Free for Haul Friday, Volume #443
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: Sephora Colorful Eyeshadows (big mistake buying them all), Becca Glow Glosses (x3), Becca Hydra-Mist Powder
- Weekend plans: I’m visiting my parents next weekend (for Mother’s Day), so I need to prepare a lot of my posts in advance so I don’t have to do much writing on the fly. I usually try to keep it to approving/answering comments, social media upkeep, and submitting dupes since I only see them a few times a year.
- Last meal you cooked?: I did spaghetti carbonara with leftover ham from Easter (and yeah, it was that long ago, lol).
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This week's doggo photo/video...
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Haul: Lancôme SKIN FEELS GOOD Skin Nourishing Foundation, NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort De France, SEPHORA COLLECTION Black Magic Makeup Remover Cloths, CLINIQUE Marimekko x Clinique Pop Splash™ Lip Gloss in 07 Fizz Pop
Weekend plans: Sleeping (my 9 month old has been sleeping terribly, so mama is tired), cleaning to prep for my mom coming to stay mother’s day weekend with me, spending time with my family.
Last meal you cooked?: Last minute quesadillas with black beans, corn, and salsa mixed in, Spanish rice, and guacamole.
I am curious about your skin type and your thoughts about Skin Feels Good.
I love Fort de France!
Hope you get caught up on ?
Is your daughter teething Celesta? My grandchildren (4 and 2) have had really bad bouts of not sleeping well and it is so, so exhausting. I hope you get a good night’s sleep this weekend.
Haul: I reeeeeally wanted the ColourPop x Shayla palette & ligloss, but budget doesn’t have any wiggle room at the moment ?
Weekend plans: Hanging around the house with the baby. Husband is Ubering through the night. Family dinner at my grandmother’s on Sunday.
Last meal you cooked?: Regular spaghetti, lol and homemade Parmesan garlic rolls. I was supposed to do a Caesar salad too but romaine lettuce be like ?
If you don’t do the cooking, does Mr. Tech? My husband can barely pour a bowl of cereal lol or do y’all do takeout? What kind of food do you like? Enjoy time with your parents!! I know how much you adore them!
We go out to eat or get delivery most of the time – occasionally, we’ll get fixings for sandwiches and make those at home… and then my mom makes a lot of food when she’s here and we’ll freeze that (like meatballs, eggrolls, and the like – so we’ll toss meatballs in with pasta and do a light alfredo, that’s the extent of cooking, haha). I love all kinds – my fave cuisine is Indian, but there’s little I don’t love!
My favorite cuisine is Indian, too. Mmmmm…now you’ve got me thinking about getting some yummy vegetarian Indian food tonight!
Ooooo, homemade egg rolls!
Sooo…now I’m wanting to go get rice wraps and various other ingredients to try to make egg rolls! Yummy! ?
Your mom is an angel! Are y’all good about trying new places or do you have your go-to favorites? It’s so nice you can go out to eat after a long day working from home!
Christine use your considerable creative skills on meal preparation sometimes. But I guess you guys are too busy working. Eating food other people cook isn’t usually as healthy as food you cook at home for yourself, Indian food is easy to make mostly about the combination of spices. Did I miss the Mellan update? How’s he doing?
Hey Denise,
I appreciate your good intentions here, but just know that the last thing I want to do after working 12-16 hours a day is spend 2 hours cooking and cleaning – something that adds stress and frustration to my day vs. being relaxing. I only have a few hours of “down” time each day, so I’d just rather spend it doing something that for sure reduces my stress level so I can get to bed ready for the next day 🙂
Mellan is okay, but we’re waiting for biopsy results so there’s no update other than he has recovered from them knocking him out and removing the mega-sized hairball, lol!
I understand. You’re a hard working sister who has to set priorities 🙂 I’m glad Mellan is recovering and hope the best for his biopsy results.
How’s your little bubba going Joyce? Your family will just adore him on Sunday.
Hi Genevieve!
Thank you for asking. He’s doing wonderfully. He turned 1 month old today! He’s great at holding his head up, and he’s starting to bat at things dangling above him. He has good and less good nights of sleep, but overall I’d say he’s an easy baby 🙂
I can’t believe he is a month old already! How alert he must be and how strong to be holding his head up. What a little darling he must be.
Haul: From Sephora – Anastasia Beverly Hills Pink Matte Mini Lipstick Set
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Dazed – 0.11 oz / 3.2 g
TOM FORD Lip Color trial size in True Coral – 0.03 oz/ 1 g
Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer 0.13 oz/ 4 mL / 100 Points
Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Mist – / Sample
From The Ordinary
“Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% – 30ml
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA – 100ml
High-Spreadability Fluid Primer – 30ml
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – 30ml
My skin a bit dry from the winter snap we had here. I’m hoping these will help a few skin issues. 😉
Weekend plans: Work and working on transparent shield.
Last meal you cooked?: stir-fry.
Haul:
Pat Mcgrath (20% off): Donatella, Tropicalia Luxtrance lipsticks, and Femme Bot MattTrance lipstick
Colourpop (free shipping): Verbatim, Finer’s keepers glosses, and bassline eyeshadow (always wanted a baby blue)
Harrolds: Suqqu moss brow kit. Fell into the hype and paid 36 dollar shipping…………..
Weekend plans: Touch up my hair color on Saturday, lunch with friend and farmer’s market on Sunday. Study for an exam, and finish a programming homework. Student stuff 🙂
Last meal cooked: a green pasta. It’s been 3 weeks since I officially cooked anything haha. It’s hard to cook when I’m trying to finish up master’s degree in a year!
Good luck with your exams Zee and I hope all questions are easy ones.
Haul: Cover FX Perfect Light Highlighting Palette in light/medium. It looks as though it is being discontinued so Sephora had it on sale.
Weekend Plans: Thant will depend on how hot and sticky it remains.
Last meal I cooked: If toast counts, then I cook everyday because I eat avocado toast for breakfast everyday. If you mean a meal involving chopping things and turning on the stove, I made a stir fry with broccoli, zucchini and edamame two days ago.
Haul:
Box Lunch: Her Universe Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Infinity Stone Lip Gloss Collection, Her Universe Marvel Avengers: Infinity War Infinity Eyeshadow Collection. Swatches of the palette are posted. Gloss swatches will be up this weekend. I bought them thinking it was a dupe for the Besame and i was right.
Darling Girl (15% off – BINX15): Balm Tint (Hello World, Totally Outrageous), Pressed Eyeshadow (Dollhouse, A Galaxy Far, Far Away, Dirty Olive, Teddy, Blood Queen, As If, Trinket, May the 4th Be With You – COTM)
KKW Beauty: KKW Body. Review should be posted before the end of this weekend.
Perfumology: Gallivant Stories (Tel Aviv). EEK the perfumer signed it to me!
Riley Rose (20% off): Winky Lux – Smitten Kitten Palette, Mini Highlighter (Charm), Strobing Balm (Bubbles)
Sephora: Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette (Gemstone), Bite Beauty Prismatic Multistick (Rose Pearl – GWP), Smashbox Cover Shot: Eye Palettes (Pinks & Palms), Stellar Cosmic Face Haze Finishing Powder (GWP). Swatches posted.
Target: Makeup Geek Plush Lip Crème (Trail Blazer), Makeup Geek Highlighter Compact (Starlight), $10 gift card (GWP)
Ulta ($3.50 off): Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation (F4 and F12 – BOGO50), Babo Botanicals Sheer Lip Tint Conditioner SPF 15 Crimson Rose Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
Weekend plans: Lunch and pedis with my daughter on Sunday. Work on my blogs.
Last meal you cooked?: Chili pot roast
Haul: I did end up getting Smashbox Punked covershot palette from the Sephora sale, and I’m glad I did it’s really great!
I also bought myself my early ~frivolous birthday present from Sephora because I couldn’t wait and I’m kicking myself because today ebates went up to 8% (my b-day isn’t until the 31st) – Huda Coral obsession palette, Sephora silicon lip scrubber tool, Bite beauty birthday gift, Urban Decay “side eye trio” 500pt perk, and a mini Bite prismatic multistick in Rose Pearl.
Weekend Plans: WELL we found a water spot in the ceiling so when it rains tomorrow we’re going to climb in the attic and see if we can find the leak and then email the HOA to get the roof fixed.
Last meal you cooked: Last night I made smoked brisket, garlic cauliflower & potato mash, grilled asparagus, and mixed green salad with homemade balsamic mustard vinaigrette.
Nice dinner!
Enjoy your pre-birthday goodies!
Thank you!
Well Alice, that maybe the excuse to get more birthday goodies!
What a nuisance that water spot is – hopefully it’s easily found and treated because sometimes they can end up being expensive to fix.
I think you are a really good cook and I love the idea of everything you made – that’s the kind of food my family would like too.
Luckily since we live in a townhouse our HOA is responsible for the roof!
And thank you 🙂 Brisket was kind of a treat, we generally only eat red meat once per week. Last night I made chicken chili with white beans and roasted green chilis. Tonight I’m making homemade tagliatelle with clams and charred tomatoes in white wine sauce. I love cooking 🙂
That’s it Alice – I am coming to your place for dinner!
Happy early Birthday!
My dog definitely spends his day counting down the hours to his next meal, too! 😀
GUERLAIN STORE HAUL: Went on a short trip to Orlando over the weekend, where I hit the exclusive Guerlain boutique in the France pavilion at Epcot. I scored two of the new Rouge G lipsticks (#06 and #21), a customizable lipstick case (“Neo-Gothic” style), and a bottle of Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic perfume. (So many wonderful things, so little time…I could have spent a couple hours in this store!)
MACY’S FRIENDS & FAMILY SALE (AND STAR REWARDS) HAUL: Two MAC eyeshadow singles in Shale and Sumptuous Olive, Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Pink Explosion, and Smashbox Vlada Petal Metal Shimmer Drops in Gold Glitz. Also, I bought the gorgeous 1.7 oz bottle of Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Eau de Parfum and the rollerball version of Nirvana Bourbon (not sure how I feel about this one yet). Regarding the Gold Glitz, I know it has received some negative reviews around the internet, but the Macy’s SA showed me how to use it as a topper, by putting a drop on the back of my hand and then using two or three fingers to gently pat it over my blush to add sparkle. Three hours later, my cheeks were still sparkling. That’s exactly what I was looking for, so I’m happy with this purchase.
WEEKEND PLANS: Laundry, grocery shopping, other not-so-exciting stuff, and watching “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Trading Spaces.”
LAST MEAL YOU COOKED: Mexican omelet
Thinking ahead to next weeks “Haul” report, I am desperately trying to talk myself out of buying the Dior Addict Lip Glow in Holo Pink before the Macy’s sale ends on Monday…so if you see it in my haul report next Friday, you’ll know I’ve failed. Lol
I think all of your purchases this week are well worth it – you will get a lot of value out of Sumptuous Olive – it’s an all round great shade. I love your perfume choices too.
As far as the Dior lipstick is concerned: do you have any/many dupes for this shade?
If not, then go for it because you’ll regret it if you don’t as it’s on sale.
A perfect lipstick shade is not to be trifled with is my motto.
After work yesterday I went to Macy’s to get the Dior lip product and they were out of it!!! I swatched it pretty good on my hand, though, and by the time I got home, I was over it. So I successfully talked myself out of it with no regrets.
Really, Mellan is such a graceful creature, even in repose.
Haul: not much, have been doing well in my low-buy. Urban Decay Torch eyeliner; UD primer potion; UD Outspoken — all of which I like a lot. Also reordered Renessence shampoo, which is specially for thinner or finer hair; works really well for me.
Weekend: the usual — pilates, errands. Long work week, so it’ll be a low key, rest-up weekend.
Last meal cooked: have been trying out stir fry recipes, the last one was peppers and broccoli in ginger soy sauce. It came out quite ok.
Haul: My Viseart Absinthe palette was waiting for me when I got home 😀 And I went ahead and ordered the Pat McGrath Platinum Bronze palette while it was 20% off because I love the Bronze Ambition one so much. Today or tomorrow I need to hit Target and/or Ulta in search of those Almay q-tips with the makeup remover in them, I introduced my Dutch friend to them and she has requested I bring a few packages with me because she can’t find them over there 😀
Weekend plans: Quiet night in tonight. Tomorrow we are probably doing brunch with our friends who are visiting from AZ (they fly back tomorrow), then running errands and going to a tea shop for an oolong tasting flight and more tea for our cupboard at home (almost out of black tea, the horror!). Then on Sunday I am FLYING TO AMSTERDAM! With a layover in London. I am pretty excited. I have never been to Europe before!
The last meal I cooked: Uhm, does toast count? How about chopping a bunch of broccoli and sweet potatoes for the meal my friend cooked for us while I was visiting her last week? I don’t cook a lot, my partner is the cook (they’re baking brownies right now, lol. I married well).
OMG, a trip to Amsterdam, how fun!
I keep those Almay Q-tips in my purse at all times.
I am so excited! Especially since I am visiting a native resident, so she has lots of plans for cool things we can do off of the beaten path, so less tourist crowds 🙂
Those Almay Q-Tips are so handy! My friend asked me a week or two ago “Can you please bring me two packages?” then a few days ago, “One of my friends saw me using them, can you please get 3 packages?” LOL. I think I actually need more for myself, too!
I have always wanted to visit Amsterdam! Have fun
Thank you! I am so excited 🙂 It was never really on my radar as a place to visit before, but now that I have a good friend there I am excited to see her home city and country!
Have a wonderful trip to Amsterdam AJ! I miss Europe more and more these days…You can travel easily and fast from one country to another and experience different cultures (if you take the Eurostar from St Pancras railway station in London, you are in Paris in two hours and half).
Thank you, Nicole! It was fun when we were planning my visit and she was like “Well would you rather go to Belgium or Germany because they’re both just a few hours away.” So much different from the US where I can drive for a few hours to the north, east, or south and still be in the same state (if I go west I land in the ocean, ha ha).
Enjoy your trip AJ and I know you will have lots of fun soaking up the Dutch culture.
Thank you Genevieve! I am definitely excited for the cultural immersion (and local food, bring on the stroopwafels!).
AJ, I don’t know if you will get to see this message. MAC has launched a LE Brush holder in the form of a giant lipstick and it is exclusive to MAC Airport Locations until July. As you probably are already in Amsterdam, you can check at the airport if there is a MAC counter on the flight back, that is if you are interested. There is none at the Montreal airport for instance, but I presume there is one at the Amsterdam airport (if not, at the London one). Enjoy your trip!
Haul: Smashbox Vlada Highlighter in Prismatic Pearl, Kat Von D brow powder + brush (I love the powder. The brush is going back b/c it doesn’t do anything different than a regular brow brush + it’s too big for my brows). Juvia’s Place Douce & The Festival palettes (35% off), Pat McGrath Labs Subliminal Platinum Bronze palette (20% off). I’m still waiting for the Vlada highlighter and PML palette to arrive.
Weekend Plans: try to get some sleep on Saturday. I have to work Sunday evening. Hopefully, get some pole in tonight. I’ll definitely hit the studio on Saturday for class.
Last Meal You Cooked: Does the green smoothie I made this morning count? Yesterday, I made a grilled cheese b/c I didn’t leave the studio until 11:15pm and I just wanted something quick so I could go to bed and be up for work the next morning.
Pat and only Pat. First 3 lips (Freudian slip there with choice of the word ‘first…’) Love all 3, as expected. Vendetta, Divine Brown, and Strange. The first is as expected. The second has purple in the wipe off, but looks fairly straight dark brown. Those were chosen as being relatively free of dupes. Strange (no accent aigue here) which I thought would be DTD (duped to death) is. not. at. all. It isn’t even in the brown red family on me. Gorgeous, cooler, and no surprise, more purple on me than Christine. I’d say it is unduped, very unique, and will get lots of use. Guilt over getting a 4-5 duped l/s gone in one quick swipe. Hah! Reupped at chewy today for crate tray, Synergy, and some supps for Patticake. Plans: not much, SSDW and dogs. It got to summer heat within ten days of snow. Cook: I only eat one meal per week away from home, and cook/prepare for self only, all the time. Nothing adventurous or interesting, though it is usually quite spicy. my dog food can be much more studied and involved. Used a stick blender for an add-on that came out like mousse. They love it, and anything else out of the fridge. When in doubt, indulge them! They are the best friends you will ever have.
I am beginning to think all guilt related to Pat McGrath purchases disappears immediately once the products are in hand?
Platinum Bronze — I totally regretting not caving. Next time.
I feel like their shipping takes a much longer time than other brand websites! A bummer! I’m patiently waiting to get my three lipsticks from the sale?
Hope you have a great time with your Mom!
*Haul -nothing, just enjoying all the goodies from the Ulta and Sephora sales
*Weekend – maybe lunch with friend
*Cooked – spaghetti
I have a want to haul…the Nars Loves Me Not blush. I can’t find it on Ulta or Sephora, but I’ve found it 15% off at Nordstrom. I was hoping to get it at Ulta though, because I have a gift certificate. Do you have any updated info on where/when this will be available and whether Ulta is going to get it?
I never received a reply back regarding availability on this collection when I reached out!
Haul: all I purchased was the new Hourglass loose veil powder (I broke my Hourglass ban for this powder – my moral stance can be so weak) and I received a zip lock bag full of fragrance samples and some Stila liquid lipstick from Sephora with the the purchase
Weekend plans: Day 3 of my 2nd Indian wedding, but this one is here at home – the son of dear friends of ours. I just came in from the 2nd day (the actual ceremony) and I’ve still got jasmine rope in my hair (it’s so lovely and smells so beautiful that I won’t take it out til I have to); tomorrow is the less traditional/more standard N. American reception – more fun with some of our dear old friends as well as new ones we’ve made in the bride’s family.
Last meal I cooked: from scratch would be 2 nights ago – bbq’d steaks, a nice salad with home made dressing and some potatoes grilled on the bbq as well. I made dinner last night also but it was an artichoke and asiago quiche from the freezer so that doesn’t really count.
Mariella, you crack me up – moral stance so weak! I love the new Hourglass eye palette Ravine Graphik, so I might be equally as weak too.
I bet you are a brilliant cook.
Enjoy your Indian wedding – Indian families are so warm and friendly. I have taught many Indian students and have always found them to be so lovely.
But it’s true, Genevieve….I think about all those people who really live in a way that is defined by their moral beliefs – vegans, extreme pacifists who stick to their guns (if you’ll pardon the very mixed metaphor there!) often at a considerable cost to themselves and even those who won’t buy cosmetics from companies that are not cruelty free. I really took against Hourglass for the way they hike the prices on their holiday palettes (at a time when other companies are offering up extra value) – thanks to Christine’s math, I saw how much over the odds they were charging for those palettes. So I swore I wouldn’t purchase from them again. But along comes a loose powder that sounds nice and I fold like a pleated skirt.
…oh, and as for the Indian thing….honestly, I want to become the Indian wedding crasher! I’ve only ever been to 2 (this one and the one in India 2 years ago) but particularly at the one in India, what impressed me so much was the young adults – they are so solicitous of guests – even complete strangers – and it’s almost like they consider themselves ambassadors for their family. I was talking yesterday at this wedding to an Indian woman about my age but whose daughter grew up here in the west and she was talking about how, compared to her cousins in India, she doesn’t want to spend any time with her mother’s friends or with older family members but in India, the cross-generational socializing and genuine affection and closeness among the generations is such a huge part of every day life. And it really is remarkable.
On the other topic, I am waiting for those new Hourglass e/s palettes to arrive at Sephora here. Then I’ll be facing another “moral crisis” (how lucky are we to be able to joke about this).
Moral stance? I took one of those goofy internet things and came out neutral evil. Really? Thank god I hold no stock in most of that entertainment stuff…
I’m sorry, kjh – I’m afraid I don’t really understand your post at all.
Haul:
Last week Pearl posted about missing the chance to buy Pat McGrath’s Sublime palette during the Sephora sale. I was trying to help her out by telling her she could pick it up from Pat McGrath’s website for 20% off, but this led to ME buying the Subversive palette! Pearl discussed how she didn’t want ALL the palettes, just the two bronze pallets because they looked “perfect” for her. This got me thinking about how purple-themed palettes are perfect for me and how much fun it would be to use Subversive and La Vie en Rose together (they are, after all, meant to be used together ?), and the next thing I knew, I had that palette in my cart and hit the purchase key.
The best part was receiving the palette and running to the bathroom to play with them together. I was in purple heaven!! I may have had some second thoughts about my decision before it arrived, but right now I’m pretty sure I’ve never owned two palettes I loved better.
Here is the first look I created as soon as I received the palette: https://instagram.com/p/BiSvDp4Bj2W7q_3on6kUJ6NNoKDkQhe8_6IYLM0/
I did a completely neutral look yesterday and it was just fantastic. While I was working Deep Shade into my crease I was so happy with what was happening on my eye that I thought maybe it was just the brush. I looked at my brush and saw it was a Morphe brush, lol! So not the brush. I put Gigabyte on my mobile eyelid, which is a metal-like shade, and I was certain it would not make it past lunchtime. Much to my surprise, the complete eye look not only made it past lunchtime, but 13 hours later, when I walked out of gym covered in sweat from a 1-hour spin class, it looked EXACTLY as it had when I put it on in the morning. (I was using MAC 24 hour primer, for those who want to know.)
I know I’m going on and on, but I just can’t explain how happy I am with these two palettes. Right now I feel like I will never buy anymore eyeshadow again, unless it’s to replace these two palettes. We all know that’s not true, but seriously, these palettes are of a different quality altogether from anything I’ve ever purchased before. Okay, I think I’m done now.
Shopping my stash: I pulled out NARS Audacious in Greta and MAC’s Miley (the original pink). Such pretty colors! I had a little playtime with Colourpop’s Yes Please palette, a great choice for fresh spring colors. I revisited two favorite blushes, LANCOME Sheer Amourose and MAC’s Lovecloud. And I am SO HAPPY to be back to using my favorite bases—Guerlain’s Lingerie BB cream and Urban Decay’s Naked Skin foundation— after nearly two weeks of testing Shiseido’s Synchroskin. Sometimes a girl has to stray so she can appreciate how good she already has it!
Weekend plans: I am leaving in two hours for Chicago, where I will be catching a flight to Ontario, CA, in the morning. I will be attending my aunt’s funeral. I haven’t been home in 20 years, but here’s the kicker: I haven’t seen some of these family members in over 30 years! It’s going to be so surreal to see my extended family. I am really excited to visit with one cousin in particular. Theresa and I were both adopted four months apart and our families raised us more as sisters than cousins, as they had a shared adoption experience and bonded over that. I am looking forward to my visit?
Last meal I cooked: I guess I don’t usually mention it in my weekend plans, but every Sunday I spend 4-5 hours in the kitchen making meals ahead. I am very particular about eating a healthy diet and this prevents eating out or making unhealthy choices. (I am a human being: I do eat out and eat whatever I want on Friday nights!) last Sunday I made a healthy (and better) version of the Olive Garden gnocchi soup, Korean beef with brown rice, and Sweet Kale Salad (an absolutely addictive mix of spring greens, raw kale, raw sliced Brussels sprouts, pepitas, organic dried cranberries, and homemade poppy seed dressing made with Greek yogurt).
Tammy, I came SOOO close to buying the Subversive Palette during the sale! In the end, I didn’t, though. Maybe next sale? I saw your eye look on IG: BEAUTIFUL!!!
BTW; I’m an adoptee myself! Interesting club to belong to, huh? I’m glad that at least you had a certain comfort of being raised up with a fellow adoptee, instead of being the only one in the family.
I always feel a special affinity with adoptees. There was a some difficulty with a few of my extended adoptive family members regarding my status as a legitimate member of the family, and this is part of the reason there’s been minimal contact over the years; that, and my adoptive parents are both deceased.
I found my birth mother when I was 24 and maintain contact and yearly visits to this day. Knowing Diane (my birth mother) has been a very healing experience for me. She’s not my mother and our connection is one of friendship, but knowing my story and where I came from settled me inside.
I know you are being careful about purchases, Nancy, and I applaud your self control. A fresh palette will be there for you in the fall, and you can use the time between now and then to do some loving damage to your stash.
I hope you are getting out more and beginning to feel a relief from some of the down mood you reported you’ve been feeling.
Gorgeous eye look, Tammy! I received Bronze Ambition today and I’ve swatched only but will spend time playing tomorrow. Sublime will be here on Wednesday. So excited – such great quality!
Pearl,
I think you will enjoy those palettes!
Beautiful eye look Tammy and I am so glad that the palettes were all that you hoped for.
When I was working full time, I would spend a lot of time in the kitchen on a Sunday preparing healthy meals for the week too. I tend to make everything from scratch as well. My daughter in law is a wonderful cook as well and she is seriously into healthy eating too. Our grandchildren both eat a wide range of vegetables and fruit (vegies being the hero of the dish), meat, grains and dairy. I like your Sweet Kale salad. How do you make your poppy seed dressing?
Re your Aunt’s funeral – it is going to be quite interesting, seeing your family members again, back to your home place. I hope your time there will be a welcoming one.
Thank you, Genevieve!
Tammy, I’m sorry you have to be coming here (I’m guessing you mean Ontario, CANADA, not California, but I could be way off base) for a funeral but I do hope it’s a positive and healing experience rather than one that opens the wounds of those close minded family members who tried to make you feel “less than…” Sadly, it says more about them than it does about you and your worth. If you are going to be in Canada, and you have the time, try to find a larger Shoppers Drug Mart and check out some of the Lise Watier cosmetics. Her eyeshadow pencils (chubby ones) and pot eyeshadows (sort of like Chanel Illusion d’Ombre but better and cheaper) are worth bringing back as souvenirs of your trip. Of course, if it’s California you are going to, disregard the 2nd half of this message.
No, not Canada, California?. Attending a funeral in California tends to become a vacation if the person who passed away lived a long healthy life and their passing was not a trauma. My cousin and I will be going out for Sushi, touring a winery, spending a day boating on Lake Havasu (Arizona) with my brother and his wife, and of course shopping.
…but, alas, no Lise Watier (see, I’m hoping to single-handedly redress the cosmetic trade imbalance by getting lots of people to buy Lise Watier, Vasanti, Marcelle…)
Haul: I have one too many lux lipsticks in my cart on colourpop’s website right now…
Weekend plans: Hopefully doing some form of exercise because my pants seem to be getting tighter and tighter each week
Last meal you cooked?: Roasted sweet potato and chickpeas with a garlic hummus sauce
Paws crossed like an elegant kitty cat! I just love how Mellan has some rather cat-like traits/idiosyncrasies.?
Haul: Oh boy, here goes. ColourPop: Fault Line, Prowlin’, Two To Mango, La Playa and Comeback Kid pressed powder shadows, Pose Luster Dust and C’mon Sis Lux Lipstick x Shayla. Beautylish: RMCA setting powder (I forgot its official name?), The Ordinary Buffet and Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane. Pat McGrath: Candy Flip MatteTrance Lipstick and She’s Heaven Luxetrance Lipstick. Smashbox x Vlada Rosemantic Highlighter (using this as a gorgeous, glowy blush!) and Cover Shot Petal Metal Eyeshadow Palette. Now to restrain myself until June!
Weekend plans: Hair tomorrow. Probably nails, too. And putting together the shopping cart that I just ordered from Amazon. If that doesn’t knock me out, food shopping. Meeting on Sunday. I would seriously LOVE to hit the park later today just to chill by the “lake” watching the ducks and geese before the triple digits slam us tomorrow!
Last meal I cooked: Steak using the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse recipe, steak fries and broccoli. Tasty, but very plain fare.
That Covershopt Petal Metal palette is such a great purchase Nancy – you are going to love it I know. Beautiful shades.
Yay, I KNEW Smashbox Rosemantic would look great on you ! 🙂
Nancy that meal sounds delicious!
Haul: Wayne Goss Air-Blush from Beautylish and Milk Kush High Volume Mascara from Sephora.
<Weekend plans: Study, cooking and some relaxation.
Last meal cooked: Nothing fancy. Cauliflower soup with carrots and grinded caraway seeds and chicken thighs with potatoes in the oven (it involves a spicy sauce with pepperoncini in oil with garlic and lots of green onions).
Last week I promised to Katherine T. that I’ll come back with my impressions after using the Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder that I ordered during the VIB sale. I tested it along with the new Hourglass Veil Translucent Powder. The latter I got in a mini size when I ordered the Milk Kush Mascara, so I don’t know if it is consistent with the regular version.
So, I’ve used the same skincare regiment (Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, a few drops of Ordinary Niacinamide 10% +Zinc mixed with Timeless CoQ10 Serum, DE C-Tango Eye Cream, DE B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel. As primer, I used the YSL Blur Primer followed by the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in PK-00. On one side of the face I used the Becca powder and on the other one the Hourglass one.
Although both powders are translucent, the Becca Hydra-Mist Powder has a light pink undertone while the Hourglass powder is a bit yellowish. I used two ELF blush brushes (one for each powder) and first I set my under eye area, then the rest of my face. It is indeed shocking the feeling you get when applying the Becca powder; it’s like applying a wet cool product on your face (it has a cooling effect). I said to myself that there is no way the foundation will stay in place but it did. You feel like you’re not applying powder, as it melts in the foundation in minutes. The other powder, the Hourglass one, was slightly radiant when I applied it on the back of my hand but that radiance war barely visible on my face. It had a slight blurring effect. The difference between the two was visible on my face after 40-45 minutes. The side of the face with the Becca powder looked and feel hydrated, like when you applied a mix of moisturizing lotion and setting spray. No traces of powder; no clinging on the dry patches which were not visible under the Becca powder (I happened to have some on each side of my nose). When I smiled, because I have dry and dehydrated skin, after an hour or two you can see a slight dryness around the smile lines (around the mouth and eyes). Not with the Becca powder. The Hourglass powder, although it had a slight blurring effect, made visible those dry patches and the smile lines were apparent after a couple of hours. So for me, it had a slight drying effect. The Becca powder was definitely a winner. The skin looked like being continuously hydrated. I’m curious to test it with other primers and during the summer months but so far I’m impressed with the formula. For my mid-thirties dry and dehydrated skin it is a winner. I had both powders on my face for three hours and half.
Oh Nicole, thank you SO much for testing the Becca powder!! I was also curious about the Hourglass one, but the Becca definitely sounds like the winner for dry skin. Thanks for the detailed and careful comparison of both powders, very helpful! As soon as Ulta issues a 20% coupon, I’m going to pounce on that powder. Thank you again!!!
Katherine, it’s been my pleasure! Becca is definitely a winner for those with dry and/or dehydrated skin. I don’t know how it behaves on those whose skin lets the oils become apparent after a certain time or in humid weather. With this Becca powder I think it’s best to use a pointed brush (i.e. Sigma F35, a pointed blush or highlight brush) as the large fluffy ones for the face won’t work because although it is a loose powder, it’s not as loose as all the other powders (the first ingredient is water and when you shake it, you get the feeling that it is slightly conglomerated). I take a small quantity on one side of the brush, I tap and I don’t swirl the brush in the cap. I apply with one swipe and I avoid going back and forth (like I would do with other loose powder to take away the excess). I don’t think that the powder’s texture/formula allows it. You can reapply if necessary but wait for the first layer to sink in. With the Hourglass veil powder for instance, I apply it and then I can go with a fluffy brush to take the excess. As I applied a small quantity of the Becca powder, there was no excess and the powder was completely absorbed into the foundation. I reapplied on one side of the face and then again it got absorbed. If you have the chance, try it before buying. It’s always risky when someone recommends a product and I don’t want you to buy it and then not to like it, Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks for the tips Nicole! No worries, Ulta has a good return policy, so if it doesn’t work out, I can always return. Thanks again!
You’re welcome Katherine! Glad that Ulta has a good return policy.
Becca powders are really nice! I want to check out the hydrating one in winter.
It’s definitely great in winter!
Likely back on my no-buy for a bit after this, but I want to check in on some recent lovelies.
Haul:
Nars x Erdem Fleur Fatale Eyeshadow Palette
This collection has completely turned by head, but I stopped myself at two items. This palette is just beautiful. It is what you expect when Nars does it right. The longevity and color true-ness over the course of 12-14 hours is remarkable (had some very long work days). It does mimic some of what I already own, but just different enough to make it a keeper. I have long loved my Persona palette (great with brown eyes and the metallics just melt), but there is annoying fallout with the mattes that drives me crazy. This palette will take its place with none of that annoyance.
Nars x Erdem Love Me Not Blush
Adore. I am fair-ish/medium. This blush looks very light, but the pigmentation is up there with the best Nars offers. I can wear it and it gives a beautiful tone. It has the best blush sheen of any I own. Sometimes I couple it with Chanel Golden Sun (which I use almost every damn day), and THAT is a pairing to die for.
Sephora Lip Stories in Spring Break
Like the color a lot, and am very impressed with it’s staying power. Nice for the price for sure!
Givenchy Brun Vintage (105) Lipstick
After a gazillion tubes of Brun Createur, I added this to my nude/neutral holdings. Nice. Love it with Trish McAvoy’s Sexy Nude gloss on top too.
Major Fail:
Viseart Absinthe Palette:
Ugh. As a long time Viseart fan girl, it pains my heart to be SO disappointed in a product it actually made me angry. The greens (especially the dark one) are beautiful. What you expect from the brand. The shimmer? The (stupid) glitter? I wouldn’t accept it from Elf. Feel like walking around with little squares of glitter on your face that you can’t seem to pull off? Then use the gold in the palette. Atrocious, IMO.
I really complained to MUSE and I returned it for a refund. I was sorry to see those greens go, but nope. Not going to accept what that palette offered.
Samples and considering:
Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
I think I’m waaaaay outside the norm from what I read, but I’ve never found a primer I like. I always think my foundation lasts amazing (EL Double-Wear) and that it looks best on moisturized skin then set with my Sisley powder. This primer might change my mind. I have a sample that should last a couple of weeks, so I’ll see. I’m using it on half my face today, and will continue to experiment. No immediately sold, but I didn’t wash it off first thing like I usually do when testing a primer.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
I like it. For the past two years nothing has come close to my Sisley Phyto Poudre Libre. I have used the Sisley mostly every single day, and it never disappoints. I’ve experimented with this and that sample and never had the urge to switch. The Hourglass is nice. It’s more “radiant,” but I mean that in the most subtle range possible. I’m doing the 50/50 test on my face up against the Sisley, and it’s holding it’s own. Enough to switch? Probably not, but it’s a very nice product that I think works well on more mature skin.
Skincare:
Re-upped for the larger size NIOD products — Copper Amino Isolate; Hyaluronic Complex; Fractionated Eye Contour. Seeing results. Impressed.
Weekend:
Nothing much. I’ve been traveling so much for work, with so much more to come through August I just stay home when I can. My 3rd son got engaged to a gloriously wonderful young woman, and they’re coming over Sunday to talk all things wedding — even though it’s in 18 months. 🙂
Last cooked:
Happening right now. Seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and asparagus. Rounded out with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (that’s not “cooking,” but it’s part of the recipe for TGIF)!
Love me a Sauvignon Blanc! I tried myself the Hourglass Veil Powder (50/50 test with the Becca Hydra-Mist one). I loved its softness and slight blurring effect (the fact that it has no talc it’s a plus for me). On me, it was slightly drying after almost an hour or so in comparison to the Becca one, but again, I have dry and dehydrated skin. I will give it a try when the summer finally kicks in here in Montreal.
Haul: I have been waiting for the new Cover Girl mascara to launch. It is all over social media and I assume is probably available if you lived anywhere near a real town but for me nothing at any of the stores in Missoula so I picked up my usual long term favorite from Cover Girl, Super Sizer in the waterproof formula. I also picked up a relatively recent release, Peacock Flair, I think it is called. I haven’t tried it yet as I haven’t worn makeup for the past couple of days due to surgery. I flew through Ulta on the morning of surgery and got a couple of OPI nail polishes that I can’t remember the name of but a pale lilac and a light blue. My nails have been terrible lately with cracking and chipping and my cuticles are dry and so many hang nails so I got a cuticle conditioner. I purchased some expensive hair and nail vitamins about 2 months ago, $40.00 a bottle and I got 2 months worth. What a waste of money. I think 45 years of my hands being constantly in water while nursing just did irreversible damage! I placed another ColourPop order to pick a couple of shades from the most recent review here on Temptalia and the lippie in Dreamy and it hasn’t arrived yet. I placed an order from Nabla for two shadows and thought about their new summer release palette but decided to hold off for now. I purchased several hundred dollars of clothes for my daughter in preparation for our trip to Europe in the fall. I think that is it although I have a request for a palette check from CeeBee in New Zealand who has been away from home for a few days so not sure yet whether I can get it or not. She will let me know when she gets home. I also have been looking at the MUFE release with the bronzer, highlighter and shimmer shades as all of the recent bronzer reviews, questions and releases have wetted my appetite to try and find one that would work for me and the one I saw on-line looked like it might work. Will have to see in person though so holding off for now.
Weekend plans: Pretty much nothing just resting up after surgery so that I can be in some kind of shape to lay the flooring in my den/craft room addition. I decided to go with the weathered grey barn-wood vinyl plank flooring. I love it and was reluctant only in that I didn’t want to have to change everything out because I was going in a different direction but then after discussing it with my daughter she basically pointed out to me that it isn’t any different than makeup. If I like it then who cares if it doesn’t exactly match everything else. I am the one living with it and it will be her problem to deal with when I am gone so I am keeping my antique, turn of the century furniture, my cranberry glass chandeliers and putting barn-wood flooring down!
Last meal I cooked: It has been awhile as generally there is only myself at home so I tend to pick at things or scramble some eggs but I do have a recipe that I make fairly frequently and is a favorite of my daughters. She usually requests it every time she comes home so I made that two weekends ago. It is a sour cream chicken recipe that goes nicely with mash potatoes and we both love serving sauerkraut with mashed potatoes and the sour cream gravy so that was pretty much the meal.
Weekend plans:
Deborah — I have dealt with severely dry hands in recent months, and after trying many many products, I found O Keefes working hands lotion to be amazing. My cracking skin is smooth again, as if there was no problem in the first place. Hope this helps
Thank you for the suggestion. I figured once I retired from nursing my hands would instantly be gorgeous! I just googled this as I had never heard of it and looks like it is worth a try and really reasonably priced. I ordered already. This is why I love Temptalia. Everyone is so helpful and willing to take the time to share.
Wow! Great tip on the hand lotion. I do work as a nurse and between the hand washing and the alcohol foam, my hands and cuticles are always dry. Then I have an awful habit of biting off the cuticles when they get rough and stand up. Bad habit!
Haul: Nothing yet, I’m tempted to get some stuff though with 3x fragrance points.
Weekend: Not sure, the usual but I’d love to get to see the Avengers Infinity War.
Last time I cooked: Last night! I made a weeknight standard around here, stuffed pepper skillet hash. It’s a deconstructed stuffed pepper.
Haul: just the Marc jacobs Tantastic bronzer, I have been tempted by PMG eyeshadows and lipsticks but I am trying my best to resist them. It’s been particularly difficult after reading how almost everybody in this thread is satisfied with their purchases. Maybe when I go back to work and start earning my full checks again, I am currently on maternity leave.
Weekend plans: nurse and take care of my sweet little baby, stuff some studying in between and just probably stay at home, get some rest. I am tempted to go out with my family (baby and hubs) for dinner sometime this weekend.
Last meal you cooked? Spaghetti served with a side of yellow squash from our vegetable garden.
A beautiful photo of Mellon.
Haul – nothing this week.
Weekend plans: A very quiet weekend for us. Lachlan is all well, but his big sister and mum came down with a throat infection and dad an ear infection, so we looked after the family this week. I had both children over for a couple of days so mum could rest up and Lachlan on Thursday.. They are all better now.
Lots of housework, laundry and food shopping to do as we are cleaned out.
Last meal I cooked: Thursday night I did a Roast lamb and beef, with roast vegies and a stir fry medley of broccoli, cauliflower, onion, ginger, garlic, carrots, zucchini and capsicum as I had the family over for dinner. Fruit salad for dessert.
On a funny note, Lachlan loves lamingtons and my eldest son, who lives at home, occasionally buys some for himself. When I was shopping with Lachie on Thursday, he wanted me to buy some, but I told him that David probably had some at home. Soon as we got home, he checked in the fridge and there was none. As soon as David got home from work, Lachlan took him to the fridge and pointed to the empty spot where he usually keeps his lamingtons, asking him ‘Pease, Davey pease, get more”. So David got back into his car and went down to the Bakery, where they are homemade, and bought him one for after dinner. Afterwards, he watched as David cut him off a couple of pieces to have. Lachlan is so, so cute. He ate every last crumb of his slices.
I also meant to say, I hope you have a really lovely time with your family Christine. You deserve a break.
Haul: Marc Jacobs Tantric bronzer x 2 (Marc Jacobs site 20% off everything!), La Mer Genaissance lotion, La Mer Foaming face cleanser, La Mer Creme de La Mer (1oz), Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Charlotte Tilbury Bond girl and Very Victoria matte lipsticks (Triple Points at Nordstrom!), Natasha Denona blush duo, Anastasia Amrezy highlighter, Bobbi Brown Long Wear Sparkle Sticks (3), Vitamin Enriched Face Base, Laura Mercier matte lipsticks (2), Urban Decay eye pencils (2) and Clinique Take the Day off Balm (Macys 15% off helped with these!)
Weekend Plans: Sleep in, re-arrange my make-up storage, get ready for visitors next weekend and catch up on You Tube makeup videos ?
Last meal I cooked: Spanish rice, chicken 4 nights ago. I’m always saying that I want to meal prep and store away in the freezer but never seem to make time because I work Noc shifts in a hospital. Someday….
Haul: Sonia G Smudger2 brush, Bobbi Brown Crushed Lipstick in Molly Wow, and Suqqu Designing Color Eyes 116 SHAKUYOUSA (Burning Sands), a UK exclusive.
If Suqqu keeps putting out eyeshadow palettes like this one, it will quickly become a favourite brand for eyeshadow. That said, it was brutal trying to get it as Selfridges website laboured under the high demand for this collection. Next time, I would consider a consiege service to acquire a well-reviewed Suqqu LE collection. That said, the gradient shade (top left) took my breath when applied to my eyelid. Also gorgeous is the purple shade on the bottom right. Super pleased with this purchased.
Weekend Plans: Tickets to the symphony’s final performance for the season. The rest of my time will be spent getting the apartment ready for my sister’s visit in 2 weeks and watching the NHL playoffs.
Last time you made a meal: I made stew tonight!
Haul: Sephora Lipstories Lipsticks in Hong Kong By Night & Yum Yum.
Weekend plans: To enjoy the sun (and for once it’s going to be nice over the Bank Holiday Weekend – yay!)
and have the first barbecue of the year 🙂
Last meal you cooked?: A combination of barley, puy lentils, spring onions and shredded carrots earlier in the week.
Well, not to avoid any sales, ordered Erdem Fleur and the Smashbox punked, thanks, AJ, I think, through Macy’s friends and PayPal. After I committed the egregious cultural appropriation of walking the dachshunds in their Cinco outfits. Think i’ll send my chihuahua friend some lederhosen. I find much of this very divisive. We live in a global cultural community and ought to have the right to appreciate and honor all cultures. One of my neighbors has an ex who is African, and her ex MIL gave her a gorgeous Nigerian ensemble, replete with headwrap. She ought not honor her son’s heritage because she’s 100% Irish? When I was young, and my parents brought me a cheongsam from SF, no one accused me of going outside my bounds. When it is exploitative, like that MAC collection, it is in a different vein: commercialized and USED. It’s the attitude that makes the difference. I say celebrate what you love with no shame, but with consideration.
I hope you’ll have a wonderful visit next weekend!
Haul: Huda Beauty Gemstones Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette. I’ve only used the purple and lavender shades so far, and I think they’re utterly amazing. Everything swatched sensationally. I can’t wait to use it more.
Weekend plans: Nothing special planned, though I hope to spend some time with hubby.
Last meal you cooked?: Chicken enchiladas with homemade sauce.
Haul: NARS x Erdem-Fleur Fatale eyeshadow palette and Bloodflower and Carnal Carnation lipsticks (bought on nars.com Wednesday night, shipped today). On today’s shopping trip listed below, I stopped in at Meijer (a superstore chain exclusive to the Midwest-MI, OH, IN, IL, KY, WI) and bought a floral wrap dress designed by Stacy London, floral sneakers, a raglan-sleeve tee with rhinestone strips on the shoulder seams, and a Deadpool graphic tee, all on sale or clearance-I saved about $40!
Weekend plans: Worked all day Friday. My mom and I went to the annual ladies’ luncheon at my church this morning and did some shopping this afternoon. We made sure to stop into our local comic book store for Free Comic Book Day. Tomorrow: no plans other than weekly laundry.
Last meal you cooked?: I don’t cook-I don’t have the patience for it.
Haul: Just picked up some Chantecaille skin care products that I am very excited for. Tom Ford bronzer and blush brushes. Tom ford Moonlight illuminating duo.
Weekend plans: It was mostly staying home and cleaning and that’s essentially what I did most of the weekend except for Sunday afternoon, where I went shopping for some new jeans 🙂
Last meal you cooked?: Yesterday, I managed to successfully cook chipotle braised short ribs. I am so proud of myself, it turned out amazing 🙂 I also made carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, also turned out good!