I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm a total sucker for promos, coupons, and sales. Basically, I'm a marketer's dream customer. BOGOs, 50% off, gifts with purchase and the like - they all get me. This past weekend was no exception, with Sephora running their 2x, 3x, or 4x points offer depending on your Beauty Insider status. I knew I needed to spend a little more to re-qualify for VIB again next year, so I figured this was as good a time as any to hit up the store and rake in the points while I was at it! Oh, and did I mention that I actually made two trips there? Once I re-qualified for VIB on Friday, I received an e-mail for 10% off my next purchase. Then came another e-mail for a deluxe sample bag with purchase. Does anyone know if Sephoraholics Anonymous exists?
Here's a little overview of the new goodies I picked up:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation & Airbuki Brush
I had been seeing this all over blogs and beauty channels lately, so I wanted to give it a try. I had been looking for a mineral foundation anyway, for the days when I don't want to go through my full foundation routine but still want decent coverage. Tarte is one of my favorite brands, so I went for it. I've used it a couple of times already and can say that it does give great coverage and lasts even on my combo/oily skin. Of course, you'll need concealer for any blemishes (aka mountain central on my chin lately!) but it does a great job at evening out your complexion. I'll be doing a full in-depth review on this soon.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner
I go through phases with eyeliner, where I'm all about it for a few weeks and then I don't feel like bothering with it at all. My problem is that I'm not the most skilled when it comes to the application, so unless I'm able to really take my time with it, I end up screwing it up (and then a string of expletives ensue). What I like about this one is the ultra-fine tip that is perfect for achieving the thinnest line possible, because my eyes look smaller if I make the line too thick. So far, I've found this easy to use and I've actually enjoyed putting it on in the morning.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Since I received this in Sephora's birthday gift last year, I've loved this mascara. However, I've managed to come across sample sizes a few times and never had to buy a full one. I finally did, and I like it even more. It's easier to apply with a full size wand and easier to handle. I will say, I have pretty long lashes to begin with but I definitely notice a difference with this mascara as compared to others. It can get a little spidery if you're not careful, but I just make sure I don't overdo it with the coats.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
This is one of the things I went back for with my 10% off. I don't know what the heck is going on with my skin, but all of a sudden my chin is breaking out like crazy. Treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid just don't cut it for me, so I wanted to try something different. The active ingredient in this is sulfur, which is supposed to treat your acne and reduce future breakouts. I've used it two nights now and I can actually say that I have seen a reduction in the size and redness and of my breakouts. Here's to hoping it continues to work just as well!
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
With my normal liquid foundation routine, I don't really use any concealer as extra coverage on my blemishes because I find that the foundation does a great job of covering them on its own. To go with my mineral foundation from Tarte, I wanted to find a good concealer to dot on the blemishes so that I could still get the flawless look. After playing with many different brands and products in the store, I ultimately decided on this one. I haven't had a chance to actually wear it yet, but I'm hoping it wears just as well as it swatched in store!
Sample Bag
These beauties are like opening a gift on Christmas morning, because you don't know what you're going to get! There were definitely some generous-sized products included.
What beauty products have you hauled lately?
xoxo,
Amanda