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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #364

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: More holiday sets, LOL! Still not caught up yet on reviewing what I have already posted via sneak peeks.
  • Weekend plans: My mother-in-law is visiting next week, so I really need to get ahead of my posting schedule this weekend!
  • Do you have a quote that inspires you?: I don’t, actually! It’s not that quotes can’t be inspiring, but there aren’t any that I keep in mind/remember.

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

This week’s Mellan photo…

You shall not pass!! ?

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

162 Comments

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Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Sad eyes!
Haul: Not entirely sure how all this happened …
ASOS: Paul & Joe Facial Cotton Pads (2), Nip + Fab No Needle Fix Moisturizer. I got a tip that the Paul & Joe cotton was just as good and less than half the cost of the Koh Gen Do I was using. The Nip + Fab is one in the line that Ulta doesn’t carry.

Beautylish: Ilia Perfecting Buff Brush

BH Cosmetics: Marble Collection 12 Color Eyeshdow Palette (Cool Stone), Boho Chic Dual Brush Set, BH Metallic Liquid Lipstick (Lucy), Pride + Prejudice + Zombies Eye and Cheek Palette (GWP)

Deciem (The Abnormal Beauty Company): The Ordinary – Advanced Retinoid 2%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, “Buffet”, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Dolls Kill: Peaches & Cream (Highlighting Powder in Halo and Setting Powder), Concrete Minerals Lip Tint (Maniac). This highlighter is outstanding.

EBay: Estee Lauder Lipstick Caddies (3), Estee Lauder Lipstick Caddies (10, different seller). I received the first order and loved the fact that the slots were square and could hold the larger lipstick tubes. I went back and ordered 10 more so I could get my lip glosses and mattes out of the boxes I had them in.

Estee Lauder: Metallishadow (Solar Blast), 29 Beauty Essentials Purchase with Purchase (Smoky Noir). UPS lost the package so I contacted EL. They notified UPS to return the package to them if they found it. They told me they would overnight a new order that I would have in 2-3 days (how is that overnight?) Then 3 hours later, they called me and told me they couldn’t fill the reship order. They still haven’t issued my credit. I will never order from them again.

Illamasqua: Skin Trinity (Radiance Primer, Skin Base in Shade 6, Skin Base Lift Concealer in Light 1), Pure Pigment (Axolotl)

Kiko Milano (20% off): Super Colour Eyeliner (Pearly Regal Purple and Crocodile Green), Smart Lipstick (Peony Purple), Colour Kajal (Purple), Definition Eyeliner (Black)

LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs: Elvira Mistress Of The Dark Palette, High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder. These are full of awesome!

MAC (Obsessed Early Access): Extra Dimension Skinfinish (DoubleGleam), Strobe Cream (Redlite)

Makeup Revolution: Ultra Metals Flawless Powder Brush, Ultra Pointed Crease Eyeshadow Brush, The Matte Blush (Dare, on sale for $3), Amazing Lipstick (Enchant and Dazzle, on sale for $1)

MBA Cosmetics: Pick 3 Chromalights (December Rain, Dakota Rose, Candyland), GWP (Secret Passion Trio Mineral Eyeshadows – Secret Crush, Lagoon, Passion). I received the Pick 3 however the free gift was missing in my delivery but a small miscellaneous shadow was included. I contacted MBA and they apologized, said the extra shadow was a gift and that they were immediately shipping the missing GWP.

Ouai Haircare (20% off): Treatment Masque (2), Texturizing Hair Spray (Full Size and Travel Size). I had planned to order the Ouai products I use when Sephora runs their VIB Rouge discount. Since Ouai offered me 20% off with free shipping and unlike Sephora they don’t charge tax, it was a better deal to get them now.

Sephora: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume (1 Deluxe sample, 1 sample)

Target: The Lip Bar Lipstick (Merlot), The Lip Bar Lipstick Metallic Collection (Milf and Conceited). The metallics can also be used as eyeshadow or highlighter. They are really, really good and I love the design of the packaging.

Ulta: Nip + Fab (Smooth Viper Venom Frown Fix, Exfoliate Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme, Glycolic Instant Fix Mask), 5 piece Bliss GWP, Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer (Coconut Oil), Essence All about Vintage Eyeshadow Palette.

Walgreens ($10 Off in addition to other deals): Sale – Maybelline Eye Studio ColorTattoo Concentrated Crayon (Barely Beige); 20% Off – Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Fragrance Free (2), Yes to Coconut Cleansing Wipes (3, I use them to wipe my hands/arms while swatching), Out Of Africa Pure Shea Butter Bar Soap (Vanilla)

I also got my Notoriously Morbid Vanishing Cabinet box.

Weekend plans: I’m going to the 2016 Cat Fanciers of Washington Cat Show tomorrow. I’ve never been before. They also opened what looks to be a pretty authentic NY deli about 3 miles from my house. I hope to get there too.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: A few. My Grandmother used to say “Lipstick and paint makes a girl what she ain’t.” 😉 I also really relate to: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

Christine, hope it’s ok, if not, delete this part. Some have asked me where I post my swatches. Since I no longer have a blog, I can’t connect it here. So, if you care to have a peek (or follow), I’m @Binxcat4ever on Instagram and Twitter.

Nancy T Avatar

Ooh Michele, I’m so jealous! And oddly, not about the haul, but CATS!!! Would love to go to a cat show, too! Even though my 2 remaining kittehs put on quite the “show” in the middle of the night sometimes….nothing like 2 crazy lunatics tearing after eachother, running and jumping over sleeping human, with accompanying hissing and growling! ???

Susan Dowman Nevling Avatar

I’ve been to 1 cat show & they are very interesting. I asked my evil cats why they didn’t behave like that in public when I got home. BTW, never touch a cat at a show. The owners are so afraid of diseases being spread and grooming being messed up. It’s OK to ask but often they will say no or ask you to use hand sanitizer if their event is over. They love to talk about their breed after their part of the show too.

Katherine T. Avatar

Nancy, I know you love cats, but not sure if you are into Hello Kitty. If so, not sure if you are aware, but ColourPop is launching a massive collection on Nov 1 , about 2 dozen products. I saw sneak peeks –OMG! I will be glued to the computer that day

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh awesome, another Hello Kitty fan! There are swatches on Lip Drama and Heather N King – lots of sparkle, pink, red, gold with cute HK logo. AND they have a lip gloss with my initials KT!!! I trust CP quality, they rarely disappoint But get ready, this collection will be cray, cray popular here in USA and globally. I’m sure those Evilbay re-sellers will be out in force again, so grab what you can quick. I’m hoping (praying) that CP sends an email announcing what time it will launch, and institutes an electronic waiting line, like they do during their big sales. I don’t want to go thru another horrible MAC Selena style launch !!

Tammy Avatar

I am on the fence about the Notoriously Morbid subscription. Got a message on Thursday that I can join now, but I hesitate for two reasons: I already have so much makeup and I like to have tutorials or application ideas for makeup. I don’t think Notoriously Morbid includes application ideas, do they? Is there a Notoriously Morbid group out there that posts about how they use the products?

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

The products come with a card indicating the box theme and short descriptions but no tutorials. The site often repost ” looks” on their FB and Instagram pages. I promise you, I also have a ton of makeup which is why I like this subscription. The loose shadows are small sized (you can see my pics on my Instagram ) so they don’t take up much room. I get the chance to try different things and shades without full size commitment.; although there’s usually at least 1 full size. In this box it was the liquid lipstick. I would never have bought the shade but I love it.

Tammy Avatar

Okay, Michelle, I will give Notoriously Morbid a try! Just wish they had approved me in time to get the October mailing. Is the Vanishing Cabinet what they call the monthly subscription box or is this something I order separately?

Claire L Avatar

Funnily enough, I also got the MUR lipstick in Dazzle only this week! It’s a pretty colour! I too am a cat lover, I’d love to go to a cat show one day! I have one, a petite tuxedo who’s 16 but doesn’t look it.

kjh Avatar

Cat shows are awesome. Says the total dog person, who has shown dogs, and is allergic to cats! No touch is true, even if you bring sanitizer, which I always do at dog shows. Especially in the ‘benching’ area. It’s so hard. The cats in a group stay in their individual crates and are brought out individually by the judge, for hands on conformation examination and play/responsivity. The best part is that the judge tells you about the breed and the similarities/differences between that breed and similar ones. Another good thing is that domestic house cats that are not specific breeds are also exhibited. I assume that like dog shows, entries and vendors have dwindled a bit, as campaigning a cat/dog has become very expensive. Many of the dog shows have combined or just died out. You probably will see some breeds you have never heard of, and will fall in love many times. For anyone who wishes to go to a cat show, they are often sponsored by the CFA, Cat Fanciers of America, and all major cities used to have one. Off topic: believe it or not, there actually are KOI SHOWS, replete with pedigrees, pattern types, and Japanese lineage. I’d love to go, but would be out of my depth about them.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

It was interesting but a bit disappointing in that they had essentially no seating to watch the judging. I did enjoy seeing the different breeds and honestly, most of the owners had their cats out and were letting anyone pet them! (Surprising) Picked up a few goodies there for my cats as well. I do watch the dog shows, at least in part, bc I find them interesting. had no idea that there were koi shows – wow!

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

Haul: I forget to mention last week that I got the KvD Lock it Foundation in 43 Warm in a swap. 😉

Weekend plans: More video editing and pumkin carving.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: I can think of one either. How every a have a quote that makes me smilie because I wish more people would realise this: “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to feel it.” I know that the other versions are diffrent but this one totally nailed it with the spite and malic on the internet.

Julia Avatar

Haul: I was pretty good this week! Just picked up one last holo Formula X nail polish and a couple of lip glosses from Sephora’s sale section. But now I’m plotting what to haul next week with the 20% off sale ?

Weekend plans: My in-laws are coming in today for the weekend. So lots of cooking, eating, shopping… I just love them, so it’ll be a good time! Also we are in the middle of the World Series, with my current home team (Cubbies) vs. my previous home (Cleveland Indians), so even though I’m not a sports fan it’s hard not to catch the excitement.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: There are a lot of beautiful, inspiring quotes, but one that I have found most practical and posted at my desk at work is “Done is better than perfect” because I can get really wrapped up in details and perfectionism when really I should just keep working at the big picture!

Miradan Avatar

Haul: Shiseido Rouge Rum Punch — went to the mall on a pre-Sephora sale swatching mission and came home with this, oops. It’s gorgeous!! And great formula, I will probably pick up Bloodstone during the sale.

Plans: Dinner date with Mr. Mir on Saturday night, cooking and hanging out with the kids on Sunday.

Quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us,” from Fellowship of the Ring.

kjh Avatar

Ooh, that might have been a good idea, bec many of the shades are OOS online. You might not have been able to snag it, when the time comes. But don’t get the last Bloodstone!

Lily Kelley Avatar

Mac Nude Lip Bag x2, Mac Liptensity in Doe.
no plans for the weekend.

Hugs and kisses for the always handsome Mellan, have a great weekend Christine.

Erin Avatar

Haul: I picked up a nicer bottle of wine, an Illume Fireside candle, a new natural deodorant, and finally the NYX microbrow in ash brown which seems like the closest to my actual brow hair color. My brows are a really dark ash blonde and taupe was too yellow blonde while brunette was too red. Brunette is more the color of my hair on my head but it looked off mixing with my brow color.

Erin Avatar

Well shit, I didn’t finish… ug, it’s already been a day!

Weekend Plans: Food shopping, gaming, and hopefully signing up for Pilates.

Inspirational Quotes: While there are a million there are few I recall enough to gather inspiration from regularly. I mostly recall movie lines, song lyrics, and poems/short stories which are not really quotes.

Pearl Avatar

I was in Sephora yesterday waiting in line, saw a Milk Highlighter in mini-deodorant packaging in one of the bins. Picked it up, smeared it on the back of my hand. No sheen, shimmer, nothing but a pleasant scent. Walked up to the counter and said “this highlighter . . . I can’t see anything? She stared at me and pointed to the label on the side “Milk Deodorant”. I had the whole back of my hand covered. 😐

Tammy Avatar

Haul: Urban Decay Moondust shadows in Chem Trail, Stellar, Skywalk and Crux (love!). I caved and bought the Kat Von D Metal Matte palette based on your review. I already own all the individual Metal shadows and Mi Vida Loca Remix, and was surprised to discover these shades are not dupes of my other Kat Von D colors. I’ve only used it once so the jury is still out.

Weekend plans: Off to Chicago on Saturday for haircut and shopping. I am so excited to see all the cosmetics in person that I usually can only see only online. I am most excited to see Chanel’s Architectonic palette.

Quote: Thought is Free ~Shakespeare

LindaP Avatar

Uh-oh, the gate!

Uh-oh VIB Sephora 20% off sale…

Haul: Nothing this week. See above. I’m sure this will not last.

Weekend plans: My husband has a guys’ day with friends tomorrow, so I’m planning to go see the William Merritt Chase exhibition at the MFA, Boston. Love his work.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: I have a million, but the one that comes to mind right now….
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky

kjh Avatar

It’s instore near me. (MetalMatte). Go swatch it, if you can. It’s Tops with Katherine. I really like it, and I’m older than you, if you are worried about the metals being OTT. You know how most mufes are not too frosty or too metallic? And some Visearts (esp the light shades in Bridal Satin) are? I think the kvd is not too frosty or metallic, and there are one helluva lot of shade choices. Not all shades have the same saturation. Mfg, at least on mine, is first rate. It is huge, though.

LindaP Avatar

Hi kjh!

I did go and swatch it today and I agree with everything you say. I think it will be a way for me to branch out and expand my colors a bit. They look so strong, but can be manipulated to be kickin’ bright or lovely muted. It’s in my cart waiting for the sale.

I also have the Tarte Pro palette that looks really pretty. Waiting on C’s review before digging in or returning. It’s very different from the KVD, but could round things out for me. 🙂

Having fun with makeup!

The Makeup Train Avatar

Haul: I have been going easy on the makeup shopping because I am saving up for clothing purchases. I did buy NYX brow gel in Espresso. I’m waiting to get my brows done before I use it.

Weekend plans: Resting up and cleaning my apt. I may have lunch with a friend on Saturday ,if all goes according to plan.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: “When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them”. -Maya Angelou

I suppose that is more of a wise quote than inspiring, but it’s saved me from continuing toxic friendships more times than I can count.

Lololol at your caption! Mellan means business!

Indya Avatar

Awww look at Mellan. I really just need/want to buy a set of makeup brushes — glad to see your brush guide post 🙂
This weekend I plan to be super productive and catch up on TV I’ve recorded: Vampire Diaries, Walking Dead, Westworld, House Hunters International
I have a quote from The Pursuit of Happiness as the screensaver on my phone. Funny because I have never seen the movie. I also like

ouineque Avatar

Haul: Although I wasn’t planning to, last week I found the Kat von D. Shade and Light quad in Purple.. I haven’t even created a full look with it, but I did use the shade in the biggest pan (under Sunset Glow highlighter from Bobbi Brown, on my eyes… I was so happy how it turned out, wore it all week together with a warm purple single (Midnight Magic) from Chanel that I had for ages and never found use for until now).
This week I got two cream eyeshadows from H&M. Harriet from Harry makes it up was raving about them and she’s usually totally into high-end products, so I thought I would give these a try: swatches look promising!
Not many plans here: I need to read a lot!
Quote… All that comes in mind now is: Sign of succes is a smile, sign of life is enthousiasm. 🙂 From Sri sri Ravi Shankar (not to be confused with the sitar player of the same name).

Fran Avatar

Poor Mellan! He certainly can look sad and pull at your heartstrings!

Haul: MAC Nutcracker Sweet: Sweet Smoky and Sweet Plum eye bags; Sweet Pink and Sweet Red mini lipstick kits; Sweet Peach Face Compact; the Sweet Red lip bag; the Sweet Pink Patentpolish kit; and the lipstick in Leap of Delight. Also from MAC: liptensity lipsticks in Galaxy Grey and Blue Beat, satin lipstick in Dew, and mini pigments in Blue Brown, Rich Purple, and Tan; and the Prep + Prime eyeshadow base. I’ll have enough new lipstick colors to last for months! I really like mini lipsticks, since I like to experiment with my lip colors a lot.

Weekend plans: nothing special! Going to enjoy some nice weather tomorrow, I hope 🙂

Inspiring quotes: I often read ones that I like, but I’m not good at remembering them!

Fran Avatar

Thanks Michele! This is the most MAC I’ve bought in a long, long time! The packaging of Nutcracker Sweet is a little over-the-top for me, except that I really like the look of the lipstick tubes. Getting to work with so many lip colors in minis really appealed to me, I guess. And I like the Paint Pots and the Extra Dimension eyeshadows, and the mascara is decent (it’s going in my kit)… and I’m really having fun with the pigments, Blue/Brown is *gorgeous*…

Rachel Avatar

I got the MAC Trolls beauty powder in Play it Proper since it was 60% off! I also got the travel size of the May Coop Raw Sauce since I’ve been curious about skin essences and I wanted to get my birthday gift from Sephora.

Bibi Maizoon Avatar

OK, so I broke down & ordered that Tom Ford Pink Glow Limited edition palette from last year (?) at some ridiculous price on fleaBay. Hope it’s in good shape. I’m going to try Essence’s clear brow gel as I’ve heard it’s a cheap dupe for Anastasia brow gel. Might try out some face/eyeshadow primer from Catrice too if I can find it.

Weekend plans- It’s Tihar here in Nepal (which is like Xmas, Thanksgiving, New years & 4th of July) so all week long is partayyyy!

So many quotes, so little time.

Katherine T. Avatar

Awww, he’s just like a little kid 🙂
*Haul –BITE Gold Creme Gloss-O.M.G. – I swiped this on, and I swear my lips looked like gold Christmas tinsel!! It’s about 99% super yellow gold glitter, so dense I can barely even see a base, but amazingly it’s not gritty or drying at all. The only way I can wear this is to put a lipstick underneath, then just dab a tiny bit on with my fingertips, then rub my lips together, and it gives a beautiful gold shimmer/glitter to any lipstick -love! Thanks for the helpful tip, Nancy T. ! MAC Nutcracker – Copper Face Compact (w/Whisper of Gilt & Pleasure Model -stunning combo ), Magic Dust Powder in Sweet Visions (wow!), Leap of Faith Lipstick (bold & beautiful), Nude Lip Bag ( Vamplify gloss in Tuned In, Lipstick in Magic Spell, Lipliner in In Control-all very pretty) . I think MAC did a great job with these products, love the cheery holiday packaging, and I’m very, very happy with what I got. Thank you Christine for reviewing/swatching these, and helping me pick out the winners in this ginormous collection. Paula’s Choice sunscreen, sample of Custom FX Drops in NC30, sample of Sally Hershberger 24K Pro Shampoo/Conditioner
*Weekend -will be crazy busy. Have swatchfest today at local stores to check out new collections, then we have multiple get togethers on Sat/Sun with family and friends, will be driving from 1 party to another. Thank goodness I have Mon/Tues off to recover!
*Inspiring quotes – you can’t take it with you

Nancy T Avatar

YAAAYYY!!! You got it! Yep, dabbing and spreading it is the only way I can wear that, because yes; TINSEL! But it’s quite moisturizing, too!
I see that we also got the same MAC cheek products, too! But when I tried on Leap Of Delight, the SA who knows me well enough to tell me when she really does or doesn’t like something on me, let me know that it was just too cool-toned of a purple for me and not flattering on me (Instigator got suggested, and it is kapow sexy on me.) So I bought Saucy Little Darling instead, as that was also on my wishlist, and it is uber gorgeous on me!

Katherine T. Avatar

Yes, I got it, SO happy! I don’t know what magic BITE did, but it’s like they took 10 tubes of gold glitter, packed into a gloss, and made it smooth and hydrating too. But hey, if you only do lippies, you better do them well, and BITE does! Oh yes, Leap of Faith is a bold and dark one, I can see it being too dark for some people, but thank goodness I can pull it of. It’s great you have an honest SA versus one that tells you everything looks great because they are trying to sell you everything.

Nancy T Avatar

Exactly, Katherine! This lipgloss is utter MAGIC when used sparingly. Plus the very fact that it even feels good on? Mind blown!
I’m so glad you are able to pull off Leap Of Delight! I can wear super deep lip color, so it wasn’t the depth. But anything *too* cool toned looks really off against my golden-olive complexion. Just clashes. Which is a shame, because I LOVE periwinkle blue, but whenever I attempt to wear a periwinkle top or dress, it looks just hideous. But I CAN wear most other purples!

Mindy Avatar

•Haul: I picked up some Charlotte Tilbury items. A quad, blush, wonderglow primer and three lipsticks. I also picked up two Wayne Goss eye brushes.
•Weekend plans: 3D ultrasound to see our baby girl, a birthday party and a Halloween party all on saturday. Also, a trunk and treat for Sunday.
•Do you have a quote that inspires you?: Oh I have many. I should create a collage!

Nancy T Avatar

Awww!!! He’s been locked out of? Testing zone? LoL! But his eyes, though. So sad and wistful looking!

Haul: MAC Copper Cheek duo! And Sweet Vision Magic Dust Powder and Saucy Little Darling lipstick. Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel now that I’m sure my face isn’t going to freak out from it. Colourpop order finally arrived! Got: Seeker and Sailor e/s’s (Sailor is OMG worthy!), Perilune highlight, Barracuda Ultimate Satin Lipstick, Crystal Ball and Wolfie Lipglosses. I may be going out for UD Bruise later on today, too.

Weekend plans: The usual. Hair, possibly doing my roots tomorrow if I have any energy, nails, and meeting on Sunday. Might try to hit the park afterwards, if I’m up to it. Today feels a *little* bit fall-like!

Do you have a quote that inspires you: Yes! It’s actually in the Bible: Isaiah 41: 8-13, ESPECIALLY 10: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”

Christine Avatar

Yay! Copper cheek duo!!

He usually chills in my office most of the day, but for awhile, he was just randomly getting up and leaving to go his bedtime spot (in our bedroom closet). We never could figure out why, other than his bedtime spot is sort of his den!

Deborah S. Avatar

Haul: Not much this week. I did pick up another cleanser and makeup remover from Heimish via Style Korea. I had been looking for an album which I listened to a lot in my high school years and haven’t been able to find so finally bit the bullet and purchased from Ebay. I don’t like buying albums on line because you just can’t inspect them well enough to find any scratches or warping. This seller insists that the album is in original condition and still in its sealed sleeve. I am excited to get it. Oh, I should tell you what the album is!! It is The English Congregation singing, “Softly Whispering I Love You. It is one of the songs of my youth.
Weekend Plans: Keep working on the garage conversion. We got stalled a little during the week because of heavy rain here in Montana.
Favorite Quote: I have many from song lyrics, ets. but one that speaks directly to me is , “Un-winged and naked, Sorrow surrenders its crown to a throne called grace.” Aberjhini

Anne Avatar

Haul: I got the Marc Jacobs Up All Night Five-Piece Petites Le Marc Lip Crème Collection. The palest shade isn’t for me but all the others are great shades for me.

Weekend plans: Nothing!

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: I think I used to, but I can’t remember. Yaay memory issues?

Blue Avatar

Haul: NARS Schiap and an UD lip brush that was on clearence
Plans: Work, watch this anime Hunter x Hunter, blend perfumes, find the eye shadow primer I misplaced.
Quote: Not really a quote person, but I appreciate the question and have really enjoyed reading other people’s replies.

Blue Avatar

My partner and I have amassed about 70 scented oils, some synthetic, some essential, just stuff we’ve found, mostly at apothecaries and craft supply shops. When we were traveling in Thailand and Taiwan over the summer we bought some really wonderful ones, like a galangal essential. We have been mixing them and we bought some everclear to dilute them into perfumes. So far we haven’t made anything that invites flattering comparison to any of our favorite commercial fragrances, but we’re improving, and it’s so much fun to play and learn. Thank you for asking about that! 🙂

And I did think of a quote, from the 50s movie Harvey. “Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be’ – she always called me Elwood – ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”

Mariella Avatar

Haul: Clarins had their GWP event so I bought stuff to qualify: Be Long Mascara (love that stuff); Instant Eye Makeup Remover; Lip Comfort Oil in Red Berry (I have the original honey coloured one and was looking for an excuse to buy the tinted one if I ever found it back in stock); Extra Firming Body Lotion (a full size but it was a freebie because I bought 3 items); Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. At Shopper’s, I picked up the Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel (because The Bay – where I bought everything else) was out of it and I also picked up Maybelline’s Master Strobing Stick Illuminator in the lighter shade (really liking that) and Marcelle Lumi Power New Age 3-in-1 cream. And I got a darned nice sized sample of Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence fragrance which I quite like (to me, it smells like parsley and pepper which I know sounds really odd but I do like it)

Weekend Plans: other than brunch out at a fave place on Sunday (to celebrate hubby’s birthday and see my daughter and son in law) and maybe going to the gym and hopefully getting to the mall to buy some new bras (I hate having to get all undressed to try on bras), I do want to take it easy.

Inspiring quote: probably the same one as the last time this question came up. It’s from the Stooges (which probably gives you some idea of how seriously I take people who take themselves too seriously) and it’s “If at first you don’t succeed, keep on suckin’ til you do succeed”. And I’ve long tried to live by the quote that Warpaint and Unicorns posted. I don’t always succeed at it (I may forgive but I don’t forget) but I do try.

Monica Avatar

Haul: Actually didn’t buy anything. I’m in the purpose of de-stashing.

Weekend plans: Nothing planned but probably will end up doing something.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: “We don’t need sleep to be dreamers.” This line from Angels and Heroes by Brian Littrell has always resonated with me.

CatG Avatar

Awww! I hope you accomplish what you hope for!
Haul: My sister gave me a $20 Ulta gift card for my birthday! I’m hoping to use it for the Modern Renaissance palette -if it ever is in stock again!!
Do you have a quote that inspires you?: I want to taste and glory in each day, and never be afraid to experience pain; and never shut myself up in a numb core of nonfeeling, or stop questioning and criticizing life and take the easy way out. To learn and think: to think and live; to live and learn: this always, with new insight, new understanding, and new love. -Sylvia Plath

CatG Avatar

I forgot to update my weekend plans part!! Today I’m taking it easy, I have a board game meetup tomorrow, and Sunday a family oriented Halloween party! And Monday I’m going out with my friends and seeing Frankenstein for Halloween!

Nicole Avatar

Haul: Nothing this week. I’m sort of waiting for the VIB sale and sort of not. I still haven’t decided if I’m going to buy anything at the sale, mostly because Sephora has been annoying me lately. (Rant) The last couple of orders didn’t have samples in them even though I requested them/only had one sample that I didn’t request in place of three, and the last promo I got one of the items was missing. They gave me some points when I complained, but I don’t want points, I want to know that they care. I know it’s petty but whenever I order from them I feel like they really don’t care, and that makes me not want to spend my money there. Plus it’s not like no other stores ever have 20% off sales on beauty. I might just wait for a different store to have a sale.

Weekend plans: Really nothing, I don’t think. Honestly what I’d really like to do is just spend the weekend trying out different eye makeup looks and maybe sit outside for a bit.

Do you have a quote that inspires you?: Not really. I’m actually not one for quotes. My mom loves them and has collected probably hundreds of them, but I could never get into it.

Nicole Avatar

I agree, and it really doesn’t settle well with me. I kind of feel like Sephora thinks that they have a monopoly on the beauty industry and so it doesn’t matter how they treat people, because they’ll always come back. Lol, I don’t even know if I won’t, but it’s really making me think. I had such a bad time with them during the VIB sale last year, as far as orders being cancelled and bad customer service. I agree with you there too. I wish Ulta were better in that regard.

Nicole Avatar

That’s true. I much prefer Ulta’s rewards program to Sephora’s. I’m sorry their shipping is so slow for you! From what I’ve read that seems to be the standard with them? I’ve been really lucky with orders from Ulta being quite fast. The shipment center that they send my packages from isn’t in or next to the state that I live in, so I don’t know why. I think it usually takes about 5 days for a package from Ulta to get to me (free shipping), and from what I’ve read that’s pretty quick for them. That is really expensive for expedited shipping. I totally get that. Sephora’s flash shipping is incredible. That’s something they definitely get right.

Lea Avatar

Haul: Amazingly still nothing! The Armani lip magnets are starting to arrive in store, so I will eventually venture out to see the colors in person and I think the Tom Ford Winter Soleil items are in store near me, but I’m planning to wait to buy them. Maybe around the Black Friday deals and see what I can take advantage of there. I may miss out on the Ford palette, but I think I’ll live and the lip colors aren’t going anywhere – so I can take my time and not give into the “it’s here – buy, buy, buy” feeling. Though I really, really, really want to play with the lip magnets!

Weekend Plans: Nothing really – just boring adult responsibility type stuff. Cleaning, laundry, household shenanigans.

Quote that Inspires: Not that I can think of offhand – everything that comes to mind is either a movie quote or a poem.

Marie-Estelle Avatar

Haul : I completely cave for make up this month… I didn’t resist the 25% off offers in the different retailers I shop from! I started with the Estée Lauder x VB highlighter and one ROUGE ROUGE lipstick in ruby coper… Which I loved so much that I took hushed tone – runs pinkies on me! – and sweet desired – perfect MLBB lipstick- short after. Finally bought rhum punch (or similar name ) – elegant vampi lips on my complexion. I am completely in love with all of them! It is refreshing to wear something else than a matte lip ?. I do need to use a lip longer for the darker color. I take any suggestions ?.
Oh, and this morning I caved for the viseart 09 bijou royal…. 50€? I couldn’t resist it!

Weekend plans : my sister and her family are visiting to get to know our first born. Because I moved to the Netherlands it needed some organisation and time to make it happen but it’s a lot of fun!

Quotes: I don’t know if it inspired me per se but it accompanies me since the first time I read it years back:

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” Litany against fear, Dune, Frank Herbert.

Shannon. N Avatar

Haul: This is going to be my last haul for a while!! In August, I was diagnosed with having a “aggressive” “overgrown” Tumor in my jaw. And I’m starting treatment on November 2nd!! We currently have a Fundraiser going online to help me with medical costs, so all of my money is going towards my treatment!!

But I got my last online order in yesterday!! I got from sephora: A sample of MUFE mascara, Makeup forever Mat Velvet+ foundation in the shade #40 (its described as for Medium light skin with Yellow undertones! I’m currently a MAC NC25 for reference!!) I got a Sephora brand Liquid eye liner, it’s a bright green with teal/blue sparkles! I’m wearing it today and with my dark brown eyes it’s BEAUTIFUL. I also got a sephora brand eye shadow in Movie Popcorn. It SAID on the website that it’s a yellow gold. But it’s really white on me. I tried it as a highlight on my cheek bones today!! And i’m loving the glow!!

Sephora had a promotion going on, for VIB’s+ that you could get a makeup bag, full of samples!! So I got that as well!! And it’s STUFFED with samples of things I’v been wanting to try!! So it worked out for me!! 😀

Weekend plans: I’m having FOUR root canals on November 2nd as the start of my treatment for my tumor, SO this weekend i’ll be relaxing and eating as much solid food as I can before I’m put on a liquid diet after my treatment LOL

If I have a quote that inspires me: I dont have a QUOTE. But, the WHOLE wall beside my bed/roof above my bed/the wall behind my headboard, is COVERED in supportive, loving, messages from my friends/doctors/family!! I also have pictures of friends and i, and my family on there as well!! I keep my favourite ones above where my pillow goes, so It feels like the quotes help me sleep 😛

Shannon. N Avatar

Thank you Christine!! I’v been saving up Temptalia posts to read while i’m in recovery over my root canals, and then later on after I have the big surgery!!! Reading your blog really brightens my days!!!

Shannon. N Avatar

Thank you so much Nancy!!! Your best wishes mean so much to me!!

The worst part of the tumor, so far, has been I like to sleep on my right side. And thats the side with the tumor. LOL. So I’v been trying to remember to sleep on my left or back lately!!

(Also as I’m sure any women would, I’v been feeling so self conscious of my face! I have a visible lump/bump on my right jaw. But my Mama has been telling me how wonderful I am and she keeps reinforcing how I need to keep my head up high!! :D)

Shannon. N Avatar

OH my goodness!! Thank you so much for the well wishes!!!

I’m pretty darn young. (Im turning 20 soon. But I am still technically 19 😛 ) so I still live at home personally. And my family is being so amazing!! they are doing everything hey can to help me out money wise, and emotionally!!!

I’m sorry about your mother!! My mother has had 3 strokes, and she NEVER accepts help for her illnesses. And it’s so frustrating from a daughter/child standpoint!! I want to get better, and healthy again so I can continue beauty college. So I’m going to every doctor appointment and I’m accepting any and all help!!! 🙂

Tracey E. Avatar

Sending strength and prayers as you begin your treatment next week, Shannon. Your mama is right on in telling you to hold your head up high. You are surrounded by people who are struggling, experiencing health issues (visible and less visible), who have come upon a rough patch, experienced a loss, etc. You are not alone, and the wonderful traits that make you ‘you’ are enduring.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Shannon, I’m sorry you have to go through all of that. I’m a cancer survivor (breast cancer 2010)…I know you don’t know me, but if you need anything or just want to vent, please feel free to message me on Facebook. My user name address there is: facebook.com/binx.cat.100 It’s under my name Michele Snavely. The cover photo is a makeup bag that says “Life Is Short Buy The Palette.”

Kylie5 Avatar

Shu uemera Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
Mac nutcracker sweet: sweet vision powder, mini lipstick set in nude and pink, saucy little darling lipstick, nude lip bag 2x, rest follows when I get my money on Monday !!! 🙂
Lancome genefique Serum in the limited edition bottle (got it for 65 euro instead of 108 euro !), the bottle is sooo beautiful

4 weeks ago I ordered the new ysl cushion foundation and it arrived yesterday. I mention it because someone here asked me how it is when I wrote that I have bought it. So now I could test it.
On the hand in store the colour match was perfect, on face it is a little bit too yellow
It is very lightweight, you don’t feel that you have makeup on
The coverage could be better, I would say it is light to medium
It is meant to be matte but on my combination skin the matte effect does not last very long
So I would not buy it again because there are better foundations and cheaper.
I hope this helps and the person who wanted to know it reads it

Kylie5 Avatar

In Germany it was sold out before I could get one so I had to order from mac.com in the USA.
So it will arrive in 4 weeks ?
But I am convinced that I will love it.
Looks like the Mac Lipstick where no man has gone before as a powder.

Claire L Avatar

Haul: Sleek Makeup iLust palette in Hidden Gems, Make Up Revolution lipstick in Dazzle (medium pink) and MUR Salvation Velvet in ‘Keep lying for you’ (mauvey purple). Swatched the palette, not sure about the swatches but will try it on the eyes. It’s not expensive so I don’t mind if it’s not too brilliant. I’ll have to save up for the Viseart Bijoux Royale. The swatch of the liquid lipstick lasted through a shower and stayed on for 8 hours so it’s promising! I’ll have to try it tomorrow, wore the Dazzle lipstick today which I liked. Ordered the MAC Nutcracker Sweet Copper duo, can’t wait! I loved the look of Whisper of Gilt first time round but missed out on getting it.

Plans for weekend: Tomorrow we might go to a Halloween event at the local park in the winter gardens. We’ll visit my fiancé’s dad too. Other than that, it’ll be cleaning and washing lol.

Favorite quote: I don’t really have one but I do like inspirational ones, even if they can be a bit cheesy! There are some great ones above, one I try to abide by is ‘get it done even if it’s not perfect’ lol. Especially true with keeping a flat clean/tidy with a 2 year old!

ShariP Avatar

Haul: My first Tom Ford lipstick into Vain. I haven’t tried it yet. I just keep looking at it, lol. MAC eyeshadow in Stolen Moment and Silver Dawn. Two MAC brushes, 234 and 213. And a Bobbi Brown Warm Glow eyeshadow palette.

Plans: I’m in Washington DC for a meeting.

Quote: Well not really a quote, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philipians 4:13.

Genevieve Avatar

Oh oh Mellon – you just want to see what’s beyond the gate!
Haul: New NYX Brow kit, Ordered Maybelline’s Smoking Red lipstick.
Weekend plans: Taking my grand children to the Royal Botanical Gardens today – it is going to be sunny. Tomorrow I am visiting my sister, who lives out the other side of town,
Inspiring quotes: I don’t know where this one came from but it’s about accepting and being OK with yourself:
I am my own best friend
It’s OK to have feelings
It’s OK to make mistakes
It’s OK to praise myself
I am unique.

kjh Avatar

Love Smokin’ Red. Should look great on you. Sounds like great family fun. Would love to see the RBG in Aus. And check out the visiting fauna as well.

kjh Avatar

Still good. Only Mona, bec it is perpetually sold out online, and they only had 2 instore. Could not count on it for the sale. Next Fri will be a different story. Got bday gifts at S and U. Got FAB triple duty eye remedy, which needed replacement with the coupon. Will regift the MJ. His liners just don’t work for me, and I don’t do pink l/s often. (Love last year’s holiday palette , though.). Ordered the KGD aqua foundation samples, but doubt they will come in time for the sale. KGD passes my cosdna requirements, but there’s nowhere to swatch it. Might get Bond tomorrow. Don’t think S stocks that shade. Plans: a friend got massive farmer’s market coupons, so we can stock up for free. A return to our new Nordstrom Rack. They put that and a Saks Off Fifth right beside Ulta. Dangerous proximity. Far more dangerous than the old Kmart. Ssdw. Quote: There are so many, but let’s take one for the pet lovers…the one from Mickey Rourke (inspirational, really???) ‘s golden globes acceptance speech. ‘Sometimes when a man’s alone, all you got is your dog and they meant the world to me.’ And they did. Every last one. Even my beloveds over the rainbow bridge. I have no family, so the quote is especially apt for me.

Kitty Avatar

Haul: not much. Urban Decay Quiver blush; Laura Mercier Candleglow powder.

Weekend plans: watching a Halloween costume contest, emailing an old friend.

Inspirational quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” [Theodore Roosevelt]

Tracey E. Avatar

Haul: VBxEL Bitter Clove. My real haul was merchandise from the NHL Heritage Classic held last weekend in my hometown. It was a once in a lifetime event. My feet have yet to touch the ground.

Weekend plans: I’m home visiting family. Yay!! It’s also a sports-packed weekend catching NHL, CFL and NFL games.

inspirational saying that inspires me: I like the quote “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” by William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well

Rachel R. Avatar

Haul: Urban Decay Vice Vintage Vault Lipstick in Oil Slick and Moondust Shadow in Chem Trail (free birthday gift from them). MAC Good Luck Trolls collection was on clearance at Nordstrom, so I got Lipglasses in Twerkquoise, Bubble Butt, and Glitter Grunge, and the lipstick in Dance Off, Pants Off.

Weekend plans: Saturday I’m going to Tacoma and meeting up with some friends from Phyrra Nyx’s Facebook group, and we’re going to Espionage Cosmetic’s Halloween Party/Humane Society fundraiser. I’m going as the Queen of Hearts.

Do you have a quote that inspires you? “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Maggie Avatar

Haul: skincare! Mostly Paulas Choice: BHA4, retinol booster, niacinamide booster, eye cream, radaiance renewal mask. Also got Drunk elephant bar soaps and bare minerals tinted gel cream. I am likely to pick up bite beauty holiday lip duos and the gold creme gloss before the vib sale–I have a feeling those will disappear. I might pick up the KVD metalmatte palette but I am not a fan of shadow primer, so not sure if this formula is right for me. Perhaps I should finally splurge on a viseart palette. What does everyone else think?

Weekend Plans: work then Halloween fun–thinking about going to some haunting. I hope to see one of my old besties this weekend too.

Do you have a quote that inspires you? Not that I can think of. I used to have a corkboard where I would post up random inspirational quotes for when times got rough…maybe I should start that again. Will look for inspiration here.

Helene Avatar

Mellan is in prison!
Haul, nothing, but I did order some things that will be reported right here when they get here.
Weekend, I feel really boring as I hardly ever have anything planned for weekends. I did go to the biannual sewing faire on Friday with a friend.
Inspiering quote, I don’t think I have one, though there are quite a few I like, but can’t recall right now.

Pearl Avatar

Haul:
Sephora Play Box (finally opened)
Allure Beauty Box (finally opened)
Scentbird (finally opened)
Tom Ford Winter Soleil palettes (warm, cool)
MAC Studio Nail Lacquers: – yay for the Goodbyes! I am trying some non-traditional nail colors, which is a first for me.
Before Dawn
Rebel
Snazzy Hound
Skin
Midnight Storm
To Dye For
Sweet Potion
MAC Mineralize Charged Water: Revitalizing Energy – I am trying this as a spray primer and so far (4 days use). I like it and find it comparable to the cream/lotion primer I use. It says it can be used to refresh makeup throughout the day but I haven’t used it for that (yet).
Ebay-Butter London Nail polishes:
Artful Dodger
Sloane Ranger
Trout Pout
Tea With the Queen
Fishwife
Lady Muck
Trustafarian
Poole

MUG:
2 foiled eyeshadow brushes

Gel liners:
Immortal, Poison

Eyeshadows: – I mined the reviews for most of these to check out dupes as well as ratings (I use eyeshadow primer but still need them to be B or better), some may go to nieces.
Bake Sale
Homecoming
Typhoon
Masquerade
Shimma Shimma
Fantasy
Cinderella
Cosmopolitan
Cupcake
Country Girl
Tiki Hut
Sidekick
Vanilla Bean
Tan Lines

Weekend plans: Went to a friends craft fair on Friday night and then out to dinner and drinks afterward. Saturday was laundry and cooking, then an errand run with my best friend that turned into a trip to MAC for her and lunch and then pickups at some wineries. For me, MAC makeover with the new Holiday collection on Sunday! I had some pieces set aside – can’t wait!

Do you have a quote that inspires you:
“If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact – not to be solved, but to be coped with over time”. – Shimon Peres
This is so relevant and fitting right now, both professionally and personally. I’m on the sidelines trying to distract a stampede but it’s probably best to wait it out and stick around for triage afterward. It will pass, but there is definitely going to be a new normal on both fronts.

“If you’re not in it, don’t put yourself in it” – not sure whom to credit as I googled and couldn’t find a source.
See above. I get vertical when things aren’t harmonious and it’s hard for me to weather a storm without trying to take the reins and get everyone and everything to calm down, even to my detriment. When I was younger, it was vital to my survival to do so (or it felt that way) and old habits die hard. I’ve had to practice this diligently for quite some time. Sometimes people, myself leading the pack, can’t get out of their own way. There is such a freedom in not feeling like you are obligated to solve or help, especially when you didn’t create the problem. And setting boundaries, my goodness – it is much, much better from the sidelines.

“There but for the grace of God go I” – John Bradford.
I have a hard time with this one. Right now I am seeing it from a fear-mongering angle. I bristle at the idea that it is only grace that I am where I am, that I have what I have because that would mean that it could also be snatched away for at any time for any given reason. I mean no disrespect and I’m not giving the finger to any kind of religous reverence. I have worked very hard to be where I am and have what I have. It is a combination of my dedication, determination AND grace but I have a very hard time attributing it to only divine grace, which to me feels like another antiquated way of saying “you’re lucky”. To imply that you are where you are at by bestowed grace or luck or chance bothers me. I’m not. And I don’t like the finger-wagging that it could all be taken away because it only came by chance, or as the grace-bestower sees fit. Something has to be said for effort also, and I earned it, every step of the way has my name on it. I don’t see my work ethic going anywhere. This quote reminds me that it is also my effort and work ethic, and to not be afraid that what I have is fleeting. It is by grace perhaps, but also by determination, perserverance and consistent effort.

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