Chronicle 24: Sephora Haul!

As you know, I am obsessed with all things beauty, especially skin care and makeup. Since my husband has been traveling a lot lately, there hasn't been much time to run to the store when my supply of face wash and moisturizer kick the can. I've been resorting to my discarded, half used, old and sticky bottles of face wash to make due. I have sensitive skin, but it hasn't seemed to notice the switch, luckily.

This trip to Sephora was long overdue and I went a liiiittle crazy. Not only did I pick up what I needed to replace, but I also grabbed a few things I've been wanting to try for a long time.

#1 Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner

I bought this thickening conditioner as a companion to the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray. At the moment, I shampoo with Phytocyane Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair, which I massage into my scalp and leave for 2-5 minutes. I've been pairing that with Wen, but the combo is too heavy for my hair and it looks greasy after one day. I am hoping this B&B conditioner is light enough to use with the Phyto. Fingers crossed!  You can read about my "tragic" post-partum hair loss here and here.

#2 Oscar Blandi Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray (a tried & true favorite)

This is one of my favorite products. In between shampoos, I spritz a bit of this into my hair and give it a once over with a round brush and my hairdryer on the coolest setting. It truly does add volume, and it has a decent fragrance. What I love most is that it goes on clear, unlike other dry shampoos or baby powder. 

Drugstore find: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo Spray, $3.00

#3 Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Face Cleanser by Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins

I am super excited to try this cleanser. I know the saying goes "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." This just doesn't apply to beauty. Especially when it comes to me. I adore my Clarins Cleansing Milk, but I wanted to try something new, something natural and good for my skin. And it smells amazing... like a mossy fairy forest with little woodland creatures prancing about. Hopefully it works well with the Clarisonic... that will be the true test!

Drugstore find: Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover, $6.99

#4 Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream (Freebie)

Benefit is a brand that I've adored from afar, and never indulged in. This little sample was "purchased" with some of my Sephora points. Absolutely love the cute little packaging and the fact that the sample jar is actually decorated glass. I will have to let you know if it truly does give my skin total moisture! 

#5 Sephora's Lavender Cuticle Oil Pen

My cuticles are a raging hot mess at the moment. I've never mastered the self-mani or pedi, and thus spent a lot of time at the nail salon. Now my time there is very limited and I usually only allow myself one or the other. I have been concentrating on my feet because flip flop season has arrived, and I need the upkeep! Now I can at least have hydrated cuticles, which make for a healthier looking nail. It smells lovely, too. Nothing more calming than lavender! 

Drugstore find: Sally Hansen Cuticle & Nail Moisture Treatment Pen, $5.99

#6 Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener

THIS is what I've been searching for for ages. You would not believe how difficult it is to find peach colored eyeliner. This is meant for the waterline of your bottom lashes. It makes your eyes look whiter and brighter AND bigger. I put it on immediately and loved the instant results. The Jimmy John's delivery guy was definitely impressed. This is a must for mamas on the go, because it's a quick & easy pick me up. This paired with mascara and some gloss and you're good to go! 

#7  Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream

BB Cream has had the beauty industry all abuzz for quite some time, and I'm glad it is finally available to the general public. I first heard about it through a video blogger who acquired all her BB creams on Asian excursions. Since then I've been patiently waiting to pick up my own! This supposed miracle product is said to be a primer, sunscreen, moisturizer and light foundation all in one! I simply cannot wait to try this baby out. 

Drugstore find: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream, $11.97

#8 Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This little baby is like fresh air in a bottle. It's a toner that's meant to tighten skin and minimize pores. This will be a wonderful refresher for the hot summer days to come. I may even stick it in the refrigerator to up the quench factor. This would also be a wonderful product to take on trips to replenish your skin after hours in a car or airplane.

I will make sure to pick an item or two for a more in-depth review after I've had ample time to see how my skin reacts and how the product fits into my routine. Let me know if you're curious about a certain one!

Xoxo, 

The Hot Mama

Disclaimer: I was not paid to discuss or endorse these products. I just really, really love 'um!