Ilia Makeup Set | Sephora Birthday Gift 2023

Every year, Sephora offers their Insiders and VIB customers a free Birthday gift for their birthday. Each year there is a new selection of free, sample-size products to choose from. Anyone can become a Sephora Insider and it's free to join. You become a VIB member once you've spent a specific amount with Sephora per year.

This year, there are a total of 6 Birthday gifts to choose from and all but one of those are available to all Sephora Insiders.

This year's choices are:

1. Ilia Makeup set with Multi-Stick and Mascara 

2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow set featured in this post

3. Dior Fragrance set

4. Ouai hair sample set

5. 250 Bonus Points (can be redeemed for free bonus point products which change frequently)

6. Farmacy Skincare set - for VIB members only 

View and learn more about these options on Sephora.com.

My Mother was kind enough to let me have her birthday gift this year so I chose this Ilia set as I've been very curious about this brand.

About this gift:

Ilia Makeup Birthday Gift Set featuring Limitless Lash Mascara in shade After Midnight (Black) and Multi-Stick in shade At Last (Mauve Rose)

- Limitless Lash Mascara in shade After Midnight (Black): A clean thoughtfully formulated, award-winning, cult-favorite mascara that lifts, lengthens, curls, and separates lashes without flaking or smudging.

- Multi-Stick in shade At Last (Mauve Rose): An award-winning, buildable wash of color for cheeks and lips to instantly wake up skin. The twist-up stick makes for easy application on the go.

This reward includes:

- Limitless Lash Mascara in shade After Midnight (Black): 0.1 oz./ 3g

- Multi-Stick in shade At Last (Mauve Rose): 0.08 oz/ 2.5g

The multi stick is a gorgeous shade that should suit many skin tones. It comes in a twist up stick which makes it very easy to apply. It blends out easily to give the skin a naturally flushed look and it is buildable. The lasting time is good but similar to many other stick/cream blushes on the market. I like to apply a light dusting of setting powder over top of it to help it last longer. I did try it on my lips and eyes and didn't really like it on my eyes, and although it looks pretty on my lips, I just prefer to use it as a blush. But it's nice to have the options to use it as you wish.

I would consider purchasing the full-size mainly because they nailed this shade, in my opinion. It would also be a great choice if you are looking for a cream blush/multi stick from a clean beauty brand.

Photos taken in natural daylight with no filters

Here is the blush blended out.

It's quite a small amount of product but enough to use for a while so you can determine if you would want to purchase the full-size product.

The mascara comes with a rubber type applicator. I find that works well at adding length to my lashes but not as much in terms of volume. I personally like very full lashes as well as length. However, it does apply evenly and has a nice clean look as it is doesn't get clumpy. I also like that it's very easy to remove with just water, so I don't lose a bunch of lashes trying to get it off at the end of the day. I didn't have any flaking but found it could smudge when I got up after watching TV while laying down for a few hours, but this can happen with many mascaras. If you have a tendency towards watery eyes, this may not be a good choice for you.

I would rate the mascara as good but average. I have others that I prefer but this could be a good choice if you are looking for length from a clean beauty brand.

Details on the free Birthday Gift program from Sephora:

*Beauty Insiders can redeem one birthday gift per year in Sephora US and Canada stores, on sephora.com and sephora.ca, in Sephora at Kohl’s stores, and on kohls.com, while supplies last. Selection may vary. A birthday gift of 250 points is available in Sephora US and Canada stores, on sephora.com and sephora.ca only. Merchandise purchase required for online redemption. Online-exclusive birthday gifts are redeemable by VIB and Rouge clients only and are not available on kohls.com. Redeem two weeks before or after your birthday or any time during your birthday month.

With all of the choices that Sephora is offering, you really can't go wrong with any of them. We also loved the Glow Recipe Birthday Gift reviewed here.

                                                                

How to Declutter and Make Money Doing it

Over the last few years there's been such a craze over decluttering and minimalism. Although I could never be a minimalist (I like shopping too much), I still have the desire to own less, reduce clutter, and have more room to breathe. But, at the same time, I have a conflicting desire to aquire more at times. Maybe some of you feel this way, too. I think this is where the old adage comes into play "out with the old, in with the new." Who doesn't want to try something new that interests them, or update their wardrobe to be more current.

I've heard a lot about the Mari Kondo method based on her best-selling book, The Art Of Tyding Up. I haven't read her book but I've learned a lot about her suggestions and tips for decluttering through the internet.  I like a lot of her tips but also find that some of them don't work for me. So I take what I like from her methods and make my own decluttering journey, as we all should.

Sometimes, I find that I can conquer my closet or the kitchen and do fairly well. Although, Mari Kondo probably wouldn't agree with that statement. Other times, I feel like I just can't let go of anything but I know that I need to.

Here are some tactics that I use to help myself declutter:

1. Get real with yourself and toss those old, expired products. Think food, skincare, makeup etc.

2. Ask yourself: Do I need it? Do I love it? Has it been used recently or is it just taking up space? Can someone else get better use out of this? Can I make some money with this?

3. Keep what you love and/or need. Do you have duplicates of some items that perhaps aren't necessary? 

4. One question I love to ask myself is "would I buy this in the store today?" If not, get rid of it or sell it
5. Try to adopt a 1 in 1 out policy. If you buy some new items, try to get rid of some old items
6. When you've done all the purging that you think you can, revisit the decluttering concept in a more gentle way. By this I mean, try and find one item per day, from any area of your home that either needs to be thrown away, donated, or maybe you want to sell it and make some of your money back

7. Another tactic, is to do this weekly and try to find 7 items at the end of each week. Then take the items to be donated at the end of every week or month. Whataver works for you. This decluttering tip of mine is meant to take the pressure off, so nothing is set in stone, do your best and you will get ahead.  By using this method I recently got rid of some old cell phones, packaging I no longer needed, old electronic parts that didn't have a partner, some shoes I don't wear, blankets and pillows that needed to go, etc. 

8. Tackle one area at a time and recruit your family members to tackle their areas, too. If they aren't eager to participate, the incentive to make some money or buy something new with that money might just be the nudge that they need

9. It's a good idea to keep a list as you go of items that you need to purchase to fill a need or replace items that were discarded but are still wants/needs

Note: Animal Shelters can always use your old towels, blanket, etc. It's a much better way to re-purpose those items than dropping them into a donation bin where they will probably end up in a landfill.

Also, there are a lot of Women's Shelters, and Shelters period, that can definitely use a lot of our unwanted items.

After the initial declutter, I try to keep on top of things by letting go of items that I no longer need or want. Making room for new things that I do want or maybe even need. "Use it or Lose it" has become my new motto.

You can also make money with the items that you declutter, especially if they are in good condition. Or, maybe they are vintage or collectable. You'd be surprised what you can find in the depths of your drawers, closets, basement, garage, and even on your bookshelves that you could make money with. From jewelery to shoes and even fitness gadgets and the like. 

My favourite places to sell items

• Facebook Marketplace and FB groups
• Poshmark (Get $15 with code poshsummergirl on sign up page)
• Varage sale (App)
• Letgo ( App- in USA, no longer in Canada sadly)
• Kijiji
• Ebay
• Pawn shops
• Amazon (I've sold a ton of books and DVDs on there)
• Garage sale (when permitted or by appointment due to covid)
• Plato's closet - they pay on the spot. They are choosy and want items in good condition and current trends. They don't pay much but if you don't have the time to sell your own items, they are a good option
• Other local consignment shops
• There are lots of other Apps to sell your unwanted goods. Just check your app store

Once you've decluttered your home, you'll probably make more conscious choices about future purchases and what you are bringing into your home. Either way, unless you are a true minimalist, the process of letting go of items that no longer serve you will most likely become something that is ongoing as we are usually bringing new things into our homes. 

#declutter #makemoney #minimalism 

New Home Makeup Storage Solution + Travel Bag | Minimalist

Left: old makeup storage / Right: new makeup storage

I've always been big on organizing...Searching for ways to better store my makeup and skincare is actually how I discovered the world of Blogging and Vlogging.

I have been slowly downsizing my makeup collection (and working on other areas of my home) over the years. I went from using a large drawer in my desk to store my makeup to using the pink acrylic organizer shown above. More recently, the acrylic organizer was becoming such an eyesore to me as it sat on my home work desk, so I sought out other solutions for my makeup organization conundrum.

I decided to purchase a large makeup storage/ travel bag that comes with customizable dividers. I did a lot of research as I didn't want anything too big nor too small. The first one I purchased was plain black (shown above). Unfortunately, it came with a defective liner so the dividers wouldn't line up or stay in place. After returning that one, I ended up choosing another one that is the exact same size, just different colour and seller. I think that all of these organizers in this size range are the same size although they each show slight variations listed on Amazon (where I purchased mine).

 

The actual dimensions of both of the cases I ordered are 9" x 10" x 3.5" measured from the exterior

Although they refer to these cases as "travel cases" it's too big for travel for my liking.

I find that the case is very sturdy on the inside and the outside and has a solid zipper closure. The dividers are pretty fabulous for customizing your case to fit your products. In fact, this case would also be great for storing crafts, essential oils, skincare, photography equipment, sunglasses etc. 

The top has pockets meant for makeup brushes but I am storing my eyeliners, lipliners and brow pencils there for now. There is also a side pocket but when I put a small eyeshadow palette inside, I cannot close the case. It would be suitable for thinner products like facial sheet masks. 

I guess I'm a bit of a blush junkie as that seems to be the bulk of my makeup. The funny thing is that I don't wear blush as often as I used to (mask anyone?!). I am definitely a bronzer and highlight girl though!

I am able to fit all of my makeup except for my lip product collection as well as my eyeshadow palette collection. But, let's be real, I have too much makeup still!

I know that once I use up some of these products and as some expire, it will definitely be possible to store my entire makeup collection in this organizer. 

The organizer sits comfortably in my Ikea Alex desk drawer (the deeper drawer).

I'm so happy to have my makeup collection out of site now and the new makeup storage bag is working out perfectly. It sits in my desk drawer as I get ready. I just pop open the lid and everything is in arms reach and organized so well. Getting ready is a breeze now as every makeup item is in its place.

For now, I still have my makeup brushes and small lip collection on my desktop which I barely even notice compared to when I had the big acrylic organizer on my desk. Don't get me wrong, I love that acrylic organizer and it's gone to good use storing my skincare in my bathroom (shown below).

My acrylic organizer has been repurposed and now lives in the bathroom housing skincare and some hair accessories.

Above you can see the dividers in the organizers and some examples of how you can customize the case. 

The case would also be great for travel if you need or want to travel with a lot of makeup and or skincare as the case is so sturdy. 

I am enjoying this organizer so much that I am definitely thinking of purchasing more for other storage purposes! 😍

This makeup storage case cost me a whopping $20 and it was the best twenty dollars that I've spent in a long while!

Have a great week ahead! 

Amy 

*This post contains referral links that are trusted by me. Thank you in advance if you choose to use them.

Pure + Simple and Holistic Vanity #earthday Celebration Specials!

I have been shopping at Pure and Simple Spa's for a few years now. For the last two years, I have participated in their amazing Earth Day celebration and I already can't wait until next year!

All you have to do is bring in some empty skincare products from any brand for recycling and they will give you 50% off of their products (Maximum 3 products per person.) Included in this sale is the Pure + Simple line, Holistic Vanity as well as their Minimalist line. They have 3 spas in Toronto and  1 in Waterloo. If you live out of town they even offer a mail-in program to participate. 

I stocked up on 2 of my favourite skin serums: 100 ml Algae Serum

And I traded in my empty Holistic Vanity Argan oil to try their Camellia Oil: 100 ml Camellia oil

I even received a free sample size of their all-natural deodorant. 

Remember, you will get 50% off on Earth Day, April 22nd. If you miss this sale they always have monthly sales on different products, usually 15%-20% off.

I'm excited to try the Camellia oil. It's not only for Rosacea! It's supposed to be very calming to the skin and it has great reviews on their website. After a quick "google" search, I see that Camellia oil has numerous skin benefits and it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores or cause acne.)

If you're in the Toronto or Waterloo area and want to participate, they are open until 9pm tonight (Waterloo is open until 7 pm.) Or you could call their head office and ask about the mail-in program.  

Pure + Simple Contact info

How are you celebrating Earth Day?

(this is not sponsored and I purchased everything with my own money. I just love their products and service!)

Xo Amy