Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Thursday, November 5, 2015

2015 Holiday Gift Guide For Sephora | Great For Gift Ideas Or The 20% Off Sale Event



Just because we are told we cant celebrate Christmas in November, doesn't mean we cant get ahead on shopping. This is practically a wish list for me but a shopping guide for you. I picked out all of the palettes I think are unique/ a good deal.

This is a great list if you're someone who is looking for a gift to give to the makeup junkie in your life. I am a makeup junkie myself and I think I have a good idea of what that person would want. Just be sure she doesn't have it already, we tend to pick it up ourselves sometimes because we cant wait to get our greedy little claws on these products!

I was going to add products from Ulta  but I decided to wait and make an exclusive post for them since they have drugstore products as well.

Here is a percentage calculator if you're shopping for the 20% Off Sale Event! 





Kat Von D- Mi Vida Loca Remix Eyeshadow Palette $59
Best for: makeup collector, someone with few shadows, someone who wants one palette only

This palette is the holy grail of gifts. Sure, its expensive but the amount of shadows you get (24) and the quality is what makes it such a great palette. There are two wheels of shadows, the inner wheel features seven neutrals and the surrounding wheel has 17 electric brights.

 The looks with this palette are endless! It might be the only palette you'll ever need, even though we know that wont happen. If you have the money don't skip on this one!

Too Faced- Le Grand Chateau $49
Best for: multiple gifts, traveling 

 Le Grand Chateau features an adorable and chic chateau that opens to reveal three separate palettes with 18 high-impact eye shadows, two blushes, one bronzer, and a deluxe size of Too Faced’s bestselling Better Than Sex Mascara. It includes three step-by-step glamour guides for each palette, and each one celebrates a romantic evening in St. Tropez, a sunny day in Côte d'Azur, and a stroll along the Seine at night.

 This giftable set has a palette for every occasion, and it’s perfect for giving as one gift, or for gifting each palette separately.

 I cant get over how cute the packaging is for this kit! The palettes come out and the box can sit where ever you want it to, such as your vanity. I would recommended this kit over the next set because its better for traveling and the quality seems to be better (that's what I have heard).

Too Faced- Le Grand Palais $58
Best for: makeup collector, gift to family member or friend 

An exclusive, full-face collection with 18 eye shadows, two blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, a deluxe Better Than Sex mascara, a deluxe Melted Lipstick, and a deluxe Shadow Insurance boxed in a cute Paris themed box.

 I think the packaging is just adorable with this collection! Usually Too Faced has good holiday kits but I have heard some people say this palette isn't the best because the shimmer shades have fallout (but that can be cleaned up easily). So read up on some reviews before you bite the bullet. I personally chose not to purchase it because I have my eyes on other things. However, the variety in this palette is promising and the packaging is insanely adorable.

Makeup For Ever- 15 Artist Shadow Palette $59
Best for: makeup collector, someone who loves shimmer, younger women, beginners

This palette is arranged into five easy-to-apply color trios (great for beginners), this extensive collection ranges from soft, subtle neutrals to daring bolds and brights. The included step-by-step leaflet lets you effortlessly create endless holiday looks.

 This palette is beautiful, as is the formula for the shadows, but the only down fall is the variety of finishes. There are no mattes in this palette. So if you are a matte person or prefer a palette that gets the whole job done, then this one isn't for you. However, if you do like shimmers, this limited edition palette is a home run!

A limited-edition palette packed with 20 gorgeous, never-before-seen shades, a huge mirror, a double-ended brush, and a chic bag.

Urban Decay- Vice 4 $60
Best for: makeup collector, someone who loves jewel tones

Urban Decay created Vice4, loaded with 20 gorgeous shades of their iconic Eyeshadow. It features a huge mirror, a double-ended brush, and a coordinating bag.

These shades are filled with rich, deep jewel tones in a wide range of finishes—from velvety-smooth mattes and shimmering metallics to shades infused with micro-glitter. Each Eyeshadow in Vice4 is formulated with Urban Decay’s own Pigment Infusion System™, a proprietary blend of ingredients that deliver rich, velvety, blendable color that lasts and sparkle that stays in place.

A lot of people love this palette. Its a great collectors edition but not typically an everyday palette. I wouldn't buy this for your mother but I would buy it for the collector or for someone who loves color.

Tarte- Light Of The Party $59
Best for: Someone who likes to build their eye shadow (the formula is sheer), mom or grandma 

Create an eye-catching statement wherever you go with the travel-size takeaway palette, featuring shadow, cheek and contouring shades. The trendy collector’s case features a full-size, built-in eye shadow palette with 30 shades, including 24 brilliant, never before seen shades in mixed mattes and shimmers. With a travel-friendly eye shadow brush and deluxe-size mascara, this set is perfect for achieving seamless, on-the-go touch-ups for alluring, party-perfect looks.

I just adore the packaging for this kit. The outside is a zip up sequin case. I don't believe the shadows come out of the package (sucks, i know), but there is an unattached palette included in the set. Inside of that palette is a blush, bronzer, highlight and 4 eyeshadows.


Stila- A Whole Lot Of Love Set $59
Best for: variety of products, makeup collector, someone with a small collection

It includes 20 color-rich matte, pearl, and shimmer eye shadows, four shades of universally flattering, silky-smooth blush, and a deluxe-size HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara. It comes wrapped in a vintage-inspired special delivery package that's perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.

I haven't heard much about this palette but it does have great reviews on Sephora's website. It seems like a good deal for a palette with 4 blushes and 20 eye shadows.  It's said to be bulky but travel friendly because the packaging is sturdy. The color payoff is said to be rich and creamy. 




Becca- Shimmering Skin Perfector Champagne Glow Palette $34
Best for: makeup collector (must have), beginner, sister or other family member, someone with limited highlighters in their collection

 A Sephora-exclusive, curated palette of three limited-edition Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed shades—new Pearl, Blushed Copper, and bestselling Champagne Pop x Jaclyn Hill.

This palette is inspired by the festive holiday season. The shimmering shades are designed to enhance your natural beauty and allow your features to glow. Simply sweep the luxuriously creamy luminizing powders across the face or apply to targeted areas including cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose to see how beautifully they catch the light.

I probably wont purchase this just because I already own Champagne Pop by Jaclyn Hill. But if you don't already own it, you should definitely get it. Becca makes the best highlighters and this kit is a steal for the price and quality. This palette would make the perfect gift for anyone in your family!

Tarte- Bling It On Amazonian Clay Blush Palette $44
Best for: makeup collector, someone with a small blush collection, travel, family members
 
This sleek, statement-making palette features five long-wearing, pigmented powder blushes. The full-size, flattering mix includes all-new stunners and blushing favorites powered by Tarte’s iconic Amazonian clay, which helps to balance and replenish skin for better, longer, truer wear for a party-perfect flush. Treat yourself to this limited-edition bestseller encased in an accessory-inspired palette designed to delight and dazzle through any festive adventure.

Tarte blushes are some of the best out there. They are pigmented, smooth and free of harmful chemicals. The price may seem expensive but they are full sized and a single blush will run you around $28 anyway. It's a great addition if you don't already own very many blushes or need one for traveling.  All of the blushes except for one are limited edition.

Hourglass- Ambient Lighting Edit $80
Best for: makeup collector, someone with dull skin, anyone in the family, mom and grandma 

The portable, sleek palette is designed to give you everything you need to finish, brighten, contour, and highlight your skin. Featuring the Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent Strobe Light, a sheer illuminating highlighter that’s designed to emulate the way in which strobe lights capture and reflect light on the face—plus, it can be used dry or wet for a more intense highlight.

All products in the palette are universally flattering and deliver a multidimensional luminescence to every skintone, making it appear softer and lit-from-within. Unlike traditional powder, blush, and bronzer, which tend to go on flat, all Ambient®Lighting products use Photoluminescent Technology to filter out harsh light and refine the look of the complexion. Its beautifully designed, custom compact has a large mirror, and it’s perfectly sized so your Ambient Lighting wardrobe is always within reach.

$80 is a lot of money but sometimes its worth it to fork over the extra money for great makeup. This palette will have your skin looking like your 10 years younger. It would make a great gift for your mom, friend or yourself! It's not only a must have in a makeup junkies collection, but everyone's!

Nars- Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette $69
Best for: makeup collector, travel, someone with a small blush & bronzer collection, family 

Created exclusively for the Steven Klein for NARS collection, this palette features seven shades for alluring cheeks. Featuring four blushes, a contouring duo, and a glowing Laguna bronzer, this palette is perfect for emphasizing makeup looks.

Nars is known for their great blushes and bronzers. This palette is a must if you're looking for a travel blush and bronzer palette. I'm sure you wont be disappointed with the quality or packaging.




Too Faced- Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Kit $36
Best for: multiple gifts, makeup collector, sampling, all family 

 This holiday set features three deluxe Melted Lipsticks and three coordinating deluxe Love Flush Long Lasting 16 Hour Blushes. The Melted Lipsticks provide the lasting power of a stain and the intense color of a liquid lipstick in one long-wear formula—the perfect accessory for any party. Glow from day to night with the lasting, fade- and smudge-proof Love Flush Long Lasting 16 Hour Blush to give cheeks a wintery flush for up to 16 hours. Each set of three lipsticks and blushes are individually wrapped and nestled in one pretty package that’s perfect as one gift or for gifting separately.

As soon as I can I'm purchasing this kit. I have always wanted to try the blushes in this kit but I hate spending $30 on a single blush. I have heard great things about them though and that blush packaging is just adorable! I do own quite a few of the Melted Lipsticks and I adore them. I totally recommend this kit!

Too Faced- Le Petit Tresor Set $29
Best for: someone who loves lipsticks, mom & grandma, sister 

 A limited-edition set filled with three full-size lipsticks in a party-ready glitter clutch. This kit would make a great gift for the lipstick lover in your life. The shades are wearable and posses high quality ingredients. The price is pretty great too considering a single lipstick is $22!

Kat Von D- Studded Obsession: Studded Kiss Collectors Edition Set $295
Best for: makeup collector

A collector’s edition vault with 20 iconic, full-size Studded Kiss lipsticks.

The set features hard-to-find favorites and the newest signature shades. The lipsticks are perfectly nestled in a chic, black keepsake case, ideal for storing and displaying the collection. It also includes a gorgeous insert with a personal note from Kat Von D, plus four awesome Studded Kiss shade pairings for totally fearless lip looks. She reveals the personal stories behind each lipstick, letting you in on the muses and memories that inspired all of her incredible shades.

I know, the price tag for this set is outrageous but I did the math and it would cost you $420 (over $120 saved plus tax!) if the lipstick is bought individually. I wouldn't recommend this kit if you're not adventurous with your lipstick. Some shades are really bold and daring for the average girl. Only get it if you're truly looking for unique shades to sport around!

Fresh- Sugar Lip Delight Set $55
Best for: friends, mom & grandma, someone looking for sheer lip colors

Sweeten the season with these Sugar Lip minis. Whether you’re looking for sheer nourishment, a touch of color, or a hint of shimmer, they’ll give you something to smile about. Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 nourishes, smooths, and protects, while Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy nourishes and diminishes the look of wrinkles.

This set is for someone who wants a hint of color for every day wear. Fresh is notorious for their Sugar lips. They are beautiful on the lips but provide greater benefits than most lipsticks. I think mom would love this set! I do think the price is steep but if you have the extra money its a great deal.



 Alright guys, I hope you found what you're looking for. I spent hours writing this post but it's worth it if you found your next purchase or gift. 

Be sure to let me know what you are buying. Maybe it's for you? Your girlfriend? Mom? Grandma? Sister? We all know its for you, haha. #makeupjunkie









Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Lorac Ultimate Unzipped Holiday Collection


Hey! So the other day I was on Instagram and I noticed Lorac is leasing an Unzipped collection for $80. The collection includes their Unzipped palettes, and the Unzipped blush & lipstick duo at Ulta only. 

I have always been a fan of their Unzipped collection and I'm sure most of you have heard of their palettes. I figured some people were wondering if they are any good and that's why I'm here talking about them today. 



I didn't go out and purchase the set but I do own every product in the set. I scored the gold palette and blush palette back in the spring when they initially released. I can't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure I paid $42 for the Unzipped Gold and $25 for the blush and lipstick duo. So for all three products together my total cost was $109 plus tax. With the holiday set you save $29, plus less tax is paid. That's an amazing deal! 

But how is the quality? 



Unzipped Original 



Unzipped Gold 

The shadows in the Unzipped palettes are a different formula than the Pro palettes. They're not as soft and buttery but they are still nice. I do notice some stiffness with each matte shadow but they still perform like a good shadow. For the shimmer shadows, some can be dusty but that can be fixed if they are dampened. They are all indeed pigmented though. One shadow from the Unzipped Gold is the most pigmented shadow I have ever came across (swatches below). They do last all day with primer and yes, I do love the primer that comes with the set. It works well with any eyeshadow or liner I use. 



The quality of the blush and lipstick duo is superb. The blushes are really smooth and absent of chalkiness. They really do feel like high end blushes. They blend in easily and don't look patchy once applied. The shimmery shades do not emphasize pores once blended in.  The shades are are pretty but I don't find the matte shades to be unique in color. There may already be duplicates in your collection but I do feel like the formula with these might be better. The darker shimmery (unapologetic) shade is the most unique shade, in my opinion, in the palette. It's nice for a warm, just got back from the beach, look. The lighter shimmer blush (unimaginable) has a lot of pigment but may appear as a highlight or blush topper for deeper skin tones. I also noticed more of a chunky texture with this blush but it's not noticeable unless you swatch it with your finger, you may never notice if you don't swatch your makeup. 


Underrated, Unashamed, Unapologetic, Unimaginable and Girl Next Door (lipstick)  

The lipstick that comes with the blush palette isn't my favorite. The color crosses that line where it's so light it looks chalky and it's just not flattering. I like the formula of the other Alter Ego lipsticks I own but I could live without this one. It is a good deal , though. The lipstick alone costs $16 so you're basically buying the palette for $9! 

It all boils down to if you're after good deals on permanent items or lusting after a limited edition holiday palette... I think this set is a great deal if you're interested in the individual items but you can get them any time you want to. The only problem is you'll have to fork over more money. I think if you're a makeup collector, go for a different holiday set. However, if you're just looking for a good value, go for this set. It just depends on the buyer but I can say everything in this collection is worth every hard earned penny! 

Do you own any of the Unzipped palettes?
Are you going to purchase this set?
What's your favorite holiday palette this year?
Let us know in the comments below!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy Independence Day




Happy Independence Day! Thank you to all of the wonderful people who serve our country. May God bless every single one of you. 

What are you doing for the 4th of July? 
Me? I'm staying home and potty training. Let's hope yours is better, haha! 

Thank you, TaylorPie.