Beauty Reviews•Sephora Summer Stash•Summer Stash Full Review
Sephora Summer Stash Full Review
July 29, 2014Alright I am pretty excited about this review because I have been eyeing this Sephora Summer Stash for quite some time and finally took the plunge and added it to my cart. I do have to say I enjoy ordering from Sephora online because they have such better point value beauty buys than in the store and you know I like finding coupon codes. Seriously they don’t even make you google search for their codes, they just put it all on their site for you. Sephora Coupon Codes, I used the code BLACKOIL and got the Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara mini. I am still on the fence about it, I’ll let you know after I’ve had some time to make a real opinion.
Okay to back to the point. I scoured my Sephora and the ones crammed inside of the JCPenny’s around me and nobody had the stash in stores. I really hem hawed about this purchase because the gift cards I have only work for in store, which meant my hard earned money needed to go towards this purchase. What finally put me over the edge was being able to try the Marc Jacbobs gel mascara. I added it to the cart, then cursed because I needed $5 more dollars for free shipping. Fine you sneaky little things, I know that pricing was strategic. So I ordered this most amazing Invisible Oil which is still hands down my absolute fav from this post. I got it in the mini version to keep at Mark’s house. Let’s get into this full review.
So first impressions. The carrying case is adorable and scrunches up so it can easily be crammed into your purse.
Second impression. The products are not generously sized but for $45 when the cost of each is $25-$30 full sized…..I got over the initial let down and dived into the products.
Here is a reference of the size with a pen and a quarter.
What I was most excited about.
Really great bronzer for contouring. Looks very natural golden tan without too much glitter/shimmer. The sample size just barely allowed my brush to fit in but I threw this in my travel makeup case for quick touchups.
Next on the list.
I was so excited to try this since I have heard such great reviews. Honestly I like what I can get onto my one finger….the sample looks like this
It was kind of hard to smear the blush with one finger, but then I dipped the other one in and it helped….. I was a little disappointed. I may need to scoop it out and put it into something more easily accessible. The jury is still out.
My Favorite
I don’t wear eyeshadow but I like to rim my inner eyes with gold shadow (Blake Lively style). This foil has the most perfect amount of pigment and sparkle. This was a total winner.
Well known to us
If you remember from this post, this stuff is a total life saver. Your makeup will not budge, even in 90+ heat taking engagement pictures. Get it, you won’t regret it.
Most intrigued by…
I wanted to know if it would measure up to my tried and true Perfekt gel mascara. The Marc Jacobs makes them look more long and spidery but the Perfekt builds easier and comes off with simple face washing. The Marc Jacobs took a little more effort (like had to get it off with coconut oil and eye makeup remover). Verdict, I love using it as a sample but probably wouldn’t buy the full size. Please ignore my bloodshot/allergy eye.
Still not sold on
It comes with a nice lip brush and has a peppermint taste going on. It is a pretty barbie pink color but doesn’t hold a flame to my YSL lip stain.
Honorable Mentions…
Deborah Lippman Nail Color – Mermaid’s Dream Retail $20///Makeup Forever Aqua Eyeliner – 12L Retail $19///Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer Retail $28
My final verdict. Would I buy this again, absolutely. Was I initially let down by the size, yes but for the price of the high end products it was worth it. My personal opinion about sample packs like this is to be able to try these cult classics that usually carry a hefty price tag but for a fraction of the price. What would I buy in the full size? The NARS Bronzing Powder, Urban Decay Setting Spray, Josie Maran Blush (on the fence still) and if I didn’t already love my Perkfekt Gel Mascara I would have purchased the Marc Jacobs Mascara. I am in love with the Stila shadow but the size is actually perfect that I probably won’t have to buy the full size.
So what do you think? Has this been on your radar? Will you take the plunge? I will tell you I pretty much use all the products on a daily basis and the small sizes are great for travel. Let me know your thoughts and if you use these products on a daily basis! xoxoxo
Oh my god I’ve been eyeing that stilla foil for two months. I can’t convince myself to buy it though. Partially because I can’t decide what color! And the UD setting spray…amazing! How much was this?
I have to say that little bag is a dang good deal even if you only used the Nars bronzer and the Urban Decay. Love the bag it came in too!
Okay – spill it on how to line your eyes with gold shadow. I NEED to know.
So the samples really do look tiny – but the bright side is that you have travel size options now!! I think I’d be most excited about the NARS bronzer! The Stained Gloss looks amazing on you!! Love the honest review!! xo
i’m really picky with my makeup so i would only buy something like this is 95% of the products inside are things that i would use. i had to toss out so much makeup (goodbye, thousands of dollars!) so now i only buy what i use.
i had the NARS bronzer but it was only ok for me. i’m totally digging the Sun Bunny bronzer by too faced, though.
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
That eye shadow is so pretty! Definitely a great everyday base. Your review was so helpful!
You don’t know how many times this was in my shopping cart because there were so many things I wanted to try- so glad you reviewed everything! I love the cheek gelee, but that is a SMALL little tub, but maybe it will end up being good for traveling?? I reaaally want that nail polish! It looks so pretty!
I had looked at this stash a few times, but never took the plunge. I have really been wanting to try the UD spray and I am always up for trying new lip glosses and blushes….but usually kits like this don’t have colors I would have chosen for myself. I am in love with my chocolate Too Faced bronzer so I don’t need to find another kind right now. I am really loving that foil shadow and would love to see how you do it up close! I get stuck in a rut with my eye shadows and basically use the same few colors I have been using since hs. oops. Love that you shared your thoughts on everything!
I love their stashes like this because it lets me try stuff that’s on my radar without forking over tons of money for something I might hate. I love the eyeshadow!
Stila’s Kitten eyeshadow is one of my holy grail single shadows – I use it almost on a weekly basis! I’m almost out of my UD setting spray, so thanks for the reminder that I need to order more. :)
This has been on my radar for Kitten and Laguna…still on the fence about getting this one! I really think I need to just take the plunge and just buy NARS Laguna since I’ve been wanting for like 5 years…
I am pretty sure I am going to go buy this now…. All of the products in here are things I would like to try and/or love. Plus, I have a $50 gift card right now and I am wanting to grab the 500 pt Benefit set. Thanks!! :)
I’m crushing on that eyeshadow…I’ve been on the hunt for the a new shimmery metallic shadow so this one may fit the bill!
the small sizes are great for travel! I probably won’t buy because I hate buying things and not liking certain items, if that makes sense. the bronzer looks like I need to buy it though.. love Nars!
Love that bronzer! And I’ve been wanting to try out some Josie Maran products. I agree with Kristen – it would be great to have these products for travel! I always buy the small size of things first to see if I like it before buying full size.
I love the bag it all came in! I have a $40 GC to Sephora that I haven’t used yet…I may need to look into this!
I would be the most excited about the Urban Decay setting spray. I had that NARS bronzer a long time ago and ended up getting rid of it. I hardly ever used it because I never felt like I was putting it on right. It is pretty though.
I’ve been wanting that Deboarah Lippmann nail polish forever but I can never find it! :( And that bag is SO cute! Let me know what you think about that Josie Maran stuff. I’ve been wanting to try it but I was worried it would wear off quickly. That Stila eye shadow is absolutely gorgeous!
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
wow those ARE tiny! but its so fun to try new products! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Amazing review! I’ve been dying to try the Josie Maran blush and the Urban Decay setting spray. I totally get what you mean about the sizes though… although the eye shadow and nail polish look like they are full size. It’s a shame that the polish isn’t a better color!
xo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
That eye shadow is totally something I would wear. I love gold metallic on my skin with red hair. It is a great highlighter for the eyes.
Your eyelashes kil me!
I love Stila shadow! And that all-nighter spray, that stuff was a lifesaver on my wedding day. Even my makeup artist swears by it so you know its good!
I use the Nars bronzer and the setting spray as well. I think that eye shadow was a really pretty color.
awesome review! i have been on the hunt for a bronzer and i love nars products. awesome tip about that setting spray! i’ve never heard of such a thing!!
I Love deborah lippmann polish. I have the rainbow confetti one(Happy Birthday). I like to use it on one nail on each hand then do a light nude pink color for the rest. It looks super cute on my daughters toes! I just ordered a makeup forever eyeliner!(Like 10 min ago) lol XO
I’ve been eyeing this up for weeks, but ultimately couldn’t pull the trigger since I already own the nail polish and eye shadow in those exact colors (loooove that eyeshadow!!!). I totally agree on buying online with Sephora – if I can’t find a coupon code, I usually don’t buy! And it always boggles my mind why they don’t offer the same samples in store – especially the 3 free that you get when ordering online!
Great review! I own Nars blush and bronzer so I am already a fan of this bag! Good to know about the stained glosses. Now I want to go sample the Stila eye shadow! :)
This looks awesome – I think it sounds totally worth it! The stila looks great and so did the mascara. I would love to try that buxom – I use that brand of mascara and absolutely love it!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
I don’t think I’ll go for it, but I do think it’s not a bad deal to try all that stuff out.
ohhh i might need to take the plunge too ! especially for the travel size urban decay bottle!
wow, that’s a lot of goodies! I especially love the bag!
The Nars bronzer would totally make me want to pick up this goodie bag too. Too bad I just spent way too much on cosmetics via my favorite site in the world (Amazon, obi) ;)
I haven’t tried any of those products but the NARS would totally be on my list to try. I like the colored liner. Not a bad deal to try it all.
Great review of this set- I would love to try that Josie Cheek Gelee. I’ve seen some gorgeous looks with those Stila Foils, I think I need to try one out :)
I’m super curious – have you worn the Deborah Lippmann nail polish yet? I have about six or so DL polishes, and while I adore the colors (let’s get serious, they are on point and on trend!) it’s a horrible formula – we’re talking chip the same day horrible! Anyone else have that experience? I want to love it… But when you put midnight blue polish with gold flecks all over your fingers, that massive chip 6 hours later SHOWS. Boo.
I got a set for Christmas that had that tiny Nars packaging but it was even tinier because it was the blush/bronzer duo – so cute, but not particularly functional for its intended use. I keep it at Tyler’s in case I forget to pack blush, and I’ve used the bronzer as eyeshadow so it can serve some purpose!
I’ve been on the fence about getting this, because I already have sooo much makeup. I loved the Stila eye shadow though! It looks like the perfect eye brightener.
What an adorable set! I am OBSESSED with OCC’s Lip Tars. Picked some up at the makeup show and have been itching for more ever since lol.
Kristen @ Your Beauty Fix
I’ve been wanting to try Lip Tar for a while now… I do love that color, too! I’m glad you compared it to your YSL though. If you’re gonna spend the money, might as well go for what works, b/c they’re both expensive – I’d rather spend a tad more at that point and get something AWESOME!
I’ve been eyeing this set for a while now, but haven’t taken the plunge due to the size/price of the products. I really love the eyeshadow color, I’ll have to check out the full size!
I did not even know this existed! I would love to try some of these especially that liner. A good buy for the brands you get, but it is disappointed that they are not full sized!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
This is a great box!! I’ve used about half of these products and my opinions are all pretty similar. I always go for the mini size products near the checkout before I splurge on the full size — such a cheaper way to try new stuff! Need that Stila shadow!
Great review girlie!! What a great haul you got. I have to try the NARS products since everyone is raving about them.
LOVE the bag that it comes in….I’ll be taking it on my trip to Lake Tahoe next week.
I’ve been using Laguna every single day since I got this stash. I use it with the Real Techniques stippling brush, and it’s the PERFECT size for that bronzer. PERFECT combo, in my opinion.
I tried the mascara once, and instantly wasn’t a fan. I just can’t get past how awesome the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara is!! And I loveee that Stila eyeshadow. It’s such a pretty color. I’m glad they included that in the stash. To top it all off, they put in a sample/good travel size of the all-nighter spray. I love that stuff.
I have the full size, but I use a stipple brush to apply my Josie Maran cheek geele. I even have that same color! ELF makes a mini stiple brush, it’s $3 and I bet it would be the perfect size for what you have! That way you don’t have to get that on your fingers! its a really great product!