Reviews, How and When: Ulta Vs Nordstrom Vs Sephora Mystery Sample Bags (Part 2)

Have you ever heard of the first ever Mystery sample bag from Ulta? I have everything you need to know about it plus an unboxing and review post right here for you. It is the second post from the Reviews, How and When: Nordstrom Vs Ulta Vs Sephora Mystery Sample Bags series. I will give you an insight Ulta Vs Sephora mystery sample bags comparison table below! Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax and enjoy!

The mystery sample bag offered has ended. This was the email I received on the night they offered:

Remember, I love to read your comments and thoughts!

Ulta 8pc Mystery Sample Bag At a Glance

Ulta have had All Nighter Sale Online Only Event on Dec 14, 2015 from 9PM to 9AM CT. It is a very unique event because it is the first time they were offering 8-pc Deluxe Sample Mystery Beauty Bag with any $40 purchase. Plus, on that night they also offer FREE 3-pc Philosophy Amazing Grace Sampler with any $40 purchase plus the new Benefit sample for free (not included in the review). And of course you can use 20% off code on top of these free gift with purchase! You can see my original post here about this Ulta Mystery Beauty Bag.

Ulta 8pc Mystery Sample Bag 2015 Reviews

This is the first Ulta mystery sample bag I received:

They are ALL deluxe size samples! I do not mind foil samples. BUT Ulta, please do this more often, we love it! I really like the zip top Ulta bag. It is very light weight. I am not sure if it is waterproof or FDA approved so I did an experiment. I soak it and Nope, it is not a waterproof bag.

Ulta 8pc Mystery Sample Bag 2015 includes:

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Remover

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eye Shadow Primer

Alterna Caviar Repair Rx Re-Texturizing Protein Crème

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray

bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Let see what my thoughts and people thoughts are about these products (I will also link to Sephora where I read these reviews).

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 review at Ulta here or Sephora (travel size $19.50) (full size is $39) available in 8 shades

Smashbox’s award-winning multitasker for flawless skin in a flash.   Why it’s unique:

• Primes: Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas.
• Perfects: Tinted formula in 8 shades evens out skin for a flawless finish.
• Hydrates: Improves skin moisture in 4 weeks. Guaranteed.
• Protects: SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.
• Controls oil: Minimizes shine with no chalky finish.

Bragging rights:

• 2015 Allure Reader’s Choice Award

IcanGWP: Average review is 4.1. This is a product that Smashbox should be really proud of and here is why.

• This product is heavier than most BB cream I have tried. I like the coverage and it is buildable. You can easily replace your foundation + sunscreen with this product if you want a lightweight finish. Ideal for summer.
• Neither matte nor dewy finish but something between. It is more satin-matte finish. This formula is also fragrance-free and includes SPF 35 UVA/UVB rays protection (outstanding for BB product).
• I applied one thin layer and it doesn’t crease, oxidize or cakey. It keeps shine in check for a few hours (for my combination skin). It doesn’t break me out too.
• Plus, there is a few antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients. Seriously, this is a very good BB/foundation product.
• The shade I received is Light/Medium. It is not the right shade – way too warm for my light skin tone. I think (from the shade I received) it has yellow undertone. So if you have dark circle under eyes or dark spot, this is the one! FYI – You really have to try out the shade.

bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 review (full size is $28.50) or at Ulta here – available in 20 shades

bareMinerals award-winning mineral foundation gives you all the flawless coverage you want with a no-makeup look and feel that lasts up to eight hours. The creamy minerals diminish the appearance of imperfections without drying out skin. Groundbreaking formula is clinically proven to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Formulated without parabens, binders, fillers, or synthetic chemicals.

Benefits:

• Clinically proven to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin
• Naturally luminous finish
• Lasts for up to 8 hours
• Features “Click, Lock, Go” sifter

How to use

Swirl a small amount of bareMinerals Foundation in the lid until it all disappears into the brush. Tap away excess. Buff onto the skin in a circular motion.

IcanGWP: I love trying BareMinerals products. It is minerals makeup brand so we are supposed to finish it soon once we open it. That why I love all the small samples from them. It is a bummer that the shade I received is Medium Tan. I can try to use it as a contour and shading powder. The average review is 4.6. This loose powder foundation (quite unique isn’t it) is the backbone of this BareMineral. People love it and can’t get enough of it.

Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye review (full size is $51) at Ulta here

Your eyes smile, laugh, flirt and sometimes share secrets (like just how little sleep you got last night). Renewed Hope In a Jar eye is specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes and the multiple concerns affecting it. Featuring the clinically-proven, non-stop skin renewal technology that continuously hydrates, brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness and smoothes the look of fine lines, renewed hope lets your eyes say exactly what you’d like them to, and nothing you don’t.

100% of women saw the following improvements in just 1 week:*

• Dark circles brightened with eyes that appeared revitalized and healthy-looking
• Skin feels refreshed with long-lasting hydration
• The look of fine lines virtually erased and puffiness minimized
• Energizes tired-looking eyes with an Asian fruit extract
• Brightens dark circles and reduces puffiness with algae extracts
• Retexturizes skin to smooth the look of fine lines with a yeast complex

*Based on an 8-week self-assessment test with 41 women

IcanGWP: I like to try new eye cream because it is usually pricier than other skincare products. This sample is huge for eye cream (0.1 oz). Ulta/Philosophy is very generous! Philosophy Renewed Hope in A Jar is a well-known and successful line from Philosophy. This one is another great product from them. I enjoy trying this Philosophy eye cream. It has a light creamy texture, well hydrates my skin. Sensitive skin may give this product a try since there is no fragrance, sunscreen or harsh exfoliant in this product. Average review is 4. It seem like people with sensitive skin or very dry skin really enjoy this product (even with millia problem). They say after a few months the dark circles are mostly gone! However, a few people report that it dries their skin out.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Remover review (full size is $18) or at Ulta here

Take it all off! Specially formulated to remove Benefit Cosmetics bestselling They’re Real! Mascara and They’re Real! Push-Up Liner, this creamy gel is gentle-yet-powerful. It completely lifts away waterproof eye makeup without tugging the delicate eye area. Suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers.

IcanGWP: I went to Sephora and had a quick tutorial with Benefit sale associate. He recommended this remover and it worked great with Benefit products. Honestly, I noticed he used a lot of product. The Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner came right off. Once I test it out myself, I am very underwhelmed. I apply it to my eyes using cotton pads and I feel like I have to scrub to remove the waterproof makeup. I still prefer liquid oil-based eye makeup remover. Average review is 3. Reviews are split. People do not care about it as eye makeup remover but they really like it for lipstick remover. I agree, I love it as a lipstick remover. What about you?

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter review $26 or at Ulta here

Benefit Cosmetics satiny pink liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy, radiant glow. Use as a spot highlighter over makeup or wear under complexion products for subtle luminescence. It’s the “supermodel in a bottle!”

Dot and blend over makeup on to cheek and brow bones, or anywhere you want a glance to linger.

Beauty tip: Apply high beam over Benetint for a long-lasting, dewy flush! To add soft definition to your nose, apply High Beam down the bridge of your nose and blend.

IcanGWP: When I receive any Benefit highlighter or tint, I am very happy! I like to try out new color and new liquid highlighter or tint products. There is only one color (in pink) available. The color is so lovely, silvery-pink shimmer. You only need a few dots with a nail polish-like applicator. It adds fresh soft glow. FYI – A few reviewers are disappointed when they try to “build” it. This is meant for natural glow not party glow. Here is how I try it (pretty much everywhere that light naturally hit the face):

• I apply it on my cheekbones and it adds very sheer glow to my skin. Almost not noticeable, very fine lovely glitter.
• I apply it as an eyeshadow. Gorgeous everyday looking. This is my favorite way of using Benefit High Beam!
• I use it down the bridge of my nose.
• I also use it to my brow bones and above my lips.The average review is 4.3.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eye Shadow Primer review (full size is $26) at Ulta here available in two shades

This dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eye shadows STAY PUT. Concealers don’t crease, eye shadows stay vibrant & true. Contains sodium hyaluronate known to hydrate and vitamins C & E known to help fight signs of aging.

Features a “dip & dab” wand for easier application. Just a dab’ll do ya!

Apply 3 tiny dots under your eyes & blend. Next apply 3 dots on eyelids & blend. Let set, then apply concealers & eye shadows as usual.

Beauty tip: Wear it alone to help even out eyelid discoloration & under eye circles…it’s perfect for the no-makeup look.

IcanGWP: The shade I received is Light/Medium. Also, it is available in Medium/Deep. Average review is 4.1. This is way lighter and more matte compared to Urban Decay primer. It adds a little pinky glow to my eye lies. As a primer, it HELPS holding eyeshadow very well. More interestingly, I totally agree with most reviews that this product is better served as under eye concealer! It brightens any discolorations under my eyes immediately and goes on smooth like I put nothing on. I apply it as a concealer all over and I love it. Not so much about filling (because there is no silicone in it) but for correcting the color. Benefit cosmetics should change the name of this product to Benefit Cosmetics xxx Concealer. Can you please help me think?

Alterna Caviar Repair Rx Re-Texturizing Protein Crème review (full size is $35) or at Ulta here

Caviar Repair Rx Re-Texturizing Protein Crème is a deeply restorative leave in treatment. Formulated with strand-building proteins to help restructure strands, filling in gaps & tears in the cuticle and strengthening the hair to protect from breakage & future damage. Transforms previously coarse hair, significantly improving smoothness, texture & manageability. Key product benefits are derived from strand-building proteins, which target damage at the microscopic level, working to repair each individual strand of hair:

• Rebuilds: This unique ingredient blend delivers essential nutrients to the hair’s interior cortex, nourishing to help strengthen strands. Fills in gaps and tears in the damaged cuticle, reconstructing this protective layer to ensure that nutrients do not escape. Cements the newly constructed, exterior cuticle to the interior cortex, ensuring that the scales of the hair lay flat.
• Resurfaces: Seals and reinforces the cuticle layer with a defensive shield that strengthens the strand to increase resistance to breakage while infusing hair with vital antioxidants to help prevent free radical penetration and other damage from occurring.
• Restores: Leaves strands fully restored to their healthy, pre-damaged state. Hair is stronger, smoother, softer and shinier.

Clinically proven to reduce breakage by 95%. (When used with Caviar Repair Rx Instant Recovery Shampoo & Instant Recovery Conditioner). Free of parabens, sulfates, sodium chloride, gluten, artificial color, phthalates.

IcanGWP: Caviar product is such a luxurious adding to this sample bag. The average review is 4.5. If you are wondering what protein treatment can do to your hair (esp curly/damage thick hair), you may give it a try. People love this product.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray review (full size is $9.99)

Visible results in 3-5 uses.

IcanGWP: I am very (very) curious to try this John Frida product. Look at how to use and possible results, look good right? And it is only $9.99. Does anybody have tried this? Please leave a comment. The average review is 4.

What I thought?

With $40 order, Ulta should be proud of their well curated 8pc mystery sample bag. The items are from recent collections and I do not feel that they threw what left over in their stock to get rid of it. Half of products are color specific, it is far more difficult to make everyone happy. It is well thought enough though. My favorites are Benefit Cosmetics Stay Don’t Stray Eye Shadow Primer (as a concealer) and Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter (as an eyeshadow).

What do you think? For those who grabbed this bag, I am sure you are enjoying your mystery sample bag from Ulta. Let us know what did you get and how do you like them?

Ulta 8pc Mystery sample bag 2015 Vs Sephora 8pc Cyber Monday Mystery Sample Bag 2015 Comparison Table

See my previous post for Sephora 8pc Cyber Monday Mystery Sample Bag review here.

Well, what do you think of Ulta mystery sample bag Vs Sephora mystery sample bag? I have a lot of reviews in the line including the last post of this post series – Nordstrom Mystery Gift with Purchase 2015.

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