Sephora

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Back in the day, I spent ample time creating amazing eyeshadow looks—for my standards anyway—only for it to look like a jumbled mess by the end of the night. However, my misfortune turned around when I was introduced to what I dubbed “the game changer” – Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($20).

At first, I was skeptical of this eyeshadow primer and its promise of crease-free wear. And yet nine hours after first application, my eyeshadow look was still intact. No smudging. No smearing. No blob of colors intermingling out of the confines of my cut crease. That day officially changed my makeup application forever! The Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion opened a door of endless makeup possibilities. It gave me the ability to work with different eyeshadow textures, such as cream shadow and gel liners, without the fear of looking like a toddler’s art project. It quite simply gave my makeup routine a new life that I’m forever thankful for. In short, if you’re looking for that one product that will revolutionize your makeup application, then let me recommend the ultimate game changer: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I promise it won’t disappoint!

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  • Sephora Play! Beauty Bag July 2016

    Sephora Play! Beauty Bag July 2016

  • Closeup (lefit to right): Too Faced Soleil Matter Bronzer (in chocolate), BeautyBlender blotterazzi, and Ouai Wave Spray

    Closeup (lefit to right): Too Faced Soleil Matter Bronzer (in chocolate), BeautyBlender blotterazzi, and Ouai Wave Spray

Included products in this month’s Sephora Play! bag:

  1. Nest Fragrances Citrine  (Full size, $68)
  2. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay (Full-size, $24)
  3. Ouai Wave Spray (Full-size, $26)
  4. Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer (Full-size, $39)
  5. BeautyBlender blotterazzi ($20)
  6. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate(full-size, $30)First Impressions:

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay:  At first sight, I was a bit anxious to use the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleaner because of  its infusion of red clay.  When I hear the word clay, I automatically think of something overly dry and chalky.  However, this product turns into a foaming gel upon skin contact thus eliminating all previous notions that this product would dry up my skin.

Ouai Wave Spray: I’m all about beachy wavy hair, especially during the summer months.  At first glance, the Ouai Wave Spray (1.7 fl oz sample 🙂 ) seemed liked a god send because of my affinity for this texturized hairstyle.  However, the overpowering scent really took be aback to the point where I will not be using this wave spray in the near future.  If you can withstand the strong scent, I still find the Ouai Wave Spray too expensive ($26, Full-size).  Your better off buying John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray ($9.99) because it’s cheaper, smells nicer, and works just as well.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer:   I actually own several Smashbox foundation primers because they are that good.  So when it comes to the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer don’t think about it too much and go for it!

BeautyBlender blotterazzi:  For most people, summertime is primetime for shiny/oily skin  I am no exception to this rule and as a result, I always carry blotting paper where ever I go.  The BeautyBlender blotterazzi is a flat sponge, just like the original beauty blender, however the blotterazzi is used dry like blotting paper.  I have to say that it worked well in picking up any and all excess oil from my face.  As long as you clean it regularly I can see this sponge being a great addition to any makeup collection.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate:  Too Faced is known for its great bronzers and I was more than happy to see this sample in this months Birchbox.  In fact, it was my first time ever using the beloved bronzer and quickly learned why it has reached cult status.  The powder is smooth and finely milled and has no trace of shimmer – making this bronzer perfect for contouring.

Bonus Perfume

Nest Fragrances Citrine: “Layers of fresh lotus flower and freesia mingle with citrine, a sparkling golden yellow gemstone” (Sephora Play! list sheet).  I really enjoyed the fresh scent of the Nest Fragrances perfume in Citrine and will certainly use it throughout the summer!

NOTE:  Every Sephora Play! bag comes with a Sephora Play! Pass which gives you 50 extra Beauty Insider Points with any purchase.

Final Verdict: Merge

Kiss Kiss

Makeup Deconstructed Rating System:

1 Kiss = Purge: Only one of the products in the box/bag is worth keeping.

2 Kisses = Merge: Two to four products make this box/bag worth merging into your makeup collection.

3 Kisses = Splurge: All five products are amazing and worth splurging on!

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Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper and Dior Addict Lip Glow

Who wouldn’t want Angelina Jolie sort of lips? Well I can certainly be added to the long list of those who would do just about anything to achieve plump, luscious everything, except for having a needle full of collagen shot into my lips. So, given my aversion to needles, I began scouring the isles of Sephora and Ulta in an attempt to achieve my objective. I finally came across one that, quite frankly, looked pretty. Yes, I know what you’re thinking…the packaging doesn’t make the product. That fact is very true, but when confronted with an array of options and no prior experience to go on – the pretty one wins!

So the grand winner was the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper ($33). Go ahead and call me a sucker because I bought the accompanying Dior Addict Lip Glow ($33) in the color pink as well; more about that later. But first, for the first week of use, I followed the instructions to a tee. As per the Sephora website:

Suggested Usage for the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper:
– Apply alone or layer with your favorite lip color.
– Begin application at the center of the lips, then blend outward.
– Use as a part of your skin care routine before starting makeup. By the time you get to apply your lipstick, your lips will be perfectly plump.

I religiously applied this “collagen and marine based fillers” and instantly experienced a tingly sensation all over my lips. I was worried at first that I was experiencing an allergic reaction of sorts, but thankfully it subsided. Once my foundation and everything else was applied, I put on a coat of the Dior Addict Lip Glow. Now, the end result was mixed. I do believe my lips looked suppler and moisturized. However, I don’t believe the results merited a $33 price tag and I could have done without the tingling sensation I experienced.

The Dior Addict Lip Glow is a whole other story. I absolutely adore the color beautiful pink tone it gave my lips. What’s really neat is that the color gradually darkens to a shade that looks very natural on my lips. Apparently, as per Dior Beauty website, it is the “first universal balm by Dior that reacts to the unique chemistry of each woman’s lips to give them a natural flush of custom pink that suits her skin tone”. I must say that the Dior Addict Lip Glow delivered a custom shade as promised. As for the other shade in the collection, Coral, I cannot speak of. However, I wouldn’t think twice about purchasing it given my experience with the shade of pink.

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