Mini Collective Haul

June 5, 2014June 5, 20143 Comments

Hey Y’all!

For starters, I am obsessed with the show Girls on HBO. It’s reminiscent of Sex and the City, except they’re younger, not as glamorous and the topics more…raw? Interesting? Unbelievable, yet totally relatable. On one hand, I feel sympathy for these four young ladies and on the other, fortuitous, having lived through a seemingly mild (in every sense of the word) decade. No 2-week marriages, awful self-inflicted baby bangs or absent hippie parents for me – THANK GOD.

I digress. Now, for the reason we’re all here today. THE SH*T I BOUGHT.

Apparently it’s been a lash kinda phase for me.

Maybelline One by One Mascara

I think the brand is getting rid of this formula, hence it was on sale for $3.99. I can get away with using a rubberized wand as long as I pair it with a bristley one to build up the volume. I figured $4 was a heck of a deal so I grabbed it!

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

A cult favorite, this mascara will pair beautifully with the Maybelline one (like a fine wine). The wand has bristles, is thick-ish and the formula is on the wet side which will create some gorgeous lashes!

Covergirl Bombshell Liquid Liner

I bought this on a whim because my L’Oreal Carbon Black dried out and I felt like branching out. I gave it a try and it was pretty easy to use and I was able to construct a nice winged liner. Plus, the size is SO cute!

Ardell Demi Lashes in 120

These were only $3.49 at the Rack and I loooove them. I find the lashes with a bit of separation between the clumps look a bit more natural.

Ardell Short Individuals

For the wedding, I plan on wearing a set of top lashes and adding in some individuals where I need. Then, I am going to spruce up my bottom lashes with a few as well.

Kardashian Beauty Ombre Blush

This blush was $10 and 50% off and I wanted it really bad for a while so yes, I had to have it. It is the lightest shade in the line and a really cute babydoll pink. I found out about it from Sam Schuerman, who rocks btw.

My bachelorette party (if we’re calling it that) is this weekend. So stay tuned for THAT.

Rockin’ Moroccan

May 30, 20147 Comments

Moroccan. OIL.

I started using this preciousness over 3 years ago, based on a recommendation from a stylist who came into the coffee shop I worked at. She had long, GORGEOUS locks and said she owed much of her mane’s success to Moroccan Oil. So, as a poor barista I walked down to the salon and forked over the $25 for a .85 oz bottle.

Weeks later, the state of my tired, broken hair had improved ions and I was also completely addicted to the smell of the stuff. Like liquid diamonds, I treated it as such. Savored every drop until the bottle was empty and off to the salon I’d go, happily exchanging my hard-earned tips for not even an ounce of this oil I quickly realized, I could not live without.

Like Lassie, Moroccan Oil has remained a tried and true, dependable, and loyal friend. There for me when other products failed. A shoulder to cry on after bad highlight jobs, split ends and one too many bottles of crappy shampoo.

Recently, sister Amy gifted me this set made in heaven. Three blissful products in LARGE sizes just for me. I am truly blessed. Here are the goods!

When just the color of the bag makes me giggle like a school girl, YOU KNOW the stuff inside is worthy of heroic introduction.

::cues Hallelujah chorus::

Of the three, I must admit I am the least excited about this, only because frizz isn’t something I suffer with. Perhaps I can bring ‘er on humid vacay?

Cannot WAIT to try this stuff you guys. A Moroccan Oil heat protectant? You had me at Moroccan.

Annnnnd the money shot. This is what I have used and loved these past years but in a, get ready for it– 3.4 ounce sized bottle of righteousness. The majesty will be unleashed very soon, as the last 1/4 of my mini bottle is slowly dissipating. Perhaps I’ll throw a party when I delve into this perfectly mastered bottle? I can see it now! Turquoise and orange streamers, maybe a firework or two?

And of course, the All-American Chocolate Cake from Costco. But that my friends, is another post ;).

Bargains at Ulta and Macy’s

April 23, 201410 Comments

Something about the word bargain gets me excited. As do the words, “additional 90% off”.

The other weekend before I hopped on the plane at GEG (with a dream and my cardigan), we made a pit-stop at one of Spokane’s finest establishments – Macy’s Clearance Center. Not many know about this place, accessed only by rickety elevator at the store’s downtown Spokane location. The air up on the 8th floor is thick and hot. The floors creak under dated carpet and clothing racks from the late 80’s. But if you can see past all that, you can truly find some treasures…marked down to $5.99.

The day we wandered in was (lucky for us) the first day of a massive sale. 90% off original prices. NO JOKE. And since I had to catch a flight back to Seattle, we had only 30 minutes. We were a circus. Veritable lions, tigers and bears among the racks, on the prowl. There were GOOD Macy’s headlining brands like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Splendid and tons of others, marked down to just dollars.

I ended up with only two dresses, which I happily paid $18 for both. The first is a Tommy Hilfiger shift, which I promptly wore on the first sunny day after I got it.

With Lou!

It’s a little short on me (surprise surprise) but I don’t currr. The print is too fresh.

The other dress is by Rachel Roy and I thought was something I could wear to work. Also black and white is totes on trend.

rachel-rachel-roy-black-dress-sleeveless-highneck-colorblocked-aline-product-1-13765685-733309387_large_flex

This isn’t the exact one, but it’s darn close

On to the Ulta stuff!

Sorry if anyone is sick of me bragging about the bargains I find at Ulta. I can’t help it. SO —

Recently Ulta had Revlon, Maybelline, Physicians Formula and a few other brands on sale for 40% off. Which is huge. Usually they do a BOGO on these brands so 40% on anything is a real treat. Additionally in my last Ulta online order, I was given a $5 off any $15 purchase coupon. On top of that, I have been clipping coupons from weekly Redplum ads.

As a result, I was able to get these three products for stupid cheap.

Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Translucent Pearl $13.95

Kandee Johnson used this in an old tutorial and it looked so lovely on her. I wasn’t about to pay full price for it, so when it went on sale – I grabbed it.

Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Pink Pineapple

I mean. The bottle is enough to make me want the entire line. I decided to get this light pastel pink because the color has become such a staple for me. I would even go so far as to say it’s my signature color. Unfortunately the color is pretty sheer and I needed three coats to get it opaque.

Maybelline Color Elixir in Breathtaking Apricot

I am fully on board the orange/coral lip trend for this spring. And if you haven’t tried one of these color elixirs from Maybelline, you are srsly missing out. They are beyond amazing and almost feel like gel on the lips. Smooth, rich and really pigmented – the apricot color adds the perfect pop of color to my face. I love wearing it with a dewy, bronzed look.

The original total for all three of these products would be roughly $30 (inc. tax).

On sale, the total came to about $18 (inc tax).

With my $5 off coupon AND $1 Maybelline coupon – I was outta there for about $12 (less than the original price of the powder alone). The girl at Ulta was even like, “Wow, you got a really good deal.”

WORD to yer mother.

Ulta/Drugstore Haul

April 9, 2014April 9, 20149 Comments

Nothing like a healthy dose of good ol’ fashioned consumerism to brighten up your hump day.

Amiright?!

This haul is comprised of multiple trips to the drugstore, one trip to Nordstrom and a recent order I placed on Ulta.com.

SO. I have made a great discovery in buying stuff at Ulta. First, you gotta sign up for the emails. Then, they will barrage your inbox with heaps of deals and coupons. Most of the time, I just use the $3.50 off a $10 purchase coupon in the store and call it good. BUT. I have recently gotten wise to the special offers that come through, kinda like this one I got the other day:

That’s a good deal, right?

Well, what I do is this: I save up a bunch of things I need to get at Ulta. Boring things. Like dryshampoo, razors, face lotion, mascara, bobby pins or cotton rounds. Or, if I have an upcoming birthday gift or mothers day gift to get, I will pick something from Ulta. The Lorac Pro palette for my sister or a little bottle of Chanel perfume for my mom. Perf.

Between the little crap that I need OR one larger gift item – I have easily hit the $40 mark and have now spent enough to get the awesome free gift online. But it doesn’t stop there. I have also qualified for free shipping, used my handy-dandy $3.50 off coupon (only for non-prestige brands) AND will receive three free samples with my online purchase. HIGHWAY ROBBERY guys.

I used this maneuver on my recent order and well, here’s the loot!

Bathina Body Oil Mist $34

Funnily enough, I discovered this product because of Lo Bosworth. Remember Lo? She was the normal-person touchstone on The Hills and is now going to culinary school and occasionally putting out the random vid on YouTube.

She recommended this oil and I was all, “well if LO likes it…”. I tested it out a few times on various shopping excursions and COULD NOT STOP smelling my skin. The scent is so beautiful and feminine and therefore I needed it.

Mac Lipstick in Sunny Seoul $16

I posted this lipstick before, but thought I’d mention it again because it really is SO beautiful and springy. I love the cremesheen + pearl formula and this one especially, is so creamy and buildable.

Essence Silky Touch Blush in Life’s A Cherry $3

I have already praised these blushes from Essence. They are velvety soft and the pigmentation is great.

Essence Crystal Eyeliner in Gold Rush $3

YOU GUYS. I think glitter is making a COMEBACK. Urban Decay recently released a new line of glitters so it must be true. I picked this one up after trying the sample at Fred Meyer and realizing it was just glorious. I can’t wait to pop a little bit on my lower lash line and be like, totes on trend.

NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair $5

Speaking of on trend, I feel like ANYTHING with the word “butter” in the name is an instant hit right now. Lip butter. Body butter. Butter polish. I also happen to like actual butter, but that is neither here nor there.

These glosses are SO hyped across the WWW and on YouTube so I just had to jump on the bandwagon. So far, I luuurve but I will keep ya’ll posted.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Gumdrop $6

I had to get a coordinating lipstick and obvi I chose the Barbiest pink there was. Which I am also noticing is another trend for this spring. Barbie lips and glittery eyes?! Thank God! The dark vampy lip trend from winter is becoming so blasé for me.

NYX Lip Primer $7

I mostly bought this lip primer because I have a couple of lipsticks that feather really bad on me. I also wanted to try it under red lipstick, which is the worst offender of feathering, or bleeding. I will let you know how I like it!

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk $4.50

This is a definite staple in my makeup collection and the second one I have purchased. It works great as an eye base or as a waterline brightener. The pigmentation is amazing and it stays put wonderfully.

It Cosmetics Freebie

I received this little set for spending $40 online. I specifically waited for an It Cosmetics gift to come up because I have been dying to try the Bye Bye Undereye Concealer and the CC cream. I also received a Hydrating Gloss Stain in Naturally Flushed.

The concealer sample is in medium, which might be a little too dark for my undereye area (I am PALE y’all) but I’m still going to give ‘er a shot.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara $7.50

I have been using up all of my mascara samples and finally needed a fresh one. This is one of my favorites from the drugstore. It has a rubberized wand, is extremely separating and hold a curl REAL nice.

Wet’n’Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Pinkerbelle $2

I almost have the entire line of these lipsticks and for darn good reason. They are SO pigmented, they last forever on the lips, the color selection is perfection AND – they cost $1.99. How can you not?

This shade is just SO completely gorgeous, like a mix of neon pink, bright salmon and just a slight hint of orange. It’s brill.

Biotin 2.49

I take my biotin everyday so naturally, I go through it pretty quick. This is my third bottle and it WORKS.

Jordana Lipstick in Perfect Pink $1.49

I picked up this lipstick whilst shopping at the world’s oldest KMart in Hamilton, Montana (more on that later). The color sucked me in and it was only $1.49 so, match made in heaven. Unfortunately the formula is pretty dry. I have topped it with a lipgloss for better success but it is not a standout.

Jordana Blush in Coral Sandy Beach and Pink Beauty $2.49

The blushes are definitely the stars of the Jordana line. I picked up the only two shades they had left and so far, I’m really impressed with the color payoff and staying power. The colors are amazing and the packaging is really compact, which is nice.

WHEW!

That was kindofalot. Stay tuned for an upcoming post about my hurr…yes, I ordered extensions. Yes, it’s the BIG TIME.

Happenings

March 25, 2014April 1, 20147 Comments

Last weekend, my mom and sister came for a visit. I took a half day off work Friday so we could gallivant around the city, try on mini-hats at Joann Fabrics and drink “skinny” margaritas that necessitated Splenda packets. Really, the goal was to knock a few items off the ol’ wedding to-do list and have a little fun while doing so. We scoured the city for a perfect off-the-rack blush toned bridesmaids dress for Megan. Turns out, it doesn’t exist. We pissed off the girl manning the Nordstrom Rack dressing room by bringing additional items into the stall after the initial batch. Literally, I thought she was going to kill me, even though I was SUPER smiley. GOSH. We bought discount fashions at H&M and I made friends with the cashier at Love Culture (a shop for girls 10 years my junior). I was toting my Tory Burch around all proud and sh*t and the cashier girl was like, “My Mom wants one of those Tory Burch purses.” So I guess I’m a Mom now and have NO business shopping at places like Love Culture. Anyway, here is what I got:

Every time I go to the MAC counter I inevitably end up swatching the lipsticks. You see, I am relentless in my search for beautiful lipsticks and the Cremesheen formula at MAC has me hooked. So, while Megan was trying on 73093 pairs of shoes at Nordstrom, I decided to make good use of my time by doing the same with lipstick. As I surveyed the rows of pinkish hues, a beautiful bright shade caught my eye – Sunny Seoul. Anyone else have this shade? I tried ‘er on and after showing Nan, she said, “That shade actually looks really pretty on you!” Like WTF Nan!? So all the other lip colors I wear are hideous? So of course, I bought it and I CAN’T STOP wearing it. I do notice it feathers/bleeds a bit so I may have to invest in a coordinating pencil, or that NYX Wonderpencil or something.

Like the patch of self-tan I missed?

On me

Bryan and I are watching the 7th season of Dexter and here are my thoughts thus far… Thank GOD LaGuerta and Angel got divorced, that was one gross couple. Plus, I couldn’t stand the way LaGuerta said Angel like “Ahnhel”. Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) looks more like an alien than ever. The story is going crazy since Deb found out Dexter is a serial killer and I can’t decide if I hate that she knows. Also, the babysitter? She dresses like a common hooker but is supposed to be this good girl? I don’t get it. Also, I am dreading the series finale because I hear it is terrible. And I just realized that I have said nothing nice about this show. Oh well.

Source

Also, I randomly sprayed this stuff on my skin at Macy’s and am now obsessed and need 40 gallons.

Andthatisall.

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New Mac Lipsticks

February 11, 20148 Comments

YOU GUYS.

Rarely do I get this excited about makeup.

…okay that was a lie.

BUT SERIOUSLY. I always start wetting my pants when a new collection at Mac comes out. The Archie Girls one. The Riri one. The Christmas stuff was SO gorg. I could go hog wild. And I don’t mean that figuratively. I would actually like to roll around in Mac products. Like a pig.

But I don’t. Because that would be ~~too good to be true~~ weird. Instead, I sensibly ogle the products, remind myself not to be materialistic and think of the people staying in Sochi.

But when I see a collection like this, I simply have to partake. When I see a collection screaming, “NATALIE!! We are your favorite colors!! LOOK HOW PRETTY WE ARE!!” I simply cannot ignore. I mean, just look a’these shades:

Source

Stop it, Mac.

Even though I wanted to leave the store with a large shopper filled to the brim, I remained my prudent self. With these two lipsticks (because you see, I cannot say no to lipsticks).

As you can see, both of the lipsticks (as well as the rest of the colors) are lustre finishes. My favorite Mac lipstick formula is Cremesheen, but whatevs.

First up: Rose Lily

At first, I thought this was going to be similar to my ALL TIME HOLY GRAIL Viva Glam Gaga 1.

But sadly, it is not. The color is quite sheer, which is to be expected with a lustre. The above pictures are making the color look richer than it really is. I find I cannot build it up like I can with the Gaga lipstick (also a lustre). It’s pretty, but maybe a bit too sheer for me.

Next, Fleur D’Coral

This shade is just beautiful. It reminds me of Coquette, by Lime Crime (which I am dying for) but I don’t think it’s near as pigmented. Similar to Rose Lily, it goes on pretty sheer but I find this shade a bit easier to build up the color. I think this would be so gorgeous with tanned skin (or in my case fake tanned). It just screams spring and summer to me!

Here they are, side by side:

Sorry about my orangey lighting but it’s just me and my iPhone.

Have you tried anything new from Mac?

Ulta Haul Y’All

January 24, 20144 Comments

RHYMING 🙂

My one (and only) New Year’s Resolution was to start caring for my skin. Once a 16-year old with a yearly tanning membership – I have traded in my goggles and Australian Gold for Mystic Tans and SPF 70. But that’s where it has stopped.

To me, turning 30 hasn’t meant many changes. Case in point: I still listen to hits from High School Musical. OMG Sharpay yes. But it’s time to start smearing on the ol’ war paint so to speak. A war against wrinkles, crows feet and laugh lines.

So with no further adieu, I give you my newly acquired army hailing from Ulta.

You’re welcome for the awesome pics I took on the carpet.

1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer $21.99

After doing a small amount of research, I discovered this product by Neutrogena. Earning high marks for it’s wrinkle-smoothing effects and a high SPF – I decided I would give it a try. Since it contains retinol, I wasn’t sure how it would react with my dryish skin. Jury’s still out, I’ll keep you informed.

2. Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Night Creme $17.44 (on sale)

This I bought based on an article I read on Oprah.com because, really, it’s Oprah. I chose this because it does not have retinol (don’t want to go overboard) and so far, I have been loving it’s ULTRA thick consistency and the great smell.

3. Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment – Collector’s Edition $38.00

This I bought after Rebecca, from the Issaquah Ulta recommended it. I luuurve me some maracuja and anything that is going to brighten up my dark circles. Plus, the packaging is adorbs.

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater $7.00

I got this based on a recommendation from YouTuber Jaclyn Hill. Plus, anything that is rose-scented wins my heart.

5. Zoya Pixie Dust Nail Polish in Godiva (on sale for $4.99 in case the sticker isn’t orange enough)

I got this because I saw another YouTube (I’m obsessed, clearly) Kristin Gehm. The pic doesn’t do this justice, it is SO pretty with subtle, itsy-bitsy sparkles and a great nude undertone.

Here it is on my nails, in really orange light:

6. OPI Mariah Carey 2013 Holiday Nail Polish in My Favorite Ornament $4.95 (Also on sale)

Rebecca, from Ulta was wearing this as an accent color on her ring finger and as we were talking, I totally interrupted her and was like “WAIT STOP WHAT IS THAT COLOR?” It is seriously the most beautiful glitter of all time. Ever. Amen.

7. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit $28.00

I needed a new bronzer and they were sold out of the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soliel, so yeah. I have heard wondrous things about this bronzer and so far…I FREAKING LOVE IT.

8. Samples: Perricone Nutritive Cleanser, Juice Beauty Trio, DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer (Moisturizing Serum)

I am VERY excited to try the DDF serum, as I have heard great things about this line. I’ll be sure to share, don’t fret :).

And last, but not least check out my Seahawks eye look:

Thank God I saved that glitter from 7th grade volleyabll games