As you all know, I went to the US a few weeks ago and amassed a few beauty products on the way. I will admit that this post won't be that impressive considering so many of these are now available in the UK, but I couldn't resist walking into every Sephora we ventured past and always ended up getting something. I will give you my thoughts so far on each product as well - a first impressions if you will - so it won't just be a boring haul but more of a mini review post of these fun products. I am still struggling with this flat lay business and the natural light was non-existent when I took these photos, so please forgive the shoddy quality for now. I promise to get outside this weekend and take some decent photos because this is just embarrassing. Enough about that, lets dive in to all of this.
Dr Brandt Pores No More Refiner Primer (£31) An alleged "life-saver" for oily skin. This primer claims to mattify, absorb oil and conceal pores. I love the packaging of this, it is the only primer I own that dispenses with a pump which feels really chic. It definitely feels like a smooth, silky, pore-filling primer. I can't speak on how well it absorbs oil because I haven't properly paid attention to that yet. I will have a full review soon, but so far I do like how it applies and sits under makeup.
![]() |
US Sephora Beauty Haul: CoverGirl Super Fibers mascara, Dr Brandt Pores No More Refining Primer and It Cosmetics CC+ SPF Cream |
LancĂ´me Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF21 ($42) Purchased this purely because of Jackie Aina and hands down I think it is one of the best foundations, period, for oily skins. Definitely the best stick foundation I have tried, it knocks the socks off the Hourglass Vanish foundation for me. If you have oily/combination skin I think you will really appreciate this one. Long-lasting, creamy but matte. Very buildable, lightweight formula that will give you sheer to full coverage. Pigmented, natural looking, all round gorgeous foundation. So good for oily skin.
Tartelette in Bloom Clay Palette (£36) I considered getting this for so long while I was in America, it was actually the very last item I purchased. It is a beautiful neutral palette that I think works particularly well with brown eyes because although it is neutral it has interesting undertones like purple and some stunning shimmer shadows that look lovely. The colour payoff is good and I think it is one of those staple palettes that always come in handy. It has every shadow you could ever need and you can create a variety of looks from just this one palette and I really appreciate that.
Cover Girl Super Fibers Mascara ($7.49) I heard so many YouTubers talk about this mascara that I had to pick it up and see what the hype was. My personal opinion is that I really like the wand, it does grab and extend every single lash but the formula for me is a little wet. Therefore, my favourite way to apply it is to clean the wand free of as much product as possible and then apply it to my lashes. I already have quite dark lashes so I don't need a lot of product just a little help in separating, lengthening and thickening the lashes. It is a good mascara, just make sure you wipe excess product first otherwise the lashes can look a little wet and clumpy.
Kat Von D Lock It Setting Powder (£20) Kat Von D is finally available in the UK, let's all rejoice, Debenhams have picked up this cult brand and made it accessible to us Brits. There are many products I want to try like their Lock It Foundation, Shade and Light Eye Palette and the Bow N Arrow Liquid Lipstick, but the first product I have purchased was their loose translucent setting powder. I do like this powder, it gives a silky finish to the skin and feels really nice. However, it is very messy if you apply it with a brush. I need to play around with it a bit more to see how it compares to other loose powders I own. I love that you can really cake this on and reapply it and it won't look cakey or strange at all, it doesn't leave a cast on my skin either and seems to be a great powder overall.
![]() |
US Sephora Beauty Haul: Kat Von D Lock It Loose Setting Powder First Impressions |
It Cosmetics Full Coverage Physical SPF 50 CC+ Cream (£30) Last but not least, I searched high and low for this famous CC Cream. Not all Sephoras stock It Cosmetics and the one I found didn't have the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (but fear not because QVC have got your back with that) so I didn't manage to buy that. I have used this numerous times, all whilst still on holiday. I have the shade Tan which I think is a touch too warm for my skin at the moment, I believe it will be my perfect summer shade but right now it's a shade too dark. I think Medium is too light though so Tan will have to do. I haven't fully made up my mind about this, still having an intense love affair with the L'ancome Stick Foundation, but I don't hate it and anything with SPF50 is a game-changer. I know It Cosmetics are releasing a Bye Bye Foundation ($65) which sounds very similar to the CC Cream, maybe a thinner consistency instead, it was advertised heavily while I was in the States but couldn't find it in any stores. I am definitely eager to see how they compare.
![]() |
KATHLEEN LIGHTS VIDEO HERE |
Thank you so much for reading my haul/first impressions post. I have so many new beauty products to review and talk about with you guys. I am wondering, would you like a Disappointing Products post? Let me know in the comments, there are quite a few products that have pissed me off and I wouldn't mind sharing my honest opinion with you guys. Of course, I will have detailed reviews up for these products too soon. Hope you had a great week, enjoy the weekend. Take care.
What American beauty brands are your favourite?
I'm really curious about the It Cosmetics CC Cream myself! Love your blog, I find myself here all the time!
ReplyDeletewww.thebookwormbeauty.com
Aw thank you so much Ashley, that is so kind! Xx
DeleteOh wow that fibers mascara looks so good! I also adore Kat Von D so much.I'll have to try this setting powder.
ReplyDeleteBeckie xo // The Pale Tails
Thank you, so glad we can get her products in Debenhams now! Xx
DeleteLove it. Please check out how I balayaged my own hair!
ReplyDeleteKisses xo | From Aliona With Love
Instagram @alionawithlove
Twitter @alionawithlove
I did! Awesome video x
DeleteI'm in love with that Tarte palette! I need it in my life it's stunning xx
ReplyDeleteJenny | Krystel Couture. x
Haha yes, I am loving it so far, I must say xxx
DeleteThe Tarte Palette is gorgeous, I keep seeing this on reviews and the shades are so pretty. I would love to read a disappointing products post from you, it's so helpful to know what products do not actually work. x
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
I will get right on it, Yiota! Xx
DeleteLooks like you picked up some amazing products! I love the Tarte Palette the shadows are so stunning!!
ReplyDeleteGrace x
http://graciebellblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
Agreed, so pretty, right? Xx
DeleteThese all sound like get products! I'd love to try out the foundation sti k, I've only tried one stick foundation before and I really liked it!
ReplyDeleteCyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
It is SO good, which one did you try?? Xx
DeleteTarte has such beautiful palettes! I do like ColourPop for their amazing value and range of makeup :)
ReplyDeleteLexie
nailgirl.net
And they have pressed shadows now! How cool is that? Xx
DeleteSO jealous of what products you've picked up!
ReplyDeleteMy current favourite beauty brand from America is most definitely Colour Pop - it's just so annoying that you have to pay so much for the shipping!
Great post!
Leanne xx
nailsandteapots
I feel you, it kills me xxx
DeleteI love my Tartelette palette and the IT Cosmetics CC Cream! Yeah, medium was way too light for me so I had to get tan, which makes sense since we almost have the same skin tone.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Floraful
Yeah that makes me feel better, I was worried that I had picked up the wrong shade but it will have to do, wish they had an in between shade. Thank you for reading! Xx
DeleteI have never been interested in Tarte but I know many love their products. And yes to disappointing products post please, I love reading it! LOL!
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I definitely will! No me either honestly but their concealer and this palette have impressed me so far so might try more in the future xxx
DeleteLovely haul! Looks like you picked up a bunch of gems. I've been lusting over that Tarte palette for the longest time!
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
Thank you Nicole! It is so pretty xxx
DeleteI want that Tarte palette! I'd LOVE to go to a Sephora in America - maybe one day :) x
ReplyDelete♡ itsjessiejane ♡
I hope you do! Xx
DeleteThe Tarte palette is so pretty - i need it! I've been using the CC Cream too. I'm not convinced I love it, i need to keep trying it though xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
Yeah I am on the fence atm too, I don't know, it feels a little thick maybe? Xx
DeleteI love your haul. You picked some amazing things. I need to try the Lancome stick foundation - was so disappointed by the ABH but Lancome Teint Idole Ultra is my fave foundation so I hope the stick version is as good xxx
ReplyDeleteSal | UmmBaby Beauty
It is so lovely, I really like it xxx
DeleteAll these makeup products look stunning! Especially that tarte palette and that it cosmetics cc cream. x
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Thank you lovely! Xx
DeleteThat Tartelette palette - I want, I need! x
ReplyDeleteSick Chick Chic
Don't blame you! Xx
DeleteI haven't actually heard of that primer before but it sounds like a dream, can't wait to hear your full thoughts, and of course that palette is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely put up a disappointing products post, I find them just as useful as recommendations :)
The Makeup Directory
I will do! Thank you for reading xxx
DeleteLovely haul! I'm almost out of the It Cosmetics CC cream (though, I have the illumination one). I like it, but I'm not in love with it so I'm not sure if I'm going to pick it up. But, like you said it does have SPF 50, which is always good. I'd love to see a disappointing products post!
ReplyDeletexx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
Thank you Nida, I will definitely post one soon. Yeah I am trying to get to grips with it, it's different. Can't decide if I like the CC cream or not xxx
DeleteI love that Tarte palette! I'd love a Disappointing products post! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
I will definitely post one! Thank you for reading xxx
DeleteSuch a great haul, babe! Love the Tarte palette! So pretty!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.com
LOve how you do your eyebrows! Liking the Lancome
ReplyDeletehttp://anaturellecraving.blogspot.sg/
IG: nyashanicole
This is a great haul. I am so glad that Tarte and IT Cosmetics and Kat Von D are all now available in the UK so I can try them all out. I love Sephora and I always buy there value sets when I am over there as they always include so many great products. I wish we have Sephora in the UK as well. I would love to read a disappointing products post.
ReplyDeleteLeigh
http://beautybargainsandbeyond.blogspot.co.uk/
Lovely haul. You picked fabulous items. Some of these r on my wishlist too
ReplyDeleteAsh | www.mstantrum.com
Great review dear
ReplyDeleteI always love Sephora
Zarrah | The Bandwagon Chic