#Review: Julep Nail Color in Octavia

I had my first experience with Julep nail color. (It's weird that I have five colors from them and haven't tried any. I guess I  feel like I'm cheating on OPI or something). 

Julep Nail Color in Octavia

$14USD

http://www.julep.com/octavia.html

First of all this color is completely gorgeous. The midnight blue was something I was hesitant to try because I wast sure how it would look with my skin but since blue reds are good on my lips, I figured blues must be good for me as well. The color (at least the creme finish ones) is so concentrated! I put on one coat and was thoroughly impressed. The appearance of the laquer itself looked like it already had topcoat, since it was so glossy.  In the photo above, I still haven't had the time to put topcoat!

Update: After a few days, there have been chips here & there but nothing major. I'm attributing the chips to the lack of topcoat. 

Verdict: Julep nail color is pricey, but their creme finish colors, if anything like his one, are spot on. The Maven box   <http://julep.com> is really worth the money. It's like getting two for the price of one! I think it's worth trying. You only pay the $3USD for shipping. 

#Review: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser & Reparative Moisturizer

I also received these from Sephora as well. I'm really trying to go through these a give a most efficient review as possible. 

Regenerating Cleanser

$75USD, Sephora

Exfoliants in this cleanser make it so pleasant to use. You feel as if your face is truly cleansed without abrasively harassing it. The product goes a long way as well. Not only is it marked as 100% natural, but it is so concentrated that I was able to use these tiny packets twice!

Verdict: My combination/oily skin wasn't left dried out after use and was left smooth and clean. But that price tag is brutal. If it ever gets severly marked down, I'd love to buy this, but I'm not at the point where I'd shell out $75 for a clean face.

Repairative Moisturizer

$100USD, Sephora

Even though this is for dry, aging skin, I'm almost 30 so this is the time to begin to investigate moisturizers and their anti aging qualities. (Actually, that ship has sailed.) As I mentioned, my skin is combination/oily so it is difficult to find moisturizer that doesn't get greasy or sit on top of my skin. This absorbed flawlessly and my skin didn't get oily for a good while after. 

Verdict: Impressed with results but not enough to hand them a Benjamin for it. 

#Review: Cartier Baiser Vole

Sephora passed a sample of this along as well. Baiser Vole Eau de Parfum by Cartier. 

As I say in my tag line, I'll  try anything once, twice if I like it. Let's do this. 

This was quite different than the Tory Burch I review earlier today. This is magic. Right as it sprayed onto my skin, it was like walking into a whimsical cloud of powder- but not in a bad way. It went from a clean yet powdery scent to almost like almond puff pastries (but not too nutty), a hint of grass, floral (but not in the traditional sense), white tea notes, and pure ecstasy. I feel like I'm sitting in a garden at a garden party in a beautiful cocktail dress enjoying a tea and the sifts around me. This honestly gave me sensory overload. I'm intoxicated with and impressed by this. I actually want to go buy it on my lunch break. 

Verdict: Completely worth trying even if you're a musk or floral queen. I think there are notes that can appeal to everyone in this fragrance. If you don't buy this, it's at least worth trying it and seeing what you think.  

#Review: The First Fragrance by Tory Burch

Well they threw this in my bag at Sephora so why not review it? It is The First Fragrance by Tory Burch. 

I've never bought anything from Tory Burch, but I've been interested in getting into her products. I love that they're now branching out into fragrance because I feel as if you can never have too much fragrance. 

It dried pretty quickly when spraying it on my wrist and bravo, I hate an eau de perfume or toilette that drips and takes forever. The first note was pretty clean (think that of The Armani Code) and once it dried, the floral notes opened up. It's not all sweet and candy like Flowerbomb, there are more demure floral notes. I understand that some of this may be the reaction to my body chemistry as well. After like ten minutes though, it was difficult to smell it on the spot where I previously sprayed it. 

Verdict: It's a bit too floral for my taste but would be a wonderful daytime fragrance. Also, the smell fades so if you're partial to smelling like this all day, get an oscillator and stick this in your makeup bag. 

#Review: DryBar Smooth Operator Flat Iron

DryBar Smooth Operator ($125USD)

 

Some review say this iron isn't that impressive either, others say it's fantastic. I bought this iron to use in the interim while waiting for my Agave iron to finally be shipped to the store. 

Upon opening the box, my heart sank. Everything looked so cheap! The hardware of the iron itself, the packaging, everything. Even the in-use light flickered and I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be a solid light. It was insulting. I was hoping that despite the lackluster appearance that the iron's performance would justify the $125USD that I shelled out. It couldn't touch cheaper irons that I've used. My hair didn't stay straight and sleek as it has on other occasions with my Cortex. 

Verdict: The naysayers were right. You're better off buying a $30USD hair iron if you're ok with results like that. 

#Mission: Sephora Flat Iron Search

My Secret Santa mistakenly gave me a Sephora gift cars instead of cash so no I'm kind of forced to get my flat iron from there. 

I need an iron with an adjustable heat dial since my hair is chemically processed and super fine. I also wear different types of extensions that require various heat settings as well. 

T3 SinglePass Compact Iron ($79USD)

I went in and purchsed this iron after being misinformed about the product. (Way to go Sephora staff!) it's a shame too. The hardware and packaging were really nice for a $80 flat iron. (Low-midrange in Sephora). The concept is wonderful- a heat resistant cover so that you can carry it. The only thing missing was the main thing I needed- the heat dial. If that was present, I would've kept the iron. 

I then did further research and am between several. But before we go there, let me go over the ones that didn't make the cut. 

Sutra Seductress ($210USD)

The concept of being able to curl, wave and straighten with this is an awesome idea. I also bought this until I read the reviews. Needless to say- terrible reviews. A lot of people said that it stopped working about 8 months in and they had problems with switching them using the warranty. I also read a review where they tried to email the Sutra customer service and never received a response. 

GhD Classic ($185USD)

No heat dial- which is a shame. Apparently the iron is at a constant 375 degrees but I usually iron my hair on no more than 325, so I'm nervous to even try it on my hair. Plus, it's a little out if my price range. 

T3 Luminous Tourmaline Flat Iron ($99USD)

The reviews said this one was cheap and not worth the money, so i didn't bother to waste my time. 

I looked at reviews and I'm between three irons now. 

T3 Single Pass ($160USD)

This is the iron I originally wanted. Though a bit steep in price, the reviews are pretty great about this iron and the warranty experience. 

DryBar ($125USD)

Some review say this iron isn't that impressive either, others say it's fantastic. Since Sephora lets you return if you're dissatisfied, I bought it to use in the interim while waiting for the following iron to finally be sent to the store.  

Review post to follow. 

Agave Healing Vapor Iron ($149USD)

This is actually a newer development. I've decided on this because of the hydrating serum concept. The heat vapor piqued my curiousity. I finally got this. Review post to follow. If things don't work out with this iron, I will get the T3 SinglePass. Allure thinks it's worth it. 

#Review: TooFaced Amazing Eyes Set

Got this combo on Black Friday from Sephora. This $10 wider was well worth the money. These products have replaced Bad Gal Lash & Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in my makeup bag. 

This set includes: 

-Better Than Sex Mascara (Black)

-Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black

Reviews

Better Than Sex Mascara

This is the first mascara since Smashbox''s Lash DNA that I've actually felt like it could replace it. This is huge. I've been searching for a replacement since SmashBox makde the horrible decision to discontinue it. 

That's what you call a pretty great mascara brush. 

The brush is a lovely hybrid between the hourglass that I admired so much in Lash DNA and the traditional spiral that every other company feels the need to make. I pride myself on having real eyelashes that are so long that they look fake. This mascara does just that. I do use primer with it but it's just as good alone. This is an excellent product.

Verdict: Stop what you're doing, get in your car, drive to Sephora or Ulta, run to to Too Faced aisle, take it to the cashier and make it rain. This product needs to be in your makeup box. Today. 

Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in  Perfect Black

This liner is super bold which is awesome but doesn't stay put as well as I'd like. I'm used to waterproof liner being applied  and lasting till it is removed from your face. This tends to smudge. I'm not too fond of that because as bad as it sounds the 'tattoo' aspect of waterproof eyeliners is why I use them.

Verdict: Fantastic if you want the drama of bold eyeliner- this is one of the boldest that I've used (including MAC) but don't expect it to stick around. 

I'd rather the SmashBox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx. It's bold and stays put. (FYI it is waterproof so if you hate that, don't bother. )

SmashBox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx

$19USD, Sephora

<http://m.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?keyword=SMASHBOX%20Limitless%20Eye%20Liner%20-%20P260310&skuId=1239763&productId=P260310&_requestid=25140> 

Review: Formula X for Sephora Xplosives

I was absolutely thrilled with I saw this in my local Sephora. Formula X made a grafitti splatter effect topcoat that looks amazing. I decided to try it out (in Chaotic) because I was curious to see whether this would work or present challenges. Ads don't give you that type of information. I also decided to try it without base color to see if it would be sufficient alone. 

Applying this was as follows:

First coat: wow, this would look great with another coat. 

Second coat. This looks awesome! But some of these sequins aren't laying flat.  Maybe another coat would fix this. 

Third coat: ughhh these straight sequins are sticking off the edge of my nail. I guess I have to wait until it dries to trim them down. Maybe I should've stopped at the second coat. 

Drying: at least it's drying quickly. 

After dried: this topcoat needs a topcoat! The sequins are scratching everything. 

The end effects are amazing but I'll update and try it again with a base color to see if it gets even messier. 

My analysis: use another topcoat on top of this, use base color under it to make it more dynamic. 

The effect without a base color.  

Review: Start Getting Naked Ultra Def Complexion Kit

The sample of the BB cream is actual sized to the picture on the box. 

After wearing this trio for an 8 hr workday I can see the difference in my skin from when I wear the Naked Skin Foundation alone. 

I wish I could say that the color lasted longer since the BB Cream served as a primer but I feel like it did precisely the opposite. I love that my skin looks more hydrated and a bit tighter but I really love for my makeup to last. I have to find a happy medium. 

Review: Lipservice Sephora Lipsampler

I finally decided on the final purchase to propel me into Sephora's 500 reward. I actually finagled a way to get Shopkicks points for this purchase by buying it in JC Penney! 

Buxom

In Kir Royale

It's a gloss. The color changes after it's gone on the lip from the burgundy to a raspberry. The finish is a little too shiny for my liking and the lipgloss itself has a menthe feel to it (similar to Vicks Vapor Rub). 

My analysis: I will continue to wear it but it's not something I'd rave about. The Vicks sensation truly freaked me out. 

Stila Lipglaze

In Apricot

I have a bone to pick with Sephora about choosing to put this in the sampler as this color is translucent! Why did this end up in this sampler? Normally I love lipgloss but this sampler should've been colors only. Now that my rant is over the review on the actual lipgloss. 

The consistency of this lipgloss isn't as sticky as I'd hoped (I prefer M.A.C.'s lipglass for the long wear aspect) but it wore for longer than I expected.  

My analysis: I'd love to try this in a more pigmented color. 

Bite 

In Pomegranate

This high pigmented lipstick alternative was less drying than I thought it would be. But it wasn't as long lasting as I'd hoped for. Even with the lip primer (Urban Decay) it still lost its lustre after a few drinks. 

My analysis: Great color, just don't leave it at home since you'll need several re-applications. 

After a few drinks. 

SmashBox

In Nylon Nude

This color is not for black people, plain & simple. It came out like lip primer on me. I ended up using it as a base and adding Buxom's Kir Royale on top for color. I will try to wear it alone for a bit so I can get a feel for the wear life & consistency. 

My analysis: Glides on smoothly but if I ever try anything again from this line, it will certainly be a different color. Will use this to lighten up colors that are too dark. 

Primer like color. 

After mixing the colors. 

(with Buxom's Kir Royale)

Tarte

In Inspired

The consistency is wonderful. This lipcolor is super hydrating, glides right on with no problem. The only issue was when the lipstick refused to stick to the 'wet line' which is wet by saliva most of the time. (Seen in picture below). That drive me bonkers. I did wear it without lip primer though. 

My analysis: I have to try wearing this with lip primer. This tube is too amazing to give up on right away. Would totally be open to trying different colors from this line. 

Wet line stays untouched. Otherwise, it's perfection. 

Lip Tar

In Pretty Boy

I was a bit dissapointed that this didn't stay on longer. (Maybe because I was drinking- a lot- at this event yesterday but) I guess I was expecting it to be in the caliber of Kat Von D as far as semi-permanency. Then again, I just realized that I wore this without lip primer. The color was a bit bright for me so I darkened it with black eyeshadow. (#blackgirlproblems) Otherwise, it's a gorgeous color. The annoying thing is having to apply it with a brush. Whenever I wear this out, a touch up is going to be a mission. The actual consistency and feel of the Lip Tar wasn't drying but it wasn't hydrating either. It kind of just lingered in limbo. The end of the night effect was a hot pink chonga lip line. 

My analysis: Tossing the brush in a ziplock bag the next time I wear this out and I'll make sure to wear it with lip primer as well. 

After wear: overnight. The perimeters are still there but I wish it was bionic.