“trust the wait.
embrace the uncertainty.
enjoy the beauty of becoming.”
Hi friends & happy Tuesday!
The other week, during one of my daily YouTube binge(ing) sessions, I came across a tag that was just too good to pass up. YouTube superstar Emily Noel posed the following question…
If you had $1000 to spend at Sephora, what would you buy?
UGHH sounds like a dream right?!
Before I started “shopping”, I had assumed that my dream basket would contain $975 worth of lip products and maybe an eye shadow palette. As I made my way through the virtual aisles of Sephora.ca, I noticed that I was adding products to my cart that I normally wouldn’t have considered buying. A makeup brush, a setting spray, a friggen HAIR MASK?! Who am I??
Anyways, let’s get right into it! If you want to see what beauty products made their way into my dream Sephora cart, then just keep on reading!!
**CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir Mini (Limited Edition): No, you’re not imagining it, I have decided to start off my dream Sephora basket with a product I had very openly despised. As you may recall from my last empties post (click here if you missed it), I had used up the Caudalie Beauty Elixir and HATED it. It dried out my skin to the point where it was actually painful to the touch. UGH. Now, the brand came out with a limited edition spray that seems to be getting the attention of all of my favourite YouTubers + beauty influencers, soooo I’m thinking they could be on to something. This LE (limited edition) concoction is described as being a natural, cult-favourite toning mist that tightens pores, sets makeup and provides an instant shot of radiance to the skin. When Sephora described this spray as being the perfect solution for dryness (which I don’t normally suffer from), then you could say I was intrigued. On top of that, this product is vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and free of all synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, fillers, gluten, and GMOs.
**MILK MAKEUP Vegan Milk Moisturizer: I love EVERYTHING about Milk Makeup. From their packaging to their clean ingredients, I’ve never tried a product I’ve disliked. So when this vegan moisturizer first launched, I remember testing it out at Sephora and it.was.magical. Not magical enough that I was willing to drop $50 CAD on it, but you get my drift. This nourishing daily moisturizer has a proprietary blend of vegan milks for complete yet lightweight hydration, antioxidant benefits, and smoother, softer-looking skin. And take a look at some of these incredible ingredients:
– Desert Milk™ (Blend of Kalahari Melon, Baobab, Jojoba, Aloe Vera): Hydrates with extracts from plants that thrive in arid environments.
– Fig Milk, Shea Butter, and Oat Milk: Visibly refresh, soften, and soothe while calming and comforting dry skin.
– Argan Milk, Grapeseed Oil, and Olive-Derived Squalane: Seal in moisture and help provide antioxidant benefits.
On top of that this product is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten free!
GUCCI Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick in the shade “205 Hold Your Man”: I’m not sure where I was when Gucci launched their line of lipsticks (perhaps under a rock?!), but how am I JUST hearing about them now?! No, seriously, I want to know! And can we also take a minute to appreciate how GORGEOUS this packaging is!! … Ughh okay, minute over (haha). These lipsticks are described as being a sheer formula that gives the lips a luminous finish. And good luck picking a colour! Because all 18 shades available in the line are SO gorgeous! From nudes to pinks, corals to reds, there’s definitely a shade for everyone. These lightweight, hydrating lipsticks are free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. This product is also silicone-free. For those wanting to try out a Gucci lipstick but aren’t a fan of the sheer formula, the luxury brand also released a line of matte and satin lipsticks that I’m sure are equally as gorgeous!
FENTY BEAUTY Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush: Brushes might be the last thing I would ever think of throwing into my basket. HOWEVER, I live for everything FENTY Beauty + this brush looks incredible! Now, when it comes to applying makeup, I can acknowledge that I’m more than likely doing it…wrong. I’ll “blame” that on two things:
1) I’m not a MUA and genuinely have no idea what I’m doing (you’d think after watching hours of makeup tutorials on YouTube everyday I’d know, but I don’t)
2) I’m more than likely using the wrong brushes
Eyeshadow brushes? I own one.
Bronzer brush? I own one (which I’m 99.99999% certain isn’t for bronzer)
Blush brush? I’ve been known to use said bronzer brush for my blush …
Anyways that’s enough about me! I love me some bronzer but after seeing this FENTY bronzer brush, it’s made me realize that perhaps bronzer isn’t something you’re suppose to apply to your entire face? I clearly need this brush in my life and it looks like it would make the application process SO easy and maybe it will ensure I actually use it properly.
**FIRST AID BEAUTY Weightless Liquid Mineral SPF 30: S.P.F! I hope you’ve all got an SPF on you at.all.times. I’ve been on my own little search for the perfect SPF. Specifically one that doesn’t leave behind a white residue and one that doesn’t smell like, well, sunscreen. I’ve been hearing a lot about First Aid Beauty and have yet to try anything from the brand so if $$$ is no object, then why not! This product is a non-whitening mineral SPF that protects skin from UVA/UVB rays and absorbs quickly with a light, invisible, non-greasy finish. It can be worn on its own or under makeup and is water-resistant (aka is perfect if you’re sweating or swimming). It’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free and comes in recyclable packaging, and is reef safe.
**FARSALI Rose Gold 24K Skin Mist: I mean, what more needs to be said about this heavenly skin mist, it has friggen’ GOLD FLAKES in it!! This four-in-one wonder is perfect for all skin types, and helps with dryness, dullness and uneven texture as well as loss of firmness and elasticity. It also contains rose-hip oil which helps to nourish skin + diminish visible signs of aging. The 24-karat gold flakes absorb into the skin leaving a natural, radiant glow. You can use this alcohol free product as a hydrating skin mist OR as a primer to grip makeup in place! On top of that it’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten free. So in conclusion, I might actually need this mist in my life!
FENTY BEAUTY Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in “Starstruck”: I love the idea of a highlighter more than I actually like to use one, however this Skinstick by FENTY is a stunner! Specifically, the shade “Starstruck” totally speaks to me and is described as being an “iced-out pearl” shade. I don’t even know what that means, but I know that I need it in my life. They’re long-wearing, light-as-air and easily blendable. And more importantly, they’re cruelty-free!
NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze in “Bondi Bae”: Who doesn’t love a good multi purpose product?! These blush & bronze duos are describes as being a long-wearing, soft, matte, monochromatic nude colour for the eyes, cheeks, and lips! And on top of that, this product is vegan, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and free of gluten and fragrance! I’ve had my eyes on the shade “Bondi Bae” which is the most gorgeous bronzed nude shade.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Unisex Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer: I’m ALL about a tinted moisturizer, probably because I’m ANTI-foundation. I’ve never been someone who wears tons of makeup, making my skin feel like it can’t breathe under layers of product. For that reason, I’ve always reached for a light-weight tinted moisturizer, one that’ll even out my skin tone without covering it up. This tinted moisturizer by Charlotte Tilbury is said to create a sun-kissed, summer glow all year round (and who doesn’t want that?!). It’s lightly tinted + incredibly hydrating, is streak-free and leaves behind the most natural, radiant colour. The formula morphs to your natural skin tone for an ultimate, natural bronzed finish for both men and women.
LA MER The Lip Volumizer: I’ll be honest, this La Mer Lip Volumizer excites me to my core. I mean, it friggen’ costs $90! It’s described as being a serum-strength lip treatment with natural shine that helps protect and provide hydration while softening, smoothing, and plumping. It’s free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, and triclosan. Annnd I’m pretty sure I need it in my life!
PAT MCGRATH LABS Blitz Trance Lipstick in “Skinsane”: While I LOVE the luxury that is Pat McGrath, my first experience with one of her lippies wasn’t a great one. When she first launched her Lip Fetish Noir balms, I could not get my hands on one fast enough. While the packaging was totally stunning, the product was …. meh. Anyways, one day I went into my stash for a swipe across the lips and it was … gone. As in, the white luxurious packaging was there, but the balm bullet was gone. I literally have NO clue what happened, it’s like it evaporated…or aliens came down and took it. Who knows! Anywho, I’ve been seeing a whole lotta stunning Pat McGrath lippies on Insta lately and well, I’m a sucker for a lipstick especially when it’s as gorgeous as these ones are. The Blitz Trance lippies are described as being a couture, cream lipstick that dazzles with provocative pigments and ultra-reflective pearls for a hi-fi glow. Available in glimmer and shimmer shades, there are 11 lipsticks in this collection and let me tell you, they’re all SO lovely looking!
**SUMMER FRIDAYS Lip Butter Balm: I don’t think the universe wants me to have this balm because every time I go to order it, it’s somehow sold out! Any-who, you best believe I WILL get my hands on the Lip Butter Balm one of these days! For starters, the packaging is SO cute and is a little mini version of their cult fav face masks. The Lip Butter Balm (which just SOUNDS super hydrating) is a silky vegan lip mask that hydrates and soothes parched lips while sealing in moisture for lusher-than-life lips on demand day or night. Highlighted ingredients include:
– Shea and Murumuru Seed Butters: Packed with ultra-hydrating seed butters, these natural moisturizers soothe, heal, and condition parched lips. (Bye bye, dry.)
– Vegan Waxes: This unique blend of vegan waxes will soften and boost shine all day with a smooth, never-greasy texture that feels heaven sent.
– Natural Vanilla Flavor: Its sweet-yet-subtle hint of vanilla will take your senses on a mini getaway. It smells so dreamy, you’ll want to reapply 24/7.
ANNNNND it’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free and comes in recyclable packaging, and is reef safe.
**BRIOGEO Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: Come hell or high water, my newly brunette hair will be thick, luscious + healthy by the end of the year! As you’ll know, I’m new to the world of hair masking but now that I’m a believer, how could I NOT try one from Briogeo?! This particular mask is perfect for all hair types and is described as being an intensive weekly treatment to restore essential hydration and enhance hair’s resilience and strength. More specifically, it’s said to restore moisture, create vibrancy and prevent future damage in as little as 5 minutes. It contains a whole bunch of insanely beneficial ingredients like: B vitamins, rosehip oil, argan oil, collagen, and silk and is FREE of silicones, DEA, and artificial dyes. It is cruelty-free, colour-safe, and safe for use on chemically-treated, relaxed, and keratin-treated hair. Okay so the more I read about this mask the more I’m convinced that I actually NEED to buy it! My hair is begging me to buy it right now (haha)!
VISEART Petite Pro 5 Soleil: I’ve had this Viseart palette in the back of my mind since the first time I laid eyes on it. It makes me think of summertime + lemonade (not sure why haha), but it brings a smile to my face every time I see it. This bright little palette contains 8 gorgeous matte + shimmer shades. While they’re not shades I would typically reach for, I should probably step outside my go-to nude shades because your girl needs some colour in her life. And I mean, who can resist shade names like: Lavender, Taffy, Watermelon, Marmalade, Soleil and Bonbon! Annnnyways on top of these yummy names, this gorgeous palette is free of parabens, phthalates and mineral oil AND is cruelty-free and gluten-free!
PAT MCGRATH LABS Mothership VIII Artistry Eyeshadow Palette – Divine Rose II Collection: Let’s just take a minute to fully appreciate the beauty that is this Pat McGrath eye shadow palette! At a whopping $170 CAD (PLUS tax), this gorgeous palette contains 10 incredibly unique, highly pigmented, futuristic shades that I would probably just sit and stare at (instead of use). Also, can we talk about some of these shade names…
– Skinshow Rose Opal
– Naked Blush
– VR Sextraterrestrial
– Astral Pink Moon
While every Instagrammer I follow splurged and picked up the Divine Rose II palette, I really can’t bring myself to spend THAT much money on any kind of makeup product! But if I win the lottery then you best believe I’m coming for ya Divine Rose II.
COMPTOIR SUD PACIFIQUE Vanille Extreme Travel Spray: This fragrance had me at “Vanille Extreme”. As you may know, I’m all about a sweet smelling, vanilla scent. With notes of vanilla sugar, heliotrope (no idea what that is haha), vanilla absolute and milk, this scent is described as being sexy, flirty and exotic. So, sign me up!
**ORIGINS Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay: My quarantine experience has been all about self care and nothing screams self care more than a good face mask! This Origins Mask with Rose Clay is a two-in-one purifying mask that draws out impurities and gently exfoliates to refine skin’s texture and book radiance. It’s perfect for normal, oil and combination skin and is said to be the perfect solution for oiliness, pores and dullness + uneven texture. Made with Mediterranean rose clay, Canadian willowherb, and exfoliating jojoba beads, this mask helps to gently deep clean while refining skin’s texture. Pores appear to vanish and clarity is restored for a radiant youthful-looking complexion that’s silky-smooth to the touch.
DR. JART+ Shake & Shot Rubber Masks for Brightening: This post has proven that I’m a sucker for cute packaging, and this next skincare goodie by DR. JART is no exception. These fun, DIY masks infuse skin with potent actives to smooth for a healthy, dewy-looking complexion. Because, who doesn’t want a dewy complexion? The Brightening mask in particular contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and sea buckthorn fruit extract, rich in vitamins, to even out skin tone, brighten darkness and revitalize skin. Not looking for brightening? No problem! The Shake & Shot Rubber Mask line has a mask for every skin concern, including: Hydro, Firming, Soothing, Pore Minimizing and Purifying.
THE ORDINARY Salicylic Acid 2% Masque: My life definitely needs more of The Ordinary in it! These products are SUPER affordable and the quality is beyond incredible! The Salicylic Acid treatment is formulated to target lacklustre tone and textural irregularities. The formula, infused with charcoal and clays, aims to enhance the appearance of smoothness and clarity, leaving the skin feeling refreshed. This mask targets the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of oily and blemish-prone skin, with the purpose of revealing more radiant skin beneath. Sounds pretty great right?! And on top of that, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, so you can feel good about using it!
FRESH Soy Face Cleansing Milk: After years of being a lover of the deliciously scented Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balms, I’ve been pretty curious about their line of skincare products, specifically their Soy Face Cleansing Milk. That being said, unless I hit the jackpot and have ALL of the money at my disposal, I can’t ever see myself spending $50 on a face wash (especially when my $12 one from Neutrogena meets all of my sensitive skins needs). Anyways, for the purpose of this post, if money is no option, then you best believe one of these bad boys is going into my cart. The FRESH cleanser is described as being a milky, conditioning face cleanser that gently removes makeup and dirt, leaving skin soft, soothed, and healthy-looking. It’s said to be perfect for all skin types and helps with dryness + loss of firmness and elasticity. It’s free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
FENTY BEAUTY Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer in “Butta Biscuit”: Last but not least is the bronzer of all bronzers. After recently purchasing the FENTY Cream Blush, I am even more convinced that I need to pick up one of their new cream bronzers (in the shade “Butta Biscuit” to be exact!). Much like their cream blushes, these bronzers are said to be light-as-air and non-greasy, effortlessly melting into skin for a natural-looking bronze or soft contour. Not that I need further convincing, but they’re also vegan and cruelty-free! 🙂
And that brings the grand total toooo, drum roll please….
$1004.50 (+ tax)
Holy Moly that’s A LOT of money on makeup!
If you liked this post + want to see what some other beauty lovers would have in their dream Sephora basket, here are a few of my favs:
I had so much fun with this post that I’m thinking about putting together what’s in my dream ULTA cart! If that’s something you’d be interested in reading, let me know in the comments below!
And so friends, I’ll ask you…what would YOU buy from Sephora if you had $1000 to spend??
Thanks so much for stopping by & until next time,
xo