Palette Obsession: Mally Beauty & Urban Decay

So I had good intentions to get this up earlier in the month. So this is going to be another combo post of sorts. I had decided that the palettes I have from Mally Beaity and the Urban Decay Naked palettes were next on my list.

In going through my stash I said let's get real about the Urban Decay Naked palettes. Now if you've been following me along I have mentioned these palettes off and on. They have been favorites. I've traveled with them. I've recommended them. But when I thought about it, I hadn't really used  them in a while with the exception of the Naked Heat palette since it's the latest palette. Then I started going though what I have an comparing it to the Naked palettes. I had the Naked 3 palette sitting in my basket to use and I did not reach for it. I would look at it everyday, say nope and grab something else. I'm not saying that they are bad palette or that you shouldn't buy one. They're just not my thing anymore and that's OK. I currently have them set aside with some other makeup I'm going to give away.

I had the same initial feeling about the Mally palettes I have and was ready to get rid of them too. When I took a look at them, I liked what I saw and said ok I can do a look with this or use this shade with an eyeshadow stick. Once I started using them I was reminded how much I enjoy Mally's eyeshadows. They're pigmented, easy to blend and have good staying power on my oily lids. One may turn up in my next favorites post. I'm just saying. Since I have five palettes, I'll keep messing around with them in March.

I nicked a couple of shadows trying to take this pic grrrr lol! I didn't show the Naked palettes because I'm sure you've seen then a bunch of times.

On to the next post!

Palette Obsession: Urban Decay Smoked Palette

My obsession with eyeshadow palettes is real and I must get a handle on it LOL! There is on Tarte palette that has been on my wishlist for a while now that I probably will pick up. Any other "new" palettes I am seriously going to look in my stash and compare it to what I already have.

The Urban Decay Smoked palette is a past favorite.  I used to use this ALL the time! I've traveled with this palette. It was once an instant go to. I couldn't tell you the last time I reached for it. So I pulled it out today and did a look with Barlust and Backdoor. I loved how the look came out. I love the jeweled tones Rockstar, Evidence and Loaded. I wish had  medium brown or caramel shade bit's not like I don't have those shades in other palettes or single shadows. This in the main palette I'll play around with for the month. We'll see if it says it my stash.

Do you own this one? Do you love it? Is it a must have in a makeup collection? Let's discuss!

May 2017 Shop My Stash

Hellllooooooo!

Long tine no see! I am back from my work trip and I have some posts to catch up on don't I? Plus I have a bonus post of sorts that popped in my head while I was away. But first, here's what I'm playing around with for May.

Shadow Play

I went back and for on what eyeshadows or palettes to play around with and I drew a serious blank! Then I said let me play around with some single eyeshadows. These are mainly from Makeup Geek. I have a couple of eyeshadows from Anastasia and one from Obsidian that I think came in a Allure Box. I recently purchased some magnetic palettes from tarte that are very nice. Trying to decide if I want to purchase some more eyeshadows to fill this palette up. I have my eye on single eyeshadows from Juvia's Place.

Polish Play

Butter London nail polishes are on deck for May. I traveled with some of these and I was annoyed by the fact that there was some serious chipping going on. I'm thinking it's the base and/or top coat I was using. I've used these polishes in the past and never had chipping issues. So I'm going to pay close attention to chipping while using my regular top and base coats. If the chipping is still an issue then these are going in the trash.

Teetotal, Sprog, Wallis, Brown Sugar

Pistol Pink, All Hail The Queen, Lovely Jubbly

Fragrance Play

Drew another blank here on what fragrance to use. Then I decided on philosophy's Falling in Love.

Phew! Annnnnnd go!

March 2017 Out of My Face

I cannot believe it is April! I had good intentions to get this up in March. Dah well!

Here's what I used up in March:

• Wen Lavender Mint Treatment Oil
• Serious Skincare Olive Oil Replenishing Body Oil
• philosophy Living Grace Whipped Body Creme
• Wen Styling Creme in Tea Tree
• Andrew Lessman Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails 720 count
• Skinfix Rich Hand Cream
• Serious Skincare Reverse Lift Reverse Serum 1oz
• philosophy Purity Made Simple
• Wen 613 Ultra Nourishing Intensive Body Treatment
• Skinfix Hand Repair Cream
• Andrew Lessman Healthy Hair Skin & Nail 720 count
• Beauty Secrets Acetone Nail Polish Remove 32oz
• Covergirl Queen All Day Flawless Foundation
• Dickson's Daily Refreshingly Clean Cleansing Cloths
• tarte Gifted Mascara
• Mally More is More Mascara

The Serous Skincare Reverse Lift Firming Facial Serum with Argifirm is a newbie item. I was going to mention it in my favorites for February. Then I was going to do a separate post on it but then I felt like I needed to use it some more. I got this in one the Serious Skincare Halloween surprise boxes I picked up from HSN. I was like ummm I don't have wrinkles and my face doesn't need any lifting. I went on HSN to check out the reviews and what surprised me was that several reviews mentioned that this serum helped with pores, smoothing out the skin, easier makeup application and brightness. I then said SOLD! So I gave it a go and I really like this. It definitely makes my skin smoother and my makeup more seamless. I've used it twice a day and then I switched to just using it in the morning. I have a 2oz size that I got in a set of serums. So I'm glad I have another bottle handy. After I used the 2oz bottle up, I'll decide if this is a keeper in my routine.

Another newbie to the list are the Dickson's Cleansing Cloths. These were on my list to try since I like their witch hazel toner. I scooped these up from Walgreens. There are pricey. I think they were either $6.99 or $7.99. I had a $1 off coupon. First use I used them on my eyes like a dummy! Then I was like they have witch hazel in them fool! So needless to say it burned my eyes *head palm*. So one "downside" is that you can't use these to remove your eye makeup. It removed my face makeup fine. Then I used these on no makeup days when I need to clean my face but didn't feel like using a face wash. They are nice but I more than likely will not repurchase them since I use cloths like these to mainly remove all my makeup.

The Skinfix Hand Repair Cream is another newcomer. After trying and loving their Rich Hand Cream, I wanted to give this a try. QVC has a deal on a set of 3. I really like it but I feel like I go through it quicker than the Rich Hand Cream. I've already ordered another set from QVC. Once is going in my travel bag.

And there you have it. My next empties post will combine April and May since I have work travel coming up. *sigh*

TTFN - ta ta for now!

December Top 5 & More

Here's what was going on in December for all things beauty and we have a couple of non-beauty items too. Let's get to it!

Top 5

Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eyeshadow and Liner Duo - Smokey Quartz and Topaz

I purchased this duo from HSN. The duo is currently sold up but the shades are available individually for purchase. I scooped this duo up when I had a coupon. I was tickled by the fact  that Mally Beauty has shadow sticks with the exact same names. I don't know who came out with theirs first. Smokey Quartz is very similar between the two brands. Topaz is different between the two brands. Smokey Quartz is described as a shimmering raisin and Topaz is described as a shimmering golden bronze. I LOVE Topaz! It's a bronze shade that not too warm and doesn't run red. When I first got these I swatched them on the back of my hand and the staying power was absolutely crazy! I washed my hands several times and these jokers would not come off! I was shocked. When I wore them on my eyes the staying power was good especially since I have oily lids. So I highly recommend these if you can catch them on sale or if you have coupon code. There aren't a ton of shades. So I may check out the others at some point.

L.A. Girl Pro Face Matte Pressed Powder

A friend was nice enough to pass on to me the three deepest shades available in these powders. I have Toffee, Chestnut and Cocoa. Toffee is the shade I use all over to set my face. Chestnut is on the warm side. I've used it to set my under eye concealer and I was surprised by how much I liked it for that. Cocoa is the deepest shade and I figured it would be too dark for me to use to set my face right now. I may be able to use it during the summer months. Looking at it, the shade kinda reminded me of Bobbi Brown's Bronzing Powder in Chocolate that was my holy grail. So I said let me use it as a bronzer/contour and I really it for that. These powder have given the Black Radiance powsers that I have raved a run for their money. These can also be use on their own for a "soft radiant look."  I have not tried them on their own yet but I'm looking forward to it.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal

I got this little guy from Ulta as a freebie with an online order. It's so tiny and cute! For some reason I thought that Opal wasn't for deeper skin tones. So I never really looked at in store. Opal is described as a golden opal pearl and it is so pretty! When I put it on my cheeks I was like oh hello glow! It's not an extreme highlight. It just gives a nice glow to the cheekbones and wherever else you put it on the face. So score for this freebie! It should last me a while.

Lip Combo - MAC Whirl Lipstick and Buxom Hot Toddy

I mentioned Hot Toddy back in July as a favorite. I thought I had previously talked about Whirl but I guess not. MAC's Whirl lipstick is a matte and it is described as a dirty rose. To me it's more of a warm brown shade. Or it appears that why against my skin tone. It's one of MAC's lipsticks that everyone talks about. A friend was nice enough to pass it on to me. It has been a lipstick that I reached for a lot lately because it's so easy to wear and goes with just about any eye look. Recently I have been pairing a lipstick with a gloss for later in the day. In the afternoon I don't always want to reapply my lip color. So I've been reaching for lip glosses with some color and that are conditioning for my lip. Buxom Lip Cream fit the bill! Buxom's Hot Toddy is described as a toasty nude and pairs beautifully with Whirl. If you're looking for a new nude lip combo to try then check these two out.

Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Krystal

This gloss had been on my wish list for a while before I got my hands on it. It had been discontinued, so I took to eBay to see if I could find one. Then I lucked up and found a Buxom set with this included. I've used it here and there but recently it was just sitting in my basket. Since I've had more no makeup days than wearing makeup days, this is what I have thrown on my lips and I love it. I'm already a fan on the Buxom glosses. This is just nice for some shine on your lips, along with hydrating and treating your lips. When I run out of this I hope I can find another one. Buxom needs to stop playing and add it back to their line up!

Bonus fav - Bruno Mars 24K Magic

I've been good all year sticking to five favorites but why not add an extra for December! I loovvve me some Bruno Mars and I picked up his new one 24K Magic. I have been playing it non-stop in my car. I'm kinda bummed that it's only 9 songs *shrugs*. The two songs I have been playing on repeat are Chunky and Versace on the Floor but I enjoy the entire album. I so want to go see him in concert. Maybe I can make that happen this year.

Yays!

Turkey Haymakers Hill Tea in Sweet

I randomly picked this up from Safeway when it was on sale. I've picked up multiple bottles since then. It's different. It's not overly sweet and tastes really good. It has ginger, honey, molasses and vinegar in it. The vinegar part is interesting to me. I don't taste it. I do taste the ginger and I like it. I think I saw a lemon version that I may pick up next.

Boos!

L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer

This isn't a total fail but more of I'm not sure about it. The same friend sent me the pressed powders alos sent me two shades of this concealer in Toffee and Fawn. I feel that these two shades may be too light for my skin tone. I did make them work and used them with the Pro Face Matte Pressed Powder in Chestnut. So it didn't look bad but I feel like it was a lot of "work" to make them work. If that makes any sense. I don't like my makeup routine complicated. I just want to apply the products and keep it moving.. If I'm comparing this concealer with other inexpensive concealers I've tried then I'd say go for the NYX HD or Maybelline Better Skin concealers. I know these L.A. Girl concealers have a cult following but they're just not my cup of tea. I may try the deeper shades, if I ever see them when I'm out and about in stores. Otherwise I have other concealer favorites that I enjoy.

Trish McEvoy No. 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk 9 Eau de Parfum

Yea so this was an impulse buy from HSN. I was getting some Christmas gifts and this was on sale for $85.50 (original price is $135) and on free shipping and said what the hey. It's 3.4 fl oz so you're getting a lot of product. I got it, gave it a sniff and thought this is just like philosophy's Falling in Love which is one of my all time favorite fragrances. I  noticed that over the course of the few days I wore it that the scent didn't last. I was like ooook. So I took to the internet and read reviews and saw people commenting on the staying power. I also saw others saying that it's similar to philosophy's Falling in Love. So after some thought I decided to send it back. This is pretty pricey even at the sale price I purchased it at. You can get a Falling in Love set with multiple items and layer the scent vs what you'll spend on this fragrance. Plus I don't have any issues with the staying power of Falling in Love.

Reading

I'm a nerd and I track how many books I read each year. My whooping grand total for 2016 was 35 books. I'm used to reading way more. Dah well. It happens. *shrugs*

And there you have it! Let's see what January brings.

Less Stuff - 2016 Update

My last update was over a year ago. So I decided to check in.

Books - I recently donated six tote bags (various sizes) to my library. The bin was about a fourth of the way full. Once I was done it was more than halfway full! Whoops! LOL! I should have snapped a pic. This purge was my "let's get real" purge. I may do another small purge before the year is out. I'm making an effort to read some of the print books I haven't read. I've gotten so used to reading on ereaders and my phone that I don't like reading print books anymore *sigh*. Some books are so awkward to hold especially since I read on my bed,

Clothes - I think it was a few months ago I donated two huge trash bags of clothes. I also tossed items that needed to go. I plan on doing another once over in my closet before the weather gets cold. Now I'm to the point where I have items I do like but a lot of similar items. For instance I have quite a few maxi dresses. I like all the ones I have and the fit fine. But there are some I reach for more than others. So do I get rid of the ones that I do like and wear but not as much? Then I'm kind of at a transition work wise. Where I work now, I can pretty much wear whatever I want. I've been looking here and there for a new job. So I don't want to purge a lot of say my more business causal clothes, if I end up somewhere that I have to "dress up" more than I do now. Then I have some items that I wear for certain activities that I need to keep on hand even though I don't wear them often like suits and some dresses. For suits, I have always wanted a three piece grey suit for the longest time but have never gotten one. So I may look for one. If I find one I like then I may get rid of the other suits I have with maybe the exception of one green one I have. I may do the same for some dressier dresses I have. I may keep two or three and get rid of the rest.

Handbags - *gasp* I know right lol! I've always pulled some to give to family and friends. I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers Jennifer Wan and she mentioned that she was going to sell some stuff to thredUP. I was said bwah?? So I went over to their site and they accept clothing items and accessories from various brands. I've mentioned before that I don't have the patience to try and sell stuff through eBay or Craigslist. So I checked the brands they accept and Dooney & Bourke is on the list. They also send you a packing envelope to mail your items. So I have some bags and accessory pieces pulled aside to send to them. Less expensive bags I'm planning to sent to Change Purse. They accept purses and their efforts help raise awareness and help victims of human trafficking which I think is a totally awesome concept.

Nail polish - I had post a video on Instagram Stories of some of my nail polishes and had gotten a couple of comments from a couple people that I know that really irritated me. I deleted the video. They go away after 24 hours but I didn't want to be bothered by other's comments. One said I should be embarrassed. I know she was "joking" but I didn't find it funny. Anywho. I don't know what to do with nail polish I'm ready to let go of. Most places will not accept used nail polishes. I've given more than enough away to family and friends. So I'm drawing a blank. I know I could just toss them. I may check and see if it's ok with my hairdresser if I bring some to my next appointment and just leave them in her shop and ladies can take what they want and she can trash what no one takes. *shrugs*.

Makeup - this is forever ongoing *sigh*. I think I was watching one Jennifer Wan's vlogs and she was mentioned how she was seriously going through her makeup collection and blog selling items that did not absolutely love. Now she's a totally makeup /shopping girl so I know her actions were not on decluttering or downsizing her stash. So I got inspired to go through mine. I got rid of a TON of lippies. Then while Google searching on what to do with used makeup, I came across the site Glambot. I remember Jennifer mentioning that she sent some makeup to them and from what I remember her experience with them was good. I did search on some reviews for Glambot. The "bad" ones I ran across were from people mad about the amount they got. They felt it should have been more. One review I ran across was sensible and was like look keep an open mind. They are providing you with a service and you're not going to get "full price" for an item. Which makes sense and I'm fine with that. I just want stuff gone and if I can get a little something for it then cool. They provide you with a shipping label which I like. Whatever they give you for the makeup first comes as a credit to use with them to shop and I believe after 14 days you can get the cash. If you're not satisfied with their offer then you can get your stuff back.

So I'm still chugging along. I'm happy with the progress that I have made but still have a ways to go. Hopefully I've given you some ideas on what to do with items that you're ready to part with. I'll follow up on my experiences with thredUP and Glambot.

Onward and upward!

June 2016 Shop My Stash

It is really June already? Yowza! Here's what I'm playing around with this month!

Palette Play

 

This month I'm going to use the Makeup Forever Artist palettes (Volume 1 Nudes, Volume 2 Artistic and Volume 3 Florals). I've been wanting to try these shadow since they were reformulated and relaunched. They are available in single eyeshadows along with these palettes. There are a TON of shades and I was getting confused on what to get. So the palettes are a good way to try them out, if you like the shade selections. Volume 1 I got via an exchange at Sephora. Volume 2 I got on sale at Sephora (it is still available online). Volume 3 was gifted to me by a friend. Two of the palettes have blush shades. Volume 2 has two blushes and Volume 3 has one blush.

Polish Play

I got the Julie G Cruise Collection via Groupon (Old San Juan, Rio de Janeiro,Tahiti, Canary Island, Santorini and Miami Beach). I used them when I got them but haven't reached for them recently. So I'm going to give them another whirl and decide if they are staying or if they are going.

Fragrance Play

I started reaching for philosophy's Unconditional Love towards the end of May. So I decided to keep on using it. It's described as a soulful loving warm scent. The notes in it are black raspberry, white lily and cashmere vanilla. If I lost all my fragrances, I would definitely repurchase. It's one of my favorites and my number one favorite among philosophy fragrances.

Out of My Face

I think I've been doing good at targeting products in my stash and using them up. I'm not going to list the stuff I toss/give away anymore because there has been quite a bit. Also it's a lot to keep track of. Here's what I used up in May:

• Eyeko Liquid Liner in Mocha
• CIoSYS Oral Rinse
• Beauty Secret Nail Polish Remover
• Duri Rejuvacote 
• Beauty Secrets Acetone Nourishing Professional Formula
• L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate 
• Wen Replenishing Treatment Mist in Fig 16oz
• Wen Bamboo Green Tea Cleansing Conditioner 16oz
• Iman Brow Pencil
• Perlier Hand Cream
• Ulta Enriched Nail Polish Remover
• Duri Miracote
• Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste
• Supersmile Whitening Accelerator
• Biore Blemish Fighting Astringent 
• Wen Replenishing Treatment Mist in Tea Tree 16oz
• Wen Intensive Treatment Oil in Tea Tree Eucalyptus 4oz 

Play time go!

February 2016 Top 5 & More!

This post! Oye vey!

February was a fun month. I've purchased way more than I should *insert strong eye*.  But I've found some new stuff, I got  rid of stuff, found a potential replacement for a previous holy grail product that has been discontinued and I didn't like quite a few things in February. This post really took on a life of its own. So I'm sorry if it's a lot or if something doesn't make a lot of sense. I was tired of looking at it and ready to just get it up. Plus I need to start thinking about stuff for March.

 Let's get to it!

Top 5

Blush Combo - IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush in Mauve and Maybelline Mater Glaze in Make a Mauve

This was my go to blush combo for the month. Some mornings I just automatically went for these two products. Both products are nicely pigmented and have good staying power on their own. They pair nicely together and created an even longer lasting blush look.

Serious Skincare Project Age Defy

When picking up a skincare set, it's very rare that I end up liking all the products in the set. This set right here is phenomenal and I think it's the missing piece of my skincare routine. If you listen to various beauty folks, a lot of them say that you should have retinol (vitamin A) in your skin care routine. I hadn't in a while. I saw this set and said why not and whoa! The set includes:

• A Defiance Serious Skin Detailer 2-Part Facial: 
• 2 fl. oz. Deeply Dissolve & Activate (Step 1) 
• 4 fl. oz. Draw & Tighten (Step 2) 
• 4 fl. oz. 8 Million IU A Cream XR 
• 2 oz. A Force XR Serum Concentrate 
• 60-count A Defiance Vitamin A Retinol Pads

After using the Skin Detailer, my skin was instantly brighter and nice and smooth. The A Cream and Serum are the STARS of this kit. They have a mattifying and smoothing effect on my skin. So they are excellent underneath my primer and foundation. The serum is a potential replacement for the L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum that is discontinued. I like the Retinol pads as well. My skin so far is smooth, the blackheads/whiteheads I had around my nose are gone and whatever breakouts I have had, have cleared up super fast. I can't wait to see the long term effects of these products on my skin.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultrawear Makeup Stick in 500 SuedeW

I saw this foundation presented on HSN but something said check and see if  Sephora had it and they did. They kept saying during the presentation that it was sold out a major retailers. Pft! I had a Sephora gift card too. So score! The only stick foundation that I have tried is Bobbi Brown's and it was ok. At first I thought I got the wrong shade. I'm terrible at shade matching myself. But when I got it on my face with concealer, powder and everything else, it was fine. I think this is the easiest foundation I've every used. I do a few swipes here and there, blended it out and I'm done in no time. I was kind of shocked. It blends into the skin beautifully and you don't look "made up". If that makes any sense. I also love that you don't feel it on your face. You know how later on in the day, you can feel your foundation on your face and you just want to wash it off immediately? I didn't have that problem with this foundation. I'm curious about getting a lighter shade for some highlighting *insert shifty eyes*.

Harmon Face Values Hydrating Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I mentioned loving their regular wipes back in October. I think I tried the CVS version of the Neutrogena Hydrating wipes and didn't care for them. I stopped in Bed, Bath & Beyond to repurchase the regular wipes but they were out. I picked the hydrating ones up and I think I found my holy grail makeup remover wipes!!!! Oh happy day! The regular ones are good but these are a little more moist and glide across the face nicely. With some wipes they're moist but I'll do one half of my fave and then they start to feel dry. Plus my skin feels amazeballs after using it. I've already been back to pick up two more. Also you can't beat the price. They are $4.49 and Bed, Bath and Beyond always have coupons. Most wipes I see at the drugstore are around $6/$7.

Covergril Clump Crusher Mascara

I've had this for a while and finally cracked it open when my Tartre mascaras were done. This has been a past favorite and I'm glad it still works for me. This is a good everyday mascara but you can build it up. I think I'm going to stick with Covergirl mascaras when it comes to drugstore mascaras. I've had good luck with 3 of them so far and there is one on my radar that I still want to try (Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara).

Yays!

Zoya Maxwell Lipstick

I picked up the Plum Lips & Tips Quad Set from Zoya. I remember seeing this set around the holidays. I had a promo code and in my cart it went! I've really been into Zoya since I got their last Cyber Monday bag. I have used the polishes and I do like them but the star of the set is the lipstick in Maxwell! It's a beautiful shade that glides on to the lips with ease and lasts all day. It is described as "a deep plum with a subtle fuchsia fleck in a hip". Fleck in a hip? Ok *shrugs* This is my second Zoya lipstick and I'm tempted to see what other shades that they have.

Paula's Choice Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser

Back in October, I mentioned that I was not overly wowed by this cleanser. It's has been in my current skin care rotation, mainly to use up so I can move on to another cleanser. For some reason, I have really enjoyed using this cleanser this time around. I noticed that I started been using two pumps when I used it with my Clarisonic. So maybe I wasn't using enough. Go figure. Or it could be a better cleanser for me in the winter time. Who knows lol. So this may end up back in the rotation after I make my way through some other cleansers I have.

Serious Skincare DERMAL CREPE RESIST Intensive Facial Cream

I ordered yet another Serious Skincare set (Serious Skincare Resurface & Smooth Anti-Aging Trio) when it was a Today's Special on HSN2. I know a second HSN channel Lawdy lol! I mainly got it because it had a supersize of the A serum that I have been loving. It also a jumbo size of the Glycolic cleanser which I like and didn't mind having again. It also come with the DERMAL CREPE RESIST Intensive Facial Cream. I was kind of meh about this product even before trying it. I saw the presentation this product alone when it launched and of course the focus was on more mature skin and its benefits. At the tail end they said anyone could use it. I was like yea right. I had also checked out some of the reviews of the product and they weren't' all that great. But I always say you need to try a product for yourself and make your own decision. When I got the kit home, I used it as my night cream and I was AMAZED. It absorbed into my skin nicely and my skin felt so smooth. The next morning my face was still nice and smooth along with nicely hydrated. It was not greasy which was my main concern since I have oily skin. I feel like my skin needed this since it has been a rough winter. It'll be interesting to see how it works for me as night cream with the weather gets warmer.

MUA Nude Eye Shadow Palette

I grabbed this at CVS when MUA products were 25% off. I was floored by this palette! I think it is one of the best eyeshadow palettes at the drugstore. The L'Oreal Nude Palettes are excellent too. This palette is what sparked me to look at the drugstore eyeshadow palettes. So I pulled a bunch and they are listed in my March Shop My Stash post. Let's just say quite a few are going. Probably all of them. The shadows in this palette are pigmented but not powdery. They blend so nicely and I didn't have to reach for another palette or single shadow to complete my eye look. It's one of those, I had to force myself to stop using it palettes. It just easy to use. Throw a couple shades together and you have a pretty eye look.  I also like that it's a somewhat darker nude palette which I really enjoy and it compliments my skin tone better. There are two other palettes available at CVS. I'm not sure I'll get them since one is a smokey palette. If I want a smokey look, I'll reach for the Urban Decay Naked Smokey, Smoked or Black palettes. If I didn't have those them maybe I would check the MUA one out. The other I think is metallic and I'm sure I already have similar shades. See I'm growing up and making progress lol. I am glad that I did pick this one up. It may be my travel buddy this year for work trips and such.

Boos!

Nivea Shave Balm

This product has been HYPED all over YouTube and social media. I was in Walgreens one day and said why not. It goes on nicely and it did not irritate my skin. To me I don't think my foundation applied any better and it certainly did not keep my foundation in place. I'm an oily girl and I need something that will help keep my oil at bay along with my foundation in place. This did not do that. Also with it being winter time too, I should not look like an oil slick. I don't mind blotting here and there. But recently with other products I have been using,  I really don't need to. So I know this is a no go for me come summertime. If you have drier/normal skin then this may be something for you. I may see if my brother wants it.

Soap & Glory Hand Food

I meant to mention this last month. I've used this product before. It's another YouTube made me do it product. I liked it but was never wowed by it. I picked it up at Ulta when they had a promo going on, I think in December. I've had it on my desk at work and just NO!!!!! I don't know what I was thinking trying this joker in the first place. To me it's not that moisturizing but I CANNOT get over the scent! It's too heavily scented and it lingers. I can touch something and the scent will be on whatever I touch. I prefer hand creams with a light scent that goes away or no scent at all. I will not repurchase this ever again. I've noticed that Soap & Glory products overall are heavily scented.

Olay 4-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths.

Emilynoel83 has raved about these (and the Walmart version) for years. She says she likes them better than a typical makeup remover wipe. They were on sale at CVS for $3.99 and said ok I'll give them a whirl. They aren't bad but to me it's "extra effort" to use them. They are dry and you wet them to get them sudsy. So I get it wet, run it over my face, rinse and then use my Clarisonic with whatever cleanser. I can grab an makeup remover wipe, run it over my face and then use my Clarisonic. First time I used them they did irritate my eyes. As I continued using them, some days they were fine and others they did irritate my eyes. So I'm done with them. Especially after discovering the Harmon Hydrating wipes. Now I don't know whether to pass them on to someone or just toss them.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant in Lavender & White Tea

This is the second natural deodorant I've tried and yea...just no! I know they are supposed to be better for you. But when I can smell my own body order and I'm going about a REGULAR day or even on days when I bumming around the house, that's a no no! Plus I do sweat. Even in the winter time because I layered up with a lot of clothes. So this is a definite no go for my come summer time. I may try om's and that's it.

Bare Minerals Ready 8.0 Palettes

I mentioned in my February Shop My Stash post, that I was going to play around with my Bare Mineral 8.0 palettes. Well I'm sad to say that I barely touched them. I may have done one look with each if that *sigh*. It's funny how your tastes change. Or how you OBSESS over something and then you're like meh whatever. They are great shadows. I have some of the their duos and quads and I really like those. I think it's the color selection in the palettes. I would stare at them and say ok what I am doing today and nothing really spoke to me. I can take an Urban Decay palette, Tarte palette, one of the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palettes or a host of others in my stash and go to town. So I bagged them up and they have left my stash. I'm playing no games this year when it comes to what's in my stash. If I don't absolutely LOVE and USE a product, it's going.  It's a waste to have it just sitting in my cart.

Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + Concealer

I ordered 2 shades because I had no idea on what one shade would work. I got Spiced Almond and Chestnut. Spiced Almond was too light and I gave it a friend. Chestnut works but it can run red on me. This foundation is oil free but it is not matte. I guess it has more of a satin finish. It's not a totally dewy look. I used powder and my favorite primers with it but yeaaaaa ummmm no! I'm an oily girl. I don't need any help looking dewy. So if you're an oily girl then skip this foundation unless you like a satin/dewy look. When I first wore it, I was somewhat of an oil slick BEFORE noon! It's wintertime, I should not be having this problem with my foundation. Even using it with my current holy grail primer The Present by philosophy didn't help but so much. So yea. I'll keep playing around with it. It's not that bad but my preference is a matte foundation. This a definitely no go for me when the warmer weather rolls around. When I used it up, I don't plan on repurchasing it.

Phew this was a lot of stuff for a short month! Sorry for the glare on some of the pics. Remember that Google is your friend and I do mention where I got items from/where it's avaialble. ;)

I think that's all.  It's enough right? I forgot a couple of things but we'll see if they make the cut next month or later on down the road.

See you in a few weeks for March Top 5 & More!

Eyeliner Declutter!

Helllloooooooo! *waves*

At the beginning of the month, I mentioned that I used up Urban Decay's Perversion and Demolition eyeliners in my Shop My Stash post. These are my FAVORITE pencil eyeliners. But of course I have others, so I said let's see what I have in my eyeliner stash as replacements. I pulled out two Mally eyeliners in Midnight and Espresso and yeaaaa...I've had these for a while now and they probably should be tossed. They're ok BUT I'm getting what I get from Urban Decay (staying power and definition).

So I am going to repurchase Perversion and Demolition. I'm also going to go through my pencil liners and get rid of other black and brown liners that I have that are mainly old or I just don't like anymore. I don't need ALL of these when I have two ultimate favorites for everyday. I do have some from Tarte that I will probably keep and I'll probably make a list of color ones that I have from other brands that I actually want from Urban Decay. The picture above is from when I did my makeup collections posts. It looks a little different now but it's still probably the same amount of pencil liners (on the left). I don't have that many cream shadows anymore. Woohoo!

I think this is the beginning stages of my somewhat "final" declutter of my makeup stash. It time to let go of things I've been hanging on to for whatever reason.

Stay tuned...