Tag Archive | lip balm

Ulta Haul 7-8-18

Jul8

Well hello there!  I’ve been gone from my blog for a few months.  I had some health issues to contend with.

If you follow my blog at all, you may be aware that I’m somewhat obsessed with Ulta.  As I near a milestone birthday within the next six months, I’m trying to cut back on my spending.

I popped into my local Ulta today as I had some coupons, and Ulta sent me an email for a free gift with purchase.

I use to go to Ulta at least once a week. I might go monthly now.  I was sad to see that my local Ulta has greatly reduced there boxed hair color. They have added some prestige make up lines recently, and had to make room.

I really got a great deal, check out what I got for a whopping $11.58 below, a $35 value:

Ulta Haul 7-8-18

I had $10 in manufacturer’s coupons and a $3.50 rewards credit as well.  I got the Biolage hair care kit for free.

I have never used the Color Crave before, but had a $3 off coupon.  It’s actually quite nice and I think I’m going to go back and get some more, as these were on clearance. I’ve tried hair chalk, but it makes my hair feel like straw.  The Color Crave actually made my hair shiny.   I got rose gold.  I’ve been using the Neutrogena Moisture Smooth color in Almond Nude for a few years. The regular price is $8.99 US, and I paid $4.31.  It’s a great neutral color, and you don’t need a mirror to apply.

I love Clairol’s Root Touch up, super easy to use and I paid $2.47 for each of them. This really is a great color for gray roots.  Works every time.

Thanks for stopping by.

Weekly Ulta Haul 1-28-17

Jan28

Happy Saturday! This is my first weekly Ulta haul review. Since I shop there weekly, (obsessed much), I thought I would share some of my purchases. What I’ve been doing lately is purchasing items that have just come out. I have the Ulta app on my phone and have been perusing new arrivals.  Oh what fun, and a colossal time waster. But if it helps to take my mind off the cluster f*&k crap going on in the United States, it’s time well spent. I’m also big coupon clipper. Between Ulta coupons and manufacturer’s coupons, I save a ton. I had a 20% off my entire purchase coupon. The Essence products were buy one get one 50% off.

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Above is everything I got. First off, Burt’s Bees Flavor Crystals lip balm in Tropical Pineapple. Don’t even waste your time.  It was terrible. I should have listened to the reviews on Ulta’s website.  It feels like sandpaper on your lips, and tastes nothing like pineapple.

Next up Essence Longlasting Lipstick in Barely There! all I can say is wow!  This lipstick is a whopping $2.99USD!  The color is gorgeous and very creamy. The swatch looks darker than what it actually is. It’s such a pretty neutral color, that I think would look good on anyone.  I paid $1.97 USD.

 

Burt’s Bees Gloss Lip Crayon in Outback Oasis The color is not as dark as what is in the tube.  I was trying to match a Clinique Chubby stick I have, and it was kinda close.  It’s a very nude shade. Cost $8.99 USD, I won’t purchase again. I paid $7.19 USD.

 

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick in Almond Nude This is a really pretty nude suitable for everyday. Cost was $8.99 USD.  It’s very creamy and feels great on the lips.  I like the stick lip colors as they are easy to reapply during the day. I paid $7.19USD

neutrogena-moisture-smooth-color-stick-almond-nude-1-28-17neutrogena-moisture-smooth-color-stick-almond-nude-1-28-17-swatch

 

Essence All About Nude eyeshadow pallette I’m more impressed with the Essence line as I purchase more products.  This palette was only $5.49USD for eight colors.  I paid $3.62 USD. There is a mix of matte, satin sheen and metallic colors.  The matte colors are very pigmented, and the line doesn’t do animal testing.  This palette is made in Italy as is the lipstick I purchased.

Lots of product
Satin shades
Matte shades

 

CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream SPF 30 This is a new brand for me. The cost is $23.99 USD. I paid $19.19USD . Here’s Ulta’s description:

CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with SPF 30 was developed with dermatologists. Its unique formula with 3 essential ceramides is designed to reduce the look of fine line & wrinkles. MVE Technology controlled release for all day hydration. Won’t clog pores, gentle on skin, Fragrance Free. I’ll do a more detailed review after I have used it for awhile.

cerave-skin-renewing-day-cream-spf-30-1-28-17

Thanks for stopping by.

Best Beauty products of 2016-at least for me anyway! LOL!

Dec30

Happy New Year early!  I’ll be glad that 2016 is coming to an end.  It’s been a rough year here in the United States.  That being said, I did discover some great beauty products.

Here are my top ten picks for 2016.  Some products have been out for awhile, but I just discovered them. I’ve been using these products all year, and I must say I really like them all. So here goes.

Hope for Everywhere Concealer  I started using this in July. It’s a great under eye concealer by Philosophy.  It’s a bit pricey at $26 USD, but I got another tube on Ebay for $7.50.

philosophy-hope-for-everywhere-concealer-12-17-16

Caption Nail Stamping OMG!  I’ve been having so much fun nail stamping.  I bought two kits at Ulta, but I see they don’t carry them anymore. I’ve used 4 of the 24 designs and get compliments all the time.

gray-red-stamping-12-10-16-jpg-polish

Julep Maven Beauty Box Subscription Where can you get great nail polish for free??? I signed up for a three month subscription and got a box of 12 full size bottles of Julep nail polish for free. You can pick what comes in your box, and I have to say the nail polish is fabulous. You can skip months as well.

Julep Polish free gift 8-12-16

Free gift for signing up!

POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit I’m so glad I watched the how to video for this on the Ulta website. It virtually makes pores disappear.  I also use it under my eyes to help cover up wrinkles. A little goes a long way.

benefit-the-pore-professional-10-16-16

Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm This stuff is awesome!  I bought this before we went on a tropical vacation.  I usually have eight or so lip colors in my purse at any given time. Since we were traveling for 10 days to two different countries, I wanted to streamline my make up. This lip balm is the perfect color and stays on really well. Plus you don’t need a mirror to apply it. The color Bountiful Blush would work on any skin tone.

clinique-chubby-stick-lip-balm-bountiful-blush-10-16-16

Maybelline Super Stay Foundation This is a great powder foundation. While it doesn’t have an SPF, it covers well and smooths out your skin tone. It comes with a sponge applicator, and is great for travel.

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Easy to carry, includes mirror

Super Nail Swiss Silk Nail Wraps These babies are a lifesaver. If you break a nail, just glue these wraps on and you are good to go. I have used them on nails that I have broken below the skin line.  They work great while your own nails grow out.

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No Lift Nails Cuticle Oil This is some amazing stuff.  I’ve been using this daily for the past six months. I use a drop on each nail before I go to bed. It smells amazing and makes my nails really strong. I still have half a bottle left and it only cost $7 at Sally Beauty Supply.

Cuticle Oil 7-10-16

Smells so good!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water This is one of my favorite products of 2016. I use to use make up removing wipes, but they never seem to be wet enough for me. This cleanser is so gentle, and it takes off eye make up as well.  It leaves your skin soft with no residue. I’ve been using this for a year , and I love it.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 1-8-16

Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer I got a deluxe sample of this in my December Ipsy bag.  This turns any cream lipstick into a matte lip color.  I haven’t really jumped on the matte lip color bandwagon, but this product also has another great benefit.  You can use this around your lips to keep lip color from feathering. I’ve been using this daily and it works great. I have some lines around my mouth, and this makes them disappear. A super product.

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Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites.

 

Julep Maven Event-Ulta

Nov12

Happy Saturday!  I recently signed up to become a Julep Maven.  As a result I got invited to a Julep event at Ulta. I’ve only recently started using Julep products, mostly nail polish, which is awesome!

Today I got to try some make up.  Found my new favorite lip balm. Julep It’s Balm in Vintage Mauve for $20 USD.  I also got a nail treatment which I really like. Julep Take a Breather Oxygen Nail Treatment in Sheer Ivory for $18 USD.  I wouldn’t normally spend that much on lip balm or a nail treatment, but I’m really digging Julep products right now, so it was totally worth it.  Plus I got two free gifts, a deluxe size of  It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse in Bisou, and deluxe sample of Length Matters Mascara along with a cute make up bag.

I got a travel duo Love your bare face cleansing oil and Konjac sponge set for $19 USD.  Being a Ulta rewards member, I got triple points on my purchases.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm

Oct16

Happy Sunday!  Can I just say I carry way too many colors of lipstick with me. Like at least five tubes of either gloss, balm, lip stick, you name it, I carry it. Now I’m not sure why I carry so many, but I guess I’m an oddball that way.  I’ve been wearing lipstick since I was 14.

Planning a recent vacation for 10 days involved only bringing essentials, as we were staying at four hotels in two countries. I thought a colored lip balm would do the trick.  I already have several, but none of them were doing anything for me. I was at a fashion show recently and tried a Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush  Turns out it was a great color on me, so I bought one at Ulta for $17.  Normally I wouldn’t spend that much on a lip balm, but the color looks very nice, and I was running out of time. Once this runs out I’ll find a cheaper dupe.

It’s a pretty rosy color that I think would work well on any skin tone. It’s easy to use, and you don’t need a mirror.  It’s very moisturizing and it stays on for a long time.

Here’s me in Costa Rica with a bit of a tan (very tan for me, as I don’t tan). I think it makes your teeth look whiter also.  My selfies skills suck, as my nose really isn’t that big. Oh well.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Tarte Review

Jun25

Hello!  I had a fun day off yesterday,  visiting my local Ulta for a haircut and style.  My awesome stylist Taleah asked me if I wanted a Tarte make over after my hair appointment.  I’m like heck yeah!  We were going out with friends later, and I had not done my make up yet.

I’ve used a few products from the Tarte line, but never any make up.  The Tarte make up artist Shannon, did an awesome job, and I ended up buying two items.

Tarte Make over Freebies 6-24-16

Freebies!

Tarte Make over Lip Sculptor VIP 6-24-16

VIP Lip Sculptor

Tarte Make over Swatch Lip color 6-24-16

Lip Color swatches

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16

Contour Palette

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Haircut 6-24-16

Great coverage make up!

Shannon used all of the colors from the contour palette, taking me through each step.  I’ve been a make up artist in the past, and she really knew her products.  My eyelids have practically vanished due to gravity, so I was glad to be able to see my eyes better. It’s $45 at Tarte Contour Palette

The Lip Sculptor in VIP is awesome!  Super creamy lipstick with a matching gloss that wasn’t sticky at all.   It’s $24 at VIP Lip Sculptor

Not only did I get these two great products, but I got two freebies as well.  A deluxe sample of the Maracuja Oil and Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment. I’ve used both products before and they are great.

The best part, not only did I get some amazing products, but as a Ulta rewards member I got 20% off my purchase.  It’s a once a year promotion where you can get 20% off your entire purchase including premium brands.

Ulta knocks it out of the park again!

 

 

 

Wet n Wild Reviews-Nail Polish, Balm Stain and Eye shadow primer

May24

I’m really digging Wet N Wild these days.  I usually shy away from this brand due to the very low price. I.e. (crappy quality). So not true!  I was looking for an eye shadow primer, and did a little research on YouTube.  I tried Wet n Wild- Fergie’s Take on the day eyeshadow primer.  While I don’t have a problem with my shadow staying on all day, I do like making a color more intense. I had gotten a Mica Beauty eye primer in a recent Ipsy package. I loved how it worked, but had a reaction to it.  The ‘Take on the Day” works great.  You only need a small amount and I was able to intensify my eye shadow significantly. It was a bargain at Walgreens for only $3.79.

I bought the Megaslicks Balm Stain in Caffeine Fix for a whopping $1.99 during the same trip to Walgreens.  It’s a neutral color that is very moisturizing and easy to apply.  I love any kind of lip color that I don’t have to use a mirror to apply. A definite thumbs up!

Last but not least is the Wet N Wild Megalast salon nail color in On a Trip.  A pretty purple/cornflower blue color for $1.99 at Walgreens.  I haven’t really found the Wet n Wild line at most of my usual make up haunts. My favorite store Ulta doesn’t carry it. This polish is awesome!  There are 18 colors to choose from, but Walgreens only carried 8.  I have every color under the sun, but I saw a review by a fellow beauty blogger and thought I would give it a try.  This polish has a wide professional style brush, is Toluene & phthalate free.  It wears so well.  I’ve had it on for four days now, and it still looks great.  It is still as shiny as when I first applied it.  Walgreens has a sale going on right now, but one get one for 50% off.  I’ll be going there to get more for sure. Sorry about my man hands.  It’s such a pretty color, maybe my hands don’t look so ginormous after all.

http://www.wnwbeauty.com/tmp/product2.php?cid=37&pid=923&subid=37

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wet-n-wild-megalast-salon-nail-color/ID=prod6097905-product

NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm-Review

May2

Let me start off by saying I’m a huge tinted lip balm fan.  I usually wear lipstick, but sometimes I just want the ease of swiping on some lip balm. I found this NYC Glossy Lip Balm in Chocolate Apple at my local Dollar Tree. I loved it.  I went back a few days later and bought all they had, which was twenty tubes. I do believe I have enough tinted lip balm to last me for the next 10 years. I’m sure I’ll be giving some away.

It is really creamy and I love the color.  Here is my high school graduation photo taken in 1976, and a current photo. As you get older your lips naturally get thinner. I’ve been wearing something, be it lip gloss, balm, lipstick or whatever on my lips for 44 years.  My mom was an Avon lady, so I started wearing lip gloss when I was 12. The point I’m trying to make is, your lips don’t have to get thinner as you age. I have some sort of moisturizer on my lips 24/7, and as a result of that, my lips have remained the same. Oh the NYC is usually $3, and I paid $1 each.  Yeah!

While I’m glad my lips have stayed the same size, I can’t say the same for my nose.  Must be from having allergies and always having a runny nose. Oh well, I guess there could be worse things. At least I have all of my original teeth! Ha!

And yes, I was trying to rock the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle that most girls had in 1976, that was as close as I could get with my naturally curly hair. Fresh from the salon for that one, never looked like that again.

http://www.newyorkcolor.com/en/makeup/applelicious-glossy-lip-balm

Ipsy December 2014 Glam Bag Review

Dec13

Oh Ipsy, how I love thee.  I’ve been an Ipsy subscriber for over two years.  Every month I get five make up related items.  I usually get three full size products along with deluxe samples.  A cute make up bag with a different theme each month completes the order.   I only pay $10 a month, and can cancel at any time.   I recently tried Lip Monthly and Boxy Glam.  I was disappointed and cancelled both subscriptions.

This month’s bag is Fearless Heroine.  I got a nice sized black and plum make up bag. My bag included full sizes of an eyelash curler by Precision Beauty, NYX Butter Lip Balm in Parfait and Cailyn Just Mineral eye polish in Orchid.  Rounding out my order were deluxe samples of BWC Facial Cleanser with a 3% AHA complex, and Tarte- Lights, Camera Lashes 4 in 1 mascara in black.  I found pricing on all items except the Tarte mascara, with a value of $26.  The eye shadow alone was $15.  I am rarely disappointed with my monthly glam bags.

The Cailyn Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid is a pale pinky gold color that is shimmery. This will make a great highlighter color.  The NYX Butter Lip Balm in Parfait is a natural pink tone for when you just want a little lip color.  Plus you don’t need a mirror to reapply since it’s a balm.

This month’s bag was definitely a winner.  In the past, whatever I didn’t want (which usually isn’t much) I send to my 18 year old niece.  Her mother died 12 years ago, so I send her a fun care package every few months.

#thinkingofyou#ipsy   http://www.ipsy.com