2014 Sephora in JCPenney Sun Safety Kit

While I certainly haven't had the opportunity to try out all of these products, the Sephora in JCPenney versions of the large Sephora sets are never online, so I wanted to give everyone a peek at what's inside.  There are a lot of repeats from the 2013 set, but it's in a smaller bag. This retails for $32 and includes the standard charitable donation to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Contents:

• Algenist Regenerative Anti Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 (0.5 fl oz/15ml)
• Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 25 
• Murad Essential-C Day Moisture  SPF 30 (0.33 fl oz/10 ml)
• Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (0.5 fl oz/15ml) 
• Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion (0.5 fl oz/15 ml)
• Shiseido SPF 50+ Ultimate Sun Protection Cream (0.64 fl oz)
• St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse (1.69 fl oz/50ml)
• Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Bronzing Beauty Balm SPF30 (0.23 fl oz/7ml)
• Supergoop SPF50 Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil (1 fl oz/30 ml)
• Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self-Tanner (0.5 fl oz/15 ml)
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer (4g/0.14oz)

I just wanted to take a moment to show the contents of the kit, not necessarily review it. This year's bag is smaller than the 2013 version.  Here's a comparison of the two. 2014 is on top, 2013 on the bottom.

Overall the Sun Safety Kit is one of the items I look forward to every summer. It's a great way to sample various sunscreens and self-tanners. I've discovered some great new favorites- and it's also a cost-effective way to do so.

The Sephora version will likely be available online later this month. It's larger, and has a higher price tag.  Since I've already purchased the SiJCP version, I won't be picking it up.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF Day Perfecting Fluid

Until recently, Caudalie was one of those beauty brands that flew under my radar. Due to perfect placement in a recently-remodeled Sephora in my area, I stumbled upon this amazing French brand in the last couple of months.

I've been using a deluxe sample of Caudalie's Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF Day Perfecting Fluid in place of my HG Shiseido daytime moisturizer since picking it up. Unfortunately, I love it. I can see this rotating in and out of my skincare routine, depending on the season.  It's perfect for summer, and was totally compatible with my existing skincare loves.

For those not familiar with the brand, Caudalie products use grapes for their wonderful skincare properties.  Like many of their products, the Vinoperfect Broad Spectrum SPF Day Perfecting Fluid has a light grape scent- think grape leaves. If you're sensitive to scent, you'll want to try before buying this product.  Unlike most moisturizers, this has a slight tint to it.

Although it's not a match for my Bobbi Brown Alabaster skin, it sheered out when applied to my skin and I didn't notice any lasting tint.  My skin simply looked better than it did before putting the moisturizer on my skin.

Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid claims to even out skintone and brighten over time. I didn't notice any appreciable difference in my skintone, but I have no major pigmentation problems (aside from some mild rosacea in my cheeks).  I loved the lightweight feel of this, and it's the first product to actually displace my Shiseido Benefiance skincare for enough time to use the entire deluxe sample- and that's saying something!  With fall coming, I don't see myself purchasing a full tube right now- but it's on the short list for next spring/summer.


Bottom line: beautifully smoothing, lightweight SPF moisturizer

Cost: $64/1.3oz

Available at Caudalie, Sephora, and Nordstrom.