What’s in My Sephora VIB Shopping Cart

Sephora insider shopping event 2017

I love it when Sephora does their Insider shopping event!  I try out new products that I’ve been looking at and stock up on some favorite must haves.

1. Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette

I have been wanting to try her eyeshadows for a while.  I keep hearing rave reviews.  I love this smaller palette of 5 colors.  It also comes in many different color schemes.

2. YSL Lipstick

I recently got a YSL lipstick and I’m obsessed!  They really do have the best nude shades.  They are so creamy and gorgeous!!

3. Tom Ford Lip Balm

I love tinted lip balms for summer.  It’s a great way to keep my lips hydrated while keeping the overall makeup look light and fresh.  I like to wear something like this to the pool or beach.

4. YSL The Shock Volumizing Mascara

I just got this mascara and I’m can’t get enough!!  I had to share it with you all!  I’m getting another tube to have a backup in my purse.

5. Ardency Inn Eyeliner

The best black eyeliner ever!  Goes on smooth with no tugging and stays aaaaaalllllll day.  Mine is running low so I’m picking up another one.

6. Givenchy Bronzer

With summer right around the corner I start to get obsessed with bronzers.  This one just came out and it looks gorgeous.  Anything to give me that summer sun kissed bronzed look.

7. Natasha Denona Sunset Eyeshadow Palette

This looks so gorgeous!!!!!!

8. Cover FX Setting Powder

My favorite setting powder!  I’ve been using it for at least 6 months.  It’s running low, time to get more :)

9. Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation

I just started wearing this foundation a couple weeks ago and it is my absolute favorite foundation!  I don’t know how it took me so long to find this?!  It is an absolutely gorgeous finish!  I am shade p20 for reference.

10. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Perfume

My holy grail favorite perfume ever!  I’ve been out of it for a while.  It’s time to get it again!

11. Tatcha Sunscreen

My favorite face sunscreen.  I used it every day last summer.  Need to get another bottle for this summer.

12. Amika Dry Shampoo

Love this dry shampoo!  It smells so good and isn’t to drying.

13. GlamGlow Setting Spray

I’ve been ride or die for the Urban Decay setting spray for years.  This one just came out and I’ve heard all the former UD setting spray lovers are switching over to this one.  This is definitely one I need to try!

14. Bare Minerals Lipgloss

One of the best lipglosses on the market!  I absolutely love their formula.  Definitely picking up another one or two in some fun shades.

15. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

I have always wanted to try this.  I love the idea of my skin glistening and glowing all summer long!

The Skin Care Kit Every Woman Needs

rachel barkules

Today’s the day!!!

I am sooooo excited to finally talk about this amazing skin care kit!  I teamed up with Tula to put together a skin care essentials kit.  I thought about what every woman (and man) absolutely need to use on their skin every single day, what you can not live without.  These are the essentials, the foundation for a good skin care routine.

I have been using all 3 of these products for over a year and I’m obsessed!!  The quality is incredible!  I have used skin care products costing more than triple and they are not as good.  Since I started using Tula products my skin has been more even, smooth and glowing.  I believe so much in these products!

tula essentials kit

Details of the Essentials Kit:

-You get 3 full size products: Cleanser, Moisturizer for day & night, Eye Cream.  These 3 full size products last me between 4-6 months, depending on how much I use.

-Priced at $110, valued at $132.  Use code Rachelkit20 for extra 20% off + free shipping, making the kit $88!!  This is an incredible value!  This code also works for 20% off anything on the entire website.

-Launching Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00am EST

-You can purchase it Here

I really hope you all love this kit as much as I do!  I thought about all of you when putting it together.  I really wanted to put something together that every woman will love, great quality products at a great value.  Thank you all so much for your love and support!!  It means so much to me :) Love you guys!

Best of Beauty 2016

I loooooove thinking back over the past year about my favorite beauty products!  I dig thru my bathroom drawers, thru my makeup vanity, in my top drawer of my nightstand, in my purse… searching for all beauty products I have been using daily and can’t live without.

This is the smallest best of beauty I have ever had.  It could be that a lot of my time was consumed with moving and starting a new job.  It could also be that there wasn’t that many new products that thrilled me. Either way, I wasn’t going to put products in my best of beauty just to put them in.  These truly are my best of beauty!

And what does it take to make the cut?  These are products that I use all the time!  I use these daily/weekly and if they disappeared I would shed a tear.  They are stand out products that I could not live without!

So let’s get into it:

1 & 2. Tula Cleanser & Moisturizer :  I discovered Tula skin care at the very beginning of 2016.  It was literally eye opening for my skin!  It is the best skin care I have ever used!

Tula Cleanser : The cleanser is a makeup remover and a cleanser.  I never use a separate makeup remover.  When I am wearing a full face of glam makeup all I use is this cleanser.  It gets my skin completely clean.  It is very gentle, great for all skin types; even my sensitive dry skin.  I use this morning and night.

Tula Moisturizer : The best daily moisturizer ever!  So hydrating yet very light on the skin.  I use this every morning and night.  This is the only moisturizer you need.

Click here to view my entire skin care post I did just 2 months ago.  I go more in depth about each product I use and why.  Also, if you want to save 25% off + free shipping on tula.com use code lifescandyjar25

3. Colleen Rothschild Intense Moisture Mask : This moisture mask is the best moisturizing mask ever!  You can leave it on for 10-15 minutes.  Or (the way I use it) leave it on overnight.  Every time I use it I wake up with skin extremely dewy, glowing, plump and even skin tone.  I like to use this once a week to keep my skin looking amazing.  Seriously a game changer!  You can read my entire review Here.

4. Farmacy Sheet Mask Melody : I discovered sheet masks at the very end of 2015.  This past year I finally found my favorite sheet mask.  I love getting the sheet mask melody from Farmacy.  This way I use whatever my skin needs are.  The mask melody includes firming, brightening & anti-wrinkle.  Their masks are so amazing, after 10 minutes I see a noticeable improvement in my skin.  A sheet mask can be a little weird and messy, but so worth it for the results.

5. Buxom Lipstick : I have been a fan of Buxom lipstick’s for a while.  I love the formula, it is creamy and pigmented.  This year I fell in love with the shade ‘guilty angel’.  It is the every day shade with pinky peachy undertones.  I can wear this shade with a natural makeup look or smoky eye.  Doesn’t matter, it always looks great.  You can see it in my every day makeup look.

6. Lipgloss : I love a glossy lip!  I know matte lips and liquid lipsticks are all the trend right now.  But I will always prefer a glossy lip!  Here are my 2 favorites:

Marc Jacobs Lipgloss: This gloss is great for a high shine look.  I currently have this in shade ‘sugar sugar’, which is the prefect nude shade for all skin types.  It is extremely glossy and looks amazing alone or over a lipstick.

Anastasia Lipgloss: This formula is amazing!  It is thick, pigmented and extremely moisturizing.  I love so many shades of this gloss.  I wear one almost daily, I have them stashed around my house and in my purse.  My favorite shade is ‘Rio’, it is the perfect hot pink ever.

7. GlamGlow Lip Balm : This lip balm feels amazing and is so hydrating!!!  The love for this lip balm started out with having it on my nightstand and putting it on every night before bed.  Now I have one in my kitchen and in my purse.  Basically I have to always have one right by my side.

8. Too Faced Mascara : This mascara has made it on my best of beauty 2 years in a row.  There’s a reason for that… because it’s the best! I use it every single day, it’s the Queen of mascaras.  It makes my lashes thick, full, long and amazing.  I have ventured out and still haven’t found a mascara that is equal to this one.

9. Hair : Dry Shampoo, Texture, Oil : It has been a year for hair change for me.  I have had to look for many different hair products for my ever changing hair style.  I have found some amazing products that I can not live without.

Living Proof Dry Shampoo : This is the perfect dry shampoo.  It soaks up any extra oil, eliminates smell, gives body and volume.  But it’s not to heavy.  It doesn’t weigh your hair down or feel like you have anything in your hair.  You can use this dry shampoo, get fresh hair and still run your hands thru your hair.  Hey, when you know you know :)

Bumble & Bumble Dry Spun : This is a newer favorite in the last couple months.  I used it in at my sisters house and instantly fell in love.  It gives very light texture with an airy, fluffy look.  I love the look it gives all day long, and even the next day.  It’s only been 2 months but I can’t live without it!

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil : With all the highlighting and color treatments I have done in the last 2 years it has left my hair dry and damaged.  I worked very hard in 2016 to get my hair healthy.  No more crazy hair treatments for me!  This invisible oil has been a life saver for my hair!!!  It is hydrating and soothing, yet doesn’t weigh the hair down.  I put in on the ends of my wet hair and dry as usual.  I have noticed a huge difference in the health of my hair, so much healthier, shiny and less fizzy.

I want to thank each one of you for an amazing year and for supporting me!  I love blogging so much and I love writing about things I love.  It truly is my therapy and happy place.  I love escaping the ridiculous stresses of life and sharing my love for beauty and fashion.

I still can’t believe I have anyone who wants to read what I say or look at what I am doing with my life.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you so much!!!!  Thank you for reading and being apart of my journey.  I hope you have an amazing 2017! :)
rachel barkules

My Full Skin Care Routine

I am so excited to be sharing my entire current skin care routine with you.  I completely changed up my entire routine at the beginning of the year.  I’ve been doing the same thing for a full 9 months and I love it!  My skin has never been happier!  And the best part is, I simplified my skin care routine and it is now so simple and easy!!

side note: Before I jump in I want to state that this post is not sponsored in any way.  The majority of the skin care products I use are from Tula.  And that is because I truly love them and think they have amazing products!  With that being said, if you want to try these products I am obsessed with and also want to save some money, use discount code lifescandyjar25 at checkout on all Tula products to get 25% off + free shipping.

skin care morning routine

Morning Routine: In the morning I am always pressed for time and I need my routine to be simple and fast.  This should not take any longer than 2 minutes.

tula cleanser

Step 1 : Cleanse : Tula Purifying Cleanser

Cleansing the skin in the morning is very important.  While we sleep the skin rejuvenates.  Thru this process the body will push impurities to the surface of the skin.  These need to be cleansed off, not just rinsed off with water.  Also, cleaning the skin in the morning gives a clean slate to apply makeup.  Clean skin will make your makeup last longer through out the day.

tula illuminating serum

Step 2: Serum : Tula Illuminating Serum

This serum does exactly what it is called, it brightens.  It gives an overall smoother, brighter skin tone.  When you first start using this it will take 2-3 weeks to see the full results. (if your budget is tight, this is a step you can skip)

tula hydrating day & night cream

Step 3: Moisturize : Tula Hydrating Day & Night Moisturizer

It is so important to moisturize!  Keeping the skin hydrated will keep the skin looking plump and less wrinkles.  If you have been following my blog for some time, you may remember I have been on the hunt for the perfect moisturizer.  I tried soooo many moisturizers at all price points.  I have never been more happy and impressed with a moisturizer in my life as this one!!!  And that is saying a lot!

This moisturizer is light enough you won’t feel it and my foundation goes on perfectly.  But it also hydrates my skin so well I haven’t had dry skin issues since I started using it.  It also helps to even out skin tone and give an overall smooth look to the skin.  Like I said… I’m obsessed!

skin care night time routine

Night Time Routine: This night time routine also doesn’t have many steps.  Unless I am extremely tired, I usually spend my time doing my night time routine.  I like to gently apply everything and massage the oil into my skin.  I find it very relaxing.

tula purifying face cleanser

Step 1 : Cleanse : Tula Purifying Cleanser

I use the same cleanser both day and night.  This cleanser is both a makeup remove and a cleanser.  I do not use makeup remover wipes.  It doesn’t matter how much makeup I am wearing, I cleanse my skin with this cleanser and I have perfectly clean skin.  It is completely safe to use on the eye area, it completely removes all eye makeup.

tula revitalizing eye cream

Step 2 : Eye Cream : Tula Eye Cream

This is a step that should never be skipped.  The eye area is the most delicate and will show age first before anything else.  Whether you are using an eye cream for prevention or for repair, always use eye cream every night on clean skin.  Use your ring fingers and gently dab the eye cream from the outer corner to the inner corner of the eye area.  I go pretty far out on the outer corner of the eye, prevention for those crows feet.

leanne grace miracle beauty oil & serum

Step 3 : Beauty Oil : Leanne Grace Beauty Oil & Serum

I have to use oil on my skin every night.  Using oil bring so much hydration and is what makes my skin dewy.  I load on the oil!  The directions say to use 2-3 drops, but I use almost a whole dropper.  I put so much oil on my face looks like a grease slick for 20 minutes till is soaks in.  This beauty oil is my favorite ever!

Tula Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment

Step 4 : Moisturize : Tula Overnight Skin Rescue Treatment

Applying moisturizer on top of oil locks in the oil for ultimate hydration.  This night time moisturizer is the newest addition to my skin care routine.  I added it about a month ago.  Before that I used the day/night moisturizer that I use in the morning.  I also loved that combo.  But I have noticed since using this new night time moisturizer my skin is more plump, dewy, hydrated, even and glowing.

skin care extras

Extras

These are the products I don’t use daily.  These are weekly or even monthly things I do for my skin.

exfoliate

Exfoliating: You should be exfoliating 1-3 times a week.  This gets off the dead skin cells that are sitting on the surface of the skin.  This will remove dullness and reveal brighter, smoother skin.  The lack of exfoliating will give you dullness, clogged pores and break outs.

I like the Fresh sugar scrub for a gentle exfoliation that also has hydration.  This is so gentle I can use it every other day.  I keep this one in my shower and use it just after I cleanse several times a week.

For a deeper, more intense exfoliation I use Colleen Rothschild dual enzyme polish.  It is enzyme based, so you apply it to clean skin and let it sit for 10 minutes.  The enzymes break down the dead skin.  After 10 minutes you can rub the exfoliator around your face for a deep, intense exfoliation.  Or for a less vigorous option, you can just rinse it off.  Either way you will get a great exfoliation.

facial mask

Facial Masks: A facial mask is the quickest way to bring improvement to the skin.  If your skin is dry, apply a hydrating mask and in 10 minutes your skin will look dewy and hydrated.  I like to apply a mask 1-2 times a week.  I cleanse my skin (if you are going to exfoliate do it right after cleansing and before your mask), then I look at my skin to see what it needs.  Then I choose which mask to use.

I actually have waaaaay more masks than just these 3, I’m mask obsessed!  Like I said, a facial mask can work wonders!  I wanted to share these 3 because they are my favorites.  The other one that I’m obsessed with is this sheet mask.  (it’s not pictured because I just ran out and ordered more).

The Tula exfoliating mask is great because it’s like a 2 in 1.  It exfoliates, getting off the dead dull skin.  Then the mask part of it evens out skin tone and gives a smoother brighter skin.

The GlamGlow super mud clearing mask is perfect for congested skin.  I always have to use this during “that time of the month”.  My skin likes to act up and go a little crazy.  I typically just apply this in my t-zone.  Since I have dry skin I do find it to be slightly drying if I use it all over.  This mask is amazing for spot treating zits!!!  I had a big nasty one a couple weeks ago, I put a dot of this mask on it and left it on overnight while I slept.  I woke up and my zit was almost gone!

This GlamGlow power mud dual treatment mask is probably my #1 all around favorite mask.  It’s a mud to oil mask.  The mud clears out impurities and pulls out decongestion.  Get your hands wet and massage the mask into the skin and it turns to an oil.  I like to massage it for 1-2 minutes then rinse.  My skin is very clear, smooth and hydrated!

rachel barkules skin care

I know this post is long over due!  Thank you so much for reading.  If you try any products that I love, let me know how they work for you.  I love knowing what you think :)

Don’t forget if you order anything on tula.com to use code lifescandyjar25 to get 25% off + free shipping!

XO, Rachel

Sephora Beauty Insider Sale Wishlist

sephora rouge vib sale

Twice a year Sephora offers 20% off the entire purchase to their Rouge & VIB members.  I always look forward to it!!! I love that I can stock up on needed items like clarisonic brush heads and mascara.  Get new items, like a new lipstick shade.  Splurge on a new curling wand.  Or start thinking about holiday gifts.

Details of the sale:
November 4-7 : Rouge Members get 20% off entire purchase
November 11-14 : VIB Members get 20% off entire purchase

There are so many great new products at Sephora I am dying to try!!  And with the holidays right around the corner, all of the holiday gift sets are out!  I loooove holiday gift sets!!  It’s a great way to try new products!

What I’m getting: I am definitely getting my favorite mascara I use every day, my favorite perfume that I just ran out of and my old fave perfume I haven’t used in years.  I’m thinking of getting this Tom Ford perfume I got a sample of a couple months ago and looooved.  It’s a little pricey but I’m obsessed!  I’m also getting my favorite sheets masks, some new body lotion and my most used dry shampoo.  Also this lipgloss in the color ‘sugar sugar’ that I keep stealing from my sister when I am at her house.

I asked Jaclyn what else I am needed that I might be missing.  She told me to definitely get this foundation and this bronzer.  So of course they are already in my cart :)  I also added this lipgloss in the color ‘undressed’ from her October favorites video.

Check out more of my favorites: