The Sephora Haul

Shopping in America can be overwhelming. There is so much more brands to pick from and so many stores in which to buy it. To help you streamline your shopping and get the most value from your dollar, for today’s post I am going to show you where to shop for your high end makeup products and what products to keep an eye out for

Sephora

When you think makeup and the US, you automatically think of Sephora. Sephora is a Mecca for so many makeup lovers, but it can be very overwhelming. With so many brands in one place it can be hard to know what is worth buying and what would just be a waste of money.

When it comes to shopping in Sephora, my best advice is to go with a list. Having a list means that you will get exactly what you need, but also give you a little more focus. You can still always pick up a few random buys, but you’re less likely to waste money.

One of the top brands that I highly recommend in Sephora is Kat Von D. There is so many fantastic products in this range, but my top picks would have to be the Tatoo eyeliner, Lock it concealer and any of her eyeshadows. The pigmentation in her eyeshadows is quite mind blowing.

Another brand that is a Sephora exclusive is Make Up For Ever. While Make Up For Ever can be bought in Ireland, there is only one store in which you can buy  it. Price wise there is no difference, but considering it is much easier to get your hands on in the States, it is well worth picking a few bits up. My favourite Make Up For Ever products would have to be the Artist eyeshadows, Bronze Fusion bronzer and the HD foundation.

Finally, don’t forget to look at Sephora’s own brand products. They have a fantastic range of brushes, eyeshadows, lipsticks and many more. My standout product would have to be their matte lip lusters. I absolutely love these liquid lipsticks. They have great pigmentation and longevity and they feel really comfortable on the lips.

Macys

Macys is an American institution and the first stop for many Irish shoppers when they reach US soil. While many hail it as a shoppers heaven, I believe Macys is long overdue a revamp and their clothes department can seem very Mary Hick. Personally I rarely find anything to wear there, but when it comes to makeup I practically deposit half my money there when I arrive.

Macys have quite a number of brands available, but for me it is the Anastasia Beverly Hills range that really makes my heart melt. While the brow products can be bought in many other stores, Macys have the full ABH range, including the fabulous eyeshadows. I have included some of the eyeshadows in my haul below, but I honestly can’t sing high enough praise for them. They have great pigmentation, they are very easy to use and they wear very well on the eye. They cost $12 each, but the more you buy the more the price comes down. So you really are saving money buying all the beautiful colours.

If you’re heading to Macys around sale time, you will find that a lot of the skincare is discounted. A few years ago, I bought a huge philosophy set that had almost 80% off the price!! You will find more bargains in Macys than in any other makeup store.

Ulta

I have previously mentioned Ulta in my Drugstore haul, but basically Ulta has a mix of high end and budget products. It is in Ulta that you will find brands like Lorac, IT cosmetics, Lipstick Queen, Stila and a whole heap more.

If you’re in the market for a new mascara, the Lorac Cobra mascara is a firm favourite of mine for give you massive lashes! I haven’t tried many more of the brands that are exclusive to Ulta, but there is so much to choose from you won’t be disappointed with your visit.

There is just so many brands  and stores to pick from in the US, that it really is a shopper paradise. Hopefully my haul video below might give you some ideas for your wish list.