Category: Body
A Citrusy Ulta Haul
Have you ever smelled a scent that was so amazing that you had to stop what you were doing RIGHT THAT SECOND and order every product that you could find in that scent? That’s what happened to me when I smelled Hempz Citrus Blossom Herbal Body Moisturizer With Vitamin C. I got a tiny 2.25oz sample from Ulta and I immediately ordered a big 17oz bottle ($27.99). Of course, I am kicking myself this week – Hempz is 40% and that same bottle is $16.79. Run, don’t walk to buy it.
I rounded out my order with a few more citrusy products: Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant ($14), which smells EXACTLY like the Love’s Baby Soft Lemon that was one of my mom’s favorites and a clearance Ulta Scented Foaming Hand Wash in “Pink Grapefruit” ($3.50), another scent that reminds me of my mom. Now I can think of my mom when I smell my armpits and when I wash my hands.
Lily was out of zit stickers, so I ordered Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots ($4.99) for her. She said they didn’t work as well as Zit Stickas, so I don’t think I’ll be getting these again.
I got a free 5 piece Beauty Break from e.l.f. Cosmetics with my $50 purchase: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer; Whoa Glow Sun Protection + Makeup Primer; Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm; Luminous Putty Bronzer; and Hydrating Core Lip Shine in “Happy”. Oh, and I used my $3.50 off $15 coupon, OF COURSE.
$268 til Diamond in 2024.
Rosy Ulta Haul
I was running low on my absolute FAVORITE underarm deodorant – Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant ($14) – so I ordered one. I literally used the last smidge in the roller the day this box arrived.
We’re all adults here…I hope…so I’m just going to put it out there…after a hysterectomy and menopause, a lady might need a little help in the moisture department. I ordered Unbound Jelly ($18) and it does what it is supposed to do. No weird scents or flavors, it just gets the job done. Ulta is now carrying a wide variety of lubes and toys, so be forewarned. Good thing my teenagers actively ignore anything I write or put on social media!
Eyebrows are the most important element of my look these days, so I stocked up on a few more Ulta Ultra Slim Brow Pencils ($10 each) – one in “Medium Brown” for casual looks and one in “Dark Brown” for when I want to go full “Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest.” I got a free 9 piece gift with my purchase that includes an eye and face palette; ULTAmate Lashes Mascara in “Jet Black”; Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in a mystery shade; Lip Stain in a mystery shade; Poreless Face Primer; Matte Eye Primer; an eye shadow brush and a makeup sponge, all in a metallic pink makeup bag.
Not only did I use a $10 off $40 coupon and got the free Ulta gift with purchase…I also got a free 10 piece body care gift with my $60 purchase…which wasn’t really $60 because of the coupon. The gift included Hempz Citrus Blossom Herbal Body Moisturizer; Daily Concepts Your Facial Mini Scrubber (looks like the Dobie pad in my kitchen); Kniepp Mineral Bath Salt in “Under the Weather” (eucalyptus!); Whim by Ulta Beauty Peppermint Moisturizing Foot Mask; La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+; L’Occitane Amande Shower Oil; Completely Bare Don’t Grow There Body Moisturizer & Hair Inhibitor (you KNOW I’ll be trying this); Megababe Space Bar Detoxifying Charcoal Underarm Bar; Dionis Goat Milk Shave Butter; and Fresh Milk Body Cleanser. I feel like I would use ALL of those!
Just $329 to Diamond in 2024.
Barbie Ulta Haul
Even though I know the quality is gonna be bargain basement, I went ahead and ordered the NYX Limited Edition Barbie The Movie Collection Vault PR Kit ($90). The set includes BARBIE Mini Palette in “It’s a BARBIE PARTY!”; BARBIE Mini Palette in “Turn Up the KEN-ERGY!”; BARBIE Jumbo Eye Pencil Kit; BARBIE Smooth Whip in “Dreamhouse Pink”; BARBIE Smooth Whip in “Perfect Day Pink”; BARBIE Mini Cheek Palette; BARBIE Butter Lip Gloss; BARBIE Jumbo Lash; and a BARBIE Flip Phone Mirror.
As I suspected the quality is mid…but it’s Barbie, so I don’t care. The eyeshadows and blush are fine, but the lipsticks are shit and smear all over everything. Lily wants the little flip phone mirror, so I’ll probabaly just let her have it, as well as the lashes. This set is a far cry from Colourpop’s Malibu Barbie Set, but it’s not total trash. I’m glad I ordered this when I did – it’s out of stock and I doubt it’s coming back.
There was a lot of other Barbie stuff for sale – hair ties, OPI Nail Polish, CHI dryers and straighteners…but the only other thing I got was Barbie x Moon Bubble Mint Whitening Toothpaste ($12.99). It’s kind of disappointing for a $13 toothpaste. It tastes like the Barbie and Spongebob toothpaste I used to buy for my kids when they were toddlers.
Oh, I also bought some stuff I had been saving in my cart. I got a Milani Green Goddess Transforming Lip Balm ($9.99) because I was hoping for a dupe of my beloved Frog Prince Lipstick…it’s not exact, but it’s decently close! The Tony Moly Tako Pore Blackhead Scrub Stick ($12.50) works really well. I don’t know HOW is scrubs out my nose pores, but it does.
I also got a free sample pack with my purchase that included Mugler Alien (I fucking hate this scent and give it away the first chance I get); Viktor & Rolf Good Fortune; Prada Ocean Luna Rossa; La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum (my daughter showed me THAT TikTok and now I cannot help but think of roach pussy every time I see this brand); Tanologist Face + Body Drops (will be given to a child); KylieSkin Hydrating Face Mask (low key scared to try it); and Avene Solaire UV Sunscreen Fluid. This is one of the shittiest sample packs I’ve gotten in ages – like they are trying to get rid of nasty shit. At least I got to use a $5 off $25 coupon…
$366 to Diamond in 2024. (I got my hair did a few weeks ago – even though I used $175 in Ulta Points, I still spent $90 or so.)
July 2023 Ipsy Bag – The Great Escape
This month’s ipsy bag was a bit odd…
Not only were the items odd, but the bag was odd. The violet and yellow satin pouch is from ipsy’s sister brand Refreshments, which appears to be a monthly razor and/or deodorant subscription. I’d check it out if the the family wasn’t already set up on Dollar Shave Club (which is somehow no longer a dollar, but more like three or four per razor). It’s fine, I can always use more pouches.
This month’s product choice was Dew of the Gods Cutie Fruities Blemish Stickers. I haven’t been able to test them out yet, somehow my skin has been fairly clear this summer.
Also in this month’s ipsy bag: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA (I’ve been using this on my chest and bikini line – it makes everything so smooth!); Mudmasky Vitamin-A Booster French Clay Mask (I used this last week – it was like powerwashing my pores); Mo Beauty Divinely Defined – Precision Brow Pencil & Brush in “Light Brown” (it was empty and unusable, but I am too lazy to complain to ipsy about it); and Seraphine Botanicals Amla Nude – Silky Nude Eyeshadow Palette in “Dawn Light” (I actually gave this to my stepmother-in-law to wear to a wedding, so she could feel sparkly and fancy). A good – but odd – mix of products.
I’m glad next month is an Icon Box (curated by Vanessa Hudgens!), so I can get some full size products.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $13/month and Icon Box (formerly Glam Bag X) for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Last (Semi-Annual) Chance!
Believe it or not, I only hit Bath & Body Works ONCE during this Semi-Annual Sale…it was the first day of the sale, so they had lots of stuff, but the discounts weren’t there.
About a week in though, they had a really good coupon code – 20% off AND free shipping, so I loaded up my cart with hand soaps, plus some of the Aromatherapy line was 75% off, so I decided to try “Orange Flower Sandalwood” Body Wash and Ultimate Hydration Cream – it’s really good! Most orange products are sickly sweet, but the Sandalwood gives it a nice woody undertone.
Technically, I guess I hit the sale twice…I believe that TODAY is the last day of the sale, so go get some soap!
June 2023 Ipsy Bag – Ready, Set, Play!
I am so behind…more time in the office, less time in the house, ugh…
I haven’t touched a single thing in this month’s ipsy bag – not a thing! My product choice this month was Frank Body Rosehip Body Scrub & Cleanser – it looks like it would be a good pouch for travel, so I think I’ll wait until my next trip (Reno in July) to try it out.
I also got: Adesse New York Nail Polish in “Bellini” (very, VERY pale pink); BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Natural Matte Tinted Moisturizer in “Vanilla” (I have been wanting to try this – going into the office more might be a good excuse); Dito ICE CREAM Liquid Lipstick in “Lucky”; and WingMe Cosmetics 03 Small Shading Brush (that’s right – another FUCKING eye brush).
This month’s brands seem a bit off, but there is a good mix of products…plus a super soft and squishy bag.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $13/month and Icon Box (formerly Glam Bag X) for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Summer Fun Ulta Haul
I must be depressed…I’ve been shopping an awful lot lately. Hmmm…oh well, I’ll feel a lot better if my skin looks nice.
I cannot believe I am saying this…but I cannot WAIT to get an ingrown hair, so that I can try out the Fur Ingrown Microdart Patch ($22.40, regularly $28). I am a longtime sufferer of ingrowns on my bikini line – I am thrilled to find out if these little patches can ease some of my pain! Updates to come…
Speaking of skincare, I wasn’t thrilled with the wet n wild micellar water I got recently, so I picked up Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Water ($11.99). I also want to save the planet from my cotton pad habit, so I also got Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads, Reusable, 3 Pack ($11.99). I also received a gift with purchase: a Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water deluxe sample.
I did splurge a little bit…I got the limited edition Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in “Fuchsia Wife” ($27). I know that’s a lot for a lippie, but I really liked the color name. I was hedging my bets in hoping that the formula is similar to Colourpop Glossy Lip Stains – and it is, although at a premium price. I’ve worn “Fuchsia Wife” a few times and that stuff stays on like crazy! No regertz.
My $60 purchase garnered me ANOTHER gift with purchase – a suncare sampler: Ulta Beauty Gradual Self Tan Facial Mist (gifting to the daughter); Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion (this shit is BOMB); St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Drops (gifting to the son); CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion; COOLA Organic Makeup Setting Spray; La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Daily Lotion; Avene Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid; Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer (gifting to son); and Dermalogica Daily Moisturizer. Ain’t NOBODY gonna burn in my house.
$667 to Diamond Status in 2024.
May 2023 Ipsy Icon Box – Anastasia Soare
Anastasia? Of Anastasia Beverly Hills? That’s a really BIG name to start off Glam Bag X’s new identity as Icon Box. Anastasia Soare is definitely an icon – a BROW icon.
I am absolutely OBSESSED with Anastasia’s contribution: the new Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette ($55). I missed it when it dropped in 2021, so it’s a not a new product at all, but it’s new to me and that is all that counts. I love a good 10 shade palette, but I really appreciate it when a brand give you HUGE pans of your base colors. The shades are neutral, yet bold and maintain the high quality that I expect from ABH. I will struggle not to use it every day for the rest of 2023.
I am also obsessed with one of my product choices – Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Lipstick in “Rose Divinity” ($32). It’s a metallic mauve and I LOVE it. My other product choices were Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant ($65) and Kate Somerville Dry Skin Saver ($56). I admit, I haven’t had a chance to try either – soon!
Also in my Icon Box: Alamar Cosmetics Alamar Essentials Eye Trio Brushes ($18); Volition Beauty Golden Eye Brightening Serum with Vitamin C + Niacinamide ($40); MAC Magic Extension 5mm Fibre Mascara in “Extensive Black” ($26); and Skin Inc Body Sculpt Fit Serum ($32.50). I haven’t tried any of these products either…I know, I’m slackin’.
All together, my box was worth $324 – not bad.
I subscribe to the basic ipsy bag for $13/month and Icon Box (formerly Glam Bag X) for an extra $43/quarterly. If you’d like to try Ipsy – click here. I’ll earn 250 points if you sign up through my referral link.
Diamond Freebie Haul
I love the first Monday of every month. Not because it’s a Monday, but because that’s when Ulta has their “Diamond Love List”, which is full of exclusive deals and freebies for Diamond Members!
The best part about the “Diamond Love List” is getting to try new products before the official launch. Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizer ($46) is a lighter version of the Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream that I love. I’ve been using it under my makeup and I love how light it feels. It’s a bit pricier than Oil of Olay, but those are damn near $30 now! I’m getting uncomfortably close to 50 years old, so it might be time to splurge a little bit…I mean, it’s not La Mer.
My hair needs more than a sample pack of deep conditioner, so I splurged on Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock ($38.50). It came with a gift with purchase – a free shower cap and hair wrap set. Who doesn’t need an extra shower cap and hair wrap?
What else did I “add to cart”? Aquaphor Touch-Free Healing Ointment ($9.99) is THE BEST. Smartypits Natural Deodorant Sample Pack – Sensitive Skin ($10, down from $20) – I couldn’t pass up this set of 4 trial size deodorants. So far, I’ve only used “Rose Lavender”, but it hasn’t irritated my skin. I also picked up a few more Flowery Nail Buffers, at 40% off. I also got a pair of Diane Daisy/Clean-Cut Shear 5” ($8.79, down from $10.99) for Logan. I caught him cutting his hair with kitchen scissors!
My order also contained a birthday gift for my sister…not pictured.
…and now for the free stuff! I got an exclusive Clarins 4 piece set with my $35 skincare purchase: Clarins Double Serum Eye; Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté; Total Cleansing Oil; Extra-Firming Night Cream; and Instant Smooth – that’s five things! I also got a free mystery gift with select hair care purchase: it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging; Biolage Strength Repairing Spray; Love Wellness Call Me Collagen; Drybar Liquid Glass Shampoo & Conditioner; Verb Ghost Shampoo & Conditioner; Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo; Living proof. Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment; and it Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Serum. Last, but not least, I got a Platinum & Diamond Exclusive 11 piece gift with $35 hair purchase: Biolage All-In-One Multi-benefit Spray; Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother; Living proof. Perfect hair Day Enhancing Treatment; Batiste Dry Shampoo; Bed Head Master Piece Hairspray; ANOTHER Love Wellness Call Me Collagen; Better Not Younger Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo (but no conditioner?); Virtue Healing Oil; OUAI Treatment Masque; and Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner. My hair is so lucky!
On top of all those freebies, I was able to use a $10 off $50 coupon…just $718 to Diamond in 2024.
PEEP My Skin Haul
YASSSS! I was hoping for more textured PEEPS polish to go on clearance after Easter and I was able to snag another Sally Hansen Insta-Dri x PEEPS Nail Polish Duo Pack for 30% off ($8.39, down from $11.99). This Pack includes “PEEPS Classic Chick” and “PEEPS Cotton Candy”.
My dermatologist suggested benzoyl peroxide for my bacne, so I snagged CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, which happened to be 20% off ($15.19, down from $18.99). I haven’t started using it yet – I wanted to wait until after I washed my sheets, so I could make sure my dirty sheets weren’t making it worse. I washed my sheets TODAY, so tomorrow will start my bacne attack.
They were a whopping 60% off, so I grabbed Ulta Beauty Milky Toner ($4, down from $10) and Shine Bright Exfoliating Face Polish (also $4, down from $10). The Face Polish smells go good!
The weirdest thing – there was a random extra item in my box: Flower Blush Bomb in “Cinnamon”. I would never order this product – so weird. The sticker price is only $11.49, so I don’t feel bad about keeping it. I’ll maybe give it to my daughter or my nieces.
No other freebies, but I did use a $3.50 off $15 coupon. $856 to Diamond in 2024…