Happy almost-Friday, friends! The weekend is in our sights and today we’re talking beauty… it’s a good day!
Beauty, hair and wellness became popular topics here on Hi Sugarplum last year, and I’m thrilled you love chatting it up as much as me. I tend to stay extremely loyal to a product once I’ve fallen in love, but part of my job here is to find and share the latest and greatest… in both style and beauty.
And now that Little Miss is a teen, our girl-days almost always include a trip to Sephora. She loves to stroll the aisles testing new products and colors, and usually she’s educating me on what I need to try next! I like to check it out in-store, then go home and read the reviews online before ordering.
I’ve found several great new (to me!) products lately, and since we’re all girlfriends here… I have to share them with you! Here’s the best of my Sephora Haul lately…
Sidenote: I try all new products for at least a month before sharing with you, so these aren’t just first impressions!
TOO FACED Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
Little Miss literally squealed when she discovered I ordered this… and promptly stole it for herself! Apparently Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper is huge among the teen group, so I wrangled it back from her to try for myself.
I’ve tried lip plumping glosses in the past, but none are as powerful as this one. Within a minute, my lips were tingling like a ton of little bee stings (a little uncomfortable, but not painful). A few minutes later, my lips were noticeably fuller, with dare I say, even a little pout! The plumping gradually fades with wear, but a fresh coat brings it all back.
The gloss is really moisturizing and not too sticky, too. I have the ‘Pink Punch‘ shade for a subtle pop of sheer color, but would probably go with the clear so you can layer it over all your favorite lip colors.
IGK GOOD BEHAVIOR Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray
After years of coloring, drying and curling, I’ve become more mindful of protecting my hair from additional damage, and have spent a lot of time looking at heat protectants and repair products. This IGK GOOD BEHAVIOR Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray is one that kept popping up, and the reviews had me so intrigued!
Not only does it serve as a heat protectant, but it mimics the high-shine and smoothing results of a salon-level Keratin treatment, plus it strengthens hair! The protein nourishes hair, while a special bonding ingredient completely smooths and seals each strand when activated by the heat of a hair dryer and/or irons.
I add a light mist from the mid-shaft to ends, then blow dry with a boar bristle brush (less damaging than metal brushes). My hair is noticeably shinier and smooth as silk!! In fact, so smooth I’ve been skipping the curling iron more often lately, and saving my hair from the additional heat step.
The treatment lasts for several days, too, (especially if you sleep with a silk pillowcase) so you can extend time between shampoos… and additional heat! This product is best for straight styles, it’s less noticeable if you curl your hair, too.
LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask
You know I’m obsessed with the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (which I use day and night, not just while sleeping!), so it was a no-brainer to try some of their other products.
I tried the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask last year, but didn’t love the gel consistency. I much prefer creams, especially thick ones for night wear. The LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask delivers!
Call me a beauty newbie, but I had no clue what Cica was!! After some trusty Google research, I found this:
“Herbalists say you can ingest the herb, Centella Asiatica, to improve your blood circulation, cure fevers, and help lessen the effects of anxiety. Topically, Cica has been noted to help soothe burns, wounds, psoriasis, dermatitis, super sensitive, easily-irritable skin. Cica creams also have intense anti-aging properties.”
Um, okay… sign me up! When added as the last step of your usual nighttime skincare routine (even after moisturizer), the LANEIGE Hypoallergenic Cica Sleeping Mask delivers intense moisture and strengthens the skin’s barrier to combat redness and dryness while you sleep.
I love the thick, creamy formula that stays put all night, giving me a dewy glow in the morning. I’ve been using it a few times each week, then rinse it off in the mornings. My skin has fewer rough patches and more even tone. Check out the reviews to see how it’s helped people who suffer from stressed winter skin!
TARTE Fake Awake Eyeliner
I learned this trick from the pro herself, Suzie Moldavon… and it’s become an essential part of my daily makeup routine! Adding the TARTE Fake Awake Eyeliner in ‘Universal Nude’ to your lower waterline is a makeup artist trick for instantly bigger and brighter eyes!
It neutralizes any redness, and highlights the eyes making you look instantly more awake. The tug-proof, long-wearing formula glides on smoothly, and aloe moisturizes eyes. You can even apply it to the inner corners and brow bone for more highlighting, and use the built-in smudger to blend.
Trust me, once you see the difference, you’ll never skip this step in your makeup routine again!!
OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No. 3
I’ve been hearing lots of buzz about this hair brand, but didn’t try it for myself until my stylist insisted I try it. Turns out, he’s been using OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No. 3 on me for over a year (one of the reasons my hair always looks so good after he does it!).
He said the transformations he’s seen in his clients’ hair after using it consistently is nothing short of a miracle!! Those are big words, so of course I ordered it immediately. (I mean, my gosh… just look at the 2,000 perfect reviews!!)
The concentrated treatment strengthens and protects compromised hair from within, and restores a healthier appearance and texture. Apply it weekly to damp hair (I’m using it 2-3 times a week since my hair is so fragile from coloring), let it sit for 10 minutes, then shampoo as usual.
I’m so excited for the change in my hair, I recently added the Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Cream and No. 7 Bonding Oil (I make a little cocktail of the two) to my hair routine. I’ll be sure to report back after trying a little longer.
IT COSMETICS Lash Blowout Mascara
Okay, so this product isn’t exactly new to me, but I love it too much to not include in my first official Sephora Haul! I stumbled on IT COSMETICS Lash Blowout Mascara last fall, and am so impressed (and hooked!!), I’m already on my second tube!
Both my mom and daughter have switched to it, and we literally can’t stop singing its praises to friends. I love the wet formula that glides on smoothly with no clumps, easily coating every lash from root to tip. It also contains biotin, which strengthens the lashes and helps them to grow longer without breakage!
Using the DryBar technology, they designed the wand to create beautiful separation, lift and volume, while the IT Cosmetics formula is clump-free and flake-free! The pigment is super saturated too, so lashes are extra dark. My only tip if you like multiple coats, is to layer while the product is still wet on your lashes.
Okay, that’s it for this month’s Sephora Haul! Are any of these products already on your must-have list? What do you love that I should try next? Should we make these posts a regular series??
And if you’re a beauty junkie like me, make sure you’re a Sephora Beauty Insider (sign-up is free HERE!)… they offer exclusive deals and sales, along with bonus samples and rewards!
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*Photos by the talented and darling Audrie Dollins. This post is created in collaboration with Sephora and ShopStyle, but all product selections, reviews and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
