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Beauty Vixen

2018 has wrapped up and we are into a new year. I thought I would give a roundup of my favourite items from this past year. I honestly have loved a lot more than just what I am listing, but this was what I thought was all I could blog about in a year-end roundup.
Smashbox Primer Oil:
 I have had this one a long time, but this year I really learned to love it. I started mixing it into my foundations and it has really helped with my skin not looking flakey when applied. I also got the NYX version, which I must say I like exactly the same amount, I am just trying to use this one up first.

ELF Hydrating Booster Drops:
I picked these up a few months ago and it has been amazing how fast I have used them up. I add a bit of this serum/gel into my foundation and it makes it so much more hydrating and my skin plumper. For a value brand, I have been really impressed with it.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Coconut Water Primer Stick:
I picked this up at the same time I got the booster drops, and I instantly fell in love. I really wanted to try the Milk stick that is similar but didn't want to pay the price. This was about $10 so I couldn't resist. It applies watery and smooth while instantly cooling the skin. I find it works well as a light primer
L'oreal Lumi Glotion*:
 I have this in a Fair Glow and Medium Glow, both are great but Fair Glow is my favourite. I mentioned it in my summer favourites and it still stands. I love to apply it before my foundation for more of a glow (but not too much of one). It looks quite nice on my skin.

L'oreal Lumi Glow Amour Boosting Drops:
I also have this one in two shades, Golden Hour and Daybreak. Daybreak is the lighter and more pinky shade and it works really well on my skin. I add a small amount to my cheekbones, above the lip or wherever else I want some highlight and it does a great job. I like to add it sometimes under my foundation really get it to look more toned down.
Joe Fresh Cushion Lipstick:
I picked this up on sale while Joe Fresh was exiting Shoppers Drug Mart. I got the shade Tulip which is really pretty deep mauve shade. It has a sponge applicator and gives that powder finish to your lips that so many brands are loving right now (Buxom, NYX, etc).
Dermalogica Barrier Defense Booster*:
My skin has been so dry this year! All year! It has been frustrating as all hell. I have to thank this serum for helping me at least keep my skin calm. I will say it took me 3 months to realize the grey bottom is soft and you can press it to release the product. I had been shaking it out before that.

L'oreal Revitalift Cicacream*:
I don't know what to say about this, but it is a day and night cream that my skin has really been liking. I don't need much and it is a great anti-ageing and hydrating formula.

Acure Argan Oil*:
I only have a few pumps of this left, which should show how much I adore it. It works so darn well. There is just something about this oil's texture that works so well on my skin. Plus there is a pump, which makes using any oil mess free.
ELF Prismatic Highlighting Duo:
I picked this up in Mermaid Tail. One side is a peachy pink highlight and the other a blue tone. Both are very iridescent and microfine in their shimmer, which is exactly what I want in a highlighter (no chunky shimmer, that is the way to go). It builds well so you can go light to strong without much effort. Every single time I wear it I get compliments. I love to wear the peach on my eyes for a lazy makeup day.

Before this, I was not sold on blue or peach highlighters, and now I hooked.
Revlon Galaxy Dream*:
This palette features four shades of holographic highlighters. The shades in the palette are pink, green, purple and silver. I really appreciate the size of the pans (quite big), the shade varieties and the fact it is so finely milled (once again no glittery shimmer bits). All the shades work really well on my skin and add a nice pop of highlight, but they also can be mixed together which I really enjoy too.

Urban Decay Naked Piette Heat Palette:
I picked this up at Sephora when they had their spring sale, and I was really glad I did. with 6 matte shades, I get a lot of use out of it since I don't really wear any other shadow finishes to work. They are all burnt orange/red shades that I think blend out well. I actually wish I never picked up the Naked heat palette because I use this one more and it is completely redundant now.

Nars Hot Escape Eye and Cheek Palette:
I picked this one up during the Nordstrom anniversary sale (as well as a bunch of other things I probably didn't need). I really love the shadows in it as well as the highlighter and blush. I have gotten so much wear out of it that I just had to mention it.

Do you have any products that stand out as favourites for you from 2018?

* denotes products that were sent to me for review purposes; all views and opinions are my own.
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I went a little nuts at the Spring Sephora sale. As a VIB Rouge, I got access a day early and received 15% off. So, yeah a little nuts.
First off I got items from the new Disney Minnie Beauty by Sephora Collection.
Minnie's Perfect Red Lipstick
This lipstick has a magnetic lid and a heavy nice quality to the tube. It is a really nice rich red embossed with Minnie, xox and a little silhouette of her on the end.

I fell so in love with this lipstick that I went out and did another order just to get a back up. I know I don't need a back up, but with the embossing I really feel better about using one when I have a backup.
Minnie's Inner Glow Luminizing Blush
The blush comes in a heavy duty compact with pretty spots and minnie on the outsize and a coal blush in the inside, that has minnie ears and bow embossed into it.
Reflection Of Minnie Compact Mirror
The mirror has a pretty zip up pouch. When open it looks like her ears with her bow. In the inside you get a regular mirror and a 2x mirror.
SmashBox Photo Finish Primer Oil:
I hear only good things about this primer oil and I am already loving the primer spray I got last year. I also have very dry skin, so why not add oil into my primer routine.

Smashbox Insta-Matte 
This is supposed to transform any lip product into a matte finish lip product. Sounds amazing, looks amazing, it was a must buy for me. I was really sold when I read Chelle's review over on Make Up Your Mind, you should go check it out too. 

Nars Concealer in Vanilla
I didn't really need this, I just wanted it. This is the classic salmon concealer for under-eyes that everyone with light skin likes. But alas, I returned it. I really can't justify any more concealers in my life right now.
NudeStix #NudeLipKit 3 Piece Mini Set
I just got to finally try out Nudestix in the Sephora Favourites Give Me Some Nude Lip Set, and while Whisper, the colour I got in it, wasn't for me, I still wanted to try some more Nudestix. This little set has a Matte (Belle), Creme (Mystic) and Gel (Pulse) version in it, letting me try out some different shades and textures.  It also has a tin with mirror and sharpener in it.
Buxom Suede Seduction Eyeshadow Palette
This is an all matte palette from Buxom. I already created my own custom one last summer and got myself a limited edition one at the fall sale...so I guess you can say I am a fan of Buxom's palettes.
This one being all matte meant I had to get it since I only wear mattes to work. I really love the exclusive palette cover.
On the VIB Rouge day me and a guest were supposed to get a tote bag with some goodies in store, but they were already out of them apparently at noon at most stores. I did get a bunch of samples in store as well as a Minnie Mouse tote bag fro 250 of my points as well as my hubbies birthday gift (which was from Fresh).
I did hear some stores gave out a Makeup Forever goodie bag that had a reusable makeup bag and some good sized Makeup Forever samples. I however just got what you see above, and was pretty darn happy about it because, it was free and I won't complain about that :).
did you get anything during the Sephora Spring Sale???



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Sephora recently launched a Sephora Favourites set featuring some pretty awesome nude lip shades. While my nude might not be your nude or someone else's nude, I still think this is a pretty nice collection.
It turns out there has been a bit of misinformation out there about the sizes of the products and how many full and deluxe sized products are in the set. I took a look each lip products size (off the products labels) and compared it to the Sephora website for sizes and Canadian prices. The only products that threw me off was the Nudestix. It is usually 0.05 oz but the one in the set is 0.088 oz, making it bigger. Since Nudestix usually has a tin and a sharpener which are not in this set, I am just calling it even as a full sized.

The collection has in it:
  • Marc Jacobs Beauty Mini Outliner Longwear Lip Pencil in Prim(Rose) -Deluxe Size (0.01oz / 2g) $12 value
  • NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick in Dolce Vita - Full Sized (0.12 oz/34g) $35.00 value
  • Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lipstick in Milky Way - Deluxe Sample Size (half the size of a full. it is 0.07 oz/2g) $17 value
  • NUDESTIX Lip + Cheek Crayon in Whisper - Full Sized  (2.49g/0.088 oz) $28.00 value 
  • Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Namaste Nude - Deluxe Sample Size (half the size of a full. It is 0.10 oz/3lm) $12.00 value
So that is 2 full sized products and 2 half sized products, and one 40% of the sized product,  not too shabby for $33.00 Canadian.

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Namaste Nude:
Described just as a Nude, this one is really pretty. It runs a bit lighter then some of the other products in this set, which is good for pale old me, but might not be the best for others. The texture of this is really matte and light, a really odd thing for a lip product. The best I can explain it is like those Maybelline mouse foundations from about 10 years ago, but in a lip format  and with a doefoot applicator. I really do like the texture though, it is neat and totally different. It doesn't set 100%, like a liquid lipstick would (my morning coffee cup will attest to that), but it does set up really nicely on the lips and feels dry like you aren't wearing anything at all after about 20 minutes. It also lasts a very long time on the lips and doesn't dry them out nearly as much as a liquid lipstick would. It is so nice and really opaque on my lips.  I really like this guy and am considering get more in the future.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Mini Outliner Longwear Lip Pencil in Prim(Rose)
Described as a Coco Spice, this liner is really pretty. This colour really works well with the Nars Dolce Vita and the Tarte Namaste Nude, although it is a bit darker. It is smooth for a liner and definitely not stiff. It just glide on the lips.  I appreciate that is an automatic liner considering its small size and expensive price tag, no one likes to waist a good liner on sharpening. 
NUDESTIX Lip + Cheek Crayon in Whisper
Simply described as a nude, this one runs really grey on me. I sort of feel like I look dead when I wear it. I really love the thick and matte texture of the stick, but the shade just doesn't flatter me at all.  I feel someone with a more warm completion or a darker one would suit this shade just fine. I am just too pale to pull it off (NC/NW15 over here). I do like that it is so thick but doesn't accentuate the lines on my lips at all. I am going to definitely go try out some other lipsticks from the line some time soon.
NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick in Dolce Vita
Described as a sheer dusty rose this one is by far my favourite in the set. It goes on smooth and just slightly sheer that it really works with my own lips colour. For me it creates a "My lips but better" look which I always appreciate. With the Marc Jacobs liner it becomes opaque and a bit more bold. This is a full sized Nars lipstick which means it costs $35 in stores on its own, and this set only cost $33...so defiantly a good item in the set for me.
Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lipstick in Milky Way
Described as a brown, this lipstick just goes on more opaque then the Nars, but much more brown. This probably would look amazing on people with a slightly darker skin tone then me, also on those with a warmer tone to their skin. I don't think it looks bad, I just think it could look better, less 1995...which I already lived through and I think I am too old to pull off now in 2016. I do like the formula though and am glad I've gotten to try it out. I might have to pick up some other Laura Mercier lipsticks in the future. 
Swatching time:

Overall I think this is a great set and can get a bunch of high quality nude lip colours for the price of just one lipstick. The Nars and Tarte are by far my favourite for my pale NC/NW15 skin tone. That being said I am still glad I got the set because I got to try out a bunch of brands and see if I like their formulas for $2 less then the cost of the Nars lipstick...so a great buy.

 The Nars lipstick alone is covers the value of the box, so if you like that shade already, definitely go for it. 

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Last month the annual Sephora VIB sale was on, meaning I got to save 20% on my order. 
I obviously went overboard and got way too many items.

Mars Virtual Domination Cheek Palette:
This baby has 4 Nars blushes and a big Laguna Bronzer.

Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry:
This mini was a 100 point perk I redeemed. So far I am really liking it.
Still Merry and Bright Makeup Set:
This set has a limited edition Convertible Colour in Tulip, lip glaze in Glalmour and a liner in Purple Tang. It also comes with a jewelled headband.

BareMinerals Bare Skin Perfecting Face Brush:
This baby has an indent in the centre (almost like a donut) where you place your foundation and then buff it into the skin. I am really loving the effect if gives my skin.
Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Mini Duo:
These were only $18 so with the 20% off I said why not. I also got a set for a xmas gift for a friend.
Tarte Pigment of Imagination Deluxe Cheek Set:
This set was $12 what a steal. I just had to have it. I really like their blushes lately.
Clarisonic Sensitive Skin Double Replacement Pack:
I just got a Clarisonic from Chickadivsor so I thought it was a good time to get replacement heads as I will need them eventually. 
Urban Decay De-Slick Double Shot:
It has two minis if the de-slick setting spray. I figured I needed some more setting spray and it was a good price.
Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip:
This has some pretty lip sticks and glosses. Some are pretty tiny though (0.02 oz of Marc Jacobs or 0.05 oz of bite...eek). But it was only $30 before the sale so it is a good way of trying out some new lip products.
Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Mrs. Mia Wallace Palette:
I have this, I reviewed this, I loved this...it was $18 plus 20% off ...so I got a back up. Don't judge me.
Benefit 3 Scoops O' Sexy:
This set has 3 full sized lip balms and 3 mini cheek and lip tints. I love Benefit so I had to have it. Each lip balm retails for $22 and the whole set is regularly $50 so even before the sale discount it was a good deal. Shoppers Drug Mart has a similar one with just two of the sets, its called Sweet Temptations and has Lolli tint and Benetint in it for $30 (slightly better value).
Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm:
I love cleansing balms and use The Body Shops a lot. So I got this one, only to return it.
Buxom Too Hot To Handle:
This was a 500 point perk I redeemed. It has a bronzer, lip gloss, lipstick, eye liner and mascara all in mini sizes. I am loving the purple lip shades.
Ok so that is it. I spent way to much, then went nuts again on Black Friday with the $12 deals. 
Did you grab anything exciting at the Sephora Vib Sale?

Batting a Lash:
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I placed two Black Friday orders with Sephora and I thought I would finally share them. I know I am late at it but I thought better late than never.
Order #1
For my first order I used a promo code that got me this great big bag full or goodies. Super excited for everything in it.  Everything else in this order was $12 CAD.
I got 2 of the eyeshadow quads from Stila that were available for $12 (Artful Eye Collection II and III, I was not available at the time of my first order).

I picked up the Buxom Amplified Smokey Eye set which has mini Amplified Lash  Mascara and Waterproof Smokey Eye Stick in Stiletto.
The mascara wand expands and retracts so it should be fun try out. The Smokey Eye Stick is in a deep eggplant shade.
I got a Nars cream blush in Enchanted.
I also got a Stila lipstick pallet. I returned this. I thought for $12 it just wasn't worth it.
Finally I got  Too Faced Ready.Set. Prime set with two small tubes of their primers.
Order #2
For my second order I got a bunch more $12 CAD items.
I managed to get the Bare Minerals Enchanted Eyes set. It comes with an eye primer sample and two shadows that are gray and slate.
I got the final Stila quad (Artful Eyes Collector's Edition I)
I got a Bite Gloss Trio. It has the shades Strawberr, honey and Cocoa in it. I've never tried Bite and I am excited to finally get the chance.
Lorac Pro Palette Pewter. Apparently these are customer favourite items. It comes with a retractible black liner with smudged and a shadow in "Pro Palette Pewter".
Buxom Curtan Call set with a Ful On Lipstick in Amsterdam and a mini Sculpted Mascara.
Finally I got Buxom Big and Healthy Lipstick in Havana. 
Lisa's Cosmetic Warehouse Sale
So I didn't go coo-coo at Lisa's this time around. I did manage to grab some great Stila deals. I got three singles and a quad. The singles were $4.99 each and the quad was $12.99 I believe. I got the shades Pigalle, Sun and Jade. The quad has the shades Shell, Eden, Poise and Diamond Lil.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop had a pre holiday deal were all box sets were 30% off, plus my 'Love your body" card I got another 10% off. There also was a card that if you spent $20 you got $10 off. 
All this means I went a little nuts.
I picked up a Ginger Sparkle hand set and a Honeymania travel set.
I went back the next day and got another Honeymania and Satsuma set. Each was originally $15 but with all the deals I paid $11.20  for both after taxes. What a steal.

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Jill Oliver-Fox is a Toronto based beauty blogger with a love for beauty, food, and pets. She began the blog in 2009 and hasn't stopped since. To read more about Jill and the Blog, click here.

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