For those of you who love makeup like myself, you are probably familiar with the brand ColourPop. If you haven’t heard of them, today is your lucky day. ColourPop is a cruelty free brand that is based in California. The best thing about their products is that they are extremely affordable. All of their products are under $10. Over the years I have become a ColourPop addict. I have tried all of the products they carry and have yet to be disappointed with anything I have purchased. Today I am bringing you my recent haul of their Holiday 2016 collection “Now Playing”. I love how the did the packaging of these collections. So cute!!!

***These kits were just restocked. I hope that when I post this, they are still available.***

Never Not Chillin Eyeshadow Kit $30  (If you do not like all the shades in this kit, they can be purchased separately).

Eyeshadows in the collection are: 

Peekaboo: Metallic ivory with silver glitter

Desert: Satin warm brown

Thirsty Girl: Metallic bronze with multi-dimensional glitter

Fairfax: Matte black brown

Babykins: Metallic burgundy with pink glitter.

Patchwork: Ultra-glitter turquoise with duo chrome glitters.

All swatches were taken in natural lighting with no flash. 

I absolutely love the formula of ColourPop’s eyeshadows. It’s a sponge like texture that is smooth and dries as a powder. It is best applied with your fingers or a flat synthetic brush. All of these shades are perfect for the upcoming holidays. My favorites in this collection are Thirsty Girl and Babykins.

To and From Lippie Kit $30

Lippies in the collection are:

Parker: Matte mid-tone warm nude

Cami: Matte X mid-tone mauve

Baewatch: Matte dusty rose

Pack Pack: Matte X deepened dirty plum

Weekender: Matte X warm true red

Tutu: Matte blackened violet

All of these lippies are matte but they do not dry your lips out. I was extremely impressed with the formula when I tried them out. If you are not sure about wearing a matte formula you can easily put on some chapstick and you will be good to go. My favorites from this collection are Tutu and Baewatch.

Hope you enjoyed my swatches! What are your favorites from the collections? Have you ever tried ColourPop before?

I am a huge lover when it comes to beauty products. Actually I would say more obsessed. Today I am bringing you a gift guide of my tried-and-true favorite beauty and hair products. These are products that I am always reaching for, so they have my stamp of approval. I know that these would make great gifts for the beauty guru in your life (or even for yourself).

Let’s start with makeup! When it comes to applying my foundation, I can’t live without my Beauty Blender. It applies my makeup effortlessly and the application looks flawless. Any beauty lover also knows that when it comes to applying makeup having a great brush set is key.  This brush set from Sephora is amazing (I don’t have it yet but I have one very similar to it). It contains all of the basic brushes that you would need to apply your makeup. It’s on sale right now, which is even better.  Palettes are another great option for any beauty guru. One of my favorite palettes is the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It has a beautiful mixture of neutral shades, perfect for creating several looks. One beauty product I can not live without is mascara. When I don’t wear mascara I look like I haven’t slept in days. Tarte’s Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara is amazing! It gives your lashes that extra boost of volume and length.

When it comes to haircare, It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-in Product has done wonders for my hair. It keeps my hair looking shiny, smooth and frizz free. It’s also great for preventing split ends! When I curl my hair, I love using the T3 Whirl Trio. It contains three wands to help you create that perfect curl and it’s so easy to use! Another haircare favorite of mine is my Drybar Buttercup blow dryer. It cuts the amount of time it takes to dry my hair in half and it helps reduce frizz, increases shine and traps moisture.

Now let’s talk skincare. I am constantly trying out new skincare products. You could call me a skincare snob. I purchased some products from First Aid Beauty at the end of October and fell in love with everything. Their products have kept my skin looking refreshed, smooth and hydrated. One of my favorite devices to clean my face with is my Mia 2 by Clarisonic. It helps remove my makeup beyond the surface and does it in a gentle way. It also makes me face feel so smooth. Sephora has combined the Mia 2 and First Aid Beauty products here. This is an amazing deal! Along with both of these products I love using face masks. What girl doesn’t? This set from Sephora is awesome (it includes more than face masks).

I hope you enjoyed my gift guide! I’d love to know, what are your favorite beauty products that you’d recommend as gifts. Let me know in the comments below!

Each month I look forward to receiving my Play! by Sephora Box. I love that I get to try out a lot of products/brands that I have never heard off for only $10. This month’s theme is “The Cool Cut”. This months box features several products that are up and coming in the beauty world.

What is Play! by Sephora? It’s a $10 a month beauty subscription service with five samples and one perfume sample each month. All of the brands are carried at Sephora. I love this because Sephora has a lot of high-end brands that I would love to try out; however, sometimes spending the money to try those products can be pricey. Another great thing about the box is that it comes with a pamphlet that tells you all about the products and how to use them. Another bonus that you get with the box is a Play! pass which lets you earn 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

What I received this month:

Smashbox Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat l (Full size $24// $10.00 value)// I love Smashbox products and was really excited to receive this lipstick. I am not a huge fan of matte lipsticks because some can be really drying. This formula is quite opposite of that. It’s very creamy and not drying at all. It doesn’t sit into the lines of your lips which is another big thing for me. I hate having dried out looking lips. Not cute! The shade is a warm nude with a hint of red undertones. Really pretty shade because it’s not overly nude. It also had really great ingredients such as jojoba, apricot, and sunflower oils which help the finish not be overly drying.

NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil in Belle (Full size $24) // This is the first time I have heard of this brand and I must say I am very impressed with the formula. I swatched it and it went on more like a gloss. It’s very hydrating. It wears up to six hours. The shade is a plum nude. Really pretty shade as well.

Too Cool For School Yellow Mellow Cream (Full Size $36// Value $4.30)// This product is so interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever had a beauty product quite like this. It’s a 5 in 1 multitasking cream made with egg extracts and collagen fibers. It works as a serum, priming moisturizer, eye cream, neck cream and sleeping mask. I am excited to give this a try because it is said that it tightens the appearance of pores, keeps skin looking healthy and firm and encourages the production of collagen.

VERB Leave-In Mist (Full Size $14// Value $1.75)// I love the way this mist smells! I can’t wait to use this product because it helps detangle/moisturize your hair, as well as keeps it strong. It also protect hair from heat. I am all for products that keep my hair moisturized.

Skin INC Pure Revival Peel (Full Size $//Value $4.68)// This product can be used as a primer, exfoliater and a peel. It helps remove dead skin and make you have a brighter complexion. One of the active ingredients in the peel is AC-11 which is derived from cat’s claw (a tropical vine that grows in the Amazon). When AC-11 is applied to the skin it is known to help gently exfoliate and care for environmental and sun damage.

Tom Ford Orchid Soleil (Full Size $82// Value $2.47)// I’m not a fan of this perfume. It had hints of spice and exotic florals. I enjoy floral scents but I’m not sure that floral and spices go well together. Maybe that’s just me!

Total Value of box: $47.20

What subscription services to you subscribe to? Let me know in the comments below.

It’s that time again! Another review for Play! by Sephora. I am still loving this subscription service. I have yet to be disappointed by the products they have sent me. This month’s theme is “The Unbasic Basics”. I really like this theme because with all of the beauty products that are out there these days, sometimes it’s great to just go back to the “basics”.

What is Play! by Sephora? It’s a $10 a month beauty subscription service with five samples and one perfume sample each month. All of the brands are carried at Sephora. I love this because Sephora has a lot of high-end brands that I would love to try out; however, sometimes spending the money to try those products can be pricey. Another great thing about the box is that it comes with a pamphlet that tells you all about the products and how to use them. Another bonus that you get with the box is a Play! pass which lets you earn 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

What I received this month:

Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in Love Spell (Full size $12.50// $3.37 value)// I really love how smooth and hydrating this lipstick is. It has a glossy finish but is not overly glossy. I would purchase this lipstick again or in a different color because it’s so affordable and I love the formula.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel (Full size $22// Value $7.48)// I will say this is the product that I am most excited about receiving. I love Anastasia’s brow gel. It is perfect for keeping your brows in place.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Tropp (Full Size $20// Value $7)// I have never used any of Kat Von D’s products, so of course I was also excited about receiving this in my box. This liner is so perfect for making those precise lines. It’s a really dark black that’s highly pigmented.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector (Full Size $28// Value $7)// Again a product that I have never tried before. I am a huge fan of hair masks though, so I can’t wait to try this out. This is a hair mask that you leave in your hair overnight. It helps restore softness and shininess to your hair.

Tory Birch Jolie Fleur Verte (Full Size $90)// This perfume smells so good! It’s a floral scent that is not overpowering. However; I don’t think I would pay $90 for a full size of this personally. That’s a lot of money!

Dr. Jart + Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer (Full Size $36)// This  is a water based moisturizer that provides hydration while visibly plumping and boosting overall appearance with hyaluronic acid. I have never heard of this brand before but I am excited to try a new moisturizer, especially with the winter months coming.

Again I am very impressed with this box. A lot of great products to be able to try out that I have not used before.

What subscription services to you subscribe to? Let me know in the comments below.

Once again I am so excited to be sharing my Play! by Sephora box with y’all. It is by far my favorite subscription box at this time. Here is a little bit about what Play! by Sephora is.

What is Play! by Sephora? It’s a $10 a month beauty subscription service with five samples and one perfume sample each month. All of the brands are carried at Sephora. I love this because Sephora has a lot of high-end brands that I would love to try out; however, sometimes spending the money to try those products can be pricey. Another great thing about the box is that it comes with a pamphlet that tells you all about the products and how to use them. Another bonus that you get with the box is a Play! pass which lets you earn 50 extra Beauty Insider points with any purchase.

The theme for this months box was: The Eye Openers. Of course once again I love the bag! It’s perfect for the theme.

Now for a recap of what I received in my box this month:

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil in Flirting Game (Full size $10// $4.25 value)// This eye liner glides on so smoothly. In fact a little too smooth because when I went to swatch it the tip fell off (I was pressing a little too hard). I love the color of this liner. It’s a shimmery taupe color. I’ve never used any of the Sephora brand eye liners but I must say that this one really impressed me. I will definitely be buying the full size soon.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (Full size $22// Value $5.50)// This is one product from my box that I have used before. I really love this mascara because it is great for lengthening and thickening out my eye lashes, seeing I don’t have long one’s unfortunately.

Clean Reserve Blonde Rose (Full Size $53.56// Value $1.32)// This perfume smells so fresh and clean (hence the clean part in the name). I am very picky with any perfume that I wear but this one I really like because it is very light and airy. It has a mixture of rose, jasmine and peony.

Lancome Energie De Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer (Full Size $55// Value $5.21)// I have never heard of this moisturizer before but it is said to work for all skin types. It helps relieve dullness, diminish signs of fatigue and promotes a healthy looking glow. It says to use it in place of a moisturizer. If you know me I am all for anything that makes my skin look youthful. I am excited to give this a try.

Make Up Forever Artist Shadow in I-544 (Value $6)// This shadow is so pretty! The shade is a taupe color with some purple in it. Really pretty for an all over the lid color. I find the formula is very smooth and blends out very easily. I’m happy I received this because I have never used any of their eye shadows before.

Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm (Full Size $62)// This eye cream is said to visibly lift and smooth the eye area with a breakthrough patented formula that reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness. Seeing that I am getting older I really love trying out new eye creams. I don’t have a lot of puffiness under my eyes but there are times when I do have some dark circles.

So this months box was pretty good as far as products are concerned. I was not able to get all of the sample size values for some of the products but I would say the box value is around $20-$25 which is pretty good.

I hope you enjoyed my review! You can sign up here to join. I will say that there is still a slight wait list for this box. If you already subscribe to Play! how do you like it? What other subscription services do you subscribe to? I’d love to know in the comments below.