Men's Gift Guide

I put together a few gift ideas for the men in your life. All of this is stuff I would buy my husband. We have the sphere ice molds and he loves them. He also has those exact sunglasses. They are Maui Jim and they are the best ones we have found for him. He is actually on his second pair since he broke the first pair while flying. Hope this helps.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

Recently I purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit from Sephora.com. I was super excited to get this until I started reading all the negative reviews about the size. First, I must say it is extremely beautiful but, I sent it back. It is extremely small and after doing some math it is extremely over priced. 

Let's talk about the good stuff first, so that you can make your own mind up about the price. This palette includes 3 Ambient lighting powders. Top row from left to right- Dim light, Strobe light (which is new) and Diffused light. The bottom row from left to right is Mood Exposure blush, Luminous Flush blush and Luminous Bronze Light bronzer. Having such a nice variety in one palette is what drew me to it in the first place. This palette is also great for anybody that travels a lot. 

Up next to the Ambient Lighting Palette

Next to a full size Ambient Lighting Blush 

All three for size comparison

Now lets talk about the bad, The Price. This palette retails for $80 and each color in the palette is .049oz. So you are basically getting .294oz of product for $80.That is smaller than there full size Ambient Lighting Powder but larger than there Blush. Sephora.com claims it is a $132 value which they are getting from basing the price off Hourglass's new travel size Ambient Lighting Powder which is .049oz and retails for $22. But that is kind of ridiculous. Here is a breakdown based on the full size products.

Ambient Light Powder- .35 for $45

Ambient Lighting Blush-.15oz for $35

Luminous Bronzer-.39 for $50

So, here is the approximate breakdown of each item in the palette.

Ambient Lighting Powder-.049 for $6.42 each

Ambient Lighting Blush-.049oz for $11.66 each

Luminous Bronzer-.049oz for $6.25

That puts the total cost of this at $48.83. Well under the $80 price. So it is up to you on whether the palette is worth the price or not. You do get a wide range of products and one is limited edition. It is also very travel friendly. My personal opinion is it is not worth the money because of its size. Had they made it larger it would have been a great buy but I do feel like it is to small and to overpriced. I feel like they are ripping people off. 

Nordstrom Clearance Sale

If you missed your chance to grab some new fall gear at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, then here is your chance. They are now having a Clearance sale which includes summer and fall items. The sale runs September 2-13th. 

Under $150:

                                                               

Under $100:

Under $50:

LORAC Pro Contour Palette

Recently I purchased my first contour kit. I know I'm late jumping on the bandwagon. But, I haven't been sold on any of them before because of the color selection. I have light skin with pink to neutral undertones, which makes finding the right contour and bronzer pretty hard sometimes. I needed to find a contour powder that offered a light cooled toned contour powder. A lot of the others on the market are either a little to dark or a little to warm. So after seeing how light the contour color on the LORAC Pro Contour was, I decided to go for it. 

The palette includes three highlight shades, a beige, yellow and a shimmer highlight.  It also has three contour shades, light, dark and medium.  It has the same options as all the other contour palettes on the market expect for the shimmer highlight. This is the first contour palette out to include a shimmer highlight and to be truthful I wish it didn't. I think the shimmer highlight sucks as cheekbone highlight. The beige and yellow are really nice. I like to mix the two to get the perfect shade for me. They do a great job brightening my underage area. As with all LORAC products they are powdery, but on the skin they are beautiful. 

Now, for the contour colors,  I use the light for my contour and the color works great for my skin tone. It also is the most powdery of all the colors. I mean it kicks up a lot. I like to use the medium as a bronzer but, I do have to use a light hand because it is darker then my bronzer. The medium is also much larger then the light and dark. I believe that is because the medium will appeal to more people. 

The deep I doubt I will every use on my face because it is so dark but, I will probably use it as an eyeshadow. 

( Highlight shades from top to bottom: Shimmer, yellow and beige)

(Contour shades from top to bottom: light, dark and medium)

One thing this palette has that is different from the rest is that it includes a brush. The brush is shaped like the NARS Ita brush but they are totally different. This brush is much more dense and rounded. I like this brush to put the product on and then I like to blend it out with the Ita. I think this brush is way to dense for blending. It just doesn't work for me. 

The price of this palette is $45 and that includes the brush. It is available at Ulta, Nordstrom and Kohls. I got mine at Ulta because I had a 20% off coupon. Overall I thought it is that it is a good palette for the price.  I really could have done with out the shimmer highlight but it could be just my skin tone it doesn't look good on. If you have tried it tell me your thoughts. 

Sephora vs Ulta vs Rewards Program

VS.  

Rewards Program 

After Sephora's disastrous Epic Rewards on Monday I wanted to write about the Pros and cons of both Sephora and Ulta.

Sephora:

Levels:

Beauty Insider: $0-349

VIB: $350-999

VIB Rouge: $1000 and Up

Reward Points:

For every dollar spent(tax is not included) Sephora gives you 1 point. Sometimes they offer bonus points like they recently did where they offered 2x points for beauty insiders, 3x points for VIB and 4x points for VIB Rouge. You can you redeem your points for deluxe size samples and they are limited in choice by what they have available. They usually have items ranging from 100pts, 250pts and 500pts. Occasionally they will offer a 1000pt perk which may or may not be full size. Most of there point rewards are always deluxe size samples.

Shipping:

Free Shipping for all with a purchase of $50.

VIB Rouge get free 2 day shipping on all orders.

They also offer 2 day shipping for a year to others at a cost of $10 a yr. 

Extras:

Sephora will give 3 samples in store is you ask. 

Twice yearly discount usually 15%-20%

10% discount code to use once when you become VIB Rouge. 

Twice yearly VIB Rouge event with sample bag

If you order online you can use a promo code to receive a free deluxe size sample 

Online ordering you can also get 3 free samples out of the samples they offer.

Yearly Birthday gift is a deluxe size sample set. Everyone gets the same one. This year it was 2 NARS Velvet matte lip pencils and VIB Rouge got an extra sample size Larger then life eyeliner. 

Brands:

Sephora has a wide range of brands mainly mid range to high end. There are some brands you can only get at Sephora. Buxom is one I know right off hand is one. 

Ulta:

Levels:

Ultamate rewards: $0-399

Platinum: $400 and up

Rewards Points:

For every dollar spent(tax is not included) you receive 1 point. Platinum members receive 1.25 for every dollar spent. Sometimes they do bonus points also like right now they are running a 2x points for all and 3x points for platinum members. Ulta's reward point are pretty awesome because they add up to dollars you can spend in store.

Points:

100=$3

250=$8

500=$17.50

750=$30

1000=$50

2000=$125

You can use these point towards anything you want in store or online. You can also use these along with a discount, such as the 20% they send out a couple times a year. 

Shipping:

Shipping is free for all on orders over $50. Sometimes they offer free shipping or free shipping on orders over $25 but those don't happen to often and they will email you to let you know. 

Extra:

Ulta is great with extras if you check there monthly/weekly flyer they always have free items with the purchase of something. These items are usually deluxe size samples and they do not cost you your points. For your Birthday they will give you a deluxe size item. This item seems to change every 3 months. My birthday is this month and was told it will be a deluxe size Urban Decay Perversion mascara. Platinum members also get a bonus $10 off coupon. All members receive 2x points on all purchases made during there Birthday month. 

Brands:

Ulta carries drug store and mid range brands such as Urban Decay, Too Faced and they are getting more in. They just started carrying Becca last year and recently got Soap and Glory. Ulta also cares a wide range of hair care products from drugstore to Redken and Alterna. I love this especially because every January and July they they put liters of shampoo and conditioner on sale. I am able to get 2 liters of Redken shampoo and conditioner for less then $30.(I use the $3.50 coupon from there flyer on these)

Leslie Extra Info:

Nordstrom carries many of the same brands as Sephora and Ulta. They also carry other really good brand such as MAC and Charlotte Tilbury. They do offer free shipping and returns on all orders and free deluxe size samples to. They don't offer a beauty only rewards program but they do offer a Nordstrom card, debit or credit. With the card you can get points that add up to a $20 Nordstrom note that you can spend on anything. The card also allows you early access to there yearly Anniversary Sale. 

After Monday and reading all the negative comments here are my thoughts: I think what Sephora did is wrong and there whole rewards system isn't the best. With that being said If you are looking to make a purchase take some extra time to do some research. If it is something that both Sephora and Ulta sell, I would definitely purchase it from Ulta because there rewards are better. If it is something at Sephora I would definitely check Nordstrom first if you are wanting to boycott Sephora.

** Sephora is trying to make up for Monday and has issued a statement saying that if you email there customer service by 8/23 they hope to make it right.**

If you think I have missed anything from the rewards program please let me know. 

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying Primer

Today I want to talk about a primer I have been loving. I have combination skin, my forehead and my chin get oily and my cheeks and nose can get really dry. I have had a hard time finding a primer that works for my whole face, so I use two different ones. 

This one is new to me and I choose it because I heard it really keeps oil away. By midday my forehead always seems to look oily I have tried several primers and still not found one that works until now. This stuff is awesome I use the littlest bit and and seems to keep my oil at bay all day. If you have oily skin I would definitely give it a try, just use it on your oily spots. It comes out a light peachy color and rubs right in. I am in the process of trying a few other primers for my dry areas know, so keep a look out for that. 

Also, for a money saving tip I got mine in the .5fl oz size. Why you ask? Well, it is only $16 compared to full size which is $36 and 1fl oz. You can buy two travel size ones at $16 a piece and spend $32 and still end up with the full size 1fl oz. It's a saving of $4, not much but every little bit helps. This is available at Sephora.  

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Champagne Pop

So recently I bought my first ever Becca Highlighter. These Highlighters are very hyped about and Champagne Pop is probably the most hyped about. Becca created Champagne Pop in collaboration with You Tube Makeup Artist Jaclyn Hill. Is is described as a soft white, gold shade with pinky peach undertones. It is $38 for .28oz of product, which is the same size and cost as the other Becca pressed shimmering skin perfecters. This one is a limited edition and it still is available online at Sephora. 

 Here it is watched in natural light and it looks very peach on my skin. In this picture you would never guess it is a highlighter.

 Here it is with a flash and you can see now that it looks much more like a highlighter. Overall color I would say is a peachy gold. 

 I pulled out my highlighters to see if I could find a dupe. To be honest I don't have to many highlighters. But, I do think the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar and Bronze highlighter is pretty close. 

 Here they are swatched side by side in natural light. Becca is on the bottom and Charlotte Tilbury is on the top.

And here they are again with a flash. The Becca Champagne Pop is much more intense then the Charlotte Tilbury. But the Charlotte Tilbury is buildable. I do think Champagne Pop is more peach and Filmstar and Bronze is slightly more gold. But they are very similar. I also read on Temptalia that if you layer Becca's Moonstone and Opal the color is the same as Champagne Pop. Now, I do not have these to test but you can check out her blog to see or try it yourself if you have them. Overall, it is a nice highlighter and if you do not own a Becca highlighter this would be a great addition to your collection. But, If you already own Moonstone and Opal I would definitely recommend layering them first.  

                               

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

If you didn't already know Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale started for card holders on the 9th and goes through the 16th. Know if you are not a card holder it opens up to the public on 17th.  If you are looking for some good deals on new items for fall, I suggest you check it out.
Here are the items I purchased:

And here are some of the other items I wanted:

If you decide that you want to shop now but don't want a credit card, they have a debit card option which is similar to Target's red. 

L'Occitane Weeked en Provence Almond Discovery Set

I picked this set up at Sephora recently because I have been wanting to try the Almond body care from L'Occitane and I had a trip coming up, so I figured this would be the perfect time. The set retails for $36 and it includes:

 2.5 oz Almond Shower Oil 

      0.5 oz Almond Supple Skin Oil 

        1.7 oz Almond Milk Concentrate 

       0.3 oz Almond Delicious Hands 

    1.7 oz Almond Delicious Soap 

So far I really like everything in the set and the smell is wonderful. The shower gel is super moisturizing. I don't feel like I need to apply any moisturize after you get of of the shower. I love that, especially because I usually am in a rush. If you are the type that loves to take the time and moisturize then the almond oil is for you. It is silky but not overly oily and it absorbs fairly quickly. It claims to be skin firming but it is hard to tell from such a small bottle. The hand lotion is creamy and moisturizing as well. I do feel like I have had better hand creams, but I just love the smell of this one. The body soap has flakes of almonds in it, so if you are looking for something to exfoliate and moisturize this is for you. Overall, I would recommend this set whether you are traveling or just looking to try some new luxurious products. I definitely think I and going to order the full size of the shower gel. 

Algenist, Urban Decay and Macadamia Professional Review

Recently, I place an Ulta.com order for some items I ran out of.  I was completely out of my Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Mask so I went online ordered a new one. Usually, I like to switch out products but I really like this hair mask, so I decided to just get it again. With it I got a free travel size Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Conditioning Mist (not pictured) and I love this. This was my first time trying it and I know I will be purchasing a full size when it runs out. First off it smells wonderful and second it really is lightweight and moisturizing. 

Next thing I got was the Algenist Firming and Lifting Collection. I have been wanting to try the firming mask, so when I saw it in a kit for the same price I jumped on it. I love Algenist products. They are pricey but I do notice a difference when using them. This whole kit is $54, not to bad. 

Ok, so I have been needing a new concealer but I really have been putting it off. I have issues with concealer. I love the coverage of my MAC Pro Long Wear but, I feel like it can look very dry and settle into fine lines as the day goes on. When the NARS Creamy Concealer came out everybody raved about it, saying how it was full coverage lightweight and creamy. Um, No this concealer is not full coverage and it isn't even creamy. Concealer issues I know, so when I heard about the new Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer  and all it claimed to do I was like, Yeah Right. But, I was out of concealer and needed to find a new one that works for me so I went ahead and bought it. This concealer is pretty good. It is creamy and lightweight  and it also is a build able full coverage. Would I say it is holy grail status, no. But, it is the best one I have tried so far.

Urban Decay Friends and Fanatics 20% Off

Today and Tomorrow only Save 20% at Urban Decay

4th of July Picks

With 4th of July a week away here are some of my top picks for dressing for the occasion. We will spend most of the day on the water but, I will need something for cooking out and fireworks. 

Beauty.com Haul

Recently when Beauty.com had there Friends and Family sale I took advantage of the 20% off and got some items I was out of.

First thing I got was the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Butter CC+ in medium. I have the light and it is almost gone so I got the next shade up. The light is to light right now. The medium is actually too dark, so I mixed the light with the medium and it worked out well. I guess I need to buy another light and mix them to get my right shade. I love this stuff it is so easy to apply and has great coverage.

Next, I got two items I was despreatly in need of. When I run out of stuff it seems to be all at once.  Philosophy Full Promise  is one of my favorite skin care items. I got the face cream and serum. I really feel like this stuff helps firm your skin. I have read several reviews of people complaining that they do not thinks this stuff works, but I have to disagree I really thinks it works. 

Last was something I wanted, the NARS Tahiti Bronzer. The bronzer itself is larger then the normal full size Laguna bronzer and you get a mini Ita brush. Overall it is a really good value, so I went for it. 

Summer Beauty Wishlist

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is always one of holiday's people seem to struggle with. I mean how many bottles of cologne or ties does Dad really need. My dad died in 2012 of pancreatic cancer so I don't have to worry about it for him now. But, when I did he was the biggest pain in the butt about it. He always wanted something ridiculously expensive for whatever motorcycle he had at the time. I do however have to worry about getting my husband something from our boys. My husband is the type that says, don't get me anything. So I always try to get him something I know he will use. 

This year I got him the Garmin forerunner 10. I choose this because he is trying to work on his running skills. I liked this one because it tracks his mileage, pace and it holds his records. If he makes his fastest run yet, the watch will let him know. That is the feature I thought he would like most of all. Garmin does have other version of the watch some are lower end and some are higher end and do more. This is the one I think will work best for him. 

Others gifts I have gotten him in the past are specialty glasses with sphere ice molds and a nice bottle of scotch. Also, a very useful new wallet. These are just a few of the items I would recommend for the man that doesn't want anything. 

Bliss Micro Magic

In my April Popsugar Must Have Box you received a Bliss Micro Magic spa-powered microdermabrasion treatment as one of your items. I was really excited about this because the one I was using, my Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish was almost out. Now I really love my Laura Mercier face polish. In fact I love it so much I bought it jumbo size last time Sephora had it. Even though I love it so much I decided to try something new. I feel like if you use products to long they just don't seem to work as well. 

Now, lets talk about the Bliss Micro Magic. The Bliss Micro Magic is a lot different texture for me then my Laura Mercier or even the one I used before that, the Clinique 7 Day Scrub. The Bliss one is more of a sand texture where as the other two feel more like little crystals. With both the Clinique and Laura Mercier I don't feel like you have to be careful when scrubbing your face. Both you can just scrub, scrub, scrub and be fine, but not the Bliss. My first impression of the Bliss when squeezing it out was, this stuff is junk and its not going to do anything. I was wrong. It works very differently then the other two when it comes to usage. I found that you have to go in very light handed when scrubbing or you can hurt your skin. Yes, it can be rough as I learned. The end result was great and I do feel like my skin was softer after using it in comparison to the other two. But, you do have to be very gentle. 

Would I recommend this? Yes, but I would give the warning of being gentle and I would not use it everyday. Would I choose it over the other two scrubs? Maybe, I do like my other two scrubs and I do like how I can use them everyday if needed. But, the Bliss did leave my skin feeling softer and in the end isn't that what we all want. As for price it is $48 for 3 oz of product which is more expensive then both the Clinique at $20 for 3.4oz and the Laura Mercier at $32 for 3.4oz. Bliss Micro Magic is Available at Ulta and both Clinique and Laura Mercier can be found at Sephora and most department stores.

Nordstrom Buy Two Get One Free Mascara

TODAY ONLY, online and in store Nordstrom is offering buy two get one free on mascara. This is a great deal especially since you can mix and match your mascara. Here are some I'm thinking about trying: