Free for Haul Friday, Volume #458
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: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, ColourPop Super Shock Shadows (six new shades), Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Vault
- Weekend plans: My front hall/mail room still look like a tornado went through, and I hate when my front hall gets taken over by products (mail room is a room, so I don’t see the craziness 24/7!) so I am prioritizing the tidying this weekend!
- What’s your evening routine?: I’ve been getting up a bit earlier, so I try to start winding down around 9PM, which mostly means leaving my desk and removing makeup, brushing teeth, etc. Most nights, I hang out with hubby and Mellan watching TV or reading, then try to turn the lights out by 11PM!
P.S. — Join us over in the official Temptalia chatroom on Discord! 🙂
This week's doggo photo/video...
Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!
Haul: Embryolisse cream (so happy to find a SDM near my gym that carries this), 2 cans of Avene thermal water mist (the largest one and a mid sized one to take when we go travelling in September), Dr. Roebuck’s Bondi facial mist, another bottle of Laura Biagiotti Roma eau de parfum.
Weekend plans: just the gym…hoping to relax much of the rest of the time
Evening routine: except for watching Coronation Street every evening at 7:30, I don’t really have one!
Haul: I got a Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Kim KW in a swap.
Weekend plans: Visiting my Dad side of the family as a get-together and diving up some of my Grandma smaller things. I NEED to make a mascot head on my 3 days off this week.
What’s your evening routine?: I get home most nights by 10:30 pm after work, try to eat something while watching TV/read something online till 1 am or 2 am.
Haul: This is still in the mail to me and should arrive on Wednesday, I went a bit batty, and this is my last proper haul for the year, I just did a massive declutter recently, it was kind of hard to do, but I am glad I did.
Juvias Place Masquerade Palette mini
Juvias Place Zulu Palette
Colourpop Element of Surprise Palette
Colourpop Yes Please Palette
Makeup Revolution highlighter palette in get baked
Makeup Revolution palette in incandescent
Lorac highlighter in Daylight
Essence highlighter in sunlighter
Wet n wild reserve your cabana bronzer (this is my third one)
Buxom lipgloss in mudslide (to replace a super old I loved but had gone off)
Loreal lipstick in the shade fawn
Ulta eye primer in Pearl
Ulta eye primer in Champagne
They’re real mascara mini
They’re real mascara mini primer
Revlon colorstay foundation in warm golden
my wallet is sad (lol jk I saved up for it)
Evening Routine: Eating dinner on the couch catching up to whatever show im watching at the time with my fiancee and heading to bed by 10:30 at the latest.
Weekend Plans: I work saturday but Im hoping to start reading the woman in the window by aj finn
Fantastic haul!
I wish I was peacefully napping like Mellan!!
Haul: DiorSkin Nude Luminizer in Pink Glow 002. I tried not to buy it, but failed. The no-buy begins…NOW!
Weekend Plans: Visiting family, laundry, groceries, relaxing, avoiding stores where makeup is sold.
Evening Routine: I start winding down around 9pm. Wash off makeup, moisturize. Sometimes I shower at night so I can get a few more minutes of sleep in the morning. I watch TV and read a book or use my iPad to browse or play games. Try to fall asleep by 11pm at the latest to get up at 6:15 for work. I need the TV on quietly in the background when I sleep, though it’s not always on when I’m awake. My husband is the exact opposite with the TV, though he’s gotten used to having it on all night, and he can sleep through just about anything, anyway! I still struggle with the fact that he keeps the TV on all day, even when he’s not in the room. I’ve turned it off, but he’ll come back and turn it on and leave the room again. Ah, the joys of marriage. Lol (Sorry, I digressed.)
Haul: Makeup Revolution Coneal & define full coverage concealer, ELF Alissa Ashley Lip Gloss, Makeup Atelier palette eye shadows gilded greens, Saucebox cosmetics single eyeshadows in Daffodil and Spectral, MAC lipstick in Touch
Weekend plans: Finish unpacking my book collection, brunch with my mom, putting all the new bedding on the bed and experimenting with the instapot
What’s your evening routine?: I take my makeup off pretty much as soon as I walk in the door after work lately since its been hot and smokey. I always double cleanse at night followed by a bevy of serums then topical retinoid followed by a lovely layer of CeraVe cream. It is easily 12 steps. Brushing my teeth and feeding the cats before I get into bed for some movie time with my boyfriend.
That tummy just needs to be rubbed!
Haul: From Nordstrom Rack (thank you, Vicky), Mirenesse Collagen Cushion foundation, 3D Express Lash Extension Primer, and a face primer that is supposed to help sagging skin. The foundation came bundled with a mascara, an eye pencil, a lip color, and a makeup case. The last three will go to Project Beauty Share.
From the Nyx flagship store, a single shadow in Tantalizing, as I continue my search for the perfect peach shade.
Weekend plans: My husband wants to go to local beer and music festival at one of the Hudson River piers, so maybe that.
My evening routine: I don’t know if I have one. I try to clean up the kitchen and living room so that it won’t be too jarring the next morning. I clean my teeth and my face and apply my skincare. Then I read and/or watch TV in bed until I doze off. The hour that I start all that varies.
Lesley, is the Mirenesse Collagen Cushion Foundation a repurchase for you? I love cushion foundations and am always up for trying a new one so wondered what you thought of this one?
Have been too busy with ongoing situation/project to buy much makeup, but finally got lured in with Ulta 5x points!
*Haul –NARS Wanted Velvet Lip Glide (Nude Scene) – Ulta exclusive – this is my 2nd lipt glide set, and I’m loving it! IMO, this set is mis-named, it’s not really nude, more MLBB colors that are flattering and wearable for me. UD Born to Run Eyeliners in Overdrive (thanks for rec Michele!) and Lucky (stunning!! I can see people why people have been raving about this, they need to make this permanent), Becca x Tiegen Glow Gloss in Malibu Soleil (no sparkles, but pretty MLBB color that’s easy to wear, nice formula, has peppermint scent), UD Lo-Fi Lip Mousse in Fade (it’s a pretty color, not a fan of the tiny foam applicator and it’s drying on me, but a touch of balm helps), Buxom Pillowpout Creamy Plumping Lip Powder in So Spicy (pretty color, also drying but fixable with touch of balm, had to return though, as can’t justify spending $22 for only .03 product!! The UD lip powder has .12 oz for same price). Flesh Lipstick in Prime (muted 70s orange brown, thanks again for the rec Michele!), Pureology Travel Size Protect Beachwaves Sugar Spray ( haven’t tried yet), and Shea Moisture Sacha Inchi Omega Shea Butter Soap (might be HG for me, so moisturizing and smells amazing)
*Weekend – attend fundraising dinner with neighbors
*Evening – eat dinner with my family, do some chores, pack snacks/fruit for work, shower, catch up on news/beauty blogs/facebook, then head to bed
Haul: My husband got me the Zoeva Rose Golden brush set and the Cocoa Blend palette when he was in Germany! I cannot believe they’re in my hands!! I’ve been wanting the Cocoa Blend palette for 3 years lol
Weekend plans: Visiting my grandmother and sister in Charlotte. Going out for sushi tonight, church tomorrow, and driving back Monday night. Oh it’s my birthday on Sunday. I turn 28! ?
What’s your evening routine?: Feed and put baby to bed around 7-8. Fart around until I have to pump at 10-11 then try to sleep until I pump again at 3-4.
What’s everyone’s favorite “broad crease” brush? Like the fluffiest you use to really blend out a crease/transition color? I feel like everything I own is too small/flat/tapered.
Happy birthday Joyce! The Zoeva Rose Gold brush set is such a nice gift!
The Hakuhodo J5523 is the best blending brush I’ve ever owned. It’s like a magic brush, it blends everything out to perfection. I have many more expensive blending brushes but nothing else even comes close. If you research blending brushes, you will find this is one of the most highly recommended brushes on the market. I highly recommend you buy two!
Hi Tammy! Thank you! I always love reading your comments. You’re very thoughtful and genuine. How have you been?
Where do you purchase your Hakuhodo brushes?
Awww, Joyce, Thank you for your kind words?
I am having a rough week: I am sick, I haven’t slept more than 5 hours a night for almost a week, menopause is kicking my butt, and husband is in Wisconsin on business trip this week. You did want me to be honest, right? ?
I buy Hakuhodo from Hakuhodo USA. The shipping charge is high but it is a flat rate, so if you buy several brushes or combine your order with a friend, the shipping charge is less of an issue. I love that brush so much I would gladly pay the shipping charge and consider it part of the cost of the brush.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that Tammy. Hopefully this week is better for you. My husband is currently traveling too. It stinks!! I always say it wouldn’t be so hard if we didn’t like each other so much! Lol
Happy birthday, Joyce!! Safe travels this weekend!
Hi Tracey! Thank you!
Have a very happy birthday!
Sedona Lace EB 13 works great for me. A friend gave me one and I love it. It’s on sale now for $4.88, too.
Hi Rachel! Thank you! Ooh I just looked this one up and the shape is definitely what I’m looking for!!
Happy Birthday Joyce and it was lovely that your husband was able to get you the palette you really wanted – full marks to him for bringing back the right one (most men would just run into the shop, pick something up, pay and run out again). I hope you like the brushes too.
How is your little treasure going?
Hi Genevieve! Thank you 🙂 Yes he did well… but I also sent him screenshots of the exact products lol! He once tried to get me MAC bas products that were all the wrong shade ? he tried!!
He’s amazing. He’s 4.5 months and 16 pounds. I don’t know how he got so big!
Haul:
Weekend plans: Potentially going for a bike ride if the weather is nice, and going to a barbeque with coworkers on Sunday.
What’s your evening routine?: Come home from work, make dinner, and then spend the evening reading/watching netflix. Usually take my makeup off between 8-9pm, sometimes watch another episode of whatever I’m binging, and then am trying to be in bed before 10.
Whoops! Left the haul section blank (lol facepalm). Though I guess it just illustrates what I bought this week – which was nothing.
So glad you’re reviewing the new super shock shadows! Any chance you’ll review the new jelly much shadows as well?
I love the Mellan pic! Hilarious! 😀 😀 😀
Haul:
*Sephora — Too Faced Metallic Sparkle Lipstick in Too Too Hot and Hot Flash, Too Faced Trial Size Melted Matte in Queen B (GWP), ABH Lip Gloss in St. Tropez (point perk), and samples.
*Coloured Raine Cheers to Beauty Palette (50% off + affiliate code for another 10% off).
*Ulta — UD Aphrodisiac Palette; NYX Duo Chromatic Lip Gloss in Crushing It and Day Club (BOGO 1/2 off).
*BH Cosmetics Take Me Back to Brazil Rio Edition Palette; Flawless Finish Foundation in Ivory
*Wet n Wild Fire & Ice Collection Box and Dragon Tack Pin (GWP); from Zodiac Collection — Fire Collection Bundle, Water Highlighting Bar, and Libra Makeup Bag (GWP).
*Dominique Cosmetics — Lemonade Palette
Weekend plans: I was given some sets of clear drawers, so I’m going to finish re-organizing and decluttering my makeup room, now that I have more storage.
What’s your evening routine?: 5-6 p.m. I rest my back and watch TV, usually with one of my kids. About 6-7 p.m. make dinner or help my brother make it. My hubby usually gets home around 9 p.m., so I say “hi” to him and touch base. Sometimes we’ll watch a little TV together or go in the hot tub if weather permits. He goes to bed around 1 a.m. At that time work on my writing, check emails again, do paperwork I didn’t get to during the day, take my night-time medications, and either read or play a computer game to relax. Depending on how bad my insomnia is, I typically go to bed between 3-5 a.m.
I go to bed around the same time Racheal! Insomnia, menopause and retirement plus I’m a natural night owl.
I’m a natural night owl, too. And perimenopausal. It stinks. lol
Haul: I got the Morphe Bling Boss and Dark Magic palettes and would love to see you address the “are they really new?” issue, the “V2” stamp, the batch codes, and so forth. I think I got old palettes but don’t know if I should return them to Ulta. I’m finding the mattes OK but the shimmers terrible — rough, patchy, hard to blend. 🙁
Haul: I picked up the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Vault as a happy birthday to me, since my birthday is in two weeks. I also received my Ulta haul from their flash sale, two foundations (Wet n Wild cushion, MUR stick), a concealer, and two brushes. Not bad!
Weekend plans: I want to stay in, I need to recharge after the week I had! World of Warcraft’s new expansion rolled out and I want to dive into that, but first I need to unlock a few new races and I forsee my weekend as a weekend spent grinding.
What’s your evening routine?: I have anxiety so I find that I follow the same routine each night on the dot: shower at 8, relax, sleep by 10. A routine helps in managing my anxiety, but as a catch 22 if I don’t follow the routine it exacerbates it!
Haul: ABH Norvina palette. Wet n Wild Taurus & Capricorn lip glosses, MAC Sweet Heat E/D, Parfait Amour & Humid E/S and Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation (from the CCO)
Weekend plan: I have to pick up some boxes from my dad’s and there’s an art festival in town. Otherwise nothing major to do
Evening routine: right now I’m catching up on episodes of Parenthood. I didn’t watch it when it was on air but now that I just have Netflix, I’ve been hooked. I have to pause it to wash my face, brush my teeth and take out my contacts. I try to stay up no later than 11pm lol
Well, who wouldn’t want to cuddle him and Fawn over Mr. Mellan! ???
Haul: Thankfully, I was able to finally able to track down backups for my favorite recently DC’d Sephora Contour Pencils. Hit some strange bumps in the road on the way, but FINALLY! 2 Fairytale, 1 Go For A Ride, Diving In Malaysia, Purple Stilettos, plus a new shade to try out, T-Rex. Also ordered a Nails Inc. Holla-graphic nail polish in a gorgeous teal shade (forgot the name!) and picked up UD Plague eyeshadow @ Nordstrom Rack yesterday plus Simple Waterproof Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes @ Target.
Weekend plans: Other than a trip up to the UPS Store later today to pick up one of my orders, nothing out of the ordinary. Same ol’ same ol’.
Nighttime routine: After watching Jimmy Kimmel Live, then usually Nightline News, I pack it in for the night and begin my long convoluted bedtime routine. Remove makeup (if I wore any that day), take meds, skincare routine (too much to list) , getting into pj’s (happiest moment!), etc. I especially enjoy winding down by reading my Daily Text on JW. org, then watching “Bird videos for your cat to watch” on YT with my big kitty, Scunci! Also, at least one makeup related or some such video just to relax and decompress my mind. My nighttime routine usually helps me to unwind and sleep decently. Because I have Asperger’s /HF Autism Spectrum disorder, I seriously NEED routines and rituals for even a hope of sleeping well. Once I’m in bed (most nights, 1:30-2 am), I then pray to my Heavenly Father, as no one else truly knows me better. Or even “gets” me.
I’ll be curious to hear about T Rex as it’s one I want to check out. Nancy, I bought almost the exact same shades of the discontinued liner shades as you but I got them last week, as soon as I saw they were in the sale section – I ordered them right away. How idiotic to d/c so many of those colours but ESPECIALLY Diving in Malaysia.
I’m at such a loss trying to wrap my brain around *why* Sephora decided to DC so many beautiful and well-loved shades. Not as if these weren’t popular colors or something, either. Diving In Malaysia is my go-to for whenever I use Chanel Empriente du Desert, so it’s HG! Actually, all 4 I tracked down are HG for me.
I already had one and possibly 2 backups for Diving in Malaysia (which I always thought was actually “Driving in Malaysia”, which I think it more amusing) so only got one because even unwrapped from that cello packaging, I wondered how long they remain usable, otherwise, I’d probably have got half a dozen backups. I wear it so often; the only one I use more is Cappuccino and if they d/c that one, I’m in trouble! Have you tried T Rex yet? I’ve not been to Sephora in ages so haven’t even seen it “in the flesh”.
So cute…reminds me of Snoopy dancing on Schroeder’s piano in the Charlie Brown films!
Haul: My little haul arrived; I haven’t been able to test the NARS gloss yet but I have the Anastasia and I like it. Needs to have lips in primo condition.
Weekend: Getting the AC fixed, The vacuum fixed, the fridge getting fixed. I need to go food shopping at 3 stores (grrr).
Nightly routine: I usually do a big skincare routine, take all my night time meds, and brush teeth/hair. I usually do this around 10. I take all my meds and then read for a while before bed.
Haul:
Skincare: Paula’s Choice Anioxidant Booster and Peptide booster. Both contain silicones so I almost sent them back. There is so much controversy over silicones in skincare. After reading the opinions of Paula Begoun, Caroline Hirons, and Brandon Truaxe (please, I’m not interested in discussing Brandon’s social media issues), who are all in support of the use of silicones, I decided to give the Peptide and Antioxidant boosters a try. I am always looking for ways to increase antioxidants and peptides in my skincare, and these two products contain more of both than any other product I’ve found. There is research showing the newer silicones actually increase absorption of skincare ingredients. Silicones also help hold in anti-aging and hydration ingredients, so I am using the boosters mixed in with my moisturizers, as a last step after all my actives (glycolic acid, vitamin c, Retin A). I use antioxidants in the morning and peptides at night.
I forgot to mention I picked up Clinique’s Nude Pop lipstick set during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I don’t love nudes and to prove this was not the lipstick set for me, I put Beige Pop on first, which I was certain would look awful on me. As to be expected, Beige Pop looks fantastic on me, as do all the other colors. I grabbed a second set for my daughter who loves nude lipsticks.
Also from Nordstrom anniversary sale: Sigma Kabuki Brush Duo. I’m trying to expand my synthetic brush collection, even though I generally don’t get excited about synthetics. They are fine brushes and I will continue to play with them, but they might be gifted to my granddaughter next year if I don’t really grow to love them.
Dior Backstage Airflash Setting Spray. I love it! It’s not sticky or heavy, and makes my finished look flawless.
Sephora Solid Brush Cleaner. Just like the Beauty Blender cake soap I use for both my Beauty Blender and brushes, only it’s the Sephora house brand. I can’t tell a difference in the quality.
Sephora Color Switch Brush Cleaner. I saw someone use this in a video to clean a brush before switching colors and immediately knew I had to have it.
Shiseido Facial Cotton Sheets. I got these to apply toners and acids. I’ve heard they’re the best. The only problem is I’ve been applying these products for years with clean bare hands. I haven’t yet gotten around to trying them. I’m sure they’re great, lol.
Weekend plans: Two workouts and cooking day. This weekend we’re making sesame chicken, beef and rice casserole, and Cuban black beans, in addition to the enormous kale salad I make almost every weekend. I eat kale salad with chickpeas and quinoa almost everyday for lunch.
My son went to MEPS in Chicago on Wednesday and is now awaiting his Air Force boot camp dates. I have taken this very hard and shed so many unexpected tears. He’s my last child and we are very close. I am supportive and proud of his choice, but for me this is the end of my parenting years. My babies are gone and suddenly it hurts. I am soaking up the time I have left with him.
Nighttime routine: Nights are crazy! It’s either gym, dinner, shower, and bed, or errands, cook, dinner, and bed. Sometimes we can fit an episode of whatever show we’re watching, but we go entire weeks without time for television, even on the weekend. But one thing we always do before bed is sit together on our double recliner every night, and my husband runs my feet until I fall asleep. I’m definitely spoiled?
Son. <3. Totally get it. <3
Tammy,
Just got my Dior Backstage Contour Palette, Backstage Glow Face Palette and Brow palette. Now I have to get the Airflash Setting Spray? You haven’t steered me wrong so far so looking for this when I get to Seattle on Friday. Aren’t the Vera Mona Colour Switch products just the best? I have had mine for about a year and a half and couldn’t live without it now. I know some people say the “hair bun” makers at the Dollar store are the same material and work just as well but I don’t foresee this one ever wearing out or changing I have washed it many times and no issues.
I feel for you about your son. I am lucky as my daughter doesn’t show signs of wanting to leave me ever, although I am sure she will at some point. He is such a handsome young man he must have to beat the girls off with a stick, LOL.
Deborah,
I am so glad you’re enjoying the Dior products! It’s much more fun to have a shared Dior experience rather than loving the products by myself, lol.
Jesse does not have to fight the girls off. He is a quiet guy who thinks young women bring too much drama. He stopped working three semesters ago to focus fully on his college classes, and he refuses to ask a girl out unless he can pay for a date, so even when he’s interested he refrains. Girls do try to pursue him but so far he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements. He wants to stay focused on his educational and military goals, and he has seen some of his friends get side-tracked by relationships.
That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a girlfriend pretty quickly after he has a steady income.
Sounds like you raised him right, Tammy. It is hard to find responsible and motivated young men these days. Believe me, I hear from my daughter as she is constantly lamenting, “Where have all the nice men gone?”
Sounds like he has his goals firmly in place and will be very successful in life. You must be very proud of all your children.
Haul: I picked up some silicone tubes from Sephora for shampoo/conditioner, sunscreen etc. for my trip. After I received them I realized that you cannot put anything with silicone in them but I don’t think I am going to need them for any products that might have silicone, hopefully. I also purchased the Pat McGrath La Vie En Rose eye shadow palette and it arrived totally smashed so taking it to Seattle with me on Thursday to return it. I also picked up the Dior Backstage Brow palette in 001 Light, Backstage Contour Palette and Glow Face Palette. I am liking all of them and actually used the contour palette on my eyes today. Gives a very warm, all matte look and finally YSL Lip Laquer in shade 401 a warmer leaning red.
From Beautylish I purchased several more Sonia G brushes. I picked up another Worker One, Builder One, Crease One, Pencil One and Smudger. I finally found the tester size of the Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille which is nice and probably will wear more in the late fall/winter but have to admit to being a little disappointed. I was hoping that more of the tobacco would come through. I am open to any suggestions for a more tobacco scent?
At Walmart I got a set of silicone tubs to put a couple of my Drunk Elephant Skin Care products that don’t come in travel sizes like the C-Tango Eye Cream and Protini.
Weekend plans: Continue to get things ready for our trip which is so quickly approa ching. We had a bit of a snafu with our cat sitter. She backed out this past week and it left me in a bit of a panic for what to do with her. My nephew and brother have volunteered to come over every day and give her food and water and maybe stay a little while and play with her. She has never been around anyone but my daughter and I and has only seen my brother a couple of times. He doesn’t come in the house except at holidays, etc. It is a mixed bag as I am glad that she will be staying in a familiar environment but I am sure she is going to be pretty lonely by the end of our 5 week trip. It is the best solution on such short notice.
Evening routine: I am a big reader and not so much a television watcher so my evenings are spent either reading, doing some kind of craft project or origami. I usually don’t get ready for bed until midnight or so and then after removing my makeup, brushing teeth and doing my skin care I will likely spend an hour or so doing Sudoku. Something about Sudoku is very relaxing to me.
I’m glad your brother is able to take care of your kitty. I know you were worried.
Thank you, Rachel. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful regarding my trip but between booking flights across Europe, hotels, Air BNB’s, excursions in each city, finding someone to care for my grand-furbaby and worrying about being able to tolerate the trip with my back pain and migraines, I have been struggling to find the joy in this trip. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to actually be going but as the date approaches and it still seems like there is so much to do, I am a little freaked out. We started out planning to only do carry on and when that became unfeasible due to medical equipment I have to take, ( my CPAP machine, diabetic testing tool and all me medications, which in the United States they can’t count that as one of your carry on bags but in other countries they do and I didn’t know this) , we started going through all of the airlines we had already booked flights with trying to determine what our baggage overage charges were going to be and several airlines we are travelling between countries on have either very vague instructions or non-existing instructions. One airline says that depending on the weight of the checked bag their fees start at $156 per bag and can go as high as $456 per bag!! That is insane and that is the airline we are flying back to the U.S. on, Condor Airlines. Anyway, I hope I am able to relax and just enjoy the trip when it does happen later this week!! At least I don’t have to worry about my kitty, Sophie.
Deborah, take heart. I have been following with interest your comments re: your upcoming European trip, and I am so excited for you! I really believe that about an hour into your first flight, all of your worries will evaporate. I have traveled in Europe a fair amount and typically feel similar in the week leading up to the trip – it is so painful and stressful to prepare and pack (as much as I’ve traveled, I still HATE packing and don’t consider myself a great packer) that it can cause one to question the whole trip and lose sight of the joy and purpose in it. Once you’re off the ground I think you’ll relax (realize there’s no sense in worrying anymore because you can’t do anything at that point!), and regain your excitement. I am sure you’ll have a great time – your itinerary sounds awesome. I look forward to hearing about your trip and I’m sure many others in the Temptalia community do so as well. xo
Haul: Nothing this week! I’m on a replacement-only low buy.
Weekend Plans: Rest and video games.
Evening Routine: Dinner, video games, read, and then to sleep.
Mellan is the best!
Haul: Coloured Raine Cheers to Beauty palette, ABH lip glosses in Grape and Neon Apple
Muse Beauty sale -Viseart’s Siren and Absinthe Theory palettes and a nice Esum brush. Waiting for an UK Indie brand Cerifieye to send the eye shadow palettes Dynasty and Tropical. I ordered them 3 weeks ago!!! Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum and GWP
Weekend Plans: Shopping with my daughter for sneakers, dinner out somewhere, getting rid of some clothes in my over stuffed closet. Finishing the book ” The Last Cabin at the End of the World” Probably watch some Netflix too
Evening routine: I’m a night owl so during the evening I’m shopping or running errands, eat dinner around 9pm, pajama’s watch movies, computer and read. 3am take off makeup wash face and use all my facial serums and moisturizers. Eye mask and ear plugs and off to sleep.
Haul:
NIOD replacements for these skin care products that totally work for me. With P50 1970, it’s all I use. Skin health is the way to go:
* COPPER AMINO ISOLATE
* MULTI-MOLECULAR HYALURONIC COMPLEX
* FRACTIONATED EYE CONTOUR CONCENTRATE
Replaced a Nars blush in La Dolce Vita. Had one. Have not been able to find it for about a year or more and missed it.
Paris!:
I have been in Paris for the past two weeks, and while there had a powerful come-to-Jesus moment. The women here are beautiful. Truly, they are — and they work at it. The culture sets the standard of all I aspire to in regards to appearance and impactful subtlety. I will say, 99% of what you see on women of ALL ages is a very natural no-make-up-make-up look.
I have a makeup collection I feel is carefully curated, and reflective of who I am and what I want to wear. I realized I don’t need more. I don’t want more. I am exiting this crazy makeup marketing carousel that has been driving me to buy more than I need. Sure, I’ll pick up this and that, but really… for me…all these new releases? I don’t need/want any of them. But what I do need is skin care and interventions.
Skin Care and Interventions:
Talking with my Parisian women friends my age moved me to take steps I know I need to, but have not. I am in my 50s. A new ND shadow palette will do virtually nothing for me. But Laser Genesis, micro-dermabrasion, facials, fillers, and Botox will keep me in the game. It’s what my Parisian friends do, and I see it in their beauty and their freshness.
I have been doing fillers and Botox for some time, but will take the next steps with Laser Genesis and micro-dermabrasion. Build skin from the bottom up, and the top down. Then add the “removable layer” of makeup. No one looks at my nails, but everyone looks at my face. Imagine if I transfer a bit of what I spend keeping my nails up to help with skin care? I think it’s going to be money better spent.
I will be presenting across the country this coming year in my job, and I need to stay in the game. Looking my best at my age now goes beyond a new blush color, It needs more support. Looking my best gives me the confidence and elan that I need on stage — and in life — to be the best wife, mother, friend, and employee I can be.
I feel these skin interventions will do much more than any topical promise can ever deliver. I’ll be spending my money here rather than on makeup for a while. Not sure how much I’ll be posting here, unless women are interested in updates on how this goes over time. The river of life and aging is making me move on.
Guerlain:
I want to check in on the recent post about this line. I have this first-hand observation, FWIW. The beautiful, amazing, beautiful original Guerlain flagship store on the Champs-Élysées was PACKED with men and women. (Men looking for fragrances.) I was taken with how every other counter in Galeries Lafayette was empty compared to Guerlain. The contrast was so stark I noticed it . Europeans and Asians seem to continue their love affair with the brand, purchasing with abandon.
Weekend Plans:
Considering I have a six-day work week next week with three major presentations at my client’s annual meeting, I am doing nothing but lying low. I miss my boys — inviting all who can come to hang out on Sunday before the madness hits.
Evening:
Actually, it’s the morning that drives my evening routine. On work days, I’m in the pool for a swim workout or on the road for a run with hubs and the dogs as near to 5:30 am as I can get. My fitness and health are central to me, so I make this a priority and have for decades. I wind down early — often getting in bed as soon as I can in the evenings to read or watch some TV. Lights out by 9:45 at the latest.
What is the Parisian attitude about grey hair? Are women embracing their grey or do they continue to color?
I am really interested in updates pf the interventions that you do!
Isn’t he lucky having so many family members adore him? Sleep well Mellon.
My daughter in law’s parents have a very cute chocolate lab puppy called Myrtle, who is at the stage of digging holes in their backyard (which is a couple of acres). Olivia and Lachlan adore her and she is always very excited when she hears them too. They also like to help her digging holes in the backyard too!
Haul – nothing this week.
Weekend plans: Friday we had Lachlan around to play with all the Brio and Thomas the Tank toys, so he was in ‘train heaven’ On Friday nights we always go out for dinner and we went to a lovely Italian restaurant.
Saturday – just routine housework and washing etc.
Sunday – My son and I are getting up really early to go to our local hills as snow is predicted. We will be having a yummy breakfast up in one of the mountain top cafes.
Evening routine. After dinner, I usually go and have my shower and then peruse what’s on TV that I might like (usually nothing much) and so I might watch a DVD or read my book.
Genevieve, your Sunday breakfast snowfall watching with your son sounds heavenly!
Haul: Just Revlon Super Lustrous Wine with Everything lipstick, pearl finish-payday’s this coming week, so I’m trying to save anything bigger (Fenty Killawatt 7daywknd/Poolside highlighter, Too Faced 20th Anniversary shadow palette, Puma x MAC Sin sneakers) till at or after then.
Weekend plans: Errands today, work all day and SVU marathon tomorrow, not sure what I’m doing Sunday.
What’s your evening routine?: I don’t really have one-I have too many interests to really have a routine. I take Nasacort every night at 1:30 and take a pill every night before bed.
Haul: Boston Store Liquidation (60% off): Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation, Moonstone Luxe eyeshadow (stocking stuffer), Dove Grey eyeshadow single, Lancome Teint Idole Foundation Stick; Belk ($10 off) Diorshow Onstage liner (white). Ordered 2 Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipsticks.
Weekend Plans: Tidying up around the house, maybe shopping at a hardware store, enjoying the outdoors if the humidity is low.
Evening routine: typically watch shows, etc. with spouse after dinner. I take 20-30 mins to do my evening skincare and make any notes pertinent to the next day. I’m a night hawk and stay up later than spouse does, especially if he goes to bed early. I do enjoy the peace and quiet of late evenings.