Ulta & Bed Bath and Beyond Haul!

I guess you could call me an obsessive shopper..

A brand new Ulta opened up close to me, how could I not go?!

Benefit - The Sizzlin' Six - $27
This is a set of six travel sized very popular Benefit products that I personally have always wanted to try. I thought this would be a great set to try before committing to full sized products.

Dandelion: Brightening Face Powder 
Before I start, can I say that all Benefit products smell AMAZING but aren't too overpowering. This is a light pink slightly satin powder that can be used as a blush or a highlighter. This is a gorgeous powder that I adore and may have to splurge on the full size if this one runs out too quickly.  

Dandelion: Ultra Plush Lip Gloss
 Normally lip glosses aren't my favorite, but the texture of this is really different form many others  that I have tried. This is smooth, not sticky and looks amazing on.  

Benetint: Rose-Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain
I have wanted this SO badly and for SO long but I had wanted test how good it really was first. This really is a cool and different product for me so I really enjoyed playing around with it, but it came in such a tiny package which was really disappointing. 
Bad Gal Lash: MascaraThis mascara has a very large bristle wand which is good for defining lashes, but doesn't do a great deal of volumizing. This gives you a really natural look. This mascara, though is really great for layering with others, which is what I normally do anyway. 

Girl Meets Pearl: Liquid Pearl for Face
This liquid highlighter is pink toned with gold shimmers and when used correctly, can really brighten up your face. This is perfect for cheekbones, noses, or mixing a little bit with your foundation. 

the Porefessional: Pro Balm to Minimize the Appearance of Pores
Along with the Benetint this is a product I have been really wanting so I was SO excited to get it. This is such a creamy consistency but goes onto a powder finish once rubbed into the face. This really does fill in pores, so its perfect for a quick fix.

Dermalogica - Clear Start Toner All Over Toner - $19
I ran out of my other Dermalogica toner and I missed it too much. I needed to replenish. This doesn't seem to be making a huge difference, but it does make my skin less dry after washing so that is a definite plus. I am really looking into getting the whole line because I am obsessed with it.

Paul Mitchell - Smoothing Super Skinny Serum - $5.75
This was a quick impulse buy at the register (those always get me). This is an oil serum for calming down frizzy hair and I need all the help I can get. This is for when your hair is dry and a little too fluffy at the ends. I haven't really gotten a chance to play around with this too much because more often than not, I style my hair when it's wet.

Maybelline - Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Tinted Lip Balm - 40 Pink Me Up & 50 Soothing Sorbet - $2.99

I decided to pop into Bed Bath really quickly today with the sole purpose of checking these out. When I saw them on display right toward the front of the store I grabbed them, browsed around for a minute and I was on my way.
I'm actually in love with these. They feel minty and tingly on your lips, but it's not overpowering. The color is pretty sheer, but its still there which is perfect for constant reapplication. These are also perfect for super chapped lips thought out the cold fall and winter times.

September Ipsy!

This is a very exciting post because I've been waiting for this bag anxiously to come in the mail! 

This month's theme is Classic Beauty and I'd say that the products fit the theme very well. 

The bag: I really like this month's bag! I like the pattern on it and also really enjoy the colors of it. The colors are fall inspired but not an overwhelming amount. 

Nyx Single Eyeshadow in Pure Gold
$4.50 - Nyx
The bronze gold color is gorgeous! I would wear this color for sure. This shadow is soft and highly pigmented. It blends well. I wore this shadow today with a concealer and liner underneath it and it didn't stay on all day to be honest. I never have this problem so I was very confused.  

Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Rose Romance
$4.17 - Ulta
I am currently obsessed with lip products of this kind and am excited to try something other than my beloved Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. The color is a mauvey pink and is very nutral and subtle. It has a slightly minty smell and is a pretty color on. This is more opaque than the Gloss Balms and is still moisturizing.  

Its So Big Volumizing Mascara
$8 - Elizabeth Mott
This is my second travel sized mascara in a row, and I really don't mind that, especially so I can take them on the go. This mascara is very curling, defining, and doesn't clump. The formula is very wet and not sticky, which i really like for some reason. The wand has a regular bristle wand and has a shape that protrudes and inverts which helps focus on the inner and outer lashes which helps if, like mine, yours are very stubborn.  

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter
$18 - Chella
I'm excited about this product. This is a great concept. It glides on so smoothly with minimal pressure and blends well. This is matte and a very beautiful product. I don't know how much I'll actually use this product, maybe only for more dramatic looks. 

I have used this product every day this week and I love it! It is so convenient for me to not have to find an eyeshadow when I'm in a rush. 

Starlooks Kohl Eye Pencil in K01 Obsidian
$12 - Starlooks
I was least excited about this product to be honest. This is a good black eyeliner and stays on for most of the day, but not the WHOLE day. This is also great for beginners because it smudges easily, so if you mess up when applying this, you can smoke it out and diminish little mistakes. Although this smudges during application, it doesn't once it sets. This is a pretty good liner, it applies smooth and doesn't tug, but I don't find it to be anything too special.  

Total Value: $46.67
The prices are for how much product I received. Some products came in sets and some came  in travel sizes so I calculated the price as close as I could based on how much was sent to me in the bag.

What I wish I got:

Butter London Nail Lacquer in La Moss:
$15 - Butter London
I love these polishes and this oxblood color is absolutely GORGEOUS for the fall time.

Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple:
 $19 - Cailyn Cosmetics

This color is so pretty and fits really nicely with the theme. I am always looking for new lip products, especially now for the fall and winter time. 

CVS Haul!

While checking quickly through the Sunday paper, I found some REALLY good coupons to CVS, so I decided to take advantage of that and pick up a few things over the weekend. 

#1: Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Pencil in 005 Nude

$4.49 - CVS

I had heard a few good things about this eyeliner so I had to test it out for myself. Never trying a nude eyeliner before, I thought this would be great for highlighting and lining my waterline. This is a regular pencil liner, I wish it would be automatic, but that's just my preference.

Regardless, this is the BEST drugstore liner I've ever used. This is so creamy and glides and so smooth without having to apply pressure. It dries pretty quickly and does not smudge for anything. Also, this is very waterproof, so you don't have to worry about that. 

#2: Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 255 Jam Twist

$8.99 - CVS

Being a lover of these moisturizing, pigmented balms, I had to get another. This is my third one of these and I wanted to get a deeper color that is more acceptable for the fall time. (Besides my 3 coupons for Covergirl it was also buy 1 get 1 50% off soooo...) But, expecting this to be the deep oxblood/ purple color that it showed on the packaging, 

I was disappointed when it was a dark fuchsia and pretty sheer. It's still an ok color and I'll still wear it, I was just expecting a bit more color.

#3: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Perfume

$12.99 - CVS

A LOT of people love this perfume and when I saw it at CVS for my "Pick 3" I was astonished. I didn't even know CVS sold high end perfume.... Am I late on this? I mean I've spent about half of my life in that store, but I guess it was never really what I was looking for, so I was always indifferent about it. This perfume smells sweet, with a little bit of flowery, and a tiny hint of musky. It. Smells. So. Amazing. After my 5ml sample is done, I may have to find a way to buy the $90 full size... Anyway, I love this and the scent lingers all day. The scent description form the website is "With top notes of wild berries and juicy mandarin, gently tempered with honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. Underlying it are all warm tones of amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline." If thats not enough to win you over, the packaging is so cute and girly. 

#4: Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm in 210 #c u l8r

$5.99 - CVS

When looking at these prior to this visit to the store, I always just cringed and walked away. Nothing ever attracted me to them or made me want to get them. After heearing countless good reviews about these, I just gave in and decided to try something new. (I also needed another Covergirl product to get my 50% off so there was really nothing to lose.) This lip balm is super moisturizing, which is a big plus. This color is very pearly and glowy; it can be sheer, or built up to an opaque-ish pearly mauve- pink. Also, this smells like Jolly Ranchers, lollipops and all things sweet and sugary. I'm so so happy I tried this out, Covergirl is really impressing me lately! 

Bath Time!

Although I don't have much time to relax, I decided to unwind today with a calming bubble bath. Here's a few of my bath time essentials. 

First, to set the ambiance and create a sweet aroma.

Cotton Candy Soy Candle

This cotton candy soy candle that I found at  Target for around $10. This has a really light, but sweet fragrance that sends a hint of sugar into your nose. 

Next, to make the bubbles.

Philosophy Orange Pineapple Smoothie

This sweet and tangy citrus smelling shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, is perfect for the bath. It cleanses your body and creates a frothy layer of bubbles on the surface of the water.

This is actually discontinued but there are so many other Philosophy washes to choose from.
Sephora

To wash my face... 
I first mix the two cleansers on the Clarisonic and scrub them on my face for a full cycle. I leave this on for about three minutes and then rinse it off. 
I then rub the masque on my face and leave it on for the remainder of the bath.

Clarisonic PLUS
$225 - Clarisonic
This deep cleansing scrub brush cleans deep inside of your pores and gets ALL the dirt an oil out. This is also feels so relaxing on your skin. 

Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off
This facial wash is very potent and works especially well for younger skin. This takes away so much oil from your face you can feel the difference after just one wash.

Dermalogica recently revamped the line and is now called "Clear Start" the equivalent to the product is the "Foaming Wash".
$19 - Dermalogica

Dermalogica Medibac Clearing Skin Wash
$35 - Dermalogica
This wash is better for more mature skin than the previous. It contains two types of acids to clear breakouts and kill bacteria that may be lingering on the skin. This helps to stop breakouts before they start.

Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque
$45 - Dermalogica
This clay mask detoxifies skin and has the most amazing cooling affect. My skin feels fresh, clean, and cool while wearing this. 

To treat the hair...

Once my hair is shampooed, I run this through my hair, excluding the roots, and put my hair up into a top knot. I leave this until the very end of my bath and then rinse it out. 

Organix Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Hydrating Keratin Masque
$7.99 - Ulta
This masque hydrates and replenishes damaged hair and smells like coconuts. This also helps to reduce frizz, makes hair sleeker, and less puffy. 

To get out and dry off...

After relaxing with a good book, I got out of the bath to prevent turning into a human prune. I quickly dried off with a towel then put on this cute yellow bathrobe.  

Juicy Couture Velour Robe
Juicy Couture
I got this robe on super sale at the Juicy Couture outlet I think i paid somewhere between $30 and $40 for it which is a great price. This robe is soft and I know it will last me a long time.

August Favorites!

 September has finally rolled around (ugh) and it's time to tell you all the things I've been loving for the month of August.  

#1: Bath and Body Works - Sea Island Cotton Fragrance Mist 

$6 - Bath and Body Works

Reccomended to me by a friend about a year ago, I've had this for a while. This is the best summer fragrance, but its honestly acceptable for all times of year. This scent is so fresh and clean smelling with the perfect hint of sweet. Starting the summer off with an almost full bottle, its now pretty much... empty. 

 #2: Covergirl - Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 Watermelon Twist

$6.94 - Walmart

This sheer tinted lip balm is the perfect summer color and its not an overwhelming pink. This is definitely buildable. This is so moisturizing and looks great on its own or with a similar colored gloss over it. This has been my go to color all summer especially because it is so moisturizing and glossy, but its also one of my favorite colors. 

#3: Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream
$15.99 - Yes To 
As I had never been a user of an eye cream before, I was very interested in trying one out. While browsing around at Ulta at the end of July, this one caught my eye with its cute summery packaging. When using this, you have to be pretty consistent using it, or you wont get the full effect. If you use this two times a day as instructed, you will see results in a week. This also helps to get rid of those little crows feet on the side of your eyes. This also smells so amazing, like a sweet, tangy citrus. Your complexion will be perfection.

#4: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent
$3.97 - Walmart
This powder is exactly what you need for a quick fix on those oily summer days. This translucent powder is great for pressing into pores and absorbing oil. I don't know about anyone else, but my skin is a mess in the summer. When it was impossible to wash my face in the middle of the day, I pulled this out and it made the world of a difference. This powder is also really good for setting foundation or concealer so your makeup isn't dripping off of your face, but it doesn't give you a cake face. 

#5: Sun Bum SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm 
$3.99 - Sun Bum
I'm one of those people who can't stand the taste of sunscreen, especially if its in my lip balm. Since the sun shows no mercy, you're still going to have to wear sunscreen if you're out in the heat, even on your lips. This lip balm, although having a high SPF, doesn't taste the least bit like sunscreen, only a sweet, tropical coconut. Don't forget the fact that its incredibly moisturizing, and fixes dry lips in a pinch. 

#6: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
$8.44 - Target
A brush like I've never seen before, I am totally obsessed with this. The bristles are so soft, but the brush is very densely packed. This is perfect for applying foundation, blending in concealer, or dusting and pressing in powder. This brush does it all. 

Drugstore Pick 3 & Reviews: August

I thought it would be nice to try out a fun little series on my blog, and what's more fun than makeup shopping? For this post, I went to the drugstore, not knowing exactly what to get, picked up three products and reviewed them. I'm thinking of doing these once a month. 

Rimmel- Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in #11
$5.49 - CVS
✰✰✰

I've recently been looking at the Kate Moss lipsticks for a while, never being able  to find a color I particularly liked. When I saw this color at a quick run to the drugstore a few days ago, I was very drawn to it.

When looking at the actual lipstick, it looks like a dark red/ burgundy color which I really enjoy for the fall season. When swatted, it remains pretty true to the actual color. The color in the picture is a little off (It's actually much darker). The finish is shiny and glossy and the lipstick glides on very smoothly. The color is pretty buildable; when worn over a balm, it comes out pretty sheer but with enough swipes of this, you can get a really dark and pretty burgundy color. Its also pretty moisturizing, but I would still recommend wearing a bit of lip balm underneath it so your lips don't dry out.

One more thing... as soon as I opened this I noticed that this lipstick had a particular scent, which smells pretty strongly like artificial berries and a little bit like medicine, which is gross. The smell ruined a great possible product for me. Because of this, I will not use this lipstick. I'm not sure I can get past this. By the way, I asked other people to smell it, so its not just me.

Besides the smell, this is a pretty good product. I would definitely recommend smelling it in the store before spending your money on this.

Hi again! I'm trying this lipstick on the next day, and it doesn't smell bad once you put it on. Still berry sweet, but no medicine. I'm raising it to three stars because it really is a gorgeous cool toned red velvet color. Another downside to this is that is gets everywhere! It some how managed to make its way onto my hands and computer screen. I probably will end up giving this another shot.
~xo   

NYC- Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
$2.79 - CVS
✰✰✰✰
I had been looking for a good bronzer for a contour and decided on this one after my last drugstore bronzer which was a huge failure. I had heard many good things about this bronzer prior to buying it today.

This bronzer is completely matte and is amazing to contour. When I first opened, looked, and swatched it I was really upset because I thought it would be too light on my olivey skin tone. When I attempted to swatch this on my hand, it blended right in to my skin, hence the lack of swatch. When I took my brush and contoured my face with this, it was subtle, but looked amazing! I am so impressed with this. This bronzer would work for olive skin and anything lighter. You can use this as an allover tan or as a contour. Especially for the fall time, I tend to shy away from shimmer on the face and go for a more matte look, so this is great for that. 

This is a great product for the fall time, or any time you need a little bronzing. I will get a lot of use out of this product for sure, and the price is great. 

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara
$8.79 - Target
✰✰✰✰
One of the reasons I picked up this product was because Physician's Formula is not normally a brand that I search if I'm popping into the drugstore. The other is that there was a great deal on it. If you happen to be at CVS, all Physician's Formula is buy $10 and get $6 extrabucks. You're welcome ;) This product is a bit more on the expensive side, which is why I was never really looking to get it but since I was getting something out of it, I thought, "Why not?" 

This mascara is organic as it says in the name. It helps if you have easily irritated eyes or skin. This mascara will probably be my go to during Spring allergy season. This mascara is  worked really well from the first application. It lengthened and curled my lashes adding volume and definition. i had to comb them out a little, but that didn't bother me too much. I think this mascara would be great for layering with others because it doesn't make your lashes crispy and hard. 

Overall, I really like this product because it applies beautifully and gives my lashes an amazing affect and doesn't make them clumpy. 

Drugstore Dupe: Stila Smudge Pot & Maybelline Color Tattoo

When shopping for makeup, some people think, "The more expensive, the better it is, right?" 

Not necessarily! Despite what people may believe, you can find some real gems at the drugstore. 

        Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten & Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige                                                    

$20 - Stila                                 $5.94 - Target

Let's take a closer look at these two  cream eyeshadows. The packaging is the same, with different labels, placed in thick glass jars with black lids. They have the same amount of product in each jar (.14 oz/ 4g). Both are also made in the USA. When touched and swatched, both have a creamy, easy glide on formulation. The Stila Smudge Pot feels more densely packed and the Maybelline color tattoo, more plush. 

When swatched, the two look very similar. The Maybelline Color Tattoo is more glowy and shiny, but the Stila smudge pot is more sparkly. Because of the slightly different formulation, the Maybelline Color Tattoo applies a little thicker. I left the swatches on my hand for the rest of the day, and they have the exact same staying power.

The Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige is a great dupe for the Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten. The packaging, color, and formulation are very similar, and is almost as good of quality.

Disclaimer: These are in fact my pictures, I recently changed the name of my blog.

Back to School Makeup Starter Kit

With the school year right around the corner (or it being already here), you're going to need some makeup to help you stay pretty from Fall to Spring.

Here's your starting lineup:

Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals Original spf 15 Powder FoundationThis lightweight but buildable powder foundation is perfect for all skin types. This can be used as a setting powder or as a natural, full coverage foundation on its own. This is formulated without any parabens or other harmful chemicals that can break you out and clog your pores.
$27- Bare Escentuals

Maybelline - Fit Me Concealer
This amazing and affordable concealer can be found at any drugstore near you. This is as great a product for covering dark under eye circles as it is for concealing blemishes and dark spots. This would be a medium to heavy coverage concealer and it blends in to fit your skin tone very nicely.
$5.49- Target

Urban Decay - Naked Basics Palette
This all matte eyeshadow palette contains six highly pigmented shadows that are meant to be combined with other shadows to start off any eye look. There are countless eye looks that can be created with the six gorgeous colors in this palette alone. Although this product seems to be a bit of an investment, each individual shadow comes out to be $4.50 each, and that isn't a bad price at all.
$27- Urban Decay

Maybelline - Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara
Each end of this mascara wand was created to specialize in each set of lashes, upper and lower. The wand for upper lashes curls, lengthens, separates,and volumizes without clumping up or creating spidery looking lashes. The lower lash wand defines, darkens, and lengthens lower lashes just the right amount.
$6.94- Walmart   

Maybelline - Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow
These pigmented cream shadows are super creamy and blendable. These are amazing for lazier days and can be worn alone on the lid. Or, for more statement looks, they can be used as a base for under other shadows.
Pictured: Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded
$5.94- Target 

Stila - Smudge Crayon / Smudge Stick Eye Liner
These liners glide on so smoothly without tugging on your eyelid or waterline. They are very pigmented and the formula is sure to last you all day. And if you're looking for a more smokey line, they blend with ease.
Pictured: Smoke, Umber, and Black
$20 each- Stila

EOS - Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
These all natural lip balms are meant to moisturize both lips with one swipe. These adorable lip balms smell and taste amazing while keeping your lips soft and refreshed.
Pictured: Strawberry Sorbet and Passion Fruit  
$2.99- Target

Maybelline - Color Whisper by Color Sensational

These moisturizing lip products are the combination of a lipstick and tinted lip balm, with the perfect amount of glossy color. You can build up the color payoff from sheer to almost opaque. With Twenty colors, you'll be sure to find one you like. 

Pictured: Petal Rebel and Cherry on Top

$5.94 - Target