Sephora Favourites-Skin Wonderland

Skincare is something that i tend not to splurge in. When i saw Sephoras kit with all the best sellers i needed to get it. The set retails for $85 and is available in limited quantities (where its a holiday set) in store and online http://www.sephora.com/skin-wonderland-P402974?keyword=skin%20wonderland&skuId=1739382&country_switch=ca&_requestid=207285

What a great opportunity to try skincare products for a fraction of the cost
Included in the set:

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm 0.23oz deluxe sample http://www.sephora.com/complete-eye-renewal-balm-P282938?skuId=1328855&icid2=algenist_lp_geniuscream_can_carousel_brand:algenist_p282938_image
This is the best eye cream that i have ever used. Love it! i have noticed less puffiness and dark circles since i started using it last week. It also absorbs well. Most eye creams i find greasy. This will be an item that i will repurchase. 

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml sells at Sephora for $10 http://www.sephora.com/divine-oil-P374502?skuId=1508969&icid2=caudalie_lp_divine_carousel_brand%3Acaudalie_p374502_image
Im not a fan of face oil so i plan on trying this on my body and hair. I haven't tried this yet, it might be very lightweight and not greasy for the face. 

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Wrap 15ml is a deluxe sample. http://www.sephora.com/shaping-facial-lift-wrap-P393064?skuId=1682186
Described as a soothing cream-mousse mask to relieve redness and puffiness due to fluid retention caused by fatigue, an unbalanced diet, heat, or stress. It also has an interesting suggested usage: Apply a thick layer of the cream-mousse mask to the lower part of the face and neck/ Leave on for 10 minutes/Tilt your head and allow its full weight to rest in your hand/Repeat four times on each side and Rinse well with cold water.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta media spa peel 1.5ml is the equivalent of one of the four included in this set that retails for $44 (therefore worth approximately $11) http://www.sephora.com/alpha-beta-medi-spa-peel-P388621?skuId=1722495
Created by a dermatologist this product is a clinical-grade weekly peel, inspired by the service menu at Dr. Dennis Gross' NYC medi-spa, to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores, even skintone, and resurface skin. Step 1 is a presoaked peel pad to gently nourish and rejuvenate the skin, while the Step 2 Firming Peptide Milk neutralizes the skin and enhances acid benefits. I can't wait to see the difference in my skin after using this. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream 1oz is a deluxe sample and half the size of the smallest available in this product from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/ultra-repair-cream-intense-hydration-P381145?skuId=1479054. It puts the value of this around $7.50
This cream is for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or any of the following conditions: atopic dermatitis, irritant eczema, allergic eczema, and keratosis pillars. Im prone to eczema in the winter and i hate using steroid creams. Looking forward to testing this out. 

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 20ml is a deluxe sample http://www.sephora.com/soy-face-cleanser-P7880?skuId=1059880
A bestselling cleanser that instantly whisks away impurities and makeup—even mascara—and is the product with which Fresh pioneered the use of soy in the beauty industry (soy is a popular ingredient in Aveeno products). i have heard nothing but great things about this cleanser and am looking forward to testing it out. 

Josie Maran Cosmetics Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Apricot Vanilla 2oz is a deluxe sample http://www.sephora.com/whipped-argan-oil-body-butter-P287700?skuId=1416916
I absolutely love this product! favourite body butter ever. I have more details in a previous Josie Maran post. Check it out :) 

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 1oz is a deluxe sample http://www.sephora.com/rosewater-balancing-mist-P395760?skuId=1430032&icid2=jurlique_editors_picks_carousel_ca_brand:jurlique_p395760_image
Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist is designed to restore, tone, and hydrate the skin in one simple spritz.
I love toners. This one is supposed to be fantastic. Will be tough to beat my all-time favourite by Lush "Breath of Fresh Air" http://www.lush.ca/Breath-of-Fresh-Air/9999902359,en_CA,pd.html

Kate Summerville Skincare ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliator 0.5oz
this size sells for $27 http://www.sephora.com/exfolikate-intense-exfoliator-P376070?skuId=1417732&icid2=kate_somerville_lp_bestsellers_carousel_ca_brand%3Akate%20somerville_p376070_image
This is Kate's top-selling product and apparently the next best thing to seeing Kate in the Clinic! Its an at-home facial for fantastic, instant results. This signature formula works both physically and enzymatically to deliver safe, dramatic results in one application. It effectively combats acne and blackheads, reduces discoloration, and polishes skin for a smooth complexion. Cant wait to try!! FYI Some sephora locations have a mini 100 point perk sample of this product

L'Occitane shea butter hand cream 10ml is a deluxe sample. 
http://www.sephora.com/hand-creams-P307907?skuId=482497&icid2=loccitane_lp_bestsellers_carousel_brand:l'occitane_p307907_image
This is a very heavy cream and i like using it on my feet. i prefer the lighter hand creams that they make (Cherry Blossom is my absolute favourite). 

Nude Skincare ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil 10ml is a deluxe sample
http://www.sephora.com/progenius-omega-treatment-rescue-oil-P396493?skuId=1684489
Progenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil is an all-natural, featherweight formula featuring bakuchiol—nature’s answer to retinol without the negative side effects. It helps repair and refine texture for satiny, flawless-looking skin. I hate retinol products. i find them very irritating on my skin. Hopefully this isn't too greasy and worth using. Apparently you apply lightly like you would apply a retinol product so it might not be too bad.

OleHenriksen Sheer Transformation 0.25oz is a deluxe sample and half the size of the smallest available in this product from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/sheer-transformation-P42342?skuId=1600295 which puts the value at approximately $9. It's a great light moisturizer that i have been using overnight this week. 

"Skin feels fresh, healthy, and bright with this lightweight moisturizer's silky whipped texture that melts into skin. A potent blend of actiwhite™, licorice, and vitamin C help fade dark spots, even skintone, and prevent premature signs of aging while botanical fruit acids gently exfoliate and retexturize. The calming blend of sandalwood, geranium, and chamomile soothes, balances, and purifies the skin to minimize pores while glycerin lightly hydrates. Sugar cane and multifruit AHAs gently exfoliate to refine texture, even tone, and soften the look of fine lines as vitamin C brightens and provides antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors. Vitamin E heals, restores, and nourishes the skin, leaving you with a healthy-looking, smooth, refreshed complexion"

Definitely a contender for my favourite moisturizer!! 

Ren Instant Firming Beauty Shot 10ml is a deluxe sample http://www.sephora.com/keep-young-beautiful-tm-instant-firming-beauty-shot-P391761?skuId=1671270&icid2=ren_lp_keep_young_and_beautiful_carousel_brand:ren_p391761_image
A daily gel-serum that instantly visibly firms and lifts, plumps, primes, and contours skin, under and over makeup. 
I don't think i will try this on top of my makeup though?? 

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask 1 packet/2 sheets is a deluxe sample and 1/3 the size of the smallest available in this product from Sephora http://www.sephora.com/benefiance-wrinkleresist24-pure-retinol-express-soothing-eye-mask-P173619?skuId=1594118 which value around $7 These eye masks work to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the eye area in as little as 15 minutes. While brightening and minimizing dark circles, they plump the skin with hydration and refine texture for softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin. Hopefully the retinol doesn't irritate my eye area....will update as i test it out. Out of stock online....must be good if its sold out??

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask 1 mask 1.65oz
is a deluxe sample. Currently not available for sale on the Sephora Canada website. So if you like it you will have to find somewhere else...
I read a couple of Nordstrom reviews and apparently its amazing and give instant results! wow worth trying it out
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sk-ii-facial-treatment-mask-10-pack/3150059

Sunday Riley good genes lactic acid treatment 10ml
Gentler than OleHenriksen Flash Lemon Peel (which works and is awesome) this deluxe sample is a pretty good one http://www.sephora.com/good-genes-treatment-P309308?skuId=1418581&icid2=sundayriley_lp_bestsellers_can_carousel1_brand:sunday%20riley_p309308_image
This hydrating treatment is formulated with key ingredients that plump the look of fine lines to reveal brighter, renewed skin, and support natural circulation to create a smooth, vibrant complexion. Long term use will help restore damaged skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and scars, reduce the depth and number of lines and wrinkles, even out skintone, and increase skin firmness. Can be used daily, morning and evening, by applying one pump of serum to the entire face, avoiding eye area, before other treatments and moisturizers/ can also be applied as an immediate transforming peel by massaging five pumps of the serum to face and leaving for 20 minutes before rinsing/ mixed with Ceramic Slip Cleanser and used as a mask. Apply to the face for 10 to 30 minutes for an instant radiance boost. I love this product and will be purchasing!

Love these kits! i definitely recommend this one

2013 Favourites

Another year has came and went. 2013 was a fun year for me with trips to Florida, New Orleans and the Dominican Republic. I also got a chance to do some shopping and try some new products. Below are my favourites from the year :)

Hunter Boots (adjustable back and fleece stockings)

I decided to give these a try and glad that i did. Not only are my feet dry the boots are cute. I tried on the originals but couldn't get them over my leg. Thankfully they come in adjustable backs!! I also got cute fleece stocking which help keep my feet nice and warm. My Burberry rain boots are more fitted and don't allow for a stocking. I keep them for Spring/fall when its warmer.

Dior Lipstick/Gloss

I have tried YSL and Chanel but never Dior. So when it was available here in St. Johns for purchase i decided to give it a go.  Its not cheep but lower in cost then other expensive brands. I like the Dior Addict best. its very sheer and more like a lip butter. The Dior Addict Extreme has a lot of pigment if your looking for a more defined look. Rouge Dior is my newest purchase. I have only worn it a couple of times but its very moisturizing. I got the shade 169 Grege a pinky/beige. Its a great everyday look. The Addict Gloss is not sticky at all. But living in a windy city i only wear my lipgloss when my hair is up. Im not a fan of lipgloss in my hair ;) (on a side note Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is still my favourite! while it wasn't purchased in 2013 it still a favourite)

Bronzer

Every makeup tutorial these days always includes bronzer. I gave up tanning beds a few years ago and have been rocking the pale look lol but sometimes you need a little pick me up and a bit of colour on your face. I have tried so many products to be disappointed over and over. Smashbox halo, Estee Lauder, Rimmel...all made me look ORANGE. So while at my local Dior counter i tried on their version. I liked it so bought it and I wear it everyday!!! love it worth a try if your looking for something more natural. Not to mention the packaging is gorgeous and it comes with a little kabuki brush for application.

Ikea's Helmer

My makeup collection is growing and I needed to find something neat for storing it. I didn't have enough room for the Alex drawers so I went with the helmer. Its smaller so not good for someone with a ton of stuff and it is loud (opening/shutting the drawers). Overall though i really like it. It had to be put together and I tasked my husband with that job. After it was assembled I was faced with another problem. My makeup was not that organized after all-it kept moving around in there when I opened the drawers. I should have gotten the liners that went with the helmer but forgot, and i wasn't paying more in shipping for what they were worth (there is no IKEA in NL). Imagine my glee when I was at my local dollarramma and came across clear containers. I got a few to see if they fit and they DID!!! I went back and got more to fit all the drawers!! very happy with the result and by far my favourite purchase of the year!!

Burberry Scarves

So soft, classic and I love them!! Plus they go with anything

Clinique Moisture Surge-Tinted Moisturizer and CC Creme

As someone with sensitive skin I don't use foundation. Doesn't matter what it is I breakout (Armani, Urban decay, Dior, Chanel...). I also tried several BB cremes and they didn't work for me.  Oil free=clogged pores.
I have tried Clinique moisture cream and it worked really well for me so I decided to try their tinted moisturizer. LOVED it. Great for summer time. Now for the rest of the year i needed more coverage so after reading a blog post from My sweet Valentine (my-sweetvalentine.com) she recommended the CC creme. I got a sample before buying it and fell in love. Now its part of my daily routine. light, airy and light coverage. AND above all. No breakouts!!

Hand Creme

Its always recommended to I finally got some in Florida to try. AMAZING. I understand why its voted the best. The foot cream is good too.