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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #428

Share your recent beauty purchases or rediscovered favorites in your stash (for those on low/no-buys!), chit chat about weekend plans, and learn a little more about each other!

Let's Chat!

Share your own answers in the comments!

  • Haul: Dior Forever Foundation, Kat Von D Lipsticks, Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear
  • Weekend plans: I’m hoping to swatch some new products on Saturday,
    but I want to spend most of Friday and Sunday writing reviews/entering in dupes.
  • How has your 2018 been so far?: Pretty well professionally – already accomplished some milestones! 🙂 I did get sick for the first time in years (like four or five years? I can’t remember the last time I was sick), and it kicked my butt pretty nicely and finally got past the mental part of it earlier this week.

P.S. — Join us over in the official Temptalia chatroom on Discord! 🙂

This week's doggo photo/video...

Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group!

Serious dog is serious about his modeling ?

A post shared by Christine M. (@temptalia) on

101 Comments

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Katherine T. Avatar

What a handsome boy!!!
*Haul- after much effort online and in-store, products were sold out from under me 3 different times, I finally snagged some MAC Lunar NY goodies! Lipsticks (Good Health, To Luck, and Peachy New Year) and the Blush Duo. My order for the eyeshadow kit got cancelled since it went OOS, and this was the first day of the launch, but at least I got the 3 lippies that I really wanted
*Weekend -rest and recuperate from work
*So far not bad. Hope you get better soon!

Kat Avatar

I was shocked the Lunar New Year sold out so quickly! In years past, I’d maybe have expected it but for the last year or so MAC has seemed to be better about making enough stock (at least in my experience). Kind of bummed I missed out on the lipsticks!

Katherine T. Avatar

From what I could tell, the MAC Lunar collection sold out within hours online, and within 1/2 day in stores. At 6:30 AM, I logged into MAC online and everything was already OOS! I called the MAC store as soon as it opened at 10 AM, and they only had 2 shades of the lipstick left! They said they had a long line of people waiting outside, even before the store opened, and it was a rainy day. I tried ordering online at Macy’s, but before I could hit the purchase button, 2 of the lipsticks went OOS on me. Then I ran to the MAC counter at Macy’s, tried to grab 4 lippies, but the 4th one sold out right as I got to the counter to pay! But I did manage to grab my top 3 picks, which were the lipsticks. I did swatch every product in store though. IMO, the pigment in the shadow kits and blush duos are weak, but if you’re very pale and like a soft, natural look, might be fine. IMO, the lipsticks were the best products in this collection. Pure Happiness was rather sheer, but it is a Cremesheen, but all of the other lippies were nice quality. My fave is To Luck. Hope they re-stock again, as I bet a lot of people missed out.

Katherine T. Avatar

Yes thank you! Took much persistence, both online and in-store, but paid off. IMO, the lipsticks are the best products in this collection, and I got the 3 I really wanted, so super happy! And after going thru the ordeal of getting them, will treasure them even more

Joan Avatar

Getting sick is no fun, glad you got over at least part of it.
Haul: I received my lucky bag yesterday, but I think that is all.
In my lucky bag I got: Becca create your own light kit, Ordinary Silicon Primer, Kevyn Aucoin Molten Lip in Carbon, Jeffree Star in Pumpkin Pie, Indie Lee CoQ10 Toner, Wayne Goss Fan Brush and a ND 5 pan (#13).

Weekend plans: Not sure yet… going to the casino with my SO just for fun.

How has your 2018 been so far?: Alright; sticking to my goals in a very casual way which feels sustainable.

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

Haul: Nada probably nada for a while with extra medical bills to pay this month and paying off my Visa. lol

Weekend plans: Finish making 80 roses from scratch but only at 20 so far.

How has your 2018 been so far?: Nerve racking. lol We are supposed to get our hours cut ( minimal wage went up by $3 in Ontario, and our corporate employer is cutting being paid on our 15-minute break(s)) but I’m getting more hours at works with me hitting overtime (over 44 hours a week). Still waiting for a response after the second request for examples after an interview.

Ginny Avatar

HAUL: Nothing… I really want the mustard single shadow from the UD Kristen Leanne collab but disappointed it’s UD.com exclusive and their shipping is $8.00!!! I don’t want to pay $30 for it and I don’t want to buy $50 worth of stuff from UD for free shipping. The “old me” might have done it but it just bugs me now. Maybe I’ll break down but hopefully they have a 20% or free shipping promotion soon. If not there’s always the MAC Uninterrupted release which I hope to get whenever it comes out.

WEEKEND: Ramen night, mmmmmm

2018: Pretty good, I’m working on decluttering my possessions (everything, clothes, makeup, toiletries, jewlery, kitchen utensils…) using the “spark joy” method and it is actually fun and makes a lot of sense. Will it “cure” me from clutter forever, we’ll see!

Ginny Avatar

Well CP also has a shipping minimum….. I don’t like doing big hauls anymore (even if it’s only $30). I like to just buy the one thing I want.

Julia Avatar

Haul: Pretty hefty haul (from a spend standpoint) this morning of Tom Ford Nightbloom Powder in Soleil Bloom and Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope in Flash Phenomenon- 10% Ebates from NM, so at least I got a little kickback! I am very excited for both and this will my first LMdB item.

Weekend plans: We’re finally getting a bit of a defrost here, so hopefully get some nice long walks on with the dogs. Do some menu planning and grocery shopping (trying to do a better job of that this year), maybe a little baking!

How has your 2018 been so far?: Busy from a work perspective. And indulgent from a personal perspective, haha- I indulged heavily in JCrew’s end of season sale-on-sale, and then this morning caved for luxury beauty. I’ll be better in February!

Deborah S. Avatar

Haul: One thing, Woo Pure, for eye lash and brow support. I use to use Rapid Lash but it just stopped working for me and so I went looking for something better. After reading a lot of reviews it seemed like Woo Pure was the best option. I haven’t received it yet but hopefully will work.

Weekend plans: This weekend is my brother’s birthday so will either take him out for prime rib or cook for him at home. My brother is a saint. He comes over to help me whether it is snowing, freezing, raining, whatever. I tease him that he probably regrets the day he encouraged me to move home after having spent 60 years in California. Other than that I am going to paint some furniture.

How is 2018 so far: Okay, overall. I haven’t done anything much since my roof leak so just staying home.

MacKenzie G. Avatar

Haul: Three Melt singles in Love Sick, Gunmetal, and Industrial, the single eyeshadow from the UD x Kristen Leanne, and other UD singles in Relish and Moondust in Intergalactic. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned these previously. Honestly, this is still better than before my low-buy, so I’ll get there. I also recently made the decision to restrain myself from ordering stuff at Ulta/Sephora to take advantage of point perks/birthday gifts in favor of ordering the new Kylie palette next week. Baby steps.
Weekend plans: Forever studying.
How has your 2018 been so far?: Really great! My semester has gotten off to a great start, and even though I’m sick at the moment I’m not letting it get me down. I turned 20 on Tuesday, and it was the first time in a while that my birthday felt special.

Ginny Avatar

How is the mustard e/s from UD? I just complained that I can’t get it without paying shipping (or paying extra to reach free shipping). Really want it, though.

MacKenzie G. Avatar

I just got it in the mail today so I haven’t tried it on my eyes yet, but I like how it swatches and blends out. It isn’t a flat matte, so when you blend it out it starts to have more of a pearlescent finish which is really gorgeous. In the pan, it looks almost identical to Colour Pop Paper Tiger, but when swatched it’s actually significantly lighter, and is definitely less brown. In all, I think it’s a really unique shade, and I’m really happy I picked it up (but I have Shop Runner, which is free 2-day shipping with a $25 minimum on the UD website), but I also think it’s pretty likely it won’t sell out any time soon because of UD’s ridiculous shipping cost, so it might be better to either wait until they inevitably have another 20% code, or until there are enough products from the site that you really want to reach the free shipping minimum. If your heart is set on it though, it’s totally worth it!

MacKenzie G. Avatar

Wow that is a coincidence haha. Totally understandable though. If I hadn’t swatched them together and had just looked at the pans I would have totally thought they were the exact same (minus the slight pearl in SGH)

MacKenzie G. Avatar

Thank you so much, Genevieve! It was really nice, especially in light of the fact that the guy I was with at this time last year forgot about my birthday entirely (emphasis on was)! I hope you’ve been enjoying your weather more than we’ve been enjoying ours up here in Ohio!

Genevieve Avatar

OMG – what a hopeless BF – fancy forgetting your birthday!
No, I haven’t really enjoyed our weather at all – it has been way, way too hot to be comfortable. We didn’t really have a spring – the weather just went from winter to summer in a week. But I bet it’s really cold and icy in Ohio.

MacKenzie G. Avatar

I know! But there’s a reason there’s now an EX in front of boyfriend LOL
I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been liking your weather either. It was bitterly cold last week, and this week it’s supposed to be 40-50 F. Half the reason we’re getting sick is the weather can’t make up its mind!

Momo Avatar

• Haul:
❝ I’m still on a No Buy, so no makeup or skincare products for me. ☹️ ❞

• Weekend plans:
❝ I’ll be working on my taxes (I like to file early). I have most of it done already. I’m also planning to catch both NFL Conference Championship games. Go, Pats! I’m still conflicted between the Vikings and Eagles. ❞

• How has your 2018 been so far?:
❝ My personal life has been rather normal, thus far. My health is normal, work is normal…everything is normal. Thank goodness!! I like being drama-free, so normal is great! I did start a 52-week incremental savings challenge with my coworker. I hope I follow it all the way through, because it doesn’t hurt to save for a rainy day. Since it seems the country is going crazy on a daily/weekly basis, I’ve been distracting/entertaining myself by reading mangas — instead of watching K-dramas — to tune out the negativity. By the end of 2018, I wouldn’t be surprised if I start referring to myself as Manga Momo. ? ❞

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Haul:
Andy Candy Makeup (15% off): Loose Pigment (Alien Queen, Chachki, Candy Cat)

Beauty Bakerie: Scoops Elysees Blush Palette

Darling Girl (8% off): Inner Glow Blush (Little Mischief), January COTM (Demon Kitty), January LOTM Kitten Kisses), GWP Matte About You

LA Splash (25% off): Wickedly Divine (Runic)

Lord & Taylor (15% off): Teeez Cosmetics Spectrum of Stars Eyeshadow (Blueberry Dream, Pearly Mist, Smokey Rose)

Sephora: Farsali Jelly Beam Illuminator

Ulta ($3.50 off): Milani Amore Shine Liquid Lip Color (Crush)

Bought a ton of non-makeup stuff.

Weekend plans: Taking a swatching break tonight. The volume has been exhausting lately on top of my full time job and other blog (fragrance). I have lots of stuff in transit to me, much of which is delayed or overdue. I think on last check there’s over 30 packages en route. So going to take a chill breather tonight. Tomorrow I’m meeting with some friends and working on my blogs. I suspect over the weekend I’ll also be finding out whether I’m furoughed.

How has your 2018 been so far?: 2018 seems to be really busy for me; mostly bc of the uptick on blogging work. I made a change to my blog based on reader requests so am now including a Subsection called Binxcat’s Musing. The new section is my quick take on products. Of course this adds more work/time to my blog but so many people asked for it and it’s certainly a valuable addition. I’m also adding additional intermittent “lifestyle” posts to my IG/Twitter. This will change things up a bit and add complementary content. Kind of testing the waters with these things so I’ll see how it goes.

kjh Avatar

Really liking your fragrance work. Not sure that the m/ u blog has told me anything beyond what was found on your IG…not to be critical. Furlough? Please, no. That happens to my friends in the arts, but at least you go back. It can be a big financial challenge, esp with no advance notice. Hope it doesn’t happen.

Rachel R. Avatar

Looking good, Mellan! He should do a modeling campaign with M&BB’s Tabs. 😉

Haul:
*Sephora — Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Madeira and Violet ($10 Sephora Weekly Wow), UD Vice Lipstick in Bang, Too Faced Primed & Peachy deluxe sample, Nest Black Tulip point perk, and other samples.

*Urban Decay — Kristen Leanne Kaleidoscope Palette, Cloud9 Vice Lipstick, and e/s single in S.G.H.

*Paula’s Choice — CALM Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer

*Wicked Sisters — Liquid lipsticks in Crystal Ball and La Luna.

*Medusa’s Makeup — 8 piece lipstick set (on sale for $25).

Weekend plans: Catching up on paperwork and housework. We’ve given up on trying to see The Last Jedi while it’s still in theatres. We’ll just get it when it comes out on Blu-ray.

How has your 2018 been so far?: Mostly not so good, but not terrible, either. I’m starting on week seven (yes, 7) of being sick, due to my reduced immunity to pneumococcal ailments, though I am slowly getting better. I’m terribly behind on paperwork and housework due to fatigue and illness. On the bright side, my writing work is going very well, though it seems like some big drama or disaster hits the any day I have a major article publish. It’s starting to make me paranoid. lol

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Francene is outstanding. I had placed an order with her and she combined shipping for me and issued a refund on her own. So, not only is her jewelry outstanding, she’s incredibly honest! Can’t wait to see what you write for her! (Btw, she’s kind of local for me so hoping to visit one of the shops that carry her line when the weather is better this Spring.)

Genevieve Avatar

Oh Rachel – you have been so ill and this illness has debilitated you – is there anything the doctors can do? Or is it a virus that has caused secondary complications?
Your writing work is sensational and I think it is important for you to focus on it, forget the housework. I really hope that you are better soon.

Tammy Avatar

Rachel, I am sorry you are not yet feeling better?

Does the doctor know what’s going on?

It’s so hard to work when you’re not well. I swear I have PTSD from working through my double abscess debacle last summer.

Katherine T. Avatar

Rachel, hoping you can kick this sickness soon! 7 weeks and going, probably feels like 7 months. Take care of yourself girl, your health is #1

Sally O Avatar

Haul:
My Beautylish Lucky Bag arrived yesterday! It was my first time ordering from Beautylish, and I got the standard $75 version. I haven’t tried anything yet, but this is what I received:

-Jouer Skinny Dip Ultra Foil Shimmer Shadow Palette – I had wanted to get this when it came out last year, but managed to talk myself out of it. Now I just have to talk myself back into it :-p
-By Terry Sun Designer Palette in Savannah Love – I remember this coming out last summer, but the price tag ($82?!) left it off my radar. Looks OK, but not sure about those zig-zag pans (and the dark brown!)
-The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer – I’m not usually a fan of primers, but I’m hoping this may be a good match for me
-Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray – a lot of buzz about this! Will try it out once the weather warms up
-Wayne Goss #19 brush – been wanting to try his brushes for a while, and this is one I actually need/can use
-Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Daddy – this is the big flop in the box for me. I have no interest in JS, matte liquid lipstick looks terrible on me (apart from NARS Powermatte), and this yellowy-brown color is probably the least-flattering color on me possible. Maybe it could work as an eyeliner or brow product though …

I definitely got my money’s worth in terms of retail price (that by Terry palette alone … ), but I don’t think I would have spent the $75 had I known what the products were in advance. Still, I’m excited to try most of the items! Before mine arrived, I cheated and found someone’s post (I think on Reddit) about their Lucky Bag, and I am relieved that the one I received was much more to my taste.

Weekend plans:
Going to MoMA tomorrow to see ‘Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day,’ one of the few films I haven’t seen by my favorite director, Rainer Werner Fassbinder. True to its title, it’s eight hours long (it was originally a five-part series for German TV), so I’m preparing for my butt to be numbed.

How has your 2018 been so far?:
I was hoping the new year would kick me back into a weight loss/healthy living frame of mind, but that hasn’t really happened yet, unfortunately. On the plus side, I am feeling more mentally focused and productive!

Lea Avatar

With the By Terry I use the dark brown as a shadow and actually really love it for a deep bronzey eye. Not sure what your coloring is Sally, but worth a try!! I don’t find the zigzags terribly hard to work with; it depends on which palette but I’ve used the colors individually or running a brush over everything. Hope this helps!

Sally O Avatar

Good ideas! I think swirling them together would add a nice depth of color. I’ll have to try the brown as an eyeshadow, because I am for sure too light to use it as a bronzer, haha.

Tammy Avatar

That is a portrait quality photo of Milan. You need to frame it.

Haul: Beautylish Lucky Bag 2018. I was stalking all the Lucky Bag posts on Reddit and decided the one thing I most wanted was the Detasha Denona 28 Pan palette in blues and purples, and I got it! It doesn’t get any luckier than that! I also got the Wayne Goss eyeshadow brush 19, a small precision blending brush that absolutely filled a hole in my brush collection and has been and will continue to be in daily use.

Shopping my stash: Last year I purchased the Wayne Goss Anniversary set of brushes, which I’ve always kept separated from my regular brushes and because of this I often forgot to use them. A month ago I put them with my regular brushes and have been using them daily. They are truly wonderful brushes and my new favorites are the 06 eyeshadow brush and the 02 highlight brush.

Other stash favorites: I have called this the fall and winter of NARS Audacious lipstick in Jeanne. I have owned Jeanne for the last three years but it wasn’t until recently that I have realized how perfectly brings out the best in my skin tone. It also looks fantastic topped with Huda’s Metallic Lipgloss in Charmed, which has become one of my most loved and reached for glosses.

Plans: Attending a going away party tonight for my boss tonight and having a taco dinner with my daughter, her husband, and grandchildren on Saturday.

2018 so far: My dental issue is a bit of frustration but hopefully I won’t even remember this by the end of the year. I may always remember this brutal winter weather though!

Nancy T Avatar

A vogueing Mellan!!! Because he knows how beautiful and special he is! ?

Haul: Placed a ColourPop order after they threw in a $5 coupon (bait!). It is scheduled to arrive on Monday. Sunbeam, Daddy, Frog, Dare, Set To Stun SSS’s, Teasecake SSC, and Aura Voir Luster Dust.

Weekend plans: Hair, nails, meeting. And I’ve been just dragging due to some sort of cold or flu? Not sure which, really. Just SUPER drained, nose/sinus issues, mild fever, asthma acting up. Idk, I’d rather sleep through the weekend!

How has your 2018 been so far?: Pretty interesting, I guess. A cold or flu that doesn’t kick into full-blown status, nor goes away. But my low-buy is going pretty well so far. This month, I’ve spent far less and have been way more focused when it comes to purchases that I did make. The more I resist mindless spending, the better I feel!
Hopefully, your flu/cold totally leaves the building ?, Christine! Something weird really is going all around the Valley.

Nancy T Avatar

Thank you, Genevieve, for both! Yeah, I’m really trying to stick to this far more “picky” low-buy.
As far as whatever bug got me; I’m still not even sure *what* to call it. Not only that, but at least HALF of the people I either know or are acquainted with have been hit far harder than myself. My son, nextdoor neighbor, a close family friend, etc. And also our friend, Christine, too. All in this general area. ??

Karen Avatar

I received my lucky bag this week, the $75 USD bag. I got a Goss #17 brush, large Z palette, Stila glitter & glow in kitten parade, Natasha Denona 5 pan lip palette in rose (or maybe coral, not sure) and a face primer that came in a bright tube (can’t think of the brand at the moment) , Viseart theory palette in Minx. So far I am loving the minx palette!
This week I also purchased the TF white peach palette, TF doll face lipstick, and the new Pat McGrath IV palette along with her new lipsticks, modern woman, and full blooded, vendetta.

kjh Avatar

Mr. Perfection. Just love him, and hope he’s still making his medical milestones. Haul: Fisrt Fenty (the foundations are a bust for me). Freckle Fiesta. Good dupe for an old OG Benefit I adored, Deja Vu. Spice Mkt blush palette (check it out, people, it doesn’t look quite as pictured.) 2 lip stories: Golden Gate And After Hours. The interesting thing: had to return 3 l/s to the rack from HL. Apparently, according to Muse, in Asian (Peripera) what are advertised/named as reds are really pinks. And their beiges are really orange. No wonder I goofed! I didn’t even swatch them, straight up pink. With red names. That’s just a bit of caveat emptor in Asian l/s for all. Plans:SSDW. Day and night job today. Tomorrow off. Glad I made that change and cut back. 2018: fair for me. Some issues, but cannot complain. Everyone I know is getting slammed, in one way or another, some folks literally daily.

Anne Avatar

Haul: Nothing for me but I got stuff for my sister. I picked up a bunch of stuff from The Ordinary- Buffet, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, and I tried to order the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG TWICE and it let me and then cancelled both orders… Sephora’s got to get it’s act together. I also got her an SPF, the Farmacy Green Screen as The Ordinary hasn’t yet come out with theirs.

Weekend plans: Recover from getting my wisdom teeth out today…

How has your 2018 been so far?: Kinda meh.

kjh Avatar

Ooh, when I had mine out…the first set, I got paranoid from the gas, elbowed somebody and knocked them out cold to the floor, as in 911ed. They put me in for general anesthesia for the second set. Guess they didn’t want any more injuries for their staff. I refused gas in the future. It was so dreadfully OOC. Hope you don’t get dry socket, and an easy recovery.

Mariella Avatar

Haul: Visanti Eye Wonder eye cream, Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser (I got a luxury sized sample a while back and love it so much I bought the full sized tube) and their Synchro foundation (I really wanted the Dior Forever but it’s being phased out and replaced with some new one) and at the health food store I picked up the Derma E charcoal 2-in-1 mask (it was on sale)

Weekend plans: celebrating my mother in law’s 93rd birthday tomorrow (we’re taking her to visit her son who just had quintuple bypass surgery and then the whole family is going out for dinner to celebrate) and on Sunday, going for brunch with my dear friend who is in town and will be moving back here permanently in about a month.

2018 so far….for me, it’s been fine but brother in law’s heart attack and surgery has been a dark cloud for all of us. Hopefully, that will be the one not to good thing and the rest of the year will reel itself out without further woes.

Kuávsui Avatar

Haul: MUFE Star Lit Powder in Frozen Purple. I have wanted a lilac highlighter shade for sooo long and found one – via Temptalia ?
Weekend plans: Nothing major. I want to clean the house and spend time with my puppy dog ?
How has your 2018 been so far? Not bad at all, but challenging for sure! Looking forward to the rest of it too 🙂 The project where I work will end this spring so a job change or going back to study are up next!

Tracey E. Avatar

Haul: CCO: Tom Ford Sun Worship cream/powder duo; additional 40% off: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, Extra Soothing Balm, and Nude Beach Long-Wear Cream Shadow. Ordered (well, back-ordered) Chanel Premieres Fleurs Harmony Powder.

Weekend Plans: Cooling our heels. My spouse is back from an extended time in Canada supporting his mom. We need to regroup and lay out what the coming months look like. We’re going to the symphony, too.

How has 2018 been so far: Blessed with family and friends, so no complaints. Thankful for no colds/flu! Hope you feel better, Christine!

Genevieve Avatar

Mellon looks like a model for a doggie ad – healthy looking and really alert.
Haul – nothing much this weel.

Weekend plans – we have just come off a couple of really sweltering days of more than 40 – 42 degrees Celcius of heat and even though it is cooler today, it is still hot. Saturday it will just be about housework and Sunday I plan to go out for a drive and a lunch in the mountains nearby,

2018 So Far – hot! Surving the heat, but otherwise it has been fine.

I hope you are feeling better now Christine – was it a cold or a touch of the flu?

WildDove Avatar

Really loving the Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Liquid and Ceramidin Cream, L’Oréal Glotion’s, and MAC Velvet Teddy fragrance I got recently. I could not be more pleased with these purchases.

The 100percentpure eye pencil didn’t work out, as I was very allergic to it, but thankfully they did a quick refund and added my experience to their ongoing R&D. Their Sugared e/s is delightful — it’s the perfect pinky-nude for boho looks.

Ordered the Dr Jart Ceramidin body cream, also BB Luxe l/s in Pink Buff and Retro Coral.

Lulle Avatar

Haul: Clinique For Men moisturizer with SPF for my husband, Khiel’s avocado eye treatment, new Guerlain lipstick and blush/highlighter trio for spring (these last 2 not yet received. 10 days is a bit long, Nordstrom…)
Weekend plans: a hike, not much else! After 2 weeks into my month-long fitness challenge I feel the need to rest!
2018 so far: uneventful.

Wednesday Avatar

Handsome devil! Hi Mellan.

Just popped in to say FEEL BETTER, Christine. I was at the vet office today and the whole gang there has been incredibly ill. There is a wicked flu virus going around resulting in pneumonia or bronchitis. A very young man, 21, healthy aspiring personal trainer here died of septic shock brought on by the flu! Shocking and truly heartbreakingly sad for his family. Apparently you begin to feel better, and then if you over exert end up flat out. So please take care!!!!.

While I’m gabbing: I scored a few things this week: a couple of Laura Geller finishing powders I’ve been lemming. I also nabbed the super wallet friendly budget foundation by CoverGirl called Ready Set Gorgeous. I had read a couple of anecdotal posts extolling this foundation as a near dupe for EL Double Wear. I disagree completely with that assessment.

The good: It has a very nice texture and blends like a dream, lends a satin matte finish on application which grows dewier with wear (also depends on primer).

The bad: It doesn’t have longevity beyond 4 hours on my dryish skin and breaks down even with primer. I find the coverage not nearly as effective as EL DW, but that is not necessarily a deal breaker. Also, colour selection… what was I thinking. I tried shade 115 Buff which oxidized like crazy on me and ran very yellow against my complexion, but did not look yellow in tube. Overall, It looked very pretty… at first. I knew it was going to run darker though because I swatched on my arm first, but didn’t realize how dark. After wearing a full 8 hours while out and about, I can home and looked at my face and UGH! Oompa Loompa stared back at me from my mirror. I should have gone with classic ivory 105 or maybe 110. Not sure if the limited longevity will see me grabbing these shades to try any time soon. Caveat: I’m a mature gal with mature skin. It didn’t work for me.

2018: the jury is still out with big changes afoot. 2017 was total crap. S’gotta get better at some point.

Kat Avatar

Haul: Nothing! I kind of wish I’d gone for the Beautylish Lucky Bag this year; everyone seems to have gotten stuff I’m interested in. I decided not to because last year I was really disappointed in what I got (value was good, just products that didn’t work for me), but now I regret it. The items this year seem much more universal and geared to my tastes. Oh well, I’d rather regret not spending money than regret spending money!

Weekend plans: My nephew’s baptism is tomorrow! I’m taking the train over there in the morning and then staying for the ceremony and lunch afterwards. On Sunday, I’m just running errands and relaxing before classes start on Monday.

How has your 2018 been so far? Stressful but nice at the same time. As you all probably have seen 1000 times by now, I’m applying to graduate school, which is probably the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever done. On the other hand, I’ve had some nice times hanging out with friends and relaxing in between it all, and I’ve made a plan for what I’ll do if I don’t get in anywhere which is taking stress off as well.

kjh Avatar

Don’t be silly and undermine yourself! Unless you are applying to a program designed for people with scads of experience in your field, you WILL get in. I know a 17 y.o. with not the ultimate record who got into a 7 year straight to Ph.D. Program, and really imagine you are a better student. Good luck on the financial aid, too. Debt, glorious debt…

Kat Avatar

Aw, thank you! I know it’s just the nerves of having a big life change, but I do really appreciate it. Luckily, I’ve been able to avoid loans and debt so far, but we’ll see how far I can push that!

Jane Avatar

Kat will say a prayer for your plans (I remember) and that somewhere in there you’ll get grant or scholarship money (I was able to get a third off mine by writing an essay as a future female entrepreneur). 😉

Tammy Avatar

Haul: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Makeup Stick in 220 Buff. I had trouble deciding between two shades and eventually chose this one. I’ve been dying to try it after seeing it mentioned on this board! Will wear it tomorrow and see how it goes. Also, last week I got the Zodiac Palette and I’m just now getting a chance to really check it out it. It’s very pigmented, and I like it a lot! From MAC I got a Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Buzzed Out, but it’s not a good color on me and I’m going to exchange it. Weekend Plans: off on Friday & staying home, watching tv. Work Saturday 7p-7a, gonna visit my son after I sleep on Sunday. How has your 2018 been so far? Crazy so far!

Katie Avatar

Oh Mellan! You are gorgeous! I do look forward to his weekly photo!

I hope everyone gets better soon! It sounds like the Northern Hemisphere is having an awful time with some really rough flu’s and colds – I’m definitely going to get the flu vaccine when they are offered here in April.

Haul – nothing. I think I’m going to have an enforced no buy as I have found an international conference I really want to go to. It’s in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur which is quite close by New Zealand standards (we are a long way from anywhere!), however the registration fees are are NZ $1,000+ (Yikes!!) so I’ll have to do some serious saving!

Weekend plans – working and then cooling down by going to the beach & swimming in the sea which is one of my favourite things to do! It’s hot by NZ standards 30’+, however I have some great beaches near by so am loving the chance to enjoy them.

How’s 2018 going? Well so far, but the country pretty much goes on holiday from Christmas to the end of January, so work is only just getting onto back into gear after about a month Of just ticking over. I’m excerising more (&enjoying it – woohoo!!) and am slowly cutting down on consuming refined sugars, so it would be great to be able to continue and keep increasing both of these.

Jane Avatar

Who said, “Photo op!”? 😉

This is probably be in next weeks haul, but since I may forget I’ll share now.
Haul: I tried soooo hard not to by anything after Christmas, especially since it’s January sales month in France (really big discounts, like 60-80% for the second series of reductions, because the first week+ is usually up to 50%, then it increases by the remaining weeks, beginning January 10th up until February 20th), but I caved in yesterday and today.

KIKO Lasting Precision Automatic Eyeline & Khol (a purple, N°5), really lasts.
Sephora Brightening & Hydrating Foundation (n°33), a first ever Sephora foundation purchase, but 11 bucks and it really gives great coverage with little product, so I’ll give it go.
The surprise late Christmas gift to myself, the “frozen” themed palette I was looking for (which I’ve mentioned before) by Clarins called “The Essentials” (in white frost, grey and blues, really nice on the eye, I’d say a “B” palette) – approx. 34$
And today, argh…why did I click on that MUFE sale e-mail, eight (8) beautiful old formula (yeah) MUFE matte, metallic and satin eyeshadows (including Peacock). 54$

Plans: School work, a little work work, and dinner at an old work associate of my husband’s.

2018 so far: Great! New position at work & training (more school, but I really enjoy reading an learning, so getting paid to do it is tops), slowly advancing on my MBA (prays please!!!), and new looks almost every other day with Good Faced’s Boss Lady and now Clarins Essential palette (will be rocked tonight)! Oh, and flus shots (me and the kiddos), just in case.

Jane Avatar

Oh, I see that the Clarins palette was their Christmas Essential palette. Truly a pleasant surprise, and glad I missed before Christmas because I may have been tempted to by it at the higher price, being it was the only blue, silver color schemed palette I’ve seen in a while.

Erin Avatar

Haul: My sephora orders finally came in. There was no sale or anything and it still took 1.5 weeks. WTF.

Weekend: My weekend is pretty much tits up. My husband is a government worker (Military) and he’s expected to work without pay. My friend had an emergency, so she’s asked us to pet sit, so we have a menagerie. That would be fine mostly, but we have a cat that doesn’t like other animals other than her two dogs. My dog, Elroy, is loving having a cat in the house and her dog Tucker is his dog park buddy, but they seem to get a long for a few hours at a time then it’s time to battle for my affection… Needless to say stress level is high as hell.

2018: So far it’s been a total shit show, my brother lost his job, the world is going to hell in a handbasket, multiple family and friends are ill, I’ve been ill, now the shut down… This might also interfere with our house purchase because we’re doing a VA loan.

Katie Avatar

Oh you poor thing! It is beyond grim being hammered from all directions! I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you that life gets better!

Lizzi Avatar

He posed so perfectly. I’m expecting him to say “I don’t always drink out of the toilet, but when I do, I prefer when mom’s not home. Stay thirsty my friends.”

Carolina Avatar

Haul: Urban Decay Heavy Metals Eyeshadow Palette, Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (for my mom), Tarte Shape Tape Foundation in Light-Medium Neutral and Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Light-Medium. The UD palette arrived on Friday, and the Tarte stuff I ordered on Thursday, it’s supposed to arrive in two weeks.

Weekend plans: Watching TV, going for a walk near the beach and play with my new eyeshadow palette.

How has your 2018 been so far?: I think it has been good considering last year was very bad – I finally went to a dermatologist to start a treatment for my acne, my teeth are starting to get prettier (I put braces almost a year ago) and I’m changing my makeup area and bedroom (it’s looking really good so far). On the other hand my mom is sick, she was diagnosed with a rare disease last year, but she has been feeling well this month – she watches makeup reviews on Youtube with me all the time, she started to build her little makeup collection and yesterday at night she had picked some makeup to wear today to practice (she’s at home all day). Sometimes she feels a little down and has more pain, but at least she’s doing an effort to not be in the bed all day. Let’s see how the next months are going to be like!

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