Coupon Code 2016: Sephora VIB Rouge 20% OFF Sale

Sephora is offering VIB Rouge members 20% OFF on any orders, even sale items. 

Enter coupon code 20ROUGE at checkout.

Coupon code can be used multiple times!

Offer expires November 7, 2016. 

Review + Comparisons: Sephora Mara Hoffman Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set, Pro Flawless Airbrush 56 + Kat Von D Lock-It Edge Foundation Brush

Sephora x Mara Hoffman Kaleidescape Charcoal Brush Set ($64, Limited Edition) - This set contains 5 brushes and a reusable gift box. Each brush features a rose gold ferrule and a wooden handle in a custom Mara Hoffman print. They also feel very lightweight in the hand. As for the bristles, they're all made of cruelty-free synthetic fibers that are infused with bamboo charcoal and feel very soft. (Bamboo charcoal supposedly keeps bacteria at bay and are environmentally friendly.)

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Swatches + Review: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighters and Sephora x Disney Minnie's Inner Glow

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal

(retails $38 for 8g/0.28oz)

Packaging: I got the travel size (2.4g/0.085oz) as a free gift with purchase. The compact is made of plastic instead of Becca's typical rubber packaging. It's also perfect for travel! 

Color: Opal is a champagne shade with gold shimmers. This shade works best as a highlighter for my warm NC30/35 skin tone as it does not add any color to my skin. 

Formula: The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors have a very soft, delicate, and creamy texture. They're also very pigmented and a little goes a long way. In terms of performance, they all apply smoothly, blend with ease and just "melt" right into the skin.

They're not as metallic as say, the Mac Extra Dimension Skinfinishes (review), but they're by no means subtle and still provide a high sheen finish. To apply, I recommend using the Inglot 4SS brush (comparison pictures) because it's dense enough to provide a concentrated finish, but it also has enough flexibility to blend product well. The shape also fits nicely on the bridge of the nose and on top of the cheekbones without covering too much area. For a more subtle glow, use a light hand and a fluffy synthetic brush, such as the MUFE #140 or check out the highlighter in the poured version. 

Longevity: All the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors last at least 10 hours when worn over foundation + setting powder. (For reference, I have cheeks that are neither dry nor oily.)

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Review + Comparisons: Sephora Collection Pro Featherweight Brushes

Sephora Collection Pro Featherweight Line

All of the brushes mentioned in this post are vegan, 100% synthetic, and not tested on animals. They all have bristles that feel very soft and do not shed. (These feel just as soft as the Real Techniques Buffing brush and the ELF Selfie Ready Foundation brush, which are also made of synthetic bristles. However, they all feel like they're made from different types of synthetic bristles. I wish companies would be more transparent/specific about the bristle type because just like natural hair (pony, goat, squirrel, etc), not all synthetic bristles are made equal.)

The names and numbers of the brushes are conveniently written on the handles. They also each come with a plastic brush cap that prevents the bristles from getting dirty and damaged during travel.

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Hot Deal Alert: Sephora $20 Gift Card + $20 Cash Back

If you're a long time follower of my blog, then you know that I only post about deals and coupon codes that I personally use or are too good to pass up! TopCashBack is having a promotion for new members and is giving $20 cash back if you purchase a Sephora $20 gift card. Offer expires at 11:59pm PT on Monday, May 12, 2016. (Sign up is completely free and you do not have to provide your credit card information. TopCashback is a free site that provides cash back for your purchases.)

How do you get it?

• First sign up through my referral link. Then, go to this link, click on "Get Offer Now" and purchase a Sephora $20.00 gift card. Within 14 days, $20.00 cashback will be posted in your TopCashback account.
• On mobile: There is only an option to buy a $25 Gift Card. You will still receive your $20 cash back. If you do not want to pay the extra $5, switch over to desktop and repeat the steps above.

When do you get your money back?

• Within 14 days, $20.00 cashback will be posted in your TopCashback account and then it can be credited straight to your checking account.

Who qualifies for it?

• This offer is available to new TopCashback members only. 

Is there anything else important to know?

• Transactions must only contain one Sephora $20.00 gift card priced at $20.00 to ensure $20.00 cashback is credited to TopCashback accounts. If another item is purchased or additional items are purchased at the same time, the cashback amount awarded will be 5% or less (depending on the item(s) purchased) instead of $20.00.

Only one:

• Gift Card is allowed per TopCashback account
• TopCashback account is permitted per member

Review + Comparisons: Battle of the Makeup Sponges (BeautyBlender, Real Techniques, Swissco, Sephora, Black Up)

Makeup Sponges

Pros:

• works especially well for those with dry skin (Using a synthetic brush in a buffing motion can cause exfoliation and make your foundation look flakey. Using a sponge in a tapping motion prevents exfoliation and is ideal for those with dry, flakey skin.)
• prevents full coverage foundations from looking cakey (Since sponges sheer out coverage, it makes it more difficult to over apply foundation. Therefore, sponges work well for those with a heavy hand.)
• allows foundation to "melt" into your skin (The method of stippling in conjunction with the moisture from the sponge allows foundation to blend into the skin seamlessly without any lines of demarcation, while leaving an airbrushed finish.)

Cons:

• suppose to be replaced every 1-3 months (Those who take good care of it have been able to make it last for about 6-8 months. I've had brushes that lasted 5+ years. Therefore, those who are on a beauty budget may not find makeup sponges to be economically sound.)
• more product gets absorbed and wasted (I find that sponges soak up more product compared to synthetic brushes.)
• time consuming (Stipping with a sponge requires more time compared to buffing with a synthetic brush. It's also best to use a foundation that doesn't dry as fast to prevent it from applying blotchy or else you'll have to work alot quicker. Also, when using a sponge, I have to apply 2 layers of the MUFE HD foundation in order to get the coverage that I need, while it takes only one layer when using a synthetic brush.)
• emphasize pores (I find that sponges can make my pores appear larger when used in a stippling motion compared to a synthetic buffing brush. To prevent this from happening, you can (1) wear a silicone-based primer (review) underneath or (2) use the sponge in a painting motion on areas where there are visible pores.

I don't find sponges to be superior or inferior to synthetic brushes. Just like everything else in life, there are always pros & cons and trade-offs. This post is meant to be informative and to explain why sponges may or may not be right for you.

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Sephora Coupon Code 2016: 15% OFF Sitewide

Sephora 15% OFF Event:

• VIB Rouge: Get 15% off every single item, including sets and sale items from April 7th through April 13th. Enter coupon code ROUGENOTE at checkout.
• VIB: Get 15% off starting April 8th through April 13th. Enter coupon code VIBNOTE at checkout.
• Beauty Insider: Get 10% off starting April 9th through April 12th. Enter coupon code BINOTE at checkout.
• The 15% OFF is valid sitewide, including sale items and gift sets.

Free Canvas Tote:

• One April 7, you can bring a friend to a Sephora store and both of you will receive a free tote bag with purchase. Your friend will also receive 15% off. (12.5" W X 4.25" D X 10.5" H)

Hot Limited Edition Items:

• Lancome Alluring Eyes Set $25 ($64 value)
• Hypnose Drama Mascara (full size, which retails $27.50)
• Drama Liqui-Pencil in Noir Intense (full size)
• Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (1.7oz)

• Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Make A Splash Hydrating Skin Savers $10 ($23 value)
• Marine Boosting Mist (0.338oz)
• Deep Dive Cleansing Gel (0.25oz)
• Drink H2O Hydrating Boost (0.24oz)

Sephora Flash Subscription:

• Purchase Sephora Flash Subscription for $10 and you'll receive Unlimited Free 2-Day Shipping for One Year on every single order. This basically pays for itself after two orders!

Happy Shopping! =)

This post contains affiliate links.

Review + Comparisons - Nordstrom Brush Haul (Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Sigma)

It's difficult to review eye brushes and recommend the "best" one because some work better than others, depending on your eye shape and lid space. So hopefully, these pictures will help you figure out the one that's most suitable for you!

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Review + Swatches - Becca Under Eye Brightening and Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector

Most concealers work well for covering minor blemishes, but finding one that covers dark circles is more of a challenge. Peachy concealers are suitable for counteracting the bluish and purplish undertones of dark circles, while pink concealers work best for those with grey undertones. Make sure you understand the undertone of your dark circles because pink concealers can accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles (in color theory, pink + blue = purple). 

MAC Pro Longwear concealer in NW20 and MUFE HD concealer in R30 work best for counteracting my dark circles. They both have a pink undertone, but it's not too strong where it would accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles. They also can be worn alone without having to layer a yellow based concealer on top, even for those who have a warm complexion like myself. They are also one shade lighter than my skintone because I like the brightening effect. I just set it with a powder and they last all day without creasing or looking cakey. R22 has a stronger pink undertone and is lighter than R30. (For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD Y345, L'oreal True Match W4, and Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031.)

For those who find that peachy or pink concealers are still not enough to diminish the appearance of dark circles, then I recommend using color correctors. They are not concealers, and instead are intended to correct discoloration. Therefore, they must be used in conjunction with concealers.

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Review + Comparisons - Sephora Pro Collection Brushes

Sephora brushes are not as budget friendly as drugstore brands, but not as wallet weeping as luxury brands. They fall somewhere in between and are well worth their price due to their quality, performance and functionality. The only gripe that I have about their pro line (the ones with the silver ferrule) is the length of the handles. I prefer brushes to be no shorter than 6 inches and no longer than 7 inches. The brushes from Sephora's pro line are at least 7 inches long and some are even 8 inches, which can be a nuance and poke my mirror when I get too close. You can prevent this from happening by holding it at the end of the handle, but this will give you less control and a lighter application. 

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Review: Tapered Crease Blending Brushes for the Eyes

4. Sonia Kashuk #109 Pointed Blending Brush
5. Sigma E35 Tapered Blending Brush

I already made a post about tapered crease blending brushes in a previous post. Those brushes are intended for the eyes, but I personally use them for face application. Most of the brushes mentioned in this post are smaller and more suitable for eye application.

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Overview: Pointed Tapered Brushes for Contouring & Highlighting

1. Sephora Pro Contour #79 Brush

2. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush

3. Sigma Tapered Highlighter F35 Brush

4. Hakuhodo G5521BkSL Brush

5. Hakuhodo G5518BkSL Brush

6. Trish McEvoy 86 Petite Kabuki

Tapered brushes are one of the most important tools in my arsenal. They are designed to fit perfectly in areas of the face that are not too big or too small, including the under eye, top of the cheeks, hollows of the cheeks and border of the face. They're suppose to offer control, while still being flexible enough to blend out product effortlessly. Also, the ideal one would allow you to apply & blend product on the same area without having to reach for another brush. Continue reading to find out how the following six brushes stack up to the "ideal" tapered brush.

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Review + Comparison - Curved Foundation and Contouring Brushes

I'm always in the market for new brushes, if you guys haven't already noticed. =) So, when I saw the Marc Jacobs The Face II Sculpting Foundation brush a couple of months ago, I just had to buy it. I was intrigued by the curved shape and immediately fell in love with it as soon as I brought it home. So, I started looking for other brushes with the same shape and decided to try Tarte's and Sephora's version. 

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Sephora Coupon Code 2013 - VIB 20% OFF Sale

Sephora is offering VIBs 20% OFF on any orders, even sale items. 

Enter coupon code VIBTOPIA at checkout.
Offer expires November 11, 2013. 

I'm stocking up on my essentials, including Dior Forever foundation, Benefit Facial Emulsion, Nars Light Reflecting powder, and Clarisonic brush heads, and going to try out some of MUFE's new brushes!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Sephora Coupon Code 2012 - Extra 20% OFF on Sale Items

Sephora is offering an extra 20% OFF* on top of all sale items. 

Enter coupon code EXTRA20 at checkout.
Offer expires January 2, 2012. 

The Philosophy Cookbook Set* originally cost $30. 

It's currently on sale for $24. 

With the additional 20% OFF, I got it for $19.20!!

My favorite of the bunch is the Cinnamon Buns flavor, which smells so delicious, warm and inviting, but it's also not too sweet or too pungent. I also love that all four flavors can be used as a shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath. I don't know if I should buy another one as a gift for someone else or keep it for myself as a backup! ^_^

*affiliate link

Urban Decay Original Vintage Eyeshadows on Sale for $6

The Urban Decay original vintage eyeshadows* are on clearance at Sephora for $6. They retail for $17. Get them before they're all gone because they're being discontinued! Check out my previous posts for swatches and reviews. =)

*affiliate link