Morphe Brushes Store Haul

June 17, 20163 Comments

Am I on a role with these hauls, or AM I ON A ROLE WITH THESE HAULS!?

As you all know by now, or maybe not, I went to Disneyland with my BF Dah-vide! And Universal! And I got to stay with THEE world’s most amazing and cutest family everrr.

And on our way back from Disneyland on Sunday, he did me a solid and drove to Morphe Brushes in Burbank, California.

I fell asleep with my frowned mouth open on the way there and about hyperventilated when we pulled up to Morphe. David waited 25 patient minutes in the car for me, as I sleepily shuffled around the store in a daze with like 30 other beauty-obsessed gals as techno music pumped. I was sweaty, nervous, completely overwhelmed and STUPIDLY left my shopping list for which brushes I wanted at home. DOH!

I ended up googling Jaclyn Hill and Manny MUA’s favorites and then just going off feel. Here are the brushes I ended up getting:

M441

M433

M497

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I also nabbed some individual lashes

and these bottom lashes for when I feel like lookin’ like a baby doll.

I then picked up a couple of things from L.A Girl on a TOTAL whim:

L.A Girl Velvut Blush Contour Stick in Cuddle and the Glazed Lip Paint in Peony

Lip Paint on top, Blush Stick on bottom

Lip Glaze on me

Annnnnd lastly (drumroll please!) I got the iconic Morphe 350 palette!!!

Like I said, I was totally overwhelmed. If I had an entire afternoon, I would have probably gotten a few more brushes, contemplated the Model in a Bottle setting spray and tried on more of the Jeffree Star liquid lipsticks (I alllmost bought Rose Matter). They DID have the Jeffree Star mint-green skin frost but were sadly sold out of all the other colors, including the shade Ice Cold, which I DESPERATELY want.

GIANT ULTA HAUL

June 10, 20163 Comments

I felt like making the title of this blog post as much like the title of a YouTube video as possible.

And SPEAKING of YouTube…I was burying myself in some more weird-ass videos the other day. You guys know how I do. One day it’s people obsessed with those claw machines at Wal-Mart and the next it’s people who pay large sums of money for eerily realistic, anatomically correct silicon baby dolls. These people make videos as if the baby is alive…feeding them, changing their diaper, waking them up from a nap. I was enamored. I still am.

So right – yes – an Ulta haul! I had a $50 gift card from my birthday burning a hole in pocket and I knew I wanted to wait to use it until summer time. No easy feat my friends. Here is what I selected:

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum in Medium

I decided to give the serum a shot after reading good reviews. I have been a long-time fan of the Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion for it’s good color and easy application but I literally cannot STAND the glitter. This doesn’t seem to have any glitter and I love that it is a quick-dry formula. I will keep you all posted on how I like it!

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist

Ulta had a BOGO on these L’oreal self tanners so i decided to pick this one up as well, as I have never tried it before. I find that most aerosol self-tanners yield far less uses than a lotion, gel or mousse, but they are SO easy to use. I plan to try this one out ASAP because I am going on a special trip this weekend ;).

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk

Thank the LORD Ulta started carrying Soap & Glory!!!! I am addicted to so many of their products and when I noticed this product was available online (not sure about in-store) I knew I needed it. I am basically out of the Shiseido Cleansing Fluide that I got several months ago so the timing was perf. I am SO excited about this and I LOVE that it has a pump.

Soap & Glory Body Sprays in Original Pink and Smoothie Star

YOU GUYS. I literally peed my pants when I saw these on the Ulta website. Ever since S&G left Sephora and they discontinued their perfume, I have been devastated. NO JOKE I have considered ordering the scent on ebay. So when I saw they were selling body sprays in their addictive, wonderful, unique scents I knew I needed both of them. PLUS they were only $6 a pop and they actually last decently long so I am just OVERJOYED I have these!

Ulta Brand Makeup Blending Sponge Duo

I bought these pups on a recommendation from Casey Holmes but then I talked to my sister last week and she said they are NOT good. So they are probs going back because I trust Meggy’s opinion on makeup application tools implicitly.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer

Ever since Jaclyn Hill RAVED about this bronzer, I knew I had to have it. It went on sale for $8.99 on Ulta.com and I debated whether or not to get the light color, or the bronze color. I am glad I went with the bronze color because it is perfect! It also smells how I think Adriana Lima smells. OMG I am so excited to cover my face with this stuff!

Makeup Revolution Cream Contour Palette

SO. I have been wanting a cream contour palette for awhile now. I knew I wasn’t going to shell out the money for the Anastasia or Kevin Aucoin one, and after watching TONS of reviews on the NYX, Elf and Makeup Revolution ones respectively, I decided to go with this one. I swatched a few of the colors right away and they are a thinner consistency which is good. I must do more testing to figure out if this is any good and of course, I will let you know!

NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Dance the Tides

I have been on the hunt for some richer, warm shades as I find they really compliment blue eyes. When I read somewhere that this color was a dupe for Mac’s saddle, I HAD to get it and after one swatch I already know it’s going to be MONEY buffed into the crease.

Free Gift: Redken Beach Envy Samples

Dont you just love free things!? I am really pumped to try all these guys, especially the leave-in treatment and beach volume spray.

I also got a Cargo Cosmetics bag filled with deluxe sized samples that I forgot to photograph:(. However, here are some of the products I got:

I haven’t heard the best things about the new Honest skin care line but like, how bad can a hydration mist be?

I am SO pumped to try this setting spray with SPF from Coola! I really like this brand and think it’s genius that someone finally came out with a setting spray with SPF.

The whole “fat girl slim” thing to me is a bit of a hoax. I mean, you can’t get skinnier by spraying a product on your thighs or else the whole world would look like Gigi Hadid. However, I am a big fan of tinted body mists (like Airbrush Legs from Sally Hanson) because I am very, very white.

Lastly, I got a sample of this self tanner from Tarte, which I have previously purchased the full size of. I am not a huge fan of this stuff. It has an olive base which doesn’t jive with m’undertones as much a red-based tanner. Nonetheless, I will be using it.

And that’s all ~~she~~ I wrote! Let me know new products YOU have purchased lately!

Wet’n’Wild Lost in the Wildflowers 2016 Collection

May 11, 20161 Comment

Goooooood morning my loves!

This post will involve a bit of a story time on how I procured the items mentioned, as well as my initial thoughts. So let’s get this party started.

Over the past month, I had seen the odd post here or there with these new Wet’n’Wild highlighters and I really thought nothing of it. I thought I would see them pop up at Fred Meyer or Walgreens, much like the new contour palettes and eyeliners they added to the collection. Then I started reading comments and realized that people were going NUTS over these highlighters and that there was a whole limited edition collection accompanying them. And then I got voracious.

Sister Megan was also on the hunt for this collection and had already been every Walgreens and Fred Meyer store in her area, so I figured I should do the same. I called a few of the Walgreens stores and was not surprisingly answered with much confusion — “You’re looking for what? Well we got Maybelline here.” YEAH. NO.

I decided it prudent to just drive around to all the Walgreens stores and berate the employees until they literally just let me into the stock room myself. The first one proved unfruitful after a helpful young woman assured me there were no Wet’n’Wild boxes in the back and their trucks usually came on Fridays. Next, I hit another Walgreens and Fred Meyer and left empty-handed and discouraged. I decided to try one more Walgreens on my way home (one that I had already called) just to see if maybe they missed it.

I went in and the hot pink haired gal told me she did see a Wet’n’Wild box in the back and that she would go get it for me. I was elated and totally surprised that my relentlessness had paid off! I shot a quick text to Megan and waited patiently for my goodies. But then, something caught my eye. A small glimmer from the bottom of a lowly shelf…Like a tractor beam, I was drawn in and delighted to discover the very collection I was looking so hard for COMPLETELY UNTOUCHED.

I dove in and immediately starting picking up the products and audibly squealing. I called Megan and she joined in. I scooped the ENTIRE display (well not quite, but almost) into a basket and headed to the register where I had to remind the gal that Wet’n’Wild was in fact, BOGO 50% off. I ended up waltzing outta there $30 poorer but rich in loveliness. I had also taken care of Meg’s mothers day present so WIN-WIN!

Here was the final haul:

I kept the following products:

Megaglo Multi-Stick in Carnational Anthem

I also got the color Light Up My High-Biscus, but I allllready can’t find it. But here is a picture of it I pilfered from ebay:

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Megaglo Highlighting Powders in Crown of my Canopy and Precious Petals

Here I am waiting for the train wearing Precious Petals: #thathighlighttho

Coloricon Metallic Liquid Lipstick in My Tulips are Sealed

Overall I am VERY happy with this collection. All the colors I got are SO ME – peachy and shimmery. They did bring out some deeper, bolder liquid lipsticks but those shades just aren’t m’thang. I am loving the highlighters and can’t wait to slap on the deeper color (Crown of my Canopy) when I have more of a tan.

If you can get yer paws on these babies – DO IT.

Benefit Cheekathon Palette Review

April 27, 20162 Comments

Hello lemonheads!

When something is too good of a deal, I have a hard time passing it up. I once almost bought dog food because it was on such a big clearance and I DON’T EVEN HAVE A DOG. The struggle is so very real, my friends. So when this palette came out, I knew she had to be mine. I first happened upon it at the Benefit Counter as Macy’s where the salesperson assured me it would exclusively only be sold. LIES. Not a week later, I saw it pop up at my lunchtime Sephora and so I grabbed myself one. (i say lunchtime Sephora because I go there on my lunch break about 3x per week. the sales people know not to talk to me anymore. i blast Drake in my headphones, shimmy around and leave a veritable swatch monster).

FEAST YOUR EYES KITTENS…

5. Count them – 5 full-sized blushes for $58. Not a bad deal when you consider that each of these pups are $29 each. I have wanted Rockateur and Coralista for a long time, but after wearing this a couple of times I am LIVING for Dandelion. Go fig.

I really tried to make these swatches look like the beauty gurus do but alas, my transparent hands with bulbous veins would not allow it. Thus, we are left with sub-par, weak swatches and for that, dear readers, I apologize. I guess we all have to take what we can get.

Currently Coveting: Spring Edition

April 15, 2016Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again!

That magical time, when warmer weather begs for BB creams, bronzed lotions and oh yeah, I guess flowers bloom too. When I think of spring and summer, I think of poppy-colored lips, coppery shoulder blades and bright pink nails. Vacations to to the lake, Bud Light Limes and sundresses come in at a close second.

As I gear myself up for the warmer weather, I cannot help but covet each and every product that appeals to the California-girl in me. The following are at the top of my list!

SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL

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I have wanted this cream-gel bronzer FOREVER. My sister bought it for her wedding and I use it err’ time I am at her house. It’s just lovely on pale skin and SO natural looking. Not gonna lie either, I would appreciate having this bougie-ness gracing the top of my vanity.

TARTE TWINKLE PALETTE

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I have about 1,000 beautiful highlighting powders already but dammit – I want this one too! I put it on at Sephora about a week ago and then FaceTimed with my sister and she was like “WHAT IS ON YOUR CHEEKBONES!?” So basically, I need it.

Josie Maran Whipped Body Butter

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I have talked about my chicken skin on more than one occasion here guys. I have always wanted to try this body butter because it doesn’t contain certain ingredients that tend to irritate my skin. It might be time to bite the bullet and shell out the $35 for this stuff.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose

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I am embarrassed to admit that I want a product from Juicy Couture. I sent the good ol’ hot pink velour sweat-suit to Goodwill a few years ago and thought I had bid adieu to this brand for realsies. But then, I saw this sparkling, ROSE-scented (my favorite scent everrrr) bottle of majesty and realize I NEED.

Fake Bake 60-Minute Self Tan Liquid

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I have the original formula of this stuff and really enjoy how easy it goes on. I want to try out the 60-minute version because, hello! It is ready to go in one hour? Yes please!

Gilmore Girls Tee Shirt

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Not a beauty item, I know but I NEED THIS. I am contemplating ordering it now because not owning a Gilmore Girls shirt is something I simply cannot live without. I may also get a Luke’s Diner ball cap to wear backwards.

Sephora and Drugstore Haul

March 25, 2016Leave a comment

Greetings dumpling-faces!

You guys are familiar with how I do things on here by now. I buy some crap from the drugstore or Sephora, or Ulta and I talk to y’all about it. Sometimes, (I’d say about 30% of the time) I end up returning things. I have begun to realize that lots of people have anxiety over returning things and I am here to tell you – IT’S OKAY! If you are spending over $1 on a meekup item and don’t like it, TAKE IT THE F BACK. Why keep a $9, $20, $38 lipstick that makes your teeth look yellow? Most drugstores, like Walgreens and Rite Aid have a money-back guarantee. Keep your receipt, take it back, tell them it made your teeth look yellow and you’re done. They don’t care about the reason if you have your receipt. Same thing at Ulta and Sephora. ALSO, the lovely thing about Sephora is YOU KEEP YOUR POINTS. Yes. I have racked up over 500 points in just 6 months because I buy things, try them out and return them if they aren’t exactly what I want. Nobody should pay over $20 for a sub-par makeup item that they’ll never use. It is a sacrilege, if you ask me.

Sorry for the rant and on to the haul!

Drugstore Items:

Covergirl Supersizer Mascara

Like, duh. You guys new this was coming after my not-so-good experience with the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir. So happy to have the magic potion back on m’lashes.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Vacation Time

Sinful Colors NP is $1.99 and sticks around longer than OPI, Essie, Butter or Deborah Lippman. It stays chip-free for about 4 days which is NUTS. I have pretty much every color that suits me and I was delighted to discover this color, which is basically Kylie Jenner lips as a nail polish.

Eco Tools Deluxe Fan Brush and Custom Coverage Buffing Brush

These pups were buy one get one 50% off at Ulta and I have been DYING for a fan brush lately. I see everyone applying highlighter with a fan brush and while I would love to order one from Morphe, this one was $8 and right it front of me. So far, I really love the fan brush – it is super soft and applies highlight exactly how I want. The buffing brush is just aight tho – the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is much better if you ask me.

Elf Blending Brush

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I watched Kathleen Lights do a video where she used this brush and I immediately knew I wanted it. I looked at the Elf website and it was out of stock, so I tweeted the company as I usually do. NO REPLY. Then, I went to Target over the weekend and noticed a huge display of the new Elf skincare products and figured I would mozy over for a looksie. Elf did bring out a whole new range of things, all at $6 mark but sadly, I didn’t see the blending brush. I walked over to the Elf section and was just perusing the usual things when I spotted the brush in a weird, low location! I literally squealed in the makeup aisle.

Maybelline Better Skin Concealer

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If you read my recent post on my favorite concealers, you know this one takes top honors. This is my second tube and I am obsessed.

Sephora Items:

Sephora Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water

I found out about this stuff via the internets and am REALLY glad I found it, because it is awesome. During the winter months especially, I like to sport as much of a face-tan as I can get away with. Due to my ghastly complexion, this means most self tanners are totally out of the question because they are MUCH too dark. Also, applying a thicker self tanning lotion to the face always leaves me feeling gross. I LOVE this stuff because it is just like using a toner. I use a cotton round to dispense a tiny bit of product and apply it directly to the areas of my face that I would using bronzer (sides of the forehead, hollows of the cheeks, etc.). I use it in the morning and at night until the desired color is achieved, and for me, that took about 5-6 applications.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

I have been wanting to try this stuff FOREVER but Sephora has been sold out FOREVER. Initially, I wanted to try the baking technique with it, but I really don’t think baking is for me…I am dry and have fine lines. I feel like we should leave the baking to the youngins. However, so far I reallllly like setting my under eye concealer with this, using a flat foundation brush. It really is brightening!

My Favorite Concealers

March 17, 20161 Comment

Today, we are discussing a product that is very near and dear to my heart.

Concealer!

Oh, concealer – what would I do without you?

For me, concealer is mainly used as an under-eye product. I tend to rely on my foundation to do the heavy lifting in terms of coverage and evening out my skin tone, and I rarely use concealer on my face unless I get a zit or something. This is not to say however, that I do not NEED concealer on my face because one could easily argue that I do. I have freckles and a few serious age/sun spots that could definitely constitute massive concealer use, but pancake-face is a serious offense in my book and one I am not looking to commit. My face is flawed, I have a snaggle tooth and a droopy eyelid, but guess what? It’s okay.

That being said, the hard-core Scandinavian-ness of my pale skin and probs not-so-stellar diet means I have under-eye circles. Not bags. Just dark, purple-ish tones under there, and really, they aren’t horrible. A nice concealer usually does the trick for me, but as I get older, I have found that certain ones settle into-fine lines, crease on me or, horror of horrors – dry out. Thus I have unearthed what I feel to be the best. Or at least, the best for me. And here. They. Are.

DRUGSTORE

Gold Medal: Maybelline Better Skin Concealer

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This earns the gold medal for being such a great all-around product. It is brightening, hydrating, provides good coverage and best of all – doesn’t crease. It is like $8 and is probs my favorite concealer right now, even more than the high-end ones. It doesn’t have CRAZY coverage like the Bye Bye Undereye or the Mac, but it is SO easy to apply (doe-foot wand as opposed to a squeezy tube or pump) and blends out like a dream.

Silver Medal: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

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This one is such a great concealer. The packaging is truly innovative and pretty fun to use. The consistency of the product is nice and thin and blends out awesome. It doesn’t have the best coverage, but if you don’t have crazy undereye circles, you would absolutely love this one.

Bronze Medal: Sonia Kashuk HIdden Agenda Palette

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This little palette from Target is awesome because it has three different shades and then a nice setting powder. The reason I don’t re-purchase this too often is that I tend to only go through one of the shades and it seems a bit pointless to buy the whole thing for only one shade. The formula, however is very nice. They are creamy, rich and provide great coverage.

HIGH-END

Gold Medal: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

This is truly an amazing undereye concealer and performs much the same as the Better Skin one mentioned above. It might be a bit more coverage, but I still like the Maybelline one better because it STILL LOOKS GOOD at 5 pm when I get off work. Also, this one is almost $30, which means I can’t rampantly repurchase as I’d like to.

Silver Medal: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye

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This stuff packs a SERIOUS punch. It has intense coverage and is awesome for the following circumstances: a.) hangovers b.) daylight savings time c.) staying up too late watching Girls. The formula is very thick and takes a bit of work to blend out. I like to use my ring finger especially with this one, because the warmth from my hand heats up the product and makes easier to blend. I really love this concealer, but it can be a bit much for everyday use.

Bronze Medal: Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer

What holds me back from absolutely loving this concealer is the packaging. The formula is super thin but gives CRAZY good coverage. However, I find the tiny little pump to be quite challenging. I either pump out waaaaaay too much or not enough. I tend to use this one in the same situations that I would use Bye Bye Undereye for, or when I am going all-out glam. I love applying this one with a beauty blender and find that a little goes a long way. Again, I just love this stuff but it isn’t super easy to work with.