The Bay Mini Beauty Haul!

Recently The Bay had 10-20% off all make-up items, being the hoarder that I am, I couldn't resist!

L to R: Si Giorgio Armani, Always Red Elizabeth Arden, Clinique Cheek Pop in Heather Pop, Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar

As everyone is raving about Clinique Cheek Pops I had to try it out for myself! Not only is it the prettiest blush I own, it lasts long and I love the earth-tone pink of Heather Pop! Win!

Did you pick up anything from The Bay recently?

Thanks for reading!

July Sephora Haul!

Sephora recently had some nice promo codes plus exciting deals in the sale section, so I hauled the following:

L to R: Urban Decay After Dark Travel Pencil Set, Tarte Amazon Double-ended Lipstick and Lip Creme in Neutral Peach and Rosy Mauve, Sephora Smoothing Body Scrub in Coconut, Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Duo in Fig/Date, and Tarte Magical Moments Deluxe Best Sellers Essential Set

I was so excited to have a second chance at picking up the Tarte Black Friday set that I set my shopping cart up immediately! I've tried Sephora's body scrubs in the past (I had the Mango scent previously), that I had to snatch this up while it was on-sale! The Tarte double-ended lipsticks were on-sale as well with the 2 for $24, I couldn't pass up that deal (they sell for $29 each on Tarte's own website). I've been interested in trying Bite's lipstick formula, having read so many rave reviews, for $12 I figured now was the time to pick it up. And the Urban Decay set I probably didn't need (since I have like 100 eye liners already), but I wanted to hit the free shipping minimum, and I don't have Voodoo or Corrupt, and love the UD formula.

A closer look at the Tarte double-ended lipsticks and UD pencils:

Lipsticks L to R: Neutral Peach, Rosy Mauve
Pencils Top to Bottom: Zero, Voodoo, Corrupt

I've tested out the lipstick side of these and have been impressed. They're creamy and non-drying, with a nice vanilla scent to them! Given my eye liner overload, I've yet to try these out, but I'm sure I'll like them!

A closer look at Bite's double-ended lipstick:

L to R: Fig, Date

Loving the formula of this, super creamy and non-drying! And the colours aren't as dark as they seem here, which is good for a fair skinned girl like me!

A closer look at the Tarte set:

L to R: Amazonian Clay Blush in Magic, Lipsurgence Lip gloss in Magic, Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

I like the formula of all three products here having tried them out in the past. The blush is a nice peachy-pink colour, and the lip gloss is light pink with shimmer to it!

I used the promo code JETSET and picked the following three deluxe sized samples:

L to R: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, Dolce & Gabbana Passion Eyes Mascara, Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Sophia

I haven't had a chance to try out the mascara or lip gloss, but I've used the Fresh Lip Polish in the past and this deluxe sample will last me a long time!

For my 3 free normal samples I picked:

L to R: Dolce & Gabbana Intenso (didn't choose this, extra sample thrown in), Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance, Philosophy Live Joyously, and Dior Diorshow Mascara

Super excited to have so many new goodies to play with!

Have you hauled anything recently? Share!

Thanks for reading!

April Empties!

I think I did quite well with empties this month! 4 full-size products, 1 deluxe-size, and 1 sample!

L to R: philosophy The Gingerbread Man Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, Lancome Defincils High Definition Mascara

philosophy The Gingerbread Man Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath: I found this on sale at Winners after the holidays were over for $5! Although gingerbread isn't my favourite scent I was happy to try out philosophy's formula! I liked this best as a shower gel, but on lazy days it was nice as a shampoo as well! The scent wasn't pure gingerbread to me, but more fresh ginger mixed with some sweetness to it. After trying this out, I've picked up a sampler set of 3 various scents, I like the formula, but won't repurchase this scent.

Lancome Defincils High Definition Mascara: I received this in last year's Sephora Favourites Lash Stash To Go (see original post here). This is definitely in my top 3 mascaras found in the kit! I loved that this didn't clump and made my lashes longer! Just as good as the Hypnose formula! Will definitely consider purchasing (especially when a good Lancome GWP event is on!)

L to R: Clean & Clear Night Relaxing All-in-one Cleansing Wipes, Degree Clinical Motion Sense Anti-perspirant, DKNY My NY, Softlips Sweet Moisturizing Lip Balm

Clean & Clear Night Relaxing All-in-one Cleansing Wipes: these are quite similar to Neutrogena's blue packaged make up removing wipes. Effective and gentle! I will definitely repurchase!

Degree Clinical Motion Sense Anti-perspirant: Your basic run of the mill deodorant, and doesn't touch Secret Clinical Strength in terms of effectiveness.

DKNY My NY: I received this sample in this haul. The notes include: Egyptian Jasmine, Freesia, Raspberry, Pink Pepper, and Patchouli. As someone who enjoys fruity, sweet perfumes. This wasn't my favourite. Too much floral for my tastes! I will not purchase.

Softlips Sweet Moisturizing Lip Balm: This was a go-to lip balm for me! I love the sweet french vanilla scent, and the small size to ensure I'm not also moisturizing my whole face! I have several other lip balms to finish up before buying anything new, but I would consider picking this up again!

What products did you use up in April?

August Empties!

Another month, more empties! The theme this month was definitely scents!

 

 

L to R: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash in Wildberry & Guava, Sensodyne Pro-namel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste

 

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash in Wildberry & Guava: From this haul. I really like this scent, tropical + berries, very refreshing and fruity! This formula is awesome, and I've already bought a replacement!

 

Sensodyne Pro-namel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste: This is my favourite toothpaste, as I do sometimes have teeth sensitivities when eating candy or drinking something cold.  This doesn't have an overwhelming mint taste, but the taste is pleasant. My one complaint is that this toothpaste isn't as effective at whitening as a lot of other products on the market, so I am taking a break from it and trying new products.  Definitely recommended for those with sensitive teeth.

 

L to R: Scunci No Damage No Metal Parts Hair Elastics, Yves St. Laurent Glossy Stain in No 7 Corail Aquatique, Bath & Body Works Body Scrub in Bali Mango, and Philosophy Living Grace Fragrance

 

Scunci No Damage No Metal Parts Hair Elastics: Hair elastics, not that exciting. But these are really good, they don't have metal parts that get caught in your hair, and they tend not to stretch out too soon after using. A keeper!

 

Yves St. Laurent Glossy Stain in No 7 Corail Aquatique: From this haul. This is a bright coral shade with a hint of red to it. I wasn't expecting to like it on me, as my cool skin tone often doesn't working with corals, but I actually really like this! The formula is fairly long lasting for a gloss and lacks stickiness. The price tag of $30 a gloss is a bit much for me, luckily I have 5 more sample shades to get through!

 

Bath & Body Works Body Scrub in Bali Mango: I love this scent, tropical and fruity. To me the scent is more than just mangos, it has a hint of beachiness to it as well. This scrub is pretty effective, but at the price I'm going to try out a few cheaper brands to see if they compare.

 

Philosophy Living Grace Fragrance: From this haul. Sephora describes this as "fresh neroli, lily of the valley, warm musk". I don't really get the muskiness of it, to me this is a fresh, clean scent, that's only slightly floral. I don't hate it, but don't love it either. I have another sample of this to get through.

 

 

L to R: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Fragrance, Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Fragrance, and Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara

 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Fragrance: Sephora describes this as "violet, sandalwood, vanilla". I can definitely smell all of those notes, making it an interesting blend of floral, vanilla, and masculine. This scent had just a hint to much masculinity for me personally, but I did prefer this over Nirvana White.

 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Fragrance: Sephora describes this as "peony, muguet, tender musk". I was not a fan. Too much powder and floral scent, which to me translates to too mature.

 

Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara: From this haul. I didn't get a chance to try out this sample, as when I opened it the product was all dried up in a clump on the wand. Disappointing.

 

 

Top to Bottom: Prada Infusion D'Iris Fragrance, Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance

 

Prada Infusion D'Iris Fragrance: Sephora describes this as "evoke the classic ambiance of a luxurious Italian voyage, from the clean freshness of Florentine Iris Padilla to the warm, subtle glow of Sicilian Mandarin. Savor the floral citrus reverie of this scent's unique, elusive essence". To me this is a citrus-y clean scent. And I kinda like it! Not enough to spend $65 / bottle for, but if it's available as a free sample, I won't say no!

 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance: From this haul. Sephora describes this as "strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, violet petals, jasmine petals, musk, vanilla, white woods". To me this is very floral, and not to my taste.

 

 All in all I think this was one of my more successful empties months!

 

What products did you use up in August?

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

March 23rd Haul

Yet again another item I could not pass up at Sephora...

As an avid reader, I loved the series Divergent and couldn't make to combine two of my loves into one with this gorgeous Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Kit!

Inside L to R: Face palette, 3 palettes, 4 lip gloss, double-ended brush

Face palette L to R: Obscure Coral, Misty Rose, Gleaming Pearl, Intelligent Bronze

Eye palette L to R: Transform, Bold Espresso, Intrepid Moss, Golden Honesty, Altruistic Almond

Eye palette L to R: Diverge, Dauntless Ink, Abnegation Stone, Erudite Sapphire, Serene Vanilla

Eye palette L to R: Choose, Burnt Mahogany, Radiant Initiation, Peaceful Shimmer, Humble Sheen

Lip gloss L to R: Supreme Ritual, Fear Not, Natural Virtue, Temptation's Choice

Double-ended brush

I have been loving playing with this so far! The eye shadow that I've tried have been smooth and easy to work with!

I also added a polish to get up to the free shipping amount

Nails Inc. Sweets Way - definitely looking forward to this cute polish, I've been on a real Nails Inc. kick recently!

I used the mystery bag code on the order (sad that the VIBLUXE code was out of stock), here's the sadness that was inside:

L to R: Philosophy Daily Age-Defying Serum, Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H, Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara, Clinique for Men Face Scrub, Givenchy Black Dahlia

Not a great code, one single use perfume packet, a foil packet, and a men's product, definitely not one of the better Sephora code's I redeemed.

The free samples were even better, they include the 3 I chose plus 2 additional ones!

L to R: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, Yves St. Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Rebel Nudes, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturizer, and Buxom Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation

All in all, lots of new stuff to play with!

Have you read Divergent? Will you pick up any of Sephora's Divergent Cosmetics?

Thanks for reading!

February Empties

I think I did pretty well with this month's empties!

L to R: Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer, Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads, Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer: This was my first ever redemption of points at Sephora. I was really pleased with this primer, I feel it does help reduce the appear of pores and it left my face feeling super smooth. This is one of my fav primers I've tried so far!

Compliments Premiere Quality Cotton Pads: See review here, my feelings have not changed.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub: See review here, the only change is that I do not have a back up on hand as I'm giving a few other exfoliants a try and will let you know how those measure up against this one.

Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout: I purchased this as part of the Smashbox Try It Kit (which is still available for purchase at Sephora and Shoppers Drugmart), I found this did a good job adding volume to my lashes without the clumps. This isn't the best mascara I've ever tried, and at $25 I'd rather stick with Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara.

Compliments Nail Polish Remover: All my NOTDs have helped me finish this bottle of polish remover (purchased in April) off. This was quite effective at removing nail polish (even glitter), however my nails have weakened noticeably from the heavy use of this remover (since it's acetone-based). So I'm trying my hand out (haha) at a few other non-acetone removers.

L to R: Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Primer, Philosophy Hope in a Jar High-Performance Moisturizer for all skin types

Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Primer: I received this as a free sample with a Sephora order back in December 2012 (yikes, more proof I need to get going on these empties posts!) Because of the small size of the foil packet this isn't the most informed review. I felt this primer was more similar to a moisturizer than the other primers I've used (so it felt fantastic) and I do honestly think my foundation lasted longer with this underneath it, however I think I overall like the Too Faced product better. Will not repurchase.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar High-Performance Moisturizer for all skin types: I received this as part of a gift with purchase from this haul. Although I liked the way this moisturizer felt, the smell of the moisturizer (others have likened it to smelly socks) is a bit of a turn off for me. Will not repurchase.

What products did you use up in February?

December 28 Haul

Back row L to R: Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam, Tinsel Twinkle Perfection Sample Bag, Algenist Pore Corrector Anti-Aging Primer
Front row L to R: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Bond No. 9 I Love New York for All, Nails Inc. The After Party, and Boscia One Step Wonders

I'll start with the Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam set, since it was the main reason for the purchase.

Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara - always a favourite and wanted a backup
Too Faced 3-Way Lashlining Tool - definitely intriguing, and will let you know how it fares once I start using it

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy - I was intrigued to try more UD eyeshadow, and thought this shade looked suitable for work.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape - Since I've begun my foray into blush, I've been intrigued by cream or gel blush so I thought I'd give this a go. I love the shade, perfect for my pale skin tone and it's quite easy to blend so that you don't end up looking like a clown. Glad I picked this up!

Sephora False Eyelashes in Celebrity - I did end up gifting these, but I love how natural they look!

Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm - I love BB creams, and will let you know how this offering from Stila works out!

NARS Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Gold Digger - Can't wait to try this out, such a pretty shimmery nude colour!

Nails Inc. Kensington Caviar Gel Effect Plumping Top Coat - You can never have too many top coats!

Nails Inc. The After Party includes: Disco Lane, Covent Garden Market, and Soho Street
I've been quite impressed with the Nails Inc. polish I've tried so far and this was $7 for 3 full size nail polish!

Bosica One Step Wonders includes: Luminizing Black Mask, Tsubaki Beauty Oil, and Bright White Mask
I redeemed 500 points for this set, and am glad I did! I'm really enjoying the beauty oil which isn't too oily that you can use both day and night!

Tinsel Twinkle Perfection back row L to R: Philosophy Living Grace, Sephora Age Defy Moisture Cream, Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, Living Proof Prime Style Extender

Tinsel Twinkle Perfection front row L to R: Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream

Wow. Soo many pictures! More big hauls to come!

Thanks for reading!

October 16, 2013 Haul

Look at all my pretties! This is a haul from Bath and Body Works and The Bay!

L to R: Pink Chiffon Triple Moisture Body Cream and Pink Chiffon Shimmer Body Mist

The deal here was buy 2 get 1 free, and I was there picking up a gift for a friend, so I ended up expanding my collection of Pink Chiffon products (I also own the Body Mist).  I LOVE this scent, perfect blend of vanilla and fruits.  Absolutely delectable!

L to R: Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet Lip Gloss, Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Givenchy Very Irresistible, Givenchy Very Irresistible Electric Rose

The item in the back is a cute iPad case, all of these items were free as part of a Philosophy GWP deal at The Bay (my sister spent the $65, and I racked up goodies!).  I love Philosophy lip gloss and basically all the fruity scents in general so I'm happy to have expanded my lip gloss collection here! There was also a promotion with a large number of Givenchy perfume samples in bowls, so I picked up 2 to try out.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Effect Refining Cream

This was in the clearance section of The Bay for $22!  This is still offered for sale at Sephora for $66 so I was happy to snatch up this bargain and try out this brand!

Have you found any great deals or GWPs recently?

Thanks for reading!

August Sephora Haul: Part III

To finish up this haul, here are the freebies I got! (Part I and Part II)

Back row L to R: Marc Jacobs Honey
Middle row L to R: bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 The Perfect Storm, Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20, Philosophy Living Grace Fragrance, Prada Candy
Front row L to R: Aquolina Pink Sugar, MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara

bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow Duo

Pics of the duo opened. Isn't it pretty? I got this free with the code VIBREADY (I believe this only works for Canadian shoppers, $25 value!)

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20. As I have Combination Oily skin, this should work out well for me, look for a review in an upcoming empties post!

Philosophy Living Grace Fragrance: I wasn't expecting to like this, as I'm not a fan of floral scents.  But I've actually really liking how clean this is. And not too floral or powdery!

So this is kind of a cheat, because I actually got this from Shoppers Drugmart (only interesting thing from that trip). I like the sweetness of this scent, with some musky overtones that add sex appeal.

I have been loving trying Pink Sugar, so sweet, both fruity and with vanilla scents to it. Might have to buy a full size of this one!

MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara. I was disappointed that this is a one-time use sample, but maybe I'll be able to figure out a way to get more uses out of it and keep it from drying up? Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading!