Some amazing beauty finds this month, so let’s jump right in!
July 2018 Sephora Play Box
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty :: I’m a big fan of Tarte’s products, and this blush is no exception. The color is so pretty and it goes on flawlessly. I have a full-size version in the shade Exposed that I like to wear in the Fall, but Paaarty is perfect in achieving that Summer flush.
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Salt Lyfe :: I love how moisturizing the Rainforest of the Sea line is, and this lipstick follows suit. The color is very pretty, although possibly more of an early Fall color for me. Wouldn’t mind picking up another one in a more pink-hued shade, possibly Sunkissed.
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer :: Up in the air on this one. I’ve heard so much about the benefits of squalane that my expectations may have been unrealistically high. The moisturizer was well-suited for my combo-oily skin, but I didn’t get the wow factor I was (likely unrealistically) expecting.
Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil :: Ugh, I did not want to admit this to myself, but…it appears my skin has some sensitivity to this product. I wish I could give this a good review — or any review — but it broke my skin out on every occasion in which I used it. I was so bummed – it has some great reviews out there.
Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen :: I was so excited this was included in this month’s Play!, and it did not disappoint. My skin felt like it had more bounce after each use. Beautiful product…and it smells divine!
Briogeo Rosarco™ Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Crème :: I’m starting to think there is just no help for this hair. It’s hard to tell if this made my hair more frizzy, or if my hair is just beyond repair with this humidity. Either way, wasn’t enough for me to repurchase or recommend.
July 2018 Birchbox
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser :: Nice cleanser, although I did find it to be a little rough on my skin if I used it the day after using a GloPro microneedling tool.
COOLA® Classic Moisturizer SPF 30 – Cucumber :: Loved this! Smells great, the sun protection was solid and it didn’t break me out. Great summer alternative to my usual moisturizer.
ARROW REVIVE Cooling Cheek Tint :: I had a really hard time applying this, but I’ve honestly never been much of a cheek tint/stain person. I’ll be passing this one along.
Lise Watier HydraForce BB Cream :: Nice subtle coverage, but it made my skin a little greasy throughout the day. Might be better suited for the cooler months for skin on the oily side.
amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm :: This left my hair incredibly greasy. Hard pass for me.
Samples & Empties
Putting these two together this month, because there wasn’t a whole lot that I was able to empty out. Just one..very…important…item — Drunk Elephant’s Protini. I have to say, I’ve noticed a difference since this beauty has left my skincare regime. I will be purchasing this again.
Other samples I tried out this month include:
It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream™ Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream :: I’m not sure if it’s transformative, but it was certainly a nice cream. Better for night for combo-oily skin such as mine.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Serum :: Sunday Riley is one of my favorite brands. In fact, I religiously used Good Genes for years and would go back to it in a heartbeat! There are so many fantastic Vitamin C serums out there right now — like Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma and Maelove’s The Glow Maker — that I can’t say I’ll give C.E.O. a second look.
La Mer Moisturizing Soft Creme :: Same as the Confidence in a Cream for me, but it truly is so hard to get a feel for a product after just a couple of uses. It was certainly lovely and would work well as part of my night routine. Suppose I was just expecting fireworks with the name La Mer attached.
Fresh Black Tea Corset Cream Firming Moisturizer :: Firming, indeed…I LOVED this! Noticed a difference immediately. I’ll be picking up a full-sized version at the Sephora sale this Fall.
Lancome Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Eye :: I liked how moisturizing this eye cream was, though I’m not sure I saw enough of a benefit to spring for the full-size with plenty of other effective and budget-friendly alternatives on the market.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask with Echinacea GreenEnvy :: Saved this one for last because it was so incredibly different. There is a very warm sensation when you apply this mask, and one of the few I can say really feels like it is hydrating as advertised. Once I removed the mask, my skin was positively glowing. Also going on the next Sephora sale wish list. I would definitely recommend it.
