Wednesday Reviews : Sephora Perfect 10
Today I'm bringing back Wednesday Reviews to talk about a little makeup set from Sephora. Around the holidays (and occasionally throughout the rest of the year), Sephora sells sets of makeup they call "Sephora Favorites". These are available at different price points with different themes. There are Sephora Favorite eyeliners, mascaras, perfumes and more! I always love getting these because it's a huge value, and you get to try tons of different brands and products.
Earlier this week I stopped by Sephora in JCPenney and noticed a new Favorites kit- the Perfect 10. This set is only available at the Sephora in JcP location, and had ten various products in a cute gold pouch for $49. I think this set would be perfect for a Christmas present, so I wanted to do a quick review before it's sold out. Let's see how the products stack up!
Starting with the color cosmetics:
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick
Magenta Matte ($20) : Be Legendary Lipstick Matte features shades with lasting and intense pigments to glide on lightweight eye-catching color. These vitamin-fortified mattes do not settle unevenly on the lips or dry out.
I've never tried a lipstick from Smashbox before, but I really liked the formula! Matte lipsticks are usually dry and make my lips look really gross, but this formula smoothed over my lips like buttah. It has a slightly sweet vanilla scent, and the color lasted really well on my lips! The only downside is the super bright color. It's a little outside of my comfort zone, especially in the winter! I think I'll try this again when it gets warmer out, but I will definitely be trying more from this line! I wish that the lipstick was something more neutral, or more holiday appropriate.
Formula X for Sephora Nailpolish
Astronomical ($10.50) : Enriched with ShineXcel™—a luminescent ingredient that enhances color and overall shine, each polish’s patented No Compromise formulation offers long-lasting, incredibly-saturated color with a stunning finish.
I really like the Formula X line, so I was happy to get a neutral nail polish in this kit. The color is a "honeycomb nude". The polish applied very smoothly, and only needed two coats to be completely opaque. The formula is amazing and lasts for a few days without chipping on my nails, but the color is a bit too yellow for my skin tone. I think this would be a great base for glitter top coats though! Here's what two coats looks like on my nails:
Kat Von D Ink Liner
Trooper ($19) : An ultra-rich and waterproof, felt-tipped liquid pen eyeliner for up to 24 hours of instant drama and effortless, bold definition.
My favorite liner is the tattoo liner from Kat Von D, so I was excited to try another one of her products. This liner is really easy to use and has a deep, dark black color. The tip is really sharp, so it's easy to apply and make a wing. It also lasts all day long with no smudging!
NARS Dual Intensity Eye Shadow
Himalia ($29) : This Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow has smooth, versatile texture that goes on dry for a sheer soft touch of sensual color, or wet for a high-impact finish. A lasting shadow, it achieves elevated eye looks that range from romantic to bold.
This product is really the show stopper in this set. This was my first time trying NARS eye shadow, and I am completely in love! The formula is meant to be used both wet and dry, depending on how intense and metallic you want the shadow. For an easy, everyday look, I just applied the shadow all over my lid and blended it into my crease. The shadow is really smooth and creamy, and I love the color- it's neutral enough to wear to work, but brings out the blue in my eyes. The sparkle is very subtle but also makes it look more special than any other bronze shadow I own!
Left to right- Kat Von D Ink Liner, Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick, NARS Dual Intensity Shadow
I applied all of the makeup, and here's what it looked like!
I switched my lip color for work, and tried out another new product that I picked up at Sephora - the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in #13. I am absolutely in LOVE! The formula is really smooth, creamy, and applies completely opaque in one swipe. It goes on like a cream gloss, but sets within seconds. After that, it doesn't come off or transfer at all! The most amazing thing to me is that it doesn't dry out your lips like most stains or liquid lipsticks do. I am definitely going to try more from this line because it's so easy to use and looks amazing!
I wanted to get a picture to show the lip stain and a better shot of the eyeshadow and liner, so here's my creepy close-up shot!
Now let's move on to the other items in the kit!
Elizabeth and James Rollerball
Nirvana Black ($25) : Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine.
I've mentioned this perfume many times, because it's my favorite! The fact that this was in the kit completely sold it for me. The rollerball costs $25 on its own, so that already made half of the cost of the kit worth it.
Beauty Blender
Original ($20) : The unique shape and exclusive material available only with beautyblender® ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. Use it with primers, foundations, powders, cream blushes, and any other complexion product.
The other item that made this kit worth it was the Beauty Blender. This is an item that I've purchased over and over. I've also tried the Real Techniques sponge, but to me it is no comparison for the real thing. I try to only buy the Beauty Blender about once a year since it's so expensive, so I was really excited to get one in this kit!
Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray
All Nighter ($7) : A weightless setting spray that keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours.
I love to use a setting spray (I currently use one from L'Oreal) so I was happy to get a travel-sized one in this kit. I haven't tried this one from Urban Decay in the past, but a lot of people suggest it. I love how fine the spray is, so it coats your entire face evenly. It seemed to make my makeup last all day, so I would say this is a great product and well worth the hype!
Make Up For Ever Primer
Hydrating ($6) : A makeup primer that assists with balancing the skin's texture and tone for smoother, more even, and longer-lasting makeup wear. The Hydrating Primer preps normal skin and restores balance.
This is another product that I haven't tried before, but I'm a huge fan of trying new primers. There are different primers in this line that are meant for different skin types, so I was happy to see a hydrating primer. In the winter, my skin gets very dry, so this primer felt great! It made my skin feel so smooth and soft, so that my foundation applied really well. I wish we got a bigger bottle of this primer because I'm in love!
There were two additional items in the kit that I gave away for various reasons:
Tarte The Sculptor
Park Ave Princess
The kit came with a mini cream contour stick. You might be able to tell in the pictures above that my face is oval shaped - thin and long - so when I've tried to contour in the past it made me look kind of scary! The shade is also a bit too warm for my skin tone since I have pink/cool tones, so this I decided to give this to a friend.
Benefit Mascara
They're Real!
I also gave away the small sample of They're Real! mascara by Benefit, because I hate it! I've tried it in the past, and it doesn't work for my lashes. I prefer full, soft lashes, and this makes mine very spiky and clumped up. This is one of the most popular mascaras out there, so I knew someone else would get a lot of use out of it!
Even though I didn't like two of the products in this kit, it was still well worth the price for me. The quality of all of the products was amazing, and I found a new favorite eye shadow. I also got to restock two items that I regularly purchase, which paid for the kit.
Overall, the kit was worth $136 to me! I also had a coupon for $20 off a purchase of $50 or more, so I walked away with the kit and the Sephora lip stain for less than $50. What a steal!
Have you ever tried any of these products?
Who else is a big makeup junkie!? Give me a review of your most recent purchase!
What item do you like the best?
linking up with Jess and Ivanna
Earlier this week I stopped by Sephora in JCPenney and noticed a new Favorites kit- the Perfect 10. This set is only available at the Sephora in JcP location, and had ten various products in a cute gold pouch for $49. I think this set would be perfect for a Christmas present, so I wanted to do a quick review before it's sold out. Let's see how the products stack up!
Starting with the color cosmetics:
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick
Magenta Matte ($20) : Be Legendary Lipstick Matte features shades with lasting and intense pigments to glide on lightweight eye-catching color. These vitamin-fortified mattes do not settle unevenly on the lips or dry out.
I've never tried a lipstick from Smashbox before, but I really liked the formula! Matte lipsticks are usually dry and make my lips look really gross, but this formula smoothed over my lips like buttah. It has a slightly sweet vanilla scent, and the color lasted really well on my lips! The only downside is the super bright color. It's a little outside of my comfort zone, especially in the winter! I think I'll try this again when it gets warmer out, but I will definitely be trying more from this line! I wish that the lipstick was something more neutral, or more holiday appropriate.
Formula X for Sephora Nailpolish
Astronomical ($10.50) : Enriched with ShineXcel™—a luminescent ingredient that enhances color and overall shine, each polish’s patented No Compromise formulation offers long-lasting, incredibly-saturated color with a stunning finish.
I really like the Formula X line, so I was happy to get a neutral nail polish in this kit. The color is a "honeycomb nude". The polish applied very smoothly, and only needed two coats to be completely opaque. The formula is amazing and lasts for a few days without chipping on my nails, but the color is a bit too yellow for my skin tone. I think this would be a great base for glitter top coats though! Here's what two coats looks like on my nails:
Kat Von D Ink Liner
Trooper ($19) : An ultra-rich and waterproof, felt-tipped liquid pen eyeliner for up to 24 hours of instant drama and effortless, bold definition.
My favorite liner is the tattoo liner from Kat Von D, so I was excited to try another one of her products. This liner is really easy to use and has a deep, dark black color. The tip is really sharp, so it's easy to apply and make a wing. It also lasts all day long with no smudging!
NARS Dual Intensity Eye Shadow
Himalia ($29) : This Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow has smooth, versatile texture that goes on dry for a sheer soft touch of sensual color, or wet for a high-impact finish. A lasting shadow, it achieves elevated eye looks that range from romantic to bold.
This product is really the show stopper in this set. This was my first time trying NARS eye shadow, and I am completely in love! The formula is meant to be used both wet and dry, depending on how intense and metallic you want the shadow. For an easy, everyday look, I just applied the shadow all over my lid and blended it into my crease. The shadow is really smooth and creamy, and I love the color- it's neutral enough to wear to work, but brings out the blue in my eyes. The sparkle is very subtle but also makes it look more special than any other bronze shadow I own!
I applied all of the makeup, and here's what it looked like!
I switched my lip color for work, and tried out another new product that I picked up at Sephora - the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in #13. I am absolutely in LOVE! The formula is really smooth, creamy, and applies completely opaque in one swipe. It goes on like a cream gloss, but sets within seconds. After that, it doesn't come off or transfer at all! The most amazing thing to me is that it doesn't dry out your lips like most stains or liquid lipsticks do. I am definitely going to try more from this line because it's so easy to use and looks amazing!
I wanted to get a picture to show the lip stain and a better shot of the eyeshadow and liner, so here's my creepy close-up shot!
Now let's move on to the other items in the kit!
Elizabeth and James Rollerball
Nirvana Black ($25) : Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine.
I've mentioned this perfume many times, because it's my favorite! The fact that this was in the kit completely sold it for me. The rollerball costs $25 on its own, so that already made half of the cost of the kit worth it.
Beauty Blender
Original ($20) : The unique shape and exclusive material available only with beautyblender® ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. Use it with primers, foundations, powders, cream blushes, and any other complexion product.
The other item that made this kit worth it was the Beauty Blender. This is an item that I've purchased over and over. I've also tried the Real Techniques sponge, but to me it is no comparison for the real thing. I try to only buy the Beauty Blender about once a year since it's so expensive, so I was really excited to get one in this kit!
Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray
All Nighter ($7) : A weightless setting spray that keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours.
I love to use a setting spray (I currently use one from L'Oreal) so I was happy to get a travel-sized one in this kit. I haven't tried this one from Urban Decay in the past, but a lot of people suggest it. I love how fine the spray is, so it coats your entire face evenly. It seemed to make my makeup last all day, so I would say this is a great product and well worth the hype!
Make Up For Ever Primer
Hydrating ($6) : A makeup primer that assists with balancing the skin's texture and tone for smoother, more even, and longer-lasting makeup wear. The Hydrating Primer preps normal skin and restores balance.
This is another product that I haven't tried before, but I'm a huge fan of trying new primers. There are different primers in this line that are meant for different skin types, so I was happy to see a hydrating primer. In the winter, my skin gets very dry, so this primer felt great! It made my skin feel so smooth and soft, so that my foundation applied really well. I wish we got a bigger bottle of this primer because I'm in love!
There were two additional items in the kit that I gave away for various reasons:
Tarte The Sculptor
Park Ave Princess
The kit came with a mini cream contour stick. You might be able to tell in the pictures above that my face is oval shaped - thin and long - so when I've tried to contour in the past it made me look kind of scary! The shade is also a bit too warm for my skin tone since I have pink/cool tones, so this I decided to give this to a friend.
Benefit Mascara
They're Real!
I also gave away the small sample of They're Real! mascara by Benefit, because I hate it! I've tried it in the past, and it doesn't work for my lashes. I prefer full, soft lashes, and this makes mine very spiky and clumped up. This is one of the most popular mascaras out there, so I knew someone else would get a lot of use out of it!
Even though I didn't like two of the products in this kit, it was still well worth the price for me. The quality of all of the products was amazing, and I found a new favorite eye shadow. I also got to restock two items that I regularly purchase, which paid for the kit.
Overall, the kit was worth $136 to me! I also had a coupon for $20 off a purchase of $50 or more, so I walked away with the kit and the Sephora lip stain for less than $50. What a steal!
Have you ever tried any of these products?
Who else is a big makeup junkie!? Give me a review of your most recent purchase!
What item do you like the best?
linking up with Jess and Ivanna
I was always a make up junkie! It all started with Stila back in the day. Then Nars and now I am a Dior girl (and guerlain). I need to get new moisturizers today and also I could use a new eye shadow palette. Dior has some nice holiday sets out now!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried anything by Dior or Guerlain! I've heard great things though :)
DeleteMake up is so overwhelming to me and I'm seriously known by my friends for being terrible at it so good thing I'm friends with such a make up pro! I love this as a reference for when I do decide to brave the foreign world that is Sephora! I might need some of that eye shadow..
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to get kits like this! It's so much cheaper than buying everything individually, and the smaller size is nice for traveling as well. This shadow is really nice for beginners because it's so natural, but also looks beautiful!
DeleteIf you're looking to improve your makeup skills or learn more, I would check out Youtube tutorials! That's how I started- Lisa Eldridge and Wayne Goss are great, but there are SO many videos out there. reddit.com/r/makeupaddiction is also a great resource!
i haven't tried the ink liner, at least not that i remember, but love the tattoo one! i'll have to pick this up
ReplyDeleteNow that I've tried both, I think I prefer the ink liner! I love that it comes in tons of colors as well :)
DeleteI wish you lived closer to me! I think we'd make great friends - hiking, running, and being make-up junkies together. I'm a huge make-up junkie, although I haven't purchased anything in over a year because I bought like $400 worth of makeup for my wedding (I did my own and my wedding party's make up, I love make up that much) and I still have so much of it. One of the pieces is a Smashbox self-sharpening purple eyeliner that is seriously the best - I highly recommend it! The Nars shadow is beautiful on you - I'll have to keep an eye out for that one!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool Laura! I had no idea :) Love learning more about you! I've been looking at those Smashbox liners..they sound great. I don't buy much makeup anymore, so I like to purchase these kits! Covers all areas of my face for cheap :)
DeleteI love the closeup shot! So pretty. I love that lipstick stain so much. The colour is perfect! I've been looking for that Loreal setting spray but I guess we don't have it up in Canada. So sad! I use STILA black liquid eyeliner pen and I love it but when I need a new one I'm going to try the Kat Von D one you talk about.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I wanted to show the beautiful eyeshadow, but every picture looked AWFUL! I didn't want to share it, but the products looked great! Happy to hear you liked it :) I really like the color because it's similar to my natural lip color but a touch darker.
DeleteI asked for a beauty blender for chirstmas! hope i get it!!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
I hope you do too :) They're amazing!
DeleteThere are so many items that I want from your little beauty haul, but I need that liner. OMG! I posted a mini beauty haul earlier this week actually. Great minds think a like! New products are always so fun to experiment with.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post! Yay for makeup hauls :)
Deleteoh my gosh, i dislike they're real as well. it makes my lashes clumpy and i swear i have to wash it off 15 times and it's still kind of there. hate it!
ReplyDeleteGlad I'm not the only one!!
DeleteThanks for linking up!! YES I love that lip color on you, Gretch!! Sephora is the best. I'm currently loving the Josie Maran argan oil.
ReplyDelete