PRODUCT REVIEW: Muji Acrylic Storage Units

Hello fellow makeup lovers!

Today I will be sharing my product review for the Muji Acrylic Storage Units.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Muji drawers, they are clear acrylic storage units that come in a variety of sizes. You can find these units on the Muji website here: Muji Acrylic Storage Units. I'll also link to the specific Muji drawers that I own further below.

These storage units have been on my wishlist for the last two years, as many youtubers and beauty bloggers have been raving about their quality, durability, and attractive characteristics. I also wanted these storage units as they wouldn't take up too much space, they would allow me to see all my makeup, and they would encourage me to use the products that I already own before going out to purchase more.

After two years of wanting these drawers, I received the Muji Acrylic Storage Units for Christmas from my amazing boyfriend! As you can imagine, I was very excited to unwrap these drawers and start re-organizing my makeup collection. Re-organizing my makeup collection was actually quite difficult as I needed to convince myself to let go of quite a few of my beauty products as I owned substantially more products than I needed. This storage system made me see just how out of control my collection became, and after getting rid of a lot, I was very satisfied with the end result.

For those of you interested in seeing my updated makeup collection, I will split the posts in 3 parts beginning with Lip Products over the next three days.

Here's my product review for the Muji drawers!

  Muji Acrylic Storage Units:

 

The Muji acrylic storage units were very well packaged.
There was so much bubble wrap, it took me 20 minutes to get it all off!

There is an additional $4 fragile packaging fee for each unit
that you purchase which is definitely worth it.

I received:

three 5-drawer units and one 2-drawer unit to fit my entire makeup collection
(excluding some eyeshadow palettes and products that I carry with me daily)

  

  Makeup Collection:

 

 

My Overall Impression:

The Muji Acrylic Storage Units are durable and high-quality products. They retail between $15.95 and $27.95 each depending on the model you select. This storage system does not take up much space and keeps the majority of makeup collection neatly organized. What I love most about these units is that I can pull out individual drawers out completely from their units, which makes it easy to re-organize or pull out one specific drawer that I need at a time.

Makeup lovers looking to decrease or increase their makeup collection and searching for an attractive and affordable storage system, look no further! I'm still kicking myself for waiting so long to get my hands on these drawers, and I must say, the Muji Acrylic Storage Unitsare definitely worth the wait!

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Empties | November 2012 Edition

Today I'll be sharing my thoughts on products that I've used up for the month of November.  This is my first beauty product empties post on the blog, and I'm very excited to be sharing this with all of you. I really like the idea of sharing monthly product empties as it is a great way motivate people to finish up products they own or try something new in their collections.

For this post, I decided to number the products to avoid making this post too long. Please feel free to let me know if you'd rather I take individual pictures of the products for future 'empties' posts!

 

*Disclaimer: All of the products within this post were purchased by me, with my own money.*

Ready to see my November Empties?

1. Lush Fresh Face Mask in Catastrophe Cosmetic (60 g)
2. Lush Fresh Face Mask in BB Seaweed (60 g)
3. E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm SPF 15 in Mellow Mellon (26 oz)
4. GLO Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste in Superberry (42.5 g)
5. Avon Foot Works Beautiful Lavender Comfort Soak (3.4 fl. oz)
6. BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (110 g)
7. MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara in Black (0.33 oz)
8. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara (4 g) 
9. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads (10 pack)
10. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25 fl. oz)
11. Vitamine & Sea Mineral Clay Mask (5 g) 
12. Eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream (0.25 fl. oz) 

1. Lush Fresh Face Mask in Catastrophe Cosmetic (60 g)

As I've already mentioned once before on my blog, I'm a huge fan of Lush's Fresh Face Masks. I've tried most of their Fresh Face Masks and my favorite two would have to be the ones I will mention here today. Here's a brief description from the Lush website for Catastrophe Cosmetic:

"Prevent disasters by taking regular care with our deep cleaning blueberry mask, Catastrophe Cosmetic. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, with a gentle calamine base to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this one weekly as a deep cleansing treatment to kick off your regular skin care routine."

Catastrophe Cosmetic is my absolute favorite Fresh Face Mask, and I always buy two containers as I use them up pretty quickly. This is great for sensitive skin, and has a great texture.

2. Lush Fresh Face Mask in BB Seaweed (60 g)

Along with Catastrophe Cosmetic, BB Seaweed is another Lush Fresh Face Mask favorite of mine! Here's a brief description from the Lush website for BB Seaweed:

"BB Seaweed is a best-seller for its ability turn every rough patch into smooth, supple skin. No surprises here, BB Seaweed is packed full of none other than the ocean greenery itself! Seven pounds of it in each batch, in fact. Finely ground almonds gently slough away dry skin, rose absolute balances skin tone and organic extra virgin olive oil moisturizes. Slather up in seaweed and feel your skin smile."

For those of you who have not previously tried out the Lush Fresh Face Masks, they retail for $6.95 each, and they come in individual black pots with 60g (2.1 oz) of product. Depending on how much you put on your face each time you apply the mask, one container can hold 3-4 applications. Similar to MAC, Lush also has a "Back to Lush" program where you can return 5 empty black pots in store and exchange them for a free mask! As you can see, I go through my masks pretty quickly because they expire within 30 days of purchasing them due to the ingredients. I would definitely highly recommend Lush Fresh Face Masks!!!

3. E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm SPF 15 in Mellow Mellon (26 oz)

I'm a big fan of E.L.F.'s studio collection and own nearly all of their studio line products. I currently own all of the E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balms as they are all very pigmented, I prefer Mellow Mellon because it's the perfect shade that's more subtle and is best for all the seasons. It isn't very long lasting on the lips, but there is a ton of product within the container and it does prevent lips from becoming chapped.

Here's a brief description of the product from the E.L.F. website:

"With the e.l.f. Conditioning Lip Balm, lips get treated to a sheer splash of color that's super smooth, velvety soft and non-sticky. Not only are these sheer, natural shades beautiful, they're also beneficial, with natural ingredients that condition dry, chapped lips including Vitamins A & E. SPF 15 to protect delicate lips against harmful sun damage."

 At $3, the E.L.F. Studio Conditioning Lip Balm is definitely a great product worth trying out.

4. GLO Whitening Antioxidant Toothpaste in Superberry (42.5 g)

I saw this product on my way to the Sephora checkout counter on their cash wraps and I'm so glad I picked this up! This product retails for $6 in this specific sample size. It smells like pomegranate, one of their main ingredients, and I have definitely noticed a whiter smile after having finished using up the product.  

Here's a brief description of the product from the Sephora website:

"A whitening toothpaste enriched with antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthier, brighter smile."

I definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a great last minute stocking stuffer!

5. Avon Foot Works Beautiful Lavender Comfort Soak (3.4 fl. oz)

I purchased this product from an Avon catalog. It retails for $7.99, however, I bought it on sale for less than $2. Unlike most of the products in this empties post, this is definitely a product that I DID NOT LIKE. The smell is overpowering and gave me a headache. It really doesn't really do anything at all except for discoloring water. Just after one use I decided not to use it again.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Avon website:

"Soothes weary feet with the scent of calming lavender."

 Avon does have a lot of great products, but this one is one of their products that I would NOT recommend.

 6. BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (110 g)

If you're looking to buy a new face exfoliater, look no further! I've been using the BURT'S BEES Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub for two years and it's just amazing. As I mentioned earlier, I have extremely sensitive skin, and this product works very well for me, even with the willowbark in it. It has a nice cooling sensation on the skin that lasts a few minutes after rinsing off and definitely leaves my skin feeling very smooth. As it is pretty expensive here in Canada, I always wait until I visit the U.S. and buy it for $8 at Target.

Here's a brief description of the product from the BURT'S BEES website:

"Keep your skin peachy clean. This natural sulfate-free facial cleanser rich with finely ground peach stone naturally and gently exfoliates to remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells leaving skin soft and smooth. Willow bark and golden seal extracts, known for their astringent properties, and ginger and sea algae extracts help to revitalize your skin and replenish essential minerals, leaving your face deeply clean and naturally nourished."

This would have to be one of my most highly recommended face products EVER! If you're at Target, don't hesitate to pick this up and try out!

7. MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara in Black (0.33 oz)

The MARCELLE Xtension Plus Mascara has become one of my favorites. I'm still on the search to find the 'perfect' mascara for me, but this one definitely comes close. Although this is a brand you can find at most drugstores, I would definitely categorize it as a higher end product at an affordable $12.50 price tag. I received this product in a GlossyBox this summer and I'm so happy that I had a chance to try it out. It definitely lengthens and separates my lashes perfectly. I also really like that it's hypo-allergetic and perfume free.

Here's a brief description of the product from the MARCELLE website:

"Give your lashes extra length and curl with Xtension Plus Mascara. The formula and brush curl, define and separate lashes while minimizing clumps. An innovative and specifically designed soft polymer brush offers a side with a row of longer bristles which reach even the shortest lashes and stretch them from root to tip, achieving their maximum lengthening potential. The tapered brush tip is perfect for extreme definition. Removes easily with any Marcelle eye make-up remover."

 I definitely recommend the Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara.

8. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara (4 g)

The Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara is one that I like but can't say love just yet. This sample size is great for on the go or for when you're packing for a trip. This specific sample size did dry out rather quickly and clumped up on the lashes but I'd definitely consider purchasing the full size to give it another go!

Here's a brief description of the product from the Benefit website:

"Sexy, dramatic, pure unadulterated black mascara for full, voluminous lashes. Famously big brush coats lashes with our thick black formula. It's as BAD as you want to be!"

9. Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads (10 pack)

This next product is great for both men and women who have ingrown hair problems. I recently purchased the Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads and I absolutely love them! They really do work wonders for areas that you pluck or shave. This really does the trick to prevent ingrown hairs or help get rid of the ones you already have that seem to never want to go away.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Sephora website:

"Bliss Ingrown Eliminating Pads help nix ingrown hairs anywhere on the body. A must between waxing or shaving sessions, these single-use swipes tackle hair-raising lumps and bumps with alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Soaked in antioxidant green tea and soothing, smoothing oat extract, they'll get to the root of your ingrown issues."

This is another great stocking stuffer if you get the 10 pack that retails for $8-9 at Sephora. The 50 pack is more pricey but well worth it. I will definitely purchase the full size next time I get the chance!

10. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (0.25 fl. oz)

I received the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in their Try It Kit that I purchased while I was searching for a new foundation primer that would work well with my currenlt liquid foundation. I was also curious to try different products from the brand itself. The kit retails for $22 which is an extremely great buy for 5 deluxe sample sized products from Smashbox. What I love most about this product as that it's a great match for my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum liquid foundation and that it's oil-free (another plus). As soon as I ran out, I placed an order on Sephora to get the larger size of this product! Can't wait!

Here's a brief description of the product from the Smashbox website:

 "Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation, our best-selling, oil-free primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. Now in a sleek tube for perfect dispensing down to the last drop!"

Love love love the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer! Highly recommended! The Try It Kit is also a great stocking stuffer!

11. Vitamine & Sea Mineral Clay Mask (5 g)

I received the Vitamine & Sear Mineral Clay Mask  in one of my Glymm bags. I am definitely a face mask gal and was excited to try this out. That being said, I was actually very disappointed with this product. It had a bad smell and made my face break out. Perhaps I got a bad batch seeing as I've read good reviews for this product, but I doubt that I'd ever buy this.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Vitamine & Sea website:

 "Get instantly radiant, tighter, softer, healthier skin with our natural and organic luxury facial mask made with clay mined directly from the Dead Sea, the worlds richest source of minerals that will tingle as it softly exfoliates, eliminates toxins, promotes circulation, cleanses and strengthens your skin. Our Mineral Clay mask is enriched with vitamins B1, B2, C, A, D and E from sweet almond oil to pamper your skin and a touch of honey that will protect from daily free radical damage and balance your skins moisture, and work immediate wonders on all skin types giving a soft, tight, sexy, radiant glow."

Would not recommend.

12. Eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream (0.25 fl. oz)

I recently received this product in my ipsy bag which I received this month. It was a replacement item for one a lipgloss that Canadian subscribers didn't receive in this month's bag. I've been using this on my face and nech for the last week on a daily basis just before going to sleep, and I noticed a slight change with the lines at the bottom of my neck. It gave off a cooling sensation after applying which I like.

Here's a brief description of the product from the Eclos website:

"The latest in Plant Stem Cell technology helps protect skin’s ability to renew itself. The result? Sagging skin tightens. Wrinkles are postponed. Combined with PhytoPlex24™ anti-oxidants for the ultimate in aging defense."

Of course a sample size wouldn't be enough to see a dramatic change, but this is definitely another product that I would consider buying a full-size of! 

Overall Impressions:

I was very pleased with most of the products that I used up this month, however, there were two products that I wouldn't recommend. I love the idea of participating in monthly empties post so you can definitely expect to see more of posts like these here on the blog! I'm definitely looking forward to trying out different items next month!

What Products Have You Used Up This Month?

Please feel free to link below!

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Mini Bourjois Haul & Product Review

Now that winter has arrived, our glamorous summer tans have begun to fade which means that it's time to update our foundation routines. In my case, I have to purchase all my foundation and concealer products in one shade lighter than what I normally wear during the summer. I also make the switch from mineral foundation which I normally use on hot summer days, to liquid foundation during the fall and winter seasons.

Pharmaprix, a Canadian drugstore also known as Shoppers Drug Mart, is currently having a promotion in which for every $50 purchase, customers would receive a $10 gift card to use for their next purchase. This promotion couldn't have come at a better time seeing as I was running low on my favorite Bourjois liquid foundation.

 Here's my drugstore haul!

Bourjois Haul:

• Bourjois: Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (Shade 52 - Vanille)
• Bourjois: Healthy Balance Unifying Powder (Shade 52 - Vanille)
• Bourjois: Healthy Mix Radiance & Anti-Fatigue Correcting Concealer (Shade 51 - Eclat Claire)

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (in the shade 52 - Vanille) is my absolute favorite liquid foundation in which I highly recommend. It gives great coverage, feels refreshing when applying, evens out all skin imperfections, gives an overall natural look, and is long-lasting. I've been using this foundation for a little over a year and I've never been disappointed. If you haven't tried this liquid foundation yet, I would definitely encourage you to do so as soon as possible, you won't regret it!

Here are some details from the Bourjois website:

"Healthy Mix Serum Foundation contains vitamin-gorged and anti-oxidising fruit to erase signs of fatigue, it evens out the complexion and revives its radiance.
Bourjois' 1st radiance-boosting fruit therapy foundation for a flawless complexion for up to 16hrs!

3 “super-fruits” are at the heart of this refreshing gel foundation - lychee, goji and pomegranate.

What is a super fruit? A “super-fruit” has an above-average nutritional profile compared with other fruit and an exceptionally rich anti-oxidant and vitamin content. The lychee, goji and pomegranate enhance the skin through repeated application thanks to its super-action:
- An instant, revitalising effect
- A refreshing and light sensation
- Radiance boosting shades

Its exquisite glide-on formula blends onto the skin for a flawless, yet natural finish.

And.. it's good for my skin!
- 8 hrs moisture
- Lets skin breathe
- Dermatologically tested

Price $27 Canadian"

The Healthy Balance Unifying Powder is a new favorite Bourjois product of mine. This is my first time purchasing this product, which is also new to the Bourjois collection, and I was definitely impressed with the quality. This pressed powder is great to set the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation, and gives an long-lasting matte and natural complexion. I'm actually tempted to go out and buy a second one (that's how much I love it!) What I also really like about this product is that it can easily fit in my purse in case I ever want to make any touch ups throughout the day.

Here are some details from the Bourjois website:

"HEALTHY BALANCE UNIFYING POWDER
10HR MATT AND RADIANT COMPLEXION

Give your skin a boost of radiance and even out that skin tone!

Enriched with exotic fruit therapy to restore and rebalance the skin:

• Yuzu - Anti-shine
• Sharon fruit - hydration
• Its ultra-fine texture is easy to blend and its feather-light feel will makes application easy!

Its slim compact casing and large mirror inside is an ideal handbag essential and perfect for touch-ups on the go!

Available in 3 natural shades suitable for all skin tones.

And it’s good for my skin:

• Hypoallergenic formula  
• Non comedogenic 
• Dermatologically tested
  $27 Canadian"

In addition to the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation and Healthy Balance Unifying Powder, I also purchased the Healthy Mix Radiance & Anti-Fatigue Correcting Concealer. Since I use the gel foundation in the shade 52, the best shade to get for the concealer would be a shade lighter (51 - Eclat Claire) as I have very dark circles under my eyes. This concealer gives excellent coverage with my dark circles, and is also long-lasting. This is definitely another new Bourjois favorite of mine! With the promotion going on in store, as the other two items added to a little over $50, I received a $10 gift card and was able to apply it on this concealer!

Here are some details from the Bourjois website:

"Bourjois’ new Healthy Mix fruit-therapy correcting concealer smoothes away dark circles and imperfections for a visibly rested and radiant look.
 
Its exquisite glide-on formula blends onto the skin for a natural result, with no marks.
Available in 3 natural anti-dull complexion shades, to reboost the complexion's radiance.

And.. it's good for my skin:

• Moisturising
• Lets skin breathe, oil-free formula
• Dermatologically tested

Price $19 Canadian"

In addition to my Bourjois purchases, the cashier was kind enough to include two fragrance samples of:

• Belle by Rhianna
• Angel by Thierry Mugler

Overall Impressions:

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation is my absolute favorite product in my entire collection. I've used it several times and have never been disappointed. I don't think that I'll ever change liquid foundation as long as I'm able to get my hands on this product. Regarding the Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder and the Healthy Mix Radiance & Anti-Fatigue Correcting Concealer, this was my first time purchasing these products and I'm so glad that I did! All these items compliment each other and by purchasing all three, I've improved my entire foundation routine. I highly recommend all three Bourjois products!

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ipsy | November Edition

For those of you who are not familiar with ipsy, it's an American monthly subscription beauty sample bag that was formerly known as myglam. For $10 American or now $14.95 Canadian a month, subscribers will receive 4-5 deluxe beauty samples or full-sized products within each ipsy bag.

Before I continue, I just want to take a moment to disclose that I have not received any monetary compensation for this post. I'm an ipsy subscriber and I pay for the monthly ipsy bags with my own money.

Starting this month, ipsy has extended their monthly subscriptions to Canadians as well! I've heard many great things about this monthly subscription and once I learned that they were inviting Canadians to join, I immediately signed up. This is my first ipsy bag and I have to say, I'm so glad that I became a subscriber!

Want to know what's in the package? Let's take a look!

Within the November Edition, the following products were included:

• Deluxe Sample Size eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream (7 ml / 0.25 fl oz)
• They're Real! Deluxe Sample Size Benefit Mascara (3 g / 0.1 fl oz)
• Chocolate Scarlet Eye Pencil (1.5 g)
• Millionaire Nailtini Nail Lacquer (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
• Matt Batali the Balm Matte Eyeshadow (0.9 g / 0.03 oz)

 ipsy also included two special bonus items to welcome Canadian subscribers!

• A myglam makeup brush bag
• A myglam makeup brush

My favorite aspect of signing up to monthly subscription beauty boxes is that I get to try out products from companies that I may have never heard of. This month, I was introduced to quite a few brands such as eclos. I'm always hesitant when it comes to trying out creams because of I have sensitive skin, and after having tried out the eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative cream, I found that it works well for my sensitive skin. Of course, it'll take more than one try to see any effects and I'll definitely post a review of this product once I've used it all up.

The next product within the ipsy November Edition was a deluxe sample size of They're Real! Benefit mascara! Although this is the second time I receive this product this week, I was really excited to receive it as I really like this specific brand. I think I'm set with mascara for a while!

Scarlet Cosmetics is another company that I was introduced to this month. I received a full-sized Scarlet eye pencil in the shade Chocolate. I really like that the shade comes out in a light matte brown and that it can be built up to be darker if you want it to be. I'm definitely looking forward to expirementing with this product!

The Nailtini Nail Lacquer in Millionaire was another great product that I was excited to receive in my first ipsy bag. As I mentioned in my other beauty subscription post, I enjoy experimenting with nail polishes that are clear and have glitter in them. Nail polishes like this look amazing on top of dark shaded nail polishes.

The last product that I received within my first ipsy bag was a matte eyeshadow by the Balm. The shade comes out dark grey with a slight hint of purple and is great for creating a smokey eye effect. Another great product!

My Overall Impressions for the ipsy November Edition:

Overall, I was very impressed with all the products included within my first ipsy bag. I loved all of the products, and I appreciated that ipsy added some bonus items to welcome Canadian subscribers. This is definitely a beauty subscription box that I will be keeping for a while!

 I'd love to receive beauty box subscription recommendations! Also, please feel free to include links to your reviews of this month's ipsy bag in the comments below!

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PRODUCT REVIEW: SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow Sample Set

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the SEPHORA FAVORITES Sample Set that are usually offered around the holiday season. These are limited edition sets that sell out fairly quickly and are not always available throughout the year, however, Sephora does offer deluxe sample sets without as great a value is their SEPHORA FAVORITES Sample Sets. 

The SEPHORA FAVORITES Sample Sets that are currently available in store and online in order of price include:
- The Finest Shave Deluxe Sampler For Him
- Give Me Some Lip
- Draw The Line Eyeliner Sampler (Update: Sold Out Online)
- Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her
- Beauty & The Bride
- Lash Stash
- Glitz and Glam Part Sampler
- In The Glow
- Collector's Edition Fragrance Sampler For Her
- Super Stars Beauty Essentials

Today I'll be sharing my product review for the SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow: Blush, Bronzer, and Luminizer Sample Set. This set sells for $54 Canadian or $45 American at Sephora, and has an overall retail value of $133 Canadian. The SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow Sample Set contains 9 deluxe samples from various higher end brands which is very appealing to most makeup lovers as it offers the opportunity to try each product before committing to purchasing their full sizes.

Within this product review post, I'll be sharing swatches and reviews for each product within the In The Glow Sample Set, as well as my overall impression.

SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow: Blush, Bronzer, and Luminizer Sample Set

Products offered within this set include:
- Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight (0.106 oz)
- Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic (0.14 oz)
- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor (0.11 oz)
- Benefit High Beam (0.13 oz)
- Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (0.08 oz)
- Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush (0.17 oz)
- bareMinerals All Over Face Color in Pure Radiance (0.02 oz)
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder (0.08 oz)
- Stila Convertible Color in Peony (0.07 oz)

I had some pretty high expectations for the Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight as this has been one of the most highly recommended products that some of my friends have recommended to me. I have to admit that I instantly fell in love with this product after just one try. It has a great silky texture and sheerness that's perfect for highlighting  your cheekbones or using within the inner eye corners. This is definitely one of the products that once my sample is finished, I'll be investing in the full size!

Although the Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic is meant to be a highlighter, I have to say that I prefer using each shade as eye shadows. Each shade within this product has great pigmentation and my only complaint with this product would have to be that the two middle shades are identical when swatching (reason why I only swatched 3 out of the 4 shades) in the above photograph.

The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor is another product within this sample set that I absolutely adore. As most of you know, I'm a blush junkie and this product has been on my radar for a little while now. This product works well with all skin tones, has great pigmentation, and has long-lasting wear. I also really like that there is a little bit of a golden hue in different lighting. This shade is definitely an eye catcher!

Benefit High Beam was definitely a product that I was skeptical about trying as I never liked the idea of applying a liquid highlighting product with a wand then having to use a blush to blend it out. I gave this product several tries and wasn't able to master a good technique of applying just the right amount of this product as I either put too little or too much and I often found myself removing it completely and using something else. Overall, this shade is gorgeous when swatching, however, I just don't think that I'll be using it again unless I find a good use for it. I'd love for any of you to recommend a good technique for using this product in the comments below!

The Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna is one of my new favorite bronzing powders. Because of it's great pigmentation, just a little bit goes a long way! Because of my light skin tone, I'll mostly be using this product in the summer when I have more of a tan. If I had to buy any NARS product in its full size, it would be this!

Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush, was another product within the In The Glow Sample Set that I was very skeptical about. My skepticism stemmed from the product not being in powder form, so I was worried about it being too sticky or coming off way too pigmented on the skin. After trying out the product, I was glad that the sticky/wet sensation only lasted for a few seconds and it then dried into a powder looking effect. I also liked that it wasn't too pigmented and the product can be built up to look darker as you apply more. Overall, I'm still not completely sold on it but I'm definitely willing to try it out more.

The bareMinerals All Over Face Color in Pure Radiance is another new favorite of mine. There's a lot more shimmer and glitter in this product than the Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight. It can also definitely be doubled up as a mineral eye shadow for those with darker skin tones or in the summer. Because it's easy to get this product everywhere when you apply it onto your blush, I would recommend sprinkling a bit into the cap then dab your makeup brush into the cap and tap off the excess before applying.

The Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder is another great bronzer within this sample set. For those of you who don't like shimmer or glitter, you will enjoy this product. There isn't much pigmentation and it comes off more sheer, which is great if you'd rather build up the product and not fear getting too much on your skin when applying.

The Stila Convertible Color in Peony is my least favorite within the In The Glow Sample Set. A lot of the product got stuck on my brushes and I found it to be too sticky and dark when I applied it with my fingers. I don't think I'll be using this product again and I personally wouldn't recommend it.

My Overall Impressions:
One of my favorite aspects of the SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow Sample Set, is that there is a great variety of higher end products within this set. Like I mentioned above, this is great for makeup lovers to try out all these different brands before committing to their full sizes which can be quite expensive. When purchasing a full-sized higher end product without having tested it out before, there is the added risk that you may not like the product even with its rave reviews, and the product will end up going to waste. As a total blush, bronzer, and highlighter junkie, this sample set was definitely on my radar the second it became available. I ended up really liking the most of the products within this sample set that have also become my new favorites that I would have otherwise not tried out had I not purchased this set. Any products that I didn't enjoy, I'll be giving away to friends who I know will enjoy them. Overall, I would definitely recommend makeup lovers to purchase the SEPHORA FAVORITES - In The Glow Sample Set while it's still available!

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