HUGE Drugstore Haul April 2015

          I did way too much shopping, some from Target and some from Shoppers and I am super excited about every item. You may want go grab a coffee or a beer because this is going to be a long one. 

Swatches are below the descriptions in the same order pictured. 

          With the exception of the first lipstick all this is from Target. This would cost over seventy dollars and I paid fifteen dollars! How could I possibly pass that up?! 

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick in Wear Berries    $3.49

          This is a brand I never really looked at, it seemed cheap so beyond clear brow gel I never tried anything from Essence. This lipstick is so creamy, has great coverage and just sits so well on my lips, with out any goopyness. I have used much more expensive lipsticks that I have liked less, eventually I will pick up some other colours, I think I have enough for now. 

L'Oreal 6h Infallible Lipliner in Pink and Coral  $8.99 regular price

          These do not go on as smoothly as I would like but they look lovely on. I do not have many lipliners and I want to start using them under my more sheer lipglosses to give them a bit more colour and staying power. If this lasts anywhere near as long as the Infallible lipstick it is going to be my new favorite thing. The Coral one is more of a brown tinted pink than what I would consider to be coral. 

Annabelle Metalic Lipliner in Sparkle   $3.69 regular price 

          I would not normally pick up a metalic lipliner but at 80% off of that price why not. I'm glad I did because it looks perfect under the Julep gloss I included in my project pan. It doesn't go on very creamy but once the gloss goes on top it feels very moisturizing. 

Annabelle Twist Up Retractable Lipstick Crayon in Mimosa and Bubble  $8.59 regular price 

          I love these, very creamy and smooth. They both look great alone and with gloss over top. I feel like they would have pretty decent staying power. 

Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Coraly Nude    $7.59 regular price 

          I also love this, velvety matte crayons do not usually look right on me but this is beautiful! It also makes a great base for the Julep gloss. 

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Frosted Beige   $7.99 regular price 

          I would not use this by itself, I have a hard time finding nude lipcolors that work for me. At first I was disappointed by this but when I layered it over the next product I fell in love. I think this gloss would work over the L'Oreal lipliner in coral. 

NYX Lipstick in Honey   $5.99 regular price 

          I have two other lipsticks in this line and love both of them. This one I would not be able to pull it off by itself but paired with the NYX gloss it looks beautiful. I am more hesitant to wear a nude lip than a bright red or pink, I am excited to give this look a try. 

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick in Fushia    $2.69 is the price on the receipt but I thought they were more expensive than that. 

          If I remember correctly my cousin (that is you Em) loves this brand of lipstick so I picked it up for her. She can not say enough good things about it. It has amazing staying power, rich colour and all without drying your lips. It also smells nice which is strange. 

NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Plum Purple   $6.99 regular price 

          I have said it before and will say it again: I am hopeless at liquid eyeliner. I am so very willing to give it a shot for this beautiful colour. 

Aren't they all beautiful?! 

         Ok. Break time, go pee and get a snack. I will wait. 

Smashbox Try it Kit   $22 

          Happy Easter to me! I have never heard anything bad about Smashbox, other than the prices are too high. Included in this kit are sample sizes of:

Photo OP Eye Shadow Trio in Filter 

           It's is such a cute little eyeshadow! I like the packaging, it just swings out of the cover. This would be perfect for tossing in a purse or traveling. The shadows go on smooth and blend well together. I love the darkest colour, it is perfect for the crease or blending out for a smokey eye

Vanilla, Sable and Sumatra 

24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer 

          "A shadow primer that locks on more vibrant colour for a full 24 hours with no fading, creasing, or smudging." I have slightly greasy eyelids so creasing is sometimes a problem for me. The sample should last a long time since you only need such a small amount and it is  so creamy. I am pretty excited about this product. 

Full Exposure Mascara

          I would not say this is the most volumizing formula but it goes on very easily, lengthens and with no clumping or flaking whatsoever. Very pretty but I have mascaras I prefer over this. I think I am going to only use sample size mascaras from now on, that way I can have all different kinds and still use them up before they go bad.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

          I have heard so many good things about this primer. I did not want to drop $40 on it without trying it first. I just want to find a primer that can fight my oily skin. 

          This is the last bunch I swear. Stay with me. 

KT Elastic Sports Tape   $12.99

          I have a busted shoulder that didn't get treated or taken care of in time to heal properly so sometimes I need to be taped together. This stuff is a life saver. I have never tried this brand but have read some good reviews and I sincerely hope it lives up to them. 

Quo Make-Up Removing Wipes    $12 

           These are certainly in the top five of all the makeup wipes I have tried. They took off waterproof eye makeup like nothing. Shoppers had the regular wipes packaged with the little pink pack of eye makeup remover wipes. These are perfect for my gym bag, purse or the days of heavy eye makeup. 

Maybiline Fit Me Concealer in Light   $9.99 on sale 

          I realized I have no concealer, too bad I couldn't get some before my skin cleared up. This is the perfect colour for me. I have a hard time finding concelers that are are the right colour and still have full coverage, I am too pale apparently. 

Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer    $23 

           I am hoping I like this better than the Smashbox primer since it is nearly half the price. The lady in the Beauty Boutique reccomended it for oily skin. It really does feel like velvet when I swatch it on my hand. 

Maybiline Dream Wonder Powder in Porcelain Ivory    $15.49

           I love this powder, this is the second or third time I have repurchased this. It just sets my makeup so perfectly without looking cakey, on a low key day I skip the foundation and just go for the powder. 

          Ok I lied to you. I have one more product but it is a quick one. 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Cleanser    

           I bought this after I tried another Neutrogena cleanser that Momma has. It removes makeup easily, cleans away oil and does not leave my skin dry. I love the cleanser I have (Bioré Charcole Cleanser) but it was drying out my skin. I think I will make this cleanser my daily and use the Bioré one once or twice a week. 

        That is it for real this time. I am so excited to try these products out, if they work out they may make it to a favourites/top 5 post. Either way they will be in the empties eventually. 

Thanks for reading!

A.

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@dirty_cupcake

          

Product Raider  - Check out the products I helped myself to while I was creature sitting for my family

Product Raider April 2015

         
 This week I have been creature sitting for my family while they are in Cuba. Jerks. I have had my own fun by raiding my mother and sister's beauty products. It is like shopping without spending the money. 

          Above are the products belonging to my sister, the bubble bath may be my fathers. He is a strange man. 

Redkin's Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Hairspray 

          I don't think I have ever loved a hairspray so much. This is perfect for curling my hair, it keeps the curls in place all day and I can run my fingers through it with out worrying about losing the shape. I like that it is part styling product and part finishing spray. I will be going out to purchase this in the near future. 

Stainiac by the balm

          I did not like this at all. I believe she got it from Birchbox a couple months ago. It is like putting half set jello on my lips. Not a fan. 

Biosilk Thermal Shield. 

           I really liked this product too, I have thermal protectant at home but I am not in love with it. Princess picked this up at Winners for like $10 less than it usually retails for. If I saw this at Winners I would pick it up in a heartbeat. It does a great job keeping away static and flyways  without leaving gunk behind. 

Orofluido hair oil

           I am pretty sure Princess has had this for years and years. It works well, has a rich smell and clearly you do not need to use a lot. 

Peppermint Vanilla Bubble Bath by Avon

           Pretty standard bubble bath, it smells lovely and the bubbles last a decent amount of time. Avon makes pretty solid bubble bath. 

          And these are Momma's products, she has a lot more I want to try but I do not want to open anything of theirs that has not already been opened. 

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels by Skyn Iceland 

          I actually gave these to Momma for Christmas but I feel I deserved to use a pair after her idiot dog kept me up all damn night every night. They felt very strange to put on and kind of tingled, I do think they made my eyes less puffy. I would not pay full price for them but if I found them on Hautelook again I might purchases them. I am interested to ask Momma what she thought of them. 

Full and Plush Root Amp Spray Mousse by Garnier 

          This product took some getting used to, the first couple times my hair was kind of crunchy and sticky. I wouldn't use this if I was wearing my hair straight but I think it would be great for the rare times I curl my hair. 

Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser by Neutrogena 

            This is the product I loved the most. Lately my skin has been rebelling like a preacher's daughter on her first spring break. I can not find a balance between dry and oily. This cleanser manages to clean thoroughly and remove makeup all without over drying. I went out and bought another cleanser by Neutrogena in hopes that it will help me find the right balance for my skin. 

         Special thanks to Momma and Princess for unknowingly lending me all these products. 

Thanks for reading!

A. 

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@dirty_cupcake

Empties #3 March 2015

          I have become slightly obsessed with using up products, it is just so satisfying! I have been going through all my beauty and bath items pretty much every day I do not work and picking new items to focus on. So let's get into it:

          I used up quite a few bath items and I was sad to see a few of them go.

Balneotherapy Bath Salts in Be Flexible from Faith Aromatherapy 

          I used a discount code from Ipsy to buy this and something else but I cant remember what. I do remember that whatever it was leaked all over the box and it was a huge mess. When I emailed the company I got no response. I did like the bath salts, they were great to add to the bath after to gym to help relieve sore, tight muscles. I will not be repurchasing because they were not any more impressive than what I could buy at the drug store and I have zero confidence they could get to me safely. 

Ultra-Softening Bath Salts by Village Naturals in White Tea and Jasmine

          This scent is amazing, I keep stopping to smell the container. Before I bought this at Target I rarely used bath salts, I did not really see the point. Oh how young and foolish I was. This not only smells so clean and relaxing but it really is ultra softening. I was shocked how smooth my dry winter skin was after a bath, as someone who believes all baths and showers should be hot enough to burn off at least one layer of skin, bath products that moisturize and soften are a must. If I see this anywhere I will buy it for sure, I would also try any other products from this line in this scent.

Bath and Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Luxury Bath

          AMAZING. I love this product, so much so that I am confident in saying that it is my favorite bath product ever. I usually used this with the White Tea and Jasmine bath salts as the scents went so well together and I was practically in a coma I was so relaxed. The aromatherapy collections from Bath and Body Works are a little pricey but at least the stress relief line works. I also have the body lotion and the two of them together will undo many a bad day. The bubbles last forever, through washing my hair, body and just relaxing. Longer than any of the hundreds of bubble baths I have tried.

Hello Kitty Bubble Bath in Strawberry

          I got this from my sister for Christmas, the bubble bath was so-so but how cute is the container? I am going to peel off the Hello Kitty wrapper and use it for other bubble baths so I do not have to keep big, ugly containers by the tub.

White Citrus Bath Gel from Bath and Body Works

          This was a little sample I got from Bonjour Jolie. It is a good body wash, the scent lingers without being overpowering. If I ever use up all the body wash I have I would consider buying this.

Christmas Cookie Bubble Bath from Avon

          I think I got this for Christmas and it really did smell like Christmas cookies. Avon has pretty decent bubble baths for a great price.

Colgate Total Toothpaste

          It's toothpaste, got it for Christmas. It is gone now.

J.R. Watkins Hand and Body Lotion in Lavender 

         This was part of a set of four in a sort of sample box I bought during the Target clearance sale. I am a fan of the lotion but the packaging is horrible. I had another scent standing upside down on my desk for a week and I still could not get any out. I have not actually used all of the lotion up but the container is empty because I ended up scooping it all out and putting it in a cleaned out foundation jar. I saw this same brand at Shoppers and the full size have pumps in them so I will consider purchasing it again once I use up some of the many lotions I have kicking around.

Biore Self Heating One Minute Masks with Charcoal 

          I have used up a couple of these and have another pack in my bathroom. These are the best masks I have ever used. After rinsing my face feels deep down clean, like all the yuckies hiding in my pores have been sucked out. I will buy these again and again and you should too.

Redken Color Extend Conditioner

          I bought this from The Head Shoppe after getting my hair dyed. I have used this and the shampoo many times, great shampoo for colour treated hair. As with most salon products it is a little pricey but the Head Shoppe has deals and sales often enough that I can usually get it for a little cheaper.

Hydrating Facial Ceanser from Epice

         I got this as part of a sample set using a code from Ipsy, it was a really gentle cleanser but still removed all traces of makeup. 

Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Deep Hydrating Conditioning Treatment by Marc Anthony

          I have used this a couple times and it is a great product and I think each package is only a few bucks. It just brings dead, dull hair back to life and the smell is amazing. It does weigh my hair down a bit so I make sure to use a clarifying shampoo first and not leave it on for too long. The package has quite a bit of product, about three uses so I empty it into another container to avoid making a mess or wasting it. 

Glacial Cleansing Cloths from Skyn Iceland

         I got this from Ipsy and I love getting the packs of ten or so wipes, perfect for my gym bag or my purse. These ones however I was not a fan of, they were dry, did not really do a good job of removing makeup and stung a little bit. They had a nice clean smell and that is about the only nice thing I can say about them. I would expect more from these considering how expensive anything from this brand is.

Facial for Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub by Julep

          I love this product. My hands feel softer than ever when I use this after doing my nails. The back of the tube says it best: "Unique double-exfoliating action of glycolic acid and apricot seeds reaveals noticeably softer and younger looking hands after just one use." All true, also hand cream just goes on so much better after this scrub. I just used some of my Julep points to order the body scrub and if it is anything like this I will be over the moon.

Detoxifying Face Mask with Lotus Flower and Ginseng from Balea

         This is normally a product I would love, I enjoy trying out all kinds of face masks but for whatever reason this one stung so bad I had to take it off after like 45 seconds. It was likely just because my skin was so dry but I will not be trying that one again.

          That is all I have used up so far, my next post will hopefully have more makeup items. I have quite a few foundations that are almost empty and I want to get rid of those. I also have some eye shadows and palettes I want to work though but I don't know if I have the dedication to stick with a project pan so that is still up in the air. The more I watch Ashley Elizabeth on YouTube the more I want to commit to a project pan, hopefully she keeps it up and I will finally use up some palettes and single eye shadows.

Thanks for reading!

A.

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@Dirty_cupcake

Or don't, it is your life. I am just trying to help you out.

My last Empties post

Top 5 March 2015

          Here are my Top 5 Products for March 2015:

Deep Steep Dry Oil Body Spritzer

           I did not think I would like an oil moisturizer but it is lovely, it smells lovely and is a very relaxing scent. The lavender and chamomile scent fits into my latest obsession with lavender scents. I use this before bed and unlike most lotions I use before crawling into bed this oil absorbed fast enough that I did not wake up with cat hair stuck all over me. That is enough to make it into a favorites post on its own.

Thymes Essentials French Lavender Sea Salt Body Scrub

              Another product that goes well with the lavender obsession. This is such a lovely, natural smelling and feeling product. It exfoliates and moisturizes really well but not as abrasive of a scrub as I would normally prefer but I really enjoy this. I use this prior to shaving my legs and it makes them so much smoother. 

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil

         I have had other products from this line before and I loved all of them. This is a blow dry creme with argan oil that is supposed to be a lightweight, moisturizing creme ideal for fine or normal hair. I prefer hair products meant for fine hair as they do not weigh my hair down or leave as much buildup. I got this in my March Ipsy bag and it is already a favorite. My hair felt light, moved easily and it smelled lovely.

 John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss For Cool Brunettes

               This is six weekly in-shower treatments meant to boost color and remove red-orange tones in three minutes.After shampooing and conditioning like normal you squeeze all the excess moisture out of your hair and saturate your hair with this gel, leave for three minutes and you have soft, fresh looking hair without any build up or residue. Huge fan, love this. It is perfect for when your colour starts to fade but it is too soon to dye your hair or if you are trying to extend the time between appointments or home dye jobs.

BLUSH Cheek Powder

           This blush is GORGEOUS. So bright and blendable and just perfect. I have used this everyday makeup day since I got it in my February Ipsy bag. It just goes on so smoothly and you can either blend it out for a super natural look or layer it without looking like a cheap hooker.

Thanks for Reading!

A.

Let's Just Take A Moment For This:

          This is my lip colour collection:

          

          There is 75 lip colours here and I know I am missing at least two that are in my desk at the office. I have problems. To be fair some of these were gifts, free samples or from sample subscriptions. 

A.

Ipsy March 2015

          When I first saw the video Ipsy put out I wasn't overly excited for this month but that might just be because I don't like the videos because I was pleasantly surprised. 

          Not loving the bag itself, but I think it could grow on me. I like that I got a variety of products, some makeup, a skin care type item and a hair product.

Marsk Mineral Eye Shadow in Lucky Penny 

     Received full size 0.04oz $22.50

          This was the item I was least excited for. I do not like loose pigments at all I just find they are a big mess and I never use them. That being said the colour of this is beautiful, is quite build able and once it sets it seems like it would last. I am looking forward to trying this out tomorrow. Swatch below) 

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Creme Oil

     Full size 4.2oz $22.95, received 1oz $5.46

          I always love a hair product, I have had products from this line before and I loved them. This is a blow dry creme with argan oil that is supposed to be a lightweight, moisturizing creme ideal for fine or normal hair. I prefer hair products meant for fine hair as they do not weigh my hair down or leave as much buildup. This was the item I was most excited about, I would be happy with a whole bag of hair products. it also smells amazing.

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Anti-aging Mattifying Lotion

     Full size 1.7oz $60, received 0.26oz $9.18

          I will take Dr. Brandt products every single month. Mostly because there is no way I will ever pay that much for them even though they are worth the insane price. The tube is only about half full which is disappointing but the primer from Dr. Brandt I got in a previous bag lasted 17 times longer than I expected so I am not overly upset. 

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Little Suzie

     Received full size $6

          I was hoping to get the dark purple lip colour because I have so many pink lip colours already but the more I look at this in the mirror the more I love it. It reminds me of the Butter Lip Butter in Parfait but with more staying power. It just goes on so smoothly and it does not feel like you have a heavy lipstick on. Once I use up some of my lip colours/go through them to get rid of the ones I do not like I will buy some other shades of this line. Swatch below.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter

     Recieved full size $18

          I was looking forward to this product as I am just starting to play with highlighting and contouring. It was much larger than I thought it would be so that was a nice surprise. The product goes on so smoothly and blends like a dream. I can not wait to use this and I hope to make it part of my regular makeup routine. Swatch below.

Swatches

          Overall I am really happy with my bag, I will use almost everything. I do not know if i will really use the Marsk shadow but it is a nice product. Everything else I well absolutely use, a good month for sure. 

Total value: $61.14

Thanks for reading!

A.

Julep Maven - March 2015

     

          I have been skipping most of my Julep boxes lately but the last couple months have been really good. Click here to check out my February box. I was really looking forward to this one, I just got it today and wanted to post about it right away. 

         It came packaged nicely with the little treats as usual. The little paper crinkles are kind of annoying if they escape the box but it makes for safe shipping and look cute. This month I picked the Modern Beauty box. 

$16.00/$12.80 Maven Price

          The product above is the main reason I decided to get the box instead of skip this month, the Get In Line invisible lip liner. Genius. I always want to wear lip liner but who has matching lip liners for all their lip sticks? Then when your lipstick fades you have liner..lines? Whatever you call them I'm not interested. It goes on creamy and totally clear, I am excited to try this out tomorrow. I have a couple lip colours that feather badly but are such great colours and if this product fixes that the box was worth every penny. The box says it is waterproof, prevents fading, feathering and hydrates. If it does all this it will certainly end up in a Top 5 post. 

$20.00/$16.00 Maven Price

          I was not overly excited about the Fluid Eye Glider, I have said it once and will say it again: I am horrible with liquid eyeliner. This one has me cautiously optimistic, the tip is very short and easy to control. It dries very quickly and says it lasts for 12 hours. There are a couple shakey swatches on my hand (I'm left handed, give me a break) and I really enjoy that you can easily do a really fine line or put it on a little heavier. Chances are I will end up using this a couple times and getting frustrated with my incompetence but I am excited to try it out all the same.

$22.00/$17.50 Maven Price

          This completely sold me on the box, lip products are my weakness. I chose the happy hour shade of the Light on Your Lips Full-Coverage Creme Lipstick. It is a beautiful bright pink colour and is another product that contains Julep's age defying Power Cell Complex™. It goes on smoothly, moisturizes lightly and best of all it fades evenly as you wear it, almost leaving a stain behind. I hate lip colours that fade all patchy and leave the outer lines of your lips with colour. The lip liner and lipstick from this box could be an amazing combination. Another fun feature is the packaging of the lipstick, it has magnets that keeps the cap on extra tight so it seems like it will hold up when tossed in a purse.

$34.00/$27.50

          I got Night Shift Sleeping Mask as an add on for ten dollars, considering it is so expensive normally, ten bucks is a deal I couldn't pass up. I use this as part of my nightly routine. Click here for a review and the rest of my nighttime beauty routine.

Total cost of box and add ons: $29.98

Total value of the box: $82.00/$73.80 / Maven Price

** all prices in USD

          I am pleased with the value of this box and feel like all the products received are good quality and will be used often.

          Want to sign up to be a Maven: Become a Maven 

Thanks for reading!

A.