Deals | Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales: MAC, Sephora, Kat Von D, Anastasia, ColourPop, Becca, Tarte, Too Faced, Makeup Geek, OFRA & More! (2017)

It's that crazy, hectic time of the year again... Black Friday & Cyber Monday! A handful of our favorite companies are offering up sales, deals and free gifts with purchases! Here's a compiled list and details of some of this years highlights—take advantage while you can! What's making it into your cart this year? 🙂

MAC

• 25% off with code MAC25, select members only, valid 11/22 through 11/28!

Sephora

• Black Friday Countdown, up to 50% select items, while supplies last!
• VIB + Rouge First Access: Kat Von D Metal Crush Highlighter Palette, Too Faced White Chocolate Bar Palette
• 40% off Anastasia Moonchild Glow Kit (now $24 USD), while supplies last!
• 40% off Anastasia Aurora Glow Kit (now $24 USD), while supplies last!
• 50% off Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencils (now $10 USD), while supplies last!
• 50% off Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipsticks (now $9 USD), while supplies last!
• 50% off Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Creme Highlighters (now $19 USD), while supplies last!
• 35% off Becca Apres Ski Glow Collection Eye Lights Palette (now $29 USD), while supplies last!
• Free Trial-Size Fragrance with $25+ purchase, use code SPRITZ, while supplies last!
• Free Sample Bag with $45+ purchase, use code DAYORNIGHT, while supplies last!
• Free Sample Bag with $45+ purchase, use code BAGOFCHEER, while supplies last!
• Free Clinique Foundation+Concealer with $25+ purchase, use code REALCONCEAL, while supplies last!
• Free Yves Saint Laurent Foundation with $35+ purchase, use code YSLUXE, while supplies last!
• Free Givenchy Lipstick Mini with $25+ purchase, use code BERRYCHIC, while supplies last!
• Free Nudestix Lip Pencil Mini with $25+ purchase, use code SAINTLIP, while supplies last!
• Free Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Mini with $25+ purchase, use code EYELOCK, while supplies last!
• Free Dr. Jart+ BB Cream with $25+ purchase, use code BEAUTYBALM, while supplies last!
• Shop Sales

Kat Von D

• All Studded Kiss Lipsticks now $12, while supplies last!
• Buy any 2 Studded Kiss Lipsticks and get 3 Minis Free, offer ends 11/22!
• Free Vegan Leather Makeup Bag + 4 Minis with $75+ purchase, use code BLACKFRIDAY, valid 11/23 through 11/25!
• Free Mini Compact Miror with $50+ purchase, use code CYBERMONDAY, valid 11/26 through 11/27!
• Free Kat Von D Beauty Tote Bag with the purchase of any Farm Sanctuary Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, use code GIVINGTUES, offer valid 11/28!

Anastasia Beverly Hills

• 50% off Eye Shadow Singles, Contour and Blush Trios, valid 11/24 through 11/27!
• 40% off Glow Kits, Liquid Lipsticks and Lipglosses, valid 11/24 through 11/27!
• 30% off Matte Lipsticks, valid 11/24 through 11/27!
• Free Brush with $75+ purchases, valid 11/24 through 11/27!

Upcoming | MAKE UP FOR EVER Lustrous Collection, Value Sets (Holiday 2017)

Shop now at Sephora & Sephora Canada!

Make Up For Ever has now launched their Holiday collection for the 2017! I will continue to update this post, as well as other holiday collections, throughout the season if new sets become available.

Lustrous Shadow Palette — $49 USD ($58 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (12 x 0.05 oz.) Artist Color Shadows in M100 (matte black), M608 (matte red brown), ME512 (metallic golden beige), M322 (matte khaki), M536 (matte milk tea), ME728 (metallic copper red), M500 (matte ivory), M619, ME840 (metallic pink chrome), M549, M847, M928 (matte eggplant)

"Lust for luster with this limited-edition eyeshadow palette featuring 12 must-have shades of Artist Color Shadow, the newest innovation in the eyeshadow category. This unique formula blends the best of all worlds: intense color payoff, superior bendability, and unprecedented 12-hour wear. Formulated with 25 percent more pigment, this creamy shadow will glide onto eye lids for maximum color impact in one stroke. Be the first to try this new formula in a must-have range of shades to create endless eye looks that range from beautifully natural to dramatically smoky. $180 USD / $214 CAD Value." 

Lustrous Artist Rouge Lipstick Set — $35 USD ($43 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (4 x 0.04 oz.) Artist Rouge Lipsticks in C304 (orange), M401 (hot red), C211 (rose wood), C207 (fuchsia pink)

"Lust for luster this holiday season with the Lustrous Artist Rouge Set featuring four mini Artist Rouge Lipsticks with shades ranging from classic nudes to bold berries, including MAKE UP FOR EVER’s bestseller, C-211. These lipsticks bring bold color impact to lips that make a statement. This extremely pigmented formula not only provides intense, opaque color but boasts a long-lasting, non-drying formula that hydrates the lips for ultimate comfort. This set features lipsticks in two finishes: an ultra-matte, velvety finish that won't feel dry, and a cream finish for intense color with a natural-looking finish. You’ll never leave without your not-so-basic basics again. $29 USD / $36 CAD Value."

Lustrous Faves — $25 USD ($30 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (1 x 0.X oz.) Artist Metallic Lip Gloss in Pink Champagne (exclusive)
• (1 x 0.09 oz.) Star Lit Powder in 13 Ivory

"Lust for luster this holiday season with the Lustrous Faves Set. Get party ready with show-stopping neutrals that include MAKE UP FOR EVER’s bestseller, Star Lit Powder and new Artist Metallic Gloss. Star Lit Powder is an ultra-radiant, ultra-fine loose powder that is perfect for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This multi-faceted formula includes pure mother of pearl to add light-catching color and shine. The new Artist Metallic Gloss is a metallic lip gloss with a powerful, multi-dimensional finish giving high impact shine and ultra-smooth dimension. Transform your look with these must-have metallic essentials. $37 USD Value."

Lustrous Brush Set — $79 USD ($95 CAD) — Limited Edition

• #108 Large Foundation Brush
• #156 Large Flat Blush Brush
• #140 Small Highlighter Brush
• #226 Medium Eye Shader Brush
• #216 Medium Precision Eye Blender Brush
• Sleek Travel-Friendly Pouch

"Lust for luster this holiday season with a perfect for home and on-the-go brush set. The set includes five artist favorite makeup brushes and a sleek travel-friendly pouch for the most professional application. This collection features top quality handcrafted favorites for eyes, cheeks, and face. Now, you can have the pro brushes you need to be your own makeup artist wherever and whenever you go. $160 USD / $188 CAD Value."

Artist Face Color Mini Highlight & Blush Duo — $22 USD ($28 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (2 x 0.088 oz.) Highlight and Blush Powders

"This duo includes the two most universally flattering shades for enhancing and highlighting your complexion. Artist Face Color’s unique formula features atomized pigments, which provide intense color payoff while blending and diffusing for a natural, long-lasting finish. The super-fine powder melts into skin while also seamlessly layering for a natural result. The natural-looking highlight and blush shades blend easily together leaving you with a luminous yet subtle glow. These are your go-to essentials for creating the ultimate fresh-faced complexion. $24 USD / $31 CAD Value."

Artist Liquid Matte Lipstick Duo — $29 USD ($36 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (2 x 0.12 oz.) Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks in 105 (rosewood), 205 (mauvy pink)

"Lust for luster this holiday season with the Artist Liquid Matte Lipstick Duo. From a natural nude to a vibrant mauve, this duo has you covered from perfectly polished to uncontrollably glam. You really can have it all: intense matte color and comfortable 20-hour wear. With concentrated pigments, Artist Liquid Matte provides truly matte, saturated color payoff with a lightweight feel. Its unique formula boasts beeswax for long-lasting wear and avocado oil for soft, nourished lips. It's an ultra-matte, liquid lipstick with high color payoff and 20-hour, comfortable wear. Take your lips to the next level. $40 USD / $50 CAD Value."

Metal Lip Gloss — $20 USD ($25 CAD) — Limited Edition

• 101 Praline
• 100 Taupe
• 500 Purple

"A limited-edition metallic lip gloss with smooth, high-impact shine. This set includes three ultra-creamy, molten metal-inspired shades that bring a multidimensional, shiny pop to lips —creating a rich, high-impact, glossy finish. With an artist-designed lip-hugging superflex applicator and a split-tip, it’s unique contour sweeps on the ideal amount of lip gloss with precision and control. This high-pigmented gloss is perfect for wearing alone or layering over your favorite lip color for a game changing look."

Long Lasting Complexion Set — $37 USD ($44 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (0.5 oz.) Step 1 Skin Equalizer - Hydration
• (0.07 oz.) HD High Definition Pressed Powder
• (1.0 oz.) Mist & Fix Setting Spray

"This complexion trio is the go-to set to achieve a perfected complexion. Use the Step 1 Skin Equalizer - Hydrating to prep and hydrate the skin. Then sweep on the HD High Definition Pressed Powder to finish your makeup application. Lock in your look with the Mist and Fix Make-Up Setting Spray to ensure lasting wear that takes you from day to night. $52 USD / $62 CAD Value."

Eye Basics Set — $25 USD (N/A CAD) — Limited Edition

• (0.28 oz.) Excessive Lash
• (0.84 oz.) Sens' Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser
• (0.02 oz.) Aqua XL M-10 (Black)

"Line your eyes with ease on the go with the Eye Basics Set. It features a travel-size Aqua XL Eye Pencil, a waterproof, smudge-proof, long-lasting liner that stays on till you take it off. Enhance your lashes to the ultimate extreme with Excessive Lash mascara. Then, when you want to redo your look, quickly remove your eye makeup with Sens’Eyes, your go-to in waterproof make up removal. $56 USD Value."

Browse the whole range at Sephora, don't forget your free deluxe sample...

Swatches | MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks

Shop now at Sephora & Sephora Canada!

Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Lipsticks (0.08 oz.) individually retail for $20 USD ($25 CAD) and are available in 6 permanent shades. They are said to be "an ultra-matte liquid lipstick with insane color payoff and crazy long wear." The formula itself has a noticeable floral scent and wears nicely between six to eight hours without cracking, flaking or feeling overly drying. To sum up my thoughts, these are one of the nicer liquid lipstick formulas, despite containing less product than most other brands.

• (101) Cream Beige 

• (103) Warm Beige 

• (105) Rosewood 

• (107) Neutral Beige 

• (109) Praline 

• (203) Cold Pink

Browse the whole range at Sephora, don't forget your free deluxe sample...

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD, aka the Best Face Line out There!

After using the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD line for what feels like forever now, I find myself asking, "Has there ever been a better line of face products?" — it's hard to believe there could be! The entire range offers weightless texture on the skin, a great selection of shades, undertones and coverage that's easy to control to fit you.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick Foundation — $43 USD ($50 CAD) — Permanent, 15 shades

* (0.44 oz.) Fair to deep, warm and cool undertones.

Easily my favorite foundation to date, check out my in-depth review here! Dry to normal skin types look no further, this foundation is your new holy grail! Buildable coverage with a weightless, comfortable texture that blends smoothly across skin without accentuating any dry areas.

Deals | MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Palette Volume 2

Make Up For Ever Artist Palette Volume 2 — $34 USD (Originally $42 USD) — Limited Edition

* (9 x 0.06 oz.) Eye Shadow in I-872 Pearly Pink, ME-910 Electric Magenta, S-924 Purple, D-552 Crystalline Gray Beige, ME-232 Turquoise Blue, ME-302 Peacock, ME-512 Golden Beige, ME-700 Amber, ME-930 Black Purple

"This palette features the coveted, easy-to-use Artist Shadow formula for endless eye looks—ranging from beautifully natural to highly artistic. With its advanced gel-powder formula blended with ultrafine pigments, each shade leaves a smooth, even finish that leaves lids ultra-saturated with highly-blendable, lasting color. The shades are organized in trios so you can effortlessly create playful, bold, and sultry looks. This palette includes an illustrated, step-by-step application techniques by MAKE UP FOR EVER’s founder and creative director, Dany Sanz, to help you sweep on a number of artist-inspired eye looks."

Get the palette at Sephora now, don't forget your free deluxe sample...

Upcoming | NEW AT SEPHORA!

Shop now at Sephora & Sephora Canada!

Hey folks, a lot - and we're talking a lot - of new products have recently come out at Sephora and I thought I'd take the opportunity to share some of my top picks straight from my love list! What items are making their way into your cart next? Share them in the comments! :)


Make Up For Ever Artist Palette Volume 4 — $44 USD ($52 CAD) — Limited Edition

• (9 x 0.04 oz.) Eyeshadow in Black (M-100), Grey Brown (M-620), Chalk (M-126), Wine (M-842), Antique Pink (M-806), Dark Purple Taupe (M-546), Prussian Blue (M-240), Milk Tea (M-536) and Eggshell (M-530)

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks — $22 USD ($27 CAD) — Permanent

• (0.12 oz.) Available in over 45+ new shades!

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation — $40 USD ($49 CAD) — Permanent

• (1.0 oz.) Available in 24 new, full coverage, waterproof shades!

Upcoming | MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipsticks (Fall 2016)

[Disclaimer Policy]

Available July 22 at Sephora & Sephora Canada!

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks individually retail for $22 USD (TBA CAD) and are available in 45 shades. They are said to "a new, expertly curated lipstick collection in new signature packaging and two simple, but beautiful finishes."

* 31 lustrous creams and 14 velvety mattes — reds, nudes, pinks, berries and artistic lipsticks.

"MAKE UP FOR EVER’s ARTIST ROUGE is a new, expertly curated lipstick collection offered in in 45 show-stopping shades. Packaged in new signature packaging, the lipstick is available in two simple, but beautiful finshes – 31 lustrous creams and 14 velvety mattes. The range only features the best reds, nudes, pinks, berries and artistic lipsticks, providing everyone with the most flattering shades for their skin tones."

Available July 22 at Sephora & Sephora Canada!

Monthly Favorites | March 2016

[Disclaimer Policy]

As I always seem to say, it's not often that I do a Monthly Favorites feature on my YouTube or here on my blog, because I find myself either using the same products repeatedly or I typically only switch up products depending on the look I'm aiming to achieve—either way, it's not new things that I am consistently using.

Over the past month, however, I noticed myself reaching for some great items and usually it results to me thinking, "I wish I could talk about this!" so ta-da, here we are with some of my favorite products from the month of March!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

[Press Samples]

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation (0.44 oz.) retails for $43 USD ($50 CAD) and is available in 15 shades. It is said to be "a long-lasting, multitasking cover stick with invisible coverage for foundation touch-ups and contouring."

* My Shade: 115 = R230 is described as ivory.

"Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation creates a flawless complexion on camera, and to the naked eye. Developed specifically for the film and TV industry's most advanced technology, it is completely invisible under the latest, super-focused 4k lens. The revolutionary foundation contains amino acid coated pigments that provide medium-to-full coverage with a lightweight, second-skin texture that looks just like skin. It leaves a natural-looking, radiant finish, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic spheres for time-released hydration that is perfect for normal to dry skin. Ideal for foundation touch-ups and contouring, it can be applied at home or on-the-go for a flawless complexion."

Before I get into the review, we should note that my skin type is dry. Extremely to mildly dry, depending on the day/season and I only sometimes get oily in my forehead and nose area.

QUICK OVERVIEW ↓

Range: 15 shades
Undertones: warm, cool
Coverage: light, medium, full — buildable

Finish: natural

Wear: 8 hours before requiring a touch-up

Ideal Skintype: dry, normal, combination
+ weightless, photographs nicely, no flashback

The color range offers a variety of 15 options, covering fair to deep tones. Like with the new Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, the shades are labelled with a number and followed by a letter to determine the undertone (ie. "Y" for yellow/warm and "R" for red/cool) but while the numbering system is similar, the shades in this formula don't perfectly match or follow their counterparts in the liquid version—it will be best to test the shades in person, as your "perfect match" in one, may not be in the other.

The packaging is a round, retractable container with a transparent lid. It twists up and down smoothly and is wider than your typical stick foundation, which I like and actually prefer. While the Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation isn't fragrance-free, no scent can really be detected. The formula is a very smooth, cream texture that feels weightless on the skin, unlike other cream stick foundations that can be very greasy and heavy.

The finish, depending on your desired coverage, typically sets between a natural satin and slightly dewy finish. The foundation is said to be formulated with "hyaluronic (a natural component of skin; improves skin's moisture content and strengthens skin's outer layers) spheres for time-released hydration that is perfect for normal to dry skin." which I found to be true. The coverage, finish and consistency is ideal for dry to normal skin types, but because of the ingredients (ie. waxes) that keep this product in a solid form, acne-prone and oily skin types will likely not be a fan of how this foundation wears.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation | Liquid Foundation

[Press Samples]

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation  (1.01 oz.) retails for $43 USD ($50 CAD) and is available in 40 shades. It is said to be "a bestselling HD foundation that appears more invisible, comfortable, and natural-looking than ever before."

* My Shade: Y205 is described as alabaster.

"Developed specifically for the film and TV industry's most advanced technology, Ultra HD Liquid Foundation creates a naturally flawless complexion—on and off camera. Completely invisible under the latest, super-focused 4k lens, this revolutionary foundation features uniquely-coated pigments that provide medium-to-buildable coverage with an even lighter weight, second-skin texture that looks just like skin. This lighter weight formula delivers the very same flawless results as before when applied with a flat foundation brush in a tap and stretch motion."

Before I get into the review, we should note that my skin type is dry. Extremely to mildly dry, depending on the day/season and I only sometimes get oily in my forehead and nose area.

QUICK OVERVIEW ↓

Range: 40 shades
Undertones: warm, cool
Coverage: medium, buildable

Finish: natural, satin

Wear: 7 hours before requiring a touch-up

Ideal Skintype: (lightly) dry, normal, combination
+ weightless, photographs nicely, no flashback

The packaging is a clear, plastic bottle and features a pump that disperses a generous amount of product. While this foundation isn't fragrance-free, no scent can really be detected. The formula is a fluid, liquid consistency—not too thin where it becomes runny, but also not too thick where it becomes difficult to blend.

The finish is incredibly natural and depending on how much product is applied, it can lean towards a satin finish. Despite the "great for all skin types" claim, this foundation will be ideal to those with lightly dry, normal and combination skin types. While the natural/satin finish is ideal for those with very dry or problematic skin/acne, I found the foundation didn't sit very well and left those areas looking accentuated and scale-like. Of course, exfoliating your skin and applying a generous amount of moisturizer prior to application can help. For those with oily to very oily skin, you will definitely want to set this foundation with powder and will likely find yourself blotting away excess oil throughout the day. On the topic of oil, I should also mention that even though my skin is excessively dry, I found my t-zone to be oily—to the point of the foundation separating on the tip of my nose—by the end of the day.

The coverage of this foundation was medium and could be built to a degree. One to two pumps does an excellent job of covering the entire face while correcting any redness, discoloration, imperfections and improving the overall "healthy" appearance of skin. I found layering too much product, especially in terms of spot correcting any areas that needed a little extra coverage, can make the foundation much more visible on the skin and settle in to expression lines easier.

In terms of application, I personally prefer applying the foundation directly to my face using my fingers, as it provides the most coverage. I found brushes (ie. foundation, stippling, buffing) gave off a medium coverage at most and sponges, like the BeautyBlender, provided a lighter, sheer coverage. With either method, the liquid consistency blended out incredibly easily on my skin and my freckles were still visible, but any redness I had prior became unapparent.

During wear, the foundation was comfortable, felt weightless and was never tacky before setting with a powder. Powders and concealers also layer well without moving or disturbing the product. I felt this foundation never fully set on its own, so you will want to pair it with a setting powder or powder foundation, just to help prevent the foundation from transferring or fading easily throughout the day.

When I tested this product both with and without a primer or base, the wear time and overall look of the foundation performed much nicer when paired with a mattifying primer—any fading or settling that typically happens with my skin, was less visible. After an entire day, the foundation wore quite well—it was around the +7.5 hour mark that I really noticed the product start to break down and show signs of wear around my nose and expression lines—which happens with any and every product I put in those areas, it's just how my skin works.

In comparison to the original HD Invisible Cover Foundation, I found the new formulation to be lighter and provide less coverage. With the new Ultra HD formula, they have also updated and expanded their shade range from the previous 26 to an outstanding 40—covering more fair to deep skin tones. The undertones are also much easier to detect (ie. "Y" for yellow/warm and "R" for red/cool) and while the number system has also changed, the brand has listed both the old and new equivalent numbers on the label. However, keep in mind since the finish, texture and coverage isn't the same as before, what used to be your "perfect match" may not be now.

Overall, this is an extremely natural, skin perfecting foundation. While it may not be the most long-lasting formula, the brand technically never claims for it to be—after all, it was designed for use in the film and camera industry to look the least apparent, nearly invisible for HD and 4K technology. To sum it up, the formula is comfortable, weightless and the shade selection is phenomenal; Make Up For Ever made it very easy to find the perfect match for your skin tone. So whether you're in the market for a new foundation or the original HD Invisible Cover Foundation was your go-to, the new formulation is definitely worth checking out!

Available now from Sephora.com & Sephora.ca !

Deals | SEPHORA Cyber Monday Collector's Mega Sets

[Disclaimer Policy, Affiliate]

Available here: Sephora.com & Sephora.ca 

Bite Beauty Lip Lab Limited Release Crème Deluxe Lipstick Set  (12 x 0.15 oz.) retails for $298 USD ($348 CAD)—a $432 USD ($480 CAD) value—and is said to be "an exclusive set of 12 full-size Crème Deluxe Lipsticks in limited-edition, handcrafted shades."

* 001 is described as a deep burgundy w/ red undertone. [LE]
* 002 is described as a purple pink. [LE]
* 003 is described as a fire red coral. [LE]
* 004 is described as a rich luminous fuchsia. [LE]
* 005 is described as a hazy lilac. [LE]
* 006 is described as a tangy coral rose. [LE]
* 007 is described as a bubblegum magenta. [LE]
* 008 is described as a bright balanced orange. [LE]
* 009 is described as a deep cherry red. [LE]
* 010 is described as a blue-toned violet. [LE]
* 011 is described as a deep brown w/ red undertone. [LE]
* 012 is described as a festive pink red. [LE]

"The Lip Lab Limited Release Crème Deluxe Lipstick Set features coveted, small batch, limited-edition shades straight from the Lip Lab encased in a beautiful holiday box. Bite Beauty’s Crème Deluxe formula is infused with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It delivers more than 20 amino acids, freshwater pearl, and silk, which has been used in traditional beauty rituals dating back thousands of years. With unique and bold shades—from deep burgundy with red undertones to a hazy lilac—this giftable set has everything needed to treat lips to luminous color."

Available here: Sephora.com & Sephora.ca

Available here: Sephora.com & Sephora.ca

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Vault  (20 x 0.05 oz.) retails for $245 USD ($X CAD)—a $400 USD ($460 CAD) value—and is said to be "a limited-edition set with 20 full-size shadows: 10 from UD's iconic eye shadow lineup and 10 from their sparkly Moondust collection."