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Sabrina

Hauls Sales Sephora

Sephora Sale Haul + First Impressions

April 14, 2025

Sephora Sale Haul Picks

Today is the last day of the Sephora sale with code SAVEMORE and I have my full haul to share with some first impressions. There was quite a bit that I had on my list to try and the sale came at the perfect time!

Skincare Haul Picks

Sephora Sale Skincare haul Alpyn, Biodance, Kiehl's and iNNBeauty Project

My skin has been going through some changes the last month so I’ve been on the search for new moisturizers and serums to try. Here’s what I picked up:

Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Acid Serum – I haven’t had a chance to try this yet but I’ve heard so many good things, I might pick up the moisturizer version too, if you have a favorite Vitamin C Serum let me know in the comments!

Alpyn Super Peptide and Ghostberry Moisturizer – This was the most recommended moisturizer from all of you! I asked for recommendations on my Instagram Stories and this hands down was everyone’s favorite, I’ve tried it and really like it. Once my skin rebalances or goes back to normal I think this will be one I reach for a lot. Right now my skin is super dehydrated so I’m in need of something heavier.

iNNBeauty Project Extreme Cream and Firming Eye Cream – I’ve been so curious about this brand. I’ve seen it pop up everywhere on my feed too! After some debating and feedback from you I decided to try it and I am 100% in love with both. 100% worth trying even though they are richer formulas. Quite a few of you mentioned you live in hot climates and still love this. I am going to buy the full size of the moisturizer before the sale ends tonight.

Biodance Bio Collagen Mask Set – Another viral skincare product I’ve been curious about. I have yet to try this since they recommend you apply for several hours. I can’t wait to try it.

I restocked the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (my favorite) and Andrew picked up another Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream even though I have my own stock pile at home that I share with him, he really likes this one.

Sunscreen Buys

Sunscreen Buys Shiseido, Ultra Violette, ISDIN

Andrew and I are on a mission to try as many sunscreens as possible. Now that we’re in Miami where it’s hot and very sunny we’re being more diligent about applying sunscreen every single day and re-applying. Also since it’s hotter here we are trying to find the best sweat-proof one that doesn’t slide off immediately with sweat but that also won’t clog our pores or feel greasy. This has been a challenge since Andrew does not like mineral formulas and doesn’t want to wear anything that feels greasy.

Sunscreen Buys Shiseido, Ultra Violette, ISDIN

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF60 – This is a new formula and I tried this for the body. Although it’s mineral it blends out nicely. Still has a bit of a white cast but I like that it isn’t thick. I have to test it at the pool or beach to give my full thoughts but so far I’m giving it a thumbs up. I don’t know that I will be able to convince Andrew to try it though.

Ultra Violette is a brand I’ve been so curious about. I bought the Vibrant Screen SPF 50 (for the body) and like it but it is pretty emollient and doesn’t really have a dry down. That said it’s not too heavy.

I also picked up the Ultra Violette Mini SPF Mates to try for the face along with the Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm. I haven’t had a chance to try but a lot of you like these!

ISDIN is another line I’ve had on my radar but I’ve been hesitant because the two most popular ones are mineral. I tried the Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 and am not really a fan of the texture. I’m going to test a few more times though. The two mineral formulas are incredible and I think these are the first mineral sunscreens I’ve actually liked.

Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 does have a tiny bit of white cast but they also have a tinted option called the Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 which I really love. Both are very fluid and lightweight. They’ve layered well over my moisturizer so far and I haven’t had any irritation.

Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Face Sunscreen SPF 50 – This is a formula Andrew picked to try. He says he likes it and it’s not too greasy.

Hair Care + Fragrance Picks

Hair Care and Perfume Buys from Sephora Sale

I bought a few new things to try for the hair. I had high hopes for the Gisou Mini Wildflower Honey Infused Hair Perfume. It’s so cute and perfect for the purse but I’m undecided on the scent.

The Ouai Team sent over their Leave In Conditioner in the St Barts scent and it’s perfect for summer. I was planning to pick one up but thrilled they sent one over!

Verb Ghost Weightless Oil – I used to use this years ago and am not sure why I stopped. I picked this up to try again and LOVE it! I think it’s better than the new Kerastase Oil.

A quick shout out for the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Spray. For me this is the best thickening line I’ve tried. I received these in PR a month ago and while it’s not a daily treatment for me, I do love this anytime I want more thickening on the hair without it feeling weighed down.

Kerastase Gloss Absolu Line

Kerastase launched a new Gloss Absolu Line and I was 100% convinced this would be holy grail material. I like it but it’s not one I can use daily as the formula is too rich for my hair. I bought the entire line including the Anti-Frizz Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Oil and Anti-Frizz Spray. I did not like the Anti-Frizz spray (it’s too thick/heavy) but I do love the oil.

I bought the minis of both the Glossier You Fleur Eau de Parfum and Jo Malone Beach Blossom Cologne to try out first. I decided to go for the full size of the Glossier You Fleur which has a unique floral and salty blend. I’m not usually into osmanthus notes but this one is really nice.

I had the highest of hopes for the Jo Malone Beach Blossom. I loved the list of all the notes and the packaging looks so beautiful. This one unfortunately didn’t go well with my skin chemistry and had zero lasting power. I think the best beachy scent to this day is still Creed Virgin Island Water which is quite the splurge (and unfortunately not available at Sephora) but nothing else compares.

Makeup Picks

I went a little overboard with the makeup haul. I with I could have been able to review everything before the sale ends, but I do have some videos with swatches that might help.

Merit Shade Slick Lip Oil and Signature Sheer Lip Liner

Merit launched a new Shade Slick Lip Oil and Signature Sheer Lip Liner. You can see them in action here. Overall vibe of both is that they are very sheer for a minimalist look. The Lip Liners are sheer and glossy which I think are so interesting. They glide on the lips beautifully but are very subtle. The Lip Oil is also subtle but they layer nicely on top of the liner. I don’t know that I would call them must-haves for my makeup preference. I prefer something with more pigment.

Fenty Gloss Bomb Oil Picks and review

New shades of the Fenty Gloss Bomb Oils dropped and as a Fenty gloss addict I hauled all the shades. The only one I didn’t like is Rose Amber (it pulled too cool/grey on me). You can see them in action here and swatched here. I love the smooth texture, they feel thinner than the original Fenty Gloss Bomb. The sparkle looks intimidating but on the lips it’s not as sparkly as they look in the tube. The best ones are Fu$$y and Fenty Glow. Frosted Bunz is a repromoted which I also really like.

Gisou launched new shades of their Honey Infused Lip Oils. They’re fun and I love the formula but the colors are super sheer. See them in action here.

Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil

I picked up three powders to try and was able to try two of them. I really love the YSL All Hours Hyper Blur Loose Setting Powder (I bought 02 Fair Medium). I had high hopes for the Kosas Cloud Set Loose Powder but it settled into fine lines and seems to emphasize them. I think perhaps my skin is too dry for it now. I might keep this for when my skin goes back to normal (right now it’s too dry).

I picked up the Givenchy Prisme Libre Matte Pressed Powder in 03 Voile Rose. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet but I am very curious about how it will perform. Quick tip for things that are sold out online. I highly recommend doing the Buy Online Pick Up In Store option. A lot of stores still have stock even if things are sold out online and you can search stores near you by zip code. If you use that option and purchase it online (to pick up in store) they will hold your purchase for a few days in case you can’t make it in right away.

Setting Powder Haul Givenchy, Kosas and YSL

 

I picked up some Haus Labs. I swatched the Bio-Radiant Glassy Balm Highlighter Stick and they have the prettiest glassy shine. I’m not usually into a glossy/glassy look on the face but these were so pretty I had to try a few shades.

For my bronzer haul picks, I reviewed the Dior Forever Nude Bronzer Jumbo sizes in yesterday’s post. Also added some thoughts about the Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops in Shade 2 in that post as well.

Haus Labs also redid their bronzer in a Powder Sculpt Velvet Talc-Free Powder Bronzer. I’m really trying to love this as it’s SO popular but the texture just doesn’t sit well on my skin and the colors don’t look right on my skin tone. I picked the third lightest shades Terra Sol Light Medium.

Sephora Bronzer Haul Picks Dior, Haus Labs and Westman Atelier

As a tubing mascara fan now I picked up the Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Extreme Tubing Mascara to see how it compared to the Tarte. It’s a nice one and doesn’t smudge or flake, but it doesn’t add much volume to my lashes. I think the Tarte one is much better.

I restocked the Glossier Boy Brow Arch Pencil in Cool Brown and Warm Brown. Even though these don’t have a ton of product I still really like them. I can wear either the warm or cool versions so I bought one of each again.

Sephora Sale Haul

That wraps up my super lengthy Sephora haul. If you had been wondering about any of these items I hope this haul + first impressions post helps!

Stay tuned for more reviews and swatches as I get back into my routine! Also have a giveaway planned this week for the blog readers and will also be hosting one on my Instagram.

Bronzer + Blush Dior

Dior Forever Nude Bronze Review

April 13, 2025

Dior Forever Nude Bronze

Dior Beauty launched new bronzers in two different formats called the Forever Nude Bronzer ($52, available in 8 shades) that come in a soft glow and matte option along with a Forever Nude Bronze Jumbo ($64, available in 4 shades) in an oversized compact.

Both come in a stunning quilted stitched mirrored compact that has an ultra luxurious feel. These are soft bronzers with a floral gardenia/jasmine like scent (I can’t quite pinpoint the exact notes, but it’s a nice floral).

Dior Forever Nude Bronze - new formula Regular and Jumbo

The bronzers launched online first and while they both have recommended shades based on your Dior foundation color, I was still unsure of which color to get. I ordered a few to try based on their charts. The names and numbers in the regular option aren’t the same as the jumbo which is a little confusing. The regular size has shades in the 01, 02 through 08 numerical order while the jumbos are listed at shades 10, 20, 30 and 40.

I wear either a 2.5N or 3N in Dior foundations depending on the formulas. I have a medium tan golden undertone that shifts depending on how tan I am. My winter shade pulls more olive and neutral while my summer shade pulls more golden. The Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick has the best matches for me. I’m getting a little bit more sun so 3N is my best match now.

If you’re thoroughly confused on which one to get, you’re not alone. Here’s what I bought and my thoughts on each shade. Beauty breakdown for what I’m wearing below too:

Dior Forever Nude Bronze - new formula Regular and Jumbo

Dior Forever Nude Bronze - new formula Regular and Jumbo swatches vs contour stick

Dior Forever Nude Bronze (regular sizes)

Dior Forever Nude Bronze - new formula Regular size 03 Soft, 04 Warm and 04 Warm matte

Dior Forever Nude Bronze in the regular size is what I like the most because of the shades. I love that they have a soft glow version and a matte, although on my skin the glow one looks matte and I can’t really tell the difference in finish.

  • 03 Soft is almost like my skin, definitely noticeable but subtle
  • 04 Warm is my favorite of the ones I tried, this is my perfect soft bronze shade, the name is misleading because it’s really not “warm,” it’s just what they named it
  • 04 Warm Matte is a little darker and cooler than 04 Warm, similar on my skin, but the matte version pulls darker on me

Dior Forever Nude Bronze 03 Soft

Dior Forever Nude Bronze 04 Warm

Dior Forever Nude Bronze 04 Warm Matte

Dior Forever Nude Bronze Jumbo

Dior Forever Nude Jumbo Bronzer

The Forever Nude Bronze Jumbo bronzers are so beautiful and if you’re going to be using a lot of bronzer I love that they have an oversized version.

  • Shade 20 Medium Matte is the better option for me out of the two jumbos I tried because it’s warmer in undertone.
  • Shade 30 Tan Matte is significantly more cool in undertone and while it’s a good bronze color, cool tones end up looking grey and ashy on my skin.

Dior Forever Nude Jumbo Bronzer 20 Medium Matte

Dior Forever Nude Jumbo Bronzer 30 Tan Matte

Overall a solid A+ for formula and performance. I love that they’re really soft and natural looking. I like the range of undertones and I think finding the right shade is a little tricky since I know we all have different preferences for how warm or cool something looks. Right now I think 04 Warm is my favorite and for the Jumbo one I’m partial to 20 Medium Matte.

You can find the Regular Sized version at Dior, Nordstrom, Saks, Macy’s.
The Jumbo Size is available at Dior, Sephora and Ulta Beauty.

There’s still one more day to shop the Sephora Sale with code SAVEMORE! It ends 4/14. I will be posting my haul tomorrow but I don’t know if I will have time to give a full review to the other bronzers I hauled but I did swatch them in this video here.

For those who asked here are some quick thoughts. I did try the new Haus Labs Powder Sculpt Powder Bronzer in Terra Sol Light Medium (third shade) and I am still undecided. I swatched multiple options in store and the sales associate thought the one I picked would be too light, but it’s definitely dark on my skin. It has a beautiful texture with a soft glow to it. The product is just a little hard to get right in terms of application and they seem to just sit on my skin. They look so beautiful swatched on the hand but don’t translate well on my face. Same goes for the blushes in the line. I love how they look on other skin tones but on me they just look very muddy.

A lot of you have been really curious about the Westman Atelier Suntone Hydrating Matte Bronzing Drops. I picked Shade Soleil Parfait 2 in store. As a liquid bronzer it’s so sheer once you blend it, it disappears. I do really like it mixed in with a liquid foundation all over. It definitely gives you a more bronzed look but in a subtle way. I think it’s similar to the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops, but the Westman Atelier option has more pigment with a matte finish. So my thoughts are if you want a traditional bronzer, this is not the product for you (it’s just too sheer). But if you’re looking for something to mix in with moisturizer or foundation for an all over bronzed tint then I think you’ll like these.

Sales Sephora

Sephora Savings Event Spring Sale 2025: Best in Makeup

April 3, 2025

Best Makeup to Shop during the Sephora Sale 2025

I’ve been MIA for the past couple of weeks as I just moved from Tampa to Miami! We’ve all been living out of boxes and moving boxes as we packed everything up for our big move. We are finally in South Beach! I’ll share more soon but you can see a sneak peek of our new place on my LIFE UPDATES highlights on Instagram if you’re curious!

We are slowly but surely settling into our new place and getting everything sorted. Lots of reviews and more beauty content coming your way as I get back into the swing of things. I really miss blogging and trying out new beauty products. I can’t wait to get back into my routine.

The Sephora Savings Event is here this month running from 4/4 through 4/14! Rouge gets first access starting this Friday instore or online with code SAVEMORE. Dates for access:

  • Rouge Members save 20% 4/4 through 4/14
  • VIB Members save 15% off 4/8 through 4/14
  • Insiders save 10% off 4/8 through 4/14
  • All Sephora Collection is 30% off

There are so many great makeup launches these days. I’ll share my absolute tried and true favorites by category and if there’s something new that I tried and loved recently I’ll also list those below.

Best Primers

Saie Glowy Supergel Rose Glow and Warm Glow

I’m still not a traditional primer kind of person, but I will use a multi-tasking primer/moisturizer/spf underneath makeup. I still love the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base and the Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer with SPF 50.

If I want something to mix in or add a bit of glow as a base, I still swear by the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (I use Shade 3 or 4.5, swatches here) as a staple, but these days I’ve been really loving the Dior Forever Star Filter (I use Shade 3, swatches + comparisons here) and Saie Glowy Super Gel in Roseglow.

I also really like the new Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops which is a mineral formula with SPF40. I’ve been testing out the darker shade Golden Hour but might also pick up Sunrise to try.

Best Concealer

Best Concealers YSL, Natasha Denona, Givenchy, NARS and Armani

Two favorites I will always repurchase are the Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer for full coverage (still creamy and very easy to blend) or the YSL Touche Eclat. The other ones shown above are also ones I’ve loved, but right now I’ve been sticking to the Natasha Denona one most of the time.

I have been very curious about the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer and will be picking it up during the sale.

Best Foundation/Skin Tints

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick 3N

I love that there wide range of base formulas and coverage for every skin type and preference. My top three most-used foundations from Sephora are the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (I wear Shade 6.5), Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick (I wear 2.5N or 3N, swatches here) and the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick (my shades range from V, VI to VII depending how tan I am).

I also really love the It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow. For a more natural looking tint I love the Summer Fridays Skin Tint and Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tints.

Best Setting Products

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Powder Medium | The Beauty Look Book

My go-to powder is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder. For a loose setting powder I think the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder remains a classic and I really love the Makeup by Mario Setting Products. I love the way his SurrealSkin Soft Blur Setting Powder looks on the skin (definitely splurge on his puff). His SurrealSkin Soft Setting Spray is also a really good one.

The old version of the Givenchy Prisme Libre was 10/10 but I haven’t looked at the new one after reading so many bad reviews. I do have a few newer ones on my wishlist that I want to check out during the sale including the Givenchy Prisme Libre Pressed Powder, YSL All Hours Hyper Blur Loose and maybe the Kosas Cloud Set Loose Powder.

Best Bronzers/Contour

Armani Luminous Silk Bronzer + Prisma Glass

The best contour products I’ve tried from Sephora are the Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Cream Bronzer Stick and Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick. These have the best undertones for my skin tone, most other brands run too warm or cool. Swatches + comparisons in this post here.

For a bronzer my favorite has been the Armani Luminous Silk Creamy Bronzing Powder in 100 or 110 (review here). I also still really love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer for that soft glowy bronze. Gucci Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer in Shade 3 is also a really good one.

The Ilia Sunshift Weightless Silky Cream Bronzer is one of my favorite shimmery cream bronzers for the color + finish, but it’s more like a highlighter on my skin rather than a bronzer due to the shimmers. Swatches here.

There are lots of new bronzer formulas I have on my list to try. They’ve been packed away in moving boxes but I hope to review them before the sale ends! I do have the Dior Forever Nude Jumbo Bronzer in 20 and 30. I am curious about the new Haus Labs Powder Sculpt Velvet Powder Bronzers, hoping that one of the new shades will work for me!

Best Blush Formulas

YSL Make Me Blush 24H Buildable Powder Blush

I think I could write an entire series dedicated to blushes. I’m still 100% a powder blush lover. If I could only pick 3 powder blushes to recommend I think the YSL Make Me Blush Powder Blush (review + swatches here) is one of the best new powder blush formulas. I also still really love the Gucci Luminous Matte Beauty Blush (reviewed here and here) and Dior Rosy Glow Blush is also a favorite (swatches here).

Natasha Denona Hy-Blush Cloudy Cream Cheek Duo

Out of the newer blush launches I think the new Tower28 GetSet Blur + Set Matte Powder Blush (swatched here) and Saie SuperSuede Powder Blushes (tried on here) are solid wins. Formulas wear beautifully. I don’t love all the shades they launched but I do really love the colors I tried. The Tower28 is a true matte finish but doesn’t look flat. The Saie SuperSuede has more of a satin finish and it’s easy to layer and blend, but overall has a soft vibe.

For a cream/liquid blush formula Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tints, Natasha Denona Hy-Blush (review here) and Huda Blush Filter (one reviewed here) are my favorites for the formula and color selection.

I plan on buying some of the new Westman Atelier blush duos during the sale to try!

Highlighters I Love

Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter swatches

I’ve been more into glowy blush for a glow rather than a traditional highlighter, but I really love the Dior Forever Glow Maximizers (Nude and Peachy are my favorites, swatches here). The Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tint Peau de Peche highlighter is also a staple – champagne bronzey tones are hard to find for me and this one is just perfect. Swatches in this post here.

Eyeshadow Favorites

Tom Ford Peach Glamour Eyeshadow Quad

My eyeshadow picks are my same go-to’s lately. I feel the need to find something fresh and new to change up my beauty looks, but my top 5 eyeshadow palettes are the Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Peach Glamour, Tom Ford Golden Hour, Makeup by Mario Master Mattes, Natasha Denona I Need a Warm Nude and the Too Faced Born This Way Natural Nudes.

Natasha Denona I Need a Warm Palette

If I had to pick just one eyeshadow brand to wear Natasha Denona wins hands down. Her palettes are the ones I reach for nearly every single day.

For single shadows I still swear by the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize (I wear Rose Gold the most) and the Armani Eye Tints in 44S Blush or 22M are my favorites. I think I might pick up a couple more colors during the sale.

Eye Makeup Staples (Liner, Brow, Mascara)

My favorite eyeliners actually aren’t available at Sephora (they’re from Sisley or Victoria Beckham Beauty). But for brows there are TONS of great options at Sephora.

I love Benefit Precisely My Brow (I wear Shade 3), Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Caramel) and Glossier Boy Brow Arch Pencil (Cool Brown) the best for brows. My most-used pencils are from ABH because Caramel is the best color for me. My natural hair color is almost black but my brows are a lot lighter so matching something to my hair usually ends up looking too harsh but Caramel is the best color for me. As much as I love the Glossier one there’s not much product in the pencil and I think I used an entire pencil in 3 weeks.

Best Lip Liners

New Tom Ford Lip Liner

Now onto my favorite category: lips! I love a good lip pencil and layering lip products are always fun, but these days I have been so low maintenance I usually wear 1 product on my lips at a time.

I still think the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat is the best lip liner for my lip tone. I know everyone probably already owns Pillow Talk, but it’s still my go-to favorite pink neutral (swatches here). I’ve also been really impressed with the Fenty Trace’d Out Longwear Lip Liners (swatches here), Huda Lip Contour 2.0 (swatches here), Glossier Lip Line (swatches of my picks here) and Tom Ford Long Wear Lip Liners (swatches here).

If I could only recommend 2 to try during the sale, I’d say splurge on the Tom Ford or Fenty options. I did pick up some of the Merit Signature Lip Sheer Lip Liners but with my life in moving boxes this past month I haven’t had a chance to try them.

Best Lipsticks

New Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick + Lip Pencils

My top 6 lipstick formulas at Sephora include the Tom Ford Lip Color (new formula + colors reviewed here), Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix (I prefer the cream ones reviewed here), Prada Monochrome Soft Matte (I love P158 Meranti), YSL Rouge Pur Couture (swatches + review here), Westman Atelier Lip Suede (review here and also here) and the NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick.

Best Lip Balms/Oils

YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick Review

YSL makes some of the prettiest tinted lip balms, I love all the formulas, but my favorite is the Candy Glaze (review here and new shades here) or Candy Glow (swatches here) for the best lasting power, pigment and shine.

For a tinted lip balm or oil I have so many favorites. For a squeeze tube format balm the Summer Fridays Lip Butter is always in my bag. I have all the colors but love the Vanilla Beige the most (swatches here). The Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oils are super fun but the pigment is ultra sheer (new shades in action here).

For a twist up/click style balm I do still really love the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lips (all the formulas are great) and the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm colors cannot be beat (new shades reviewed here).

Best Lip Gloss

Dior Glowmania Addict Lip Maximizer Lip Gloss

For lip gloss I’m still sticking to my top 5 go-to’s! The Fenty Gloss Bomb is still a favorite and I plan on picking up the new Gloss Bomb Oil shades tomorrow! The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer is my most-worn and most-reached-for gloss. I’ve been really impressed with the Huda Faux Filler Lip Gloss (swatches here), I think all the colors are flattering and wearable. Pat McGrath remains a favorite for the best smooth non-sticky gloss although so many shades are out of stock, I don’t know if it’s just sold out or being phased out.

Tools/Misc

Hourglass Makeup Brushes

For tools I wish there was just one brand I could find all my favorite brushes from, but unfortunately I have to mix tools from different brands. Overall I think the Hourglass brushes are top notch for both powder and cream products. I really love the No 15 Blush Brush for cream brushes and the Vanish Foundation Brush for bases and the Concealer Brush is excellent. I splurged on the travel brush set during a previous sale a few years ago and it was 100% worth the splurge.

Ilia brushes are SO under-rated, I hope they expand their brush range. I really love the Sculpting Brush and Finishing Powder Brush.

I think the Glossier Lip Liner Sharper is a must. The design to catch the shavings is large enough that you don’t have to empty it every single time. It’s also great for travel.

It seems as though a lot of my go-to powder puffs have changed and aren’t as soft as they used to be (I’m talking about repurchases not being the same). I really love the Makeup By Mario Master Pro Puff though. It’s big enough to cover a decent amount on the face without having to dab a million times and it’s ultra soft.

Another must-have I swear by is the Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner. Since it’s on the spendy side I usually wash my brushes with Dawn Dish Soap and a scrubbing pad. But for cream products can be difficult to remove all the way. After I give them a rinse with warm water and dish soap. I’ll spritz the Sephora Brush cleaner to soak the brush. If you try it will be AMAZED at how much foundation, cream blush or eyeshadow come out, even AFTER washing it with soap + water.

That wraps up my makeup favorites and staples! If you’re shopping the sale let me know what you plan on picking up! I’m hosting a giveaway here on my blog. I’m going to send FIVE readers each a $100 eGift card to Sephora. Open to everyone 18+ but do note that the gift card will be to the Sephora US site only. Follow the steps in the widget below for a chance to win. I’ll pick a winner on Wednesday April 9th and email the winners directly.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lips YSL Beauty

New YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil, Loveshine + Candy Glaze Shades

March 19, 2025

New YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil, Loveshine and Candy Glaze

YSL Beauty has some new lip launches for spring! As a huge fan of YSL lip colors I was excited to try the new Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss ($40 each). They’ve also added some new shades of the Loveshine Lip Oil Stick ($45 each) and Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($42). After putting to these to the test I have some hits and misses.

Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss

I received four of the new YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss as press samples. The gloss is smooth and non-sticky with stunning colors. These have beautiful packaging with a plush applicator. Pigment is 10/10 on point with perfect coverage and a nice glossy finish. These have Spicy Ginger and Pepper Oils and they have a noticeable spicy gingery scent. Plumping effect is very strong and noticeable within minutes. On me there’s a medium level for a plumping sting but the tingle is INTENSE on my lips with a slight numbing heated sensation.

They’re not as painful as the Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat, Charlotte Tilbury Plumpgasm Gloss or Maybelline Lifter Plump Gloss, but the tingle is still very strong and I found them too strong for my sensitive lips. On a tingle scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most painful) I’d rate the YSL tingle level 8.5.

02 Lucky Moonstone is a sheer glossy light pink

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss 02 Lucky Moonstone

44 Nude Lavalliere is a pretty neutral pink

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss 44 Nude Lavalliere

1 Thunder Stealer is a stunning lilac with gold shimmer

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss 1 Thunder Stealer

8 Purple Dream is a pretty reddish plum

YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss 8 Purple Dream

If your lips can handle the tingle, I do think the colors and finish are exceptionally beautiful. For me I have tried these on a few different days and I’ve decided these unfortunately are too strong for me. These launch at Sephora on 3/28 (on the app) and 3/29 online.

New Shades Loveshine Lip Oil Stick + Candy Glaze

New Shades YSL Candy Glaze and Loveshine

I’m always excited for new shades of the YSL tinted balms. There are two new shades of the Candy Glaze which is my favorite formula from YSL. It’s on the thicker side but in a good way so the colors adhere well to the lips and they stay put longer than other tinted balms. They added 44 Nude Lavalliere to the lineup which is a pretty cool toned pink and 16 Watermelon High which is a warm rose. I love the colors and finish.

YSL also added new shades of the Loveshine Lip Oil Stick in 213 Pink Trip and 214 Wet Guava. Both are beautiful soft pink neutrals but since they are sheer they both look very similar on my pigmented lips. I pulled a few other pinkish neutrals I have in the same formula. While they look different swatched on the arm, on my lips they look so similar. I think I have a slight preference for Wet Guava if I had to pick just one. Both formulas/shades are all out now at Sephora.

New Shades YSL Candy Glaze and Loveshine

YSL Candy Glaze and Loveshine swatches

Overall love the new Candy Glaze shades. I think the new Loveshines are pretty and will probably show up better on most of you. My natural lips are on the darker side so sheer shades don’t always show up on my lips. As much as I love the colors and finish, I think the new Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Glosses are a pass for me mainly because I can’t handle the tingle.

Available at Sephora.

Press samples sent for the oils and the others were purchased by me.

Chanel

Chanel Camelia Futura Collection – Spring 2025

March 13, 2025

Chanel Camelia Futura Collection Review via The Beauty Lookbook

Chanel’s Camelia Futura collection is one of the prettiest spring launches I have ever seen! I ordered the items online as soon as it launched as I tried to track it down in boutiques and it sold out very quickly. Most of the pieces are still available online but if you have your eye on anything I recommend acting fast. I shared live swatches in action here so you can see the dimension and shimmer better. Today I have a review.

Camelia Futura Powder Blush Trio

Chanel Camelia Futura Powder Blush Trio

The Camelia Futura Powder Blush Trio ($75, Chanel and Nordstrom) is a warm pink with a soft matte finish and it’s stunning! The blush has three colors in a striped pattern with a light warm pink, medium warm pink and soft tan.

The blush trio pulls on the sheer side but you can build it for more color. I do recommend having a well primed face or apply a cream blush underneath if you have super dry skin. The first time I applied it I had a lightly powdered faced and it applied perfectly. On another occasion my base was a more matte and application wasn’t quite as smooth or easy to blend. A few of you told me you had read the blush was less than stellar, but I think if you have a well primed face or normal skin it will work just fine. I really love it.

Chanel Camelia Futura Powder Blush Trio swatches

Chanel Camelia Futura Powder Blush Trio swatches

Les 4 Ombres – Utopia

The new Les 4 Ombres in Utopia ($76, still available at Nordstrom and Saks) is a stunning one! Pigment is medium in coverage for a softer look but you can build it. I recommend applying over a well primed lid or cream shadow so the colors adhere better to the eyes. I really love the duo chrome in the bottom shade, it pulls violet in the flash but also has a mix of taupe, silver and grey.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres – Utopia

I think the colors are so beautiful. I wish they would make this one permanent.

Fluid Enlumineur Iridescent Illuminating Fluid – Halo

Chanel Fluid Enlumineur Iridescent Illuminating Fluid – Halo

The Camelia Futura collection has a liquid highlighter in the Fluid Enlumineur Iridescent Illuminating Fluid formula with a new shade Halo ($56). It has a very similar feel to the Les Beiges Highlighting Fluid in Pearly Glow but Halo is slightly more pigmented and also has a unique color shift to it. It is a really pretty one but if you already own a lot of other Chanel liquid highlighters, I think you can skip this one, but it is very pretty and I am glad I splurged. Also compared next to the Le Blanc Rosy Light Drops below.

Chanel Fluid Enlumineur Iridescent Illuminating Fluid – Halo

Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour and Rouge Coco Flash

The lip launches are always a highlight for me – I love seeing what Chanel creates!

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour and Rouge Coco Flash

There are two new Rouge Allure Laques in 97 Irreelle which is a warm pink with subtle orange tones and 96 Avant-Gardiste which is a shimmering pink. I love the pigment and finish of Irreelle. It’s smooth, opaque and full coverage. Avant-Gardiste is a really beautiful color but it pulls on the sheer side for me so it takes some layering. Lasting power is not super long with these but I do love how they wear on the lips.

The Rouge Coco Flash is one of my favorite lip formulas from Chanel and they launched two very unique colors that sold out almost instantly. Shade 270 Peachy is a pale peach gold with green shimmer. I think it’s so unique. On me it’s not the most flattering shade on it’s own, but I do think it makes for a really pretty topper on top of other lip colors to add a bit of shine.

272 Rosa is one of the most beautiful pink lilac shades with blue shimmer. It’s one I think they should make permanent! Since it sold out quickly so many of you have kept asking if I know who stocks it in store and unfortunately I don’t know. Three stores I called sold out before it even launched online, but I have pulled a few alternatives and swatches for you.

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour and Rouge Coco Flash

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Rosa and Peachy

Chanel Camelia Futura lip swatches

Comparisons to the Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix in Icy Amethy$t (reviewed here), Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Shine in Charming Lilac (review here), Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss in Pink Lilac (swatched here) and Holographic Lavender (review here) and the Lisa Eldridge Gloss in Delilah (discontinued).

I actually think the Fenty Gloss Bomb Stix in Icy Amethy$t (reviewed here) is a prettier variation and for a non-shimmer option I do think the Rouge Coco Baume in Charming Lilac from spring is an easier option to wear for everyday.

Lilac Shimmer Lips Chanel, Fenty, Dior

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

Last is a look at the two new spring nail polishes. 361 Pionniere is a pretty warm pink shimmer. This one pulls sheer so three coats are required for full coverage. 363 Utopiste is a shimmering dark black with multi-colored sparkles mixed in, but on my nails the shimmer is subtle and it looks more like a black-grey sparkle on the nails.

Chanel Camelia Futura Le Vernis Nail Polish 361 Pionniere and 363 Utopiste

Overall love. I think the eyeshadow quad and blush are the stand outs for me. I do love the lip launches in this collection, but my heart still belongs to the Rouge Coco Baume Shine shades in the spring-summer launch.

Available now at Chanel.com and all Chanel counters.

Sales Ulta

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty – Spring 2025

March 8, 2025

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty

Ulta Beauty’s 21 Days of Beauty Event is live and runs through March 27th with 50% off tons of items with different beauty deals every day and also weekly steals. I shared a come shopping with me video on Friday with the deals on my radar. In case you missed the first day there are still lots of new sales coming every day. I think this is the first time I’ve seen such big discounts of 50% off.

Ulta has their upcoming deals listed on their website so you can preview the sale and also plan your shopping in advance. Here are some I have on my radar (there are tons more online):

Today’s Steals 3/8

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Deals - 50% off March 8

on sale 50% off today only

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Sunday March 9th Steals (prices will be marked down automatically on the sale date)

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Monday March 10th

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Tuesday March 11th

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Wednesday March 12th

_________

What I hauled from Ulta, details linked here (some of these were only on sale yesterday March 7th)

Ulta 21 Days of Beauty - sale haul Sabrina's Picks

There are tons more deals and previews on Ulta’s website! Lancome Idole Lash Lifting Mascara is going to be on sale March 14th, Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Shimmer Glass will be marked down March 15th (swatches here). One of my favorite brow pencils the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Pencil will be on sale March 16th.

LTK x Ulta Masterclass with Sabrina

Also wanted to let you know I will be co-hosting a Webinar with LTK and Ulta Beauty on March 11th. We’ll be talking about my creator journey, some industry insights and I’ll be sharing favorites for a spring makeup refresh. I know some of you have followed along from the very early days before I even showed my face online! But if you’re new, are thinking about becoming a creator and want some tips on how to get started you can RSVP here.

Chanel Lips

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue – New Shades

March 6, 2025

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue

Chanel launched five new shades of the liquid lipstick Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue ($50 each). I’m not usually a fan of liquid lipstick formulas as they tend to look very dry on me but this one has a good glossy clear top coat on one end to seal the color and add a beautiful shine.

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue

I picked up three of the five shades and think all three are really pretty.

186 Pink Nude is a soft neutral pink

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Pink Nude

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188 Caramel Beige is a beige brown neutral

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192 Coral Pink is a coral pink, this one applies brighter on my lips with the drydown compared to what I see in the tube

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Coral Pink

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With these I recommend applying a thin even coat first and letting them dry. If you apply too much on the lips, once it dries the product will look a bit cracked/dry. I let it set for a minute and then add the top coat. For me the top coat is essential otherwise the liquid lipstick underneath feels a bit sticky/tacky feeling. The gloss adds a nice smooth shine to the look.

I swatched a few comparisons below, many of my favorites have been discontinued. I included the numbers on them since it appears they launched a shade Intense Nude 194 in this new launch but it’s different from the Intense Nude 152 from a few years ago. These look dry in the swatches but I can assure you the top coat makes all the difference!

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue swatches

Pink neutrals can be tricky for me to pull of with any cool undertone but this one is perfect. Overall love for a longwear liquid lip. I still prefer a traditional lipstick or gloss format, but in terms of liquid lip formulas these are my favorite.

Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue

Available now at Chanel.com. I purchased mine from a boutique.

The new Camelia Futura Collection is live online now too and I will have a review as soon as I can post it!