Sephora Favorites…Time to Prime

    I took a class recently at Sephora where I was introduced to Bite Beauty’s Line & Define Primer. I liked it and thought I’d give it a go. When I was in line I saw this… Sephora’s Favorites Time to Prime. Not only does it carry the product I was going to but others as well.

From head to nail this box has it all. Not only did I get to try new things but the Bite Beauty’s Line & Define Primer is $22 (.05 oz). The box carries a slight smaller version in .03 oz. The box also carries my favorite primer, which the size in the box is great for traveling  the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer in .14 oz. For nails Formula X’s Prime Base Coat in .13 oz. For hair it’s Living Proof’s Prime Style Extender in 1fl oz. For eye shadow it’s Smashbox’s the 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer in .14 oz. Lastly a primer for your lashes, Urban Decay’s Subversion Lash Primer in .15 fl oz.

This box is $25 at Sephora. The lip primer alone makes up for the price of the box, not to mention the products are a great size for travel. Check it out here.

-Melissa

Sephora VIB Haul

I did some damage… to my account. I validate everything with ‘it’s cheaper right now’. If you’re like me you pick up everything you use on a daily bases. Once that’s done you move on to ‘deals’. Then you move on to ‘it’s so pretty not to pass up’.

Rundown:

• Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
• Tarte LipSurgence –Blushing Bride
• Sephora Favorites: Time to Prime
• Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil
• Sephora Solid Brush Cleaner
• Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer –Med Nu.
• Sephora Lotus & Pomegranate Eye Mask
• Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
• Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide –Honey
• Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner
• Sephora pot and pump
• First Aid Beauty Oil Free Mattifying Gel    

I use Hourglass’s Veil Mineral Primer everyday. If you read any of my other blogs you know this is my ‘holy grail’ of primers.

After hearing about all the rave reviews I caved. I purchased Urban Decays Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Medium Neutral. I use this to cover any breakout and any redness on my face. So far so good.

I love to clean my Beauty Blender with Sephora’s Solid Brush Cleaner. It’s a little cheaper that the Beauty Blenders version and you get a little more.

I went to one of Sephora’s makeup classes (I forgot my phone to take pictures!). The class was called ‘perfectly paired lip and cheek’ and after trying so many products I walked out with Tarte’s LipSurgence in Blushing Bride. I didn’t notice in the store the slight burn till I re-touched my lipstick when I got home with the one I bought. It’s not something I like but I do like the color.

Sephora comes out with the some good Sephora Favorites…sometimes. Sometimes they can be a ‘hit or miss’. I wanted the lip primer from Bite that I tried at the Sephora class. This set has that primer and other primers to try out. Not only does it have my favorite… Hourglass, but it also a lash primer from Urban Decay, base coat from Formula X, eye primer from Smashbox and a prime for the hair from Living Proof. (I will do a review on this).

I wanted to try Sephora’s Eye Mask, so I purchased two: the Lotus and the Pomegranate. The Lotus is targeted for moisturizing and soothing; the pomegranate is target for anti-fatigue and energizing.

Shiseido Facial Cotton pads are the softest pads to remove makeup. Yes, it’s pricey but it doesn’t have those sharp bits that sometime cotton balls have.

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil is great at taking off my makeup and it doesn’t irate my skin, which is always a plus.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is probably the only oil I put in my hair.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Honey because I ran out and it’s very lightweight.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner is a brand I remember seeing at IMATS that I wanted but never bought. I’m also running out of my current brush cleaner so it was a perfect time to try this stuff out.

First Aid Beauty Oil Free Mattifying Gel, because I’ve haven’t had any problems with any of there products. I haven’t seen a review on this but I decided to take a chance.

Sephora pot because it would be great for travel and it’s a good size and the bottle with the pump to place my eye makeup remover in.

A Sephora clutch that would be great as a makeup bag which I will probably end up giving it away. It’s cute but I seriously don’t need any more bags.

No more makeup for me for a while at least that’s what I say now.

-Melissa

Class by Sephora: Perfectly Paired Lips + Cheeks

    If you haven’t heard Sephora is offering makeup classes at select stores. This past weekend I took part in one; it was fun but also a great experience. Playing with makeup is always fun! Not only did I learn a few tips and tricks but I learned I’m not the only one who can’t always find that ‘perfect’ shade of blush or who isn’t too sure where exactly to place it. It was refreshing to know that even the Sephora employees share the same problem. Here’s a run down in case you’re interested.

What is the class about?

The class demonstrates different ways to apply blush from the classical to the fashion look (runway look). They help you find that perfect shade of lipstick and show you how to prep your lips prior to application. They also let you try the techniques they teach you like the best way to apply blush.

Do I need to bring my own makeup?

No. An instructor (Sephora employee) will help pick out shades that compliment you. If you feel like you can’t find the perfect red, nude or pink, they can help! They will give you quite a few to choose from as well as blushes.

Do I need to bring my own brushes?

No. They will provide brushes for you. No, you can’t take them home.

How much is the class?

It’s free!

Where do I sign up?

Go to the Sephora website and scroll to the bottom. Click ‘Store Locations, Events & Classes’.

Are you obligated to buy anything?

Per the instructor at the location I went to ‘no’. It’s a free class.

What days are the classes?

Check your local Sephora for dates and times. Some locations differ from others. Some I noticed had classes after five; others were on the weekend prior to opening or after closing. Other locations didn’t offer classes or as many classes.

My overall experience…

My class was prior to opening. When I walked they took the Color IQ and matched my shade of lipstick with my complexion. They did ask my about the colors I prefer and also if there was anything I wanted to try. I am currently more of a berry person but I also tried other colors on me like nudes and reds. In the class everyone (including the employees) shared what out hang-ups were. I was surprised on how many employees didn’t wear blush or stay away from colors because they are still unsure. I like that they were honest with us (at least that’s what they said).

They demonstrated how to prep to the lips to application on model (employee). Then it was our turn. After lips it was on to blush. Again they demonstrated how to apply blush and what brush is best for application. Once they were done, again it was our turn. We were free to take notes and take pictures and yes, I forgot my camera and my phone! They gave each of us a sheet of tips and encouraged us to take notes. Let’s just say I have a whole new list of products I want.

Yup, I signed up for three more classes.

-Melissa