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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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Trackbacks

  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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SHARING YOUR HEALTH EXPERIENCES PUBLICLY⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ I sh SHARING YOUR HEALTH EXPERIENCES PUBLICLY⁣⁣⁣
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I share my personal health experiences online, which I find it somewhat easy to do because I've been talking publicly - albeit to a smaller audience - since my health problems started in 2001. ⁣⁣⁣
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If you share something online, you need to be prepared for people to ask questions or argue with you. Should they? No. Will that stop them? Also do. ⁣
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That's one of the reasons that talking online about what can be trauma is not easy or for everyone. That's why it's important to practice self-care and to consciously think about what you want to share online before you do it. ⁣⁣⁣
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For example, I generally only talk publicly about a health situation once it has passed, especially if it's an emergency. I also make sure that I'm in a good place mentally before I talk about it. That way, I don't share things I'll regret sharing publicly later. It also helps me be less anxious about sharing these details.⁣⁣⁣
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And I don't share everything! There's lot of stuff that I haven't talked about not only online but with people in real life. It might seem like I share everything I've experienced, but I don't. ⁣
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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: Kate works on a laptop offscreen. She's a redheaded white woman wearing a beige-and-navy striped sweater, silver Claddagh necklace, and pink glasses.⁣
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#ChronicallyIll #RheumatoidArthritis #ChronicPain #Endometriosis #SjogrensSyndrome
Week 18 of 2026 Weekly 1️⃣ Cross-stitch and IVIG Week 18 of 2026 Weekly 

1️⃣ Cross-stitch and IVIG 
2️⃣ Another trip to the foot doctor. We’re officially in Try To Avoid My 6th Foot Surgery mode 🤞🏻 
3️⃣ At least there were lilacs?

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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: 
1️⃣ Looking down at Kate’s lap. Tubes are coming out of her shirt. She’s working on a cross stitch.
2️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in a doctor’s office. She’s wearing a lilac mask.
3️⃣ A lilac bush

#IVIG #CrossStitching #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #InvisibleIllness
FAQ: Have I Tried Yoga for My Pain? This is a se FAQ: Have I Tried Yoga for My Pain? 

This is a series where I answer questions I frequently get about my rheumatoid arthritis. I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice - just saying the truth about my body in particular. 

Video: Kate speaks to camera. There are captions. A black text box reads “FAQ: Have I Tried Yoga for My Pain?” 

#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneArthritis #Arthritis #ArthritisAwarenessMonth
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, which is the per May is Arthritis Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to remind people of these facts. Here's today's fact.⁣
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Like, comment, and share to spread awareness 💖⁣
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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: Fact or Fiction? Let's Check! ⁣
Fiction⁣
Arthritis only affects people as they age.⁣
Fact⁣
Arthritis can affect anyone at any age, including kids as young as 3.⁣
katethealmostgreat⁣
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#ArthritisAwareness #Arthritis #RheumatoidDisease #RheumatoidArthritis #ArthritisAwarenessMonth
I’ve been on IVIG since September. So what does su I’ve been on IVIG since September. So what does success look like? ⁣
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*This is all just for me and my case!*⁣
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1️⃣ I haven't gotten sick at all since I started, not even a cold. ⁣
2️⃣ My lungs are clear of any ground glass opacities, which was what pushed us over to finally doing IVIG regularly. ⁣
3️⃣ We feel better about saying that I don't have any infections. Because symptoms are often signs of the body fighting an infection, we couldn't always trust that I wasn't sick because I didn't have symptoms. ⁣
4️⃣ Because of all of this, we're increasing my next Rituxan dose! This will mean better RA symptoms and hopefully no new illnesses for a few years.⁣
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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: A bunch of IVIG supplies, including a pump. ⁣
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#ChronicallyIll #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #AutoimmuneDisease #Autoimmune
Week 17 of 2026 Weekly 1️⃣ Making some real progr Week 17 of 2026 Weekly

1️⃣ Making some real progress with this cross stitch
2️⃣ Walking casts have multiple uses, including holding down your mat! (Don’t worry - I only did broken-foot-compatible things) 

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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:
1️⃣ An in-progress cross stitch. You can see that Kate stitched 2 bears.
3️⃣ A walking cast lies on a black yoga mat 

#CrossStitching #CrossStitcher #RheumatoidArthritis #Osteoporosis #LoopsAndThreads
Can we talk about fatigue for a sec? ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ Fatigue Can we talk about fatigue for a sec? ⁣⁣⁣
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Fatigue is so much more than being tired. It's sleeping 10 hours at night and then struggling to stay awake during the day. It's trouble focusing because, even though you just had 3 cups of coffee, you're thinking about sleep. It's needing to factor rest in during the day because you have plans at night. ⁣⁣⁣
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It's a lot. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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It's no secret that I have multiple chronic illnesses. But did you know that all of them - all 11+ of them - have fatigue as a symptom? Sometimes the fatigue is worse than the pain and, uh, I live with a lot of pain.⁣⁣
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This picture was taken when I was super anemic and waiting for 4 iron infusions. Now, months later, I can see it. And I also don't know how I got through the months of that anemia. ⁣
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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. She's a redheaded white woman wearing a gray sweater and pink glasses.⁣
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#ChronicallyIll #RheumatoidArthritis #Fibromyalgia #Endometriosis #POTS
Week 16 of 2026 This week had EVERYTHING 1️⃣ Cr Week 16 of 2026 

This week had EVERYTHING

1️⃣ Cross-stitch during virtual mass 
2️⃣ Tuesday featured a 90-minute meeting during work and then an hour advocacy work call after my day job (both were good!)
3️⃣ Wednesday started at my foot doctor’s office and I left in a walking boot. Hopefully these 3 fractured bones will heal correctly this time 🤞🏻
4️⃣ Thursday started back at MGH for my annual neurology appointment + foot CT scan
5️⃣ Then I went up to Maine … 
6️⃣ to celebrate my grandma’s 85th birthday! 

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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: 
1️⃣ In the foreground is an in-progress cross-stitch piece. The background shows an open laptop streaming Catholic mass.
2️⃣ Kate takes a selfie. She’s a white woman with auburn hair and green glasses.
3️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in a doctor’s office. 
4️⃣ Kate takes a selfie in a car.
5️⃣ Kate takes a selfie snuggling with a golden retriever.
6️⃣ Kate and her cousins stand with their grandmother in front of a sign saying "Happy Birthday." 

#CrossStitch #ChronicPain #ChronicallyIll #InvisibleIllness
My face comes with subtitles, so .. ⁣ ⁣ ⬛⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ I My face comes with subtitles, so .. ⁣
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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 drinks coffee giving side eye. White text box reads "My Face When Someone Says 'You Shouldn't Need a Cane At Your Age'" ⁣
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#ChronicPain #ChronicallyIll #RheumatoidArthritis #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Fibromyalgia
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