Tag Archive | Shopping

Wet n Wild Megaglo Illuminating Palette Review

Jan19

Can I just say it’s freezing ass cold here in Wisconsin.  This past Sunday, after my visit with Marv (the elderly gentleman I visit every Sunday), I stopped at my local Walgreens.  Coupons in hand from the Sunday paper, and the Walgreens store ad, I headed for the Wet n Wild section.  I’ve used Wet N Wild products many times over the years, but lately they have really upped their game.

I bought the new Megaglo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink. It has four colors, two shades of gold, a rosy peach, and a pinky ivory color.  All shimmery, all wonderful.  I couldn’t wait until I got home to try it, so I slapped some on in the car.  Wow! I love it!  This was my third stop of the day, and the temperature was a whopping -4 below with a  wicked wind chill.  I needed something to make me think that it might be warm someday.  I never put blush on with my fingers, but thought, what the hell???

This lovely palette was $4.99, but I had $2 in coupons. What a deal!  Once I put it on with a brush for work yesterday, it looked even better.

You will have to excuse this photo, as I barely have any makeup on.  But I like photos in natural light.  Being in the car outside Walgreens is about as natural as you can get.

If you are feeling the bite of winter, this palette by Wet N Wild will warm you right up!

P.S. Sorry the photos are sideways, I don’t know what happened.

P.P.S. My lip color is my own tinted lip balm I made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ulta birthday freebie-Benefit Roller Lash

Jan19

I love discovering new make up.  At my favorite store Ulta, I got a deluxe size Roller Lash mascara by Benefit in black for my birthday. I also got a $10 coupon for being a platinum rewards member.

I thought I had found my holy grail ( I have a lot of those) in the L’Oreal Million Lashes I was most recently using. OMG! This Benefit mascara is the bomb!  I have long lashes, so that’s not an issue.  This Roller Lash stays on until you take it off.  I’ve been having issues with my mascara flaking off lately.  I wasn’t even putting mascara on my lower lashes because of this.  I wear glasses so you can’t really tell, but it still bugged me. It only comes in one color, black.  I’m more of a black/brown girl, but what the heck.

This mascara does everything it says, I have fuller, curled lashes. Full disclosure, I’ve never needed a lash curler, and frankly they scare me.  I don’t know about the lifting aspect, but my lashes look pretty darn good! I’ll be taking back the three tubes of L’Oreal and buying a full size when this runs out.  Ulta Benefit Birthday Freebie Mascara 1-17-16

It’s pricey at $24, but the way it stays on is totally worth it.  It comes off easily too and is water resistant, which I normally stay away from.

Check it out http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11951085

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Jan8

I have to say Garnier is really stepping up their game in skin care.  I’ve used various Garnier products over the years, and have always been satisfied.

I am totally loving this new cleansing water.  I had tried Simple Micellar Water in the past, and was not impressed.  I’m pretty lazy when it comes to washing (or worshing if you are from the Midwest) my face.  My mom the local Avon lady did teach me at a young age to always wash my face before bed.

Now I wash my face as soon as I get home from work. I’m pretty frightening looking without make-up, and am sure I’ve scared a few of my neighbors when the dogs take off, and I have to go chasing after them. All no make-uppy,  frizzy hair everywhere.  Generally quite a sight to see, but I digress.  I want the easiest way to take my make up off.  I was using wet towelettes for awhile, but them seem to dry out too fast.

This cleansing water not only cleans all make up off, but takes off eye make-up as well.  It left my skin feeling very clean, with no residue.  Winner winner, chicken dinner!

I bought it at now wait for it- you guessed it Ulta! Here’s the link  http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13531031# I paid a whopping $6.46 for 13.5 ounces.  The regular price is $8.99, but it was on sale, and I had a coupon.

It’s really gentle on your skin, containing no oil, alcohol or fragrance. One cotton square was all it took to remove both my eye make-up and foundation.  They also have a formula for water proof eye make.  I highly recommend this if you want to clean your face in no time.Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 1-8-16

 

 

 

2015-My Favorites Make up Round Up

Dec28

Hello! And welcome to my highlights for 2015.  I’m an admitted make up junkie.  I love trying new products and sharing my results with the world.  A little about me, I’m a middle aged accountant who loves all things make up.  I’ve been wearing make up for over 40 years.  My mom was the neighborhood Avon lady, so I learned about skin care at a young age. I believe in aging well.  I’m not trying to look like I’m twenty, but I do want to look good for my age. So without further ado, here are my top make up and skin care finds for 2015.  They are not in any particular order, and I have reviewed some on previous blog posts.

Women’s Rogaine 5% foam-If you are losing your hair, this is the product for you.  I’ve been using Rogaine for fifteen years and it really works. It does make your hair dry, so extra moisturizing is a must.  $30 for a two month supply. http://www.rogaine.com/product/women%E2%80%99s+rogaine-+foam+2-month+supply+auto+delivery+.do?sortby=ourPicks#.VoGuQPkrLrc

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy oil $10 at https://www.palmers.com/en/cocoa-butter-formula/55-skin-therapy-oil-face.html  Has all the great ingredients you look for, but not the price.  I use four drops on my face every night.  I’ve been using it for months and have seen a great improvement in my skin.  Lines softened, smoother texture, more money in my pocket, what’s not to love?

Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle eye cream-$9 for a deluxe sample on EBay.  I am so digging this eye cream.  I’ve been using it for two months, and have seen a definite decrease in the lines under my eyes. I’ll be buying a full size soon.

OMG! Where have Frownies been all my life???  https://www.frownies.com/  These babies have been around for over a hundred years! They are about as low tech for wrinkle reduction as one could ever imagine.  They are basically brown kraft tape with a special adhesive that you get wet and put on your wrinkles. I found them at Bed Bath and Beyond for $16.  A package will last you 6-8 weeks. They totally work, and I love them.  No Botox for me!

Wet N Wild Fergie Center Stage Collection Rose Champagne Glow highlighter- $10 http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Wild-Centerstage-Collection-A045/dp/B00AXYFKZI/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1451340660&sr=1-3&keywords=wet+n+wild+centerstage+collection  You can’t find this in stores anymore, but it’s flipping awesome! I bought mine at Walgreens earlier this year.  It’s baked and has a pale rose glow, great for my 56 year old face! Not too shimmery, just right and very natural looking.

YBBB Brow Power Skinny Pencil in Universal Transforming Taupe by IT Cosmetics. $24 at Ulta.  I discovered IT cosmetics late in the year, and I really like all of the products I’ve tried.  This ultra-thin eye pencil is no exception.  My brows are blonde and this pencil really makes them pop.  It also has a spooly brush to finish off your look. The color stays on until you take it off. No crazy brows for me, I’m over 50, and just want a natural look.   http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770243

IT Your Skin but Better CC + Airbrush Perfecting Powder SPF 50- $35 at Ulta.  This is a game changer for me. I just throw on some 30 SPF moisturizer and buff this stuff on, and I’m out the door.  It has buildable coverage, but does look airbrushed.  I love the fact that it has an SPF of 50. Always a plus. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12251077

Maybelline Master Prime By Face Studio Primer SPF 30 in Blur & Illuminate $8 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  My local BBB recently started carrying cosmetics.  I have to say, they have quite the selection, and awesome prices. BBB always has 20% off coupons. This is a great rose colored primer.  I mix it with any liquid foundation I might be using and it really blurs imperfections out, and adds a nice glow.

elf High Definition Under eye Setting Powder- $3 at Target. This is by far the best discovery for me for 2015. http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-high-definition-undereye-setting-powder/-/A-14795896#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=ELF+high+definition+undereye  Where can you find any kick ass product for $3??? The brush that comes with it is junk, but the powder is flipping wonderful.  It’s a white powder that you brush on after you put your concealer on.  Lines are decreased, and it lasts all day.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector-$29 at Ulta http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11881009  Another under eye cover up game changer.  I got a BECCA gift set at Ulta to try out.  This was by far my favorite item.  It covers well, and a little goes a long way.

I hope you enjoyed my year in review.  Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!

 

Ipsy December 2015 Glam Bag Review

Dec21

Season’s greetings! I haven’t written in a while.  I’ve been super busy with work and a new business I started making handmade cosmetics. So far so good, I’ll share more later when I get my website up to speed.

I got my five products this month and a special bonus.  I’ve been an Ipsy subscriber for four years.  Michelle Phan (the founder of Ipsy) sent me a nice note and an EM by Michelle Phan eye color palette.  The color is neutral, and I love it! It’s valued at $28.  It has six colors and they will all look lovely on my blue eyes. Thanks Michelle!

Here is a rundown of what I received this month:

Clark’s Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask, my skin is a bit dry now, so this will be a treat.

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian clay finishing powder, a great travel size.

Peter Lamas Spa Sensuals Intensive Repair Hand Cream-a lovely citrus scented hand cream.

Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer by Elizabeth Mott-an easy to apply creamy primer.

Power of Love Natural Lipstick by Pacifica in Nudie Red-full size. The color is just okay.  It tastes and smells awful.  I’m making my own lip stick and balm, with a minimal amount of ingredients. The label says 100% vegan, but most of the ingredients I can’t pronounce. Maybe my teenage niece will like this.

Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

 

@ipsy

#ipsy

#decemberglambag

Thanksgiving Grinch-Thanks Ulta

Nov27

Now I am a huge  www.Ulta.com fan, but I sent them an email today expressing my dissatisfaction that they were open on Thanksgiving.  I really wasn’t expecting a response, but boy what a response I got!  Below is the response, along with the email I sent them! Sheesh!

Hello, Stacy

You recently reached out about your concern regarding your local Ulta store.

We thank you so much for your valuable contribution to our company and are very glad to hear you invest in our products. The fact that you write reviews on our products on your blog is highly appreciated and your compliment will be sent forward to our company.

Looking at your profile, we see that you do in fact value our company highly.
Unfortunately yes we are open on Thanksgiving. We understand that this holiday has recent values in spending time with family and eating good food while other stores have large blowout sales. Unfortunately we do profit off of these sales.

Your concern though, questions me. Thanksgiving is not a holiday worth celebrating since it has roots in the slaughter of an entire nation of people on the first Thanksgiving, so I do not see why any store would be closed on this holiday especially since we benefit during this time with the sales and large amounts of it.

We’re so glad you got in touch and want you to know how happy we are that you shop Ulta.

If you have any other questions, you can respond directly to this email.

Thanks so much,

Dakota G.
Ulta Beauty Guest Services

Dear Sirs,

I have been shopping at your fine establishment for over 10 years. Ulta is my favorite store, and I often write glowing reviews on my life style blog with links to your website. I have introduced your store to my worldwide readers. I am also a platinum rewards member. I estimate I spend almost $1000 a year at your stores. I shop at Ulta weekly. I don’t smoke or drink, I buy cosmetics and skin care, lots of them.

The staff is always helpful, and I’ve gotten some great tips. I am writing today because I was saddened to see your store was open on Thanksgiving. I expected more from Ulta. You sell beauty products, not 50 inch flat screen TV’s for under $300. I actually stopped today for some Christmas gifts.

Judging by your current stock value, I would not have guessed your company would have been aligned with the likes of Walmart, and Best Buy. I can’t imagine anyone waiting in line to buy make up. I expressed my disappointment to the salesperson that helped me today, and she thanked me for my concern.

I’ve worked in retail in my life, but fortunately it was many years ago, and I never had to work on a holiday. I know our society has gone overboard on our consumerism, but I expected more from you.

While I will continue to shop at Ulta, I just wanted to let you know of my concerns.

Thank you,

Stacy K.Not_our_Priority

 

My Big Fat German Closet

May7

I started a new job this week! Yeah! I’m so happy to be away from my former job.  It’s so refreshing to come to work and everyone is nice and it’s a positive atmosphere. As I was perusing my closet for my first day outfit, I had an epiphany.  OMG! Do I have a ton of clothes! I can wear jeans to work, which is great, but I have way too much stuff.

Five years ago I lost almost 60 pounds, so I went out and bought a whole new wardrobe.  That was also the same time I discovered shopping at Goodwill.  I can’t believe how many flipping clothes I have. The great thing about Goodwill is that I have a banging wardrobe for very little money.  I’m not one to wear the latest fashions, but I really don’t need to buy another piece of clothing for, like ever.

I have every color of clothing imaginable, ok, not chartreuse, but every other color.  I think I counted twenty pairs of jeans!  I use to go to Goodwill every weekend, now I hardly ever go, except to donate stuff. I like to look nice, and my style is pretty casual.  Now I’m all about accessories and nail polish.

Looking for a different job is so exhausting.  I actually found my new job on Craigslist. It is truly amazing how much a miserable job takes out of you. I look forward to picking out my next day outfit for work instead of spending hours looking for a new job.Happy-Dance 5-7-15