Sephora // Sun Safety Kit

For the last seven years, Sephora has come out with their 'Sun Safety Kit', a collection of products with high a SPF and self tanners that will transform you into a bronze queen. This year, the kit contains 18 deluxe samples, a brush, and a large makeup bag. Two thirds of the profits are donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation so not only are you receiving a number of products by very respectable brands, you are also supporting an amazing cause. I had trouble getting my hands on this set because they sold out quickly online and not all stores have them in stock. Fortunately, they are back in stock now and you can pick one up! I haven't yet had the chance to try all the products since there are so many but my favorites include the Too Faced 'Chocolate Soleil' bronzer and the Dr. Brandt BB Cream. However, I was hoping that some of the products would be a bit bigger. For example, the Smashbox primer in this kit is the same size I got free of charge when I had purchased something else from Sephora. I guess I cannot really complain because it truly is a wonderful collection of products for only $30. I will let you guys know if there are some stand out products as I make more use of this set of samples. If you would like a more detailed description of what this kit contains, click here! Let me know if you took advantage of this offer!

May Favorites

The first month of my summer break has come and gone and I have to admit I am relieved that June is starting and I will be once again have a routine. Since I spent a majority of the month in sunny California, most of my favorites coincide with warm weather. On my face, I have mostly been wearing the Aveeno Tinted Moisturizer which has SPF 30 and gives just enough coverage. I love it so much I did a whole post on it here. I also have gotten into conturing my face, which has become quite simple with my handy dandy Real Techniques 'Contour Brush' and Too Faced 'Chocolate Soleil' bronzer. This bronzer is matte and does the job perfectly. On my lips I have been wearing the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 'Honey' practically everyday. The color is very natural and it stays on for hours. Lastly, I have been very fond of a particular Mac eyeshadow that I bought because of this post by the lovely Amelia Jane. 'Sable' is a beautiful metallic bronze with a dash of pink. I have been wearing it both all over the lid and on the outer lid with another color. What have you been loving this month?

Mac // Cleanse Off Oil

If I had to name one product I am in constant battle with, it would be the Mac Cleanse Off Oil.  I bought the small travel sized bottle of this about a year ago and I still haven't used up the entire ounce. On one hand, it is mineral-oil free and one of the most gentle cleansers I've used to this day. On the other hand, it does not remove my waterproof mascara. I purchased it for the very purpose of removing my mascara after Ingrid mentioned it in one of her videos. I don't know if I'm using some heavy duty mascara or if my application of the cleanser is incorrect but I just cannot get this product to do what it is supposed to do. Also, if you get it anywhere near your eyes, everything will look foggy for sometime. How is anyone supposed to wash off their mascara if they can't use the oil near their eyes? My Caudalíe Cleansing Water does a better job of removing my makeup than this oil. Overall, once I am done with this small bottle of the Mac Cleanse Off Oil, I will not be buying it again. Did you have a better experience with this product?

The Five Product Face

So this type of post has been making an appearance on multiple blogs that I follow so I decided to take on the challenge and attempt to do a full look with only five products. I have to admit that this was a difficult task because I tend to use twice the amount of make up products in a given day. The first thing I chose to use was my Nearly Naked Foundation because the coverage is buildable and it was the only face product I chose to include. I followed up with a bronzer because I have a round face and I need some contouring to survive. For my eyes I went with a simple duo of the Maybelline Color Tattoo in 'Bad to the Bronze', on the eyelids and as a liner in my outer lower waterline, and the Maybelline Great Lash mascara. The last product I used was the Mac lipstick in 'Chatterbox' which I used both as a blush and lipstick. I have to say I am quite proud of myself. Have you tried this challenge?