In general I have used a lot less makeup this year. It just doesn’t seem worth the effort when I am mostly at home. On work days I only use brow gel, eyeliner and mascara because it makes me appear more put together in video calls. That doesn’t mean though that my big love for beauty and makeup products has worn off. I think about it more as we are on a little break. Once stores opened in New York City a few weeks ago, I immediately enjoyed browsing through Sephora. And I of course ended up with a few new products that I have all tested since.
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Trader Joe’s Moisturizing Cream Shave: I only noticed the smallish shelf of beauty products in our Trader Joe’s recently. The prices are unbeatable and I thought I’d give the cream shave a try. First of all, it smells heavenly of honey and mango. Second, I really bought it to make it easier to shave my legs. I have used a safety razor for about a year and, while it works very well, it doesn’t always shave off all little hair when my skin is a little dry. This has now become much better.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Scalp Treatment Travel Kit: I read many great reviews on Briogeo products. But because they are rather expensive, the travel kit was a perfect offer to try them. My scalp is a little difficult. It is dry and besides store bought shampoos, I also use one prescribed by my dermatologist. I added the Briogeo products (shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment) to my routine and use it about once a week. It smells great and I think it helps my scalp. Although I might have to use it for a longer amount of time to see if it really changes things. But my first impression after several uses is definitely a good one.
Sephora Collection Sheer Liquid Eyeshadow in 01 Pearl: This was an absolute impulse buy. Over the years I have tried different liquid eyeshadows and have never been satisfied with the results. This one is the first that I like. It stays put on my eyelid for the whole day, even during a New York City summer. The color is indeed very sheer, i.e. subtle. I actually like this product a lot and contemplate buying other colors too.
Sephora Collection #Eyestories Eyeshadow Palette in Southwest Sunrise: Okay, the real reason I bought this palette was the beautiful picture of balloons on the cover. It reminded me of Cappadocia [like here]. Turns out that the eyeshadows also are amazing. There are three matte and three shiny shades that complement each other. I can easily layer them and there isn’t any fallout. The palette also comes with instructions for those who don’t know how to use eyeshadow (yet).
Natasha Denona Mini Star Eyeshadow Palette: Natasha Denona products seem to have a great quality and I got really curious after reading reviews. Even the mini eyshadow palettes are not cheap at $ 25, but I have to admit that they are totally worth it. When I go on vacation, I really only need this one palette. The five colors and its combinations are enough for every kind of occasion. I don’t have any fallout when putting them on and they last forever.
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer: I used my Sephora beauty points to get a trial size of this primer because the full size is expensive. It is a good primer, but I don’t think I’ll buy the full size any time soon. I have used other great primers that cost less and also give my skin a nice glow. Plus this one has a strong scent and I prefer unscented products on my face.
© janavar