Birthday Haul - Pacifica, Sephora, Goodwill, and More!

My birthday was on July 27th and I just wanted to show a couple of the things I got. And I'm focusing more on birthday perks/rewards from some of the companies I follow than actual gifts. FYI, I filmed this video a while ago but have just been able to successfully get it off of my camera *sigh* Thankfully, I was able to upload it before the end of this month. Check it out to find out more. Please rate and subscribe. And please watch in HD. Oh, and I'm at the beau's place here.

          Coconut Kiss Lip Butters and Enlightened Gloss from Pacifica

                     

                     
              Beauty Insider Birthday Gift From Sephora

             Canon Powershot A4000 IS

              Tone Fitness Gloves

                 Buffalo top from Goodwill

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links for which Favoritethingsetc Blog will receive a small commission if products are purchased from the link. 

Out and About: Free Makeup Class At Sephora #2

In another post I mentioned how I attended a free makeup class at Sephora. Well, I went to another free class on Sunday, 12, 2013 at the same Sephora (Watertower).  This second class was called Lashes, Liners, and Brows,  though the main focus was applying false eyelashes. And please note that I have attempted false lashes many times but I'm still getting the hang of it. Having the instructors there to guide made me feel more comfortable about applying lashes again. They were very helpful and gave me a few more tips such as shaping the lashes by gently wrapping them around your finger (or pen, pencil, etc...). Another tip was to place the glue on the edge or top of the band instead of the actual band/band. These tips made the lash application easier for me but I could still use more practice. I suppose I will keep trying until I get better.  I don't plan to wear them often. I just would like the option for days when I want to glam up a bit.

After class, one of the associates showed us their store's new toy, the Sephora Skincare IQ. This machine matches you with products that are perfect for your skin based on your skincare concerns. You're asked a series of questions and the machine uses your answers  to suggest several products. Then it prints out detailed information about the products including ratings, regimen, and suggested usage.

Note: Pictured in first photo is an instructor and a class participant

Sephora Skincare IQ

Detailed Skincare Match

I really enjoyed the class and learned some cool new tricks. And since it was Mother's Day so there were fewer participants and more one-on-one instruction. There was also another goodie bag and some other treats which are pictured. I will definitely be signing up for the next one. And I'll also be back to play around with the Skincare IQ.

 

 Left: Sephora lashes they gave me in class

Right-Goodie bag contents: Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream,

                                                        Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream 

Free item I got with Sephora Insider Points

Two free fragrance pouches. I think they passing these out for Mother's Day.

I gave them to my sis-I'm more of a solid perfume/oil girl. 

Out and About: Free Makeup Class at Sephora!

I was wandering (aimlessly) at Sephora a couple of week ago when an associate asked if I would be interested in attending a makeup class. She gave me the rundown on what the class would be about and when it would take place. I was nodding slowly until she said the magic word, Free. Then I quickly agreed to take the class, although it was at 10am on a Sunday. And, I think I do an ok job with my makeup, I'm always open to learning more.

When I went to the class and there were about 15 other ladies there. Tables were set up with makeup brushes, products, mirrors and a clipboard with a form to jot down notes. This particular class was called Standout Eyes. We learned how to do a basic eyes into eveinig smoky look. There were about 3 instructors One worked on a model while the other two gave us hands-on help. And several ladies needed plenty of help because they never really wore makeup.

I didn't need very much help since this was such a basic eye. I did learn a new technique though. It's called tightlining which is lining the underside of your top lid; right under the lashline. I tried this technique and it really did make a difference. That was a great take-away from this class and I'll definitely be incorporating it into my routine.
Another take-away was goodie bag that had two full size products inside. And please note that I had no idea there would be freebies (though I hoped so). The products I got were Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream and Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.

Overall, I had a nice time.  I even signed up to try another class in a few weeks. I think it's on lashes. I'll keep you posted on that one. And I'll try to take a few more pictures.

WishList: Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

I can remember buying self adjusting foundations back in the day and they never, ever, adjusted to my skin tone. I was always left with a whitish cast on my face that I couldn't blend away. And after trying several other self adjusting foundations (over the years), I had pretty much lost my curiosity about them - until now.

 I was in a Sephora store, just browsing of course, and I came across Josie Maran's Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation which is a self-adjusting formula that starts off white and then adjusts to your skintone. Here is how it is described on Sephora's website:

'A serum foundation formulated with chameleon pigments, an innovative color-match technology that goes on white and instantly  adjusts to match your unique and changing natural skintone as it balances and nourishes the skin.'

There were 3 shades (fair/light, light/medium, medium/dark) and I tested the medium/dark shade on my hand.  I was surprised when it actually started to match my skin tone. The finish looked really nice and smooth and the color seemed to match my hand perfectly. I them dabbed a bit of the Argan Illuminizer of top of the foundation and it looked fabulous. I really want to try this out on my face and see if I get the same results. However, the foundation is approx. $42 and that's not in my budget, especially for one cosmetic item. So it'll stay on the wishlist for a while. 

photo souce: sephora.com