It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted about makeup. Mostly because my no-spend August sparked a spending freeze in my brain. I just haven’t wanted to buy any more makeup. Plus, I haven’t really been wearing a lot of makeup since my skin has been extremely sensitive lately.

I have been sitting with 2 $50 Sephora gift cards in my wallet since August, so when the VIB appreciation sale came up (and my skin was feeling better), I decided to splurge a bit.

Before I tell you what I got (and whether I love it or not), I want to start off with my online shopping experience this time around.

Has anyone else noticed that Sephora changed the standard for the amount of samples they give with each order? You now get 2 samples in stead of 3. I was a little bummed by this, mostly because that’s the main reason why I shop online at Sephora – I love trying new products!

Regardless, I still decided to shop online.

Once it shipped, I remembered that our lovely postal system is on strike. I didn’t think too much of it because last time they still delivered relatively quick.

Not this time.

I kept getting updates that my delivery date was changing. At first it was just a day at a time, then it switched to a week behind. Then 2 weeks.

Nonetheless, it did arrive a few days ago.

When I opened the box, there weren’t any samples.

Bummer.

Ok, so I’m thinking I may just go back to shopping at the store. Then I can get my product immediately and if I want to try a product, I can just get a sample in store.

Alright, let’s move on to what I actually purchased.

Bite Beauty
Sweet Treats Agave Lip Care Holiday Set

I purchased this for 3 reasons. First, it was super cute. I couldn’t resist. Next, you know how I said that my skin has been overly sensitive? Well, my lips have felt like they changed to shards of glass as well – even lip balm burns when I apply it. The only thing that has given me a bit of relief has been the agave lip mask. Since this set has a travel size lip balm, lip mask & lip scrub, I decided to try it. I’ve used it for the last couple days and it has helped my lips feel so much better! The third reason I bought this is that I’ll be traveling again in a few weeks and I’m only bringing a personal item – no checked baggage or carry-ons! This set will fit perfectly in my purse!

Atelier Cologne
Azur – Cèdre Atlas

This was a re-purchase. It is a bit pricey, but this is by-far my absolute favourite scent to wear! It’s star ingredients are cedarwood, lemon and papyrus. It is described as ‘crisp blue cedar enveloped by warm amber.’ If I’m having one of those days, I can spritz this on me and it instantly brings me to my happy place. Because of the price, and my love of travel, I bought the travel size one.

Too Faced
Melted Matte-Tallic Liquified Metallic Matte Lipstick
Shade: Our Lips Are Sealed

I walked out on a limb for this one. I’m particular about the lipstick formulas that I use and there’s something about the name Melted that doesn’t sit right with me. However!! I quickly fell in love with this formula and colour! I originally toyed between 2 colours and I watched countless swatch videos on YouTube to see what colour would be best for me. Most of them said they thought this colour was ‘just ok.’ I decided to get it anyway. I’m glad I did. Years ago I had a lipstick that was the perfect pink hue with a gold shift to it. I used it up entirely and then found out it was discontinued. I haven’t been able to find anything close enough to it – until now! The soft pink with a twinge of coral is the perfect shade for my skin tone and the gold shift gives it that extra that I love.

Sephora Favorites
Lashstash

I bought something similar to this last year and I loved it! So, why not try again. This package has 8 travel-size (1 is a primer) and 2 full-size mascaras. The price is equal to purchasing 2 full-size mascaras, so it is absolutely worth it! Plus, I love the fact that I can try new products to see if I like them. I like to crack open a new travel-size mascara for when I travel. It takes up less space and I can try out a new mascara. It’s a win-win.

So, that is where my order ends. I am absolutely pleased with my picks this time. Every single product will get great use!