Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #553
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!
- Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Pat McGrath Divine Rose/Divine Rose II in special packaging (I wasn’t sure I was going to receive PR), Natasha Denona Star Palette, Kaja Eyeshadow Trios (x2).
- Weekend plans: It’s getting hot again (I think reaching 110s), so stay cool, mostly stay indoors. I have lots of reviews to write–think I’m good on photos/swatches at the minute!–and get through my 100-some-odd drafts.
- How do you decompress after a long day?: Slowing down and focusing on myself/my family – so things like a hot shower, mask, applying lotion all over (because I never take the time normally, so it feels more pampering), snuggle with hubby or Mellan, call my Mom, and sometimes even play with makeup (just for fun).
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This week's doggo photo/video...
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Recent Purchases: Menagerie Cosmetics Pastel Pup and Violet Ink palettes.
Rediscoveries: Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream and Laura Mercier Baked Blush n Brighten blushes.
Weekend plans: I get to see my dad tomorrow for the first time since February! Now if only I can get my mom down here; I haven’t seen her since Christmas and it’s killing me.
How do you decompress after a long day?: A nice hot shower and reading in bed until I can’t hold my eyes open anymore. But on evenings when I’m feeling more energetic, I’ll do a face mask and scrub my hands and use a thick layer of lotion… before I read in bed until I can’t hold my eyes open anymore, lol.
Bare minerals serum concealer. I have fair skin but the blueness under my eyes needs a strong peach undertone to really cancel out, something almost darker than my skin tone. I was using Nars Radiant creamy concealer in Creme Brûlée (Vanilla is the better match for other parts of my face) and was feeling like that was even too light! Plus that texture isn’t great for under my eyes—a little too dry. So I took a chance and got the Bare Minerals in Medium. It’s just a little darker than Creme Brûlée and more tan/beigey. I have to use the tiniest bit and not blend it out too far, or blend it out with something lighter. It has a more fluid texture and definitely more light reflective. It does settle into fine lines but the reflective properties camouflage that. The first time I used it I put on way too much (and I’m NOT heavy handed—it really spreads) and had to blend it down onto my cheeks. And it did have a very nice skin-like appearance. I would consider a second color, because I prefer blending different concealers around the face to create a base (rather than foundation). I might have to move on from the Nars RCC as I get a little older and drier.
To decompress I need to watch one of my go-to comfort shows. I call them my bedtime stories. Bob’s Bugers, British Baking, Schitt’s Creek, etc. Or sometimes an old favorite makeup tutorial like a Mary Greenwell one.
Good review of the concealer. Clearly you were paying attention, lol. Thanks.
Lol! Thanks ??. Shade range is severely lacking but it is a nice concealer with good balance between a higher coverage and a natural finish.
Ginny, great review of the concealer. Like you, I’ve also got blueness under my eyes and I use different concealers around my face instead of foundation. I’ll have to keep the BareMinerals concealer in mind that’s working for you, although I use a different concealer right now under my eyes and add a drop of silicone-rich primer to work with the concealer I use. I recently started using BareMinerals Prime Time eyelid primer for my upper lid where I’ve got some veining and discoloration–so far, it works well but it’s pricey for the small amount in the tube and it’s sort of drying to me (it’s the sticky aspect of it since it’s an eyelid primer). I can’t use concealer on my eyelids and upper lid because I get a reaction there. 🙁
Yep I’ve done various concoctions to try to get the concealers I currently owned to work under my eyes. Im not one to collect or even try new complexion products often so I was “making it work” for a while. Mixing the Nars one with MAC strobe cream would make it more fluid and glowy and give a similar effect to what the Bare Minerals one does on its own. I’ve also tried to put eyeshadow primer beneath various concealers to stop “fine line settling” but it doesn’t make much difference. The Bare Minerals one is definitely a good value because the teeny tiniest dot covers that whole blue area from the inner corner halfway across my eye. It has great coverage while absolutely not looking or feeling heavy at all. If you blend your concealer under the whole eye out toward the temple you only need two little dots.
Hi Ginny, as I’ve gotten older I’ve switched to be colour correcting under my eyes to avoid having to use too much product under there. It sounds like you may like the Becca undereye corrector (in the pot), it’s luminous and creamy.
I’ve eyed that one in the past but never pulled the trigger!
Hi Mellan!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Pat McGrath Divine Rose/Divine Rose II patiently waiting for it to arrive, not that I am going anywhere to wear it.
Weekend plans: Our city is rolling out Phase 2 today, it doesn’t make any difference to me but I’m happy that people will be able to open their businesses more fully and welcome back customers and hopefully start making some money.
How do you decompress after a long day?: We bought new patio furniture about a month ago and it’s nice and comfortable and we sit outside and watch all the wildlife in our yard and it’s been so healing.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: My mom gave me her Milk Lip & Cheek sample and I tried it out today on my lips… so far I love it! I purchased the Tarte BB Tinted Treatment Primer with SPF 30 and it came in the mail last weekend. I’ve been wearing it daily and am really happy with it so far. The reviews were a mixed bag so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I love that it is easy to put on, melds with my skin and looks natural but I can still add a smidge more on my cheeks to cover redness, no breakouts on my sensitive skin and it plays nice with other cream and powder products.
Weekend plans: Horse shows are starting up again (with social distancing of course) and I have volunteered to be a part of the crew on Saturday. It is going to be incredibly hot (over 90 and humid) but I love being outside with the horses so I’m very excited. I have a riding lesson on Sunday which is supposed to be even hotter than Saturday – but after my lesson I’ll be hanging out with my dogs in the AC recovering 🙂
How do you decompress after a long day?: I like to take my dogs to the park and have been teaching my puppy how to swim and then going on a hike (it’s a massive off leash park with tons of trails). If I don’t feel up to driving we’ll all just snuggle up on the couch and either get lost in a TV show or I’ll read a book.
I love Mellan videos!
Recent Purchases: A backup of Benefit Precisely My Brow in Grey. Unsuccessful purchase: I’ve been trying to buy a bicycle for the past few weeks, but they’re all sold out. There’s actually a bicycle shortage right now!
Rediscoveries: I’ve been so into palettes over the past year or two that my many MAC singles have gone largely ignored. But I’ve fallen back in love with them and trying new combinations every week.
Weekend plans: Weekly Zoom happy hour with friends, reading, watching TV and Netflix, household chores. It’s sad how I’ve been able to cut and paste my weekend plans for the past couple months.
How do you decompress after a long day? Watching TV/Netflix, reading, and snacking.
Purchased: I got the Galaxy Greens/Moon mask duo from Glossier. Should be here tomorrow. My am/pm skincare routines are pretty locked in at the moment so I’m just trying some masks. Hope I like them!
Rediscoveries: I’m mentally “project panning” a couple of items here and there.
Weekend plans: maybe head to one of the state parks for a swim—I’m told they’re not crowded. Catching up with buds on Facetime. And maybe, maybe conquer my fears and finally attempt making macarons.
Decompressing: I read! I just got a Kindle so I could borrow library books online, as I don’t really want to borrow them in person at the moment.
Recent Purchases: None, but a MAC order is incoming, since I got pan on my powder 2 weeks ago (and the edges are becoming smaller) and I need to replace Blanc Type in my custom made palette.
Rediscoveries: MAC Cranberry all over the lid and a white Tshirt.
Weekend plans: After 3-4 very hot days it’s getting chilli here in California. Nothing special planned, again. A hike, a long run, groceries, long calls with mom (my baby sister is having her high school entry exams these weeks), house chores, cooking, reading Anna Karenina (I can’t believe it’s almost 15 years since I first read it and how powerful and relevant the book is in this day and age). And all the media fuss is making me want to rewatch Gone with the Wind again. Contrary to the popular opinion nowadays, as a non-American this movie actually opened my eyes about slavery and made me document more about that time in history when I was a teenager.
How do you decompress after a long day?: A long walk listening a good book, followed by a good stretching session and a warm shower. I love my skincare, but I like it short. I’m not into baths not face masks.
I’m very glad Mellan’s hearing has improved so much!
Recent Purchases:
*Sephora — PML Divine Rose II palette; Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Eye Primer. (Sale page) PML LuxeTrance Lipstick in Major Red, Tropicalia, Beauty Junkie, and Sextrology; PML MatteTrance Lipstick in Omi; PML Mini Eye Ecstasy Eyeshadow Palette in Sublime; Natasha Denona Mini Tropic Eyeshadow Palette; KVD Lolita Por Vida Eyeshadow Palette.
*Notoriously Morbid — Come Play With Us Palette, based on one of my favorite movies, The Shining.
*Makeup Maniacs — Season: C’est la Vie and Green Goddess 2 palettes.
*Besame — Wild Orchid Lipstick – 1952, Mickey Mouse Lipstick in Red, and two Vanilla Brightening Powders (sale).
*Apocalyptic Beauty — LOTM Club Subscripton.
*e.l.f. (promo code) — JKissa To the Rescue Palette and Fur-Ever Eyeshadow Brush Set; Primer-Infused Shimmer Blush in Always Breezy and Always Preppy; Jelly Pop Dew Primer; GWP Smooth & Set Eye Powder.
*Revolution Beauty (promo code) — Cut Crease Canvas in Halo and Illustrate; Satin Kiss Lipliner in Vampire, Ruby, Cutie, and Decadence; Makeup Obsession Black Is The New Black Shadow Palette (sale page); Revolution x The Emily Edit – The Wants Palette (sale page).
Weekend plans: Moving my roll top desk that I use as a vanity back into reclaimed makeup room, and continue to move my makeup back in and organize it. My son finished painting the desk for me to match my room decor, and it turned out gorgeous!
How do you decompress after a long day?: If I get the chance to decompress, usually listening to music while playing computer games, or watching makeup videos on YouTube.
Mellan, just like my old Scunci, ain’t having any of it! Very little gets my old boy going either. ?
Purchases/rediscoveries: No makeup purchases this week. Did receive one of the pairs of bermuda shorts I ordered from Macy’s.
Retried the Ace Beauté Oceanic palette a few days back, and this time I absolutely LOVED my eye look I put together! I went in with all the green shades (or almost all!) and used a little bit of MAC Savant for my transition ad Jealousy Wakes to blend the lime on my lids with the teal/forest green in my deep crease and lower lashline. It was probably the most beautiful eye look I’ve done in several months!
Weekend plans: I may go back out today to hit Old Navy for new flip flops and a few new tank tops. Tried to get my son to bring me there after doing my food shopping just before I hopped on here, but he wasn’t having it. Oh well. Also going to hit the pool again tomorrow after my Zoom meeting.
How do you decompress?: Prayer and some reading of the Scriptures helps me a great deal! So does swimming or getting out into nature. Man, do I miss that beautiful park on Hayden and Chaparral! Ugh! Nothing like that over here, unfortunately. That park was my perfect place to decompress. ???
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Pat McGrath ‘Divine Rose I’ has been my jam this week. Definitely inspired by the new Christine looks!
Weekend plans: Do some work and relax inside. I went to a protest last weekend so I’m going to self-quarantine for another week. There is another protest I really want to attend, but I don’t want to put anyone at risk. Also to keep some personal BLM momentum, I plan to write a couple of letters, write reviews for black authors on booksellers’ websites, and draft something about American criminal law this weekend.
How do you decompress after a long day?: If I’m feeling very anxious, I listen to a guided mindfulness meditation or white noise sounds (I love ambient ocean sounds lately). Lately I have been watching the new season of Queer Eye in the evening, so I can end my day on something joyful. Season 5 is in Philadelphia! It fills my heart to see the locations and profiles of people right here. That show is pure medicine for the soul.
It’s too hot to be running around mum! I sympathise with you having such hot weather. Do you have a pool? I have to say it has been glorious weather here in Melbourne. Freezing cold nights and beautiful sunny days. Melbourne does winter days the best.
Recent Purchases: Absolutely nothing this week
Rediscoveries: Just rotating through my eyeshadow stash, using whatever is taking my fancy.
Weekend Plans: Friday – we had Lachlan over yesterday (it’s Saturday here) and spent at least 3 hours at one of his favourite parks. He was pretty tired by the end of the day. I dragged out our sons’ old collection of transformers, which he loves and he has been pretty busy playing with those too.
Saturday – it’s due to rain tonight and the plan for the day is just the usual basic things: shopping and cleaning up.
Sunday – hopefully a drive somewhere, although restrictions haven’t lifted totally about restaurants and it’s hard to know what is or isn’t open.
Decompressing after a long day: I usually have a shower and then a long read of a book. Sometimes I will watch a TV series. At the moment I am enjoying Cardinal – a Canadian based thriller series.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I was just at Walmart and bought a “special value” and probably Walmart-exclusive 2-pack of Neutrogena fragrance-free makeup remover wipes-not only is it a 2-pack, but each pouch contains 25 wipes instead of the normal 21. I still intend to get the Clinique Fireberry and Marc Jacobs Rio and Cherry Moon glosses, which will happen either this month or next month.
Weekend plans: Ohio isn’t nearly as hot as Arizona, but it’s still getting into the 80s, so I will also be trying to stay cool as I watch the usual TV marathons on Ion.
How do you decompress after a long day?: Usually watching TV or surfing the Internet.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Some of my skincare stuff is almost used up. Have taken advantage of some good PC Optimum points deals to get some skincare and makeup – have over $500 worth and have given myself some nice discounts. Mostly, I have been using some GWP samples to get rid of them. I use some Dior products now. Cashed in some points to get the Capture Totale night cream, and also have taken advantage of Nordstrom Canada’s 15% discount on Capture Totale products and an exfoliator. I did use St. Ives and other cheap lousy products for a while, but switched. Set foot in my first non-essential store to get some Estee Lauder toner but the sales associate could not find what I was looking for. I checked the website the next day and it is in stock. Was a bit disappointed that she did not even look inside the drawers to help me out. Haven’t seen many reviews of the Dior Colour Games summer collection. Did like the eye pencil with the blue and gold. Also got the light bronzer. I did order the Chanel summer tan bronzer recently. It is a bit of a pick me up to get a Chanel product nicely packaged. Mainly odds and ends, and am trying to use up GWP stuff before buying more. I like the eyeshadow palette with the blue and purple, but without swatching it to see if I get an allergic reaction to the purple, I have bypassed it.
Weekend Plans: More weedkiller for the weeds under my deck and finding a way to take care of my anthill. Relaxing, hooking up my DVR replacement (my ‘pld’ version will be obsolete in August) and the cable company sent a free replacement. Watering the plants and maybe putting some lawn seed where my cousin removed a couple of tree roots for me. The handsaw he gave me was quite useless and we both got a good laugh at how it would not work. I have been invited to a bbq next week and it’s really the first time I have spent with my relatives since January.
Recharging/Decompressing: Relaxing, catching up on the DVR. Maybe some brandy or something before bed. Me-time.
Recent Purchases: Local shop had some big discounts on various Australis products, so I picked up a few pieces that seemed interesting enough to drop $5 or so on: Liquid Lips in Tiramisu (a nice medium pinky-grey-brown), Metallix Eyeshadow in Midnight Foil (glittery black cream eyeshadow, buildable without getting patchy), and Mermaid Dreams lip gloss in Venus (iridescent-y green sparkles, and it doesn’t make my lips sting like so many other lipglosses do, hurray!) I also got a better mirror so that I’m not squinting at my face quite so much.
Weekend plans: Make some kind of progress on at least one of the art projects I’ve started recently. Too much stuff in the middle of happening, not enough stuff finishing.
How do you decompress after a long day?: Listening to music while playing solitaire or some kind of similar low-mental-effort game. If I’m doing anything too involved when I listen to music I tune it out, and if I’m not doing anything else I get bored, but solitaire is a good balance.
Purchases/Rediscoveries: BH Cosmetics Truffle blush palettes, I think I got six of them and they are super cute! And I’m LOVING Laniege Water Bank moisture cream and the cleanser in the pink tube.
Weekend Plans: Very little.
Decompress: Honestly, I pretty much just get straight into my pajamas and climb into bed and stay there until I have to get out.
Finds/Rediscoveries: No finds this week. Rediscovering single eyeshadows. I keep them all in one place and reach for them often in the summer when I’m looking for an easy two shade look. Loving TF Sphinx and CT Jean.
Weekend Plans: Enjoyed a physically distanced outdoor visit with a friend yesterday with temps in the 70Fs – perfect! Going to spend time outdoors on Sunday. Doing general cleanup of magazines and flyers that have gathered over time.
Decompress: Usually a glass of wine/cider and late night shows from the previous evening or continuing a show on Netflix with my husband. Before bed, I usually put on an Instagram Live or YT video or two while I linger over my skincare regimen.