Spring beauty haul

/

It's that time of the year kids: Sephora Sale! 15% off for VIB [code 'VIBNOTE'] & VIB Rouge [code 'ROUGENOTE'], how can you not?
I must say, this came in a timely manner because I was about to stock up on a few things anyway, so, thanks Sephora!
I wanted to share what's in my shopping bag, in case you get excited about too many things at once and then have trouble focusing when you're on their new-arrival-filled homepage.  I'm speaking hypothetically, of course.
 

My Sephora Bag:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

1.  BareMinerals Matte Foundations SPF 15
A staple of mine.  I've tried other foundations but just hate the feeling of liquids and creams sitting on my skin all day.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade
Because I've almost gone through my whole first jar.  Love the waxy consistency that makes the brows look natural and stays all day. 
3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone
This will actually be my first time trying the 24/7 lipliner, but I've read so many good things about it.  Especially Ozone, which goes on clear and can be used for any lipstick.  I kind of hate having to switch lipliners frequently and prefer to have a neutral on that goes with almost everything.
4. Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette
Let me tell you something.  Everywhere, literally everywhere I go when I take this palette out, people ask me where I got it/who it's by.  The colors on it are so pretty and flattering for many complexions, and I love that its got everything from shadows to bronzer, blush and highlighter.  I'm a girl on the run and I love having everything in one palette.  The pickup on the shadows are really great.
5. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
I hadn't really thought about or wanted it because I had tried a regular Kat Von D lipstick and really was not a fan of it at all.  But then I saw Lolita on a Sephora SA and had to have it.  It's good.  Requiem is next!
6. Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette
Watched lots of Youtube tutorials.  Decided I need to have it.  Hopefully I did enough research, was debating over this and the Anastasia Contour Kit and this came out on top.
7. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Plexi-Gloss
Because I saw it on Nurber and NEEDED it! I rarely even buy glosses anymore.  But this..... thanks girl.  For enabling even more.  Lol.
8. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil
Bought this for the first time during Sephora's last sale and I'm very happy with it.  Long-lasting.
9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - I love the pomade, but when I'm in a rush this is much quicker, no separate brush required.  Great consistency.
10. Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
I didn't really buy into the whole BB cream craze like others did.  But I really like the feel of this one - light, non-oily, good for priming, and with SPF 30 - a must, especially with summer approaching.
11. Beautyblender Kit
You get two BeautyBlenders plus a cleanser, so this kit is definitely worth it.  You are basically getting the cleanser for free.  I really wish BeautyBlender would make a dye-free sponge, but people say the white one (which still has coloring, I'm sure) doesn't work as well.  *Waits*
12. KORRES Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil
I certainly am not one to fall for pretty new skincare products just because they are heavily advertised - especially since I have been mixing my own natural oils lately (more on that later).  But rose oil itself is pretty expensive.  And I have to say my skin has been feeling really great with the addition of this to my routine.  I'd received a sample bottle during Fashion Week and admittedly I'm back for more.  Love.

What do you think of my picks?  Did you choose any of the same ones?  Have anymore suggestions? (Though obviously I don't need anymore enabling!)  One other thing I was eyeing, but resisted, was the Guerlain Terracotta Sun Glow Kit because, well, that's an HG bronzer for everyone.  But I'm going to have to save up some more $$ before I add it to the next haul.

And now I sit and wait for my little Sephora box like it's Christmas. 
*Dreams of sugarplum lip pigments*

xx

 

Beautyphyle: Travel Essentials

/

Left to Right:

  1. Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
  2. Ponds Facial Wipes
  3. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue
  4. By Terry Baume de Rose
  5. Ren Global Protection Day Cream
  6. Clinique High Impact Mascara
  7. Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum

Hello all!  If you've been following me on Instagram, you know that I've been traveling around Italy for the past two weeks.  I'm about to head back to New York and share all of my travel adventures with you, but first, as I prepare for my flight, I'm going to share some beauty intel for my fellow travel-fiends.  Share your thoughts in the comments and we'll chat when I get back! x

When you're packing for travel, some of your most important beauty items should be aimed to protect your skin for the flight over, where the air is super drying and without ventilation.

  1.  The #1 key to staying fresh on a long flight: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  I use an intense night formula on the plane, because really, you can't overdo it.
  2. You can't moisturize until your face is fresh and clean.  Quick and convenient facial wipes are my savior both on the plane and anywhere on-the-go.  Ideal for lazy girls.  Don't worry, no one will see you without your makeup while you're on the long plane ride!
  3. This CC cream slash tinted moisturizer has taken me from the winter through to my warm-weather travels.  It really is super hydrating, and makes me feel less guilty than putting on regular makeup after my skin has been sitting in the stagnant in-flight air.
  4. Dry lips can be guaranteed if you don't apply something proactively, and if you forget to bring something for them, it's the worst!  Bonus for its multi-purpose use on cuticles and touching up brows and dry patches.  See how small mine is?  A little goes a long way.
  5. Did I mention moisturize?  I love Ren because it's free of harsh chemicals and- a personal priority- fragrance-free.
  6. Because we all need a quick touch-up after that rough ride and broken intervals of sleep.
  7. A touch of this puts life back into the ends of my hair (don't apply oil to the roots), and it smells fantastic.

Ps - people forget this- drink plenty of water!  Super important.  None of these products will do you any good if you don't hydrate.  Your body needs it.

What are your travel essentials?  Similar, or completely different? Would love to hear. 
Also, I will give away the pictured Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask and Clinique High Impact Mascara to one random commenter!

x
Sabrina
 

New Lipsticks for Fall - Shien

/

Colors from above

Today I want to share about a new line of lipsticks that has joined my beauty collection, Shien Cosmetics.

This beautiful line of cosmetics developed from ideas of centuries-old Chinese herbology, blending natural bio-nutrients, vitamins and all that good-for-you stuff.  Lately, I've been more and more conscientious about the types of ingredients that are in my cosmetics and skincare products.  Admittedly, I'm not super-strict about ensuring that all harmful chemicals are kept out of my medicine cabinet (and vanity, and purse, and work locker...), but I try my best.  Especially given the fact that my skin is sensitive and that I've learned over the years to get to know myself, what my skin likes and what it doesn't.  Anyway, to name a few of the beneficial ingredients in these lipsticks: white camellia oil, red algae extract, green tea extract and vitamins C and E, to moisturize, nourish, and prevent signs of aging.

While the colors in their Viper's Dream collection were formulated with gold and olive-toned Asian skin in mind (a first for any cosmetics brand! Love that too) the hues are meant to generally illuminate natural beauty rather than cover skin, and are still universally flattering on a broad spectrum of skin tones.

Here is me wearing Viper's Kiss, which is great for the fall.

About how it feels on:  I'm actually really liking it.  I'm generally a bit wary when it comes to deciding how I feel about new products.  At first, I was disappointed when I put on Dynasty and there was barely any pigment.  But then I looked again, and realized it was a Lip Veil, ha! Whoops.  The collection includes a lip veil, which is meant to moisturize, and can be worn alone, or as a top coat to give a sheen of color over another lipstick.  Then there are the semi-matte lipsticks.  This would be the Viper's Kiss I'm wearing in the above photo. 

After I cleared that up, I gave this color a spin for the day.  It felt great on.  I have to say that a lot of times, matte lipsticks with some staying power will have the downside of feeling dry on my lips, and I often have to put and extra bit of moisturizer on to keep my lips from getting cracked and uncomfortable.  So it was by reflex that I reached for my lip moisturizer, but then realized I didn't need it!  Must be those fabulous ingredients.  And the color lasted my pretty well through the day.  My dance instructor even asked how it stayed on so well through our sweaty class ;)  I did have to reapply after eating, but it's not claiming to be super long-lasting, so I would say it did it's job.
 

*Giveaway*

Left to right: Lust Caution (very slightly fuschia-toned), Imperial City (orange-toned), Red-Lantern (classic red)

Since I'm happy with all of these beautiful colors, I'd like to share the happiness with you.  I personally think the forte in this collection is their variety of flattering reds, and who doesn't need a perfect new red for the fall? So I'm going to give one away to a lucky reader! Here's how:

Tell me which color you are feeling most for the fall- Are you more of a flirtatious, look-at-me red (Lust Caution), a firecracker orange-red (Imperial City), or a classic vixen-red (Red Lantern) kind of girl?  Let me know your favorite in the comments, and I will pick a winner to receive a fabulous new red!

*Giveaway ends 10/27/14 at midnight, and you must be in the US and over 18 to qualify.

Good luck!
xx

 

 

  1. No purchase necessary to win.  Purchase or payment of any kind will not increase your odds of winning.
  2. Sweepstakes/Giveaways are open only to legal residents of the fifty {50} United States {including District of Columbia} who are at least eighteen {18} years old at the time of entry.
  3. The duration of the giveaway is specified within the post.
  4. The giveaway prize is specified within the post.
  5. The number of eligible entries received and total prizes available determines the odds of winning.
  6. Entries are accepted via blog post comment or instagram comment.  During the promotion period, follow the instructions in the required entry section. You automatically will receive one {1} sweepstakes entry by completing either optional or required entry.  Use of a private social media accounts {Facebook or Twitter} to promote this giveaway is at the entrant’s sole discretion and not required to enter.  Note, promotion of a giveaway via social media accounts such as Facebook and/or Twitter are commonly used as a marketing tool, and also to provide entrant with an extra chance to win. 
  7. Multiple entrants are not permitted to share the same email address and/or household. Any attempt by any entrant to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations and log-ins, or any other methods will void that entrant’s entries and that entrant may be disqualified. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and will result in disqualification. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible or misdirected registrations, which will be disqualified.
  8. Winner is selected at random and will be announced the week of the giveaway end date within the original giveaway post.
  9. Winner must comply with all terms and conditions of these official rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements.
  10. The giveaway winner will be notified by email. 
  11. If a potential winner of any prize cannot be contacted, fails to reply to the notification email within the required time period [one week], or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize.
  12. In the event that a prize winner is disqualified for any reason, the prize will be awarded to an alternate winner by random drawing by me.  There will be one {1} alternate drawing after which the applicable prize will remain unawarded.
  13. All prizes are non-transferable and no substitution will be made except as provided herein at the sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize for one of equal or greater value if the designated prize should become unavailable for any reason. Winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with prize receipt and/or use.
  14. By receipt of any prize, winner agrees to release and hold harmless Stylophyle, sponsor, and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, advertising/promotion agencies and each of their respective parent companies and each such company’s officers, directors, employees and agents {collectively, the “Released Parties”} from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property, arising out of participation in the Promotion or receipt or use or misuse of any prize.
  15. Stylophyle.com reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the promotion, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond administrator’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the sweepstakes, as determined by administrator in its sole discretion. In such event, administrator reserves the right to award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment.
  16. The released parties are not responsible for: {1} any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the promotion; {2} technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; {3} unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the promotion; {4) technical or human error which may occur in the administration of the promotion or the processing of entries; or {5} any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the promotion or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the sweepstakes, provided that if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance of the promotion, or any part of it, for any reason, administrator, at its discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In the event that production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available and/or claimed, administrator reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, unawarded, eligible prize claims.
  17. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and sponsor’s and administrator’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the promotion. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
  18. This sweepstakes is not sponsored.
  19. Void where prohibited by law.