Sephora Favorites Superstars Set

December 15, 2014December 15, 2014 Coco

A $15 off coupon for Sephora arrived in the mail the other day and I knew immediately that I would be making a purchase from Sephora very soon. After some browsing on the site, I decided on the Superstars value set for $75 (worth $225)… which after the coupon, was only $60!!! Not to mention, lots of sample goodies as usual!

This set features bestselling, head-to-toe beauty essentials. With an array of full-size products, from nail polish to styling spray, they’re perfect for every beauty lover. Gift them out to your best friends or indulge yourself with this special holiday treat.

My main reason for trying this set is because I already love Nars Orgasm blush and thought it would be fun to try a few new products. And I have to say… I am way more pleased than I thought I would be! For one, I am actually using the eye liner! And I ALWAYS hated eye liner and Stila. I think this set is definitely a winner and a great gift as well.

I like just about every product in this set and I cannot wait to use them everyday.

This set contains:
– 0.003 oz Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
– 0.25 oz Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional
– 0.10 oz Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Mascara In Jet Black
– 1.7 oz Bumble And Bumble Surf Spray
– 0.34 oz Chloè by Chloè Rollerball
– 0.4 oz Formula X Nail Color in Ignite
– 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosè Tinted Lip Treatment
– 0.5 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
– 0.16 oz Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm
– 1 oz Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light
– 0.016 oz Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner In Intense Black
– 0.05 oz Urban Decay Eye shadow in Sin

The eye liner surprised me the most. If I keep up with wearing eye liner, I will definitely be purchasing it again. The Argan Oil smells wonderful. And of course, the Nars blush is always a winner.

The jury is still out on the Smashbox BB Cream (I haven’t been a huge fan of Smashbox in the past). And the Benefit POREfessional hasn’t lived up to my expectations, but I will have to use it a few more times to really know for sure.

Regardless, I am very impressed and excited to have this set!

Poshmark… the new eBay for trendsetters?

March 10, 2013October 12, 2013 Coco

If you haven’t heard of Poshmark yet, then I apologize ahead of time for further addicting you to online shopping. I found Poshmark randomly one day a few months ago, and I have been addicted to it ever since!

So, what is Poshmark?

Poshmark is a simple and fun way to buy and sell fashion.
Shop the closets of women across America – and sell yours too!

Ever wish you had a style-mate and could shop her closet? Now you can. Poshmark connects you to people whose style you adore, allowing you to shop their closets, anytime you’d like.
Have items in your closet that you love, but just don’t wear anymore? List it for sale on Poshmark in less than 60 seconds. Sell what you have in your closet so you can shop for what you really love today.

With Poshmark, you’ll fall in love with your closet… again.

Check out this page to learn more about how Poshmark works: https://poshmark.com/what_is_poshmark

I personally have already sold $40 worth of shoes in my closet I had never worn and were just collecting dust. I have spent over $200 with Poshmark collecting James Avery jewelry, boots, perfume, etc. at a much lower cost than it would have been if I had bought them new somewhere else. Poshmark is an amazing resource for the fashion forward girls who are also on a budget.

I use Poshmark on my iPhone, which is sooo dangerous because I can shop ANY TIME I want. But I believe you can also shop via their website on a desktop computer.

Poshmark is a very cool, new shopping experience. And I can’t wait to experience its evolution as its popularity increases! I urge you, start poshing!

Shorts and shoes for summer!

July 1, 2012 Coco

I went shopping again! Sometimes when you are feeling down, retail therapy is the best. I stopped at Ross again and found 3 more pairs of sandals (well 4 if you count the pair I bought for a friend, Zebra print Madden Girl Sandals) at about $10-13 each (The brands were Nicole and City Classified if you are wondering). Last time I found that pair of strappy silver sandals and I was pretty excited to have a new pair, but this time I am even more happy with what I found. They are way cuter!

I hit the jackpot in blue jean shorts, finding three pairs of short shorts for $10 each at JCPenney (brands Soundgirl and Truce). I went at the perfect time because they had racks on racks on racks of discounted blue jean shorts, and I was able to try on at least 15 pairs that fit. Usually I am lucky to find one pair, so three pairs was fantastic.

Lastly, I went into Walgreen’s to show a friend the Essie Rock Solid treatment and ended up splurging on their $8 nail polish called “A Cut Above” from their luxeffects collection. I also found a few awesome steals, two Freeman face masks for $3.99 buy one get one free and Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder that was ‘Last Chance’ and half off for $4.49. I will probably do reviews for both of these products once I have tried them out.

As always, some pics:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder

(click to enlarge)

Am I becoming a Cowgirl?

June 27, 2012 Coco

I went out to dinner with my mom and dad, had a nice margarita and then my dad wanted to show us Bucky’s (a HUGE gas station that has food courts and clothes, etc!) because apparently it is super cool. Honestly it is kinda overrated, but for a gas station, I have to admit it IS pretty nice. Afterward we stopped at Ross Dress For Less and that is where the magic happened!

I know, I know… I bought black boots just last month at Charlotte Russe, but these (pictured below) are brown Charles Albert boots and they are SUPER adorable. They were $16.99 (and previously $39), so not really a SICK steal, but they are still very cute and I love them. For a more daily look, I found a pair of Sam & Libby silver strappy sandals for $12.99 (orig. $45).

I also found a very pretty Ice brand dress for $24.99, and get this: it was originally $138! Ridiculous, right?! I would NEVER pay that much for a dress let alone THIS dress, but it is very cute and I cannot wait to wear it and the boots to Cowboys soon since we did not end up going last month! As always, it looks way better in person and the material feels very lush! Lastly I picked up this fancy-ish Expressa shirt for $11.99 (orig. $36), and it kinda fits the whole cowgirl theme… I honestly never thought I would become the kind of girl who wears cowboy boots, but honestly… I could get used to it! They are sooooo cute!

Pics~

(click to enlarge)

Sephora $50 haul

May 24, 2012 Coco

On Friday night I noticed Sephora’s $22 Perfecting Cover Foundation was on sale for half price, only $11! The last time I purchased Sephora foundation, it was their hydrating and smoothing foundation (R20) at full price and I really was not a fan of it. But I figured I would give them another chance considering how low the price was. Being someone who LOVES free shipping, and would rather spent more money to not waste on shipping, I was now on the hunt through their sale items to spend the $50 required for free shipping. My package came in yesterday and here’s what I ended up choosing with a short review of each item:

Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation - Medium 25 Beige

Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation – Medium 25 Beige

This long-lasting foundation delivers an advanced definition complexion as it smoothes and perfects skin’s appearance.
I heard warnings about it going on too “orangy-tan” but I really like the results. It’s not necessarily the best foundation, and looks a little cakey, but overall a much better formula than the other Sephora foundation I bought before. The color actually looks great on my lightly sun-tanned skin, and blended very easily. I think it will grow on me! COURTNEY’S RATING: B+
1.1 oz (Orig. $22, Sale $11) from Sephora.com

Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact - D30 (warm beige)

Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact – D30 (warm beige)

This silky foundation provides buildable coverage and protects skin with an SPF 10, while the long-wearing formula creates a luminous finish.
I actually haven’t used a powder foundation in a LONG time, but I have been wanting to get something for a finishing powder and for touch-ups during the day, so I figured this would be a great investment for the price. It seems to work decently, but not anything special. I like the color, and it evens out my face nicely. But I am not sure if I am “sold.” COURTNEY’S RATING: B
0.35 oz (Orig. $22, Sale $7) from Sephora.com

Sephora Tropical Trio Brush Set

A set of three travel-friendly brushes dipped in vibrant, tropical hues. This super-portable brush set is as stunning as it is convenient.
THESE ARE SOOO CUTE! I am in love! They’re super soft, and incredibly portable – I immediately threw them into my purse! There isn’t much to say except WOW! COURTNEY’S RATING: A
(Orig. $22, Sale $7) from Sephora.com

Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Art

These pretty polishes will have your fingertips looking fancy. Stored in a bottle shaped like Hello Kitty, each color is high gloss, anti-chip, and sure to last a long time thanks to UV-protection and resistance to both water and detergent.
I love sparkle nail polishes, and I could not resist these, especially not when they come in cute HK bottles! I bought the three shades that were on sale: Gold Sparkle, Red Sparkle, and Silver Star. 2-3 coats, and they are incredibly beautiful! COURTNEY’S RATING: A
(Orig. $10 each, Sale $5 each) from Sephora.com

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm – Funky Fuschia

This lip treat combines the hydrating benefits of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a lipstick. The pop of neon color will highlight any look and the long-wearing formula means you can keep your pout both moisturized and flashy from day into night.
This is without a doubt my new favorite lip balm! I previously bought some lip balms from Sephora, and I was a huge fan. But this one is even better! The pink is so pigmented, and lasts a long time! COURTNEY’S RATING: A+
(Orig. $10 each, Sale $3 each) from Sephora.com

‘Tricks of the Trade’ Anti-Shine Primer

The primer preps skin to expertly hold foundation and mattifies skin for up to eight hours, controlling and balancing sebum production. It guarantees that your makeup stays fresh and color-true.
I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet… and I usually don’t use a primer, but I couldn’t resist the price! I am actually very impressed at how well it works. It does exactly what it says it should and I would definitely repurchase… although $18 seems a little pricey, but the bottle seems to last a long time. COURTNEY’S RATING: B+
(Orig. $18, Sale $5) from Sephora.com

I also bought a pack of Sephora hair elastics ($3), and received a Dior Diorshow Mascara deluxe sample with a promotion code and received my 3 perfume samples: Cartier Baiser Vole, Bvlgari Omnia Coral, and Gucci Flora By Gucci Eau Fraîche.

Here are some pics! (Don’t mind my horrible nail polish skills, I was in a rush :P)

Sephora Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm - Funky Fuschia

(click to enlarge)

Steve Madden BSOCIAL purse

May 8, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Immediately after finishing my French final, my dad suggested we do a little light shopping before heading home. (My final was at 8am, so I asked my dad to give me a ride to town so I didn’t have to wake up so early). Found some cute boots at Charlotte Russe($9.99, orig. $45), and a pretty ring by Footnotes at JCPenney($20), but the HUGE find of the day was our last stop at Marshalls when I spotted this GORGEOUS blue, almost purple, Steve Madden handbag. And here’s the kicker… it was only $39.99!! It retails at $108 anywhere else online, so this was definitely the Sick Steal of the Day! Maybe year! Can you tell I am in love with this purse??!?!?! Also, after we had some REALLY good burgers at Centerpoint Station in San Marcos, TX.

I can’t wait to wear the purse out for the first time on Wednesday.. it’s going to be my lucky charm for my Brain & Behavior final. Not to mention, I’ll be wearing the boots when we go out dancing at Cowboys next week! Plus this ring is SUPER cute! I’ve been looking for something simple and cute to wear daily (my other ring is so fancy in comparison!). An overall GREAT day with my Dad ^^

Here are some pics I took:

(click to enlarge)

You can check out the purse at SteveMadden.com.

Post-It Notes Pop-up Heart Dispenser

April 5, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

Not sure if this is a steal, but I couldn’t resist this! It was a little cheaper than the online price (about $8+). Even though I have to buy different (slightly more expensive) post-it notes, it’s the perfect decor for my desk! They also have other designs (click to see it at Walmart.com).

Though I kinda scratched it on the plastic box when I took it out :( The OCD part of me wants to exchange it, but it’s not THAT noticeable, only in certain light… but still! lol I hate returning stuff so I’ll just suffer through it :P

Bath & Body Works Body Sponge

March 12, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

A must-have for all bathing beauties! Our gentle sponge has a convenient strap and is the perfect puffy accessory for a luxurious cleansing experience.

What are these things even called? Puffs? Gauze Sponges? Loofahs? It seems like no one really knows! I never know what to call them… it will be awkward if they ever get brought up in person… (“you know, those bath body scrubber thingys??”).

Anyways, I picked up one of these body puffs over the weekend from Bath & Body Works for $3.50! ISN’T IT CUTE? It’s SUPER soft, and works great! I am a sucker for pink and polka dots! They also have them in purple, blue, white, and orange in-store and online (click here to view).

I also picked up another C.O. Bigelow product on this trip, their Lemon Lip Cream.. can you say: future review!???

Desk Accessories Galore!

March 5, 2012September 27, 2013 Coco

I’ve been trying to redecorate my room for the past year or so. I finally got rid of my unused armoire and replaced it with a more functional desk. Here’s what I picked up over the weekend.

First up, a pair of pen/pencil organizers from Marshalls. The larger was $5.99, while the smaller was only $3.99. They are extrememely cute, and match the theme of my room (white furniture, black, silver and pink accents). After leaving Marshalls, and putting back a bunch of cute accessories I simply didn’t need nor should waste money on. I could NOT resist this adorable pink Umbra picture frame from Ross for $6.99. I haven’t added a photograph yet, but I plan to put a picture of my friends in it.

And lastly, my favorite find of the day: this BEAUTIFUL crystal lamp and black/silver/white lamp shade from Lowes. The Portfolio Satin Nickel Lamp Base was a little pricey at $40 and the Portfolio drum shade was $15, but totally worth it. I also included a picture of the amazing desk my Dad found for me on Craigslist. It’s a $1,000 Ballard Designs “Bourdonnais” desk that we got for just $250. I’m still working on decorating, but first I have to clean up all of the stuff that came out of my old armoire, so excuse the mess! But the design is sooo gorgeous, I don’t care! Love it!

Bling!

February 16, 2012September 18, 2013 Coco

It has been a long time since I’ve worn rings. I used to wear them ALL the time when I was little on my ring finger. But as I got older, I stopped wearing rings. This is probably the first ring I’ve bought in years, so I am pretty excited. I bought this beauty at my college at the Avalon Jewelry vendor in the quad for only $26! I’m in the organization on campus that hosts them, so I occassionally volunteer to sit with them. Nothing usually catches my eye there, but this ring did and the owner gave me a pretty good discount since I’m there a lot (it probably would have cost over $40). I guess you can consider this a belated V-Day present to myself! 8D

It’s a lot more silver and black than the image suggests, but I’m addicted to Instagram now :P

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovers!

February 14, 2012September 18, 2013 Coco

I’ve never really been a big fan of Valentine’s Day, and I don’t have any special plans as I am happily single. But, BOY do I love the themed items in stores! I picked up this pink, heart-shaped plastic bowl at Dollar General for $2! It is now housing my remotes and keys, so maybe I wont lose them as often XD

Anyone do anything special for V-Day this year?

Skechers Shape-Ups Bollard Boots

November 27, 2011September 18, 2013 Coco

I was just at Ross Dress for Less with my dad, and he found this amazing pair of Skechers women’s ankle-high boots for only $22.99, which is an extremely fair price considering they were originally $110! They are suede (I bought mine in charcoal, pictured to the left) with a rubber “rounded sole that increases leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity,” and are, so far, super comfy! The interior lining is a soft faux fur, which adds a little more warmth and comfort. I’m terribly picky when it comes to shoes, so I usually scoff at the idea of wearing Skechers, but these boots have officially made me a fan! Ross also had a black pair of Skechers knee-high boots, and I totally would have bought another pair but they didn’t have my size!

UPDATE: (12-26-2011) I went back to Ross Dress for Less and found the knee-high boots in my size!!! They’re black Skechers Women’s Shape Ups XF – Avalanche boot and were the same amazing price of $22.99 and I believe retailed at $150! I might love them even more than the Bollard boot, they go with everything!! So excited!