Sephora 2012 Birthday Gift: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Duo

For those who are members of Sephora's Beauty Insider, a free points card loyalty program, you can pick up a free gift (no purchase required) during the month of your birthday. The gift is the same each year but does differ from year to year. The birthday gift is not full sized but it's still quite generous.

Last year's was a bottle of Philosophy's 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath in Vanilla Birthday Cake and there was 6oz worth! This year was even better. Although smaller in size, this was just what I was hoping for. Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatments in original and rose.

I've always wanted to try Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatments but at $26CDN ($29.38 after tax!) I just cannot justify it. So this was a really nice treat, to try something that I wouldn't buy but at the same time really want.

The Sugar line comes in a handful of flavours/colors now:

Original - clear
Coral - dark peach
Honey - warm nude
Passion - crimson red
Plum - berry rose

All are sheer and lightly scented. The formula includes real sugar and a blend of oils including jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, blackcurrant, and meadowfoam. The formula is supposed to be ultra moisturizing, nourishing, and smoothing.

I've been using both lip treatments on and off during the last few days and I'm really enjoying them. Both have a lightly sweet scent (of course, the rose one with a hint of that as well) and go on buttery smooth and weightless. There is no grittiness from the sugar.

I did find them to be quite moisturizing but not particularly long lasting (approx 2 hours without eating/drinking) which is usual for lip balms that are more buttery than waxy like say, Burt's Bees.

That being said, I prefer waxier lipbalms as I find that they "coat" the lips and last longer during the winter months when I really need that extra layer of protection against the elements. If I were to re-buy the full size, I would instead use this layered under more drying lipsticks.

But instead I'll spend my $26 elsewhere and just enjoy using the rest of these mini ones as is...because thankfully, we aren't battling old man winter yet!

REVIEW: Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel

Boscia (“BO-sha”) is a preservative-free, botanically-based skincare line originating from Japan. The name Boscia comes from BOtanical SCIence with Advanced technology.

The company was actually started 32 years ago but only interested to the US in 2002. Since Sephora began carrying the line (I believe in the last few years) it has become very popular, especially with "green" skincare fans.

One of Boscia's lines that caught my interest is the "Black" collection which consists of 5 products:

• Luminizing Black Mask
• Detoxifying Black Cleanser
• No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment
• Pore Purifying Black Strips
• Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel

Each product actually applies black, which is both a little imtimidating and fascinating. I decided to try the Gel and T-Zone treatment to combat my thirsty cold weather skin and oily warm weather skin.

According to the Sephora website, the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel is a cooling gel-based moisturizer that claims to provide ultralight hydration, refines skin texture, brightens skin clarity and minimizes the look of pores instantly and over time.

It contains the following key ingredients:

• Artichoke Leaf Extract improves elasticity to help tighten pore walls.
• Charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities as it detoxifies.
• Glycolic Acid helps clarify skin and smooth rough texture.
• Vitamin C helps brighten skintone and minimize fine lines as it defends from free radical damage.
• Jojoba Leaf, a powerful antioxidant, combats free radical damage while it nourishes and protects skin to prevent premature aging, and Willowherb, a unique anti-irritant, helps to calm skin inflammation and reduce visible redness and irritation.







The packaging is unique. It looks like a little pot with a screw on cap but the actual applicator is a press-pump syle. You simply press down on the top of the pot and the gel comes out through the center.

It's a unique way to dispense product and more sanitary than a traditional pot but I find the traditional pump dispenser easier to use and the most sanitary. With this, the product is dispensed onto the surface of the pot and although there is a cap to keep out dust, you have to be careful to wipe off all product or risk a film of the gel drying out on the top. Yuck.

Below is about half a pump of the gel. I find that pressing the top all the way down produces too much gel for just the face. It is however, the right amount if you apply to both face and neck.



The gel may look scary at first. It's a charcoal gray with barely noticeable shimmer. The shimmer is a mystery to me, since it disappears once the gel is seeps into skin and I can't think of any skin-improving qualities it may have?

You can see above how it looks opaque when dabbed onto the skin but is translucent when smoothed out. A few more massages with the fingers and it will disappear completely...






...Or so it appears.

As of this post, there are 9 reviews for this product on Makeupalley.com and all are glowing. It's rare for a product to receive such consistent positive reviews (even if only 9) so I hate to be the debbie downer here. However, I do not have a great review of this product.

It feels great when applied, with a slight cool and tingling affect. The scent is a little herbal, like a mix of rose and something I can't quite pin down. It really does feel very hydrating and a touch to the face reveals that the surface is still moist about 15 minutes later.

But this is really deceiving! What seems to just be serious hydrating qualities is actually a film of product on the skin. The gel does not completely sink into the skin.

You may not notice this if only using the gel (although I did). In fact, you may not even notice if you wait for the gel to sink in, then apply primer.

But you will notice if you then apply foundation with your fingers. Okay, so that may not be the best way to apply foundation but it does reveal this flaw with the Hydration Gel. After applying foundation, I notice gray gunk on my fingers which appears to be a mix of foundation, primer, and the gray gel. I blame the gel because this does not happen when using other moisturizers and the same steps in applying my makeup.

Would I buy this product again? No, definitely not. I didn't find it particularly moisturizing and the fact that it doesn't sink in and causes my foundation/primer to bead is makes this a bomb for me.

What I do like about this gel is that it does not give me oily t-zone. Unfortunately, I can't give it all the credit. The Too Faced primer I'm using is quite good and my suspicions are that I would find the same result using this primer paired with any other gel or light lotion.

I would still recommend you grab a sample from Sephora to try. It really is an interesting product and others seem to really love it. I'd love to know how it works for you and if I really am the odd one out on this!

The Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel retails at $38US/$46CDN for 1oz/30ml. It is available in the US via Sephora, Ulta, and the Boscia website. It is available in Canada via Sephora.

Sephora & Pantone: United in Color

Sephora and Pantone recently came together to collaborate on a limited edition collection of color cosmetics and tools. The release is a celebration of their 2012 Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango.

The collection is scheduled for release in March but I have not heard an exact date yet. However, a "secret" preview has already been released on the Sephora website. Click here to visit the Sephora x Pantone page.

You can't add anything to your cart yet (it says "not in stock" as of today) but it's a perfect opportunity to do some window shopping and perhaps plan a purchase or two.



Left: Color of the Year Collector's Limited Edition Set ($118 Value), $68
Right: Color of the Year Creme Lipstick, $18


Left: Color of the Year Prisma Chrome Blush Apricot Brandy, $16
Right: Color of the Year Blush Duo, $26


Left: Color of the Year Eyeliner Set ($45 Value), $22
Right: Color of the Year Eyeshadow Quad, $28


Left: Color of the Year Lipgloss Set ($60 Value), $20
Right: Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set ($40 Value), $24


Left: Tangerine Tango Makeup Bag, $28
Right: Tangerine Tango Faux Lash Set, $28


Left: Tangerine Tango Brush Set ($144 Value), $68
Right: Tangerine Tango Eyelash Curler, $18


I have my eyes on the Prisma Chrome Blush, Lipgloss set, and Nail Enamel set. I'm absolutely loving this color and I think it would look beautiful against crisp white shirts and turquoise jewelry.

Have you heard of this collection yet? Planning on purchasing anything?

*all images courtesy of Sephora.com

REVIEW: Sephora Beauty Insider Tarte Amazonian Try It Kit

Per my post last Saturday (read it here), I picked up the latest Sephora 500-point perk recently. The offer was for a 5-piece Tarte Amazonian Clay "Try It" kit. This post is a review of each product within the kit.





Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess - 0.11oz
(Full size is 0.32oz for $29US/$38CDN)

This bronzer is oil, talc, and fragrance free. Park Avenue Princess is a pearly golden tan and absolutely gorgeous. The same color also comes in a waterproof matte version and there is a third color called Hotel Heiress, which is a dark shimmery bronze.

This is such a beautiful bronzer! The color is perfect for that sunkissed look - it is more golden than orange. The powder goes on as a pearly shimmer without any glittery or chalky fall out (which I've certainly experienced with other mineral-based bronzers before). Because the powder is finely milled, it's quite buildable. Several light layers creates a very natural but luminous look.

I'm liking this over NARS Laguna bronzers because it's slightly more subtle. The less velvety texture of this bronzer allows you to pick up just enough product whereas I find it's easy to pick up too much with the NARS if you're not careful.

This is a powder I would definitely consider repurchasing...although I think the generous sample size will last me quite a long time.

On another note, isn't the bronze croc embossed packaging just gorgeous?!





LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively - 0.1oz
(Full size is 0.1 oz for $24US/31CDN)

I absolutely love the LipSurgence line. There are 3 types - Natural for creamy color, Luster for shimmery color, and Matte for a flat finish. All provide excellent payoff and the colors ranging from subtle to extremely bold are all absolutely gorgeous and on trend.

As the name implies, the LipSurgence line focuses on providing a generous dose of moisture along with color. This Matte one in Lively is no exception.

The color is stunning. It is a very intense hot pink. Seriously, a jump off my lips kind of pink! I don't think I'm brave enough to wear it out but I thoroughly enjoyed prancing around the house with it on because it is H-O-T!!

It is definitely dryer than the regular lip tints, but like my favourite Revlon Matte line, it is still way more moisturizing than some of the other ones on the market. I recommend using a waxy lipbalm as your base, like classic Burt's Bees, if you want to keep the shine down but add more hydration to the lips.

I also find the chubby pencil style applicator really easy to use. Just twist to get more product. You won't get the wobbly lipstick (you know, where it gets all over the sides of the tube? Ick!) nor smooshed cap (another ick!) problem here.

I am definitely repurchasing more LipSurgences after the positive experience with this one. Perhaps I'll try one of the Lusters and Natural ones next.





EmphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eye Liner in Black - 0.001oz
(Full size HD eyeliner is 0.001 oz for $18US/$23CDN)

This pencil is tiny! I doubled check the size on Sephora to confirm that it's full sized but they do not sell this specific product. There's the regular HD eyeliner which is the same size and price. However, Tarte's own website does have this product but as Devildeb89 commented on my previous post, that one is 0.002 in size. However, that one pictured had a black "cap" on the end of the eyeliner which I suspect makes up for the larger size. We both suspect this may be an older version of the product.

It is meant for lining the inner rims of the eye so I guess the very thin core is appropriate.

The product comes up via a click and twist method but a word of warning. It does not allow you to retract. Unfortunately, I had twisted up a little too much and had to break it off.

It contains silicone and is supposed to be "super creamy, long wearing designed specifically for the sensitive inner rim". Unfortunately, I did not find this to be the case.

The pencil is dry, similar to some cheaper drugstore lines. I found a light application barely put any color on my inner rims but a heavier application hurt the sensitive skin in that area. Dry and difficult application, miniscule amount of product, and bad packaging? I would definitely not buy this again.



ReCreate Silicone-Free Primer - 0.3fl oz
(Full Size is 29.5ml/1oz for $32US (couldn't find price in $CDN))
This primer is the counterpart to the ReCreate foundation which has the same Wrinkle Rewind technology. It claims to smooth skin, minimize pores, and of course, tackle wrinkles. It's appropriate for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.

I always take in anti-aging claims with a large dose (or more accurately, a bucket) of salt. But as a primer? This one is pretty awesome.

I really like that it goes on like a light moisturizer instead of that slippery cloaking feel silicone-based primers give. On that note, it's quite moisturizing so I recommend letting it settle for 10-15 minutes before applying foundation, particularly if you use powder.

Despite it's moisturizing qualities, it isn't oily so while I don't find it particularly mattifying, it certainly does not create shine.

Would I purchase this again? No but really it's just because I have so many primers already, both sample and full sized.

I would recommend this if you have dry skin but at the same time, are prone to shine during the day.


Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder - 0.07oz
(Full Size is 0.32oz for $28US/$36US)

This is a translucent powder meant for application post foundation to mattify and minimize pores. It can also be applied over concealer to prevent it from "migrating into fine lines, wrinkles, and dried, damaged skin."

My first reaction to this powder was surprise at just how finely milled it is. It's incredibly silky and weightless.

I never use finishing powder over my foundation. Heck, I rarely even use powder but I tried this today and it held up wonderfully. It kept my t-zone matte for a few hours (Which is quite good, IMO!) and did not emphasize the dry areas on my face. I took a photo of myself with flash and did not get the dreaded powder face a la Nicole Kidman (Hust google it. Will give you a giggle!). It's a very easy to blend powder.

Because it's so finely milled, the full size should last you forever. I won't repurchase just because it's not a product I use but if you do? This powder not only does the job but is also great bang for your buck.

And to finish off this post, here are swatches of each product. I didn't blend in the primer or finishing powder so that you can see the product. Once blended, it is clear.

Sephora Beauty Insider 500 Points Perk: Tarte Amazonian Kit

If you're a Sephora Beauty Insider member and have 500 points in your account right now? Walk RUN to your nearest Sephora right now.

I received an email yesterday morning promoting a new 500 point perk. These usually don't interest me because Sephora's 500 points perks are usually just a few sample sized items, half of which I won't even use. However, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Kit made me do a double take. It promised not one, but two full sized items!

I called ahead and went on my lunch hour to pick it up. I'm glad I did because the displayed 500-point perk was yet another one of those uninteresting ones (two mini Sephora by OPI nailpolishes, sample sized polish remover, etc.) and I wouldn't have known this was also available.



The kit includes the following items:

-LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively (FULL SIZE)
-EmphasEYES High Definition Inner Rim Eyeliner in Black (FULL SIZE)
-Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
-ReCreate Silicone-Free Primer
-Smooth Operator Micronized Clay Finishing Powder







If all 5 products were full sized, the retail price would be $131US

But even with two full sized products in the Try It kit? Their combined value is already at $42US, not taking into account the value of the other 3 generously sized samples. Not bad at all for a freebie!

Were you able to obtain one of these kits? What did you think?

My review of each product to come shortly!

Holiday 2011 Beauty Wishlist (and a Sephora Beauty Insider deal alert!)

image courtesy of Sephora

If you're a Sephora Beauty Insider member (yes, this time it's even you fellow Canadians!!), check your inbox or spam folder for a one-time use coupon for $15 off $50 as seen above . That's up to 30% off your purchase. A pretty sweet deal considering most items never go on sale.

With the new house and holiday gift giving coming up, I definitely can't be spending my money none-too-carefully. So I've narrowed down my wishlist to the following items.


images courtesy of Sephora

1) Chloe "Chloe" Perfume
2) Marc Jacobs "Oh, Lola!" Perfume
3) Korres Cherry-Picked Cherry Oil Lipgloss Quad
4) Tarte Rising Star Limited Edition Palette (Sephora Online Only)
5) Tarte Lip Service Limited Edition LipSurgence Collection
6) Tarte SmolderEyes Limited Edition Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner Collection

After checking out the vast holiday offers, the sets above were the ones that suited my needs wants the most. The perfumes above I think I may go with a rollerball version, which is much more convenient and economical. As for the palettes? These sets seem to have the least amount of "fillers" products - you know, those items in a gift set that you never use? I'll do a review later on of what I ended up purchasing.

Have you put together a holiday "beauty wishlist"? Please share!

Beauty Insiders: Let Go of Your Dough!

If you're a Sephora Beauty Insider, you should have received this coupon via email last Friday. It's 15% off anything in store and you can use it as many times as you want.

My wedding is exactly 3 weeks away and the combination of wedding photos and warm tropical weather calls for some sweat-proof camera-friendly cosmetics.



Make Up Forever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector I currently fill in my very light and sparse brows with a matte brown eyeshadow. While it looks natural, it rubs off easily. I read great reviews on this corrector at Makeupalley.com and decided to take a look in stores. It's extremely pigmented, there are only 3 shades (#2 too light and #3 too dark) and the liquid formula seems like it would take some practice to use. However, I think this may make a really long-lasting base.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Again, great reviews online. I use colored eyeliners as accents but for actual black liners, I use felt-tips exclusively. L'Oreal makes one that is super black and easy to apply but it cracks and flakes. I'm hoping this will do the first two and not the last.

Sephora Ultra Smoothing Primer Yep, great reviews on this one, too! I'm not sure if I really need this so I might ask for a sample first. I've tried a few already and they are either too gunky, watery, or oily. Or maybe I'm just not used to primers yet.

Ralph by Ralph Lauren Roller Pen This brings back memories of high school when everyone wore the same 3 scents: Ralph, Hawaiian Ginger, or Tommy Girl . According to Sephora, Ralph is a blend of sparkling green apple leaves, zesty orange mandarin, charismatic pink magnolia, seductive purple freesia, and soft blue musk. Not sure what "soft blue musk" looks or smells like but all together, this scent reminds me of carefree summers.

Did you get the coupon? Are you planning on taking advantage of this offer?

Sephora Lash Stash

If you compare a makeup junkie with a drug junkie, there are some scary similarities. A druggie may spend $40 for a bag containing a few fixes. A makeup junkie may spend the same for their version of a "fix". A druggie is always thinking of the next fix. A makeup junkie is always thinking of the newest color or product to buy. See what I mean?!

Okay, let's stop right there before I really scare myself. The point of this post was actually to share my latest purchase.



I like the concept of Sephora Favourites; an affordable box full of trial sized products usually along with a full-sized product or a voucher for one. It's a great way to try out new products without spending an arm and a leg but not only that, it's great for traveling. Almost all the products I've come across in these sets have been airport-friendly.

Lipsticks, eyeshadows, and foundations are easy to test in store but you really never know with a mascara. I would NOT brave the store testers (hello Pink Eye!!) but most of the time I end up disappointed in my purchase. The Lashstash is the perfect solution. There's a full-sized Too Faced Lashlight mascara, a Tarte eyelash curler, and 9 more trial sized mascaras including the popular Benefit Badgal and Blinc Lash Tubes Mascara.

The kit is currently on sale for $36CDN but the Too Faced Lashlight alone is $32CDN retail!

Can't wait to get my fix try these out.