing
Lightweight
Long lasting
Completely translucent
Compact packaging
A little goes a long way
Softens appearance of fine lines and pores

CONS:

Don't over do it - may look chalky in photographs

Where to Find: in-store at Sephora, online at Sephora.ca, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

Price: $41.00

How to Use:

Swirl #124 Medium Kabuki Brush into powder.
Beginning in the center of the face, press and roll brush onto the skin.
Finish with gentle, downward strokes to blend.

Value: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5

Would I use it again? YES!

OK, I've been at it again for the last few months. It's been a while since I've shared my haul with you - sorry for the delay! I've been rather lazy. Of course I've gotten more 'stuff', not that I ever need more stuff, but there's always something new out there that I want to try, don't we all? So, what did I get? A lot of it wasn't much of an impulse buy, but planned for months if not years. Is it something I really wanted? YES, yes, and yes! For instance, CK Beauty was something I've always wanted to add to my repertoire. To be honest, most of these purchases were carefully planned - I went through the aisles numerous times, in fact, taken hours and days to decide... And when the price looks good, how would you say no to yourself?

Hello Kitty Creamy Kohl Eyeliners - Sephora
Beauty Insider by Benefit Birthday Gift
theBalm Pick Up eyeliners
theBalm TimeBalm Concealer in Lighter than Light

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask Jet Black Brightening Mask
Ojon Full Detox with Soap Bark Tree - Rub Out Dry Cleaning Spray
KMS California Hairplay Makeover Spray
Batiste Dry Shampoos - Assorted
Love & Beauty Baked Shadows
ORLANE Paris Absolute Skin Recovery in 01
Vichy Thermal Water
Rodial Brazilian Tan - Light Self-Tanning gel for face and body
Calvin Klein Beauty Fragrance
Versus by Versace
Naturally Upper Canada Whipped Hand Repair Balm
Derma E Refining Vitamin A & Glycolic Toner
NYX HD Foundation in 01 Nude
Annabelle Skin True Foundation in Natural Ivory
Le Rouge Givenchy - 103 Brun
Rouge Coco Shine Chanel Sampler
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv
Stila Convertible Color in Peony
Sumptuous Bold Volume Mascar by Estee Lauder

As I mentioned in my previous post, tt has taken me weeks to collect received gifts and purchases and make a few photos. But here it is.

Thursday, 31 May 2012

Here is my month long haul! I have shopped at Shopper's Drug Mart, London Drugs, Amazon, Winners, and Sephora - always looking for something new to try! I will be reviewing each product individually after I try it out for a month. Stay tuned!