Outfit details: Top // Jeans // Necklace
One of the best things about shopping at Sephora are the sample-size products you get with your points – I mean who doesn’t love free stuff, especially when it’s beauty products!? It’s such a great way to test out big-name products, or try new brands, without having to pay for the full size. While there have been products that missed the mark, I’ve also walked away with a few that have become staples.
Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite products that ended up in my makeup drawer long after the sample was gone. So next time you’re ready to cash in your points, or are simply in search of new bronzer, mascara, lip gloss or primer, grab one of the below, because they’re worth a try!
What trial-size products have you tried and loved? Comment below and let me know so I can give them a try!
Xo,
Jo
Hoola Matte Bronzer: I’ve been using NARS bronzer for over two years now and I love it, but recently, I find myself reaching for this one instead. In my opinion, this bronzer is a little warmer than NARS, giving you the perfect sun-kissed look without that orange-y hue. You can build on the intensity of it which I like as well as it makes it great for contouring. Also, it lasts quite a while! I got the small trial size from Sephora before committing to the larger product and used it for a little over two months. If you want to test it out I linked the mini size that’s only $16!
Diorshow Mascara: I wasn’t blessed with long lashes so I need a mascara that can help a girl out and this mascara seriously does the job. I’ve been making my own mascara cocktail for a while now and I think I finally found the perfect combo – first I use the Benefit BADgal BANG! mascara (It has a thinner brush that helps with volume) and then I top it with this DiorShow Mascara and BOOM lashes for days! What I love about this one in particular is that you can truly see a difference when you put it on – it not only lengthens, but gives amazing volume without the clump. I will be buying this again and again!
Bare Minerals Liquid Lipstick: Okay, so I haven’t used a Bare Minerals product since middle school, but when I got a test sample of this I decided why not – and now I’m hooked! Similar to my mascara concoction, I also make a lip cocktail and lately this has been my topper – aka the cherry on top. What I like the most is that it has a high-shine and also long-lasting (the color – I wear “everything” – literally stays on from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. when I wipe it off). The only down side is it is sticky, but the long-lasting pigment makes up for it in my eyes. I apply the Nars Satin Lip Pencil (another product I’m obsessed with and use daily) first, because of the creamy, light texture, and then top it with the liquid lipstick.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation: So I have a love-hate relationship with this foundation and here’s why. I love it because the formula is AMAZING. Like when I say that it gives you a natural, airbrushed look, I mean it – Your. Skin. Will. Look. Flawless. My only caveat is if your skin is oily like mine, I wouldn’t recommend this in the summertime as it’s almost too moisturizing. That said, if you’re one of the lucky ones with normal or dry skin, you should definitely give this foundation a try. There’s a reason why professional make-up artists use it!
Make Up For Ever Matte Primer: I’ve been using this product since last summer and if you, like me, have oily skin, I recommend giving this a try. The primer helps with balancing the texture of your skin, giving it a smoother surface to apply make-up on. It also helps with keeping your makeup last all day without smudging (although I still use the Urban Decay Setting Spray). It does have mixed reviews, but I found that it worked really well for my skin type. I would test out the mini size before committing to a the standard one so you can be sure it works for you!
