Swatches: GlossyBox USA January + February 2013

(GlossyBox USA January 2013)

OPI Liquid Sand in Can't Let Go

Left: One Coat

Right: Two Coats

GlossyBox USA January 2013 ($77.21 Total Value):

1. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara .1oz ($9.26) - The full size costs $25/.27oz. The applicator is made of non-plastic/rubber bristles, which separates and volumizes my lashes really well. However, because the formula is on the wet side, it doesn't hold my curl as well and makes my lashes droop downwards. Also, because it's not waterproof, it smudges throughout the day and leaves traces of mascara below my waterline. Keep in mind that all non-waterproof mascaras does this to me. Since I really like the brush head and how well it darkens, separates and volumizes my lashes, I will definitely try the waterproof version.

2. Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum .17oz ($5.95) - The full size costs $35/1oz. It has a strong scent, which reminds me of produce and the "farmer's market." The scent is not offensive and it personally doesn't bother me because it quickly dissipates within minutes of application. As for performance, I find that it doesn't completely mattifies my face to the point where I look lifeless. It removes excess shine, but still leaves my face looking natural. At the same time, it makes my skin feel hydrated and it doesn't make it look greasy. Overall, I like using it as a primer to prep my skin before foundation application because it makes my skin feel fresh and clean.

3. Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution .1oz ($19.23) - The full size costs $225/1.17oz!!! The formula is very thick and creamy, but it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. It has a strong scent to it, but dissipates within minutes of application. It's very hydrating without feeling greasy, but it broke me out. However, I find that it works wonders on extremely dry and rough areas, such as my feet, knees, and elbows and it doesn't break me out there, but the $225 price tag is scaring me away.

          

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Tocopheryl Phosphate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Corylus Americana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Algae Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Oil, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, o-Cymen-5-ol, thylhexylglycerin, Red 4 (CI 14700).

4. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette Spray 0.03oz ($1.44) - The full size costs $77/1.6oz. I am absolutely in love with this perfume. It has a very feminine, sophisticated and classy smell to it. Definitely getting the full size asap! For reference, I love Dior J'Adore, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Britney Spears Curious, and Bath & Body Works Magnolia Blossom.

5. OPI Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer in Can't Let Go .5oz ($9) - I received the full size! The swatch pictures are kind of deceiving because the bright daylight washes the color out. In person, the nail polish looks beautiful even with only one coat. Also, it applies evenly & effortlessly and leaves a matte finish with shimmers & sparkles. The only thing that may turn some people off is that when you look upclose in bright daylight, the nail polish looks very chunky and thick, but the base color is just so irresistible and gorgeous.

6. Sebastian Professional Potion 9 1.7oz ($6.33) - The full size costs $19/5.1oz. I love using this on the ends of my hair to bring back some life to it. It makes my ends look healthy and not dry. I also use it after I straighten my hair to add texture and to make it look less flat. 

7. Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Fierce .07oz ($26) - I received the full size! My lips are extremely chapped and lipsticks tend to emphasize the dryness and flakiness. I can't believe that I finally found a lipstick that's hydrating, pigmented and long-lasting. It glides on smoothly and applies evenly without making my lips peel. Also, it's super pigmented and it stains the lips in a good way. No matter how many times I lick my lips, the lipstick stays put. I can't wait to try their other shades!

(GlossyBox USA February 2013)

GlossyBox USA February 2013 ($45.96 Total Value):

1. BLVGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc Soap 1.76oz ($9.96) - The full size costs $30/5.3oz It lathers nicely with a loofah and smells amazing. It has a very strong perfume-y scent to it and it lingers on my skin after the shower. 

2. Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in 03 Champagne 0.6oz ($15.00) - I received the full size! I The swatch picture is taken without a primer. When worn over a primer, it's super pigmented and looks like a shimmery light golden champagne with a gorgeous metallic finish. It applies evenly with minor fallouts during application like most pigments. Also, It lasts at least 8 hours without fading. I love wearing it as an all-over-the-lid shade and it's so easy to pair with all sorts of shades. 

3. Lisi Sheer Sparkle in 08 Battery Park .31oz ($7.00) - I received the full size! It has a hint of a cherry scent to it. but it's barely detectable. It's sheer and doesn't add any color to the lips. I can see very tiny sparkles in the tube, but thank goodness they don't transfer onto my lips. It just leaves my lips looking very glossy without the glittery mess. 

4. Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask .98oz ($6) - I received the full size! The mask feels very slippery and slimey, but refreshing at the same time. I left it on for 30 minutes and it left my skin feeling clean and hydrated. This is a great way to pamper myself after a stressful week. 

5. Nail Rock Nail Wraps Full Set ($8) -  I received the full size! In my November GlossyBox, I received the Incoco Nail Polish Applique and I prefer that one much better because it was so much easier to apply. The Nail Rock strips don't fit or stick as well and are just overall more difficult to apply. 

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: Free Brush ($28 value) with Blush

Tarte is offering a FREE brush ($28 value) with any Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush purchase. 

Free shipping will be applied on any purchase of $40 or more. 

Offer expires February 24, 2013 at 11:59pm ET. 

Enter coupon code WINNER at checkout. 

*affiliate link

Too Faced Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: 20% OFF Sale

Too Faced Cosmetics is having a Valentine's Day sale and is offering 20% OFF. 

You also get free samples with every order and free shipping on orders over $50. 

Enter promo code XOXO20 at checkout. Offer expires February 14, 2013.  

My Picks:

• Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer (swatches) or Milk Chocolate (for lighter beauties)
• Peach Leopard Brightening & Perfecting Bronzer (review & swatches)
• Primed & Poreless Skin-Smoothing Face Primer (review & swatches)
• Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer.

*This post contains affiliate links.

DHC 2013 Coupon Code: $10 OFF All Orders

DHC is offering $10 off orders of $40 or more. No coupon code needed, 

but offer must be activated by clicking this link*. 

Offer expires March 15, 2013.

*affiliate link

Review + Comparison: Real Techniques Brush Collection

Pros:

• synthetic bristles feel very soft
• bristles are not flimsy at all
• ideal for applying liquid/cream products
• no shedding
• affordable ($6-10 for the individual brushes and $18 for the set of 3, 4 & 5 brushes)
• no funky smell
• no dye bleeding
• 100% cruelty-free

Cons:

• handles are too wide to fit in my brush holder

Packaging: The Travel Essentials set and Core Collection set ($17.99 each) both come with a travel case, which I rarely use because I tend to overpack and bring alot more brushes than the case can hold. ^_^

The handle of the face brushes is flat on the bottom, so they can be stored standing upright. However, they don't store well in my brush holders because the handles are too thick. Also, if you're a long-time follower of my blog, then you know that I prefer my brushes to have a black matte handle and a nickel ferrule. They just look so much more professional and classy. However, I can get past the unconventional funky design of the Real Techniques brushes because they work so darn well. 

Real Techniques Blush Brush ($8.99) is made from synthetic material; therefore, it doesn't pack on powder products as well as natural bristles. When using it to apply setting powder, I find that I have to swirl the brush into the compact alot more than if I were to use a natural brush. However, it is a good brush for applying setting powder all over your face as long as you don't mind wasting product because it disperses product lightly and never leaves a cakey finish. That being said, It is also good for applying highly pigmented blushers, but don't apply too much pressure or else the brush will cover a huge portion of your face. Because the brush can be a little bit big for the cheek area if I'm not careful, I mostly reach for this brush when I'm applying bronzer to my decollete. (It measures 7.10 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush (comes in the Travel Essentials set $17.99) is ideal for applying setting powder and bronzer. The head of the brush is shorter than the RT blush brush and feels slightly denser, but it's still fluffy enough for applying setting powder all over your face without leaving a cakey finish. However, it is too big for the cheek area. The RT Blush brush is easier to control compared to the Multi-Task brush because it has a more tapered tip. However, I find other RT brushes to work better for blush application. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Buffing Brush (comes in the Core Collection set $17.99) is ideal for applying liquid and cream products, including blush, bronzer and foundation. The bristles are not as dense as the Sigma F80 and F82, but this is the reason why I prefer it over the Sigma brushes. It's just easier to work the product into my skin and the brush doesn't tug my skin. I also love using it for applying my Chanel cream bronzer. I just use a tapping motion and the product blends into my skin effortlessly. (It measures 6.30 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush ($8.99) is ideal for applying liquid and cream products, including blush, bronzer and foundation. The bristles are the densest out of all the RT brushes pictured in this post, but it is still flexible and glides product onto my skin effortlessly without ever tugging my skin. Because the RT Expert Face brush is slightly smaller and denser than the Buffing brush, it offers more control and is easier to reach underneath the eye area and around the temples. It is also excellent for contouring because it fits nicely in the hollows of the cheeks. (It measures 6.20 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Stippling Brush ($9.99) is ideal for applying liquid and cream products, including blush, bronzer and foundation. It's just as dense as the MAC 130 and denser than the MAC 187. The size is perfect for buffing in foundation because it covers a good portion of the face at a time, while still being able to reach into the small crevices of the face. It gets the job done quicker than the MAC 130 and offers better control than the MAC 187. Also, I love using it to stipple cream bronzers and blushers because it fits on my cheek area really well. This brush has become a staple in my makeup collection and I highly recommend it. (It measures 6.05 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Contour Brush (comes in the Core Collection set $17.99) is ideal for contouring, highlighting and applying concealer and setting powder underneath the eye area. It has a tapered tip and fits nicely on the hollows of my cheeks. Also, the bristles are not as stiff as the Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Pointed Foundation brush; therefore, it's much easier to work with and blends product better. I also love using the brush to apply setting powder underneath my eye because the head of the brush is the perfect size and it never leaves a cakey finish. (It measures 6.30 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Setting Brush ($7.99) is ideal for highlighting and applying concealer + setting powder underneath the eye area + around the small crevices of the face. It's not as dense as the RT Contour brush and it's smaller. However, for this reason, it offers better control and it's easier to reach the small crevices of the face, especially around the nose area. The base is pinched flat, but the tip is still round and wide enough for buffing in product. I love using it to apply my Dior Amber Diamond highlighter because the head of the brush fits nicely on top of my cheekbones, bridge of my nose, cupid's bow and chin. (It measures 6.10 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Essential Foundation Brush (comes in the Travel Essentials set $17.99) is ideal for applying concealer underneath the eye area. Flat paddle synthetic brushes are meant for applying liquid foundation in a painting motion; however, I rarely use this type of brush for its intended purpose because I find that other brushes (RT Buffing brush and RT Stippling brush) get the job done quicker. I mainly use the RT Essential Foundation brush for applying concealer underneath the eye area because the head of the brush is the perfect size for that kind of application. The bristles are dense and firm and provides excellent coverage without streaking when I apply the product in a tapping motion. I have over 10 flat paddle "foundation" brushes from various brands and the RT one is the one that I reach for the most. The size and the thickness of the brush head is just perfect! (It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush (comes in the Core Collection set $17.99) is ideal for applying concealer around the small crevices of the face. It's too small for applying foundation to the entire face. Also, the bristles are not as dense or as firm as the RT Essential Foundation brush, so it doesn't blend product into the skin as easily. I find that the RT Essential Foundation brush blends effortlessly when I just use it in a tapping motion. I have to be more careful with the RT Pointed Foundation brush and not over apply the product or else it'll take forever to blend out. However, it does offer more precision and reaches into the small crevices around the face, such as the nose and mouth area, a little bit easier. (It measures 6.10 inches in total length.)

RT Domed Shadow Brush ~ Sigma E55 ~ MAC 239 ~ Sigma F70 ~ RT Detailer Brush

RT Domed Shadow Brush ~ Sigma E55 ~ MAC 239 ~ Sigma F70 ~ RT Detailer Brush

Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush (comes in the Travel Essentials set $17.99) is ideal for applying and blending cream eyeshadows. The bristles are dense and firm and glides product onto the skin smoothly. The Sigma E55 and MAC 239 are smaller and thinner, while the RT brush is wider at the tip, which makes it excellent for blending. I use it all the time for blending out my base colors (Maybelline Color Tattoos). It's also great for highlighting underneath the brow bone. (It measures 5.65 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Detailer Brush (comes in the Core Collection set $17.99) is ideal for spot concealing, applying lip products, highlighting the inner corner of the eye and for detail work. It's not too stiff or too flimsy and it offers great precision. The size of the brush is perfect for shaping the lips and concealing blemishes. (It measures 5.5 inches in total length.)

Bottom Line: Even if you have over 200 brushes in your collection, I still recommend checking out the Real Techniques collection because they're different from other synthetic brushes. They are flexible without being flimsy and glide product onto the skin effortlessly without ever tugging the skin or leaving a cakey finish. Also, the bristles feel as soft as a bunny's bottom and they do not shed!

Note: The Real Techniques brushes can be purchased individually ($6-10) and they also come in sets ($18) at Target, Ulta and Drugstore.com.

Which Real Techniques brush have you tried?

*This post contains affiliate links. 

None of the products mentioned are sponsored.