December/January Sephora Play Review

Finally! I've got around to trying almost everything in my December & January Sephora Play boxes! Let's dive in!

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

I love, love, love this little mini palette. Although it only has two shades s3 shimmer 3 & m3 matte 3 (it bugs me terribly that Smashbox doesn't name their eye shadows). I adore both of them. The two shades are absolutely amazing. This little palette reminds me so much of one my favorite Kat Von D shadows, Unrequited from the Lady Bird palette. Similar to m3 shade it's light-medium muted peach-orange, with a matte finish. It's my favorite shadow because its a great everyday kind of shade for me. It's a shame I have to use it sparingly. I wish I could wake up with this shadow on, truly.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Matte Black

I used to be a crayon only eyeliner kinda lady but that has changed a lot since I've started sticking to one eyeliner brand (Sonia Kashuk). I swear by her liquid eyeliners, so pigmented and affordable. This crayon eyeliner isn't bad but isn't spectacular. I have a hard time sometimes getting eyeliners to become softer and glide on better however this eyeliner is fairly smooth. I liked this sample better than Marc Jacobs' 'Blacquer'.

NUDE SKINCARE Advanced Renewal Serum

I've been into anti-ager serums since I turned 18. Funny isn't it? I'm almost 21 and there aren't noticeable lines on my face but if there were I don't think I'd mind it too much.

I think it was because I enjoyed reading the New York Times opinion pages Room for Debate on Renee Zellweger and the Question of Aging. A fascinating read if you have some time to spare. The box gave 7 packets to try and they suggest to try 2-3 drops in the morning and evening. I've been using it casually and haven't noticed any revolutionary changes but it certainly helps me apply foundation more effectively.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb
At first I thought I would detest this perfume. As I finally coached myself to at least try it I was surprised by how much I didn't dislike this scent. This perfume has sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia. I don't really consider it a truly floral perfume though, it's subtle but striking. Although this is something I would never purchase on my own a sample of it was fun to mix it up mid week.

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

I use this product at the end of the night after I've applied moisturizer. Supposedly a drop of this which has buckthorn oil provides 10 times more vitamin c than oranges. So I try to apply it every day or every other day. I wish they would've given a little bit bigger size. Can't say I've seen noticeable changes but it is rejuvenating and I wake up moisturized. 0.16 oz is so small!

Dr. Brandt Skincare PoreDermabrasion Pore Perfecting Exfoliator

Pores on my nose really scare me so I've been trying to use this exfoliator frequently but it insists you leave the product on for a few minuets (a very daunting task for me). I realized that the way to get best results is to really scrub this stuff into wherever (for me my nose). Gently scrubbing (more like medium scrubbing) made my nose a bit red but after this weeks Suits episode I took it out on my pores.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender Spray

I think this spray preps my hair in the best way possible. I tend to avoid using my Chi these days and replace it with straightening enhancing products from OGX and L'oreal. I like this spray because it prepares my hair for the products and I think allows them to do the best they can! However I think a placebo effect would do well for this opinion as I really am not sure if I am seeing results.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More 

As I mentioned above I don't really have serious wrinkles yet, or any serious lines, and if I did you know, so be it. I think I'm going to keep this product in my stash for when I have a mid life crisis, Frankie Heck in the Middle kinda moment. You know that episode where she pays close to $200 (or was it $70?) for a cream to relieve wrinkles and then tries to return it? Yeah I think this product will be good for a day where I tap into my inner, currently non-existent Frankie Heck.

Lotus Eye Mask 

I LOVE FACE MASKS! Did you read that as Oprah? I really love that this box comes with a product that's half the value of the box- these masks alone are $5 and in a $10 box I really feel like I'm getting my money out of it. I used this mask after a long week of work and school while reading Attachments by Rainbow Rowell and drinking a diet Dr. Pepper (my kind of Friday night). I did not really adore this product but it was definitely rejuvenating. I didn't like putting these eye masks on because I didn't think the instructions were telling me how to apply it very well. I struggled to put this mask on and it took four times before I had it on right and I had to watch a Youtuber do it. However the mask comes from the lotus flower and locks water into the eye contour to moisturize and reduce signs of fatigue and strain. When I woke up the next morning I still felt like my under eye area was still pretty much the same =( I've looked online and to get better results you have to use more of these a week. I did have some extra serum in the bottom of the package and the Play Book suggested that you put it in the fridge for a pick me up.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting

I've always wanted a Clinque Chubby Stick and when I got this box I almost squealed. I was a bit disappointed it wasn't a lip product as I've always wanted to try one but a highlighter was pretty cool. I usually only use Benefit's Watts Up highlighter or Nars' multiple Puerto Vallarta (which I'm wearing in my past two posts). I like this highlighter because it's softer than Watts Up and I think blends a little bit better. I'm really not good at blending my bronzer and highlighter though, any tips?

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel

For awhile I was terrified to try this Alpha Beta Peel but I finally tried it while watching some X-Files. A Youtuber gave me a better background on what the Alpha Beta Peel was and how to use it properly so I highly suggest watching her review here. Essentially you just rub the step 1 product on your face in a circular motion for 2 minutes (or until the product dissipates), wait two minutes and do the same thing with step 2. Do not wash your face or use any alcohol based products afterwards, just moisturize. I enjoyed the feeling this peel gave me. My face has truly never felt so soft. This helped reduce some hormonal blemishes I was having #blessup. I would consider buying the full version, but it's pretty pricey.

Tocca Beauty Isabel

I'm always amazed at the amount of resistance I have to change, even in the smallest ways. I decided on a whim to try this perfume and see how much I detested it but to my astonishment it was quite refreshing. It has a very soft scent and has a citrus-y kind of scent. The hints of rose are beautiful and I agree with the definition that this perfume has a very unconventional scent. I don't know if I'd purchase this fragrance, I like it as an alternative to my favorite perfumes but not enough to switch. Overall the fragrance is a mixture of, "Spanish rose, offering a modern, vibrant take on classic beauty. Unconventional notes of leather, vetiver, and guiacwood offer a modern edge, making this the perfect scent for the woman who stands out from the crowd."

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