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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #366
Share your recent beauty purchases or rediscovered favorites in your stash (for those on low/no-buys!), chit chat about weekend plans, and learn a little more about each other!
Let's Chat!
Share your own answers in the comments!
- Haul: My VIB Rouge hauls arrived! So mostly what I listed last week… noteworthy items being Dyson hair dryer (haven’t used it yet), Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Gift Set + Rollerball, replaced some eyeliners that had dried out (I was good, though, and only replaced ones I felt like I used often!), Surratt Eyeshadows
- Weekend plans: Crank out those reviews! I’m behind (what’s new?), and I’d like to get less behind.
- What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I look at Mellan; he is such a happy, optimistic dog, and I love him, so I usually find myself smiling or my heart warming when I look at him, play with him, or snuggle with him. The other thing is I try to stay in the present and plan for the future but not dwell in the past.
This week's doggo photo/video...
Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!
Haul: Sephora: wound up placing another sale order, got Shiseido Sweet Desire and Urban Decay Troublemaker, and a Jack Black lip balm. Unfortunately, haven’t been able to try either lipstick on because I’m dealing with cold sores 🙁
Bobbi Brown: took advantage of today’s discount to order three lipsticks: Bond, Cocoa, and Hot Cocoa. (and now I’m going on a no-buy for a long long time!!)
Weekend plans: in-laws will be visiting, so time with them, including dinner out Saturday night. Hoping to make it to the gym on Sunday.
Stay positive: I think about my kids (6 and almost 3) who are the light of my life and give me hope.
Yay for Shiseido 😀
I hope your cold sores heal up soon, Miradan!
Thanks! I am being super careful with them, but I think it will be Monday before I can wear lipstick again. Torture for a lipstick addict like me!
Do you have plans to swatch any of the new Smashbox lipsticks?
Not sure, sorry!
Haul: Got my Gritty & Glow palette on Tuesday – I love it! So pretty, especially Swerve which looks like molten metal. Last night I broke down and ordered a couple of Colourpop glosses (Kink and Nonsense) and 1 Ultra Satin in Wink because I wanted to try the formula. I swore off Colourpop, but they had free shipping no minimum… I’m weak.
Weekend plans: Haircut! I have really long, straight hair so I don’t feel the need to get it cut frequently. I go about 12 weeks between appointments but it’s definitely time for a little ends-cleanup.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I just try to step back and put things in perspective. I can get really wrapped up in details and let the little things get to me. But if I step back and think of all the good things I have going in my life, it (usually) brings me back to a positive mindspace. My husband is really good about bringing me back to a good place, too.
I’m looking forward to your thoughts on ColourPop’s gloss and Ultra Satin formulas! 🙂
Lol I did the same thing with Colourpop. Haven’t bought from them in a while but since there was free shipping I ordered the gloss in Nonsense and an ultra satin in Littlestitious. Wanted to try the formulas without having to buy 5 to reach the free shipping minimum…
I’m glad you love your Gritty & Glow — I was thinking about getting it, then decided the colors weren’t really the best for me, but now you’ve got me thinking about it again!
Do you have problems with your long hair tangling easily? And if so, what helps you manage it? My hair is long (currently tailbone-length) and very slightly wavy, and one of my challenges with it is that it tangles super easily. Even at bra-strap length it tangles really easily. If I don’t detangle promptly, I run the risk of getting tiny knots that have to be cut out. A fresh trim helps a little (I average about three trims a year, I think), but not for long. A fresh blow-out with my new Dyson hair dryer and the right products helps for the first day or so. But mostly I wear my hair in braids, fancy pony tails, or buns, to prevent the tangling as well as make it possible to work — I’ve never figured out how other people get their hair to hang obediently down their backs, most of mine always works its way around to the front.
Do you use any product at all? Mine hair isn’t quite that long (these days I keep it about bra-strap length), but I find leave-in conditioner/ detangler to be invaluable. My long-time favorite is Beauty Protector (from Birchbox). It’s pretty heavy duty, so I pull all of my hair to one side and spritz ends twice, swap to the other side and spritz once or twice again, then finger-comb through. I also find that my drying method makes a big difference – I can’t air dry or I get a heavy frizz layer on the outside of my hair, and it gets really coarse. I use a dryer with a concentrator nozzle and dry with fingers and/or paddle brush until its about 95% dry, then finish with a round, metal barrel brush in the typical “blow out” technique- running the brush from root to tip while heating the barrel with the dryer. It makes my hair waaayyy smoother, and therefore prevents tangles and encourages it to lay nicely. A heavy conditioning mask about once per week helps too; lately I’ve been using Its a 10 and I think it works really well, though it could smell nicer 🙂 Hope that helps!
Julia, thanks! I do use product: Living Proof Split End Mender, and, variously, their No Frizz leave-in conditioner, oil, and/or styling spray or cream, and/or their Satin Hair serum on the ends, usually also some Shu Umera Wonder Worker and/or argan oil on the ends, etc. My length and ends can absorb quite a bit of product, but I have to keep it away from my roots, which can look greasy quickly (very non-porous hair there). I usually avoid silicone-based hair products because for some reason they act like dust magnets on my hair, and then I have to wash it more, which adds to damage and tangling. I do a pre-wash treatment with coconut oil or LP Night Cap at least once a month, usually do a deep-cleanse once a week and a refresh with a cleansing conditioner once a week. I use LP mask or L’Oreal Oleo Therapy mask as a deep conditioner for at least five minutes in the shower after a serious cleanse, plus Kinky Curly Knot Today if I have any trouble detangling in shower.
I have major rotator cuff problems, and it’s only since I’ve gotten my Dyson that I can do anything like actually styling my hair with a blow-dryer. At this point I section in two and dry with the smoothing nozzle and a paddle brush until it’s mostly dry, then section in four and switch to the styling nozzle, but still use the paddle brush. With the length I have and my rotator cuff problems, not sure I can master a true round brush technique, though I have the right equipment and have tried — but with my old dryer with the long nozzle, it might be possible now. Although even my hairdresser uses a boar paddle brush to blow-dry my hair; it’s an awful lot of length to wrap around a round brush and still keep it moving. Getting my hair completely dry with the Dyson while making sure I’m working from root to end has made the most difference so far, so I’ll keep working on my technique. I might try that product you mentioned, too!
I will admit, my arms are sometimes just exhausted after all of the drying! If you’re trying out the round brush maybe just focus on that ends with that technique, it won’t be so tedious. That’s where it makes the most difference in smoothing anyway, IMO! If I”m in a hurry on a work morning I won’t bother trying to go any higher than mid-shaft because the process moves much faster and still comes out nice.
Thanks, Julia, I think you’re right — I’ll concentrate on round-brush-drying the ends, it won’t be so tiring for my arms.
I currently have waist length hair. When you distribute leave-in product on wet hair, do you just finger comb or also brush it through? With my hair sectioned off into four, I usually place product in palm, rub my hands and fingers together, finger comb through one section starting at my ends first and then residual product on mid shaft. Then I go back and brush throughly with a wet brush for that section. REPEAT for each section.
I’ve also heard of using hair oil on dry hair–though I have never fpund one that worked for me. A silk pillowcase is supposed to help too with tangles though I have never tried.
Sorry–I just realized I should clarify: by “wet brush,” I meant The Wet Brush, a brush designed only for wet hair (rather than any old brush).
Maggie, I use a Wet Brush after my palms and fingers to work the product into my hair, too. Plus I blast my hair with Living Proof no-frizz Humidity Shield when it’s dry and work that through with a boar bristle brush. Plus, I add a couple of more drops of oil to the ends on days three and four. Plus I use satin pillowcases. Blow-drying my hair completely with the Dyson has made the most difference so far, but results seem to vary a bit with how humid the weather is and exactly which products I’ve used — any residual stickiness and I’m sunk.
Julia, do you mind sharing why you swore of Colourpop?
Well TBH it’s really kind of an “it’s not you, it’s me” thing… Everyone else is so enamored with the brand I keep trying things that I would never buy otherwise – I don’t like cream eyeshadow or highlight but I tried them anyway. I don’t really like lipstick or matte liquid lippies but I tried them anyway. I swore them off when even the metallic glosses (I do love gloss) weren’t my cup of tea, but now I’m giving some more glosses and the Ultra Satin a go. I just don’t learn, ha!
Oh, well thank you for answering. I was hoping it wasn’t a problem with the company or quality.
Haul: I haven’t hauled anything for like two weeks but two weeks I was at the Armani counter and I haven’t posted about it. I was there to look at the Armani lip ink but they didn’t have it yet. Got the excess mascara and a lighter shade of the luminous silk Foundation to mix with my current shade (to make it lighter). Then sales assistant talked me into buying the lasting silk powder that is being discontinued when I explained I was looking for a new powder. Turns out I love the powder and it is being discountinued. But anyways so I have a powder now so that is good.
Weekend plans: Don’t really have any plans.
What’s the one thing I use to stay positive: My mind lol. I am actually very lucky when it comes to positivity. My mind is always keeping me entertained with various scenarios on what could have happened or how that person would look if I said that instead of that and so on. It is somewhat of a curse among new people because there can be a conversation that is not funny and suddenly I laugh because I have seen in my mind how that could have been funny if something else happened. But once people get to know me they normally appriciate me being around to lighten the mood.
I bet that the powder will last you awhile, and I’m sure Giorgio Armani has a replacement… well, hopefully! 🙂
The lip inks are my new love! They do have a replacement powder out as of a few months ago I think? It all blurs together. It’s gotten nice reviews as well and supposedly silkier than the version you bought. Enjoy yours though and go check out the Lip Magnets. I need to share my obsession with them!
What a sweet, handsome-looking boy! OMG, it’s been RAINING makeup this week!
*ColourPop x Hello Kitty -since I’m a big fan of CP and HK, I bought the entire collection except for 1 lippie (Surprise) and the makeup bag. The packaging has a simple elegant HK logo on it, but I really wish they had done something OTT cute ( sparkles, red bow, hot pink), but the products are good quality, so here goes –Full Face Kit (has a gloss called KT, which are my initials–yes!) , Mama’s Apple Pie shadow kit, Coin Purse Blush, School Is Fun Highlighter ( my fave item, has strong yellow gold sheen, and OOS now), and lipsticks/glosses in Supercute, Trinkets, Arigato (my fave gloss out of this collection), Tiny Chum, Lock Diary, Konichiwa, Let’s Play, and Date Mate
*From Sephora VIB Rouge 20% off sale
*Shadows —Huda Rose Gold palette- the textured shadows are gorgeous and the color combos are stunning, I couldn’t stop looking at my eyes in the mirror all day long. My mattes swatch much better than yours, so I think there are QC batch issues. I’m still testing, but so far, the first 4 shadows are working out, and I’m cautiously optimistic that I can make this palette work despite its flaws. Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in Nude Smoke, Ardency Inn Modster shadow in Royal, KVD Metal Crush shadow in Raw Power (wow!), Sephora Collection shadow in Girls Night Out (think this can double as shadow and highlighter) Buxom Custom Shadow Palette with shades in Bronzed Bod/ Rose Gold/Twilight/Dusk to Dawn/Made of Jade/ 24K Stillettos (all stunning)
*Lippies -Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro #501, UD Vice Studded ( unique), KVD Studded Kiss in Mother (beautiful, thanks for the rec Michele!), Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick in Eat Cake
*Blush- Clinique Cheek Pop in Pink Honey, NARS Sarah Moon Isadora Blush ( the store tester swatched unevenly like yours, but mine is better, but I see what you mean by this being hard to blend, but since I apply blush mainly to the apples of my cheeks, I don’t need to sweep or blend as much, and it gives such a beautiful glowy finish to the cheeks)
*Highlighters – Burberry Festive Gold Shimmer – beautiful, but very pricey for a very tiny amount of product, think I can actually finish this (gasp), Lancome Glow Subtil Highlighters in Gold Lights and Rose Gold
*Face – Suratt Loose Powder in Eclatante, LM Candleglow Sheer Perfection powder (thanks for the rec Michele!), Marc Jacobs Beauty Undercover Concealer in shade 3 -Young, Marc Jacobs Coconut Primer
* Skincare – Peter Thomas Roth 40%% Triple Acid Peel – my 5th purchase
*Weekend – no plans, which is great since last weekend and work has been crazy busy –sleep, relax, play with all my new makeup 🙂
*What’s one thing you use to stay positive? Makuep! What else is here? 😉
Great hauls, Katherine! How do you like ColourPop’s gloss formula?
I’m normally not a big gloss girl, but I like! It’s hydrating and comfortable to wear, will be especially nice in fall/winter when the lips need some TLC, and they have a range of pigmentation from sheer to more opaque. So far, my fave color is Wolfie, metallic rosy berry, very on trend for fall, goes well with their Fall Edit collection of dusty rose/mauve shadows
Raw Power and Girl’s Night Out look amaaaazing together. If you add in a little copper or bronze (I use UD Lucky from Vice3) you can do a really awesome fire/dragon inspired eye look.
Oh, I haven’t thought of that combo! Also sounds great for the holidays. I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the great idea!!
Royal is such a beautiful color!
Yes, I’ve been eyeing it forever, so glad I finally got it!
Mac liptensity in Smoked Almond, Clinique skin care, Paula’s Choice skin care.
No plans for the weekend.
My boys Rowdy and Bandit and my hubby.
Hugs and kisses for always handosome Mellan, have a beautiful weekend Christine.
How are you liking the Liptensity formula, Lily?
I really like the formula, stays on for a few hours and does not dry my lips up like matte lipsticks do.
I placed my VIB order this morning, and all but one of the things I wanted was still in stock after the Rouge folks ransacked the place lol. I was good about holding off on other purchases before the sale too, the only exceptions being that I caved and picked up the Mario palette last week, and a Tarte stocking stuffer set that I didn’t need. Now I just need Ulta to hurry up and bring on those platinum reward coupons and I’ll be all shopped out for the year.
I’m glad that you were able to get almost everything you wanted this morning, Moja! 😀
Haul: Bobbi Brown To Glow Shimmer Brick palette from Sephora and bought the 3 mascaras from the Nordstrom mascara sale on sat and got two Bobbi Brown smudge proof mascara (this is my absolute fav mascara) and I picked up the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel in the waterproof formula to try
Weekend Plans: work bbq event, Korean community festival event, more family birthday parties…so much to do!
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I have a Spotify playlist I titled Encouragement with songs that make me feel better when I’m down because they have positive messages or are inspiring in some way…I actually do listen to this when I can’t shake off negative feelings and it actually really helps! 🙂
Wow! Sounds like a very busy weekend ahead of you, Jennifer! A fun one, though 😀
Haul: Nada this week. 😉 First paycheck went to my Visa. lol
Weekend plans: Watch Dr. Strange, write more blogs posts, still job hunting and giving my feet a rest from standing 9 hours a day. lol
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Get productive, I have a tendency to devel on things and I like to think things through instead of just react, but sometimes that leads to overthink something and goes into such a negative spin. But just being active in something makes me feel more content and positive in general when I can focus on something. 😉 Also seeing Melan photos at the end of the week is nice.
Happy first paycheck! How are you liking your new job?
Same old job as before at Tim Hortons. Running around with your head cut off to finish an order under 40 seconds at the window. lol Funnily enough, I’ve been training someone this week after my first week back. >_<
Let me know what you think of Dr. Strange! I saw it and was sadly underwhelmed, even though I adore Benedict Cumberbatch!
I loved Dr. Strange!
Haul: VIB Rouge haul!! I didn’t get as much as I wanted to (in terms of skincare and hair care), but I’m still happy with it since I got a few things in travel size to try out as well as some old favorites.
I got a wide toothed comb, Sephora Collection Total Age Defy eye cream (it was on sale for 50% off on top of the VIB Rouge sale, so I couldn’t say no to a decent eye cream for $8), travel size Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer, Urban Decay setting spray (a pack of 2 for $39 before sale), the value sized Living Proof PHD Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Full Potential conditioner, a two-pack of Invisibobble hair ties to try out, a new nail clipper, and the star of the show… the Kat Von D MetalMatte palette! It’s so stunning. I anticipate using it a TON during the holidays. I’m practicing an all-matte, dark green smoky eye with Moss and then popping Tinsel on the inner corner to wear on on Christmas!
Weekend plans: Just relax! I finally finished all my midterms and I have about a month before finals begin, so I can finally take the weekend off! I’m planning to catch up on sleep; I haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep all week. I got up at 5AM on Tuesday to vote, I stayed up until 3AM that night, woke up at 5 on Wednesday… you get the idea.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I’m a big stiff-upper-lip kind of person when it comes to dealing with pain and being upset, which isn’t always the healthiest way to deal with things. I’ll often just pretend things don’t bother me until they go away (or until I explode), but I’ve been trying to learn to lean on my friends and family more for support and comfort. So I’d say spending time with people who make me happy is a good way of dealing with a bad situation.
Oh, I forgot I also picked up the Formula X with HudaBeauty nail polish in Baroque Babe. It’s a very festive color! I can’t seem to find it on the Sephora website so I think it’s sold out online.
Nice VIB haul, Kat!
Enjoy your study-free (well, mostly!) weekend before finals are upon you!
I love the MetalMatte palette, too, especially the greens!
So excited to see what everyone is hauling from Sephora this week!
My haul from Sephora: Viseart Royal Bijou eyeshadow palette; Guerlain Rouge G in Saphir; Givenchy Le Rouge in Heroic Pink; NARS Sarah Moon eyeshadow duos in Indes Galantes and Quai Des Brumes; NARS blush in Impudique; NARS hardwired eyeshadows in Lunar, Parallax, Pygar and Outer Limits; and Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel.
Weekend plans: Not sure yet.
How I stay positive: The most important and effective mood booster I’ve ever found is exercise. I started working out at age 12, and at the age of 51 I still work out four days every week. If I skip a workout, my mood is instantly effected. Even my husband won’t let
me skip because he knows what a difference it makes.
Oooh, a really lovely haul of many favorites, Tammy! What are you most excited for?
I’m already playing with the Hardwired shadows and I LOVE them! Today I wore Outer Limits on my inner lid with Anastasia’s Love Letter on the outer lid, Burnt Orange for the transition shade, and Realgar to smoke out the crease (all from Modern Renaissance) and it turned out lovely. I can’t wait to use Lunar with Silk, Ribbon, and Twinkle from Kat Von D’s Matte Metal Palette. I am super excited to play with the Royal Bijou! And Saphir is simply a stunning red lipstick, it will definitely be on my lips for all the upcoming holiday parties.
Royal Bijou! I may have to jump on that too. SOOOO beautiful.
Oh, Tammy, I also got Bijou Royal, Heroic Pink, Quai Des Brumes, and Impudique! So far I’ve tried Heroic Pink and Quai des Brumes and love them…
And, you’ve reminded me that I need to get out for my walk! 🙂
Haul:
My complete Viseart palette haul is now in. Neutral Matte, Dark Matte, and Sultry Muse. I may want to get one more shimmer palette (Boheme), but this will be it for now. I am done buying and searching and experimenting with other eyeshadows. I cannot believe these — absolutely beautiful. I can actually be artistic with what I do — and I could never pull that off before. It’s all in how they blend. Lovely gradations of color are easy to achieve. The ability to deepen or sheer to any and every level is right there. It’s like having hundreds of palettes in a way because of the versatility. Outstanding products, and I have thousands of combos to try.
With the VIB Rouge discount each shadow was $4.26. It was a big outlay all at once for three palettes, but the value and the quality of this will save me money in the end. I’m done looking, and searching, and being disappointed with shadows and palettes over and over again. I am truly happy and content to finally find what I’ve been searching for for decades.
(I will say, the Surratt shadows swatched divine too. But at $16/each with the discount, they didn’t seem worth it to me in comparison.)
Weekend:
Meeting friends for dinner tonight. Catching up on work. Not much else.
Staying Positive:
My dogs help, absolutely. They take me into the woods, out into the world, and into their living-in-the-present moment. Each day is happy for them. They love us, and that never wavers no matter what. They teach me a great deal.
My husband is also a wonderful partner. He is much more even keeled and intrinsically positive than I am — although a realist. There is no one — no one — who sees the best in me like he does. He really helps pull me through. (Not that there aren’t times when, you know, he drives me nuts too. 🙂 )
WOW! Very nice Viseart haul, Linda! You’ll have so many eyeshadows to play with 😀
Surratt is only worth it if you really like that finish, IMO!
Oh, I highly recommend the Viseart Paris Nudes palette! The radiant, satiny finish is so flattering and beautiful.
Let’s face it, by this time next year, I’ll have a few more and that’s one of them. So pretty and different.
Haul: I am still waiting on my Z pallet, and Two makeup geek blushes from last week. But according to the tracking, it’s in Canada now!! So next week I should have it 😀 I’m also so so lucky. My one good friend, from New York City, bought me the Kat Von D lock it concealer that i’v been looking at ever since It came out, because it’s cheaper in the states, and she had the rouge 20% off. So I’ll be getting that in the mail soon. And my other friend brought me a LUSH bath bomb to make me feel better after my root canals from last week!! 😀
Weekend plans: Speaking of my job 😛 I have a conference coming up on the 21st of November, where I’ll be speaking to 600 people. So this weekend i’m planning my outfit, and i’m finalizing my speech! (Outfit wise, I’m thinking a Black maxi dress, with a Cranberry cardigan overtop. I’m 5’9. So I love the way the maxi dress makes me feel, which will help me feel confident when I’m speaking. HMMM)
What’s one thing I use to stay positive: I’m a youth mental health advocate. Which means, I got around Ontario Canada and I talk to Mentally Ill Youth, and I teach them coping strategies, and all that jazz!! I also am apart of CMHO (Childrens Mental Health Ontario) And I work closely with the Ontario/Canadian government on changing the mental health system!! SO. long story short, MY JOB 😛 . I love whenever I get voicemails at work from youth i’v worked with/spoken too, and they say they got help because of lil ol me!! It makes me want to keep moving forward even if things are tough right now with my tumor!!
Can’t wait for your new blushes to arrive, Shannon! What else will you be putting in your Z palette?
You’re doing amazing work on your job 🙂
I’m putting in my 5/6 every day MUST have eye shadows (Matte cream,shimmery light colour, a matte warm brown, a dark brown, a green, and a gold!)!! I’m taking them out of my 9 pan mac pallet, and putting them into my Z pallet! 😀
I’m traveling a lot more this year. so I wanted to down size my travel makeup kit!
Oh goodness. Thank you Christine!! Im so fond of my team, and my Co workers. and of course the kids :D. most of the time, people think I’m one of the kids, not the speaker ahaha
What an important job you have in a very under-served area of the healthcare system, Shannon. To provide youth with coping skills/strategies and be seen as a trusted adviser are integral components to treatment and skill building.
Oh goodness! Thank you!!!
I’m so SO passionate about my job, ahaha. I love the high schoolers, and elementary school kids I work with, and I love their spirit, you know? They’re going though so much, yet they always green me with a smile and a hug, or they’re willing to open their hearts to me. It’s so amazing and humbling!!
(I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I agree that my job is SO important!! It’s a much needed thing to have!!)
It is, Shannon, and it takes a special person to connect with teens who struggle with mental health issues. Finding resources is really hard for both the teen and their family, so great to hear of programming in ON. Might you know of anything similar in AB?
Thank you so much Tracey!
I do not off the top of my head, but I can always do some googling 😀 because Im interested in knowing that too!!
I know there’s about 30 teams like mine, all over ON. We are run out of the same parent “company”!! So there might be some thing similar in over provinces!!!!
Best wishes about your tumor, Shannon! You sound like *such* a positive person, it’s wonderful 🙂 I’ve been through melanoma and breast cancer, but thankfully both were caught early.
Oh my gosh! Thank you so much, Fran! You saying that, made me smile so largely it hurt ahahah.
It’s hard to believe as a young teen I was suffering so so much with depression. Now that i’m an adult, I work so hard at treating myself nicely and keeping happy and positive!!!!
I’m so so glad both were caught early for you, oh my goodness!
I am having my tumor removed in January. And we’ll be doing a biopsy then to make sure it is/isn’t cancerous.
I’v had the tumor for about six months, but we didn’t find it until mid August, when my dentist pointed out how I have a lump on my jaw (How me, the person who does makeup EVERY day didn’t notice the lump BLOWS me away ahaha)
Oh, thank you, Shannon! We never notice things that come up gradually, especially on ourselves. It sounds to me like the doctors aren’t too worried. But I think living with the uncertainty is a real challenge. I’ll be thinking of you!
Haul: Omorovicza copper peel (the very best I’ve tried!); Klorane eye makeup remover (never tried before); Christophe Robin shampoo/conditioner; Morroccanoil shampoo/conditioner; Herbology Jasmine body oil; Morroccanoil dry shampoo; Ren Global day cream.
Weekend: we just moved so slowly putting my life in order!
Positive: definitely my students. After the election, I couldn’t have been in a safer place than my classroom surrounded by my kindergarteners. Children have such a joyful way of refocusing my mind on what truly matters.
What does the peel do for your skin, Sarah?
Congrats on getting the move over with!
I have dry/normal skin with some redness and flaking around my nose/chin. This is the only peel I’ve ever used that doesn’t irritate my skin that already has the tendency to become irritated with chemical peels. It not only treats those flakes/clogged pores but makes my skin so soft.
Ahh, gotcha! That sounds like a really good one then 🙂 I might have to try!
Haul: Nothing yet. I bought two holiday candles on Sunday though at a sale at Whole Foods. I’d like to do some damage today at VIB but some of the things I planned on getting are sold out. I’m also so depressed right now, I’m not sure I even care about it.
Weekend plans: I’ve got a trip to the vet tonight for my dog Elroy, I found a lump, so I’m pretty worried. He’s prone to fatty lipomas so I’m hoping that’s what it is. Going into the city tomorrow to visit with friends and do an urban wine tasting and touristy stuff. The grocery shopping on Sunday hopefully. I’d like to sleep in but that doesn’t seem likely!
Staying Positive: I also need my pets and cuddle them tight. I also try to fit in as much comedy as I can because laughter is the best medicine! A good glass of wine doesn’t hurt either.
I hope you feel better, Erin! 🙁
Fingers crossed Elroy just has a fat pocket! Mellan got his first one a few months ago, and I was so worried until they confirmed. Paws and fingers crossed!
Hope Elroy just has a lipoma. That’s pretty likely, since he has a history. Hope that it did not feel different, so that you get more suspicious. Dog worries are the worst worries, for folks with no human kids.
I hope you feel better soon, Erin!
Yes, Mellan, I wish I was as naturally good looking as you are!
Christine, once again, I love the changes you’ve made to the site. It’s easier for me to find what I want on each page, and everything is loading much faster for me 🙂
Haul: there was the ULTA 20% off day, my Sephora VIB Rouge haul, and the Beautylish gift card event, so a ton; I might leave out a few details!
Beautylish: Wayne Goss and Chikuhodo brushes (mostly eye brushes, but I’m eyeing the CHIKUHODO
Takumi Series T-1 Powder brush to put my gift cards toward), Inglot AMC eyeliner gels, empty Z-palettes.
Sephora: Viseart eyeshadow palette Bijou Royal, NARS Give Intake Dual-Intensity Eye and Cheek palette, NARS Duo in Quai des Brumes, Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour palette and Eye Contour Quad in Smoke, Nudestix Magnetic Eye box set, Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo in Talia and Lottie, Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Flax; Marc Jacobs Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in Blacquer, Code Blue and (Cinder)ella, Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Stormy Grey and Black Navy; Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipsticks in First Bite, Burning Up, and Murrey, Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick in Heroic Pink, Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche lipstick in Mauvember and the duos in Opal/Jam and Sour Cherry/Gold, the Best Bite Redux matte lip crayon set, Fresh Sugar sets Seduction, Entourage and Power Couple; Viseart blush palette in Rose/Coral, NARS Sarah Moon Blush in Impudique, surratt beauty Artistique Blush in La Rosee du Soir, Tu Me Fais Rougir, Guimauve, Classique, and Barbe a Papa, Make Up For Ever HD blush in 310, 330, and 335 (Rosewood, Rosy Plum, and Fawn), Bite Beauty Multistick in Gelato; Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder in Ethereal and in Luminous Light and the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer; Dr. Jart+ Snow Time Like The Present set and Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm; some Make Up For Ever brushes (mostly eye, highlight, and blush) and empty metal palettes. Hair: two Aquis Waffle Luxe Hair Turbans, a Tangle Teezer Blow Styling Tool – Full Paddle, and a couple of IGK products to try.
ULTA: Smashbox Light It Up: Lipstick + Mattifier Set; Urban Decay Vice Vintage lipsticks in Oil Slick, UV-B, Frostbite, and the Blackmail Vice Lipstick Palette; Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Pink Ruby and Tourmaline; NYX Liquid Suede lipstick in Brooklyn Thorn; NYX lip pencils in Stone Fox, Jet Set, Oh Put It On, Amethyist, Alien, Brooklyn Thorn, and Foul Mouth; NYX Eyeshadow Base in white, white pearl, and black; Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color in Medium; IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ in Fair and Light, the Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer in Light; the First Aid Beauty Online Only All Star Hydration Kit; repurchase of some hair products from Living Proof and Ouidad, face and body washes from CeraVe and Neutrogena.
Plans: also trying to get less behind!
To stay positive, I: first, get some rest — usually, if I’m feeling down, it’s because I’m tired. Then, depending on the subject, talk to a friend or my son, go for a walk if the weather’s nice or retreat into a good book if it’s not, cuddle with the tiny hamsters (who are, admittedly, somewhat less satisfactory than a dog for this — they tend to be too hyper to sit still for long! Except for Natasha, who would sit in your hand for hours giving you kisses — but that’s super-unusual for a tiny hamster).
Thank you, Fran! 🙂
SOOO many sales going on right now! Hard to keep up. Takumi is very nice – it’s a good series 🙂
I see lots of great products on your list! Let me know how the Touch in Sol duos are!
I wish the sales were spread apart a bit — it would be more fun for me! But, I have a stockpile of wonderful new things to try 🙂
I got the large and small eye brushes from the Takumi series (the medium was sold out), and, while the large brush is a bit large for me and I’m experimenting with how best to use it, I’m really pleased with them. I also got the Chikuhodo GS-9 (the GS-7 was out of stock — it’s back in now), and it works beautifully but feels kind of big and clunky to me — I’ve got small eyes, plus I actually prefer shorter, smaller handles, I’m with Billy B on handle lengths (plus long handles mean I can’t get close enough to the mirror to see what I’m doing — I guess I do need a magnifying mirror, lol). I feel more comfortable with goat hair than with squirrel hair brushes, because I feel confident they just shave the hair off the goats. I can picture Japanese people keeping the squirrels like pets, pampering them and clipping the hair from their tails, but I don’t really know what happens to the squirrels. Not that I’m all that crazy about squirrels, but guinea pigs and hamsters are my little friends. All of which makes no sense because I wear leather shoes and belts and heaven knows the cows are not treated well. I think it’s just that the bristles are touching my face, it makes it more personal somehow. We humans are so inconsistent! So, l bought the Chikuhodo Z-4 cheek/highlight brush because I want to understand what people are talking about, and it is heavenly soft. And I still want the GS-7. I’m a brush collector. I admit it. I think high-quality synthetic bristles are the way to go for situations where brushes need to be sanitized after every use, but it does feel luxurious to have some high-quality natural-bristle brushes for my own personal use.
So far I’ve tried each of the Touch in Sol duos I got once, and I like them. The cream shadow goes on easily, the glitter really does adhere, it’s all pretty easy, looks good, and lasts. I did manage to get glitter all over the place the first time, less so the second time. Next time I think I’ll transfer the glitter from the applicator to a brush before applying (I should get a silicone applicator), but it’s still a product I’ll apply first so I can clean up before applying my base. The glitter really likes to get in my eyelashes and spread from there, but I suspect that’s in the nature of glitter. The shade Talia really is silver, which I’m thrilled about. Lottie is supposed to be ‘plum’, and at first I was upset because the glitter part looks pretty orange to me, but it actually worked well with my eye color somehow, so I’m keeping it. I’m thinking of getting Eldora, the gold shade. I think they’re good products when you need a glam look fast. Or if you’re like me and are perfectly comfortable wearing glitter to run errands.
I didn’t post to Free For Haul Friday last week, so I forgot to mention that I did get the EL x Victoria Beckham eyeshadow palette. I thought the price was nuts, but it seemed like something I was going to regret missing out on, and net-a-porter still has it in stock. The shadows are amazingly pigmented and easy to work with, and the colors all work for me (the green, grey, and blue especially), although the palette is a bit dark for me overall, if I use it all by itself. But I can bring out my trusty light beige slightly satin for my browbone, and a dusting from the Moonchild palette is wonderful for lightening up my inner lid in a pinch 🙂 Very few palettes work as completely stand-alone palettes for me (the NARS Give Intake Dual Intensity palette does, though! — at least for eyes).
Sometimes it’s just about harm reduction and that’s OK. Better a little than nothing 🙂
Thank you for the review on the Touch in Sol duos, Fran!
And so glad the Victoria Beckham palette is at least working out well, even if pricey!
Haul: Went through Bangkok airport & stocked up on Cle de Peau in the duty free shops: Silky Cream Foundation x2, Perfect Lash Mascara x2, AND got the Collection Bal Masqué makeup coffret ! Got deluxe samples of CDP’s new Radiant oil, Correcting Cream Veil, and Serum Blanc.
Weekend Plans: BLOGGING!
Stay Positive: Admire my garden & laugh at my 3 cats & 1 dog
Nice duty free haul, Bibi!!
Mellan looks very pensive here… 🙂 And yes, I can totally understand how that face makes you feel happy and positive!
Haul: Got the Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Palette yesterday, whoop whoop.
Weekend plans: Date night tomorrow in Geneva! Well, more date day, actually.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: My husband. I’m a natural worrier, but he always helps me see things in perspective and just hearing him tell me everything will be okay really helps.
Have a lovely date day 😉
I hope you enjoy the Moondust palette as much as I do!
Haul: Just placed my order from the Sephora VIB sale: Bite agave lip mask, 2 tubes of Yu-Be lip balm, and 2 L’Occitane small size hand creams (almond and cherry blossom). I waffled on getting the new E&J Nirvana Bourbon rollerball and I might go back and order that later, but I own soooooo maaaaaany perfumes lol.
Weekend plans: a friends birthday party, a barrel aged beer festival, work on the bathroom a little more.
Thing you use to stay positive: reading a book with a happy ending.
Have you tried Nirvana Bourbon yet (in other forms)?
I have one of those tiny free sample bottles.
Haul: Way too much stuff from the Sephora sale. Will be returning some products as the quality isn’t what I expected.
Weekend Plans: Decluttering, organizing and laundry.
Positive: Your weekly Mellan photos always brighten my day. I’m glad you share them with us.
Oh no! Which ones didn’t make the cut, Tatiana?
What are you going to keep?
Haul: VIB Sale: I finally decided to take the plunge and bought the Dyson hair dryer – it should be here on Tuesday!!! 🙂 Also, purchased the Drunk Elephant Pekee and Juju Bar Travel Duo. I bought the other travel size sets at full price before the Rouge sale started and I’m glad I did because they sold out fast.
Weekend plans: Try not to spend any more money since Black Friday is coming up, catch up on some TV shows I missed this week, clean the house, and relax!
Stay Positive: Just found a great site called waitbutwhy.com that is proving to be inspiring to me. Otherwise, listening to upbeat music is extremely soothing and uplifting.
I’m about to go use the Dyson for the first time tonight, LOL!
Make sure you let us know how it goes!
I hope the dryer works well for you! It’s been great for me, with my very long hair and rotator cuff problems.
Thanks! I’m hoping I love it. I played around with the floor model at Ulta before buying but that’s not the same as actually using it. I should’ve washed my hair and driven down there to really test it out. J/K
Let us know how it works out for you!
Mellan’s sweet, gentle face brings joy to me, too. And he’s not even my pet! ?
Haul: This will get updated later on this afternoon!
Weekend plans: Today, it’s the VIB sale! Tomorrow, it’s hair, nails, laundry (?)….Sunday, my meeting.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive? : Prayer. Deep study of Bible. Meditating on its message of hope based on prophecies, promises of something so much better in the future, God’s love for people of ALL races and nationalities. This instills hope in my heart even as very dark times seem to loom up ahead, because I know that He will fix everything in His due time.
Aww! 🙂 Can’t wait to read your update, Nancy!
Just got home with my haul from Sephora!
I bought the very last Estee Edit Gritty & Glow Face & Eye Palettes, Nars Mind Games Velvet Lip Glide Set, Marc Jacobs Blacquer Highliner pencil (HG for tightlining), and my HG daytime face cream FAB Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer. Not much, but definitely enough to keep me busy!
Also wanted to get KVD Mother Studded Lipstick, but the Sephora at Scottsdale Quarter doesn’t have it, so tomorrow if I’m up to it, I’ll go to the one that’s closer to see about getting that.
Nice haul!
Hope you can find Mother in stock!
Yeah, Gritty & Glow! How are you liking it so far?
Julia, it is GORGEOUS! Today I used the deep purple brown in my crease, it smoked out to perfection, then I applied the whitish cheek color mid-lid, then the deep teal blue over all the mobile lid smoked up into the brown a bit. The teal-blue-black color does give some fallout, but is such an unusual shade, that I’m ok with that.
Yes, you’ve got eye, cheek, and lip colors to play with 🙂 I love the FAB Pure Mineral Suncscreen Moisturizer too. I want the Velvet Lip Glide set, but the web site has been out of stock like forever. I like the MJ Fineliner Super-skinny liners for tightlining, have you tried them? I got Blackquer, Code Blue, and (Cinder)ella.
Fran, I had to get my Lip Glide set instore. Nothing online. Besides, I was dying to get my paws on that EE G&G Palette set ever since Christine reviewed it! Today, I search for KVD Studded Kiss in Mother. Hopefully not too close in shade to UD Turn On Revolution lipstick.
I’m going to check my local Sephora on Monday for the lip glide set, and for the G&G palette, see if I can swatch it. I’m not sure the colors are really the best for me, but it looks like such a great palette.
Haul: UD Full Spectrum & Ultimate Basics palettes; Kat von D Metal/Matte palette & Lock-It Foundation in L41 (a wee bit too light, but undertone is *perfect*); NYX Velvet Matte Lipstick in Volcano & Duchess, Matte Lipstick in Haze; e.l.f. Cream Contour Palette (an e.l.f. store just opened in my local mall, so I decided to stop in) & Matte Blush Duo in Soft & Subtle; both NARS/Sara Moon eyeshadow duos, although Indes Galante was left out of the delivery… Sephora is sending it out, as I was charged for it. However, it has taken far too long for my *order” to be processed, and I feel it should have been fulfilled the very next day, with overnight shipping. After a few email exchanges, I was given a $5.95 credit towards a future order, but I won’t be using it anytime soon… I have other shopping options, and this is completely unacceptable. I paid full price for every item in my order, and didn’t wait for the 20% off sale. I also placed an order from ikatehouse for the LA Girl lavender & white concealers & white foundation, and 11 Ruby Kisses lip pencils from a local beauty supply store.
Plans: Not much… More cleaning, taking my daughter to her social skills group, maybe hitting the mall after…
Staying Positive: Accepting the things I can’t change, courage to change the things I can, wisdom to know the difference… I’ll just leave it at that.
I’m sorry to hear you had so much trouble getting one of your orders, Amy!
Haul: Laura Mercier Fall in Love Face Illuminator palette, and a gorgeous cobalt blue Ellen Tracey dress from Nordstrom.
Weekend plans: relax and get some work done around the apartment.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I routinely post community check-ins on Facebook and ask my friends if they did anything nice for themselves or I remind them to be gentle with themselves.
Ellen Tracey dresses are stunning! When do you plan to wear it first (or next)?
Haul: wnw highlights (the square ones) and probably some stuff from the VIB sale
Weekend plans: Boston!
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Backstreet Boys music, bubble baths, sunshine 🙂
Have fun in Boston!
Haul: My Beautylish order came in! Grabbed a Chikuhodo z-4 brush (my first expensive brush!) and a Bioderma Sensibio haul: H20, Mask, Cleansing Milk, Eye Contour Gel, Light Cream, and Rich Cream. Also got the Bioderma Atoderm Restorative Lip Balm and Atoderm PP Baume. On the other hand, bummed that Sephora keeps running out of things I want.
Weekend Plans: Taking it easy. I’ve been sick this entire week and totally sick of resting up.
On Staying Positive: Meditating really helps–I can’t believe I used to think it was just some mystical activity for cults. Journaling and reading/listening to humorous stories or watching comedies also help.
How is the brush working for you, Maggie? Does it live up to the hype (or price)?
Not sure yet, Christine. My first impression is good but I used it on a UD afterglow blush and those practically apply themselves. The bristles are soft, and that was the primary reason I splurged–I had to stop wearing powder blushes bc my other blush brushes were irritating my skin. I don’t know whether this is soft enough for everyday wear (my skin seems to be extra sensitive these days I’m afraid) so I’ll just have to keep test-driving it. I really like the size though–do you have other blush brushes you like with similar softness?
If you like the Z-4, I’d say anything that is squirrel (gray or blue) is probably going to be up your alley. Were your other powder blushes also Japanese brand and/or goat? Or were they MAC brushes? I find my MAC brushes, though goat hair, are considerably less soft than Chikuhodo, Hakuhodo, etc. goat hair. You might like Hakuhodo’s goat/squirrel blends, which are softer than pure goat but more durable than pure squirrel.
Hey Christine–thank you so much for all the helpful tips! I listened to your tip about squirrel hair and ordered a couple Wayne Goss air brushes to check out. The Chikuhodo z-4 I got last week was my first Japanese powder brush. I have a couple Sephora Pro Precision blush brushes plus drugstore brands–all of which are too scratchy to use everyday without irritating my skin. I figured the chikuhodo would be worth the splurge if I could prevent further irritation. I’m going to check out the Hakuhodo goat/squirrel blend next–durability is always good.
Haul: for VIB I stocked on my Dior airflash in 2 shades, treated myself to a Bite mini lip crayon set, and Drunk Elephant lippe. I’m considering placing another order because I want everything from Drunk Elephant! And I was the Foreo Luna. I’m trying not to buy any eyeshadows because my collection is pretty stocked but…
Weekend plans- sleeping in, working out at least once, spending time with my family
What’s one thing you use to stay positive? My cute little siblings who I want to be positive role models for!
Was that your first time trying the Drunk Elephant Lippe?
yes, haven’t tried it yet. But I hear good things. have you?
I haven’t tried it myself!
*waves to Handsome Mellan*
Haul:
ColourPop Ultra Satin Lips:
Barracuda
Alyssa
Femme
Littlestitious
Calypso
ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lips:
Wolfie
Tokyo Tea
Casino
Weho
Master Plan
Bestie
Finders Keepers
MAC, Nutcracker Sweet:
Magic Dust Powder Sweet Vision
Nude Lip Bag
Nude Lipstick Kit
Nude Lip Gloss Kit
Copper and Peach Face Compacts
Smoky, Cool and Warm Eye Compacts
Nude Mineralize Kit
Weekend plans: The usual (cooking, cleaning, relaxing) and wrapping Christmas presents. Every year, I go to my parents house to help my Mom wrap Christmas presents for anyone she ever met, it seems like. She shops throughout the year and doesn’t like to feel like she’s forgotten anyone so buys extras in case she did. I’ll be heading out there every weekend until December to make sure she is ready to go delivering on the 1st of December. My Dad cooks while my mom and I talk and wrap and talk and wrap and talk and wrap. By some miracle if we are finished with the bulk of it on Saturday, I may beg off for Sunday and go to a winery for brunch instead. The weather is just gorgeous – 85 and breezy and I want to enjoy the last dregs of warm weather while I can.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Looking around at my life and where I’m at. I love how simple my life is. Even when it’s hitting the fan or there is this flurry of drama, I’m a bystander or a listener, not an active participant and I get to go home to devoted companionship, a hearty meal and a sturdy glass of red wine.
Whew! Lots of new lip products, I see, Pearl 🙂 What have you worn so far?
You must be an excellent gift wrapper, lol!
I forgot to add:
MAC, Nutcracker Sweet:
Saucy Little Darling
MAC Liptensity:
Doe
Driftwood
Smoked Almond
I didn’t realize it, but lots of lip products, indeed! ? I’ve only worn ColourPop Bestie gloss, MAC Magic Spell lipstick and Tuned In Vamplify (from Nude Lipstick Bag). I’m really liking the Vamplify – I don’t really care for gloss because it can be tacky and glompy, but I like the MAC Patentpolishes and now the Vamplify. So far I also like ColourPop’s glosses (different finishes and coverage from sheer to opaque but none have been tacky or glompy) and a few feel like they have the same consistency and coverage as the Vamplify formula. ☺
I wish Vamplify was permanent! It is a really good gloss formula.
Haul: Shiseido Rouge Rouge lipsticks in Rum Punch and Red Queen, my Colourpop order arrived with November, Ultra Satin, Stain gloss and approximately 47 million new eyeshadows… then I just ordered a whole bunch more Hello Kitty and Holiday stuff, because why not? And now Sephora NZ stocks Guerlain, so I ordered some super ridiculously expensive Superlips balm, a spot treatment and some radiance flash thing and it came with a nifty GWP, so that was nice.
Weekend plans: Recover from a stupidly painful and annoying sinus infection (the steroids make my face feel less like it’s imploding, yay!) and I have brunch plans with a girlfriend on Sunday.
How to stay positive: Sometimes it’s really difficult, especially when you’re going through a long depressive period, the news media is not inspiring, you’re physically ill and mentally worn out, your parent is hospitalised and your brother just lost his job… then you buy a whole bunch of makeup and go out for brunch with a girlfriend! Ha ha!
No, I try and focus on small and meaningful things, like my 4th wedding anniversary (we composed horrible, corny poetry to each other and went out for tapas), I bought some small gifts for my best friends and gave them to them because they are so wonderful and no other reason and last night I had a long, luxurious soak in a bath with my favorite bubbles and a new book.
47 million, eh? LOL!
I hope you feel better soon, CeeBee! That sounds really painful 🙁
Well, 14 at least! I got the Mile High set, even though I already have So Quiche, the Zingara quad (Paradox, swoon!), Muse, Brady, Tang and Amaze. And I just ordered Tinsel, Sleigh and Just Fur Fun as well as four of the new holiday lip products and some more lippie stix/pencils and a couple more of the glosses.
And yes, thank you, I am feeling much better since I started taking antibiotics and prednisone – I couldn’t even eat because of the swelling and pressure in my sinuses made my teeth hurt so much I couldn’t bite down on anything.
That suuuuuuuucked! I went to the doctor the very next day, LOL.
Amaze is a great shade, as is So Quiche – So Quiche being one of the more unique shades in their range, I think.
Sometimes it is just incredible how quickly medicine can act for certain ailments! Glad you are doing better 🙂
Haul: I think all I hauled this week was Nars Creamy Cleanser and some fragrance samples (unless the Estee Edit palette was this week rather than last…). No – wait – I also picked up another bottle of Becca Backlight Priming Filter and a points sample of the Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack. And I picked up some root cover-up spray because my hairdresser is on vacation til the middle of the first week in December! EEK
Weekend plans: a friend coming to stay and we’re going out for belated birthday dinner and to do some shopping at an outlet mall that has a L’Occitane boutique and I can’t wait to go there and stock up.
One think I use to stay positive: sometimes, it’s yoga but most of the time, it’s just thinking about what a great life I have – a husband I still really love and who makes me feel positive, 3 good kids, a fun job that I mostly love…
Nicely done, Mariella! What root cover-up spray do you like?
I went and got myself Mac Kingdom of sweets lipstick from the new nutcracker sweet collection! I love it! And Mac extradimension highlighter in soft frost- it’s my new favourite, use so much it’s like setting my foundation! And also got Mac bright pink blush but it came in an eyeshadow container.
My weekend plans are hospital appointments, not so fun so I definitely needed the makeup!
To stay positive I have my cat, my boyfriend and makeup
So glad to hear you’re loving your new lipstick, Phoebe! 🙂
Haul: Physician’s Formula Bronzer Booster in Medium to Dark, Revlon Cream Eyeshadow pot in 705, Revlon tinted lip balm in Strawberry, Wet n Wild Gold Bar highlighter, Wet n Wild Locopotion lipgloss
I haven’t seen/heard anyone talk about either Revlon products. They’re new, and I’ve only seen them at CVS and a random Rite Aid. Even when I Google the products, I don’t see them!
Weekend plans: Went out to lunch for my husband’s free Veteran’s Day meal at Red Robin, lol. Other than that, just laundry, schoolwork, and church on Sunday!
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Hmm… I usually ask my sister-in-law for pictures of my boisterous nephews whenever I’m feeling down. Those boys just aren’t even right sometimes, lol, so they always make me giggle.
How is the Wet ‘n’ Wild highlighter, Joyce?
I haven’t stopped by a drugstore in a bit – sounds like I need to check them out!
The texture isn’t as soft/creamy as I thought it would be. This actually helps it not have so much kick-back though. It’s almost like gliding your fingers across smooth styrofoam, if that makes sense. But the application and result are beautiful!
I typically don’t care for gold highlighters, but this has a slightly muted quality which I like.
This is kind of off-topic, but I was at Ulta the other day and a Pure Nude highlighter was chipped off on the bottom. It looked like the top 30% was the highlighter you see on top, but the bottom 70% was a much darker natte tan. Has anyone seen this happen?
That is weird! I haven’t, but I have so rarely seen the bottom half of a powder, LOL!
Haul: My Sephora VIB sale items (well, the first batch! whoops!) came in: Marc Jacobs Epic Noir Mascara & Gel Eyeliner set, Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo blush in Flesh & Fantasy, a replacement of my Urban Decay Naked Skin concealer, the Sephora Favorites Ready Set Style styling spray set, the Origins Bestsellers kit, Nars Translucent Crystal pressed setting powder, and a point perk of the Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm. I also got the VIB Rouge renewal gift of the Nars Goulue blush sample. I have been waiting for this sale to buy a lot of these items on my wish list and am pretty looking forward to trying everything. Still waiting on my second, more impulsive and splurgey purchase to get shipped.
Weekend plans: Going to a sneak peek of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them tomorrow. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so I’m very excited!
Staying positive: I find that music and reading can strongly influence my mental and emotional state, so I’ll pick up a book or put on an upbeat playlist to get me out of a funk. Also, I find when I go to work and get to see the students I teach, they help make my outlook more positive and hopeful.
Nice VIB haul, Dianne! What are you most looking forward to trying that isn’t a restock?
The only new things to me are Marc Jacobs blush, the Nars blush in Goulue, and the styling sprays from the Sephora Favorites set. I love both the blushes so far! I can see Goulue becoming a go-to winter blush shade and the MJ will be great all year long. So far I’ve only tried the Drybar Detox dry shampoo from the spray set and it doesn’t live up to the hype, IMO. I will be going back to my Amika dry shampoo once I’ve used the Detox up.
Bummer that Drybar’s dry shampoo isn’t doing it for you!
Haul:
ASOS (30% off): Paul & Joe Warner Brothers Limited Edition Compact Case (Tom & Jerry and Tweetie Pie Loony Tunes), Paul & Joe Warner Brothers Limited Edition Powder Case (Tom & Jerry). I really wanted these when they were released but so expensive for the compacts and the refills. ASOS did a discount so I scooped them up
Besame Cosmetics (20% off): Cerise and Red Masterline Lip Pencil, 1938 Crimson Cream Rouge, 1941 Victory Red Lipstick Special Edition 2016. I cannot say enough good about these.
B-Glowing (20% off): Paul & Joe Beaute Pressed Powder Face Refill (Shade 01), Powder Cheek Blush Refill (01 Secret D’or and 02 Re-Belle), Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton. They are holding shipping bc the Secret D’Or is out of stock. It’s supposed to arrive in 2 weeks. I’m a little annoyed bc with their snail mail shipping, I won’t have my order until at least December. I sent a message asking if I could switch to a shade in stock and they didn’t reply. i tried calling and it rolls to voice mail – they didn’t return my call.
ColourPop: Holiday 2016 – Shadows (Tinsel and Sleigh), Ultra Glossy Lip (Nonsense). Just shipped.
Sephora (20% off): Bésame Cosmetics Mini Lipstick Set, Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton (2), Ciaté London Wonderwand Gel-kohl Eyeliner Pencil (Champagne). I am so done with Sephora. 6 days to ship. Yes, I get that they’re having a sale, but really?
TJ Maxx: W7 Liquid Eyeliner (Blackest Black) and Lightly Toasted Eye Colour Palette (Natural Nudes), Prestige pack of 12 mascara wands, Earth Therapeutics Cracked Heel Repair, Boscia Tsubaki Oil-Infused Exfoliating Powder. Tried the W7 palette today and it’s pretty good.
Ulta (Sales, $3.50 off coupon, and points – total order cost me $4.48): Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Salvation Eyeshadow Palette and Welcome to the Pleasuredome Salvation Eyeshadow Palette (Buy one get one 50% off), Nip + Fab Exfoliate Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads and Glycolic Instant Fix Mask (Buy one get one 40% off), Nyx Illuminator (Enigmatic). I should have this Saturday.
Urban Decay (1/2 price sale): Good Karma Brushes – Optical Blurring, Blush, Shading, 11 samples (GWP)
Weekend plans: Spent the day running errands and having lunch with my daughter today. Not sure about the rest of the weekend yet.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Makeup (LOL). Gee, IDK. I just keep pushing forward, it’s part of who I am.
Nice haul as usual, Michele!
Wow, six days? I ordered on Friday, but everything was here on Tuesday, and then two others on Wednesday 🙁
🙂 Doesn’t include any of the non-makeup either *hangs head in shame* Although I did finally get my first pair of Irregular Choice shoes and my first pair of Chucks (x Andy Warhol) this week so kind of excited about that.
Totally disappointed with Sephora. Of course I’m Rouge but yes, 6 days to ship and I won’t have the order until next week. I am going to try to figure out how I can use up the 10,400 points I have. Problem is, most of the rewards that are actually available are things I already have. (Like the new UD 500 pt reward is decent but I have all the shades.)
I wonder if there was an item that held up the order at all – I am assuming you probably placed your order pretty early on! I placed one right after midnight on 11/4, received that on the 8th, and then I placed another order late on the 4th (well past any shipping time cut off) and another on the 5th, and those came on the 9th.
A beautiful picture of Mellon
Haul: I ordered the Lorac Rose Pro Metal palette and it has arrived – completely fabulous. A stunning palette.
Priceline – our budget beauty shop here in Aus. had a deal – buy $65 worth of products from the shop – and receive a free big bag of goodies: cleansers, moisturisers, masks, hand creams etc. Great brands and a really good deal.
Weekend plans: We are looking after our grand children today as their mum and dad are going to a wedding. So lots of parks, play and general busyness.
Tomorrow I am going to the Natio factory outlet (invitation only) to purchase some of their great deals as Christmas presents.
Staying Positive: Easy answer for me: my two darling grand children Olivia and Lachlan.
Ah! Thank goodness you were able to get your hands on the Pro Metal palette, Genevieve!
Yep, I am a happy girl!
Hi Genevieve! Just curious: how did you manage to order Lorac to Australia? Auspost Shopmate or something else?
There is an Australian based online retailer MYQT that has all of Lorac’s products, plus other brands and they will ship to you with Australian Post shipping prices. Very reliable and they have Paypal.
Thank you 🙂
Haul: Sephora sale haul! I was shopping for three people with a list and my memory is a blur! I was pleased with how well stocked my local Sephora was today, nothing was sold out!
Weekend plans: Today I shopped at Sephora! Tomorrow I am hosting a women’s meetup. Sunday I’m not sure yet!
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I really love reading the books of Brené Brown or my favorites by her. I also like to read uplifting poetry.
Woohoo! It’s nice when you have a plan, and you can stick with it, too!
Haul: Took advantage of the sale at Sephora today! I finally finished the last of my first foundation – it was Mac Mineralize – and wanted to branch out, so got MUFE Ultra UD. Also managed to grab the Nars Mind Game Velvet Lip Glide Set!
Weekend: Catching up with work
Staying positive: What a great question for this week! I try to engage with community around me and to find and give support. Also, watched Batkid Begins: The Making of SFBatKid on Netflix, which is an excellent reminder to have faith in people 🙂
It is great to rely on the community for support! I think that many successful people have strong support systems!
Haul: I just placed my Sephora order for the VIB sale right after midnight last night (this morning actually)! I got Lancome Grandiose mascara (my fave), Surratt blush in Peau de Peche, Bumble & Bumble Don’t Blow it, Benefit Gimme Brow, Shiseido Rose Crush lipstick and Pinrose fragrance Treehouse Royal.
Weekend plans: we have visitors this weekend with a baby!
One thing to stay positive: think about the people that I love.
Nice! 🙂 Glad you got your order in. Peau de Peche is so pretty!
HAUL: Did a lot of damage between Nordstrom last weekend and Sephora VIB today. Nordstrom: NARS Sarah Moon True Story blush palette; Chanel blush in Hyperfresh
Sephora: Burberry Fresh Glow foundation in 01 Porcelain; Josie Maran Vibrancy foundation in Dynamic; Bite Beauty lipstick in Mistletoe; First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream; two brushes from Sephora Collection
WEEKEND: probably go to the mall and do my Xmas hitup of Victoria’s Secret
POSITIVITY: this is a huge challenge for me… for me, I feel like the best thing I do for myself is moisturize every morning. Even if it’s been a rock bottom awful day at least that was one good thing I did.
have you had a chance to try the Burberry Fresh Glow yet, Allison?
I have not! A MUA at Sephora swatched it on me when I was hunting for a foundation that was fair enough (a struggle, haha) and at the time I thought it was dewy and lovely. Having purchased the bottle I see that it has shimmer in it which I’m not thrilled about, but am willing to give it a go because of the light shade and lack of sunscreen (only has octinoxate, and no titanium dioxide, which I suspect is what is causing my blush to oxidize on my face, so I have orange patches instead of pretty color!). Long story longer, I have good hopes and will update you soon 🙂
Haul: Besamé mini lip set. So lovely, I’m impressed with the colours!
Weekend plans: My fiancé is collecting on behalf of Poppy Scotland so he’s busy tomorrow. I’m going to pick up my beauty calendar from Marks and Spencer, it was free with a £35 purchase, I’m looking forward to opening it every day in the run up to Christmas. Last year I had a massive one from Look fantastic, it was amazing. I didn’t have the money to get it again this year before it sold out but the M&S calendar is supposed to be good.
What’s one thing I use to stay positive? I cuddle my cat, the soft fur and purring is very comforting. If I’m really upset about something and can’t stop crying, I play a computer game until I calm down, it takes my mind off things. It could be a point and click adventure or an escape game. It helps me focus on the here and now.
Yay! So happy to hear you’ve loving the Besame set, Claire 😀
Haul: Wayne came, from ‘lish. Got eye set and 14. 14 blends and lifts eyeshadow, and I’ve been using it with old light shimmer shadows for offbeat highlighter. Enough stash to realize I don’t need to fall for highlighter, in any shade…though so many are terrific now. Plans:ssdw, catch up on season change/housework: when you change the whole color scheme, there’s a lot more work than just taking out/putting away clothes. It’s rugs, canisters, couch covers, everything. Positive:even when things are dreadful, which they certainly can be, I always start smiling and singing to my Jussi dog, long before I get home. He’s lying on my horizontal lap as I type. Found lost Lolita, but Jussi then stretched out to the table, and chewed the cap to Russian red. So, he can be as exasperating as loving. It’s just so nice to have anyone get so thoroughly excited to see you, even if he supervises my every move and gets anxious if I leave him with anyone, even for a second. FYI: while cruising an indie blog, I found 2 Etsy shops that might interest readers. Mini Mint and Another Soul. They make magnetic palettes. Note that the double sides face inward, with a divider, unlike Zs, where the pans face out. Many pretty designs, and it is always good to support artisans over big business.
Wayne Goss brushes are so nice! Hope you’re enjoying your eye set a lot!
I always want to decorate more each season/around holidays, but I know what you mean by the level of work to do so – pulling everything out for Christmas (and then putting it away) is half-chore!
LOVE the Goss 14 brush – I thought i would just need it for my super-pigmented blushes but it’s become my go-to for almost all of them.
I just bought #14 and I’m blown away. Putting it, the #2 and the Air Brush through some testing to pick out 1 for my mother-in-law for Christmas. (I’m also surprising her the VIB x EL Modern Mercury highlighter.)
Those are all fabulous choices! Modern Mercury is just gorgeous. You are a good daughter-in-law 🙂
I’m planning on picking up the Air Brush this time around. I passed on it during the first release but I kind of regretted it… his brushes are just so quality!
Haul: Sephora VIB Rouge sale: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet in Second Skin (506), Jack Black Hand Healer (as recommended on this site!), Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol 4 EVER Gorgeous Collection (based on Wendy’s recommendation & Katherine’s praise); Tom Ford lip foil in Sea Dragon (gorgeous plum metallic) and Tom Ford Eye & Cheek Palette in Warm (I’m in love!); from Beautylish Gift Card sale: 3 Charlotte Tilbury lip pencils, Wayne Goss brushes #2, #14, #16, and #18, RCMA powder.
Weekend: Finish putting away summer/early fall clothes; attend symphony on Saturday, watch NFL on Sunday.
Staying positive: Certainly having a pet makes you stay in the moment. My cat meows to be petted, he likes to sleep over my legs, and I smile watching him play. Being outside and taking in the fall scenery or going to the symphony to listen to beautiful music keeps my thoughts in the present and positive.
You are a cutie, Mellan!! Have a great weekend, everyone!
I forgot to mention that I picked up Nars Rigel at the VIB Rouge sale; and purchased, at a discount Bobbi Brown retouching wand, illuminating pencil, and 2 long-wear shimmer eyeliners (they’re new and have great lasting power).
I love Rigel!
Yay!!?
I keep a big ol’ bottle of Hand Healer on my night stand! 🙂
Have you had a chance to try the Lip Magnet yet?
I have a feeling that this may be the one hand cream that stands up to a cold winter! You and your followers helped me discover it!
I’ve worn the Lip Magnet a few times. The applicator is very precise and easy to use. Initial application is opaque with a high shine and buildable. The lipstick is transferable, which dulls the shine but the remaining stain looks good and has lasting power (is a wee bit patchy but not noticeable; looks full coverage). I found the stain a tad drying, so applied a lipgloss over the stain, which returned it to an opaque, high shine lip color. A good buy for a liquid lipstick. Look forward to your review, Christine!!
Fingers crossed for ya, Tracey! 🙂 My husband is also a fan of Kiehl’s hand cream.
Thanks for the early review on Lip Magnet!!
Haul: Lookfantastic Advent 2016 calendar, which is a haul in itself. I checked all the products before buying because mystery boxes just aren’t for me
Weekend plans: Oh the usual, cook, clean, grocery and maybe catch a movie
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: I need help with this. I’m struggling with negativity lately and sometimes really need support for snapping out of it.
Advent calendars are always fun! 🙂
Hopefully some of readers’ answers will help you find a way to stay more positive, Wajiha!
Yes! positivity breeds positivity so to speak. Really thankful for an incorrigibly positive husband. He helps at times, infuriates at others, but is always there 😀
Haul: MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Toast and Butter, and Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow in Solstice.
Weekend plans: Having a new boiler fitted, and going to work.
Staying positive: Being happy with what I’ve got rather than longing for what I don’t have.
Ooh, Solstice! How do you intend to wear that one?
Mellans nose is very kissable! Sweet boy!
Haul, I have been so bad. This was supposed to be a no buy year. ROFLOL Yeah, sure!
So, here goes:
I got the Swedish MUA Linda Hallbergs Infinity palette, it’s a palette where you can use all products as eyeshadows, blushes, highlighters, contouring and even on lips. It has 8 pans, 4 matte, 4 shimmery, 4 of them are cool, the other 4 warm. All colours are builadable. I’m not about to review it, but can say it’s OK, I’d take it with me for a weekend if I had to really narrow down what I could bring.
The other stuff are possibly more well known internationally 🙂
From bh cosmetics, the Foil Eyes palette, lipgloss in Galaxy Chic, lipstick in Berry Bite, eyebrow pencil in Brunette and the Pride+Prejudice+Zombies palette as a gift.
From Chanel eyeliner in Eros.
From ABH, tthe Modern Renaissance palette.
And from Estée Lauder lipgloss in Flirtatious Magenta and, and I know I said I wouldn’t, but I did, the Victoria Beckham eyeshadow palette. I think this is the palette that I will compare every eyeshadow with, and they will all come short, at least until all brands have something as soft, dense, pigmented and easy to use. I love it and I’m actually so happy I fell for it when I saw it in person. I had thought they’d be sold out and I was really looking for the Glam and Gritty palette (not sure that is what it’s called) they didn’t have it, and had never even heard of it.
I do like the bh products a lot, and they are so inexpensive, I love ABH MR, Eros is lovely. EL is always EL, and the quality sure is there with the gloss.
It doesn’t look like a lot, but some of the products are of the more costly type, and in this case so worth the splurge. I feel I could talk about this haul forever, but am goint to stop now.
Weekend plans, doing the laundry and I need to do a lot of household chores. they seem neverending.
To stay positive, I spend time with Stubbs, the schnauzer, my lovley stubborn sweet dog. I also listen to music, I like a lot of various kinds of music, so it depends on my mood what I chose. Sometimes I play Diablo (PC game) mostly if I’m angry.
Maybe try a low-buy, which may be easier for you to stick to! 🙂
You and Fran both got the Victoria Beckham palette this week! It is a really nice one, and I’m glad you are loving it nonetheless 🙂
OMG, so you got Chanel Eros too! Yay!! I was even worse, I got a backup, and so did Wwendy. I blame it on her 😉 But it’s so unique and goes so well with ABH Modern Renaissance. I swatched that Victoria Beckham shadow kit in store, so beautiful, but I was already dropping a bundle on Modern Mercury. As for BH Cosmetics, I highly recommend their Party Girl Eyeliners, I have all colors except the green, I can get +12-16 hrs wear on my super oily lids. Anyways, sounds like a great haul, enjoy!
Aw, Mellan you’re always effortlessly gorgeous. <3
Haul: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Troublemaker. E.l.f.: Lip Lacquers in Purple, Bold Pink, and Burgundy; Original Mist & Set; HD Powder in Sheer; Beautifully Bare Lip Brush; two eye crease brushes.
Weekend plans: Saturday, I'm taking my sons and their best friends to see Dr. Strange.
What’s one thing you use to stay positive?: Listen to music
Yay! Troublemaker!!
Mellan looks so sweet in this picture!
It’s nice to read what everyone got in this huge sale in Sephora-country! As for me I didn’t buy anything last week, which is a good thing, hahaha! Last week I got myself a new powder from Mac, my winter color of the prolongwear pressed powder. I love these powders: they have an amazing coverage (for a powder) and they do not look powdery at all on the skin, even if you apply more layers.
Weekend plans: the weekend’s almost over but it’s really good so far!
What helps me staying positive: knowing that you cannot always be positive. ?Sometimes you need some time to be a bit sad or angry. Besides that there are so many things that make me smile… It can be the yellow autumn leaves or some kid on the street, or the knowledge from sri sri ravi shankar or reading litterature, working out, good company, my yoga teachers ❤️
Well-said, Ouinque! We do need to take time to acknowledge other feelings and let them take their course – it is OK to be sad or angry or even just… being without feeling particularly happy or sad!
Hahahaha! That’s so true: just being is quite good!