Tag Archive | Ulta.com

Mini Ulta Haul

Apr23

Happy Sunday!  I usually go to Ulta every week.  Lately I’ve been watching my spending, so I gave up my weekly visits. I thought for sure I might croak, but luckily for me I didn’t.

As I was doing my Sunday paper coupon clipping, I came across some Almay coupons I had that were expiring today. I use to use Almay products a lot, but it seems as though the line has dwindled in the past few years. They have a lip color I really like, and had stocked up on awhile ago.  Well these lip colors were on clearance, and I got them for a song. I think they use to cost about $8, I ended up paying $.49 each with the $3 off coupons I had. I have on Smart Shade Butter in Red Medium on the left and Nude Medium on the right.  It’s a very light feel and very moisturizing. And at less than 50 cents each, I’m not complaining.

Red-medium
Nude-Medium

I also had some coupons for Rimmel, and it was buy one get one for 50% off.  I bought Kate Moss Lasting Finish lipstick in Kate Moss Nude #14 regular price $5.49, I paid $2.78.  I also got Kate Sculpting & Highlight Palette in Coral Glow $6.99 of which I paid $3.95.

First off let me say, my selfie skills suck. I only have on eye make up, and concealer.  I’m not the best at contouring, but I did really like this palette.  It has detailed instructions on the back for best product placement. The blush is a very pretty pale coral color, which looks nice on my pasty white skin. I paid $8 for almost $30 worth of make up. Yeah!

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Covergirl Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation review

Apr6

Happy Thursday!  I haven’t posted in awhile as lots of personal stuff going on. I’ve had to scale back my weekly visits to Ulta, (which is killing me), but I did visit last week and got some great stuff.

Full disclosure, I’m not a big fan of full coverage foundation.  I have good skin for my age, and only spot conceal and use loose powder.  I was in Ulta and had a ton of coupons, along with their buy one get one 50% off sale going on, so it was time to try some new things.  CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in Classic Ivory.  I rarely use liquid foundation, and am a lover of powder foundation when I use it. I have mature skin and a few spots that need covering. This product was $10.99 at Ulta, but I paid $5.50 with coupons and store specials. It’s one ounce and has an SPF of 20.

Here’s Ulta’s description- The Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation longwear that keeps you all day flawless. Longwear designed to stay fabulous all day because it has concealer and primer built in. Smooth, even coverage. SPF 20.

I’m always skeptical of 3 in 1 products.  Rarely do they do as advertised. I was happily wrong on this foundation. The claim of a primer, concealer and foundation was spot on.  I didn’t have to use concealer under my eyes, and barely had to use concealer elsewhere.  I have dark circles, and this foundation totally covered them.  The coverage last all day. I wish the SPF was higher, like a 30, as I use a moisturizer with a 30 SPF daily.  This has great coverage but is not too thick.  I have good skin, so I don’t have a lot I need to cover up. Plus the price can’t be beat. I will be buying this again. The picture I have was at lunchtime, no need to touch up.

CoverGirl Outlast All-Day 3 in 1 Foundation 4-6-17

I’m 58 and don’t have too many wrinkles.  It was great not having to use concealer under my eyes, as it always seems to settle in the many lines I have. Typical car photo, and it’s April here in Southeastern Wisconsin and I’m still wearing a winter coat! Oh, and my selfie skills suck! I heard on the radio that if you were born after 1980, you are likely to take 25,000 selfies in your lifetime. Yikes! Do people really want to see you that much? Of course my teenage son is constantly on Snapchat.

CoverGirl Outlast All-Day 3 in 1 Foundation 4-6-17-1

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Ulta is having a BOGO sale on NYX! Hurry in by 3-4-17!

Mar1

Okay, Ulta is my favorite store, and they are having an awesome sale on NYX products.  It’s buy one get one FREE!  NYX is a great brand with a ton of products! Woo hoo!

http://www.glamour.com/story/ulta-nyx-sale-bogo?mbid=nl_030117_Daily_beautytips&CNDID=7802185&spMailingID=10536028&spUserID=MTMyNTE4OTM0OTQxS0&spJobID=1120110654&spReportId=MTEyMDExMDY1NAS2

ULTA Beauty Opens First Store In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 31: Model Devyn, winner of Oxygen Network’s “The Face” attends store opening at ULTA Beauty Philidelphia on May 31, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)

Toppik Colored Hair Thickener Review

Feb18

Happy Saturday! I recently did a review on Toppik hair fibers. This spray is way better.  Toppik Colored Hair Thickener was purchased at Ulta for $19.99, I paid $12 due to coupons and rewards points.  I purchased light brown.  I already have the Toppik hair fibers in medium blonde, but the light brown works much better.

My hair is naturally dark blonde, but as I’ve gotten older, the gray hair has been coming in with a vengeance. I can go months before coloring my whole head.  I use to pay a ton of money to have my hair colored, but have found doing it myself works well. I use a root touch up by Clairol, but lately it just doesn’t seem to last.  This spray is awesome. A quick spray after I’ve styled my hair, and the gray is gone. It is a bit dull, and you may want to use a shine spray afterwards.

I haven’t colored my hair for over six weeks, and I’m loving this spray. My hair is thinning on the sides, and this is a great product to address that. I also have a funky cowlick on the back of my head.  Sometimes you see it, sometimes you don’t.  When you can see it, this product covers it nicely. There are only three colors, but the light brown works well on blonde hair.

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Here are a few photos.

Before
After
Before
After

My selfie skills suck, but I’m old. This product is very natural looking, and it does thicken your hair.  It easily washes out.

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Ulta & Target haul 2-3-17

Feb4

Happy Saturday!  I made my weekly visit to Ulta for some new products. Unfortunately for me, they only had one of the things I was looking for.  Lucky for me, Target is in the same strip mall. I love to try new products, and share the results.  I’m also very thrifty, so nothing was over $10.

First up Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer in Blonde. After reading some of the first reviews on Ulta, I was skeptical. The price is $9.99 USD, but I paid $8.04. My brows are non existent.  As I’ve gotten older, they have gotten thinner.  I wear glasses, so I usually just slap on some brow pencil and call it a day. This product works great! You have to make sure you wipe the tip off before applying.  I really like the color and it did indeed add volume.  Here is me with the product on one eye, and nothing on the other. My brows could probably look better, but my vision is really poor, and it’s hard to pluck them.

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I color my hair myself, and have for several years. I usually do the roots only, but lately the color doesn’t last for very long. I’ve tried different root cover ups, but my with my hair color, I have a hard time finding a good match. Since I needed to spend another $5 to use my Ulta coupon, I decided on Toppik Hair Building Fibers in Light Brown for $7.95 USD, I paid $6.40USD. I have used Toppik in the past in medium blonde.  The light brown is perfect.  This is a travel size, but a great way to try out a color. My hair is fine, and when I straighten it, it looks pretty thin.  This helps to fill out sparse spots as well..

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After I went to Ulta, Target was my next stop. Target has a great selection of e.l.f. products. I had read about this product e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen from another beauty blogger. It was a whopping $3 USD.  It works really well. Since my eyelids are hooded, I am forever getting mascara on my upper lid.  This pen works great. I saw this same item on Amazon for $9.85. Target really has the best selection of e.l.f. products I’ve ever seen.

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I had really hoped to get this next product at Ulta, but they are not carrying it yet. Aveeno Positively Radiant 60 second in-shower facial was $6.99 USD at Target. I had a coupon so I got it for $5.99 USD. I used it for the first time today. It was simply amazing! My skin was looking tired, and I don’t exfoliate as much as I should. I could tell a big difference after just one use. It’s a generous size at 5 ounces, and I only needed a small amount. This is my new favorite semi weekly cleanser.  You only need to use it twice a week. It contains soy and lemon peel extract. It has the 5 Factors of Radiance-tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness, and brown spots. My skin was so smooth!  I can’t wait to see how my skin looks in a few weeks.

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Here’s me with my new brow product on, mini facial and Toppik!  Ready for a date with my hubby.  My dog Teddy was supervising.

 

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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

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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.

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Japonesque Solid Brush Cleaner-Review

Jan7

Happy Saturday!  I admit, I hardly ever clean my make up brushes. I know it sounds gross, but I don’t have any skin issues, (other than getting old) so it’s never been an issue.  I saw a post about this brush cleaner and thought I would give it a try.  I’ve used liquid brush cleaners which worked okay, but they never seemed like they got the brushes that clean.  That of course was when I actually would clean my brushes, like I don’t know, maybe once a year. Yuck!  I don’t use my brushes for any liquid applications, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.

I bought this Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser at where else, Ulta for $20. The package is two ounces, and I’m sure will last me for a very long time. I bought the unscented version, but it’s made with goat’s milk and smells delightful. I actually washed all 17 of my make up brushes.  This soap did a great job and I used very little. I have an IT foundation brush that I use for powder foundation that probably was the dirtiest. That took several spins through to get really clean. The rest of my brushes, just one swipe.  This really is a great product, and when I’ve used all of it in oh I don’t  know ten years or so, I’ll definitely repurchase.

Here’s the description from Ulta’s website:

Maintain the beauty of your brushes with Japonesque’s gentle goat-milk cleansing balm in this Solid Brush Cleanser. Effective emollient formula quickly dissolves make-up and impurities to deep cleanse and condition your brush bristles for effortless professional brush cleaning. Freshly scented and coconut scented solid formulas deliver instant mess-free results and is the perfect travel-friendly cleansing companion.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

Nail Stamping-Oh how I love thee!

Dec24

Happy Saturday!  I did a post on this nail stamping kit recently, but I bought another one, and just had to share. I bought this one at Ulta for $12, (I had a coupon, it’s normally $15).  Well, it seems Ulta doesn’t carry these anymore. Caption Art Screens Nail Stamping this is the website that has kits that contain 24 designs for $30.  I’m so glad I got them when I did.

I put this design on last Saturday, and touched up the tips twice.  I used drugstore polish, and Julep Oxygen Nail treatment as a base coat.

If you want to try something fun with your nails, I highly recommend this stamping kit.  Super easy to use, and lots of fun designs.

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Here are the different polishes I used. The blue is Wet n Wild 1 Step Wonder Gel in Cyantific Method, two coats, and Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Black Satin. Also my favorite top coat by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri.

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I just love how this looks, and I get lots of compliments.  I can’t wait to try the other 22 designs from my kits.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Mario Badescu Skin Care Seaweed Night Cream Review

Dec18

Happy Sunday! I recently purchased Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream at Ulta.  I had a sample that I got a year ago, but forgot about due to well being a beauty hoarder.  I’ve been using this night cream for the last 10 days, and have seen a real difference in my skin. It is considered a prestige brand at Ulta, but at $22 USD for one ounce, it’s a bargain.

A non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with seaweed, elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid to soften, hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores. It leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.   It also contains vitamins and minerals found in Bladderwrack Extract to nourish  dehydrated skin.  The result is smooth, dewy, younger looking skin overnight. This brand is cruelty free which I like. The scent is wonderful.  A little goes a long way. I have mature skin, but wake up with a plumper, line free face.

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