Humpday Happenings...Update

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Quick update of the last few weeks! So sorry for not being consistent!

Cookies from the old man for Mother's Day

Shopping at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart

Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion

St Tropez Mousse

St Tropez Mini Tanning Mitt

* Shoppers has a spend your points this weekend so I'll definitely pop by the beauty boutique and grab a few things!

Also ordered this brush to start dry brushing and prep for my tan...

Quick update on my recent splurges from Sephora:

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Love the Giorgio Armani fluid sheer (I add this to foundation or use it on top of foundation. Although I find it doesn't blend as nicely when it lays on top), liquid shimmer (I use this to contour and darken my foundation) and lastly the bronzer which I use as a blush. For some reason though GA's foundation doesn't work for me. I can't recall exactly why I hated it as it's been a good 5 years since I tried it lol, but I know for a fact it didn't look good. I went with Estee Lauder double wear instead for the event I was attending. The finish looked much nicer on my skin, and it photographed beautifully!

Sephora VIB purchase...

Here's what I purchased over the weekend taking advantage of the VIB promo...

Josie Maran Whipping Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream

Anastasia DIPBROW Pomade in Medium Brown

Escada Turquoise Summer Rollerball

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #2 Shim Beige

I also got a sample of Fresh Sugar Lychee (not shown) and picked up my birthday gift (love NARS Cruella)

Just a side note; in my last post I mentioned I was going to order the Koh Gen Do illuminator, but after swatching it decided to return as I found it too sparkly for daytime wear. (Got the GA fluid sheer instead)

With that order I got the limited edition Beauty Blender and Benefit kit, which has now sold out.

Included was the Beauty Blender, air port pouch, travel size soap and Benefit's that girl and girl meets pearl...

Readers, did you pick up anything from the sale? Any favorites? Please share! TGIF have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Recent Finds...Sephora

As mentioned in my last post I popped into Sephora and grabbed a few new products Rachael mentioned in her videos...

Yves Saint Laurent #17 

Giorgio Armani Maestro Liquid Summer SPF 15

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric Sheer Bronzer #200

Benefit Roller Lash Sample

I also wanted the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuminator in IL01 but will be ordering that online

Rachael Brook Everyday Makeup Look

I was looking like a pasty ghost on the weekend when I attended my girlfriend's birthday dinner so these new bronzing beauties could not come at a sooner time!

I've also ordered Lanolips which are back ordered, but will be posting it on IG once it finally arrives...

Watch Rachael's video here...

Favourite Product

Sephora Black Friday...$10 USD deals

My Picks...

Tarte Magical Moments Deluxe Set (sold out)

Boscia Pore-Purfifying Duo

Alterna Caviar Moisture Trio

Readers did you have success for Black Friday shopping? Good news is there's still the weekend and Cyber Monday to shop!

Sephora

Sephora VIB 2014...

It's that time again!

Here are my picks...

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard

Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte

Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in #5 Sun Brunettes

Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailer-Made Bronzing Powder in Natural Brunettes

Readers are you picking up anything? Any faves? I'm buying 2 repeats and the rest first time try outs. Biting the bullet for Guerlain this time around...

Sephora 

VIB sale Thursday Nov 6 - Monday Nov 10, 2014 20% off use code GIFTVIB

* it's so busy online the site crashed *~* 

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Sephora Spring 2014 VIB 15% off...

Here's what I picked up...

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan as recommended by Rae

Sephora Collection #57 brush as recommended by Laura

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Dark Brown

Readers have you picked up anything from Sephora lately?

Sale ends today Apr 11 2014 use code VIBTICKET

Sephora Order Arrival...Boxing Day Sales

My order finally arrived after Boxing Day Sales...

I have yet to try any but I did swatch them, so far the MUFE really doesn't budge!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Liners set (sold out, but similar)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadows (sold out, but similar)

Eyeko Skinny Mini Duo

Benefit They're Real Mascara mini size

Too Faced Cat Eye Kit

Will keep you posted once tried!

Aritzia and Sephora Boxing Day 2013 Finds...

I managed to get up bright and early for Sephora and shopped 2 days at Aritzia(24 & 27)...

From Aritzia:

Wilfred Honore Cardigan  (this reminds me of Alaia, so I had to get it)

Mackage Kenya Jacket

And the Beekman Sweater and Upton Dress mentioned here...

For Sephora:

As you can see I purchased this at 6:50 am, half asleep doesn't help so I missed adding the promo codes for either 20% off on sale EXTRA20 or getting the free Benefit Deluxe Stay Don't Stray (use code STAYDSTRAY)... I'm tempted to make another order just to get this as I love the primer, I just never use the full size fast enough.

Will update once the package arrives...

Readers did you have any luck with boxing day finds? 

Recent Finds...Haircare and Beauty Products

Happy Friday Everyone! Only 5 more sleeps till Christmas Yahoooooooo!
I'm feeling under the weather today and am excited for the weekend to relax and recoup, Vancouver weather can be so dicey. At least today it looks like Christmas...(it's snowing outside!)

I finished Christmas shopping Tuesday this week and all the wrapping is done! Phew. I also managed to get in some things for myself:)

Some items I picked up from the Curlique friends and family sale: 30% off

Trying new shampoo John Masters Lavender and Rosemary Shampoo...so far it's nice but gosh is it expensive! (Purchased the John Master Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner at Whole Foods to use with it.)

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate (heard great things about this cream, have yet to try.)

Embryolisse Lip Protection Stick (have been using this for the past week and so far it's quite nice.)

Velour Lashes in Whispie Sweet Nothings (this was for a photoshoot for today, but I had to resched bc of the weather :( )

From Sephora for the $20 Gift card for VIB's...

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream (OMG new love! Have been using this every night for my dragon hands, it works and smells so good! My hands were so dry they were starting to crack and bleed in some areas.)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (heard about this from Michele1218 on You Tube, have yet to try.)

Urban Decay All Nighter (picked up a backup to qualify for the GC.)

From the Beauty Supply Store...

Babyliss 1 1/4" Tourmaline Curling Iron ( I had previously purchased the Hot Tools, and it was so powerful I gave it away. My hair was smoking every time I used it. Tried this last night, and it's a much more natural curl. I could foresee the spring handle getting loose in the future from use, however I don't plan to use it the conventional way. Right now I'm wrapping the hair around and holding it for about 20-30 seconds, setting at 35. Works Great!)

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner (heard of this from Fleurdeforce, have yet to try.)

Sephora Order...Last of the VIB 20%

After my last post, I made an order right before the sale ended...

Stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner in Kitten

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper

Eve Lom 3 Muslin Cloths

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in #3 Medium

Samples

Will keep you posted on my thoughts once tried...

Sephora VIB Sale...20% off

Some things I picked up...

Urban Decay Half Baked eyeshadow

Glam Glow Gift Set 

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Bisque

Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

Nars Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot

Other items on my list that were sold out or available online only:

Guerlain Crazy Terracota Glow Powder

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in #3 Medium

Eve Lom 3 Muslin Cloths

Readers did you pick up anything from the sale? Any recommendations for Holy Grail items I should try?

Sephora VIB Sale ends today!

Delivery Arrival...Sephora

TGIF + Hope everyone has a wonderful Turkey weekend!!! It's a Long weekend woot hoot!!!

As mentioned here, I've finally got my order in and have yet to try all of the items...

Samples

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. So far what I have tried is the Tarte airbrush foundation, I do love the coverage but it does get messy applying it from such a teeny pot. I'm using a dual fibre brush from Mac 186 for application.

Another item I'm loving so far is Too Faced  tan without the twinkle. This was advertised when I was checking out and I'm glad it worked out. Usually my impulse purchases never do lol I'm loving the colour on this and it applies beautifully. The result a natural flush or chiselled cheekbones. I'm using my Nars ITA brush for application.

Lastly, I've taken the Stila liner for a test run. I thought the colour would have been more deep black, I guess going over the liner twice would deepen the colour. I however, would prefer the first initial swipe to be it rather than going over it many times. I do like the precision tip, but it's like the Eve Pearl liner I have(which I don't like for the same reason, that and the colour dries out quick). Still on the fence, but will be on the look out for another liquid liner. 

Recent Finds...Sephora

Just placed my order:

Sk II Facial Treatment Essence

GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner

And this was an impulse buy...Too Faced Tan Without the Twinkle

the rest are samples...

Will keep you posted if they're Pass or Praiseworthy after ample time of use!

Tried, Tested and True...Holy Grail Status

My last posts listed my go to makeup for work/lazy day and night out looks...
Below are products I've consistently purchased and have earned HG status...

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Medium for blemishes

Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess 

Dior Diorskin Shimmer Star in Amber Diamond (highlighter for night)
Benefit CORALista Blush

MAC Shroom for inner eye highlight and brow highlight (for night)

Beaute Girlie Show Lipgloss

Not quite cult status yet but getting there are...(I've repurchased 3x already...)

Benefit They're Real Mascara

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Lastly if you've haven't heard already Sephora is doing their 15% off for beauty insiders ending Apr 21/2013...

stocked up on my faves...

and got my free bday gift(scored another Benefit They're real mascara! YAY!)

Sephora purchase

I have been on a hunt for a natural highlighter and spotted the Hourglass Ambient Light reviews on The Beauty Lookbook...

Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Luminous

I ran out and bought mine at Sephora

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. It is as Sabrina says! I too agree this makes a lovely highlighter. I find it perfect for day, I run this along the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose and cupids bow. For eyebrow highlight I use MAC Shroom (holy grail status for inner tearduct and eyebrow highlight pour moi.)
For night though, I prefer to amp up the cheekbones with another holy grail, Dior Amber Diamond.

Still the product junkie in me craves the search and I'm still on the hunt for another highlighter that blows these outta the park...

Loving Now...Travel Size Mascara

Mini Size Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara/Mini Size Benefit They're Real Mascara

My Verdict: Pass on Bad Gal, the brush was too large to manouever for my eye shape. After 2 coats the formula didn't hold my curled lashes(curled using Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler). However if you like your lashes separated you'll enjoy this one, it also adds good length.

Praiseworthy on They're Real, love the wand. After 2 coats it holds the curl, lengthens however it does lack on the volume front. 3 or more coats help but I tried layering it over another mascara. Overall I would repurchase for travel because it delivers the best overall look and is easy to remove.

Josie Maran...Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

Whipped Argan Oil Ultra-Hydrating Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I have major dry skin, comparable to crocodiles. Was in search for a deeply moisturizing cream that absorbed quickly. I originally sought out the argan balm, and asked for a sample the last time I was at Sephora. It's a good thing I did, I felt it didn't absorb as quickly into the skin and left a shiny residue. I would compare the argan balm to Egyptian Magic. Same consistency, same uses and same texture.

Highly recommend going into Sephora to try the sample.