First trip to Sephora - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

First trip to Sephora

agrace

Any Sephora fans on here? I've always been so intimidated by the store. I ran in this morning as I only had one (15 month old) child with me. My daughter kept my time very limited but I left with the Sephora store brand tinted moisturizer, Benefit concealer and the biggest splurge - Benefit tinted cheek stain (??). I think I'll be happy but I'm wondering if the infamous cult following Nars 'Orgasm' blush is a would have been a better purchase? Anyone have a thought about that?

I'm just wanting to look a wee bit less sleep deprived and haggard. That's all I ask out of my makeup! Not too much to ask right?
Thanks!

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Rosie

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I'm a huge fan of both Nars Orgasm and Benefits cheek stain (I prefer the Posey for my coloring)- I own both. It just depends on the look you want. The stain gives you a dewey finished look, and it's quite lovely. In fact, I usually use cream or stains for day looks (especially in the summer) and use the powder blush for evening or dressy looks.

Maya

Veteran

I'm impressed! I have probably been to Sephora at least 3 times, and came out emptyhanded each time. I just have no idea how to sort through all those tubes and bottles and formulas. My skin is very uneven and tired but I have just been dealing with it because trying to find makeup is too overwhelming. I don't like to ask for help because I feel too pressured to buy something.

I also don't feel like it really makes a substantial difference in how I look unless i use a lot of makeup, which I don't want to do. So, if you were able to have a successful trip WITH a child in tow...good for you!

agrace

I think in the end I will need both. I just wonder if the Nars Orgasm is *truly* worth it? When I bought the cheek tint, I kept think about the Sonia Kashuk tint at Target for less than half the price?

But the Nars Orgasm has a cult-like following so there must be something to it.

I am wanting a dewy, fresh, natural look for day and for the (rare) nighttime event, a powder blush is probably in order. I'll probably go back and get the Nars.

Thanks, Sarah!

agrace

Maya - I should have put this in the beginning - i had help! A very kind, very quick and knowledgeable lady helped me. I told her I wanted two things - foundation and blush. I told her I feel my skin is red and blotchy with horrid under-eye circles (it is) and she literally walked straight to the Sephora tinted moisturizer and swung by the Benefit concealer and I was done. On the way to the register I asked her what lip color she recommended and she picked up the benefit stain and put it on and I loved it so I splurged and got it. And for me, it was a splurge as it was $30 which seems ludicrous for makeup but I think the cheek/ lip tint will give me a touch of much needed color.

So if you do go, get help! The first lady that helped me just didn't seem to get what I was after so I wandered a bit until this lady found me.

Sorry - should have put that in there! Whole trip was under 30 minutes, a major plus for me!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Nars Orgasm does have a gold fleck sparkle in it, just fyi. I have large pores, so sometimes that isn't ideal.
I also love MAC blush, and even NYX, a drugstore brand that is quite comparable to MAC in general.
I think the reason Orgasm is so popular is that it is nearly universally flattering. In other words, you can't go wrong with it.
But try it on and if you dont' love it more than something else, don't feel obligated to get it.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

BTW, this is the NYX blush I use in "Angel". It's quite similar to Orgasm, and it's only $4.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jrUX.....ited-1.JPG

Maya

Veteran

You had some idea of what you wanted Agrace! That's a good start. I have no idea what I want. I have tried asking for help in the past, but I can never afford the products they bring out for me anyway. Honestly, I think I belong in the drug store, but at the drug store you can't try anything which makes it tricky.

agrace

Maya - that's exactly why I decided to invest in something I could actualy try. Because recently I spent $20 at Target buying two different Cover Girl foundations. Or Maybelline, or something. I know that I think it is Walgreens that acutally will take something back just because it is the wrong color but like you said, most places will not and that is a waste. I spent $20 on the tinted moisturizer but only time will tell if it delivers.

Sarah - I'm going to look for that NYX brand. That really *does* look like the Nars Orgasm. Also, I put the wrong product - I bought the Benefit 'Benetint' stain. There. hope I entered it right this time. BUT...it may not be staying. It does not seem it is going to stay on for very long. Does yours?

I need something to stay on for at least an hour or so. If this doesn't work, I'll return it and buy the less expensive version at Target. I don't want to spend $30 on something I'll have to re-apply every hour.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Oh yes, mine stays on all day. So you got the darker berry color, I think Patience has that too.
FWIW, I tried the Target version and it's quite watery and doesn't stay on long.
But maybe you'd be happier with a powder?

agrace

Sarah, thanks for the tip about Target version. If this stuff stays on, then it is money well spent. I know that if I will just buy the better product in the first place I'll probably actually save by not buying 2 or 3 of the wrong product.

I think I need a powder blush in addition to the stain. Different looks. I like the idea of having a gold tone and not just the bubble gum pink I've been using. Do you find that at Walgreens? CVS? (not sure what you have down in TX) Thank you!

agrace

Sarah - one more question for your makeup expertise (or anyone who reads this)

I think she may have given me a concealer that is too light (Benefit 'Boing' in shade 1)

I have always been told you want to go lighter with your concealer but this appears kind of chalky. But concealer for undereye is supposed to be pretty light right?

Rosie

Veteran

I'm a bit of a Sephora/cosmetics junkie. You got some great products! Sarah has really nailed it about the products you got and the ones you are considering. Benetint is also fantastic used in conjunction with High Beam for a little extra dewiness. I also really like Nars Penny Lane cream blush for a natural, dewy look, but it doesn't have the longest staying power. Try out Orgasm and see if you like it...but perhaps trying an inexpensive peach blush with gold flecks is a good way to test it out. I've never seen NYX, but it's supposed to be a great brand.

agrace

Rosie...oh, you seem to be a great one to ask! Okay...so what is 'High Beam'? Is that a brand? A foundation?

Do you use a highlighter pencil to get a dewy look? I read about that. The reviews online for the sephora tinted moisturizer say they are kind of greasy but I think I'm going to like it. I'm a little shocked bc the color out of bottle seems way too light for me but then when I put it on, it seems to blend very well.

Please, share any knowledge you care to! I'm definitely *not* a Sephora junkie, and probably cannot be, but I'm looking to upgrade/ change my look (haggard to dewy - a tall order

Dashrashi

Veteran

I have both Benetint and Orgasm. I use Orgasm more often--I think the color is a little more versatile, since the Benetint has the sole effect of pumping up the English-Rose effect on my coloring, whereas the Orgasm I can use with pretty much any makeup look. I definitely like them both, though.

Rosie

Veteran

I'm sorry! High Beam is a Benefit product: http://www.sephora.com/browse/.....oryId=5333 that is a liquid highlighter. One thing it does well that the pencils don't is that it can blend with the Benetint for a luminescent rosy glow. It can also be used just like the pencils you've read about. There are a lot of different luminizers out there, but I'm not sure of any that are as good that are cheap. I think the JK Jemma Kidd at Target is supposed to be good, but I don't think it's much cheaper.

Tinted moisturizers are great! A lot of the times the color that comes out looks really off but works great on the skin. Everyone's skin is different, so frankly it is really just seeing what you like.

Feel free to message me with questions.

You don't live in the Bay Area, do you, AGrace?

agrace

Rosie - No, I'm a southerner (transplant)! I love the Bay area though...wish I did live there.

I will probably message you with some more questions. I think I'm headed back to the store though to exchange the concealer...it truly seems too light. What is your take on concealer - is it really supposed to be a lot lighter than your skin?

Rosie

Veteran

Haha...frankly, magazines and artists are always writing different things about this. Are you using it under the eye? I've found that when it's too light it makes me look weird. I think the current thinking is for it to match your skin tone...but who knows. Try a few and see what looks best to you! Or, try one that matches but has brightening qualities. If you have a matte (not too dark) bronzer, you could try lightly applying it over your concealer to see if it helps the color a bit. Which concealer did you get?

Frankly, I have so many different concealers because I can never decide which one I like best under my eyes. It's a constant source of frustration for me!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have been meaning to try the Benefit Benetint for some time. I usually just moisturise add blush and a little lipstick in the morning so the all day claim really appeals. I hope it works for you Agrace.

rute

Veteran

Oh.. I use also Benefit 'Benetint' stain and believe me it the only thing that stays for a whole day, I can go to the gym, to the beach, its very long lasting.

It's perfect for shopping also because it doesn't transfer to clothes.

agrace

Julie - Oh, I think you of all people must try it! I'd love to hear what you think of it.

Rute - that is really good to hear. I've been testing it all day since I bought it. I applied it late afternoon, just finished dinner and it is not quite all there, but there is some color left.

Do you all use a primer under this stuff?

Dash- I think you are confirming that I will ultimately need both. I like the price of Sarah's knock off she mentioned so I'm going to try to track that down. I feel like blush/ cheek color is probably going to make a much bigger impact on my looking a little bit better!

Rosie - I bought the Benefit 'Boing' concealer is #2. She gave me #1 but then I came home and it was too chalky on me. I just came back from exchanging it. If this doens't do it, it goes back for something else. It looks dark in the tub but I think it goes on lighter? Any thoughts on this product? So great to have you here with your knowledge!

rute

Veteran

no,I don't use primer, just foundation.. I'm suprised..mine lasts 10 hours...

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I get NYX at my local grocery store, of all places. Only place in town that carries it!
Their website http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/index.php?m=products says that Ulta http://stores.ulta.com/store/ carries their products in-store (not online). So maybe you can check there?
So far I've been incredibly happy with all of the products I've tried.

Magazines and makeup artists will disagree on things, and that's why you have to find the custom makeup routine that works for YOU. I use products from Maybelline to Chanel and have tried almost everything out there. It takes time, just like building your wardrobe.
When people are just starting out with makeup, I usually suggest

tinted moisturizer
spot concealer/undereye concealer pot (I prefer Laura Mercier for both, can be found at Sephora)
powder (really like the Maybelline Minerals pressed powder-very similar to Bare Escentuals)
cream blush (love the Benefit product)
and/or powder blush (NYX)
under eye highlight if needed (I use Benefits Eye Bright - it gets rid of dark circles)
lip gloss (NYX)
and some good neutral eyeshadows (again, NYX or MAC or Clinique if you just want a light wash of color)
mascara (I also prefer MAC but there are plenty of good ones at Sephora too)
eyeliner (Almay, Urban Decay, or NYX)
shadow or wax to fill in brows (I use an Almay eyeliner in Raisin Quartz, of all things! It's almost identical to the darkest color in my hair)

I do use more products, and I prefer foundation with a primer first, but a lot of people prefer the tinted moisturizer and less products. I've refined my face routine, so it doesn't take me long at all.

Most days you may only do a champagne/nude eyeshadow, liner in a color like plum or dark teal, mascara, cream blush, and a lip gloss. So the makeup will last you a long time.

A great resource is Carmindy's 5-Minute Face book. I love how natural her looks are, but she also gives ideas for specific looks and age appropriate looks.

agrace

Sarah - Thank you! I just wrote down all of those products to look at.

Here are today's questions LOL:

-After reading reviews, it seems that the Tarte cheekstain is pretty much the same product as the Benefit Benetint? Does anyone know the difference (other than the applicator). I guess both are good and it is just a matter of preference?

- My Sephora brand tinted moisturizer looks SO light in the bottle. When I compare the color in the bottle to a tube of my old foundation, it is several shades lighter. When I put it on I"m pretty sure it looks good - the lady helping me was very sure - but I'm just wondering. So - question is - does tinted moisturizer tend to be lighter than foundation?

I'm heading to the store in a bit. I'm going to look for these Maybelline products and the NYX brand.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

My tinted moisturizer actually looks *darker* in the tube than my foundation does. But because tinted moisturizer is actually a thinner product, it may change the color?
And maybe the tint is the right shade and the foundation is too dark? I think most people tend to grab stuff a shade too dark. I always know to grab the lightest product of every line first because I'm super pale. Heh.
Did someone at Sephora work with you? Most of them really know what they are doing so it doesn't hurt to ask. I believe you can also return/exchange products if you aren't 100% happy.
I have not tried the Tarte cheek stain because I was very happy with the Benefit stain (if I had not twisted the cap too tightliy and broken it, I'd still use it every day!).
Ulta is similar to Sephora where you can try things on before you buy, but they carry a lot more drugstore brands which is nice.
Let us know what you find!

Rosie

Veteran

Sarah is totally right about Carmindy's book. I also like Jemma Kidd's book for a good start.

The Tarte cheekstain and the Benetint are actually quite different, in my opinion, not just the applicator. The Tarte stains are solid, not liquid, more like a gel or gel-cream, depending on the color. I really like them, too, and there are more colors. I don't think they last as long as the Benetint. Benetint can almost be blended so that it doesn't seem like you have blush on - the Tarte stains sometimes have shimmer and don't always give that look. The company has really made a lot of efforts to go green, though, and I'm a real proponent of that.

I think the most important thing to remember is that makeup is supposed to fun! For me, it is part of how I express myself, just like clothes. Yes, sometimes it is frustrating (usually when related to concealer/foundation) but it's a learning process, mostly about what works for you and what you feel good in. Keep it fun!

Sephora, and probably Ulta, will give you samples of different foundations if you aren't sure about the tinted moisturizer you got.

Isabel

Veteran

I love Sephora - but I like to look on line to narrow down my wandering in the store. I also love Benefit cheek stain. I tried the Nars orgasm blush, but it didn't really do anything for me. I am at a point where I need a gel or a cream for it to last all day and the color just didn't look good on my sallow sking.

The beauty consultant gave me a great tip for the using the tint gel as a blusher, mix it with a little cream to apply.

Rosie

Veteran

Agrace, I'm curious what the final decisions have been! Do you like what you've gotten? Did you exchange more?