Friday Finds & Check-ins, Volume #618
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: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Creams for hubby, repurchase of CeraVe Healing Ointment and Sunday Riley UFO Face Oils, several La Roche Posay products (Toleriane cleanser and moisturizer, Cicaplast multi-purpose cream, and Micellar Water)
- Weekend plans: Looking forward to catching up on some sleep, taking our usual trip to the local bakery with Winnie.
- What are you looking forward to this month? (Or what was it?): Time really runs together! I feel like when I was in school, seasons really mattered, but as an adult without kids, it’s all kind of the same, lol! Cooler temps?
P.S. — Want to chat with readers on the regular? Check out Temptalia’s Discord where you can chat about beauty, makeup, and more! 🙂
P.P.S. — Check our hubby’s new site for video gaming guides — good if you (or someone you know or your kids!) is into games like Roblox and Minecraft!
This week's doggo photo/video...
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Took a drive to Ulta yesterday and got Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation NC30, Mac Mineralize Blush x1, Clinique All About Eyes Shadow Quad in Teddy Bear. Not make up related but in same shopping center went to Petsmart and got Blue Buffalo dog food for my labs.
No weekend plans at all.
Looking forward to cooler temps, it gets hot here in Las Vegas.
He is so cute. To me, it always looks like he has a “concerned” facial expression, with his furrowed brow. It’s so adorable.
New/rediscoveries: Nivea Creme, the European version without preservatives… And I tell you what, I’ve been researching a lot about ingredients, and reading reviews and people swear by the “made in Germany” kind of Nivea, and most speak negatively about the version made in Mexico, and seem to believe that version has mineral oil, and the German version doesn’t, but paraffinum liquidum is mineral oil. And while some ingredients are listed out in the German version, other countries in Europe and the what people call the “American” version, which is made in Mexico, list that as fragrance instead. The difference is the preservatives added, and that’s generally it. I don’t even know how different they are performance-wise, because I’ve only ever tried the European version! So, I can say all that, and still I seek out the European version, but who knows if one is better than the other! All that said, it has been an amazing creme to layer over my Tretinoin, and although I have had it for awhile, and use it on my body sometimes, I hadn’t really used it on my face a ton. I’m glad I tried it one night on my face because when I use it, I wake up looking amazing, lol.
Weekend Plans: My twins started high school this week, on Sept 7th, and it’s been a hectic few days! All they are looking forward to doing is sleeping in, and I have to agree with them!
Looking forward to this month: My kids were doing remote learning for two years, and I have been home with them, not working otherwise. We’ve been really isolated, and home together 24/7 for a long time! I miss them a lot, but I am also excited to have time home alone to clean the house while singing along to loud music, and also plan to look into work options.
Hey Jo, where do you get the European version of Nivea? I hadn’t realized there was a difference. I’m a big proponent of cold creams. There’s a whole generation of girls who used Ponds for 50+ years and they have the most amazing complexions.
I got some collectible Guerlain meteorites over the past month, and other Guerlain pressed powders I’ve been enjoying. Got a k-brand foundation that’s absolutely fantastic and I’ve used nothing else. I had bought thr PMG translucent powder a while back and finally started using it – it’s a wonderful undereye and around nose powder.
I’ve rediscovered the ND bronze collection – eye and face palettes. The colors are warm and outside my comfort zone but when I use both palettes it creates a cohesive look. It looks yellow-based but there’s enough red undertone there so it works.
I feel you with the Nivea cream. The fun fact is that even when I lived in Eastern Europe people made sure they bought the “German” version and praised it was better. 😅 I think whatever they sold locally was made in Poland or something.
But I never was a Nivea fan. The thing I have issues with is the La Roche Possay sunscreens. My absolute favorite in Europe. And I swear the ones I buy in the US are not as good, even if the ingredients are the same. When I eventually get to visit my family again, I’m bringing back all the sunscreens.
Hi Ana Maria. I watched a YT video about sunscreen from a lady in Australia, Arna Alayne. She said that the regulations here in the US don’t allow for the same potency, if that’s the correct word, of the sunscreens. Thats why we don’t always get the PA++++, etc. rating. I’ve never researched it myself, but mayb÷ she’s on to something.
I’m one of those people who swears by the German made Nivea. I’ve even got my younger son hooked on it. Years ago, when my skin was oily, I’d never in a million years have thought I’d ever use Nivea on my face. Where I live, there is a small chain of German delis that have morphed over the years and now carry lots of British and European food and beauty products, household cleaning products, etc. That’s where I get Nivea (and 4711 cologne and the “real” Persil laundry detergent, etc.)
Hi Jo. I have dry skin. I was wondering what type you have and if you thought it might be good for dry skin. Thanks.
Ahhh, I just want to kiss Winston’s nose!
Recent Purchases: Still waiting on my Glamlite + Mikayla palette to ship!
Rediscoveries: I used my BH Cosmetics Avocado Toast palette this morning (to dupe the vibes of the new CP Tinkerbell palette) and I really liked it! I don’t usually like the mix of peach and green on me, but I enjoyed out the look came out today.
Weekend plans: We’re going to a local place called Connor Prairie in my city to do outside fall things and see fields of sunflower; it will be so nice!
What are you looking forward to this month? (Or what was it?) Looking forward to tomorrow at Connor Prairie, and last weekend I visited with my brother, which was so nice. But mostly I look forward to the weather getting colder and the leaves starting to change.
Bought a few Mac luster glass lippies recently (Sellout, Hug me, Thanks, it Mac) . I am very happy with them, love the formula. I must say the MAC Peach Blossom cream sheen is a better color than Sellout luster glass. No weekend plans, last week 2 of my friends visited me. So ok to do nothing this weekend.
Recent Purchases: Took advantage of th Labor Day sales.
Paula’s Choice order (20% off and extra 10% cashback, my favorite way of shopping): Daily Replenishing Body Cream, Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm (which has become my favorite makeup remover, it’s like Estee Lauder Take the Day Off Balm without the issues of a jar packaging), The UnScrub. Got the Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA as a free birthday gift, and mini CLEAR Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ and CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser as a gift with purchase.
MAC order(30% off): a refill pan of Lightsweep (so sad that Emphasized was discontinued… but that’s what MAC does), a backup of the Eye Brows Big Boost Fibre Gel in Stylized (I almost regret, since the day after my order MAC launched a couple of more colors and the Taupe seems better for me), the Technakohl Liner in Risque, a refill pan of That’s Showbiz Baby. The birthday gift this year was kind of interesting, a free 4-pan custom palette with a selection of eyeshadows (I went for Omega, Cobalt, In My Tweedy, Satin Taupe).
Weekend plans: Just the usual, but I really need to squeeze in more sleep.
What are you looking forward to this month? Maybe taking some days off for a couple of road trips. Visiting more museums and maybe starting purchasing tickets for incoming events (operas, musicals, which should return in October); after the recent heatwave, I do look forward a little for cooler weather.
Such a cutie! His ears look so soft!
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: No recent purchases but I’m gearing up to make my first makeup purchase in a long, long time. Nothing terribly exciting; just a few replacements for items that are getting low.
Weekend plans: Working on my music, Zoom happy hour with friends, reading the two books I’m into at the moment, relaxing, and maybe some chores if I’m not feeling too lazy.
What are you looking forward to this month? Losing more weight! I’ve had success over the past couple months, and now I’m only 10 pounds away from my goal weight. Hopefully, I’ll meet that goal by month’s end. I’m taking it slow, not depriving myself, but developing better eating habits for life.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Awaiting delivery of some Fenty powder foundation in what I hope is a truly neutral shade. I bought a shade last month that is a bit too warm, even though I was able to test it in store. Since I expect to be wearing a mask for the foreseeable future, I think powder foundation will be all that I need. Sephora was offering a mini Fenty gloss cream as a promo so I got that as well. And I used some points to get around a 25% discount.
Weekend plans: Some cousins are visiting from out of town. And some friends are having an actual party to celebrate their anniversary.
What are you looking forward to this month? (Or what was it?): The start of my continuing education classes in person, not on Zoom, and the publication of some books from authors I love.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I just got ILNP Nail Polishes in Morning Rays and Cashmere Pink. Excited to try them out after seeing your post! After deep cleaning, I only have two nail polish colors right now (pink and a sparkling gold) since I rarely did my nails before.
Weekend plans: Maybe watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s re-debut on Manchester United on Saturday morning before going to the office.
What are you looking forward to this month? (Or what was it?): I was looking forward to trying pick-up soccer with a new group. It turned out to be a bit above my skill level, but a really great group of people who were patient with me and now I have a new crowd to watch games with.
Recent purchases: another tube of Lise Watier Sun Smart facial sunscreen, and a lucky find in the $19.99 perfumes at Shoppers Drug Mart – a bottle of Paloma Picasso which I’ve always liked but not enough to spend the steep price on what’s very much an ‘in your face’, cold weather/not always workplace appropriate fragrance. I bought some other stuff too but for the life of me, I can’t remember what!
Weekend plans: recuperating from “back to school”. The school where I teach most often has had me in this week to help with the general chaos of kids returning after so long away or entering highschool for the first time, not knowing which doors to use (strict Covid19 protocols) – just generalized high energy chaos. Training session at the gym tomorrow and maybe going out on Sunday to get a new pair of “Chucks”.
What am I looking forward to this month: stronger vaccine mandates coming from our federal and provincial governments. Until that happens and those refusing the vaccine for unsubstantiated reasons get vaccinated, numbers will continue to rise (especially with schools back in session) and I won’t be able to do the things I REALLY look forward to (travelling, eating INSIDE a restaurant, seeing my kids….)
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: Pat McGrath blush in Nude Venus, caudalie cleansing oil, my replacement quintessence palette is due to ship soon.
Weekend plans: exercise and reading romcoms. Maybe some Marie Kondo on Netflix.
What I am looking forward to this month: Gaining strength in Physical Therapy, breakfast with a friend, surviving my bad allergy month. Wearing cardigans.
Winston does look like he needs a nap, so cuddly and cute he is.
Recent Purchases: Do more dummies count? Harry managed to lose all three of his dummies the other day and wouldn’t sleep without one. Mum had to drive to the local shops to find his favourites…we eventlually found them – in the duplo tub, at the bottom of the pantry and behind a curtain…. But now we have lots of spares.
Makeup wise, I haven’t bought anything lately. Just some Neutragena Hydro Boost SPF 50 for my daughter in law to use when she is taking the kids to the park on sunnier days.
Rediscoveries: Nakeds 2 & 3.
Weekend Plans: Our strict lockdown is still in force for the Melbourne Metropolitan area and a 5 km movement limit is in place. Homeschooling for kids – so hard.
Olivia had her operation this week to remove her pins and that went well. She is growing new bone and still needs to wear a support for her arm. Washing her hair is very tricky.
So our plans are about cleaning the house (a good vac), laundry and not much else.
Looking forward to this month: A reduction in Covid cases so that we can end lockdown – that would be heaven to me.
Winston really does look super cuddly and velvety soft! 💙
Purchases/rediscoveries: Well, I did place a rather impulsive order with ColourPop this week for Like A Virgo e/s quad due to it having a gorgeous white-gold duochrome that I just had to have, also ordered
In The Saddle and
Low Rise SSS’s, Happy Thoughts SSC highlighter, scored a free lip pencil in Bichette. Also, received my order from Ulta for UD Double Barrel sharpener, Smashbox Always On Eye Pencil in Fishnet and Nabla Skin Glazing in Truth.
Weekend Plans: I won’t lie. I’m going into this weekend having been awake all last night ruminating over serious issues that I have always had strong beliefs about, yet feeling so conflicted at the same time. I don’t mean to vague book, but this is a highly personal struggle that’s played out in my head for years. Decades, actually. So, I’m typing this out on roughly 5 hours sleep. Going to try to catch up on some sleep. Insomnia has been an issue for me as far back as I can remember. But last night felt different.
What are you looking forward to in September?: Literally PRAYING for our temps to dip back down into the 90’s and I really hope for more rain! I am so DONE with this heat.
I’ve really been trying to be content with what I have and I’m really only purchasing things that add something special to my collection. I fell prey to the Labor Day sales though. I purchased Dark Star mascara, a blurring powder, and a highlighter from Pat McGrath during her sale. I also bought a couple Bath and Body Works candles for fall. Its the first time I’ve tried their candles. They smell great. I also got their maple leaf holder for the 3 wick candles. Its gorgeous.
No big plans for the weekend. I started cleaning closets last weekend so I’ll keep at it.
My youngest Maine Coon has come into heat again. We wanted to let her grow up a bit before breeding her. Hubby is looking at males. She’s driving my 3 year old Maine Coon crazy, lol.
RECENT PURCHASES:
*Pink Crush Cosmetics (Etsy) Metamorphosis Palette.
*Alien Cosmetics Fairy Frolic Palette.
*Zeasee — the three Alice in Wonderland pallettes.
*Other — Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara.
RECENT REDISCOVERIES: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette.
WEEKEND PLANS:
Helping my son fill out work benefits forms. Write letter to his Voc. tRehab. team about my displeasure that he was never helped with this as they promised me.
Shopping for the last of what we need for our vacation, Then, finish packing for vacation, as we leave for Oahu on Tuesday.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MONTH?
Tuesday we leave for a 10-day vacation/second honeymoon in Oahu to celebrate our 30th anniversary. 🌴 🌊☀️Wednesday, morning, we’re going cage diving among the reef sharks, and I can’t wait! That’s a dream come true. 🦈
Congratulations on the anniversary! Thirty years is a big milestone. Hope you have fun on your trip.
Recent Purchases/Rediscoveries: I bought the new Fenty palettes, both the eyeshadow palette and the highlighter palette while ordering bathroom necessities from Sephora while I still have my employee discount. Briogeo Oil Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner, Kosas Body Wash, Drunk Elephant Micellar Water, and innisfree Sunscreen
Weekend plans: This Saturday I tried to continue to pack but I crashed by the afternoon. Between work, doing stuff for family, and getting ready to move I’m completely wiped out. Luckily this Sunday is my last official day of work
What are you looking forward to this month? (Or what was it?): My long-stalled move out of my parents’ house in a few days. My family (understandably) have very strict COVID rules in the house, so moving out means I can finally take public transit, eat at restaurants, and see my friends