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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #352

Share any beauty goodies you may have picked up in the last week or so, or maybe what’s on your way or on your wish list for next week or month. 🙂

  • Haul: Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation and BB cream, Clarins quads and setting spray
  • Weekend plans: A nice low-key weekend at home, which just sounds divine right now!
  • What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: My husband’s been watching a lot of Fraiser (no longer on the air), so I’ve watched quite a bit with him as it is on, but I’m a terrible binge-watcher, because I can’t really stand to sit still and watch TV for longer than a half hour!

Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group! 🙂

This week’s Mellan photo…

Sometimes I catch him with his ear up! Still cute to me ☺️

A photo posted by Christine M. (@temptalia) on

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monica Avatar

Anytime I see a picture of listening…can you hear what I hear pops into my head haha must be because I played it on the violin in grade school

Haul: Successfully avoided the three day deals from Ulta last week haha Still decided on whether or not to pick up things from the Nordstrom sale…3 days left to decide.
Weekend plans: Heading to a corn and potato festival…didn’t even know it was a thing until I was looking for things to do around CT lol And a family day on Sunday
What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: Currently I’m watching Orphan Black again, on season three.

Julia Avatar

Awww, such a cute Mellan pic! ? I have a million pics of my dog Rocket with one ear up and one folded over because I can’t get over how cute she looks.

Haul: my “birthday splurge” arrived- Tom Ford blush in Love Lust and Ravish (both so good! I can see why Love Lust is a Temptalia favorite), and the 3 new Bobbi Brown highlighting powders from the Sunset Oink collection. I really like Sunset Glow and Telluride, but I might return Afternoon Glow- it’s a way more standard golden highlight, I feel like it’s too much like what I already have.
Weekend plans: Our new paver patio is almost done, so hopefully I will get to hang outside a bit.
What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: Orange Is The New Black! My husband and I kind of binged Stranger Things- we watched 2 episodes per night but it’s a short series so it went by really fast.

Mo Merrell Avatar

Haul: Not sure yet. I missed the BiTE trio for $24 so I’m sad on that. Gonna see if Sephora has the new MUFE in store otherwise nothing.
•Weekend plans: Well I don’t work my 2nd job this sunday and my niece will be over tomorrow to drive me crazy and my son’s 14th bday is Monday doing something with him is about it.
•What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: OOOh I love Fraiser! That’s the best snobby show ever! I am currently re-bingewatching Psych. It’s HILARIOUS to me. I just finished binge watching Criminal Minds seasons 9, 10, and 11 except I haven’t watched the 11 season finale cause once I do it’ll be over until next year when it’s on Netflix (cause we only stream and don’t have reg tv service) so I’m savering it. I also am binge watching The Strain, gonna start Wayward Pines second season and Maybe find and try to rewatch The Mentalist!
I am a binge watching queen. When get hooked it’s over. I binged on the first 6 seasons of Dexter in 4 weeks just to be ready for the new season. It’s also obvious that I don’t have a real exciting life either. LOL

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

I need to get back into Dexter it was at a time I didn’t have cable channels to watch it…. between school and living on my own.

Haul: I picked up the rest of the Maybeline Bold shades they are selling in Canada permanently (only 9 of the 20 in Canada). Yay for free makeup on points!

Weekend plans: This was my last day of in school classes….. Yay! I’m going to sleep in tomorrow. Work like 10-14 hour days on a project so I’m mentally warn out. I get a week off before I start a workplace I snagged for 5 weeks to complete the course. Still need to job hunt.

I’m also going to return the Born This Way Concealer and get the 2 Bite lipstick in Kale and Squid Ink I’ve been wanting to get soooo badly.

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: I’m going to watch season 4 and 5 of GofT and Jonathan Strange, American Gothic, & Mr Norrell (Recording from SPACE channel) finally!!! I usually binge watch anime series. lol

Cat Avatar

You just reminded me of some of the shows I used to love; Psych, Criminal Minds, and The Mentalist! If I ever get to the point where I can watch television again, those are the shows I’ll be binge-watching! Did you also enjoy Lie To Me? I was upset when it was cancelled!

Tammy Avatar

Haul: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation. I got the wrong color so I am having to mail it back and try again. My Sephora doesn’t carry all the colors. I am a bit darker than my normal MAC NC30 coloring due to self tanning. I am trying to decide between Medium Neutral or Medium
Honey. I fell in love with Christine’s A Few Mac Purples featuring Stars n Rockets so I picked up the eyeshadows in Yogurt, Sweet Lust, Indian Ink, Vibrant Grape, Stars n Rockets, Swish Pink, and Freeze. I have a second unopened box of goodies from Tarte at my house that I have not been able to open due to long work hours, a mid-week birthday party (my youngest granddaughter turned one!), and my after work RPM classes. I don’t remember what’s in it but I will open this weekend and report back next Friday!

Weekend: I need some rest. Hoping I don’t have to work at the beauty counter this weekend.

Last show we binge watched: Bloodline season one. Seriously, a phenomenal show that should have ended with season one. Perfect!

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Haul:
Neiman Marcus (Free): 7 large pot samples (different shades) of Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able and Genius Gel foundations, 2 samples of Marc Jacobs Coconut Primer

Saks (20% Off): Artis Elite Circle 1 Brush

Sephora: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Trio (Nude), Marvis toothbrush, Lancome DRAMA LIQUI-PENCIL™ Longwear Eyeliner deluxe sample in Ampoulé

Ulta (In Store): UD Razor Sharp Eyeliner (Retrograde), Zoya Nail Polish (Hannah) – on clearance for $2!

Ulta: BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel 14 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette, Pacifica Cactus Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic, Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss (Venom), 4 Pc UD GWP

Weekend plans: I have to return 2 pairs of jeans I ordered bc the warehouse sent the right size but the wrong style. Otherwise, no plans (which may be good!)

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: I don’t really binge watch anything. Perhaps on a holiday when they runs marathons…I have watched both Star Trek and Twilight Zone back to back all afternoon.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Yeah NM has been very good to me. It’s a good thing I got so many though bc my shade match in each foundation was a different shade! I asked why that would be and the explanation was that the Re(marc)able was more of a pigment so in that one I needed a lighter shade. I was also really surprised that I loved the primer. Funny, since I never would have bought it thinking it would make me oily.

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh my goodness, that is beautiful!! I’ve seen it offered as reward on Sephora a couple of times, but was undecided. Will definitely grab next time I see, or at next sale. Thanks so much for the swatch!

Ginny Avatar

HAUL: MAC Play it Proper beauty powder. It is a very subtle blush on me and at first I thought too subtle. But after wearing it for three days I really like it. The satin-pearl finish really makes it.

WEEKEND: going to a party of friends who make their own wine and serve some delicious Italian foods.

BINGE WATCHED: Jessica Jones I think. Nice to see Netflix picking up a lot of Marvel material.

Erin Avatar

Haul: A used MBP 17″
Weekend Plans: Game on Saturday AM and Food shopping Sunday AM. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sneak in a pup walk and some video games.
BingeWatch: Marco Polo and The Americans. Both great shows. I watched the second season of Marco Polo in 2 days!

The Makeup Train Avatar

Haul: I took advantage of the Nordstrom anniversary sale to buy the Vince Camuto Printed Crepe dress and the Maggy London Wrap dress in Blue/Green. I also got a deeply discounted Adrienna Papell dress from Nordstrom Rack.

Weekend plans: Lots of cleaning! We have only done 10% of the work we need to do in the apartment. It feels like it’s never ending.

What was the last show you binge watched?: Downton Abbey. I am now binge watching Merlin (the BBC version).

Jennifer Avatar

Haul: just my favorite Aveeno Positively Radiant makeup wipes
Weekend Plans: wedding tomorrow and then looking forward to just relaxing cause it’s been a long week
What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: So, I’m really not good at binge-watching but this year I have really gotten into watching Korean dramas and that’s all I want to watch it seems…so I try to watch a couple of eps every evening and consider that a success haha but the one I’m currently watching is She Was Pretty (great rom-com) and for currently airing one I’m watching W-Two Worlds (really intense thriller type drama)…American TV just isn’t drawing me in but I do enjoy a few British shows

Jennifer Avatar

Yes, I actually only wear waterproof mascaras and eyeliners and it removes them quite easily…also I tend to only wear longwearing foundations and these wipes work so well and leave my face feeling pretty clean. These are seriously the best makeup wipes I’ve ever used…I loved the Maybelline makeup wipes too but they discontinued those although those were excellent as well

Jennifer Avatar

Just one removes everything on my face! Each individual wipe is a pretty good size and they are pretty saturated with product…even when I’m down to the last few wipes they don’t dry out on me! 🙂

Jennifer Avatar

Yay! I hope you love them too, make sure you get the ones that say they remove waterproof mascara…not sure if they have others that don’t but the ones I like come in the green packaging 🙂

Lacey Avatar

My ABH Moonchild palette came in yesterday, and I can’t wait to play with it!

I have a busy (for me) weekend. I have an extra day off today, so I’ll be running new-car errands! (I’ve driven the same car for 15 years–my very first car–and was just gifted a newer used car.) Some friends who moved out of state recently are back for the weekend, so tonight we have a welcome back party for them.

Tomorrow is date day with my boyfriend, and we’re going to see Suicide Squad! Then I have a pool party with my co-workers in the evening. Sunday is usually cleaning day, but also a day to not get out of my pjs or leave the house!

I’m currently re-watching One Tree Hill, which wasn’t even one of my favorite shows when it aired. It just reminds me of college, watching it with my roommate, and I couldn’t decide on what new show to start!

Mindy Avatar

•Haul: Nothing. Although I may pick up something from the 2nd Sak’s 10% off sale.
•Weekend plans: My flooring is finally finished and the paint work will be finished today. That means this weekend I can finally get my house back in order!
•What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: I’ve been trying to get through Dexter but I don’t have the time to watch more than 3-4 episodes a week.

AB Avatar

Mellan is very dear. Inspiring, makes me realize that I should have a sweet companion dog or other type of pet. When I am traveling less, but unfortunately not until.
Haul: Tarte Amazonian clay foundation in Fair Sand (love); Colourpop e/s Drift and Truth, and Wolfie gloss (just arrived, will try them out this w/e); Lancôme Definicils mascara in brown; NARS concealer in Light Vanilla (love).
This weekend: Trip to nearly major city (DC) for various purposes including shopping, so I will go with my wish list in my hot little hand.
Binge watching: I don’t know… it’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to binge watch anything, and I don’t remember now even what it was.

Christine Avatar

He is! But you are right on the money – if you know you have lots of traveling to do, it is better to hold off. I’m basically a nut about leaving him, as I have done it so infrequently and he has developed greater separation anxiety since we moved (I think it was all the disruption to his schedule when we were selling our home, plus then the move itself), so I am terrified of leaving him alone! He’s always been very subdued and seemingly depressed if I’ve gone anywhere (usually my husband or my parents would take care of him, so he had a familiar face around 24/7), but it’s much worse now!

I just got that Tarte foundation, too, since I liked the Rainforest one so much, so we shall see!

Rachel Avatar

Haul: new Lime Crime velvetines bundle arrives today. Also may have just had some Bite Beauty and Urban Decay items fall into my virtual shopping cart…
Weekend plans: Seeing a lot of friends, dinner with Grandparents and running errands I’ve been putting off
What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: We watched the whole first season of “Married” this week. Has anyone seen it? It’s really funny and I love Judy Greer. It was cancelled after two seasons apparently so I’m going to be really sad next week haha

Grace Avatar

Hello Christine and cutie Mellan,
My haul this week was the Bite Nude lipstick trio that was on sale for National lipstick day. I was really excited about it since I purchased it the day after. I visit your site religiously, so of course the one day I don’t, I totally miss your post about it. But it happened to pop back on the website so I grabbed it the minute before it was completely scrubbed from the website. I thought maybe it might have been an error but then I received the shipping confirmation, so that was awesome. I only tried Fig so far from the trio, it’s quite pretty. They are a bit sheer so I have to find the right lip pencil to pair it with.

Weekend Plans: stocking up on some camping essentials. The following weekend I’ll be out of town for a week. I am definitely not a camping, outdoorsy person so this is me stepping out of my comfort zone. All I can think of is buying travel beauty products though lol.. Christine, actually I was wondering if you could recommend a face powder that is an all in one, minimal coverage and acts as a setting powder. I have the Laura Mericer one, but I don’t want loose and would prefer more coverage. I was thinking of Mac’s MSF Natural, but I read reviews it’s not really great for oil control, have you tried? I used to use Benefit’s Hello Flawless, but the coverage is a bit too heavy. I don’t have oily skin, but in the heat, I do get pretty oily. Could you recommend something that’s easy to pack and travel with, and to use as a touch and go?

Last show I binged: Currently Friday Night Lights. I didn’t catch it when it was on regular cable since I’m not a football fan. But I don’t know what happened, I clicked on it, and now I’m down that rabbit hole and binged 2 seasons.

Christine Avatar

Oh, I’m so glad you were able to get it after all, Grace! Fingers crossed you like the other shades as well.

I have used MSFN in the past but not in years – but most people like it for light coverage and on-the-go. The only issue is I’m not sure how great it is for on-the-go since most apply with a brush (I don’t think it fits a sponge, as it is domed). I know for on-the-go, most use MAC’s Blot Powder, which I hear is good for oil control (I’m more normal-to-dry myself). I use Guerlain’s Les Voilettes pressed for my bag, but it’s pricey (and I don’t see it on Sephora so now am wondering if it was discontinued) and has very sheer coverage. I also like Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau pressed and Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powders.

Grace Avatar

Thanks for the recs! I will check out Laura Mercier, her tinted moisturizer is my HG. But now that I think of it, I may even check out UD. I recall you mentioning you liked their loose powder. They also have one in pressed form. Mac’s blot powder would be awesome, it should come in different tones so that it can also even out skin at the same time which is what I am mainly looking for since I won’t be wearing foundation underneath. Thanks again and Happy Friday!

Katherine T. Avatar

Mellan goes “did I hear someone say doggie treats???”
*MAC Trolls Lip Glosses in Twerkoise and Glitter Grunge –so glad I broke my no buy on gloss! I’m not even into trolls, but the glosses are so fun to mix with, and the packaging is so cute! I break into a big goofy, happy smile every time I look at them 🙂 NARS Hardwired shadow in Pygar -love! as soon as I swatched it, I ordered a backup. It’s a beautiful gold, very finely milled, I like the color even better than Stud. NAR Hardwired Shadow in Earthshine – OMG, where do I even start?? I know your review wasn’t great, but this is one of the worst shadows I’ve tried for $25. It has a very sheer frosty white base, like there’s barely any color, mostly glitter. I’m NC 15-20, but on my lids, it was an unflattering frosty glittery white that looked ashy against my skin. I tried using it as an inner corner highlight, and OMG, it emphasized lines and textures that I never knew that I even had! And it doesn’t blend well with any shadows. And even with WNW Fergie primer, there was tons of glittery fallout within a couple of hours. I’m a magpie, and don’t mind some minor fallout, but silver sparkle was all over my under eyes and cheeks all day long. This is going to be returned ASAP!
*Smith Cosmetics Small Eye Shadow Brush # 253 – I was suppose to get it yesterday, but unfortunately I didn’t. When I ordered it, I didn’t realize I had to sign for the delivery because it didn’t say so anywhere in the order, the purchase invoice, or the tracking #, otherwise, I would’ve told them to just leave it at the door. So DHL came to my house on Friday and tried to deliver, but of course nobody was home because we all have to work! They will attempt re-delivery again on Monday, and I gave them the ok to just leave the package without signature (along with any future packages), so hopefully I will be able to report back to readers next Friday. But yes, shipping was super fast (only 3 days from Canada to CA) and it was free due to their promo.
*Weekend -with the kid all day Saturday (yikes), then will get a break on Sunday
*Last Show – think it was Vampire Diaries, many years ago

Christine Avatar

MAC knows how to do put out a fun, sparkly gloss – that’s for sure! Sorry to hear about Earthshine, but at least you’re going to be able to return it!

Ah, unfortunately, I believe DHL requires it! I have had every package require a signature when it has come via DHL! Last time, though, I actually got a text prior to delivery which would have let me authorize them to leave it instead (I was home, so it didn’t matter).

Katherine T. Avatar

DHL left a slip on my door, and there’s a box that gives the option for all packages (this one, along with any future ones) to be left at door without signature, so I checked that and signed it, so hope it will be easier next time

Katherine T. Avatar

I’m not really into Trolls, but I couldn’t resist the cute packaging, the name Twerkoise, and the more unique color! It’s pretty sheer, but you can definitely see a light, cool slightly milky turquoise blue w/subtle blue shimmer when applied. It’s more blue on me than on Christine’s lips. On its own, I don’t think it’s too flattering on me, but it might look better on you since you are lighter and cooler toned. But it’s fun to play with. I’ve been mixing it with my blue, purple, fuschia, and gray lippies. The blue sheen is subtle but you can see it with the lighter to medium color lipsticks, but it gets lost on the darker colors. Some of these lipsticks are matte and drying, so the gloss helps. You can also put it over a lighter lip pencil. In my opinion, it’s not a must-have, but it sure is a fun one to look at and play with, and it’s a more unique color.

Pteetsa Avatar

Mellan! Totes adorbs! I like to flip my cats’ ears back. My husband says it’s cat torture.

Haul: NARS Consuming Red and Infatuated Red lip pencils (Love!)
Dior Parisian Sky eye palette
Dior cream eyeshadow in Mirage
NARS eyeshadow in Rigel and Pygar
BECCA Champagne Pop highlighter pencil
BECCA Prosecco/Pamplemousse duo
MAKE UP FOR EVER matte lip pencil in Tangerine

Weekend plans: Sister-in-law’s housewarming/pool party, maybe a movie

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: My husband’s been catching up on previous seasons of Game of Thrones, but it’s binge-watching Mr.-Pteetsa-style: one episode a night. I’m with you, Christine, I really can’t sit and watch TV for hours and hours. The last show I personally binge-watched was several seasons of Walking Dead in one day to catch up. I felt like a zombie afterwards!

Kat Avatar

Haul: I haven’t filled out a free-for-haul in weeks so this is kind of the highlight of the past month and a half. I picked up both Bite Amuse Bouche trios! The only one I already had was Fig, and I only had that in the Luminous Creme formula anyway, so it was totally worth it, especially since I love the Amuse Bouches as cream blushes and I’ve been wanting to use Fig as one but I don’t like the old formula for cheeks. I also picked up a refill of the Belif Aqua Bomb, which I’m totally in love with! I also got MAC blush in Trace Gold which I love to wear in lieu of a bronzer (works great for fair skin on which traditional bronzer gets muddy or unrealistic). I also do that with MAC Sunbasque (which I’ve had for ages) for a kind of sunburnt look (weirdly incredibly sexy and trendy – think Becca or Tom Ford summer collection). The only beauty item I got during the Nordstrom sale was a value set of the Living Proof shampoo, conditioner, and dry shampoo.

Weekend plans: working, talking to my dad on the phone!

Last show I binge watched: I rewatched a ton of Malcolm in the Middle episodes for the zillionth time!

Mariella Avatar

Haul: Urban Decay Naked Concealer in Light Neutral; a Makeup Eraser Cloth; Smashbox Oil Primer; 2 jars of Eucerin Q10 Cream (can’t get that in Canada so I snaffled 2 jars while in NYC)
Weekend plans: gym, yoga, get ready for youngest son’s brief return home before he heads back to university
Last series we binge-watched: Borgen (a Danish series about a women who, to everyone’s surprise including her own, becomes Prime Minister of Denmark). The series itself is intelligent and well acted (but it was also interesting to learn about a very, very different type of government where the Cabinet (we have that here in Canada too) is composed of people from all their political parties (and they seem to have even more than we have here in Canada, despite being a fairly small country population-wise). Sidse Babett Knudsen plays the Prime Minister and she’s such a good actress. And – sorry but this is SO on topic…when she’s being made up for the final debate (in the days before she becomes the “statsminister” – you can’t help but notice that the tv makeup woman is using MAC cosmetics! Lost on most people but I bet almost everyone here would notice this). It’s either Steven Spielberg or Stephen King (I can’t remember) who counts this as one of his favourite shows of all time.

Mariella Avatar

It’s every bit as good as products costing 4 or more times as much (like Clarins Super Restorative or Guerlain or so many other high end products I’ve tried). It’s not heavily scented (at least not that I’ve noticed) and it hydrates really well over the dry, cold Canadian winters – it’s a great night cream for cooler weather and pretty much all year (though it’s so hot and humid just now that I’ve been using something lighter). It doesn’t clog my skin or irritate it – just an all ’round good face cream for under $15!

Mariella Avatar

I hope you like it. I will spend on skin care (the eye creams I use, oils and serums, many of my cleansers, etc.) but as I say, having found this cream, I’m really happy with it. The results are not any different than I get/got with much pricier stuff and, in some cases, the results are nicer.

Mariella Avatar

It’s available on DVD. I think my public library even carries it, along with Bron (which is the basis for the series being shown on PBS just now called “The Tunnel” – same story but transferred to the Channel Tunnel). One of the many things I really like about many of these series, including the original Swedish tv adaptation of the Wallander books, is that the people look like REAL people rather than glam-bots and the homes look like real people’s homes and are reflective of whatever that person’s place on the social ladder is. It all just looks more “real”. The downside is you can’t go to make a cup of coffee while the program is playing – you need to be there to read the pretty dialogue-heavy subtitles.

Mariella Avatar

Yes,, Genevieve – I mentioned Bron (the Bridge) in my earlier post. There’s now been a British/French version called The Tunnel which I think was being shown on PBS (I know I recorded it from somewhere and I thought it was PBS, though it could have been TVOntario) – it’s the English version with the exact same story only set in the Channel Tunnel! But Borgen – I find that so much more interesting than a “cop drama” (for want of a better word) – the whole situation, the characters (all the way from the “spin doctors” to the political reporters to the very interesting and diverse politicians – friends who became enemies; enemies who became friends (like Sven Age, who gave her such good advice about leading from the head of the table…). I’ve also watched it several times and get more from it every time.

Mariella Avatar

Christine, I meant to ask – re the Clarins setting spray. Were you able to get some of the old one or did you get the new “pink” one? I’ve used both and have to say I don’t notice a difference though I’ve not worn the new one in sweltering heat and humidity yet. I do know how well the original/discontinued one performed under those conditions, though, and it was amazing.

Mariella Avatar

I’ll be curious to know what you think of it. I was so disappointed at first but then I tried it and I was all happy (though I still have an unopened bottle of the original as well as half or 3/4 of one I’ve started).

Tracey E. Avatar

Mellan is so adorable. I love this picture!!

Haul: Tom Ford Love Lust. I can’t adore a blush more. I can see why it is your favorite, Christine!

Weekend Plans: It’s going to be warm and much less humid after a brutal few days of high humidity, so I’m going to take advantage of getting outdoors. Am also going to watch the Olympics.

Show Recently Binged Watched: we watched a short series called River. Before that, I couldn’t get enough of Sons of Anarchy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Wednesday Avatar

Oh Mellan, your looks are so adorable!!!

Haul: MUFE Water blend foundation, (Y245 is very similar to the original 120 phew!), Sunday Riley Artemis, MUFE C104 and C105 lipsticks (C105 is my fav of the two), ColourPop Lippie Stix and matching Pencil in Oh Snap and Lumiere. All these lipsticks are quite similar and I like mixing and layering. I find laying down a colourpop first gives me super hold for when I am out and about.

Weekend plans: A really crazy week for us with doctor appointments (my autoimmune wreaking total havoc with my body due to stress) business meetings and decisions being made and me pulling hair out with no significant RAIN to speak of for months. I am planning to try and ratchet down my frantic energy levels this weekend.. yeah fat chance.

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: The Americans. I have always thought Keri Russell was a quietly talented actor and I just love her in this kick butt role; bonus: the disguises ROCK. Ditto for Matthew Rhys. I lived through this cold war era and I’m definitely getting old because I’m feeling it.. this weird foreign to me thing called nostalgia. I love the semi rowdy raunchiness too. Alison Wright (character Martha Hanson) cracks me up.

Fran Avatar

I’m glad you’re liking C105, I’ve been eyeing that one, hoping it might be cool enough and deep enough to work for me, but thinking that maybe I should try C106, 107, or 108 instead… I’m NW 20-ish, but with a very cool, almost blue undertone that makes most ‘nude’ lipsticks look like the kiss of death on me. I think I need to get to Sephora and try these on in person, now that my local Sephora finally has them. What are your thoughts?

Wednesday Avatar

Hey Fran: Thank you for your kind words 🙂 I’m a fan of warmer lipsticks against cool skin, so I think the three midtones you picked might make excellent contrast against your skin while also having plenty of depth to ensure they do not wash you out. My two picks could work too, but nudes are tricky to nail and one shade too light or too dark too cool too warm can have the lipstick go from win to full on fail. I would definitely check the shades out at Sephora. For me, it’s a good formula! I have M500 and M501 on my radar for fall when sometimes I go for more lip focus and bare eyes. I love how the mattes look velvety, but haven’t picked one up yet. Thankfully we can relax..yay! permanent line!!

Fran Avatar

Thanks for you input, Wwendy, I think I’m going to wait until I can hopefully try some of them on in-store. I’m hoping that one of the shades in the C105-108 range will work for me.

I really have difficulty wearing warm colors, except on my eyelids, where I think the olive green in my dark hazel eyes helps out. Even neutral pink or neutral red lip and cheek colors tend to look warm when put next to my cool undertones. The brighter warm colors stand out in a very dramatic, clashing kind of way against my skin, which can be fine if that’s a look I’m going for (on my lips, at least — on my cheeks it just looks strange); but the more neutral warm colors just make me look drab/sick/dead/un-dead. The warm colors that work best on my lips are corals that have A LOT of pink or red in them. I love a pop of bright yellow, but I’ll wear it as shoes or a belt, keep it away from my face. Red dresses, tops, scarves and coats need to lean very blue in order to look good on me. I find it frustrating because I love all colors and really like to wear them all.

Wednesday Avatar

I feel your comment. I too have limiting choices when it comes to colour. Either end of the warm/cool spectrum is absolute death on me. I’m an inbetweengirl and do best in balanced shades. I can do brights and muted shades, but the temperature cannot swing too far in either direction. It doesn’t sound very exotic or exciting, but Charcoal grey is my signature colour wardrobe wise. Everything pops on my face when I wear it.

Fran Avatar

Gray is one of my best colors, any shade of cool gray from pale to dark charcoal, and any print in a combo of black/white/gray. Other muted or pastel colors are death on me, though.

Stephanie Avatar

Haul-lots of stuff free on points-Dior Nude Air Luminizer, Anna Sui Blush and Lipstick, Lise Watier Chic & Rustique fall palette, Lise Watier new self-sharpening waterproof eyeliner in a forest green, Benefit’s new Goof Proof brow pencil, and a couple of Vasanti brushes on BOGO.
Weekend Plans-Saturday at a friend’s cottage, and Sunday getting house cleaned from family mob last weekend, and getting ready for holidays coming.
Binge Watched-Bosch on CraveTV, one of DH’s favourites.

Nancy T Avatar

Probably one of the CUTEST Mellan pics yet! Love this guy!

Haul: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic & Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum, Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in Matte Black, nowhere near as good as the MJ Blaquer Highliner, though. Not sure whether or not I added the UD Amulet lipstick from last week, but it makes for a very sexy deeper nude on me! And another Sinful Gel Tech nail polish! Got Constellation ( yep, stupid name!) , a blackened multichrome with purple and teal shifts.

Weekend plans: Just the regular. Do hair, nails, meeting, food shopping. And keeping vigil over Pookie. This week, I thought for certain I was going to lose her. Was ready to bring her in to be put to sleep, but I just couldn’t. Kept thinking about how when she was so sick several years ago, I was all ready to go through with it, and out of the blue, she perked up, began eating and drinking on her own and had a significantly long remission. Last night, again on that awful brink, I bought a high calorie gel to give her. I was afraid to go home because I was so scared I’d find Pookie gone. But she, thank God, was still here, gave her some, she then perked up. I am trying to stay cautiously optimistic. This has been rough.

Last series/ show you binge watched: It’s been so long since I’ve had a working t.v. that I have no idea! Sometimes when I go in for my Remicade infs. I’ll binge watch Law & Order or CSI. Or some sci-fi drama!

Christine Avatar

Amulet! What a gorgeous shade you picked up, Nancy. That polish sounds at least as interesting as it should be with that kind of name!

We’ll keep our fingers and paws crossed over here for you and Pookie and that she may remain perky for awhile!

Tammy B Avatar

Nancy, I know what it’s like to keep vigil over an animal and not want to let go unless you absolutely must. What’s wrong with Pookie?

Nancy T Avatar

Hi Tammy, Pookie was dx’d as FIV+ almost 4 years ago. That bout back then nearly killed her, but she slowly got well and was fine until very recently. Unfortunately, she’s extremely I’ll again. She won’t eat on her own, so I’ve been giving her a high calorie nutritional supplement in her mouth. Sometimes that makes her want to eat several kibbles on her own and a drink of water. But deep down I’ve begun to realize it’s probably that time.

Tammy B Avatar

Oh, I’m so sorry. I syringe fed and did water IVs for my cat for 4 months before I finally realized I had to let her go. She had been with us for 16 years and it was a real grieving process after she was gone. I will be keeping you and Pookie in my thoughts?

Nancy T Avatar

Thank you all so much for your well-wishes to little Pookie Bear! I love this particular cat more than I’ve ever loved any other cat I’ve had. And I have loved them all. But Pookie is like no other kitty I ever was honored to own. She’s highly intelligent, sensitive to changes going on in me, dog like in loyalty and affection, probably due to her being half Burmese, half regular black DSH. This is why she’s been the *perfect* companion pet and dear friend!

Kimberly Avatar

Oh Nancy……I can soooooo relate to your feelings about your Pookie!!? We, too, had to go through something similar with our dog, Rally (a pure bred Vizsla — a breed I will FOREVER adore and sing the praises of). We had him almost a decade. We knew his mom, watched this sweet pup being brought into this world, and he grew up as my kids grew up. Last October, when he was only 8 years old, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The vet immediately told us he’d only live another 30 dads at the most! Of course we were absolutely stunned and totally devastated and felt as if our world was crashing down around us? My kids, especially, we’re just soooooooo sad? Anyway, long story shorter, Rally was a true fighter. My husband took him up to U of WI at Madison for weekly chemo treatments….and radiation…..and he breezed through those treatments. He lived for 9 more healthy, pain-free months! At one point, towards the end, he developed problems with urine leakage due to the prostate tumor (which NEVER grew or got bigger) but was pressing against his bladder. Poor thing had to wear diapers. Was a pain for us but probably even worse for him, poor baby? He was still eating and drinking like he always did (always loved his food!!!) and acting just like Rally. Then, at one point about a month ago, he re-injured a very old shoulder/tendon injury and was hopping along on just 3 legs. He wasn’t going to improve without surgery, and we just couldn’t put him through extensive surgery and more healing. That was our sign from God. Just 3 weeks ago, we had to put our beloved Rally, who turned only 9 years old in May, to sleep? The hardest thing I hoped we’d NEVER EVER have to do. I had hoped one day, when he was much older, he would just go peacefully in his sleep, when it was his time. Never EVER thought we’d be saying good-bye like this when he was just 9 years old. Not enough time with him. I still have a lump in my throat and tears running down my face as I’m typing this to you. My 17 year old son (macho, muscular, stellar high school athlete….) draped his entire body over Rally’s as the vet was pushing the medication into Rally’s body, hugging him, holding him tightly, tears streaming down his face (which I haven’t seen since he was TWO years old), and just audibly sobbing out loud. I’ve been through tragedies and losses and deaths of loved ones before. This was the hardest ever for me to bear….because I lost not only Rally, but also had to watch my own kids go through this horrible loss…..which doubly broke my heart? But, I didn’t write this to you to make you sad. I wrote to you to tell you I empathize with what you’re feeling. I understand that feeling of not knowing what to do, what is best for your beloved Pookie. That feeling of “God, please give me a sign” so that I know that it’s the right time, the right thing to do. For us, sadly enough, we did get that sign. We just couldn’t bear the thought of seeing our Rally suffer anymore….even if it was just because of a recurring painful shoulder injury. He’d been through enough and had fought like the true fighter he always was. Even the vet said he was one STRONG dog. Surprised everyone by living a full, happy life for 9 more months after his devastating diagnosis. But, his time eventually came….even if it felt unfair, like it was just much too soon. He SHOULD have been able to live another 4-5 more years…..but that wasn’t in the stars for Rally? Now, he’s at peace and in no more pain. I pray your Pookie can go on to live MANY more months or years of a happy, pain-free life. And when it is her/his time, I pray that it’s gentle and peaceful and as stress-free as possible. It’s amazing to me just how much pure, unconditional love and loyalty these puppy dogs (and kitty cats and all other pets) can bring into our lives❤️ We’re currently fostering a sweet, sweet one year old girl (Roxi?) from the local animal shelter (just picked her up today!)….but my heart is still grieving for our Rally. We will love Roxi, I have no doubt…..but no one will ever replace our sweet Rally in our hearts. I wish you all the best with your sweet Pookie!!!??????????????

Nancy T Avatar

Kimberly, your Rally’s story of surviving prostate cancer, if even for another 9 months, but then succumbing to death due to a super bad shoulder moved me to tears. Tears of happiness that you bought him some extra time?, but then sad that he had something else take him later. Serious joint injuries can even make a human wish to be put out of their misery.? Like Rally’s death did to your son, I could hear my almost 30 y.o. (this month), macho, truck driver son get choked up on the phone the other night as we discussed Pookie’s deteriorating health. This has broken his heart, too, because he had a very special connection with Pookie. I hope to do the right thing at the right time for this darling, gentle, sweet lil’ angel-kitty. No dog will ever replace your Rally, no cat will ever replace Pookie. Ever.? I am deeply sorry for your loss of your beloved Rally, Kimberly.

Fran Avatar

My thought are with you and your Pookie! Trust in your heart to know what’s right.

A few months ago, we lost one of my son’s guinea pigs to cancer. The vet offered to give her the injection, but my response, without even thinking about it, was “she isn’t at the point yet where she isn’t getting anything out of her life.” My son agreed — I think he was actually horrified at the thought of putting her down right at that moment — and the vet said we could take her home if we wanted to give her some quality time, which we did. A few days later she was quite weak and couldn’t move, my son kept her constantly on his lap. Then she started having a huge involuntary spasm every few minutes, and I told him it was time, we had to call the vet. So I got an appointment for a couple of hours later. I sat with her for a few minutes so that my son could go to the bathroom and get ready to go. I stroked her and told her it was OK to leave us… and her heartbeat changed to a weak, rapid flutter and she passed in a few minutes. I think she couldn’t leave while my son was with her, she just kept holding on for him. But we have been fortunate that all of our little pets have died at home, either without any evidence of discomfort from old age, or with us holding them and comforting them. Still it’s nice to know that our vet would help to ease their way if that’s what they needed rather than just recommending more tests and procedures endlessly.

Nancy T Avatar

Fran,I am so sorry for the loss of your son’s pet. But, I think it was a blessing that your son was spared watching his guinea pig die. My poor daughter had her Rosie, a guinea pig of only perhaps 3-4 months old, die in her arms. The event, and everything surrounding it seriously traumatized her.
My hope is that Pookie will pass away in my arms holding her. I want her to feel loved and comforted as she leaves. Even though I know how devastating this will be when it happens.?

Nancy T Avatar

Thank you, Pteetsa. Pookie is 12 y.o., I suppose that’s a senior cat. Since I have had my 2 other favorites live so much longer than that, Samantha at 18, Rocky at 19, 12 still seems too young. But Samantha and Rocky weren’t FIV+ like Pookie. FIV is brutal in its late stage. Basically: AIDS in a cat. Thankfully, my other 2 never got infected from her, as it’s almost always transmitted via deep bites or nursing, and I was able to get both immunized early.

Dianne Avatar

Mellan is so cute! My dog also gives me the annoyed “oh, so you’re taking ANOTHER picture of me” look, exactly like that. 🙂

Haul: The Essie Gel Couture color in Caviar Bar– I am really liking the formula and lasting power of these. But that’s it! Not looking to purchase anything in the near future. Hopefully I can hold out for the Sephora VIB sale.

Weekend plans: Nothing really! I have been away for about three weeks so I’m excited to just hang out and maybe do a little cleaning.

Last show/series I binge-watched: Grace & Frankie on Netflix. OH MY GOSH this show is hilarious for everyone– my mom in her 50s loves it, I love it, my boyfriend even loves it. I really recommend it.

Indya Avatar

Haul: Might take advantage of that 20% off going on at ColourPop. Got lots o’ stuff in my cart
Weekend: Cat sitting, chilling out, still not over my sinus attack!
Last Binge: Penny Dreadful! The first two seasons were SO GOOD. The third and final season could have been better. I am really good at predicting what will happen on shows but Penny Dreadful kept me guessing and Eva Green is absolutely stunning!

Fran Avatar

Mellan looks so cute in this photo!

Haul: Kevyn Aucoin The Flesh Tone lip pencil in Minimal (a reddish tan/brown), Medium (a neutral tan/brown) and Bloodroses (a deep blue-red), Sculpting Powder in Light (which is light enough to work on really fair skins), and the eyelash curler, all 15% off from beauty.com. I really like Minimal with Laura Mercier lip parfait in Raspberry Ripple. It’s a good ‘neutral’ lip pencil for me because it’s more red than peach, the peachy ones (like Laura Mercier’s Nude that came in the kit with the Raspberry Ripple) drain all the life out of my face, but it’s great in my kit because it’s so flattering on most people with warm skin tones.
Weekend plans: I’m going to cook up a huge pot of beans for burritos and nachos — start soaking a mix of pinto beans and black beans with some chipotle peppers tonight, cook in the slow-cooker all day tomorrow, turn into refried beans tomorrow evening with lots of cumin, garlic, and poblanos. Yum! I make a huge pot and freeze some of the beans in pint containers before re-frying, use them in recipes in place of canned beans, they’re much better. Otherwise just enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having now after the heat wave in July 🙂
Binge-watching: we don’t, really, but we’ve been watching a lot of early episodes of Mythbusters lately. Last weekend with watched The French Connection, it was free on-demand on TCM.

Fran Avatar

This is my first time trying the formula. I do like it, they go on easily without being to hard/dry/stiff or too creamy/sticky — the texture seems just right. They don’t last through eating in the center of my lips, but very few products do. I bought them especially for the colors, since most ‘nude’ lip pencils lean too warm, and often too light, for me, and since I have the lipstick in the color ‘Bloodroses’ and none of my red lip pencils quite work with it.

Gillian Avatar

Haul: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation in Y205 Alabaster and Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer. Two Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks in Lolita and Berlin. Tom Ford lipstick in Indian Rose. Also, I ordered the new Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation in 0.5.

Weekend plans: Going tomorrow to get a few new piercings. Other than that I have no plans! Well, I need to get a card and present for my mum’s birthday next week so I guess I do have plans.

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: My TV is literally never on. I don’t watch it and I’m currently not playing any video games. I do remember the last series I watched though, while visiting my parents. It was a British programme called Line of Duty and I really liked it. I’d definitely recommend it. ?

WildDove Avatar

NYX butter gloss in 06 Peach Cobbler (to top off my red-orange lipsticks).
NYX butter lipstick in 09 Candy Buttons and 03 Snow Cap.
NYX matte lipstick in 05 Indie Flick (red-orange of course).
NYX lip lingerie in 04 Ruffle Trim (peachy, looks good on my NC20 skin). Looking at Baby Doll (11) next.

ColourPop metallic gloss in Tight Fit (rose-gold, but goes on lips as a light pink shimmer, more silvery or neutral than gold).
ColourPop metallic gloss in My Jam (copper shimmer, big and showy, got compliments).

TBS British Rose body butter. Very nice, and as a base for rose fragrances. TBS body butters are very hit and miss on me, but this one seems to work out well for me, along with TBS Cocoa Butter.

Marc Jacobs – Decadence – sample. I think this may be FBW. Review on fragrantica.com .

WildDove Avatar

So far I’m liking the ColourPop metallic glosses — the look, no obnoxious fragrance, I like the texture. They’re much easier to work with than the new Milani metallic liquid lippies. I think metallic is poised to be big in the next year.

Rachel R. Avatar

Mellan IS pretty darn cute in that picture. 🙂

Haul: Milani Eyeshadow Primer. I ordered the SauceBox Art Nouveau Palette during their Black Friday in July sale. It was $10 off and I’d been drooling over it since it was released. I also got a case for my new phone. It’s black with rainbow-colored butterflies on it.

Weekend plans: We’re taking our sons camping at Mount St. Helen’s Sunday-Tuesday. We’re going to watch the Perseid meteor shower while we’re in the mountains.

What was the last show/series you binge-watched? Stranger Things

Anna Avatar

Mellan is hearing the delivery (with make up) arriving!
Haul: I have been hauling Clarins stuff again. I got a 400 ml cleansing lotion and a 400 ml tonic water. These were cheaper than their normal 200 ml bottles! I don’t need either of them right now but I figured if unopened then won’t go bad and it was super cheap. I also got the Prada infusion d’iris eau de toilette at 50% off! I am happy with this haul.
Weekend plans: I am going to have to work out. I made the mistake of thinking “ah summer, lets indulge in some more calorie intake” like a week ago and somehow already put on weight so I will try to take that off before it starts adding up.
Last show I watched: It is actually difficult for me to sit and watch TV too. But I do occasionally watch something on netflix. I watched the stranger things series but not sure if I binged it. That would mean watching it all in like a few days. It probably took 10 days for me to watch it.

Anne Avatar

Haul: Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette (yaay for 50% off!) and Lush’s Cup O’ Coffee mask. I also reordered my FAB serum and a travel size of their ultra repair cream, as well as the small size (2.5 oz) Caudalie Grape Water for traveling down to UCSF med center. Non-makeup wise I also too advantage of Teavana’s 50-75% off sale stuff and got 3 tea tins and 4 teas.

Weekend plans: nada

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: I don’t really binge-watch because I don’t really have that kind of attention span, but I’ve been watching a lot of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, the latest series of Chef’s Table, and I just finished the 4-part series “Cooked”.

Lulle Avatar

Haul: nothing this week!
Weekend plans: my mother-in-law is visiting, we’ll probably go to the beach.
Last show I binge-watched: the original French version of The Returned on Netflix. It’s a really good show if you like a dark atmosphere and dead people coming back, but not the gore usually present in zombie shows.

Lulle Avatar

No I wouldn’t say it’s scary. The show doesn’t rely on the classics of the genre at all. It can be anxiety-inducing, eerie and weird, sometimes disturbing, but there are very few truly scary scenes, if any. In fact it’s quite slow-paced, especially the first season.

Genevieve Avatar

A very cute pic of Mellon – looks like he has his ear up listening for food going into his bowl….
Haul: Just waiting for my lippies to arrive – Milani Tuscan Toast and Bronze Beauty
Weekend Plans: watching the Olympics – swimming and cycling are my favourites. Probably/Most likely having the family around and trying out a new Grain salad with Salmon. Olivia loves the Thomas the Tank Duplo train set that her uncle David got her and she always wants to play with. It currently fills up our entire Rumpus room.
Last Series Binged Watched: No I can’t sit still long enough either – but it would either be The Fall or The Bridge.

Lizzi Avatar

Haul: UD Mooniest palette and my 2 ABH brow pencils
Weekend Plans: many errands/ to-do’s
Binge watching: I’ve seen every South Park episode 50 times, but I’m tivo-ing all episodes again. Gotta prepare for season 20!!

Cat Avatar

Haul: Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric bronzer… and I think that’s it. I got rid of quite a few items this past week while my youngest daughter was visiting.

Weekend plans: My oldest daughter has been having contractions and could go into labor at any time, so I’m going to be busy figuring out everything I want/need to take with me. I’ll also be wrapping presents as my youngest daughter and granddaughter both have birthdays this month. I’m looking forward to delivering the gifts in person this year instead of mailing everything! 😀

What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: Wow… it’s been a long time. Besides the Superbowl, we haven’t really watched anything shown on television during the past three years or more. The only thing that comes to mind as far as binge-watching is West Wing on DVD. That was over seven yeas ago.

Samantha Avatar

Haul: I placed an order with Colourpop during their flash sale. I purchased: CP My Jam, CP Porter, CP KathleenLights, CP Alyssa, CP StingRAYE, CP Blaze, CP I Heart This, CP Birthday Boy, CP Beeper, and CP Frick N’ Frack. I also recently hauled J. One Jelly Pack to use as a face primer. Jury is still out on its performance.
Weekend plans: Hopefully rest. I own a small (but growing) practice and I would love a weekend to rest!
What was the last show/series you binge-watched?: “Murder She Wrote.” It has taken months, but we are on season 5. And “Bewitched.” Still on season 1 (but have seen them all before).

Stephanie Avatar

Haul: If by “haul”, you mean a couple hundred dollars worth of school supplies for my older two kids… And I’m still not done.

Weekend plans: Getting things organized for the kids for school (which starts on Monday), buying more school supplies, working out, and laundry.

Last show I binge watched: Orange is the New Black, of course!

Kimberly Avatar

Haul: Oh my gosh…..waaaaay too much to list here (and I don’t want to bore anyone!). Just received 5 loaded boxes of things I purchased from Sephora online — primers, skin products, TONS of various lip products, eye palettes, many different perfumes — probably 5-10 items per box! Loved getting all my goodies?
Weekend Plans: Just got back from visiting 3 different college campuses in the past 3 days (my son will be going to college NEXT year already?) And…..we JUST picked up a one year old puppy from the shelter today. We’re fostering her indefinitely. It’s nice having a dog in the house again, although it’s only been about 3 weeks since we lost our 10 year old dog. I miss him soooooooo much?. We still have our little kitty cat, too?
Binge Watching: HOUSE!!!!! Loooooove that show!

Marie-Estelle Avatar

Hehe I love Megan’s look !

Haul: The viseart 01 neutrak matte ordered last week-end is finally home! I never wear make up on sunday but I might just do my eyes to try it out :D. I was quite surprised by how study the packaging is because I always only hear complains about it. I also love the fact that it is compact (really travel friendly). Now I just hope that I will be as pleased as you were Christine. By curiosity I compared the ingredient list and there are quite some differences to be found. I really don’t mind that as long as it performs as good as the formula that you reviewed here :).
For references, the ingredients listed on the palette 01 I just received: Talc, Mica, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecanol, Myristyl Lactate, Octyldodecyl Stearoul Stearate, Isonomyl Isonononoate.

Weekend plans: We wanted to go to the Gay Pride in the center of Amsterdam but ended up going for a small walk and a bit of shopping for the arrival of the baby. It was maybe for the best because that alone exhausted me! lol. I will certainly cook something yummie tomorrow and rest.

Show Recently Binged Watched: Dexter! During the summer break we often re watch some old favorites. Not in a hurry to reach the end though as I didn’t like it so much!

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