Category: brands

Sephora Haul: August 18th

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Samples At Sephora!

Hey everyone!

So, recently, I took a little trip down to Sephora (classic, I know). However, this time around I figured I’d do a little Sephora Haul post of everything I got and share with you some returning favourites, as well as some new things I just got to try out!

On top of all that, my list of stuff I want to try out from Sephora is both a) completely unrealistic to buy at once and b) expensive. I was going to include all the products I’m dying to try here before I got into my whole haul and realized that added my Wishlist was going to turn this into the longest post of all time, so stay tuned for that next week instead. I have a couple of products that caught my eye that I’m excited to try in the future — after I’ve used up whatever equivalent I’m currently using or when I can justify the purchase a little better. If you’ve tried any of them and have some feedback, good or bad, I’d love to hear it!

So, let’s get into it!

Returning Favourite: Tarte Creaseless Concealer!
Tarte Creaseless Concealer

I’ve tried out sooooo many concealers in my time, but this one is my personal favourite. I haven’t gotten the chance to make a Tuesday Favourites post about it just yet, but trust me, it’s coming. I suffer from some serious under-eye circles and while I’ve tried out many a concealer, none of them last all day and cover everything up like this stuff does.

New And Exciting: Biossance Squalene and Bamboo Deodorant!
Biossance Squalene and Bamboo Deodorant

Okay, maybe this is TMI, but I tend to be a pretty sweaty person and it’s the bane of my existence. I’ve tried out so many deodorants, from VERY all natural (read: Lush T’eo Deodorant, which sorry, I totally hated), to Dove aerosol spray, to men’s Old Spice (yes, seriously). While I usually go for Secret’s gel formulas (which are great since they don’t leave any obvious white residue) I sometimes find they don’t work all that well, especially around the end of the tube. On top of all this, I’d like to have something natural — we’ve all heard about the dangers of aluminum in deodorant, and since I’m a pretty frequent user, I’d like to limit the chemicals I’m applying daily. I saw this stuff at the checkout line and immediately grabbed it and threw it in my basket. Sephora offers a bunch of all-natural deodorants, but I love love love Biossance, so this one immediately caught my eye. Fingers crossed it works, I’ll be sure to update you all if it goes well!

Returning Favourite: Lilly Lashes (Miami)
Lilly Lashes in Miami

Y’all already know I love lashes, and I promise a post on Lilly Lashes is coming soon. While I’ve already done a post on my other favourite lash brand, Sephora’s Luxe Lashes, these ones are a favourite for totally different reasons. They still look pretty natural, however I don’t find them as easy to apply or as flattering as the Luxe Lashes. The big upside here is that these lashes can last forever. Seriously, they are so well made — as long as I don’t lose them I can use them forever. While I tend to spring for the Luxe Lashes for specific events as I do like their appearance just a little more, these ones are also stunning and make a great lash for weekly use.

New And Exciting: Farsali Rose Gold Elixir
Farsali Rose Gold Elixir

If you’ve ever seen an Instagram makeup tutorial, like, ever, you’ve probably seen Farsali elixirs before. They’re super popular amongst make-up influencers for application under makeup, or even mixed in, for a fresh and dewey look. I’ve never been ready to commit to a whole bottle, as I wasn’t sure it was really something I really needed — but I was always curious. When I saw this sample sized bottle, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give it a try!

Returning Favourite: Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes!
Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

Alright, you guys already know I love Tarte. This product has always been one of my favourite mascaras and frequently in my rotation. Mascara is one of those products that I actually switch up pretty frequently; I’ll admit I’m pretty married to most of my other makeup items and rarely stray from what I always buy. With mascara, however, I’ve always had a couple of favourites that I switch out, and I’ll try out new products that catch my eye every so often as they only last three months anyway. This one reigns as one of my favourites, as I find the brush a great shape and the formula pretty fantastic — as well as the added eyelash conditioning bonus. Be sure to stay tuned for a post on all my favourite — and least favourite — mascaras I’ve tried!

Returning Favourite: The Beauty Blender!
Blender Sponge by Beauty Blender

I won’t go too deep into this one since I’m sure most of you are at least a little familiar with it. I’ve never met a better makeup applicator, and have pretty much been married to this sponge since I bought my first one. I seriously can’t remember a time I’ve purchased a different sponge or foundation brush since.

New And Exciting: ABH Matte Lipstick Set!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick Set

Anyone who knows me knows I have never been a matte lipstick gal. From the start of the matte lipstick boom a few years ago, through its peak, it was never a favourite of mine. While I tried to hop aboard the trend, I always hated the dryness of it, how it looked when it wore off and was re-applied, and even the look — I just never personally never found it attractive. (This, along with straying from the bold-brow and contour trend, was actually a huge turning point for me in learning that I don’t always have to follow what’s trendy and a product’s popularity doesn’t mean it’s what looks best on me). Through and through, I’ve mostly stuck to gloss or non-matte lipstick through the years until they started to finally come back in style this last year. However, I occasionally spring for the occasional matte lipstick — I find at least non-liquid matte isn’t as drying and doesn’t give as extreme of a matte look which I indulge in sometimes. This product (and the surprising low price of it) caught my eye near the checkout, and I decided to give it a try as most of the colours have a shimmer and the sample size of them is fairly low-commitment. I’ve never tried ABH Lipstick but the brand is one of my favourites, so I’m sure these won’t disappoint.

Returning Favourite: Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer!
Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

Okay, this product’s name is a bit of a mouthful. But this stuff is fantastic — it can double as a moisturizer even when you’re going out sans-makeup and has a lovely glow to it that illuminates your complexion. My skin is generally on the dry side, so I find this product works wonderfully to give my skin a little extra moisture before I start my makeup routine. While I’m not 100% married to it like I am with many of my other products, I’ve used it consistently as a primer for about a year now.

Returning Favourite: Benefit Gimme Brow Mascara!
Benefit Gimme Brow Mascara

I won’t go too deep into this one since I already made a whole post about it here. However, if you’re one for a more natural brow look, brow mascara is a product worth looking into — it helps define your brows while also holding them in place all day. Plus when it comes to brows, Benefit is one of the best.

And that’s all for my haul! Stay tuned to read all about my wish list of Sephora products — I have so many things I’m dying to try and I’d love any feedback before I go out and purchase them!

As always, much love,

Meredith

BONUS: Inside look at the Farsali Elixir — I’m already in love!

Tuesday Favourites: August 16th

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CoverFX Custom Enhancer Drops

Happy Tuesday guys!

This week I’m going to be covering one of the most versatile products I’ve ever seen: The Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops. I had literally been dying to try these for YEARS, but always felt that they were something I merely wanted, but didn’t need. Finally about a month ago, I just decided to go for it. Can I just say? Best choice ever.

First of all, if you use these in the classic highlighter sense, they will give you the most blinding and fantastic highlighter ever. They blend with make up super easily too, making them easy to use and ensuring a natural glow. Plus, if you’re looking for something a little more natural and a tad less intense, it can be applied beneath foundation to really give that “glow from within” look.

But the best part is, they can be used for so much more. Not only can this product be used as a highlighter, it can be used as an eyeshadow, mixed with foundation or lipgloss for an added glow, or honestly whatever else your heart desires. It can be incorporated into just about any makeup look, and unlike other liquid makeup formulas, can blend well over powdered makeup as well.

This product has a serious shade range too. While I opted to get the shade “Sunlight”, I know I’ll be back to purchase other shades in the future. They have seven shades, ranging from holographic white to deep bronze, with shades of pink and silver thrown in the mix as well.

Seriously, if you’ve been thinking about testing this product out, GO FOR IT. It’s a little pricey, but a little goes a long way. I haven’t ever needed more than two or three drops, no matter how glowy of a look I’m going for, because it’s just that powerful. Try it for yourself, seriously, you’ll be sold on it instantly.

If you’re ready to glow like you’ve never before, check out the product on Sephora here!

Much love y’all,

Meredith

Tuesday Favourites: August 6th

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Urban Decay All-Nighter Pollution Protection Setting Spray

Hey guys!

It’s Tuesday, which means I’m bringing you another one of my favourite products: The Urban Decay All-Nighter Pollution Protection Setting Spray! This one’s pretty popular, so I’m sure many of you have heard of it or tried it before. However, I can’t leave the house without this stuff, so I figured I’d share!

This stuff LITERALLY works wonders in terms of keeping your makeup intact all day. I find if I ever run out, the difference between with and without is extreme. This stuff has held my makeup intact through so many situations; from the humidity of South East Asia, to the glaring Calgary sun, in the sweatiest of fraternity parties, to the longest days without time to touch up. Dare I say? Miracle worker.

I will be honest and admit I’ve never tried any setting sprays outside of the Urban Decay line. However, I can say that out of Urban Decay’s setting sprays, this one takes the cake. The other ones are good, sure — I spent a summer trying out a bottle of the Chill cooling and hydrating spray, as well being an avid user of the original All Nighter, but this stuff is by far the best. Environmental Pollutants are one of the largest causes of skin problems, and I have noticed my skin clear up significantly since I switched to this product from the original All-Nighter spray.

If this sounds like the setting spray you’ve been needing, be sure to check it out at Sephora here!

Have a lovely Tuesday, y’all!

Xoxo,

Meredith

Tuesday Favourites: July 30th

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NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Today I wanted to share my absolute favourite foundation with you: The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer! Now, obviously, a lot of foundation preference is totally personal. I love this stuff because it does everything I need it to: it looks natural, blends easily, and isn’t heavy on my skin. Oh, plus it moisturizes my skin all while I wear it!

I, personally, tend to avoid heavier, full-coverage foundations. I find they often look cakey on me, rather than natural. As someone who has relatively clear skin, I don’t really need to cover up as much as just even out my skin tone, as well as cover redness. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, give this product a try. I had previously been using a super-lightweight foundation, which was a lot harder to blend evenly and cover up blemishes — this stuff FEELS super lightweight, while still having a thicker consistency when you apply it to help give you the coverage you need.

On top of all this, it has a very natural finish — it’s dewey rather than matte, which works well for me as I tend to stick to a more natural look. If you blend it out with a sponge, it looks like you simply have naturally perfect skin. You can still use a brush, or even your fingers, but I don’t find them as personally effective.

If this sounds like the foundation you’ve been looking for, be sure to check it out at Sephora here!

If you’re reading this, I hope you have a fantastic day!

Love,

Meredith

Tuesday Favourites: July 23rd

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Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel Exfoliant

Hey y’all!

I’m back with another Tuesday Favourites for you guys, and this one’s a little special for me. When I first started my blog, I cranked out every single Tuesday Favourites post that you’ve read up until now over the course of a few days and queued them up until last Tuesday. I wasn’t really sure what I was doing when it came to blogging, and was uncertain if the posts were going to take off. However, so far it seems like you guys have really enjoyed them, so I’m going to keep continuing on with the series! Thank you all so much for all your support so far, it really does mean the world to me.

Anyways, back to this weeks product: the Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Peeling Gel! If you’ve kept up with my posts so far, you’ll already know I exfoliate religiously. I’ve tried out all sorts of products for exfoliating my face; from scrubs, to enzyme peels and masks — but this product reigns supreme. When I first got a sample of it from Sephora, I didn’t even really think about it — I try so many samples every time I shop there and it really takes something special for me to know instantly I need to buy the full-sized product. However, when I got around to trying this stuff, it literally blew my mind.

This product combines all my favourite things in an exfoliator — effectiveness, enzymes and efficiency. First of all, and this may be a personal preference, but I love a good enzyme peel. I’ve tried a couple of scrubs here and there and found them either ineffective or irritating — plus I kind of hate the texture. Rather than having to scrub down my whole face, I love the convenience of applying a product and having my skin perfectly exfoliated by the time I wash it off. However, a lot of peels can take time; I’ve had some products work as quickly as three minutes, while some have taken up to five. This, obviously, can be less than ideal if your ever in a rush.

This is where FirmX comes in — it literally works instantly. You just apply it and rub it on dry skin, and your dead skin cells just rub right off. It’s so easy its almost unbelievable — expect you can actually SEE the results immediately. Its not harsh on my face at all, either, and I’m pretty prone to sensitive skin. Plus, it removes everything evenly, avoiding the patchiness or need to scrub intensely that I often find scrubs come with.

If this sounds like a product you’d like to try, you can find it on Sephora here! And once again, thank you for tuning in every Tuesday!

So much love for you all,

Best,

Meredith