Tarte True Blood Collection

So this collection has been out for a couple of months now and it's on top of my wish list at Sephora.  Of course, I buy most of my cosmetics and beauty products there for the simple fact that I want to build up my reward points.  :)  Anyway, I've never been a big fan of Tarte cosmetics but I always did find their packaging to be really cute.  Well, now that they've launched this True Blood make-up line, I am "glamoured" LOL!  (Inside joke for Truebies...)  Ok, but seriously I am absolutely in love with the palette. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the makeup artist for the show had a hand in choosing the colors for the collection. The palette is very versatile, in the sense that you can create both Sookie's natural look as well as Pam's and Jessica's sultry looks.  I'm so excited to try out this entire line!  But they can keep the price though... $106 for the collection?!  Witch, please... (pun intended)

Anyway, go check out the collection for yourself!  Click on the picture below to be directed straight to Tarte's website.  I would normally direct you to Sephora, but Tarte gives you more information about the collection as well as the different looks you can create.  However, I'd still get mine from Sephora.  Well, I hope you give this a try, especially if you're a True Blood fan like myself!  Definitely can't pass this collection up!  Aww Sookie Sookie now... lol! ;)  Happy shopping!  XOXO!

My Holy Grail

I am absolutely IN LOVE with this Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer!  If I were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 makeup items, this would definitely be one of them!  I mean, it has a built-in sunscreen of SPF 20 and on top of it all, it's OIL-FREE!  For people with oily skin like me, this product is a dream come true! And although it comes in a tube, it really ensures that you get every last drop of product.  I'm in the color "caramel", but it looks like I need to go a shade darker for the summer to "tan". I have tested this bottle out in all kinds of extreme weather, from freezing cold to sweltering hot heat and it has withstood it all.  When it's cold and dry out, the moisturizer part of this product keeps your face hydrated and well-moisturized.  And when it's humid and hot, the oil-free ingredient keeps your face from melting and being shiny.  You pretty much get the best of both worlds.

This does last at least 6 months from everyday use.  I apply it with a small MAC 188 stippling brush and it just goes on smoothly and flawlessly.  I'm on my second tube now and I can't seem to switch to anything else.  It is a bit on the pricy side, $42, but I think it's totally worth it.  I even tried Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation and it doesn't compare.  This provides medium coverage but it feels lightweight on your face, whereas the silk creme foundation provides full coverage but you also feel how heavy it is.  I'm not a big fan of the foundation.  Anyway, I only have good things to say about this.  I wear it alone most of the time, and other times, I use a foundation primer, depending on how much time I have in the morning.  :)  So I hope you all would give this a try and tell me how you like it!  Get it at Sephora or Nordstrom! (I'd get it at Sephora so I could get reward points!)  Happy shopping! XOXO!

Reaping the Benefits of Sephora's V.I.B. Rewards

I have raved and ranted about having VIB status at one of my favorite stores, Sephora.  I tell my friends about all of the benefits every chance I get because I think it is such an awesome rewards program.  Anyone can get a free Beauty Insider rewards card at Sephora by going online or visiting one of their stores and all you have to do is provide an email address.  With every $1 you spend at Sephora, you get 1 point.  I know, I know.. $1 for 1 point isn't that great but trust me, if you're a frequent shopper like me, it's well worth it!  Once you accumulate 350 points by spending, well, $350 in a calendar year from January-December, you are automatically upgraded to VIB status for that year and the next.  Furthermore, when you reach 100 points you get these awesome exclusive, deluxe samples, or you can save up to 500 points and get an even better reward!  Let's take a look at some of these perks I've been receiving! (My VIB expires 12/31/12.)

Sephora had a VIB Appreciation Weekend this past weekend and as you know, I took full advantage of this deal!  You get double points for every $1 spent that weekend, which is very rare for them to do this!  Anyway, look at all of these deluxe samples I got!  I'm so excited to use them all!  I already have the Benefit Stay Don't Stray eyeshadow and concealer primer as well as the Bare Escentuals Buxom mascara (one of my favorite mascaras, I might add).  However, the Stila Coconut Crush cheek & lip stain was replace with the Stila tinted moisturizer, which I'm a bit bummed about because I'd love to sample the cheek & lip stain.  I don't really use any other tinted moisturizer other than my Laura Mercier Oil-Free tinted moisturizer with SPF 20.  I'm not complaining though.  :)  Free is free.  Well technically free, since you have to spend $35 or more to receive this gift.  

I wasn't sure what I wanted to buy when I walked into Sephora but after a few minutes of deciding between the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer and the Benefit Brow Zings in dark, I decided to go with Benefit because I already have a few primers and I really needed something convenient to fill in my brows.  However, it was only $30 so I needed something else ranging from $5-$10 and I found the perfect thing near the checkout line!  It was only $6 and I definitely needed it - the Rosebud salve.  It's great for any dry skin areas but I mainly use it for my hands.  You may not realize it, but our hands and our eyes are the areas that are quick to show signs of aging.  We use our hands constantly for every day-to-day tasks and using this salve or any other hand cream can keep your hands looking young and firm!  Anyway, click on the images below to be directed to these products!

     

Furthermore, I think I may have forgotten to mention this, but when you're a Beauty Insider, you'll receive an email on your birthday for a free gift regardless if you're VIB or not!  So this year, they are giving this bottle of Philosophy bubble bath in Vanilla Cupcake.  I LOVE IT!

So I don't know what you guys are waiting for, hurry up and get to your nearest Sephora store and get your Beauty Insider card and start shopping and saving points, if you don't have it already!  I will post pictures of the deluxe samples and gifts I've received these past few months, so keep looking out!

Disclaimer:  I am in no way affiliated with Sephora.  I just love this store and their Beauty Insider rewards program and wanted to share this information with everyone.  Images are from Sephora.com.

Happy Shopping!  XOXO!