Clinique Beyond Perfecting foundation and concealer in 'Breeze'

My skin began acting crazy after spending a very humid Summer in NYC. My foundation was oiling up by the end of the day and yet my skin was breaking out while looking quite dry in some areas. I decided to splurge on a higher end foundation that would give me the coverage I need for my breakouts but was designed for my combination oily/dry skin. I went to Sephora and picked up the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer.

This foundation is your standard 1 fluid ounce and it is housed in a glass container. One interesting part of this foundation is the gigantic doe foot applicator. Some people think that this doe foot is not 'sanitary' for application directly the face, but I don't mind. I use one dip of the brush and put the foundation on my cheeks like wiskers, a stripe down my nose, and then a few dots on my forehead and chin. I've been using a beauty blender to blend this out which works beautifully. 

L: no makeup on at all!!!**GASP**, R: one coat of Clinique foundation applied with beauty blender

I got shade matched at Sephora to the lightest shade of this foundation which is the color 'Breeze' (0.5 VF-P). I noticed that this shade range is a little limited as far as lighter shades. A lot of the shades had quite a yellow undertone to them which on me makes me look a little sick. This color 'Breeze' was more pinky which is why I selected it. I think it might be a bit light for me but with blush and some bronzer it looks just fine. I find this foundation wears really well over an entire work day and does a beautiful job at evening out my skin tone while my freckles can still peek out to say hello. I find this foundation does well with a powder on top to set it and performs fine with products layered on top without caking up or emphasizing pores or fine lines. The finish of the foundation is quite natural (as in NOT MATTE) and allows for some light dewiness without making me look like an oil slick by day's end. 

This foundation costs $27 which is pricey compared to drugstore, but a very fair or even inexpensive price compared to other brands at Sephora. I am finding this foundation lasts quite a long time as well. I think I am only about 1/3 of the way finished and I have used it daily for 2 months. That is much better value than the L'Oreal cushion foundation (Click HERE for my review on this foundation!) which costs $15 but only lasts for a month...think about it. 

I'm all about this foundation, you guys, and I highly recommend it if you have similar skin to me. It just does what its supposed to do which is so refreshing. 

Check it out from Sephora HERE!

xxSJ

Sample Round-Up! YSL, Tarte, Sephora, Clinique, and Dr Brandt!

This week's Sample Round Up was a super fun one! Here's what I got to try out for free:

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
Full size price: $42 / 0.1oz
Sample value: $21 / .05oz
I got a ton of use out of this card filled with three different shades of YSL's cult classic Touche Eclat. I actually really enjoyed this stuff quite a bit! I don't think I'll ever be splurging on it strictly because of the huge price tag, but I definitely think this made me look more awake after applying it to my undereyes!

Clinique Even Better Foundation in 05 Neutral
Full size price: $27 / 1oz
Sample value: $10.80 / 0.4oz
I'm lucky I have a pretty decently neutral skin tone so this foundation sample wasn't a complete waste on me. I do think it was a bit too dark for my taste but I did actually enjoy this foundation quite a bit. I felt it gave sheer to medium coverage and I love that it has SPF 15 in it. This foundation wore well for a full day of work on me and I might be interested in color matching to my true shade and purchasing this foundation in the future. I think Clinique prices their foundations well and are a bit less expensive than other high end brands.

Left: my Left undereye concealed with YSL Touche Eclat in No1, Center: both undereyes concealed with YSL Touche Eclat No1, Right: Clinique Even Better Foundation applied to entire face

Sephora Instant Moisturizer
Full size price: $23 / 1.69oz
Sample value: $2.30 / 0.169oz
I really like this moisturizer! It is a bit thicker than my usual Aveeno moisturizer and I think it does an amazing job at smoothing out my face. My skin loves this stuff and I didn't notice any irritation while using it. I would definitely sample this product further.

Tarte LipSurgence in 'Exposed'
Full size price: $17 / 0.27oz
Sample value: $3.15 / 0.05oz
I do not like lip gloss very much anymore and this gloss is no exception. This gloss is ultra sticky and never loses that stickiness with wear. I had to take this off almost immediately because when I went outside on a bit of a blustery face, my hair was getting stuck to my lips and then pulling this product every which direction across my face! The color is a nice neutral dusty pink, but the formula isn't worth it to me.

Dr Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer
Full size price: $45 / 1oz
Sample value: $11.25 / 0.25oz
I really liked this primer and felt it did a great job at smoothing out my pores and fine lines (whatever fine lines a 24 year old has, that is). I also LOVE that the sample is so huge! I surely will get about a month's worth out of this tube of product as I only use enough to go on and around my nose and between my eyebrows which are my real problem areas as far as large pores and old acne scars I want to smooth out. This primer is a nude color and has some slip to it, but nothing like Benefit's Porefessional or the Smashbox Photo primer. I will definitely continue using this sample!

Total value of this week's samples: $48.50

Wowzers! That's a lot of moolah worth of makeup this week and 4 out of the 5 products I enjoyed using quite a bit.  Check out what samples you might have lying around your makeup stash! You might just find something you like!

xxSJ

Sample Round-Up! GlamGlow, Fresh, Laura Mercier, Dr Brandt, and Clinique!

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Full size: $15 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $1.15 for 0.13oz
This cleanser was pleasant to use and completely removed all of my makeup and felt extremely gentle on the skin. I did not care for the smell which was rather herbal, and I do prefer my FAB cleanser. I would get another sample of this in the future for travel purposes, though.

GlamGlow Thisty Mud Hydrating Mask
Full size: $69 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $9.74 for 0.24oz tube
GlamGlow is such an expensive brand so I feel extra bourgeois when I get to try this stuff out. This yellowish mask is a medium thickness and feels pretty nice on the skin.  I put it on and night and let it sit there for however long I'd like (it gives no indication of time on the tube and says you can wash it off or just leave it) before either falling asleep or wiping my face with a cool towel. I do feel my skin feels hydrated after using this mask, but I must say, nearly $70 for a facial treatment is STEEP so I might try other face masks before splurging on this one.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
Full size: $36 for 1.75oz
Sample value: $1.43 for 0.07oz
I loved using this foundation primer. I felt it made my makeup apply smoothly and it hydrated my skin with out leaving an oil slick feeling as other primers do. I thought this was similar to the MUFE primer I loved so much and would definitely want to try this stuff out again or get it in full size.

Dr Brandt Needles No More
Full size: $95 for 1.7oz
Sample value: $4.75 for .085
Fortunately for me, I do not have wrinkles yet on my 24 year old skin. I love products like these to use as a preventative treatment and I put it on the outside corners of my eyes and between my brows. I don't see a visible different after applying, but it feels nice to know I might be doing my skin some good. In the very least I'm giving it some hydration!

Clinique Almost Lipstick in 'Black Honey'
Full size: $17 for 0.07oz
Sample value: $8.50 for half size (no indication of quantity on the tube!)
Look out folks, we've got a cult favorite over here! The Clinique almost lipstick is pretty great because it is a sheer formula that gives you a 'just bitten' wash of color that is easily buildable if you want a deeper pout.  On me, this goes on my lips as a light berry wash and feels really moisturizing. It does not last long, however, only wearing for about 2 hours before needing reapplication.

Total sample value: $25.57

I liked all the samples I tried this week though the real winner was the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. I loved that stuff!

Try out your free samples! You never know what gems you might find!

xxSJ

Clinique Cheek Pop 'Melon Pop'

The more I delve into Clinique, the more I want to keep delving! The most recent product I've tried from their extensive line is the Clinique Cheek Pop in the color 'Melon'. 

This super cute blush comes packaged in clear acrylic packaging. This means no mirror for application, but I don't miss it! The clear container means I can see the gorgeous blush inside.

The container opens up to reveal a blush in the shape of a daisy....what is this wizardry??? I chose the color 'Melon' as I am typically drawn towards peachy pink colors and this one fits the bill perfectly. I find this blush to be on the sheer side which I prefer. I like that I can build the color up until its to my liking rather than put too much on from the get go and have to blend until my arm falls off. 

I used to think of Clinique as a makeup brand intended for more 'mature' audiences (cough cough **my mom** cough cough) but I think with cute additions to their line such as this blush, they are trying to attract a younger demographic these days. I am interested in trying out more of their products given some of the awesome skin care benefits this line has to offer as well as huge selection of products. 

These cheek pops are $22 for 0.12oz of adorable product. You can find them HERE! or wherever Clinique is sold.

xxSJ

Sample Round-Up! Clinique, Dr Brandt, Dry Bar, Urban Decay, and Cane + Austin!

Dry Bar Sake Bomb Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Price for full size: $9 for 1.7 oz
Sample Value: $2.43 for 0.46 oz foil packet
This foil packet was enough for one full use of the shampoo and conditioner. I loved this stuff A LOT! It smelled very rich and earthy, almost peppery, and reminded me of a hair salon. It left my hair feeling refreshed, full, and clean. The smell stayed on my hair for 2 full days. I would splurge on this if I felt like getting really nice shampoo or conditioner.

Cane+Austin Miracle Pad +
Price for full size: $88 for 60 pads
Sample Value: $1.47 for 1 pad
This wipe claims to be a facial treatment to even skin tone, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and age spots. It really just felt like I was wiping a cool wipe on my skin with out any of the 'tingling' the product claims may happen. The wipe also had a bit of a sour, offputting smell. I'm not interested in trying this product further.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
Price for full size: $14 for 1 oz
Sample Value: $7 for 0.5 oz spray bottle
I don't really believe in Setting Sprays as of yet....this product claims to make your makeup last all day without breaking down or looking cakey. Maybe I don't have an issue with my makeup wearing away which is why I don't see a difference when using a setting spray, but I really don't see any sort of effect when using this product.

Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
Price for full size: $26.50 for 0.5 oz
Sample Value: $5.30 for .1 oz tube
This eye cream was pretty hyped up during its recent release and I have to say... I don't really like it all that much. I apply it to under my eye in the morning and don't feel much of a difference after I do. It also leaves my undereye skin feeling slightly tacky which I don't like so much. I'm passing on this product in the future.

Dr. Brandt Pump Up the Volume 3-D Filler Mask
Price for full size: $95 for 1.7 oz
Sample Value: $0.56 for 0.1 oz foil packet
This mask I feel was more of a moisturizer. It was a thick cream that I slathered all over my screen (enough in the packet for 2 treatments!) and it felt immediately rejuvenating and hydrating to my parched skin.  This mask soaks into your skin and leaves it feeling ultra soft. I would definitely want to try this mask out again but I don't think I'm going to be splurging on a full size product any time soon.

Total sample value this week: $16.46

I enjoyed the variety of samples I tried out this week! The hits were the Dry Bar shampoo and conditioner and the Dr Brandt face mask. I definitely will keep my eyes peeled for future opportunities to try these products out.

xxSJ

Sample Round-Up! Clinique, Soap and Glory, Benefit, MUFE, and Dr Brandt!

I have a HUGE bag of samples collecting dust in my room that I have received from various makeup orders, swag bags, and in store purchases.  I thought it was about time to delve into the bag and try out some new products and give you my thoughts on the sample value, my thoughts on the product given this little taste of it, and whether you should try this sample if you have the option to!
Let's get started shall we??

Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Full size product: $26 for 1 oz
Sample value: $1.30 for .05 oz foil packet
This clinique sample is a medicated acne treatment complete with salicylic acid that is meant for all over your face or for spot treatments. This packet was enough to apply this product twice this week all over my face after taking my makeup off before bed. This stuff smells like PURE ALCOHOL. It is a light blue gel that tightens your skin immediately upon applying it and I must say I think it dried out my skin quite a bit. I wouldn't try this product out further and I won't be sampling it again in the future.

Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer
Full size product: $29 for .13 oz
Sample value: $.67 for .003 oz
This primer has a very thin consistency but I was surprised to find that you needed the tiniest bit to cover your whole eyelid. The product's tan color gave pretty decent coverage leaving a nice clean slate of an eyelid to place shadow on. The primer made my eyeshadow last all day with out creasing. The primer claims to have SPF benefits as well, always a plus! This little sample gave me 4 days of wear. Though I enjoyed the product, the hefty $29 pricetag may be too much to spend given I like UD primer potion which costs closer to $20.

Makeup Forever HD High Definition Primer
Full size product: $33 for 1 oz
Sample value: $1.65 for .05 oz foil packet
This product is a primer that is meant to make your makeup last all day as well as moisturize your face. The white cream was a very pleasant consistency and easy to blend in and I LOVE the fact that this primer does not have the normal oily slip to it that you feel with other primers on the market. I felt this made my makeup look fantastic for the three uses I got out of it and I would definitely want to try this product again in the future!

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter
Full size product: $15 for 10.1 oz
Sample value: $0.50 for .33 oz foil packet
This award winning body butter was SO luxurious! The thick white cream melted into my skin and smelled amazing ( fresh bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, and soft musk & amber base note). The smell lingered on my skin for two whole days and my skin was so soft! I only got one full body use out of this packet but I loved every minute of using this product and would definitely purchase a full size tub. 

Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion Skin Exfoliant
Full size product: $79 for 2 oz
Sample value: $9.88 for 0.25o oz
This skin exfoliant is meant to be used on moistened and warm skin after cleansing twice per week. I used this product in the shower and overall I did enjoy the feeling of scrubbing my skin with this. The product is very gritty and feels like it is getting into every pore to do some serious cleaning. You have to be gentle with this stuff though as it can be rough on your skin if you scrub too hard. I liked this product as my skin is getting dry from the cold winter air, so I felt I was scrubbing the dead cells off my face at the end of the day. The sample is a great value and I would recommend trying it out. I won't be purchasing the full size because of the hefty price tag but I would get the sample again. I am not done with this sample yet, as the tube is a very generous size. I should get at least 5 more uses out of it.

Total value of samples this week: $14

I definitely recommend trying out the Dr Brand skin exfoliant and the Soap and Glory Righteous Butter. Also try out your samples when you get them at home! I got to try out $14 of beauty products this week that made me feel luxurious and like I was giving my skin some extra TLC. It felt like a mini pampering session every time I tried something new. Leave me your thoughts below and what the best sample you've ever tried was!

xx, SJ