Sephora Haul + Mini Reviews

A while ago, I placed a little online Sephora order to try out a few products that I had been curious about. I have had some time to try some of them so I included mini reviews below.

The first items that I purchased are these mini bottles of Living Proof Full Shampoo and Conditioner. The salon that I go to used these products on my hair once and I really liked the results. I opted for the smaller bottles in case I wasn’t happy with the products after using them for a few weeks. While I love the fact that this combination gives my hair volume and keeps it cleaner for longer, I will not purchase it again. The biggest problem though is the fact that these products create volume and thickness by creating texture in the hair. This texture created horrible tangles in my straight, fine hair. Specifically, the hair at the back of my head near the nape of my neck always had huge clumps of tangles in it while I was using these products. I have since switched to other Living Proof products which don’t cause the same problems. It is a bit sad though because I loved the volume that these products add to the hair.

Next is one of the Make Up For Ever HD blushes in shade #210 (Cool Pink). This is a beautiful pink shade that really compliments my pale complexion. While it is a cool pink, I think that it is also very neutral and would work on warmer skin tones too. The cream formula of this blush is wonderful.It glides over the skin very evenly and looks very natural. There is no shimmer in this blush which is nice for a change. I was inspired to try this shade after purchasing a more peachy shade back in the summer (#215 – Flamingo Pink). I loved the formula so much that I wanted to try a pink shade too. While these HD blushes are a bit pricey, a little really does go a long way.

I picked up another pink blush as well—the Tarte Deluxe Cheek Stain in Energy. This is one of those products that goes on clear and changes colour with your skin chemistry to create a flattering shade for your unique skin tone. It creates a nice, light pink shade on my cheeks and the product feels very light and comfortable on the skin. It leaves a very natural, dewy finish. While I do like this product, I never really seem to reach for it. I think that is because the pink shade is similar to many that I already own. The mini tube and easy application make it perfect for travel though.

The last two items are a Hand Healer from Jack Black and some Shiseido eyelash curler pads. The Hand Healer was a deluxe sample that I added during checkout. I thought it would be a good product to have on hand (literally!) for winter. The eyelash curler pads are just extras that I picked up for when my current one wears out.
Out of this haul, my favourite product is the MUFE blush. What’s yours?

September 2014 Julep Maven Box (Boho Glam)

Back in July, I signed up for Julep and took the Maven quiz. I was sorted into the Boho Glam group and got my first box for free by using the code FREEMAVEN at checkout. If you are interested, you can sign up for Julep HERE and get started on your quiz to see which category you fall into. If you don’t like what is offered in that category, you can opt for another. Even if you are not interested in the monthly subscription, Julep also sells individual polishes. You can check out the pretty new spring shades on Julep’s Nail Polish Color Page by clicking HERE.
To see my intro box, click HERE.

What I really like about this service is that you can skip boxes and send boxes to a friend. Since I already have a decent collection of nail polish, I skip a few months here and there. I decided to only opt in for boxes that were truly unique and contained products that were not similar to any in my collection.

The grey polish in the September Boho Glam box really caught my eye and helped me decide to order the box. It came with two polishes and a lip crayon. The polishes are in the shades Erin (oyster grey crème) and Mary Lee (oxblood satin). I think that I will save the oxblood shade for a giveaway since, while very pretty for fall and winter, it’s a bit out of my comfort zone. I love the grey shade though. It’s a nice change from the pinks and purples that I have been wearing. I selected the Plush Pout lip crayon in the shade Aurora Pink because it looked like more of a cool-toned mauve pink on the Julep site. However, as you can see from the picture above, it’s a warmer coral pink. I do like the colour though.

Overall, I am very happy with the September Julep box. I always appreciate boxes with cream finish polishes in seasonal shades. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for November.
What are your thoughts on the September box?

September 2014 Beauty Box Five

The September 2014 Beauty Box Five features fall products. The products are meant to help us take care of ourselves and embrace new trends this season.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the September items…


1. Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon | Retail: $4.49 for 0.056 oz – I love the concept of this smooth shadow stick that gives the lids a pigmented pop of colour. Currently, I’m going through a neutral shadow phase so I will save this pretty purple shadow for a giveaway.
2. Sally Hansen Toe Spacers | Retail: $1.99 for 1 pair – How cute are these pink toe spacers? Us at-home pedicure lovers can never have too many!
3. My Beauty Spot Nail Polish | Retail: $24.99 for a set of six containing 0.4 fl oz each (approx. $4 each) – This shimmery steel grey polish is fast drying and pigmented. While I think the colour is perfect for fall, I have received other polishes in a similar shade from BB5 so I will save this one for a giveaway.
4. Chrislie Formulations 3-in-1 Eye Bright: | Retail: $40 for 0.5 fl oz (sample contains .17 oz) – This serum is meant to be used overnight to make your eye area smoother, brighter, and firmer. It also reduces dark circles. While I’m always a bit hesitant to try new eye creams due to my sensitive eye area, this one sounds promising so I will give it a try.
5. Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner & Co-Wash | Retail: $9.99 for 12 oz – This sulfate and paraben free formula strengthens hair to minimize frizz. It contains shea butter and replenishing oils. I’m looking forward to trying this product as it sounds like the perfect treatment to use on colour treated hair.
Overall, I think the September 2014 box from Beauty Box Five contained a nice assortment of makeup, hair, nail, and skincare products although they may not have as high of a value as those in previous boxes.  I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*