Sephora VIB Sale Favorites

It's my favorite Sale of the year!  The Sephora VIB Sale!

The Sale opened up to VIB Rouge's Friday (code 20ROUGE for 20% off at checkout).  Not sure when it opens up for VIB's but it is usually the week after (code 20VIB).  This sale is my favorite because EVERYTHING at Sephora is 20% off (yes you read correctly, everything, no exclusions) so it is a great time to stock up on your favorite products you're running low on or to pick up something you've been lusting after.

I personally love grabbing higher end makeup and skincare products and starting to plan any gifts I want to grab.  

Here is a roundup of my personal favorite picks from the sale

I always grab a few high-end makeup items because while they are expensive, saving 20% is nice.  Palettes are great because you get so much value out of them.  I also love grabbing a few more luxe brands like Hourglass or Kevyn Aucoin that are already super pricey.  Then I grab a few staples like my favorite BB cream, a beauty blender, or my favorite lipstick. 

Shop below:

I think I splurge the most on skincare during the Sephora Sale because skincare can get so expensive!  I love stocking up on masks and creams when they are all 20% off.  The Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Fresh Lotus creams are my two favorites right now, and I love the Sephora sheet masks and glamglow mud mask.  The best part, because the holidays are close by they have a bunch of value sets for all the expensive brands like Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, Glamglow and Tatcha.   

All of these are my personal picks from the Sale if you are debating what you want to pick up.  Once my order from Sephora arrives I'll update everyone with my haul!

What are your picks for the Sephora VIB Sale?

Makeup Product Reviews Vol.1

I don't think it is news to anyone that I have a slight makeup obsession (might be an under-exaggeration... is that a thing?  Did I just makeup a word?).  I love shopping and trying out new makeup products, so I thought I would share my thoughts with y'all about some new hits and misses that I've tried!  

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation

 

In case you can't tell by how dirty my foundation packaging looks I've been using this foundation non-stop this summer!  This has to be my current favorite drugstore foundation product because it gives a great natural, light to medium coverage with slight dewiness (most of the L'Oreal Lumi Line is meant to be dewy).  I love the cushion application because it makes applying the product quickly in the morning a breeze (bonus for when I am running late), plus it doesn't exaggerate my pores or scars on my skin.  If you have oily skin this might now be the product for you, but to mattify it I pair it with either a matte primer or my Laura Mercier Powder   

Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Palette

This summer has been the summer of highlights for me!  And let me tell you this palette is one of my new favorites.  First the formulation is top notch! These products apply so beautifully to the skin and give an effortless glow.  But what really drew me to this product is the giant pan sizes (same if not larger than an hourglass pan) and the uniquer colors.  The light gold color and pink are perfect for my cheeks (the pink blends out and doesn't look like you have a pink stripe on your face) and the bronzier color is perfect for eyeshadow.  This is definitely up there with my top highlighter palettes (along with my Anastasia Glow kits and Hourglass Ambient Light Palette)

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Top Row of colors left-right 

Bottom row of colors left to right

The Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette is quite possibly one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes (which is a very bold statement).  First the color selections is perfect for those who love warm neutrals and warm red tones.  The color payoff is insane (all of these swatches are one swipe!! The only color that struggles a bit is Venetian Red, but still a gorgeous color!).  They are easy to blend and work with and very beginner friendly.  Plus this palette comes with a brush (not pictured because I have actually been using it because the brush is super high quality as well).  

  

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ CC Cream

This is probably my favorite face base product of the summer (only just beats out the L'Oreal Foundation because of the added SPF)!  This product applies super well with a beauty blender, gives great coverage for a CC Cream, and the SPF is perfect for summer.  I would say the only downside is the shade range is really limited, but if you can find one that works for you pick this up!   

Benefit Gimme Brow

 This product is a Birchbox sample size, not a full size product, but nonetheless I have been loving this product this summer.  I have very sparse, uneven brows and this product has done wonders for helping me fill them in and give them and even look.  Plus this product is super easy to apply quickly.  I know that once I run out of this I'm gonna have to get the full size. 

NYX Cheek Contour Duo Palette

Swatches of the Palette 

Swatches of the Highlight from my Anastasia Contour kit with the NYX contour kit

Ok so this is my one miss for this post.  I was really underwhelmed by this contour kit.  First the packaging is super cute, and the swatches aren't the worst (looks like a potential dupe for more high end contour kits), however on the face the highlight shade is a disaster!  It literally looks like I picked up chalk and drew all over my face.  It doesn't blend in and looks super stark against my skin.  I had to compare the highlight with my Anastasia one to show the difference in texture and color.  The Anastasia one blends like a dream, while still highlighting the face, the NYX one doesn't blend at all and gives a major white cast to my face.  The contour shade is alright, but in my book not worth to pick up because of the highlight.

Colourpop Highlighter in Churro (no longer listed on their website :( here are all their other highlighters -- quality is pretty consistent IMHO)

Top - Bronze Color / Middle - Light Color / Bottom - The two mixed together

This highlighter... It's no secret I am a huge fan of Colourpop (see my original review here), but this is my new favorite highlighter of theirs.  First off I love the multi-color highlighter as both colors are beautiful independently and mixed together.  The only downside is not all Churros are made equal, as everyone has a different makeup of light vs. dark highlight color.  I was fortunate to get a mostly light pan, but I've heard other people had much darker pans (though that wouldn't be a problem for you if you have deeper skin).  Regardless I love the color of the two mixed together as well, and the deep color looks great as an eyeshadow!  Plus as always Colourpop is super affordable! 

Beauty and Makeup Products To Try: Vol. 2

Check out Vol 1. Here 

As a beauty junkie I feel like I'm always thinking of new products I want to try (which is not good for my bank account).  Here are a few products that have been on my radar that I have been dying to try. 

I have a bit of an obsession with liquid lipsticks (don't ask how many I have -- its embarrassing).  I have been dying to try the Joer Liquip Lipsticks and the Smashbox ones 

If a product promises to make my pore disappear there is a 100% chance that I will want to try it, like this Estee Lauder Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Stick (have you tried it and does it work? Let me know!)

Summer is almost synonymous with bronze glow (amiright?) I've been eager to try the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer and the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow palette (a bronzer and highlighter)

Speaking of highlighters the NARS multiple (which isn't really a highlighter, more of a blush) and the Marc Jacobs Illuminator stick look like the perfect way to get my glow on this summer

Foundation hasn't really been an obsession of mine until recently, but these days I have been dying to try out new products, including the Loreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation.  

The New Tarte Shape Matters Concealer I have heard quite a bit of good things of on YouTube so I am interested to see what the hype is about (plus I really like Tarte's Maracuja Creaseless Concealer).

Last is a cult classic, the Stila stay all day liquid liner.  Until recently I haven't been a huge liquid liner fan, I was much more into pens and gels, but now after getting more comfortable I am now interested to try out this popular product.  

My Favorite Bronzers

I love bronzers in general, but I feel that I reach for them so often during the summer to create that tan and glowy look.  My favorite way to wear bronzer is in a 3 shape along the sides of my face, hitting my temples, hollows of my cheeks, and along my jawbone (the same places you would contour).  I tend to avoid the center of my face, because my personal preference is to keep that area brighter, but let's be real there is no wrong way to wear makeup! 

Here are my 5 favorite bronzers to use in the summer 

1. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

First, this smells like Hawaiian tropic, which I'm not mad at.  Everytime I open it up I get transported to a tropical island.  It goes on my face lighter than others, but creates a nice subtle and natural bronzed look.

2. Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

I was totally drawn to this one because of the packaging (what can I say I'm a sucker) but the color is so nice for a bit more of an intense bronze, or if you aren't as pale as I am.

3. The Balm Cosmetics Balm Desert

Probably my favorite of them all.  This color just works so well on me to create a natural summer glow.  The color is a nice neutral undertone, it is matte, and it blends out like a dream. 

4. Colourpop Highlighter in Kae Pop's Glo Up

This is a bronze highlighter, which I really only use on my temples to give a bit of a dewiness to my skin (especially because my temples tend to be drier).  I always blend this one out with a beauty blender (or dupe) because I think it helps make it look even more natural. If you are tanner than me, this might be more of a golden highlight on you, but still a gorgeous color.

5. Tarte's Park Ave Princess

This is a shimmery bronzer that similar to the Physicians Formula provides a lighter natural color.  Another favorite that I reach for regularly in my routine.  The light shimmer creates a nice subtle glow on the skin. 

Here are swatches in natural light of the bronzers: 

Honorable Mentions:

NARS Laguna (cult classic)

Sephora Collection Bronzer in Los Cabos 

Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer

Shop my favorites below:

What is your favorite bronzer?  I'm always looking for new ones to try! 

Review: Jaclyn Hill x Becca Face Palette

Top L-R: Rose Spritz (shimmer blush)/ Amaretto (matte blush)/ Pamplemouse (matte blush)

Bottom L-R: Champagne Pop (rose-gold highlighter)/ Prosecco Pop (Gold highlighter)

(L-R) Pamplemouse, Amaretto, Rose Spritz, Champagne Pop, Prosecco Pop

Jaclyn Hill has always been one of my favorite YouTubers. Not only is she inspiring, but the positivity she spreads always makes my day better (if you have never seen her videos I totally recommend that you check them out!).  I picked up Champagne Pop as my first Becca Highlighter last winter when they first came out and fell in love.  It is a gorgeous rosey-gold highlighter that you can create either an effortless glow or a majorly intense highlight with.   I fell in love.

When I found out that she was planning to launch a full collaboration with Becca I knew it was going to be amazing.  She has come out with a face palette, eyeshadow palette, a pressed version of Champagne Pop, a poured version of champagne pop, and a liquid version of champagne pop.  I was lucky enough to snag one of her face palettes before they all sold out.

In the face palette you get 2 full sized highlighters, Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop.  And 3 full sized blushes, Amaretto, Rose Spritz, and Pamplamouse

I have been playing with this beauty for a few days now and I have to say it is amazing.  The quality of the products is incredible and I could not recommend this palette enough.  I can only imagine the rest of the collection will be just as amazing.   I think the standouts for me are the two highlighters (no surprise, Becca highlighters are some of my favorites) and Amaretto (loving the natural nudey blushes lately).  

It is sold out now on Sephora.com  but it hopefully will be restocked and sold in stores in the near future! 

Check out the entire collection here

Sephora VIB Sale Haul and Mini Reveiw

All right guys time to gear up for a long post

The Sephora VIB Sale is one of my absolute favorites.  Why?  Because everything in Sephora is on sale.  All perfume, high end brands, EVERYTHING!  

Rouge get 15% off

VIBs and BIs get 10% off.  Plus signing up for the BI program is free! 

So during these sales I tend to go overboard.  It's the perfect time to grab things I've been eyeing and dying to try.  

Here is what I picked up, plus some mini reviews 

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Bow n' Arrow

Kat Von D makes some of the best liquid lipsticks.  A great formula and Bow n' Arrow is the perfect your lips but better neutral on me.  

Marc Jacobs The Lolita Eyeshadow Palette

The Marc Jacobs Lolita palette was one I had been lusting after for sometime.  Such nice neutral colors perfect for creating everyday looks and special occasion looks. 

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Liptick in Role Play and Eat Cake

These lipsticks are hands down two of my favorites in my collection.  Both are great neutral colors that can easily be worn everyday.  Also for lipsticks on the sheerer side they are long wearing and give great color payoff 

Ardency Inn Punker Liquid Eyeliner

My new favorite liquid liner.  Super easy to use, plus the thin tip makes getting a thin line simple.  So glad I went for this one over the Kat Von D tattoo liner.  

Sephora Collection x Disney Illuminating Blush 

This blush is sold out now (hoepfully they will restock more!).  Super light neutral orange color with light shimmer (lighter than NARS orgasm for reference).  Easy to apply plus the packaging is so cute! 

 Urban Decay Beached Bronzer in Bronzed

Urban Decays summer collection packaging is perfection!  And the product inside is great as well.  Super blendable and natural looking.  It will be perfect for warming up my skin this summer.

Urban Decay Afterglow Highlighter in Aura 

Another pick from the Urban Decay summer collection.  I have been highlighter crazy lately and I am so glad I grabbed this one.  The light pink color (that isn't even noticeable on the skin) give a soft gentle glow.  Can be easily built up or layered on top of blush.    

Sephora Collection x Disney Lipstick in Minnies Perfect Red 

I'm not the biggest lipstick wearer,  but I am a huge Disney fan.  So of course I had to grab this lipstick with the classic Minnie ears.  This bright red is beautiful.  It has pinkish cool undertones (so it will make your teeth look whiter), and goes on the skin smoothly with a creamy consistency.  The only downside...I don't want to mess up the top of it :( 

Sephora Collection Bronzer in Los Cabos 

This bronzer has been super hyped up lately and after using it the past month non-stop I can see why.  It's fairly affordable (by Sephora standards), and it blends out perfectly.  You can use this to contour or just warm up your face.  

NARS Blush in Madly 

Another super hyped product from YouTube.  It's a NARS blush so you know the quality is there.  The color is nice (a very nude, light flush blush color).  My only thing is Sephora's website didn't note that there was shimmer in this product (not a huge deal, but as an FYI if you are buying it w/out swatching).  

Bobbi Brown Highlighter in Pink Glow 

Continuing on the "super hyped" trend, this highlighter.  It provides a nice glow from within look, but again can be built up to a more intense highlight.  Slight pink undertones (but like the UD one on the skin they aren't noticeable)  The sparkles in this product aren't super fine so those will show up more clearly than the UD one (so depending on your preference note that).  At the price part of me wishes that this product was more finely milled, but it is gorgeous!  My other gripe is the packaging on this.  Super bulky and the compact only opens up to a 90 degree angle (yes I am being very nit-picky there, but compacts that open that little are a slight pet peeve).  

Tarte's Tartiest Blush Palette 

4 Tarte Blushes so you know the quality is there (seriously so pigmented!!)  Only one has super big sparkles in it, the others are light shimmer/matte.  The names are a little campy, but because the quality is there and the outer packaging is so cute I can get past that.    

 Benefit Cheekathon Palette (Literally the best deal of the bunch!)

Hands down the best bang for your buck.  5 full sized products from Benefits permanent line.  I've used all of these and seriously they are great!  Dandelion is a light shimmer pink blush/highlight (depending on your skin tone).  Hoola is a light bronzer/contour color.  Rocketeur is a rosy-shimmer blush (personal favorite).  Coralista is a coral (my go to summer color), and Dallas is a deeper mauvey nude blush.  Plus you get a small brush.  

Tom Ford Lipstick in Solar Affair 

Yes I jumped down the Tom Ford rabbit hole...but it was 15% off in my defense.  And I will say that Tom Fords lipsticks are fantastic quality.  Seriously it lasted through 2 coffees and a meal, which for a non matte lipstick impresses me.  Plus the color is perfect for the summer.


Did you make it to the end of this post?  Much longer than I usually like to post but I wanted to give updates on these fun new products incase you are looking to make a new makeup purchase.

Have you picked up anything fabulous lately?  Let me know!  I'm always looking for new makeup products to try.  And as always I've linked all products mentioned below:

Thanks for reading,
Claire