I Have Got to Stay Out of Sephora (and other glamourpuss issues)

[Peaches LaTour]

I tend to corner eye these "all natural " perfume claims. Especially if it's an iris scent, which is really pricey in its natural form. Then again, maybe using all naturals put them out of business.

Usually the carrier oil is "natural" and the scent is aroma chemicals. Nothing wrong with aroma chemicals , but the all natural claim in perfumery is usually deceptive or really expensive if it's the real deal.

I hear Blvgari just came out with a really great iris/lavender/violet scent, but don't wast to smell it for fear of buying something I don't need now.

Actually my perfume store sold only the oils themselves - nothing else added. The aroma lasted forever and just a drop was needed, and they were sold in tiny round glass bottles that were super-cool, hence my tears over their unannounced closure.

Blvgari, huh? I have never tried their scents but now I am interested. I blame you, entirely, if I fall in love and can't afford it. Oh, the frustration!!!!

Another oil I used to use and just loved was L'Air du temps. Okay, I cannot spell it. It was lovely but they stopped producing just the oil. Who makes these stupid decisions????

Does anybody know of a great all natural oil perfume on-line website? I am dying here for some scent......

 

[skategal]

Nice to see Korean skincare products featured in that Yahoo list. Would be nice to see more Taiwanese and Japanese brands make their way into the US and into Sephora. So much more beyond Etude House and TonyMoly to be explored!

Here's my Sephora-related question:

Has anyone redeemed a sample that they regret wasting points on?

Not the 100 point perks but the samples from online purchasing I regularly find them to be crap.

 

[maatTheViking]

I redeemed 100 points for a Dr Gross peel sample, and I have yet to dare to use it.
I mostly regret not getting one of the Bite Beauty 250 point lip sets.

Question for all of you: Which are your favorite blush and highlighter brushes?

 

[skategal]

I use the Real Techniques brushes. I like them and they are not too expensive.

I don't have much experience with other brands so can't compare them to others.

 

[Aceon6]

I buy the least expensive natural brushes, usually at CVS. I don't want to be thinking I'm tossing $50 in the trash when it's time for the brush to go.

 

[IceAlisa]

Nice to see Korean skincare products featured in that Yahoo list. Would be nice to see more Taiwanese and Japanese brands make their way into the US and into Sephora. So much more beyond Etude House and TonyMoly to be explored!

I would love that. But alas...

Here's my Sephora-related question:

Has anyone redeemed a sample that they regret wasting points on?

Not really. If I don't see anything I like, I save my points for next time.

 

[topaz]

I would love that. But alas...
Not really. If I don't see anything I like, I save my points for next time.

I do the same. I have over 3000 beauty insider points.

 

[IceAlisa]

I do the same. I have over 3000 beauty insider points.

to our Beauty Insider Champion! (I sincerely doubt anyone has more points)

 

[topaz]

I buy the least expensive natural brushes, usually at CVS. I don't want to be thinking I'm tossing $50 in the trash when it's time for the brush to go.

LOL. Well, I have yet to dispose of a brush over $20. The most expensive brushes I"ve bought have been Nars Yachiyo($50 when I bought it), Bobbi Brown Face Blender($52), Bobbi Brown Full Coverage($46). The thing with most high end brushes, you can return them if you're not happy with them. I have had no shedding at all with the Bobbi Brown brushes and minimum shedding with the Nars brush. They retain their shape and I've had the Nars brush for around 5 years now. I adore the Sephora Pro brushes. The #55 #56 and #57 changed my whole game. I have had them for over 3 years without any problems. I have spend the most money on my face brushes. If you splurge, I say do it on good face brushes.

There are some really good cheaper brushes out there. I recently purchased some Morphe brushes(my sigma brushes appear to be worn out). I have not used them much yet but I'll let you know. I have a few Real Techniques brushes that are good. But I do find myself reaching for the Bobbi Brown, MUFE and Sephora Pro Brushes more than anything.

Morphe Brushes

 

[topaz]

to our Beauty Insider Champion! (I sincerely doubt anyone has more points)

ROFL. Most of the makeup colors don't work on me(light, beige and medium). I will usually use points on skincare, perfume and mascara. They have a good 500 point Bobbi Brown rewards package I would try, but I"m not buying anything.

http://www.sephora.com/rewards

 

[tamms]

I always thought the points would expire for some reason. See, I clearly don't go into Sephora that often except to buy perfume. Switched everything from skincare and makeup to Asian brands. But Sephora still has the best perfume selection for me. Gonna slowly work my way up to collect more points.

I redeemed 100 points for a Dr Gross peel sample, and I have yet to dare to use it.
I mostly regret not getting one of the Bite Beauty 250 point lip sets.

Question for all of you: Which are your favorite blush and highlighter brushes?

Elf brushes. They are inexpensive and work pretty well.

 

[maatTheViking]

Dispose of brushes? Is now the time to tell I have my maternal grandmothers powder brush? No idea what brand, but she was . It says 'made in France' on the handle, which is wood. I have used it, but I mostly stopped since I'm afraid the glue will crumble away. I did wash it once, taking care not to get water at the root. But I would rather just keep it as a keepsake I think. It works well, though!

 

[clairecloutier]

@maatTheViking I have very fine hair and I used a Bed Head tool when I want waves. It looks like a crimper, but there's only three sections and they are big, so you don't look like you've just stepped out of an 80s music video. It's called Wave Artist.

Thanks for recommending this product, @PrincessLeppard. I got one, and have tried it twice so far. It seems to work really well on my fine hair--the waves are pretty but not too tight, and they last really well (even into a second day).

 

[maatTheViking]

Thanks for recommending this product, @PrincessLeppard. I got one, and have tried it twice so far. It seems to work really well on my fine hair--the waves are pretty but not too tight, and they last really well (even into a second day).

that reminds me I got the Kiss Insta Wave, and it do like it. It is pretty much like a curling iron, but a little easier. Still takes some practice to get the back. My hair is horrible will curl hold - probably doesn't help that the last time I did it was in a downpour - I do love in the 30 straight days of rain State.

 

[vesperholly]

I buy the least expensive natural brushes, usually at CVS. I don't want to be thinking I'm tossing $50 in the trash when it's time for the brush to go.

Do brushes go bad on you quickly? Even my cheapie Walmart shadow brushes still look pretty good after 5-6 years (they used to have a line of HD/white-bristled brushes that were awesome).

The only brush I've ever spent a lot of money on was a Lancome blush brush. IIRC, it was $65 I bought it in 2000 and still have it, it looks great and has survived plenty of use and washing.

 

[Aceon6]

Do brushes go bad on you quickly?

I had a severe eye infection about 15 years ago. My ophthalmologist advised keeping tools clean and tossing them as soon as they start to show residue at the base. He said that once the bacteria gets in to where the bristles are attached, routine cleaning methods don't work well and the harsher methods damage the bristles, so I toss any that have come within an inch of my eye. The only old brush I have is a blush brush.

 

[tamms]

I had a severe eye infection about 15 years ago. My ophthalmologist advised keeping tools clean and tossing them as soon as they start to show residue at the base. He said that once the bacteria gets in to where the bristles are attached, routine cleaning methods don't work well and the harsher methods damage the bristles, so I toss any that have come within an inch of my eye. The only old brush I have is a blush brush.

Thanks for sharing this. Good to know. I have a bunch of old eyeliner brushes that I should probably toss out now.

 

[PRlady]

So this is the crowd for this particular news.

I visited my stuff at the warehouse today, and took back a few things. Went over what furniture to repair, keep, trash.

But by insurance definitions, all the makeup and skin care and perfume I left behind is "total loss" from soot contamination. That's a lot of stuff and I probably can't even remember it all (although my posts to the thread will help.) and I couldn't store it all here or in Israel where I'm heading anyway.

But uh, certainly I should get SOME new stuff right? What should I get? I have room for maybe three perfumes, a few blushes, lipsticks, eye stuff, and some small but useful skin care. I have Dr Gross and my basic I makeup with me...

Oh, and I'm not claiming all that GWP Lancôme stuff. I'm an honest woman.

 

[maatTheViking]

I'm sorry you have to go through all that, PRLady, it has to be tough.

start here? http://www.temptalia.com/tag/top-10-of-2015

I would probably try and get something that is highly rated and fairly compact, since you are moving soon. Like the Clinique Cheek Pop for blushes. Some Eye Shadow crayons, they are easy to transport. Your favorite lipsticks in your favorite colors - I would personally do a 'my lips but better', which would be rose or mauve for me, and an evening red. Maybe you need some sort of professional looking non-neutral too.
Maybe look for holiday travel sets - I see a couple of the UD eyeliner travel sets are still available on their website.

 

[topaz]

I redeemed 100 points for a Dr Gross peel sample, and I have yet to dare to use it.
I mostly regret not getting one of the Bite Beauty 250 point lip sets.

Question for all of you: Which are your favorite blush and highlighter brushes?

I bought the Morphe E3 brush to try. But I usually use my Nars Yachiyo Brush. The Nars brush is very expensive but I would suggest the Morphe Brush, Real Technique or Sephora Classic Multi-tasker

 

[topaz]

I have never had any issue with make up residue with my brushes(knock on wood). However, I use a gentle cleanser and I have used an antibacterial gentle soap before. I deep clean my brushes twice a week and I spot clean them after each use.

However, I do dispose of mascara every 2 to 3 months and I sanitize my powder shadows from time to time. Also, I try not to use my hands and fingers when applying makeup.

 

[PRlady]

You would be horrified at how old some of that now-gone makeup was.

 

[topaz]

@PRlady - I so sorry to hear about this.

Perfumes - I cant' help you with. I would suggest getting some samples to try different fragrances.

Makeup - I would do some research before going shopping. maattheviking recommended Temptalia. I think Christine is okay but some products she has reviewed negatively, I have used with good success. She does have good website though. I would recommend Musingsofa Muse, Make Up and Beauty Blog(Karen).

Make up brands to try new Make up Geek(I recently bought some). Her eyeshadows are universally praised throughout the beauty community. They are super affordable and she has lots of mattes. Anastasia Beverly Hills good reviews too.

My favorite brands are Bobbi Brown, Make Up For Ever, Urban Decay, Marc Jacobs, Nars and Kat Von D.

What specifics items are you looking at?

Eyeshadows, blushes, mascara, foundation?

 

[topaz]

You would be horrified at how old some of that now-gone makeup was.

Don't be. If you kept good care of it, some products were probably in good shape. Powder products are easy to sanitize and keep. I have some Nars blushes that are over 7 years old that I have NOT hit pan on yet.

 

[vesperholly]

I had a severe eye infection about 15 years ago.

Ahh, I see. I would definitely be cautious after that, too!

So this is the crowd for this particular news.

Oh man, what happened?? I went back a few pages but I couldn't find anything (posted in SS maybe?).

 

[kosjenka]

@PRlady - keep in mind you have to pack and carry all the stuff to Israel, and be aware that prices in Israel (and Europe) are much higher for cosmetics. Especially high end products. Lancome mascara is almost 40$ here. So - buy higher end, selected must haves.
And once you settle in Israel, I am sending you a single eyeshadow I am keeping for you. It is fantastic and it is totally your color. Catrice 900 Li-La Bamba

 

[PRlady]

Ahh, I see. I would definitely be cautious after that, too!



Oh man, what happened?? I went back a few pages but I couldn't find anything (posted in SS maybe?).

Major fire in my condo building December 4. Been living in extended stay hotel ever since, and since 70 units are damaged it's unlikely I will be back before I move to Israel in June.

And I have the basics and am happy with my 3 foundations (Loreal Visible Lift, MUFE HD and Dior Star). Need blush, eyeshadow, lipstick and maybe highlighter and really good moisturizer, the heat here is very drying. Just want to try some new brands to cheer myself up.

Maybe @IceAlisa could recommend a few floral orientals?

ETA: Lancôme mascara is $40 here too, what gets me is the cheap brands are outrageous in Israel-$25 for Maybelline?? And I love that color!

 

[topaz]

Eyeshadows? Do you prefer matte, shimmer or satin finishes? Do you want to some color or just neutrals?
I would recommend trying Make Up Geek, Anastasia of Beverly Hills(also sold at sephora), Make UP For Ever(sephora).

Lipsticks - I say treat yourself to one of the new Bobbi Brown Lux lipsticks or try Nars Audicious and satin pencils, Sephora brand rouge cream, Bite Beauty, Urban Decay.

Moisturizer - I say get some samples of Bobbi Brown, Lancome and others. Also, try one of those value sets by Origins or Ole Hendriksen.

 

[IceAlisa]

Need blush, eyeshadow, lipstick and maybe highlighter and really good moisturizer, the heat here is very drying. Just want to try some new brands to cheer myself up.

Daily Repair by SkinMedica is my go-to moisturizer. My highlighter of the moment is Benefit Girl Meets Pearl. As for lipstick, Clinique Butter Shine is nice & creamy, although I am not sure how it would hold up in the Israeli summer. I just used lipbalm with spf.

Maybe @IceAlisa could recommend a few floral orientals?

I am a gourmand oriental person but the floral one that popped into my head is Flowerbomb. It's neither too floral, nor a bomb, despite the name. I detect a lovely tea note in there.

 

[NinjaTurtles]

I am a gourmand oriental person but the floral one that popped into my head is Flowerbomb. It's neither too floral, nor a bomb, despite the name. I detect a lovely tea note in there.

Flowerbomb is the bomb, so to speak.