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in Lifestyle &middot February 4, 2016

Recent Sephora Buys and Reviews

While I’m nowhere near a professional or even a highly skilled amateur, I really love makeup. When I don’t feel well, I either watch Netflix or makeup tutorials. I love learning how to do makeup well and I love doing my own and pretending that I don’t have to fight for even the small successes of my day. Back in November, when my last infusion started to kick in after 5 weeks of hell, I treated myself to a bit of a Sephora splurge. Since then, I’ve accumulated more products from Christmas and the odd Sephora trip, and it has been long enough since this makeup accumulation began that I have tested and developed opinions on the products I bought. So today is all about makeup reviews, as well as brush reviews. I’ve broken the products into three categories: eyes, cheeks, and brushes. At the end of each, I tell you if you should definitely buy something, if it depends on your personal makeup preferences, or if you shouldn’t waste your money on it. But don’t forget to leave me your opinions of these products in the comments since I’m definitely not an expert and would love to hear your opinions on these, too.

Makeup Reviews

Eyes

Makeup Reviews: Sephora Wink-It Felt Eye Liner

Sephora Colorful Wink-It Felt Linter – I’m really not a fan. I’m definitely not a pro at liquid eye liner, but I’m not awful at it, and this was hard to use. I think it might not be as bad for someone who is better at liquid eye liner than I am, but going forward I will probably still to L’Oreal’s Linear Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner. That being said, if you have another not-incredibly-expensive liquid eyeliner that you adore, let me know!

Makeup Reviews: Sephora Sunbleached Filter Palette

Sephora Sunbeached Filter eye palette – I think this a lot! I picked it up because it has a lot of shades that I don’t already have, and so far I’m a fan. Some of them aren’t as pigmented as I would like, but overall I enjoy it. It’s not a must-buy, but if you like the shades in it, I would get it. Like it says in the description, it’s soft and sun inspired, and I’m not really one for wild eye makeup.

Urban Decay Naked Basics eye palette – I. Adore. This. As I said, I’m more of a soft and neutral kind of girl when it comes to makeup, and this is perfect for me.

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara – I got this as a reward from my Sephora points because I wanted to try it but didn’t want to spend the money on it, and I’m glad I didn’t. It basically just made my eyelashes darker and I was very underwhelmed; no lengthening or volumizing. I’m sticking with my Mabelline Lash Sensational Mascara from now on.

Definitely Buy: Naked Basics
Depends on Your Preferences: Sephora liquid eye liner, Sephora Sunbeached Filter palette
Don’t Waste Your Money: Benefit They’re Real

Cheeks

NARS The Multiple in Orgasm – This is a beautiful creamy multipurpose makeup stick, and I love it. However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, especially since it’s nearly $40.

Makeup Reviews: Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter

Benefit Watt’s Up Cream-to-Powder Highlighter – I use this every day, even on days when I only wear concealer and mascara, I add this highlighter. It’s easy to blend and the perfect color if you have fair (or frighteningly pale) skin.

Definitely Buy: Benefit Watt’s Up
Depends on Your Preferences: NARS The Multiple in Orgasm

Brushes

Makeup Reviews: Angled Brow Brush

Sephora Classic Brow Filler Brush – While this is for your eyebrows, I actually use this for eyeliner. I wet it, tap to get the extra water off, and dip it in eye shadow to make my own eye liner. This is great because while I love and regularly use probably 2/3 of the shades of my Naked 2 palette, there are still a bunch that I don’t love or use, mostly because I don’t do smokey eye or darker makeup looks in general. But using this brush opens up so many more possibilities. This was an incredibly great investment for me because of that, but obviously this is a personal choice.

Makeup Reviews: Sephora Multipurpose Powder Brush

Sephora Classic Multitasker Powder Brush – I love this brush so much! It feels great and works wonderfully. I’m currently using it with my powder blushes (from a palette that I love but was apparently only available for the holiday season) and it is amazing.

Definitely Buy: Multitasker
Depends on Your Preferences: Brow Filler

And, of course, the makeup bag!

Makeup Reviews

Breakups To Makeup Bag – I love it! It fits everything, it’s incredibly cute, and it’s great for traveling.

Meet Rachel!

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Hey there! My name is Rachel and I am currently in my freshman year of university where I am majoring in psychology. I am a 100% Canadian girl and wouldn’t change a thing about it (except that I absolutely despise the cold). VintagePress was created on a whim one January afternoon because I decided maybe I could pass on some of the “motherly” wisdom that my friends tell me I am full of! My posts range from fashion and beauty tips to recipes to college advice.

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on the links and buy something, I will receive a small profit. For more information, check out my disclosure policy. Thanks for supporting Kate the (Almost) Great!
Kate Mitchell

Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meghan Farrell says

    February 4, 2016 at 8:07 am

    I use the L’Oreal Linear felt tip pen and I love it! It makes eyeliner wings so much easier. Also I have the Naked Basics 2 palette and I use it almost every day!

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 4, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Aren’t they both the best? The felt tip pen is amazing.

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  2. Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons says

    February 4, 2016 at 9:53 am

    The Nars blush has been my go-to for years now! x

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 4, 2016 at 10:41 am

      It’s so great!

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  3. Ingrid says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:59 am

    LOVE your reviews! The breakdown and your opinions are so helpful! (also that bag is ah-mazing <3)
    xo, Ingrid

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 4, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      Thank you! I’m so glad they help and you love them!

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  4. Marina Mendez says

    February 4, 2016 at 11:57 am

    I’ll have to try Benefit’s highlighter. I’ve been looking for one to try and people seem to like this one. (I’m also pretty pale right now too, so..) My favorite liquid eyeliner is Maybelline’s Line Stiletto! It goes on really easily and stays all day.

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 4, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      It is amazing, especially for us pale girls! I completely and totally advise it.

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  5. Cherie Jamison says

    February 4, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    I got that Benefit mascara as well. It’s ok, but definitely nothing special. I’ll have to try that highlighter!

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:35 am

      It’s great! I’m a big fan.

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  6. Darrian Duckworth says

    February 4, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    The Naked Basics pallet is one of my absolute faves! I love using it in combination with my other pallets!

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:36 am

      Me too! There are so many more matte shades in it that in the other Naked palettes, which actually makes for great combinations.

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  7. Kathryn Wesson says

    February 5, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try that Benefit highlighter for a while now. Good to know that you like it and it works on fair skin!

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:36 am

      It’s amazing! And I especially recommend it to people with fair skin.

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  8. Chelsea Jacobs says

    February 5, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    How do you wear the multipurpose stick? As a blush still, or do you use it for other things, too?

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:37 am

      Just a blush right now. I’m not 100% sure if it actually works well for other things or if it’s the kind of product that technically works for other things but doesn’t actually work for anything other than a blush.

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  9. Jasmine Eclipse says

    February 6, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    I love Naked basics palette! I’m also a person who only wears neutral shades, so it’s perfect for me! This made me want to go on a Sephora shopping spree (Currently resisting temptation… Or at least trying to… haha)

    Jasmine / http://www.jasminekeclipse.com

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:37 am

      Ha I feel you! It is a very good thing that I moved a little farther away from Sephora, or else I would be there all the time.

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  10. Miranda Pollitt says

    February 7, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    Awesome post! I love hearing other peoples thoughts on makeup. I just picked up some things from Sephora that I can’t wait to try!

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    • Kate Mitchell says

      February 23, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      Thanks! I really love makeup – it’s such a fun and pretty form of self-expression!

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  1. Kate the (Almost) Great | Boston Lifestyle Blog - Gift Guide: Beauty Gifts - Kate the (Almost) Great | Boston Lifestyle Blog says:
    March 9, 2018 at 9:11 am

    […] All gift guides, My Favorite Face Masks, Drugstore vs. High-End Mascara: Which Is Really Better?, Recent Sephora Buys & Reviews […]

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July is: ⁣ - Disability Pride Month ⁣ - Juvenile A July is: ⁣
- Disability Pride Month ⁣
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month ⁣
- the anniversary of when I was diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis at age 19 after 9 years of symptoms ⁣
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As you can imagine, that makes me very aware of my disability via juvenile arthritis⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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#DisabilityPride #JuvenileArthritis #RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease
There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn't doubt someone's chronic illness, but this is one of them. ⁣
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I'm always amazed by how people can have the exact same illness or set of illnesses and still have different experiences. Sure, there will be similarities, but which symptoms are the worst, what medications you respond to, and your quality of life can vary significantly. ⁣
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It doesn't mean that one person is necessarily worse off than another; they're just different.⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Kate takes a selfie. A white text box reads "Chronic Illness Looks Different in Each Person"⁣
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This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a This basically sums up my summer so far: Harley, a sewing project, and my foot in a cast⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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Week 28 of 2026 Weekly A very busy week! 1️⃣ Foo Week 28 of 2026 Weekly

A very busy week!

1️⃣ Foot checkup! Walking boot is on occasionally from now until September 
2️⃣ Boston 
3️⃣ IVIG
4️⃣ Dentist 🦷 All good! 
5️⃣ Not a filter - this was the Boston area the second half of the week 
6️⃣ Physical time!

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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

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IDs:
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2️⃣ Looking at TD Garden, the bear statue for the Bruins, and Zakim Bridge in the background 
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Also, if this is how you’re finding out, I’m sorry Also, if this is how you’re finding out, I’m sorry. I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of people who care about me and this is the fastest way to tell everyone. 

Video: Kate talks to the camera while putting on makeup. There are captions. 

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Week 27 of 2026 Weekly (Delayed because last Sund Week 27 of 2026 Weekly

(Delayed because last Sunday was baaaaad)

1️⃣ Due airport difficulties, we got a few more days with Emma. Harley was THRILLED!
2️⃣ Beautiful bird/squirrel visitors
3️⃣ A beautiful Maine summer day

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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.

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1️⃣ Harley the golden retriever putting his front legs up on Emma’s legs to demand hugs.
2️⃣ A bird feeder and hummingbird feeder on a deck. There is a hummingbird at one and squirrel at the other.
3️⃣ A barn, a pond, and the Maine woods

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Reminder: you can be proud of your disability comm Reminder: you can be proud of your disability community while wishing your body cooperated more⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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I don’t know the exact date of my RA diagnosis, bu I don’t know the exact date of my RA diagnosis, but this is from right around then in July 2010. ⁣
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When I was diagnosed, I had been having symptoms for 9 years. ⁣
- 9 years of foot pain (partially from tarsal coalition)⁣
- Arthritic damage in said food⁣
- Carpal tunnel off and on for several years⁣
- And more⁣
⁣
I was finally diagnosed because I woke up one morning and was unable to open my jaw more than 8 mm. It turned out that I had horrible arthritic damage to my TMJs, which got me off the waiting list at MGH rheumatology. I left that appointment with an autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. ⁣
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The fact that July is not only my diagnosis anniversary but also Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month has always seemed right. I may not have been diagnosed with JA, but given the amount of arthritis I had along with my many years of symptoms, it's generally accepted that I had it. ⁣
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This year marks 16 years since diagnosis and this fall marks 25 years since my symptoms started. It's pretty weird that so much time has already passed!⁣
⁣
⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: Kate at 19 at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game. ⁣
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Dos and don'ts for when someone in your life is di Dos and don'ts for when someone in your life is diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis! What are some that you would add?⁣
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I’m Kate, a chronic illness patient and advocate sharing what my life is like with 10+ chronic illnesses. Follow me for more and check out my blog at katethealmostgreat.com⁣⁣.⁣
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ID: "So someone you know was diagnosed with Autoimmune Arthritis". Under the Do column (indicated with a green checkmark) is:⁣
"As how they feel about it⁣
Offer specific ways to help⁣
Treat them normally⁣
Ask follow-up questions⁣
Wear a mask around them when sick."⁣
Under the don't don't column (indicated with an x in a red circle) is:⁣
"Say “At least it’s not xyz!”⁣
Say that and not follow through⁣
Assume nothing about their lives has changed⁣
Conflate autoimmune arthritis with osteoarthritis⁣
Pass your cold to an immunosuppressed person".⁣
⁣
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