Birthday Haul 2013

Nothing says "Happy birthday" like a giftcard (or a few) to a makeup store. It's like someone handing you money and setting you free....and that is just what I did this past week.

~Sephora~



Beauty Insider Gift



Sephora Samples



I initially went online trying to figure out what I'd want so I wouldn't go in blind-sighted. Yeah, that plan went out the window real quick.

Nars Orgasm Blush

I have been wanting this for a very long time but could never bring myself to actually buy it...ironically, I've probably spent more money than what it actually costs picking up all of it's more affordable dupes.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I must have walked past this about five times before I finally decided to go ahead and get it. I really like UD shadows but for all the neutral shades I own, I really didn't think this was something I needed. The funny part is that the general response from my family and friends once they saw it was "Oh, you've been talking about that a lot"...yeah, I didn't realize...

~Ulta~
bareMinerals The Next Big Thing Quad

This came out pretty recently and is from their Remix collection. From the moment I first saw this a couple months ago, I knew I wanted to pick up these shadows. I love the quality of these but not all of them have really wowed me as far as shades, however, this set really caught my eye (no pun intended).

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes

Being my HG mascara, I figured it couldn't hurt to pick up an extra. I've said this before and I'll say it again-this is the best mascara I've ever used. They're not joking when they say this is waterproof.

Last but certainly not least...

Too Faced Boudoir Eyes Palette

Jason had ordered this a few weeks ago and was disappointed to find that the company sent the wrong product. I have been lusting over this ever since it came over and can't wait to use it!

I was really surprised and appreciative by everyone's generosity...and the fact that they were more than willing to cave into my addiction ;)

I'm going to go and play with my new makeup now...

As always, I thank you all for of your support...have a great weekend :)



It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...for Sephora VIBs

I've been meaning to post this for a while...
This year's VIB opening party was pretty dead, although, I don't doubt that Sandy and the snowstorm that followed played a role in it. It's a shame, too, because it seemed like my Sephora tried really hard to host a great event. Unlike last year they had a table full of food, a DJ, and all different services throughout the store.

Personally, I only went to redeem my 20% off, especially being with my son who wasn't too thrilled to be there (thank god for Jason, who was kind enough to walk him around while I shopped).

I walked out with...
-Philosophy's Gingerbread Man Hot Salt Scrub
-Philosophy's Snow Angel Hand Cream
-bare Mineral's shadow duo in The Phenomenon
-Tatre's Lights Camera Splashes mascara (HG item!!!)
-Sephora VIB tote

Certainly a much smaller list that last year, which, I'm actually proud of :)


I thank you for reading this (late) post :)
Feel free to share-what was it like in your store and what did you use your 20% (or even $15 and $20 cards) to buy?

Reminder About Sephora Rewards Cards

This week Sephora started mailing out their annual rewards cards via snail mail. I have been anxiously awaiting for mine to arrive, especially since I didn't recieve my 20% off coupon until a week after it expired.

That being said, if you have not gotten your's yet, don't freak because they're also being emailed. This promotion is good from November 29 through December 11.

Don't forget:
Bis get $15 off a $50 purchase
VIBs get $20 off a $50 purchase

Happy shopping, everyone!!!
:)

Review: Betsey Johnson's Too Too

I feel the need to start by saying I'm in love with this fragrance!!!!!

My fiance' is really sweet-he bought me a ring for Valentines Day but according to the jewelry store my finger is abnormally small so it had to be sent away to get resized. Feeling bad, he surprised me with the new Too Too perfume.

This was love at first sniff....it's sweet, girly, and oh so yummy!
According to Sephora.com it has notes of passion fruit, pink musk, ginger, strawberry, tuberose, jasmine, oudwood, patchouli, and black vanilla. In my opinion I'm mostly able to pick out a sweet berry smell. It reminds me a lot of Philosophy's Falling In Love.

What I really like is that it lasts a long time and you just need a little bit. I have the rollerball and can tell it'll last a while.

This is exclusive to sephora and ranges in price from $18-$82. You can find more info about the product HERE.

Note: I purchased these products with my own money. The opinions expressed in this post are those of my own. I have never accepted any kind of compensation in exchage for a review. For mor information, please check out my Disclaimer.

Birthday Haul

I am so excited!!!! I got so many fun gifts (and gift cards) from my family and have a lot of ideas for future posts :)

Something I'm really excited to try out are a set of nail pens. I had seen these on QVC during the holidays but every time I even considered ordering they'd sell out. I honestly have no clue as to how these will end up but I can't wait to try them out!

I also got a set of sprays and a "bath spa" set which consists of gel, bath salt, lotion, etc.

My sister gave me a two-part gift....the first was a scarf which I think will look really cute in the office(couldn't get a good enough picture of it), and the second was a couple of very tasty cakes-we ate them so quickly that there wasn't time to get any pictures...lol

With some gift cards that I was given and had managed to save up, I went to Sephora where I got the Too Faced Natural at Night Palette and was given my VIB gift-a set of two lip balms from Bliss.

The Bare Escentuals boutique was a lot of fun! The sales associates let me try out the skin care products that I had been curious about and really took the time to explain all the details about what they do and how to use them. I walked out with the Exfoliating Treatment Cleanser, Deep Cleansing Foam, and the Purely Nourishing Moisturizer. I also picked up the Ready Touch-Up Veil along with one of the 2.0 shadow duos in The Scenic Route.

Last but not least, my fiance surprised me with a really pretty gold chain necklace that I had wanted. It's quite long and can be worn in multiple ways (I've been having a ot of fun with it for the past few days :)

I'm really looking forward to trying all of these products out, along with posting all of my reviews. Keep an eye out for upcoming posts!

"Joey and Janice's Day of Fun!" {...a haul story...}

My mom and I decided to have ourselves a girls day this past Friday. It was really nice to be able to spend time together...especially when everyone else was at work!

The dangerous part: having off on payday. The result:

First stop: Goodwill

We happened to be driving past and were curious so we stopped in. I didn't know what to expect but was really surprised by how organized it was...they separate their clothes by color! It was a shock to see the name brands there as well In the bag section alone I saw Vera Wang, Gucci, and Kate Spade all priced under $25. Unfortunately, I held off on a new purse even though they were super cheap. I ended up walking out with a cute pair of sapphire chandelier earrings and Andrea Jovine sunglasses. Upon further investigation, these glasses, in which I paid $3, retail for $85!

Sephora!

Since I started using BE, my mom has been curious about it so we went to check it out. To my complete shock she actually decided to by a kit just like I had. I was really disappointed, though, because the sales associate didn't help her out with how to apply or anything. In fact, she didn't seem to have a lot of knowledge about the product.

I came out with BE's Pure Radiance and the Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner.

Bare Escentuals

Had I known there was a boutique in the mall we would have gone there for my mom's kit. I must say that store is nice and welcoming! We were greeted by a very friendly sales associate who helped me pick out a new brush (Flawless Radiance brush). I felt compelled to tell her all about what this product has been doing for me and when she mentioned the skin care she gave each of us samples of a face scrub. I haven't tried it yet but now I'm thinking I might want to look into it during my birthday shopping trip.

Hello Yellow!-Bath & Body Works

We went to B&BW on a whim and I am so glad we did...I didn't know that they're discontinuing Charmed Life. I was so shocked because that's only been out for maybe three months. Unfortunately, all the shower gels and full sized products were sold out but I did grab the rest of their travel sized lotions...along with a couple from Be Enchanted....and a sample lotion of their new Rio Rumberry....and some soaps for my mom....Actually I only paid $11 for all of it!

Harmon

I didn't plan on buying anything from there until I saw travel sizes for Organix shampoo and conditioner. I decided to give it a shot as I've been curious about this brand.

Last Stop: Home

As soon as we got back I did something I've wanted to do for years: give my mom a makeover. We sat in the kitchen and I showed her how to use all of her new products...she looked so great!

I loved spending the day together, especially watching her pamper herself for once, but my favorite part was going to sleep. I was exhausted by the time we came back.

Rave: Sephora

I was so happy with a recent experience at my local Sephora that I just had to post a rave review!

~Background Info~
This isn't one of my favorite locations-it's located inside the JC Penny and doesn't always have a lot of items. I have also had some problems, for example, one day I called to have them hold an eyeliner for me. What should have been a quick trip ended up being almost a half hour as the associate not only put the wrong line to the side but when I went to exchange (I didn't realize until after I paid) she continually kept ringing up the wrong one. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been like that every single time I've gone inside but still, it's not my favorite.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Anyway....
I wanted to pick up a couple items and didn't feel like driving twenty minutes so I gave them a shot. I called to make sure they did indeed have the products and the sales associate who answered was very friendly and apologetic when he found that a brush cleaner I wanted was out of stock. He held the other item and took a lot more information than I'm normally asked for which actually made me feel a little better (more than once they've lost an item that was being held). When I got to the store I was greeted by a friendly male associate who offered to help me with anything. I mentioned that I had something on hold and when I told him what it was he exclaimed "Ohhhhhhh! So that was you!" I smiled and replied with "So that was you too!" He found it right away (first time they didn't have to search) and as he rang me up he apologized for not having the cleaner. I was actually really impressed that he remembered since several hours had passed from the time I called to the time I went there. He told me they were expecting a shipment this week and that he would call to let me know that it was being held. Just before I left he grabbed a bunch of samples and put it in my bag (I never get samples!) I have to say even in my favorite location I have never had such excellent service. It's people like him who will keep me from not giving up hope on that store.

If you ever happen to go to the Rockaway Mall (Rockaway, NJ) I suggest you give it a shot. I didn't get his name but he's the only male employee I've seen there, plus, I have a feeling he was the manager. (and he was cute too!)

I hope that everyone has a great Thursday!!!
:*

Review: Bare Minerals Starter Kit

After work on Friday I took a trip to Sephora and picked up the 7 piece bareMinerals kit. The sales associate not only matched my shade but she even demonstrated how to apply it. When I looked in the mirrow I literally screamed "Holy S**t!!!". My fiance who wasn't even in the store said he could hear me. I was just so amazed because I have never seen my skin so clear.

~The Kit~

*Full size Original or Matte (your choice) foundation (your shade)

*Mineral Veil

*Warmth All Over Face Color

*Full Flawless Face Brush
*Flawless Application Face Brush
*Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

*Instructional Booklet

*How-To DVD

*Sample size Prime Time

~SPF 15 Foundation (Original)~

You have a choice between the Original which gives a dewy glow or Matte which they say is good for oily skin. My shade is Golden Fair and surprisingly matches perfectly. What really impressed me was that not only does it work as a foundation but it can also be used as a concealor. I have horrible breakouts and acne marks on my face and this is the first product that's ever covered them completely.

~Original Mineral Veil~

The Mineral Veil is translucent and works as a finishing powder.It really helps to blend and give your face an airbrushed look.

~Warmth All Over Face Color~

I was actually afraid to use this and wasn't even going to just because I have a light complection and this almost has a chocolate tone to it. I did give it a shot and really like it. I use a very small amount in the spots where the sun would naturally hit my face (cheeks, forehead, etc).

~Full Flawless Face Brush~

This offers Medium to full coverage and is what I use to put on my foundation.(shown in pic-bottom)

~Flawless Application Brush~

This offers light to medium coverage and is what I use for the Warmth and Veil. (shown in pic-middle)

~Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush~

This makes it easier for small areas and does give great coverage for under my eyes and any red spots. (shown in pic-top)

~Prime Time~

I haven't used this face primer yet because I'm halfway through the Laura Geller Tinted Spackle but it was put on me during the initial demonstration and it did fell very nice on my skin.

~Booklet & DVD~

Both are great for a first timer such as myself. In fact, with all the excitement, I came home forgetting some of what the sales associate had told me so I was really happy to have these.

~Overal Opinion On The Kit~

I wasn't planning on buying the kit but for $60 you get a lot...I think this is a terrific value. Not to mention, for the amount that's needed, this will last a very long time.

~Overall Opinion On The Product~

Honestly, my only complaint is having waited so long to try this out. This is surprisingly very long lasting, in fact, by this time I've usually had to "powder" my nose but my face still looks great (even in the bathroom where the lighting is terrible). This has really given me so much confidence, I've never felt so good before! I am absolutely considering this a H.G. product and will continue to repurchase as long as it makes my skin look this good. Having used this for a few days, I think it might actually be helping my break outs because they don't look so red and angry. Even my father noticed a difference and he doesn't notice much when it comes to cosmetics.

I absolutely recommend this product and truly hope that you end up with a "Holy S**t" moment just like I did!

By the way, If you happen to go to Sephora in the Willowbrook Mall (Wayne, NJ) ask for Shannon-she was so helpful and sweet!

Mission: Sephora

I don't think I ever just go up to people and ask for specific gifts. In fact, doing that actually makes me uncomfortable. This year, however, I thought I'd do something a little different. It started out at Christmas when I hinted around that I wanted a Sephora gift card. Then I had a thought, since my birthday is in January, I might as well actually go ahead and ask for more gift cards so I'd be able to pick up what I want. So far I have $50 and I'm hoping to have at least $100 for my birthday. This way I can buy what's been on my wish list.

-Philosophy Amazing Grace 3in1
-Philosophy Amazing Grace lotion
-Philosophy Pure Grace lotion
-Clinique Black Honey Lipstick
-Too Faced Natural at Night
-Philosohy Inner Grace Spray

I hope this doesn't make me look like some spoiled brat because I'm really not. I work very hard for everything that I have and appreciate all of it.

My Winter Skin Care Routine

Between the cold weather and the dry heat, winter can be such a skin killer. The following is my daily/nightly routine:

Morning

I like to start off my day by using the Philosophy Microdelivery Wash. Basically, it's a very gentle daily exfoliating wash. It makes my skin feel so soft and really makes it glow! Following that I use Hope In A Jar (also from Philosophy). It's such a light lotion and without it I feel so naked.

Evening

My nightly routine depends on whether or not I've worn make-up that day (I try to go one day a week without anything on). If I have something on then I use Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It's a non foaming wash that really melts away any kind of make-up. It's kind of like a 3-in-1 where it acts as a wash, lotion, and eye make-up remover. On make-up less days I use Philosophy's On A Clear Day foaming wash to clear up any breakouts I might have. It's very gentle and takes away any redness or irritation. With both I like to use a face brush that I found at Sephora.

After cleansing, I use a few drops of Philosophy's When Hope Is Not Enough 3-6-9 oil and the corresponding Replenishing Lotion. This is something I'm not sure if I'll continue once it gets warmer but for right now I'm really enjoying how smooth it makes my skin. Speaking of which, I don't just stop at my face, my last step is the When Hope Is Not Enough Neck Cream which has really tightened and toned my neck! That is a product that I will not stop using.

Extras

A couple other steps I do is a once a week mask using Queen Helene's Mint Julep which I absolutely love. It gives my skin a nice refreshing spa moment. I also use the Philosophy Micro Peel (usually on Sunday nights). It makes my face so super soft and has really helped to lighten any acne marks that I have.

I've learned that skin care is very important and I feel that if I can start now in prevention of aging than I'm going to do it! I did mention Philosophy but that's just because it's a brand I am very fond of (to put it lightly), that's not to say that's the only one to use. Every one's skin is different so I urge you to play around to find your own routine.