Review: Sephora Collection Perfecting Ultra-Smoothing Primer

I don't usually use primers (other than the L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer when I need an added glow), but I picked this up before a big event because I wanted my makeup to look good in photographs and really achieve that flawless face look. This Sephora Collection primer creates a perfectly smooth surface by smoothing over fine lines, wrinkles, etc. to allow your foundation to glide over skin and sit nicely on skin, rather than settling into any fine lines. This really does make my foundation look ultra-smooth and perfect. I don't feel like this is a product I need daily, as I don't usually wear makeup for prolonged periods and since I'm not oily, my foundation doesn't typically slide around on my face. However, this is really handy for an event or special occasion or any time when you need your foundation to stay in place and look flawless and silky all day and night. I paid around $15 for this half ounce bottle and it will definitely last me a while. I use about half of a pea-sized amount for my entire face. 

Again, I don't typically reach for primers unless there's something specific that I'm looking to achieve. For day-to-day foundation wear, I wouldn't use a primer, but this is affordable and effective enough to be used daily if that's something you need in your makeup routine. It's a really nice silky, velvety consistency, blends easily into the skin and does all that it claims to. There are a few other varieties that Sephora offers for anti-shine and other issues, but this seems to be the standard option. It's packaged nicely in a sleek bottle with an airless pump and secure lid so it won't leak. It's paraben free and can be used all over the face, including eyelids, so it can double as an eyeshadow primer. 

I would definitely recommend this if you're in the market for an everyday or all-purpose primer that's affordable and really works! I have tried several Sephora Collection products and I've been happy with them all so far. 

What's your favorite primer? Do you use a primer daily or only on certain occasions? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! xoxo

Disappointing Products: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Oil

I recently made a trip to Sephora to pick up some skincare items for a special event I had coming up. I love Clinique and wanted a few skincare products - some I've tried and loved and some I have not yet tried out. As you know, I'm a sucker for cleansing oils. A while back, before I was into cleansing oils, I remember Tanya Burr mentioning a Clinique "Take the Day Off" cleansing balm. I kept that recommendation in the back of my mind and when I was at Sephora last week, I decided to finally check out the range. Included in the Take the Day Off range is a cleansing oil. Obviously, I had to try it. 

Clinique take the day off cleansing oil

This pains me to say it was a disappointing product because I absolutely love Clinique products - especially their skincare. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed by this product and cannot continue to use it. I love the formula - it's so silky and smooth and it really dissolves makeup quickly and completely. There's no obnoxious smell and at first, I was really pleased with the oil. However, as soon as I began to remove my eye makeup, it started to sting my eyes pretty badly. I realize this will not be a problem for everyone - as different products react differently with each person, but it was so intense that I definitely won't be using it again. I'm sad that I have to return this. I'm not sure if there's a particular ingredient in this formula that isn't in my other cleansing oils, but this does seem to be a lot less natural than The Body Shop version. I ended up with red, watery eyes that stung all night.

Although the ingredients didn't agree with me, I thought the name of this range was really cute and unique. I definitely want my evening skincare products to "take the day off" and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean. I also love the packaging. I wish all cleansing oils would take note of this! The pump lid twists into a locked position so that it doesn't leak (perfect for traveling). It's also in a pretty translucent purple bottle which looks nice and would be suitable to be displayed on a bathroom counter. It's definitely the best packaging out of all the oils I've tried. If this didn't burn my eyes it would be a definite winner. 

Even though this product isn't for me, it hasn't put me off Clinique. Some of my favorite skincare products are made by Clinique and I will continue to try out their other lines. I don't think I'll be trying any more from this particular range, but my quest for the perfect cleansing oil will continue! Another thing to consider if you're looking to try this product is the price. It's the priciest oil so far - going for $27 for 6.7 oz. The Garnier oil is the cheapest at just under $8 for 4.2 oz., and The Body Shop oil goes for $18 for an even larger (6.75 oz.) bottle. 

Have you tried this oil or any other products from the "take the day off" range? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments. As always, I'm still accepting recommendations for other cleansing oils!

Until next time! xoxo

Product I Love: MAC Paint Pot Review

This is the second time I've repurchased this little gem. MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Bare Study has been a trusty staple in my makeup routine for many years. These are meant to be cream shadows, but they are definitely multi-purpose products. These run around $21 for a 0.17 oz. pot and they last forever! My last Bare Study paint pot was purchased about 5 years ago and I've been out for a few months and finally got to the MAC store to replenish my stash. 

Bare Study is a nude shimmery color that's a really good base for other shadows, but also looks really nice on its own. These paint pots are super creamy and smooth and they're long wearing and creaseless. Since they don't crease, they work really nicely as a shadow base. They're creamy so they hold a powder shadow onto the lid, fight off creasing, and make shadows look more vibrant. On "no makeup days" I wear this by itself all over my lid, crease, and up to my brow bone. This shade is really brightening and highlights the brow bone, too. It's pretty shimmery so it can add a glow to other shadows, highlight the inner corner, and it can dress up a more casual shadow look. 

I'm interested in trying a darker more taupe shade paint pot. What are your favorite paint pot shades? I like to pair this with the e.l.f. jumbo eyeshadow sticks for a more complete look. I treated myself to a replacement paint pot for a special event I was going to but this will definitely become a staple in my daily routine again. It's so versatile and easy to use.

Favorites: Vanilla Bean Noel at Bath & Body Works

Vanilla Bean Noel Ultra Shea Body Cream & Shower Gel

Vanilla Bean Noel is back!!! This is my all-time favorite scent. I wait all year for this to return at Bath & Body Works and I stock up on all things Vanilla Bean Noel. Candles, lotions, shower gels, oh my! If you haven't tried a Vanilla Bean Noel product, you're seriously missing out and I suggest you run, not walk, to your nearest Bath & Body works to sniff these!

B&BW recently had a sale on all their body creams. $4 lotions? Yes, please. Needless to say, I stocked up on some for myself and also for gifts and stocking stuffers. If you're still doing some last minute holiday shopping or you're in need of some stocking stuffers - these are your answer. The ultra shea body cream is creamy and silky without being greasy and it really hydrates dry skin. I use this as both a body and hand cream. If you've already finished shopping but love this scent (or want to love this scent) I would highly recommend hitting the shops after Christmas. The candles are to die for and I hoard them so I can burn them all year.

I actually discovered this scent on accident. I love B&BW scents and I've always been a fan of theirs, but I don't exclusively shop for candles there - I like a good variety. I stumbled upon some brand new Vanilla Bean Noel candles at Goodwill while I was looking for some vintage thrift items to repurpose. I smelled them (because I can't pass a candle without giving it a sniff) and immediately fell in love. I'm a sucker for anything vanilla but these take plain ol' vanilla to a whole new level. The key notes (according to the back of the lotion bottle) are: fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, sugar cookies, whipped cream, and snow-kissed musk. Vanilla, sweetness, and musk - a perfect combination. 

As a little side bonus, B&BW does not test on animals. There is always some kind of sale or bundle deal going on, especially online and they are the BEST at sending out coupons. Get your hands on some coupons and hightail it to your nearest store to get your hands on any Vanilla Bean Noel product. You won't be sorry!

Happy holidays! I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday break.

Until next time! xoxo

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil: Review

I ordered this cleansing oil based off of a recommendation from Amelia Liana. I have been using the Garnier Cleansing Oil for many months and I love it. I like to remove my makeup before cleansing so I can be sure that my cleanser is working to clean my skin rather than just remove my makeup. A cleansing oil is really great option for me because I have dry skin and it gently but thoroughly removes makeup without stripping my skin or drying it out.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil is more than double the price of the Garnier version (Garnier cleansing oil retails for around $8) but is still affordable at $18. I use 3-4 pumps of this every evening to remove a full face of makeup, so both bottles will probably last my quite a while. I like the smell of the oil - it smells just like camomile tea. Comparing it to the Garnier version, the camomile cleansing oil is a bit more viscous and I find it melts and removes makeup better and quicker. I have noticed that this formulation very very slightly stings my eyes sometimes, but nothing too crazy and it never leaves me with red eyes or any irritation. Once I wipe it away I don't experience any discomfort. That's my only complaint about the product. I definitely feel that it removes makeup quicker than the Garnier oil and it feels very silky and luxurious on my skin. I have also noticed that The Body Shop Oil bottle does not leak. My Garnier oil leaks all over the counter and sits in a puddle of oil where I store it. It makes a big mess so I do like the packaging of this oil much better. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it just because there are so many other cleansing oil options - with the Garnier oil I can even open my eyes without any irritation, so I will probably keep trying other oils until I find my favorite. I still use this every night and will probably finish off the bottle, but I don't see myself repurchasing it at this time.

This oil is made with Fair Trade camomile, which is a nice bonus. It also claims to be for all skin types, not just dry skin. It definitely feels less greasy and it moisturizes but doesn't leave skin with any greasy residue. If you're looking to try out a cleansing oil, I would definitely recommend it, especially if you have dry or easily irritated skin. Either the Body Shop or the Garnier oils are really good at removing makeup and are affordable enough to try out - everyone is different and everyone's skin will react differently to the formulations. I love The Body Shop products and will continue to use them!

What are your favorite cleansing oils? Have you experienced any eye irritation with The Body Shop's oil? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! xoxo

November Favorites

It's officially December! I love November - it's so festive and gets me ready for the holidays and colder weather. I tried out quite a few new products in November and I wanted to share my favorites with you...

Beauty Favorites:

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in "light porcelain." I mentioned this in my October Favorites but I'm still loving it! Don't let the name scare you off - this can be really nice when applied correctly (even on dry skin). 

Benefit High Beam liquid highlighter. I picked up the cutest "Cheek Me Out" set of high beam and posietint samples at Ulta. This highlighter is SO beautiful! It's a "satiny pink" liquid/gel formula, similar to their lip and cheek stains. I use this on my cheek bones and the outer edges of my brow bones as a natural dewy highlight. I have ditched all other highlighters during November because I can't get enough of this. It's super easy to apply with fingers, a foundation brush, or even a stippling brush and it lasts all day. I'll definitely be purchasing the full size when this runs out!

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow - Shimmer in No. 48 Faux Fur. This is a taupe/bronze color and it has just the right amount of shimmer. I've been wearing this all over the lid and blending up into the crease for a one-shadow eye makeup look. By blending it into and above the crease, I'm able to create the look of 2 shadows with just this one. It's shimmery but not too glittery, definitely subtle enough for a daytime look. These shadows are smooth and velvety and blend really well. I will definitely be looking at other shades in this formulation.

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Faux Fur

Nyx Butter Lip Balm in Panna Cotta. I included a few of these in my giveaway because I love them. Most of the time I can't be bothered with lip glosses and lipsticks and pencils - it's too much. Also, my lips get very dry so lipsticks aren't always the best option. I typically stick to simple chapsticks or lip balms, so this product is perfect. It adds color but it's super creamy and moisturizing like a balm. I went back to Ulta and picked up every shade I could get because I love these so much. I would recommend these to anyone!

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss. Speaking of dry lips... this has saved mine! As you can see by the packaging, I carry this around in my handbag at all times. It's a soft and creamy butter inside the tin, and it smells amazing. The best part is that it actually works. It sinks into my lips and deeply hydrates them. I wear this all day and often swipe the Nyx butter lip balm over top for extra moisture & color. It's simple, affordable, and perfect to throw in a handbag, nightstand, desk, etc.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream - another handbag essential! I've almost used this tube up during November because my hands get incredibly dry. This is a quick fix - my skin absorbs this lotion immediately and it's super hydrating. It has a subtle, fresh scent but it's not overpowering or obnoxious. I keep this with me to keep my hands from drying out and cracking from cold wind, or exposure to direct heat from a fireplace or heater. It gets rid of rough patches right away and doesn't sting or burn. I love Bliss products and this does not disappoint. 

Non-Beauty Favorites:

I've been loving a new TV show this month. I don't typically tune in to CNN on a regular basis, but I've been recording this show and I'm addicted. It's called This is Life with Lisa Ling. I love Lisa Ling and the way she reports and tells stories and this show is so interesting. Unfortunately, I couldn't find this on Netflix, yet, but you can watch full episodes on CNNgo. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you're into other cultures, different ways of life, and learning about some ways other people live.

I've also been loving my Rue Violet Sleep Mask. I've always been a fan of sleep masks but this one is by far my favorite. It's super soft and lightweight, but thick enough to keep out all the light. The underside of this mask is made from terrycloth so it's comfy and soft. I have very watery eyes, especially at night, and the terrycloth absorbs the moisture so it doesn't irritate my skin. The elastic band is soft and stretchy and the patterns are really cute. The best part about these sleep masks are the price. I got mine off Easy for under $8. These are also machine washable, which is nice. A nice stocking stuffer for someone who loves their sleep or travels frequently - definitely a flying staple. 

I've been obsessed with this Starbucks Acrylic Tumbler. I drink a lot of hot tea, and in cold weather it's nice to be able to take it to-go. This tumbler is really cute, with silver beads and a pink lid. It keeps my beverages hot for hours and it's large enough to hold 16 oz. For just under $12, it's a steal, too. Great stocking stuffer or gift!

My last non-beauty favorite is actually a set - the Chronicles of Narnia Book Series and movies have kept me entertained all month. During November I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair. Unfortunately, only the first 3 have been made into movies, but I love the movies just as much as the books (for once)! The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the perfect winter/holiday movie. Young and old alike can enjoy this series. 

What were your November favorites? What made November memorable for you this year?

Thanksgiving Pamper Night

It's no secret that what we eat affects our skin. Around the holidays, we tend to put our healthier eating habits aside to enjoy all of our favorite holiday treats. Thanksgiving usually means consuming a more-than-normal amount of comfort food! I can typically tell a difference in my skin after eating certain things (especially foods high in oil or sugar) and Thanksgiving is, unfortunately, no exception. This is one of my ways to pamper skin and help repair it after a day of feasting on holiday favorites.

To remove makeup and cleanse, I stick to my normal routine. I like to keep my skincare simple and consistent, so even when I'm having a pamper night and using new products or special items, I like to stick to at least part of my routine. I think this helps combat spots and it also makes it easier to tell if something new irritated your skin or caused a breakout.  I use The Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil to remove makeup and then cleanse with Philosophy's Purity. You can check out my nighttime skincare routine here.

If my skin is extra dry, I use this cleanser in place of the Purity or the GinZing Scrub. This is super milky and creamy and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight and stripped. It keeps spots at bay but it's gentle and very good for sensitive skin. This doesn't remove makeup very well, so be sure to use a makeup remover of some sort before cleansing with this Clinique Liquid Facial Soap in extra-mild. This is formulated for dry to very dry skin, so it's perfect for my skin during the colder months. Also, if I'm doing a mask that targets breakouts, I usually use this for a few days as those masks tend to be more drying than others. This thoroughly cleans my skin without stripping it and leaving me with dry patches. 

This was the focus of my pamper night: the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. Peter Thomas Roth skincare is pretty pricey, but I picked this up in a set from Sephora. It was part of the mini mask magic kit for $20. I love mini masks or sample sets, especially for more expensive products, so I can try them out and decide what I like and don't like, and if it's worth the money. Also, with creams and masks, a little pot of product lasts quite a while. I would definitely say this mini magic kit is worth it - I've loved all the masks so far. This pumpkin enzyme mask claims to resurface skin and act as an at-home chemical peel. It's meant to smooth and revitalize skin while clarifying. I love that you can really tell this is made from pumpkin. It smells like a pumpkin dessert and has pumpkin enzymes that act as the "scrub" agent in this mask. PTR claims that this mask targets "congested" skin, which is exactly how my skin feels after a holiday. Between the makeup, the food, the long days, etc. my skin always feels congested and can use a clarifying and rejuvenating mask. This is a resurfacer and has the word "intensive" in the description, so I would recommend testing it out on a patch of skin before applying. This can definitely be intense - it's a scrub that tingles while it sits on the skin. I didn't experience any discomfort or burning, but the sensation is definitely more intense than a typical scrub or mask. I also think this makes a nice festive and fun gift during the fall, or a good star for a girls' fall-themed pamper night.

After a good exfoliation and a few layers of skin have been sloughed off, I like to moisturize heavily to ensure that my fresh skin stays hydrated. I use my standard Boots No . 7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask (featured in many posts). I feel like I have new skin the morning after this pamper routine. I love to try new masks and I thought using this pumpkin mask would be festive and fun, but also clarifying and beneficial for my tired skin. Don't let your skin suffer during the holidays! If anything, treat yourself to even more pamper nights with luxurious products.

What are your favorite products during the holidays? Let me know so I can try them out, too!