Last night, December 4 2014, I was lucky enough to enter the world of Sephora, a first for Australia, a beauty destination, with the first store opening its doors in Sydney’s Pitt St Mall today to the public at 12pm – Sephora’s 200th store!
There was a lot of hype last night and especially this morning as from Sephora Australia’s mouth, ‘It’s time to wake up Sydney, the beauty sleep is over…’
With over 100 brands showcased and 30 of them being exclusive, you can see why some fans have camped out to enjoy the festivities and giveaways of todays Grand Opening!
With so many new brands to hit our shores, here is my Top 10…
(In no particular order)
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC)
Launched and designed by a makeup artist, David Klasfeld, in 2004, the brand starting from a few lip balms and since become most famous for their amazing Lip Tars, all 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free!
I came across incredible lip pigments while working backstage at a fashion show and have been a fan ever since… The intense Matt or Metallic pigments, not to mention shade selections are incredible and so happy to have them finally available in Australia, definitely a staple in my makeup kit!
Makeup Forever
A brand that used to be stocked at David Jones is now back and I couldn’t be happier to see the return of this fun makeup artist brand.
Created by former fine arts student, Dany Sanz, back in 1984, it demonstrates a creative edge with endless colour opportunities which I love being a makeup artist myself.
In more recent times, I love the new HD (High Definition) formulas, perfect to accommodate new technologies with Film and TV, a makeup artist dream to creating the perfect base for the perfect face.
IT Cosmetics
After receiving some of the IT (Innovative Technology) Cosmetics range, I loved the user friendly packaging being so informative.
You can have no experience with makeup and still be able to work out how to use this fabulous brand.
Developed for real women, with real concerns, this range to me is a great problem solving range and suited to anyone!
I personally love their palettes, such great colours and the contouring one is so on trend!
Antonym
Gotta love eco-friendly cosmetics and this brand does just that.
From less plastic in the packaging to the natural formulas of the makeup, the health conscious woman can extend that to her face with kind to skin and environment makeup. I love the bamboo/wood packaging as something different, plus the eye shadow palettes are divine, with still a strong pigment, even from the natural origin – Gentle Face Fashion!
Leif
Supporting local brands is something I love doing and I am very impressed with Leif, made in Australia.
I love a good body range and using pure essential oils, plus botanical extracts, all from Australia means I’m in love with the textures and more importantly the scents, it takes me on a journey and looks good in the bathroom doing it.
Did I mention the packaging is recyclable too? Love!
Per-Fekt
What a fun, easy and definitely for the gal on the go…
We are all busy and some of us are not as up to speed with makeup application as others, so its good to know there is a multi-tasking, easy blend brand out there for these women.
The idea of the brand is to have less makeup products to purchase and the ones you have are multi-functional and easy to apply… I must admit, I was impressed by how easy formulas melted into your skin, so if you are no makeup artist and like natural makeup, Per-Fekt is for you!
Tarte
Eco-Chic Beauty at its best…
For the girly girl that wants natural, pure, but powerful cosmetics.
So many natural brands have very plain, natural packaging, but Tarte gives you that touch of girly glamour with stunning textures within its skincare and makeup!
So many great sets to get you on your way and I love the shades of the clay blush, oh so fresh!
Marc Jacobs
Now this is a brand that needs no introduction…
I was very excited to try this brand of makeup and as expected it’s just as fun as it looks on Instagram.
Quality, fashion makeup at reasonable prices is such a bonus and an extensive range covering all areas of runway inspired beauty looks – the eye shadow palettes are my number 1 choice so far from Marc Jacobs.
Patricks
I am a big men’s style fan and guys are getting into men’s grooming now more than ever and it all starts with hair…
I was drawn to the amazing packaging and design – so many features for the modern man, like a non-slip base when in the bathroom and using one hand, plus a double lock lid system, which is perfect for travel!
More importantly, I love that no matter what condition your hair, or the hold factor/style you are after, there is a formula for every guy from matte to shine, strong to light hold – get amongst it guys!
Sephora
The signature range for the brand really does answer all your beauty needs from skin, to body, makeup to hair; it really is a one-stop shop of affordable beauty.
Apart from the incredible large shade range, I personally love the sets and the tutorial element to them. Most palettes all have an educational element of diagrams and step-by-step application advice, perfect for the first time makeup wearer to get it right every time.
It’s like having a makeup artist with you!
The Sephora Australia opening is a great buzz for beauty, allowing more Australians to experience more options and products that we have only been able to buy online.
There are so many new things for you to try but like anything, it has to suit your needs…
My advice? Always try before you buy and get advice on what I best for your skin conditions before making a commitment!
Happy Shopping!