Tag Archive | Ulta.com

Julep Beauty Box

Ladies, if you love nail polish like I do, you have to check this out. It’s Julep’s monthly subscription box. I signed up for three months, at $20 a month. I got 12 full size bottles of polish just for signing up. A $168 value! Wow! Who doesn’t like free??? Plus you get to customize your monthly box. They had a ton of products to chose from. I’m going for skin care this month. My $20 box is valued at over $60 for August. This line of cosmetics is available at Ulta. Julep at Ulta

I’m excited to try the skin care items I’ll be getting for August. Plus the line is vegan, cruelty free, no nasty stuff in their products, etc.. Woo Hoo! Plus you can cancel at any time. You can sign up for just one month if you want. The longer you sign up, the cheaper it is. You also earn points too. I got a free add on in my first box. Also the items are full size. Did I mention the skin care is Korean? I can’t wait to try my August skin care items.

I’ll do a review when I get my first box. The polish is awesome, stays on really well, and I love the colors I got in my free box. They even selected a color based on my birthday month, how cool is that!

Check out this link to join Julep

Free gift for signing up!

Sunny Summer color in Saaya.

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Review

Jul5

Happy day after the July 4th! I’m off work today just hanging out. I visited my friend Marv earlier, now I’m just chillaxing on the couch. Having had the past five days off I visited Ulta twice. (Obsessed much? Yes).

Gravity is not being kind to my eyelids, as I watch them disappear before my eyes, literally. I’ve been looking into some possible procedures, but after doing extensive research, I’ve decided against it. I did a Botox eyelift four years ago, I liked the results, but it only lasted three months and cost $600.

I’ve never been big on liquid eyeliner on my lids, as I wear glasses and I could never get the darn line straight. I was looking through my vast eye make up collection, and came across a freebie Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense. I tried it and really liked it. I went to my local Ulta and got Intense Clove. I must say it really enhances my eye color, and makes my lids not quite so hooded looking. The color lasts all day, and doesn’t smudge. I just did a quickie eye make up job today, as I was only going to do volunteer work.

I got a post card in the mail from Ulta saying I could get a full size Clinique Clarifying toner with any purchase. A $14 value. Dang, winner winner, chicken dinner! I was looking for a clarifying cleanser and the salesperson said to use this instead. The salesperson was super helpful with my color selection.

Here are a few photos. Please keep in mind I’m 57, and know I will never have the eyelids of my youth without medical intervention. And I’m okay with that.

The Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense at Ulta is $16.50. I got Intense Clove. I used points since I’m a Ulta rewards member and only paid $7.50. Clinique Quickliner at Ulta

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Clove 7-5-16 close up

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Clove 7-5-16

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Clove 7-5-16-closed

Ulta Freebie-Buxom Lip Polish

Jul4

Can I just say I’m a goofball when it comes to free stuff? I’m an Ulta rewards member, and I get emails everyday from them. Lately I’ve been getting some great emails for new products, and some classic items as well.

I got the email for some free Buxom Lip gloss with purchase on June 30th. You have to act quickly on these freebies, as they tend to run out fast. I got a full size Buxom lip polish in Dolly from Ipsy a few years ago. I love it, and only use it on specials occasions, why, because I’m a goofball. The color of the freebie was Dolly, so I was all in.

It’s a pretty mauve color that would flatter any skin tone. When I do wear it, it’s over lipstick. It stays on well, and really enhances the color of whatever lipstick you have on.

I went to my local Ulta right after they opened on July 1st, and they had already run out. I ran out of the house with no make-up, and didn’t even brush my teeth, to get free lip gloss. (did I mention I’m a goof ball?) I went to the next closest Ulta and scored my freebie.

It’s $20 at Ulta. I got a generous sample that went right into my purse. If you are a Ulta rewards member, don’t forget to check your emails daily.

Buxom Lip Polish in Dolly

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.

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

Contour Palette

Tarte Make over Tarteist Contour Palette 6-24-16.jpg-1

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!

Ulta Salon Review

Jun25

I’ve been shopping at Ulta since they first came to town. I only recently started going to the salon. Taleah at the Waukesha, WI

Before-frizzy mess

After-smooth and pretty

Awesome stylist!

OMG! Before

Wow! After

location is an amazing stylist. I have course, naturally curly hair, and she makes my hair look amazing. If you become a rewards member you will get coupons, freebies coupons, etc. sent directly to your email. I have gotten some amazing freebies lately just for being a rewards member. If you see Taleah, just mention that Stacy sent you and you will get $10 off your salon service! The phone number is 262-574-0387. Taleah works convenient hours Tues-Friday 10-6, and 12-8. This young woman is only 24, but she has some amazing talent. http://www.ulta.com/

Way to go Ulta and Taleah! Keep up the great work!

Nail Polish-Which works best?

Jun5

It’s funny as I was channel surfing the other night and Pulp Fiction was on. It was the part that Uma Thurman was in. Remember how crazy everyone got over her nail polish? It’s been a few years ago, (okay like 20) since Pulp Fiction came out, but I remember her part vividly. I loved that polish. Was I going to pay more than $20 for a bottle of Chanel polish, um no. I found a dupe that looked just a good.

So I made a trip to Dollar Tree today and bought a bunch of nail polish. I was showing my husband what I bought, and telling him that it’s amazing how much ladies spend on nail polish. One blogger I follow says she has 900 bottles! Wow! I have about 50, and I thought that was way too much.

Do you really need to spend a lot on nail polish? I’ve been using drugstore brands and Ulta’s own brand for years. I don’t think I’ve paid more than $6 for a bottle of nail polish. I’ve found that as long as you use a good base and top coat, you don’t have to spend a fortune on polish.

Here’s an article I found on the most expensive nail polish in the world. Crazy!

5 Most Expensive Nail Polishes in the World

What do you find works the best for you?

Happy Sunday! uma_thurman_pulp_fiction_iogtviy-sized_2

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

Ulta chuckle for the day!

Jan10

I volunteer for a local organization teaching financial literacy to high school students. This past Friday I was teaching a new group of kids about savings accounts versus investing. I do a slide presentation which had saving vs. investing on one slide. The class was all boys except one very disinterested girl.

I told the boys I had recently purchased stock myself for the first time. On the slide were the usual suspects for American investors-Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc. I told the boys I did a lot of research before buying the stock, having been a customer of the company for over ten years, etc. Also after only owning the stock for a short while, I had made money. While a few of the kids tried guessing what I purchased, I finally told them that I had purchased Ulta stock.

One boy piped up and said “My sister works at Ulta, and she’s not pretty at all.” I was trying so hard not to laugh, as I told this boy that you don’t have to be pretty to sell make up. Kids! ulta_social_logo 1-10-16

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.