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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #383
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: Hakuhodo brushes in S133Bk, S5523BBk, S5521BBk, S127Bk; Smashbox Liquid Lipsticks
- Weekend plans: I need to wash my makeup brushes, tidy up my vanity and desk, and deal with tax prep!
- What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Makeup!
This week's doggo photo/video...
Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!
Haul: No makeup this week, but I did buy a bottle of Guerlain Terracotta perfume. It smells like a tropical vacation and I love it!
Weekend plans: My husband has the weekend off, so we are going to have some fun together time 🙂
What’s your favorite creative outlet? Makeup, photography, and now my bath bomb hobby!
Enjoy your weekend with your husband, Julia! 🙂
Enjoy your week off!
Bath bombs? That sounds awesome! So you gift self made bath bombs to all your friends?
I will be! I am already imaging the cute gift baskets I can make for Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, etc. 🙂 They are so easy – if you are interested you should definitely give it a try!
Enjoy your time with your husband, it’s great when you can go out and relax together.
<3 Mellan
Haul:
Beautyhabit: Paul & Joe (Cleansing Gel – 2, LE Gel Foundation Compact Case, Gel Foundation Refill – 101, Eye and Lip Makeup Remover – 2, Moisturizing Foundation Primer, TokyoMilk Dark Lip Elixer – Coco Noir, Binchotan Charcoal Face Scrub Towel – 2, Full-size Au Pays de la Fleur d'Oranger Neroli Blanc Eau de Parfum (GWP). As you know, love me some Paul & Joe. Curious to try their new cleanser – order arrives today.
Besame: Violet Brightening Powder Compact, Decades of Fragrance: 1930, Sweetheart Glaze (Grape, Cherry). Love the violet powder for under my eyes and that vintage style compact is to die for! Also, trying their fragrance series…. Order arrives early next week.
Blue Mercury: Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish
Estee Lauder: Metallishadow Creme + Powder (Light Speed). After the Tom Ford fail, I realized I needed to stick with what works. I think this shade is only available from the EL site as I didn't see it on Sephora.
Gerard Cosmetics (30% off): Party Pout Bundle (Lipstick in Kiss & Tell, Hydra-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Strawberry Fields. Supreme Lip Crème in Electric Rose), Color Your Smile Essentials Bundle (Super Booster Teeth Whitening Pen, Lip Gloss in Wild Orchid, Lipstick in Sangria), Lip Pencil in Immortal, Lip Pencil in Cher (GWP). Loved the discount on top of bundle pricing! Their lipsticks and lip pencils are really great.
KatVonD (20% off): Metal Crush Eyeshadow (Static Age, Black NO. 1, Danzig). Wanted to take advantage of the discount and never got around to ordering these metallics from Sephora.
Lime Crime: Hi-Lite (opals), Matte Velvetines (prairie) – GWP.
Osswald: Montale Oudmazing Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz. I had gotten a sample of this with my last order and loved it.
Saks (10% off): Armani – Power Fabric Foundation (2), Ecstasy Lacquer Lip Gloss (Uptown 501). I like the ecstasy glosses so figured I'd add another shade since I had the discount. Wanted to try the foundation. Just ordered this but I got free overnight shipping as well so should have it soon.
Sephora: FARSALI Unicorn Essence. I had to find out what the fuss was about. 😉
Ulta (Used rewards to order cost me $10.60): Giorgio Armani Sun di Gioia Eau de Parfum, Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Lipstick (Mauve Squad), Smashbox 5 piece GWP
Urban Decay (20% off): 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil (69), Nail Color (Instinct, Magnet), Vice Lipstick (69)Again, couldn't let the discount just go so I ordered some classic shades.
The Vamp Stamp: VINK Eyeliner Ink, VERGE Angle Brush. I had pre-ordered this at Thanksgiving and it was finally ready to ship (and pay for). I should have this early next week.
Too Faced: Blinded by the Light (Love Light), Chocolate Brow-Nie (Deep Brown). I swore I wasn't going to buy from this collection but I'm weak – LOL. I wanted to try another brow pencil and this seemed like a reasonable choice. I don't know how that highlighter ended up in my cart….tricks!
Weekend plans: Do my nails. IDK, it's been a cray busy week at work might just chillax.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Makeup of course!
Montale perfumes are interesting – so many that I’ve tried are such heavy hitters!
So surprised you didn’t already have all the Metal Crush shadows, haha 😉
I know – I was slacking!
I’d like to give a heads-up to any of your readers that ordered during the Too Faced release. Check the site to be sure your order has not been placed On Hold. I logged in to check the status of mne (placed at 4 am yesterday) only to discover it was On Hold. I called and was told that Too Faced uses a third party and they place orders on hold either randomly, like mine, or because the order is too large and for other reasons. They removed the hold off of my $53 order but of course now the processing and shipping has been delayed. (It was my first and most likely last order directly fro the site because of this nonsense.)
Yeppp, that is what mine said, and I canceled it. They said that even though I paid for overnight, it might not ship until mid-week or later!!
I am so shocked that TF would engage in that kind of interference with legitimate orders. I’ve now heard from a number of other friends, some outside the US, who also had their orders placed on hold! While security is certainly important, simply randomly holding customers’ orders is a poor business practice IMO. As of this morning, more than 48 hours after I ordered early, my order still has not processed.
When I spoke to Too Faced CS via phone, the woman on it said that they were already behind before they launched the new collection – and that orders were 3-4 days behind, at least. She said that On Hold often is related to an item being out of stock to me. I ordered the palette + the new liquid lipsticks (I already purchased the highlighters via Sephora), so while not a small order, it wasn’t that big (IMO). I think something similar happened re: Sweet Peach – where some who ordered via TF direct did not get their items very quickly!
Christine, just got back from Ulta and all 4 girls I talked to that ordered had their orders put on hold too!
WOW! That’s terrible 🙁
Oudmazing is an interesting woody floral musk. It’s a complex scent that isn’t too overbearing and is fairly different than traditional ouds.
You always have the best hauls girl! I am been curious about that unicorn essence too. Please let us know if you like or not. Thanks!
Tammy – I posted my swatches this morning. I plan on testing it as a serum/primer today and will report back. (I also responded to Julia – below – sorry I saw her post first.)
RE: FARSALI Unicorn Essence… what is IS all of the fuss about? I’m curious but to me it seemed to claim to do too many things.
Hahahahaha, right?! Apparently it can also do the laundry and your weekly grocery shopping! 😉 Seriously, I posted my swatches of it this morning and plan to actually test it today. I plan to first try it as a serum/primer by skipping my regular serum, moisturizer, and primer this morning. Tomorrow I may test it as a highlighter and/or eyeshadow primer. I’ll report back.
Yeah this just sounded too good to be true when the first product posts where done over a month ago. I’m all for a primer that makes my skin feeling less dry after using it. 😉
I used Unicorn Essence Saturday and Sunday as serum/primer (I skipped my regular serum, moisturizer, and primers). I used it under 2 different foundations: Paul & Joe Gel foundation and Armani Power Fabric foundation. The essence has a soft, sweet smell almost like cotton candy which dissipates pretty quickly. It applies more like a serum than a primer in that it works best patted on. It gave a healthy radiance to both foundations without appearing oily or shiny. Both foundations played well with it. I had no issues with longevity as everything lasted all day. In the evening when I washed up, my skin was soft even before applying my regular skincare. It did not cause my skin to breakout as some primer, especially those that contain minerals or silicone, do. So while it didn’t take care of cleaning my house this weekend, I’m pretty happy with it.
Some serious hauling!
Haul: Tarte’s new Color Splash Lipstick in Vacay. Picked it up at my local Sephora — many thanks to the lovely associate who brought the box of lipsticks out for me to play with, even though they weren’t on display yet. The formula is nice, reminds me of the UD Comfort Matte, which is what I was hoping for. I can see picking up a couple more — 5 o’clock and Cruisin — and need to go play with them again because there are probably 3-4 others I might get.
Weekend plans: fun with the kids for much of the weekend, having some friends over for dinner Sunday night. Hopefully hitting the gym at least once.
Creative outlet: cooking!
So nice of the SA to bring out the lipsticks for you to try! 🙂
She seemed really excited to play with them too!!
Haul: SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain in 30 Sea Mist and 31 Siren Song, I also want to get 29 Dark Forest but it’s been sold out since the launch of the new shades. Also …. 30 Sea Mist is a dupe to Jeffree Stars Jawbreaker…..
Weekend plans: Same, work, resume, and sculpting.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: sculpting in general, cosplay as it included sculpting, and makeup. I’m not a huge fan of sewing because I don’t know how to draft patterns that well mathematically but I always like the end results. lol
How are those lipsticks? Do they go on pretty smoothly?
They do! They have the same cream consistency as the rest of the Cream Lip Stains I own and dry down transfer proof.
I do have to go over them again while still wet to get the colour even and opaque but one application is all I need. The shade 30 Sea Mist is slightly thicker but I’m not surprised because Mr. Blonde (colourpop) and Jawbreaker are also REALLY thick because of the colour used but this one feels thinner by comparison of those two.
heart eyes, heart eyes at Mellan
Haul: Nothing this week
updated on the new WNW foundation/powder – it’s fantastic for the price (ps 40% off at Rite Aid this week). I tested in on an airport day, and it stayed on for over 12 hours through being frazzled.
Weekend plans: Trying to recover from Vegas, and heading to DC. I’m praying that the snow does not follow me.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: I’ve been doing a lot of doodles and designing in my bullet journal. It’s been really fun.
So glad to hear that the new WNW foundation is going well! 12 hours is crazy!
It’s chilly here in DC. Bring some warm clothes!
Monica, if you’re going to be around here (DC) tonight/tomorrow – be warned – we’re about to get 8-12 inches of snow!
Love the pic of Mellan. I am so excited to see your reviews of the Hakuhodo brushes.
Haul: Anastasia Nicole Guerriero palette (love!!!) and Juvia’s Place Nubian II and Masquerade Mini palettes.
Weekend plans: My daughter is in the hospital right now. She is 36 weeks pregnant, the baby dropped last week, and now she has strangulated veins in her pelvic region. She is in pain and doctor has not yet made a decision on what they will do. I am hoping to go out for a meal and movie with my husband. My 20 year old son and I are making pad Thai, one of our favorite dishes!
Favorite creative outlet: Applying my make up and putting together outfits.
Oh, your poor daughter! I hope they can figure out a good solution that keeps her and baby comfortable and healthy!
Tammy — good luck with your daughter’s situation, sounds stressful
Hope all is well with your daughter. Keep us posted. That baby boy may be making an appearance sooner than later! xoxo
Linda, she had stangulated varicose veins that had to be surgically removed last night. Because she is pregnant, they did it with local instead of full anesthesia. She could go into labor anytime but we are all hoping he stays in a couple more weeks.
Fingers crossed she’s feeling some relief now and baby stays in for a little longer!
Wow, that sounds like it hurts so much. Sounds like baby is good to bake a little longer, which is wonderful. But so sorry your daughter had to go through that. The end of pregnancy is hard enough as it is, but to add pain and worry on top of it — ugh. Stress. So glad things are good.
I hope your daughter is feeling better following this surgery and that this will allow for the pregnancy to continue without issue. Fingers crossed!
I really hope Tammy that your daughter and the baby are fine soon – the medical staff are probably doing all kinds of tests and I hope they have reduced her pain. I am thinking and praying for you all.
Thank you for your prayers, Genevieve.
Oh no! I know that’s not fun for your daughter, Tammy. Even though my son was my first birth, he dropped way sooner than his younger sister. Like at only 30 weeks. The pressure! And in a spot where one doesn’t want it! Hopefully her Doc and her will come to a decision that works out for her and the baby.
Nancy, they had to be taken out last night. Baby is still inside and we are hoping Lea can come home later today.
What an ordeal for your daughter! I just read your comment above about them taking the veins out. Hoping that from here on, she has smooth sailing. And at least a few more weeks, so she can recover from this. ?
Oh no, so sorry to hear your daughter is in pain, and treatment options are probably complicated by her pregnancy. Wishing her and the baby a fast and safe delivery.
Juvia’s, yes, Someday… Prayers for your daughter. That sounds excruciating and dangerous. Hope whatever medical decision is made has has a super outcome for mom and baby.
Sending the best for your daughter.
Isn’t Masquerade incredible! How do you like Nubian? I haven’t gotten that one yet.
Michelle, both Juvia’s Place palettes look amazing but I am trying to keep my fingers out of them until I decide WHO they are for. I bought them as a gift but I didn’t expect them to look so good. If I can’t control myself, I will have to buy more as gifts!
I had swatched Masquerade before wearing it. It swatched like a dream and wore just as well. I was considering going back for Nubian. For the price I think they’re a steal. And really the “mini” palettes are just as large as other brands’ regular ones!
Thank you for your impressions, Michelle. You’re making it harder for me to resist. I just got two new palettes in the mail yesterday so that will distract me at least a few minutes?
I wish they had more selection available. They seem to have their formula down, unlike larger brands, and it would be nice to have more to pick from.
What a sweet, sweet face Mellan has.
Haul: Hourglass Lip Stylo in Believer; UD eyeshadow single in Spike (what a great texture, so smooth); Sephore eyeshadow in a gentle pink shimmer (cannot remember the name).
Weekend: Haven’t decided… my pilates class was just canceled so now I have much more open time than usual and want to do something interesting, but on other hand we have a weather event — possible snow — coming.
Most creative outlet: First is my profession — business communications, I’ve always found it such a creative space for all 30+ years I’ve been in it; second, my house — love to explore color schemes, layouts, styles.
Spike is NICE! I wish all UD eyeshadows were that good, haha!
It is awesome to hear that your profession has been your outlet!
Haul: Nada. Think I’m set for a bit. I did buy a lot last week. Need some time to appreciate everything I got.
Weekend Plans: Nothing much, been looking for a different car, going to go talk my way into a car today, I hope. lol
Creative Outlet: Makeup, although lately I have been doing the same look or just about the same look for work everyday.
What products have you used from your haul last week so far, Lacey?
Good luck on the car! 🙂
HAUL: Tried a few NYX base products. Pot concealer, which I’m quite happy with. New shade “Alabaster” isn’t quite as pale as my Nars Chantilly, but it works for the areas of my face that are darker (toward the center). Under eye peach corrector, which is very good! I don’t have under eye circles, I actually had to go buy this stuff to cover a bruise (or hickey!) I got from one of those at-home microdermabrasion face vacuum things–be careful with those! But it covered like a champ and lasted over 12 hours with KVD foundation. It comes in, I think, 4 colors (at least) for fair – dark skin so that’s nice. I also picked up color correctors in yellow and green for the heck of it, but haven’t tried them yet.
Oh no! Your poor face 🙁 Hope your bruise heals up soon!
Haul: Nothing, but I’m going to the mall this weekend with the hubby!
Weekend: Friday night staying in and making a thai rice dish, Saturday morning will be an early showing of Logan and then lunch at Nordstrom (hubbies request). Hopefully, some light shopping too. Then on to Sunday which will probably be our normal run for food shopping and then lounging.
Fave creative outlets: painting, writing, singing, dancing, and cooking.
How fun! My husband just saw Logan – hope you like it! 🙂
Haul: Nothing this week, but I got Juvia’s Place and Ulta orders last week. I’ve been trying to buy as little as possible starting this month, but technically all of this was ordered at the end of Feb!
Juvia’s Place – Masquerade Mini and Nubian 2
Ulta – NYX Glitter Primer, NYX STFU eyeshadow single, NYX eye makeup remover, Yes to Coconuts Micellar Water, UD Naked lipgloss in Nooner (which didn’t look like I expected, but it’s not bad), Too Faced Baby Love, and two NYX Duochromatic Illuminating Powders (both of which came intact!) – Snow Rose and Twilight Tint.
Weekend plans: Mainly to drop off my recycling before my back porch starts looking like something out of Hoarders and get out of the house with the kids sometime Saturday. Also trying to get to the gym.
Favorite creative outlet: Makeup at the moment.
YAY for intact NYX powders!!
I got the same Juvia’s Place palettes as you! If they apply as well as they swatch, they are going to be very nice. Have you ever used eyeshadows from Juvia’s Place, Stephanie? If so, what are your thoughts?
I love them so far! They’re easy to blend and the colors are beautiful.
Haul: Some Illamasqua I bought on sale, including (be still my heart) ESP. I think I’m going to have that one turned into a custom lipstick–lovely color, very comfortable, could be a little more opaque. (Not impressed by the brand, but it was a cheap way to learn a few things.)
Weekend plans: write sales copy with my cat on my lap, ride my bike (I slacked off over the winter and got soft), spend time with my hubby.
Creative outlet: Hmmm…
ESP! How fun 🙂
Haul: First Aid Beauty eye gel; Leahlani skin serum, butter
Weekend: Just on baby countdown! One more week to go (give or take)!
Creative outlet: upcycling/rehabbing furniture. I don’t do it often, but when I start those projects I get lost for hours with no sense of time.
You’re so close!!
So excited for you! Wishing you a happy, healthy baby! 🙂
Haul: My low buy is continuing strong. I did pick up a couple of eye shadows from Nabla Cosmetics. I like their crème to powder formula so I picked up Entropy, Hyperspace, Klimt, Absinthe, Glasswork and Radikal. I also purchased one pan blush in Kendra. I purchased Wet N Wild bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana (a frequent re-purchase) and an eye shadow palette in Silent Treatment.
Weekend Plans: My daughter is coming home from college this weekend so we will probably just hang out and catch up on her laundry. She has spring break the following week so we are going to the coast and need to make some plans regarding that trip.
Creative Outlet: I love makeup, of course, but also enjoy scrapbooking, genealogy, (not exactly creative but I do work on an ancestry album) and gardening.
Good job on your low-buy, Deborah! 😀
Enjoy seeing your daughter!
Mellan’s cuteness overload is quite effective at slaying us all! ?
Haul: ABH x Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit! Which I bought last Friday after having already written my comment in “Free For Haul Friday” and got my Sephora Birthday Month perk, too. I picked the Tarte set. Food shopping at Walmart, I bought a Pure Ice Shine Gel Tech nail polish in Really Royal, a dark rich blurple. Had to return Nyx Bustier Lip Lingerie as it was cement gray on me (?), got French Maid in the same formula. Had to buy some new summer clothes last night as the hot weather caught me way off guard!
Weekend plans: Catch up on laundry! Also, per my usual, hair and meeting. Nails still look very good (and blurple!)
What’s your favorite creative outlet: Of course, makeup and nails! But I also love song writing. Just lyrics, though. And photographing nature in action. Those pics many times inspire my makeup looks! ?☔?
How do you liike the NYX Lip Lingerie formula, Nancy?
I’m going to try and give it a test run for the day sometime this weekend. I’m hoping it works out well because this shade looks really nice on! Although I only had it on for about 2-3 minutes. At least it didn’t turn gray or yellow on me.
Happy Birthday, Nancy!!!
Happy Birthday, Nancy, and best wishes for the year ahead!
Thank you, Katherine and Tracey!
Looks like Mellan’s found a new friend!
*Haul – nothing came this week, but have that new gold Too Faced highlighter on order
*Weekend – relax , just got back from business trip, have been working +15 hr days all week, need recuperate
*Favorite creative outlet – makeup! what else is there?
He did! I couldn’t resist when Walgreens put it at 70% off, LOL!
Get some R&R, Katherine!
Haul: a little more skincare on the way? And last week I bought yet another eyebrow pencil, hopefully the last for a long time. Nyx one was disappointing. This is from makeup studio, a brand sold in a professional beauty shop (with wigs and feathers and all kind of face paints :)).
Weekend plans: the coffee festival is here. Was there today and will be watching my colleague competing in the national barista cup tomorrow, yay for coffee!
Creative outlet: writing, but also cooking, makeup, clothes… I do not see myself as super creative, it’s more a lifestyle, something at the back ground but always present.
Coffee festival?! What! That sounds awesome 😀
It was… Loads and loads and loads of different coffees.
Wow, amazing! Would love to attend something like that!
Yes, it’s great and informative: innovations, lectures, championships, presentations, small trainings. There’s only one in the US as far as I know, in New York this autumn (just google coffee festival and New York). The one in London will be held in the beginning of April. It’s huge: last year 30.000 people came to the festival (which is 4 days).
Wow thank you! I found the NY one and signed up for the newsletter. NY isn’t really that far from where I live so maybe I can try to plan a trip there in October.
Haul: Bite Beauty Creme Lipgloss in Peacock Pearl; MAC Colour Rocker Lipstick in Night Mint. I love both.
Weekend plans: Tonight is an awards event for my husband’s work. He’s receiving a trade secret. I’m going with an LBD and pinup makeup. This weekend, we’ll take my friend to Ikea and help her assemble her stuff.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Makeup; knitting & crocheting.
Peacock Pearl! Such a pretty shade.
Congrats to your hubby!
Hubby says “thanks.”
Peacock Pearl! How awesome, Rachel! I almost bought it tonight at the Sephora @ JCP, but figured I’d wait until I could try it on along with Oyster, which they didn’t have.
Haul: ABH Nicole Guerriero highlight palette, Catnip liquid lipstick and gold metallic luster liner. Checked out the Colourpop Nectar release but was underwhelmed and didn’t get anything.
Weekend plans: Going to the cinema with friends, brunch on Sunday and maybe some shopping if it stops raining so heavily.
Creative outlet: I’ve been buying loose Swarovski crystals and empty bracelet and necklace cup chains and making my own jewelry – I love creating something colourful, completely personal and unique that is one of a kind!
ColourPop comes out with so many products, maybe it’s a good thing to feel underwhelmed for once, lol!
Haul: I’m not sure that I bought anything at all this week (except groceries and tulips!)
Weekend plans: Getting together with 5 other couples for dinner on Saturday night. We’ve not been together since late summer/early fall and we’re all looking forward to this (I’m making dessert). Other than that and the gym and a bit of garden cleaning, I think that’s all we have planned.
Creative outlet – sewing my own clothing; I would say “makeup” too except I’m not particularly creative in my looks – I go more for neutral looks rather than creative ones.
Tulips <3 Such a pretty flower.
Have a lovely dinner party/gathering, Mariella!
Haul:Zip.
Weekend Plans: We’re wiped. Our sweet Cali Dog had a terrible accident on Tuesday and nearly bled out — no joke. Running in the woods, she fell, which she never does. She fell on a stick and tore open a sub-lingual artery, right to the nerve. Vet said that we hadn’t gotten her to the ER when we did, she would have bled out. The back of the car looked like a slasher movie. Gus, our other dog, covered too. Cali had to have emergency surgery with general anesthesia, a breathing tube, two units of dog blood (which was a whole new thing to me), the whole bit. She spent two days in the hospital. As big a problem as the wound and blood loss was/is a sack in her throat that has a blood clot. It forced the intubation, and a longer hospital stay. She still sounds like a freight train, but is trending in the right direction so it looks as though the clot is resolving on its own. We have to bring her in for follow-up tomorrow.
It was awful — one of the worst things ever to happen to me and my husband ever. It’s been so hard to see her so hurt — never mind what she herself is going through. Thank heavens she’ll be OK with meds and time. So nice to see sweet Mellan so happy with his toy buddy.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Believe it or not, my job. It calls on all the skills I like to use — strategy, writing (especially), diplomacy (I work with mostly men 🙂 ), creative concepts, etc. Right now, I’m taking a very formal institution and opening it up to the world. It’s a great org, and it doesn’t feel like work (most of the time). I rely on it to keep the juices flowing. I also like to take classes in my field — keeps the same kind of energy flowing.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog, Cali! I hope she continues to heal up and feel better. How scary all of that must have been! 🙁
OMG how horrible and traumatic! Hope your dog recovers soon, must be so stressful for everyone
OMG, Linda, what a horrible trauma for you and your dog! I hope Cali continues to improve. Let us know how she is doing, please. She will be on my mind all week, poor baby.
Yes, dog blood donors. Most vet shops have a couple at least, and unfortunately, they are very busy. When Cali gets better, she might write a thank you card to her donor. Sounds as if the donation saved her life. Thank god! Furbaby trauma is awful. Super love to Cali.
My thoughts are with Cali and your family. I can only imagine the panic and anxiousness you must have had as you sped to the emergency. Glad to hear Cali’s life was saved through the heroic efforts of the veterinarian, blood donors, and your family’s quick thinking! Hope she is now on the mend.
How terrible.. I hope Cali is doing much better, and I hope you and your husband are too.
Sending love and healing wishes for Cali. Please keep us updated.
Haul: Nordstrom: picked up a few items from Tom Ford – Young Adonis, Terra bronzer in the new formulation, the soleil trio, the bronze highlight duo and several of the lip balms. I received the Burberry liquid lip in Fawn Rose and Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel and Jo Malone Whiskey and Cedarwood perfume.
Neiman Marcus: my Chantecaille matte mermaid trio arrived as well as the Marisa matte lip.
Weekend Plans: getting a facial tomorrow at Chantecaille and then may pre-order a few items for the upcoming Nordstrom event.
Favorite Creative Outlet: I enjoy reading and movies; and exploring g new makeup of course!
I’m curious how the Chantecaille matte eyeshadows are!
So far I like them, but I need to play around more. The cream color matches my skin (unsurprisingly), the grey is nice, but pulls a little warm and I need to play with that more to see what kind of variation I can get with the pigmentation depth. The brown is gorgeous. I know you had wear issues with the shimmers that I didn’t, but I’ll keep an eye out when I have them on longer. Today’s application will be coming off shortly for my facial.
What do you think of Fawn Rose?
I really like it. I’m usually hesitant to buy Burberry as it’s not available near me, so I fly blind on whether the undertone will work for me. Fawn Rose is exactly what I was hoping it would be – MLBB for my fair/cool complexion.
Lea, I ordered Fawn yesterday, hoping it will work on my medium warm skintone. I too have to buy without seeing in person, which sometimes leads to some unhappy results. I’m hoping Fawn will be right for me.
Of course after replying to you I discovered one of my local Sephora’s now has Burberry in store! I didn’t pick up any other colors since I’ve got so much on hand, but being able to see in person makes a huge difference. I hope fawn works out for you!
Hi Lea, how do you like the Tom Ford highlight duo?
I haven’t gotten into it fully yet, but I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ve been playing with the trio; only downside for me is the bronzer. Way too deep for me. I’m going to give it a little more work to see if I can play with the intensity but it may be a product I can only pull off in summer with some luck.
How do you like the Jo Malone perfume? I liked the theme of this new collection and haven’t gotten a chance to test them yet.
The eyes! Mellan you gorgeous boy!
Haul, if I can call it that, three highlighters from MUA Peach diamone, Ice Sparkle and Iridicent Gold. Inexpensive and not bad at all.
I have actually thrown away more than I have bought this year. And I have used up some mascaras. I feel quite good about myself for being able to resist buying so much. And for being able to toss stuff 🙂
Weekend, I’ve not decided yet, but probably boring stuff like cleaning the flat.
Creative outlet, makeup I also like to sew.
That’s totally a haul 😉
Good job on using up and destashing products this year, Helene!
He looks like a very appreciative baby! What a lamb-y.
😀
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy lipstick in Stripped, Smashbox Be Legendary lipstick in Cognac.
No plans for the weekend
Love Makeup.
xoxo for the always handsome Mellan, have a great weekend Christine.
Great lipstick picks! Hugs to the boys 🙂
Haul: Huda beauty Rose gold palette. Will be using it over the weekend. I also ordered thre of the Stila magnificent glitter and glow liquid shadows in Sea Siren, Into the blue and bronzed bell. Those haven’t shipped yet.
Weekend plans: Have a facial booked for Saturday! Other than that it will probably be a dinner at the Cheesecake factory with the husband and the kids! Saturday is my cheat day, I was able to lose 6 pounds in two weeks 😀
Favourite creative outlet: Other than makeup, reading articles on new science technologies and cooking.
Enjoy your facial, Amirah!!
And congrats on the weight loss 🙂
Congrats Amirah on the 6 lb loss! Would you share your secrets? I am meeting in early May with a beloved cousin who moved to Australia decades ago and I was quite a bit slimmer back then. Since one cannot do much with sun damage and sagging, I’d like to be able to be closer to the size I was back then. Thank you for any tips or encouragement you can offer.
Thank you Meredith and Christine. I checked my weight this morning and realized I actually lost 9 lbs in two weeks, not 6 like I said previously. Feeling accomplished.
Meredith, I am following the Atkins diet (Strictly). They have a website set up, that I signed up for, with all the very specific instructions and recipes, to me this is easier than any other ones I tried in the past two years now, mostly because I don’t like to count carbs, I don’t like to be left out at dinners and I really can’t do boiled, spiceless, bland food (I am a foodie). They don’t charge you anything, it’s not a gimmick at all (I am an allied health professional, I understand the science behind this diet too). I bought a couple of their shakes and snack bars from Walmart to help me out, a bit for on the go days.
The reason, I started this diet is because I have done this exact same one when I was in my early 20’s too and it worked extremely well for me. There was no website back then.
I am currently able to work out three days a week for just 30 mins on the elliptical or treadmill (depends on what machine is available in those 30 mins for me. I have two kids that I need to get back to in an hour, I need the other 30 mins to shower and change)
When I did this diet previously, I had no kids and was single. I worked out everyday for about an hour and believe me when I say this, I lost a lot more then, as compared to now. For comparison purposes, one hour of exercise everyday helped me loose 16 lbs in the first two weeks then, instead of 9.
However, I would like to let you know, I modify it a bit, I follow it strictly like it says on their website, but I make one day a week my cheat day. When I try to eat a little extra carbs, it helps me look forward to eating sugary items (in moderation) and makes it easier for me to get through the week, knowing that I will eat nutella on toast on Saturday (I sold my soul to Nutella. Hah!). The website doesn’t say to do that, but I feel you have to try and do everything you can (As long as it’s safe for you.)
As far as I understand, it switches your metabolism from carbs to fats. So, your body starts to use fats for energy, instead of the usual carbs. Hence, the weight comes off.
If you decide to try it out, and maybe join the website too. Please let me know too. Maybe we can be friends there and discuss weightloss goals.
P.S Christine, if this is against the rules, I apologize. Please feel free to delete my message in that case. I have struggled with weight loss for about 4 years now. So, I wanted to let her know too. Since, she asked.
No worries! 🙂
I did Atkins, actually, when I was 17/18 and it helped me lose a ton of weight (which I have, unfortunately, put back on after ten years!). It’s tough to lose weight, and I wish you all the success in the world to achieve your weight loss goals!
Phew!
Thank you so much. I hope I can keep going. Appreciate the kind words and wishes.
Thank you Amirah. I will look into this. And thank you Christine for allowing Amirah to share. I haven’t tried Atkins but I’ve been on other diets in my life and I can only tell you girls, it doesn’t come off easier as you get older. Even though you do the same work, less weight comes off. It’s really a torture test at my age which is 60. I was always naturally whippet thin when I was young. I was 5’8″ and weighed 120 at my wedding. I always ate whatever I wanted, pizza, burgers, beer, fries, who cared? I tried to gain but couldn’t do it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever struggle with weight but after two babies, things changed big time! Thanks again and wish me luck!
Good luck, Meredith!! 🙂
I completely understand how you feel, as I have seen my aunt struggle with it almost the same way as you describe it. However, she tried this too and lost 4lbs in one week.
My words of encouragement for you are as follows: Please do this, ONLY for yourself. Think about it as though you are doing something for yourself and no one else. Anyone else, who thinks you should lose weight, don’t bother thinking or listening to them, because at the end of day, others will not be effected by your weightloss, only you will benefit. One last thing is, keep at it, don’t get disheartened. It’s exactly what I did some time ago. Think of it as an ongoing process.
I wish you a lot of luck in this.
Thank you Amirah, you are most kind to offer such encouragement. I am my own worst enemy. It’s up to me. I ate really well today, it takes time and money but I do feel better. Didn’t fit in any exercise but maybe tomorrow!
Mellan look so adorable. I can see why you melt with this dog!!
Haul: Tom Ford Fire Lust blush/highlighter.
Weekend plans: Taxes, filing claims, and generally cleaning up. Am trying to get a sense for how to store my makeup products and see how best to organize items I reach for or want to use regularly. Am very interested to see how readers responded to some of those questions in your blog this week.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Music!
Whoops! I meant Paradise Lust. Am loving it, too.
Sometimes I look at him, and I’m just like, TOO CUTE!!
Taxes 🙁 Sooo not excited to get everything prepared, lol!
I had a cat once who was so cute and cuddly (and generally good) that I could feel my heart grow with interaction. Good luck with your taxes, Christine.
Haul: Urban Decay Pro Finger Brush
Weekend plans: Thoroughly cleaning the house since friends are coming to stay next week
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: Baking cookies. Creating and perfecting new cookie recipes is so much fun. I want to get back into making bath bombs though.
How do you like the UD brush, KK?
What kind of cookie are you going for?
He looks better every single week. Good on you Mellon!
Haul: Dior Forever and Ever Foundation in Ivory and some basic bath/body wash. Nothing special.
Weekend Plans: It’s a long weekend here and, thankfully, no birthdays, big celebrations or anything that I have to prepare for. Saturday we are going up into the hills for dinner at a lovely hotel; Sunday afternoon and evening we are minding our grandchildren whilst their parents go to a wedding and Monday – just chill out.
Favourite Creative Outlet – Makeup.
Enjoy your more low-key weekend, Genevieve! 🙂
Haul: NARS Multiple in Hot Sand, repurchase of my FAB Ultra Repair Cream,
Farmacy Perennial Picks Skincare Discovery Kit, and Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen (I’ve been on the hunt for a sunscreen that doesn’t make me feel greasy or irritate my skin, and doesn’t feel heavy over moisturizer and such, and it has not been going well so hopefully this one will work out).
Weekend plans: Recover from the two cats respective yearly vet visits. One was petrified and one was an a-hole about it so it took a lot of energy out of me.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: It used to be baking when I could do that, now I don’t really have one aside from makeup.
Ultra Repair is so good!! My husband has been using that for awhile now.
I can imagine the toll taking pets who hate the vet to the vet can have 🙁 Hope you get some time to relax!
Haul: Just a pick’n’mix of 5 samples from Feel Unique: Vincent Longo Sheer Pigment lipstick samples in Debue and Americana, Dermalogica Daily conditioning rinse, Collistar Sublime Black Precious cream, Maison Martin Margiela Replica perfume in Flower Market and Mon Guerlain perfume. Awaiting my Birchbox.
Plans for weekend: Just relaxing and cleaning the flat.
What’s my favourite creative outlet? Playing with makeup, colouring books for adults, photography.
Do you have any favorites from the coloring books you’ve used?
Haul: Morphe 35O, been trying to get my hands on it for ages as its been sold out in Ireland for months. Its alright… I need to play around with it a bit more before I make my mind up fully.
Weekend plans: Spending time with my pup Sadie- She has so much personality she’d keep you entertained for the day.
What’s your favorite creative outlet?: My Blog
Keep us posted on how you like your new palette, Domine!
I had a good week. I went to the Chanel website and bought Tweed Cherry Blossom and Tweed Corailline blushes along with the Eclatants eye shadow quad, the Illuminating powder, Rose Ravissant Coco Shine and Vibration gloss. Quite the haul for me. I haven’t bought this much from one collection in many, many years. I love Spring colors and Chanel is my special favorite. I also bought 2 lippies from Cle de Peau and a coral blush stick and stick highlighter from NARS newest collection. These are called Multiples. I will have a lot of fun mixing and trying on all these items. Also I need to prepare my oldest son’s bedroom as he just graduated from college and is coming back home, yay!
What lip[stick formula from Cle de Peau did you get, Meredith?
Haul:
Fragrances/Scentbar:
Devil Tender by Ex Nihilo
California Reverie by Van Cleef & Arpels
Inflorescence by Byredo
Aqua Celestia by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
samples of a few other fragrances by Maison Francis Kurkdjian – I really like Petit Matin so far
Weekend plans: Went to the Biltmore with best friend to see I Love the 90s concert (she won tickets) on Friday. We thought we’d just stay for 15 minutes but we ended up staying a few hours – it was a lot of fun! Shopping around L.A. on Saturday for vintage clothing and fragrances. Stopped by Scentbar and picked up new fragrances I’m very pleased with (see above haul) – I LOVE Quelle Que Fleurs, but lately it is smelling very synthetic and sour on me. I love the way it smells on others, such a unique fragrance to me, but it doesn’t smell like that on me anymore.
What’s your favorite creative outlet? Makeup! It’s my version of creative, I guess – I don’t really do much creating because I go by face charts mostly, but I do love putting on makeup and collecting and displaying and taking care of my collection/keeping everything pristine. Second would be cooking, in much the same manner. I love to cook but I don’t get creative, I just find really good recipes and make them come alive, ha ha.
You just made me get up and put on some perfume 😉 Thank you for the reminder!