Category: Hauls

Ulta, T.J Maxx and Walgreens Haul

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Oh hullo BBs.

Apparently I’ve been on a bit of a buying spree as of late. As I was scrolling through the pictures on my trusty iPhone 7 I realized I went on a kindof a tear. But like, whatevs because you know I’m only dropping dollas on some dealzz!

And apologies for the lingo. Sometimes the rapper in me just needs to let loose.

Here’s what is on the docket:

No 7 Lift and Luminate Foundation

As soon as I saw Kathleen Lights use this stuff, I knew I wanted to try it. So you can imagine my the bittersweet feeling when I saw it at Walgreens on closeout. It was marked 50% off at $7.99 and while I was elated at the price point, my heart sank that the line was ditching this as I had heard great things.

I ended up getting the shades Cool Vanilla, which matches when I am a little bit tan and Warm Ivory, which matches me  normally (pale).

The consistency is thick yet light, almost a mousy texture. The coverage is definitely medium and it applies SO smoothly. I think it is really great for mature skin and does a great job of not settling into fine lines or getting patchy. It does fade a bit throughout the day so it isn’t the most long-wearing formula but I do not mind the way it fades. It doesn’t break-down in a bad way. I highly recommend this if you can get your hands on some!

Anastasia Brow Whiz

I purchased this during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event for only $10. The color really is perfect for me and I prefer to use this color over blonde. I apply taupe at the inner parts of my eyebrows and then use soft brown on the out parts. I find this looks super natural, soft, and beautiful.

Covergirl So Lashy! Mascara

Picked this up at T.J Maxx for only $3 in a pinch. I like to keep a mascara at work for emergencies. This mascara is not terrible but definitely pails in comparison to my beloved Covergirl SuperSizer. But for $3, it’ll do ‘er.

Morphe M506 Tapered Mini Blender Brush

Ulta carries Morphe now! Fiddle dee dee! I have been looking for a pointed blending brush for when I want to smoke out a more intense color. This one fit the bill and was only $6.

Velour Lashes in Trust Me Try It

I purchased these on Nordstrom Rack for $12 as I have always wanted to try Velour. These are from their silk line (not mink) and are STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS. Well worth the 12 bucks. Fluffy as hell, thick but not too thick, a thin, flexible band. Come on, what more could you want!?

On me:

Mac Fix + in Rose

I was delighted to find that they had all three smells (coconut, rose and lavender) at Mac when I went in to purchase this. I was back and forth between rose and coconut but ultimately liked rose better. If you’ve never tried this stuff….GO GET YOU SOME. It is worth every penny.

Skintimate 2 in 1 Shave Cream in Coconut Silk

Saw this at Walgreens the other day and bought on impulse due to the coconut. I am a sucker for coconut shower products. I can confirm this stuff is rully nice. Thick, moisturizing and smells VERY much like tropical coconut.

Ole Hendriksen Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths

I got these for fi-dollas. So pumped. T.J Maxx son!

Sorry the rapper came back again.

Anyways, thanks for stopping by!

 

Soleil Tan De Chanel Review

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SO, hi. It me.

Do you ever just let yourself pretend for a minute that you’re super fancy? For me, these moments strike when I randomly get invited to sit in the box seats at a Blazers game. Or when the airline puts me in business economy and I get that extra 2 inches of legroom. It comes when I buy something NOT on sale at Nordstrom or any other bougie store. Or especially when I have more than one shopping bag on my wrist that isn’t a plastic H&M bag. The second they hand over that shiny ass shopping tote with my item neatly wrapped in tissue paper is the moment I am transported. Suddenly I am no longer Natalie with the dark roots wearing two different color Gap socks from 2007. I am NATALIE. The girl who pays full price! The girl who doesn’t get uncomfortable making eye contact with the who people who work at Gucci. The girl who frivolously impulse-buys the travel-sized items at the register at Sephora without hesitation.

YOU KNOW THE GIRL.

And I ain’t her.

But that’s okay. Because something my mother told me when I was but a little girl, begging my parents for a pink Tamagotchi, stuck with me  – “Natalie, the people who get everything handed to them will have nothing to look forward to. Won’t it be so special when you do finally get to have that?”

And she was right.

Enter: The Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer. A $50 product I’ve wanted forever. It is the bronzer to the stars. The bronzer that all other bronzers aspire to be. It is the perfect tone and consistency. It changes lives.  It is CHANEL. It is everything.

And now…thanks to sister Meg…I OWN IT.

*cue maniacal laugh in a french accent*

The black and gold! Be still my heart.

Oh haaaaaaiiii interlocking Cs!

Doesn’t this look like perfect swirly tootsie poop? I hate to use the word poop in the same post as CHANEL but c’est la vie mes amies.

This product is best applied with a stippling brush, or a semi densely packed contour brush. You could also apply it with a sponge or your fingers. It’s french! Anything goes.

Here I am wearing this bronzer to the first Blazers playoff game where they laid a giant egg against the Pelicans. Apparently they did not have their game faces on.

BUT I SURE DID.

Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic Review

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Oh, hey.

Just your average goth over here, gothin’ around.

But seriously, I have mad respect for goth subculture and fashion.  I love watching It’s Black Friday on the YouTube because she is amazing, beautiful and original. In another life, I wanna be her.

And while the two products I am talking about today hail from the Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic collection, by NO means are they only meant to be worn in a gothic style. They are just stunning, fun products that I was elated to get my mitts on!

First up, the MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Eyeshadow in Goth Tears.

In the packaging, this is a lilac purple with intense glitter and an iridescent shift.

One layer of product:

Two layers:

Not THEE best swatches but I figured it would better on a primed eyelid.

Next up, the Megaglo Highlighting Powder in White Raven.

This product swatched not so great.

Kinda chalky and I had to really dig in there to get the desired amount.

I decided to try out these two products at the same time to really up my unicorn game!

Lip Color is Lime Crime Diamond Crusher in Pink Pearl

I added iridescent glitter flakes from Forever 21 as well

 

That soft focus tho!

Overall I was happy with both products. I am happy to join this glittery, iridescent fairy princess-goth fun. Especially for $4.99 a pop. The liquid eyeshadow is really pretty and darn easy to apply. The highlight is not my favorite but is a fun change-up from the normal champagney highlights I usually reach for.

Go Wet’n’Wild! Have YOU tried anything from this collection??

Spring Collective Haul

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‘Eyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I’ve once again, accumulated enough crap to write a haul post, fiddle dee dee!

But really, these are kindof my favorite kinds of posts to write because I get to be all hopeful and imagine all of these products will make me prettier, more youthful and just plain better. And while  they inevitably will end up not making that big of an impact in my life, they make me excited and bring me joy for the time being so let us focus on that! #realness

First up! The Becca First Light Priming Filter

If you are not living under a rock, you know the 21 Days of Beauty at Ulta is happening RIGHT NOW. And when I saw that this primer would be on sale for $19 (usually $38) I pounced. You see, both Kathleen Lights and Kristin Gehm claim this as their ride-or-die primer and with credibility like that, I would have been stupid NOT to purchase.

I am excited because, a.) I’ve not used a primer for a WHILE (where the F have I been? and b.) this one is supposed to provide a gorgeous canvas on the skin.

The next product comes with a doozy of a story.

This would be the Phyto Paris Phytojoba Hair Mask, retailing for $45.

Perfect product for me and my dry-ass, damaged hurr.

And you will never guess where I found it…

For those of you who cannot dissect the price tags above. This would be a clearance tag from Target covered by a Goodwill price tag.

YES. I got this $45 hair mask at Goodwill for $1.99. Completely sealed and unopened. I tell you guys what, it pays to go to thrift stores and rummage around. You never know what you’ll find!

The next product is one I received complimentary (not sponsored) from Serendipity Skincare. This would be their Serenade Repairing Night Cream.

Check out this absolutely stunning packaging!

I am overjoyed to incorporate this night cream into my evening routine! The claims and ingredients read like a dream and I plan to do a full review once I start using it.

Serendipity also has a Sparkle Rejuvinating Eye Serum which I am DYING to try out. I have heard great things about this product!

Check out the website to learn more about Serendipity and their simple, yet elegant range of products.

Next we have a freakin’ unicorn of a foundation: The Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation.

I call this stuff a unicorn because MAN OH MAN was this hard to find. First of all, it is exclusive to Ulta. Second of all, Flower is a new brand to Ulta as whole, so finding an Ulta that carries the brand is damn near impossible. On top of that, every Ulta I called that carried this brand was sold out of this foundation in nearly every shade.

But you know that didn’t stop me.

After a family Easter brunch in Vancouver, WA David decided to stop at another random Ulta for me just to check to see if they had it. (Do you understand why I love this man?) And low and behold they had EVERY COLOR. I peed a little.

Annnnd after owning this for several days now, I can happily report that it lives up to it’s reputation :). Full review coming soon!

Last weekend I did some shopping at T.J Maxx and made out with a few exciting items. It should also be noted that  I did buy some beauty items which I have previously discussed my thoughts on. And while a couple items I determined to be exceptions to my rule, I also ended up taking a little risk. More on that below…

The Elf Mascara Primer was only $1.99 and I am pleased to report it works quite nicely! It easily saves me a couple coats of mascara and definitely helps keep a curl. The product was not dried out, used or anything out of the ordinary.

Next I found a box of 10 Esfolio Pure Skin Egg Essence Sheet Masks (I researched them on my phone before purchasing to ensure positive reviews). I know EWWW to the “egg” part but I can promise you these masks smell great and nothing AT ALL like egg. The masks seem to be completely effective and TOTALLY worth the $5.99 price tag.

My last beauty find at T.J Maxx is this Norvell Dancing With the Stars  Self Tanning Foam. NOW. I know Norvell is a reputable tanning product company as I have used their tan extender in the past and loved it. The brand no longer sells the Dancing with the Stars line but after doing a little research (standing in the aisle at T.J Maxx) I learned it got glowing reviews. No pun intended. It cost just $4.99 so I decided to take a risk and give it a shot. I plan to do a full product review on this stuff as well.

Any other new products I need to try!? Let me know!

The Ordinary Skincare Review

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Hello lemon-heads!

Today is an exciting day. A VERY exciting day.

Today marks the official first day of my adventures in a new skin care line! (not spons’d. i wish)

Never in MY LIFE have I been a one-brand girl. In fact, those of you out there who always buy the same exact soap, cereal, laundry detergent, etc., I ask you – WHY!? There is just too much variety out there for me to want to stick to THE SAME stupid brand each time. I prefer to mix it up and get a little crazy. Except when it comes to dry shampoo because YOU KNOW the best brand for that, obvs.

But when I caught wind that there was a skincare brand boasting powerful concentrations of quality ingredients with price points as low as $6, I was SHOOKETH.

Give me a bargain  or give me death, I always say. And while you’re at it, make it work.

After I wrote about how I wrecked my skin just shy of a year ago, I had all kinds of folks giving me all kinds of advice. “Don’t try lasers!” they said. “Try this $200 set!”, they said. And I was intrigued. I DO want the spots to fade, the lines to disappear. But at what cost? In my book, $200 for a 90-day supply of product just isn’t worth it. I’d rather go to Paris, or buy us a nice dinner out or maybe the 6-foot Pusheen plush at Fuego. Doing a laser treatment is also not off my radar but I am pretty much going to need a 100% guarantee that it will work.

So in the meantime, I decided to give The Ordinary a shot. This brand is now available on Sephora.com but I placed my order on deciem.com.

Here are the products I purchased and the reasons I purchased them:

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene

  • Should help fade my sun spots
  • Also helps fine lines and signs of ageing

I went with the Retinoid versus Retinol because I read that they are stronger. I decided on the highest percentage because my sun spots are pretty intense.

The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalene

  • Helps with hydration
  • Also great for my damaged hair

I decided on this product after reading multiple articles about how great it is. Plus, I like the word squalene :).

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

  • Amazing for hydration
  • Helps “plump” the skin

OF COURSE I got a hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is produced naturally but the production slows down over time. I have seen first-hand the amazing effects of hyaluronic acid and how glowy and plump it makes the skin appear.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%

  • Also helps with hyperpigmentation and spots

I purchased this one because of the high concentration of the active ingredients at 2%. The standard is 1% and Mama needs all the help she can get.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

  • Intense Hydrating  lotion

I wanted to try at least one product that was not an oil-based serum from the line and this lotion is regarded very highly. Also, you get 100 mls for less than $8!

Over the past few days of using these pups I can attest to their keen absorption into the skin, the wonderful absence of scent and the ease of the packaging.

And since I am so very excited to see how the results pan out, I am doing before and afters! So here is my BEFORE in all her eye goop and age spots, morning glory.

Let me know if YOU have tried any products from The Ordinary! I hear they make a nice foundation too :).

Bath & Body Works Haul

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Hello little dingo babies!

I don’t know about you, but I feel there are few greater things than a good sale. You see, I was raised in a household where we never even looked at regular priced items. The front of any store was basically off limits except for Goodwill. In adulthood I have realized that some things must be purchased at the regular price, but most things are attainable for less. Enter: BBW. One of my all-time favorites. Candles, triple-moisture body cream, wallflowers? I love them all. And a few times a year, they mark down all their sh*t. It is a lovely time of year known as the semi-annual sale.

The semi-annnual sale or SAS to any BBW aficionado is a great time indeed. We all race in, dig through giant bins of $3 hand soap, lotion and shower gel! Everything is coated in a thin layer of something that leaked at the bottom of the barrel but WE DON’T CARE. Give us that last, pumpkin cupcake room spray or GIVE US DEATH.

I digress.

Last year, my lovely betrothed gave me a $25 gift card to BBW for Christmas thinking I’d probably come home with a couple of candles, maybe a new fragrance set. HA. Little did he know just how far I can stretch a dollar at the SAS. FEAST YER EYES on this smorgesbord you guys. ALL purchased for just 30 bucks.

Proof:

I attribute a haul of this size and magnitude to sticking almost soley to items 75% off.

This made the wallflowers I bought just about $1.60 each. Aw yiss. In addition to the lovely spring scents below, I also got Marshmallow Fireside which is currently plugged in!

They also had wallflower plugs on sale for 75% off!

These came out to about $3 each and the bronzy one is also a nightlight!

Next – hand soaps. And BBW’s are the best. They smell good, they clean your hands and I also use them to clean my beauty sponges. I got a couple for the end of the year and a couple to enjoy now.

The fall/winter scents were 75% off, coming out to only $1.60 per bottle and the other two were $3 apiece.

I also found this cute honey handsoap which I’ll probably save for winter as well. It was in the $2 range :).

Next they had a wall of random small, one-wick candles for 75% off as well. They ended up coming out to being just a couple of dollars. Some of them were a little bit mucked up but I found three that smell amazing! Beach Cabana is one of my all-time favorite scents from BBW, I would have bought all them if they had more.

I also grabbed one of their wax melts to try in my Yankee warmer. This cost just cents.

I did walk out with a couple body care items for 75% off as well. I knew I was getting the marshmallow body wash because HELLO and when I saw this ROSE scented mousse-to-oil I was like aw yiss.

Using my $25 gift card meant that I left BBW only paying $5 out of pocket. Not bad for a lunchbreak’s work.

And check out the  length of this receipt!

 

 

HUGE Holiday/Collective Haul

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Hello sparkly unicorns!

I have SO many things to talk about today. Some are still awaiting a final verdict, some have yet to be tested and some I can provide an honest review on. Sohere. WE GO!

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Beauty Escape Set

Sister Megan thoughtfully gifted this lovely set to me for Christmas. In it, you get a mini Brazilian Crush Body Mist (my no. 1 reason for wanting it), a full-sized Bum Bum Cream as well as the Brazilian Kiss Lip Butter. The body mist is AMAZING and I am trying hard to conserve this stuff for the summer when I will literally DOUSE myself in it. I have yet to try the Bum Bum Cream but the lip butter is fantastic and HUGE.

Davines Oi Kit

My amazing hair stylist has got me hooked on Davines and my awesome sister-in-law Shannon got me this set from her beauty supply. It contains the Oi Shampoo & Conditioner as well as the All in One Milk. I have yet to try the milk, but LOVE the shampoo and conditioner when I need a good thorough wash after a 3-day dry shampoo bender. I love the way this stuff smells but not everyone does so I would recommend a quick sniff before purchasing.

Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in Ivory

Purchasing this powder was a long time comin’. I knew I liked it after trying it out a couple of years ago on my under eye area. Then I saw Emily Noel mention it in her Emily Awards and I knew I needed to go get it. Since it is marketed as a powder foundation the coverage is REAL nice and the texture is so velvety. I use it under my eyes and then anywhere else I want to highlight.

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift

The Amazonian Clay blush in Paaarty in this kit is BOMB. I have been using it nonstop!

EcoTools Stay Matte & Beautiful Brush Set

My mother-in-law to be got me a few beauty items for Christmas this year. I haven’t tried this set yet but EcoTools brushes are really good. Super soft and easy to clean. A+!

Real Techniques Miracle Remedy Sponges

OKAY. I absolutely LOVE these little babies. They are marketed as “touch up” sponges for on-the-go use but I really like them (the purple one especially) for application. I’ve applied my concealer with one for the last few days and it goes on flawlessly, no dampening needed. Also, the handle becomes the cap so they are absolutely PERFECT for travel. I am hooked. Thanks Lisa!

Wet’n’Wild MegaLast Nail Color

Always been a fan of Wet’n’Wild and Sinful Colors nail polish. This color is pretty unique and slightly purple in real life. Don’t forget the Out the Door Topcoat (the best one).

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

I intend to try EVERY since Essence mascara I do. So far I have tried the Volume mascara and really liked it, so I thought I’d give this one a shot. I have used it for the past few days and so far, it’s aight. I need a couple of weeks to properly review a mascara as I rarely like a fresh tube of ANY mascara but this one is pulling it’s weight. The formula is VERY wet so it is really easy to go overboard with it and end up with tarantula lashes. It isn’t too volumizing at this point either and I have been scraping the excess product off on the side and going in with it that way. I can also do a complete coat on the top and bottom without re-dipping. A little of this mascara goes A LONG WAY.

Mac Lipstick in Creme Cup

If you’ve been a long-time reader of this blog, you know the mutual love Creme Cup and I share. It is just the best lipstick color and formula for me EVER.

Daiyun BB Cover Cream

Favorite parts include: “mercilessly make the dark circles”, “overcome ills ‘grievance'” and obviously everything written under usage.

I saw this product featured on Lauren Curtis‘s YouTube channel awhile back and DUH, had to order it. Just LOOK AT THAT PACKAGING. Could it be cuter? I ordered both shades (1 &2) from Ebay and only paid about $7 for both. I decided to get both shades but really, could have cared less about the product itself. I did end up using it yesterday and I have to say….it AINT BAD. See pic below.

**Horrible overhead office lighting but also NO filters.

Not too shabby.

And that’s all I have for you today.

Peace, love, and leftover Christmas candy,

Natalie