Before I forget, I had ordered the (A)loe mask as well as the (A)?cai Berry mask.  I'm not too entirely sure whether the Acai Berry is in the A-Z line or what it is in.  It has a separate type of packaging very similar to my  Pearl review compared to this (A)loe sheet but I had always thought that they just re-vamped the packaging.  I had looked online to double check that the Pearl mask was indeed in the A-Z line, so I'm not too entire sure where the Acai Berry mask fits in so I will probably just end up adding it onto this review as well.  If anybody knows any more please let me know to clear things up for me. 

Onto the review now, shall we?

I think it is due to the drastic weather change with us heading into Winter season
that my skin has been feeling a little irritable and sensitive that I decided to opt with this Etude House (A)loe mask which is designed to be soothing to the face.
Opening the facial mask I notice quite a nice scent of which I can't exactly put my finger on but I think it might be safe to assume that it has something to do with Aloe.. yep!  Also I couldn't help but notice that they weren't stingy with essence one bit!

My results were pretty good for this mask considering the state of my face beforehand, which was pretty atrocious to be honest.  I am quite impressed actually with what this particular mask had to offer me.  My face is feeling a bit soothed.  I feel a little less sensitive now as well as my face feels pretty cooled down too.  Also it seemed to have had a bit of a smoothing effect as well.  For one face mask it did the job but would I re-buy this? Maybe not, certainly not online but if I found it in a store for real cheap I probably would.  I'm not entirely sure what it is but I find face masks to be fun if anything.

Acai Berry

I'm not sure if this can be stressed enough but I can never get over how cute Asian packaging is whether it's Korean or Chinese, it's always the main selling point for me anyway.  Also take note that it does say "I Need You" on the back package which is the same as the I Need You A-Z line.

The purpose of this mask is to act as an anti-oxidant containing the superfood Acai Berry to deliver young and healthy looking skin.
As far as the scent goes for this facial mask I wasn't really fond over it.  It has quite a strong smell of berries. Don't get me wrong it isn't a bad smell, it's actually pretty nice, just not for me.
The essence seems to have soaked up more than usual into my skin.  So I guess it is absorbing the maximum amount to receive the fullest effect, yay!
As far as my results go, I don't see any significant changes in my skin. My skin feels a little bit smoother but not a whole lot.  I still have quite a bit of red around my cheeks as well.  However, my skin feels less stiff now, full of moisture and ready to beat the winter crisp! Most masks serve that purpose anyway and considering that I wasn't tickled pink over the scent, I probably won't repurchase.

Before we get started I just want to say that this isn't going to be a review rather than an unboxing post and first impressions as I think it is necessary for such a large quantity inside this box set.

 

This was an amazing box set that Tarte had come out with this Holiday season that I just couldn't resist.  I had seen it on display in my local Sephora store and had to go back and purchase it!  For the price it was I still had thought it was definitely worth the money.

First thing I see after opening the packaging was the carrying case which actually was the exact size of the box!  This is a limited edition travelers bag so you aren't going to get it anywhere else but in this box set!  It's a zip up with tassles as zippers along with a carrying handle making it easy for travel.  I really like the design that's on the bag as well.  It seems to be a decent quality bag as well. 

The inside of the bag is blue an purple stripes, I still find it quite eye appealing as well.  On one side we have a pouch for the eyeshadow palette that came with this set as well.  And the other side under the protectant we have the extras or so I would like to call them.

The palette is actually what had drawn me to purchasing.  It is a High Performance Neutral palette with 20 full sized shadows.  We have a variety of sheens ranging from matte all the way to a high shine which is good for multiple different styles.  If you are not so much into the neutral side of things then this palette probably is not for you as there are a lot of browns and lighter neutral colors.   However, if you are, this is perfect and I 100% recommend it!  Now, they have names of the colors but they're on a clear sheet that isn't even attached to the palette!  I have never ever been a fan when any brand does this and most times it is a deal breaker for me because of this fact.  I decided to take the plunge though because this was such a good deal I just couldn't resist.  Other than that, the packaging for this palette is decent and I have no other cons for it.

French Riviera was the color that was the selling point for me anyway.  I just can't get enough of greens and blue colors! 

I was also pretty fond of "C'est La Vie" and "No Champagne No Gain". Can you tell I enjoy my sparkly shadows? (: 

On the other side of the bag we have what I call "miscellaneous" goodies. I will go from left to right what each product is.
First we have a full size LipSurgence Lip Tint in the shade Romantic.  It is a lip crayon in the same shade as the tube,  a pretty sparkly peach toned color.  Will be good for every day usage.
Next we have another full size LipSurgence lip gloss in the matching color called Visionary.  These would look good put on together.
Next we have what the box calls it a "deluxe" sized Light, Camera, Action 4-in-1 Mascara.  What I would call it is a sample sized mascara.  
A deluxe size Cheek stain in the color Muse.  I am interested in this because I've never used a cheek stain before and the color is a nice shade that will be perfect for any time of the year I think. 
Deluxe size Marajuca Oil.  This is applied onto your skin and face before going to bed at night, only 1 or 2 squirts are needed to give you desired effect.
Lastly we have a deluxe size Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder.  For those of you who don't know, this goes on after you are finished your base foundation to make it have a longer lasting power.

 Just for a point of reference, this is the cheek stain and what they are referring to as a "deluxe" size.  I would consider this to be a sample size.  Or are they considering a 'sample' size as one you would get in a size like this:

Either way I still consider both to be a sample size but that's just me.  Thoughts and opinions are very much welcome! 

On final thoughts of my first impressions, I am extremely impressed with the quality and size of the travelling bag.  Still not overly tickled at how they put the names of their colors on, however I am still very pleased with the eyeshadow palette and that they are full sized.  I was sort of disappointed that the blush didn't contain very much product, however it smells absolutely amazing!  I like how the lip products are wearable for anytime and a nice color for any skin tone.  I am also pretty excited to try out the Marajuca Oil and interested in the results of it! 
One bonus that I look for on beauty products is whether or not they are animal cruelty free.  On the packaging it says that Tarte is in fact free of Animal Cruelty, that alone could also be a deal breaker for me. 

All around I think that this was probably the best deal out of a lot of the holiday boxes I seen at Sephora this season.  So yes, it is worth purchasing this box set with everything that comes with it!  Plus, if you're like me and haven't had a chance to try multiple products from Tarte well, this is a great opportunity to do so!

What caught my eye at the store was the packaging because we all know that I love anything cute and Korean-like. As well as Barbara Palvin as the model.  SOLD.

As I opened the tube up I noticed that the wand has a flex point. Never worked with this type of wand before, we will just see how it turns out! Also one thing that I always make sure to take note of is the smell because sometimes it can just be atrocious. In this case it wasn't anything too overpowering, smelled like any normal mascara.

Lets get on to how this actually applies.  I took a picture of my bare eyelashes so we can see its full effect.

yes I know I gotta get my eyebrows done.

I am quite picky on what mascara I use and I gotta say, this one is pretty good.  I like the fact that it is a really dark black and also that it doesn't clump. However my left eyelash looks to be slightly more clumpier than my right one but I find that to be standard with any mascara I use, probably the way I apply it.  As far as the bend in the wand goes, I didn't even use it.  Not really sure what the purpose of it is for.  It turned out to be neither a pro nor a con, just accessory.  All-in-all I do enjoy this mascara and would recommend it to people as well.   

If you have any questions feel free to ask, we don't bite! Promise.