I have $125 to spend at Sephora, recs?

[ashleydl83]

Newbie to this board, but I'm looking for some makeup recs. My amazing mom hooked me up with $125 to Sephora, and I'm so excited! I usually only buy drug store makeup, so I don't know what to buy. I definitely want to get a nice eyeshadow palette. I have brown hair, hazel eyes, fair skin, and my go to colors are browns/neutrals. I've got a few fine lines and wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes, and the beginning of the dreaded 11's. I've always done my makeup the same, but I've recently started following some makeup pages on Facebook, and a few beauty bloggers on IG, so I want to try new things and improve my skills. I can't do a winged eyeliner to save my life, but I definitely want to learn. I've got an Elf contour kit that I like, but I need a good highlighter. Also, is the IT cosmetics foundation any good? There's a deal on Swagbucks if you buy the $40 kit, you get $20 back in points.

I also found out that you can get a makeover/makeup consultation when you spend $50+ dollars, so I think I want to do that. Do you tell them what products you want to try, or let them pick, or what? TIA!

[DarcyLongfellow]

Definitely do the makeover!! The one that's free if you spend $50. I might even be tempted to schedule two of them, maybe a month apart with different makeup artists.

The makeup artist doing the makeover should definitely talk to you about what you use currently and what you want to get out of the makeover.

As far as what to buy higher end vs drugstore, used to I'd say eyeshadow and foundation. These days I think a decent version of almost any product can be found in at least one drugstore line. But I still almost always buy foundation and eyeshadow from higher end brands because I like to try them out before I buy.

[ashleydl83]

DarcyLongfellow I'm super excited about the makeover, and 2 makeovers sounds even better. Thank you!

[secretlyevil]

All the lipstick!

[ESF]

I've never done a Sephora makeover, so I can't comment on that.

But here's a few ideas -

For a highlighter, I'd get this -

www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-opal-glow-on-go-P401784?skuId=1808377&icid2=products%20grid:p401784

It's a great value - that little compact should last you a year of daily use. The liquid stuff I could take or leave, but good for more subtle looks. Even if you don't use the liquid, it's a good value.

Second, look at the "Sephora Favorites" sets. Sephora sells multi-brand boxed sets of stuff, and they are usually excellent values. The selection might be depleted right now because of the holidays though.

Palettes - if you like shimmer, the Naked 1, 2, and 3 are pretty much the classic starter choice. Any of them would probably work for you, but it sounds like N1 might be what you are looking for. A lot of people also like the Two Faced Chocolate Bar palette. The case is scented like chocolate, so you have to like scents. If you wanted to try something different, I recommend the Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette.

Lipstick - I am addicted to the Bite brand. It is so nice. If you want to get the most mileage out of your money, you could consider a Bite multi stick, which works as both lipstick and blush (it can be used as eyeshadow too, but doesn't really wear well that way). But the Bite Amuse Bouche lipstick formula is really lovely. Pepper is a great basic all purpose color.

Enjoy!! I spent $125 on my first ever Sephora trip in 2014, and now I'm completely hooked.

[bluestreet]

I would focus on a palette, a foundation/bb cream, and nice lipstick.

The nice thing about Anastasia Modern Renaissance is you can do mellow neutral looks or more fun berries/rusts that are part of the makeup zeitgeist!

I also love Bite lipstick, though it doesn't last as long as others. You might try the Kat Von D liquid matte in Lolita.

Have fun and show us your haul when you finish!

[carrotsmakemefat]

On IT cosmetics, I love a lot of their products (and many love the foundations and BB creams) but I don't prefer their foundation. I use a lot of other IT products (gel liner, lip vitality stain, and blush is all amazing).

It's hard to pick what you should get... I'd start with your top three areas you'd like to improve. Is it eyes? Foundation? Lips? Go in with an idea and make sure to tell the rep if you want sheer coverage/full coverage, like a lot of color/want more natural looks, and be sure to give that feedback up front. Dry skin/oily skin. All important info.

I'm largely an ULTA girl now because the rewards system is so much better, but if I had $125 I'd largely focus on skin/foundation and those few higher end products. I'd be ok filling in mascara/liners, and maybe blush with drugstore. I always believe on going with what works as your foundation, even if that's a little more money. Sadly IT isn't at Sephora.

[tugsgirl]

What a great problem to have!! I would definitely take advantage of the makeover and ask what they recommend for your skin type and tone in the way of foundation.
Good neutral eye palettes IMO are Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette, UD Naked 1, and I hear great things about the Lorac Unzipped palette.
Have fun, can't wait to hear about your haul!

[ashleydl83]

Jan 3, 2017 8:42:25 GMT -5 tugsgirl said:

What a great problem to have!! I would definitely take advantage of the makeover and ask what they recommend for your skin type and tone in the way of foundation.
Good neutral eye palettes IMO are Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette, UD Naked 1, and I hear great things about the Lorac Unzipped palette.
Have fun, can't wait to hear about your haul!

I'll definitely report back with my haul. I've never had this kind of money to spend on myself, but I really want to get better at doing my makeup and changing my look, so y'all will probably be seeing more of me!

Thanks everyone for the recs. I'm excited!

[kristie]

Jan 3, 2017 7:30:50 GMT -5 carrotsmakemefat said:

Sadly IT isn't at Sephora.

Wait, you do know they started carrying IT cosmetics, right? Sometime in the last six months I think.

[ashleydl83]

I got the ABH Modern Renaissance palette, which I love!! I also got some Makeup Forever primer and an awesome Sephora brand cream lip stain that stays on forever. I still have enough money to spend to get a makeover, which I can't wait to do! There's a Sephora with better reviews that's a little farther away that I'm going to go to in a few weeks.

[ESF]

Jan 10, 2017 20:06:48 GMT -5 ashleydl83 said:

I got the ABH Modern Renaissance palette, which I love!! I also got some Makeup Forever primer and an awesome Sephora brand cream lip stain that stays on forever. I still have enough money to spend to get a makeover, which I can't wait to do! There's a Sephora with better reviews that's a little farther away that I'm going to go to in a few weeks.

YAY!!!! Congrats! I think this is my most favorite palette ever!

If you haven't seen this thread, you might find it useful!


pandce.proboards.com/thread/561532/modern-renaissance-looks

[ashleydl83]

Jan 10, 2017 20:30:18 GMT -5 ESF said:

Jan 10, 2017 20:06:48 GMT -5 ashleydl83 said:

I got the ABH Modern Renaissance palette, which I love!! I also got some Makeup Forever primer and an awesome Sephora brand cream lip stain that stays on forever. I still have enough money to spend to get a makeover, which I can't wait to do! There's a Sephora with better reviews that's a little farther away that I'm going to go to in a few weeks.

YAY!!!! Congrats! I think this is my most favorite palette ever!

If you haven't seen this thread, you might find it useful!


pandce.proboards.com/thread/561532/modern-renaissance-looks

Awesome!! Thanks!!