Makeup Haul from my Travels

Hello There,

I just recently got back from the tour I was doing, I am back a little earlier than anticipated due to the Corona (Covid19) outbreak, I was only expected home the 8th April. Our tour got cancelled due to the increasing numbers of reported cases - especially in Denmark which is where we were. Luckily we are home safe and have gone through our two weeks of quaratine, however as our quaratine has come to an end - South Africa begins their lock down procedures, as of tomorrow (26 march 2020). By the end of our lock down period - Trav and I would have been in quaratine for 35 days in total.

I will do a separate blog on the tour and last few days leading up to our tour being cancelled because it is literally a whole other story and also not why we are here today - because today we are here to talk makeup and quite frankly I need a distraction from the world of Corona Virus right now.

The shops that I managed to get to were Sephora, Ulta and an emergency stop at CVS (whilst shopping I picked up a few makeup goodies too) but let me just state for the local peeps reading this; if you ever find yourself overseas and want to shop - I experienced far better service at Ulta than I did at Sephora. The girls that work at Ulta are super dedicated to their customers and their work. I dreaded going to Sephora because the girls that work there were stand offish and I did not get any assistance whatsoever. It is so bad. Anyway, just some information incase you were wondering where is the best place to shop?

The Ulta I shopped at was in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. The Sephora I shopped at were in Boston, Massachusetts and Times Square, New York. I also went to the MAC on Times Square because it is suppose to be "THE" MAC store (and it is)

In today's blog, essentially it is a mini makeup "haul", it is all about the items I bought while I was touring and I just want to share them with you. I had a list in my phone of all things I wanted to check out and purchase. I had screenshots of items to get for friends as well because some of the items we can't get in South Africa. I came prepared except I didn't get a lot of opportunites so I never got to purchase everything on my list for myself or my friends (my tour was cancelled!so?) Here is what I did get, and I am a cautious buyer - if the product comes in travel size - I try the sample first (also it was much cheaper to buy the sample size) if I like it, I can buy the full size the next time I am on tour?

I am going to start with the products I bought from the Becca Cosmetics line. I bought their First Light Priming Filter. I already have the Backlight Priming Filter and I absolutely LOVE that primer, but I saw this one on their Instagram page and was intrigued by it and since I love the backlight one so much i figured I would like this one too.

Let's see what online has to say about this primer:

"An instantly brightening makeup primer that refreshes dull complexion using Cool-Light Technology"

So when I read Cool-Light Technology I was confused as to what that was and basically they use light to create the resemblance of perfect skin.

This primer claims:

1. Minimize the appearance of dull skin.

2. Blurs imperfections.

3. Infused with Viamin E & Hyaluronic Acid (moisturizes skin and locks in that moisture)

4. Smooths and preps the skin.

5. Consists of prickly pear, ginger and refreshing citrus (ingredients that contribute to a moisturized and radiant skin)

6. Vegan. Cruelty free. PETA certfied.

The reason why the primer is Lavender stems from Colour Theory and correction in makeup. Purple is a complimentary colour to Yellow. This primer balances out the yellowy tones in sallow skin and brings it back to life - illuminating that skin.

I feel that this is closely similar to the Backlight Primer that I have, which I love love LOVE! So I have a feeling I am going to really like this. I bought this because I saw it on Instagram and all the claims got my attention about dewy skin but perfected looking dewy skin which is definitely what I want out of a primer.

I am The second product I bought from Becca is the Shimmering Skin Perfector, Pressed Highlighter and I got the shade Champagne Pop. I bought this because of Jaclyn Hill as it was once a collaboration or limited edition product with Becca, I can't really remember but I know I have wanted this for the longest time, like since 2016 I think. I managed to get my hands on the baby one.

Let's see what online has to say about this highlighter:

"An award winning highlighter with an ultra creamy formula that melts into the skin for a natural, luminous glow."

They mention the words award winning so it must be good.

This highlighter claims:

1. Champagne Pop is for all skin tones - it is a soft gold with peachy pink pearls.

2. The forumla fuses ultra fine, pearl pigments with a liquid for ultra buttery texture.

3. Easy to blend. Buildable. There is no glittery and no chalky finish.

4. Vegan. Cruelty free. PETA certfied.

I will have to try out the highlighter myself to see what it looks like on because I am currently at my fairest and I know gold undertone anything doesn't normally work with my skin tone so we will have to just test it out and see - luckily I bought the sample size.

Moving over to the Revlon counter I bought the Photoready Candid Glow Moisture Foundation. I bought this because I use the Candid Foundation already and it's one of my favourite foundations ever.

Let's see what online has to say about this foundation:

"Show your glow! Incredibly lightweight and protective, this creamy liquid foundation evens your skintone and minimizes the appearence of things you would rather not see while moisturizing and giving you the dewy skin you've always wanted. Our long-wearing foundation is packed with all the skin loving ingredients you want - plus we made sure it is made without parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes and harsh fragrances."

I know it is a mouthful but they are true to their claims because i have used this foundation and every single thing mentioned in their synopsis is 100% accurate.

This foundation claims:

1. Dewy Skin. Skin Enhancing. Foundation infused with Prickly Pear Oil.

2. Lightweight and creamy. Evens out skintone and minimizes imperfections.

3. Buildable. Gives Sheer to Medium coverage. Long-wearing with no caking, non greasy and it doesn't feel tacky.

4. Contains Anti-pollution and Anti Blue Light protectors to protect the skin. Anti oxidant Vitamin E to block out environmental aggressors. (The blue light from your cellphone, Computer and TV screens do affect your skin negatively.)

5. Non-Comedogenic - meaning it doesn't block your pores.

6. Suitable for Sensitive skins but ideal for Dry Skin.

I already know I am going to like this because I love the original Candid. I love the formulation because it reminds me of Face + Body from MAC, which is the other foundation that I am in love with, because of the consistency. The Revlon feels like Face + Body once you have warmed it up (you have to warm up F+B and it is really tedious at times)

Moving onto L'oreal I picked this up at the CVS store I popped into the one day and bought the Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer. Agsin, another primer of course by it is my kind of product because i am obsessed with skin. I have actually used this product before but we are talking like 6 or 7 years ago - easily- when it was still sold here in SA before getting discontinued. This would technically then be my third bottle because this was my favourite primer back in the day and I managed to snag the last two on the shelf because it disappeared and I never saw it again...until now that is. I only got one because I was being super rushed this day that I bought it but I will be back for more, assuming I still like it when I try it.

This is the Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer by L'Oreal.

Let's see what online has to say about this primer:

"Enlighten your complexion with a light infusing primer. It is a unique liquid, lightweight formula that blends seamlessly into the skin to boost liveliness and luminosity. Texture is smoothed and toned for a natural-looking complexion. It is a universal shade and suitable for all skin types and tones."

Sounds very familiar to other primers I have purchased but you can clearly see I am a sucker for these types of primers. It is my jam.

This primer claims:

1. Light Infusing primer.

2. Instant Illumination.

3. Enlightened Complexion.

4. Universal Shade.

If I am being honest, I feel like this is what the Catrice primer should've been like. I did a review on the Catrice Primer not too long ago and it is the exact same thing - only the L'oreal one is 10 times better. If you are looking for a great and affordable primer this is definitely a good one because I used to use this every single day back in the day which is why I went through my last two bottles as quickly as I did.

I have been after this foundation for so long that I actually can't believe I finally have one! I have loved Josie Maran for so long, still back in the day when we had the style network channel and she did makeup tutorials. Her method of bronzing up skin is still a method I use myself and how I teach my clients to bronze up their skin. She's awesome and I love her.

This is Vibrancy by Josie Maran.

Let's see what online has to say about this foundation:

"So vibrant. So good. Activate your skin's health and vitality with vibrancy Argan Oil foundation fluid. The light-weight, medium to full coverage formula is designed to interact and adapt to the movements of your skin with delicate fluidity for a vibrant, smooth, supple and baby skin like finish that is alive with energy and colour. Using a revolutionary cold pressed process to preserve the hand selected ingredients, vibrancy feeds and energizes your skin with the essential nutrients it craves."

So basically this sounds like magic in a bottle and I was completely sold on it when it first came out. I checked online the chart they have where you can match your skin tone to the foundation that would best suit it and i honestly just guessed and the foundation matches my skin 100%. I got the shade Supernatural RG10. They explain exactly how to match your skin and everything, it is so easy.

This foundation claims:

1. Cruelty Free.

2. Argan Oil Infused, fatty acids, vitamin E & antioxidants - all to nourish the skin.

3. Blueberry extracts, willowherb, gingerroot and white bird of paradise extracts to help soothe and recapture your skin's natural radiance.

4. Buildable. medium to Full coverage.

5. Dermatologist tested. All skin types but especially great for sensitive skin types.

6. Organic. Naturally Derived Ingredients.

I use to work for MAC, which means I knew exactly what was launching and when and also I knew what the products were like before they even hit the shelves...NOW I obviously don't know any of that and I am such a collection junkie! Anytime something launched there were always one or two products that I would keep aside to buy or just buy it straight away - MAC collections are beautiful purely because of the decorative or limited edition packaging that it comes in. This collection is no different. With me touring I knew I would miss out on the launches back home so I went looking for a MAC store in the USA to get my hands on the new collection. I researched the products and shades and made a list of all the things I really wanted and the first few products I managed was this gorgeous highlighter and two blushers.

This collection is the Loud & Clear collection. The collection came out with 5 eyeshadows, 5 lip glosses, 5 lipsticks and of course the two highlighters.

Let's see what online has to say about this collection:

"Be boldly you. Express yourself loudly and clearly with the look of Spring Season. Powered up pastels and daring neutrals for eyes, lips & cheeks - applied with transparent self expression."

The shade I got is "Hot Damn-oiselle D'Avignon and the highlighter is an Extra Dimension Skinfinish (which is my favourite texture of highighter by MAC). This highlighter is a shimmering Rose Gold and it gives complexion a luminous, well defined finish.

This highlighter claims:

1. Long-wearing - up to 10 hours.

2. All skin types.

3. Non - Acnegenic.

4. Dermatologist Tested.

5. Two shades available.

6. Exclusive wave design embossed in the product.

7. Limited Edition Packaging.

​ MAC Also launched this new line of blushers with the Loud & Clear collection, called the Glow Play Blushers. They are also packaged in the transparent packaging but to my knowledge these are stay in line and not a collection. 11 shades launched and I purchased two of them. I got the shades "Cheer Up" & "That's Peachy".

Cheer Up is described as a Peachy Pink and That's Peachy is described as a Light Peach. Obviously my kind of blusher shades because Pink doesn't look good on me at all.

Let's see what online has to say about this blush:​

"Touch and glow. Play your way with all new bouncy blush. This innovative ultra smooth, cushiony blush creates a flawlesly radiant look when applied with fingers or a brush. The blendable shades deliver a creamy buildable formula that provides a pinch of foolproof, sheer to medium cover."

I definitely enjoy my cream products because they give the skin the most natural flush and finish. Creams mimic skin better than any powder could and i love the play time with creams, they are easy to manipulate and you can change it or build other products over top of it to really give the skin a very dimensional look.

If you are familar with MAC collections and previous products - these remind me of the Soft-Serve Eyeshadows from 2016 except that these are blushers.

This blushers claims:

1. Light weight and spongy texture.

2. All day wear.

3. Stay true colour.

4. Immediate radiance.

5. Dermatologist tested.

6. Non Acnegenic.

These launched literally as I left for tour and these were actually the products I was waiting for the most! These are the Patent Paint Lip Lacquers by MAC. They launched 15 beautiful shades and I bought two of them. I got Polished Prize which is described as a deep burgundy. I initially saw this on Ashley Rudder (works in MAC Global) and it looked amazing on her so I had to have it. I also purchased Painted Desert and this is described as a Terracotta. My friends who I used to work with at MAC recommended this shade for me and I am literally obsessed with it.

Let's see what online has to say about this lacquers:​

"Paint on power with Patent Paint Lip Lacquer. Wear your true colours on your lips. These all new liquid lip shades saturated with weightless, vibrant colour and powerful 3D shine. Thanks to innovative formulas, this creamy, non sticky, moisturizing lacquered colour doesn't bleed or feather."

If you have been a long time MAC lover like I have then you will probably remember these. The doe foot applicators of these lacquers are very similar to the applicators that were used for the Prolongwear Lasting Lipglasses we did back in the day. In fact this whole lacquer situation reminds me of those and I was inlove with those - especially the dark one similar to Polished Prize. They did not move and I am kind of hoping that these are the same.

This lacquer claims:

1. Immediate high shine.

2. Immediate and long term hydration.

3. 8 hour wear.

4. Stay true colour.

5. No bleeding or feather.

This has been a lipglass that I have always wanted, as well, and luckily thought of it last minute when I was standing in the queue at Ulta. I saw a lot of beauty influencers and Youtubers raving about these and I really wanted to try it out. I really love the packaging of everything from the box to the gloss - it is so pretty and Samantha sounds like such a badass name for a lipgloss.

This is the Full-on Plumping Lip Polish by Buxom, and I got the shade Samantha whcih is described as a Peachy Beige Shimmer.

Let's see what online has to say about this lipgloss:​

"The best selling, plumping lipgloss delivers mesmerizing shine with a refreshing, tingly sensation. A unique peptide complex helps to plump your pout to new levls. Vitamin A & E help to provide lasting moisture for soft and luscious lips."

I hope this doesn't turn out to be those kinds of plumping glosses that tingle so much that it actually burns the lips and then I can't wear it anymore - because that is the problem I had with the Plumping lipgloss from MAC. It burnt my lips t the point where I could only wear it for a few minutes or - wear the tiniest amount..

This lipgloss claims:

1. Boldly plumps the appearance of the lips.

2. Tantalizing tingle.

3. High shine with a shimmer finish.

I hope this works because I have small lips and I would never consider getting my lips done or lip fillers (sorry it does not look good on anybody) but just to give the illusion of little boop in the middle.

Of course it is another primer - hello - this is me we are talking about. I have heard a lot of amazing things about Tatcha as a brand and of course a lot of great things about this product in particular which is why I got one for myself - travel size of obviously because this is hella expensive and I didn't have the cash for the full size (so sad) but this is the Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer by Tatcha.

Let's see what online has to say about this primer:​

"Velvety priming balm created with pressed silk which smooths out skin. Makeup lasts longer while minimizing pores. Doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts."

Since this is a Japanese brand the translation is a tiny bit off but it gives you the just of the product honestly and since it is a Japanese brand you know it is good because there has been a bit trend around K beauty and skincare from the East.

This primer claims:

1. All skin types.

2. Blurs pores, fine lines, wrinkles, imperfections whilst evening out texture,

3. Primes the skin, makeup glides on smoothly and evenly.

4. Long-wearing, minimizes excess shine with a soft focus finish.

5. Skin protector against clogged pores, Anti-pollution ingredients to create a barrier between skin and makeup.

6. Enhances the appearance of skin using pink and golf pearls to create a healthier look.

7. Anti-aging ingredients such as Hadasei 3 - trinity of Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice and algae. Youth and radiance is restored in the skin.

8. Non-Comedgenic, Non irritating, Non sensitizing. Dermatologist tested and Cruelty Free.

Basically it is the fountain of youth in a tub. Fake it till you make it hunnay!

I already owe quite a few sponges from Real Techniques but none of them come with a case. The case is brand new to the brand and when I saw this I juts about died because now I can put my sponge in my makeup bag for touch ups because that is all a girl really needs in life. This is the Miracle Complexion Sponge with Travel Case by Real Techniques.

So even though I have a few of their sponges I couldn't buy the case without the sponge because it was kind of a joint deal in the package - they came together - but I ain't complaining! It is one extra sponge I could use.

Let's see what online has to say about this sponge & case:​

"Our 3 in 1 multifunctional miracle complexion sponge paired with a travel case helps you get a natural looking finish wherever you go. This versatile beauty tool was designed with a revolutionary foam technology to evenly blend makeup for a smooth, enhanced look."

Nicola and Samantha are the creators of Real Techniques and I love watching them. They were the first beauty or makeup artists rather, that I discovered on Youtube and I watched only their videos, religiously until about 2014 when I found other artists, but they are definitely still artists that I watch and enjoy because I learn a lot from them because they are great teachers, great artists and now they have amazing products.

The Miracle Complexion Sponge:

Rounded Side - Blends larger areas of the face.

Precision Tip - Cover Imperfections.

Flat Edge - Contours around eyes and nose.

This sponge can be used with powders, creams and liquids.

When used damp - it creates a very dewy finish.

When used dry it gives a more full coverage finish.

Sponge is latex free and replace it every 1-3 months.

The Travel Case:

Protects the sponge.

Allow to air dry thoroughly before placing the sponge into the case.

This is probably one the best buys of the tour - isn't this palette just the most beautiful thing you have ever seen! This is the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette Volume II. I have her original first palette as well as the Vault Collection and let me tell you, I think this is the best one of all 6. I am obsessed with bright colours and this palette is exactly that.

Let's see what online has to say about the palette:​

"When Jaclyn Hill goes big, she goes all the way. Our OG Morphe Babe never half sasses something. It's extra to the extreme. Just like her brand new, dramatic af palette. She's created 35 vivid shafes to help you live your best life, 24/7. These bossy brights won't back down and that's the way we like it. So are you ready for the ultimate glow up?"

The answer is HELL YES! I am so excited to do looks with this palette - I need to get through Lockdown some how and I hope that this palette can get me there.

Behind the palette:

1. The original palette's vision was ideally a smokey eye with an attitude - and most of the looks I have created with that palette has been a smokey eye or something that is very friendly for my brides to wear when I do have a wedding as a freelance.

2. This new palette's vision was to essentially be the bossy, loud and proud sister to the original palette.

3. The two palettes are suppose to compliment each other and makeup one super large palette and to be honest it is such a genius idea.

That completes my little makeup haul from my travels and I hope you enjoyed reading this, as long as it was, but maybe it has sparked some idea about products that are interested in purchasing or trying out for yourself.

Don't forget to check out our other blogs...until next time!

Have a good one ya'll!