❧❦ Sample Society Box April 2013 Allure Magazine Beauty Bar ❦❧

Allure Magazine Sample Society Box April 2013 from beautybar.com

B. Kamins Laboratories Nia-Stem Moisturize

Red Flower Blood Orange Moisturizing Lotion

Hanskin Hydro Sheet Mask 

Borghese Gentle Makeup Remover

Cotz Face Sunscreen

Jane Tran Hair Clips

This was a really good skincare box.  From makeup remover to moisturizer, it's pretty much everything I would use regularly.  Definitely worth the $15.  In addition, if you choose to purchase a full size version of any of these products, you get $15 off your purchase of $50 or more - so in essence you would get this box for free!  Even better!

The April 2013 Sample Society Allure Magazine Beauty Bar Box includes:

B. Kamins Laboratories Nia-Stem Moisturize

Red Flower Blood Orange Moisturizing Lotion

Hanskin Hydro Sheet Mask 

Borghese Gentle Makeup Remover

Cotz Face Sunscreen

Jane Tran Hair Clips

Sign up here:

Beauty Bar.com Sample Society Box with Allure Magazine

- The Sassi Wench

❧❦ 2012 Favorites - Makeup, Nails, Skin, Hair and more! ❦❧

My favorite products for 2012!

I realize I am very overdue for this blog post, and I thought I had better finish it before too much more of the year goes by!

It was incredibly difficult to narrow my favorites down to what you see here.  There are many, many more things I really enjoyed in 2012, but in the end I had to go with what I used the most.

I got the Marc Jacobs rose gold pouch ($59.99) from the Nieman Marcus/Target collaboration.  It ended up going on sale at both stores for 50% off.  So handy to take to a movie, dinner, or to use as a makeup bag.  

Discontinued.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

I was first introduced to Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (extraordinary oil) in a 2012 Birchbox.  It sat in a drawer for a few months before I finally decided to pick it up and take it to work.  I wanted to use it on my cuticles, nails and forearms.  I wash my hands so much at work that I need to keep hand cream there at all times, and I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to test the oil and alternate it with the hand cream.  

It's a dry oil, so after the initial application it is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving it fragrantly hydrated.  Soon I was using it on my legs, knees, elbows and forearms. It can be used as a hair oil, too.  I have since used it pretty much all over and it is simply sublime. It's truly the sexiest smelling oil out there.   
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse - $46

Sunday Riley Blush Brush, Shu Uemura 27 Brush, Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush, Stila 21 Brush

I have a rather extensive makeup brush collection, and so I made my selection based on the best foundation brush, face brush, eye brush and blush brush that I use for a full face of makeup:

Stila 21 Brush:
This is supposed to be a blush/contouring brush, but I have always used it to apply liquid foundation.  I know that there are many reviews out there about this brush shedding, but mine shed about 3 hairs - I swear, until the morning AFTER I filmed this video - then it shed 3 more!  But anyway,  I think that this brush applies smooth, streak-free foundation better than any foundation brush that I own.  Application is quick and I can pretty much brush the foundation over my face perfectly in a minute.  But I have to caution anyone who wants to purchase this brush for foundation - it was not designed for this purpose.  It was designed for powder products only, so although I got a really good brush (that I have had for years now) someone else may not have the same experience if they use it for liquid products.
Stila #21 Double Duty Cheek Contour and Blush Brush $45

Shu Uemura 27 Brush:
A true classic, this super soft, natural hair brush is wonderful for lightly applying powders, and highlighters.  It is not a dense brush, and so I personally don't use it for bronzer although it can be used for that purpose.
Shu Uemura Natural Brush 27 $65

Sunday Riley Blush Brush:
The density and size of this brush is what I really like.  The brush is not scratchy, but not super-soft either.  Instead, the density makes for a firmer and less soft brush.  This is good for placing the perfect amount of color on my cheeks (for the size of my face) and buffing it in.
Sunday Riley Blush Brush $42

Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush:
For efficient, fuss-free results, no other brush in my collection works faster when I apply a light sweep of color to my lids, or as a brow bone highlight.  Swipe, swipe, swipe and it's done.  
Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep Brush $32

Dior Marilyn, Chanel Diwali, Sephora by OPI It's My Pink (Besty Johnson)

I'm particularly fond of shimmery nail colors, and Diwali topped them all in 2012!  Named after the Indian Festival of Lights, the golden shimmer in this polish is simply stunning.  
Chanel le Vernis $27

There is nothing like a classic red nail polish, and Marilyn by Dior is no exception.  It's a kind of fire-engine red that signals dramatic glamor.  
Diorific Vernis Nail Lacquer $26

In terms of pink, the very berry It's My Pink from Betsey Johnson - Sephora by OPI.  Scented with her signature fragrance Too Too, it is a creamy formula that makes your fingertips look like ripe summer berries.

Sephora by OPI It's my Pink $9.50

Bing Bang Skulls - Skull Earrings, Skull Cuff, and pearls

For me, 2012 was all about rose gold, skulls and pearls!  I found these adorable Bing Bang Skull earrings and a Bing Bang skull cuff on Shop Bop.  The fake pink pearls, I've had for years - always a classic.

Asos Sausage Dog Ring Holder with my favorite rings and earring studs

This sausage dog ring holder was so cute that I just had to get it.  Available from Asos, it holds a selection of stud earrings and delicate rings perfectly.  It's small enough to fit on my vanity without being overbearing.

Asos Sausage Dog Ring Holder

Starlooks Pink Petal Rose Lip Gloss and Burberry Cameo Lipstick

I generally only wear lip gloss on weekends or evenings out.  But that changed when Starlooks sent me Pink Petal Rose.  Worn alone or paired with Burberry's Cameo Lipstick, it's creates the perfect shade of glossy pink lips, every time.
Starlooks Lip Gloss Pink Petal Rose $11

I love Burberry's Cameo lipstick.  Although it doesn't have much staying power, I can overlook it because of the particular shade of pink.
Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick $30

 Le Métier Corinthian Eye Shadow

I've always adored MAC's Satin Taupe, but in terms of the texture, application and actual color, Le Métier de Beauté's Corinthian eye shadow beats Satin Taupe hands down.  Unfortunately for me, I dropped Corinthian and it has shattered into a million pieces so I can't really carry it around in my makeup bag anymore, but I can still use it in the morning as it has fantastic staying power.
Le Métier de Beauté Corinthian Eye Shadow $30

Orofluido Hair Elixir

Another item from Birchbox (now you can see why I keep my subscription) is the Orofluido hair oil.  Although they recommend that you apply it liberally, I use only a moderate amount of product and run it through my hair before (and sometimes after) blow drying.  It seems to nourish my hair (even when it gets a bit dry after coloring, sometimes), and it tame fly-aways well. It makes my hair smell sexy and feel soft to the touch.  So long as this product is being produced, I will use it.
Orofluido Hair Elixir $29.99

NARS Makeup Removing Water 

For a gentle, alchol free and oil free makeup removing experience, I loved NARS Makeup Removing Water.  I find that it removes even the stickiest eyelash glue with a minimum of fuss.  The only downside is that you have to use a lot of this product to really saturate a cotton pad, and it gets used up quickly.  Considering that this is already an expensive product, it can be very expensive to use regularly in the long term.
NARS Makeup Removing Water $28

Chanel Joues Contraste blush #68 Rose Écrin

I don't think I have ever loved a blush as much as this one.  It's pink but it lays so well on the skin that it doesn't look like you have excess amounts of pinkish product on your cheeks.  Instead, you can buff it to pretty, flushed perfection!
Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush 68 Rose Ecrin $43

Byredo Bal d'Afrique

One of my favorite perfumes of all time - Bal d'Afrique by Byredo.  It's a spicy, sexy and faintly exotic unisex scent that dazzles the senses.  It reminds me of my childhood in South Africa.
Byredo Bal D'Afrique $145

Armani Code for Women

James purchased this for me when we were on a Caribbean cruise, and so it will always remind me of that cruise and all the fun we had on it.  I took my time sampling all of the fragrances they had in the onboard cosmetics boutique, but this fragrance stood out for me above all the others.  It's a floral, but so delicate and lovely and not at all overpowering.  I've had several people ask me what I was wearing when I had this on, because it's so lovely.
Armani Code Pour Femme $65

The Beehive Honey Blossom Perfume

This is the only perfume I have ever purchased online without first having sampled it - and lucky for me it's perfect!  A warm, deep amber, patchouli and honeyed fragrance gives comforting warmth to the skin, even in the depths of winter.
The Beehive Eau de Parfum, Honey Blossom $35

Until next time,
The Sassi Wench

Barneys Love Yourself Beauty Event

If you blink you'll miss out on the highly anticipated Barney's Love Yourself Event.  The video above is my haul from the February event.

This time around the samples don't look as exciting, but if you are planning to spend $200 or more on cosmetics or fragrances anyway you might as well take advantage of the promotion and try out some of these samples.

Spend $200 in store or online between September 20 - 22 and you'll receive this sample bag from Barneys. 

Makeup and Hair Favorites

Current Favorites - Byredo Bal d'Afrique, Bobbi Brown, Betsey Johnson, OPI, Bed Head and Starlooks 

Although this post is embarrassingly late, these are the products that I used the most in June and July.

Bed Head Totally Baked Volumizing & Prepping Hair Meringue:
Available at Salons

I was first introduced to this product through my local hair salon when my stylist used it on my hair.  It does smell just like lemon meringue pie!  From the moment I got a whiff of this fluffly confection, I was instantly smitten.  She worked one large sized pump of the meringue thoroughly through my hair and blow dried it to perfection.

Sephora by OPI for Betsey Johnson - It's my Pink scented with Too Too Perfume:
Betsey Johnson It's my Pink

OPI - Koala Bear-y:
Check Amazon

I was really into berry pinks for my nails.  Probably my favorite was the Betsey Johnson It's my Pink.  It has a pleasant scent and I love the depth of color.  I definitely go through phases with nail polish... in June and July I loved pinks but in August I've been into metallics and as the month is drawing to a close I'm now in a neutral nail phase.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick and Bronzer Brush: 
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

And oldie but goodie - Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick gives me a light golden glow.  I also love the versatility of this product, because you can use any of the five colors individually as eyeshadows.  Bobbi has released a lot of these over the years and her website has a feature to help you select the one that is best for you.

And to apply it I use Bobbi Brown's Bronzer Brush.  Quite simply I consider this the best bronzer brush out there.  It's soft and effective.

MAC - Jardin Aires pigment:
Check Ebay or your local CCO

I think it's a classic light champagne/peachy neutral color that is perfect for the summer months.  It's as versatile as many pigments are, but I love using it for a wash of color on my lids.

Unfortunately this LE pigment is discontinued.

Starlooks Lipgloss in Modest:
Starlooks Lipgloss

The first product I used from a company called Starlooks.  They have a monthly subscription program and it came out of one of their subscription boxes.  I was curious about the company and the quality of their products.  I had never heard of them before.  

As it turned out, I began to wear it more often that I would regular lipgloss because it is a beautiful muted pink that isn't too tacky, it lasts a long time and I really enjoy wearing it.  It also smells fine - not funky like some of the more famous brands out there.

Byredo - Bal d'Afrique:
Byredo at Barneys

After getting my hands on several samples from Byredo, I've been a devoted fan who keeps little vials of the scents in my desk at work only to give myself a pick-me-up in the afternoon.  One sniff and a gentle brush of the scent down my neck and I'm instantly revitalized!  Bal d'Afrique does indeed remind me of the earthy and spicy aromas from my childhood in South Africa.  It's a unisex fragrance, which I love. I don't have a problem with wearing scents that could be considered slightly masculine.  I think it's incredibly sexy.

All items were purchased by me with the exception of the Modest lipgloss from StarLooks which was sent to me to review.  All opinions are completely my own.  This is not a sponsored video or blog post.

-The Sassi Wench

The Ulta Sample Bag

Ulta has been having some great deals with free shipping, $$ off, and free samples lately.


I ordered Essie's Masquerade Belle nail polish, and a Fantail Brush from Benefit, and I got all of these samples!

Ulta Love that Beauty Bag.

Plus, you get 3 free samples anyway - so I chose fragrance samples like Idole by Armani, Sensuous by Estee Lauder, and Beckham Signature for Women.

Essie Masquerade Belle, and the Ulta Sample Bag.

The following samples were included:

KMS California - Silksheen Shampoo and Conditioner

Ed Hardy - Born Wild.  Is anyone else freaked out about ANYTHING Ed Hardy after the whole Jon Gosselin t-shirt wearing fiasco? I'm sorry Ed Hardy - I don't want anything to do with you or Jon.

Perlabella - PureDose Pearls 

StriVectin-SD - Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles

Yes to Tomatoes - Facial Hyrdrating Lotion

Nick Chavez - Plump 'n Thick Thickening Shampoo

Dolce & Gabbana - Rose the One

The 8 piece Ulta Sample Bag with any $25 purchase.

Benefit's Fantail Brush.

I love Ulta!  It just keeps on getting better, and in fact I found you get better deals if you order online, rather than purchase inside the store.

Check out Ulta here: Ulta


Until next time,
The Sassi Wench!

MAC - A Cham-Pale Haul

Like hoards of women, I completely fell in love with MAC's Cham-Pale Collection. But when I went to check out the goodies, I found that it is all so shimmery, it's probably not a good idea to wear too many of them together!  Some ladies do love frosted lips, nails, and frosty highlights, but I'm a little more low-key.  

I loved the Caviar Dreams Eye Shadow Palette, but I had just purchased brulé for my new MAC Pro Palette about a week before info about Champ Pale was released.  So I decided to skip that and get Retrospeck for my MAC Pro Palette instead. I saved a little money there, because I got the two colors from Caviar Dreams that I really wanted for $22 (or, $11 each), as opposed to $36 for the whole palette.

MAC Cham-Pale Haul.

I skipped Caviar Dreams and purchased Retrospeck instead.

When news of Cham-Pale hit the web, I headed out to my closest CCO and guess what I found?  The MAC lipstick in Quiet Please!  It was being repromoted for Cham-Pale, but happily for me, I didn't pay full price for it and I had it weeks before the re-release.  So I saved a little $$ here, too!

MAC Quiet Please (Lustre). 

I was mesmerized by the pearly, pinky metallic I Get No Kick Eye Kohl!  It'll be a welcome change to my usual black/brown/white look. 

MAC I Get No Kick Eye Kohl

 I Get No Kick Eye Kohl is a pearly metallic.

 I was equally enthralled with the Paint Pots in Chilled on Ice (shimmery pink) and Vintage Selection (shimmery peachy pink). I find this kind of makeup the easiest to apply.  Even when I'm in a rush, just dabbing these colors on and buffing them a little, adding a little eyeliner and a decent coat of mascara, can give you a very sophisticated but elegant look.

MAC - Chilled on Ice, Vintage Selection

 So all in all, I got the items I wanted the most out of Cham-Pale, and I'm very pleased with myself!

My Cham-Pale Haul - for just a little less...

I also fell hopelessly in love with the two Special Reserve Highlight Powders in Rose Ole and Chez Lame, but they are $28 each and I know I won't use them that much.  I'll wait a few months until they hit the CCO's.

- The Sassi Wench