haul | Sephora VIB Sale

Okay so my last post was all about my spending ban. I did mention that there was an exception, and I was hoping to post something up last week explaining exactly what that exception was, but I had a really busy/stressful week so didn't get around to doing so. 

Long story short, I did not want to miss out on the Sephora's VIB sale since it's not everyday I can purchase at Sephora at a discounted price! Since I was making an exception to my shopping, I also extended the spending ban from only in November up until Christmas. 

So, without further ado, here is what I picked up during the Sephora VIB Sale:

• Clarisonic Normal Brush Head: I was in dire need of replacing my older brush head. It was stained with makeup and looked completely gross!
• Purity Cleanser: This past year, I must of gone through two of the 12 oz bottles so I figured why not purchase the largest size available?
• Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment: I have been eyeing this for a pretty long time, but put off buying because of the price tag. $69 for a facial mask? This has to be a miracle mask! I haven't tried it yet, but am looking forward to my pamper session to try it!
• NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette: I really beat myself up for not purchasing the last cheek palette that NARS put out, so when I saw they came out with another I automatically went on my wish list. This was the last of two at my local Sephora, so I was very happy to have my hands on it. And can I add, the packaging is absolutely beautiful!
• NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte: I was looking for a deep red lipstick for the holidays and wanted to try these new lipstick that everyone has been raving about. I have tried it and have to say, so far I am loving it! A full review will be coming soon. 
• Anastacia Brow Wiz: Another product that I have had my eyes on for a while. I tried it at Sephora about a month ago and was so surprised by how much it differed from my Benefit brow pencil. I won't say much, other than I think I am going to like this one much more!

Did you pick anything up during the Sephora VIB Sale? 

With love,
Esty

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No Spend 'til Christmas

I was organizing my makeup and beauty products a couple of weeks ago and realized that I owned way too many for the space that I have. Not wanting to get rid of most of them, I decided that I was going to try to use them all up. But how could I do that if I was constantly buying new face wash or lipstick to try? My solution was to go on a spending ban. 

Starting November 1st (tomorrow), I will not make any beauty or makeup purchases unless absolutely necessary (example: I run out of ALL of the face wash I own). The plan was for the spending ban to last through November, but with the Sephora VIB sale coming up, I couldn't let those savings pass by! So I decided to extend my spending ban until Christmas. Here are the rules:

1. No purchasing makeup of any kind for myself (except the one listed on my Sephora VIB sale wish list). 
2. No purchasing any hair or body product for myself.
3. Exemption to purchases only if it will be a Christmas gift for somebody else.
4. It is okay to make a purchase for myself if all of that product type is finished (example: all face wash are empty).

I believe that is about it. Let me know if you think I am missing anything. Also feel free to join me so that we can be no spending buddies!

With love,
Esty

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Mary Kay Clear Proof Review

Influenster is a review site which offers a free full size box to their most influential and active members. Every month, they release a box with full size products. In order to qualify for these VoxBoxes, you must be active in the Influenster community and connect your different social media to increase your impact score.  You also need to complete a survey that would pre-qualify for a specific Voxbox. To learn more about Influenster click here. One thing about joining Influenster is that you must be invited through email. If you are interested in joining, leave me a comment below!

Anyways, I was recently selected by Influenster to receive the Clear Proof Voxbox, which enclosed a new product by Mary Kay targeted for acne prone skin. It is a 4 step regimen, that when used correctly, promised clearer skin in seven days! The regimen includes a cleanser, moisturizer, toner, and a treatment gel. Now, I don't have a huge problem with acne, but I do break out every once in a while (especially during that time of the month). Luckily I received this box right around that time when I tend to break out (which was about two weeks ago). I started using it instantly! 

One thing that I noticed off the back was the lack of scent. To me, it just smelled like something that has been enclosed inside of a plastic container. To some it may not be bothersome, but I personally did not like it. The cleanser is a gel-like formula and does a pretty good job at cleaning my face. The toner is something I also really enjoyed using. It was not stripping nor did it have a strong alcohol scent, which is something many toners have. The treatment gel is also like a gel, and is the only product that contains benzoyl peroxide (the others contains salicylic acid). 

The moisturizer is the product that I really did not enjoy using out of the whole system. For one, I did not find that it was moisturizing enough. If you have used an acne system before, then you know that it can be a bit drying, and the moisturizer did not do much for alleviating the dry patches I was starting to develop on my face. Secondly, it had a very thin consistency, which was very annoying when trying to apply the product on my face. I felt as though it did not absorb into my skin fast enough and took a while to dry. 

I started using the Clear Proof system twice a day, since it was recommended on the package to use two to three times a day. Twice a day was really drying, and since the moisturizer wasn't helping much, after four days, I started using it only once a day. I washed my face in the morning using this system and used my regular skin care products at night to remove my makeup. As for the breakouts, I do feel that the Clear Proof system did help clear them up a lot quicker than my normal skin care routine. 

Would I repurchase this? Maybe not, only because I am no longer in the age where I am constantly breaking out. This is definitely targeted for those who have more breakouts, but I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a skin care system that is targeted for acne. It can be a little drying, so I would start with once a day and increase from there. The full system is $45 on the Mary Kay website if bought as a set, but about $56 if bought separately. 

Have you used an acne system? What were your results? 

Esty <3 

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*I was sent this by Influenster for review. I am not being paid, all opinions are my own.