So I had a gift card burning a hole in my wallet, so I decided to do a little shopping! I had only ever purchased items from Sephora directly from the shop, but they were showing a points reward online that I was interested in so I decided to be lazy and have it all delivered. Let's start with the items I actually purchased.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
I saw Caroline Hirons do a review of this product so I decided to give it a shot. Up to this point I've been loyal to the Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Balm by Ren (once I've had some experience using the Clinique one I'll do a comparison review). I first learned about cleansing balms and flannel cloths from one of my favorite YouTubers, Ruth Crilly of A Model Recommends and fell in love with this type of cleanser. I have combination skin and a history of acne issues which is too involved for this post, but cleansing balms seemed like a great idea for me.
I still have half a tub of the Ren cleanser left and I'm hesitant to open a fresh one until I finish it, so it will be a while before I do a review. However, if you aren't familiar with what a cleansing balm is, how it works, or how to use it, read on!
In general, a cleansing balm is a mix of oils that are in a semi-solid state. What's awesome about these two things is that the oil will actually draw out and break down other oils and dirt that accumulate on your face throughout the day and the fact that it's semi-solid means that it's easy to handle and travel with! I'm all for spill-proofing my luggage. I consider it common knowledge that it's ok and sometimes preferable to use oil on all skin types. I've had severe cystic acne before and used oils with real success where the harsh/drying face cleanser my dermatologist prescribed would only irritate the condition.
How to use
Step 1: Run the flannel cloth (I use this one) under warm water, wring it dry, and apply to your face for approximately 15 seconds. This step will help to open up the pores and loosen any dirt or dead skin cells
Step 2: Take a chick pea-sized amount (it's the best comparison I could draw) on your fingers and massage into your skin for one minute. Just a note, your skin should be dry at this point.
Step 3: Add a small amount of water to your fingers and continue massaging. This will emulsify the mushy solid into a light foam (but not in a drying foam way). Continue to massage for another 15-30 seconds.
Step 4: Run the flannel cloth under warm water and use it to gently wipe away the remaining cleanser and all of the gunk.
Voila! You have clean skin that is moisturized (and who doesn't like a mini massage?).
Karuna Brightening Face Mask
Alright, on to another one of my favorite skincare items; the face mask. And this one in particular is pretty much amazing. I originally bought the variety pack from Sephora so that I could try out the different types (hydrating, exfoliating, etc.) and after all the research I've landed on this one as my favorite. I am particularly impressed with the ingredients and lack of gunk in these masks. The story behind the company is nice as well, so if you are interested in a little light reading, just click on their name above or google them.
How I use it: First, I warn my husband that I'm about to do a mask, not really to warn him about my physical appearance, but to warn him not to mess with me. Mask time is relaxation time and I take it pretty seriously. Second, I take the mask out of its individual pouch and carefully arrange it on my face. Third, I do nothing, for at least thirty minutes and it is bliss! I should also mention that I take up the full length of the couch and do deep-breathing exercises during this time. This is the perfect opportunity to clear your mind and fill your body with oxygen. After the time is up, I remove the mask and smooth the remaining serum-type goop over my neck and chest and allow all the goodness to absorb.
After using this particular mask, my skin was glowing for days after. According to the website, this product in particular contains grapefruit seed extract, a blend of Asian plant extracts, salicylic acid, and peptides. I'm not a scientist, but the results were visible and I want them to continue being on my face, please.
Smashbox Studio Faves (500 point Sephora reward)
So, after purchasing products to try out (mostly trial sizes and variety packs) I had accumulated a decent amount of points. I've been on the lookout for rewards that I might actually use, and found it quite difficult. Most of the 500 point rewards contained eyeliners and things that I already have and will never use up, which is a pet-peeve of mine. Yes I know that different brands have different formulations and it may take a few shots to find the one I like, but I hate having piles of things I won't use.
However, I saw this Smashbox package and jumped on it. I love their face primer and the lip lacquer color looked pretty.
I'm just now realizing that I did not take a picture of the eye shadows...sorry, but they are light nudes, one has glitter and the other is matte. Overall I'm impressed with this little package. Even though the items are small, they should last a good long while, especially the shadows. I intend to do a "look of the day/night" with this set soon, so if you want to see how they look on just keep an eye out.
Lancome Hypnose Drama (100 point Sephora reward)
On to another rewards product! I like mascara and love to try new formulas, but it can be expensive to buy new ones if you find out that you don't like them (though I believe Sephora has a good return policy, but check on that for yourself). I haven't tried this one yet because I still have a couple open that I need to finish off.
Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System (Free gift with purchase)
I had no idea that they offered you extra items if you spend over a certain amount! I really wish I had known about all this when I had the money to spend on trying things...oh well, live and learn. They give you a few options to choose from and I decided to get the Clinique one. I've never tried anything from Clinique (and now I have many things to try!) and have always seen their face cleansing system being promoted, so I decided to jump at the chance to try it for free.
And here's what's inside...SO CUTE! I'm a huge fan of small versions of things, so these little tester sets were made for me. I do think that the bar of soap will last months while the other two items will be finished off rather quickly (I give it a week), which is annoying, but I didn't (directly) pay for it so I won't complain too much. I'm excited to try it out, but I'm just now realizing that I've got way too many cleansing products to try now...I may leave this in a travel bag or gym bag so that it gets some use sooner rather than later.
Philiosophy The Microdelivery Peel
I have tried a Philosophy face wash before and loved it, so I'm hoping that this peel will be good. The first step of this peel is the "vitamin C/Peptide crystals" and the second step is " Lactic/Salicylic acid activating gel"
Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
I'm not sure what this does or how it does it, but I happen to be a fan of serums, so I chose this as one of the three free samples.
Shiseido Ibuki
This will be my first time trying anything from this brand, and probably my last due to the price tag, but this "refining moisturizer" sounds pretty great.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my first ever haul and I'm sure I'll be doing more in the future because I liked writing it. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!
