Sephora Collection Express Cleansing Face Wipes

The latest addition to my gym bag is a new kind of facial cleansing wipes, I had been using the Korres wipes and then these new ones were recommended to me during my last Sephora visit.  I have been visiting the gym more than three times a weeks since the end of last semester and I have been burning through my makeup remover wipes (and post workout shakes!).  I was considering just stocking up on my favorite Korres wipes but I decided that this might be a good opportunity to try and review a new product.  The associate at Sephora recommended the Sephora brand wipes as a great option and I have used them after my past few workouts.

Obviously I will be pulling all of my information from the Sephora website as this is only place that I can purchase these wipes.  "A collection of biodegradable, pre-moistened wipes for cleansing, exfoliating, and purifying the face, eyes, and lips.  Perfect for travel, these handy wipes cleanse and tone the skin.  They remove all types of makeup, even long-wearing formulas, without leaving behind an oily residue.", states the company's website.  There are several kinds of wipes from Sephora Collection and I chose the ones that are just for cleansing.  Other formulas help to exfoliate and purify however I didn't want to use anything like that on my dry skin.

The Cleansing Wipes are designed to "Cleanse and tone with a formula that includes HydroSenn+, a natural ingredient proven to deliver immediate and long lasting hydration more effectively than hyaluronic acid".  I was only looking for wipes that would remove my makeup without drying out my skin, the other formulas would have been better for use on oily skin.

The Sephora associate recommended that I give these a try, I decided to pick up a pack of these plus a pack of the Korres ones (in case I didn't like these).  I have used these a few times and can give my review of them now.  I can't say that I would be able to tell the difference in texture between these two formulas and they both feel quite nice when used on the skin.  I don't experience any tugging or dryness during application and neither formula dries out my skin.

I will start by saying that I like the Sephora Collection wipes but I do prefer the Korres version.  The Korres wipes are infused with milk proteins and help to hydrate my skin while removing my face makeup.  I do like that the Korres version is soothing to my skin and I haven't experienced this from the Sephora version.  There are quite a few aspects of these wipes that are very similar, both formulas remove my face and eye makeup and do not dry out my skin.  The Korres formula is better for me in that it helps to soothe the redness and I will continue to purchase the Korres once I have used up the Sephora version.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Ariel Mermaid's Song 4 Piece Lip Gloss Set

At the end of last year, Sephora Collection released a special collection that combined makeup and fragrance with the love of Disney that is so prominent in this country.  I visited Disney World when I was a child and I loved everything Disney until I entered my teenage years.  I went through quite a few years without seeing any kind of Disney movie but now that I am in my late twenties, I have begun to enjoy some of my favorite childhood movies again.  Snow White is a current favorite of mine however I have had a soft spot for The Lion King and The Little Mermaid since I was a young girl.  I am not obsessed with Disney as many of my friends still are but I do enjoy watching the movies now and then and I have grabbed a few beauty looks from Snow White.  Now I see that Sephora Collection has brought out a pretty summer collection that teams up great makeup and our favorite red-headed mermaid from The Little Mermaid. 

I am not going to view this entire collection, I don't have much interest in it and I doubt that many of my readers will be interested in buying the whole collection.  I have no objection to looking at a few pieces of it but this collection is much too young for me and I wouldn't be able to use many of the makeup shades and any type of fragrance that would come out with it.  I would be interested in a lip gloss set for the summer, I love bright lip glosses for the summer and I am excited to try something fun over the next three months.  I think a Disney-inspired lip gloss collection is just the thing to have some fun...

This collection is only available at Sephora and all the details will come from this company's website.  "A set of four flirty lip glosses in shades that dare you to be bold.  Fun and feisty, this set of lip formulas speaks volumes. This collection of glistening glosses features shades inspired by Ursula’s earrings, Ariel’s pink dress and iconic red hair, and her sisters’ darling shells. Take advice from your favorite mermaid: Be empowered. Be bold."

The four shades that were inspired by The Little Mermaid are...

- Mermaid - courageous coral
- Red Head - rich red
- Dream Girl - perky pink
- Sea Witch - bold berry

I think that the first three shades will be my choices for the summer but then I will save Sea Witch for the fall and winter months.  I am so excited to try these out, the Sephora Collection lip glosses are not the best quality that I have ever used but the color range is awesome and I have some picks from them already in my collection.  I think it is time to watch some Disney movies...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Classic Must Have Large Powder Brush #30

Towards the end of the last summer, my bronzer brush brought in half, it was still usable enough to get me through the end of the bronzer season.  I use a separate brush for bronzer and it didn't make much sense to me to panic buy a new brush when I would only be using it for about two more weeks.  I was able to finish up the season with it and then threw it away after Labor Day.  I went back to my traditional loose powder and the brush that I use with it but that brush is too tapered to use for powder bronzer.  My first night of self tanning was last night and I ordered a bronzer brush off the Sephora website last week and I first tried it out this morning with my favorite formula of MAC bronzer.

What was I looking for in a bronzer brush?  I wanted a brush that was huge and fluffy, with a small to medium length handle.  I wanted to be able to dust on a light layer on bronzer and have a better amount of control over it than a traditional powder brush.  Making a mistake with bronzer in the morning can push back my entire day and I hate when I have to start my makeup over after I have all my face makeup finished up.  I looked on the Sephora website about a month ago and have been narrowing them down ever since.  On the first round of narrowing them down, I got rid of all the ones that weren't large enough to lightly sweep powder bronzer all over the face.  The second round got rid of the ones that had long handles and might not give me the control that I wanted.  The winner actually was from a brand that I have never used any brushes from before: the Sephora house brand.

I decided on the Classic Must Have Large Powder Brush #30, a huge fluffy face brush with a shorter handle than most.  "A round, full-bodied brush for evenly applying loose or pressed complexion powders.  Perfect for creating an even, matte finish, this brush helps to set makeup quickly without excess powder and without overload.  This brush features synthetic takelon bristles, an aluminum ferrule, and a wooden handle. The brush can also be used for the décolletage with an illuminating brush-on powder."

I have only used this brush for powder bronzer so far and I am very happy with it.  I can easily sweep bronzer all over my face and then dip it again to add an extra layer to cheekbones and then blend all the way down my neck and chest area.  I love that the brush is not made of animal fur, I feel better using vegan brushes even though all reputable companies confirm that no animals are harmed in their fur brushes.  I was originally hoping that Urban Decay would have a great bronzer brush but their brush was too thin and tapered for my liking. 

I have no complaints with this brush, it performs just as I would like a bronzer brush to and I am actually considering using it as a powder brush in the cool weather months.  I would only use it with pressed powder, I think that it might make loose powder fly all over the place.  I will try this one out in a few months and see how it performs in this aspect.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora and Pantone Color of the Year - Emerald Collection

I have been obsessed with the color emerald ever since Sephora first stated that it was the color of the year.  So far, I have been ordering emerald colored nail polish shades and I also bought an emerald drop pendant necklace to wear throughout the spring.  I love the combination of pink and emerald and I have been mixing up accessories and beauty products in this combination since the end of last month and this trend shows no ending in sight for me.  In addition to showcasing a series of emerald products from all different brands, Sephora's house brand has also created an entire line for spring inspired by this color and so far has been sold out every time that I look for a certain product in it and I have had to be content with ordering from the other brands.

The full collection is up on the Sephora website and it is time for me to start looking at all the product and to make a very detailed wish list.  I have seen pictures of eye makeup from this collection and some amazing looking green nail polish hues and I do believe that I also saw some sets and palettes in this collection too.  I am also excited about the fact that Sephora has added cheek and lip shades that are not green (very good!) but are made to complement green eye makeup hues.  I believe that some of them are pinks so now I can take my love of pink and green combinations to my makeup.  This has so much potential for me!

"Energize your look with universally flattering shadow palettes, high-shine lacquers, professional accessories, and more.  This year, Sephora + Pantone Universe evolve their breakthrough partnership to forecast the color of radical modernism, where graphic shock meets the speed of modern life. Transfixing and dynamic, the Color of the Year sparks a highly charged mood for the seasons ahead. Visualize a color revolution of infinite potential—from subtle effects to saturated statements—fueled by a hunger for high-tech impact. Experience Emerald from every angle through never-before-seen formulas designed to energize the way you wear color in 2013. Connect. Charge. Power up with the Color of the Year.", states the Sephora website when describing the overall Emerald Collection.  I now also feel that I must have an emerald compact mirror and an emerald brush set...

Here is the Emerald Collection!

The Color of the Year Collection - A six-piece set of the most pigmented formulas from the 2013 Color of the Year collection for endless, luminous beauty.  Enhance and magnify your look with this collection of rich, high-pigment formulas drenched in Emerald, an energetic color that induces power and unmistakable vibrancy. The brilliant prismatic eye shadow glides on silky for bold, all-day wear and the three-shadow palette intensifies eyes with complementary Emerald tones for a supernatural, futuristic look. The glitter dust accents with dramatic shimmer and the striking lid stain doubles as a vivid liner and shadow. The waterproof eyeliner flaunts the universal tone with a silky matte finish and the highlighting mascara finishes your look with a daring Emerald splash on your lashes.
- Color Grid Shadow Block Bionic
- Color Code Prismatic Shadow Block
- 1 oz Lightspeed Glitter Dust
- 0.055 oz Graphic Sculpt Waterproof Jumbo Eyeliner
- 0.1 oz Color Cube Lid Stain
- 0.4 oz Color Watt Highlighting Mascara
- 0.4 oz size for Color Code Prismatic Color Block

Emerald Tip Nail Ring - An innovative, striking ring worn at the tip of the finger that features the Color of the Year with a luminous twist.  Flaunt the energizing spirit of Emerald with this eye-catching ring. Worn at the tip of the finger, this ring showcases the Color of the Year and turns heads with a glinting, sparkling rhinestone. One size fits most.

Emerald Compact Mirror - A sleek, compact mirror saturated in radiant Emerald, the 2013 Color of the Year.  Luminous and powerful—experience the vivaciousness of Emerald with this compact mirror as you travel the world or make a simple skip across town. Perfect for quick touch-ups and slim enough for your purse or gym bag, this vivid green mirror energizes any situation.

Color Theory Shadow Block - Elemental - A striking eye shadow trio that enhances and intensifies the eyes with shades inspired by the Color of the Year.  Enhance and invigorate your eyes with this shadow palette that delivers a pearlized, sheer finish for a more natural look. The reflective properties of diamond dust and micro-fine platinum powder diffuse light, creating a luminous soft-focus effect. The neutral tones featured in this palette draw out a new facet of Emerald, highlighting the Color of the Year as a perfect everyday accent. No matter how you wear Emerald—from subtle to dramatic—its universally flattering tone complements and intensifies every iris.
- emerald shimmer/appleblossom/camel

Color Theory Shadow Block - Bionic - A striking eye shadow trio that enhances and intensifies the eyes with complementary tones to the Color of the Year.  Enhance and invigorate your eyes with this bold, high-pigment shadow palette that delivers a supernatural, futuristic look. The vibrancy of cobalt activates Emerald’s blue tones, drawing out a striking facet of the Color of the Year that is perfectly highlighted by silver. These shadow formulas feature a blendable, smooth texture that feels silky soft to the touch. No matter how you wear Emerald—from subtle to dramatic—its universally flattering tone complements and intensifies every iris.
- emerald/white asylum/crown blue

Color Theory Shadow Block - Eclipsed - A striking eye shadow trio that enhances and intensifies the eyes with complementary tones to the Color of the Year.  Enhance and invigorate your eyes with this shadow palette that delivers a trio of rich, satiny formulas for a smoky, elusive look. The reflective properties of diamond dust and micro-fine platinum powder diffuse light, creating a smoldering effect. The deep, neutral shades featured in this palette draw out a striking facet of Emerald for a gorgeous smoky eye lit with a hint of shimmer. No matter how you wear Emerald—from subtle to dramatic—its universally flattering tone complements and intensifies every iris.
- emerald glitter/amberlight/olivine

Color Code Prismatic Shadow Block - A cream eye shadow in lively Emerald that glides on easy and wears comfortably all day.  Play with the power and elegance of Emerald with this high-pigment shadow for allover color. The water-resistant formula promises to stay put, without creases or smudging, yet the silky texture blends beautifully for added versatility. No matter how you wear Emerald—from subtle to dramatic—its universally flattering tone complements and intensifies every iris.

Color Theory Sculpting Blush - A futuristic pressed powder blush that delivers comfortable wear and pure hues inspired by the Color of the Year.  Wear powder perfection with this lightweight blush featuring a duet of complementary tones especially formulated to harmonize with Emerald looks. This powder is enriched with actives to preserve skin elasticity and packed with brown seaweed extract for a soft and supple complexion. The slim compact includes a hidden mirror that snaps magnetically in place for easy application anywhere, anytime.
- dusty pink/pink mist

Colorbyte Lip Wands - A set of four luscious lip glosses with an ultra shiny finish and complementary tones that enhance Emerald looks.  From soft and neutral to bold and bright, this set of glosses has been specially formulated to highlight and harmonize with the Color of the Year. This innovative gloss coats lips in stunning, glossy color while moisturizing with vitamin E and hyaluronic spheres. The non-tacky formula improves volume and softness and the universally flattering shades promise always-radiant results.
- touch of emerald/cameo brown/georgia peach/crocus

Holographic Dobbie - A versatile cosmetic bag and storage tote with a glimmering reflective finish.  Keep all your beauty essentials by your side with this chic, holographic bag perfect for travel and at-home storage. The two-toned faux leather will protect your favorite brushes, makeup, and hair accessories, and the special hook on the inside flap allows you to hang the bag for added convenience. 

Color Block Beauty Box - A stunning bag drenched in the vivid and energizing Color of the Year.  Keep all of your beauty supplies safe and secure with this gorgeous case decorated in Emerald, the color of possibility and power. The sturdy design zips closed to keep beauty essentials organized while you’re home or away and a smaller case inside can be removed for travel or the gym.

Horizon Light Brush Collection - A delightful five-piece brush set that changes colors in the palm of your hand or when exposed to light.  This impressive brush set was designed to provide a super soft feel against the skin and flawless application every time. The synthetic bristles contain fine cuticles on each filament that mimic natural hair and help ensure excellent powder pick up for both wet and dry formulas. The heat-activated, color-changing handles turn from violet to white in your palm, and the brush hairs turn violet when exposed to the sun or UV light.  The brush heads have been treated with an antibacterial spray to guard against buildup and can easily be washed with alcohol, mild soap and water, or a brush cleanser.
- Angled blush brush
- Large shadow brush
- Smudge brush
- Crease brush
- Angled liner brush

I am actually disappointed with this range of colors, I am not seeing anything that I am in love with and nothing that I really consider that I must have from the color products.  The accessories are my favorite pieces of the collection and these are the parts of it that I really feel that I need to add to my product collection.  That color-changing brush set is just amazing beyond belief and I must have this the next time that I visit Sephora.

I like many of the color products in this collection but I don't love them enough to track them down.  My favorite piece is the eye shadow palette that I have pictured here, the Shadow Block in Eclipse.  I would get lots of use from this bronze and deep moss green palette but none of the shades are very unique and I know that I could find very similar shades from many other companies (that probably have better formulas at the same time), I have never had much love for Sephora brand cosmetics and would only really buy items from this company if I find the colors or products to be very unique.  There is nothing in this collection that find worthy of the chase, the blush is very pretty but again, I would not have to look hard to find these shades from many other companies.

Perhaps I was too excited about this collection and that is why I feel so let down but this just isn't really what I was picturing when I first saw pictures on blogs and emails from Sephora...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Bubble Bath and Shower Gel

Sephora Collection originally had a bath and body collection several years ago and I had a bunch of products from this line, the Almond and Coconut was one of my favorite scents and I was so disappointed when this line was no longer made.  I haven't seen any body products from the Sephora house brand for several years now and I was just buying from Bath and Body Works and The Body Shop instead.  However it appears that Sephora has decided to re-launch their house body line and I first saw some of these products at the beginning of the fall/holiday season.  It doesn't appear that the scents are same but I am hoping that few changes have been made to the formula, I will have to buy a few fragrances in each product and find out. 

The Bubble Bath and Shower Gel was my favorite product from the original line with the Body Butter being a close second.  Also with these tow products, I believe that I see a Creamy Body Wash and a Body Scrub that were not part of the original line, I also believe that the original line had some type of lighter body lotion that I do not see in this collection.  I will be more than happy if the gel and butter formulas haven't changed and now I want to try the other two products.

"A moisturizing two-in-one cleanser that kisses skin with a delicate scent.  Refresh and de-stress with this multitasking bath and shower gel formulated with deliciously fragrant flowers, algae, and fruit extracts. Vitamin E softens and protects skin, while glycerin moisturizes and replenishes for a silky smooth finish. The sleek, modern bottle provides a burst of color that will brighten any room and your mood.  This formula is dermatologist-tested and safe for all skin types.  According to a satisfaction test conducted with 59 women: 95% liked its texture and 97% found its foam to be pleasant to the touch."

This product contains all of the typical ingredients that are found in most shower gels; SLS and Glycerin.  There will be nothing special that sets this formula apart but it performs well.  In the past, this formula always rinsed clean and never left my skin stripped (expect in the winter, which is to be expected from me), I grabbed one of the old bottles that I have of the original product and the ingredients are almost identical so I am betting that this formula works just like the other.

The fragrances that are available from the relaunched product...

- Coconut - warm creamy coconut
- Cotton Flower - clean cotton
- Lagoon - ocean air and tropical flowers
- Mango - juicy mango
- Monoi - coconut and tropical flowers
- Vanilla - sweet vanilla
- Lemon Verbena - herbal lemon

I am hoping that the Coconut fragrance is similar to the Almond Coconut, that was one of the best almond fragrances that I have ever used.  In any case, I know that I will purchase the Coconut fragrance in all the products since I love coconut scents and use them all year long.  Lagoon looks exactly like another fragrance that I had from this original line, I do not recall the name of the fragrance but they look very similar. 

In addition to repurchasing the Coconut and the Lagoon fragrances, I also want to buy the Mango, Cotton Flower, Monoi, and Lemon Verbena fragrances in the body products.  I am really excited and hoping that nothing has changed from the original line!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Holiday 2012 Collection - The Cinderella Collectiona

I rarely use or blog about color items from the Sephora brand, I have only recently begun using some of their skincare items and while I really like what I have used so far, I haven't yet really worked with any of their color products.  I get too distracted by NARS every single that I go in the store that I haven't really spent much time visiting this counters, also the placement of it in my Sephora store is pretty hidden and I find it way too easy to simply walk right by it (I wonder if it like this in every single store...).  The only reason that their holiday collection caught my eye is that this company teamed up with Disney to create a series of gifts and palettes that are worthy of any princess. 

I really love a lot of movies and products from Disney and Cinderella was a favorite movie of mine when I was a little girl.  I know that I must have dreamed of dressing up in a ball gown and having a Fairy Godmother enough times when I was a child and I fully believe that the fantasty never ends.  Now I am more likely to dream about getting dressed up in a Marchesa gown and going to a Met Gala but the same ideal still holds in this fantasy.  It is no wonder that this collection gots lots of coverage in the massive Sephora Holiday Gift catalogue...

This is a full collection of gifts and also contains a brand new fragrance.  "We all have a story to tell—the tale of our inner princess enlightened by magical beauty. Disney's Cinderella Collection by Sephora promises your own fairy tale-worthy transformation. Its time to experience Cinderella in a whole new light…with her grand entrance at Sephora as a famous icon. She has inspired this collection with words of wisdom about life, love and making your dreams come true. Her voice is your voice. Her confidence is your confidence. And her moment is your moment."  I can't even decide what I am the most excited about already, the color sets or the fragrance!

Here is the Cinderella Collection!

Disney Cinderella Collector's Set - A limited-edition collection fit for a princess featuring four exclusives from the Cinderella Collection, plus Disney’s Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-Ray Combo Pack.  Allow yourself to be swept away as you become a part of the fairytale with this collector’s set. The exclusive collection is all a princess could need with the most popular products from Disney’s Cinderella Collection by Sephora, plus the Cinderella Diamond Edition, the much-anticipated, treasured release from the Disney Vault. Brought to life like never before through the magic of Disney Blu-ray™, the acclaimed animated classic is presented with pristine digital picture, dazzling high-definition.  This exclusive collector’s set with Disney's Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-Ray Combo Pack is only available for a limited time. Don't miss your chance to rediscover the memorable music, beloved characters, and magical story of the princess who taught us that dreams really do come true.
- Storylook Eyeshadow Palette
- Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-Ray™ + DVD
- 1.7 oz So This Is Love… Eau de Parfum Spray
- Moonlit Kiss Lipstick Set
- A Brush With Fate Nail Polish Set
Disney Cinderella Storylook Eye Shadow Palette Made With Swarovski Elements - A 20-piece eye shadow palette adorned with sparkling crystals and filled with shades customized to match the original colors from the fabled movie.  Begin a journey with this dazzling collection of fairy tale-inspired shadows. Original artwork created by Disney portrays Cinderella’s magical moment with elaborate silver and gold detailing. Inside, a luxurious velveteen tray holds a variety of shimmering shades, each customized to match the original pantones from the movie. The silky smooth formulas glide on effortlessly, providing a rich coat of color that blends and layers to create a stunning eye.
- Maiden - glittery magenta
- All Aglow - shimmering tan
- Destined - light blue pearl
- Cinderelly - sea foam green matte
- Pumpkin Coach - cream gold
- Ball Gown - pearl white pearl
- Kill Joy - shimmering taupe
- Fairy Godmother - periwinkle
- Glass Slipper - light blue shimmer
- Royal - matte bright blue
- Gus Gus - gold shimmer
- Charming - nude pearl
- Chateau - brown shimmer
- Palace - rose gold shimmer
- Drizella - medium brown golden shimmer
- Cinders - black with gold glitter
- Jaq - mauve matte gold shimmer
- Midnight - midnight blue with light blue glitter
- A Wish - cream pearl
- Rococo - plum w/multi glitter


Disney Cinderella Storylook Eye Shadow Palette - A 20-piece eye shadow palette with shades customized to match the original colors from the fabled movie.  Begin a journey with this dazzling collection of fairy tale-inspired shadows. Original artwork created by Disney portrays Cinderella’s magical moment with elaborate silver and gold detailing. Inside, a luxurious velveteen tray holds a variety of shimmering shades, each customized to match the original pantones from the movie. The silky smooth formulas glide on effortlessly, providing a rich coat of color that blends and layers to create a stunning eye.
- Maiden - glittery magenta
- All Aglow - shimmering tan
- Destined - light blue pearl
- Cinderelly - sea foam green matte
- Pumpkin Coach - cream gold
- Ball Gown - pearl white pearl
- Kill Joy - shimmering taupe
- Fairy Godmother - periwinkle
- Glass Slipper - light blue shimmer
- Royal - matte bright blue
- Gus Gus - gold shimmer
- Charming - nude pearl
- Chateau - brown shimmer
- Palace - rose gold shimmer
- Drizella - medium brown golden shimmer
- Cinders - black with gold glitter
- Jaq - mauve matte gold shimmer
- Midnight - midnight blue with light blue glitter
- A Wish - cream pearl
- Rococo - plum w/multi glitter

Disney Cinderella Midnight Hour Eye Shadow Palette - A four-piece eye shadow palette with enchanting, smoky shades.  Reenact the drama and flash these whimsical shadows as the clock strikes twelve. Original artwork created by Disney brings the magic to life with an elegant screen print of the legendary countdown. Once opened, you’ll be swept away by the palette’s enchanting, smoky shades. The silky smooth formulas glide on effortlessly, providing a rich coat of color that blends and layers to create a stunning eye that lasts beyond the midnight hour.
- Gray - grey pearl
- White - pearl shimmer
- Champagne - champagne nude
- Sparkles - charcoal shimmer glitter

Disney Cinderella Moonlit Kiss Lipstick Set - A four-piece collection of luxuriously creamy, satin-finish lipsticks. Find your Prince Charming and seal the love with a perfectly pretty pout. This set of lavish lip formulas features shades that mirror the dresses Cinderella wore in the film, adorning your lovely lips with hues of berry, peach, warm rose, and champagne.
- Lady Tremaine - berry
- Pumpkin - light pastel peach
- Who Is She? - warm rosy mauve
- My Moment - pink champagne glitter

Disney Cinderella A Brush With Fate Nail Polish Set - A six-piece set of miniature nail lacquers to make your manicure simply spellbinding.  Walk into a fantasy with this set of polishes that promise to enchant your tips with sparkles, shimmers, and whimsical hues. Mix and match shades to create the spell of your choice and turn any situation into an occasion.
- So Totally Enchanted - glittery silver
- Step Off, Sister! - glittery purple
- Blue My Curfew - glittery royal blue
- Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Pink! - glittery pink
- Self-Maid Millionaire - glittery gold
- Rags to Rhinestones - glittery bronze

Disney Cinderella So This is Love... - Become spellbound by the mesmerizing scent of So This is Love and leave a lasting impression. At first breath, fresh aldehydes shine like glass as they dance with warm plumeria and dewy hyacinth to create a top that is delicate and youthful, yet vibrantly dazzling. A magical bouquet of elegant tuberose, sheer jasmine, and exotic tiare flower crafts a royal, shimmering heart— the perfect fit for the belle of the ball. A background of soft, supple musk accord wraps you in the arms of Prince Charming. Sensual peach skin and velvety woods shimmer with luscious texture for a sensation that lasts long after the stroke of midnight.  Also available in a Rollerball.  Notes: Fresh Aldehydes, Plumeria, Dewy Hyacinth, Tuberose, Sheer Jasmine, Solar Accord, Musks, Plum, Creamy Woods.

Disney Cinderella So This is Love...Swarovski Edition - Become spellbound by the mesmerizing scent of So This is Love and leave a lasting impression. At first breath, fresh aldehydes shine like glass as they dance with warm plumeria and dewy hyacinth to create a top that is delicate and youthful, yet vibrantly dazzling. A magical bouquet of elegant tuberose, sheer jasmine, and exotic tiare flower crafts a royal, shimmering heart— the perfect fit for the belle of the ball. A background of soft, supple musk accord wraps you in the arms of Prince Charming. Sensual peach skin and velvety woods shimmer with luscious texture for a sensation that lasts long after the stroke of midnight.  Adorned with twinkling crystals, this Swarovski-edition bottle sparkles like a glass slipper in the moonlight.  Notes: Fresh Aldehydes, Plumeria, Dewy Hyacinth, Tuberose, Sheer Jasmine, Solar Accord, Musks, Plum, Creamy Woods.

Disney Cinderella Compact Mirror - A purse-friendly mirror designed after the iconic clock that signals the end to Cinderella’s enchanting spell.  Touch-up your look with style and grace with this mirror designed after the iconic clock from the film. This elegant compact, adorned with a gold overlay, is the perfect addition to any princess’ collection. 

I love this collection and I want to order everything...considering that I have really used the color products from Sephora Collection I should try and temper my online shopping spree!  I love the huge Collectors Set in this collection, buying this would pretty much be me ordering almost every single thing in the collection, I should at least buy this at the store so that I can play with the products before I buy such a large set.

With the exception of the large Collector's Set, there are a few items in this collection that would simply make my holiday season to own.  My favorite item of the collection is already sold out but I am hopeful that I can find it in the store or that it will come back in stock soon.  The Compact Mirror is lovely and I would love to pull it out for touch ups, it is so unique and I love the clock design on the cover of it.  The perfume also holds much potential for me, it contains Tuberose and Jasmine, two of my favorite fragrance notes.  I guess I should just visit the store and try this one out soon while I am playing with the color products.  I don't need the special Swarovski edition but I really, really, really would love to see it sitting in a prime spot of my dresser.

Looking at the color products...  I am mostly interested in the Eye Shadow Palette (the regular edition, the special edition will not be seen when it lives in my train case).  I have not used any kind of eye shadow from this company so I have no idea what to expect on terms of texture and pigmentation so I need to try this in the store first but I am just so hopeful that they work out as well as I am hoping that they do.  The lip set doesn't really do anything for me so I will skip over this one.  The Nail Polish set is another favorite of mine and I am so excited to see a Sephora Nail Polish collection that actually contains limited edition shades for the holidays.  And the bottles are little - a fact that excited me even more!

This might be one of my favorite gift collections for this whole season...I loved MAC's Venomous Villians and now I love the Sephora and Disney Cinderella Collection!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Instant Eye Makeup Remover

I have never tried any of the new Sephora Collection skincare items, I have looked at them before when I was in the store but have never actually bought or heard very much about this collection.  Many of the products look very interesting and like some products that I would like to try however I tend to stick with many of my same, trusted skincare brands to minimize the risk of product reactions.  I decided to break out of my skincare boundries slowly and buy one of the eye makeup removers instead of buying another bottle of Caudalie Cleansing Water.  I tried out it out for the past two nights and so far this product is pretty nice.

I have often used more natural-based eye makeup removers in the past, I haven't used a traditional formula eye make remover since I last bought one from Clinique.  I have to use eye makeup remover every single night since I pile on the eye primer, eye makeup, and mascara every single day.  I have never been able to get my eye makeup off with just face wash and I now have stopped trying and consider eye makeup remover as essential as a good eye cream.  An eye makeup remover is often a great product to try when deciding on a new skincare brand, if it doesn't work or is irritating, then it is good bet that the rest of the line will not work out either.

"A refreshing eye makeup remover gentle enough for contact wearers and those with senstive eyes.  This multi-tasking eye makeup remover erases all traces of makeup, refreshes the eye contour area, and strengthens lashes.  Its formula includes HydroSenn+, a natural ingredient proven to deliver immediate and long lasting hydration more effectly than hyaluronic acid.  HydroSenn+ is a plant-derived ingredient exclusive to Sephora that leaves skin feeling soft and luxuriously comfortable."

This product effectively removes all traces of eye makeup when used correctly.  The first time that I tried it, I didn't fully saturate my cotton ball and I only got about half of my eye shadow off and had to swipe it a few more times to get all the eye shadow and my mascara off.  The second time that I used this product, I full saturated the cotton ball and this time it worked much better.  The first swipe got all my eye makeup off and I only had to reswipe to get the excess mascara off from underneath my eyes.  I want to note that I am using YSL Faux Cils Mascara and I had problems getting this formula fully cleaned off with The Body Shop's Chamomile Eye Makeup Remover (a favorite product of mine).

This formula didn't irritate my skin at all, effectively removing my eye makeup and not irritating my skin are the only two major requirements that I have from a product of this type.  I don't care about hydration or any special ingredients with my eye makeup remover.  I don't mind that this product contains HydroSenn+ but I would be more interested in how this ingredient functions in a face cream or serum.  If this ingredient is in more products from Sephora Collection then I will be doing more shopping from this skincare line.

The only minor drawback of this product is the color.  The product itself is bright blue, I initally only thought that the bottle was bright blue and the product itself would be clear.  Most other eye makeup removers were clear and I don't feel like they need to have any type of hue to them.  I was very put off by shade, eye makeup doesn't need color added to it and I was afraid that added ingredients would be irritating to my eyes.  It seems like the color was added to make the product stand out on the shelf and plays no other role in the product formulation.  The bottle itself could just have been this color and it would have stood out just as much.  The additional color didn't bother my eyes but it would have ruined the whole product if I would have had a reaction just from the tint to the product and it isn't a necessary ingredient.

I really like this eye makeup remover and now I want to check out the rest of the Sephora Collection skincare products at the store.  I am interested in seeing what is offered with this collection, I have have half a bottle of face cleanser left and I will need to buy a new product very soon.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Allure Beauty Editor Palette

In the August issue of Allure magazine, there was a full page write-up on a new makeup collaboration that Sephora did with the Allure Beauty Editor team.  The full palette itself actually contains five smaller palettes, each of which is designed to fully create one "look" such as bold eye makeup or bronzed skin.  The Allure editors combined their collective knowledge to cut through all the products available on the market to put together perfectly matched eye shadows, a face product, and a lip gloss.  Each of these palettes make it really easy to create one look and are a great choice for a makeup beginner or for trying a new look. 

Sephora states the following on their website, "A collection of makeup created in collaboration with the beauty editors of Allure Magazine.  This extensive collection includes five fashionable color palettes selected by Allure Editor-In-Chief Linda Wells and her team of top beauty editors.  The main component holds all five palettes and a portable compact.  The compact in interchangeable, so choose any palette, snap it in, and go!  Each palette contains six eye shadows, one blush or bronzer, and one doe foot lip gloss.  These high-payoff eye shadows are totally blendable.  Each lipstick is non-sticky and can be swapped among palettes."

In Allure magazine, it states that the motivation behind the palettes was that every single shade was usable.  The beauty editors wanted to avoid a common issue among eye palettes; you use one or two shades all the time and then the rest of the shades go to waste in your traincase.  I agree with this issue since I have very few palettes where I use every single shade consistently.  But to play devil's advocate with this palette collection, I am sure that there are very few people that will use every single shade in this palette collection (and they are all sold together it seems since I can't order specific shades on the Sephora website).  So I understand the logic that went into putting these shades together but I still don't find this collection to be the end-all among all the palettes on the beauty product market today.

Here are the palettes (with details provided by Allure Beauty Editors)...

All Fun No Sun - A palette of coppers, bronzes, and browns.  "Bronze makeup is an easy (and safe) way to look sunkissed, but the key is incorporating other colors.  This palette holds a matte bronzer and shimmery bronze shadow as well as metallic shadows - shell, taupe, copper, deep brown, and purple - plus a rosy gloss.", states Catherine Devine, editorial assistant.

Color Theory - A palette of sharp jewel tones like violet and green.  "If you like bold colors but aren't quite sure how to where them together, we've made it easy: Wear any two of the strong eye shadows (teal, violet, blue, pink-purple) together, or layer the brown or matte brown on top.  Pink-y nude gloss and blush keep the rest of the face soft.", states Sophia Panych, associate editor.

Beauty 101 - A palette of soft nudes and taupes.  "With office makeup, you want to look pulled-together but not boring.  Get that effect by blending a bit of the champagne or shimmery lavender eye shadow with the browns and grays here.  You won't look too neutral with peachy pink blush and gloss." states Daisy Shaw, assistant editor.

Sparkles Fly - A palette of black, bold gold, and orange.  "This kit contains all the ingredients for a party look: sparkly gold, copper, and purple shadows, plus a scarlet gloss.  Blue-gray and black shadows offset the shimmery colors and can be liners if you wet them; gold and pearl are highlighters, and the tan blush balances the look.", states Dina Mekawi, producer.

Where There's Smoke - A palette of smoky charcoal and grays.  "The building blocks for the ultimate smoky eye: an intense black, a pearly white, and two shades of gray.  As an alternative, swap the black and gray for the eggplant or forest green shadow.  The berry gloss amd rosy blush complete the sexy theme.", states Jennifer Yee, associate market editor.

As I stated in the beginning of this post, this collection of palettes is great for someone just getting into makeup.  This would be the perfect present for a girl in her late teens or early twenties but I am willing to bet that many people already own over half of the shades in this palette.  I like every single one of these palettes and there are some great shade choices in all of them but I know that I own most of these shades already and if I don't own it than there is a reason for that (like the tan blush - I would never wear this shade on my cheeks).  All Fun No Sun and Where There's Smoke are my favorite of the collection but I can safely skip this whole thing since there is nothing that unique about any of the shades.

I understand the concept of why these are in palettes and I hail Allure for putting together palettes that real people can use but I feel like they left a big part of there audience out since many women already have these shades and have mastered at least two of three of the looks that the palettes create.  I would be more interested in seeing a collection of individual products picked out by the Allure editors and then they show us how they work together to create the looks.  Just my thoughts...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Lip Gloss

I can state that this is one of the lip glosses that I am completely safe in stating that almost every single person reading this blog has in their collection.  Why?  This was one of the Sephora birthday gifts that they gave to their Beauty Insiders for one year back in 2008/2009.  We all know that I am a makeup snob and the Sephora house brand honestly never even made it to my standards (in snobiness only) so I would never have used these had they not been free and I was given them.  After the gifts and I few that I ended up picking up for myself. I now have four of them.  What attracted me the most to this gloss formula is the texture, it is very thin and non sticky, along with having a lovely shimmer finish.

Sephora provides us the following description of the product on their website.  "A super shiny lip gloss.  Coat lips with a shot of glistening, glassy color from these innovative tube glosses.  Just a gentle squeeze of the tube sends a wash of sexy shine over lips.  The convenient applicator tip makes perfecting your pout goof-proof!  Available in cream and shimmer shades."  Sephora states that this product also contains thje lip plumping agent, Cinnamel, for a plump lip result.  I have never noticed very much of a plumping result when using this gloss, it is very subtle and had I not seen this in the description of the product, I never would have even known that this gloss had that property in it.  I really don't add this gloss to the list of ones that can also be used as a lip plumper.  It is very pretty shimmery gloss but that is the extent of the finish of it.

This product is available in a wide range of shades and anyone can find a shade (or three) that they like and will flatter their skintone.  The shades are...

- Apricot Souffle - sheer light orange-pink shimmer
- Blue Waters - sheer sky blue shimmer/mutes orange tones
- Bronzed Beauty - red with gold shimmer
- Candy Apple - pinkish red with gold and holographic shimmer
- Citron - sheer sunny yellow shimmer
- Crystal Clear - high gloss
- Desert Gold - rosy tan with pink and gold shimmer
- Feverish Fuchsia - rich mulberry magenta
- Flushed - light magenta with gold and holographic shimmer
- Forever Pink - holographic pink shimmer
- Gold & Glow - sheer gold shimmer
- Hot Coral - berry-coral shimmer
- In The Buff - nearly nude beige
- Limey - sheer green apple shimmer/neutralizes red tones
- Pink Ballerina - very sheer pink
- Pink-O-Lada - rich pink lemonade
- Precious Pink - barely-there sheer pink shimmer
- Pretty Berry - sheer mauve
- Princess Pink - bubble gum pink
- Purple Reign - light violet with holographic shimmer
- Red Velvet - strawberry red
- Rosy Glow - golden pink
- Rusted Rose - rosy-tan nude
- Silver Fever - silvery white shimmer
- Summer Crush - warm papaya with gold shimmer
- Sugar Cookie - sheer champagne shimmer
- Sugar & Spice - rich spicy shimmer nude
- Sweet Caramel - soft bronze
- Sweet Nectar - light peach with gold shimmer
- Think Pink - sheer hot pink shimmer

I currently own four shades of this lip gloss, three of them were in a set that was given to me (birthday gift) from Sephora, the other one I bought off a sales associate's recommendation.  My favorite of the shades that I own is Rosy Glow, it is described as gold-pink but I find it to be more of a rose than a pink.  It is the perfect rose lip tone to wear against gold eye makeup or on a day that I do more of a natural look.  I love this lip gloss and can see myself repurchasing another one as soon as I run out (rare for me with my lip gloss collection).  Precious Pink is almost clear, it is a very sheer pale pink that gives me no pigment on the lips.  It is very basic clear shimmer gloss.  Bronzed Beauty is a slightly warmer red than I am used to wearing and gives me a sheer hint of red, I find this one best in fall.  It created a nice look against a gold eye.  The final shade that I have in Think Pink, the brightest of the three.  I think that this one was my least favorite, since it was bright and sparkly and could be too much against quite a few shades of eye makeup.

This is nice lip gloss but it still isn't in my top five favorites.  The formula is my favorite part, it is very thin and easy for anyone to wear.  This is a starter lip gloss for ladies who hate the stickiness of other brands.  There are some very nice shades in this product, Rosy Glow is a top pick, however very few of them are all that unique and can be found easily in other brands.  The staying power is next to nothing, as soon as I drink or eat, all the gloss comes right off my lips.  I would still like to buy the Candy Apple and Pretty Berry shades for this summer and I know that Rosy Glow will be a rebuy whenever I finish it up.

photo courtesy of Sephora