Sephora's Solid Brush Cleaner

Sorry I that I’ve been a bit MIA, once the season starts changing here (Houston) my body say’s “hello” to allergies let’s not forget it’s friend sinus. Now that I am feeling a bit better I wanted to share with you my latest find. For a while I would clean my Beauty Blender with only the Beauty Blender Solid, but I’ve come across a dupe for this. Have you meet Sephora’s Solid Brush Cleaner?

                

           I actually prefer Sephora’s Solid Brush Cleaner and here’s why. It’s not as drying as the Beauty Blender. Maybe it’s me but I feel that in no time at all my sponges seem dried out. They lose their color quick and maybe that has to do with washing it every day but I don’t see this affect as much with Sephora’s brand. I’ve been using Sephora’s version and I don’t see it as drying as Beauty Blender. It does have a smell to it; I can smell the argon oil and a bit of coconut that it contains. It’s not a harsh smell; it’s a nice, clean smell.

                It’s a nice size. You get 1.1 oz, with Beauty Blender you get 1.0 oz. The price ($14) is nearly the same (as well as the weight) but one thing you get with Sephora’s is a mini round brush scrubbing pad. The texture of the mini scrubbing pad, reminds me of the Sigma Glove (Yes, I own one and I actually really like it).

Before

After

              

            

           One word of advice if you decide to try it: It states to let the bar dry before placing it back in the container. Do so! I still can’t get it out of the container; I may have to get a knife to get it out; I don’t want to but I may have to just to get it out. Nevertheless, I really like that it doesn’t seem to dry out my Beauty Blender as fast. You’re only supposed to keep the blender for about three months but at around $20, I'd like to use mine a little longer if I can.

-Melissa

What To Do With So Many Samples.

            I don’t know how it happened. One minute I had just a few samples here and there, then… they we’re more than I needed to have. Ordering from Sephora I always have to get those three free samples. Then they have those darn offers giving away more samples well… Then there’s other websites like Ulta they offer samples too. Let’s not even forget walking inside both those stores as well as others. **Lowers head** With all these samples, you know you don’t want to throw them away but what do you do? Well here are six ideas you can do to get rid or lower your stash. Don’t worry you’ll be okay.

1.     Give them to a friend.

      I kid you not. I had way too many types of mascara for me to try. I knew my friend was looking for super black mascara, so I gave her my deluxe sample of Urban Decays Perversion Mascara. She ended up buying one. I have also given my mom and sister tons of samples.

2.      Have a Spa Night.

         Yes Spa night. You have tons of face and body products to try? Take some time out for yourself, after you deserve it! After putting up with those insane co-workers of yours, why not!

3.      Sell then on Ebay.

I have actually seen people sell samples; I can’t say that this will actually work but I can see how it might. Places such as the UK don’t sell everything beauty product the US does and vise-versa, so this could possibly work if they want to sample varies things. Also, there are people who collect samples and love them. I personally have never done it but why not. Do your reach first before doing this regarding shipping and cost.

4.      Try them!

        Yes, once you try them they will be gone but that’s what they’re for. Looking for a new primer and you have five different samples of different brands, try them. After all, you’re looking for that new it product. 

5.  Play with your Makeup.

Have some time? Try some new looks. Master that smoky eye with a nude lip. You’ve always wanted to try those ten small bottles of perfume, go for it! You’re not going anywhere, well I hope not. Pew.

6.      Save them for a vacation.

Sometimes when I order online I find there is nothing I want to try so I end up getting samples of things I love. I save those samples and take them on vacation. Not only do I save room in my suitcase but it also helps the weight of my suitcase. I notice a difference when I’m on a weekend trip and I’m only taking a duffle bag.

These are only a few ways to help get rid of those samples you’ve been collecting (hording). I can say that, my name is Melissa and I had tons of samples.

-Mel

Stilla Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner

With Stilla products it’s hit or miss for me. I find their eye shadows have a lot of fallout but their concealer works pretty good (gets the job done). I was very hesitant in trying out their Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner. Only when I received it in an ipsy bag a couple of months bag I tried it. I really didn’t care for the color; don’t get me wrong, the color is nice but not for me.

Fast forward to last month when I read on Sephora’s website they had other colors. The curiosity in me came out; to tell you the truth I don’t know why I looked at Stilla products in the first place. With eyeliners I know if I find a nice brown liner I like I’d be more wiling to try it. After a trip to Sephora (and tons of swatches) I found some colors that I actually liked.

Spice

Blue Ribbon

Black Amethyst

The good thing about these liners is that they apply very creamy, which helps if you decided to smudge it out. They last a very long time; mind you I do wear an eye primer. I have no issue when removing it with a waterproof makeup remover (that’s the only kind I buy). They’re also a very pigmented liner and for the price I’d hope so ($20, 0.01 oz.). They also have a pretty good selection of colors (I love their browns).

Now the bad. The only thing that I didn’t care for is the twisting of the product. It can be a bit annoying trying to get the product out. Beware when twisting, if you bring too much product out and you don’t need it, it will not retract. In other words, you’re stuck with whatever you twisted out.

There are a few more colors I want to get from this line such as Damsel and Espresso. I’m interested in trying their liquid liner but scared at the same time. Okay, I’m scared I may get hooked and my wallet my not like me for it.

-Mel

Five Beauty Items I’ve Been Loving This Month (August)

Let me start off by saying, I’m sorry for the dirty brush. **Face palm** At least you know I’m not lying when I say I’ve been loving it. I’ve been using Real Technique’s Setting Brush with Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Eye Brighter. I use the brush to blend out the brighter and it’s been working great. I got the idea from blogger/vlogger Lilly Pebbles, when she said she used this brush to blend out concealer under her eyes (I’m pretty sure she said concealer).

I bought the Drybar Lemon Drop Daily Detangler about two years ago but hardly ever used (maybe a handful of times). I used it this everyday this month to help blow dry my hair straight. I have some natural waves in my hair and since my hair is thick and long, this method has helped me maintain the frizz.

Origins Eye Doctor has been the most moisturizing product under my eyes. I had originally bought NARS Radiant Concealer but I had to return it because it looked too cakey on me. The lady at Sephora asked if I used an under eye cream…no. So far so good, I can feel the difference under my eyes.

Lastly, Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks. These have been a lifesaver when it comes to makeup under the eyes. I’ve been trying a new mascara (which sucks) and it has helped me from looking like a giant raccoon. Who wants to look like a raccoon, not me.

-Mel