Showing posts with label haul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label haul. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Very Small Haul - thebalm Balmsai Palette

I keep on forgetting that Kohls is carrying more high end makeup these days, and since I had $20 in their Kohls Cash and $15 in their "Yes 2 You Rewards" (which allows you to earn $5 back for every $100 you spend with no required spend amount per trip and in addition to the Kohls Cash with any payment method), I wound up having a pretty substantial sum to play with. I didn't feel like rooting around their store for the next bargain (a favorite pastime) so I asked if they had this new palette in stock, and they did! And it was brand new so it wasn't played with (an issue at my local Kohls). What palette you ask? TheBalm's Balmsai Palette which is a joint eyeshadow and brow palette with stencils. Not sure I'll use the stencils, but the colors deemed brow powders will make great neutral looks and unlike other palettes where the colors may work for brows, these were selected to work as brow shades. Plus, as with most thebalm products, the palette is super cute and slim and has just enough neutrals and brights to probably be what comes with me on my travels in the future.

For the record, the palette retails for $39.50, but with all my Kohls perks, I paid just about $5.

"We like our boys like we like our brows... in shape!" ohhhhhh thebalm.

The back shows and lists the colors
Inside you can see that it categorizes the shades. The first two rows are collectively called "in the buff (basics), the second two rows are called "mavericks (splash of color"), the fifth row is called "curve & angle (brows/shadows) and the last row is called "catch a wave (use wet or dry)".

Since I was feeling curious myself, I decided to swatch them. At first, I was going to do just a few but then I was feeling adventurous and well, forgive me for not being up on swatching as I was before I took my hiatus! These are all swatched dry with no base.
Starting at the top left is the first row, so Wipe Out (a matte, maybe leaning satin cream), High Tide (a shimmery cream - perfect inner corner highlight), and Hang 10 (more of a golden shimmer). Then I got a little excited and decided to swatch the whole thing. Below that is the second row Dream Boat which honestly was a bit disappointing - I was kind of hoping it would be a slightly cooler version of Hang 10, but it is slightly more bronzey and less pigmented; same disappointment with Sandbar which is a very sheer shimmery silver. Tubular impressed me more, it's a nice shimmery taupe.
Then jump to the upper right where I started swatching the Mavericks. Epic is a slightly cooler bronze shimmer, Surf's Up is a wearable greyish blue/teal and Big Kahuna is bright shimmery aqua with a bit of a yellowish green shift. The row below it is gorgeous. Kawabunga is a beautiful khaki green shimmer, Surfari is a purple shimmer with a bit of a pink shift which is more evident in the actual finger swatch than when swatched on the hand, and Pipeline is a darker truer blue shimmer (than say Surf's Up).
Then I ran out of space (oops!) but the last row starts with the brow powders which are all quite nice. Score is a warmer light brown (likely perfect for blondes), Dig It is a cool taupe (perhaps for most brunettes) and Woodie is a warmer brown (for the rest of the brunettes) Since all of these are matte, they could also serve as crease colors depending on the look you were going for. The only brow product that is missing is one that would be perfect for redheads that like to use very warm reddish tinted brow products.
Aside from one product in the last row, this is where the palette really shines for me, because it makes it complete. The first shade (which you can't see on my hand at all - sorry!) is Stoked which is pretty much MAC Beauty Marked. I own the MAC version and never use it, but it's basically a black with purple glitter. The glitter shows up on my hand, but not to the intensity it shows up in the pan, and though thebalm says you can use this row wet or dry, I'm hesitant as the pans are so small. But as I said, this is the row for me. It's because of the next two colors. The first, Ripper is a very pigmented matte dark brown and the last, Righteous is a very pigmented matte black.

Honestly, I haven't really had the chance to play with this palette much yet, but if my swatching is any indication, I am mostly impressed. I wish they had gotten rid of the second row entirely and either chosen more pigmented shimmers or added some other matte options and ditched the Beauty Marked dupe. But otherwise, you have neutral shimmers - an inner corner highlight, a brow highlight. You have a matte neutral shadow for all over the lid or blending or a brow highlight depending. There are some fun colored shadows that aren't crazy bold but definitely show up (and would probably be even brighter over a regular or colored base), there are brow colors (and crease shades) and then there's a decent deep brown and black. These days, I find that getting all of this in something that fits in a hand or travel bag is quite unusual, so as I mentioned, even though I haven't really played with these properly, I'm happy with my purchase.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Dollar Tree Haul

Every so often, I pop into Dollar Tree to see if they have any makeup goodies to be had (though mostly all I find are either ELF products that are already a dollar or no-name brands I'm not interested in). This time, however, I hit the jackpot and I've heard others in different states finding similar items so get thee to your local Dollar Tree!

I go through bronzer at a glacial pace since I'm so fair, but I couldn't resist picking up one when I saw this! Physicians Formula Healthy Wear!
More Physicians Formula, if you can believe it! I wonder if other stores got different stock, but there was only one colorway at mine. This is the Shimmer Strips in Smoky Hazel Eyes #1150. You can still find this packaging at places like drugstore.com from $8.71 - $9.59!
I also found some Milani, but there wasn't a whole lot of variety and some of the items had been tampered with. I managed to find two that were still safely secured, a Shadow Eyez in Royal Purple and a lip liner in Rose Pink (I hope this works well with my Revlon lipstick).
 
In the nail arena, I found two packs of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects in unusually bright cheery spring colors #520 Spring Fever and #560 Tie-Dye For (usually it's neon greens or seasonal collections only- but these will actually be season appropriate soon - before they have dried out - both of the colors are on drugstore.com though on sale from their normal $9, so there's hope they haven't completely dried out!)
And finally, I found 1 lone pack of Essie nail appliques, for $1 of course! This color is still on beauty.com for $10.25!!
Have you seen any awesome Dollar Tree sightings lately?

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Drugstore Foundation Haul & Question


So over the past few weeks, I've treat myself to a few new drugstore foundations. The Cover Girl one that I really want to try has remained elusive as many of the stores I have gone to don't have the #105 shade in stock or seem to plan to for that matter as it's not a part of the display. Regardless, I have all of these new goodies. Is there a particular foundation you would want me to review first? Remember, I have dry pale skin so I'm curious how some of the matte formulas will perform. Anyone?

What I have at the moment:
  • Rimmel Lasting Finish with Comfort Serum Skin Perfecting Foundation in #091 light ivory (also a bit elusive to find)
  • Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless in #110 Porcelain 
  • New York Color (NYC) BB cream 5 in 1 Skin Perfector #01 Light
  • New York Color (NYC) BB cream 5 in 1 Skin Perfector Instant Matte #01 Light
  • L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte in #101 Classic Ivory
  • Revlon Photoready Insta-Fix in #110 Ivory

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Monday, November 11, 2013

November Birchbox (2013)

I received my November Birchbox (referral link) early and I'm pretty darn pleased with it! Inside, I found 6 products ($6 worth of points back - yay!), mascara and a chocolate covered pretzel (yum). The mascara is just about half of the full sized, making it worth $12 and covering the cost of the box. It's been quite awhile since I've been excited about trying all of the products in a Birchbox - hopefully this one delivers!

Inside:
Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
Ayres Body Butter
Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask
Wei Pomegranate Buffing Beads
Folle de Joie eau de parfum

Fatty Sundays Chocolate Covered Pretzel

Monday, October 14, 2013

October Birchbox 2013

So one of the not so great things about the internet is that for these sample boxes, you see what everyone else received and while my box is a good one, some people received Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish which Birchbox (referral link) is now carrying (!) and I have been dying to try but never wanted to pay to ship it from the UK. Now, it's a bit more accessible for us US folk, which is awesome, but I would have preferred some of that in lieu of pretty much any of the items I received, though they are nice.

Inside my (Liz Earle free) Birchbox was:

* Karuna Hydrating Sheet Mask, 1 mask (4 masks|$28) worth $7
* POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuschia, full size $14
* 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment, 1.5oz/45ml (6 oz|$19) worth $4.75
* Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum 5ml/.17oz (1.6oz|$42) worth $4.50
* Chapstick Hydrating Lock, full size $2.99


The 12 Benefits seems to be similar to It's a 10 which surprisingly, I've never tried. Although the Chapstick is considered a "Birchbox Find Alert" and not a "real" sample, to be honest, I've received samples that were worth less than the $2.99 and much less useful. As I said, I'm pleased with this box but I would have loved to receive the Liz Earle. Maybe next time.

Disclosure: Referred link

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

September Birchbox (2013)

I kind of knew that even though I wasn't really satisfied with my last Birchbox, that it would get better. That's how Birchbox (referral link) tends to be. Well, this box turned out to be awesome!

Inside:

*Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund, full size $10
*Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara, full size $20
*Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray 100ml (full size $27|250ml) worth $10.80
*Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips 3ml (full size $14.50|15ml) worth $2.90
*Malin+Goetz Vitamin E Face moisturizer sachets, 2 packets .08floz (full size $45|4oz) worth $1

I already have the Dr. Lipp but I'm happy to have a spare. The green nail polish looks gorgeous and I'm excited to try it and a full size mascara? Yes please!

What did you get in your September Birchbox?

They also included a 30% off coupon for the Customer Favorites Shop on the Birchbox site. Don't mind if I do.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

August Birchbox (2013)

Guys, I almost wasn't going to post about this Birchbox (referral link) since it was so disappointing, but a) I've posted about my Birchbox as long as I've received it and b) I want to give fair/honest reviews of anything I regularly post about. I also get varying levels of box!

Why I was disappointed: The majority of the products received are free samples given by the company when placing an order (the Coastal Scents mini quads are free when placing an order there), or you can order the Miss Jessie's samples directly through their website (you can order 2 free sample sachets for a $1 shipping charge).

Inside my box:

Arcona Cranberry Gommage 10ml (full size 100ml|$42) worth $4.20
Coastal Scents mini eyeshadow quad (full size $34-$39) worth ?
Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment and Sweetback Treatment (13g each) worth $1 due to above
Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! Foundation in 5ml (full size 30 ml|$36) worth $6 (Though I already know this is too dark for me).
2 Ahmad Tea sachet (box of 40|$7) worth $.35

The only thing I was really excited about was the Arcona product.

Sad sad face.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

July Birchbox (2013)

I have been the world's worst blogger recently. Between my new obsession with all things tea and my husband's introduction of a new show that we are both addicted to (Castle), I haven't been posting as much as I would like. I figured I would at least show what came in my July Birchbox (referral link).

I received:
* Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper 1oz sachet (full size 3.38oz|$10) worth $3
* DDF Acne Control Treatment .5oz/14g (full size 1.7oz/48g|$44) worth $12.80
* Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream no size (full size 50ml|$48) worth ?
* thebalm instain blush in swiss dot " fresh tangerine" .5grams/.018oz (full size .09oz|$22) worth $4.40
* 1 set of bobby pins (full size 6 pins|$5) worth $1.66

A few things, I really wish the curly hair solutions product was in a small pot or bottle, I hate these multi-use sachets. I'm a bit scared of the Ceramidin Cream as there are no ingredients listed anywhere that I can find. I'll have to do more digging. I'm actually pretty interested in the acne control treatment since I've been breaking out a lot with the weather changing and female time of month fun. I'm interested in the blush but the pan is so tiny, I'm a bit worried about streaking.

What did you get in your July Birchbox?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

June Birchbox (2013)

Birchbox (referral link) has really been hitting it out of the park for me recently. This month's theme is about travel, or wanderlust as they put it. Aside from the perfume sample, I think this box was awesome (though the cap to my glossy kiss came off mid transit and made quite a mess - Birchbox is sending another - awesome CS!). I received the following:

* Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo with oatmilk 50ml (full size 150ml|$18) worth $6
* Color Club Reign in Spain nail lacquer .25floz (full size .50floz|$8) worth $4
* Mirenesse Glossy Kiss .15oz/4g (full size 3g|$26.55) worth $26.55
* Oscar De La Renta Something Blue EDP ~$0
* adorable anchor nautical twistband hair tie (6 ties|$14) worth ~$2.30

The Glossy Kiss received looks to be old packaging, as the image on the Birchbox site is different but still definitely a full size product. You'll recall that while I was dubious about the twistband hair ties, especially due to the high price, I wound up loving them! And they also included 4 adorable post cards from their different offices. Certainly worth the $10 this month. What did you get in your June Birchbox?

Thursday, May 9, 2013

May Birchbox (2013)

I'm quite happy with this Birchbox, even with the foil packet as it's a full ounce!

Inside:

Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Bali 08oz/2.5 grams (full size $26)
Coola Classic Face SPF 30 moisturizer .23oz/7ml (full size 1.7oz|$36)  ~$4.90 worth
Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste .5floz/10ml (retail size 25ml|$6) ~ $2.50 worth
Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls 1floz/29ml (full size 8.5oz|$14) ~ $1.60 worth
and a pen?   $0.00 worth

Aside from the pen, I'm pleased with this box and I love the baby Cargo blush (though I can't find the weight to do a "worth" comparison. What did you get in your May Birchbox?

Disclosure: Referral link included.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Birchbox March 2013

Holy cow! Birchbox really stepped up their game this month. I consider this an awesome box! Inside my box (#31) was the following:

Caldrea Body Lotion sachets (#1, #2, #3) each is .25floz (full size 8oz|$22) worth $2
CURLS Cashmere Curls Leave In 2floz (full size 8oz|$20) worth $5
Whish Shave Cream in Blueberry .75oz/22ml (full size 150ml|$20) worth $3
Sumita Hara Contract Eye Pencil *full size* ($11)
Madwell for Birchbox nail file (birchbox lists this as a $5 value)

Definitely got my $10 value this month and I think I'll actually use and hopefully enjoy all of these things! Go Birchbox!

Disclosure: Referral link utilized.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

February Birchbox

Due to the epic snowstorm that occurred recently (thankfully missing Maryland though), my Birchbox was delayed. It recently arrived in the mail and aside from missing the bit of chocolate, it was a good one!

Inside:
Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls Styling Lotion 1oz (full size 8.5oz|$22) worth $2.50
Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator 20g (full size 120g|$34)  worth $5.60
Lancome Le Base Pro Makeup Primer .23oz/7ml (full size .8oz/25ml|$42) worth $12
Color Club Wild Cactus mini .25oz (full size .5oz|$8) worth $4

Even though I'm not a fan of sample packets generally, the Miss Jessie's packet is huge! I'm really excited about trying the Vasanti exfoliator and while the green polish really isn't my thing, I love the cute mini bottles that Birchbox has been sending! I don't typically use silicone based primers but I will definitely give the Lancome a whirl.

What did you get in your Birchbox?

Disclosure: Referral link utilized.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Big Lots Haul - and Reminder

I had a bit of a haul today in Big Lots. I bought a lot of boring stuff: cereal, more velvet hangers, a mattress pad that made me so excited I tweeted about the deal (it's that good), Gatorade, and other household necessities. But there was some fun stuff in the loop. I think I did pretty well, especially since today only Big Lots is having another 20% day for rewards members so everything was an additional 20% off - they do this every few months which is nice. And I was quite restraint considering there was a lot more goodies to be had.
I wouldn't say this is super exciting, but most girls need razors and these are a pretty decent deal at $3.20 for 4. I'm pretty sure these razors are discontinued but I have a few of the "tails" around from when they've been at sale at the local drugstores over the years.
Usually, I don't have the patience to go digging in the cosmetic aisle, but I found a whole bunch of Maybelline for $1.50 a piece (or $1.20 after discount). I picked up 3 of the stylish smokes trios (Lavender Smokes, Plum Smokes, Emerald Smokes) which I believe are discontinued but retailed for around $5 or $6 at the drugstores. If I remember correctly, they were rather favorably received when they were still available for purchase.
Next are 3 blushes that I believe came out in their Spring 2012 Limited Edition collection (per Nouveau Cheap's first look). These were probably around $5 or $6 at the drugstore but once again, they were only $1.50 a piece (or $1.20 after discount) at Big Lots! I picked up Champagne Blossom, Pink Peony and Coral Blossom.
I also found this gem, the Maybelline Eye Studio in Spirited Seas for $1.50 (or $1.20 after discount). These eye studio quads usually retail for $9.99. I was looking for more colors but only found this shade. Very excited about this one.
Last but certainly not least, I picked up a pack of the Epielle wipes in the Green Tea scent which I've never tried. These are usually $1.00 per pack which is a bargain but these were only .80 after coupon. ;)

Have you been to Big Lots recently? What did you score?

Monday, January 14, 2013

January Birchbox

So here's an instance where the box isn't that great, but I'm actually really excited for the products. I have been wanting to try Embryolisse for quite some time and have heard great things about thebalm's blushes. While the Ojon is a miniscule size (about the size of a perfume sample), I rarely get through hair oils though I do like trying them so I'm happy with it. I could do without the perfume sample and I don't need yet another mascara sample (plus it's tiny). I've seen "better" boxes for January but I'm glad I got one with Embryolisse plus the 5 samples will net me 50 points so what turns out to be about $5 ain't too shabby.

Did you get a January box?

Sunday, December 16, 2012

December Birchbox

My December Birchbox finally arrived in the mail and I am quite pleased with the contents this month!

Included was a full size ModelCo Shine Ultra Lip Gloss, a nice deluxe sample of the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream and chocolate!

Benefit Cosmetics It's Potent! Eye Cream .1oz (full size .5oz $32)  worth ~$6.40
Model Co Shine Ultra Lip Gloss full size $16
Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Protect 2x .34/10ml sachet (full size 150ml $42) worth ~$5.60
Juicy Couture Juicy Couture perfume sample
Emily's Chocolates Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Fortunes 1 cookie (full size 6 cookies $5.99) worth $1

I've already eaten the chocolate and it was delish.