Playdates + Pearls

You guys asked (over, and over, and over again) so I’m here to deliver! Wanna know what’s on my wishlist from Sephora? What new products will I be trying, and which products will I be repurchasing because they’re just that good? I hope you’ve been saving your pennies, and men, get ready to take notes because I know exactly what your lady wants under the Christmas tree! Click on any of the images below to purchase them from Sephora.

Let’s start with the items I’m repurchasing, and can vouch for in quality.

REPURCHASES:

His & Hers Fragrance Sampler. I buy these for my husband and I every year, and love them because the sample sizes are perfect for travelling, and we can each redeem the certificate for a full-size of our favorite scent. Getting a man to go to the store and walk around smelling colognes is pretty much never gonna happen, so this is a great gift for every guy. Perk – this year Sephora has included a little bag with each sampler set.

The Kate Somerville goat’s milk cream is one of the most beautiful moisturizers I’ve ever used. It’s so hydrating, and feels luxurious when you apply it, but never leaves that greasy/oily residue. The thing that has me coming back for more is that it never irritates my skin, and is formulated specifically to calm and hydrate sensitive skin.

I have used this foundation for over 2 years, and I am still absolutely head over heels in love with it still. It is so incredibly pigmented, but never looks or feels cakey. It gives the most flawless finish, and is the foundation I reach for when I’m going out and need more coverage, and need my makeup to last. It’s not cheap, so I definitely don’t wear it around town to pick up groceries or take my kiddo to the park. The finish is satin, and is good for most skin types. I would avoid this if you have very dry skin, and oily skin types might prefer the matte velvet version.

I bought last year’s “Give me more lip” box and was so happy I did. Last year’s focus was on nudes, and “your lips but better” colors, so I am smitten with this years berry toned colors. This $59 box has a value of $209, an absolute steal!

I also purchased this box last year, but as a gift for my sister. I regretted only buying one for a very long time. This year, I will not make the same mistake. $45 for $145 value. Again, an absolute bargain, and the perfect way to try out high-end mascaras without the $20+ price tags. The YSL babydoll lashes is my favorite mascara, so if you haven’t tried it already, heres your chance.

This is the all around best gift box for makeup lovers. I purchased this box last year also, and loved every single product. Many of the products are repeats from last year, so I wont be purchasing this again, but I couldn’t leave this off the list. It’s an insanely good value, and I can vouch for 8 of the 13 products. If I didn’t already own most of the items, you can bet I’d be buying this!

If you are like me, and have already purchased the Superstars box from last year, then this might be the box for you this year. I am most excited about the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee, the Urban Decay eyeshadow in Space Cowboy (which looks similar to Stilla’s Kitten, an all time favorite of mine), and the Too Faced multi-function eyeliner which has 3 points on the end….very interesting….

and lastly for products I’ll be repurchasing, my Ren Radiance kit.

You’ve heard me mention this mask before, and you’ll hear about it again I’m sure. It’s a staple in my skincare routine, and I would hate to ever have to be without it.

Now onto items I have never used, but have researched and read great reviews on, and will be purchasing for myself or as gifts.

Anastasia Brow powder (in color medium brown). I have used other items from the Anastasia brow line, and have heard nothing but rave reviews about this brow powder, so I’m jumping on the bandwagon and hoping it’s as good as all her other products.

Nars Creamy concealer in Custard. I prefer moisture rich concealers that set, but don’t look dried out on the skin. I have very fine lines under my eyes, and don’t want a concealer that will crease or settle into those lines. This concealer is a cult favorite, and I can’t wait to try it.

Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearls. I watch Lisa Eldridge, a celebrity makeup artist, on Youtube all the time and she highly recommends this product for a naturally glowing complexion. Watch this video for more highlighter information from her. This is a liquid highlighter than can be applied to the tops of your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, and along your cupids bow to create depth, and a more youthful appearance. I use powder highlighters in the summer because my skin tends to be more combination/oily, but in winter I like to use liquid highlighters and blushes because my skin is more normal to dry. If you want to try this product without purchasing a full-size, use code OPAL to receive a sample when purchasing anything over $25.

These ambient lighting powders may look like your traditional highlighters, but they are so much more. These are finishing powders which “ capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on your skin.” I am so intrigued by these, and am eager to try anything that claims to give me that “candle lit glow”. This palette offers a limited edition shade, Incandescent light.

I mentioned this face mask in this post. I have been patiently waiting to get my hands on this mask, because everytime I mention it to anyone, I get an ear full about how AMAZING it is.

I am always trying new skincare products, and this is another one that I’ve heard really good things about. I have used the Origins Ginzing under eye cream and really liked the brightening effect, so I’m hoping this has similar results for my entire face. For a less expensive hydrating option, I might consider grabbing Dr Jarts Water Fuse Water-Sure Gel, a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid to plump skin.

This mask gets a lot of hype in the professional makeup world. I saw this again recently on Lisa Eldridge’s video about fixing problematic skin while on set, and this was one of her go-to products for dry, irritated skin. This sheet mask is soaked in a fusion of “ vitamin, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids.” These are not cheap, but rather a luxury mask for days of pampering, or when your skin is desperate for a pick-me-up.

Laura Mercier’s Souffle Body Creme is another luxury product that I hope to find under my christmas tree. These are decadent, whipped yet rich and moisturizing, and leave your skin feeling incredible. The 4 scents are Almond Coconut Milk, Ambre Vanillè, Créme de Pistache, and Fresh Fig. Mmmmm!! This is the perfect high-end gift set for your mom, sister, or beauty-loving-friend.

Soap & Glory’s Sugar Crush body wash and body butter are the perfect combination for more frequent use, in comparison to the Laura Mercier body butters, and come in at a much more affordable price point. The body wash smells absolutely gorgeous, and friends have told me it leaves your skin feeling hydrated, and never stripped like other washes can. The body butter is formulated with shea and aloe, so your skin will stay soft and supple. The packaging is so over-the-top and girly, and I for one am a huge fan!

For the nail lovers, this is the Mac Daddy set of Sephora’s newest nail line, Formula X. This nail polish is thick, and looks very similar to gel nails. Here’s what Sephora has to say about the color selection: “Creams provide ultralong wear and incredible saturated color in just one swipe. Neons are mega bright and dry down to a matte finish. Chromes glide on creamy and dry to a smooth, reflective finish. Xplosive top coats create the ultimate splatter effect with a matte confetti glitter that can be worn alone or over any nail color. “

And last, but not least, the item I hope to find waiting for me on December 1st….

The benefit “countdown to love” advent calendar. My mom has bought advent calendars for my sister and I every year since we were kids, and this year I’m skipping the little chocolates and hoping to open this little box of makeup surprises. The Pop Art box drew me in, but the promise of Benefit goodies, including 3 of their bestsellers is what sold me.

Hope you all enjoyed my Sephora Wish List, and if you’re a VIB shopper, don’t miss out on the annual 20% off sale beginning November 7th. As you can see, I will clearly be there.

XO – Samantha