Stephie Estie | Page 3 of 39 |

Play! By Sephora Unboxing February 2017!

March 9, 2017

Hi readers!

After a few months away, I’m back with a new post and a new look to my blog!

While I was away, I’ve been busy trying to work on my skincare business, working out, getting pelvic floor therapy to help manage my IC, taking a course at UCLA regarding skin, and of course, redesigning my blog. It’s been a bumpy road navigating a self-hosted site but I’ve learned a lot and while there will be a few more tweaks, I’ll roll those out slowly. 🙂

I know I’m late on this but I have a review for the February Play by Sephora box. In case you haven’t heard, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora. The theme for February was The Soft Side, with “muted, mellow shades and skin-perfecting formulas [that] are a never-sail way to show off your natural beauty.”

On to the reviews.

Sephora Collection Lashcraft Length and Volume Mascara

This mascara has a unique flat paddle-shaped wand to lift lashes while the nylon-infused glossy black pigment creates drama. Mascaras are always a hit or miss with me as my eyes are a bit sensitive and a great mascara for me means that my eyes won’t burn by the end of the day. This one is okay but not my favorite as it gives volume (due to the brush) but not much length. It irritated my eyes a bit as well. I’ll use this up but I won’t be purchasing a full size.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound

I have been wanting to try this product for a while so I was ecstatic to see it included in my box. It’s a dusty-rose liquid lipstick that is a infused with natural oils and feels weightless. I absolutely love the color-on me it’s reminiscent of the just bitten look- and it’s a very comfortable formula to wear as it’s not drying. However, because it’s a semi-matte finish, this entirely wears off with eating and drinking so if you’re looking for something that is long-lasting, this isn’t it. Still worth a try in my opinion though.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

If you’ve read my review on the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks, you know the Lip Injections are a favorite of mine. Milkshake is a nude shade lip that has an intense tingle factor but does in fact, plump my lips. It contains avocado and jojoba oil that helps soften them too, which I love.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound and Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

Clinique Prep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer

An innovative product, this moisturizer can be used as a primer or as a quick fix throughout the day to control shine or add hydration. I used this both as a regular moisturizer and primer and I feel that it worked better as a primer. This product has a thick, almost silicone texture that feels silky when applied. To me, it provided a mattifying effect but my face didn’t feel as tight as it does with most oil-control primers. Although my skin doesn’t feel dry, it didn’t necessarily feel hydrated either. My makeup applies smoothly with this and doesn’t cling to dry patches. Bottom line: this works better as a primer.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

This luminous eye cream contains coffee bean, ginseng, and magnolia extract to visibly brighten and depuff the undereye area. Ginseng gives a subtle glow to skin while the coffee beans work to energize tired skin. Although I can’t attest to the depuffing aspects, the eye cream has a pink pearl-like color that helps to brighten my undereye area. This works well under concealer and is similar to the Caudalie one, which I really love.

Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence

Effervescent floral and bright, this sparkling champagne doused scent embodies luxury and glamour. Notes in this earthy and woody fragrance include orange blossom, bergamot, gardenia, amber vanilla and saffron. Surprisingly, I actually like this fragrance. It’s more on the sweet side but the woodsy scents balance it out perfectly.

Overall, I’m content with this box, especially with the inclusion of the Nars Velvet Lip Glide and the Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy.

What do you think of this box? Any products you’d like to try?

Stephie Estie Will Be Back Soon!

November 1, 2016

Hi everyone!

I’m taking a bit of time off to give my blog a makeover but I will be back soon! In the meantime, keep up with me on Instagram! Leave your Instagram link so I can follow you too! 🙂

See you soon!

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Halloween Edition!

October 28, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

Since it’s Halloween weekend, I have a special skin saving tip to share with those that are planning to dress up. 🙂

Applying a silicone-based primer or moisturizer will not only help your makeup apply smoother but it will also act as a barrier between the makeup and your skin, protecting you from any irritation that can stem from artificial colors.

Have a safe weekend everyone!

Stephanie

October 2016 Favorites!

October 27, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone!

October is coming to a rapid end so here’s some products that have gotten me through with stellar results. Take a look!

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3

Words can’t express how much I really love this cushion BB cream. It provides a natural “my skin but better” look and leaves behind a nice glow that is not overwhelming. One of my go-to products for practically any given day.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

Included in the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks holiday set, I’m pretty obsessed with these lip glosses. With just the right amount of shine, I love the plumping effect of this gloss and they last a pretty good while.

It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo plus Keratin

Pretty much my holy grail shampoo at the moment! Finding a shampoo that does not make my scalp or skin itchy is painstakingly difficult. This sulfate free, sodium chloride free, paraben free, keratin protein infused shampoo lathers nicely, cleans my hair without feeling harsh, smoothes my curly and often times unruly hair and the best part? No irritation.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Basically the only worthy product included in my Birchbox box this month, I like using this mask in the shower to gently exfoliate my skin. Although it’s compared to a traditional peel, I disagree. I can’t see the levels of willow bark and pomegranate enzymes these have but it doesn’t appear to be too concentrated as I felt no activity once I placed it on. I like this for cooler weather at the moment because it provides hydration without feeling heavy.

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

This blush is one of my favorites for a reason. It provides both a natural look and finish and is perfect when you want to look put together in a jiffy. It blends seamlessly onto skin.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel

Look no further than this product when you need to groom and define your eyebrows stat! Since this has a spoolie like application, a few quick strokes helps fill in sparse gaps and brush them at the same time to save you time.

What are your favorites this month?

Stephanie

Play! By Sephora Unboxing October 2016!

October 25, 2016

Hi everyone!

I have a look into the October Play! By Sephora box. In case you don’t know, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora. The theme for this month is The Cool Cut, with products that truly stand out from the crowd and destined to become mainstream with breakthrough formulas.

How cute is this Lipstix and Chill bag?!

Let’s get into the rest of the contents!

Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel

An advanced, non-abrasive peel that is supposed to gently exfoliate skin to reveal a bright and renewed complexion. The active ingredient is AC-11, which is derived from cat’s claw and helps gently exfoliate. As an esthetician, I have a different expectation for a peel. Personally, I didn’t see a difference with this at all and it actually left behind a sticky feel and residue. Not impressed at all.

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil

A conditioning hair mask that strengthens strands while enhancing color and shine. The unique ingredient in this is prickly pear oil that comes from the seeds and contains over 80% fatty acids that provides an unparalleled amount of deep nurturing oils to hair. This mask it quite thick and has an interesting smell. When I used this mask, I found that it did leave hair shiny but it didn’t have a conditioning effect as I assumed it would. It does not state that it’s supposed to condition hair so it’s best to mix in your own conditioner with this mask to get knots out.

Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat

This matte liquid lipstick claims to last 8 hours and have a water-resistant, non-feathering formula. Jojoba, apricot and sunflower oils are included to provide a non-drying finish. The shade I received was Driver’s Seat which is described as a warm pink however I kind of find it to be a terracotta-red type shade. The shade is gorgeous and it is highly pigmented. This does come off when drinking and eating food and I do find this formula drying to lips. If you’re looking for a true matte liquid lipstick, then definitely check this one out.

Blinc Mascara Amplified

What makes this mascara special is the innovative “tube technology” that coats lashes with easy-to-remove, tiny water-resistant tubes that won’t run, smudge or flake. Removing this mascara is simple as you only need warm water and a cotton round or ball to remove. I’ve used this mascara before as part of my simple makeup routine and I love it for a natural look. I find that it doesn’t provide much volume though.

Belief The True Cream Aqua Bomb

This South Korean skincare brand is made with Scottish botanicals and based on the research of Duncan Napier, a Victorian botanist from Edinburgh. This lightweight gel-cream is meant to tighten the look of skin and sink in for a smooth, supple feel. It can also be used as a mask and tissued off after 5 minutes. I love the feel of this cream and it does feel very lightweight and refreshing when applied. However, I did notice that as I was using this, my face started to breakout. I’ve discontinued use and will try again to see if this was the source of my breakouts.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris

Inspired by a love for the sophistication and allure of Paris, this scent layers fruity and floral notes over a musky base. It contains notes of bergamot, pear, raspberry jasmine, musk and patchouli. My sense of smell hasn’t been the best so I haven’t tried this one yet but I will update this once I’ve had a chance to give it a fair try.

Overall, I’m happy with this month’s box and look forward to receiving November’s.

What did you get in your box this month?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: DIY Pumpkin Body Scrub!

October 21, 2016

Happy Friday!

I have a quick DIY pumpkin scrub that you can use to exfoliate dead skin from your body this holiday season.

2 cups of fresh cooked pumpkin (pureed)

4 tbsp. honey

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/8 tsp. of olive oil

1 tsp. pumpkin spice

Combine 2 cups pureed pumpkin, 4 tbsp. honey, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/8 tsp. of olive oil and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice in a bowl to make the scrub. Spread onto body, concentrating on rough patches like knees and elbows. Rinse off with water.

*Always conduct a patch test to avoid adverse effects.*

See you next week,

Stephanie

Bite Beauty Multistick Review in Almond and Praline!

October 20, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! I have a review on two shades of Bite Beauty’s new Multistick product. Since these are a hot commodity, I had to check them out for myself.

Curious to see what I thought? Keep reading!

Bite Beauty Multistick in Almond and Praline

Described as, “a multistick that applies like a cream and wears like a powder for weightless color application—just apply with your finger or a brush on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. With 35 percent powder in each Multistick bullet, this silicone-free formula creates a soft focus finish that’s blendable, breathable, and buildable. It features universal shades for the eyes, lips, and cheeks that compliment all skintones and are formulated to use anywhere on the face.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Long-lasting

Excellent array of shades

Great as a base for eyeshadow

Magnetic cap

Cons

A bit pricey at $24 a bullet

A little on the drier side

Can accentuate dry patches

Takes a bit of effort to blend

Overall: I like these, however I prefer them as lipsticks first. They are a bit on the drier side and I find that they tend to drag a bit. If lips are properly exfoliated and prepped, then it’s not that much of an issue as they stay on matte. It is a little hard to blend these so using them as blush requires some effort. I’m sure that the neutral shades would work better as blush on my fair skin tone. As eyeshadows, these work best either as a liner or a base and most definitely need a primer to last. The colors and pigmentation on these are gorgeous. Praline is a burnt orange shade while Almond is a reddish brown- both excellent color choices for fall. It’s also nice that this cap is magnetic so it ensures that the cap doesn’t open up in your purse.

Here’s swatches of Almond (top) and Praline (bottom).

Top-Bottom: Almond and Praline

Top-Bottom: Birkin Brown and Almond

I actually found a dupe for the shade Almond. The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown is a spot on dupe for Almond. In terms of application, Birkin Brown applies a bit more smoother but shade wise, they are pretty much identical.

Have you tried these? What are your favorite shades?

Stephanie

Pumpkin: Skin Treat or Trick?

October 18, 2016

All about #pumpkin in #skincare up on the #blog!

Skin Tip: Satin Pillowcases for Wrinkles!

October 14, 2016

Happy Friday readers!

If you notice you wake up with sleep wrinkles in the morning, it can be caused by the friction between you and your pillow. Unless you sleep on your back, satin or silk pillowcases may be worth looking into as they slide rather than pull against your skin. Bonus tip: they can also help reduce frizzy hair!

Do you use a silk or satin pillowcase?

Have a great weekend!

Stephanie

Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks Review and Swatches!

October 13, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone!

I’m excited to bring you a review on one of Too Faced’s Holiday 2016 sets. First off, can anyone beat the Christmas in New York theme? Call me crazy but it’s my dream to travel to NYC during the holiday season. Something about it just fascinates me but until that happens, I’ll gladly enjoy dreaming about it.

Okay, back to the review. I tried the Too Faced Lip Injection and instantly knew I had to get it. So I went on the hunt for this one and wouldn’t you know that all the stores I checked didn’t have these in stock. So, the next best thing was this set as it had 3 of the lip plumpers and matching blushes. Was it worth it? Keep reading!

Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks

Described as: This fabulously festive set comes with three deluxe Lip Injection Glossy Lip Glosses and three coordinating Love Flush Blushes, all wrapped up in one pretty package. Give as one present or spread the love (and kisses) by gifting each pair separately.

I love how these come ready to gift in case you choose to do so!

This set includes: Mini Lip Injection Glossy Original (clear) and Love Flush Crazy in Love (bright pink); Mini Lip Injection Glossy Milkshake (nude) and Love Flush Baby Love (nude peach); and Mini Lip Injection Glossy Like a Boss (orchid) and Love Flush Dream Lover (lilac).

Pros

Great value set ($36)

Unique/variety of shades

Can be gifted

Blushes are nicely pigmented

Good lasting power

Cons

Blushes are smaller than I’d like

Colors may be too sheer for darker skin tones

Overall: I’m very happy with this set. Considering that a deluxe size of the Lip Injection costs $14, receiving 3 of these plus the blushes makes it a good value. You can keep all 3 or gift them and they come imprinted with a gift tag, ready for you to personalize it. I was a bit skeptical to try the lilac blush and lip plumper but it’s actually a very flattering shade and it sheers out a bit more pink on my cheeks. Both the blushes and lipglosses have good lasting power, with the blush lasting almost all day and the gloss a solid 3 hours. The lip plumpers do tingle for about a minute or so but it does deliver a pouty, fuller lip. My only complaints would be that the blushes are on the small side and it takes a few swipes for my brush to pick up product; also, some of the shades might be too sheer for darker skin tones. Other than that, Too Faced did a great job with this set!