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!
[Shop the Products in this Post]
*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!*
Nude eyeliner in my waterline is an everyday must for me. Without it, I feel my eyes look red and tired! It’s one of my favorite beauty hacks for appearing more awake.
Hi Andrea! I’m so glad Suzie showed me that trick! It really does work! xo, Cassie
I love your post. I never comment on blogs but I really enjoy reading your blog. I am in my 60s and love hearing about the products your mom uses and seeing her on your site. My hair stylist turned me on to the Olaplex No. 6 and I love it! It makes my hair smooth and lasts until I wash it. Thanks for sharing the great products. I will be ordering some, for sure!
Thank you so much for the comment! I hope you love whatever you order!!! xo, Cassie
Love your hot pink sweater. Can you link it??
Absolutely, it’s right here! xo, Cassie
https://shopstyle.it/l/bdd8g
Love this post – do you know if you can use the Olaplex products on hair extensions? I believe you had some at one point. Thanks!
Yes it can! I just had my extensions removed, but my hair stylist used that product on me every time I saw him for the past year, with the extensions in! xo, Cassie
Olaplex No. #3 is amazing. I have been using it for years! It has completely changed my hair. At my stylist’s suggestion, I started leaving it on overnight and washing my hair in the morning. It has completely changed my hair. I was never able to have long hair due to the dry, damaged, brittle ends from bleaching, but it is currently longer and healthier than ever. Overnight is the way to go!
O0o0o0ohhh I bet leaving it on overnight is amazing! I should give that a try, thanks for the tip! xo, Cassie
Intrigued by the Laneige sleeping mask. You are putting it on “after” your nightly moisturizer? And I struggle with redness – it’s saying it helps but wondering it it will irritate? I guess only one way to find out. 😊
Thanks for keeping us informed!
Hi Gina! Yes, I apply after all of my other night time products. I use each item in the post for several weeks before letting you guys know about it. I haven’t had any irritation! xo, Cassie
Love all the recommendations! I’m surprised to see you try the Laniege sleep mask. Are you not using Colleen Rothchild products any more?
Oh absolutely I am! I love both CR and the Laneige! xo, Cassie
I have not tried Olaplex no 3, but I am hooked on the olaplex shampoo and conditioner and styling cream (no. 4, 5, & 6). I am going to order No 3 as well. I love Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil but maybe I should also try Olaplex no 7.
On your recommendation, I bought the IT mascara. It is my favorite now!
I’m so happy to hear that! I just ordered the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner, too!
Thank you so much for your product reviews! I get overwhelmed when I walk in a store, and I don’t feel like I have a lot of knowledge on makeup and skin/hair care products. Your blog simplifies it for me! I have been trying some new things because of you! Just bought the mascara to try…
Thank you so much, Libbe! Let me be your beauty guinea pig 🙂 xo, Cassie
Cassie, when you put on the Olaplex 3, how wet do you get your hair? How do you make it damp before you use it? You leave it on for 10 min & then shampoo?
I either run my hair under the faucet before a shower, or use it in the shower (on days I have to shave and will be in there a while) 😉 Someone also recommended sleeping in it, so I tried that this week! I rinsed off in the shower, added the product to towel-dried hair, and washed it out the next morning. It was incredible!
Hi!! I love this post. Do you use the tarte liner in place of eyeliner or do you use both?
Thanks so much!!!
Julianne
Hi Julianne! I use the Tarte on my bottom waterline and then do my normal black eyeliner on the bottom too, but on the top of the lid, not on the waterline! Hope that helps! xo, Cassie
Love this post! Would love to hear about a super moisturizing day moisturizer for the face that has SPF! I’m horrible at remembering to apply SPF separately!
I can add that to my list to search for! My CC Cream has SPF in it, so I don’t apply a separate sunscreen before makeup. xo, Cassie
Hi,
I was wondering what eyeshadow you were wearing in the stories today.
Thank you! Blair
Hi Blair!! It’s an old palette from Nars…I’ve been looking for a similar option for AGES! I’ll keep looking, bc it’s a good one!
I switched to Olaplex months ago and now only use it. I use the 3, 4-shampoo, 5–conditioner, and 6 before I dry my hair. It’s never looked healthier!
So happy to heart that!! I just started with the shampoo and conditioner, too!
Would love to see a setting powder- i find my face to be more oily towards the end of the day.
I adore Laura Mercier’s setting powder. I have combo skin with a dry forehead and an oily chin. It’s really weird. Lol But this really works. I also love Morphe’s continuous setting mist as well. 😉
I love Your style and the colorful bracelets can you share where you get them, 😊
Thanks so much! Here’s a link to the bracelets…they’re so fun! And code SUGARPLUM40 saves you 40%!
https://shopstyle.it/l/bdiUM
I always look forward to your blogs and thanks for sharing the list of products. I have been wanting a Hair Perfector for so long but was very confused which one to go for and this one seems promising. 🙂
Quick question on the Tarte fake awake- Do you find it goes on smoothly. I can’t stand a pencil that tugs at my waterline. Ouch.
For sure!!! glides on smooth and easily!
Thank you! Putting it on my list for my next order. 🙂
I am new to reading your blog and I love it. I also have a teen daughter (15) and would love for her to start taking care of her skin at an early age. Do you have any products you would recommend? She doesn’t have acne, but does have sensitive skin.
My daughter has very sensitive skin, too! She uses cleanser from Colleen Rothschild, and a Kiehls moisturizer for night. My main goal for her right now is to get in the habit of washing and moisturizing daily, and using SPF!