Sephora Portugal: My First EVER Sephora Haul

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you the opportunity to shop at Sephora, you do not pass the chance up. Unfortunately (or luckily, I'm not sure) Sephora has not yet made its way to the UK, nor do I think it ever will. Whilst we read hundreds of posts about Sephora hauls from our US based beauty blogger friends, we have to content ourselves with Boots and the likes, which is fine but I've always wanted to try something from Sephora and now I can say I finally have!

If you didn't know (I doubt it as I've gone slightly overboard on Instagram and as per my previous post, read here), I was in Portugal last week for just over a week and I made it my mission to visit a Sephora store during the trip. Originally, I wanted to go to a Lisbon store but given our time there would have been limited I found the next best thing, a store at the Algarve mall conveniently a 20 minute drive away from where we were staying. I had waited for this time for so long, I was like a kid in a candy store.

The store was small but it had quite a good selection of brands. I knew I wanted to purchase Sephora own products as well as anything that wasn't available in the UK (that didn't work). Notice I actually shopped responsibly, this is partially because I don't really need any more make-up (too many palettes I can't even get through) and partially because if you've been to Algarve you will know how bloody expensive everything is there. Here's what I got my hands on.

Let’s start with Porefessional License To Blot, an instant oil-blotting stick for a mattified complexion (here). This is meant to be used to touch up over make-up during the day, whenever blotting is needed. I don't usually blot so I knew that wasn't going to be how I use it. A few Youtubers I watch recommended using this prior to foundation and I'm so glad I took note as this makes my base sit so well on my face as well as hold back any oils that may want to break free during the day. My only complaint is how little product there is (4.25g) for its price tag ($20, £15.50) as I know I will soon-ish have to repurchase.

Next up, the Sephora Precision Sponge which I confess was an impulse buy near the cashier. I don't have the price for this as I've thrown the receipt away but a similar product on the Sephora website retails for $12. I've now read some pretty bad reviews online and am kicking myself for picking it up; never pick up anything whilst on a queue! Hopefully when I give it a shot it won't be so bad and actually usable. Fingers (and toes) crossed. 

Moving onto face/eye masks, I've talked about the multi-masking trend before here when I reviewed the L'Oreal Pure clay masks and ever since I've turned into a mask junkie. I'm definitely a late comer to this trend but better late than never. My choices include: Pomegranate Face Mask (awakens, energises, and protects the skin with antioxidant-rich natural pomegranate extract, $6), Algae Face Mask (detoxifies the skin to get rid of impurities that cause dullness for a fresh, radiant complexion, $6) and Pomegranate Eye Mask (reduces signs of fatigue, awakens, and tones the eye for a rested, energetic look, $5); find them here and here. I can't wait to give these a try this fall on a pampering Sunday evening and report back on how they did. Seen a few reviews and these seem pretty popular so a pat on my back for picking them up.

Last, but not least my favourite purchase of this mini haul. When I arrive in Portugal I realised I had taken no blush with me so it made perfect sense to get one. This is the Sephora Colorful Face Powder in shade Number 28. The colour may seem a little intense on these photos but in real life it's much more subtle, I promise. This is not a colour I would normally wear but my tanned skin allowed for something a little darker than usual and I went for it. I love how pigmented it is; it has become my go-to blush these past few days thanks to my tan. The shade unfortunately isn't on the website but you can see the collection here retailing at $14 each.

And that concludes my haul. I've definitely gone slightly overboard with the text in the post so if you've made your way to the end and not got bored half way through, thanks for reading! :) What do you think of my haul? Let me know below!

Wishing everyone a nice weekend ahead!

xoxo