Play! by Sephora: November

Woo getting something up before the month ends!!
*so much progress*

Anyhow, this month's theme was "Best in Glow," which i was super excited for, cuz doesn't that sound like highlighters?? it did to me.

it wasn't highlighters. BUT it was a fun box as it had all things i hadn't tried before, so that's always fun for me. I'm actually pretty familiar with all of these brands too, so it felt like a nice box to play with, and I've also been having a lot of fun going to these Play Dates at Sephora, so definitely going to keep that up as well.

also still obsessed with these little sheets. i don't think that's going to change.

So diving right in here, I'm going to start with the fragrance as i absolutely hated it.

Maison Margiela 'Replica' Lipstick On:
I like crisp, fruity, citrus, or woodsy scents, and this was more patchouli than anything else.  It's supposed to have notes of rice powder and evoke a femininity akin to that moment of putting lipstick on (hence, 'Lipstick On'), but it did not work for me at all. This is kind of a good thing since i've already been drawn in to buying more perfumes from Atelier thanks to these boxes, and while this one is supposed to have middle notes of orange blossom, that's still too much floral for my taste. I do however like this is a building fragrance, as the description on the sheet also talks about how layering this brand's 'fragrance filters' can give a whole different feel. but i'm almost too lazy to put on one perfume, let alone two. Also my coworker sprayed this on my desk, and it was awful- i had such a headache i never want to smell it again -_-
0/1

wearing the primer, eyeshadow stick, and lip gel, moisturizer underneath and mask the night before

Cover FX Illuminating Primer:
I like that this isn't a straight up sparkly primer like so many 'illuminating' ones are, and this also has a nice tint to it that I was fond of. This also felt decently moisturizing and liquidy than most primers i've used, making it really nice and smooth to put on and blend in. I didn't however feel like it really filled in my huge pores, which is basically my whole reason for wearing a primer, but it is extremely light and can be worn alone fora very natural 'inner-glow' look for when you don't want to wear makeup. Not really for me, but i can definitely see its perks and makes me want to explore this brand further.
0/2, just cuz this doesn't appeal to me personally.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink:
I'm really not a lipgloss kind of girl, but this wasn't bad. Sephora has a pretty solid in-house brand, so this really holds up. Being a gel and not a gloss, the color doesn't really collect in any one place, which is one of my biggest hangups about gloss, and the applicator is a very interesting shape that i wasn't upset about. I actually kind of even liked it. This also went really nice over one of my liquid lipstick topcoats, and gave a nice depth. i know this is supposed to have a plumping effect but i didn't really experience that. Overall though, I'm not certain I'd buy this, but it was fun to use and i'm not complaining.
edit: def getting one in the Black Friday sale....
1/3

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold:
This is super subtle and easy to use, goes on easily and i really don't mind it as an eyeshadow base, or even alone for some subtle look. Plus I'm super pale anyway so this might show up brighter on darker skin. It is subtle enough to wear as highlighter, but maybe a little too bronzy for that to work on me as well, but i am interested in trying other colors for sure. It doesn't crease! so win.
2/4

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet:
I've been really enjoying the eye cream from this brand a few boxes ago, so no problems trying something else from them. And i like the whole using strengths from wine, but I am kind of tired of getting a new moisturizer in every box. I really feel like at this point I've found what I like and what works for my skin, and you kind of don't need 100 different moisturizers at some point. It's very light however, dry, goes on easy, but definitely isn't heavy–it's somewhat structured, and a little goes a long way without feeling greasy at all. While I'm not stoked on getting another moisturizer, I really like this and don't mind it as a touch up for post-spot treatment dryness.
3/5

GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment:
I recently bought the GravityMud Firming Treatment so have been enjoying the brand quite a bit, but i also got this same mask as a free gift for buying said mask. So not super thrilled to see this, however it is pretty snazzy to get something that retails for $22 in the exact same size. I have pretty healthy skin, so no real need for a super moisturizing mask, but it's always good to moisturize after a shower, so this is like a post-shower mask instead of a pre-one (i like to use like clay masks beforehand and wash it off in the shower). This is an interesting mask, as it's pretty sheer and not super thick, but also tingles while on your skin, feeling almost like a pepperminty sensation. I still will stick to my GravityMud however as my skin concerns really aren't moisture-related.
3/6

I really appreciated trying new things with this box, and it's all decent branded items, so I'm still down to continue with this subscription. Just because some items aren't for me, doesn't mean they're not good products. I do wish these items were more full-size or closer to that, as this is almost like paying for the freebies you can get with orders, but this really isn't bad, and i'm also changing my settings to say i have oily skin, so hopefully I'll stop getting so many moisture-heavy products, so we'll see what happens!
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Play! by Sephora: October Edition

i know i'm a little late in getting this post up (like every other one ever), but things have just been crazy. I was super busy getting everything ready for LACC (neé Comikaze) and then that weekend was insane, then Halloween immediately after, i just haven't had a moment to spare.

So here we are. Let's Play!

This box was really awesome for me for a couple reasons:
1) the theme was Lipstick and Chill
2) I had only tried ONE of all the items, and it was a product a really like in a color i haven't used, so still kind of new
3) I actually received 2 boxes.... literally don't know how that happened. They included some of the same items, but it was half and half, so still cool

first box (desk Halloween decor in back :D)

I learned from going to my second Play Date that there were actually Four (4) whole boxes this month, which is a bit above their usual 2 box count. crazy, but wow.
But this invites comparisons and i'll group the products based on their corresponding things (there's always a hair product, skin, perfume, treatment and 2 makeup items). My rating scale is going to be a little different, i'll just count the whole thing as one box, so this way it makes a little more sense (hopefully).
But let's get to it.

First off, Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick:

first box info

Starting with an item in both boxes, this is the one product i already had tried, but in a different color, and it's actually one of my favorite liquid lipsticks (i talk about it in comparison to others HERE). The formula is super smooth, goes on so nice and opaque, and doesn't bleed. Plus, the wear is really even and it doesn't flake. It has a powdery finish and is definitely non-drying, so this is a great formula in general. I feel like the shades are universally flattering as well, which I def can't say about the other liquid lippy i would compare it to, Stila. Seriously, everyone looks great in their colors, so this was definitely a win for me. I recommend to everyone.
1/1

Esteé Edit Flash Photo Gloss:
(Both Boxes) I'm really not a gloss kind of girl in any way, so this isn't really up my alley. I like the concept, the whole making your teeth look whiter in pix, but it's not like i'm having my pic taken that often, so i feel like i don't really reap the benefits. I did try it though, and i don't feel like it necessarily made my teeth particularly whiter, and this is a typical thick gloss feel. it looks really cool in the tube with a bluish iridescent hue, and on it has a nice sheen, so this might be anise lipstick topper, it would just have to be applied with a brush as it's got the typical flocked applicator i'm not a big fan of. But overall, it's not a bad product and i'm glad i got to try it.
2/2

Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist and Setting Spray:
(Both Boxes) This was another brand i'd been wanting to try and finally got an opportunity to! This spray smells great and really does feel hydrating. I don't feel like it set my makeup as well as like All Nighter setting spray, but the refreshing makeup bit was really nice, and it did feel hydrating. Plus i could see how this would be really good for after flights. The spray is quite strong, more like a stream than a mist, so this is why i feel like it's a good pre-makeup moisturizer or a refresher than a setting spray.
3/3

Madam CJ Walker Beauty Culture Scent & Shine Coconut Oil:
(Original Box) This is definitely a lightweight serum and doesn't separate your hair like a silicone based product would, but the scent is too strong for me. It's not a bad scent, but it is powerful and definitely conflicts with perfume. Also i feel like this is good for flyaways and strays, not all-over frizz. Might be nice for some people but really not for me.
3/4

surprise box

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask:
(Extra Box) I'm not super down to try new hair things since mine are so awesome, but nevertheless I'll still give them a try. This one is interesting in that it's a super dense cream that actually goes a long way, but i Hate the scent. it's very old lady-esque, like a perfume my grandma would wear, and i just can't get behind it. But as far as actual use goes, it says to lather it, but i didn't really get much of a lather from it, just a slick normal conditioning feel. And upon rinsing it didn't exactly feel particularly soft, but after drying it my hair was frizz-free, felt soft and smooth, and not as damaged as it definitely is. But i doubt I'll use it as it wasn't any better than my normal stuff, and this smells so gross to me that i'm personally not a fan.
3/5

Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum:
(Original Box) This made my skin feel so nice in the morning, I'm definitely incorporating it into my skincare regimen. It's a type of acid peel, so definitely not intended for every day use, but it works super well and i love that it's designed to work on your neck and backs of hands too. A little definitely goes a long way as well, so even though it's a sizeable pricetag, it's actually a good deal. Also, i should mention i have pretty sensitive skin, and this didn't irritate in the least.
4/6

surprise box info

Erborian Bamboo Crème Frappée Skin Reviving Fresh Gel:
(Extra Box) This is really just a fancy name for a moisturizer that's supposed to be nice and light yet refreshing. I've actually been liking gel moisturizers more lately, and this one with its somewhat whipped texture is a really nice alternative. It could definitely be used in the morning as it's non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and really just makes your skin feel hydrated, not wet or slick, but also does a good job of hitting those dry spots. i've only used it a few times now but i'm definitely into it, and i could see it being great to close pores after a steam or hot face wash, or on a warm day.
5/7

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Silent St.:
(Original Box) This is the first fragrance i've gotten in a box that was actually offensive tome. I hated it so much, i really couldn't even put it on. this really isn't the worst thing ever, as i'm already sad I found two fragrances I can't live without from these boxes, so nbd hating this one. Musk is just so not my jam.
5/8

YSL Mon Paris:
(Extra Box) I loved this so much more than what i was supposed to get, but it still wouldn't be something i could wear. It's a lovely scent, but definitely strong, so i put the tester in my bag to have a nice lingering scent that's pleasant in doses. I'm still chalking this up as a win, since the scent is really lovely, just not for me to wear.
6/9

It's kind of funny that between 2 boxes, i actually liked 6 things (the number of items in one box).
As some more extra things, I went to the Play! Date at my local Sephora, and got to take home a couple more samples from the other boxes from this month. I also got to try a mascara from Blinc that was super neat, even though i didn't get to take one home, so i can talk about those too.

Blinc Mascara:
This is the 'Tube' type of mascara, where it's supposed to form a tube around your lashes, then not budge or smudge, but comes off with warm water- so you get the benefit of a waterproof mascara without the negatives. It also comes in a bunch of colors which is always a plus, and i really liked this actually. it didn't bug my lashes the way so many mascaras do, it really seems to 'dry' whereas i feel like most mascaras tend to feel somewhat gummy on.

Too Cool For School Egg Mellow Cream:
Another moisturizer in the mix, this one is a whipped texture that " works as a serum, priming moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream, and sleeping mask in one." I hadn't tried this brand before either, so it was nice to get a little tester out of it. So far I really enjoy it! It has a really smooth texture, is definitely hydrating, and doubles as a primer super well, filling in pores to create a smooth surface. Definitely more of a matte than dewy finish which really works for me. It's totally thick too, so i've been using this on my neck for sleeping as well.

Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel:
This works almost exactly like the Cure exfoliator in my usual routine (which i go into more depth HERE), where it's a thin formula that gently rubs off your dead skin. This is an Extremely satisfying means of exfoliating, and also much gentler than a scrub, which can over activate your oil glands and cause more breakouts than the dead skin clogging your pores. I don't necessarily like one more than the other, but it is nice that i can read the language on the bottle so i can see what the ingredients are. but for me i think this comes down to price/accessibility than actually liking one formula over the other.

Play! by Sephora: September

Woo another snazzy month of Play! Subscribing to talk about :)

wearing all of this month's box goodies (even post-hair treatment)

This month's theme was 'Anything But Ordinary' (featuring a lipstick themed bag), and I would say this one was a pretty solid win.

 I'm also definitely still in love with these little descriptor pamphlets which are always a treat and totally helpful and bring me so much joy to look through.  

Ok, i'm definitely way happier this month for a few reasons- 1) i was finally able to RSVP for the Play date at my closest Sephora–Something i literally haven't been able to do since i started getting the boxes–so I'm super stoked about that. 2) there was another Atelier Cologne which while i would of course prefer to try a new brand, I'm borderline obsessed with these fragrances and the packaging even the testers come in. 3) EVERYTHING but one small item is totally new to me, and that one thing is actually something i love. Woohoo! Complete success. So let's dive in!

Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell:

Lipstick IS MY JAM so getting another lipstick in a box is awesome. But ok, Make Up For Ever has totally ruined me for regular lipsticks because this does in no way stack up to the Artist Rouge collection. I also really don't love the color as this is basically a basic baby pink–like Barbie status– and i'm a bit too fair for that. The texture is fine, there are just better out there, and the flavor/scent is a nice fruity one that really isn't overbearing or offensive, it's super shiny without any sparkle, and I'm basically a child with my lipstick, so this doesn't really do it for me. But in all fairness Sephora brand always puts out a solid product and this is no exception. I'd probably be more into it if i liked the color, but this seems like something you could wear even with chapped lips and feel nice about it, as it doesn't seem thick and opaque, more sheer and soft.
0/1

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper:



I Love KVD products, I really do. I am not the biggest fan of like 'pen' or 'marker' eyeliners though, so while i've heard a million great thing about this, I never tried it out, so it was super to have it in this month's box. Now, I've tried Stila's marker (which everyone raves about), UD's new Perversion pen (which is actually amazing), and now this, so I feel like I can compare them; Stila's formula is really nice, it goes on smooth and dark–i don't love the applicator and it did wear off of my oily lids pretty easily; UD's new Perversion Fine Point Pen is SO DARK, the pigmentation is to die for, and the longevity is fierce–it's totally waterproof and holds up really well if you don't rub your eyes; KVD's brush however has no equal- the fact it's a brush instead of a felt tip is stupid awesome and goes on so smooth and crisp omg. The Only drawback with KVD is it's just not dark enough. The black is so light and not as opaque as i prefer, but this applicator brush is fantastic and i got The Best lines with it.
1/2 because the brush is too good, and i think in other colors this would be a lot of fun.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel:



This is the one item I'd already tried before and actually use on the daily. It's a great product that works amazingly well with absolutely no residue, no flaking, and a totally non-crispy lovely finish. This is THE clear setting brow gel to own/use, so while it's not a new item for me, it's not a negative.
2/3 – i'm giving it a point cuz it's a great product, not due to excitement.

Atelier Cologne Collection Azul-Sud Magnolia:



This gets two pictures cuz i love it.
Sephora is continuing to REALLY impress me with these fragrance samples...this is the second one I've gotten in a box from this brand and i am JUST AS IN LOVE with it as the first! At this point i actually don't know which scent i need to go buy and permanently add to my arsenal of perfume. It's so light yet has a really lovely presence, they're just killing it with these unisex scents. Also, I really can't get enough of the little description cards that accompany the samples, they completely evoke some beautiful feeling and just give a whole story behind the fragrance that is so compelling i want to wear it constantly.
3/4

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation:



This moisturizer might even be better than the Lancome gel from last month under makeup. I seriously had such flawless coverage that lasted ALL day with absolutely no flaking or separation, nor oiliness i usually get midday! It absorbed into my skin quickly, made it smooth and soft to the touch without any feeling of greasiness, so was great before even applying any foundation. This is an incredible product, so while i am pretty set in my ways for my current moisturizer, this might have replaced all of my foundation priming needs.
4/5

Living Proof Perfect Hair Night Cap Overnight Perfector:



I have used Living Proof in the past, and while i've had ok results, i just haven't really found a standout product that just really does it for me from them. This product definitely delivered what it promised on the quick absorption and pillow-safety–my hair felt dry immediately after application and my pillow couldn't tell the difference. But after using it, i can say my hair was a bit softer, although frizzier, and my normal detangled that i use didn't work at all while i was trying to dry my hair, which has pretty much never happened before, so i would have to say this had an impact. I don't know that this is best for curly-haired people because of the frizziness and tangling i experienced, so this is something i definitely won't go back for.
4/6

I'm really happy this box gave me a lot more hope for boxes to come, as I have a great time trying new things, and it's always fun to find gems you never would have given a chance before! can't wait for next month, especially since it's my favorite month! WOOHOOOOOOOO

Play! by Sephora: August

Woo another month of PLAY-ing, and i was a little happier with this month's box than last! 

So that's definitely cool, the theme was 'The Eye Openers' and the bag is adorable (just like last month) with this 'Wink Outside the Box' catchphrase.

I'm still in love with these little posters that come with it highlighting all the products–they're just too damn cute. And I also appreciate the way they do explain a little more about the product if you don't already know what it is.
Luckily this month there's only one item i've used in the past (and still use every day, which is a little disappointing cuz it's once again something that's been out forever), so i'll start with that:
Perversion Mascara.

Perversion is seriously the BEST mascara. I talked about it more on my mascara blog HERE, but ultimately it's my go-to even though it's not waterproof for several reasons. My eyes are ridiculously sensitive and putting mascara on always makes my lashes fall out, but not this one. My eyes also usually feel irritated with mascara, BUT NOT THIS ONE. And finally, they just look so good. Perversion is super black, goes on so easily and smooth, doesn't get all spidery, and lasts all day without smudging under the eyes. it's truly the best of the best. UD nailed it with this one. If they could just make a waterproof version that's just as perfect, that would be swell.
$22 1/1 (1/1 cuz it's a great product, not that i'm thrilled it's in the box)

Lancome Énergie de Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Moisturizer:
I'd never used a liquid gel moisturizer before, so this was an interesting experience. It's supposed give a 'dewy glow' as it 'energizes, refreshes, protects, and hydrates' and be good for all skin types. I'm normal (according to the Kiehl's skin test), and not really knowing how to use this I watched the video on sephora and it gave me some cool tips- like putting a couple drops on a Beauty Blender to blend out foundation. it actually was pretty awesome, and helped my makeup blend in much smoother and quickly, and i felt that less was absorbed into the blender as well. I'm still on the fence about that whole 'dewy' complexion thing, but i really enjoyed how light this moisturizer was and how nicely it helped my foundation. It also says to pat it on after washing your face, but i only do that at night and have a swell nightly moisturizer, so i think this will be awesome to keep using with makeup. I might try it lieu of primer though and see how other foundation with other applications work. but overall this is a win.
$55 2/2

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm:
I'm all about preventative skin care, so I'm always a big fan of eye creams, and have been hearing a lot about how Resveratrol is the new 'it' anti-aging ingredient, so it's nice to finally try something with it. This balm is a little different, in that the texture is more of a gel than a cream, definitely 'balm' like, and didn't burn my eyes in the SLIGHTEST which is major cuz even my nice Lancome creams burn to a certain extent. This is also unique in that it can be used around the mouth, and it differs from the night version of the cream in that that one is for the 'contours' of the face, like jawline and cheekbones. And also this eye balm can be used morning and night, instead of being specifically for evening time. I'm down for it though, i haven't noticed a visible difference yet, but my eyes were nice as soft the morning after using, no dryness by crows feet, and less noticeable dark circles than usual, so again, i consider this a win.
$62 3/3

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow Eyeshadow and Powder Blush:
So after loving those new MUFE lipsticks so hard, it's exciting to get another tester from the brand, but i have to admit i'm not a big fan of single eyeshadows. it really has nothingto do with quality and everything to do with i hate using singles! I just like to use a palette and use all the nie coordinating colors together, and having to reach for a whole bunch of different singles is just too much work for me. But this color was nice, it worked fine, and blended with the Sephora brand pencil really well so it was a really easy kind of pinky smoky look. The formula was nice, so I'd definitely be down to try their palettes, but just a single isn't for me.
$21 4/4 (again, entirely based on quality, not the usefulness for me)

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil:
Ok, when it comes to eyeliner i am definitely a liquid girl as opposed to pencil, but pencil can definitely have its place in the routine as far as getting that nice blended color toward the lash line and serving as a bas for eyeshadow, and this eyeliner delivers. I've always used UD's 24/7 pencils (when i use pencil) and i might even go as far as saying this works just as well (for half the price!). it doesn't dry as quickly too, which is a good and bad thing, there's more time for it to smudge before setting, but that means there's also more time to purposefully smudge it. i smudge when i use these anyway, so this works for me. I don't think i would personally actively seek a pencil out, but it is nice to know that one more of Sephora's own brand works fab.
$10 5/5

Clean Reserve Blonde Rose:
This is one of the most interesting scents I've experienced. It's funny, cuz i haven't been interested in perfume samples ever, but since getting these boxes my tune has really changed. I think actual perfume brands (as opposed to designer fragrances) really nail scents down. I've actually been getting more and more excited for the perfume samples even, and it's been really fun to try all these new scents, and they have such interesting combinations. This one in particular was described as evoking a relaxing bubble bath, which it totally does! I get torn between loving it and feeling like it smells like soap my grandma uses, but the scent seems to change over time. Also I love on this packaging how it talks about other scents it pairs with as well as what's in it and a little more info, which is actually pretty helpful.
$90 6/6 (I actually wound up not liking this fragrance over time, but i really liked that it was something new and different)

OMG, is this real life?? I actually enjoyed this whole box. While i really wish it included newer products and brands (so i can avoid getting staples like Perversion) it is definitely so SO much more impressive than last month. And also, i feel like they should really give better quality samples too, and include a few more full size items. Like the eye pencil i feel like should have been full size for sure, because even Ipsy included like one full size product each month, and their boxes are not top tier. But either way, i'm still going to continue. This is only my fourth box, and the one immediately before i started sounded rad, so i'm holding out hope for the future ones. it's always so much fun to try new things

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MAKE UP FOR EVER VOXBOX OMG

Just got this rad Make Up For Ever voxbox from Influenster (free for testing and review purposes) which i could not be happier about (unless it came with the black and white or matte lipsticks but dgaf gimme all the lipsticksss) cuz i have been so interested in trying these! 😍😍😍

I'm so so stoked I got this one, I love lipstick, and Make Up For Ever just launched a huge line that feels similar to the UD Vice launch so there are So many new colors to try, and there are THREE in this box!! Omg excuse me while I lose my shit with excitement. Also, here's a pretty image on Sephora of all their shades:

Basically i need them all. When you have over 150 lipsticks, it's hard to find a good reason to need, NEED, more, but i really do absolutely need ALL of these shades. All of them. i am not exaggerating here, i require each one in my life.

I wish there was a matte shade included in the box, but these creams so so so dang creamy, I'm already impressed. There's a nude, a classic red, and a funky purple, so kind of something for everyone.

ok so ignoring that entire ramble above, let's get into the nitty gritty.

I'm staring with the nude color (C211), and Holy damn these colors are not messing around. I barely touched my lips and this color lays Down. No messing around here, no going over the same spot, these colors mean business. I was so surprised, it's like, the lipstick was hovering over my lips and still laid down color. So good. I can't even. It goes on a lot darker than the shade looks, but it's so bright and vibrant, i can't stop staring at it.

This red (C404) is GORGEOUS. It's a blue-red, totally flattering, the tip is nice and crispy, creates an intensely sharp line without liner, and i just cannot get over how smooth it goes on. So creamy, so lovely, hugs every curve, not a single spot to go over twice, it's flawless. My biggest problem with red lipsticks is the tendency to bleed, and i will say without liner this one held up amazingly, until i ate food. My breakfast burrito definitely bested my non-bleeding line and the lipstick feathered a touch, but not to an extreme. and with liner, this isn't even a thing, although the lipstick will still best my chin every time i eat, but ah well. #fatlipproblems
ALSO even after burrito time, i didn't really need to reapply. My lipstick wasn't as shiny and wet looking, but the color was 100% still solidly on my lips. holy shiz how does that even happen. I don't know, but the long wear is strong with this one.

and this purple (C502)....

helloooooooo awesome fun color! I am all about non-traditional lipstick colors (another reason i plan to own the entire bottom two rows of colors in the chart at the top) and this is kind of a 'taupe purple' according to Sephora, so it's not like your normal purple. I wasn't initially sure how it would look on my fair skin, but i was certainly excited to try it out. It has that same smooth, creamy, orgasmic formula (which i like even better than Bite's Amuse Bouche line jussayin) and same perfectly opaque color lay down, and similar to the nude color goes on much darker than expected.

I truly believe this is the best (nonliquid) lipstick i've ever worn. For real though. like I'm still going to wear others cuz i need that shade range, but seriously, this is amazing. and even with the very slight bleeding, the color is still on my lips, no reapplication necessary. there is NO sheerness to any aspect of this formula, the edges are just as solid as the center, and i am SO amazed. i could write a song about this. This is what lipstick lovers dream of.

Play! By Sephora: July

Third Sephora Box! Wooooooo!

So this month's bag is hella cute with the little Popsicle omg. I love it. I don't however love the box unfortunately, but it probably has appeal for people who haven't already tried most of it. For me though, my first box is still the best. But we'll just go through each item and I'll explain my feelings. 

These little inserts are still so GD cute I can't even handle it. Someone get me a job working on Sephora's graphic team 😍

(Also as a side note, in all photos I have the Smashbox primer on and the Too Faced Bronzer)

First up, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer:

I literally got a sample of this in another Sephora order a week before I got this box. So that's a bummer, and also I'm really hesitant about products with Silicone and silicone derivatives as they can be negative for your skin in the long term. 

But anyhow, I don't actually love this product regardless, as even though it feels great, it didn't actually make my makeup look better. It balled up a bit on my skin and my foundation didn't lay nicely on it and I'll stick to my usual primer. 0/1

Next we have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer:

I also wasn't excited for this, as I had really hoped these boxes would be more introducing new things instead of just regurgitating things that have been out forever. 

I do actually love this product, as even though I'm super fair skinned, this isn't too dark and smells amazing. I first got this exact same sample from an Ipsy box (which is another reason it's a disappointment as on the Sephora insta it looked like a really nice component sample) and it is a totally great product. But it's something that at this point most people have tried, just like the Benefit They're Real! mascara. But if you haven't, this is a really nice bronzer for all skin types. It goes on great and looks really smooth. I'm giving this 1/2 just cuz I do like the product even though I'm not stoked it was in here. 

Next up, First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay:

I really like FAB products, and talked about their peel-off mask in depth in this post HERE, so it's kind of nice to try the cleanser, HOWEVER I JUST got this as a sample in the same order I got the sample of Smashbox primer. So again, this is super lame that Sephora is sending out samples of the same products they're putting in their boxes. Like it makes me wonder why I'm paying for a subscription when I can get the same things with my normal orders 😑

I used this in tandem with the peel-off mask and it felt super nice. My skin was soft after using the cleanser, which was also pretty thick and gel-like for a cleaner.  So it's not bad overall, might be a nice alternate for my normally drying acne type cleanser. 

2/3

Ok so then we have a Beauty Blender Blotterazzi:

This is interesting as its a reusable blotter instead of using blotting powder. I do like Beauty Blender and the cleanser (which I talk about more in another post HERE) so it was kind of cool to get this full size product, it's just a bit of a bummer since I'm already really familiar with the brand. Nit picky, I know. It just doesn't really have a good container with it, so I can just keep it in my purse as is. Unfortunately I don't love this as well as the normal Beauty Blender. My skin still felt wet as opposed to how it feels after using de-slick or a Kiehl's anti-oil cream I love. It just doesn't do the trick for me. 

2/4

Last of the normal sample is Ouai Wave Spray:

First off, I haven't tried anything from this brand yet so I was super stoked to get this, second, it smells AMAZING. I have another wave spray from Kevin Murphy (which works amazing btw) but this smells so much better. One thing though, I tried it on dry hair first, and it didn't really do much. But I also tried it on damp hair and it worked better for sure. It gave my crazy curly hair some more uniform texture, even though I'm not in love with the frizz. The smell is heaven, but I think I'll stick with my other sea salt spray from Kevin Murphy, which I enjoy better largely as it works really well of dry hair. But a solid product overall.

3/5

And finally, the fragrance sample this time around, NEST Citrine:

This smells reallllly nice. I love the initial citrus notes, but the floral is a hair too strong so I can't put too much on, but it really is a nice scent. It's very feminine and lovely and lasts seriously all damn day. Which is really unheard of as far as I'm concerned. I feel like I stop noticing al my fragrances pretty quickly in general, but this really lasts. It's totally lovely, and I'm tempted on the full size, but that Orange Sanguine from the first box still totally has my heart. But this was a win. 

4/6

Overall this may not have been an exciting box for me, but it is still quality products so I can't knock em for giving out top notch stuff 

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Marc Jacobs #VoxBox

OMG. So it took me a while to get to posting this, but I got my first #VoxBox from Influenster and I'm so excited! I'm getting to try out the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick for free, a product I was already super interested in 😍😍😍 and I'm hella stoked. It's so cute!!! It came in this adorable little box and it's such a sweet little component for a nice subtle product.

How it looked at the end of the day

Look at my face!!!! It's so pretty and glowy, and the staying powder of a stick is definitely higher than a powder. The application is similar though, using a brush to dust it on for a super subtle look, or I personally like applying the stick directly to my face to have a more noticeable glimmer or using a finger to apply. I'm pale as death so I need a little more than just 'subtle' going on. 

It's just so glowy! I can't get over it. It's so easy to use, and in the pic above I set it with another powder highlighter to really make it last all day. It's not sparkly, so it's not really glittery or too makeupy, it catches the light just right at every angle and doesn't feel too overdone. Just the right look for summer. I also like how precise you can get with it, highlighting exactly where you want, as with just a powder it kind of needs to blend with the rest of your makeup, but this already blends in with your skin tone, and just adds a little something extra- it really is like a portable spotlight! And with a light dusting of powder over it, it's even more gorgeous. 

Hopefully I'll be able to do some more voxboxes in the future, it was fun to try something new and do some tasks for it. You can buy the highlight from Sephora HERE, and sign up for your own influenster account to do reviews and get voxboxes HERE!

Liquid Lipsticks: A Definitive(ish) Guide

SO MANY LIPSTICKS. SO LITTLE TIME. 

Ok, so first things first, I am OBSESSED with lipsticks. This is not an exaggeration. And liquid lipsticks are even more my favorites. No jokes here.

I even made a spreadsheet guys, this is superserious.

I have Lime Crime Velvetines, Beauty Bakerie Lip Whips, Kylie Kits, Colourpop Ultra Matte Lips, Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, OCC Lip Tars, LASplash Lip Lustre, Sephora brand liquid lipstick, have tried Stila and I don't even know what else. 

So believe me when I say I take my lipstick game super serious. So let's get started- spreadsheet up top, reviews after, and i would say after trying all of these and talking to friends and taking recommendations, I will say that lipstick superiority is ALL A MATTER OF PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I hated brands others love, and am obsessed with some others hate. I would say it's tough to do a definitive 'this is best/this is worst' list, so i'm just sharing my personal experiences, listed in price order.

Kylie Lip Kits... and Colourpop:

Now, I want to get into the debate of Kylie Kits vs. Colourpop right away, cuz this seems to be a pretty serious deal on the interwebz, and for good reason. If you can get the same quality shit for a third of the price, I would 100% make a big deal out of that, along with the fact I completely support avoiding putting money into the hands of anyone in the Kardashian/Jenner family, but we need to get real here. Despite any similarities in ingredients list (read: identical) the formulas are Definitely different. Like, night and day. This is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT a case of you get what you fucking pay for. Hands down. 

Let me explain. 

I have 2 Kylie kits, 2 Kylie Metals, 2 Colourpop Ultra Mattes, and 2 Colourpop Lippie Sticks. So at this point I feel like I can make some fairly solid comparisons. First with swatches and buying online- shipping time for Colourpop is significantly longer, although cheaper. The swatches are Not accurate to the color you're getting however, whereas with Kylie the swatches are correct, however they may change over time as the formula is changed. I definitely like the packaging for Kylie over Colourpop, although it's still pretty fun. And the whole buying a lipstick with its coordinating liner really works for me---the liners are The Fucking Best I have ever used. It boggles my mind how much I love these damn lipliners. They glide on like heaven, don't get all lumpy if you go over the same spot, and hug every curve and wrinkle in the lips. They're like goddamn butter. So, those alone are worth the money for me. 

Ok, formula comparison, Kylie's last longer than Colourpop. They just do. They also dry faster and don't smudge, while one of my Colourpop smudges hardcore, and the other flakes, but my darker color has significantly more staying power through food and drink than the other, even though it does transfer color. The Only negative I have for the Kylie colors, is that godawful smell. They seriously smell like the tri-colored lip smackers lipgloss in Birthday Cake from way back in the day. I don't need that shit. However, the scent goes away as the color dries, so it's really not that bad. As far as drying goes, I felt like the Ultra Matte were drier than Kylie, but not by much. And neither are really that bad. In my experience if you just exfoliate and put on a lip mask the night before you wear your liquid lipstick, you're not gonna have a bad day of liquid lip wearing. So the moral of the story here, is Kylie lip kits are worth the $20-something, Colourpop is worth the $5-6. This isn't necessarily a bad thing- they're two different lip companies that offer similar yet different products. And it all comes down to preference. I prefer my lip colors to look exact, even though I do like the colors they turned out to be, and I have no problem buying a fun lip color for hella cheap and then splurging when I can. This just simply isn't a case of them being the same thing and one is just cheaper. Also, if you want to read a pretty good article about the debate, here's a professional story. 

Lime Crime:

Now, I've totally gone into the awesomeness that is Lime Crime Velvetines, so I won't go hard on the subject here, but if you want to read more about my Lime Crime love, you can find the post HERE. As far as liquid lips go, this probably ties with Kylie as my fave. I love the range of colors, I love the consistency, I love the lack of smudging, and they don't need as many passes as other brands to be totally opaque. In short, I wear them All The Time for a damn reason. They're really fucking good, however they can totally be drying, so if you don't take care of your lips in advance, you're gonna have a bad time. 

Ok, Black Moon Cosmetics:

I'd been wanting to try this brand for a while since my fave youtuber (Ahitsrosa) has used them and the colors are gorgeous. And let me say, they did not disappoint. So, they definitely don't Dry dry, they more so dry to a certain level of tacky, but this isn't a bad thing. They are still a matte lipstick that's not sticky, and its not coming off everywhere on everything. Where you place it is where it stays. I would say you could compare the texture to the Kylie Metals, in that it's a whipped formula, but BM is significantly thicker and smoother. I love love love this texture, and building it up after eating isn't a problem. The color is smooth, precise, opaque and crisp, and they look So Good on I just can't say no. 

Beauty Bakerie:

I've had one great experience and one not so great. The great experience the color is opaque, the finish is a little shiny, and this shit Does Not come off. You need a serious oil-based lipstick remover for this nonsense. So if you wear it a night in Vegas and plan to wear another lipstick, definitely don't forget your serious lipstick wipes or you're gonna have a bad time. The other experience was ok as far as longevity, but the lighter color I couldn't get opaque and even for the life of me, unless i covered my lips in concealer, then layered a primer, and then did two coats, which is most unfortunate. Plus they don't do returns so I'm a little iffy on this. 

NYX Lingerie:

I love how insanely lightweight the formula is- it glides on like whipped air and has great coverage while being easy to get on nice and crisp. My complaint is that it's a bit sticky and doesn't dry at all, and unlike Black Moon Cosmetics, it's not a dry tacky, but like, sticks, however it doesn't transfer onto anything. But overall it wears nicely and is easy to layer, but the longevity is definitely on the short side. I would say I prefer Black Moon for a liquid that is more cream. 

NYX Liquid Suede (New):

So I definitely prefer the lingerie after this test drive. This formula fries really sticky, and I also couldn't tell that it Had dried. The applicator and formula is not as precise as I'd like, so it was hard to get a crisp line or even make it smooth and even. The color is nice, but I had to go over the same spot to make it opaque, which isn't too bad as it didn't build up, get cakey, or need me to wait for it to dry before adding more. However after it dried, I did have to fill in spots that weren't solid and as it dried I could see problem areas. It also tends to settle in cracks of lips, which isn't my favorite, and is only good for 6 months. SIX MONTHS. It takes me minimum a year to go through a lipstick. This isn't so chill. Oh, and it transfers onto everything off of your lips. Also, as the day went on and I continued to apply more, eventually it was Incredibly dry, was balling up at the corners, flaking, and for super cakey. The long wear is not a thing on this, so overall I would say not a win. 

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick:

This is a really nice smooth texture that goes on easily and dries quickly and somewhat powdery, but isn't crispy as it doesn't fully dry- i wouldn't say it's tacky, but it definitely transfers surfaces even though it stays on your lips. Like after eating your coverage is still pretty solid, but there is definitely a lip mark on your chin. I like the pointy applicator too, as it gave me a nice defined Cupid's bow which I feel is usually the hardest part of application for me. The color is also very smooth and opaque, with any transparent spots being easily coverable and the formula doesn't build up. The wear is super smooth too, originating from the center of the mouth and working itself off without flaking, and it's incredibly comfortable to boot. Overall I would definitely purchase in other colors. And this Grey is so flattering! One of my faves already. 

Stila Stay All Day:

I am officially a believer. This lipstick feels like heaven, doesn't transfer, and is the Most flattering nude I've encountered. It even matched my natural lip color so much, this seems more like a foundation for lips! They look so smooth and like the idea lips I wish I had every day, this Baci color is a strong investment. And it didn't get all over my chin when I was eating either, so yeah, this is a hella win. I'm not generally a big fan of Stila, but this they definitely nailed. It does have a tendency to bleed though so wearing something like UD's Ultimate Ozone, at least around the edges, is a good idea. 

Jeffree Star Velour Lipstick:

So I really really wanted to like this, but I'm not convinced with Unicorn Blood. Not only did it crazy bleed, but the applicator was hard to use, it transferred on everything, and even got on my teeth. So the color is gorgeous and completely opaque, but I def couldn't be kissin boyfriend with this on. And it also wore unevenly. So I'll try another color, I know reds can be tricky, but I was seriously disappointed. 

Follow up:

I tried 'I'm Royalty' and had a totally different experience, and the only differences were I applied Ultimate Ozone as a base on the edges and applied using a lipstick brush rather than using the actual applicator for a really precise effect. It wasn't sticky, didn't transfer, and lasted forever through drinking. So idk if this Unicorn Blood was a fluke, but I'm super down for I'm Royalty! 

MAC Liquid Lipsticks:

So I don't have a lot of pros for this, except it's not super drying and the applicator is nice and pointy. It's not really opaque, it bleeds, it transfers when drinking, it wears splotchy and it's tacky. Buuuuut I can give a few kisses without problems so I guess there's that. I won't be buying more. 

Kat Von D:

So i've worn this lipstick a few times and i'm just not in love, but that doesn't mean i'm totally ruling out this line, i just think the darker colors may not be as solid as the lighter ones. It's just so hard to get even, it transfers, and i have to wait for it to completely dry (a long-ass time) before trying to even out the color. Plus it chunks up and collects at the corners of the mouth, so that was also not fun. I intend to try others though as I've heard such great things, but i'm not convinced

Finally, I was having so much fun, I had my friend Alex draw on me with my lipsticks! A good time was had by all, especially when these suckers really don't come off! Fun fact: liquid lipstick doubles as body paint...