Sephora Haul: January 2014

Being the Beauty Addict that I am, Sephora is a dangerous place - a beautiful, magical place, but a very dangerous one as well (at least as far as my checking balance is concerned).  However, I haven't been able to restrain myself this month and have, therefore, spent my Christmas money away on beauty products.

L-R: Urban Decay Naked Foundation 1.0, Benefit Thanks a Latte, MUFE Iridescent Yellow Beige 126, Jose Maran Poppy Paradise, Marc Jacobs Reckless

Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 1.0 - $39

I've been desperate to try this foundation for months; however, last year I put myself on a pretty strict foundation rule, not allowing myself to buy any new additions without finishing off some old ones.  All that being said, that rule looks like it was quickly thrown out of the window this year, doesn't it?  The coverage is really light, but it still evens out my skin-tone (which is my main use of foundation, anyway).  My only gripe is that this shade seems slightly too warm for me, so I may go back and try 0.5, instead.

Benefit Longwear Powder Shadow in Thanks A Latte - $20

This shadow has also been on my radar for quite a long time, so it seemed like time to finally bite the bullet.  Thanks A Latte is described as a 'golden brown', which seems like an adequate description, but I would describe it as more of a taupe than a brown - but the golden is definitely there.  It's absolutely stunning on the eyes, but it is quite a sheer eyeshadow formulation, rather than insanely pigmented!

Make Up Forever Eyeshadow in Iridescent Yellow Beige 126 - $21

This eyeshadow was a very spur of the moment decision, but I'm quite happy with the eyeshadow.  It's very appropriately named, it's yellow-toned beige with shimmer running through it - making it a perfect shimmery nude shade for the lids.  It looks particularly lovely with a warm brown shade through the crease (like MAC Wedge), but it also looks nice on its own for a simple eye look with a little hint of shimmer!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Poppy Paradise - $22

I'm quickly becoming a massive fan of cream blushers, so this was right up my alley.  The formulation is very light and almost watery.  The bright color immediately drew me in, as I want to start trying out new and exciting cheek colors for the Spring and Summer.  However, despite the scary color in the pan, it applies very sheer, but can easily be built up for a higher impact color, if desired.  Poppy Paradise is described as a 'warm toned hot pink', which is an accurate description.  That being said, it's not TOO warm-toned, those with cool-tones can easily pull this off!

Marc Jacobs Shameless Bold Blush in Reckless - $30

I've been wanting to try something from the new Marc Jacobs Beauty line for a while, but I simply couldn't make my mind up about which product to try!  Eventually, I decided to try out one of his blushers.  Reckless is described as a 'cool rosy pink'; however, I would say there's definitely some purple in the shade as well.  It's a darker rose-mauve shade that is perfect for winter, but can still be whipped out for rainy Spring days, as well.

This will sadly be the last haul post for a while, as I'm putting myself on a spending ban until March, but I think I definitely have enough purchases to last myself until then!

Have you tried any of these products before?  Do you have any must-haves from Sephora that I should try out come March?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty | twitter | instagram

Follow with GFC on the sideof the page

2013 Beauty Favorites

I may be a little late to the game on this one - but I've finally compiled my 2013 Beauty Favorites.  Better late than never, am I right?  

Although this isn't the largest selection of products, these are the few that really stood out to me this year! These six make-up products have seen me through thick and thin during 2013.

L-R: Clinique Bountiful Blush, Burberry Nude Radiance, NARS Penny Lane, Laura Mercier Grey Pearl

Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush - $17

This lipstick is hands down my favorite lipstick of all time. It's the perfect MLBB shade, giving a light, glossy coverage to the lips.  It's described as a 'sheer dusty rose', which is a perfect description of the shade, minus the word sheer.  Although this formulation is sheerer than most, it still covers the lips with the dusty rose shade, and is higher coverage than most of the other Chubby Sticks I own.  I love this lipstick so much, I'm already on my second tube - all within one year, which is unheard of for me!

Burberry 'Fresh Glow' Luminous Highlighting Powder - $48

I've proclaimed my love for all things Burberry Beauty many times on this blog, and this highlighter is no exception.  A light, natural highlighter that doesn't look like you've gone overboard (like so many others - *cough* Dior Amber Diamond *cough*).  I've even hit pan on this already, as it's the highlighter I always reach for when I choose to use one! This shade in particular is more pink-toned, which I find looks more natural than gold-toned highlighters do.  Although it's quite pricey, I really feel like you get what you pay for with Burberry Beauty products!

NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane

This is my all-time favorite blush, and sadly, it's being discontinued!  It's a beautiful nude-pink shade that blends into the skin seamlessly and truly looks like a perfect flush.  It's also super long-lasting, which adds 1000 points in my book, as most blushers fade within a few short hours!

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Grey Pearl - $26

This grey-tinged taupe cream eyeshadow stick is flawless.  It's a perfect everyday shade, that can be worn to the office, or can be built up and worn on an evening out, as well.  It also stays ALL DAY.  This has lasted 12+ hours on me, even without a primer (which is a major necessity for my oily lids, otherwise).  Overall, you can't go wrong with this formulation or this shade!

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown - $23

A cult favorite, no doubt, but this brow powder is what dreams are made of!  Ever since purchasing this, I haven't used anything else.  The long-lasting powder, and the perfect shade is something that I never plan to be without in the future.  I use the lighter of the two shades in this duo, and use a MAC 266 for perfect brows!

MAC Brow Set in Clear - $16

Although I trust Anastasia for the perfect brow shade, MAC is my go-to for making them last even longer.  The Clear Brow Set puts my brows in place for the rest of the day with one sweep of the wand.  As you can see, my brow gel is very much loved, and I'm in dire need of a new one!  However, I don't think I'm going to stray from the MAC Brow Set in future (after I finish up my other brow gels, of course).

What were your favorites this year?  Have you tried any of mine?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty | twitter | instagram

Follow with GFC on the sideof the page

December Beauty Wishlist

Another day, another wishlist...

Despite having two finals tomorrow morning, I still can't muster up all of my motivation.  With those words in mind, I opted to create a little list of a few things that I desperately want to add to my beauty collection.  Let's get started!

Stella McCartney 'Stella' EDP
For the past six months or so, I've stopped buying perfumes and have decided to use up all of mine first.  However, six months down the road and my perfume collection is dwindling.  That being said, this rose-scented beauty is seriously taunting me!  Once I finish up another perfume or two, I'm definitely going for this perfume.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in 'Dolce Vita'
I've been DYING to try out Charlotte Tilbury makeup ever since it's launch; however, it's beyond hard to find in the US, so I'll just have to wait until next summer when I'm finally back in the UK before I can get my hands on this baby!

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Fortifying Hydrator
As it's winter, my skin is begging for a really rich moisturizer, and this looks like the one for me!  Very hydrating and sinks into the skin? Yes, please.  However, I have a strict policy with moisturizers - I won't buy a new one until I'm out of the old one.  So, this purchase will have to wait a bit.

rms Beauty Living Luminizer
I really don't need this.  But it looks SO PRETTY.  This extremely expensive splurge ($38!) will have to wait a few months before it can be justified.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush
Do I need another brush? No.  Do I want another brush? Yes.  Seriously though, I have an obscene amount of brushes that many family members and friends have commented on in the past.  However, I can't resist Bobbi Brown's brushes - they're pure heaven!


Have you been craving any new beauty bits this month?  Have you added any of these items to the list?  Or rather, should I be adding anything to my list? Let me know!

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty | twitter | instagram

Follow with GFC on the sideof the page

Blog Sale! | YSL, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, MAC, NARS, Escentric Molecules, Etc.

I'm having a clear out of my make-up.  Everything here has been carefully cared for and gently used.  Everything has been disinfected, as well.

Please take a look and see if anything catches your eye!  I'm a college student, so anything purchased will be a massive help towards textbooks/food/etc.

PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWERED!

But here are a few RULES first:

• This is a first come, first serve basis!
• I won't hold any products for you, so if you want something, you'll need to grab it sooner rather than later.
• All prices are in US Dollars
• There is a MINIMUM purchase of $10, so please keep that in mind
• Please comment below with the names of the products you want, along with your paypal contact e-mail address OR send me an e-mail!
• I am also open to price negotiation, but ONLY if you send me an e-mail at beautybasicsxx@gmail.com
• I will send you an invoice via PayPal.  Sorry, I only accept PayPal!
• I expect payment within 24 hours of the sent invoice, otherwise I will sell it to the next person interested!
• I will be shipping via USPS (shipping prices listed below) within 3 business days of accepted PayPal payment
• All products have been disinfected, and have been used carefully!
• Sorry, I don't accept returns or exchanges!
• All high-end products that normally come with sleeves (eyeshadow, blush, etc.) when originally purchased will also be included (unless otherwise stated)!
• If you have any questions, please e-mail me at beautybasicsxx@gmail.com

Shipping Costs:

• I will be shipping via USPS within 2 business days of accepted PayPal payment
• I DO ship Internationally
• All US shipments will be sent with tracking
• The Shipping Costs are as follows:
• United States: $4 plus $0.50 for each additional item
• Canada: $6 plus $0.50 for each additional item
• International: $10 plus $1 for each additional item

Happy Shopping Everyone!

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 in Warm Sand (used 4-5x)
$18

YSL Crème de Blush in 02 Powdery Rose (see use above)
$20
Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty (used 2x)
$18
NARS Blush in Sin (see use above)

Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in Vanilla Pods (used 3-4x)
$20

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow in Intimate (used 3-4x)
$12
Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Taupe Grise (used 2-3x)
$12

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Secret Service (used 2-3x)
$8
Stila Eyeshadow in Cloud (swatched 1x)
$8
Stila Eyeshadow in Diamond Lil (swatched 1x)
$8

Items Sold:
MAC See Sheer Lipstick
Dior Lip Jelly in Carioca
YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in 17 Rose In Tension
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
MAC Plumful Lipstick
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 500 Blush
Soap & Glory Lid Stuff in What's Nude
NARS Sin Blush
NARS Portobello Eyeshadow Duo
MAC Cream In Your Coffee Lipstick
Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette
theBalm Nude Tude Eyeshadow Palette
Dior 5 Colours Eyeshadow Palette in Grege
Escentric Molecules Escentric 01
Burberry Lip Cover in 04 Rosewood
Burberry Lip Cover in 13 Heather
Burberry Lip Cover in 14 Prune
Urban Decay Naked Palette
NARS Madrague Eyeshadow Duo
theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer Highlighter
Sleek Storm Palette
MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

Thanks!

What's in my Travel Make-Up Bag #2 | Canada, Eh!

It's been over a year since I posted my last What's in my Travel Make-Up Bag post.  Last time, I was on my way to London; however, this time I'm on my way to somewhere much less exotic - Toronto.  Despite living quite close to the Canadian border, I've only ever ventured up there once.  But with a long weekend looming in front of me, I've decided to head up north again to visit a friend, and eat some donuts and maple syrup and whatnot.

Let's jump into what I'm taking along for the journey.

As you can see, I've kept my options limited.  I'm not checking a bag ($25 each way? I think not), so I've had to carefully select each liquid product, only taking the bare necessities.  For my base, I opted for my most travel-friendly foundation: By Terry Sheer Expert in 2 ($65).   This will also be a good reason for me to start using this foundation, I've had it for months and have used it maybe three times!  I also decided to bring along the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain ($23), as it will cover both under my eyes and any blemishes that may arise during the weekend.  Finally, I've chosen my well-loved Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent ($5).

For eyes, I've given myself a few options, filling up my MAC eyeshadow quad with my current favorites: Grain, Era, Sable, and Brun ($10 each in pan form). My eyebrows also wouldn't be complete without my beloved Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown ($23).  I've also chosen to bring along the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel (part of the Stila in the Light Palette for $39), for any eyelining that may be required.  Finally, I'm along this teeny tiny Fresh Supernova Mascara sample ($25 for full-size), which I'm very curious to try out!

I'm also bringing my favorite contour shade - Burberry 'Light Glow' Blush in No. 07 Earthy ($42), which is so perfect for fair skins, but it also works well as a very natural blush.  However, I couldn't just leave myself with one blush choice, could I?  At the last minute, I threw in the Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in Spiced Cider ($26) - possibly the best named, and perfect for Autumn blush I own.  As for lips, I decided to bring one of my all-time favorite lipsticks, the Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush ($17), as it will cover any and all needs I'll have lip-wise.  Finally, I'm brining the Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT Rollerball ($20) with: my travel-scent of choice.

Are you travelling anywhere soon?  What will you bring with?

Recent Favorites #1

Since starting back up at college, I haven't had time to post monthly favorites - being far too busy to set aside time for it at either point over the last two months.  That being said, I just couldn't wait to share some of the products that I've been loving recently!

First on the list is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 2 ($60).  This is one of my most expensive bases; however, it's also one of my favorites.  I bought this about a month ago and I can't stop using it.  It's a gorgeous match for me, and the light-medium coverage and natural finish are exactly what I look for in a foundation.  I've also recently fallen for a higlighter - the Burberry 'Fresh Glow' Luminous Highlighting Powder in No. 01 Nude Radiance ($48).  Although not the most shimmery highlighter, it gives a subtle glow that is just so natural - no disco balls here!

As for eyes, I've been sticking to some tried favorites - MAC Eyeshadow in Era (easily my favorite MAC eyeshadow) all over the lid for a simple, natural look, and MAC Eyeshadow in Brun to line my upper lash line, again for a more natural looking eyeliner ($10 each in pan form).  Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown ($23) has also been my weapon of choice for my brows.  I use the lighter shade for a more natural, defined brow - plus this powder seriously lasts, you can't fault it! 

Finally, I've been reaching almost daily for an all-time favorite lipstick - Chanel Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle ($34).  Chanel's lipsticks are definitely my favorite high-end offerings, with a creamy texture and good lasting powder, they can't be beat.  This particular shade is supposed to be special, as it's meant to appear to be a slightly different shade on everyone (I'm not sure whether that's entirely true or not).  All that being said, it's a warm, natural rose shade that's perfect for everyday wear.  You can read my full review on this lipstick here.

What have you been loving recently?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty

Follow with GFC on the sideof the page

Beauty Haul: Kevyn Aucoin, Bioderma, L'Oreal, Rimmel

I've cut down my beauty spending by a lot over the past couple of months.  After returning to the US, some costs came up that weren't necessary for me in Germany (re: gas for my car, more expensive food, and cell phone bills that are larger than €10 a month), so I had to rearrange my budget to accommodate, naturally making my frivolous beauty spending the first thing to be cut!  However, after a month of being good, I thought it was finally time to treat myself!

The first thing I decided to splurge for was the Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium ($44).  I've been wanting to try this for months, and when I saw it for sale on a blog sale, I immediately picked it up.  I've only used it once so far, but let me say that my cheekbones have never looked better!  A full review will soon follow.  The other item I splurged on was a new bottle of Bioderma.  I actually have a full bottle lurking at my parent's house, but I couldn't seem to find it when I was last there, so a quick eBay search was in order.  This 500ml beauty doesn't come cheap (mine was around $30 including shipping), but it works like a dream!  You can read my full review of this here.

Today, I also lurked the aisles of Walgreens, initally looking for pens, but leaving with much more than that.  The first thing I grabbed was the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($8.49).  I currently don't have any non-colored mascaras in my stash, and I decided that needed to be changed.  This seems to be a mascara that everyone and their mother has tried, but I've always stuck to Maybelline for my drugstore mascaras, so I'm curious to see how this one will go.  I also decided to grab two nude lipsticks: the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude ($8.29) and the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in To Nude or Not to Nude? ($7.29).  I've never really found a nude lipstick I've liked, so I thought I'd try these two out and see if either (or hopefully both) will work.

Have you tried any of these before?  Have you picked up anything new recently?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty

Follow with GFC on the sideof the page