Haul: Sephora VIB Sale

If you're a fan of makeup and skincare, you know that high-end products very rarely get marked down. This is why twice a year, beauty lovers are treated to Sephora's VIB sale. Insiders are well aware that the fall sale is always the best because the discount is greater (20% as opposed to 15% in the spring). In addition to this, holiday sets are priced reasonably well so it's an excellent time to score bundles at the best value.

Because I occasionally freelance for another retailer and am able to get 40% off on most of my must-have beauty products, my temptation at the Sephora sale is usually limited to their more exclusive brands. This time around, I only picked up a couple things I've had my eye on all year as well as basics that are always smart to stock up on when it's on sale. While the sale is limited to VIB customers and is now over, these are some products that I highly recommend for Christmas gifts or to keep in mind for future events.


What I Purchased:

• Anastasia of Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette: Technically, I didn't get this via the Sephora sale. I wanted to but it was out of stock. To my benefit, I was able to score this palette for even less at another retailer thanks to reward money and my insider discount! When this product originally launched earlier this year, I told myself that I didn't need another warm-toned palette but the hype got to me. I love Anastasia's eyeshadow formula and these colors really are my type. I recently cleared out my collection so I was happy to fit this in nicely. I'm curious to see how a few of the shades compare to others I own but as a whole, this will be very convenient to have in one palette. I'm not crazy about the packaging but my first impression in terms of quality in its formula and color range is very good.
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit - Surreal Light: I've had my eye on this beauty since it first launched. It was the number one thing I wanted from the Sephora sale. Hourglass makes some of the most ethereal powders I have ever used. It gives your face an airbrushed, candlelit glow that is worth every penny. I highly recommend this for lighter complexions. I usually prefer my highlight to be subtle and this does the trick in the most wondrous of ways. The natural blush lasts for hours and the bronzer is actually suitable for fair skin. And of course, the faux marble packaging is what sold me. Stunning!
• Perfect Formula Gel Coat Manicure Set: I discovered the Pink Gel Coat polish through a VIB points perk and it is now my favorite nail strengthener and base coat -- but it is so pricey. I always make sure to only purchase it when it is on sale. When I saw this set, I decided it would be a nice way to try out some of the brand's other products.
• Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray Duo: This setting spray is a staple in my collection. It lasts quite a while but when you see the value set on sale, you stock up! I'll be good with setting spray for a long, long time. 
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (x3): This is another must-have that lasts forever but when it's marked down and on sale on top of that, you buy as many as logically possible. The reason the price was slashed is because the packaging changed but I much prefer this version. I won't need to buy another primer for years.
• Sephora Oil Infusion Color & Care (07 Raspberry Smoothie): This was another item I found in the sale section. I love lip oils but they're usually pricey (Clarins is my favorite and YSL makes a beautiful one as well). I have another one from the Sephora brand and thought it was a decent product for the money. This doesn't last long on the lips but it's nice to throw on for hydration and shine.
• Human + Kind Body Oil: I absolutely love body oils so when I found this in the sale section, I scooped it up. I was unfamiliar with this Irish brand but I'm excited to compare it to similar products I have in my collection. I'm always looking for a more affordable alternative to my Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. Maybe this will fit the bill.
• Sephora Cushion Bronzer (Light/Medium): I adore cushion products-- sunscreen, primer, corrector, foundation, blush, highlighter... I've got them all. But I've never tried a cushion bronzer. This product is smaller than I thought it would be and I'm not sure the color will be right for my skin tone but I found this in the sale section and it was a cheap thrill. 
• Benefit Bigger & Bolder Brow Kit (03 Medium): I don't need any more brow products but this value set was enticing. I originally wanted a different kit but it sold out in my shade. I've been wanting to try out some of Benefit's new brow range so this was a good way to do so at the best price.
• Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 (Color 04): After the Hourglass kit, this was the next item I wanted the most from the sale. I've wanted to try Natasha Denona eyeshadows for the past couple years. I could never justify the cost of her large palettes but this smaller set at the discounted price was worth the splurge. Based on these shades alone, I'd say that her shadows are definitely over-hyped and not worth the astronomical price that she charges for the large kits but they are beautiful and of good quality. Just not outstanding. I'm very happy to have this set and see how the shadows perform on the lids but I doubt that I repurchase anything else from her line. 

While it's fun to treat yourself every once in awhile, I don't condone hoarding cosmetics. I've always loved being a girlie girl and collecting makeup but as I've gotten older, I prefer the way I look with less and less. It's fun to try new products and experiment artistically with different looks but I'm hoping that 2017 will be the year that my collection gets smaller and better edited. I've done a pretty good job at narrowing it down but it's still insane for one lady to have. One of my new year's resolutions is definitely to simplify and keep things in check.

Now Playing: "Quick Musical Doodles" by Two Feet

Recent Beauty Favorites, Winter/Spring 2016

 It has been quite a while since I shared some of my favorite beauty products. After working in cosmetic sales and artistry for the past few years, I have skillfully navigated the land of luxury makeup and skincare. Through trial and error, I have discovered what's worth the splurge and what can be better substituted at your local drugstore. Here are a few of the products that I have been recently loving:

• Lancome My Parisian Pastels Shimmer Cube: An adorably packaged product with a unique design. Can be used as highlighter, blush, eyeshadow or finishing powder.
• OPI Hello Kitty and New Orleans Collections: My favorite brand of polish delivers once again with a wide range of beautiful colors including Kitty White (a shimmering white with a silvery finish), Charmmy & Sugar (a standout shade of metallic pale pink with sparkles), She's A Bad Muffuletta! (a strawberry red with pink undertones), Rich Girls & Po-Boys (a beautiful, boyish shade of blue that's somehow still very feminine).
• Clarins Lip Oil (01 Honey), Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, & Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (07 Toffee Pink Shimmer): I've been fixated with keeping my lips hydrated with oil, balm and a moisturizing product. The newest shade from the Instant Light collection is my favorite out of all of them- the most beautifully natural shade of pink.
• YSL Gypsy Opale Face Palette: The dynamite packaging is what sold me but the product itself keeps me reaching for more. A wonderful color correcting finishing powder. 
• Shiseido Future Solution Night Cream: A steep price tag but worth every penny. The Future Solution range of skincare products has been my guilty pleasure for several years. It truly keeps fine lines in-check and hydrates beyond belief.
• Bioderma Cleansing Water: Many brands are attempting to knock off this cult-favorite product (Simple, Garnier, etc...) that was once only available for purchase in Europe but thanks to sites like Beautylish, Bioderma is accessible to the masses and at a fantastic price. Nothing beats the original! Perfect for dry, sensitive skin. Takes makeup off and leaves the skin clean. 
• ColourPop Eyeshadows: This brand has been one of my favorite discoveries. I adore everything about their range- affordable, cutting edge, on-trend, fun and good quality. I love all of their products but every girl needs to own at least one of their eyeshadows.
• Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (Ivory): I don't like to wear heavy foundation and prefer light coverage on my face. This BB/tinted moisturizer hybrid is phenomenal at delivering just enough hydration and coverage to even out my complexion without masking my natural skin beneath. 
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer (Fair): I have tried plenty of high-end concealers but this drugstore find is still my favorite. I recently turned 30 but am just now starting to need coverage under the eyes. This concealer has been a go-to. 
• Etude House Sheet Masks: A few times a year (when the Korean beauty site offers sales and free shipping), I place an order for my favorite Asian cosmetic items. These sheet masks are affordable and a wonderful addition to your skincare routine. 
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Eyeliner (Gold): My eyeliner collection is obscene. There are a lot of terrific pencil liners on the market but this formula and color from Estee Lauder has been my favorite.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water: I thought this was a gimmick when I first purchased it. "Diamond water? Riiight." It turns out that this primer is everything. If you have dry skin that rejects foundation, this formula will agree with anything you place on top of it. It helps with the application of your makeup but more importantly, it truly prolongs its wear-time. If they ever discontinue this baby, I will be buying a lifetime supply.
• Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream: This is terrific for day or night and a must-have before prepping for concealer. 
• Lancome Miracle Cushion Compact Foundation (Alternate: L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation): My love for Asian-inspired skincare and beauty products has found its way into my foundation routine. When I need a bit more coverage than a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, I reach for these. They're still light-medium coverage and very comfortable on the skin. The downside? You don't get a lot of product for what you pay but the finish is gorgeous. 
• Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced is one of my favorite brands- so feminine, fun and flirty. I have so many of their products and love of all of them. If Peggy Bundy ever designed an eyeshadow palette, it might look like this. 
• Clinique Cheek Pop Blush (Nude Pop): I'm not much of a Clinique girl but this blush's cutesy floral and acrylic packaging lured me in. The formula and shade is also incredible. 
• Chanel Nail Polish (683 Sunrise Trip): From the Spring 2016 LA Sunrise Collection, this shade looks nearly black in the bottle but on the nail, it's an original shade of royal purple with navy undertones. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect, bright, neutral-yet-wearable, neon purple (that's not asking too much is it?) but this shade will be fine until that polish is discovered invented.

Pinterest Monthly: February 2014

I love this idea of using vintage/antique door knobs as decorative wine stoppers.

I also think repurposing an antique tea set for holding vanity items is genius.

This is my type of room. Into everything pictured.

I've been loving kimonos and hats (not necessarily together but it definitely works). I picked up this beautiful lace style from Forever 21 but am still on the search for the perfect hat.

Obsessed with this blouse from Nasty Gal. Unfortunately, it's currently sold out but I'm checking the site like a hawk to snag it when it comes back in stock. 

Hopeless romantic.

Style inspiration for the streets.

I basically collect cosmetic pouches and other small leather goods. I really want this one! Need to track it down.

Dreaming of the sky. #LIKEaG6

Going to attempt this look when I paint my nails tonight. Stunning neutral gradient with a bit of a glitz.

 Apparently, this is a penthouse suite in Monaco. I need this in my life. The things one could do...

My current iPhone wallpaper. What can I say? I love lipstick. 

This looks incredible. Pittsburgh needs to put a Ferris Wheel observational thingy and/or Swings on Mount Washington. That would be a smart move for tourism and so much fun!

Since the Oscars are on this weekend, I thought I'd share this throwback shot. I loved this dress on Michelle Williams (as well as the hair and makeup!). She and Heath Ledger were such a sweet couple.

 True.

Now Playing: "Simplethings" by Miguel
*I really love Miguel but I wish the lyrics were 'drink with me, baby.'

Luxe Living: The Winter Home

One of my favorite things to do is spend the weekend away in the mountains. A dream of mine is to have a beautiful vacation home among the woods.














Now Playing: "Cavalier" by James Vincent McMorrow

Nail Me: Winter 2014 Polish Picks

Top Row:

Marc Jacobs Gatsby: This is the polish that I have on right now. I love the name and was impressed with the formula- smooth and speedy drying time. I initially thought it might be too similar to Butter London Fairy Lights but this is much more subdued; where Fairy Lights is pink, Gatsby is far more silver and cool toned.

Essie Chinchilly: This is one of the polishes I get the most compliments on. It's a perfect neutral for winter and will match just about anything you're wearing. On-trend and flattering.

Tom Ford Bordeaux Lust: I don't own this polish (nor anything from Tom Ford's beauty line) but I have been anxious to try it out. I don't recommend splurging on an expensive brand without doing a bit of research but if you were to get one color from the line, I would suggest a shade like this or a vibrant red. Wine colored polishes are some of my favorites for fall and winter. They're a must-have for February and Valentine's Day.

Essie Going Incognito: One of my favorite greens. This is a rich, jewel tone that is flattering against my coloring. It's nice to have on hand around March when St. Patrick's Day is approaching and Spring is on its way.

Chanel Magic: I opted against putting this in my collection (that still might change but I'm trying to be strong). I love the name but I just couldn't justify another blue when I already have similar alternatives in shades like OPI Dating A Royal. But if you're looking for a beautiful blue with a spectacular name, search no further. This is gorgeous for the winter but can easily be worn all year long.

Bottom Row:

Butter London Hardwear P.D. Quick Top Coat: I scored this in a holiday value set that was marked down. I really like the formula. It gives my bottle of Seche Vite a break. Sometimes it's nice to just let your nails go bare and a good top coat is all that you need.

OPI My Private Jet: There are two formulas and the original is far superior. I had to hunt mine down online. The subtle glitter is mesmerizing but the color of the base still remains calm.

Julep Nicolette: I couldn't find a picture of this particular color but anything in the grey family is what I'm selecting. Essie Power Clutch is a darker option.

Michael Kors Sexy: This is a red that I don't personally own but the few Michael Kors polishes that I do have, I'm very impressed with. The packaging is so sleek and elegant. Every woman needs a classic red in a fabulous bottle and this fits the bill. Dior Diorific from last year's holiday collection was another great one.

OPI Nail Envy Base Coat: I've been loving this base coat. It creates the smoothest foundation for my polish. I love the way it helps the varnish glide while strengthening my nails. It's also quite glossy on its own.

Now Playing: "Baby" by Donnie and Joe Emerson
*I think this might be one of my favorite songs of all time. I need to get it on vinyl!

Luxe Living: Christmas Decor

Now Playing: "Soul Food" by Martina Topley-Bird