Stephie Estie | Page 7 of 39 |

Birthday Haul 2016!

July 7, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! With the 3 day weekend, this week is zooming by fast. I have a post today on some of the items I got for my birthday as several of you expressed interest in seeing what I got/picked up. Ready? Let’s go!

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm

First up is this cooling eye balm which was also included in my June favorites. It’s quickly becoming a staple in my daytime/nighttime routine.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest

I had originally purchased the Estee Lauder blush in Brazen Bronze but it turned out to be a very close dupe to the Becca Wild Honey blush. So, I returned it and got this lipstick shade. It’s a neutral-mauve shade with a hint of bronze that is just so pretty and perfect for any occasion.

BH Cosmetics Forever Aqua Gloss Nude in Honeysuckle and Scone

Browsing through the BH Cosmetics website, I decided to add these glosses into the cart. I’ve heard good things about them, they were on sale and you can’t have too many neutral lipsticks, right? Right! These are subtle, not too sticky and great for layering over lipstick.

Top to Bottom: BH Cosmetics Honeysuckle, Scone, and Estee Lauder Fairest.

BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Cabana

The main reason I was glancing at the BH Cosmetics website was this blush/lip collection. The shade Cabana looked so pretty and I thought it’d be a good addition to my collection. It doesn’t disappoint as it has great pigmentation-don’t let the pale pink color fool you-and stayed on pretty much all day.

MAC Powder Blush in Melba

MAC was having a 15% sale (yes, another sale item!) and I could not pass it up. I’ve never owned any of their blushes so this was the perfect excuse. I’ve heard about the cult-favorite shade Melba so I snatched up this matte, soft coral peach pan. The hype is real on this one as it’s not too strong of a shade nor is it too light.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

Initially I went to Sephora with the intent of picking up the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face palette. After swatching it though, I decided it was too glittery for my taste and I couldn’t see myself using two of the blush shades. I decided that the next best thing was this eye brightener as I’ve seen the floating around on IG and blogs. Layered under my concealer, this corrector brings more light and life to my under eye area. A must-have when you’re tired but don’t want to look it.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

I originally wanted Beach Walk from Maison Margiela and I did buy the roller ball version. However, I stopped by the Nordstrom counter and caught a whiff of this one and I fell in love. I left the counter with only the perfume spritz card and plans to come back for it later. Well, days later my mom surprised me with a bottle! Thank you mom! With notes of bergamot, ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage and driftwood accord, this scent is unique and works well when layered with the Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom cologne. It’s my new signature scent.

Of course, I love all of these-I can’t really choose a favorite. I also have a chocolate spa treatment day that my sisters gifted me which I still need to cash in so I’m hoping to do a blog post on it later. 🙂

Are any of these your favorites? Which products are you currently coveting for your birthday or otherwise?

Stephanie

June Favorites 2016!

July 5, 2016

Hi everyone! How was everyone’s weekend? We celebrated the Fourth of July at the Rose Bowl yesterday and I had fun. You can check out a clip of it on my Instagram page here. 🙂

Let’s dive straight into my favorites for the month of June!

Bath and Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Body Lotion

Few scents evoke summer like coconut and this travel sized lotion does a great job. With notes of coconut milk, plumeria, saltwater breeze, pink passionflower and Oahu Dragonfruit, a small application of this will make you dream of Hawaii and provide you a mini escapade throughout your day, whether you’re in Hawaii or at the office.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm

I picked this up on a whim during a trip to Sephora and I’m so glad I did. It’s supposed to reduce puffiness and soothes with goat’s milk and manuka honey. I love the fact that you can just glide it on and feel the cooling effects instantaneously. It does not feel heavy or sticky at all and for an extra cooling boost, I stick it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying.

Cool Classic Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea

One of the samples in my May Birchbox, I have used this up this month and I really liked it. It works well under makeup which is always a plus. You can read more on it here.

Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

The main foundation I’ve used everyday this month, this, I love how fresh this makes my skin look and I’m constantly receiving compliments with this. Aside from a great skincare routine, this is one of my secret weapons to achieve a radiant complexion.

Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

I’ve circled around these liplosses for a while and after swatching CEO, I had to buy it. This lipgloss creates the illusion of fuller lips with a nice shine and it’s not sticky or heavy. The color to me is like a rosy mauve with a tinge of grey and I love it. Sophisticated with a slight edge, you’ll definitely feel like a CEO.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey

A shimmery gold highlighter. Need I say more? Check it out here.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

This industry favorite makeup brush cleaner cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes brushes in one easy step. I’ve had a few makeup gigs this past month and this is by far a must-have in my makeup kit as it also has a quick drying formula and leaves brushes smelling faintly of vanilla.

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

One of my favorite items from my PopSugar this month, these deodorant wipes are so easy to use, you can take them on the go, and most importantly, they are effective.

Top-Bottom: Laura Gellar Gilded Honey and Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss in CEO

Some swatches. Aren’t they pretty?

What were your favorites this month?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: 4th of July Edition!

July 1, 2016

Happy Friday everyone!

We have a long weekend ahead thanks to the 4th of July. Celebrate by adding some red, white and blue summer fruits packed with antioxidants that will keep you and your skin healthy and glowing!

Red: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and folate; watermelon (my fave) is high in vitamin A and C.

White: Lychee is a great source of vitamin C; jicama (aka yam bean) contains vitamin C and small levels of B-complex-tastes great with chile and lime!

Blue: Blueberries are an excellent source of fiber and high in vitamin C.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing June 2016!

June 30, 2016

Hi everyone!

PopSugar Must Have subscription box is in! For those who don’t know, PopSugar Must Have Box is a monthly box that includes items that range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. All items are full size and valued at over $100. This box is$39.95 per month while the new PopSugar mini box is $18.95.

The themes that inspired June’s box.

NCLA Born On the 4th Nail Lacquer, $16

This cruelty-free red, white, and blue polish can stand alone or worn on top of a different polish. I haven’t tried this one yet but it looks very festive and appropriate for the 4th of July weekend.

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes, $9

An easy way to freshen up on the go, these travel-ready wipes neutralize odors and have an aluminum-free and vegan formula. I was a bit skeptical to try these at first but also curious as I have been looking for natural deodorant alternatives. I’m actually impressed with how well these held up throughout the day and while working out. I did find I needed to reapply before working out to keep completely odor free but overall, I will definitely purchase these again.

Knock Knock Are Your Ready (For Your Close-Up?) Compact, $10

A cheeky compact mirror that’s durable enough to throw into a beach bag for touch-ups on the go. Personally, this item felt a little on the cheap side. One side kind of magnifies which is nice but I gave this one away as I just wasn’t thrilled with it.

Wild and Wolf Ridley’s Games Room “Who Am I?” Quiz, $12.95

An easy-to-play game that you can bring anywhere to keep you and your friends guessing which celebrity it is. Haven’t used this but I’m sure it will come in handy as I’m always up for board games. I just hope that they’re not too hard to guess. 😉

Sisters of Los Angeles “Cheers” Gold Bottle Opener, $12.95

A weekend staple, this golden bar accessory is the ideal companion to your favorite brew. Again, not an item I was overly thrilled with. It’s nice and sturdy with some heft but eh, nothing to brag about.

Pressels Siracha, $1.29

I’m pretty much always happy when there are food items included. These have less fat and sodium than regular chips with a hint of spice. Although these were definitely not spicy or close to a siracha flavor, they were still tasty nonetheless and provided a filling snack.

Hat Attack Neutral Diamonds-Printed Sarong, $58

This multifunctional sarong is lightweight and easy to pack. You can switch up how you tie it, creating different possibilities on how to use it. Another item I was just not too thrilled to receive either. It has a nice design but I think I would have preferred a beach towel.

Overall, this was not my favorite box. The main item that was stellar was the Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes and I enjoyed the Pressels but other than these, this box was not exciting. 🙁 Here’s to hoping next month is better.

What did you think of this month’s box?

Stephanie

Play! By Sephora Unboxing June 2016!

June 28, 2016

Hi everyone! I’m excited to bring you a peek and review of the June Sephora subscription box. This curated box is $10 a month and you receive 6 deluxe size samples from prestige brands. There’s currently a wait list so if you’re interested, visit the Sephora website to add your name to the list.

The theme for this month is minimalism for a low-key summer look. Let’s take a look at what’s included.

Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It

This hair creme is said to add body and “enhance fine to medium hair textures for a laid-back, air-dried style.” I have curly hair and while this provided it some definition, on it’s own, it didn’t hold up. My hair frizzed up and I had to pair it with other styling products. I think it would work better on wavy or straight hair.

BareMinerals bareSkin Bronzer

A liquid bronzer that can be used by itself or customized with your foundation to give you a sun-kissed glow. I loved this product. I used it to softly contour my face and although it looks dark, it blends out nicely without looking orange.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara

A bestselling mascara, this helps to lengthen and volumize the smallest of lashes with its specially designed brush. Personally, I am not a fan of this mascara at all. The formula burns my eyes and somehow I find that this tangles/clumps my lashes so much. I gifted this one away.

Becca Backlight Priming Filter

Easily the product I looked forward to most when my box arrived. It’s a shimmering makeup primer that helps to blur imperfections and create a luminous look. I loved how this paired underneath my foundation to create a nice glow and I found it worked nicely as a liquid highlighter. I made sure to use powder over my makeup to keep my skin from looking overly shiny as I have combination skin.

Tarte Taretguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

The esthetician in me is of course happy that a sunscreen was included in this box. An antioxidant- infused physical (non-chemical) sunscreen, this provides both broad-spectrum protection and moisturizing benefits. This sunscreen feels almost like a serum that absorbs quickly and is a bit on the oily side. So far, I haven’t experienced any breakouts from this though and it mixes well with foundations.

Tocca Beauty Florence

This romantic perfume, “conjures long-ago Paris with a sophisticate blend of bergamot, violet petals and blonde wood.” I didn’t care for this scent much. When I looked it up on the site, I noticed it also had notes of ivory gardenia and jasmine, both of which I really dislike. In order for me to like a perfume that contains jasmine or gardenia, these scents can’t be prominent and unfortunately that was the case with this one.

Swatches of the primer and bronzer.

Top-Bottom: Becca Backlight Priming Filter and BareMinerals bareSkin Bronzer

I was pretty happy with this box as it included some great brands that are perfect for a glowy summer look.

What did you think of this box?

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Smile Like You Mean It!

June 24, 2016

Happy Friday everyone! Hope everyone is doing well!

June is be comfortable in your own skin month and whatever skin condition or obstacle you’re battling, don’t forget to share a smile. You can spend thousands of dollars on skincare items and makeup but if you can’t also master the simple technique of smiling, then you’re missing the bigger picture.

Smiling can change our mood and alter a negative viewpoint into a positive one. It can also help alleviate stress, boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, make you look younger, seem more attractive, and best of all, it’s contagious. A smile will draw and bring happiness to you and those around you.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Stephanie

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil Review!

June 23, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone!

I’m excited for today’s post as about a little over a month ago I received confirmation that I was part of the SEPHORA Beauty Enthusiast community. They sent me a deluxe sample of Sunday Riley’s Luna Night Sleeping Oil and while I had tried a small sample of this before, I gave another test run. Let’s take a look at what this highly talked about oil is all about.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Described as, “a next-generation retinoid oil that improves skin plumpness and helps fight the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores for visibly clearer, younger-looking skin.” It’s supposed to help reduce pore size, improve the appearance of damaged skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and moisturize and calm the skin.

Pros

Retinol as an ester

Antioxidant oils such as cold pressed chia oil, grapeseed oil and avocado oil

Improves skin texture

Provides excellent hydration

Includes chamomile which helps soothe irritation

Can be mixed in with your moisturizer for added benefits

Cons

Essential oils might be irritating for some people

Very fragrant

May be too moisturizing for acne skin types

A bit pricey

Inclusion of dyes (albeit small)

Overall: The first thing I noticed is that even before I opened the box, I could smell the product. The scent is laced with chamomile that while it smells nice , it’s fairly strong. Once this is applied though, the scent quickly dissipates. The star ingredient is hydroxypinacolone retinoate, a trans-retinoic acid ester. According to, The Skin Care Ingredient Handbook, hydroxypinacolone retinoate is a mild retinoic ester that decreases effect of sunlight-induced aging and can improve the appearance of acne-prone skin. An ester is a compound formed by a reaction between an acid and an alcohol, significantly reducing the risk of irritation; it’s perfect for people that have experienced irritation with retinol. As I’ve stated before, my forehead has textural issues and I noticed it was smoother after using this for a few days. This inclusion of the above mentioned oils and chamomile left my skin feeling very nice and hydrated but unfortunately because I have combination skin, it made me breakout on my jawline. I would recommend this oil if you have normal to dry skin but if you have acne prone skin or are have sensitive skin, I would tread with caution. I found that I had better luck with Sunday Riley’s Good Genes.

What are your thoughts on Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil?

Stephanie

June Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

June 21, 2016

Happy Tuesday everyone! Although I’m not 100% better, I can’t stay away from blogging too long because I really miss it and miss you guys as well. Thanks for your comments and well wishes-it’s always nice to hear! 🙂

June’s Birchbox box has arrived so let’s take a look at what’s included.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3- Minute Peel- Body

This is a gentle and acid-free exfoliator that can be used to exfoliate your feet, calves, bikini area, arms, and décolleté without irritating sensitive skin. It’s supposed to help with skin problems like keratosis, eczema, body acne and ingrown hairs. I have yet to try this one as I didn’t like the Real Chemistry Luminous 3- Minute Peel for the face at all.

Update: I didn’t really care for this product either. It is a very gentle exfoliant (gommage) but it didn’t do anything special for me. It felt sticky and just balled up on my skin, making no difference in texture.

SuperGoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50

This product is 3-in-1 mist that is part makeup setter, oil controller, and UV protector. I’m not the biggest fan of this product for the face as I received the full size of this in a PopSugar box last year. You can read my review for this one here.

Top to Bottom: Laura Gellar Gilded Honey, Benefit Gimmie Brow in Medium and Ardency Inn Modster Eyeliner

Ardency Inn Modster Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner in Black

A creamy, waterproof liner that glides on effortlessly and then sets to a bold finish that won’t smudge or budge. The pigmentation on this is really intense and almost reminds me of a liquid liner. It applies very smoothly and has great staying power. I kind of wish I had gotten a more colorful shade but I can’t complain too much as this one is pretty good.

Laura Gellar New York Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator in Gilded Honey

Guys, this illuminator is life. Seriously, I was so thrilled to see that this was included in my box because I have swatched it a few times at Ulta and really loved it. This highlighter’s formula is designed to apply like a powder but feel like a cream, making it easily to blend. I have nothing but glowing reviews for this as it’s gorgeous, easy to apply and looks lovely. You can check it out in action on my Instagram page.

Benefit Gimmie Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in Medium

This month’s sample choice, a few strokes of this brow-building invention can make brows look full and defined. Volumizing microfibers and an exclusive water-resistant gel adheres to skin and hair, thickening brows to certified bold status. I was excited to try this out as it seems like an easy way to define brows and I was not disappointed. Since it has a spoolie like application, I found it easy to define and tame by eyebrows in a few easy strokes. I received the shade medium which is a bit too dark for my liking so if I get the lighter shade, this will be perfect.

Ardency Inn Modster Eyeliner, Laura Gellar Gelato Swirl in Gilded Honey and Benefit Gimmie Brow in Medium

Overall, I liked this box, especially the Laura Gellar highlighter. I may cancel my Birchbox subscription after July because I’m accumulating a lot of samples and I kind of want to take a break from it. I’ll keep you guys updated though.

What did you think of this month’s Birchbox? Are any of you planning on cancelling or taking a break from it?

Stephanie

Out Sick For the Week!

June 14, 2016

Hi everyone!

First of all, I’d like to thank you for all the birthday wishes I’ve received this past week/weekend! It really made my day. 🙂 I haven’t responded to them here on the blog but I will get to them soon enough.

Unfortunately, I came down with a sinus infection and I’ve been feeling super tired and drained. But if all turns out okay, I’ll be back next week. In the meantime, you can always keep up with me on Instagram to see the latest and greatest in my life.

Thanks so much for the support!

Stephanie

It’s My Birthday 2016!

June 9, 2016

Hi everyone!

It’s a special day today as it’s my birthday! Yay! It also coincides with my sister’s graduation so that means I’m a little behind on catching up with all things blog related. No worries, though-everything should be back to normal next week. 🙂

Thank you all so much for your support! xo

Stephanie

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