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

Sephora Favorites- Superstars 2015

Labeled as the ultimate beauty haul, Sephora's 2015 superstars favourite collection offers a lot for your money. At $90 it features full size, travel size and deluxe samples http://www.sephora.com/superstars-P400846?skuId=1736339

From primer to tools, eye shadow to mascara, this 13 piece beauty kit contains Sephora's must haves:

Beauty Blender
The coveted makeup up sponge is amazing. Blends foundations so well. 
It currently retails for $28 and is available on Sephora Canada and in most Sephora stores ( In St Johns, NL you can also purchase at Landells Clinic or The Signature Salon) http://www.sephora.com/beautyblender-P228913?skuId=1151869&icid2=beautyblender_bestsellers_carousel_ca_brand:beautyblender_p228913_image

Benefit They're Real Mascara
This mascara is very popular. It definitely gives you that faux lash look without the glue. Im not a fan because i find it hard to remove (even with their special remover). Included in this set is a 0.1oz deluxe sample. If you like this mascara you can purchase at Sephora or Shoppers Drug Marts Beauty Boutiques (Optimum points!!) http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-lengthening-volumizing-mascara-P289307?skuId=1395482

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight 
This is a full size product 0.21oz http://www.sephora.com/chubby-stick-sculpting-highlight-P393634?skuId=1674720 and part of the reason i was drawn to this set. i have been wanting to try this. its amazing!! perfect! and layering the Laura Mercier matte highlight = perfection. It retails for $26 and can be purchased at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or Sears. 

Lancome Drama Liquid-pencil 
This black eyeliner is full size 1.2g and retails for $31 http://www.sephora.com/dramaliner?skuId=1727460 this liner promises not to budge for 24 hours and comes in a ton of different colours. if it lives up to the hype i will definiflty pick up some more shades. I wish Sephora threw in a different shade besides black (they included a black liquid liner so something different would have been better). 

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight
A deluxe sample of the brands top seller http://www.sephora.com/matte-radiance-baked-powder-compact-P379031?skuId=1522184 its shimmery but not too heavy. it works well onto of cream highlighters for strobing 

Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer-Hydrating Primer
This product is on my list of items to try. i don't have many makeup forever products and i have heard nothing but good things about the line http://www.sephora.com/step-1-skin-equalizer-P393965?skuId=1688837
They have so many primers to choose from. A 0.16oz Hydrating deluxe sample is included in this kit. Mattifying is definitely on my list to try.

Nars Cosmetics-Dual Intensity Eyeshadow
This kit includes a 0.05oz full size of the shimmering topaz shade Himalia. I have never been a fan of Nars shadows in the past but i have not yet tried the silky dual intensity formula http://www.sephora.com/dual-intensity-eyeshadow-P387263?keyword=NARS%20Dual-Intensity%20Eyeshadow%20P387263&skuId=1614452&country_switch=ca&_requestid=200613 This shadow retails for $36

Smashbox Primer Water
I love this product and i was going to pick up the 1.0oz travel size anyway. so when i saw it in this kit with all the other goodies......i had to get it!! It retails for $15 http://www.sephora.com/smashbox-photo-finish-primer-water-P392347?skuId=1689421 I have only seen the travel size at Sephora. the larger size however you can get at Shoppers where they sell smashbox. 

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black
This is a full size product 0.16oz that retails for $29 http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-waterproof-liquid-eye-liner-P253818?skuId=1221084 i haven't tried this product before but i have heard that its good. it comes in a bunch of different colours which is fantastic if it holds up (i love grey eyeliner and they have a shade alloy that looks super nice. i was surprised of the lack of purple shades).

Tarte Sculptor Contouring Face Slenderizer in Park Ave Princess
This includes a 1.22oz deluxe sample of the contour stick. Park Ave princess is the lightest of the three available sides http://www.sephora.com/the-sculptor-contouring-face-slenderizer-P385762?skuId=1604925

Tarte The Slenderizer Bamboo Contouring Brush
A mini version of the bamboo brush for use with the contour stick. The full size version is  duel ended http://www.sephora.com/the-slenderizer-bamboo-contouring-brush-P385763?skuId=1605062 This cute little brush is awesome for travel. 

Touch in Sol Stretch lash effect mascara
this includes a 7g full size mascara that retails for $25 http://www.sephora.com/stretchex-stretch-lash-effect-mascara-P393964?skuId=1697721 i haven't heard of this brand but the polymer formula is supposed to give the look for false lashes. 

Urban Decay eyeshadow in Lounge
this 1.5g full size product retails for $22. its a super popular red/green duo chrome shade and its constantly out of stock online. http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-P309813?skuId=1704493 

This is a great deal! i get some awesome samples, travel sizes of my favourite products and a new beauty blender! If you love makeup  I recommend this holiday kit
-B

Josie Maran - Whimsical Wonder Argan oil skincare essentials

Another skincare set that I picked up was the Josie Maran whimsical wonder skincare. There were a few products in here that I have been wanting to try. Josie Maran has the best makeup removing wipes and her gentle skincare line is very popular. When the Sephora cast member tried this on my hand I was instantly sold. My hand had never felt softer. The whipped Argan oil I have been using for the past few nights and I'm in love. So soft and not oily at all. My skin stays moisturized without the heavy greasy feel that I honestly expected. 

Argan oil is produced from the argan tree in the semideserts of Morocco. This oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which have antiaging properties. This organic ingredient is known to help and prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. It is your answer to healthy, youthful, and radiant skin and hair.

The set retales for $47 and is available in store and online http://www.sephora.com/whimsical-wonder-argan-oil-skincare-essentials-P400935?skuId=1762590

It includes five items:
 -0.33 oz Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment 
- 0.5 oz 100% Pure Argan Oil 
- 0.5 oz Argan Oil Hair Serum
- 0.5 oz Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil 
- 2 oz Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot 

Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment 0.33oz is available on sephora canada and most locations for $25 http://www.sephora.com/pure-argan-milk-tm-intensive-hydrating-treatment-P384780?skuId=1757020
This revolutionary treatment serum pairs the deep hydration of purified water with skin-rejuvenating micro-droplets of Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil. Lightweight yet super-intensive, Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment penetrates deeply and absorbs quickly to fortify and repair skin for instant, long-lasting hydration that produces a fresh, radiant glow.

100% Pure Argan oil 0.5oz is available on sephora canada and most locations for $20 http://www.sephora.com/100-percent-pure-argan-oil-P218700?skuId=1219153
This is a great multi use product. You can put a few drops in your hands. Rub them together and pat onto your face, neck, hair, and anywhere that needs extra hydration; on stretch marks, healing wounds, dry skin patches, cuticles and split ends. My favourite as a nighttime hair treatment and i wash my hair in the morning to restore.

Argan Oil Hair Serum 0.5oz is available on sephora canada and in most locations for $15 http://www.sephora.com/argan-oil-hair-serum-P256603?skuId=1317098
This is a lightweight serum and I'm excited to try considering i have tried morrocan oil and found it too heavy on my hair. this serum is clear and doesn't weigh my hair down. it might be a contender against the pricer bumble and bumble invisible oil serum. To use, Warm a few drops of serum in the palms of your hands and distribute evenly throughout clean, towel-dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Comb through and style as usual. 

Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy oil is only available in 2.2oz for $35 http://www.sephora.com/argan-infinity-cream-intensive-creamy-oil-P377570?skuId=1488733
This product is very moisturizing.  Its another multiuser product and i after tying it it will definitely be a staple in my routine.  Its not greasy at all. Try it in store if you see it! amazing! my favourite uses are listed below in bold
Use Argan Infinity Cream to:
-Deeply moisturize dry areas of the face.
-Soothe irritated skin caused by rosacea, wind, or sunburn.
-Soften elbows, heels, and other rough patches.
-Keep stray eyebrows in place.
-Smooth flyaways.
-Moisturize at night.
-Prevent razor burn and irritation.
-Prevent skin dehydration during airline travel.
-Apply as a lip conditioner before lipstick.
-Apply over lip stain for a silky finish.
-Lightly dab on eyelids before applying eye shadow.
-Apply before or after using cheek stain to improve blendability.
-Transform powder eye shadow or pigment into a cream by mixing with Infinity Cream.
-Mix with a powder luminizer to create a light, shimmery lip balm.
-Use as a subtle face highlighter to illuminate cheekbones, lips, and brow bones.
-Mix with a powder blush to create a silky cream blush or colored lip balm.
-Hydrate and plump dry, swollen undereyes.
-Apply to fingertips and toes to hydrate and soften cuticles

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is available in two sizes and in different scents. I have Vanilla Apricot. 2oz retails for $15 and is perfect for travel. hands down the best body butter i have ever used! I'm thinking of picking up citrus next.
http://www.sephora.com/whipped-argan-oil-body-butter-P287700?skuId=1579135
Argan oil, is spun into a unique creamy butter to easily revitalize skin and restore softness while improving skin's texture. Powerful antioxidants enrich and nourish your skin.

Sephora Favorites- Extend Your Style

The 2015 Sephora Holiday Sets are out! Its a great time to try out new products or pick up smaller sizes of your favourites for travel. 

One of the 2015 sets that i have picked up this year is the Dry Shampoo set "Extend Your Style" for $39 CAN http://www.sephora.com/extend-your-style-P401700?skuId=1745553

It includes 7 small dry shampoos from 7 different brands

1. Amika Perk up dry shampoo 0.75oz
-talc free
-cruelty free
-smells fruity and fresh
-spray format
-sprays clear
-currently not available for purchase on Sephora Canada Website

2. Sally Hershberger 24K Supreme Stylist Voluminous Dry Shampoo 1.5oz
-spray format
-floral hairspray scent
-sprays clear like a hairspray 
-currently not available for purchase on Sephora Canada Website

3. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo 1.8oz
-Rice Starch
-spray format
-sprays white
-advanced formula (I have tried this before and my hair did feel cleaner that other brands that i have tried)
-this size sells for $14 on the Sephora Canada website and is available in most sephora stores http://www.sephora.com/perfect-hair-day-dry-shampoo-P399688?skuId=1722172

4. Drybar detox dry shampoo 1.4oz
-spray format
-sprays beige
-Powder scent
-rice starch 
-this size sells for $16.50 on Sephora Canada website http://www.sephora.com/detox-dry-shampoo-P401123?skuId=1744770

5. Alterna Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo 1.25oz
-spray format
-sprays clear
-mango coconut scent (delicious)
-this size sells for $14 on the sephora canada website http://www.sephora.com/cleanse-extend-translucent-dry-shampoo-P396324?skuId=1689298

6. Klorane Laboratories Dry Shampoo 1oz
-spray format
-sprays clear
-light hairspray scent
-rice starch
-currently not available for purchase on the Sephora Canada Website

7. Bumble and Bumble prêt-a-powder 0.5oz
-loose formula. Advised to squeeze bottle to release product.
- also a style extender
-white powder
-perfume scent
-this size sells for $16 on the Sephora Canada website and is available in most sephora stores http://www.sephora.com/pret-a-powder-P384541?skuId=1668938

If i were to buy the four that were available for sale it would cost me $60.50 plus tax. I definitely got a great deal. Not good if i like one if these and i can't buy it! 

My favourite nude lipliners

Often I apply liner with balm on top instead of lipstick. Of my small collection my favourite is MAC subculture liner. It matches my natural lip colour perfectly. 

Left to right: Burberry nude beige, MAC subculture, MAC boldly bare, Essence In the Nude, MAC staunchly stylish, MAC whirl, MAC morning coffee. 

Mac Pro pencils last longer but are super drying on my lips. I need MAC prep + prime lip before applying. Other pencils I can get away with Guerlain kiss kiss lip lift ( a drier lip primer). I usually just apply primer and pencil then go. Sometimes I want a little extra like a plumper or gloss. My favourites are YSL vernis a levres plump up, Dior gloss or YSL tint in oil. 

Recommendations for liners? Let me know. I love trying new things 💕