Nordstrom Beauty Lancôme Gift with Purchase

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Nordstrom is having a wonderful Lancôme Gift with Purchase. Your seven-piece gift is valued at $181! Plus, when you spend $95 you'll also get a full-size Advanced Génifique Yeux Eye Cream, for a $263 combined gift value. Online and in stores.* See all beauty gifts with purchase HERE. 

Included in the Gift with Purchase:

• Clarifique Serum (0.23 oz.)

• Absolue The Eye Cream (0.17 oz.)

• Absolue L'Extrait Elixir Cream (0.17 oz.)

• Tonique Confort Hydrating Toner (1.7 oz.)

• Hypnôse Drama Mascara Mini in Black

• L'Absolu Rouge Intimatte Soft Matte Lipstick in 274 French Tea

• Cosmetics Bag

With your qualifying $150.00 purchase, you'll get:

• 111SKIN Cryo Revitalizing Moisturizer (0.07 oz.)

• Aesop Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser (0.06 oz.)

• Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment (0.03 oz.)

• BYREDO Alto Astral Eau de Parfum (0.07 oz.)

• Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum (0.05 oz.)

• Dew of the Gods Amalfi Glaze Body Serum (1.01 oz.)

• Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Eau de Parfum (0.05 oz.)

• Dries Van Noten Soie Malaquais Eau de Parfum (0.05 oz.)

• Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum (0.06 oz.)

• Hermès Rouge Hermès Silky Lipstick Shine (Brun d'Ambre, Rose Epicé, Rose Himalaya & Rouge H, each 0.007 oz.)

• Humanrace Retrograde Gel Cleanser (0.07 oz.)

• kai Rose Body Lotion (single use)

• Kiehl's Since 1851 Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum (0.14 oz.)

• Lancôme Idôle Le Parfum (0.04 oz.)

• Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash Lifting Volumizing Mascara (0.08 oz.)

• MOROCCANOIL Frizz Shield Spray (0.67 oz.)

• NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (0.06 oz.)

• PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum (0.25 oz.)

• Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream (0.06 oz.)

• Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum (0.27 oz.)

*Lancôme gift with purchase: Online and in stores. One base gift and one bonus gift per person, while supplies last. Will be added automatically in checkout and shipped to the same address as your order. If associated with a store-pickup order, gift(s) cannot be picked up and will be shipped to the address of your choice. Gifts cannot be shipped internationally. Past purchases do not apply. If you return the qualifying item(s), please return the gift(s).

LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover Remains My All-Time Favorite

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I recently received an email from a very long-time reader who wondered if LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remove remains my holy grail eye makeup remover of all-time is, and there is no question that it is still my very favorite! LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover is an ultra-gentle and emollient bi-phase makeup remover that is formulated with the perfect balance between the water and the oils used. 

It effectively removes every single trace of makeup without tugging– including waterproof varieties– and it doesn't need to be rinsed off. It nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes as well as the lashes, and it is suitable for people with sensitive eyes and skin. It has no detectable aroma, and it can also be used to remove even the most tenacious matte lipsticks, and it does so with ease. This has been my favorite eye makeup remover for many years, and I have yet to find one that comes close, by comparison. 

According to LANCÔME, 

Award-winning eye makeup remover with a cult following, that is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

The lipid phase lifts eye makeup off, while the water phase uses unique emollients to leave skin feeling perfectly cleansed; product is as fresh as water. Doesn’t leave feeling greasy or sticky; instantly and effortlessly removes eye makeup residues and is one of the best makeup removers for eyes. An essential for makeup bags and any professional makeup kit, Bi-Facil easily removes mascaras and smokey eye looks.

Suitable for all skin types, from normal to sensitive skin, combination to dry skin or oily skin – it’s also great for contact lens wearers. 

Directions: Before each use, shake the bottle to activate the formula / mix the 2 phases. Saturate a cotton round or cotton ball with Bi-Facil and hold over closed eyes to moisten and soften makeup. Then, gently swipe over makeup to remove. Repeat until all eye makeup is removed.

PRO Tip: Saturate or dab Bi-Facil onto a cotton swab or makeup corrector brush to fix makeup application mistakes when applying eye makeup.

Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sodium Chloride, Poloxamer 184, Hexylene Glycol, Dipotassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Quaternium-15, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum / Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol.

Overall Assessment: This makeup remover is very gentle on my sensitive eyes and it effortlessly removes every stitch of makeup without pulling, tugging or irritating the delicate skin around my eyes, and it doesn't sting my sensitive eyes in the least bit. I will purchase another bottle as soon as I finish the one I'm currently using. A+

$36.00 for 4.2 oz., $52.00 for 6.7 oz.and $75.00 for 13.5 oz from LANCÔME, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdale's and Macy's (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2025 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

NORDSTROM SPRING SALE

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Nordstrom is having the Spring Sale. Receive up to 50% off! Take a look at their sale by department below.

Nordstrom Sale by Department: Beauty Sales, Women's Sale, Men's Sale, Designer Sale, Kid's Sale & Home Sale!

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Check out the Lancôme Gift with Purchase!

Lancôme Friends & Family 30% Off Sale Sitewide

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The Lancôme Friends & Family 30% Off Sale is happening sitewide now, and almost everything is 30% Off (some terms and conditions apply). The sale lasts through August 29. There is no code required for this sale. Shipping is free with purchases of $100.00 or more.

GET EVEN MORE! FREE 5-PIECE DELUXE GIFT: With any purchase $120 or more. Enter code: GETGLOWING at checkout (While supplies last).

Gift with Purchase Includes: 

• Absolue Soft Cream, 5ml
• Idôle Perfume, 4ml
• Clarifique Clarifying Essence, 10ml
• Lash Idôle Deluxe Mascara, Black
• Renergie H.P.N. Triple Serum, 3ml

Visit: www.lancome-usa.com

Lancôme 30% Off Sitewide When You Sign Up for My Lancôme Rewards

PSA (Affiliate Links)

The Lancôme 30% Off Sitewide if you sign up for My Lancôme Rewards (HERE). 

Visit: www.lancome-usa.com

Lancôme Friends & Family 30% Off Sale Sitewide

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The Lancôme Friends & Family 30% Off Sale is happening sitewide now (some terms and conditions apply) through May 30. There is no code required for this sale. Shipping is free with purchases of $49.00 or more.

GET EVEN MORE! FREE 4-PIECE DELUXE GIFT: With any purchase $125 or more. Enter code FRIENDS at checkout (While supplies last).

Gift with Purchase Includes: 

• Clarifique Serum, 7ml
• Advanced Génifique Night Barrier Cream, 5ml
• Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, 3ml
• Monsieur Big Deluxe Mini Mascara (Black)

Visit: www.lancome-usa.com

Empties Galore for March 2024

Purchased & Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 11 full-size products in March 2024, and I am quite pleased by this since I was traveling for work so much of the month! I enjoyed everything that I used, and I would happily use these products again. Here is what I finished in March 2024:

PurelifeBiotics Burst of Brilliance Luxury Shower Steamers in Tangerine, Orange and Tea Tree ($20.00-$30.00 from PurelifeBiotics and Macy's): is a delectable and pleasant way in which to enhance your shower experience. The lovely citrus aroma, with a touch of tea tree and menthol, is such a beautifully aromatic way in which to start or end the day. I absolutely love using these, they really take my shower to the next level. Purchase Again? Without question!

Spongellé For the Two of Us | Sugar Dahlia Heart Buffer ($14.00 from Spongellé): This delightful body buffer makes skin look and feel incredible, and the scent is heavenly. Fragrance Notes: Top: Citrus Nuances, Solar Accord; Middle: Midnight Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Freesia, Muguet, Neroli; Base: Musk. "Send a love letter with Spongelle’s For The Two Of Us Heart Buffer in Sugar Dahlia. Perfect for travel, these heart-shaped body wash infused buffers will cleanse, exfoliate, massage and love your skin." Purchase Again? I have another one waiting in the wings!

Spongellé Bulgarian Rose Body Lotion ($22.00 for 11 oz. from Spongellé): is a gorgeous emollient lotion that deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin, and the aroma is an absolute delight to the senses. Purchase Again? YES! I haven't loved a lotion this much in a really long time!

MyKirei by Kao Paw Print Foam Hand Wash ($18.00 for 8.5 oz. from MyKirei and their Amazon Store): This paw print is something your kids are going to absolutely love, and it will make them want to wash their hands frequently! It has a fresh and uplifting citrus fragrance from the Yuzu fruit, and it is a dense and creamy foam that feels wonderful against the skin. Purchase Again? I just opened another one of their amazing hand soaps! They make handwashing fun for kids of all ages!

Ethique Luxurious Face Cleansing Trio Discovery Pack ($12.99 from Ethique and their Amazon Store): from the sustainable and cruelty-free New Zealand brand Ethique, features two gentle soap-free face cleansers and an exfoliating face scrub. All three products are gentle and non-stripping on the skin, and they leave it soft, smooth and supple. The Bliss Bar is unscented, the Deep Green Bar has a light orange aroma and the Gingersnap Face Scrub smells of ginger and spice. All three are a pleasure to use, and Ethique's sustainability practices makes this a brand worth supporting. Purchase Again? Eventually, yes, but I have a lot of facial cleansers to use up first.

Pai Skincare Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum ($79.00 for oz. from Credo Beauty, Dermstore and Bloomingdale's): This serum has the texture of a lovely light and emollient water-based lotion, and it is formulated to calm and soothe skin and to reduce redness and irritation. Furthermore, it nourishes and hydrates, pampers sensitive skin without any irritation and it leaves it comfortable, soft, supple and luminous. It has a very very light herbal aroma, but it is so faint that it isn't detectable on the skin. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, but I don't need another serum right now because I am swimming in them!

Erno Laszlo AHA Resurfacing Sleep Serum ($115.00 for 1 oz. from Nordstrom): I am a big fan of overnight exfoliators that do the work while you sleep. This sleep serum uses a mixture of Lactic, Glycolic and Citric acids to exfoliate dead skin cells, and reveal smooth, refreshed and luminous skin in the morning. One of the remarkable features about this serum is that it is actually quite gentle on the skin, and I haven't experienced visible peeling, redness or any irritation. It boasts an antioxidant-rich formula that includes ingredients such as Goji Berry and Plum Extracts that help to protect skin from free-radicals, and they also hydrate the skin. The serum, itself, is lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing, and it leaves behind no residue. After several weeks of use, I have noted that my skin is soft, smooth, supple and brightened. Fine lines are softened, skin is more luminous and it looks thoroughly refreshed. As with any exfoliating product, you need to make sure to be vigilant in your use of a high SPF sunscreen to protect your exfoliated skin. Purchase Again? I am giving it serious consideration because this is a very effective serum!

Archipelago Botanicals Jar Candle in Hope ($32.50 from Archipelago Botanicals): is the embodiment of Christmas! It is such a thing of beauty, and the blend of Holiday Pine, Bayberry and Clove smells like a Christmas tree and a warm and cozy home. The aroma is green and aromatic with a hint of spice, and the scent fills the room in the most glorious way. Housed in a keepsake glass jar, this ultra-luxe candle is a great gift idea for people on your holiday list, but you may also want one to use since it will fill your home with warmth and holiday spirit. Purchase Again? This was a holiday candle, and it is no longer available, but I have several of their candles and absolutely LOVE them!

Celestial Silk Sleep Mist with Lavender & Chamomile (Currently $7.99- $8.99 regularly $17.99 for 4 oz. from Celestial Silk and their Amazon Store): is a cruelty-free bed linen spray with a delectable lavender and chamomile aroma. It has a calming effect on the senses and the busy mind, and it is a bit like an aromatic lullaby. I mist it over my bedding and close my eyes and breathe deeply, and it is grounding, comforting and calming. It definitely helps me fall asleep faster, and gives me a pronounced sense of wellbeing. Purchase Again? Oh yes, this is so pleasant right before bedtime!

Bootleg Bath Hydrating Shampoo Bar ($16.95 for 2.2 oz. from Bootleg Bath and their Amazon Store): is such a delight to senses, and the grapefruit and bergamot aroma really lifts the spirits. This cruelty-free shampoo bar is formulated for dry hair in need of some hydration, and it works quite well. It forms a very creamy lather that releases its delectable citrus aroma, and it leaves hair soft, smooth, manageable and hydrated. Additionally, while it thoroughly cleans the hair, it neither leaves hair stripped, nor greasy. This eco-friendly soap is a winner, and it means fewer shampoo bottles end up in the recycle bin, or worse yet in the landfill. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this bar again, but I have far too many open bottles of shampoo waiting to be used, and I also have a few that I haven't even opened yet!

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner ($28.00 for 0.01 oz. fromLancôme and Neiman Marcus): in Bronze Riche, which has been reformulated, is a very long-wearing waterproof and transfer-proof formula that never tugs or pulls the skin, and it lasts all day on me without any smearing or fading. There is a smudger sponge on one end of the pencil that works beautifully in its ability to soften the line or enhance a smoky eye. I like to use it quickly because I have found that once the liner sets it really doesn't budge. The fine point offers precision foolproof application, and the creamy formula is very easy to work with. The gorgeous colors are exceedingly flattering, and can be built up to maximum opacity with a few passes. Purchase Again? Yes, this is a gorgeous eyeliner!

Overall Assessment: I hope that I can finish up a few more open products next month, but we will have to wait and see! What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in March? Any spectacular products to report? Any complete duds?

Purchased & Press Sample (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

6 Perfect Purple Eyeliner Pencils

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

A longtime reader emailed me to ask if I could do a post featuring my favorite purple eyeliner pencils, and given that this is my all-time favorite color, I was happy to oblige! 

I have always worn eyeliner pencils, and if I had to choose between a good eyeliner pencil and a good eyeshadow, I would always choose the former. Here are the 6 purple eyeliner pencils that I am currently wearing, and loving:

Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Long-Wearing Eyeliner Pencil in Prune ($28.00 for 0.01 oz. from Lancôme and Neiman Marcus): This is a very long-wearing waterproof and transfer-proof formula that never tugs or pulls the skin, and it lasts all day on me without any smearing or fading. There is a smudger sponge on one end of the pencil that works beautifully in its ability to soften the line or enhance a smoky eye. I like to use it quickly because I have found that once the liner sets it really doesn't budge. The fine point offers precision foolproof application, and the creamy formula is very easy to work with. Prune is a magical mid-tone twinkling purple.

Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Purple Cabaret ($25.00 for 12g. from Lancôme, Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue): This might just be my favorite formula from Lancôme's amazing lineup of liners. Purple Cabaret is described as a metallic plum, and it is just gorgeous! This beauty is soft and creamy, it is ultra pigmented in a single pass, and it glides across the skin effortlessly without any tugging or pulling, and once they set they don't budge until you remove them at the end of the day. I don't often wear liners in my waterline, but when I do, I tend to only use matte liners instead of glitter or metallic finishes. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencilin in Rockstar and Empire ($25.00 for 0.04 oz. from Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy's, Ulta and Urban Decay): These liners glide across the skin and deposit color effortlessly, and once they set they don't budge. Rockstar and Empire are stunning, and ultra-flattering, eggplant purple shades that offer buildable coverage, and that are fuss-free to use. They do require sharpening.

Rockstar: is described as the darkest eggplant shimmer.

Empire: is described as a dark eggplant matte.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Fig ($34.00 each from Victoria Beckham Beauty, Nordstrom, bluemercury, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman): Victoria Beckham Beauty is a cruelty-free brand, and the liners are infused with Vitamin E, hydrating pro-vitamin B5, and calming chamomile. They are quite kind and gentle to sensitive eyes like mine, and they can also be used on the waterline and for tight-lining. The colors are spectacularly beautiful independently, but they can also be blended to soften or intensify the lighter and darker shades, respectively. Fig is a rich matte aubergine, and it is a real showstopper.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Velvet Violet ($29.00 for 10g. from Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Beautylish, Selfridges, Cult Beauty and John Lewis): This wonderful formula is so creamy to the touch and easy to blend, and it glides across the skin without any tugging or pulling, and it deposits color evenly and effortlessly. It allows you to create a very clean crisp line, but gives you enough time before setting to make a smoky smudged line as well. Once it does set, it is completely budge-proof, and lasts on me all day long, and without a primer. I do not experience any transfer, smudging or fading, but I do not have very oily eyelids, and your wear-time may vary if you do. Velvet Violet is a stunning violet with depth. It photographed rather dark, but it is a gorgeous deeper violet that morphs in the sunlight.

All photographs taken outside under the winter sun.

Overall Assessment: These are my 5 go-to perfect purple eyeliner pencils. Do you have any favorite go-to purple eyeliner pencils that you reach for all of the time?

Purchased and Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Lancôme Gift with Purchase at Nordstrom

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Nordstrom is having a wonderful Lancôme Gift with Purchase that is worthy of your consideration if you  need to stock up on some faves. Free Gift, worth $135.00, with your $42.50 purchase. Visit: www.nordstrom.com

In this Gift:

• Crème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming Cleanser (1.7 oz.)

• Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Anti-Aging Serum (0.23 oz.)

• Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Soft Cream Moisturizer (0.5 oz.)

• Définicils Defining & Lengthening Mascara (0.07 oz.)

• L'Absolu Rouge Moisturizing Cream Lipstick in 196 French Touch 

• Cosmetics Bag

Buy More, Get More Gift: Spend $85 on Lancôme and also receive an Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Rich Cream Moisturizer (0.5 oz.). A $202 combined value.

Online and in stores. One base gift plus one bonus gift per person, while supply lasts. Gift(s) will be added automatically in Checkout and shipped to the same address as your order. If associated with a Buy & Pick Up in Store order, gift(s) cannot be picked up and will be shipped to the address of your choice. Gifts cannot be shipped internationally. Past purchases do not apply. If you return the qualifying item(s), please return the gift(s). 

Visit: www.nordstrom.com

Lancôme Friends & Family 30% Off Sale

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Lancôme Friends & Family Sale: Enjoy 30% Off sitewide (with some exclusions). If you need to stock up on some favorites, or simply want to try something new, this generous savings will definitely go a long way with your purchases. Ends August 26. 

Receive a Gift Set when you spend $125.00+ ($70.00 value). Use Code: FAMILY

Lancôme Friends & Family Sale: Enjoy 30% Off. Free Shipping On Orders $100.00. No Code Needed.

Visit: www.lancome-usa.com

SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER SPRING SAVINGS EVENT TOP PICKS

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Sephora Spring Savings Event Details (4/1 - 4/11)

Visit: www.sephora.com

• Rouge (4/1 - 4/11)
  • Sephora Rouge Members, The Spring Savings Event is here!
  • You have FIRST ACCESS to shop, with 20% off your favorite Sephora products. Shop NOW before anyone else through 4/4!
  • Rouge Members can use their 20% discount as many times as they want from 4/1-4/11. In store and online.
    • Use code SAVESPRING to redeem online
    • Also! 30% of All Sephora Collection through 4/11.

• Disclaimer: Discount is available for multi-use online and multi-use in-stores. Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping, or other fees. Some limitations apply. See store for details. Available in the US and CA.
• Additional disclaimer included where SC offer is featured. *Exclusions/terms apply. Beauty Insider only except at Sephora at Kohl’s.

• VIB (4/5 - 4/11)
  • Sephora VIB Members, The Spring Savings Event is here!
  • VIB members can use their 15% discount as many times as they want from 4/5 – 4/11 In store and online.
    • Use code SAVESPRING to redeem online
    • Also! 30% of All Sephora Collection starting from 4/1- 4/11
  • Disclaimer: Discount is available for multi-use online and multi-use in-stores. Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping, or other fees. Some limitations apply. See store for details. Available in the US and CA.
  • Additional disclaimer included where SC offer is featured. *Exclusions/terms apply. Beauty Insider only except at Sephora at Kohl’s.

• Insiders/All Tiers (4/7 - 4/11)
• Sephora Beauty Insiders, The Spring Savings Event is here!
• Insiders can use their 10% discount as many times as they want from 4/7-4/11. In store and online.
  • Use code SAVESPRING to redeem online
  • Also! 30% of All Sephora Collection starting from 4/1 - 4/11
• Disclaimer: Discount is available for multi-use online and multi-use in-stores. Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping, or other fees. Some limitations apply. See store for details. Available in the US and CA.
• Additional disclaimer included where SC offer is featured. *Exclusions/terms apply. Beauty Insider only except at Sephora at Kohl’s.

WORTHY SPLURGES:

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ( $89.00 for 0.5 oz, $175.00 for 1 oz. and $280.00 for 1.75 oz. from Sephora): is a very rich and emollient cream that is deceptively thin in texture, and yet its richness becomes evident as you massage it into the skin. The texture is heavier than expected, but it melts into the skin in such a satisfying and luxurious way. You can really feel the richness imparted by the presence of the nourishing Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, and Shea Butter. Therefore, it is no surprise that it is aptly called The Rich Cream, and that it was formulated for normal to dry skin, more mature skin and for skin subjected to colder and drier climates. My normal/combination skin would dictate that I should have tried Augustinus Bader's The Cream, rather than The Rich Cream, but my penchant for face oils made me more interested in the ingredients used in the latter, rather than the former. 

I used this ultra-nourishing cream twice a day and I found it intensely moisturizing, without being in the least bit greasy. My skin had a pronounced clarity, and it was vibrant, luminous, soft and supple after about a week of use. I noted that going through the full month of use, to coincide with a full skin cell turnover cycle, was a very wise choice. My skin had the same freshness and clarity that I experience when I regularly exfoliate my skin, but without exfoliating a single time in that 30+ day trial period, and that is quite remarkable to me. I also noted that my little spot of hyperpigmentation had faded considerably and my fine lines were noticeably softened.

Worthy of note: this cream is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan, free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan.

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water ($15.00-$66.00 for 3.38 oz.- 12.85 oz. and $108 for 21.98 oz. from Sephora): is one of my holiest of holy grail products, and I have been using it for many years now. My eyes can be particularly sensitive when it comes to makeup and makeup removers, and I have even found many so-called gentle eye makeup removers to be very irritating for my eyes. Koh Gen Do's Cleansing Spa Water removes all traces of makeup and eye makeup without irritating sensitive eyes or skin, and it leaves the skin soft, clean and hydrated. On the nights that I am too tired to do my full skincare routine, I use this multi-tasker to clean my skin and remove all traces of makeup. Not only is it incredibly effective, but it neither strips the skin, nor does it leave behind an oily residue.

TATCHA The Water Cream ($68.00 for 1.7 oz. from Sephora): is something that Icouldn't resist purchasing. I have a serious penchant for gel-cream textured moisturizers that immediately melt into the skin, that deeply hydrate and that leave behind no greasy or sticky residue. This does all of that, and more!

This antioxidant-rich cream, with its oil-free formula, boasts an emollient lightweight gel texture that melts into the skin upon contact and immediately delivers deep hydration. Skin is left silky smooth, soft and supple with a gorgeous dewy glow. It balances excessive oil production, without drying or mattifying the skin. It is recommended for normal to oily skin types, as well as for people seeking anti-aging benefits. Everything about this moisturizer is luxurious from its packaging to its beautifully experiential application, to its undeniable results.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid ($44.00 for 1 oz. from Sephora): was one of those purchases that I didn't overthink, but instead I immediately jumped on it sight unseen, and without reading a single review. I am a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury, and a Hyaluronic Acid-based medium coverage foundation with a glow sounded perfect to me. I took a look at the 30 shade descriptions and stock swatches, and decided that 3 Cool (fair with cool pink undertones) would be a perfect match for me, and it definitely is.

This is a hydrating foundation that offers medium buildable coverage, and the natural lit from within glow is beautiful and not in the least bit overdone. In addition to hydrating, the Hyaluronic Acid plumps fine lines and smoothes the skin. It allows skin to show through, but it does cover redness, hyperpigmentation and it beautifully blurs imperfections. I prefer light coverage and a my-skin-but-better look, and this foundation delivers, but it is buildable without looking cakey, unnatural or glittery, if you prefer more coverage.

I have normal/combination skin, and the hydration feels comfortable without feeling greasy or rich. This formula should work for most skin types including dry and dehydrated skin. The finish is gorgeous, and is almost like a Zoom filter when you see your skin online!

If you prefer matte finishes in your foundations, then you may not like this finish since it is decidedly glowy and luminous. Think about the way in which face oils can give you a glow, and then imagine the embodiment of that in a foundation, and la voilà, Charlotte created just that! 

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Rock Chick ($53.00 for 0.18 oz. from Sephora): is  one of those palettes that I overlooked while shopping online because it is described as a palette of "silvery greys, charcoals and dark grey glitter shades"– and while I knew those shades would be perfect for my cool-toned skin, I really didn't need, or want, any more shades in that range. However, once I swatched this palette in person, I knew that I had to have it because it is, in fact, more of a taupe palette, and taupes are my all-time favorite shades.

Left to Right:

The Prime shade is a gorgeous golden taupe shade with shimmer

The Enhance shade is a stunning grey/brown taupe with shimmer

The Pop shade is a light golden taupe glitter

The Smoke shade is a beautiful grey/brown matte

VISEART Bridal Satin Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette ($80.00 from Sephora): This beauty was in my shopping cart forever, and when it was on sale at Sephora I finally picked it up after years of wanting it. Bridal Satin includes 12 satin-textured powder eyeshadows that are creamy to the touch and that offer stunning buildable coverage. 

It offers a range of warm and cool-toned shades that can easily be mixed, blended and customized. There are no matte shadows in this palette, but they can easily be used with other mattes in your collection for a variety of textures.

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencils ($29.00 each for 0.04 oz. from  Sephora): One of the first things that I noticed about this wonderful formula was the extent to which it was so creamy to the touch and easy to blend. It glides across the skin without any tugging or pulling, and it deposits color evenly and effortlessly. It allows you to create a very clean crisp line, but gives you enough time before setting to make a smoky smudged line as well. Once it does set, it is completely waterproof and lasts on me all day long, and without a primer.

Barbarella Brown is a deep and blackened brown without red undertones.
Bedroom Black is a deep black.
Elizabeth Violet (now called Velvet Violet) is a gorgeous slightly muted violet purple.

Westman Atelier Lip Suede Les Nudes ($80.00 for 0.16 oz. from Sephora): is a gorgeous sheerer-leaning lip palette that is perfect for people who love customizable nude shades the provide a truly beautiful wash of color. This is a very nourishing lip palette filled with good-for-you skincare ingredients that moisturize and condition the lips. The pigments are 100% natural and range in shades from more pigmented shades such as warm rose and mulled wine to the lighter shades peony and café crème. You can easily mix the shades to customize your perfect nude shade, but the entire palette is intentionally more sheer. You can apply these shades with a brush or with your finger for sheer to light pigmentation with a beautiful sheen. As is the case with sheer to light coverage lipsticks of this sort, they lack the longevity of richly pigmented formulas that stain the lips, but I do not find the wear time lacking. This palette is very comfortable to wear and it boasts the perfect amount of cushion. In short, it feels and looks amazing on the lips, and it offers a couple of hours of wear-time on me. This cruelty-free palette is also vegan.

Left to Right: Mulled Wine, Café Crème, Peony and Warm Rose. 

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Chou Chou ($38.00 for 0,21 oz. from Sephora): is a gorgeous pale pink, is a translucent liquid lip balm with the consistency of a lip gloss. It is lightweight, non-sticky and it has the perfect amount of cushion for very comfortable wear. Chou Chou is a beautiful pale pink with a stunning sheer and glossy finish. The formula is nourishing, hydrating and it's filled with skin-loving ingredients. Furthermore, it has a wonderful light and refreshing citrus aroma, but it isn't long-lasting. It doesn't boast the longevity of a stickier traditional lip gloss, but it is a wonderful tinted treat for the lips. It works well alone, but is also a gorgeous topper for lipstick. I really love this formula, and I will eventually purchase another one, but I will get one of the more pigmented shades next time.

While it is quite sheer, it does provide a lovely light wash of color

As you probably remember, last year I purchased each of the Westman Atelier brushes. My journey began by dipping my foot into the pool with a single purchase, and that gave way to another, and then another until I had all 8. These email my most beloved and used brushes. They are synthetic cruelty-free brushes that are handcrafted in Japan by one of the very best traditional brush-makers. Please click on my individual reviews below to read each review in my picture-filled posts:

Westman Atelier Blender Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Powder Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Foundation Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Baby Blender Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Spot Check Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Eye Shadow II Brush, (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Eye Shadow I Brush (Reviewed HERE), Westman Atelier Lip Brush (Reviewed HERE).

My Holy Grail eye makeup remover of all-time is, without question, LANCÔME Paris Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($15.00 for 1.7 oz,, $30.00 for 4.2 oz. and $40.00 for 6.7 oz. from Sephora), and the reasons are many. This is an ultra-gentle and emollient bi-phase makeup remover that is formulated with the perfect balance between the water and the oils used. It effectively removes every single trace of makeup without tugging– including waterproof varieties– and it doesn't need to be rinsed off. It nourishes the delicate skin around the eyes as well as the lashes, and it is suitable for people with sensitive eyes and skin. It has no detectable aroma, and it can also be used to remove even the most tenacious matte lipsticks, and it does so with ease. This has been my favorites eye makeup remover for years, and I have yet to find one that comes close, by comparison.

Overall Assessment: Sephora's VIB Sale is the best time to shop for expensive luxury products, and that is when I make all of my luxury purchases!

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