Free for Haul Friday, Volume #502
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/Rediscoveries: Good Molecules Niacinamide & Hylauronic Acid Serums, Farmacy Sheet Masks
- Weekend plans: My parents are visiting, so trying to hang out with them as much as possible, which is chatting, cooking, eating, and playing with Mellan, mostly.
- What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: These days, it’s just been ice water! In a dream world, non-alcohol pina colada!
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!
Rope toys…my dog’s favorite!
Haul: NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake, Kaja Chocolate Dahlia eyeshadow, and Sigma F50 Duo Fiber Brush (brush arrived two days earlier than projected!). The Kaja eyeshadow is adorable and I tried it for the first time this morning. The two matte shades are divine, but I’m disappointed with the shimmer. Too much fallout. I had glitter all over my cheeks and my eyes were watering. And I used it with my favorite primer! So I’ll probably use a different shimmer with these two lovely matte browns. I haven’t tried the new Sigma brush yet, but its light blue handle makes it a very pretty companion for my Guerlain Meteorite Pearls, which is the reason I bought it.
Weekend plans: Recovering from another stupid cold.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day? Air conditioning. Plain and simple. Lots of it, full blast.
Yay the brush arrived! Update when you’ve tried it with the Pearls, please!
Haul: Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette – I’ve been looking for a good everyday perfume that isn’t too sticky sweet but still smells like delicious vanilla (because I’m always drawn to gourmand scents) and this is wonderful. It lasts all day on me and the more I smell it the more nuanced it becomes. I found a Mother’s Day set with the perfume, body wash and lotion for just a couple dollars more than the full size perfume at Ulta, so I’m a happy camper. I am also curious to try out Lancome La Vie Est Belle as well. I’ve heard wonderful things about that scent.
Rediscoveries: Physician’s Formula The Healthy Foundation. I keep coming back to it, and love it even more now that I’m doing more skincare in the morning; so of course the foundation looks even better now.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: It hasn’t been too hot in my city, yet, as we’ve been getting tons and tons of rain, but I normally love a HUGE glass of ice water. In fact I use the big cup the hospital sent me home with postpartum still.
Celesta – looking forward to your reaction when you do try the Lancôme La Vie est Belle. I also love gourmand scents and have never received constant compliments on what I’m wearing until I used La Vie est Belle . I sampled the Philosophy Warm Cashmere and it’s on my list to buy.
Haul: nothing, I’m still enjoying my Safari Raine palette.
Weekend Plans: searching for a car (someone hit my car over a month ago and I finally got the insurance company to agree that their client was at fault) and I have to work Sunday.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: AC and ice-cold water
Haul: Too Faced better than sex mascara and Urban Decay Solstice moondust shadow from ulta 20% off sale.
Weekend plans: A friend is in town so we’re meeting for dinner tonight. Might go fishing at some point if there’s a break in the thunderstorms.
Fav way to cool down on a hot day: Stay hydrated, eat fruit, use after-sun cooling lotion (I like Sun Bum’s for body and Milk Makeup cooling water stick for face). If I really want a treat I’ll have iced coffee or fruit juice mixed with Sprite.
Haul:
I forgot to mention my haul from the Cosmetics Company Store two weeks ago. We were on our way to Chicago and I decided to detour to the nearest CCS. Tom Ford was 60% off. I picked up lip colors in Conner, Cary, Mitchell, and Exotica. This reminded meof the importance of trying nudes before you buy. I’ve ordered so many nudes online, only to discover they look awful on me. Even though Christine described Cary as a warm plummy red, this lipstick is definitely a nude for me, and one of the most flattering I’ve tried. Mitchell, another plum, is just a deeper, less red interpretation of Cary, and I am excited to wear this one in the fall. Cary was a no brainer, as I love orange lipsticks in spring and summer. Cary is less bright than the oranges already own, so it will be perfect for late summer. Exotica is the type of punchy deep raspberry shade that hooks me every time, and when I discovered it was a dupe for YSL’s Forbidden Burgundy, which I missed out on and regretted not purchasing, well, I knew I would take it home with me. It was really difficult to only buy four. I had a dozen picked out.
Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid. 2nd purchase. I mix it with Retin A and apply nightly. I figure if Curology can do it, so can I. In addition to the skin benefits, it also helps make my Retin A cream more spreadable.
Paula’s Choice Niacinamide Booster. First purchase. I haven’t used it yet because I’m not sure if I should plug it into my morning or night routine. More research needed.
Cover FX Monochromatic Blush Duos in Warm Honey and Spiced Cinnamon. I wish the formula was a little nicer but these blushes perform very well on the skin. These are good colors for my medium warm skin tone.
Weekend: Gym, mowing, reading, cooking and music!
Cool down: A shower, turn on the air conditioner, and an icy gin and tonic with fresh lime juice and a dash of raspberry syrup.
I read recently that niacinamide doesn’t play well with acids (AHA, BHA etc.) and that you need to wait 30 minutes after applying the acid before using the niacinamide. It’s about pH adjustment. That might influence when you use it. Curology includes it in its brews so they are suggesting nighttime.
Thank you, Lesley!
I use niacinamide at night, right before my retinol serum.
https://chemistconfessions.com/pro-tips/actives-focus/combining-actives/
Thank you, Jessica!
Interesting idea about mixing in the azelaic. I used some of that Paula’s, but gave up, when I went anti-inflammatory. Then it became Differin with Klair’s Blue Calming over, at night. I couldn’t do Curology, due to allergy in the base product, and niacinamide became a no no, too, along with AHAs. Would not mind some of this sensitivity going away.
I love orangey lipsticks in spring/summer too – which is why Colour Pop’s Foolish and Maybelline’s Spice for Me is so perfect.
I think it does depend on the chemistry of your lips as to how lipstick shades perform – I often find red shades end up looking pink on me (which I loathe). I just looked up these lipsticks and I think that the shades will look lovely on you, and being at such a discount (a small miracle) it would be very difficult to go past it.
Hi Tammy, I’m intrigued by your Tom Ford lipstick finds and will be heading to our nearest CCO in July to see what might be there, especially Exotica.
I wanted to let you know that I am over-the-moon pleased with the Natasha Denona Tan and Glow palette and Chanel purchases. I was sold on the ND palette when I saw the bronzer shade had a red tone to it, which is my ideal shade. The rest of the paperwork palette is beautiful and very wearable with one minor note that the top left glow cream pulls a little orange on me, so I have the be careful not to over apply. Am very pleased with my Chanel Les Beiges and Cruise purchases and find the eyeshadow palettes beautifully pigmented and wearable – among the best Chanel has made. The Duos are gorgeous, especially the highlighters and they wonderfully complement the collection, as do the lipsticks (Lumiere and, from the regular Flash line, Boehme).
Tracy, Thank you for following up with me on the new Chanel collections. Your comments sent me off on an enjoyable internet search of all items in the Les Beiges and Cruise collections. I was so excited to see the Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint was back in stock at Nordstrom, and then it sold out again before I could purchase it. I definitely want the Water Fresh Tint, face powder, and the healthy glow balm in Deep. I’ve actually been watching the Les Beiges Indispensables palette before it even made its way to the US, and when I saw how fast it sold out in Canada, I decided to purchase it right away. I haven’t mentioned it in my hauls because I want to play with it a little so I have something to say about it. I already know I’m going to love it. But right now I want to have as much playtime as possible with all my brighter palettes while summer is here.
I watched the Chanel video on the Cruise collection and now I’m interested in the shadow pencils. The eyeshadow quad is at the top of my wishlist. I might pick up the medium bronzer duo, I haven’t decided yet. I absolutely love the Rouge Coco Lip Shines! I have Pulse and Flash, and Desir is in my shopping cart as we speak. I have a sample of Boheme, it’s very lovely. Chanel is killing it this year!
I like a little red in my bronzers too, so the ND Bronze and Glow should work well for me.
Exotica is so pretty! Hope you find it at your CCS.
So glad you enjoyed your Internet search if the Cruise collection. The Medium Duo is a gem – the chocolate shade has a glow not seen when swatching. I apply it with Sonia G cheek pro brush (dense with some flexibility) and I swear there’s a hint of red in it. With the highlighter, it beams summer dewy look. I liked the look so much, I didn’t wear blush on this hot day. I’ve received compliments every time I wear the Medium Duo, from someone staring at “the glow” to “you look great!” I’m glad you picked up the 9-pan palette. I’ve been enjoying the Metallic Flash Ombre et Contour Stylo. It’s a gorgeous shade and looks beautiful on its own, as a liner, and over shadow. I’m enjoying the Water Fresh Tint and have recently purchased the full coverage Ultra Le Teint (for days when the redness in my skin flares) and today, the Vitalumiere Aqua (replacing Perfection Vitalumiere Velvet). Am really enjoying exploring Chanel’s foundation range at all degrees of coverage. I’m on vacation but when I’m back, I’ll be pulling out colour palettes, too!
Enjoy visiting with your parents!
Haul:
*Huda Beauty Neon Pink and Neon Orange Obssessions Palettes; deluxe sample of Volition Strawberry-C Serum (GWP). I’m loving the Volition Serum, and it’s not irritating to my skin at all. I ordered a full-size bottle.
*MAC Desert Lightning Palette
*Back up of Maybelline Loaded Bold Lipstick in Gone Greige, because the line is dc’d (or was it an LE line that just hung around a long time?). I love it so freaking much, I couldn’t risk something happening to mine.
*(Forgot to mention last week) Tarte $63 Custom Beauty Kit: Clay Stick Foundation in Fair Neutral, Amazonian Clay Blush in Sensual; Glam on the Go Eyeshadow Palette, Gifted Mascara, Color Splash Lipstick in Beach Waves, Blot Party On-the-Go Mattifiers, and large black makeup bag.
Weekend plans: Tomorrow we have to go to a memorial service for my husband’s co-worker and friend of the last 25 years. He was a super-nice guy, and he’ll be missed. The rest of the weekend will just be the usual shopping and chores. Tuesday morning is the graduation ceremony for my younger son’s internship program.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: Going to the beach, but if that’s not an option, staying inside with the AC on, and having hubby cook dinner out on the grill.
Hi Rachel, have you tried the MAC Desert Lightening Palette yet? If so, what are your thoughts? I keep looking at it and thinking I want it but then talk myself out of it. After I saw Tara swatch it I was all set to pull the trigger but then I thought it looked so basic. Sometimes basic is fine though. Look forward to hearing what you think!
Hi, Debra! I’ve been using Desert Lightning this weekend. I’ve used most of the shades, but not all. So far I’m really liking it. It is basic in the sense that all the shades could be easily duped if one has a large stash (So Jaded being a little tougher to dupe). I used the shadows over UD Primer Potion in Enigma, and everything showed up, built up, and blended nicely. I got the palette for 15% with Macy’s Friends and Family sale, so I felt that made up for any weak points. I think Christine’s assessment was spot on, as usual.
It’s great for me personally, because: 1) It’s a cooler toned without being too cool toned. Entirely cool-toned palettes, especially when there are lots of medium and dark browns, go muddy on me. Nothing here is too dark. 2) Is it the Beat blends beautifully, and is soft enough that it’s just not another unusable pitch black shade. It’s great for darkening the crease and outer corners. 3) The Desert Lightning shade is a perfect base/transition/blending shade for fair skin. 4) Fresh Innocence is the kind of shade I like to use for a brow bone and inner corner highlight. 5) There are no grays. 6) I didn’t have most of these shades in MAC, so it’s nice from a collecting stand point.
CONS: 1.) Deception is really awful. It can be pretty on the lid if foiled or applied with a fingertip. It takes some building up. Otherwise, it’s useless. 2) Marzipan is the only matte crease shade for lighter skin. It’s fantastic, but I wish MAC had left out Deception and included a light-to-medium matte blue-tinged gray or even a matte taupe instead for added flexibility. 3) Color names are printed on a separate plastic sheet instead of on the palette itself.
Thank you Rachel. I am going to see if they have it at the MAC counter here in Boise. Just pulled in and ready to crash!!
Deborah, I’m so sorry I called you “Debra” in my reply. I was really tired last night. I hope you’ll end up liking the palette as much as I do.
How sad that your husband’s friend and co-worker has passed away, I am sure that he misses him all the time.
I hope your son’s graduation goes smoothly and it will be a wonderful moment for all of you on the incredible journey he has been on. Congratulations.
Thank you for your condolences. It was a lovely service. It’s still hard to believe he’s gone.
Thanks also for the congratulations for my son. It’s a small group of interns, and Brandon is a ham, so I think he’ll do fine with graduation. Because you’re a former teacher, you might be interested in this interview he did for one of its sponsors’ podcast, talking about Asperger’s/PDDs and the program. They requested Brandon specifically, and I think he did an awesome job. (Christine, if this link is not OK, please remove and accept my apologies).
https://www.theelpisproject.org/new-blog/2019/2/26/episode-6-project-search-brandon-runyankari-seals
Hi Rachel, I am so sorry to hear that your husband’s co-worker and friend passed away. Heartfelt condolences.
Tracey E., thank you so much for your kind words. It was a lovely service. If there’s a heaven, I know this man went there.
I’m glad the service was lovely, Rachel!
Haul: Been on a Pat McGrath lipstick kick lately, added She’s Heaven and Flesh 3 in the past couple weeks. I was very impressed with how well Flesh 3 wore, the sparkles/shimmer stayed in place and did *not* migrate all over my face, which was my experience with some other sparkly shades (thinking of Urban Decay’s Outspoken, which I really should try again, but my memory is that it had a bit too much sparkle migration to wear to work). Flesh 3 is a gorgeous color, I highly recommend it.
Weekend plans: Spending some one on one time with each of my kids, plus hoping to get some exercise in. Very low key.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day? A tall sugary iced coffee, or ice cream.
I love Flesh 3. It has to be in my top 10 lipsticks of all time and since I have well over 200 that is saying something. Just a gorgeous colour and formula.
Haul/Rediscoveries:
I caved and bought the Smith and Cult foundation. I should know better – as soon as I say “I am thinking about xxxx but am holding off”, that’s code for my brain to BUY ABSOLUTELY DO IT RIGHT NOW.
Pat McGrath Blood Rush lipstick (also caved and bought after saying I wouldn’t) and Synthetica eye shadow.
Weekend Plans: The usual chores and going to a few birthday celebrations. I’m looking forward to being outside as it’s pretty temperate and breezy lately.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: Hmmm, I don’t have one but I guess if I did, it’d be with an iced coffee (best if it’s decaf). As far as locale, it’d be at the beach or in a movie theater or shopping. Can’t beat driving with the top down but hot wind defeats the purpose and I don’t like my hair getting crazy and road grimy.
How do you find the foundation? I have been ‘eyeing’ this one off for a while now, but don’t know anyone else who uses the brand.
Genevieve I found it had medium coverage, thicker creamier formula than usual (for me) and gives a satin finish at first but after about 5 or 10 minutes, it’s matte finish. My skin was just a slight bit tacky after application so I used a setting powder (I always do with every foundation – can’t have my bronzer and blush a splotchy mess). I used Temptalia’s Foundation Matrix and it was a perfect match (MAC NC 23ish = Smith and Cult 190). Thank goodness because I ordered from Smith and Cult website. One pump is enough for 2 applications (I apply with fingers) so next time I will be mindful and only do half a pump. Good longevity (for me), about 8 hours and it faded evenly. It didn’t develop a sheen or an oily look over time, it stayed matte (not the dried out look, though) on my normal to oily skin. The formula as far as consistency/creaminess/viscosity reminds me of Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau and is a little thicker than Estee Lauder Double Wear. I don’t remember any noticeable scent. It retails for around $45 and I purchased during their 20% off sale just recently. I am pleased and it’s a keeper! ?
Haul/Rediscoveries: No hauls, I’ve been trying to go low buy. I just redyed my hair dark brown, though, and I’ve been able to wear all of my darker lipstick favorites again! Current fave’s have been Lime Crime’s Shroom, ColourPop Brick, and ColourPop Friends.
Weekend plans: Nothing, really. Saturday I plan on fixing the taillights on my new to Me Colorado, and maybe start on doing some body work. Sunday I was gonna help my husband fabricate and install some parts for his motorcycle. Maybe take our daughter to a park or something if it ever stops raining here.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: I am one of those people that are outside wearing a hoodie and jeans when its 90 degrees out, haha. I am rarely ever “too warm”. My daughter and my husband are snow bunnies though, and they’ve been primarily just staying in the downstairs of our house with the AC on 70, along with all the fans in the house pointed at them.
I am afraid Carmen, that I am with your husband and daughter on this one! I seriously feel the heat, whereas my husband does not. We always disagree on the aircon’s temp.
Hauls: The new Melt palette, Clinique Cheek Pop in Fig Pop, Clinique’s eyeliner, UD Perversion mascara, lipstick from both Clinique and UD.
Rediscoveries: my UD Naked palette. I haven’t used it in a while and just busted it out this week. I’m in love all over again.
Weekend plans: Work and Stardew Valley.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: A nice cup of ice water while chilling under the air-co vent with a fan on me.
I always love coming back to my Naked palettes – such good quality and beautiful shades.
Stardew Valley! I just married Emily 🙂
Idea: Stardew Valley themed palette?
Haul/rediscoveries: Nothing this week!
Weekend plans: Go to the Urban Craft Uprising show, get a massage, eat ice cream, drink cider, attend a dance workshop, try out my new vacuum cleaner.
Favorite way to cool down on a hot day: Iced tea!
Mellan clearly is ready for his grandparents to play with him. Did you think they came to see you????
Haul/Rediscoveries: Curology Tretinoin 0.01% + Azelaic Acid 2% + Niacinamide 4%, CosRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream, CosRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser. I decided my skincare needed a reboot so I stopped everything except moisturizer and sunscreen and am starting over. I should be up to daily use of the tretinoin brew by next week and if there is no irritation, I will add back Vitamin C. On a whim, I spent $$$ on Trish McEvoy Beauty Balm Instant Solutions to replace my Bare Minerals TM.
Weekend plans: Hang out with some new books I bought. We have had rain all week but it is supposed to be sunny tomorrow.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day? A large iced latte.
Go, Cosrx! The cleanser is HG, and I always regret trying others, and relegate them to the bathtub. I have the balancium, but do not have to use it regularly. One of the best aspects of Cosrx is the transparency. Short ingredients lists with targeted formulas.
I’m always anxious to sing the praises of Curology whenever there’s (even a minimally appropriate) chance! My formula has the same percentages of azelaic and retinoic acids as yours, but with clindamycin instead of niacinamide. (I don’t believe my skin loves niacinamide.) I used retinoic acid, the lowest-possible prescription strength, for YEARS and constantly peeled. I suffered through it because I saw the benefits anyway and know what a great thing it is for acne, aging, cancer prevention, etc. When I started my Curology about 18 months ago, the peeling completely stopped and my skin has never been better. I continued with the same Vitamin C (PTR Potent-C) that I’d been using for a while prior to starting Curology and had no problems whatsoever. (I immediately used the Curology 5-6 nights/week, no slow introduction…I use EL Advanced Night Repair on off nights.) I also love the convenience of Curology and find it very good value, especially compared with prescription Retin-A. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Love how your Mellan and my Clarissa actually invite us to play with them, it’s just so precious!
Haul: Oh lawdy, MAC why did you have to have your 25% sale last weekend? MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation in NC41, Smoked Almond lipstick in the Amplified formula, and Hellbore Liptensity Lipstick.
Last week’s clothing haul had me returning both LBD’s because they would have needed the shoulders taken up and extra bust darts put in to accommodate a very small back and shoulders with a DD bust. Got a size down in my favorite of the 2 and was very pleasantly surprised that it fit my odd shaped bod! Also, a very 90’s shift dress for casual wear, and a few beautiful tops @ JCP yesterday because coupon and Ana brand on BOGO 50%.
Weekend plans: Relax. This week was hectic and exhausting. 3 appointments, 3 shopping trips correspondingly after each. Yesterday had me leaving the cardiologist office wearing a telemetry device, which I literally BEGGED her to wait to do this until late October, but she told me we need to determine if this really is only episodes of SVT’s per my old PCP and myself, or something else more serious. They still have NO idea why I went into CHF. So here we are. Do hair today. Gotta get better about doing my nails, the toes are always done, but no color on my fingers most of the time. Meeting on Sunday.
Favorite way to cool down on a hot day? SWIMMING!!! If I could just get myself up and over to the rec center, I would! Other than that, a fruit smoothie or ice cream!
Don’t worry, your eye look distracted from the Holter monitor, lol. Good luck.
Oh, it actually did, KJH! I had on Dominique Lemonade, using all the mattes, and the yellow and peach metallics. Got loads of compliments on it!
Hope all goes well with the monitoring Nancy. And congrats on finding the perfect dress, it’s always nice to go down a size or so.
Have you heard any more from that dangerous ex resident?
Have a good rest this weekend Nancy, thinking of you.
Thanks, Genevieve. I can put up with it as long as it gives my Doc and me answers.
We still see her in the alley now and then. Her mother got her into another apt. in this neighborhood. ?
I hope your weekend was a good one, too,
I hope the telemetry results are good. Keeping you in my prayers.
Thank you, Rachel! Not the cutest fashion accessory I’ve ever worn, but better than the old devices of years ago. No more having to write down every incident by hand, because it has an electronic device where you just answer a few questions after hitting the event button. Looks like a cellphone!
Haul: Trilogy Rosapene Radiance Serum, a Makeup Forever “set” with minis of their black pencil liner and eye makeup remover (Sens’eyes) and THREE of their old/dc shadows that we all loved so much, full sizes, in the shades Sahara, Praline and Vanilla AND an empty 3-pan palette in which to put them and all of this for a mere $10 on the Winners clearance shelf! I also found a bottle of OPI Give Me A Lido Kiss polish (a shade I love on my toes in summer) also at a great price. Now I’m in Ottawa for a few days and got the Chanel Blurry Grey e/s quad for 20% off (Thursdays are “seniors days” and basically anyone 50-ish or over seems able to take advantage, though I am truly a senior) and then I paid the balance with my Optimum points….how GREAT is THAT??? I was tempted to get another Tisse Rivoli and the Blurry Green quad but figured one was really indulgent enough!
Weekend Plans: hugs and I are away for a few days so it’s been dinners out, visiting the National Gallery (it would take a year even to skim the surface but….), a walking tour and as there’s a branch of our gym here, we’re going to the gym tomorrow.
Favourite way to cool off: a tepid shower after a day in hot classroom is always the first thing for me. Some ice water and just staying inside in the air conditioning.
What sensational bargains you picked up Mariella – there is no such thing as ‘seniors’ makeup days here. Doh! I would have another think about Tisse Rivoli Mariella – having just looked at it again, it seems like a perfect neutral palette (and such a fantastic rating from Christine too). Not that I am encouraging you to extend your stash….but if it’s on sale, it would be too good an opportunity to pass up. Because, let’s face it, a lot of the palettes out now don’t seem to suit both of us.
What fabulous place Ottowa seems to be and visiting museums, galleries and eating out is my kind of holiday.
First thing I used to do when coming home from school on a hot day is head to the shower too… those classrooms (without aircon) are like furnaces.
LOL, Genevieve, I’be owned Tisse Rivoli since it launched but thought briefly about getting a second one; it was the eye rolling of my husband and the knowledge that it will be a good few years TIL I actually need to replace it.
Yes, eye rolling from the husband will do it! I don’t usually like him following me into makeup stores….such a turn off. My husband thinks that I collect makeup like Imelda Marcos collected shoes….Very droll. You probably do have dupes, but that is so, so pretty.
Be honest, Genevieve – you and I both probably have makeup collections that sort of rival Imelda’s shoe collection (though ours haven’t been acquired from monies that should have been used to help the citizenry). I generally do my makeup shopping on my own too but as we were going to Shoppers Drug Mart (a very large chain with stores that sell pretty much everything – depending on their location – from Dior and Chanel cosmetics to toothpaste, bandaids and mouthwash) and he needed a new tube of sunscreen and some Stimudents, he was with me. Plus, we were on a mini-vacation and it’s nice just to spend lots of time together even in idle shopping and window-shopping. I think when it comes time to start worrying about replacing Tisse Rivoli, I’ll order it from a local SDM (they have a great policy that you can order and pay for the items even in stores that don’t carry that particular line) and have all the benefits of points and, I think, the seniors’ discount. I can’t recall if they deliver to your home or to the store where you ordered it but since Chanel no longer has a counter presence in the large department store here and the SDM stores in my area only carry Chanel fragrance, ordering another Tisse Rivoli this way makes good sense. Mind you, as I said, I’m still a long way off from even hitting pan though it probably is the Chanel quad I’m most likely to finish first.
Wow! You scored some nice deals.
Mellan, you are such a love heart! We have your black female clone next door. Good natured, beautiful, friendly, amiable, biddable, all around excellent girl. Haul: Asian bath products, locally and from Amazon. 5HTP. There’s a long story behind that, but almost through serendipity, I found that it covers my pain. The plus is…and the warning is…that it is a precursor to tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. So no SSRIs. Fine by me. Loved Dr Facilier l/s this week. On me, it’s rust nude (not plum at all), and I tried it with lots of toppers. Scored the Ulta brand, the Coola brand, and the Cotz tinted mineral/physical sunscreens. The Ulta has more pigment and is more foundation-like than the Paula. Low viscosity, I think I mean. A dollop does not run, even if you turn your hand upside down. The only color turns out mid-medium, and might be too light for many, too dark for others. It is a product that could use a shade assortment: I cannot imagine it adjusting. But it is comfortable, with no settling, messing with the concealer or other products. W/e: depends on the weather, but I am totally loving no longer working Fri and Sat nights. Buying myself ten extra hours is heavenly. Hot days: down the hill to the ocean or outside to the dog pool, with them, lol. Iced mint tea. Watermelon or a berry shortcake. Or maybe make that Campari tangerine sorbet from Silver Palate, very refreshing. Chanel my inner Donatella Versace, lol.
Yes to the ocean! And watermelon, too. Missing the beach and ocean more than ever, I tell you!
Hi all – – I finally bought the Anastasia Brow Dip .
Weekend – we are on baby watch ! My first baby girl grandchild is due any hour now ! My son and his wife both have huge families and it has been so exciting . Second, my only daughter is getting married in three months . It’s going to be a big , formal wedding and there is so so much to do yet . It’s been the craziest year ever and why I haven’t posted much on here lately.
We cool off by going to the back yard and swimming .
OMG Robin, how exciting for you. A brand new baby granddaughter! Our first grandchild was a girl too, and as I had boys, it was such a thrill. I could hardly contain myself and certainly the local shopping centre benefited from my largesse in terms of buying clothes and toys for her. I hope the intending birth is a gentle one for mumma and that the baby and mum are well and healthy. I will be saying a few prayers for you all.
You are going to be very busy in the next few months I can see, what with the baby and the wedding…
Genevieve, you are so sweet . I appreciate your comment . I know , all the girl stuff is so irresistible. I’ve gone off the deep end buying stuff for sure . Between that and wedding I’m in a no buy mode for everything .
All the girl stuff is still so totally irresistable for me. Just the other day I took Olivia, who is now 5, shopping to buy some winter goodies. We ended up with a couple of dresses (with unicorns on one and metallic spots on another), a warm jacket, trackpants that cleverly matched the unicorn dress and leopard print boots….. I know exactly what you mean about going off the deep end.
I hope by now the bubba has arrived, safe and well. Congratulations.
Congrats on soon-to-be here grandbaby and your daughter’s upcoming wedding. How exciting, and exhausting! 🙂
Haul: Ulta- MAC Natural Born Leader lipstick from the Wonder Collection, Lip Glass in Make Me Mercurial, MAC Iridescent Powder in Into Eternity all from the Wonder Collection. Headed to Boise on Sunday so will actually get to visit a real Sephora so I have a list the length of my arm of things I want to swatch and just look at!!
Weekend plans: As mentioned above, I am headed to Boise on Sunday with my mother to visit my sister. We are going to be gone a week and hopefully it will warm up a bit here while I am gone. We got snow at 6000 feet this morning. I think summer decided to skip Montana this year. Tomorrow I am doing all of the things you have to do to get ready to leave for a short time, vacuum, dust, laundry, etc. I am shopping for some food for my daughter who will arrive after I am gone to take care of her furbaby so she needs some food in the house. I also would like to get my nails done but not sure if I will have time. They are in seriously bad shape as my cuticles are dry, cracked and flaking. I haven’t done anything with them so can’t blame the cuticles. Haven’t even put hand lotion on which is practically unheard of for me.
Like to do to cool down: Take off as many clothes as possible and still be decent, drink an ice cold beverage, preferably tea and if I am really desperate I will take a cool cloth and put it on my neck and forehead. I don’t have central air, ( this summer so far it doesn’t look I like I would need it) , but I do have a couple of window AC’s so if I am really hot, above 100 degrees, I will put a window AC in. I keep a mister of MAC Fix + in the fridge so I can spray my face if necessary.
I’m in Calgary we’ve been getting torrential rain. Banff has been getting snow. Hopefully our weather will improve and we do get summer this year or I’m outta here!
Hope all goes well with your trip to Boise and hopefully you can pick up some goodies in Sephora there.
Have a great trip with your sister!
Hi Mellan!
Haul/Rediscoveries: I went to the Rouge Event on Wednesday night with my daughter and stuck to my low/no-buy. I purchased the Caudalie Moisturizing Toner and Shisedo Sunscreen. That’s all I needed.
Weekend plans: My daughter and her husband are going to an outdoor concert in Edmonton, I’m dog sitting for them and it’s been pouring rain off and on for days. The forecast says it’s going to clear up so my fingers are crossed.
What’s your favorite way to cool down on a hot day?: Since I discovered that I’m lactose intolerant I’ve been trying other types of ice cream, like cashew etc. Once you get over the first bite you get used to it and it’s not so bad.
Haul: Wayne Goss 00 powder brush, Tony Moly Tomatox mask, Ofra Radiant Eyes palette, Mario Badescu glycolic eye cream, Embryolisse Creme Lait moisturiser, ABH Norvina palette, Revolution Green Tea & Walnut exfoliating and Honey & Oatmeal nourish & glow face masks, Ofra Francesca Tolot Gilded palette and the Talia Mar Covent Garden and Soho highlighters.
Weekend plans: Brunch with my Mum on Saturday, she is knitting me a custom baby wizard hat and booties for a friend of mine who is a Harry Potter fan (in her house colours of course!) and then on Sunday I might cook a roast chicken with all the trimmings.
Best way to cool down: It’s winter here so cooling off is not a problem right now, but when it’s super hot and you’re at home and you can get get away with looking like a slob – get an old, oversized T-shirt, soak it under the cold tap, wring it out as much as you can and then put it on. It’s weird at first, a bit clammy and ick but then it’s like built in air-conditioning that your wear. Or I have a cool bubble bath or a very cold shower. I hate being too hot.
Dear Mellon, ever hopeful for a lovely, perhaps yummy treat!
Haul: nothing this week. Although the Maybelline Made for Me lipsticks have arrived in our shops, but sad to say, only a handful of them (not the whole series) and, of course, Spice for Me is not included. Very sad face!
Rediscoveries: Next week I am going to use my Lovely by Tarantino little quint.
Weekend Plans: Not much is happening in our place this weekend – freezing cold weather and lots and lots of rain (which we do need desperately). Shopping, food prep for the week, laundry and cleaning on the horizon.
Staying Cool: Plonking myself down in front of the air con, reading and/or catching up my TV shows or DVD’s. Having a cool bath helps too.
By the way Christine, enjoy your time with your parents and I hope the weather is kind and not too hot for you all.
Haul: Charlotte Tilbury – Magic Away concealer and Hot Lips 2 lipsticks in the shades Glowing Jen (a tawny brown perfect for me) and Viva La Vergara (a matte dark red that looks close to Bond Girl, but nothing special until I applied Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Dusty Pink underneath, which made it a creamy matte raspberry shade – much better!)
HBC (in Canada, $10 off): Diorskin Nude Luminizer Blush in Coral Pop and Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge in 999 Ultra Dior.
I’ve been united with my Chanel 9-pan Les Beige palette and Cruise collection pieces. So please with all of it. The two palettes are beautifully pigmented and can easily create a range of looks. The Duo in Medium gives a gorgeous glowy milk chocolate bronzer look with a stunning golden highlighter. The Duo in Clair has a beautiful peachy highlighter and, because my skin is a mix of red from the sun and pale from the winter, the powder in Clair evens out the tone, which was a nice surprise! I’ve been using these pieces all week.
Weekend Plans: Am home in Canada for a few weeks, so helping my mother with outdoor planting and gardening and maybe taking in a farmers’ market, a local art exhibit, and coffee with my mother-in-law. Hoping to enjoy the outdoors as summer has arrived.
Cool down after a hot day: If the humidity is high, the AC is on for survival. A cool drink, a cool breeze and/or cool treats in the fridge/freezer do the trick.
Glowing Jen is the one that caught my eye!
I love the Dior Coral Pop blush. I think I might need the plum one too.
The plum Dior blush looked very tempting! Glowing Jen strikes me as the universal shade in this collection.
Mellan, come here, I’ll play! Sweet boy!
Haul, MAC Fix+ and Clinique Take the Day Off balm. Waiting for me to pick it up is a package containing MAC Viva Glam 25 years anniversary lipstick
I rediscovered MAC Red Rock, I can’t even remember buying it and it’s such a perfecl summer red for me.
Weekend, same old, dogwalks, gardening, see if I can get the energy up to move the last bits and pieces from the main room in my basement, I had a flooding there due to heavy rain and wind, I had to scoop up about 200 liters of water, maybe more and move boxes, emptying all that stood on the floor and trying to dry the contents. I also need to move the ruined boxes from outside the basement door.
I’ve never had a flooded basement before, and I certainly hope it’ll never happen again!
To cool of I have a fan pointed at me and drink anything cold, I prefer Dr Pepper, but iced tea or coffee or even water is fine as well. After cooling down a bit I like a nice shower.