Sephora Spring Sale Buys

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While I certainly have more makeup and skincare than I need, I can't resist the semi-annual sales that Sephora offers. I actually try to wait to buy stuff until the sales come around in the Spring and Fall, and use it as an opportunity to stock up on favorites. This time around, I didn't really need to restock anything, so I took it as a chance to try some new products.

Atelier Cologne Clementine California Perfume- $135 

The main thing that I wanted to purchase was a citrusy, summery perfume. Once I smelled the Atelier Cologne in Clementine California, I knew that I had found the one. It definitely has that orange citrus clementine smell, but there is also a clean musk to it. I love that it isn't super sweet, but instead feels crisp and refreshing.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in Light 2- $44

Swatch of Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in Light 2

I have been wanting to try the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter forever and I am so happy that I finally picked it up! You get a ton of product, and it has multiple uses, so I think it's a good value even though it is a bit steep price-wise. I have used it both mixed in with foundation and as a highlight, and it works well in both cases. When I use it mixed with foundation, I just dot some on my face along with the foundation and blend it out. It gives a really nice overall dewiness to my entire face, which is always a plus in my book. It's also gorgeous as a more concentrated highlight. I'll use the applicator to put two dots of it on the top of my cheekbones, blend it out, and am left with a really beautiful highlight that isn't too intense. I got this shortly after I picked up the Glossier Niteshine highlight, and I would say that I prefer the Charlotte Tilbury. You get more product, it's more versatile, and it's just a bit more intense without being too much.

Fresh Sugar Lemon Hydrating Lip Balm- $18 and Laura Mercier Velour Matte Extreme Lipstick in It Girl- $28 

Swatch of Laura Mercier Velour Matte Extreme Lipstick in It Girl 

If there is one thing that I can't resist (besides... everything, fml) it is a lip product. I have been obsessed with the Fresh Coconut lip balm for a while, so when I saw that they came out with the Fresh Sugar Lemon Hydrating Lip Balm, I had to cop. I really like the texture on these. It is super thin and light on the lips, but hydrates really nicely at the same time. It's not sticky or goopy. It's perfect. I also had my sites on a bright pink lipstick for the upcoming warm weather. I saw this Laura Mercier Velour Matte Extreme Lipstick and knew I had found the one. I loooove a bright, matte lip, and this one is definitely both of those things. The formula also wears nicely after eating and leaves behind a stain so that you don't need to be self conscious about reapplying immediately. The formula isn't super drying either, I don't really feel anything on my lips when wearing it. What else could you ask for?

Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil- $68 

Texture of Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

I am always down for a good face oil- keeping my face moisturized is 100% my top skincare priority. I had heard great things about the Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil from my dear friend Amber, who never leads me astray. It definitely didn't disappoint. It's a blend of Rosehip, Noni, Pomegranate, and Sea Buckthorn oils. It reminds me a lot of the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate, but doesn't feel like as dry of an oil, in my opinion. It has a kind of earthy floral scent, but it's subtle. After I've put on any acids, retinol, Vitamin C, and moisturizer, I'll put 3-4 drops of this in my palm, touch my hands together, then pat it all over my face. There are probably a lot of other oils out there that would give the same effect, but I have to say that I've been pleased with the results of this one! It delivers on the glow, and I wake up looking hydrated and even. So far (knock on wood) it looks like I haven't even used any, and that is with pretty much daily use the past few weeks. I think this will last quite a while, but I think it's safe to say I'd repurchase when the time comes!

NARS Eyeshadow Single in Noumea- $19 and Nudestix Nudies Blush in Sunset Strip- $32 

Swatch of NARS Eyeshadow Single in Noumea

This eyeshadow was a last minute impulse. I've really been into NARS eyeshadows lately, and this shade Noumea was calling my name. Don't get it twisted- I absolutely did not need this. But will I use it? Definitely. I've used it basically every day the past few weeks. It's a great every day shade, exactly the type of warm brown that I love. That's the only reason I say I didn't really need it; I have a lot of really similar options already. But I do really love that it's a single shadow, so it's easy to travel with and use as a simple all over the lid shade. I've really been into the NARS eyeshadow formula as well. It reminds me of the MAC formula, but a touch softer. It still isn't powdery and blends out really nicely.

Swatch of Nudestix Nudies Blush in Sunset Strip

Nudestix is a brand that I am really interested in exploring more. I, like most others at the moment, a living for cream products. I love how effortless and blended makeup looks when using creams over powder. I picked up the Nudies Blush in Sunset Strip thinking it would be a great shade for summer, and it is. I love that the shade looks similar to what natural sun kissed skin would be. I find that because of that, it blends in really well with bronzer and makes everything look seamless. The formula on these also blends like a dream. I have to admit that I don't mind blending with the little brush that comes on the other end of the stick, but my preferred tool would be a small stippling brush.

Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50- $28 

If there is one thing I picked up that I am really on the fence about it would be the Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50. I love the idea of this. It checks two major boxes for me: 1) You can spray it over makeup because reapplying typical SPF throughout the day isn't practical and 2) It is a mineral SPF rather than chemical, which is always my preference for my face. What I don't like? The nozzle and the formula. The nozzle doesn't always spray evenly, so I have had moment where big globs of product will come out and I will have to blend it into my face. The formula also seems drying. I would imagine it could be hard to make a mineral spray product moisturizing, but it seems that the high alcohol content could be the culprit. I'm not sold on this 100% and will continue to try other makeup setting sprays with SPF to find the one that's just right.

The Inkey List Retinol Serum- $9.99

Texture of The Inkey List Retinol Serum

The last item that I've been trying out is The Inkey List Retinol Serum. This brand was new to me, and I was seriously impressed by their price point. It is reminiscent of the Ordinary; simply packaged, no frills product at a low cost. To be quite frank, I don't know if retinol is ever something that I will actively notice making a difference. From what I understand, at this point I really should be using it preventatively rather than to "fix" any one issue, so this makes sense. For $9.99, I figured this one would be worth a shot. The texture on this is quite runny, so I have learned to be careful when opening the tube. You really don't need much- they recommend a pea-sized amount for your face and neck. I will say that it doesn't irritate my skin, which is a plus with retinol, and my skin has looked extra bomb since adding this and the Kora oil to my routine. I'll definitely continue to use this product. I use this about two times per week, on nights that I am not using acids or Vitamin C. I might stray and experiment with other retinols, but until that this one has earned a spot on my skincare shelf. 

What have you guys been into lately? Any new skincare or makeup out there that's been floating your boat? I love trying new things and love it even more when they turn into favorites.