A Few of My Favorite Things - 16 Beauty Indulgences Worth the Splurge
Holiday Indulgences
One question I get asked a lot prior to Sephora’s winter sale (20% off for VIBs with code VIBTOPIA, 11/7 through 11/11!) is, “What do you recommend?” This is a loaded question! There are so many ways to answer this question! The way I tend to frame my answer is in the context of, “What have I wanted to buy but felt was a little too expensive normally? What favorites do I need to stock-up on?” I think sales offer us an opportunity to indulge in something that might be above our price point comfort zone the rest of the year, or be more willing to take a chance on a brand we’re not familiar with (because they’re not cheap!) as well as stock-up on things we know we’ll use over and over again.
Of course, it being the holiday season, there are also plenty of seasonal offerings to indulge in like sets and palettes–you can see my top palette picks in full here as well as some picks for sets and kits generally. Those both cover some of the seasonal offerings, and this post is less focused on seasonal/limited edition as it is just really fantastic products that I highly recommend from trying them.
Products to Indulge In — Lips
- Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick ($22 @ Sephora, see my review here) — great if you love creamy, more emollient lipsticks with high pigmentation and moderate lasting power
- YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stains ($34 @ Sephora, see my review here) — long-wearing, moderately pigmented color that doesn’t dry out lips
- Givenchy Le Rouge ($36 @ Sephora, see my review here) — creamy, luminous opaque lip color that wears well, makes lips look smoother than they really are
- Guerlain Rouge G Lip Color ($49.50 @ Sephora, see my review here) — Rouge G is a long-time favorite (still reigning supreme after years and years of trying new formulas) for long-wear, hydration, opacity, and feel
- Buxom Full-Bodied Lipstick ($21 @ Sephora, see my review here) — superbly hydrating, smooth, rich color that wears well
- Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipgloss ($24 @ Sephora, see my review here) — for a high-gloss, insanely shimmering/glimmering gloss
Products to Indulge In — Face
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush ($26 @ Sephora, see my review here) — a variety of gorgeous shades from intensely pigmented to subtly neutral with a soft, blendable formula
- Illamasqua Velvet Blusher ($26 @ Sephora, see my review here) — perfect for someone who loves the feel and blendability of of a cream blush but look and finish of a powder
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45 @ Sephora, see my review here) — a gorgeous finishing/luminizing powder to give that something special to the skin (and don’t forget the Ambient Lighting Palette!)
- Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($ @ Sephora, see my review here) — creates a lovely, smooth canvas and helps keep makeup on longer
Products to Indulge In — Eyes
Most of what I wanted to recommend (in terms of what came to mind) were palettes, which I’ve recommended previously here.
- Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo ($38 @ Sephora, see my review here) — buttery, soft texture and intense color payoff
- bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow ($30 & up @ Sephora, see my review here) — one of my all-time favorite eyeshadow formulas for texture and color payoff
- Dior Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadows ($30 @ Sephora, see my review here) — obsessed with these pigmented cream eyeshadows that wear well
Products to Indulge In — Nails
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer ($18 @ Sephora, see my review here) — high-shine, long-wearing formula with a nice range of colors/textures
- Illamasqua Nail Varnish ($17 @ Sephora, see my review here) — one of my all-time favorites for application, wear, and range
- Guerlain Nail Lacquer ($23 @ Sephora, see my review here) — so glossy and high-shine, pigmented, long-wearing
Products to Stock-Up On
These are your favorites, but this is a little list of basics that we sometimes blank on but often have a favorite we use quite frequently, so consider what you reach for in these product types:
- Eyeshadow Primer
- Lip Balm/Lip Care
- Foundation
- Skincare
- Mascara
- Shampoo/Conditioner/Sprays
- Top/Base Coats (for nails)
- Makeup Remover
Are you indulging in Sephora’s upcoming VIB sale? What’s on your list? What would you recommend to someone?
And if you aren’t a VIB, while Sephora has hinted at upcoming promotions for BIs as well, they haven’t confirmed what that means (could just be more samples, free shipping, etc. or it could be really awesome), Beauty.com’s F&F sale is open to all with 20% off.
Do you know if we can use the vib code more than once?
It can be used on multiple orders, since it’s a generic code – the only code that’s one-time only is the friend code, but your VIB card or the VIBTOPIA code works more than once.
So do we get to yell at you when we overdraft on our bank account? 😉 Hehe. <3
As long as all you do is yelling 😉 But maybe you’ll tell me how much you love something, too?
Oh, but of course!
Now I’m imagining a bunch of people yelling about how much they love their beauty hauls, but in loudly frustrated voices.
“I LOVE THIS!”
“THIS WORKS GREAT!”
“YOU LOOK AMAZING!”
“THANKS! YOU LOOK INCREDIBLE TOO!”
you should also do one of those indulge things for foundations!!!! it would be awesome!
Aww! I thought about it, but I feel like foundation is such a personal choice (dependent on skin type, what your concerns are, coverage you want!), you know? But I really love Guerlain foundations – Parure de Lumiere and Lingerie de Peau!
I’ll second Lingerie de Peau! I haven’t tried Parure de Lumiere, but it sounds lovely.
I agree on foundations. It look FOR-EVER for me to find a match that I wasn’t allergic to. Finally, MUFE came out with a non-SPF foundation. We are married for life (as long as they don’t change the formula!). I’d love to try the Lingerie de Peau, but I don’t think it would agree with my skin.
I, um, may or may not have a huge list prepared!
– Urban Decay Naked liquid foundation
– Diorskin Forever powder foundation (haven’t tried this yet but I’ve heard great things!)
– Bare Minerals Power Neutrals palette
– Clinique Moisture Surge Intense moisturiser
– Laura Mercier Matte Radiance baked highlighter
– Sephora brand ergonomic buffer/file (bought one already but it’s so good I need a second!)
– Formula X for Sephora nail polish, probably Supernatural and Larger Than Life
– Urban Decay Black Market liner set
– OCC lip tars (probably multiple colours, although I might hold off until I go to the OCC store in NY)
– OCC loose colour concentrate, Flawed (as above, haven’t decided yet)
And I’ll probably add a red lippie of some expensive variety depending on what I see in store!
It is always good to be prepared 🙂 But seriously a list helps keep you in check!
I have two of those – Moisture Surge Intense, which is super. I have normal skin, but use drying salicylic acid to treat a skin condition. MSI puts the moisture right back in, but isn’t greasy for me.
And you can never go wrong with UD liners if you like the formula. There are two in the Black Market set that I’d like to see made permanent.
I’m planning on stopping into Sephora tomorrow, but I’m limiting myself to one, *maybe* 2 items. We’vedecided to focus on sshopping for my daughter this month, in order to avoid crowds, and make sure she gets everything on her list, so the budget is a bit tight… I wish the F&F sale was at a more convenient time; it seems most shop for themselves, and Sephora would stand to make a bigger profit if the sale didn’t conflict with shopping for others, as consumers would be willing to indulge more.
They seem to have two sales a year – I think in the spring it’s only 15% and then this one.
Darn it Christine! You mentioned all of the stuff I was planning on buying but kept removing from my cart (and then putting them in again) 😀
I’m a mind-reader, I tell ya!
ROFL! I’m having the same problem! Trying to keep it below $600, but keep inching over! GRRRR! 😀
I’m pretty excited for this! I stocked up on all of my basics not too long ago, so I’m using this promotion to indulge in a few things I’ve really been wanting, along with some Christmas presents.
I’ll be picking up Urban Decay’s Ocho Loco 2 eyeliner set. It’s such a great mix of neutrals with a couple of fun colors–without going too over the top. UD’s Black Market pencil set looks great too. I might have to get both and give a few as stocking stuffers!
I always grab Sephora’s Lash Stash this time of year. The mascaras are great for travel, and it’s always fun to try new things.
I’m going to try a couple new shades of Too Faced La Creme lipstick.
This sale is a nice opportunity to get a whole new look. I would recommend Too Faced Primed and Poreless primer, Too Faced Primed and Poreless powder as a finishing powder, Too Faced La Creme lipsticks, Korres Quercetin and Oak concealer, MUFE HD foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes, Benefit They’re Real mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, and Urban Decay Naked palette.
What do you like about Korres’ concealer? Haven’t heard much about it!
I love Korres primer too because it does what a primer is supposed to do but has no silicones, which break me out horribly. It is intended for dry skin and is quite moisturizing.
Never mind. I thought we were talking primer not concealer. Sorry.
No worries! I really like their primer, too 🙂
The Korres concealer does double duty on my blemishes and under-eye circles. It has a medium-full coverage, but it’s so creamy and light! I don’t know about the anti-aging since I only have a few fine lines, but I’m sure it can’t hurt! My last concealer was Fresh Umbrian Clay, and that just didn’t seem to cut it for coverage.
Awesome! Thank you 🙂
I definitely have a few products you recommended on my list lol. I wish I could afford it all! I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with the Ambient Lighting Palette. I just can’t stop playing with it whenever I walk into Sephora lol
Well worth the splurge!
I wish I could buy that. Sold out in all the stores here!
I was just waxing lyrical about how much I love the Illusion D’Ombre, and how much I want the Dior versions – then I see this! Haha, it’s fate, clearly. So many of these are on my wishlist in general – I think I’m going to need someone to take my debit card from me before it’s too late.
LOVE them!
Meteore has taken my heart. I’m such a sucker for the gold/bronze family, gah!
I’m thinking:
Marc Jacobs polish in Oui and Gatsby
OCC polish in Electric Sheep
Nars sheer glow foundation (I prefer Hourglass but so expensive!)
Josie Maran Escape to Morocco Holiday set
Sephora + Pantone Spectra Palette in Daybreak
Hourglass Liquid Rouge Lipstick in Empress
Kat Von D spellbinding lipstick set
I can’t decide on the Kat Von D Spellbinding palette, I have so many already but it’s so pretty!
Even with the discount, Hourglass still not enticing enough? Which Hourglass formula?
That would be the Veil Fluid Make Up. I got a few packet samples with an order and I really just adore the formula, but I’m conflicted as it’s still $48 and the Nars is $35. From what I understand, the Nars formula won’t come with a pump, which is $6 and the hassle of ordering it.
I’m getting Hourglass.
You win. 🙂
LOL! One thing I think we shouldn’t skimp on is products we use all the time, like foundation 😉
Agreed, plus it’s so rare to find a formula that has shades light enough, good coverage, cruelty free, and isn’t chock full of stuff I’m allergic to. I’m just afraid of the day I have to buy another one!
So I went in to get an exact match for Hourglass, and apparently they don’t have anything that matches exactly. So I ended up with Nars anyway. Womp womp.
Aww! What a bummer, StacyAnn! 🙁
Hi – I have Escape to Morocco and it has a little more glitz than I would have expected…..pretty but not for the shy 🙂
Is that the body set? I’m going after the hair and body beautifiers set, but I’m also not afraid of sparkle either! 😉
Hi – Just for the body. And its not crazy sparkly – if you are a sparkle gal – it may even seem tame 🙂 Have fun!!
I just dropped a TON 2 weeks ago with the friends and family discount, but I just have to buy more with the VIB discount! I’m definitely picking up the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette. What a deal?
Have you used Hourglass brushes before? I was thinking of buying the brush recommended for the Ambient Lighting, but if you have another recommendation I would LOVE to hear it!
Hey Elle!
I like the Foundation No. 2 and Ambient Lighting Powder brushes that I have – and I used the No. 2 for a long time prior to finding newer favorites more recently!
Hi Christine! What are your new favorites? I’m looking for a good liquid foundation brush. 🙂
Here you go! http://www.temptalia.com/must-have-makeup-brushes-for-blush-foundation-contouring-highlighting-and-powder
I really want that palette, but I know the colors won’t work with my skin tone. I’m MUFE 115/117 or MAC NC20. Too fair to use those all over my face. Major bummer b/c I love the one I have, so I’ll just be buying Ethereal.
Ooo girl HG brushes are a dream! But so expensive -___-
I’ll be grabbing. Christmas gifts for my family- a Peter Thomas Roth skin care kit, the Sephora Superstars set, and a Guerlain lipstick in their luxury case.
For myself, I’m stocking up on my Ole Henrikson skincare, and probably splurging on the Guerlain Meteorites.
I totally would have put Meteorites on here if they had the pressed ones at Sephora!
I’m so sad that they don’t have the crazy meteorites pressed powder! I’m considering going for the meteorites compact powder in teint rose. But I’m not sure if that is going to be quite as illuminating.
Those are a little more mattifying in comparison!
Christine,
Are the Meteorites when pressed better in terms of usage/coverage or just easier to deal with than the loose version? I’m wondering if I should just finally give in and buy them, but I want to use the Sephora code so it need to be there!
I find the pearls are more shimmery/sparkly, whereas the pressed are more luminous – like a sheen or veil of glow. Some of the pearls you can see actual sparkles on (very fine, but yeah). I like both, but with pearls, I tend to use them more as highlighters and the pressed all the time as a finishing powder.
Christine! I already have the loose meteorites. You are making me want the pressed one now even though I dont use that much powder cause I have very dry skin.
What’s nice about the pressed is that they’re really quite translucent/sheer, so they shouldn’t exacerbate dryness! I don’t have very dry skin, just normal-to-dry!
So you prefer the pressed Meteorites over the pearls, Christine?
I have
– Pressed Voyage
– Rose Teint 01.
I love them, but they are a little flat.
Do you think the Crazy Paris Meteorites (either pearls or pressed) is unique enough to get?
I do, but if you already have Mythic (pressed), I don’t know if you’d like the pressed Crazy Paris. The pearls are pretty to look at, but they all look very similar on (me) so none of them are super unique!
Thanks, Christine. I think I’ll pass since I’m a highlight hoarder to the nth degree. If there’s not a significant difference, I should splurge on something else! 😀 My list is getting longer and loooonger!!! 😮
How do you think Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder compares to the Guerlain Meteorites Pressed Powder?
Hey Greta,
It’s going to depend on which shades you’re comparing, but Guerlain’s are more translucent/sheerer in general, less powdery in feel. Guerlain’s tend to all add radiance/luminosity back into the complexion, whereas Hourglass’ can be more or less luminizing, can be brightening or warming, etc.
I’m definitely planning on participating in the VIB sale this weekend. My list currently is comprised of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (I may grab this one online instead of hoping the store still has one!), UD Vice 2 palette (coming from someone who owns a lot of palettes, this is my favorite out of the bunch that doesn’t seem to have a lot of dupeable shades for me), UD Black Market set, and a cologne set for my boyfriend. I’d also like to pick up a new foundation, but I usually wear Chanel and would like to switch. I have dry skin and need full coverage with a matte finish preferred. I don’t lean warm or cool toned. Does anyone have any Sephora recommendations? I’m fairly fair but I can often find a shade in most brands. Thank you!
Happy to hear Vice 2 didn’t end up having too many dupes for you, Rachel 🙂
I think MUFE has Mat+ Velvet is pretty nice. I used to use that a lot, and it’s listed as a full coverage foundation, actually!
now that you mentioned it, i can bet that they’ll have a 20% for regular BI. they always do…
I checked my posts from last year and couldn’t find me posting about a 20% off for BI 🙁 Not for the holiday season – they had a 15% off in spring-ish.
They usually have $15 off $50 around December! At least last year they did.
Just bought a UD Revolution lipstick in Rush (after looking up your swatches ;)) at Winners for $16.99! Pretty amazing price considering they’re $26 here!
Very nice!!
Which Winners did you find it at?
Great list, Christine! I scored a VIB friend code from a very nice person on here and I plan on getting quiiiiiiiite a few things. I convinced my mom to celebrate my birthday early (mine is Nov. 30) and asked for Sephora gift cards.
This is what I’m getting: TF A Few Of My Favorite Things palette, UD Naked 1, 2, & Basics, TF Joy to the Girls, Benefit World Famous Neutrals – Easiest Nudes Ever, Tarte Pure Delights 8Piece LipSurgence set, Tarte The Tarte of Giving Collector’s set, Deborah Lippmann Big Bang nail set, NARS One Night Stand Cheek palette, NARS And God Created The Woman eye set, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, and Laura Mercier Artist Palette.
There are quite a few other things on my list but I’m going to focus on these for now. I’m in the market for a new foundation (I have only used drugstore so far) and I want to check out the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation and the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. I’m also interested in the Nars Smudge Proof eye primer as I’ve tried the UDPP and it’s absolutely terrible. I’ve heard the NARS one is the best. A deluxe size comes with the And God Created the Woman eye palette, but if I knew already that I liked it I would buy one of two of them. I’m gonna hold off on these items though and try to get samples (of the foundation) and try the deluxe size (primer). I’ve also been eying the UD Vice 2 palette and both UD eyeliner sets (no, not the vault!!), but I might wait til after Christmas.
Obviously I have a makeup/shopping problem. 🙂
So glad you were able to get a VIB code, Alyssa! 🙂
I lurve NARS’ Smudge Proof. That’s my personal favorite primer 🙂
i was definitely planning on getting a second givenchy lipstick. deciding between violine and rose was hard but I got violine already. so now, ROSE! and I am considering these diorshow fusiono mono eyeshadows… but trying to find the least dupable one or one that I will get the most use out of so it can work as a standalone shade, suggestions??
I love the Le Rouge range sooo much! So amazing. Happy to hear you are loving Violine!
I love Aventure or Meteore! 🙂
I really do like aventure! 😀 i think I have shadows that look like meteore already. Thanks Christine!
I tend to use these f&f sales as a way to stock up on my tried and true favorites! At the very least, I’m planning on picking up a clarisonic replacement brush head, boscia cool cleansing oil, a sephora brow pencil, and shiseido cotton pads. I know, boring!! 🙂 Then maaaayyybbeee I’ll splurge on a couple of new things, like the Nars guy Bourdin lip pencil set and an ambient lighting powder from hourglass (haven’t figured out which one yet!).
Me too, KY! I usually use them for big ticket items, anything I can hold off on until a sale, and basics. Lip balm, skin care, foundation. 😀
Great list, Christine and what a great idea for a post! Thanks for sharing! Here are some of the key items on my list..with some which may or may not make this cut and I have *’d items I would ideally want to pick up.
Bite Beauty – cashmere lip cream in bordeaux and sancerre
Dior Nude Tan Healthy Glow in 002 sunlight *
Jose Maran argan hair oil serum *
OCC mini lip tar set – is sold out right now 🙁
NARS blush in daydream *
NARS velvet matte lip pencil in dammned
Dior Fushion eyeshadow in Hynotique *
Hourglass ambient lighting palette *
Buxom full bodied lipstick in hooligan
Buxom full bodies lipstick in scoundrel
Guerlain Meteorites illuminating primer *
Laura Mercier artist’s palette for eyes
so when does all hell break lose and the gates come crashing down at Sephora on-line? Midnight? Gotta check…
errr..loose too
I think it is usually midnight… but I can never remember if it is EST or PST. I know that Sephora HQ is PST technically…
The back of my VIBTOPIA card says through 11:59PM PST, if that’s any indicator.
It does start at 12 am PST.
Thx !
It’s up. Get in there and get your stuff! 😀 3:01am ET.
Great list, Wendy! 🙂 I can’t believe the Mini Lip Tar is sold out!
me either!
Eeep that’s 3:00 a.m. my time..still certainly not even in the remotest sense an uncommon shopping hour for this household 😀
You’re not missing much WWENDAYLYNNE. I purchased that mini set 2 weeks ago and it was awful 🙁 They bleed and accentuate every fine line or dry patch you may have on your lips. I also couldn’t get them to set even after several hours. The longevity was awful. If I didn’t eat/drink, 2-3 hours tops. Plus the dark shades (black dahlia and NSFW) applied streaky/patchy. I returned the set back since I could get a nice UD lipstick for the same price.
Wow, that’s a bummer to learn. I was thinking of snatching up on that and the Buxom minis, but one of the Sephora reviewers said the tubes were flimsy and made it difficult to apply the l/s properly.
Sometimes sets don’t equal high quality. I hope you’re happy with what you get, Wendy and Sandy.
My shopping is done until I get my $20 off $50 purchase in late December. I’ve been Christmas shopping since September to space it out, so this haul was mostly for me. 😀
oooh Sandy sorry to hear they didn’t work out for you!
I use these to mix with my lip balm and wear them in a less formal smudgier lip way if that makes any sense. I find them extremely drying as well, but I love the colours and the ability to mix. They tend to stay put on me fairly well even with the balm mixed in which is a bonus.
I already have quite a few of them and don’t need more so your post helped me to acknowledge that too. I did grab other lipsticks that have been sitting on my wishlist for awhile. 🙂
Can I just say that I love your updates each and every day – but this one on the eve of Sephora madness is really gracious. You are and always will be the best beauty blogger known to womankind. Have been reading you for years – time to say THANKS! Love, Carolina.
Thank you, Carolina! <3
Such beautiful colors and finds!
We have a crazy busy weekend coming up and it’s actually going to be a bit of challenge for me to get to Sephora but I’ll make the effort. I’m really only planning on buying some Philosophy Xmas gift sets for the “girls” in my life (friends’ daughters) and some things for my daughter’s stocking (LaVanilla and some Sephora moisturizer). There’s lots I’d like to buy myself but I went so overboard two weeks ago and also broke down and bought the TF Boudoir Eyes palette I’d been wanting for weeks, even though I KNEW the 20% discount was coming so except for really necessary stuff, (maybe a Boscia cleanser), or maybe the Hourglass 3 powder palette (not sure about it as the colours may not be a “value buy” for me), I probably won’t get anything for little ol’ me.
I hope you find some time to get to Sephora 🙂
Okay, here goes:
– Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil Vault
– Sephora Collection The Vacationer Makeup Organizer
– Benefit Gimme Brow
– Stila Holiday Essentials Kit
– Stila Cloud Eyeshadow
– MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation
– MUFE Super Matte Loose Powder
– YSL Creme Blush
– Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Plum Gold
– Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Midnight Violet
– Laura Mercier Velour Puff
– Boscia Vital Daily Moisture
– Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara
– Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder – Ethereal Light
I may pare it down a little. We’ll see. 😀
Great list, Melissa!
I’m moving to Australia for a year (from Canada) and I will be stocking up on my favourite mascara…makeup in general is nutty over there but plain ‘ol drugstore mascara is $20! I want my Better Than Sex but do NOT want to pay Oz dollars for it! I’m sure I will be stocking up on all my other essentials as well (and maybe some non essential splurges!)
Sounds like a good plan, Deb!
I tried to be smart about this sale since I’m short on funds nowadays. I desperately need a new foundation, so I tested a bunch at Sephora last week. The winner was YSL Touche Eclat foundation, which I took a sample of home just to be sure it really worked. I also got a sample of Hourglass Mineral Primer, which I’ve been using with it all week. I had been hearing such great things about the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, so I had the girl helping me put it on (all 3 shades) over the YSL foundation. I see why everyone loves that stuff! What a stunning finish it gave my face. So my haul tomorrow will be: YSL Touche Eclat Illuminating foundation in BR30 and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, which just happens to come with a small size of the Mineral Veil Primer. Yay!
That was really smart of you – testing before the sale! 🙂
Thanks Christine!
Hey everyone,
Nobody wants my VIB “friend” code this year so is someone wants it, it’s up for grabs. The first person who lets me know can have it.
I was just looking at the Sephora thing and it looks like I will need your email address to have them send you the code….so you have to be OK with that I guess…..
I would love it if it’s still available. I have quite a list and any saving would be awesome. Thank you.
Hi do you still have the code available am regular BI
If no one else wants it I will gladly take it!
Omg, I’m so glad you posted this! I’m planning on buying stuff from Sephora and I’m still making my list. xD
I’m thinking bout the UD Revolution lipsticks, but I”m definitely getting the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette.
I’m still debating on different setting/finishing powders like whether I should try the NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder in Pressed or Loose. ;-;
My pleasure, An!
Enjoy your haul! I prefer NARS’ loose if that helps!
I am defiantly getting my skincare. That is always the most expensive yet boring purchases I make on cosmetics.
I’ve narrowed down my list to:
1. Philosophy Purity Face Wash
2. Clarisonic Sensitive Brush Head
… I’ve been wanting UD lip pencil in Bang Bang but I think I’m going to settle on the dupe of Milani flashy lip pencil in Flashy.
I’ve also taken off a few palettes and will instead buy some ingot eyeshadows because they are so cost effective and I don’t need all the shades from the palette I was going to buy anyways lol
Inglot’s eyeshadows are great! 🙂
I’ve been working on my wish list for awhile! Laura Mercier Artist palette, Tarte Holiday blush palette, Benefit Rockateur, Urban Decay Ocho Loco 2, Lorac Pro Palette and Hourglass Foundation. Unfortunately the Lorac Palette and Hourglass are sold out online and my Sephora doesn’t carry Hourglass 🙁 I’ve given my wish list to my husband to buy me a few things for Christmas but I will also buy some basics (like mascare) that I need soon.
Great list, Lorrie! 🙂
This list is amazing! I have a Dior quint (Rosy Tan) on my list, and maybe a new Benefit Hello Flawless powder (its my favorite powder foundation). I also really love just about anything from Hourglass…so yeah, that might happen.
Hourglass is an amazing brand! 🙂
I recommend that people go to Oregon, where there isn’t any sales tax. 🙂
If only all we could!
Does anyone have a extra friend code they wouldn’t mind sharing plz I would gladly appreciated it
I’m going to be in trouble. . .
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light
Tarte Amazonian Clay liquid foundation
OCC Lip Tars in Tarred, Feathered, and Black Dahlia (I’ve been trying to justify them for ages)
Probably a couple palettes and sets as gifts too. Plus whatever sneaks into my cart before I’m finished.
Love your list, Bella! 🙂
Oy I know this is a lot, I’ve been building up and editing my cart for some time now. I plan buying the Hourglass palette online and the rest in store, I know I will buy less when I’m actually in the store… 😛 Happy shopping everyone!
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
Sephora Favorites Lash Stash
NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet-Crème
Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue
L’Occitane Hand Indulgences Set
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Clarins Toning Lotion
NARS Blush Mata Hari
That’s going to be a lovely haul, Dana! 🙂
I’ve been thinking about the Clinique Chubby Shadow Sticks and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, but I feel like I need to go back to Sephora to see and swatch them in person. If I like the Hourglass powders I’ll probably pick up at least one, since the price point is so high, but I’m afraid I’m going to end up loving more of them than I can afford!
Otherwise, my list is pretty much:
Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Bobby Dazzle
Dior Addict Lipstick in Backstage
Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Manic (still need to double-check this one, but I’m like 98% sure)
Don’t forget about the Ambient Lighting Powder Palette, in case you do fall in love! 🙂
I couldnt wait for the sale to het the hourglass palette. So I already have it. So does most of the palettes you mentioned 🙂
Right now the list is
Urban Decay Catfight Lipstick
Buxom Lippie Hooligan (backup)
NARS eyeshadow primer
Ilamasqua Velvet Blusher
Bobbi Brown corrector
NARS uy Bourdin Lip set
* Disclaimer: Subject to change every 5 minutes 🙂
You’ll have to let us know what you finally end up with! 🙂
This is not really related to this post, but anyone know if/when Sephora may carry the YSL Youth Liberator Serum foundation? I’m really wanting to try it but can’t really find it anywhere accessible to me (as a Canadian, who doesn’t want to pay crazy shipping/duty fees). Thanks to anyone who has any info!
I talked to the YSL rep in the Vancouver store and he said that the YSL Youth liberator foundation will land in the Sephora stores soon!
OK, it’s 11/7 PT. Why isn’t the code working yet? 😮
Never mind. I’ve officially lost my mind. I have to stay up until 2am to place my order. LOL It’s all good. Got some serious beauty-freak adrenaline flown’ large.
I have a good moisturizer for the winter for my skin (body and face) as well as some expensive basics. Like Nars Eye shadow primer (ONLY one that works for me).
Thank you for doing this list, what a great idea! Now if only I could get Sephora to accept my Australian credit card lol
May I please also take this opportunity to request reviews for the remaining un-reviewed Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipglosses? Hot and Pink Sequin, plus there are a couple of new/limited edition shades. I completely understand if you don’t have the time, and thank you again for everything you do!
This is what I have in my cart right now, but it might change between now and checkout!
Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil in Toast
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 (small size to try)
Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Port
Yves Saint Laurent CRÈME DE BLUSH in Red Agate
Illamasqua Velvet Blusher in Peaked
Too Faced Better Than Sex Modern Matte Collection
Things I’m debating on:
ARDENCY INN PUNKER Eyes Like Fire Shadow
ARDENCY INN Semi-Goth Lip Gloss
ARDENCY INN Lipstick in Lucky
Illamasqua Freak Perfume
NARS blush in Daydream – forgot about that!
PHEW! I got the UD 24/7 Liner Vault and everything else on my list. WOO HOO! Now I can go to sleep!
Goodnight everyone! Happy shopping!
<3 😀
Sadly, or laughably, I haven’t been waiting for any sales. And I haven’t made a list. Somehow I’ve managed to spend over $1000 in the past couple of weeks, most of it on cosmetics – a fraction on skin care. And we haven’t even begun December, the Christmas launch parties, or the special events I’m signed up for.
I have picked up some discontinued and/or limited edition products that I’m quite happy to have been able to add to my collection, which is how I’ve been justifying it (ridiculous, I know). But they’re all lined up, smiling at me LOL so I’m actually happy I spent the money. I can’t be buried with it, so might as well enjoy it while I can 🙂
Laura Mercier Artist’s Palette for Eyes / Artist’s Palette for Eyes
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush / Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Exposed
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush / Amazonian Clay 12-Hour dazzled
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Skin Conceal / Skin Conceal R1
Marc Jacobs Beauty Shameless Bold Blush / Shameless Bold Blush 206 Reckless
Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain 13 Rose Tempura
Urban Decay Black Market Pencil Set / Black Market Pencil Set
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer / Radiant Creamy Concealer Vanilla
Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set / Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set
Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Invisible Skin Fusion Foundation SPF 20 / samples
NARS Blush / Blush Oasis
Benefit Cosmetics Rockateur / Rockateur Rockateur
Too Faced La Crème / La Crème Loganberry
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer / samples
Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm / BI 100 PT
Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss / High Shimmer Lip Gloss Plum Gold
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
Dior Addict Set BI 500 PT / BI
After changing my cart around 20 times over the last week here’s what I ended up with:
-Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
-Dior 5 Pan Palette
-Dior Fusion Mono Eyeshadow (I’ve been dying to try these!)
-Sephora Pro Cream Shadow brush
-Shiseido Facial Cotton x2
-Marc Jacobs Lip Vinyl
-YSL Glossy Stain
-L’Occitane Hand Cream
Oh, and I picked up some hair ties/headbands. Not that exciting 🙂
I’m pretty sure I am going to pick up a couple of foundations during the sale. I will have a look around to see what else looks nice.
Thanks for posting this list! I bought the Hourglass palette during the F&F and love it! For the VIB sale I was thinking about splurging on Guerlain Meteorites. I don’t own any.. Do you suggest jumping in and purchasing the crazy pearls or should I get the traditional teint? I’m always looking for that “wow” product ❤️
Skincare is on my list this year! My beloved Dr. Dennis Gross Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment, Ole Henrickson The Truth is in the Eyes and Clarins Lotus Oil all at 20% off.
I’m so sad Sephora is out of stock on the Lorac Pro Palette, it was the #1 thing I wanted for myself. I’m considering an eyeliner kit and the new Formula X nail kit.
I need a new primer – Christine, is there anything you recommend for oil control? I’m not out of control oily like a teenager, but I get so shiny. I don’t like caking on powder and prefer laying down primer first to keep it in check, then blotting during the day.
Hourglass Mineral Veil! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m going to buy products that i always wanted but felt they were a bit much. Aka:
Double beauty blenders
Clarisonic mia
Soap & glory sugar crush scrub
Makeupforever HD primer in yellow
Yay i cant wait 🙂 why does makeup makes me so happy? Lol
I have been seriously watching my spending this year (in grad school) and was shocked when I realized I hadn’t passed the limit to be VIB this year! A good thing for my budget, but I had been counting on stocking up on Dior and Lippmann polishes with the sale 🙂
I LITERALLY JUST WATCHED THE LAURA MERCIER EYE PALETTE SELL OUT IN FRONT OF MY EYES, IN MY (Canadian) SEPHORA BASKET *tear*
On to the rest of the list I suppose :(…
-Laura Mercier body cream in Almond Coconut Souffle – so expensive, so lovely/moisturizing. I have the fig one, and honestly I’m considering getting the little value set instead to try more scents, but this Almond Coconut one is screaming my name.
-Kate Somerville Exfolikate – Christine’s recommendation, the end.
-Kate Somerville oil-free moisturizer for muh oily skin
-Nude Skincare Miracle Mask – I’ve heard Kate Johnson from gh0stparties.com talk about this so many times & I just need to try it since I love Nude Skincare! Also Caroline Hirons speaks well of Nude Skincare, big bonus
-Illamasqua speckled polishes! The purple & beige ones. I love Illamasqua polishes they’re amazing.
-Dior 5-colour eye shadown in Rosy Tan – Normally I would consider the $61 (Cdn $) too much for just 5 shadows, but we’re talking about 20% off here. No messing around. Also Lisa Eldrige is a fan of this palette. ‘Nuff said.
-REN Glycolic Acid Radiance Renewal Mask – recently got a deluxe sized sample of this stuff & even my boyfriend made a comment about how soft my face was after I used it! It’s amazing! He just doesn’t usually notice since I’m always putting different kinds of goop on my face!
-REN Radiance Perfection Serum – it has some really good reviews, I love REN skincare & I’m in need of a new everyday serum. Thought I’d catch this on sale.
-“GlamGlow gift sexy”- full sized GlamGlow mask (omg enough masks??) plus a deluxe sample of the skin firming one. Check.
-Tarte Off the Cuff blush palette – umm. Tarte. Blush. Palette. Done.
– Origins Skincare Musthaves – Loving my skincare, haven’t tried a lot of these products. Value set. Bam.
-Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation Mattifying Oil-Free. I saw a few comments below about an Hourglass foundation and I was like, duh, why not.
HOLY SHMOLY. I have a problem. But there’s a whole in my *cart* where the Laura Mercier eye palette belongs 😀
🙁 So sad! It was up, and then I refreshed, and it said sold out for me (U.S. site now).
*hearts breaking across North America*
Wish I could be in US just for 1 day during the Holidays season!!! We have no discount on makeup/skincare, nothing!!!! No F&F sale. Not even at Sephora. No option for online shipping from Sephora!! Can I cry now!!!! 🙁
UD Vice 2, NARS reflecting pressed powder, Lancôme dual finish powder, UD fiend l/s, sephora pink kiss l/g. Still debating on an ambient lighting powder (but I figured with my oily skin NARS silva powder would be better) and the TF a few of my favorite things palette.
I would definitely recommend trying one of the new UD l/s, they are amazing. And I love the UD matte setting spray. I love the glam glow supermud (white jar) and origins out of trouble mask is you have blackheads and breakouts. And illamasqua blushes. Anyone tried the illamasqua blush brush that looks like the NARS contour brush?