Free for Haul Friday, Volume #466
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/Rediscoveries: Charlotte Tilbury Stars In Your Eyes Palette, Guerlain Rouge Gs
- Weekend plans: Definitely going to go for a couple of walks around the neighborhood now that the temperatures have cooled down some! It’s been a rough week here, so I’m hoping to catch up on sleep and spend some time with Mellan and hubby. Back story: Mellan had a very, very brief episode of lameness (so fast that we’re not 100% sure he was lame, as he got up and then walked normally within 25 seconds) followed by a yelp when pet on his rear once a couple of days later… so I scheduled an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon to see how his hips/knees are doing. He’s been fine for two months, and I kept the appointment as a check up despite him being normal/fine; his ortho felt that his hips had great range of motion for his age/diagnosis, knees were as expected (nothing we can do for them at this time), but found he was reactive/sensitive in his lower back area. We headed to the neurologist this week, and she conducted a thorough physical exam and his preliminary diagnosis is type II intervertebral disc disease; they need to do an MRI to diagnose more definitively, but it requires full anesthesia, which I’m hesitant to do based on his age, liver diseases, and he’s already been under twice this year. His only symptom is mild pain when his lower spine is pressed on but he has no neurological deficits at this time, so we are going to manage it conservatively and keep a watchful eye on him if he limits his physical activities at all. Just one more thing to add to his medical novel 🙁
- Do you have any autumn rituals?: I have at least one pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, though I’ll say since switching to making my own lattes… it didn’t quite hit the spot. However, I did enjoy the caramel apple spice, so I think that’s going to be my new fall drink ritual!
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!
Haul/Rediscoveries: Yes! I have been on a low-buy for a long time so usually I have nothing in this category but this week I purchased Tom Ford cream shadow in Platinum, which I had been wanting for AGES and the Chikuhodo Z-5. So far I’m very happy with both, ESPECIALLY the brush, which is absolutely a delight to use. (Which is good because it was ludicrously expensive.)
Weekend plans: I’m going on vacation next week so I need to do some shopping to pick up odds and ends for the trip.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: Adding my comforter back to my bed, using up the last of my tomatoes, baking as many pear and apple dishes as possible while the fruit on my trees is still good!
Needing warmth is a sure-fire sign the seasons are changing!! I feel like we’re on the verge of adjusting our thermostat to winter schedule… so close. What is your favorite apple dish to do?
Well, pie is the old standby but this year I have tried apple cake and a…thing I can’t describe very well but it ended up WAY too sweet. I’m just remembering I wanted to try an instant pot cider recipe I’d seen and haven’t done yet.
Best of luck with Mellan, by the way. You’re such a good dog owner – you’re very lucky to have each other.
My mom does an apple cake that’s pretty tasty. I am partial to a good apple crisp a la mode 😉
Thank you!
I just want to wish you the best of luck with Mellan. I know what it’s like to care for an aging pet with health issues and based on my own experience, I think erring on the side of caution and managing his symptoms conservatively is the best thing at this time. Quality of life is everything when you love someone like we love our fur babies.
Thank you, Christina! If the MRI was no-risk, I’d probably do it, regardless of the cost ($3,000 in case anyone finds themselves in a similar situation), but I’d just hate to lose him to diagnostic testing when his only symptom is pain and even then it’s definitely on the mild end. They aren’t even restricting him to rest or anything – the big thing we’ll do is try to mitigate him jumping (into the car, onto the couch). It’s important to be proactive and if he needs surgery, it needs to be done sooner rather than later with respect to getting in before he’s paralyzed or becomes incontinent, for best success… so it is a delicate balance.
My boy, Jack, had a serious injury when he was only a year old (hit by a snow machine, breaking a back paw and dislocating his hip). Because he was so young and such a high energy boy (border collie/german shepherd mix), he didn’t exactly take it easy as it healed. He has suffered recurring pain in his hips ever since. The absolute best treatment I have found is CBD oil. No side effects, reasonably affordable, and he’s been pain free since putting him on daily low dose. I’ve had friends follow suit and some very arthritic old pups have found some new pain-free bounce again! Just thought I’d share with you, in case it’s something you haven’t looked into yet!
Best of luck – my dogs are my world and I too would do anything for mine, so I understand completely!
Thank you for the suggestion! Happy to hear you’ve found something to work well for Jack!
Could you please let me know what the recommended dosage of CBD oil you use? My eight-year-old Golden Retriever suffers from arthritic hips and I would love to try this. Thank you!
Haul/Rediscoveries: SEPHORA COLLECTION Lip Balm & Scrub in Banana, Bite Beauty Agave Treat Trio Mini Agave Lip Mask Set, and FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick trial size in Candy Venom 0.03 oz/ 1 g.
Weekend plans: ARG… I have to pull all my photos from Swapidu as the site is shutting down…
Do you have any autumn rituals?: Checking out all the fall colour changes in not just the trees but bushes was well.
How do you like the Sephora Lip Balm/Scrub?
Not bad, it smells like bananas in baking goods but it doesn’t taste like anything at all. ? I would say it’s better balm than eos but maybe not as good as Jack Black’s.
I’ve got my stock of Agave lip masks for the year…. ? 4 minis and one full size should do it for a long time. The Candy Cane one in the kit is a nice peppermint that doesn’t look red on the lips. ?
Also the names confusing to others. Some are scrubs and some are balms. The Banana one is a balm and I think only one or two are scrubs in the line.?
Haul
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter: I don’t like this all over my face; I prefer the L’Oreal Glotion for a similar effect and because I like the added moisture, but, at the high points of my face as a cream(ish) highlighter it is GORGEOUS. I really appreciate that it’s not a metallic highlight and it’s really hard to overdo and has such a nice glossy effect. It’s perfection.
Viseart Libertine palette: I really like this so far. I’ve been into more colorful looks lately and while this isn’t the most vibrant palette, I do really enjoy the more muted jewel tones.
Pixi H20 Skintint: Oh man, I really like this. So perfect for a no make up look.
Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel in Flushed: This is beautiful. I love cheek stains and cream blushes and this is right up my alley. It’s a very wintery cheek color, but it’s easy to blend out and buildable if you want it to be.
Rediscoveries
ABH Subculture: It’s such a beautiful fall palette. Super pigmented, yes, but I can work with it.
Suva Beauty Cupcakes and Monsters palette: Great for the colorful looks I’ve been experimenting with lately.
Urban Decay One and Done: I forgot how much I love this! I have about half a tube left and need to finish it up. I used it for the first time in a while this morning and really loved the finish and coverage it gave my skin. Does UD still make this? Is the shade range any better?
Weekend plans: It’s my husband and my five year wedding anniversary! The grandparents are coming to babysit and we’re going for a little getaway this weekend.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: I usually decorate our house for fall, but my son is mobile now and into everything he can get his little bear paws on, so we’re skipping that part. I do burn more candles in the fall though and tend to knit more. I decided to make blankets for everyone for Christmas this year, so I’ve been working on that steadily.
Thanks for sharing that you like Glotion over the Hollywood Filter! I have to see if I bought that when it came out or not… cannot remember!
Happy 5-years!
No problem! If you’re looking for that added moisture, the Glotion is great! I found that I can feel the CT Filter on my face when I use it all over, if that makes sense. The Filter is a lovely as a more pinpointed highlight though!
Happy anniversary!
Thank you so much, Tammy! It ended up being a really beautiful fall weekend. 🙂
Happy Anniversary Celesta and I hope your weekend is enjoyable – no getting up early to the little one, so hopefully you can have a sleep in.
Thank you, Genevieve! It’s amazing how much you learn to value sleep when you have a young one, lol.
Poor Mellan! I hope he feels better. He’s extra adorable in this photo!
Haul: Absolutely nothing. I’m saving up for my trip to Japan in three weeks.
Weekend plans: Planning for my upcoming trip and helping my sister prepare for her wedding in three weeks.
Autumn Rituals: None, really, except I always seem to make a big trip in Autumn, so I guess that could be it.
What are you most looking forward to about your trip, Christina?
The scenery! I like going sight seeing, and Japan is definitely beautiful in the fall. It’ll be interesting to go from the tropics of Maui to full fall foliage in Japan. And, of course, I can’t forget cosmetics! 🙂
Are you going to buy makeup in Japan? I would love to hear about your haul.
I wish all good things for sweet Mellan.
Haul: An empty Urban Decay Build-Your-Own Nirvana Palette (I filled it with four of my singles: Chains, Riff, Beware, and Virgin). I also bought Laura Mercier Secret Blurring Powder for Undereye, and MAC Redd Lip Pencil, which goes with several of my lipsticks.
Weekend plans: Dinner with friends, visiting family, chores, volunteer work, relaxing with a good book
Do you have any autumn rituals? Not really. We put up some Halloween decorations, and that’s about it. The climate here doesn’t change much until winter, so autumn is not that noticeable.
Forgot to mention “Rediscoveries”…
I used MAC Brave lipstick for the first time in ages and I don’t know why I thought it was too pale for me. It’s really pretty, especially with MAC Soar Lipliner (which goes with SO many of my lipsticks that I might actually use it up!).
What book or books do you have on your list for the weekend?
Well, I recently started reading Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. I got a few chapters in and was liking it very much, but then…
I watched the 1995 BBC mini series of Pride & Prejudice (again) and it made me feel so Jane Austen-y (lol) that I decided to re-read the book (again). My life is a bit stressful right now, and P&P is such great comfort reading.
I’ll definitely get back to Elantris in the future. And I also have to read the third book of the Blake Crouch Wayward Pines trilogy (and nope, I didn’t watch the TV version of it).
Enjoy your reading! 😀
I didn’t know that UD as a build-your-own palette option . I have several favorite UD singles. I shall look into this.
I didn’t either until I saw the palette at Macy’s. It’s a very pretty metal box that fits four UD shadows. I think it was $10.
Haul: Colourpop Good Sport palette and Colourpop C’mon Sis, Foolish, and Still Crazy lipsticks. I’m seriously impressed with their Lux lipstick line.
Weekend plans: high school football game
Autumn Rituals: purchasing fall scented candles from Home Goods
Sorry to hear about Mellan, hope he feels better
Their Lux range is SO good!
○ Haul/Rediscoveries:
◘ I hauled…
• Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelée in SOLAR CRUSH.
?I already own Heat Wave. I am, however, eyeballing MIRAGE. I think I might pick that one up this weekend.?
• 2 bottles of Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra 24Hr Longwear Foundation in 460 SUEDE W.
• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in DARK COFFEE (Dark 3)
• e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set in CLEAR
?I think I’m going through approximately 2 1⁄2 bottles a month. It has permanently replaced my MAC Fix+.?
◘ I rediscovered…
• Fashion Fair Perfect Finish Illuminating Powder in AIR and EARTH
○ Weekend plans:
?I recently found a long-lost cousin, so I’ll be chatting with her and doing some catching up; while updating my family tree.?
○ Do you have any autumn rituals?:
?Does going to Bath & Body Works and trying to obtain as many pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, amber, maple, and/or vanilla scented products that I can, count? ??
What has been your favorite B&BW scent this year that’s pumpkin-y?
Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin will ALWAYS be my go-to scent for autumn. I have the fragrance mist, the body lotion, and the wallflower refill. I would love to snag the Caramel Pumpkin Swirl or the Pumpkin Pecan Waffles 3-wick candles, though.
Thank you!
Glad Mellan’s recovery was so quick. Scary though.
Haul: Not much, though not for lack of trying. I’ve needed new foundation (old standby Smashbox Camera Ready is no longer in stores around here); trying out Clinique Even Better Foundation and so far so good. Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Antique Rose; I’m on the verge of regret — I like the color but it’s so minimally pigmented and I cannot seem to get it to build up. I’ve been looking for new NARS duo and single shadows and also Clinique cheek pop trio; no one here has them yet. Marc Jacobs highliner in Violet Femme also not available in the area; I may resort to ordering that one.
Weekend: Low key. The usuals like errands and pilates mostly. Happy to have it this way though, as I’ve been working a lot lately so this will be restorative.
Fall rituals: Mostly around switching wardrobes, makeup, house decor. Out with the linen, in with the wool. Living in the mid-south east coast, activities like antiques fairs and other weekend activities start up again; it’s usually too hot in the summers and most people go to beaches on weekends. Finally it’s cooling down here; yesterday, tropical storm Michael came through and it was 20 degrees cooler this morning than the morning before.
The usuals are nice. Sometimes, when life is just routine, it’s a good thing – it means no drama or new problems, lol!
Hope you’ve been able to stay fairly dry, AB!
Ha, I’ve gotten most of the moss off my body fortuntaely; between Florence and Michael it got damp around here. Kidding aside — I’ve been super lucky; lost power for awhile but that was about it; no flooding, no roof issues, nothing serious.
I just picked up the new Sultry palette, & I got the Mac Plumful lipstick with my 6 back to Mac’s I also picked up Fenty’s new Diamond Highlighter & Diamond gloss I’ll be trying this tonight before we go out. Most everything I own is completely warmed toned, including lipsticks, & glosses. . So, this will be a different look.
Weekend Plans – It will be our 25th wedding anniversary next week. Packing to go to the Florida Keys for a week.
Autumn rituals – not really anymore. We moved to southeast Florida last year from right outside of NYC, WNY, NJ. There are no change of seasons here. It is hot to warm all year long. But, we love it! And, couldn’t be happier. Soon all the snowbirds will be down, & some of our friends from the northeast.
I’m so sorry about your beloved pet. It’s so tough to go through this. I had a very sick cat who didn’t make it, & she was so young. Our family cried for days. My other cat got cancer & a huge bleeding tumor had to be removed. But, the surgery was a success! She is a brand new cat! Healthy & happy And 14 years old now. Oh, what we go through with are beloved pets. Keep us updated on your beautiful Mellan.
Plumful is such a classic shade! How is it working for you so far?
So sorry to hear about your younger cat who didn’t make it but am glad that your other cat is doing so well now!
I really like it! I pair it with Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk lip liner, & it’s a pretty plummy, berry color on me. I tried it with a darker lipliner, & didn’t like it much. It’s amazing what a lip liner can do to a color.
Thanks, we really miss her. She was such a loving, beautiful cat.
Happy Anniversary!
I’m sorry to hear about your younger kitty. Thank goodness the older one is OK now.
Thank you Rachel.
So sorry to hear that your younger cat passed away. We can relate to such a heartache!! Glad your older feline’s surgery was a success!
Nice haul! I will have to go look and see if I have Plumful, but I suspect this is one of the colors I bought online a couple years back and returned. If I remember correctly, it was not pigmented enough for my taste. I should have tried it with different liners.
Happy anniversary!
Thank you Tammy!
Yes, the Plumful is a Luster, so it’s on the sheer side. But, it seems to stay on pretty well, It’s amazing how it looks so different with different lip liners. More so than other lipsticks. I’m glad it’s more sheer in a way, because I don’t have any plum or berry colors. (Out of my comfort zone, lol ). I Just want to do some cool looks, even though it hardly ever gets cool down here!
Happy Anniversary Janice and really sad to hear about your young cat that became very ill and passed away. Pets are so precious to us.
Haul: Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins in Topaz Flash & 100 points on the Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator
(I’m very proud of myself because I went to Sephora solely to swatch that shadow. I did swatch a few other things, but I was very rational about how much I would use the product versus the cost. So for the first time ever, I made 1 single purchase at the Sephora register).
Rediscoveries: ABH Subculture, Melt Cosmetics Gun Metal Stack, & Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts palette
Weekend Plans: Last night kicked off the 11th Annual Mynx Extravaganza, and I participated in one of the acts. Tonight (Friday), I will be in a group act, and Saturday I’m doing a solo and performing in a group act, as well as helping another person with their act. So it will be a jam packed weekend filled with lots of fun, love and pole dance. Sunday I will visit with my family.
Autumn Rituals: I turn my space heater on in my bedroom b/c I don’t want to turn the heat on for my entire place just yet. Then I have to deal with the changing weather for my skin and how much grip I’ll need to make sure I’m sticking properly and not sliding and falling (which I did on Monday – I legit fell 4 feet off of the pole and slammed into the ground – it was all fine but I need more stick apparently).
Nice job on making one single purchase in-store! That can be tough, especially walking through all the minis and travel-sized products they put along the line, lol.
Have fun at the 11th Annual Mynx Extravaganza! Sounds very cool 🙂
It really is hard to walk out of Sephora & Ulta with just 1 item. They set up their minis and travel sizes to really lure you into making impulse purchases. And the Extravaganza went great!
You must be a fantastic dancer Jessica and I hope your solo and group acts go really well. Congratulations.
Thank you! It all went fantastic! I made a lot of new friends, and we raised a good amount of money for domestic violence victims.
That’s fantastic news Jessica, that it all went well and your cause is such a worthy one too.
Haul/Rediscoveries: About to go to Sephora today to buy Sultry and Safari! I’ve been working hard saving up my coin so I’m so excited <3
Weekend plans: Going to a concert this Saturday! There will be a live performance of iconic music from the Final Fantasy video game series. Hubby and I are super excited, we are total video game junkies and we love music from the industry.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: I can finally wear lolita again! I wear Japanese fashion and my favorite is lolita fashion. Love the frills and the fanciness, but southern USA summer is just too oppressive to wear much more than a T-shirt and shorts. So I'm excited! I bought a few new pieces secondhand this summer, some of which are quite rare these days, and I can't wait to put them on.
Also I feel you on the pet. Our cat is 10 years old and has FIV. We are totally ready for some hefty vet bills in a few years, it's going to hurt to see her health go downhill but it's just part of pet ownership 🙁 I myself am on a cocktail of medication due to various health problems and having to add one more always is just like all right I guess I'm just a laundry list of pills now :\
Hope you enjoy both of your new palettes when you get them today! Which one will you use first?
Yeah, Mellan’s med list is extensive enough that I have a prepared document about all of them, how much and when, along with a detailed medical history. He has those AM/PM pill boxes, too. 🙁 Hope your kitty does as well as she can!
Argh, I have those kinds of medication trackers and boxes too! Only they’re for me 🙁
I think I’ll probably use Safari first. I’m sure you’ve heard there’s been quite the polarized response to it. Ultimately I trust your review the most and I’ve tested the palette in store three times now and have yet to run into issues mentioned by other reviewers so I’m confident that the batch in the Sephora I go to is okay, but I am prepared to return it if it shows the problems I’ve read about 🙂
I hope my eyelids don’t rebel against me with a breakout though, I just want to do like a zillion looks and all in one evening ahaha. How do you handle doing multiple looks in one day, if you do that?
I can only handle about two looks per eye per day (so one look, waiting 8 hours or so, removing and redoing, then removing after another 8 hours). I definitely couldn’t withstand much more!
Thanks for the response, I’ll try that today 😀
I thought I’d also let you know my Safari palette performs in line with your review. I’m having no problems! Rhino is probably the most difficult shade to work with but even then it just requires packing on , and then blending the edoes it blended out in like under a second. Yay!
Oh, I’m so glad Safari is working just fine for you!!
I think everyone wants to join me in wishing Mellan well. He is our Temptalia mascot. Gorgeous and perfect in every way. He keeps our most important blogger sane and in perspective, which is not easy in the holiday madness. As a person who needed to do neurosurgery on a pet at vast expense, I can relate to ‘every next thing.’ A persistent sneeze, consistent itching…everything becomes far more imperative, than before the pet had medical problems. Just be assured that you know how to do the cost/benefit and risk/reward scenarios, and that deep in your heart, (despite your brain leading,) you know what to do. We love him. I love him. Patticake and Jussi send best wishes. Haul: U sent a differin and a lighter Julep foundation. Nothing else came yet. I am wrapping up final ideas, before I go low to no buy on color: shadow, at least. Lunatick is marvelous. Believe i’ll get Sydney Grace No Joke and the winter 17 bundles. I’m so covered, except in those shades. I will die… seriously …with an amazing stash, thanks to T and good research. If I use my Ulta card for other purchases, prob have the renewables covered. Autumn rituals: my life has been one endless Catch 22, but I will try to do the old time friend fall get-together that happened for decades, but fell apart due primarily to my issues. As Paul Simon said, ‘How terribly strange to be seventy.’ And readers will be 70, before they ever would have believed it possible.
Yeah, now we will be a bit hyper-vigilant with the new development… I’m pretty comfortable with the hips/knees and what that roadmap can look like over time but the spine? so much scarier!
Sydney Grace eyeshadows look so good!!
I turned 70 last December. I still can’t figure out how that happened.
No way Leslie – you don’t look 70 at all. I thought, from your photo you were about 35-40!
I’m so sorry about Mellan’s new medical issues. Sending love and good thoughts for him.
Haul:
*Strobe Cosmetics — Divinity Palette
*ColourPop — It’s a Princess Thing Palette; Lux Lipstick in JV; Lippie Stix in Dukes.
*Urban Decay — Hex Remedy eye pencil set.
*Apocalyptic Beauty — LE Halloween 2018: Ghouls’ Night Out Bundle Eye & Face Collection, and Halloween Glitter Collection
*Darling Girl Glittergram — Devil’s Night Collection (Inspired by The Crow): Pressed Pigment in Love is Forever (rose gold with pink sparkles); loose e/s in Safest Place in the World (matte mustard), Can’t Rain All the Time (gunmetal with red sheen), and Mother (silvery gray with blue sheen); Pucker Paint in Fire It Up (matte pinkish red).
*Other (various sales) — Winky Lux Mermaid Lip Velour in Mermaid; Suva Beauty Eyeshadow in Resort and Cherry Cola; OCC RTW Lip Tar in Sebastian, Sybil, and Artifact; and OCC Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Black Dahlia.
Weekend plans: My birthday is Wednesday, so this weekend we’ll celebrate with our kids and my brother. Hubby and my brother will make us dinner, and we’ll have cake. We were going to see Venom, but my younger son is just getting over being sick, so that might get put out till next weekend.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: My older son and I have to get DQ Pumpkin Pie Blizzards every year. We always do a family dinner and cake for my birthday. We docorate for Halloween. Evan though the kids are adults, they and I still dress in costumes and hand out candy while watching The Nightmare Before Christmas and classic horror movies.
So many great items in your haul! How do you like Winky Lux products?
The Mermaid Lipstick is the first thing I’ve ever bought from Winky Lux. It’s a gorgeous color, creamy, and comfortable to wear. It is ever-so-slightly sheer, but a second layer will make it totally opaque. It’s very pigmented either way, and stains slightly. I quite like it, though I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite formula of all time. Nice, though. I would buy more of their stuff.
Thank you! 🙂
Enjoy your birthday next Wednesday. That’s the day of our anniversary. I’m tempted to pick up that Colorpop Princess palette. Let us know how it is when you try it. I recently picked up Yes Please, my 1st Colorpop purchased & was surprised how great it was!
Thank you! I’ve only gotten to swatch the CP Princess palette, as I’ve been fighting migraines the last couple of weeks. It swatches beautifully, and I’m going to use it tomorrow and test it out (today I played with UD Naked Cherry, and so far I quite like it). The colors are super-pretty. I think CP has done an amazing job with the pressed eyeshadows.
Hope you feel better Rachel.
That’s great about the UD Cherry palette. It got mixed reviews, but it does look pretty. I’m curious about the new Stars in your Eyes palette from CT. It swatched so nice in the store. Waiting on Christine’s review on it though.
Color Pop has surprised me!
Happy Birthday on Wednesday Rachel and enjoy your birthday with your family – it’s the best.
And that’s a pretty terrific haul you have there….
Thank you, Genevieve!
The news about Mellan makes my heart hurt. I hope you and your family get some rest, and that Mellan’s situation does not require further medical treatment.
Haul: My husband and I went to Chicago last weekend. I had the intention to haul a new fragrance. The sales associates in the fragrance department swooped in on me like vultures and would not give me a
moment’s peace, even when I politely asked them to leave. I must have had six of them right up on me, glaring at each other as if I were a piece of meat and they were wolves. I went back three different times over the course of two days, and it happened all three times. I refuse to purchase products from people who treat me like that, so I did not come home with a fragrance. I did come home with samples of all three of the LE Chanel fragrances in Biarritz, Deauville, and Venice. Biarritz is my favorite and I may pick up a bottle at some point in the future, only I will be buying it online.
While I was at the Chanel counter I was absent-mindedly swatching a Le Rouge Crayon De Couleur on the back of my hand and was blown away by the formula. The formula was hydrating, lightweight and very pigmented. Sometimes I forget how sophisticated a well-made luxury formula can be. I picked up Framboise and am hopeful they will add more colors to the line.
I spent some time at the Chantecaille counter. It was all I could do not to purchase the Le Chrome eyeshadow duo in Kenya, but I have so much eyeshadow, surely I can dupe those colors. I had the Future Skin foundation applied and wore it all day. It is an ideal foundation for me as it does not look or feel like I am wearing foundation at all. I didn’t purchase because I just got the La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation and replenished my GA Luminous Silk, but I will consider it for next fall.
I stopped by Lush for my Sleepy body lotion (my third purchase). They had jumbo sizes available due to the popularity of this particular lotion, so I bought one. I am hopeful it will last me until February, when I will visit Chicago again.
Shopping my stash: This week I’ve been really enjoying the Natasha Denona Purple Blue 28 Pan palette. I’ve been wearing Electric Violet all over the lid, Aubergine in the crease, and any of the lighter shades on my inner lid. I love this combo. I’ve also been using NARS Surabaya along with the shimmers from ND’s28 palette to create lovely brown gold eye looks.
Weekend plans: The big shock/news of the week came when we returned from Chicago. My husband, who has been miserable in his middle management job for the last decade, was offered the opportunity to step down. I was stunned by the offer and equally surprised that he is pursuing it. I can see how unhappy he’s been in management (and I wouldn’t wish his job on anyone) but I didn’t think the company would offer him different options or that he would be willing to leave management behind. Our greatest fear was that we would have to relocate away from our children and grandchildren, but it looks like he will be able to stay working out of our home in Illinois. So he will be interviewing for a desk adjuster job on Monday and we’ll see what happens next.
It has been snowing (!!!) the past 2.5 hours and the weather is supposed to continue like this, so we are going to do’s one fall cooking this weekend. We have this recipe for this wonderful stew made with bacon, potatoes, peas, maple sausage and linguine,so we’ll probably make it, plus pot roast & garlic mashed potatoes, and if I get really ambitious we’ll make some pumpkin or banana nut bread.
Autumn rituals: I love to drink chai spice lattes in the fall. We always go to our local apple orchard for apple cider donuts, apple cider, and pumpkin roll cake. Make up and clothes change dramatically in the fall, I’ve already broken out the sweaters, shawls, boots, jackets, and earth-toned shadows, blushes, and lipsticks.
Best of luck to your husband – that is tough to be so unhappy but obviously need and want to meet important obligations! Fingers crossed the desk adjuster interview goes well!
Thank you, Christine.
I hope all works out with your husband’s job, Tammy. I’ve seen many a professional not want the headaches that can go with a management role, and I’ve seen technical experts excel in a management roles. I know it will work out for the best.
Thank you, Tracey, I suspect my husband is going to be much happier without the stress of management.
Good luck to your husband! It’s amazing how it’s cold & snowing by you & 89 degrees & sunny by me. They call this a weak cold front, since the humidity is a bit lower. Lol. When we 1st moved here last year, I thought cold fronts meant cold,
What shade in the Chantecaille foundation did you try?
Yes, the perfume counter! I do know. I run from them too. And, now I order most products on line. Just think I used to work in fragrance & cosmetics for years! Lol. No more!
Janice, I had been matched in Nude previously and I never purchased because I didn’t think the color was warm enough. This time we did 1/2 of my face in Nude and 1/2 in Cream, and within moments it was obvious that Nude was too pink and the Cream was a much better match. It’s a beautiful no-foundation foundation.
I’ll have to try this foundation to see what shade would fit me. I am thinking that both Nude & Cream would be too light for me.
I wish your husband the best of luck. I know this situation must have been a terrible shock, especially for us older people in today’s job market. I really hope this will be an opportunity for him to find something he’ll be happy doing.
I think your husband is making a very wise decision to step away from a job that is causing him so much personal unhappiness. He will feel like a new person, so I am hoping that it all works out well. It really shows how valuable his company believes him to be to give him these kinds of options, as it doesn’t happen every day. So fingers crossed for him!
I looked up that duo Kenya, you were eyeing off and it is very, very pretty. Perhaps you can dupe this, but they look so lovely together.
lots of love and healing vibes for mellan 🙂 can you share your latte recipes?
I use either 2% milk or half and half diluted with water (pretty much the same calories as 2% in half and half, I just dilute with water for volume!) and then two shots of espresso!
Oh Mellan, you’re breaking hearts here, buddy! I’ve grown very attached to you even though you are not my pet, well perhaps a *virtual* pet. Degenerative disc pain is the pits, big guy. Believe me, I know it! Your human Mama is doing everything she can to help you have the best life possible, so here’s hoping you get some relief soon!
Haul: Used the F&F 20% off code that my friend sent me last weekend to get Huda’s Emerald Palette, UD Hex Remedy 24/7 eye pencil set, another tube of FAB Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer. Then, went back the day you reviewed the MJ See Quins that included the one I was fawning over: Beauty Topaz. Now, I wore it yesterday, but I think I will be pairing it with warmer tones next time, as the cool, very deep taupe y browns I used yesterday just looked off somehow?
Weekend plans: Hair, meeting on Sunday. I would say nails, but who am I kidding? Lately, all I do is wear the strengthener. I’ve just been too wrapped up in trying to help my son get back on his feet and worried sick over his current situation. There is the one bright spot that he loves his new job! However, the hours are pretty long, and I hate it that he’s on the I-10 many times per day.
Do you have any autumn rituals? Don’t know if I would call them “rituals”, but I look forward to wearing sweaters and flannel, enjoying homemade GF baking again, definitely enjoying hot beverages during the late afternoon /evening! And now I’m dying to have a large caramel apple spice latte! ?
Sweaters for a month or two, LOL! 😉
Huda Emerald looks so pretty!
Hoping your son continues to get back on his feet, and that over time you will be able to release some of that worry.
Fantastic news that your son loves his new job – that is one less thing to worry about. Hope everything else is starting to calm down too.
Haul: I went to a Sephora Gold Party at my local Sephora the first time and of course I didn’t resist purchasing a palette, the Fenty Chill Owt line, the Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter palette (which I’m using as an eyeshadow palette)
I also purchased a new foundation by Filorga Falsh Nude Fluid in n°2, really nice. Light to medium coverage, good color for NC37ish (winter) and their Time-Filler primer (which has a great texture, but seems dry to the touch. Worked great under the Flash Nude foundation though (which is dewy).
And I purchase ResultTime’s Ultra Firming Serum DNA (which did immediately have that tightening feeling, but not too much. I wore it under the Filorga primer and foundation (and have some slight itching sensation, but I’ve been sensitive lately to just about everything for a month, so I hope I’m not going through a phase where I won’t be able to wear makeup (Arghhhhh!)
Weekend plans: Suppose to go rowing tomorrow morning though I’m not feeling it, but I probably will. I wondering how things will be when winter comes (brrrr!) Will likely be studying this weekend and trying out my makeup and creams. 😉
Did you enjoy the party, Jel?
Ooo forgot to answer the autumn rituals:
Well, we’re having a crazy summer to fall can’t make up it’s mind if we’ll transition, so for now the only ritual was to put the comforters (duvets) on the beds (and then push them down when warmer weather pops up, which thankfully is every other day.
Haul: My Julep subscription box arrived this week! I chose a sheer pearl nail treatment, dark shimmery slate nail polish and a sort of seal brown shimmer nail polish, plus some cute black cat nail decals. And I just ordered the Fenty Beauty Snow Nights lip set.
Weekend plans: We’re going to see an exhibit of light art projected onto buildings. There’s also like an outdoor festival attached to it. It will probably be COLD so I guess I’ll get to wear the yak wool scarf I picked up over the summer.
Fall rituals: Just buying too much pumpkin spice flavored stuff at Trader Joe’s.
Sending my love to Mellan! All of my pets are seniors now and it is so hard watching them age. *hugs*
What is your favorite pumpkin spice flavored thing at Trader Joe’s?
I love the pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds! They are really good sprinkled on oatmeal or yogurt. They have the perfect level of crunch, sweetness, and spice. I also really like try whatever they have that is NEW, because I like to see the different things they manage to put pumpkin in, but there didn’t seem to be much new this year… maybe just the pumpkin alfredo sauce (no pie spices, just pumpkin) which was fine but not something I’ll buy again.
Haul: I’ve ordered a whole bunch of Makeup Revolution stuff to try out but none of it has arrived yet. And I’ve somehow gotten into the habit of putting on a tiny bit of Floral Street Black Lotus perfume before I go to sleep and my bed smells glorious.
Weekend plans: Just hang out at home – we lost one of our cats weekend before last (he got hit by a car) so our other cat has been very agitated and distressed about his brother being missing and is finally just starting to settle down. So he’s been getting a lot of attention and affection (he is also still recovering from some adverse reactions to medical treatment) and we don’t want to leave him alone at all – sending all my love and best wishes to Mellan!
Autumn rituals: Well, it’s spring here in the Southern Hemisphere so autumn is the last thing on my mind… I do like to cook soups and stews with homebaked bread when the weather turns cooler.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat, CeeBee! 🙁 Poor boy.
I’m so sorry hearing that you lost a beloved cat and that his brother is so distressed by the loss.
My condolences on the loss of your kitty. You are a good cat mom to recognize your other cat needs extra support during the grieving period.
Oh my goodness CeeBee – how awful for you to lose a beloved cat to a car accident. Your other cat would be feeling so lonely. It would have been quite putzzling to him, especially as he is not feeling well either.
I’m sorry about your kitty. 🙁
I hope Mellan continues to do well. It sounds like such a trying week for him and for you.
Haul: TF Gingerbread Spice Palette from Sephora.
Weekend plans: none, really. Just lounging about. I managed to do most of my chores today.
Autumn rituals: Autumn is my least favorite season because I hate that summer is over. Hurricanes scare me. I don’t like anything pumpkin.
Nice job getting all the chores done before the weekend! ?
Haul: I’ve just come home with the ABH Sultry palette and Dior’s Pink Glow Nude Luminizer and a sample of yet another version of their Forever Foundation (hey, today’s my birthday so I treated myself).
Weekend plans: we were going to go to hot yoga tonight but both hubs and I just want to stay indoors and relax. Tomorrow, the gym and out for dinner (for said birthday). I have to return some gloves and do a few errands and that’s about it.
Autumn rituals – like Christine, a pumpkin spice latte (I got an email from Starbucks yesterday offering me the treat of my choice for my birthday today, so I had my 2nd one of the season); fall country fairs, especially the Rockton World’s Fair, making roasted sweet potato soup, and a hike or two to see the changing colours. Celebrating my and my husband’s birthdays (2 weeks apart). Oh, and my autumn fragrances come out of their summer retirement!
Haha! I cashed in my birthday one for a PSL, too, Mariella!
Happy Birthday!!
Great minds drink alike, Christine! When was your birthday? (I clearly missed it; sorry! But happy belated birthday wishes to you!)
It was in September – I don’t really call attention to it deliberately, so you wouldn’t have known 😉
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mariella! I have purchased the Sultry palette too for my birthday, which is in November and I was so excited to get it via Beautylish.
I hope you have a lovely day and enjoy your new purchases. I love going out for dinner on my birthday too.
I’m glad you were able to get it! 🙂
Hahaha! – we birthday girls deserve something like this as “a gift to ourselves”. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and, in case you don’t mention it later, let me wish you an early happy birthday, Genevieve!
Happy birthday!
Thank you, Rachel, for the lovely birthday wishes!
Glad to hear he’s not rapidly declining. Even though Elroy is mostly problem free the thought of doing full anesthesia again freaks me out too.
Haul: Nothing as I’m still waiting on my Ziip. I need to put together a birthday list for my hubby. I’d like some perfume but honestly, I’m considering asking for a couch from IKEA. I have no new rediscoveries as it’s been a really trying 1.5 weeks. I did finally bust out my NARS Abruzzo gloss, however. It’s everything I wished Anastasia St. Tropez would be 😛 We had a death in the family and my grandmother is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack.
Weekend: I have my sis to ferry too and from work, I might go see venom and take the dogs for a walk.
Fall rituals: I love fall with all my soul and honestly now that I live in AZ it’s kind of sapping it. I like to get all the fall beverages, pumpkin cider, an Oktoberfest beer, fresh apple cider either hot or iced. I love Trader Joes fall offerings but I’m gluten free now so I can’t have 98% of them. I used to have many when I was in the PNW, they just don’t translate to AZ.
Happy to hear Elroy is doing well, Erin! 🙂
Arizona is a hard transition if you’re used to four seasons. I lived in Phoenix for 16 years and disliked the desert. Now that I’ve been out of it for 20 years, I can appreciate the beauty of it, and I can especially appreciate the lack of winter. We have not, however, ever considered moving back, so that tells you something.
I was also disappointed in Anastasia’s St. Tropez. I do not like Anastasia’s formula. I will have to check out Abruzzo, because I really liked the color of St. Tropez.
My condolences on your loss. I hope your grandmother recovers and is released from the hospital soon.
Sorry to hear about your loss Erin and I hope your grandmother is recovering well.
I don’t think I could live in a desert environment at all, I would certainly miss my autumns and winters. I dread summer coming on as it can be like a furnace here in Melbourne, with the hot north wind. It must be hard to come to grips with it, having once lived in the PNW.
How is your sister liking her new job?
I’m sorry for your loss, Erin. I hope your grandmother’s recovery is going well.
Oh Christine, my heart was in my mouth when I was reading about Mellon – what a tough week for all of you. It’s so scary when things like this happen because you don’t know what the outcome will be. Managing his condition conservatively is the best way to go, I think too, I do hope you have pet insurance for all of these bills too.
How is Mellon now?
Haul: My City Colour order came in this week – I ordered Cleo, Sandstorm and Tide Pool. Beautiful shades
But the best bit is that soon as the Anastasia Sultry Palette came up for grabs at Beautylish, I ordered it.
I was watching the site like a teenager…
Weekend Plans: Saturday – we are having our grand children over on Saturday as my son and daughter in law are doing some decluttering at their home and putting together Lachlan’s first bed.
Sunday – no real plans at the moment.
Autumn Rituals – well, I wish it were autumn here, but no it is spring. So I am checking out my summery clothes and working out what still fits (as I have lost a lot of weight) and what needs to be donated.
I do love lattes all year round.
He’s doing well, Genevieve! He is totally normal/doing well, so fingers crossed he continues to do well!
Hope you love Sultry 🙂
Well I just purchased Fenty diamond milk and diamond bomb ❤️ Also got all 16 MAC powder kiss lipstick ? so thankful I’m not loving the holiday sets but looking forward to seeing the actual collection Snowflushed is calling me. This weekend I have an almost 4 yr old we got out our Halloween ? decor and I found this yummy crust less apple pie u cut them in half make slits put butter n brown dug then take butter, sugar, oats, and vanilla cook it omg delicious def an early in the day dessert. Maybe take our daughter to some fall events. I hope ur “baby” feels better we lost 1 a while ago and our child ?? loves coco more than life itself. Hope she lives forever so to speak.
Wow! All 16! Did you try the formula before buying or did you just know you’d love it?
They are so hard to lose 🙁
Aww poor Mellan. He’s such a cutie .I have Degenerative Vertebral disc disease in my lower spine. I got steroid injections that really helped. I have to keep active or I get stiff and achy, forcing me to stretch and workout. Heating pad and Ibuprofen also help on bad days. We got our old 15 yrs old cat a pet heating pad off of Amazon. Hope Mellan feels better soon!
Haul: MAC holiday cheek palette in med-dark and Shiny Things Glo Getter set includes Pink Strobe cream and highlighter. MAC had early online access for select members and this was a impulse buy.
Autumn Rituals: Decorate the front door with the same 3 pumpkin felt door hanger we’ve had for years. I buy candy for the trick or treaters. Already have 4 bags, CVS has a good sale . And yesterday I made Candy Apples. Before I moved to Florida I loved looking at fall foliage but everything is green here with 90 degrees temperatures still
Thank you for sharing, Denise! I’ve been trying to see if he likes the heating pad but he has so far been… not communicating either way, haha.
Ooh, nice that it was available early for select members!
Oh gosh, Christine, my eyes filled with tears reading this.. I’ve avoided Friday posts as I suddenly lost my dog Bernice (always reminded me of Mellan) in February this year at the young age of 5. She developed a very aggressive autoimmune arthritis (how freaky given my own personal health challenges) and after suffering and getting so much worse on aggressive treatment, I elected to take her pain away permanently. I’ve lived it and know only too well how horrible it gets. Bernice started with odd slight limping on different joints (November, December.. diagnosed late December and by mid February under treatment since December could barely walk. She went quietly and peacefully at home with me holding her and my other 3 there so they knew Bernice did not just leave.
I have also split with my partner of 12 years so 2018 has been quite a year.
Me and my remaining three: Erin, Maggie and Digger are doing well; staying strong and happy!
I know Mellan’s situation is far less dire and treatable, but wanted to offer moral support and extend the great respect I have for the efforts you have gone through to provide a quality life for your beloved Mellan ?
Now, on far less emotional ground: can anyone tell me wth happened to Sunday Riley The Influencer? It was introduced this year and I love the formula and have a decent match in colour 140 and now *poof*. I cannot find it anywhere????
Xoxo
Oh, I’m so sad to hear about Bernice! I am glad she is no longer in pain any longer, but how hard it must have been and still be for you to lose her at five. That was always a really big fear for me with Mellan, given all of his issues – I very much expected to have to make a decision at eight years or so but am very lucky that he is still alive and well presently. I know how bonded you are with all of your babies, and I am glad that the three you have are still thriving! Thank you for sharing your story, as I know it was painful for you to share as well 🙁
I very much hope that 2019 is kinder to you! I wish I could help you on The Influencer… it was launched in April, so it is bizarre that is just gone?! I wonder if there was something awry with the formula that they had to pull it… because that’s a very, very short life cycle and foundations usually take awhile to make and are quite costly due to development of the shades!
Hi Wednesday, I’m so sorry that 2018 has brought such heartache. May there be better days ahead. I really enjoy your contributions to Temptalia.
Thank you, Tracey ?
I have missed your posts but understand why you have chosen to be silent. I am sorry for your loss of Bernice and partner.
Thanks Tammy ?
…internet hugs you very gently…
And I appreciate that CeeBee.. ?
You are a strong woman, who has been through a lot. For me, it was after almost 13 years and the shock came early this summer. I chose not to talk about it at the time. It seems (in my case), that for some a relationship should come with a worries-free/ bad things-free life warranty. Had I known it 13 years ago, I wouldn’t have turned my life for him upside down and threw away opportunities that could have put my life on a different path. It happened when I was already at a very low point this summer and when I thought that more bad news would kill me. It didn’t. I know it’s hard but you can find so much strength deep within yourself. A big hug from a fellow Canadian 🙂
Nicole, I’m sorry for you’ve had such a rough time, too.
Thank you Rachel 🙂
Oh Nicole! I’ve supported the two of us, and his business endeavours…. from the beginning and all through my illness with my insane drug costs.
A big freaking ditto on all your points. I’m so at peace with this. I certainly wish I had seen through him sooner, but the covert narcissist has been forced to leave the building.. good riddance.
Hugs girl ?
I have to say I am so enjoying my house with just me and the dogs. Win!
Sending Canadian hugs to you, too, Nicole. I’m sorry things have been so tough for you.
Wishing you lots of love and strength. You have had a shocker of a year, no doubt about that.
Thanks Genevieve! ?. I miss my dog more. ?
Wendy, I’m so sorry you’ve been going through such a tough time. ((((hugs)))))
Thanks a bunch, Rachel ?. I hope you enjoy a wonderful Birthday. Do something special for yourself.
Much love to Mellan! His picture is so sweet.
Thank you!
Mellan, hope you feel better soon!
*Haul – Hourglass Ambient Edit 4 palette -finally caved this year! Snagged it during early Rouge access. I can see what the hype is about, loving how finely milled the powders/blushes are, they really melt into the skin and give a nice, natural glow, will be great in winter when my skin is drier and duller
*Weekend -work, dinner with friends, looking forward to all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ
*Pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice bread
Happy to hear you’re loving your new Hourglass palette!
I want those Hourglass holiday palettes but am trying to resist because the pans are so small.
Aww, hugs to Mellan. Had to pull a pine needle out of my daughter’s dog’s paw today, thank goodness everything was ok. I’m in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and our weather is just finally warming up after freakishly cold, snowy weather, so good to go to walk the dog for the next two weeks of dog sitting. My Autumn ritual is decorating the house. Lactose intolerant so I can’t indulge in any of those yummy drinks unfortunately! But maybe that’s good, I save the calories! I still miss out though! Enjoy your weekend.
Poor doggy! Glad to hear the pup is doing well!
Haul/rediscoveries : No haul. Rediscovered MAC Blue Brown. Been obsessed with it all week. As well as Loreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush. And I’ve been loving NARS Orgasm all week.
Weekend plans: Work and preparing for the next week
Autumn rituals: Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Apple picking. Sweater weather!!
Blue Brown is amazing! Underrated these days, though loose eyeshadow is often that way.
Every brand has their version so people have moved on. I have many of the competitors too. Just obsessed with that shade!
Haul/Rediscoveries: Rimmel Magnif’Eyes palettes-Crimson and Electric Violet
Weekend plans: Errands and Law & Order marathon today, work all day and SVU marathon tomorrow, laundry Sunday. And a Z-pack for the next few days. 2 of my errands today were a trip to urgent care, where I got my self-diagnosis of a sinus infection and laryngitis professionally confirmed, and a trip to the pharmacy for the subsequent Z-pack. Oddly enough, other than losing my voice yesterday and having a lot of drainage, I’ve felt pretty much fine. The palettes above happened to be on sale this week, so I added them into the purchase as retail therapy.
I have an Amazon package expected to arrive tomorrow. I’m a doll collector, and I plan on performing my first-ever body swap either this weekend or sometime next week-a couple of the items in the package are the dolls needed for the swap-this Hotel Transylvania https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078HNBMSJ>Mavis doll is going onto a super-articulated Made to Move Barbie body.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: Does sneezing, sniffling, and griping about the high ragweed levels count? If not, then the closest I come to an autumn ritual is going to my pharmacy for my annual flu shot sometime in October-my pharmacist is really sweet and has a gift for administering them with barely any pain. The fact that he’s not exactly hard on the eyes doesn’t hurt, either.
One more time. Think I was overthinking things.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078HNBMSJ
I read “body swap” a few times trying to figure all of that out, LOL! My aunt collects dolls, though I don’t know if she still does!
Haul/Rediscoveries: I’ve been on a low buy, so I’ve been really into my BECCA Be A Light palette (so sad it’s on its way out) and my Huda Beauty Rose Gold Remastered. I did end up buying a new NYX Epic Ink Liner since mine was frayed to death, the Dose of Colors Desi x Katy AFTERMATH lipstick, and the Physicians Formula Foundation in LC1. The DoC lipstick has an … interesting fragrance, as does the Physicians Formula, but both work well.
Weekend plans: Work and going to see A Star Is Born tomorrow night with some friends.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: Changing out my wardrobe to show off all my lovely winter sweaters.
What’s your favorite combo in the Rose Gold Remastered?
I love mixing Sandalwood and Henna in the crease, Coco in the outer v and then pressing Trust Fund on the lid. I went out with my MUA friend and she stopped me because she thought it was so beautiful. I also enjoy a wash of Suede on the crease and then Pink Diamond on the lid – easy to do and very pretty.
During the change of weather, summer to winter, humidity, my dog was periodically lame.
Was there ever a cause linked to it?
Osteoarthritis.
Haul/Rediscoveries: I ordered the Red Nightfall mascara from Rouge Bunny Rouge, as well as a sale (discontinued?) lipstick called Prey of Lust, and another called Raw Silence. (Sincerely hoping the mascara turns out to be noticeably more red than Clinique’s Black Honey, which so many people said was burgundy but which just looked like a warmer shade of brown on me.) I had a rediscovey too: Aromaleigh’s Yael eyeshadow; I had forgotten how subtly beautiful it was — stunning!
Weekend plans: Cleaning and organizing! With music blasting! Need to get off the computer and get started.
Do you have any autumn rituals?: Not anymore. I had some as a child (personal ones and ones shared with my family). I miss it … Autumn, I mean. I live in an area where Autumn just doesn’t mean anything, though this year has been more like a Midwest Autumn than any other year since I moved here; I should dust off my younger self and go enjoy myself outside tomorrow.
How do you like RBR? I feel like they have a cult following but don’t hear about them *that* often.
The products mentioned above are the first I’ve tried from this brand. I am pleased with the mascara; I wouldn’t call it “red,” but it reads more red than Black Honey did, and while the formula doesn’t do a lot of thickening or lengthening, I got it for the color and it otherwise works fine (no clumps, flakes, smudges, etc.).
The Prey of Lust lipstick has a nice smooth consistency and seems moderately hydrating (I sound like you! Ha!), though it turned out more peach and less mauve than I was hoping (the dangers of ordering online). Raw Silence is a great color, but it seems oddly thin (almost … oily?) and gets grainy with wear; it doesn’t *feel* grainy (which is something I can’t tolerate), but visually it breaks down in a non-smooth way that almost looks like the pigment wasn’t ground finely enough or the base isn’t doing its job of holding things together… something.
I don’t know anything about the rest of their line — I was just there for the red mascara and got sucked in by pretty lip things. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that Mellan is okay and that your watchful eye sees potential changes and has them investigated. Mellan has found the right home and hearts!
Haul: SUQQU Holiday 2018 UK Exclusive Designing Color Eyes palettes 122 and 123. This brand is quickly becoming a favourite for eyeshadow. The colour schemes are beautiful and less traditional and the texture is creamy and pigmented.
Bobbi Brown ($30 off $80+): Liquid Luxe Lip Color in Mod Pink, Art Stick in Sunset Orange, Nail Polish in Khaki; and GWP: Lip Color in Rose (full size), Smokey Eye Mascara (mini), Double Bare Liquid Luxe Lip Color (mini).
Weekend Plans: Cleaning up apt with an eye to getting ready for my mother-in-law’s visit in two weeks.I also have a cold, so equal parts resting this weekend.
Autumn Rituals: Taking in the beautiful scenery, having the first Pumpkin Spice Latte, a d changing over clothing and bedding to prepare for Fall/early winter. I also change over my lipsticks so put away spring/summer shades and bring out Fall/Winter shades.
SUQQU is so lovely! I am always tempted by their products.
I’ve been very impressed, Christine. I’m still in my first year buying from this brand but I’m really liking how the shade combinations in their eyeshadow palettes are different than what we see in North America. My hope is that they make more product available as some collections sell out online too quickly (e.g. their UK Exclusive collections in particular). I’ve learned that anything that Jorge Balzaretti creates is well worth reserving in advance. Dip your toe in, Christine. I see the 3 eyeshadow palettes from their Fall Collection are still available. (I bought the one with the mint green and lavender, which I’ll really enjoy next Spring.)
I have tried SUQQU in the past, both color, skincare, and tools! 🙂 SUQQU is an expensive brand with very low accessibility AND even when it is available online, it sells out very quickly, so it’s not a brand I’ve allocated my review budget toward – there are so many products I need to review (and can’t because of time constraints) that more readers are interested in and can actually be purchased! Plus, given that it sells out almost instantly suggests that nobody is waiting for or wanting reviews since they’re buying immediately!
That’s all true, Christine. I meant for you to dip in personally, which maybe you don’t have time for. So interested to hear you’re familiar with the brand. I think their colour cosmetics are more consistent now, less patchy or difficult to remove from the pan (I’m thinking of some blushes). So yes, definitely not a brand to devote any review budget towards for the reasons you eloquently listed above.
The very rare occasions I am wearing something I’m not testing, I usually just reach for something I enjoyed that was recently released so I can wear it again. I just don’t think it’s prudent to spend $50+ on an item that I’ll get to wear once or twice personally and not even test (seems like a waste of time/money if I’m not going to test it, lol). I do repurchase things like brow gel, skincare, mascara, etc. and don’t have to test something new every day. For color, though, not so much!
I would love for SUQQU to be more readily available, though!