Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #670
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!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I’m expecting Natasha Denona’s new Dream collection to arrive by today!
Weekend plans: We’re having dinner at my parents’ house tonight, and then we’ll do our usual Saturday run to the bakery for some pastries! I’m also attending a volunteering orientation for on-site volunteering at the rescue I did fostering for recently.
What was the last book you read? I always say nothing practically, so the one I’m working on is A Short History of Everything.
P.S. — Want to chat with readers on the regular? Check out Temptalia’s Discord where you can chat about beauty, makeup, and more! 🙂
P.P.S. — I worked with hubby to develop our own games! You can check out the games we have at Awordy, which include Concludle (trivia) and Adoptle (figure out the name of an adoptable pet in six guesses), and Mislettered (figure out the quote by guessing letters).
This week's doggo photo/video...
Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!
Recent Purchases: I did snag the Shroud Cosmetics Hallowbean palette, so that was exciting!
Rediscoveries: I used my Beauty Bakerie Cotton Candy Champagne blush palette a lot this week. It’s so lovely and glowy. I love glowy blushes so much.
Weekend plans: Hopefully something fun!
What was the last book you read? I just got done reading The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. I’ve made a concerted effort to spend less time on my phone on Instagram and more time reading and doing other enjoyable activities.
Thanks for reminding me to pull out my Beauty Bakerie Cotton Candy blush palette! I love summery blush too. Sad that I couldn’t get the Hallowbean palette.
It’s such a lovely blush palette! I think the tones lend themselves beautifully to the colder months coming up. 🙂
This is lovely! Yes… I have a stack of books on my nightstand reminding me to put my phone down 🙂
I hope you do get to do something fun this weekend Celesta. You work so hard and you are a mum to a little boy, so you need to do something uplifting at the weekend to restore your sanity.
Recent purchases: A rollerball of Carolina Herrera Good Girl. I already have the full size bottle, but I needed one for travel. I get a lot of compliments when I wear this fragrance. Also, Benefit Precisely My Brow was on sale at Ulta for 50% off, so I bought two in Cool Grey. (Why do so few makeup companies make brow products in this color?)
Weekend plans: Visiting family, trying to relax after a(nother) stressful week at work.
What was the last book you read? I’m currently reading “The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton.
It’s so hard to find a good cool toned brow pencil. I’m brunette, medium dark, and most brands do my shade in warm undertones… and it looks awful on me. I usually end up purchasing the Taupe shades, even if they are slightly lighter.
My hair is very dark gray—almost black—and cool-toned, so warm-toned brow pencils look completely unnatural on me. Taupes are way too light and too warm, and black pencils are too dark. Benefit’s Cool Grey is the only shade I’ve found that looks good on me. I have Precisely My Brow, Goof Proof, and Gimme Brow all in Cool Grey.
I hope you get to do something restful this weekend – a tough week always drains you out, I use to find when I was working full time.
Recent purchases – None; rediscoveries – the IT Cosmetics face palette – that huge round disc with a blush, bronzer and highlighter.
Weekend plans – we have to go to a wedding today (one neither of us is keen to attend since our son leaves tomorrow – we have to have him at the airport VERY early – and we’d really rather spend today with him); tomorrow, I’ll be going to the gym and then getting stuff together to take brunch to my daughter and son in law’s for Sunday – we’re going there so we can all do a FaceTime call with our son and daughter in law in Japan so they can see their new niece in “real time”.
Last book I read: I listened to a very interesting audio book called All the Lonely People. It was a good and touching story about loneliness – especially among the elderly – and how it affects their mental health and daily life (it’s a fictional story set in London and spanning the 60’s to the current day; the main character is a Black man who moved to the UK from the Caribbean and you see the racism and prejudice he encountered then and even in the current day).
It’s really tough when you have a commitment, like a wedding – booked so far in advance and then, suddenly your son is able to see you and spend some time with you. Yet you can’t because of the commitment to the wedding. And it’s going to be hard to get up so early to take him to the airport too.
At least Sunday is going to be a very happy day with your granddaughter virtually meeting her uncle and aunt. I bet she is gorgeous!
These throwbacks to when you recently fostered those two precious puppies with Winnie who is still kind of, sort of, a puppy himself, are just so uplifting and joy inducing! Very cool that you will be volunteering at that fostering agency, too!
Purchases/rediscoveries: From Sephora, I bought The Inkey List Retinol for my neck because The Ordinary Retinol irritates the living daylights out of my more sensitive neck area, and also purchased PML’s Intensifeyes Artistry Wand and that sucker is defective, so it goes back, and Sephora’s brand eyeshadow in First Light. Then, I also ordered and received Nomad Cosmetics Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde palette, and WOW! It is even more beautiful in person than what I was seeing in YT videos!!! Also, I have 4 Terra Moons multichromes ready to be checked out: Witches Broom Nebula, Ganymede, Midnight Winter and Neptune’s Diamonds. Only catch is, two of the four are not available until September 30th, and I would absolutely prefer to get them all together in just one shipment. I don’t mind waiting for the 30th, either.
Weekend plans: Well, after a very exciting, exhilarating, and truly wonderful but busy week, I’m so exhausted! Yet, some things still need to get accomplished. Food shopping later today. Tomorrow I will be meeting what will quite possibly be kitty #3. His name is Cole. All black, 1 year old, neutered, healthy, but has a lump in one paw, sweet personality. I’d love to rename him Paulie! My sleep has been terrible this week, so I’m also hoping to get some good rest and sleep.
What was the last book you read? Other than nightly Bible readings (just ONE chapter per night!), I just don’t have the attention span or patience to sit down and deep dive into a novel. I’ll read online articles or come on here, but the old avid reader in me just seems to have drifted out to sea! Makes me feel rather sad, too. Because I used to read books all the time.
I bet you had a wonderful time with Rachel and her husband last week. I hope your new, darling little kitty works out for you.
We had a wonderful time going to what I believe is the best Mexican/Caribbean/Hawaiian fusion restaurant around, Diego Pop’s in Old Town Scottsdale, then afterwards Odysea Aquarium where you can watch decent size SHARKS swimming around through a big glass window in the bathroom! Wednesday, we went to the Duran Duran concert with the opening act being one of the most prolific, talented songwriters of modern times, Nile Rodgers and his band Chic! I wish I could bottle those two days and save them forever.
I go to meet kitty, Cole, later today! 🐈⬛
Paulie will certainly help you sleep. Pretty sure Scunci (sp?) calmed you for sleep and kitty sleeping factor has been missing. I hope Paulie gives you as many years and as much love as beloved Scunci. Bet you had a fab time w/Rachel. I hope she brought MPZ ‘Everything Looks Better on a Meathook’ for you to try, lol. The swatches of that look awesome.
Yeah, I think he’ll get along well with my other 2 kitties, Clarissa who is Scunci’s half sister, and the little fluffy black semi-feral Penelope who I took in a year and a half ago. My only concern is that Clarissa is super territorial and can be vicious towards other cats, and he has one limping paw, so he may have a difficult time getting away from her. She’s 15 now, but still very fast when she wants to be!
Yes, we had a very good time visiting together, KJH! I miss her already, and I’m just hoping that their return to Oregon is safe and uneventful.
Recent Purchases: A travel size Urban Decay primer potion!
Weekend plans: Going to the Armory Show with friends from upstate New York and some people who work at a healthcare start up, to the closing reception at an art show my friend curated at a gallery, and to a work picnic.
What was the last book you read? I’m reading All When Can Save, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Self-Inflicted Wounds by Aisha Tyler (she voices Lana Kane in Archer), and a poetry book called Corazón by Yesika Salgado (I love picking up the recommended books at local book stores!). At any given moment in time, I probably am seriously in the middle of like 12 books haha. I have to follow my mood for what I’m reading. I think the last book I finished was Sotomayor’s memoir.
Oops, meant to type “All We Can Save”! Great book with short passages by different people handling various aspects of the climate crisis.
Kira, autocorrect got me, too! I typed out “a limp in his paw” and it changed it to “lump”! Then again, I was super sleep deprived, so perhaps my finger really did hit the wrong key?
Sounds like a busy, but completely enjoyable weekend on the cards Kira. Have fun!
Recent Purchases: I took advantage of the Labor Day deal and made a MAC order: back-ups for my powder and mascara (Studio Fix Powder Plus and Haute & Naughty Waterproof), refills for my custom made eyeshadow palette (Tilt, Cozy Grey, It’s Vintage),
Weekend plans: On Saturday I have to get my car in service (most likely I’m due tire replacements) and I’ll visit a shopping center nearby while I wait. Otherwise I really want to spent more time outdoors… with the heatwave in the past week it almost impossible to be out for more than a couple of minutes.
What was the last book you read? The last book I read-read was The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Neil Gaiman). The last book I `read` was one of those light reading free Amazon audiobooks (I get them with Prime Reading), Belle Mer (Luanne Rice), I needed something I can listen but wasn’t too engaging or interesting (unlike my favorite podcasts 😆 ).
I hope your car service doesn’t turn out to be too expensive Ana Maria. We’ve been reading here about the heatwaves in the US and I shudder to think what will be coming our way in December/January and beyond. I hope the weather gets a bit cooler for you so you can spend more time outside without getting fried.
The Ocean stayed with me; a tad disturbing. Did you know that BPAL (Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab) has a whole category of Gaiman-inspired scents?
No, I didn’t. But I just found a site I’ll probably spend too much time and money. 😀
RECENT PURCHASES: Tarte 🌵 Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara; Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor in Capricious; NYX This Is Milky Gloss in Cherry Milkshake and Mixed Berry Shake.
🌵 WEEKEND PLANS: Tomorrow we drive back to Phoenix, Arizona to catch our flight home, turn in the rental car, and fly home. Sunday we’ll be unpacking suitcases and resting .
🌵 WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Do the Duran Duran FuturePast tour books count?
It DOES count, Rachel! I’m wearing the FuturePast T-shirt today food shopping. Realized only *after* I got home and took it out of my bag that it wasn’t the tour shirt, but I can still order that one and the DVD, too. What a night!
Two Duran shirts are better than one! Lol
I hope you’ve had a fabulous time Rachel catching up with Nancy and exploring the Phoenix area and beyond. Have a safe flight home and may all your suitcases arrive safely too.
We had a blast with Nancy! She’s so sweet and a lot of fun.
The trip as a whole had ups and downs, but it was pretty successful. I wish we could have spent more time in Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon Area, but at least we got to fit the Grand Canyon AND it was cool there.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Hallobean palette from Shroud Cosmetics!
Weekend plans: We have some house showings and an open house Sunday since we are moving.
What was the last book you read? Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules (a collection of short stories selected by David Sedaris)
OMG Zia – house showings! How hard is it to keep your home in pristine condition all the time? I hope you get a lot of people showing interest in your place. Best wishes!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: We are moving in a couple of weeks so I am trying to be good right now. My next planned purchase is going to be a backup pair of glasses from Zenni.
Weekend plans: Packing. I am so tired of moving! I also have to get my nails done on Sunday, but otherwise it will be a cycle of pack-relax-pack :/
What was the last book you read? I just finished a book about a Deaf school that was really sweet and good (and enlightening!) called True Biz. I will probably finish The Stepford Wives tonight. I love me some good satire!
I hate packing up with a passion and I am sure that by now, you do too! It is so draining and time consuming. Are you moving far away?
Not far this time thank goodness . We will be very close to my husband’s job and a few blocks from the ocean so it is a big u upgrade.
I recently got a couple of pairs from Warby Parker. There’s a store near me, so I didn’t have to do all that 5 trial pairs stuff. I get a lot of bells & whistles in glasses. In the 80s or 90s, an optician said about my choice’Who TF let YOU buy those?’ I switched to RayBan for sturdiness for the past~25-30 years. The WBs seem ok so far, and they are 200$ cheaper than the 50%off lenses at RayBan or LensCrafters over the past decade. If WP is live near you, I’d check it out. The fit was good, the mfg spot on, and the staff was surprisingly knowledgeable.
I like warby Parker but as my rx gets stronger the choices I have gets more and more limited sadly
I have been picking off the 50% items at Ulta.. Love that sale. Bought 2 of the bobbi brown gel liners, 4 tubes of the lancome big lash, 4 tubes of MAC lipstick.. I feel like I am in that store or receiving a package in the mail every other day. I am going to try to wind it down when the MAC blushes go 50% off.. I am looking at buying at least 2-3.
I just moved my daughter into her dorm yesterday, so I am kinda decompressing this weekend.
currently reading-Robert Maxwell, Israel’s Superspy: The Life and Murder of a Media Mogul
Maxwell was an interesting, complex, rather ruthless man. Brilliant. Returning to his Jewish roots after not being able to penetrate British high society. His daughter may have become an international socialite, but ugh. Beyond perv. Wonder if Robt would have visited Ghislaine in prison? Also always wondered who killed him in that ‘boating accident.’ Might have to read that one. Good luck with your empty nesting.
Winnie is so like a big brother – running away with the ball and having the little ones chase him. He must love the company they provide him. The puppies are adorable.
Recent Purchases: Nada
Rediscoveries: SG Temptalia’s On the Horizon Light palette
Weekend Plans: Nothing much is on the horizon this weekend. I am just getting over the news that the Queen has passed away – and like all women, she was working right up until the day she died. One comfort is that she passed away peacefully in her own bed at a place she loved.
I will probably do some shopping, laundry and housework and that’s about it.
Last book I read: I manage to get through 2-3 books a week as I am an avid reader The last book I read was Garry Disher’s book Consolation – it’s about a policeman who works solo in an outback town. It’s the third in this particular series. I just love his books.
I’m a bit sad about the death of the Queen. I’m not even in a Commonwealth country, but I have admired her a great deal over the years. She was very professional and dedicated in her work. I quite like the photo of her when Donald Trump stands in front of her, with his back turned to her. She almost looks annoyed, but not quite. (It’s a huge violation to etiquette.)
Of course this may sound like nonsense to many, and I understand as I’m not a royalist and she is the only royal I have ever had any interest in.
She also wore clothes in all bright colours under the sun and never went out without her lipstick on.
I used CT Matte Revolution lipstick in The Queen all day yesterday as my own little tribute.
My condolences on the passing of The Queen. I rather liked her.
I love the look of the little wolf like doggie! Gad I lived nearby I would gladly have adopted him/her/them. Winnie looks like he is enjoying his little buddies.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Purchase, back up of MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick in Wild Sumac, two eye primers, one from Lumene and one from Nyx, two mascaras from Fiberwig Lash Up Accentuate and Dramatic Length. Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Inc lipstick in Coy.
So far I’ve only tried the lipsticks, and am not sure what I think, Wild Sumac is a beauty but I’m not sure I like the feeling on the lips, Coy is rather nice in the beginning, but after some hours it begins to crumble on the inner rim of the lips,
Rediscoveries, nothing comes to mind. I used makeup I use quite frequently all week.
Weekend plans: Depends on rain or shine. Either gardening or cleaning.
What was the last book you read? I wish I knew! I used to read all the time, but now I have a really hard time doing it. I think the last book I finished was a collection of short stories by Daphne du Maurier.