Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #574
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: Tom Ford Mercurial Palette/Alias Lipstick, Natasha Denona Triochome (well, supposed to arrive today), Huda Beauty Naughty Nude palette, Makeup by Mario quads!
- Weekend plans: I’m hoping that we’ll be able to get through some in-progress projects! There’s a major one that should hopefully finish up this weekend, and it’ll be very, very nice to get that off my to-do list. Mostly, though, catch-up on the blog, possibly some photos on Sunday.
- How do you relieve stress?: I try to cuddle with hubby or Mellan, take a hot shower, or watch Great British Bake Off.
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This week's doggo photo/video...
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Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: No purchases. Sponsored in the ABH Jackie Aina palette is an excellent one and done shade because when blended out, I get a shade similar to what I would use in my crease.
Weekend plans: Lunch with a friend to take advantage of mild weather. Otherwise the usual weekend farmers market and some cooking.
How do you relieve stress?: I am not good at it. I want to soothe myself with sugar and I resist, which creates more stress. It helps to hang with my husband and hopefully a cat joins us and allows his belly to be rubbed.
Lesley, I can verify; cats DO relieve stress! Especially their purring and kneading. Because cats!
I definitely miss the wonderful stress relieving powers of a snuggly cat. My dog is great at relieving stress too, but it’s not the same as 12-15 lbs of soft fluffy cat purring away in your lap.
My cat seems to feel when I have a stressful meeting or task, and she comes under my desk and rubs her head and belly against my feet. 😅 It will be so odd to her once I go back to work at the office, but unfortunately this is likely to happen in July at best.
I 💗 giving cats belly rubs. I enjoyed giving them as much as my cat enjoyed receiving them. Cats must totally trust you to allow you to do this.
Recent Purchases: Natasha Denona Triochrome palette… Can’t wait for that baby to come in!
Rediscoveries: Em Cosmetics Infinite Lip Clouds and Morning Dew Gloss as well as their Radiant Veil Blush in Magic Hour.
Weekend plans: Probably more hitting refresh to see the outcome of this crazy election.
How do you relieve stress?: It depends on the type of stress. If I feel like I’m going to jump out of my skin, I go for a walk or a run and/or give my husband and son a hug or two. If my mind feels like it’s going a million miles an hour, I do yoga, meditate or listen to music. If my body feels stressed or tired, I stretch, and allow myself to RELAX.
Baby Mellan!! 💙🐶💙
Purchases/rediscoveries: My Sephora Rouge order arrived…with PML Interstellar Icon smashed and all over me when I opened it. Sephora sent a new one, plus I ordered Sephora’s Cream Lip Stain in Auburn Prestige because I needed at least one deep, vampy shades for fall that I can wear under a mask. Still waiting for ColourPop’s Mandolorian The Child Palette to arrive.
Weekend plans: Return the broken palette to my nearest Sephora, which really isn’t very near to home anymore. And return a few tops to Old Navy, pick up my order of jeans at Nordstrom Rack. I’ve really packed on some pounds this year, and have had to replace most of my bottoms. Very depressing type of shopping.
Tomorrow morning, Zoom meeting. Continue to straighten up my place for inspection.
How do you relieve stress? Since I do stress eating, stress shopping and stress sleeping, obviously not by any healthy means! When I could still use the pool, I’d relieve my stress by swimming or just floating. Calling a good friend helps, too.
Also part of “Weekend Plans”: bringing Scunci in for his last round of steroids and antibiotics. I’m trying to do the right thing by him. He’s still eating like a horse, still alert and seeks petting. But the cancer is ravaging his little body. Scunci is so thin and cachexic now. So it is only a matter of time. Sad update. His GoFundMe page link is by my name above just in case anyone is interested in it.
Poor Scunci and you! (I received my mother’s final medical report today and cancer sucks for any living creature!)
I’m so sorry that you had to go through losing your mother to this evil disease, Brenda. I lost my mom and dad to cancer also. Cancer does indeed suck!
Hang in there Nancy, it’s good to hear that Scunci is still eating, alert and loving your cuddles.
Oh, I’m trying so hard, Genevieve! But I’m becoming quite weary and teary over the whole thing. The worst part is that no matter how much food he eats, he continues to lose weight. It’s just so heartbreaking!
Sending hugs and pats to you and Scunci.
I wish I could give you a hug. I lost my Sedona to cancer last year and I still hurt about her suffering. 2019 wasn’t a good year. It put 2020 into perspective but you poor thing, it is a double whammy.
Hugs very welcome, Tropical Cowgirl. 2020 sure has been something else, I tell you. It really has. Tomorrow, I bring him in for what I truly believe is his last treatment for his cancer. I am also so very sorry for your loss of your Sedona. These fuzzies sure can break our hearts when they leave us. 💔
I have really appreciated all the Mellan photos on IG this week, Christina! Thank you 🙂
Purchases and rediscoveries: My Sephora order arrived yesterday and I think I am already in love with the Inkey List Snow Mushroom moisturizer! I tried it after my shower last night and my face is soooo soft. I also got myself the Bite Beauty Midnight Mood Lip Crayon set and I think I might try one of the colors today just because. I’m a bit worried that Anejo and Sazerac might pull too warm against my teeth, but I think Negroni will work great on me.
Weekend plans: My weekend has already started because I woke up exhausted this morning, saw there was nothing urgent in my inbox, and got my boss’s blessing to go back to bed. I finished the book I was reading and I’m not sure what I’ll do for the rest of the day, but I’m looking forward to not being tied to my computer.
Over all we’re going to stay close to home this weekend. Like many areas we are experiencing a record surge in COVID cases again. Probably use this time to watch some Netflix, play some video games, and do some chores.
How do I relieve stress: Well, I’m also a fan of Great British Bake Off 🙂 Mostly I relieve stress by dancing and reading, drinking good tea, and talking with my friends. But there’s definitely something to be said for sitting down on Friday evening with a nice cocktail and/or a snack and watching the latest episode of GBBO and rooting for our favorite bakers (too bad this season most of my favorites have already left the tent, LOL).
We keep hearing about your Covid surges over here in Aus and it is pretty frightening for you all. Stay safe. It was a good move to go back to bed and not have to work, that’s the way to start a weekend.
Thank you, Genevieve! Up here in Washington state we set a new record earlier this week (Tues I think?) and already broke it by 300+ cases last night *sigh* And my county is specifically experiencing a surge. Luckily we’re both introverts and I usually like to stay home a lot when it’s cold anyway, and we both work from home by default, so it’s easy for us to stay safe.
Recent Purchases: There was a sale on cleansers on Paula’s Choice and I needed an eye cream… and it was 15% cashback on Rakuten, so… I hope I don’t regret not waiting for Black Friday sales.
On sale (items I know I’ll finish soon): CALM Redness Relief Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, The UnScrub, Perfect Cleansing Oil, SKIN BALANCING Oil-Absorbing Mask
Free gifts with purchase (minis): Peptide Booster, Omega+ Complex Serum (which I plan to use as eye cream), 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Rediscoveries: Grey single eyeshadow eye looks.
Weekend plans: Except the regular chores and stuff, just planning more hikes, just to escape this crazy week.
How do you relieve stress?: Long walks, preferably in nature.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries:
Weekend plans: I’m hoping that we’ll be able to get through some in-progress projects! There’s a major one that should hopefully finish up this weekend, and it’ll be very, very nice to get that off my to-do list. Mostly, though, catch-up on the blog, possibly some photos on Sunday.
How do you relieve stress?: I try to cuddle with hubby or Mellan, take a hot shower, or watch Great British Bake Off.
Ooops 😆. It’s been that kinda day
Recent PurchasesRediscoveries:
1. NuFace Mini – so far so good. My jowls look more refined
Rediscoveries:
1. Mac paintpot in painterly. Full circle. I find it helps to create a more flawless transition on my textured lids when I brush it carefully on as a base.
2. Nabla Poison Garden palette – wearing the mustardy/copper shades today with a blend of the petal pink and burgundy in the outer corner for definition
3. Nars tinted moisturizer – trying to use up my plethora of base products and I am mixing this with a bit of Fenty matte for colour correction and a bit more coverage 👍. Using a brush to keep the application light.
Weekend plans: we are enjoying a return to almost summer like temperatures! I will be hiking with doggos and winter preps..stacking wood, cleaning up gardens etc..
Relieve stress; hiking, cooking, playing piano… anything but watching the freaking news
Hi Wednesday, I am eyeing the NuFace device for some time and I was wondering if you experienced any redness or irritation while/after using it. I was going back and forth between the NuFace and the new Foreo Bear. However, after watching a random YT video about the latter and seeing some veins showing up on the blogger’s eye area after using the device, I gave up on Foreo. While it might be more powerful and taking less time, I prefer to go with something that is gentler on the face.
Hi Nicole! I’m using the NuFace mini.. as mentioned. I personally cannot imagine using the Trinity (full sized) unless you want the other (eye/lip) attachment and you have larger features. I think the Trinity looks huge! I am a very tall woman, but have a small head (very common with certain Kibbe types) and the face and neck strokes are diagrammed in the instructions and the mechanism beeps when you need to move to the next stroke. This is timed for a total 5 minute session. The 5 minutes are plenty for me. The larger size of the Trinity would literally cover one side of my face. Since I am highly sensitive and prone to redness, I do not need overkill and the mini was the right size and intensity choice for me. I read some info on this from a blogger and she recommended the mini as her favourite. I’m glad I took her advice.
Anyhow, I did do a test session first and was fine with it so went ahead and progressed the next evening to a full session and, yeah, I do get tingly and a bit red following. That said, I’m not so sensitive it prevents me from using my retinol products for my nightly skincare. I’m just super careful and moisturize very well and use a barrier cream to lock moisture in and then I am perfectly fine in the morning.
I imagine with time, I will become less sensitized. According to the instructions, maintenance eventually only requires 3 sessions a week. Right now, I am doing a session daily. I am liking my results and would not want something more powerful, but purely because I have dry mature skin and I already have a fairly aggressive anti-aging and skin brightening program going. I am looking for this device to help me with slackening in very specific areas of my face ..ugh
I hope this helps. I ramble. My dogs don’t mind, but they get food from me.
Hi Wednesday! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Me, while reading your response: if I were a dog, I would wag my tail with excitement 🙂 . I have a small face as well, so I would go with the mini NuFace. Lisa Eldridge has two videos on NuFace : one from 2018 and a more recent from April 2020. She has both devices (mini and Trinity), and by comparison, I could say that for my face, the mini version is the one for me. Like you, I’m prone to sensitivity and redness but I take good care of my skin with my routine and try to reinforce my skin barrier. Beta-glucan, among others, is an excellent anti-inflammatory and has a calming effect. Lisa E. talked about it in her 2018 video (she was recommending JKosmmune serum and toner, no silicones, a natural US brand and not Korean as the name might indicate). I could not find JKosmmune products here in Canada, and I have not yet ordered them from the brand’s US website. But I love the Unik Beta-Glucan Daily Moisture Cream (Korean brand), which I order from a Canadian website (Mikaela Beauty).
New purchases: well, yet again I tried to buy some Embryolisse and they were out of the large tube. I did purchase a new tube of Lise Watier SunSmart which is one of the nicest facial sun products I’ve ever tried. I also bought a cool looking beauty blender type sponge from Quo (Shoppers Drug Mart house brand) – it’s “ventilated” to make for quicker/more thorough drying, which is a brilliant idea.
Weekend plans: working out with my trainer tomorrow but beyond that, nothing planned.
How do you relieve stress: I don’t tend to get stressed very much but if I do, usually talking to my husband helps or I’ll take a walk, maybe go to the gym for some intense cardio or I’ll do some meditation or nidra type meditation.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer: Tried this bc my eczema-prone skin tends to respond well to colloidal oatmeal and the texture is so lovely: lightweight and moisturizing. The calming property is more subtle but I’ve noticed improvement in my acne healing, less post-acne hyperpigmentation, and my eczema is there but slightly improved.
Weekend Plans: Not much just some cleaning and walking. Reading.
How do you relieve stress?:
If I’m feeling stressed due to a situation I can’t actively do much about (election unrest, pandemic, etc.), I try to do something that instills a sense of choice and control. Playing an RPG game, tweaking each step of a recipe as I cook and work with the food, etc.
If I need to take my mind off something to think about something else, I try to do something really engaging, like reading or even listening to an audiobook.
If I too many thoughts and need to empty, I try to go for a walk in nature and am bit meditative as I walk.
If I simply need to release tension: I take a shower, drink a calming herbal tea like lavender or spearmint tea, or do yoga.
I love the Mellan pics!!! Baby Mellan was too cute for words.
Recent Purchases: From the last 3 weeks
*Natasha Denona (25% off code NDXBOXY, not sure if still works) — Triochrome Eyeshadow Palette.
*ColourPop — The Child Palette. (And I got The Child plushie from Target.)
*Notoriously Morbid — Dapper Darklings Palette.
*Sephora Rouge sale — Melt Cosmetics Digital Dust Duo Blush in Raw Honey, Fenty Flypencil in Cuz I’m Black, Volition Strawberry-C Serum, and 32 oz. Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner.
*Ofra — Build Your Own Must-Haves sale (plus $10 off for signing up for texts) — Highlighter in Retrograde, Lip Gloss in BRB, and Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Cancun.
*Pat McGrath (sale) — Lust Gloss in Carnal Desire, Astral Flashdance, and Astral Moon Flower.
*Nordstrom (sale) — Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set,
Beauty Bakerie Black Blending Egg Makeup Sponge Set, and (for my husband)
Voluspa Spiced Goji Tarocco Orange 3-Wick Tin Candle.
Weekend plans: Driving down to Eugene to pick up my son (we took him down last Sat.). Compulsively checking election results.
How do you relieve stress?: Listen to music. Spending time with my kids. Hubby and I like to take country drives together and talk and listen to music.
The Dapper Darklings palette looks lovely and I think it will suit you very well. It’s a beautiful haul of products you have purchased and I can see the CT Pillow Talk set will also be gorgeous on you.
I hope the election isn’t causing any strife in your area either. Taking country drives is one of my favourite past times, but at the moment we are still restricted to a 25km limit.
Rachel,
Thank you for the ND code! I was able to use it today, so it still works.
What a beautiful, cuddly little blanket of love Mellon was as a puppy!
Recent Purchases: On Friday I took myself off to Sephora to find something for myself, on behalf of my husband who is clueless when it comes to makeup, for my upcoming birthday and found nothing there that I really liked. I was still tempted by the ND Bronze palette – which I saw and it is pretty, but I would have to love all the shades for the price ($115 AUD).
Heading off to Mecca – I spied one of the last Naked 3’s on offer and decided that I really did like the majority of the shades. As I am getting older, I am preferring a softer eye look, so I purchased it.
Rediscoveries: Still using ABH’s Sultry and my PMG’s Sublime Mini with Lapis Luxury.
Weekend Plans: Saturday will be all about food shopping, cleaning and laundry.
My twin sister is in hospital, suffering from a very bad bout of diverticulosis after eating some Edamame beans in a salad, which she is never going to do again. We were going to visit her today, after her covid test was negative, but not only is hospital outside the 25km limit, but only one visitor at a time and that would be her partner. She has been on all manner of medications to relieve the pain and settle down the outbreak and is getting better. It was a really bad bout she has experienced.
Sunday: I am taking Olivia out to buy her a good pair of sports shoes, now that the shops are open. There have been long, long queues of parents wanting to get new shoes for their children after our long lockdown. I am hoping that by Sunday morning the wait time will be less.
A visit to a park and a play here at our place will complete the weekend.
I saw a video of Jen Phelps comparing the Lorac Noir palette with ND’s Glam and decided that the Glam palette was very similar to the Noir one. Also the shimmer shades in Noir were not as firmly pressed into the pans as they could be and there was quite a bit of fallout. So I have decided not to pursue my interest in that palette.
Relieve stress: I usually go for a walk, read my books, watch a series on TV or go for a drive in the countryside (lockdown permitted.)
Diverticulitis runs in my family. I have issues with legumes myself. In an attempt to reduce the amount of meat in my diet, I completely savaged my digestive system. I can relate. Do hope your sister is feeling better soon.
Thanks Wednesday, legumes (as her specialist told her) have a lot to answer for….This attack was pretty bad and she has been on intravenous medication since last Wednesday and will be coming home next Monday.
Diverticullitis also runs in our family as well, but fortunately I didn’t get that dud gene, but I know from my friends that also substituted legumes for meat – they have gone back to the meat.
Genevieve, I hope your sister is feeling better soon.
Hi Genevieve, I hope your twin sister feels better soon! (My twin sister would bump my husband to second if only one visitor was allowed at a time.)
Yay! Baby pics of Mellan!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Origins Essence Lotion, Lancer Hydrating Oil, GloPro Lip Micro Tip Attachment for my microneedling tool, and Beauty Bio Neck Contouring Treatment.
Weekend plans: My daughter, her husband and dog have been living with us until their house was completed. Now I’m putting my house back in order, they still have a few things to move to their new house that they are coming to pick up this weekend. I would like to go and see them at the new house because their dog is not settling well into his new home and we went away just before they moved from our house so I think if he sees us he might feel a little better, poor little monkey has anxiety and cries and paces for quite awhile when they leave for work. My daughter works from home next week which will help I think.
How do you relieve stress?: I walk my grandpuppy. My husband and I will go for a drive or walk, or I’ll text with one of my sisters. I have the radio on all day long listening to music is a great stress reliever it also distracts me from headaches.
Yay Brenda, you have your house back to yourself! How wonderful for you. I feel sorry for the little doggy – he must be so confused and I am sure he will be much better when he sees you. He probably doesn’t like being left alone either, so your daughter working from home will soothe him too.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: No word yet on when shipping will happen, due to the holiday rush, but I just took advantage of the Sephora VIB 15% off holiday sale: Marc Jacobs Eye-conic Cherrific palette, PMG Celestial Divinity palette, a YSL Black Opium Neon travel spray, and the Charlotte Tilbury VIB/Rouge birthday gift-mini lip gloss and mini Magic Cream moisturizer.
Weekend plans: Today’s my birthday and tomorrow’s my uncle’s birthday, so for mine my parents and I had Red Robin takeout and I opened my gifts, and for my uncle’s we porch-dropped a gift card he wanted. Work all day tomorrow, maybe some errands on Sunday.
How do you relieve stress?: Usually I just try to distract myself by doing something else.
Happy birthday, Nikki!
Thanks!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: My Colourpop order arrived today, I used The Child palette today and I’m enjoying it so far. The Colorpop Creme Gel eyeliner I bought with it already broke off so that’s concerning. Luckily only a bit fell off so hopefully it won’t happen again
Weekend plans: Visiting my grandma tomorrow, editing/posting my video on The Child palette, then going back to finish my NaNoWriMo vlog
How do you relieve stress?: There’s something so zen about Asian cat videos that really helps me destress. My favorite creator is Claire Luvcat, she owns ten cats but her apartment is immaculate
Recent purchases…more Christopher Robin curl cream. I’m still smarting over TSA throwing away my very clearly half used tube. He pointed to the 5oz on the container while the tube was obviously depleted by over half. I had never had issues as this was my carryon with my allergy meds, thyroid meds, this hair cream, and my makeup. He even tried to tell me my limit was up saying my foundation and meds wouldn’t fit in the clear bag. His supervisor stopped that. I felt so violated.
Week plans: visiting family in the Key West (my hometown) and saying hi to Eta. I’ve been working 65-70 hours a week for two months and I just needed to get away and see family and friends. My childhood friend from Jamaica is going to try to visit this week…especially since I brought her some destashed palettes! 🥰
I relieve stress by reading and cooking. And watching musicals, especially both Mama Mias. I’m pretty good at tuning out noise and chaos around me when I’m reading and cooking.
Finds:Bobbi Brown (15% off): Showstopper Prism Luxe Lipstick;
Selfridges: Bobbi Brown Faux Leather Makeup Bag (cranberry shade; holiday collection);
Amazon: Boxalls Rotating Makeup Organizer; Haus Labs Micro-tip eyeliner in Punk
Weekend Plans: We have been enjoying a warm stretch of weather that continues through the weekend, so my plans are to be outside. Took two carloads of packing paper and empty moving boxes to the recycling center on Saturday and enjoyed a BBQ dinner. Spending Sunday raking and tidying up the yard, and having takeout for dinner.
Relieving stress: Getting outside usually does it for me as does a hot cup of coffee, listening to music, having a good laugh with those near and far, and cuddling with my cat.