Posts Tagged Sephora
April’s (Partial) Wish List
I feel like I’ve been waiting on Sephora’s semi-annual VIB sale for months…it’s been a good way to keep my spending in check, because I keep telling myself to hold out until the sale, but DAMN – can it get here already!? I’ve got a little cash socked away in a drawer (literally…well, maybe not in a sock, but definitely tucked away in a drawer!) and I’ve written and re-written my shopping list for the event. I’ve been hovering at about 4 items for awhile, but I’m getting antsy and the list is slowly creeping up to 6-7 this week, as I’m thinking I should just stock up on all the items I know I’m going to buy there in the next couple months…urk! We’ll see how it all pans out. In any case, the items below I am definitely (I think…maybe…probably) picking up whenever the heck the sale starts:
1. Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s Vanille Coco mini atomizer $24CAD – The last time I was by the store I spritzed a bit of this on, and god knows I’m a sucker for vanilla and coconut-type scents! I’m trying to break into the more ‘adult’ fragrances (especially since I’ve been reading Denyse Beaulieu’s The Perfume Lover and becoming terribly entranced by the whole history of fragrance), but this will be my guilty pleasure in the meantime. At $24 for a small spray, I don’t feel too bad!
2. NARS Light-Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder $39CAD – For ages I thought I was going to go for one of the new Hourglass Ambient powders, but I realized I need a real setting powder that will control shine more than I need extra radiance. The last powder I bought was in 2010 (I KNOW…IT’S CRAZY), and it was also NARS – the loose powder, which is why I am going for the pressed because JEEZ GUYS I just want something new already! Loose powder is terribly economical but oh so friggin’ boring for someone who likes change!
3. BITE Beauty High Pigment Matte Lip Pencil in Quince $28CAD – I mentioned that this was a contender for my upcoming fuchsia lip purchase, and I’m fairly certain this is what I’m going with. It is a beautifully saturated color and exactly the shade I have been looking for. The only way I might get swayed from buying it is if one of the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine’s catch my eye…which could happen. We shall see!
4. Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil $55CAD – I just added this to my list tonight while browsing through the online site for facial oils. The Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil I have is still going strong (a whopping four+ months later! Color me impressed), but I know my fickle self will want to try something new when the time comes. This is the same price, has wonderful ingredients with nothing to aggravate my skin, and it’s something new so hey – it fits the bill quite nicely.
5. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-hr Primer SPF30 $41CAD – I’m on the fence about this one; it’s been getting great reviews and I took a sample home a few weeks ago to try, but it’s really too dark for my skintone to wear it right now so I don’t have an idea of how it works for me yet. I think I’m going to grab a sample of the next lightest shade and play around with them a bit to see how it fares.
So that’s what I’ve got on the brain and the items that *should* come home with me sometime this month. However, I am tempted to also grab the burgundy YSL mascara and the Hourglass lippie I noted last month and still haven’t picked up….yikes. I’m going to try my best to keep it together and keep it under control. Wish me luck!
Do you have a wish list ready for the VIB sale?
Holiday Color Pairings
Posted by Latoya in a-england, Black, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Essie, Eyeshadow, Glitter, Gold, Green, Holiday, Illamasqua, Lips, MAC, Make Up For Ever, Make-up, Metallic, Nail Polish, Red, Sephora Brand, Sparitual on December 12, 2012
When I start to think about it, it’s not really a surprise to me that I love makeup. When I was a kid, I use to spend hours pairing my crayons together in color combinations I thought looked good together (which was also a great indication of my obsessive tendencies toward organization, but that’s a whole OTHER topic in itself!). While I don’t feel societal pressures to follow trends in shades (woohoo, Emerald for 2013!), nor feel like I ‘should’ wear darker colors in winter and brighter colors in summer, I choose to follow these paths often because it just makes sense to me. I love the idea of changing the shades I wear according to seasons – heck, I even do it with the change in weather! Rain means somber shades of grey or blue; sun means warm tones of gold, or brights like aqua and orange; and snow equals icy silvers and cool pinks and purples. Its just how I roll, ya’ll!
As it’s the holidays, of course I imagined an array of festive shades to represent the season, and since the work was already done, I thought I’d share them with you! On the weekend for the first time I matched my lips to my tips, and it was a lot of fun. I’m not entirely sure I’d do the same with eyeshadow, but the colors below all complimented a polish I own so well I figured what the heck. I hope you enjoy!
Bobbi Brown Chrome Eye Shadow in Pewter; Chanel Le Vernis in 529 Graphite
Chanel Graphite; Bobbi Brown Pewter
Both of these silvers are so much more than plain ol’ silver. They both veer into a warmer tone rather than stark icy shades, which means they’re quite wearable for all skin tones. Pewter is currently unavailable as this was an LE shade, but at times Bobbi Brown brings it back in palettes and such, so keep your eyes peeled! Graphite has had a ton of reincarnations over the past year since it was released (though I don’t believe it’s LE anyway) – the best being Sally Hansen’s Shoot the Moon which was just featured on All Lacquered Up.
Essie Limited Addiction; Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in #46
Essie Limited Addiction; MUFE #46
MUFE’s #46 Rouge Artist lippie was the red shade I wore on the weekend to compliment my red manicure (done with China Glaze Ruby Pumps). I ADORE this lipstick; it is by far my favorite red that I own. It’s more of a true red I think, and looks so darn good on! The moistness of the lipstick keeps it looking so juicy and festive without being overwhelming in the least. It feels amazing on and I just can’t get enough! The only downside is that it’s only available at MUFE Pro stores and kiosks, but well worth the effort.
Essie Limited Addiction was, unfortunately, limited edition, but there are a billion reds out there I’m sure that are similar – just a bit deeper than your typical shade and neither warm nor cool.
MAC Jealousy Wakes; a-England Saint George
a-England Saint George; MAC Jealousy Wakes
Hot DAMN Saint George is beautiful! I don’t wear this polish nearly as much as I should, mainly because when I bought it last year, I wore it about three times in a few weeks – obsessed, I was! I’m wearing this to my work Christmas party this week and I’m super excited! Its one of the few greenish hues I own, and one of the few of that color palette I like. In truth it’s more teal than green but whatever – evergreen, shall we say? I LOVE IT and all it’s prismatic shimmer.
Jealousy Wakes is also another shade I rarely wear, probably because I don’t wear color in my shadows nearly as much as I used to, but I still enjoy it from time to time when I do pull it out. I dislike the texture of the shadow immensely – it’s so stiff and rough! – but it IS a lovely shade.
Sephora Brand She Sparkles; SpaRitual Aurum
SpaRitual Aurum; Sephora Brand She Sparkles
Oooh, sparkly indeed! Though Aurum is sort of a crap color on me – probably on most people, it’s so damn blingy I’m going to HAVE to pull it out for the holidays! Look at that sparkle! It’s a bit more greenish-gold than the orange-y gold of She Sparkles, but they both shimmer prettily together, don’t you think? I wore She Sparkles like crazy the last holiday season (when I purchased it), but haven’t given it much love since. I’ll surely be pulling it out again this month!
MAC Dark Soul Pigment; Illamasqua Creator
Illamasqua Creator; MAC Dark Soul
Though I’m not a huge lover of black nail polish, Creator has won me over with its glittery goodness, and looks both elegant and edgy at the same time. It compliments Dark Soul so perfectly! I could totally see rocking these two shades together, it’s like they were made for each other. I rarely wear Dark Soul for sort of obvious reasons (its a shimmery charcoal shadow – the rockstar look doesn’t exactly work at the office), but I’m trying to find ways to implement it more when I can. It’s definitely a perfect shadow for the holidays!
It was fun making these pairings and a huge throwback to my formative years 
It’s also scary to see that I happen to have enough polish and makeup that I can actually make pairings that coordinate so well… ~shrugs~ I’m a collector, what can I say?
Have you gotten into the matching trend? Would you be willing to try it, or do you avoid it at all costs? What colors say ‘holiday’ to you?
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation Event This Weekend at Halifax Sephora!
Posted by Latoya in Events, Foundation, Make Up For Ever, Sephora on September 6, 2012
Heads up guys – there’s another Make Up For Ever event going on at Sephora this weekend! With fall just around the corner, its a perfect time to get matched for a new foundation and MUFE has your HD shade – I guarantee you can find one to suit your skintone perfectly (there are like, 26 shades, so if you can’t – I’ll eat my hat!)!
They’re also offering a free gift with a purchase of the foundation, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the perfect time! And while you’re there – check out some of their other fabulous products, like their liquid liners, eyeshadows (pencil, powder, and cream), blush, lipsticks…so many goodies to choose from! 
MAKE UP FOR EVER: An Education
Posted by Latoya in Events, Make Up For Ever, Make-up, Sephora on April 27, 2012
I really wish I had become a beauty blogger earlier.
Seriously, the amount of pleasure I get from having a legitimate reason to read and write about beauty on a consistent basis is probably the best thing I ever did. I’ve always had this passion and enthusiasm for makeup and skincare that seemed to require reasonable containment, as I haven’t had any friends as obsessed interested in it as I am. The past couple years have totally changed that! Not only have I found others who share my feelings, but I’ve had opportunities to learn more about the world of beauty than I ever would have. This past Thursday was one of those times.
When the PR rep for MAKE UP FOR EVER Canada decided to make the trek out to the East Coast from Montreal, she got in touch with me to set up a meeting at our Sephora here. I was super-excited, as MAKE UP FOR EVER is fast becoming one of my favorite brands (partly due to her!), and I was really looking forward to meeting her, as our correspondence over the past 7 months has been nothing but a pleasure (which is NOT what I envisioned interactions with PR to be – colour me pleasantly corrected!).
The meeting was designed not only for each of us to put a face to the name, but also as an education session with one of their fantastic makeup artists to explain a bit more about the line and it’s origins, vision, and product formulations. And oh my, did I ever learn a lot!
Let’s just say that every single product is like the MacGyver of makeup.
Each one can be used in a multitude of ways to produce different effects, looks, and textures. Mixing the HD concealer with a frost-finish Aqua Cream turns it into a matte product. Primers can be mixed with foundations to sheer them out. Any of the Aqua products can be mixed with others to create a waterproof formula. The HD powder can be used as a dry shampoo (I am SO trying this the next time I straighten my hair!!). The possibilities and combinations are endless.
I consider myself fairly well-versed in the ways of makeup, but I was enthralled at each new trick I learned, and found myself asking question after question, dying to learn more. I really appreciate multi-tasking products, as it means you can get more with less out of your collection (and they’re GREAT for taking on trips anywhere!).
A few other interesting tips I learned:
- To get the most natural look, use a large stippling brush when applying the HD Microfinish Blush (remember, only a light touch is needed!), then buff it out with a kabuki brush
- Mix blush with foundation to get a more sheer, toned down application
- The HD Invisible Cover Concealer ‘sets’ after application, to blend seamlessly into the skin
- The Aqua (re: waterproof) products are to be applied directly to bare skin (even without primer) to get the longest wearing effect
- Dab Aqua Cream(s) first to your hand, rubbing to warm up, then apply with a synthetic brush
- You can mix Aqua Creams together to get new shades and textures
We also had a demonstration/application with the HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($46CAD) and Concealer ($33CAD), as well as one of the Route Artist lipsticks. They were able to choose my concealer shade based on the shade of foundation I matched to, according to a handy chart they have (available online), which was super-accurate. I was amazed at how the makeup artist was able to apply the concealer with the flat side of the brush parallel to my undereye, and just pat the product in without needing to use her finger at all. It kept the product density intact so I had the best coverage, while still looking blended somehow. She said you *could* add powder if you wished, using a very small amount of the HD Microfinish Powder, but said it wasn’t really necessary. I found after wearing the concealer for a few hours, I got slight creasing, but I think if I used a Q-tip to gently swab directly under the eye after the concealer was applied, that wouldn’t have happened. Otherwise it lasted at least 6 hours without fading, or use of powder (it was applied around 4pm and I washed my face at 10pm).
On that topic, I asked her how to avoid that whitish cast some people were experiencing when using the HD Microfinish Powder ($35CAD). She explained that you need only the smallest dusting of powder – a good rule of thumb was to lightly tap your kabuki brush (or powder brush) into the cap of the powder to pick up the right amount to dust all over your face. It was tiny. But it was all that was needed to get that diffused, airbrushed look to the skin. So keep that in mind if you’ve been scared away from using this product!
I think I asked so many questions that I took up more time than was allotted – we had to skip over a few of the products as they had another appointment arriving. However, there were a couple other notable products that they mentioned:
- Rouge Artist Intense in shade S43 Moulin Rouge ($22CAD), a creamy, vibrant red that was created for the cabaret of the same name – check out Temptalia, for shots of this wearable-for-all-skintones shade (MUST.BUY.).
- HD Elixir ($43CAD), a glycerin-containing serum that boosts the skin’s hydration by 520% in 15 minutes, and which smoothes and brightens the skin and prepares it for a flawless foundation application (particularly HD).
All in all, it was a very productive session, one that made me terribly eager to get home and start playing with all my MAKE UP FOR EVER products in totally new ways. Between the makeup artists knowledge and the PR rep’s enthusiasm and generosity (I did leave with a few new treats!), I’m fairly certain the have a convert for life on their hands. The biggest indication to me that MAKE UP FOR EVER has really got the goods? The fact that even though I get sent lots of goodies here and there from the brand, I still make a point of buying new items from them on a regular basis. There’s just so much to try (and consequently love!).
MAKE UP FOR EVER is truly a makeup lovers dream come true. While they have a lot of stand-out, vibrant shades that adventurous types will adore, they also have muted, wearable colors for the more subdued consumer, and the fact that all products can be used in just about any way imaginable (the HD Microperfecting Primer in Color 4 Caramel can be used on the body to impart a gorgeous sunkissed glow!) makes the brand appealling and appropriate for everyone. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to go check it out – there’s so much fun stuff to play with
PS: The Sephora store in Montreal is getting their own MAKE UP FOR EVER store within-a-store – the first one in Canada!! You lucky dogs!
Have you tried MAKE UP FOR EVER products before? What are your personal experiences with the brand?
Mesmerizing Metallics: bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor in Meteorite
Posted by Latoya in Bare Escentuals, Eyeshadow, Make-up on December 28, 2011
Starting my resolutions early, today while at Sephora I picked up an eyeshadow I have been lemming for a couple months now: bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor in Meteorite ($20CAD), an ‘iced mocha.’ I think this description is fairly accurate – the shade borders on taupe, with hints of purple and bronze, while still looking like it would fit in the brown-ish family. I compared it to other shimmering metallics shades I have in my stash (UD’s Smog, MUFE’s Aqua Cream in #2 Steel, and the golden shade of NARS’ Rajasthan, among others), and none came even close – which is AWESOME as I hate to replicate colors! 
With a spring-loaded applicator (supposedly to allow for easy, on-the-go application), the formula is free of preservatives or chemical irritants. 
It’s a highly pigmented formulation that has a very intense metallic finish, and goes on extremely soft and smooth. I don’t even know how I came across it, as I usually tend to look at only products I’ve heard about before – but it just drew me in for whatever reason, and once I tried it, I knew I had to have it!
The photo above is without flash, and it’s pretty true to color (on me). Below, with flash, shows off a little more of the metallic finish, and pulls out the purple-ish tones.
I am super-excited to try out this color; from initial swatches and testing it has absolutely lovely texture, and pretty good staying power as I couldn’t get it off my hand very easily when rubbed. It doesn’t make any long-lasting claims but I think due to the nature of the shadow, it’ll hold up fairly well throughout the day (which I will update you on tomorrow after I try it out fully), which it did for the most part – through a blustery walk to work and a grueling run at the gym, it managed to stay put for a full 14 hours until I washed it off, with only the slightest creasing on my right eyelid. And that’s with absolutely no primer, so I’d say that’s pretty darn good!
There are 8 shades in total – most are neutral and all are metallic. I love a good shimmering shadow to ring in the New Year!!
Oh and PS – AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!! Sephora finally now offers free shipping in Canada after $75 (it used to be a ridiculous $120, when in the States is only $50). Everyone needs to rejoice!!! It’s about darn time this happened, every time I’m requested to do a survey online that’s my very first complaint. Hooray!! Now if they would only start selling Illamasqua in Canada, we’d be on to something 
Review: Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick
Don’t you just love when a lemming is fulfilled without even trying?
Last month when I attended the Sephora opening here in Halifax, I was given a goodie bag of stuff from the Sephora rep Caroline. I haven’t had a chance to play with too many of the products, sadly, but today I finally tried out the deluxe-sized sample of the Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick ($23 CDN for 0.03oz). The shade I received is ‘Sydney,’ a neutral “pink taupe” color. All of the shades are named after different cities, and I think the color is to reflect the overall attitude of the city – so in this case, I’d say this color is laid back cool, which is what I think of when I think of Australia
The product is described as a “three-in-one lip perfector” that “defines the shape of the lips like a liner, fills them in with creamy velvet color, and then plumps them to their full buxom potential.” It does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates (Of course you don’t want that on your lips – how do you even pronounce that?). It DOES contain antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and the full-size comes with a built-in sharpener.
(The Lip Stick is on the left, the Lip Polish *mentioned below* is ‘April’)
The stick is about twice the size of a regular lip liner, and creamier. It still feels a touch dry applying it to the lips, but not uncomfortable. Those with drier lips would probably want to use a balm of some sort first though. It goes one very easily due to it’s liner-like shape, and is of medium-opacity – though I can only speak for this shade, as other, darker/brighter colors might be more opaque. After about 15 seconds, your lips feel slightly tingly, which I assume is the ‘plumping’ effect it claims to give. If you’ve tried the Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish – which I love (smells soo good, and gives amazing, long-lasting shine) – its the same feeling. Not at all unpleasant in my opinion, though I don’t need lip plumping at all.
While the product is indeed a great multi-tasker, my biggest excitement was to discover that THIS is the nude shade I’ve been looking for, for ages!! There are varying degrees of ‘nude’ and depending on what you’re looking for, it can be a challenge. I didn’t want the ‘brown-nude’ shade that’s very popular by the Lindsay Lohan’s and Kim Kardashian’s of the world. I realized that mistake when I bought MAC’s ‘Freckletone,’ a “neutral peach” that I forced myself to wear down to the nub (hating every minute) because I thought it was a ‘true’ nude on me. And I didn’t want to go so light that it looks like my lips blend with my skin. What I really wanted, more than anything else, was this:
Or this:
…which I’ve been trying to recreate forever, but with no luck. But now!!!!! My wish has been fulfilled, and without even trying! (isn’t that always the way??)
I have been off the lip train for quite a while, wearing only balm or a very natural shade of gloss for most of the Summer (except when I was wearing NARS Wonder – hot hot hot!!!), but now I can see that this is all going to change. Since I almost always ‘do’ my eyes, I rarely want my lips to compete. But, I still want them to look fab! Now, I finally can give them the love they deserve
~Sooo cheesy!~
But true. Anyway, I think ‘Sydney’ would look good on anyone, it’s a beautiful neutral shade that isn’t too dark or too light. It might not give you the look that I’m going for – a pale beige-y pink on my skintone – but it will still be very casual and forgiving. There are 20 shades to choose from, with a great selection of colors.
I say “DO IT!”
Are you a fan of multi-tasking products? Which ones are your faves? And what is your go-to lip color??
Thanks for reading!
Product of the Month: Fresh Sugar Honey/Plum Lip Treatment SPF15
Presenting the grand poobah of lip balms!
First, an overall review. Fresh’s Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 feel smooth, non-sticky, with a slight waxy feel that doesn’t linger uncomfortably. It keeps my lips hydrated but does wear after eating/drinking, and over time (about 2-3 hours). You only need to apply a touch to the lips to get them covered so a tube could last you probably 4 months if you were using it a few times every day. The price point is steep for a balm ($26CDN) but is worth it if you’re using it as your primary lip look (as I am). Also, I’m a sucker for the sugary lemon scent (no taste) and the beautiful, substantial packaging. One thing to note is the balm does NOT hold up to hot weather – I unwittingly tried to apply it once after being outside for a couple hours, and it smushed over to one side in the tube. I righted it, and left it alone and it’s fine now, so I think if you just don’t leave it out in the heat/don’t try to apply if after being out in the heat, it won’t be an issue. Kind of a pain, but it doesn’t deter me in the least from purchasing it again!
I picked up the Plum version of Fresh’s lip treatment back in March and have been enjoying it quite a bit. It looks quite plummy on my lips so I usually use it when I’m doing a no-makeup look so I don’t feel overdone. I felt it was on par with Jack Black’s lip balms in terms of personal preference – I reach for one or the other depending on my look for the day, with neither being used more than the other.
This will NOT be the case for the Honey version of this Lip Treatment. Oh my goodness, how I love this balm!! Its a pinky-peachy brownish-leaning shade that is very neutral and very wearable. For me, the color is MLBB (my lips but better), a look which I find infinitely hard to create in almost all lip products. This plus the combination of the great formulation, and I can see myself shelling out the big bucks for this balm over and over and over again. Am I happy about it? Umm…well, kinda I don’t love spending that kind of cash on a balm, but I haven’t found anything comparable in my travels, so spend I shall. It’s definitely the beginning of a LONG, rewarding obsession friendship! (The pics below you’ve already seen here but I’ll show ‘em again so you can see the comparison easier).
Fresh Lip Treatments also come in original (no tint), Sugar Rosé (rose tint), and a brand spanking new shade called Sugar Passion – a ‘vibrant rouge’ tint. All have SPF15 and can be purchased at Sephora (in-store and online) and at Fresh boutiques in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, as well as all across the U.S., and in London (UK) and South Korea.
Have you tried any of the Fresh Lip Treatments, or does the price point scare you away? For a ‘basic’ product, do you feel that the cost is ridiculous, or are your lured in by the packaging/luxury feel, as I am (what a sucker!)?
Upcoming Event: MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Eye Event at Sephora
Posted by Latoya in Events, Make Up For Ever, Make-up, Sephora on August 22, 2011
Good day everyone! I just received a media alert from MAKE UP FOR EVER about an event coming up this weekend at Sephora stores across Canada (that includes our new store here in Hali!) – the Smoky Eye Event, on August 26th, 27th, and 28th. This event is focused on the launch of the new Smoky Couleur Collection for Fall 2011 (all products out this month).
The collection is described as “eye make up essentials inspired by the rich, jewel tone fabrics seen on the Fall 2011 runways,” and is a “vibrant new take on an all-time classic,” the smoky eye. It provides “a number of different ways to wear the eye catching look and adapt it to every mood, occasion and outfit.”
Check out details and pics of the collection below!
The Smoky Couleur collection includes a limited edition Smoky Eye Shadow Palette, four new shades of dramatic Smoky Lash mascara and three new ultra-creamy Khol Pencils — all in an array of bold, yet wearable colors.
NEW LIMITED EDITION SMOKY PALETTE
This customized, collector’s palette features eight MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadows that can be used to create five different smoky looks in brown, blue, purple, green and classic black. Expert application instructions, as well as a mirror and two individual applicators, are included to help consumers achieve a professional smoky eye at home.
MAKE UP FOR EVER’S highly pigmented pressed shadows contain nylon powder for intense, lasting color and are easily blended and shaded. The palette includes:
• Eye Shadow #04 – matte black
• Eye Shadow #79 – deep plum shimmer
• Eye Shadow #81 – metallic navy blue
• Eye Shadow #80 – iridescent peacock green
• Eye Shadow #122 – metallic copper
• Eye Shadow #127 – metallic taupe
• Eye Shadow #126 – iridescent yellow beige
• Eye Shadow #07 – white shimmer
Retail value: $50
NEW SMOKY LASH COULEUR
The ultimate mascara for volume, length and curl is now available in four new hues. Boasting the same lash boosting formula and unique elastomer fiber brush as the original best seller, Smoky Lash Couleur delivers a dramatic faux lash effect in seconds. Each new shade is extremely concentrated with brown, green, blue and plum pigments so the mascara instantly coats the lashes with intense color.
• Smoky Lash #3 – deep brown
• Smoky Lash #4 – green
• Smoky Lash #5 – dark blue
• Smoky Lash #6 – plum
Retail value: $24.00 / each
KHOL PENCIL
These soft, creamy pencils have an extremely blendable texture and are now available in pearly deep blue (#8K), matte mocha brown (#9K) and pearly black purple (#10K). Khol Pencils can be used to line the eyes for a more intense, striking look, and can easily be smudged for the perfect smoky eye. Additionally, the soft texture makes them ideal for rimming the inner eye. Apply above and/or below the lash line and blend to create a pigment-rich smoky eye.
• Kohl Pencil #4K – intense pearly green
• NEW Kohl Pencil #8K– pearly deep blue
• NEW Kohl Pencil #9K– matte mocha brown
• NEW Kohl Pencil #10K– pearly black purple
Retail value: $19.00 / each
No RSVP is necessary to participate in the event, just stop by any Sephora store across Canada to enjoy a free touch-up with a MAKE UP FOR EVER expert! In addition, you’ll receive a complimentary, limited edition MAKE UP FOR EVER carry-all tote with a purchase of two or more MAKE UP FOREVER products.
I’ve always wanted to try some of the eyeshadows from MAKE UP FOR EVER so this might be a great opportunity to do so. The Kohl Pencils also look fantastic! I love jewel tones
Be sure and let me know if you stop by Sephora this weekend to check out the event. If anyone does and is brave enough, send me a snapshot of the look you got! I’d love to see what look you get – Christine from Temptalia had a makeover at MAKE UP FOR EVER recently, and it was amazing!!
Enjoy the rest of your Monday everyone!
Sephora’s Grand Opening in Halifax
So, the Sephora opening was today in Halifax, and it was madness!! I arrived at the mall at 10 after 9, and the lineup was already down the hall. I moseyed upstairs to get a coffee from Second Cup, and when I returned the lineup had gotten even longer. Thankfully, I spotted the Sephora rep Caroline and got to stand back to take photos of the eager crowd. Who can blame them?? This is an epic moment!
At 9:30 prompt, the SA’s of the store came outside. A beat started pumping from the doorway, and on cue, the staff started a choreographed dance! The energy was palpable and they grooved and shook out their own excitement as the crowd cheered them on.
After a final team cheer, the doors were swept open, and Caroline advised us to stick close to her so we could enter the store first. It was really awesome to get a first glimpse at the yet unmarred displays and see what lines were brought to Halifax – thankfully, it really is a full store, we have everything! (that Toronto would have, for example).
While I wandered around drooling at the Hourglass display, the new Urban Decay anniversary palette, and all the other beautiful things, I was struck by the large crowd who seemed to share my obsession with makeup. I didn’t realize Halifax had it in them!!! For the most part, it was organized chaos, aside from the occasional ‘grabby hands’ of frantic women who didn’t seem to grab the concept that the store isn’t going anywhere! I did happen to eavesdrop on some girls who snagged one of the last UD ‘Naked’ palettes, and while I wasn’t envious (just doesn’t entice me), I was proud that they knew the value of what they held in their hands.
(first transaction!)
One woman I noticed was particularly intense. I followed her around for a minute in order to surreptitiously take a photo of her mania: She had her iphone out, stalking her prey with a determination that puts even me to shame, stuffing her bag full of goodies. You go girl!
Once I had my fill of browsing/people-watching, I looked for my small item list, picking up the Fresh lip treatment and the Hourglass primer – unfortunately, the BE shadow primers were not yet stocked.
But, I made do and picked up the new ‘They’re Real!’ mascara from Benefit
Check out my haul (note – this is all done quickie-style as we’re leaving for Gros Morne in a few minutes!):
Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment $26
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer $19.50
Benefit They’re Real Mascara $29
Bare Escentuals Buxom Passport*
(Contains Buxom Lash Mascara, Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick in Sydney, and Buxom Lip Polish in April)
Sample of Dr. Brandt Collagen Serum*
Sample of B.Kamins Vegetable Cleanser and Bio-Maple Sunbar Sunscreen SPF30*
Sephora patterned makeup bag*
*items given to me by Sephora rep.
If the lineup to get in was long (which looked much like the line to get into a bar – only so many allowed at a time), the lineup to check out was even worse. It took a good 30 minutes for me to make my purchase! Normally that would infuriate me, but I wrote this blog while waiting Again, the eagerness of my fellow shoppers bowled me over and made waiting seem less like an irritation and more like an opportunity to share a common goal
When I was walking around the mall afterwards, it was interesting to hear some of the conversations floating around the hallways. A woman in Payless saw my bags, and commented about the store opening to the employee standing nearby. They then proceeded to talk in depth about Bare Minerals powder and how its their holy grail of foundation. Another lady was walking behind me when I left the mall, called someone on their phone, and when the first thing out of her mouth was ‘I was longer at the mall than planned,’ I knew Sephora was to blame – and it was . It sounds silly, but these moments bring me such joy. I even felt a bit dizzy after I left from all the excitement! An event like this really brings the beauty community together – it joins like-minded people such as myself in one place and I feel right at home.
Overall, it was a great experience and increased rather than dimishished my love for Sephora. The dance, albeit a bit cheesy, was fun and did invoke an air of energy and fun, which is what the store is all about. The Sales Associates were cheerful, happy and more than ready to be of help (without being obnoxious). I hope that this will bring a new consciousness and interest in beauty to Halifax – I think we’ve got it in us but haven’t tapped into it yet. Cosmetics should be fun and a way to play around with your look just like fashion! And it knows no dress size
Now, I’m off to Gros Morne for a week!! I won’t be posting in that time (I don’t think), so in the meantime – everyone have a great weekend, week, and another weekend !!!
Sephora Opening This Friday!!
Well, the day has almost arrived. As promised, Sephora is opening in Halifax, and right on time – this Friday, August 12th, at 9:30am! I cannot wait!! Caroline, the Sephora Rep that contacted me earlier this year about the lunch event they had back in May, got in touch with me a few weeks ago to remind me about the opening and extend the invite to attend the official event. Myself, along with the several other Halifax bloggers, will be among the first people to enter the store, and are able to tweet/blog/take photos of the whole shebang that day. Oooohweeee! Its sort of a strange feeling that we’re finally going to have our own store. I’m excited but it’s almost delayed excitement, or suspended….like when you’re going on a trip abroad and you know its going to be amazing, but you don’t get those OMG-jitters of happy anticipation until you’re packing, or about to board the plane. Same deal here. That sounds infinitely lame when I write that – how obsessed can a person be? – but that’s just how it is, folks
In honor of the Grand opening, I have, of course, made a list of a few items I will be picking up on Friday. I can’t possibly leave the store without buying anything on it’s first day open! Sacrilege. So, here I share with you what I’ve got on my mind:
Bare Escentuals Prime Time Primer Shadow in Urban Nature $19CDN
Swatches of this online showed this ‘delicate moss’ liquid-like shadow (which doubles as a primer) to have a dual-nature, flashing a green-plum duochrome which looked super interesting. I don’t have any shades like it, which is what I try to stick to now when I buy new products, and the fact that it wears all day without creasing is a big bonus, especially during these warmer months. Plus, I’ve never tried BE’s eyeshadows before and I always try to round out my stash, brand-wise.
Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment $24CDN
I have this already in the Plum shade, and I really like the subtle hint of color it gives my lips – often I’ll wear it instead of wearing gloss or lipstick, as I often do more dramatic eyes than lips. However, I really need the more nude/golden counterpart, as the Plum is quite a berry hue. Plus, I dig the smell of these and the feel of them are quite nice. I’m not loving the high price tag, but I’ve sort of informally decided to stop (or significantly decrease) buying lipgloss and especially lipstick, as I just don’t like the look it gives lately – so I feel more comfortable spending more on these. I am casually keeping an eye out for a nice natural long-wearing lipstick, but for now I’m just into the way a balm looks, with some color and a touch of shine.
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF15 (travel size) $18CDN
I’ve heard great things about this primer, and while I do currently have one in my stash (Hard Candy’s Sheer Envy Primer), I’m not bowled over by its efficacy. For $18, I’ll definitely give this a go. If it helps my blush wear better throughout the day – which is the challenge I’m facing lately – then I’m all for it. My face has no natural flush whatsoever, so blush is an absolute must. I’ve been layering powder and cream blushes which has improved the staying powder quite a bit, but by the end of the day I’m still looking pretty pale and wan. Additionally, this primer is supposed to help minimize shine, and it has an SPF, so in the cooler months when I’m not using my Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15, this will be really helpful.
I’m sure I could come up with a ton of other product I’d love to try, but since I’m still holding out / anxiously awaiting the Chanel Fall 2011 release, I’m going to keep myself in check (speaking of which, I had to make an emergency visit to Mills yesterday to remind them to call me when this collection is released – we’re leaving Friday for Gros Morne and I have a bad feeling it’ll come out while I’m gone and I’ll miss it all, and that cannot happen. I plan on buying a few items site unseen over the phone because I know they’ll be sold out when I get back!!).
If there are any ladies reading this in or around Halifax, are you dying for Sephora to open or what?? Do you have any items in particularly you’re waiting to buy? And for those ladies who’ve had Sephora for a while, are there any products/lines that absolutely should not be missed? What are your suggestions?
Happy Tuesday everyone! Tomorrow’s Hump Day, almost halfway there!
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