Ulta Haul

     I find it very difficult to do a haul when it comes to Ulta. I shop there quite a bit that by the time I remember to do a haul post; I have to runto Ulta for something else. I stayed in Austin for a night for a mini birthday getaway with my best friend; needless to say there was major shopping involved. I guess it was the excitement of all the shopping that I forgot to bring facial wash…enter Ulta (like there needs to be a reason). I picked up Eucerin’s Gentle Hydrating Cleanser for sensitive skin, which is amazing! It hasn’t irritated my skin as some ‘sensitive products’ sometimes do. I needed some facial wipes and Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Original Fresh is my favorite! They take off my makeup and it doesn’t break me out. I don’t need any tweezers but these were on clearance. They were regularly $15 dropped down to $4! I don’t care for the design but Tweezerman is a good brand. I always wanted to try Pixel Lip Butters. This was also a clearance item, so why not. I picked up the shade animated. Since I am nearly out of my moisturizer I though why not pick some out while I’m there. Cetahipl Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 15 is my favorite and the only moisturizer I use. It’s my birthday month so I was able to pick up the free Ulta Complete Eye palate. Since I’m a platinum member I received $10 off anything! I think I used it well.

-Melissa

My Break Out Cover Up Favorite Concealer

     You’ve heard about, read about it and maybe you haven’t tried it; Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer. On days when I break out, which isn’t very often I use this. It’s very rare that I break out so bad that my volcano (pimple) will turn red. When I see one even forming I attack with acne medicine but when it needs a little more time to go away I cover it up with concealer. This is not an oil free concealer but it’s also waterproof, which I kind of believe. This last all day long, from the time I put my makeup on (7am) till the time I get home (6 pm), it’s still keeping the coverage. It is quite expensive at $32 but a little goes a long way. Seriously, just a tiny drop will cover. I don’t know what I’d do without it.  

What's your favorite concealer?

-Melissa 

Birthday Gifts from Sephora & Ulta

One of the best parts of having a birthday is all the free items that you receive. Lucky for me, my birthday was this past Saturday (17th). This year beats last year’s mini gifts for Sephora and Ulta. I am no longer a Rouge at Sephora but I still use the Rouge card. The guy checking me out at Sephora saw the card and gave me the Rouge gift! Yay! This year’s gift for VIB’s Peter Thomas Roth or NARS. As I didn’t receive the Peter Thomas Roth gift, I can’t tell you what the gift contains but I can tell you about NARS. VIB’s receive two mini lippies, a Stain Lip Pencil in Rikugien and a Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella. For Rouge members you receive a Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Vento.

For Ulta cardholders you receive an Ulta Complete Eye. They are five beautiful colors that I would actually wear. I am not a fan of Ulta’s cosmetics but I’m willing to give this one a try, just because of the colors. Under the mini palette they tell you which color is used for eyeliner, the crease color, eye shadow and base/highlighter. I wish they labeled the name of the colors on this palette but it’s nice for a free birthday gift. If you are a platinum member, like myself it get’s better. In addition to the eye palette, you receive a coupon for $10 off anything. There are exclusions but you can use it on pretty much anything even on items such as Urban Decay. I love birthdays!

Which are you excited about?

-Melissa

January Ipsy Bag

      A new year, a new bag but with basically the same products. In this months bag a pigment from Bella Pierre Cosmetics in the color whesek. Don’t get me wrong it’s a pretty blue but the reality of me wearing it is very slim. Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in ethereal, I’m not saying it’s not a pretty color but I’m ready for something different from the brand. I swear I’ve received Jouer’s Conditioning Lip Treatment, if I haven’t it’s very similar to what they've sent from this brand. I will say I have always wanted to try a beauty product from La Fresh Group. I’m excited but at the same time I’m not. I received Eco-Beauty by La Fresh Group Good Day Moisturizer. I’m a little disappointed that this moisturizer doesn’t have any SPF. Last but not least Elizabeth Mott’s All Over Shadow, I have never heard of this brand before. Here’s to trying new things and some of the same things over again.

What’s the one makeup item you want to try this year?

-Melissa

My Favorites of L’Occitane

     There are just certain products from brands that I always buy like Maybelline’s mascara’s, Clinique’s eyeliner and Makeup Forever lipsticks. When it comes to lotions, it’s L’Occitane for me. The regular Shea butter lotions are amazing! Not only are they nourishing to the skin but also they don’t have a strong odor. It’s like butter for the hands. They are pricier than other lotions and I’m sure I could find a dupe but sometimes a person needs to treat him or herself. I buy L’Occitane because their products feel great on my skin. The lotions help make my hands/skin feel soft. L’Occitane’s Milk Extra- Gentle Soap not only feels like a spa but it doesn’t irate my skin as do their other Shea products. I love the way it lathers the scent is relaxing. I am not a person who is a fan of fruity or anything that has a strong scent, so this works perfectly for me.

Do you have a favorite from this brand?

-Melissa