Big Haul: Sephora + Nordstrom + Bath & Body Works + More!

You know the drill.  I run out of products, I buy replacements, then I get distracted by new shiny products and pick those up too because why not.  

These are some things that I've accumulated throughout the summer.  Speaking of summer, I'm ridiculously sorry that my posting has been at a bare minimum for the past few months.  I'm attempting to savor the last "summer vacation" that I will ever have.  In 30 days I enter into the last school year of my life, and thus am one step closer to becoming a real, full-fledged adult human.  Ugh.

Anyway, read on to see what I've recently purchased!

Sephora 

1. Stila Smudgestick Waterproof Eyeliner in "Stingray" ($22)

I've reviewed this eyeliner countless times on my blog, so if you're a regular reader you definitely know about this product and why I love it so much.  The blackest black, the creamiest formula, and the most smudge proof all-day wear.  (Swatch below.)

2.  Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Black" ($22)

Another tried and true favorite that I repurchased for the umpteenth time.  I've actually been using this product a little differently lately, and have been combining it with a black cream liner.  I outline and trace where I want my liner to go using this liquid pen, then fill it all in with a cream.  It creates the most perfect looking and longest lasting eye liner that I've ever used.  (Swatch below.)

3.  Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Creme Color in "Jet" ($18)

I have a few black cream eyeliners, but I've heard so many good things about the ABH version that I had to test it out for myself.  And trust me, I am NOT disappointed.  It is extremely black and pigmented, super creamy, and dries to waterproof, matte perfection. (Swatch below.)

4. // 5. // 6.  Fresh lip care VIB deluxe sample: Sugar Rose Extreme Lip Treatment ($22.50) // Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy ($35) //  Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment ($25)

I can't get enough Fresh lip products.  I already own the Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 and the Sugar Lip Polish, so when I saw that there was a Fresh deluxe sample, I had to pick it up.  These are really hefty sizes for samples.. and they were free.. so how can you go wrong?

All the Fresh products have the signature Fresh scent/flavor -- a sweet, lemony aroma.  It's super pretty and tastes great, so it doesn't leave a weird aftertaste in your mouth if you happen to lick your lips.  The Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment feels just like the regular one, but a bit thicker in consistency.  

The Rose Lip Treatment has a pretty pink tint to it when applied to the lips, but it's still super subtle and barely noticeable.  (Swatch below.)

Oh my god, this product is a game changer.  When I run out of this sample, I'm picking up the full size immediately.  Although it is expensive (as are all Fresh products), this serum is 100% worth it.  After only 1 use, it made my lips feel smoother and softer.  There are a ton of bad reviews for this product on Sephora's website, but don't listen to them!  The bad reviewers are writing about this serum as if it were supposed to be a balm or a gloss!  They write things like "it's sticky," "it absorbs into my lips so quickly it's as if there's nothing there," "the taste is horrible," "my lips aren't moisturized at all!"  But that's not what this product is made for -- it's supposed to fill out the lines in your lips, help contour your lip line, and tone/plump your lips!  

Nordstrom

7.  MAC "The Matte" Lipstick in "Whirl" ($16)

Apparently this lipstick is sold out or on backorder on both Nordstrom and MAC's website.  So I'd recommend physically going to a MAC store or Nordstrom, or just order it on backorder and patiently wait for it to arrive!

Anyway, MAC's best selling lip liner color "Whirl" (and Ky Jen's favorite) was released as a matte lipstick.. and it flew like hot cakes.  I obviously had to pick it up and see if it lived up to it's hype.  I'm  posting an entire review on the lipstick, along with comparison swatches to other MAC nudes.  I think that the popularity of this lipstick has a lot to do with the viral aspect.  I will say, though, that it's not a terrible lip stick!  I like the color, and the formula is a standard MAC matte -- creamy to apply, yet dries matte and a bit tight.  (Swatch below.)

8.  Charlotte Tilbury 'Lip Lustre' Luxe Color-Lasting Lip Lacquer in "Seduction" ($22)

Okay ya'll.  This is hands down my new favorite lip gloss.  Yes, cult favorites like Buxom and Tarte glosses are still as fantastic as ever.. but this Charlotte Tilbury lip lacquer is phenomenal.  It has a nice, opaque color to it, but is sheer enough to be subtle yet buildable.  It's sticky enough to be long lasting, but not so sticky that your lips literally stick together when you try to talk.  I can't say enough good things about this product.  Of course I picked it up in the nude shade, but I'm definitely going to try out other colors in the future.  (Swatch below.)

Makeup Geek

9. // 10. Makeup Geek Loose Pigment in "Insomnia" ($7) // Makeup Geek Loose Pigment in "Enchanted" ($7)

These are some of my new favorite eyeshadows.  Ever.  A lot o people are intimidated by loose shadows and pigments because of how messy and opaque they are.  But I say go for it -- play around with them and figure out the way you like to use them the best.  I personally love using pigments dry for a subtler daytime sheen, and wet (with a setting spray or shadow glue) for a dramatic night time look.  

These Makeup Geek pigments are just as high quality as any MAC pigment I own.

"Insomnia" is an almost spot-on dupe for MAC Blue Brown Pigment ($21).  This is probably one of the most beautiful eyeshadow that I own.  In indirect light, it is a gorgeous reddish brown shade.  In direct light, it morphs into the most intense aqua/turquoise sheen.  It can be worn over a black base for a darker and more intense look, and over a white base for a lighter and more vibrant color.  Completely obsessed.  I already used it in a look that I'll be blogging soon!  (Swatch below.)

"Enchanted" is just a pretty purple/berry shade, perfect for warm smokey eyes or cool purple looks.  I think a great, versatile shadow that can be worn in a warm AND cool toned look is a staple for everyone's makeup collection.  (Swatch below.)

11.  Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in "Mermaid" ($6)

Another absolutely stunning shadow from Makeup Geek.  I am consistently pleased with Makeup Geek's quality and application.  For only $7 per product, it's hard to want to buy any MAC or MakeUp ForEver shadows knowing their prices!  (I mean.. it's me. I still do it.  But it's totally unnecessary!)  

"Mermaid" is beautiful!!  It's an almost duo-chrome shadow with greens and turquoises throughout.  Obviously not a color that I'll be wearing every day, but it's such a fun shade and I know I can do a ton of different looks with it.  Again, it's another color that can be used in either warm or cool toned looks.  (Swatch below.)

Haute Look

12.  BECCA Cosmetics Ultimate Creme Eyeliner in "Renaissance" ($8 - at Sephora for $20)

Just another cream eyeliner, but in a dark brown color.  How could I pass up a Becca liner for $8?  I couldn't.  I haven't worn it on my eyes yet, but from my swatches I can already tell how long lasting and smudge proof it is.  Applies super smooth and creamy, and dries very matte and opaque.  (Swatch below.)

13.  BECCA Cosmetics Radiant Skin Creamy Concealer in "Butterscotch" ($11 - at BECCA Cosmetics for $35)

What a good deaaaaaaaal.  I already love my YSL Touche Eclat pen, so I decided to pick up this Becca version to see how I like it.  The color "Butterscotch" is very similar to my YSL #2, and it'll be perfect for under eye highlighting.  We'll see how it compares once I wear it for a day!  (Swatch below.)

14.  BECCA Cosmetics Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation in "Nude" ($15 - at BECCA Cosmetics for $42)

Let's just talk about this discount.  If you all aren't using Haute Look for beauty buys, you're doing it wrong.  It's definitely hit or miss in terms of what the site is selling every day, but when you find a brand you like, it's like Christmas.  A $42 foundation for $15?  Yep.  I've only swatched it so far so I don't know how it wears all day, but can do an update about it in the future.  It's a tad bit light for my super tanned summer skin, but I think it'll be perfect for the winter months.  It works out well that way too because it is a satin finish, which won't cling to dry skin as much when it's super cold outside.  (Swatch below.)

Bath & Body Works

15. // 16.  Lip Licious Lip Gloss in "Whipped Vanilla" and "Vanilla Bean Noel" ($1 on clearance)

I go to B&BW more than is probably healthy to admit, but I never really blog about anything I buy.  I went to the semi-annual sale and picked up a few lip glosses for only $1 each.  B&BW lip glosses are super nostalgic for me, and are always great to throw into purses/bags/pockets for quick touch ups when you're out and about.  (Swatches below.)

17. // 18. // 19.  Ultra Shea Body Cream in "Mahogany Teakwood" ($12.50) // PocketBac in "Cupcake Sweetie" ($1) // Deep Cleaning Soap in "Boardwalk Vanilla Cone" ($3.50)

One of the big "problems" (if you will) with B&BW is their constantly rotating scents!  They either have them in the store for a very limited time, or discontinue them entirely.  Just picked up my favorite scent from B&BW (Mahogany Teakwood) in a cream, a little Pocket anti-bacterial gel that smells like cupcakes for my work bag (touching jail cells all day then eating lunch isn't always fun), and a bathroom handsoap that smells like legit ice cream cones.  So.  

20. // 21.  Fine Fragrance Mist in "Mahogany Teakwood" ($14) // Fragrance Mist Signature Vanillas in "Coconut" ($5)

If I could douse myself in Mahogany Teakwood, I would.  Aaaand.. if you know me, you know that I already do.  This spray makes it ten times easier to overwhelm everyone with this scent.  And who doesn't love a good vanilla coconut body spray?  I love the smell of the beach, and this comes pretty close to that.

22.  Mini Candle in "Coconut Vanilla" ($4.50)

More vanilla coconut.  More beachiness.  More good.. ness.

SWATCHES

(After scrubbing with soap and water)

(After rubbing/blending in foundation and concealer)

Morphe Brushes Angel Merino 14-Piece Brush Set

I love me a good makeup brush.  And when they're shiny and gold?  Forget about it.  I've seen a lot of brushes in my day, and it's pretty rare to come across a completely gold set - ferrule, handle, and all.  When I saw that Morphe Brushes was coming out with a 14 piece all-gold brush set, I knew I had to get my hands on it.  But for $80, I was hesitant.  Yes, $5.70 per piece is an absolutely ridiculous steal, but when you hear it in a lump sum like that, it gets a little nerve wracking. 

I waited on it to think about it, and lo and behold, Morphe offered a 10% discount on the set.  I know, 10% isn't a huge deal, but it bounced the price down to $72 (or $5.14 a piece) and I couldn't pass up such a beautiful brush set.

Insert the Angel Merino 14-piece brush set.  Beautiful.  Gorgeous.  I am in love.

I'm usually kind of skeptical about endorsed or collaborated products, because sometimes I think the companies creating them can sort of skimp out on quality because they know they're going to sell by name recognition and promotion alone.  But I know Morphe always creates affordable yet quality products, so I trusted that these brushes wouldn't disappoint.

I will say the brush roll isn't the highest of quality, but it'll do for what it is.  I only use brush rolls when I'm doing freelancing somewhere and need a ton of brushes with me.

The brushes came nicely wrapped and protected, which is also a good sign.

They ended up being a stunning set, both in appearance and quality.  I am super happy with the actual brushes and the way they apply.  I've been using them and testing them for about a week, and I am extremely pleased, especially with the price point what it is.  A little over $5 for a great quality brush is almost unheard of.

I haven't experienced any bristle fallout during use or after washing them.  And I haven't used all of them, but from what I have used I love.  I'm not a big fan of foundation brushes, so I have yet to try that (I mainly use that as a concealer brush anyway, and don't conceal my own face very often).  And the small pointed lip/liner brush is also one I have yet to use.  But if these perform as well as the eyeshadow and powder brushes, I basically have no complaints about this set.

Below are a few closeups of some of my favorites:

The ferrule and handle are virtually seamless, and the head of the ferrule is tight and secure.  The bristles in this set are either natural or synthetic, depending on the brush.  But both apply makeup with the same precision.

The all-gold brush is super sleek and looks amazing displayed on a vanity or makeup stand. 

If you're interested in the set, the 10% off code is simply "ANGEL" at the checkout page on Morphe's website.  I highly recommend picking this set up if you are a fan of gold.. or you just like high quality brushes for a little over $5 a pop.