Sephora VIB Sale:
It's the best time of year or so we make-up lovers believe.
Retailer's everywhere are stocked with amazing value sets and great deals. Sephora starts ahead in November, providing 20% off for their Beauty Insiders, VIB and VIB Rouge members. Although each year it is a different set of dates for their largest sale of the year, it is typically held during mid-November.
Fun fact: Did you know Sephora is actually a French chain that was founded in 1969 and currently features over 300 brands? It is incredible how it didn't even come to the US until 1999, and now it is one of the- if not- largest make-up/skin retailers in the world.
Normally, I only buy a few things. However, this year I decided why not use this time to buy things I would have anyway (treat yo self and friends) while taking advantage of their sale. In the process, I also get to try new things and clear out old products to throw away, donate, give to friends and family, etc.
I was pleasantly surprised with my purchases.
Starting off with Fenty Beauty, it is evident that Rihanna put in WORK because the gloss is amazing! And, this is coming from someone who rarely wears lipgloss. It's non-sticky, shiny without being too glittery and makes your lips look plump. What more could you ask for? All hail Queen Rihanna for putting in consideration while creating flattering colors that suit people of color and are actually quality items.
As for Fenty beauty newest line of foundation.. I mean have you seen the reviews? I was on the defense about purchasing this foundation or Huda Beauty's new line of foundation as I was running low on my favorite MUA HD foundation. I decided against Huda's foundation because it is extremely full coverage and some people stated that her foundation reacted to their skin. Having sensitive/acne prone skin, I try to my best to prevent any breakouts possible.
The foundation itself applies very smoothly, leaving a soft matte but skin-like appearance. It does medium coverage, which is nice because it can be buildable without being too cakey. However, if you are on the dry side I suggest using a hydrating primer or to really moisturize before applying the foundation since it is a matte foundation. Ideally, I could have gone with one shade darker but because they were 1) sold out of only that shade 2) I probably could warm it up with bronzer 3) get more pale because I live in Oregon and then sun only appears for 30 minutes a day, I could get away with the neutral shade. Although, it is overall a wonderful foundation it did slightly cling to imperfections- such as acne scars and active acne- but nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to most foundations.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r soft matte foundation in 260 ( could be either 260 or 240) ($34)
IT Cosmetics has a whole line of incredible products from make-up brushes to foundation, but their mascara is by far one of the best. The formula of this particular mascara is lightweight and the brush is so fine that is captures and coats each eyelash to make them appear full and long. In comparison, Urban Decay's new mascara 'Troublemaker" is disappointing. It claims to be buildable to create volume and length but the formula is heavy, which weighs down the eyelashes making it harder to hold a curl. Even with my eyelashes curled before application, my eyelashes were lackluster with this mascara.
ABH, is considered a standard among the beauty world. Named after the famed entrepreneur and contour and eyebrow connoisseur, Anastasia Soare, ABH has taken the makeup industry by storm. Her products are sold almost everywhere. Although Benefit's Precisely, My Brow is a good alternative, it does not compete with ABH's waxy but easy to control Brow Wiz.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony ($21)
Benefit's hydrating concealer provides coverage while adding hydration. It is a great concealer for a fresh, light look used on the daily. Sometimes I just apply a little mascara and this concealer and call it a day for a simple look. The shade range isn't extensive, as there are only three shades, but it still is serves to a wide range of complexions/ under.
In contrast, the NARS soft matte concealer is much higher in coverage and creamy. It is not as hydrating at the Boi-ing concealer mentioned above or as creamy as IT Cosmetic's Bye Bye Undereye concealer, but it still very easy to blend. There are only 16 shades, so it isn't as inclusive as Fenty Beauty's, MUA's, or ABH's concealer range but it serves to a decent population with their shade range.
The Hangover primer doesn't necessarily eliminate the appearance of pores, however it does hydrate the skin, smell delicious, and increase the longevity of foundation due to its tackiness. Its milky color and texture also tries clear and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. Also, it provides a healthy, fresh/ youthful, glow to the skin. The First Aid Beauty's Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is a good dupe for this primer. They have similar texture, consistency, appearance and even smell. But, FAD's primer has some shimmer in it to brighten the skin.
Too Face's 16-hour blushes are no joke! Love Flush, a bright coral color, suits all complexions. And, it's the perfect pop of color for a simple or glam look. There is some reflective gold shimmer in the blush, however it is fine and looks stunning on anyone's skin, especially those with yellow/ olive undertones. On an more affordable scale, Elf makes beautiful and affordable blushes. But, they don't last more than an hour on the skin. Ulta also makes really affordable quality blushes as well. However, both do not compare to the longevity of Too Face's.
- Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment mask
- Farmacy Honey Potion
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- bareMinerals' Lash Domination
- Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
* I typically try these samples while traveling or at the gym, but I'll mention if a product is worth purchasing!
Although this sale has passed, Sephora and other beauty stores have many more sales to come. Sephora is currently offering $15 off $50 or more for BI ending Tuesday, 12/12; $20 off your purchase of $50 or more for VIB until Wednesday, 12/13; and $25 off $50 until 12/13. And, items are being added to the sale section every week!
Follow me on instagram:
@milksheikhbeauty
Retailer's everywhere are stocked with amazing value sets and great deals. Sephora starts ahead in November, providing 20% off for their Beauty Insiders, VIB and VIB Rouge members. Although each year it is a different set of dates for their largest sale of the year, it is typically held during mid-November.
Fun fact: Did you know Sephora is actually a French chain that was founded in 1969 and currently features over 300 brands? It is incredible how it didn't even come to the US until 1999, and now it is one of the- if not- largest make-up/skin retailers in the world.
Normally, I only buy a few things. However, this year I decided why not use this time to buy things I would have anyway (treat yo self and friends) while taking advantage of their sale. In the process, I also get to try new things and clear out old products to throw away, donate, give to friends and family, etc.
Thoughts at first glance and swatch:
Overall, I saved almost $50 and didn't have to pay for shipping. I also used a chrome add-on called Ebates for cash back. This week, there is 8% cash-back (major savings)! As a post-grad student, I'm always trying to save a buck or two.I was pleasantly surprised with my purchases.
Starting off with Fenty Beauty, it is evident that Rihanna put in WORK because the gloss is amazing! And, this is coming from someone who rarely wears lipgloss. It's non-sticky, shiny without being too glittery and makes your lips look plump. What more could you ask for? All hail Queen Rihanna for putting in consideration while creating flattering colors that suit people of color and are actually quality items.
Fenty Beauty lip gloss in Gloss Bomb ($18)
The foundation itself applies very smoothly, leaving a soft matte but skin-like appearance. It does medium coverage, which is nice because it can be buildable without being too cakey. However, if you are on the dry side I suggest using a hydrating primer or to really moisturize before applying the foundation since it is a matte foundation. Ideally, I could have gone with one shade darker but because they were 1) sold out of only that shade 2) I probably could warm it up with bronzer 3) get more pale because I live in Oregon and then sun only appears for 30 minutes a day, I could get away with the neutral shade. Although, it is overall a wonderful foundation it did slightly cling to imperfections- such as acne scars and active acne- but nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to most foundations.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r soft matte foundation in 260 ( could be either 260 or 240) ($34)
IT Cosmetics has a whole line of incredible products from make-up brushes to foundation, but their mascara is by far one of the best. The formula of this particular mascara is lightweight and the brush is so fine that is captures and coats each eyelash to make them appear full and long. In comparison, Urban Decay's new mascara 'Troublemaker" is disappointing. It claims to be buildable to create volume and length but the formula is heavy, which weighs down the eyelashes making it harder to hold a curl. Even with my eyelashes curled before application, my eyelashes were lackluster with this mascara.
IT Cosmetic's Superhero Mascara in Superblack ($24)
Having oil eyelids makes wearing certain eyeshadows, eyeshadow primers and liner difficult as they tend to fade within an hour or so. However, Stila's eyeliner is among one of the best. In my opinion it is even better than cult classic's Kat Von D's tattoo eyeliner. The formula is matte, won't burn your eyelids and dry patchy when applying more than one coat. Both eyeliners are about the same price ($22 vs $20).
Stila Stay All Day eyeliner in intense black ($22)
ABH, is considered a standard among the beauty world. Named after the famed entrepreneur and contour and eyebrow connoisseur, Anastasia Soare, ABH has taken the makeup industry by storm. Her products are sold almost everywhere. Although Benefit's Precisely, My Brow is a good alternative, it does not compete with ABH's waxy but easy to control Brow Wiz.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony ($21)
Although, I have no yet used the rose gold elixir, Profilt'r foundation, and they look promising. Yotuber Farah Dhukai and her husband Sal Ali created the skincare brand, Farsali. Being a longtime subscriber of Farah's channel, it was exciting for me to not only see her products in Sephora- a gigantic beauty corporation- but also finally be in my own makeup vanity. As winter approaches, I'm in need of a good oil that isn't too heavy or will break me out. Plus, it has become a staple for many beauty bloggers.
Farsali Rose Gold Elixir mini ($20)
Benefit's hydrating concealer provides coverage while adding hydration. It is a great concealer for a fresh, light look used on the daily. Sometimes I just apply a little mascara and this concealer and call it a day for a simple look. The shade range isn't extensive, as there are only three shades, but it still is serves to a wide range of complexions/ under.
Benefit Cosmetic's Boi-ing hydrating concealer in No.2 ($20)
In contrast, the NARS soft matte concealer is much higher in coverage and creamy. It is not as hydrating at the Boi-ing concealer mentioned above or as creamy as IT Cosmetic's Bye Bye Undereye concealer, but it still very easy to blend. There are only 16 shades, so it isn't as inclusive as Fenty Beauty's, MUA's, or ABH's concealer range but it serves to a decent population with their shade range.
Nars' Soft Matte Concealer in Cannelle ($30)
The Hangover primer doesn't necessarily eliminate the appearance of pores, however it does hydrate the skin, smell delicious, and increase the longevity of foundation due to its tackiness. Its milky color and texture also tries clear and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. Also, it provides a healthy, fresh/ youthful, glow to the skin. The First Aid Beauty's Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is a good dupe for this primer. They have similar texture, consistency, appearance and even smell. But, FAD's primer has some shimmer in it to brighten the skin.
Too Face's Hangover primer ($32)
Too Face's blush in Love Flush ($26)
Samples:
- Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment mask
- Farmacy Honey Potion
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- bareMinerals' Lash Domination
- Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
* I typically try these samples while traveling or at the gym, but I'll mention if a product is worth purchasing!
Although this sale has passed, Sephora and other beauty stores have many more sales to come. Sephora is currently offering $15 off $50 or more for BI ending Tuesday, 12/12; $20 off your purchase of $50 or more for VIB until Wednesday, 12/13; and $25 off $50 until 12/13. And, items are being added to the sale section every week!
Follow me on instagram:
@milksheikhbeauty
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