Sephora F&F 2010 Haul & Short Reviews

Most of the time, if I were lemming for certain items available only in the States, I would purchase them via Ryan at http://www.sgdrugstore.com/. (e.g. you can see them in my other haul posts)

HOWEVER, the Sephora Friends &Family 2010 (well, actually, every Sephora F&F) is such a highly-anticipated event, with makeup junkies filling their virtual shopping carts days before the actual sale, my paranoid-self made me seek out my shopping angel in the States just so she could submit my orders (along with hers) the MOMENT the discount code became active ^_^ Let's just say some items go OOS real quick!

*hugs & kisses - you know who you are*

I received my package today YAY! And I'm glad to report that I'm immensely happy with most of the items ^_^

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 10 - Formerly Conceal

- Remember my mad rave about "B'Liv Got Me Covered SPF 35" here ? How much I adore it as a sheer/light coverage foundation and the only draw-back is its satin-matte finish? Still love it, but that doesn't stop me from hunting down a glowy, dewy alternative!

- Although marketed as a foundation, its texture is incredibly light and liquidy - more so a tinted moisturiser than foundation. I've tried my fair share of them (Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, TheBalm, various BB creams) and I HATE most of them for a variety of reasons.

- I.WOULD.HAVE.SAVED.A.FORTUNE.  had I purchased THIS first ~_~

- Shade selection - decent, especially for those with yellow undertone (the shades are quite forgiving due to its sheerness). Oil-free. Skincare benefits. Sun protection. No setting powder required! ^_^

- Coverage is sheer-light, so a word of caution to those who like heavier coverage. IMO, the coverage is similar to "B'Liv Got Me Covered SPF 35", BUT with a glowy finish. It contains micro-shimmer much like my HG liquid foundation, Lancome Teint Miracle.

- If this doesn't break me out, it's HG tinted moisturiser, yo! LOVE!
Edited 8 December 2010: Bumped up to Agent 6 (Formerly Veil)

Illamasqua Blush in Tremble

- I have an Illamasqua lipstick in Sonnet (a nude, duh), and although I'm not impressed with its texture, the pigmentation/coverage/colour-payoff is off-the-charts. So obviously I wanted a blush ;)

- Didn't choose the much-raved Katie because I'm sure it'd be too "cool" and light for my skintone; went for Tremble instead which is describe as a "light warm pink". Unfortunately, there is precious little "warmth" :( I don't think this colour would look natural on me, unless I'm going for that kawaii-pink-cheek look.

- It's nice (I always say "nice" when something is decent, but not mind-blowing :P), much like my Rock & Republic blushes (review here). Colour pay-off - great, Texture - smooth and easy to blend but the packaging is incredibly tacky for the price. Plasticky - pppoooooohh!

NARS Blush in Sex Appeal

- This is probably the most underwhelming {pleasantly} SURPRISING product in this haul.

- My first matte NARS blush, so I can't really compare, but IMO, the texture is rather chalky. And according to Temptalia, this is indeed MORE chalky compared to other matte NARS blushes.

- I do love the colour though, and it's probably the only NARS blush which is impossible to overdo!
Edited 12 Nov 2010: OK - Swatching does this blush absolutely NO JUSTICE! It just appears as a SUPER light pink  powder (similar to MAC Pretty Baby Beauty Powder). However, today, I applied it on my CHEEKS, and I was blown away. Gorgeousness! Where did the colour-payoff come from!?!? LOL It's the most gorgeous peach, and yes, it is very pigmented LOVE LOVE LOVE

NARS Blush in Madly

- I don't own a neutral/nude blush from NARS (I do now! HAHA), and I absolutely adore this.

- Like the other NARS blushes/bronzers with fine shimmer I own currently (Orgasm, Deep Throat, Luster, Laguna, Irresistiblement - Angelika doesn't count since it's glittery), the quality is amazing. 'Nuff said.
 
Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful

- I love Tarte Cheek Stains. Period. Allow me to explain why.

- Cream blushes (NARS Multiple, Stila Convertibles, SkinFood, Canmake, NYC Blushable Creme Sticks, NYX Creme Blush) give a more creamy, somewhat opaque finish. Somehow I don't get that "glowing-from-within cheeks". Granted, the colour pay-off is better, but the trade-off is more of a matte-satin finish (Stila, NYX - grease-monkey finish ~_~)

- Tarte Cheek Stains are reminiscent of the Limited Edition NARS Multiple TINTS - gel-like texture. As an added bonus, dries to a non-sticky finish.

- Price point is rather high, which is why I got only 1 full-sized (I already have 3 minis in my stash), but this ginormous tube is going to last me a loonnnnngg time. Since cream products' lifespan isn't long, I'm satisfied with ONE great shade.
- BTW, Blissful (warm peachy pink) is a Limited Edition shade with NO shimmer, so grab it while you can ;)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Eden

- I call this my "MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre" in a genie bottle. Matte Paint Pots from MAC are such a pain; they dry up quicker than those with shimmer and a hell to blend when I'm in a hurry.

- And yes, this is my 2nd tube ;)

Lorac Hollywood Insider Collection
- This set comes with:

• Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight (warm beige)
• Like it's name, "Perfectly Lit". If anything, it's like a more toned-down version of NARS Albatross.
• Also, it is incredibly similar to the ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance but with a firmer, less "greasy" texture (Luminance broke me out within a day).
• A very natural highlight; definitely a staple for OLs who love to highlight *points to self*
• Baked Matte Satin Blush in Hollywood (bronzed rose)
• VERY VERY VERY strong colour-payoff. Texture is similar to finely-milled, MAC Mineralised Skin Finishes.
• Obviously I'm impressed, but I can't see myself using this if I'm in a rush or don't have a duo-fibre brush handy. It's easy ending up with clown-like cheeks.
• Bronzed Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio in Sand/Serenity/ Bronze
• Alas, this eyeshadow trio "morphed" into an eyeshadow single enroute to Malaysia. Completely shattered and un-salvageable as a trio.
• However, I do intend to re-press it as a single since the "morphed" shade is a very nice shimmery light ash brown :D Thank God for little favours!
• Special Effects Mascara
• Haven't tried this yet
• Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Vintage (light neutral beige)
• Anybody who has seen my YT makeup stash videos would be aware that I'm not a fan of liquid lipsticks and lip glosses.
• However, even I'm impressed with this product. It truly lives up to its claim as a liquid lipstick. Many a liquid lipstick end up like lip glosses, but this is pretty opaque. Pleasantly surprised since I didn't expect much of this.

 Sephora Collection **Professional Mineral Powder Brush #45

- I bought this brush primarily for MMU and pressed powder foundation application.

- Why? Because of its size - tiny enough for my small face.

- I have come to accept the fact that I have a very small face, and constantly need to "downgrade" brushes.

Case in point:

Most Face brushes - I can use as Body brushes ~_~

Most Blush brushes - I use as Face brushes

(Note: I have yet to find a HG blush brush...Sighs...)

Most Highlight brushes - I use as Blush brushes...

...Oh...You get the gist ~_~

- This brush is definitely a great addition to my brush collection. I can picture myself reaching for my HG RMK Powder Foundation EX more now that I've found a replacement for my now-defunct RMK applicator  ^_^

Ciao! Thanks for reading and hope that helped!