Sephora Stash and "Insider" Information: Part One

Sephora Stash- and Beauty Booty-themed posts showcase future reviews, like different product lines from one brand (e.g., Urban Decay for makeup, Origins for skincare, Living Proof for hair care) or various brands comparing similar types of product (e.g., foundations, mascaras, k-beauty, leave-in conditioners). I typically see a 40% increase in viewership for these posts. I don’t know why, but I like writing them, so if I get more readers, and said readers enjoy the content, I’m happy to oblige.

I came across GLAMGLOW in a subscription box way back in the day and just think the world of their skincare products. When I saw this GLAMGLOW GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment Sonic Blue Collectible Edition, I needed it. When it went on sale (from $19 to $14), I needed it NOW! The samples I picked were Ellis Brooklyn ‘Myth’ EDP, Ellis Brooklyn ‘Sci-Fi’ EDP, and Kate Spade New York ‘Walk On Air Sunshine’ EDP, but instead, I ended up with three packets of Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum. I was a tad disappointed at not getting the fragrances. That being said, I really want to try Drunk Elephant’s products, so it’s cool. Skincare is kinda my thang.

Hello. I’m Shannon and I have a skincare addiction. Sometimes it causes me to impulsively buy things that I was planning to buy, just not yet. In this case, it was a promo to get two trial-sized products I’ve never tried from two amazing brands – IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Skin-Transforming Hydrating Cleansing Serum and OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème. This promo prompted me to buy two things. One sold out, apparently right after I ordered it, and was canceled, but I was able to order it later. The other was tarte’s Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self-Tanning Face Towelettes. I’ve had a recent foray into self-tanners. The quality has improved substantially since I was younger. A sample I was super excited about was the Erno Laszlo White Marble Dual Phase Vitamin C Peel. I love peels. I also got two fragrance samples – AERIN ‘Amber Musk’ EDP and Hermès ‘Terre d’Hermès’ EDT. This and the next six online orders I placed came with a fun little ‘Beyond the Bouquet’ perfume sampler pack too.

Adventures in mall shopping! I cannot resist a trip to Sephora when I hit the mall. I wanted to get some OLEHENRIKSEN Truth On the Glow Cleansing Cloths anyway, and I couldn’t resist picking up the Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Glimmer Veil Liquid Lipstick in Thunderstruck and Everlasting Lip Liner in Swanly when I saw they were on sale. It was an especially fruitful visit after my Sephora Cast Member presented me with a mini Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser.

Finally! The ColourPop Amber Crystal Collection Bundle is what I’ve been trying to order that kept selling out. A lot of these sets aren’t available anymore shortly after the holidays. It was marked down from $20 to $16. This entire line is being discontinued. It comes with a setting spray, liquid highlighter, and lip balm, all made with real amber crystals. I’d also been eyeballing this Kat Von D Beauty Shade + Light Contour Quad in Plum and it went on sale from $20 to $15. Another great promo – a trial-sized fresh’s Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex – was an awesome bonus. And the samples I chose were Giorgio Armani Beauty ‘Acqua di Gioia’ EDP, Juicy Couture ‘Viva La Juicy Rosé’ EDP, and (yay!) OLEHENRIKSEN Truth Serum Vitamin C Anti-Aging Collagen Booster.

Speaking of sets that get discontinued after the holidays, the Huda Beauty Winter Solstice Mini Lip Strobe Collection (in Bewitched, Charmed, Hypnotic, and Starcrossed) wouldn’t be around much longer. The colors would be, but not the bundle, so I had to act fast. The fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask trial-size promo pushed me as well. I requested three EDP samples – AERIN ‘Amber Musk,’ Giorgio Armani Beauty ‘Acqua di Gioia,’ and Juicy Couture ‘Viva La Juicy Rosé.’ I only got the AERIN though. I was happy with the replacements – OLEHENRIKSEN Balancing Wonders 3-Step Set (Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser, Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub, and Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator) and Volition Oceanene Youth-Boost Gel.

One of my favorite type of posts to do are those where I test a bunch of similar products, and Ouidad has a bunch of great lines for curly hair. When I was last at Sephora, a Cast Member informed me the kits for these lines may stop being available so I’m hunting them all down. This Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Anti-Frizz Travel Set comes with the Defrizzing Shampoo, Defrizzing Conditioner, Detangling Heat Spray, and Heat & Humidity Gel. One of the best kinds of promos was up – a perfume sampler. This one, the Romantic & Not Sorry Sample Set includes a trial-sized Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Pink Tea and seven popular fragrances ('Chloé' by Chloé EDP, Emporio Armani 'Because It’s You' EDP, Guerlain 'Mon Guerlain' EDP, Maison Margiela REPLICA 'Lazy Sunday Morning' EDT, 'Miu Miu' by Miu Miu EDP, TOCCA 'Florence' EDP, and Versace 'Bright Crystal' EDT). Using my reward points, I got minis of the much-coveted Glow Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser + Watermelon Sleeping Mask Duo Pouch. I picked the 4-piece Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow and repeats of OLEHENRIKSEN’s Truth Serum Vitamin C Anti-Aging Collagen Booster and Balancing Wonders 3-Step Set (Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser, Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub, and Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator) as samples.

About to go on a major BECCA shopping spree! I bought this BECCA Jet, Set, Glow! Prep & Prime Kit to start. For $25, the value is fantastic. Both the Blacklight Filter Face Primer and First Light Filter Face Primer minis cost $21 each, and the Under Eye Brightening Corrector is worth $16. It got myself a promo Peter Thomas Roth Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral-Rich Moisturizer. I requested the Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, and Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil samples, but didn’t receive any of them. I did get one sample replacement – Versace ‘Pour Homme’ EDT. I’ll add that to my fragrance collection. I'd like to complain more about not getting the preferred samples (just because I want to blog about them), but they are free, so...

                                                                                                                    

Sephora Beauty Insiders:

By signing up to become a Beauty Insider, you open up a whole new world of Sephora awesomeness. Becoming a member is easy and free. You can do it in-store or online. When you sign up, you'll be assigned a card number that will automatically be applied to your purchases online and can be scanned from your smart phone in-store. Pre-tax and pre-shipping, you'll receive one point for every dollar spent, excluding gift cards. However, if you use a gift card to pay, you will still receive points.

There's also a great app you can use to shop. Some of the perks of using the app are instant notifications that you will receive to notify you of exciting new opportunities. You'll also get app-only previews and promotions, be able to use the virtual artist program to try on various cosmetics and be able to save all of your LOVES for future purchases.

Some of the other benefits of being a Beauty Insider are:

• Birthday Gifts each year that you are a member. Usually you can select from several options of minis worth $10-$20. There is no purchase necessary in-store and only a small minimum purchase required online. These can be redeemed anytime during your birthday month in-store, and two weeks before and after your birthday AND during your birthday month online.
• Rewards! Use your points in the Rewards Bazaar to get really cool deluxe samples of some of Sephora's favorite products. Use any amount from 100 points and up to access these great bonuses. Obviously, the more points, the more incredible the items. New rewards are constantly being added and some are even for trips, like to New York Fashion Week or to visit various spas and boutiques belonging to brands like Caudalie, Make Up For Ever, benefit Cosmetics, and more. Some even including travel!
• Access the Beauty Insider Community. You can join groups, participate in the forum discussions, and chat with other insiders to get info and recommendations. Complete your beauty profile to receive personalized makeup color matches.
• Free Beauty Classes where you can learn from an instructor the basics like skin care routines, all the way up to creating new makeup looks based on today's trends.

Once you've spent $350 in one calendar year you'll become a VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider), and if you spend $1,000 you'll attain Rouge status. Both of these add to the special privileges you can receive as a Beauty Insider. For example, as a VIB you'll also get to have one Free Makeover a year in Sephora stores and a Monthly Gift, which turns out to be basically another promo code especially for VIB's. A VIP Rouge member gets unlimited free makeovers, Free 2-day Shipping, and invitations to Private Events.

What's great about shopping online is you'll get to choose two Free Samples of sweet products from a list of 12, free shipping when you spend over $50 (or for any amount if you purchase Flash Shipping for $10 per year), AND PROMOS! Do not forget to enter a promo code for orders $25 and up. Some require a higher minimum purchase, but all the free goodies are fabulous - deluxe samples, fantastic extras with select fragrance purchases, and occasionally makeup baggies full of perfume, skincare and makeup samples. There are even coupon codes for $10 off from time-to-time. You can find these promos on the site under Beauty Offers, by the promo entry space, or at coupon code sites such as Groupon or RetailMeNot. You supposedly cannot enter codes once they've been taken off the site, but I've found I can sometimes still enter a code in the first couple of days afterwards. Don't take my word for it! If you want something badly enough, place that order as soon as possible. Usually items are only added or removed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All samples, promotions, and rewards are first-come, first-serve, so if you see something you really want, make sure to grab it while you can. But don't worry. Even if you miss one, there are new items being added all the time.

I've found that purchases in-store can be hit-or-miss when it comes to getting samples and other freebies. Sometimes they have nothing in the original packaging. Other times you might get something unbelievable like a deluxe sample of a really expensive face cream, etc. One thing is true for almost all stores is that a beauty expert will pack you up a sample of almost anything you want from their product selection.

One last thing... Sephora has a beauty subscription service call PLAY! PLAY is $10 per month (with free shipping) and you will be sent five to six samples and/or minis, in an adorable pouch, straight to your door. Included is a PLAY Pass that you can redeem in-store for 50 Beauty Insider points with a full-size purchase, AND a one-on-one consultation to learn how to use your products for that month. Look through some of my PLAY reviews to get an idea of what kind of goodies you can expect to receive with your subscription.

Play! by SEPHORA (May 2017)

For $10 a month, uncover the most sought-after products around with a monthly subscription box of prestige, trial-size samples curated by Sephora experts. Each month you'll get five deluxe beauty samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectible bag! Inside every beauty box you'll receive a Play! PASS you can bring in store and redeem for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points, plus a free one-on-one tutorial that is all about you. With PLAY! by Sephora, you'll also be eligible to attend Play! DATES, which are subscriber-only events that give you and a friend the opportunity to come in store and play with products that complement the ones you got in your subscription box. Lastly, up your beauty game with exclusive video how-to's, tutorials and tons of tips on how to use the products you get in new and fun ways.

What It Is:
At Sephora, they love that feeling when you find a new beauty product, give it a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it. That’s why they created PLAY! by SEPHORA, a beauty box filled with five stellar samples, delivered right to your door.

Here’s how it works:
Each month they curate a selection of new and best-selling products they’re most excited about, from makeup to hair care to skincare to fragrance. Then, using the answers in your PLAY! Profile, they determine which version is best for you. Next stop, your place, where you can experiment, play, and find your personal favorites.

Every month Sephora also includes a flyer that offers important details and informative tips and tidbits about the products included.

May 2017's theme is The Rising Stars. Here's what's in this month's box:

GRANDELIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper in Clear (~0.025oz, ~$13.50) - Clear gloss uses a patented hyaluronic acid-infused formula to visibly plump lips while also softening over time.

WHY IT MADE THE CUT: Founder and beauty industry veteran Alicia Grande began her career with a revolutionary lash formula, and has now applied that insider expertise to crafting highly effective products that give lips a full, lush appearance.

TRÈSTIQUE Highlight + Perfect Multipurpose Stick in Maldives Luminescent (0.04oz, $14.00) - This smooth gel highlighter stick pairs a barely-there, lightweight texture with a luminous champagne pink shimmer.

WHY IT MADE THE CUT: treStiQue's up-and-coming line of double-duty multitaskers are ideal for simplifying your beauty routine. Keep this one in your purse and swipe it on for a quick midday glow and a boost of vitamins thanks to its coconut oil-enhanced formula.

MILK MAKEUP Blur Stick (0.1oz, ~$7.37) - Matte-coverage blurring stick smooths and primes all skin tones for makeup by minimizing pores and fine lines.

WHY IT MADE THE CUT: We love Milk Makeup's breakthrough collection of hardworking skincare and makeup. Each product is designed for multi-functional, one-hand application that is perfect for getting effortless, cool looks.

NEST FRAGRANCES Black Tulip EDP (0.04oz, ~$1.69) - Warm, sweet notes of black amber plum are enhanced by hints of Japanese violet and patchouli in this new scent. Top note is Japanese violet. Middle notes are pink pepper and patchouli. Base note is black amber plum.

ABOUT THE BRAND: The alluring scents and elegant packaging of NEST are inspired by the botanical artwork of Mary Delany, an eighteenth century mixed-media artist.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt (1.35oz, $9.50) - Cleanse, purify and re-balance a sensitive or oily scalp with this soothing sea salt scrub that leaves hair soft and refreshed.

HOW TO USE: This formula can be a daily shampoo, a weekly detox treatment for oily hair and dandruff, or a post-coloring treatment to soothe itchiness. Simply apply a tablespoon amount like you would a regular shampoo, and pay particular attention to massaging the scalp. Add water to lather and rinse. Follow with conditioner.

TATA HARPER Resurfacing Mask (0.25oz, $14.50) - Non-irritating mask works like a peel treatment to purify and revitalize skin with a proprietary blend of potent botanicals.

WHY IT MADE THE CUT: Handmade in small batches by engineer-turned-founder Tata Harper and a team of world-class chemists, this feel-good mask is powered by eleven highly effective natural ingredients, like pomegranate enzymes and French pink clay.
                                                                                                                                                  

The Verdicts:

I've tried the GrandeLIPS lip plumper in the past, but it's been a minute so I'm back on the case. First, delicious... a little bit vanilla with a touch of menthol. Does it burn? I don't think that's the term I would use. It tingles. No more than Burt's Bees' original beeswax lip balm (my go-to). It's actually one of the best moisturizing products I've used on my lips in a long time, and I don't remember seeing for-real plumping the last time, but maybe I just didn't leave it on long enough. I like it. I like it almost as much as Burt's Bees.

Nothing makes me feel so much like a makeup dummy as highlighters and contouring. I'm so sorry to trèStique. I wish I could provide an informed review. I just don't know how to use it. I can say though from the swatches, it has some serious sparkles and texture-wise is as fantastic as all the other highlighters I've not been able to use properly.

Did I just say, 'makeup dummy?' This Milk Makeup blur stick is nearly invisible but feels great, and if I could figure out blurring, well, I bet it does that great too.

I could clearly smell every single note of NEST's 'Black Tulip' eau de parfum. My very first thought was blackberry, but it was quickly replaced by plum. The combination of fruit and floral might have you assuming it's immature. This is a grown-up scent though, and NOT an old lady scent. Once it sets in, the patchouli is a little strong. That would be my only complaint.

Ignore my grays!
I'm growing it out
to go a lighter color
than my usual.
Stop judging me!

I'm won't be able to try the Christophe Robin scalp shampoo before post time, but I'm thrilled at the opportunity. It's on my next "pamper day" list.

The Tata Harper face mask is AH-mazing! I knew it would be! It goes on thick and you can feel it tugging on your pores almost immediately. The picture on the right is just a silly thing showing my normally wrinkle-free forehead once the mask dried, before I removed it. After 15 minutes, I rinsed it off and my face felt more tout and cleaner than it ever could with just a cleanser. The smell was antiseptic-y (not bad though).

This May 2017 box has a total value of $60.56. Additionally, these are incredible brands and some of their most popular products. Seriously, Sephora really covered all of the bases with this box and there are several products that I'll buy now thanks to getting to test them. Looking forward to June!

The OUIDAD Experiment: Part One

I’ve been plotting this experiment for some time and was going to do one large piece on it, but it’s not going to be large after all… it’s going to be astronomical. Therefore, it’s going to happen over a couple of months, starting with this post, which will detail the products I will be using.

I started using Ouidad about the time I finally discovered I have curly hair. So... since I was a teenager 20-something years ago. Side note: My mother blow-dried my hair straight all my childhood, and I continued that tradition when I was old enough to take care of it myself, so I never noticed I have curly hair until I became a lazy teenager and didn’t want to take time away from sleeping to care for my hair. Ouidad changed how I thought of my kinky, dry curls. I saw that they could be really beautiful with the right products, and that I could keep cute curls even when I did blow it dry.

A while back, Ouidad came out with kits for each of their hair care lines. I easily obtained two. The others I had to hunt down. I finally have all five kits, so I can begin the experiment. Every set has a few days-worth of product, which is nice because you can see some results in that time. I’ll put 48-72 hours between kits so that I can show you the differences they do for your hair. Here’s what I’ll be using:

Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo – The unique sulfate-free formula keeps hair’s cuticle sealed to lock nourishing moisture in and frizz-causing humidity out. The advanced blend of emollients (Shea and Murumuru Butters) and Ceramides help repair the cuticle and smooth its surface. The high-performing Anti-Frizz Nano Technology seals the cuticle to form a barrier against frizz.

Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner – Provides the same support as the Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner and hydrates curls, resulting in defined, shiny, controlled curls in any weather.

Advanced Climate Control Detangling Heat Spray – Primes curls to better resist frizz. Anti-Frizz Nano Technology with silk-derived protein seals the cuticle to keep essential moisture in. Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, Macadamia Nut, Coconut, Argan, and Safflower Oils nourish and moisturize curls.

Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel – Seals every strand, locks in moisture, and locks out humidity. Wheat Protein and pliable styling polymers form a weightless, flexible lattice that expands as heat or humidity rises to hold curl definition without frizz. Contains Anti-Frizz Nano Technology and a UV filter that helps protect against damage from environmental aggressors.

                                                                                                                                                                   

PlayCurl Curl Amplifying Shampoo – Gently cleanses and boosts curls with Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Silk, Green Tea, and Aloe. These lightweight ingredients won’t stretch or weigh down curls, instead, leaving them defined and lifted with fullness and bounce.

PlayCurl Curl Amplifying Conditioner – Hydrates, detangles, boosts fullness, and encourages lift and body. Hydrolyzed Silk and Wheat Protein help to thicken each strand as they lock in moisture for loose curls with natural volume.

PlayCurl Amplifying Styling Spray – Encourages curl formation on even the most stubborn straight strands while maintaining natural movement and bounce for touchable, naturally-defined, full-bodied curls. Wheat Proteins, Amino Acids, and Glycerin create a weightless, hydrating formula that can be sprayed on damp or dry hair, or whenever needed, without leaving behind a sticky or stiff residue.

PlayCurl Amplifying Foam – Non-aerosol foam amps up curls’ volume for lasting life. The lightweight formula plumps the hair shaft, lifts roots, and helps curls to form, while nourishing botanicals and humectants infuse curls with moisture.

                                                                                                                    

VitalCurl Clear & Gentle Shampoo – Gives classic curls lightweight hydration and a gentle cleanse. This sulfate-free formula with Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex (including Chia Seed, Japanese Camellia, and Sunflower Oils) fortifies hair’s natural lipid barrier, retaining moisture, elasticity, and bounce. The low pH hydrates and protects the cuticle layer, resulting in healthy, high-performing curls with a consistent pattern.

VitalCurl Balancing Rinse Conditioner – Promotes curl health and frizz control. Contains Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex, targeting dry areas and protecting the cuticle layer.

VitalCurl Tress Effects Styling Gel – Defines curls with strong hold for consistent, well-formed spirals that last. Memory Interlock Technology forms a lightweight lattice to shape, hold, and reform curls with water. Utilizing Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex, it helps curl retain moisture, elasticity, and bounce.

VitalCurl Define & Shine Gel-Cream – This unique formula creates a soft and natural “second-day” look that’s never sticky or stiff. Contains Botanical Omega 3-6-9 Complex for healthier, consistent curls.

                                                                                                                    

Curl Quencher Moisturizing

Shampoo – Cleanses curls and adds intense levels of moisture with a restorative blend of Chamomile, Corn Oils, vitamins, and Wheat Proteins to leave curls shiny, soft, and manageable.

Curl Quencher Moisturizing

Conditioner – Infuses curls with healthy moisture. Algae Extract and Wheat Amino Acids seal the hair’s cuticle, locking in moisture without being heavy.

Curl Quencher Moisturizing

Styling Gel – Defines and holds curls. Meadowfoam Seed Oil, rich in fatty acids, injects weightless moisture into the cuticle layer, while Arnica Flower plums and seals dehydrated strands to reclaim hair’s natural curl pattern with bounce, definition, and hold.

Finishing Mist Setting & Holding Spray – Locks in all-day hold while leaving hair soft and supple. Jojoba Oil and Hydrolyzed Silk nourish and soften, and can be used to set curls as they dry.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Curl Immersion No-Lather Coconut Cream Cleansing Conditioner – Nourishes curls without stripping their moisture. This creamy no-lather co-wash infuses drier curls with natural oils and fatty acids to help strengthen strands. Formulated with Coconut Oil for deep hydration, Abyssinian Oil for manageability and strength, Rosemary Oil to stimulate scalp circulation, and Sage Oil to remove scalp impurities.

Curl Immersion Triple Threat Deep Conditioner – Banishes dryness while encouraging natural curl formation, leaving locks silky, supple, and deeply hydrated.

Curl Immersion Hi-Defining Custard – Unique oil-in-gel formulated with Kalahari Melon Seed, and Coconut, Avocado, and Grapeseed Oils to restore essential moisture, while lightweight styling polymers provide soft, all-day hold.

Curl Immersion Silky Soufflé Setting Crème – Made with Mafura Butter and Kalahari Melon Seed Oil, which envelop each strand with a cushion-like coating of concentrated fatty acids vital to rebuilding, nourishing, and protecting your curls. Coconut, Avocado, and Grapeseed Oil replenish moisture for superior definition, reduced frizz, and shine. Ideal for wash-and-go looks, transition styles, and braids or twists.

                                                                                                                    

Other products I'll be sampling throughout the experiment include:

Curl Co-Wash Low-Foam Cleansing Conditioner – Rosemary and Sage Oils refresh and cleanse, Avocado and Grapeseed Oils strengthen and moisturize, and Coconut Oil protects hair from damage and breakage, improves texture, and promotes healthy growth. This formula removes dirt, scalp impurities, and product build-up without stripping natural oils.

Salon Series OMEGA-3 Replenishing Hair Treatment – Utilizing a potent blend of Omega fatty acids (Omega-3, 6, and 9), the formula helps restore the natural lipid barrier of the hair and fortifies its protective surface layer. Made with a proprietary amino acid cocktail, including Flax Seed, Passion Fruit Seed, and Acaí Pulp Oils. The certified organic Macroloba Oil (harvested from the seed of the macroloba tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest) helps promote softness and shine as it delivers conditioning and reparative benefits.

Curl Recovery Ultra Nourishing Cleansing Oil – A foaming, water-activated cleanser with an advanced oil base that gently removes dirt and build-up while restoring essential moisture. The proprietary CR-4 Repair Complex – including nutrient-rich Mafura Butter and Kalahari Melon Seed Oil – envelops the hair shaft with a cushion-like coating of concentrated fatty acids that are vital to rebuilding, nourishing, and protecting hair in need of repair.

Curl Recovery Melt-Down Extreme Repair Mask – Can be used as a twice-weekly treatment or as a regular conditioner. The formula’s C-4 Repair Complex helps rebuild and nourish hair. A blend of three clinically-proven actives instantly restores hair’s protective lipid barrier to promote health and help prevent future damage. In minutes, curls regain elasticity and manageability with undeniable softness, shine, and vibrancy.

Curl Recovery Curl Defining Styling Soufflé – A cream styler that transforms damaged and dehydrated curls into elongated, healthy spirals. Natural emollient oils from Avocado, Radish, Coconut, and Meadowfoam replenish moisture for superior definition, reduced frizz, and healthy shine. Cuticle smoothing polymer holds style and conditions all day.

Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo – A gentle cleaner that effectively removes product build-up and residue, yet, unlike other clarifying shampoos, will not strip or dry hair. This antioxidant-rich blend of concentrated whole superfruit acids – acaí, blueberry, cranberry papaya, and pomegranate – detoxifies and rejuvenates, while banana oil nourishes and replenishes moisture.

Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray – Specially formulated to perk up listless curls, it uses nourishing botanical extracts – Rose Hip, Centella, and Aloe – to rehydrate curls, helping them bounce back to life. The no-residue formula infuses moisture without surface weight for reapplying throughout the day all the while not dragging curls down.

Tress Effects Styling Gel – A versatile styling aid that works with your hair’s own inner memory to provide a superior, natural-looking hold. The formula contains a blend of special proteins and Vitamin B5 to create “memory lock” for superior manageability. 

Play! by SEPHORA (April 2017)

For $10 a month, uncover the most sought-after products around with a monthly subscription box of prestige, trial-size samples curated by Sephora experts. Each month you'll get five deluxe beauty samples, plus a beauty bonus, all in a collectible bag! Inside every beauty box you'll receive a Play! PASS you can bring in store and redeem for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points, plus a free one-on-one tutorial that is all about you. With PLAY! by Sephora, you'll also be eligible to attend Play! DATES, which are subscriber-only events that give you and a friend the opportunity to come in store and play with products that complement the ones you got in your subscription box. Lastly, up your beauty game with exclusive video how-to's, tutorials and tons of tips on how to use the products you get in new and fun ways.

What It Is:
At Sephora, they love that feeling when you find a new beauty product, give it a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it. That’s why they created PLAY! by SEPHORA, a beauty box filled with five stellar samples, delivered right to your door.

Here’s how it works:
Each month they curate a selection of new and best-selling products they’re most excited about, from makeup to hair care to skincare to fragrance. Then, using the answers in your PLAY! Profile, they determine which version is best for you. Next stop, your place, where you can experiment, play, and find your personal favorites.

Every month Sephora also includes a flyer that offers important details and informative tips and tidbits about the products included.

April 2017's theme is STEP it UP. Here's what's in this month's box:

SEPHORA COLLECTION Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover (0.84oz, ~$3.73) - A gentle, go-to waterproof makeup remover perfect for sensitive eyes and enriched with lash-strengthening vitamins and extracts.

STEP RALLY: Not only does this gentle formula reliably remove the most persistent makeup, but it also strengthens lashes with flavonoids and olive wood extracts while soothing with cornflower extract. It's so much more than your average makeup remover.

SMASHBOX Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25oz, $8.00) - This iconic primer creates the perfect canvas for makeup application while leaving skin soft and silky smooth.

STEP RALLY: This legendary makeup primer is a backstage favorite in the fashion world. It blurs imperfections and helps makeup last all day - meaning less touch-ups. Use this after your moisturizer and set the stage for seamless makeup application and a flawless complexion.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner in M-10 Matte Black (0.01oz, $5.25) - Beloved by makeup professionals, this creamy, budge-proof eyeliner glides on easily and leaves an intense, jet black color.

STEP RALLY: Whether you're going for a dramatic smoky eye or subtle flick, this easy-to-use eyeliner will be a welcome addition to your beauty stockpile. Plus, when we say budge-proof, we mean it. You won't find this eyeliner under your eyes at the end of the night.

PINROSE Secret Genius EDP Towelette by Harry Fremont ($1.00) - A seductive, mysterious and elegant fragrance that includes an intoxicating blend of vanilla and caramel. Top note is caramel. Middle note is white chocolate. Base notes are vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood.

ABOUT THE BRAND: Pinrose is a niche fragrance brand that celebrates quirky elegance through personalized, handcrafted scents. Based in San Francisco, they work with master perfumers around the world to create playful and unique perfumes made from high-quality, sustainable ingredients.

DR DENNIS GROSS Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel (2 treatments, $5.50 each) - Professional-grade peel infused with retinol and ferulic acid exfoliates skin, restores firmness and reveals radiance.

STEP RALLY: If you want to take your skincare to the next level, retinol is the way to go. It's one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients out there. Slip this step in after your cleanser and before your moisturizer to wake up to radiant skin.

FRESH Vitamin Nectar Mask (0.5oz, $12.50) - Radiance-enhancing face mask contains a concentrated blend of natural citrus in a marmalade-like formula to soften, brighten and revitalize skin.

STEP RALLY: Treat yourself to this refreshing, citrus-based face mask whenever your skin needs some special attention. We love that the formula contains good-for-you ingredients derived from natural fruits, and it smells delicious too!
                                                                                                                                                  

The Verdicts:

Sephora's eye makeup remover is a godsend. The fluid almost instantly matte-dries as you easily swipe off the day's eye makeup. It causes no irritation to the sensitive skin around my eyes and there is no scent.

I've received foundation primers before, including this one from smashbox, but I've never bothered to try any out. I learned my lesson. My face is already naturally smooth (I spend A LOT of time and money on skincare); however, this primer took it to a whole new level of silky.

The MAKE UP FOR EVER eye pencil is impressive. It glides on super easy and reaches the innermost base of the eyelashes without tugging.

I was privileged to review Pinrose's petal packs WAAAY back in early 2015, when, really, all they made was petal packs. Since then, Pinrose has blossomed (pun intended) into a full-service fragrance shop, offering 30 and 50ml bottles, travel sprays, rollerballs, candles... even a "shimmer mist" that I would love to try. I was pleasantly surprised to see that recently they were picked up to be sold at Sephora, and was happy to receive this petal. 'Secret Genius' is one of their best-selling scents. It's a sweet scent and very romantic. Something I really like about Pinrose's eau de parfums is they use hypoallergenic compounds that don't break out or irritate my skin. Sometimes, I place them in closet or drawers around the house to make everything smell nice.

Dr. Dennis Gross' face peel... out of this world. My face stays clean, clean, clean - I wash it over and over throughout the day - but I had no idea that, despite the overwhelming number of facial products I use, there was so much stuff that needed to be sloughed from my skin. Also, I have extremely sensitive skin and was terrified this would cause me trouble. It didn't. After swiping around the outer portions of my skin, I ventured as close to my eyes as I dared, and it didn't cause ANY irritation. My face felt incredible and looked younger immediately, albeit temporarily slightly splotchy (see photo). My husband even said something and he never says anything. This is a pricey treatment, but it works and I'll pay it! It has a antiseptic-y/kinda star-anise-y scent that's very light and does not linger. This is my new favorite skin find.

The fresh face mask was AH-mazing! It smelled only a teensy tiny bit citrus-y, like Vitamin C! The texture was gross. It felt like I was smearing my face with marmalade, but I've coated my skin with much worse. Totally worth it. My skin was tighter after using it and it has a visible afterglow.

This April 2017 box has a total value of $41.48, and I tried out some wonderful new products, especially the two skincare items. This month proves how beneficial a service like this can be. I probably would never have discovered some of these products on my own. You never know when you see something you're interested in if it'll be worth the price until you try it. While Sephora is awesome about letting you try almost anything in-store, saving yourself the hassle of going out (plus gas money) while sampling these things in the comfort of your own home is priceless. I can't wait to see what I get in May!

tarte cosmetics Beauty Booty

I desperately needed the Buried Treasure Eyeshadow Palette. I'd been coveting it for quite some time, and suddenly, it was available at Sephora for half-price - $18. Unreal. But it was sold out. And then it was sold out. And it kept being sold out. I hunted it down at every Sephora in the area. Why didn't I just buy it when it was full-price? I DON'T KNOW! I just knew I had to own it.

Finally, I was able to snag it for the discounted price on tarte's website. Got myself a few extras too. Since it was coming up on Christmas, I used a promo code for an additional 15% off AND a couple of freebies were included.

buried treasure eyeshadow palette ($36)
Offers a treasure trove of eyeshadows - all powered by a creamy powder formula that cuts your blending time in half. With tarte's antioxidant Rainforest of the Sea complex and conditioning coconut, if offers the smoothest texture, while priming lids for payoff with a mix of natural matte and microshimmer shades versatile enough for every day (they're also arranged in an island mosaic with cute, pirate names.

Palette includes base, crease, transition, and highlight shades.

These dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested shadows are formulated without artificial fragrances and safe for contact lens wearers.

Colors: (1) Skipper - deep plum, (2) Dive - light plum, (3) Nauti - plum luster, (4) Snorkel - pink champagne, (5) Fin - light mauve luster, (6) Coin - copper, (7) Coconut - light pink luster, (8) Booty - nude beige, (9) Palm - bronze, and (10) Plank - light pink.

Despite technically being an eyeshadow palette, I wanted it to use as a blusher. I have the HARDEST time finding face makeup for my pale-ass skin, and with this, I can mix the shades to develop my own perfect cheek enhancer. I'm in love with the creamy formula that crumbles easily into a loose powder when needed.

limited-edition tartiest PRO glitter liner in rose gold ($24)
2-in-1 double-ended glitter eyeliner inspired by dreamy, mystical elements. The metallic quick-drying liquid liner creates a lustrous tightline, with an ultra-fine brush that slips across lids with no skipping. Layer on the glitter with the opposite no-budge topcoat featuring concentrated rose gold flecks in a clear, non-sticky gel that dries instantly with no fallout.

I've never used an eyeliner that didn't come in either a pencil or pen medium. This looked like something for me to try. I love how it looks in different lighting (see middle pictures to the right).

drench lip splash lipstick in bonfire/blackberry ($22)
Drench lips in moisture-rich ingredients and creamy, full-coverage color with the long-wearing satin matte lipstick. Powered by tarte's Rainforest of the Sea antioxidant complex and natural, lip-loving oils and butters, this vibrant, vegan-friendly formula helps firm, treat, and protect lips while delivering intense hydration and smoothing over the appearance of fine lines. The crisp, precise tip allows you to easily define and contour lips, delivering a rich, long-lasting color veil in bold and everyday shades.

Talk about drama! Basically, when I see the word 'blackberry,' I have to buy it. Blackberry is the perfect shade for my face. Not too pink, which just makes my pale skin look childish, or too brown, which clashes with the pinkness of my face, or too purple, which washes me out entirely. I love a good red, but when it's time for a more dramatic look, this will be my new go-to. And man, is it creamy!

tarteist lash paint mascara (mini, gift with purchase)
Do it for the "are those your real lashes?" This jet-black, vegan mascara with a patented silicone wand grabs and coats even the tiniest lashes for more volume. Intense patent black pigments make it easy to get a pro-look with one stroke. Triple-black mineral pigments and more good-for-you ingredients strengthen, condition, and give high-impact volume and definition.

I also receive a free sample of the maracuja oil, a hydrating #flowerpowered face oil with vitamins C and E, and essential fatty acids that promote firmer, brighter, and smoother-looking skin. But the little foil packet went vamoose immediately after opening my package. It disappeared. Too bad because I'm a total skincare freak and really wanted to try it.

This is my favorite cosmetics purchase of the year. And I purchase a lot of cosmetics, so that's saying something. tarte is definitely one of my favorite brands. Their products NEVER disappoint.