I love value sets!

Okay, so last year Sephora released the limited edition "Legally Bronze" set from Benefit. I lusted for it and I kicked myself later for not buying it because A) I loved everything in it (except maybe the Bad Gal mascara but I'd use it anyway!) and B) the price was a steal for what you were getting. Now it's back in stock.

Remember me??

Everything in the set is full size. That's right, full size. If you're no stranger to Benefit, then you know their prices are pretty up there. For example, High Beam alone is $26, Hoola is $28, etc. Also, Gilded is featured in the set. I have one that I received a long time ago from a gift with purchase. Without giving away too many details (saving them for a review), this pencil rocks but it's no longer available for purchase on its own. The set retails for $38. Yes, $38 USD. I just ordered mine last night. I wanted to give you ladies a heads up in case you wanted to get your paws on it too. I'll give a more in-depth review of each product after I receive it.

Buy it here

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! :)

Chanel Tweed Pink Blush

Or also known by its proper name, Tweed Pink Tissages de Chanel. Let me first say this, I'm a blush fiend.  I can't help myself. I love all kinds of blushes: pink, coral, peach, nude, matte, shimmery, frosty, whatever. I'll take it. Tweed Pink is one of the most beautiful blushes I have in my collection. Looking at it makes me happy.

This is also one of the most flattering pink blushes on my skin tone. It's pink without being too pink. Does that make sense? It's soft, blends well, and the color payoff is excellent. Though, for $45 USD a pop, that's what you ought to get.

So, based off the swatch it might look too shimmery for some people's tastes, but it doesn't give you disco ball cheeks or anything. I promise. Sometimes, a swatch can be deceiving. Tricky, tricky!

I tried to find some dupes in my collection and these were the closest (but not quite):

L-R: NARS Angelika, Chanel Tweed Pink, TheBalm Down Boy

NARS Angelika is a deeper, more intense blue based pink that imparts more glitter/shimmer. TheBalm Down Boy is completely matte and the formula is quite powdery. Like I said, they're a little similar but not quite...

Shoes!

Happy Sunday!! I just wanted to quickly share the new pair of heels I bought from Macy's (click here to see it online). I needed a new pair of cute black shoes for a wedding I have to attend next weekend. They were $89 but I got them for $69 with a $20 off coupon (winning!). I'm just praying my feet won't be throbbing by the end of the night in these suckers... ha. 

Photo Finish: A Quickie Review

I'm going to make this snappy because there's a million (and one) reviews on this cult classic product. I personally love this primer. Yes, yes I do. I think those with DRY skin will favor this because it gives the a skin a smooth velvety feel. It did not break me out. On the flip side, those with OILY skin may say this makes their face feel more greasy than velvety. For me, it keeps my makeup in place. I've put Photo Finish to the test in 115 degree weather and it upheld its end of the bargain. It also held up during my daughter's birthday party yesterday. I had a full face of makeup on for about 12-14 hours with minimal touch ups. I would definitely repurchase.

By the way, HauteLook is having an Ugg event today. Chances are, it's going to sell out fast. 

Sephora Stuff

Hey! Sorry for the lack of updates. I know that I've been an irregular poster since I got pregnant but life happens, right? Today is my daughter's SECOND birthday! Gahhhhhh, I'm so emotional right now! We're having a party for her on Sunday so this whole week has been incredibly chaotic so far.

Anyway, I just received a package from Sephora. I wanted to show you a few things I bought with my 10% VIB coupon.

Pictured:

Smith's Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm: I LOVE the original so I'm bound to love this too, right?

Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: I was reeled in by the brush. It looks like a winner for those who fail at applying liquid eyeliner (like me! haha).

Smashbox Photofinish Primer: I ran out of primer and although I have experience with a lot of them, I've never been formally introduced to the most famous of them all. I've tried a sample in the past but it was so long ago that I couldn't tell you what I thought of it.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara: A brand new mascara from Benefit. I'm almost nervous to try it because I never have much luck with the high end mascaras. I always buy mine from the drugstore (my favorites are The Falsies and Loreal Telescopic). I've bought Bad Gal in the past and hated the oversized brush. It did nothing for my lashes BUT I love Bad Gal plum for fall. I'll be sure to lend my two cents on this one, though.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray: I'm most excited and scared to try this. Mainly because it's $23 a pop and the bottle is TINY. It's suppose to give you textured beach hair. For the price, it better!

It's that time of year again!

Happy Friday! I received my order from MAC yesterday. I only ordered one thing from the new Semi Precious collection. Last year, I was all over In the Groove (okay, mainly Stereo Rose but I was loving all of the MSF's and lipsticks... and blushes). This year, eh... I could pass on most of it. I picked up one MSF for now, Semi Precious Pearl. Out of all the product photos I had seen on Temptalia, this one looked the most appealing.

I was instantly attracted to the raspberry, gold, copper, and white veining. Like most MSF's, this one is very shimmery so I think it works best as a highlighter. Although, lighter skin tones can probably pull this off as a blush (if you use a light hand). I tried it that way today and loved it. But like I said, I think most will appreciate this more as a highlight. 

L-R: outside color, center, swirled together

The Junk Drawer: PP50

I haven't done one of these posts in a while. This one is dedicated to a primer. Specifically, MAC Prep + Prime SPF 50. To my surprise, it wasn't that cheap. $30 for 1 oz. However, I typically don't mind paying the money for a product that works for me.

The first thing that bothered me about this product was the packaging. It comes in a hard plastic squeeze tube. For those who use it regularly, you might have a problem squeezing out that last bit unless you cut the sucker open. This ended up not being a big deal to me, though, mainly because I won't be finishing it any time soon.

The product itself does its job. Overall, I think it's an ideal primer. My makeup lasted all day -- even in the 90-something degree humid weather. I also liked that it had a lot of SPF in it. If your skin can tolerate it, you'd probably like it. The formula is like a lotion (because of the SPF, the regular P+P has more slip) and it has a slight, bearable lotion scent. 

Unfortunately, this primer broke me out like nobody's business. I'm pretty sure I have never experienced a breakout like this with a makeup product before. I had small pimples all over my cheeks. No bueno, folks. Just to be sure, I discontinued use of the primer and sure enough, my skin cleared right up. To be EXTRA sure, I tried using it once more. And sure enough (again), I broke out like crazy.

So now it lies in my junk drawer. That is, until I dump give it to my bestie. Like I said before, I think it could be a great primer if your skin tolerates it well. I haven't had any breakout issues with their regular Prep + Prime formula (which I think is great, by the way).