Thursday, April 7, 2016

March 2016 Top 5 & More!


A little but what can you do? Life happens. Another fun month on hand! Let's get to it!

Top 5


Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

This palette was a fun surprise. I mentioned in my Palette Madness post that this palette really wasn't on my hit list. The more I saw it, my feelings changed and it ended up in my hands. I really enjoyed using this palette. I could do a complete look (to my liking) only using this palette. It's a very nice palette. It's an easy to use palette. I may travel with in a few months.

Colour Pop TooLips

Colour Pop released Ultra Satin Lips and some new lip liners in coordinating shades. I picked up both the Ultra Satin lippie and lip liner in TooLips. It is described as deepened plum brown. I read the description and said bwah?? I saw it on someone with a deeper skin tone and said SOLD! To me it's a unique shade and on me it is a deeper nude lip for me. The Ultra Satin Lips are not drying. They do transfer but also have good staying power on the lips. I have my eye on Lyin' King (saturated raspberry) next.

Silk Elements Mega Cholesterol Conditioning Treatment

I saw this on a blog post by Hairlicious, Inc. She has some beautiful hair! I was at Sally's to return some ideas but decided to an exchange instead. I got this along with some other Silk Elements items. I've been using this since my last hair appointment in February and I really like it. You get a ton of product and it's inexpensive. I put it on after I wash my hair. I put a plastic cap on and I sit under a heated cap for 30 minutes. When I rinse it out, I can easily comb my hair and it feels nicely hydrated.

Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara

I saw this on Tarte's Snapchat. It's their newest mascara and they were mentioning that it was sold out and they were working to get more in stock. I was curious on how it sold out so quickly. When it was back in stock on their site, I ordered it. When I cracked open the tube to try it, I was like oh oh ooooooohhhhhh!!!! I love Lights, Camera, Lashes and the Gifted mascara. I didn't think they could top them but they did with this one. This lengthens and curls your lashes like nobody's business. I'm talking with just one coat, you can build some serious lashes With two coats, forget about it! I rarely write reviews for products on brand sites, I wrote a review on their site for this mascara. They had a St. Patrick's Day promo going on and I ordered another tube. It's not a game. I was poking around on Sephora's website and it's now listed. I'm waiting on them to bring a duo to QVC and I'm grabbing that joker on auto delivery if I can. If you're looking for a new mascara to try then check this one out. Tarte is now my go to brand for mascara (if I want to spend a little more on a mascara).

Josie Maran Argan Oil Unscented Body Collection

I've mentioned that my face is oily. From the chest down, I am dry dry dry! If I don't use the right products then Houston we have a problem! I've been trying this and that for body moisturizers. This set has been on my radar to pick up for a while now. I got it from QVC. It comes with a Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream and a Argan Balm. I've already tried the balm and the body butter before. The body butter was scented. It was an ok scent but I loved consistency on the body butter and it's very moisturizing. I can use it from the chest down with no issues. When I saw this unscented set, I said gimme! The hand cream is very nice. It absorbs into the skin but your hands are not greasy and you're not leaving fingerprints on stuff that you touch. This set was available on auto delivery but I missed out on it. I'm hoping it's available again or that she has an unscented TSV. QVC does sell the unscented body butter outside of this set. It's not on the Josie Maran website or Sephora's website which I think it odd. As along as I can get it from somewhere I'm good.

Yays!


Serious Skincare Pure Peptide Double Up Duo

Serious Skincare got me yet again! This duo was a Today's Special on HSN. The duo included the Pure Pep Concentrate and the Pure Pep Cream Riche. I got the email about it and was like ok. I've tried the Pure Pep Fading Fluid and I did like it. I watched the last presentation of the day and they got me lol! As always my thought process was that ok I'll try it and if I don't like it, it can go back. During the presentation the rep and HSN host said something to the effect that peptides "know" how to address what your skin needs. I said huh? *insert strong side eye*. I read the individual reviews on the each product and they were pretty good overall. When I first saw the gel consistency of the Concentrate, I thought this isn't going to absorb into more skin but it did. I wasn't expecting much from the cream. I have been using this two at night and my skin feels super some and looks a lot brighter. My foundation application has been a lot smoother and I feel like I don't need as much foundation. Another good addition to my skincare routine.

Serious Skincare Olive Oil Replenishing Body Oil

This was a surprise gift in the Serious Skincare Beauty Bash Retinol Age-Defy Kit. I randomly tried it one evening after taking a shower and I was like oooohhh. It's not super greasy and nicely hydrates the skin. I also like the smell. It's a fresh scent. I can see myself getting another bottle when I'm done with this one.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup

I have been curious about this foundation for YEARS! But the darkest shade was a tan shade. On Snapchat, I saw that they were releasing 3 deeper shades to the line. That got my attention. I saw the Chestnut shade in CVS but wasn't sure if it would be a match for me. When I had a 20% off coupon for CVS, I said why not. When I got home I held up the bottle to Covergirl Queen All Day Flawless foundation in Mocha and it was a DEAD ON match bottle to bottle. I applied it on a Saturday and was like oh oh oh I think we have match! I saw a friend later on that morning and asked her how did it look. She took a step back and said it didn't look like I had anything on. SCORE!!! That's the goal right? It applies nicely and I can build coverage up to my liking. It's not a matte foundation but it's not overly dewy. As the name states, it gives you a healthy look. Will have to see how it holds up during the summer months. The only downside is that it doesn't have a pump which makes it a little difficult to pour out since it's a thin foundation. Other than that I we have another drugstore foundation winner! I'm shocked! Two drugstore foundations that I can use! Look at Gawd! HA!

The Balm Time Balm Concealer

This was given to me by a friend and it was just sitting in my cart. So early in the month I pulled it out and put my Black Radiance concealer away. I have the shade After Dark. I used it on my face. Mainly around my mouth. It's creamy but not super thick and it does blend out nicely. I was like hmmm color me surprised. I use a Sigma F70 concealer brush to apply it then blend it out with my ring finger.

LORAC Alter Ego Lip Gloss

I've only had these for a short time but I love them already. They smell like MAC lipglosses. They kinda remind me of Cremesheen lipglosses. The feel fantastic on the lips, they have nice pigmentation and staying power for a gloss. I originally picked up Jet Setter and Secret Agent. They were on sales for $8 at Ulta! I looked online a couple of days later just to see all the shades at work in the morning. I debated on placing an online order for two more or heading over to the store. I ended up back in the store and swatched some shades but wasn't moved by any additional colors. Phew! LOL! If you have a coupon or some reward dollars, I recommend checking these out.

Boos!



Korres Mulberry Vanilla Body Butter

Now THIS is a shocker. This was a past favorite. When I discovered the Korres Body Butters, I thought I may have found my holy grail body moisturizer. I picked up this scent and the Lemon Basil when there were a Today's Special on HSN. I have been using Lemon Basil as a hand cream and it's fine for that. A pricey hand cream but I digress. Mulberry Vanilla I was using a body moisturizer. I noticed on the days that I used it, my skin was still kinda dry by the of the day. I'd start scratching and be like wait a minut?e! I used some other moisturizers I have and I didn't have this problem. When this scent was launched, I used it without any issues. I feel like this formula has changed with their body butters and shower gels. Or it just could me and my body chemistry. So it safe to say that I will not repurchase any more body butters or shower gels from Korres.

And fin! April is already on and popping *shifty eyes*

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Palette Madness 2016 - So Far!


I was taking stock of what palettes I have picked up so far this year. Tell me why I have picked up NINE palettes and it's just April! Lawdy! Well palettes that are on hand right now. You'll see what I mean towards the end of the post.

Palettes really are my weakness along with nail polish. I was going to mention a couple of this in the April Shop My Stash post. Then I said no no, this is "deserving of a separate post" HA! I didn't take pics of the actual shadows. As always, Google is your friend. You can find better pics on Temptalia, Makeup and Beauty Blog, etc.

Here we go!




Urban Decay Spectrum Palette

I picked this up from Sephora when it was available online again. Y'all know Urban Decay palettes are my jam. I missed out on this the first time it was available back in November I think it was. So I jumped on adding this to my stash. I did a couple of looks with this palette. It's the same quality as any other Urban Decay palette and I pleased with it. When am I not please with an Urban Decay palette?

Urban Decay XX Vice Ltd Reloaded Palette

I scooped this up from Ulta. I wasn't really checking for this palette but then I saw Xsparkage's video on the palette and said SOLD! Same comments apply here lol!

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

I wasn't really checking for this palette either but the more I used the other two chocolate palettes, my curiosity got the better of me. Then I saw swatches of this one and some tutorials then I was a goner. I picked this up from HSN. Luckily I had a credit on my HSN account and I used it to knock off some of the price. Plus it was on free shipping. Too Faced makes some really nice shadows. They are pigmented, smooth and easy to blend.

Makeup Forever Artist Palette Volume 2 - Artistic

I picked this up from Sephora mainly because it was on sale. That's it LOL! I've been curious about their shadows since the redid them. I  didn't know what to get from the individual ones since there are so many. So I said why not start here. Two of the shades are actually blushes. I've used it a few times and it's nice. Can't say that I'm overly wowed but it just yet. The two blush shades are very pretty.

Makeup Forever Artist Palette Volume 3 - Florals

This one was gifted to me by a friend. I think I've used only twice. So I don't have a real opinion on this one just yet. This one has one blush. It's available at Sephora. Now I have my eye on Volume 1 - Nudes since I have the other two palettes. Like I need more neutrals eyeshadows.

Pro 28 Colors Eyeshadow Eye Shadow Palette 

This palette has been in and out of my sight I feel like for years. I learned about it from Krissy90220. She has mentioned this palette several times on her Twitter and she has done a blog post on it. Recently she talked about it again on Twitter and I said THAT'S IT! So I ordered it from eBay. It didn't take long to arrive and it was packaged very nicely. None of the shadows were  broken. I haven't used it yet but it's on the list.

MUA Nude Eye Shadow Palette

I gushed over this palette in my February Top 5 & More post. So I won't gush again lol!

The Nubian 12PCS Eyeshadow Collection 

I saw this palette on Instagram and purchased it from the Juvia's Place website. It reminds me of the Morphe 35O palette that is never in stock. When it is, it's there for like two seconds then sold out again. I was tempted to get the Morphe palette but I dragged my feet on it. I'm glad I did! I got this palette on sale and with free shipping. I like so much better than the Morphe palette. There are no duplicate shades or shades that are close to each other. Also I can use every shade! Sometimes I don't touch lighter shades in some palettes because I don't think they'll mesh well with my deeper skin tone. I don't have that problem with this palette. The pigmentation and how the shadows blend are fantastic. I highly recommend this palette. This my be a front runner for palette of the year for me. It is a beautiful neutral palette and kinda different from other neutral palettes on the market since it's warm toned. I saw on Instagram that there's a Nubian 2nd edition palette! I saw the swatches on Instagram and yep it'll be at my house at some point.

Mally Nude Attitude Eye Shadow Palette

I grabbed this one from Ulta. I swatched it in store and said SOLD! I have four of Mally's other palettes and there are some of my favorites. There's a similar palette on QVC that I was eyeing. The shades are the same in both except for four shades. I was going to get the QVC one as well until I realized the overlap. Phew!

I have also ordered the Too Faced Sweet Peach palette from HSN and the ShaaanXO palette from BH Cosmetics but they haven't arrived just yet. So add these two and we're up to ELEVEN kids! ELEVEN! Damn Gina!

And there you have it. I feel like a palette is missing but then again maybe not. Hell this is ENOUGH! I may do a follow up later on in the year, if this palette madness continues! Bahhaaa!! I really need to go on a palette no buy. Doubt that will happen *insert strong side eye*

TTFN - Ta ta for now!

April 2016 Shop My Stash



A little late but here's what I'm playing around with for the month Along with some rambles here and there.

Palette Play


Yea so the one palette for the month only lasted for one month lol! Since I have been in "clear my stash out" mode, I was reaching for palettes I hadn't used in a while to see if I was still moved by them. Let's face it, I could get rid of half of my stash and still have too much makeup for one person, BUT I want to have stuff on hand that I ENJOY using. Not stuff that is just ok, have to "force"myself to use or that I have to make work. That's more of waste because in the end. The items will just sit in my makeup cart and won't be used.

*ends ramble*

So I may list a palette, or two or whatever. But know that some other play and purchases are happening in the background. Some you may see and some you might not. This month I'm going to play around with these Tarte palettes from a previous holiday TSV auto delivery. The palettes don't have names but each shadow does have a name.

Polish Play


I'm going to play around with OPI polishes from the New Orleans collection. I have 4 (Humidi-Tea, Spare Me a French Quarter?, I Manicure for Beads and I'm Sooo Swamped!) and I still want Rich Girls & Po-Boys. I'll probably pick it up if I see it when I'm out and about. I've already used I'm Sooo Swamped! and did a post on it. I want to try it again with a different glitter polish.  Plus I scooped some polishes from the Hello Kitty collection on sale at Ulta! I was able to use some reward dollars and the $3.50 off $10 coupon. They'll probably be added into the mix too once they arrive.

Fragrance Play


I'm. also going to use Living Grace by philosophy and Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Rosé perfume.

Out of My Face

Here's what I've used up:
  • Paula's Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
  • Dawn Simply Clean Dish Washing Liquid
  • Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
  • Harmon's Wipes
  • Baby Wipes
  • Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse in Original Mint
  • CVS 91% Alcohol 
  • Philosophy The Present
  • Philosophy Pure Grace Whipped Body Creme
  • Alma Legend Silkening Oil Mist
Here what I've tossed:
  • IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye
  • NYX Jumbo Lip Pencils (4)
  • NYX Round Lipsticks (4)
  • Wet n Wild Lipsticks (9) 
  • NYC Lipsticks (2)
  • L'Oreal Lipstick Color of Hope
  • Wet n Wild Wild Shine Lustful
  • L'Oreal Hip Duo Eyeshadows (4)
  • Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Jesse
  • Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey 
  • MAC Wonder Woman Lipglass (2)
I also cleared some other makeup items out of my stash but it's too much to list. The drugstore palettes that I pull for March to play around with are now gone. After awhile, I got annoyed with putting items to the side to remember to list. So more items than what's listed above got tossed too. I also go rid of some bath and body stuff. It was mostly stuff I got during the Bath & Body Works sale. I have to be very careful and not go ham next time. I know what scents I like and that I actually use up. I have to be careful with others. I'll like them at first but then after a while I won't like them or the scent will turn my stomach. I think I have identified what I like/what works for me bath and body wise, so I'm sticking with those items. See progress :D I also pulled 3 Dooney & Bourke bags for family members.

It is not a game lol! I'm not tossing or giving away everything. I just want stuff that I like and that I'm using even though it is a lot. Maybe one day the BIG purge will happen and today ain't the day. HA!

Let's see what unfolds in April!