Lash Out Mascara Sampler // Sephora exclusively for JCPenney // $25
I was in the market for a new mascara because I wasn't 100% sold on IT Cosmetic's Tightline (though after trying these mascaras, Tightline is still one of my favorites) and Sephora was having their annual VIB event so when I found out this sampler existed I was all over it. It came with deluxe size samples of 5 different mascaras:
Bare Minerals Lash Domination ($18 full size)
Too Faced Better Than Sex ($23 full size)
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes ($21 full size)
Kat VonD Immortal Lash ($20 full size)
Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash ($19 full size)
It also came with a coupon voucher for a free full size mascara of any of the above! I've tried them all now and so far Tarte is in the lead which leads me to.....
Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara // Tarte // $21
I don't usually like Mascara wands with actual bristles -- I prefer the rubber bristles -- but this wand is fabulous. It lays such a thin even coat on my lashes while really seeming to lengthen. I don't see much volumizing unless I apply multiple coats but let me tell you: I have never had a mascara go on so smoothly coat after coat. I usually struggle to get a second coat not to look like furry spider legs but with the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes, I can get several coats without looking clumpy! It also does seem to be gentle and conditioning as it claims, but as for the fourth claim -- curling -- I don't notice any without actually curling my lashes with a tool.
Still. I LOVE this and it is by far the front runner in the contest for which full size mascara I cash my voucher in.
Bronzer Wardrobe // Too Faced // $22
Spring is here! That means bronzer and my bronzer was probably at least ten years old so it got pitched the moment I spotted this little wonder. I had been eyeing the Little Black Book of Bronzers also by Too Faced but was turned off by the price tag and the fact I couldn't see myself needing or using so many bronzer options. So when I found this little lovely with half the bronzers for less than half the price, I leapt at it!
It also comes with a super soft "teddy bear hair" mini flatbuki brush which I found roughly the right size and shape for contouring below my cheekbones.
So far I've only used Sun Bunny but I love it for both contouring (I know, I know, it's not meant for contouring: you do you) and a nice all over glow. You have to be careful though, a heavy hand will easily get you in to trouble because this highly pigmented, but that's one of the things I love about it.
The packaging is also really unique and helpful: they stack in the side of the box like a "wardrobe" where each mini compact is a drawer. It helps save space and is also travel friendly because those easily slip into a purse or makeup bag.
Dry Shampoo in Floral Essences // Batiste // $8.78
I originally heard about this brand from YouTube darling Kathleen Lights and she was so enthusiastic about it that even though I was perfectly content with my old Suave dry shampoo, I decided to pick up a bottle of it. She was right: It leaves my hair actually looking and feeling clean instead of just looking a little less oily, it gives great body, and it doesn't really suffer from product build up so I can use it for days in a row and protect my curly hair from frequent showering. It's strong enough to handle my hair even on days when I've gone for a run (though I haven't run on days over 80 degrees yet so we'll see if that claim holds up this summer), and while it does come out of the bottle with a white cast, it doesn't stick around. They also make two dry shampoos in blonde and brunette if the white cast makes you nervous.
Personally this is my favorite scent even though I really loved my Suave brands citrusy scent, the Batiste citrus just doesn't do it for me. Kathleen's all time favorite is the cherry scent and there is also wild, tropical, clean original, floral, flirty, and fresh scents. Obviously they're not particularly descriptive so you kind of have to smell the insides of the lids.
Also is this bottle not just adorable!!??!
