One of the highlights of January was definitely the Sephora Exclusive Brands Showcase, held at the North Bondi Surf Club. We braved very hot conditions and sweated   glistened our way through all the exciting new releases for 2017*. (warning, picture heavy post!)

Every once in a while I pinch myself to get invited to these events. If you could see me wander around, you would see someone who looks like a kid in a lolly/toyshop. I spent a good 2 hours talking, playing, trying and taking numerous photos and notes, and I still didn’t get to see all brands!

Here are some of my highlights.

Marc Jacobs Beauty

For the Luxe lover, (like moi), this is the ultimate. I am lucky enough to already own a few pieces from the Marc Jacobs stable: the Re[marc]able Foundation  and the Airblush.

And these new releases excite me. In addition to the wonderful Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer, there will be a Coconut Setting Spray, a Contouring and Finishing powder and the most delicious Coconut Liquid Highlighter.

There is a collection of New Le Marc Nudes Sheer Gel lipsticks and the punchy semi matte Liquid Lip Creams, and the Highliner eye Pencils in that,  after letting them set for a few seconds, will not budge. These come in electric 80s colours with matching mascaras.

 The New face of Marc Jacobs Beauty is Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber.

She. Is. Stunning.

Tarte Cosmetics

Tarte is such a favourite of so many beauty lovers and I bet there will be much excitement about these new releases. Two (2!!) different skin care releases (available from Mid April):

• The Athleisure Skincare and Make up collection: easy, no fuss skincare for busy people. (The Tarte Lady called it Yoga Pants for the skin!) Includes sweat proof mascara and a tinted, light moisturiser.
• The Rainforest of the Sea Skincare range. On their site there is make up available as well, but as far as I can tell only the skincare will be available in Oz. Some interesting products within this range like the Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturizer and the Frixxxtion stick 3-in-1 exfoliating cleanser – a windup stick based on charcoal.

Oh the palettes. No words really. And then there is the Tarteist Pro Glow palette in 2 sizes: full size and Pro Glow to Go travel size.

Also new in Tarte, a range of 6 different types cruelty free false lashes with lash glue in clear and black.

There are 28 shades in the yummy Quick Dry Lip Paint, 2 new single highlighter colours, Clay Pot Eyeliner in Rose Gold and a brand new Fan brush.

Phew.

Kat von D

When you get home, and you realise that you got so excited playing with the new Kat von D products, that you forgot to take photos. Yes. That.

Anywho. I am already a fan of the Lock-It Foundation – a full cover, hide all foundation. They have increased the range to 30 colours! A new addition to the Lock-It phenomenon is the brand new Lock-It Setting Mist – promising 24 hours wear!

Also new is the Lock-It Brightening Powder: designed to set Lock-It concealer under the eyes. Very finely milled, available in 3 colours to colour correct.

Everyone is talking about the new Alchemist Holographic Palette, which will be available from April 2017. Believe me. The Hype is real. Stunning on its own as a highlighter, or over the top of lipstick or matte eyeshadow. This creates a 3 dimensional iridescent look. I need this. Also, the new Pastel Goth palette will be available from May.

Smith & Cult

A new, fresh discovery for me. Founder Dineh Mohajer was also the founder of the Hard Candy brand and both ranges are so edgy. Well known for their range of unique nail polishes, Dineh is bringing so much more to Sephora in March 2017 including eye pens, mascara, lip glosses and stains.

It was an absolute pleasure meeting Dineh, she spoke with such passion about her vision. All product names are inspired by diary entries of a Beauty Junkie, and have unique names like “Vegas Post Apocolypse” or the weird and wonderful “Gay Ponies dancing in the snow”

She explained even the packaging has deliberate off kilter imperfections: imperfect perfection. The eyeshadow quads are not quite straight in the container, and the nail polish bottles are not quite smooth.

The range is divine – Dineh applied some buttery smooth, very pigmented eyeshadow on my wrist. There are 4 different quads available.

 I can not wait to try more of this range.

There were so many new releases, too many to mention all. Here is a snapshot of some more

Sephora Collection

Super cute special Valentine’s Day collection inspired by Betty Boop! Also new:  Charcoal Exfoliating wipes and Micellar Water, smokey eye Stick Shadow and fab bronzers.

The Base by Lara Bingle

An easy, uncomplicated range of bronzing and tanning products with a new addition of 4 new lip and cheek tints. I love these tints, tap it on your cheeks for a glow from within look and on your lips for a just kissed stain.

Cover FX

NEW is the Illuminating Setting Spray, which absolutely gorgeous! Also new are the to-die-for Custome Enhancer drops in 3 new shades: Rose Gold, Blossom and Halo – these are available in May. Add these to foundation, primer or by them selves for a stunning highlight. The new Becca Perfect Setting Powder in loose powder and compact are available in March.

Murad

Although it was founded 25 years ago, Murad is new to Sephora Australia. Founded by dr Howard Murad, this range takes a holistic approach to attaining healthy skin from the inside and out. A very extensive range, with the back up of years of research, this brand is something to look out for. I am looking forward trying some of the products.

Becca

Becca can do no wrong. Their Champagne Pop highlighter has a cult status and would have to be their bestseller. New for Becca is the new Colour Correcting Primer available in March. 7 shades are available in the new multi tasking compact powders – to use for setting, contouring and highlighting. Also new is the Soft Light Blurring Powder, I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! Watch out selfies.

Givenchy

One of my favourites, luxury brand Givenchy,  was there to introduce their Rouge Interdit lipsticks. I am lucky enough to already own some of these lipsticks, but the new release are more pigmented and not as sheer. Ken, the Givenchy Make up artist, applied one of the Rose Nocturne  on me.

But wait, there is more…

As you can see, lots to look forward to! And I haven’t even mentioned some of the other brands showcasing their new goodies: Zoeva, It Cosmetics, Eterna Hair Care, June Jacobs Skincare (LOVE), Make up Forever, dr Jartz (think rubber masks!!), Commodity fragrances and so much more.

See anything you like?

*please note, contains affiliate links and some gifted products. However this does not affect my opinions. My views are 100% honest and all my own.

Til next time,