Temptalia's Collection - June 2010
Temptalia’s Collection – June 2010
For my 100th video, YouTube user kanadian00797 asked if I would do a special video — my makeup collection. I asked on Twitter if it was of interest, and by the post title, I think you know what the response was! đ The video is LONG. In previous years, I’ve split up the videos into MAC and non-MAC, but it’s all in one big video this time around. I also talk in more detail about blogging, the size of my stash, and what I do with products I don’t want or why I keep certain products. Since the video is pretty lengthy, I want to recap some of that in this post, too! đ
The Why & How:Â Video Summary
- I’ve been collecting makeup for 6 years. My collection wasn’t built overnight!
- I am a *collector*! I may use what I buy and receive, but I am a collector at heart. Makeup is not purely utility for me, and this is why I consider it a hobby that I am passionate about.
- I have been blogging for nearly 4 years. Brands and PR do send me product to consider reviewing. I don’t get paid to review products, no one gets to edit or preview my posts, and I’ve never lost a relationship because of a negative review, even the Ds and Fs.
- I donate products to to local organizations like battered women’s shelters. I’m currently trying to work with a local veterans organization to find a way to send products to service men and women overseas.
- The bathroom all my makeup is stored in is only used for makeup! I wish it didn’t have a shower and instead a giant closet…
- I consider this also an archive of the makeup past — it allows me to go back to previous launches for comparison.
My Storage System
- 3 x Advantus Rolling Cart, 10 Drawer (in Smoke) ($50) — also available in multi-color and white
- Clear Storage Boxes ($1.79 to $19.99) come in a variety sizes, but I typically use the Accessory Boxes and Shoe Boxes sizes for storing makeup. I also use the Sweater Boxes for storing body creams/washes and skincare.
- Linus Shallow Drawer Organizers ($2.99 to $6.99) have several sizes, but I typically use the 3″x6″, 3″x9″, 3″x12″, 6″x9″, and 6″x12″.
- Linus Deep Drawer Organizers ($3.49 to $6.49) are deeper by about 1 1/8″ compared to the Shallow Drawer Organizers. I use the 4″x12″ usually.
- Translucent Stack Drawers ($9.99 to $14.49)
Fun Facts
- The Boy was the videographer for most of the video!
- I still have the first brush I ever owned — Benefit’s Eyeshadow Blending Brush, which has long been discontinued.
- I don’t know how many of each item I have, and it would probably make me cringe even a little if I did. So don’t count!
- I keep a lot of products for comparison purposes–e.g. how does X shadow compare to Y shadow from 4 years ago? My memory is faulty, and though the improvement in my photographing skills over the years help me to photo-document everything, I like having it in real life to compare, too.
- In looks, I try to keep older limited edition/discontinued products out of them. I try to use new products (to show how they look applied) or permanent products.
- I have the Scarlet/Spring/Summer seasons to thank for finally getting some permanent lipsticks in my stash!
- My dream is to have California Closets come over and design me the ultimate makeup storage system.
See more photos!
The Trinity of Carts
Counter-top with brushes, makeup remover, etc.
Translucent Drawers with Concealers, Mascara, etc. (also jewelry)
MAC Palettes (permanent shades only)
Face/foundation products I use regularly
Lipglasses, Pro Longwears, Cremesheen Glass
Cart 1, Drawer 1: MAC Limited Edition Lipsticks
Cart 1, Drawer 2: MAC Dazzleglass, Superglass, Mattenes/Slimshines, Lip Stain Markers
Cart 1, Drawer 3: MAC Mineralize Eyeshadows, Holiday Palettes, etc.
Cart 1, Drawer 4: MAC Blushes
Cart 1, Drawer 5: MAC Mineralize & Cream Blushes
Cart 1, Drawer 6: MAC Pigments
Cart 1, Drawer 6: MAC Pigments
Cart 1, Drawer 7: More MAC Pigments, Loose Beauty Powders
** Note, Drawer 8 is empty — it is reserved for the newly repackaged MAC pigments
Cart 1, Drawer 9: Misc. High-End Lipgloss, Laura Mercier, Estee Lauder
Cart 1, Drawer 10: False Lashes
Mid to High-end Lipsticks, MAC Permanent Lipsticks & Quads
Cart 2, Drawer 1: MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes, Beauty Powders, Bronzers
Cart 2, Drawer 2: Benefit
Cart 2, Drawer 3: Bobbi Brown
Cart 2, Drawer 4: Lancome
Cart 2, Drawer 5: Make Up For Ever & Sugarpill
Cart 2, Drawer 6: NARS & Illamasqua
** Note, Drawer 7 is empty but slated to fill with Rock & Republic shadows I bought ten billion years ago.
Cart 2, Drawer 8: Stila
Cart 2, Drawer 9: Urban Decay
Cart 2, Drawer 10: Misc. High-end brands (Smashbox, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Shu, etc.)
Designer/luxury lipsticks
** Note, Drawer 1 is empty currently, because it accomodates MAC lipsticks/beauty powders (both of which I’m nearly full-on), so it’s on reserve for more of those!
Cart 3, Drawer 2: Eyeliners
Cart 3, Drawer 3: Cream, Gel, & Liquid Liners; Brow/Mascara
Cart 3, Drawer 4: Chanel
Cart 3, Drawer 5: Dior
Cart 3, Drawer 6: Dolce & Gabbana
Cart 3, Drawer 7: Givenchy
Cart 3, Drawer 8: Guerlain Eye/Face Products
Cart 3, Drawer 9: Guerlain Lipsticks & Lipglosses
Cart 3, Drawer 10: Misc. Luxury/Designer Brands (Le Metier de Beaute, Cle de Peau, YSL, etc.)
Though I am not intentionally endorsing any products in this video, I know that I said, “Love this!” a few times. Some of the products in my collection were provided by PR for original review purposes. If it’s here, I probably reviewed it on the blog. However, there are just as many, if not more, products I have purchased myself over the years also in my collection. Just to be clear!
wow. like seriously, wow. haha
Not gonna lie — I’m excited to watch this LOL. I’m gonna go grab me some Lucky Charms and THEN click play, hahaha.
LOL! Popcorn, popcorn, get your popcorn… Oh, I mean Lucky Charms đ
OMG! every girl’s dream! love itttt!
OMG. just glorious!!!!!!!
amazing collection!! i felt like i was in heaven watching this… my bank account would be in hell LOL
Yay! I love makeup porn! FYI, I would do unspeakable things to have the drawer full of MUFE and Sugarpill.
LOL!
Christine, that took my breath away.
In a kind of good way, I hope. Like a half disgusted, half dreamy sort of way!
why don’t you sell some of it over your site? do you get to use all of this stuff? but it looks nice
Hi Joy,
I don’t sell makeup products — I don’t really believe it is ethical for me to do so. I receive some products for free from brands/PR, and it would be in poor taste to try and sell those. I donate any excess product to local organizations like shelters, if and when I can.
that’s nice!
Wow….I dare to dream.
You have so much stuff. I can’t imagine how much that cost. I mean I might have maybe 1/5 or 1/6 of what you have and I know how much that cost which was quite a bit. So wow. But I appreciate that you do spend the money, because you help me weed out what I know I will use and love and what I thought I wanted but just wasn’t what I expected. So thankyou.
Happy to help đ
That makes me so proud.
Do you keep it that neat all the time?! Please say no, you’d have to be inhuman!
My bathroom counter top is rarely that neat, but the carts themselves stay pretty neat.
I find the more homes products have… the easier it is to keep everybody in their place!
Wow ! That s quite a collection đ
Easily…hands down…the biggest makeup collection I’ve seen to date! WOW.
Holy cow!! Im an SO jealous!
if you ever need a home for lonely makeup, there’s plennnty of girls on this site that can’t afford this! i would love to try those higher end lipsticks. maybe one day i’ll buy one :/
the lipglosses you had made my mouth drop lol. teen girls dream right there.
Hi Jennifer,
I donate any excess makeup to battered women’s shelters, and I’m hoping to be able to get some to overseas service men & women in the future!
btw I love the fact that you dont keep this for yourself, that you choose to donate it. Have you thought about giving some to the organization Dress for success?
I try to do local ones, just because the shipping costs would be astronomical! I’m not sure if Dress for Success is local — I will definitely look into it!
This year, I really want to work with veterans, though, but we will see. We’re trying to find the right project/organization still, because a lot of them prefer or only accept travel-sized products (understandable!).
It looks like there are a few Dress for Success locations in CA, though I’m not sure what you’re closest to (San Francisco, San Jose?) – but I’d look into them just because I imagine these are the women who would get the most use out of the cosmetics! They need stuff for job interviews and professional work, for which certain cosmetics can be really essential (in some fields anyway).
Thanks, Daphne đ I will definitely look them up and see what they accept.
Hi Christine!
I follow your blog for about a year now and I think that that is a great idea and very generous for you to think of service members and Veterans overseas. I’m a Marine and I know that being deployed has not stopped me from wearing makeup and it actually helps me remember to use sunblock đ
Whether its a letter or a care package anyone always appreciates the fact that there are others thinking of them so Good on you and again Thank you! đ
Thank you, Janette, for helping our country is such a fantastic way!!
yeah that’s nice and i had read that but i was just making a joke because those upper end lipsticks are so pricey! but they look so creamy and pretty that i think i need one đ
amazing collection!
Amazing! You must sit there and just look at it all. lol I would ;p
That’s just….wow….
I always get down on myself for buying more make-up than I use and I look at your pics with relief/envy haha. This is amazing Christine!
As long as I can inspire some relief đ
LOL Ann i feel the same way! XD
This is so makeup porn, I’m glad I have people who understand me! LOL.
Wow you have a great collection! For me, makeup is pretty much a hobby as well, but its not in my budget to be collector, although that’d be awesome! I try to buy things I know I’ll use often! The hardest thing for me to resist is when something I know I don’t need, but would love to have, goes on sale! I’ve acquired much of my recent eyeshadows that way. I think two weeks ago Stila had 20 percent off and free shipping, so I grabbed up three palettes including the Barbie Loves Stila and shortly after, that palette was taken off the site and I was SO glad I got my hands on it, ON SALE, even though I don’t need it! XP
WOOO! But the Barbie palette is really amazing, so I’m very happy you nabbed it!!
Oh I know what You mean!!
I recently saw the Chanel gold highlighting loose powder on sale, from a previous holiday collection… It would’ve been SUCH a bargain, but I’m just not a fan of really glittery shimmer on my faces… I could’ve used it as an eyeshadow, but in the end I talked myself out of it… I still feel a bit bad. đ
Christine, amazing collection, and I really admire Your ethics. A lot of people would sell the items, I think. (Not that that would be the worst thing someone could do, but I appreciate that You don’t. :))
So much makeup! I soooo envy you. x)
You’re such a lucky girl!
Oh. My. God. I thought that I liked your blog before, but now I’m obsessed.
I know that you said you’re a collector at heart, but do you ever get overwhelmed by the products you don’t use regularly?
And last, I just wanted to let you know that since I found your blog, I won’t buy a stitch of make-up til I’ve found the swatches/reviews on your site – they really are so helpful! đ
Hey Becky,
I think I get more overwhelmed with how to organize/store it all! I only do a major re-organization every 4-6 months and keep anything new in storage boxes until then, and I’m like, “If I have to buy one more cart….” and yet I think I will soon, but I have no place to put it!
Thank you so much, Becky! It really means a lot that you find so much use out of the swatches and reviews đ
Awesome collection! Thanks for sharing!
now that is a collection video. Havent watched it yet , but I will. You probably have enough there to pay for a year of law school lol.
The look you are wearing is gorgeous. Love the lipstick very beautiful. Wow this collection is insane. I truly love it.
Thank you! Tutorial for it soon đ
I really want to take one of these pictures and put it as the background on my laptop for inspiration.
Your collection makes me drool…
random: do you know if UD’s vegan palette is perm.? If it is I can hold out until a F&F sale.
Still waiting to hear back from UD on that!
Whoa. That is some serious makeup porn…
OMG! you have makeup heaven! I bet you have a lot of fun playing in there. You have an AMAZING collection! And very neat, I must say.
That video made me a little dizzy! You really made me smile when you said you donate products whenever possible đ
Christine, YOU RULE!! You just made my crummy week better with one video…maybe if all of us petition Cal Closets they’ll come over and do a freebie for you–it’ll be good for advertising! Oh, and it’s zhee-von-shee (Givenchy)–my grandmother was a big fan of anything Givenchy and she made sure I could say it properly, too đ
Aww! I’m happy to be able to make your week better, Elise! đ
LOL! Wouldn’t that be nice! I just want a pretty system that works and everything is the same, haha.
Thanks for the pronunciation help, too! I always look it up and then totally blank when I *need* to say it.
All i can say wow.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful collection!
I love that you said you were a “collector”. I have some products that I never wear out of the house, but I love to look at them. It’s almost like meditation for me. I have a feeling I’m not alone đ
Definitely not alone đ
Is that an Ellis Faas holder I see on the countertop?! If so, are you ever going to do a review? if you have not already đ
It is! I’m still trying to get myself to use it, lol. Eventually!
Hey Christine,
I consider myself as a super-newbie in makeup stuff. I have always come to your blog looking for inspiration and fair reviews. You cannot imagine how nice it is for me to discover with this video (as I said I am pretty new so I’ve just been visiting your blog for a few months now) that you love so much makeup and beauty products! I mean, imho just with this kind of “devotion” into sth you can be really good at it.
You are my reference in this field. Thank you very much for this video =D
Aww, thank you so much, Almus! It is truly a blessing to be able to help out when and where I can đ
That was amazing! Do you think you do some posts on your Dolce & Gabbana makeup, especially the lipsticks and lip glosses. They’re so hard to find and you almost have to buy them online!
I think I’ve reviewed every single Dolce & Gabbana product I have – http://www.temptalia.com/category/brands/dolce-gabbana
Fun video!!! I want to finish watching it but I have to go to a massage appointment! LOL! I’ll be back to finish this in an hour or so! I love this! (Maybe this isn’t a surprise but I’m actually more interested in how you’re storing your makeup and less interested in what makeup you actually have! LOL!)
Not surprised! That’s exactly why I love watching collection videos. I’m always looking for ideas!
So many lovley things!
Thanks for sharing your AMAZING collection đ
That was seriously breathtakingly gorgeous haha && I’m sure a lot of us are thankful you can try out so many products and review them before we decide to go and splurge đ
Just a random question: Do you ever hitpan on anything like eyeshadow or blush since you have so many products? I’m just curious ^^
I do, actually!
I think there are 5-10 eyeshadows I’ve hit pan on, and I’ve hit pan on Margin blush, too!
Thanks for sharing your fabulous collection with us, Christine. Love your makeup you’re wearing in the video.
Thanks, Kate!
LOVE!
Your collection is my dream and my boyfriends worst nightmare. Ha. He thinks I’m crazy. “You only have one face!” he says. A girl needs options!!!
Do you ever spend time just looking at your makeup? I do it all the time. I just love colors.
Sometimes! I always like the way it looks when everything has been put away!
My mom says that all the time. “How many nails do you have?” “How many eyes?”
LOL. My mom does that too!! She simply cannot understand there is more than one color “blue”.
My mom doesn’t understand why I own more than three bras let alone why I own a plethora of lipstick. Sigh!
OMG!!! It’s like every girl’s dream to have this much makeup!! or at least my dream haha
OMG!!!!OMG!!!!….i thought i already have a huge makeup stash/collection..but after seeing yours, i think im only halfway!!!you are an inspiration Christine….and like you, i also collect because im really passionate about makeup and its really a relaxing hobby for me….
It’s so well organized! I love your collection đ
Wow Christine, what a great video and photos! Really wish I had the space to organise my collection as well as you, unfortunately I don’t have a second bathroom to myself (when you have 3 children it’s not so easy anymore, lol) and our bedroom is full with clothes wardrobes/drawers already. So I’m really envious. đ And of course not just the storage but your collection too. Not that I don’t have plenty of make up myself, but I loved looking through your stash, it’s wonderful! xxx
I’m dying to see how you store yours! OMG!
Incredible!! I love the idea of donating to soldiers overseas!! I hope that door will open for you.
Me too! đ If not overseas soldiers, then maybe the veterans who have come back could use some shampoo and body wash!
If you’re interested, I did a video a while back, it’s here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCVgV3JyXQs
It’s not great though, I don’t have the space, so half of my stuff is tucked away in cupboards and in boxes under cupboards. Not very easy to get at, so I tend to rotate the make up I use every week, and I rotate them by brands, so I pull out all my Clarins, Lancome, etc. Mac, Dior and Guerlain are the most accesible, they are my favourites. đ
My other problem is that I’ve now completely run out of space, so I might need to go through my things and think about what I actually really want to keep. đ
AHH, AHH YES! YES!
I have always wanted to see your stash, just because we have such similar tastes and I know you are a high-end gal đ Plus, I am always curious to see how others store large collections!
I am running out of space, too. I want a whole bedroom, so I can really keep things organized and pretty. Oh well, that’s what dreams are for!
I don’t envy you having to figure out whatto keep and what not to!
Unfortunately my video doesn’t actually show my most prized possessions (Guerlain Meteorites, eyeshadows, Chantecaille LE palettes and powders, Dior eyeshadows, etc.) in detail, as most of them are stored away all over the place in my bedroom, but if you’re interested, I would be honoured if you checked out my blog, esp these posts for details on my collection:
http://pleasureflush.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-expensive-hobby.html (Guerlain Meteorites)
http://pleasureflush.blogspot.com/2010/04/christian-dior-5-colour-eyeshadow.html (Guerlain Voyage Powders)
http://pleasureflush.blogspot.com/2010/06/guerlain-ombre-eclat-eyeshadows-409.html (Guerlain eyeshadows)
http://pleasureflush.blogspot.com/2010/04/christian-dior-5-colour-eyeshadow.html (Dior eyeshadows)
Ha! A whole bedroom for my stuff, now that would be nice! đ We live in a 4 bedroom house, but there’s 5 of us, so I will never get one (unless I get rid of the husband, but then I would have no money to buy make up, so maybe not a good idea, plus he is pretty nice, lol).
Heading over there now to drool. I just really love that you’re a high-end collector and show it off and love it all! So fun.
Thank you Christine! xxx
Thank you for this! I’ve got the translucent drawers. For people reading from Singapore or UK, they can be found at Muji. I’ve just bought a bunch of stuff and am quite vexed as how to keep them neatly. Your video is very timely.
OMG this is so disgusting to look at lol I realize now that I don’t have makeup lolol đ but if you have Chanel Hydrabase in Sirene please donate it to me ;)!!!
Ohmygosh, you must have a million dollars in that bathroom. That is NUTS. And AWESOME.
Also, don’t tell me I’m the only one who always thought it was pronounced “Temp–TAY–lia”?
It’s all good. My mom says it that way, even though I’ve told her a bajillion times it’s Temp-tall-lea!
Whoa whoa whoa! Lovely collection. Let me pick myself back up off the floor here. Haha, I love to see pictures though. It is very nicely organized!
Astonishing. I could have a field day in this bathroom đ
Holy freaking cow, that is spectacular. I’m curious, what of the makeup that is years old and thus expired?
I don’t follow expiration dates, personally – I go by smell, texture, etc. If it changes, I throw it away or recycle it.
That was really fun..thank you. My collection is nowhere near yours, but it is constantly growing out of its home so I like the ideas!!
I remember when I outgrew my traincase, and I was like, “What am I going to do???” Trying to find ways to store it all is overwhelming sometimes!
Where did you get those plastic trays that fit your MAC blushes, shadows & skin finishes? My collection is a cluster #*@& because the spacial relations place in my head is fried (or never existed).
Links up at the top of the post — from the Container Store đ They are shallow or deep drawer organizers!
At the rate I’m going (started collecting less than a year ago), I’ll surpass your collection in six months. I feel like a crazed lunatic. At least much of your product is given for review purposes!
LOL! Then you should do a vid now and a vid after!
I wish I had even half of the collection that you have. Also, you’re eyeshadow looks great in that video. No surprise there. đ
Wow, this is an impressive collection. I can’t even imagine how much you have spent on all of that (including what you use for storage) over the last 6 years. It’s probably a lot, haha. đ
One thing that I was curious about though: aren’t a lot of your products probably expired, or smelling funky, or not good anymore? Wouldn’t you likely have to throw a lot of that away if you went through ALL of your stuff? Or do you regularly give a lot of the old stuff away? That just came to mind when you said you’ve been collecting for 6 years, especially if you still have some of the things that you first bought.
Besides that, great collection, and I love how it’s set up, so organized!
Hey Kayla,
Most of the really old stuff is just eyeshadows/pigments, actually. I didn’t get into lipstick/gloss for a couple of years! If I come across something that smells off or looks different, I toss/recycle it (depends what it is). I don’t give anything that seems expired away, though, lol! But a lot of the older lipglosses, since I don’t use them (trying to only use recent LEs or permanents), I keep mostly for color comparisons later on down the road.
Awesome collection, Christine! I’m wondering, though, where do you keep your drugstore make up products?
I have these furniture storage units/shelving units where I have Sweater Box-sized storage bins and store a lot of it there.
I think one day this is going to lead to a makeup museum. I am in awe of your collection. I can’t wait to organize mine to your calibur.
I have a question for you Christine:
How do you rationalize not becoming a makeup artist? I mean, I see this is your passion and yet you have chosen a career path that is awesome as well. I ask this because I am in a sort-of dilema on whether I want to pursue cosmetology or continue my career choice in health information. I feel like if I pursue my passion for makeup, I might get burnt out and come to the point where I dislike makeup because it will end up being just a job. I see this dilema in my own boyfriend (funny you mentioned fixing up cars in this video) because he has a collection of muscle/old cars that he fixes up. Once he went to work as a mechanic, I saw the passion to work on his own cars slowly dying. That’s the predicament I am afraid that I will find myself in. Please let me know what your take is on this.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Devout Fan
I think being a makeup artist and doing what I do–beauty blogging–are two very different things. What I love is interacting with all of you on a daily basis. I love being able to talk shop – whether it’s beauty tips, what we last bought, or showing you a new product. To me, my passion is in helping readers in that way, not so much applying makeup to others. This is really why I couldn’t pursue being a makeup artist (although some terrorizing brides made me want to crawl into a hole and never come out, LOL).
Have you tried simply freelancing on the side? Many makeup artists were never formally trained and have amazing careers nonetheless. Perhaps you can continue to pursue your career in health information (assuming you at least enjoy it — wouldn’t want to push you into something you hated!) and see how you like the atmosphere and pace of being a makeup artist.
Does your husband own his own shop/work for himself? Sometimes being independent comes along with a lot of other not-so-fun tasks.
where did you say you bought all the urban decay pigments from?
HauteLook!
Christine, I just watched the video for your collection and like always, I’m so inspired! I love how you’re a true collector at heart and you don’t take make-up/beauty too seriously. I think when people start to take things too seriously, it becomes less fun! Thank you for always blogging and sharing!! Your opinions do influence what I try out and what I buy!
Oh, definitely! Makeup has to be fun — otherwise it’s… well, no fun, haha.
Thank you đ
Thank you for your Blog thank you for all of your knowledge and thanks for sharing your passion with us. It is always nice to see someone who is so passionate and excited about what they do. I hope you eventually get that walk in makeup room of your dreams and I hope you continue to do what you love. I only recently discovered your blog but know as long as you keep doing it, my laptop keeps working and my kids give me five minutes I will continue to consult and view it.
It’s really my pleasure, LH! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do it đ
Thank you for sharing your collection! I must admit just a little jealous đ I love your comment about your dream makeup storage design.
Can I just borrow the pigment drawers? Please? đ
As an Army Wife, I love that you’re looking in to donating to our troops! I hope you’re able to make headway with that endeavor!
*crosses fingers* The Commander for a local American Legion Post is trying to get more info for me!
omg i can’t wait to watch the video! i LOVE makeup collections!
question(s):
do you go through your makeup fast? like finish lipglosses, lipsticks, etc.
also do you Back 2 MAC often?
No, not at all, LOL. Let’s be real! I am in no way trying to delude myself into thinking that I don’t have enough makeup, that I will use it all, etc. which is why I’m a hobbyist/collector đ
I Back 2 MAC for depotted empties and makeup remover wipes! I think I have about 80 empties right now.
*dies*
I LOVE YOUR COLLECTION. I love watching collection videos because in some way it is very relaxing for me. I was just looking at my collection thinking I have way too much. Especially since I don’t wear makeup daily. But your collection makes me look as if I don’t own any makeup. I have those translucent draws from Container Store. I love them.
Did you hear that noise Christine? That was my jaw hitting the floor!
LOL đ
Dude!!!! I’m surprised Mellan doesn’t have his own makeup stash too!!! But seriously, how do you manage to keep peace with your boyfriend about all the makeup you have? I suppose its different once married…and reason I ask is b/c I’m married & addicted as well…and I have to hide the evidence in my car’s trunk or else he’ll be dissapointed at me (again) since we’re saving for a car…(SIGH). He tells me “every dollar counts” and while its true…I can’t help it. (LOL…I mean *SOBBING*)
Well, my boyfriend does all of the behind-the-scenes technical support for Temptalia, so he knows what goes into the making thereof, so he has no problems with it đ
But I can understand if you’re saving up for something why you’d have to be a little more conscious of your buys!
So I would kill to have your collection!
I had to show my husband. He thinks I have too much makeup…..lol.
Your amazon link to your 10 drawer carts doesn’t work. I was curious to see that. Hope I can soon. Awesome video!
Hey Lorien – just clicked it and it took me to the Amazon page!
haha maybe it my browser then. Thanks for the response!
wow! i was just thinking. i know it’s a long shot but i work for a non-profit and have been trying to get a Looking Good, Feeling Good group started for my client who used to do makeup. do you donate any makeup?
Hi Cynthia,
I donate, but I donate to local places, and right now, I have a good list that I give to regularly!
Waiting for the vid to load (My BB is so slow this week)and was wondering if you have all the items catalogued? I have got a file for each company on the laptop and lists of everything I own so when I go shopping online I don’t get duplicates as i have a poor memory (Fibrofog) and shop online all the time as I am housebound. At first I thought it was a bit anal now I am glad I have done it as it saves me making mistakes lol :0) xxxJoolsxxx
I wish! I always wanted to, but I just never could manage to keep it updated, so I don’t. But it’s AWESOME that you do! I LOVE that you do, actually!
What do you list on it? Just brand, product name?
wow.. how exciting just to look at.. but doesn’t some of thiese item expire.. and what if they expire before u get to use them up.. damnn you expiration dates.. đ
The nature of the beast, I suppose!
Christine, It’s as if you own an entire Mac store! Keep it up! :>
You would be surprised (as am I, at times) at how many MAC products I *don’t* own!
This is so glorious, Christine!! It’s like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but with MAKEUP!! LOL. And I’m just talking about the pictures. I haven’t even watched the video yet!
Thank you as always for being so open and real! The internet seems to be a greedy, crazy place sometimes. Your website is the best makeup resource out there, not only because it’s thorough and amazingly organized, but because of how genuine you are! đ
I wondered if you could get a little more indepth! I wish you could do a video on your eyeshadow palettes! I’d like to hear what you think about the shadows, which ones you like best. Awesome collection!!
How wished that I could have your whole makeup collection in my own room!!
But then, my poor mother would be screaming at me!!!
hahahaha
I don’t think mine has ever seen the full extent of it!
If you don’t mind, I embedded your video in my blog! Your collection is amazing!!!
Sure đ
oh my gosh beautiful! I am literally close to drooling!! đ
OMG Twinsies! lol. i’ll be 24 in sept too! on the 21st. are you a virgo too? if so, that’s why you’re able to stay so organized, haha. i’m addicted to organizational things.
I am on the 28th – Libra!
Hey Christine!! I just wanted to let you know that I check your site daily and your reviews/recommendations are so helpful, especially to someone like myself who is a student with a limited makeup budget. Anyways, I have a couple of questions: Which method do you use to depot your eyeshadows (candle, pliers, etc)? Also, in your MAC compact drawer, I noticed some teal/blue coloured compacts. Which collection is that from? Thanks so much!!
I use the oven for most, but I use the lighter method for matte shades (they crack SO easy).
Teal/blue – I believe that was Lure!
wow christine ur house is like heaven for us … i mean for all of us makeup junkie …
loved the post n m just all head over heels now to see all this …
hats of to u christine for all ur passion for makeup …
u know my comments are not being updated pls tell me the reason n m sorry if i hurt u in any way i always says this but pls i do check time n again for the replies… :(:(:(
Thank you so much, Rashmi!
I am behind on comments (per usual)!
wowwwwwwww you’re lucky girl!!!!!!!!
Major makeup pron :))
Yes!!!Temptalia’s (Christine’s) makeup archives are so awesome!!!! You are great organizing your makeup, everything looks so pretty, colorful and shiny! Because of your wonderful collection I am always informed and learn new eyeshadow combinations, your stash really deserves even more makeup!!! I can’t wait to see it updated with all the MAC collections coming out this year!!!!
BTW: The blue look really suits you, looks great =)
HOLY…(Foaming at the mouth)…want….
C, I really enjoyed watching this video thanks for sharing with us đ it was so cute when you said “no actually I don’t have eyebrows in there” lol!
I also wanted to thank you for mentioning at the end us girls that like to mod their cars, you wouldn’t believe how many people at shows come up to my bf and compliment him on my car because it’s hard for them to phantom that a girl would choose non-aesthetics mods and even harder for them to believe I work on my car.
Lately, much to the bf’s disappointment, I’ve been moving my hobby interest from car pieces to make-up pieces LOOOOL! He sometimes says “why don’t you come on the scion forum anymore? stop looking at temptalia!” cos he knows I visit your site daily.
And thanks also to your bf for the camera work!
Aww! Yes, we all have our hobbies one way or another đ
WOW. Oh. My. Gosh. That is so amazing! I am so jealous… đ Wanna share? đ
OMG Can I dump out all you makeup into a plastic kiddy pool and swim around it it? If I promise to put it all back! * Gets down on knees begging* PPPPLLLEEEAAAASSSEE LOL
you have an amazing collection christine! Besides working on your blog do you also work as a makeup artist?
I used to freelance, but I really don’t have much time any more!
HOMG!! Amazing! Are you in the Guinness World Records?? :)Hearting this post. đ
I LOOVEE makeup collections!
and i absolutely love how organized you are!
I love how you call it a collection, because that, i totally get. =)
Wow, you’re so organized but I guess one must be to keep track of that huge collection
…also, sorry if I’m enabling (lol! but I do think it’s nice that you take reader comments into consideration when you update your stash and look for products to test), have you gotten a hold on any of the Tom Ford lipsticks? I’d love to see swatches and reviews of those!
Not yet đ
Wow what an amazing collection. I dont think I would be able to build up my collection to that much ^_^
Ah I just love watching collection videos
yahh! ive been waiting for this video from u for a year now. i love watching makeup videos! =)
I THINK I`M GONNA DIE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
WOW CHRISTINE! You`ve made us going crazy right now!!!!!!!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
I was pretty calm and collected until the Nars and MUFE drawer, then I perked up. But when you got to the luxury cart, I started to drool and cry! (In a good way). Funny how we all have our own triggers. I wish I could get into the less expensive brands, but the packaging is just not pretty enough for me. I like the shinies đ
Haha! That is kind of how I feel about Guerlain! It’s the packaging that makes me drool.
because this is best beauty blog for review purposes and new mac launches EVER, the more makup u have christine the better! i only go to Temptalia whenever i want to read a review on a amc product or launch, so its definitely ESSENTIAL that you have this much makeup, IMO.
oh, and while everyone is saying which of this collection they want, i want all the dazzleglasses, dazzleglass cremes and the chanel drawer đ
Wow! I love this! My friends call me crazy, because I have 400+ eyeshadows, and 120+ lipsticks/glosses. I should show them this! Like you, I am also a collector, and makeup is my main hobby. I should point out to my friends how much they spend on their hobbies, eh đ
So many of us have our hobbies or loves and many of us invest in those. I see makeup the same way. But I also believe that everyone is entitled to buy what they want with their money! Not my business. If you’re able to afford it, power to you and enjoy it đ I’m a firm believer in not having or carrying credit card debt (except in limited circumstances, e.g. shelter, rent, food, etc.), and I actually only have two or three department store cards myself which I always pay off as soon as I use them, LOL! Training courtesy of my parents, I suppose.
But anyway, all that is to say, as long as you’re not going into debt for it and it makes you happy, go for it đ
Wow! I want to come over and play!
I’d love storage like that, but I’ve got no room. Plus I have just a Sterilite container and several (haha, like 5) makeup bags filled with all the stuff I own.
I’m not going to lie–I was itching to get in that room and throw about half of it out. At the same time, I was itching to get my little paws and steal some away from you. I’m torn between which I should settle on. I, unfortunately, can’t have a collection that large; I get panic attacks because it’s seriously chaotic to see that much of one thing to me (Autism, it stinks). I love having options but that is WAY too much.
I was an Army kid (wait, I still am, just not active), so if you’re looking to donate products, you need to find your local VA (Veteran’s Affair) branch and ask what they need more of; the VA sends military care packages about once a month or twice if there’s a major holiday like Christmas (my dad is Commander of his VA branch). They probably will tell you they need suncare products the most. A lot of companies donate their products for the soldiers (particularly toothbrush/toothpaste companies) so the VA generally doesn’t need toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant or hair products. It’s sunscreen and foot powder. A lot of people never think of sunscreen for soldiers. My dad had a lot of suspicious moles taken off his back and most were probably caused by lack of suncare products when he was deployed to Kuwait. They’re always grateful for help.
Don’t donate to the other places; I can honestly tell you that 99% of those places that collect materials overseas to soldiers are doing it so you feel better about yourself and never send those products overseas. It’s the same thing with becoming a penpal with a soldier. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. Why don’t they send them? Everything sent to soldiers overseas has to pass military inspection and shipping isn’t cheap.
Okay, I have to get off my soapbox now. I’m very passionate about supporting troops and veterans; three generations of my mom’s side and two on my dad’s side have served the US armed forces.
Hey!
Is the American Legion Post not a good organization? I’ve been working with the Commander there, because my Grandma works with hers where she lives (my grandfather was also a serviceman when he was alive), so I’ve been working with my local post. The Commander is actually looking into how/where I can donate for me right now.
Yes. I actually mixed the two up; I should never post comments at 12:31 in the morning. Veteran’s Affairs provide medical care and federal benefits and the American Legion is made up of veterans that help deployed soldiers, hospitalized veterans and veterans. My dad is Commander of his American Legion post.
Have you tried looking at legion.org/posts? It’ll give you a rundown of posts near you within 10, 20 or 50 miles. Some will have e-mail addresses but most have telephone numbers. Not all posts do care packages, so you might want to do some sleuthing of your own while you wait for the Commander to call you back.
What branch was your grandfather, if you don’t mind my asking?
Yep – I’m in email contact with the Commander at my local American Legion post! We’re trying to work something out. He said he would poke around (I assume the post doesn’t have anything at the moment). I was trying to use the American Legion website, but I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to. But no rush, I have everything ready to go in boxes and am happy to wait for a good cause!
I’m completely blanking on what branch he was – I know that he trained soldiers here in the U.S. to fight in Vietnam. My other grandfather was a senator in Vietnam who fled the country during the Vietnam war and was president of the Vietnamese Veteran’s Legion. Those two sentences almost seem contradictory. I know both of them had gun salutes when they were put to rest. So, since my answer was very vague, I gotta send off emails to my parents so I can get details, because I feel pretty terrible that I can’t remember!
One of my grandfathers was a Squid (Navy) and the other is an Army vet. I have two cousins that are Jarheads (Marines), I think I have another is Army and an uncle that is Air Force. No Coast Guards yet.
Don’t feel too bad! I had to ask my mom what branch her father was and which war he fought in (WWII) three seconds ago. I always forget which branch he was in and I mix up whether my biological paternal grandfather served in Vietnam or Korea. My mom sighs every time I ask because I should know by now it’s Korea.
Awe-inspiring stash. What percentage of your stash would you say you’ve purchased yourself?
Maybe 80%?
Whoa. I’m in awe.
Wow…..it feels like having a sephora in your own bathrooom. Btw what website did you get those UD loose pigments from?
Hautelook.com đ
thanks so much đ
I absolutely LOVE Love love love your collection.Thank you for sharing it with us especially since usually some people tend to post nasty comments and personal questions about finances. I just love the variety of brands and the colors! Wow!
beautiful!
OMG!!! I’ve never seen anything like this. I knew you had a lot of stuff, but..WOW! With all those products to choose from, how do you ever decide what to wear each day?! If I had that many lipsticks, I would be lost in all the possibilities! Looks amazing though đ If makeup wasn’t so expensive down here, I would probably have a collection to rival yours!
You said in a comment reply that you don’t think it’s ethical to sell products that have been sent to you for review & that most charities don’t accept used products no matter how slightly used.
Well, here’s an idea: How about you conduct a blog sale for slightly used and/or PR products and THEN donate the proceeds to charity? That way you get some makeup geeks happy, get rid of products you don’t use or want AND donate to a good cause at the same time? Just a thought.
Hi Mara,
I personally don’t agree with it. I think it is better to simply donate the products to organizations who can give them to people in need. Around prom time, for instance, a lot of high schools have girls who can’t afford makeup, and so those girls are really happy to receive some. If you look into it hard enough, you can always find ways to donate products to others, used or unused–that’s why I said most but not all.
I’m not sure why there is any issue/problem with what I do now, I guess? I always thought what I was doing was a good thing!
[Note: I posted a similar but shorter reply — due to character limits — over at YouTube.]
Hi Christine,
Thanks for replying. Not only is just straight donating to others a good thing, it’s a commendable thing! I agree that bloggers selling PR samples on Ebay, etc. for profit is a blight on the community and a cause for concern, but that’s not what I’mīģŋ suggesting here. I’m simply suggesting another way to dispose of slightly used products that charities won’t accept. Of course, if you can find other ways to donate slightly used products without doing a sale, that’s great, too.
Anyway, I totally understand your position. Needless to say, you have the prerogative to deal with your collection the way you see fit, and if the idea of a blog sale is personally uncomfortable for any reason, that’s more than enough justification not to do it.
Lastly, I appreciate you sharing your collection with us, not to mention the wealth of information on beauty products that you post on this blog. Because of you, I’ve become a more informed and discerning make up geek!
Hey Mara,
I totally understand where you’re coming from and what you meant đ I appreciate you understanding my position, too! I try to hold giveaways often (with products I buy specifically for giveaways or arrange for product with brands for giveaways) as a way to give back to readers in lieu of blog sales or the like, too.
Thank you!
I noticed that you had some Guerlain Orchidee Imperial products and was wondering if you’ve tried it so far and how you’re liking it. I’ve been trying to determine if i wanted their eye cream or go with chanel sublimage’s or stick with my natura bisse diamond extreme eye. Eye creams usually last me almost a year so I haven’t been able to decide cause i’ll be stuck with it for a year, haha
Hey Christy,
I really liked them when I tried them, but my biggest issue was I saw a subtle difference in my fine lines around my eyes, but I don’t know if the results would have been more dramatic if I had more signs of aging elsewhere, too. I have heard some really good things about Sublimage, though I haven’t tried it – as in being the one eye cream that really does deliver on results – from other beauty bloggers I trust (just asking them personally for recs and the like).
awesome thanks for the info!
Love, love, love your make-up collection Christine. Esp the neat organization…i’m just the same… tho my collection is teeny-tiny compared to u’rs and consists mostly of MAC. Kudos to u for juggling so many avatars…law/biz student; make-up guru; blogger amongst others…thank you for sharing your passion with us. BTW missing Mellan updates:)
what do you do for leaving that you have money for this? I want that job too:)
Wow!!!! I am in makeup heaven after seeing all those. How do you decide what to leave the house in, I struggle to decide with my tiny make up collection every morning!!!
Hi, thanks for the video đ can I ask what that material is at the bottom of your drawers? Did it come with the drawer itself or did you have to buy it?
It’s non-skid liner I got from the Container Store, actually! Same stuff you’d use to line your shelves in the kitchen đ I think 1 roll is enough for 1 cart.
That’s what I call : HEAVEEEEN !
your collection is amazing :D,
I think I have to live twice to consume half of it lol
nice way of organizing đ
thanks for sharing
Holy mother of mercy, that is an awesome collection! Please tell me you have it insured!! I am just in awe. Another thought on donating, by the way, is Look Good….Feel Better. It’s through the American Cancer Society, and they help give cancer patients makeovers to help them feel better. Here’s a link:
http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/
Great collection!
Thanks, Kristina!
I have just 1 thing to say: OMG!
i totally agree with not throwing stuff out just cause you’ve had it for 2 years and it says 2 years expiry date on the product. i am careful about cream products but most of my eyeshadows i only apply with clean brushes so i’m not going to throw them out just after 2 years. I mean a bag of flour which you’ll eat has a expiry date of about 3 years!