Ring in the New Year @ Sephora

Holiday 2015: Shopping @ Sephora

#SassyHolidays 

#HolidayGiftGuide2015

A Guide to Shopping Sephora: Holiday Season 2015

Christmas is upon us. So many people receive gift cards or cash as gifts and so I thought that after Christmas was a great time to have a guide to give you ideas of how to spend that extra "Christmas" cash or to buy belated Christmas gifts for your family.

You know, Sephora isn't just for girls.  There are plenty of gift ideas that are suitable for men or even ladies who aren't necessarily "into" makeup.

The LEGAL mumbo jumbo:

** Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products featured in this post for review purposes.

** Disclaimer:  There are one or more referral and or affiliate links contained in this post.

BEFORE You Shop:

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First, before you even THINK of doing any online shopping, you should make sure that you are a part of Ebates!  If you don't know what Ebates is, checkout my post about Ebates here: Click HERE.

To sign up to start earning cash back on almost EVERY purchase you make online, click here: Sign Up for Ebates

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS: Stuck with a GC you won't use?

Got a gift card for Christmas? Do you know that there are now sites where if you don't want the gift card you received or would rather have cash or a gift card for a different store there are sites where you can exchange your current gift card for cash or a different store!  So, if you do have a GC and would rather get one say to, Sephora, be sure to search for applicable sites where you can exchange your cards!

Sephora: A Shopping Guide to Holiday Shopping at Sephora

Before I begin, the products in this guide are products that I was fortunate enough to receive myself from Sephora.  It was a huge blessing to get this opportunity as I am a HUGE makeup junkie and am far too poor to afford to be able to support my unhealthy habit.

I wanted to do a "review" type post, but with this many products it was just no feasible.  I'll be doing reviews later on a few of the products listed below.  Let me know in the comments if there are any specific products you would like to see reviewed later on!

Hair:   Because your hair deserves the best

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HIGH END Product:
This is the most expensive product on the list.  But it's oh so, so gorgeous!

GHD: Flat Iron
Price:  $225.00
Link: ghd LE Artic Gold Flat Iron
Category:  HAIR

The ghd LE Arctic Gold Flat Iron features a Roll UP bag & a Heating Mat to set your flat iron on!

Living Proof | Happy Hair Days

Holiday Gift Set:  
Price: $32

LINK: Living Proof: Happy Hair Days

Category:  HAIR

Skincare | Products to Nurture Your Skin

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First Aid Beauty | Holiday 2015 Gift Set
Price: $59
Sold at: Sephora.com 

Category:  SKINCARE

Kate Sommerville | Melrose Place
Holiday 2015 Gift Set
Price:  $85
Link:  Kate Sommerville | Melrose Place
Category: SKINCARE

LIPS | 

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Buxom | Don't Miss A Beat Set

Holiday Gift Set
Price: $32
LINK: Buxom | Gift Sets on Sephora

Clinique Chubby Stick Holiday Gift Set - $25

CLINIQUE | Chubby Stick Set

Holiday Gift Set (2015)
PRICE:  $25
LINK: Clinique | Lipstick

Clinique | Chubby Stick Set

Features:

Eyeshadow Chubby Stick

Blush Chubby Stick

3 Lip Balm Chubby Stick:

(Intense, Regular, Baby Tint)

BITE Beauty | 
Mix & Mingle 
Price:  $13
Link: Bite| Mix & Mingle Lipstick

SEPHORA LIPS |
Sephora Lip Gel & Kiss Me Balm

SEPHORA | LIP GEL
PRICE: $14
Sephora Lip Gel

32 Shades to choose from

SEPHORA | KISS ME BALM
PRICE:  $5- $8
LINK:  Kiss Me Balm

9 Colors to choose from

EYES: 

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Too Faced | La Grand Palais
Holiday Gift Set
Price:  $49
Link:  Too Faced

Features:

• 18 Eyeshadows
• 2 Blushes
• Highlighter
• Bronzer

Too Faced | Bon Bons Chocolate Palette

Price:  $49

Link:  Too Faced: Bon Bons Palette

This wasn't actually one of the items taht I received, but it's actually on my MUST BUY list and so, I thought I would throw it in this list.  I've had the opportunity to try Urban Decay, Too Faced among many others and my Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette (The Original) is probably my favorite palette I've ever owned.  I cannot wait to get the chance to try out the Chocolate Bon Bons Palette!

Miscellaneous

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Atelier Cologne | Collection Azur
Holiday Gift Set
PRICE: $25
Link: Atelier Cologne | Azur Collection
Category:  Perfume

Four Travel Sized Perfumes 
Sample four different scents from Atelier Cologne

Sephora | Holiday Brush Set
Holiday Gift Set 2015
Price:  $85
Link: Sephora
Category: Beauty Tools

Formula X | Bottle Service Set
Holiday 2015 Gift Set
Price:  $36.50     $22 SALE PRICE
Link:  Formula X | Bottle Service Set

Thoughts

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I was so so excited to get this treasure trove of goodies from Sephora.  I don't make a lot of money from blogging and so it's through my reviews that I'm able to provide gifts for my friends and family which is what this Sephora Haul enabled me to do.

I wasn't ALL giving.  There were a few things that I kept for myself.  I kept the Too Faced palette (I know that was a bit greedy of me, but it had been on my wish list!), the Bite Beauty lipstick & The Clinique Lipstick set.  My daughter got a few things as well, including the Formula X Bottle Service Kit, she's a nail junkie and so there was never any doubt who that would go to.

I think among these products, the items that really stood out to me the most were:

ghd Flat Iron | Arctic Gold Series - It's just absolutely stunning.  Although I rarely put a tool to my hair, it was extremely tempting to keep just because it's so gorgeous!

Formula X Bottle Service Kit - It's such cute packaging as well as includes a wide variety of colors to try, perfect for someone who has never tried the brand before.

First Aid Beauty Kit - I've heard wonderful things about this brand, so this was a standout for me because it was a great value with the combination for products included.

Too Faced | La Grand Palais - I'm obsessed with Too Faced.  They have such adorable packaging and their eyeshadows are so pigmented!  This was a great set having 18 eyeshadows, plus two blushes, a Melted, a Mascara and a bronzer and highlighter PLUS shadow primer!!  This was definitely the best value, in my opinion!

Sephora Holiday Brush Set-  This is a gorgeous gift set and the brushes are super soft!!  I love the little sparkly stand that's included with this.  Anyone would be thrilled to get this as a gift.

TALK BACK TO ME

I'd love to hear from you!

What were your favorites out of this list?  What was your favorite gift this Holiday season?

Will you be using your Christmas Money on Makeup items this year??

#ElfBeautySquad - November Elf Cosmetics

#elfbeautysquad | November

My First #elfBeautySquad

** Disclaimer:  I received this product for Review Purposes.

I'm super excited to do my first " #elfbeautysquad " post.  It wasn't all that long ago I was first introduced to Elf Cosmetics.  

I am normally the one who is introducing products to my friends and family, but with e.l.f. Cosmetics, it was actually my mother who first introduced me.  I believe it was a white eyeshadow that I first tried and fell in love with instantly.

Besides being great quality products, the best part about the products e.l.f. carries is that everything in their line is extremely affordable, yet they don't compromise their quality even at these low prices.  It's actually some of the only makeup my mother's skin can handle.  She raves about how gentle the products are for her sensitive skin.

What is elf?

e.l.f. stands for: Eyes, Lips, Face.  I believe they originally began selling to Target exclusively. Today, they can be found in a wide variety of stores from Target, Walmart, Kmart to drug stores such as CVS, and of course online.

The prices of their products range from $1 to $20 (Which is rare) for their regular line of products.  However, the majority of their products fall within the $1 - $10 price range, making it extremely affordable for any budget or need. #BudgetBeauty

Looking Inside #ElfBeautySquad | November:

Precision Liquid Liner - Black | $3.00

Liquid Liner in BLACK | Retails: $3

This liner works just as well as any high end liquid liner that I've tried.  You can get a really tight line with this brush and liner formula.  It works especially great for cat eyes.

Rating - ( Scale 1-5)

4.5 Stars 

Breakdown-

5 in PRICE

4 wearable time

5 "Tight Line"

5 Pigmentation

Lip Color Remover | $3.00

Kiss It Goodbye | Lip Color Remover - Retails $3

 With the current trend in makeup, The "Matte" lip, this is definitely something lip stain or Matte lippy lovers should have on hand in their "Emergency Kit" at all times.

My daughter loves wearing lip stains, so it was such a pleasant find to discover this treasure in the November "elfBeautySquad" treasure trove.  At just $3, it's not going to break the bank either!

Rating: 5 Stars!

I mean, I couldn't find any fault at all.  The price is unbelievable and it does the job of getting rid of the most stained "lip Stain".  Definitely a "Must Have" in your winter makeup collection.

Blotting Papers | $5.00

on the spot blot - Blotting Papers | $5.00

 This isn't really a product that I have much use for.  I have extremely dry skin.  This is a product that is definitely needed by those who experience "Oily" or combination skin.

As I haven't used this myself, I really can't go into great detail about it.  My mother suffers from oily skin and so this went straight to her.  I WILL say, that the packaging is super cute and it's the perfect size for your on the go makeup bag!  And the little powder Poof that is included is super cute as well PLUS it has a mirror!!  So, just on packaging and aesthetics it's a definite 5 STARS for me...

Moisturizing Lipstick - Marsala Blush | $3.00

Moisturizing Lipstick in Marsala Blush | $3

I am a lip junkie.  I love, love lipsticks.  So, I'm always excited to find a package with a lipstick inside.  

The texture of this lipstick is aHmazing!  It feels really nice and well, moisturizing for lack of a better word.  It would be perfect for anyone, but especially those who might have dry lips.

The color pay-off is ah so-so, it didn't wow me.  It's build-able coverage, so you can get a deeper shade if you prefer a deeper shade.

The color itself was last year's "Pantone Color of the Year", I wasn't crazy about it then and I'm not crazy about it now.  It's a good fall color though, I will concede.  This is another item that I gave to my mom.  Both my daughter and I prefer brighter colors, pinks and reds (my daughter loves red).

Still, in another shade for just $3, I definitely would grab another shade of e.l.f.'s Moisturizing Lipstick.

Illuminating Palette - $6.00

Illuminating Palette | $6

This is definitely a product that I could get a lot of usage out of.  I love having a "Glow".

I'm old y'all!  So, I need all the help I can get when it comes to having a youthful "glow".

The colors are amazing and I imagine would work with a variety of skin tones.  I'm fairly light and so I prefer using the top two shades.

I've tried other "highlighters" from other higher end brands, so for $6, I'll take it.

Rating:  5 Stars

LAST But NOT Least.....

Prism Eyeshadow in SUNSET - $10.00

Prism Eye shadow Palette in SUNSET | $10

Prism Eye shadow Palette in SUNSET | $10

For anyone looking for a great affordable "Fall" colors palette with shimmer, this is a great option!  With plenty of roses & golds, this eyeshadow palette will compliment almost everyone.

Price Wise- I mean, come on, the Urban Decay Naked Palettes retail for $54 and I daresay that these are pretty comparable albeit for a "Budget" beauty option.  At just $10, this is definitely a more affordable option for anyone looking for a great Rose / Gold / Neutral palette but doesn't have the bank to afford the higher end options.

I'll probably do a more in depth review at a later time.

To be honest, I'm so far behind on my "Holiday Gift Guide" stuff, I had wanted to do swatches and go into greater detail with this, but we shall save that for another day.

Overall Thoughts:

As this was my first ever #ElfBeautySquad, I'm extremely pleased with the items I received.  There are two definite stand-outs for November's items.

The Prism shadow palette in "Sunset" is by far my favorite product out of them all, however the Illuminating palette is a really close second.

I mean, we can't all afford to pay $50 on one palette, so have good products that aren't going to irritate your skin is really a Godsend for those of us who aren't financially wealthy.

Elf's products are among my favorite "Drug Store" brands.  I can't wait to see what goodies await for December!

Your Thoughts...

What did you think of this month's #elfBeautySquad bundle?  Which items would you love to add to your collection?  Are there any bummers out of the bunch for you?

I'd love to hear from you.  Sometimes, I feel as if I'm talking to myself.

Where to Buy:

You can find Elf Products on Target, Walmart or at www.elfcosmetics.com/

Starlooks "LooksBook" Box: August Resort Edition Review

Introducing:  

Starlooks LooksBook 

The Resort Edition

First Ever Starlooks Looksbook: August - Resort Edition

**Disclosure:  This post contains Referral and/ or Affiliate Links**

Disclosure:  I received this box for review purposes.

Starlooks Looksbook

 

What is Looksbook?

Looksbook is a BRAND new MONTHLY subscription from the brand, Starlooks.  

The Cost:  $12/ recurring monthly

What you get: 

• 3 "Perfect" Sized *New Beauty Products
• A travel sized "book" to store your products in
• Tips & Tutorials on how to apply the month's products

* I believe that every month, subscribers will be receiving at least one BRAND new, never before sold product (If not all three).

Wanna subscribe?  Subscribe to Starlooks Box 

**Choose between the Looksbook or the Custom Starbox

(To Learn more about Starlooks Custom Starbox, checkout my August review: Click HERE

August Looksbook:  Resort Edition

First Look: August Resort Edition by Starlooks

This was Starlooks first ever Looksbook, so I was really excited to be among the first to try the new subscription service.  I've been thoroughly impressed so far with the products that I've tried from Starlooks.

The Goodies....

Starlooks Looksbook Resort Edition UNBOXED

Jet Set- Lipstick

Starlooks Jet Set Lipstick

This is an absolutely gorgeous color.  It is a perfect shade for a "Resort" theme.  I prefer a bit brighter of shades because I'm so light skinned, so pale colors don't really look good on myself.  However, this would be great for a non - fussy look.

Ritz / Tropic Hightighter/ Blush Duo

Ritz / Tropic Highlighter & Blush DUO

I am absolutely OBSESSED with highlighters.  I use probably three minimum when I do my makeup.  I use a couple of liquid ones and then usually a powder highlighter as well.  So, I'm always pleased to see a highlighter in a subscription service.  The blush is gorgeous as well, it's a really nice coral-ish color.  These were also again, perfect for the "Resort" theme.

Aqua Cream Shadow

Aqua- Cream Shadow Stick

So, this is probably the only thing in the box (and out of all the other items I've received from Starlooks) that I just am not all that wild about.

The product itself is a nice one, however I just NEVER see myself wearing a sea green color on my eyes.  It's pretty, but I just don't think I could pull it off.

The shadow itself is a nice quality shadow.  I love cream shadows, but I prefer them to be in neutral tones because I find it easiest to apply with my fingers, yet I can't do detailing well with cream shadows.   That's why I need neutrals so I can just slab it on my whole eyelid.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I'm really excited about the Looksbook subscription.  For just $12, it's a good price point for the items that you are receiving.  

August: Starlooks Looksbook Resort Edition 

Subscribe to Starlooks

Like Looksbook?  Subscribe to Starlooks Looksbook today for just $12/ monthly:  Subscribe NOW

More Thoughts on Looksbook & Custom Starbox

Packaging:

For starters, I have to say that the packaging is really nice.  I really like the  way that it fits the products snuggly and includes a little book with tips.

It seems as if the Looksbook boxes will each have a theme, which is a really nice concept that I believe could work out well for Starlooks and their subscribers.

Timing:  

So, it is middle of September and I am just now receiving my Starlooks for August.  So, I would hope that they will try to get the timing of the deliveries (My box was delayed because my original box went to an old address) so that you get August in August, September in September and so on.  

I love the "Resort" edition, however it's the middle of September and even in Alabama it's starting to get chilly.  I'm thinking of Halloween decorations and this box is thinking of the ocean.  So, that's a small thing, but that's a huge concern that I see with the Looksbook themes and the timing of the deliveries.  However, this is a BRAND NEW service, so I hope that this problem will be remedied.

Custom VS Looksbook

I love both subscriptions.  However, there are some pros and cons with each service.  If you like them both so much you want them both, well at $12 each, it's definitely doable.

With each subscription, you receive three items.  So, no difference there.  However, it seems that with the Looksbook, we will see more innovative and exciting products delivered than with the Custom option (Pure speculation on my part).

The one thing is when you look at the value of the Custom versus the value of Looksbook it seems that the scales are way tipped to favor the Custom option.  This is because of the three bonus giftcards subscribers receive with their Custom box.  This can add a minimum of $60 more in products each month than with the Looksbook.

The giftcards really is the only way I see that there is one service that is better than the other.  They are both great subscriptions!!

OH, ONE Last thing...  

What is Perfect Size???

Starlooks calls their "Sample" sized products "Perfect Size".  They are supposed to be larger than normal "Deluxe" yet smaller than a full size.  The description says that they are about 3/4 the size of full sized items.  

In the picture below I did a comparison of a Full Sized (MAC), Perfect Size, and a Deluxe (UD sample) sized items.  

Starlooks "Perfect" Size VS The "Others"

It's really quite hard to compare the "Perfect" size and the UD Deluxe size.  The Starlooks "Perfect" appears to be taller, yet it does't seem to be as big around as the UD sample.  

I hope that this helps at least a little in trying to determine what their meaning of "Perfect" size is. 

That's ALL Folks

Thanks for checking out my review of August's Starlooks Looksbook Box.  I would love to hear from you.  Sometimes, I feel like I am talking to myself.  Is anyone out there?  If you are reading this, then you deserve a gold star for making it all the way to the bottom.

BottomLine Budget Beauty: Measurable Differences Giveaway

Measurable Difference: Desert Nights Eyeshadow

Disclosure:  This a Sponsored Post powered by BrandBacker

The Bottomline Budget Beauty Finds

Measurable Difference Desert Nights 

Measurable Difference is a budget friendly brand that you can find on sites like chrislie.com, www.lashem.com, walgreens.com and many more.

LOW COST

At just $6.99, this is definitely an affordable option for the budget conscious beauty lover.  At a price like that, you definitely don't have to choose just one.

Options, Options, Options

Everyone should have options and with the Measurable Difference eyeshadows, there are plenty of gorgeous combinations to choose from.

GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer:  SassyGalBeauty is in no way responsible for the Measurable Difference Giveaway.

Enter the Measurable Difference Giveaway

** This is a sponsored post, powered by BrandBacker**

Starlooks Custom Starbox: August Review

Disclosure:  This Post Contains Affiliate and/ or Referral Links

Disclosure:  Received box for review purposes.  

All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

No further compensation was received.

August Starlooks Custom Starbox:

What Starlooks Custom Starbox is:

Starlooks has their own product line.  They also have a couple of available subscription services featuring their own brand as well as including gift cards to various other merchants.  

Your Choice:

Subscribers get to choose which 3 products out of the available options they would like to try for that month.

BONUS:

Subscribers also get to choose three giftcards from various other merchants in addition to the beauty products included.  This bonus alone can add up to $100 value every month to your box.

The Cost: 

$12/ monthly and subscribers get THREE products PLUS Three Giftcards!  

Subscribe to Starlooks:

Starlooks Custom Box

August Starbox Custom Box:

August Starbox Custom Box

Just Say Yes - Lip Gloss

Retail Value: $9 (Perfect Size)  $13 (Full Size)

Just Say Yes - Starlooks Lip Gloss

I absolutely LOVE this color.  It appears to be more pink on the site than what it actually appears to be in real life.  It seems more of a pinkish coral, in my opinion.  This is definitely a lipgloss for women who love sparkle.

Try On- Just Say Yes Lip Gloss by Starlooks

My Daughter Callie tries on "Just Say Yes" lipgloss

As you an see, the color is absolutely gorgeous and there is "Just the RIGHT" amount of sparkle to make any lips look luscious and beautiful.  I wasn't blessed with big lips, so I need any added dimension that I can get to help plump or give the appearance of plumper lips.

Swatched:

Texture:

I have to say, I despise a really sticky lip gloss.  This lipgloss is honestly what I consider the perfect texture for a lip gloss.  It glides on, yet is thick.  You can have a more sheer look or build up to a more opaque color.

Gimme More Volumizing Mascara

Retail Value:  $7.00 (Perfect Sized)  $15-$17 (Full Sized)

Gimme More Volumizing Mascara

This wasn't my favorite ever mascara.  Not that it's a bad mascara, because honestly it's not.  Perhaps it's the tiny wand, that could have had an affect on how well the mascara applied.  I assume that the full size brush would be a tad bigger than the "Perfect Sized" mascara is, which could make a world of difference.  So, I'm just going by the formula of the mascara and it didn't irritate my eyes at all.  It was a beautiful color and seemed to stay for a long time.

Slanted Liner Brush 824

Retail Value:  $18

824 Slanted Liner Brush

The brush definitely was the big ticket item (not counting the gift cards) for August's Custom Box (at least for my own choices).  The value of the Slanted Liner Brush is a whopping $18!  That alone is $6 more than the price of the whole box (Just $12/ monthly).  A girl can never have too many brushes, so this definitely is my favorite out of the whole box!!

The Giftcards.,...

My August Giftcards

Every month, those who receive the Custom box by Starlooks get to choose three merchants from the available list of merchants.  The giftcards usually range from $20- $50, depending on the seller or merchant.

The Giftcards: from Starlooks Custom Starbox

I actually had a bit of an issue with my picks for August.  Every month, subscribers receive an email notifying them that it's time to "CHOOSE" and make your selections for the upcoming month.  For August's selections, I chose the day the email was sent out.

For some reason though, I only received one of my chosen gift cards and two other options that I wasn't really wanting to try (The prices of the items are INSANELY high and even after using my GC, I would have had to shell out about $30-$100 per merchant).  

IT wasn't so bad though...

Luckily for me, I was able to actually test their customer service skills when I emailed them to make them aware of their mistake.  I don't care WHAT company you are, how great your products are, if you have CRAP customer service you won't get my business.

STARLOOKS team was super fast to respond and immediately sent me codes for the correct items.

I had chosen Two "Starlooks" Starline giftcards as well as a Starlooks giftcard.  So, YAY for me that I will be able to purchase some great item now thanks to their wonderful customer service.  They get ***** Five stars for sure for their speedy and nice customer service.  They didn't bat an eye at making it right for me!!!

Total Retail Value of Combined Giftcards:  $60

(this isn't counting the ones I won't use)

OVERALL:

I'm extremely pleased with this month.  I loved the lip gloss, and the brush definitely brought the value to the box.

The COST: $12

Breaking Down the Value:

• Lip Gloss (Perfect Size) - $9.00
• Mascara:                           $7.00
• Slanted Liner Brush         $18.00

TOTAL Value of Products:   $34.00

But wait....  we're NOT DONE....

Add the Gift Cards:

• Starlines: Masiela Lusha      $20
• Starlines: Kaya Jones           $20
• Starlooks Giftcard                $20

TOTAL GC VALUE:     $60

TOTAL COMBINED BOX VALUE:  $94.00

You just cannot beat paying $12 and getting $94.00 worth of products!!!  It is BY FAR the BIGGEST BANG for your buck of ANY other beauty subscription.  I mean, it's just TWELVE dollars!!!!  Even I, who am POORER than POOR could swing $12!!!

Subscribe to Starlooks TODAY!!!!

Honestly, if you love beauty products and love trying new things, you definitely should give Starlooks Custom Box a shot!  What do you gotta lose???

Starlooks Custom Box