Tag: Olay

Midnight Mermaid

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Ulta is now carrying wet n wild cosmetics – online only. There was a 20% off coupon in my email. What a time to be alive!

I was excited, because wet n wild just released a new collection – The Midnight Mermaid Collection. It’s very similar to Black Moon Cosmetics Cosmic Metals Collection – imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! I picked up almost all of it. I got all 4 of the MegaLast Metallic Liquid Catsuit lipsticks ($4.99) – “Coral Crown”, “Harbor A Crush”, “Siren’s Jewel” and “Sea Seduction”. I only got one of the three MegaLiner Metallic Eyeliner ($3.99) – “Trident’s Shimmer”. I also only got one of the four Color Icon Metallic Liquid Eyeshadows ($4.99) – “Lara’s Necklace”, because DUH. I also picked up the Mermaid Highlighting Bar ($6.99).

I keep saying that I don’t like buying fragrances without smelling them first…but then I keep doing it. After reading the description of Philosophy Amazing Grace Ballet Rose, I went ahead and picked up the mini size for $18. It also came with a 4 oz. bottle of Amazing Grace Shower Gel as a free bonus! I am SO glad I picked it up – it’s now my second favorite rose scent, after Cartier Goutte de Rose.

 

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I also picked up a little something for Lily – the China Glaze My Little Pony 6 pc Micro Mini Kit ($15). It’s a tie in to the My Little Pony movie coming out next month. Maybe the polish will get her over the pain of me refusing to sit through it in the theater. Oh – and my Variety Sampler included foilpacks of Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream and Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil. Meh.

This order did not push me to Platinum Status for 2018, but you know what did? Friday before last, I took the kids to get their back-to-school haircuts at Ulta and I got a cut and color. I was going for a rose gold melt, but my stylist didn’t want to make all my hair fall out by bleaching it too much, so it ended up a pinkish red. I also went ahead and signed up for the Ulta Platinum card, so I could get 20% off all our haircuts. Ulta may be an expensive place to get kids’ haircuts…but at least I ended up with $61 worth of points out of the deal.

Since Hurricane Harvey has had us housebound for several days, I decided to play around with my Midnight Mermaid stuff. On my eyes, I used “Lara’s Necklace”, the green liquid eyeshadow, and “Trident’s Shimmer”, the pewter eyeliner. I LOVED the liquid eyeshadow and may be picking up some of the other colors. I did not care for the liquid line – it was too goopy, especially on top of the liquid eyeshadow. My lips are an ombre of the blue and green lipsticks – “Sea Seduction” and “Siren’s Jewel”, with a bit of the Highlighter in the middle. The lipsticks are just as great as the other liquid catsuits, and the price cannot be beat. It’s a lot for every day (Can you say MiMi?), but just right for the middle of a hurricane.

Magical Bag

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Did I need more liquid lipstick? No, but I wanted it. Same thing.

I’ve been jonesing to try the Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick ($17) since it dropped at Ulta a few weeks ago. I’d been admiring “Emerald City” – not a duochrome, but a trichrome – for quite some time. I also picked up “Versailles”, because I need more rose gold in my life. “Versailles” is very close to Jeffree Star “Pussy Whipped”, but not quite as peachy. “Versailles” looks better on me, TBH. I haven’t tried “Emerald City” yet. The Ofra formula is nice and smooth and not drying.

I also decided to try Ulta Adjustable Coverage Foundation in “Fair”, which is very affordable at $14. I’m pleased with the performance. it’s light coerage, but a good match for my skin. I also picked up the new Ulta New Hue Shadow Switching Pan. I know I just paid $9 for a sponge in a tin, but this damn thing works like a champ. I don’t know that I could’ve made my own at home for cheaper. I spent just enough on Ulta products to get a FREE Deluxe palette, one of those ones with ALL the products – 24 shadows and blush and lip stuff. I might never use it, but free is free. I used a code for $5 off $15 in Ulta products, so I got all those goodies for a steal.

I also threw in a Zoya Remove+ for shits and giggles. My free sample pack had Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer and Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer (for my man).

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The real star of my order was the FREE 24 product beauty bag that I got with a $60 purchase. It was packed so full, I can barely get all the stuff back in it!

Inside this magical bag: philosophy time in a bottle repair serum (love this stuff, but too pricey); DevaCurl Buildup Buster Gentle Deep Cleansing Serum; it Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer (I’ve heard good things about this stuff); Sexy Hair Long Sexy Hair Shampoo, Conditioner and Detangler (I don’t have long hair anymore, so I must be patient); NYX Total Control Drop Foundation (4 shades, surely the lightest will work); Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye Contour Cream; Clinique BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops (very interesting concept); Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray (Finally! I’ve been wanting to try this); Ulta Mattifying Balm (another one I’ve wanted to try); Too Faced Mascara Melt Off Cleansing Oil (another genius idea); Jimmy Choo L’eau; Tory Burch Love Relentlessly; Benefit Hoola Quickie Contour Stick; Julep love your bare face Hydrating Cleansing Oil; Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner; First Aid Beauty Oil-Free Mattifying Gel (another WOW product I want to try); Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea (I stuck it in the fridge for a hot nasty day); Organic to Green Coco Oil; Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate; Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in “Butter Scotch”; Vitabath Spa Day Body Wash in “Lavender Chamomile”; COOLA Classic Sunscreen White Tea Moisturizer; StriVectin Hair Deep Repair Mask; and Smashbox Cover Shot Golden Hour Eye Shadow Duo. Phew, finger cramps. Oh, and another $5 off $15 Ulta coupon.

Friday was a Good Day…

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…I didn’t have to use my AK. Oh, and I received boxes from Sephora AND Ulta.

I broke down and decided to order the Milk Makeup Blur Stick ($36) – I had to see what all the fuss was about. The fuss is warranted. I’ve been using it almost every day since I got it. It’s like a giant chapstick for your face. It’s really weird rubbing a giant chapstick on your face, but you get over it when you see what it does for your skin. It makes all of your pores absolutely disappear. I don’t know where they go – and I do not care. For reference, it’s very similar to Benefit The POREfessional, with the added bonus of not having to get it on your hands. This is a must have product.

My excuse for ordering was to get my Sephora Birthday gift – I chose the Tarte Set with Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in “paaarty” and Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in “Birthday Suit”.

I used a code to get a fancy Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Set with Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, Advanced Night Repair Eye and Revitalizing Supreme Light Global Anti-Aging Creme. (Why do all these products have such long names?) For my three samples, I got one thing I chose – Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap – and two I didn’t – Calvin Klein Deep Euphoria and Skin Inc. Pure Revival Peel.

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Wednesday is the best day to order from Ulta, because of the special Beauty Breaks. I’d been shuffling things in and out of my basket for three weeks, waiting for a good Beauty Break. Imagine surprise when my order arrived on Friday – just two days later.

The Beauty Break that got me was the e.l.f. Beauty Break, with Illuminating Primer, Poreless Face Primer, Moisturizing Lipstick in “Ravishing Rose”, Lip Exfoliator in “Sweet Cherry” (I’ve been using the last one I got to exfoliate after liquid lippies) and a Complexion Brush. I also got a free Deluxe Sample of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (the best one I’ve used) and drybar Hot Toddy Heat and UV Protectant. My sample pack included Olay Regenerist Moisturizer and H2O+ Beauty Elements Keep It Fresh Face Cleanser.

OH! I bought some stuff, too! I had to get my hand on the new Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipsticks – I got “Conspiracy” and “Amulet”. Although the lipsticks are thinner than Jeffree or Kat’s, they go on smoothly and the colors are unique. I must have MORE…I also grabbed a backup Zoya Remove+ and a Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser (replacing the one from my ipsy bag that I used up).

Such a good day!

Target Beauty Box – August 2016

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I totally neglected the Target Beauty Box that arrived right before I left for Mexico…poor little beauty box, left all alone in my mail pile…

August’s box is “Make the Grade” and includes: Juice Organics Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner (more coconut – I am loving anything coconut in my hair right now); Secret Clinical Strength Smooth Solid Deodorant; Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects; up & up Women’s 5-Blade Razor (I’m hairy as fuck – I can always use extra razors); Olay Makeup Remover Wipes; Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (this is my JAM); CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara (this might up being a collector’s item, since Katy and CoverGirl are being sued by Hard Candy for copyright infringement); and NYC Get It All Lip Color in “ExtraordiBERRY”.

This box is jam-packed with stuff – a good buy, for sure.

The box was $7 with free shipping and 5% off with my Red Card. As always, it included a $3 off $15 beauty purchase coupon.

Target Beauty Boxes – December 2015

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See, I’ve gotten smart – I throw my husband a beauty box every once in a while to keep him happy…

Just like last December, Target offered “His” and “Hers” Beauty Boxes. The “His” Box was $5 and included a Target brand Up & Up Five Blade Razor (since he joined the Five Dollar Shave Club, I might steal this for my legs); Degree Dry Spray in “Adventure”; Gillette Clinical Endurance Antiperspirant in “Cool Wave” (apparently, Target thinks men are stinky); Axe “Apollo” Shower Gel; and Dove “Extra Fresh” Body and Face Wash. Oh, and a $3 off $15 coupon.

This should keep him off my back for a few months at least…

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The $10 “Hers” box is MUCH more exciting. Inside: Clairol Hair Food Dry Shampoo; CoverGirl Star Wars Lipstick in “30” (Yes, yes, yes! I’ve been wanting one of these!); Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara in “Blackest Black”; CeraVe Eye Repair Cream; Goody Ouchless Elastics Sweat Stretch (they are made like those loops you make potholders out of); Pacifica Love³ Eye Shadow Trio (very pretty earth tones); Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream (another LOVE); and Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream (What am I going to microsculpt?).

…and another $3 off $15 coupon.

Target Beauty Box – August 2015

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…and another Target Beauty Box – are we going to be getting these every month now? I hope so!

August’s box was more summer stuff – Hello Sunshine! Inside were: CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara by Lashblast in “Very Black”; Fekkai Pre-Soleil Hair Mist (sounds like suntan lotion for my hair – I’m in!); Clairol Hair Food Moisturizing Mask (I got this in another Target Box – it smelled quite nice and I used it up a few months ago);  Olay Active Botanicals Moisturizing Toner & Moisturizing Day Lotion (love that Olay); and Crest 3D Whitestrips 1hr Express (Sure, why not?).

As always, I got an extra 5% off with my Red Card and a $3 off $15 coupon was included. Fingers crossed for a new box next month!

Birchbox Limited Edition – CEW Insider 2015

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I loved last year’s boxes, so I snatched up this year’s CEW Insider boxes as soon as I got the email. Again, $28 for both boxes…but I had $20 in Birchbox points, so I got all this for $8. And since I’m now a Birchbox Ace, free shipping!

The Prestige Headliners Box has these fancy products: Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner (time for a friendly game of eye liner chicken); COOLA SPF 50 Sport in “Mango” (this stuff ROCKS – waterproof protection with NO breakouts); Fekkai Hair Fragrance Mist – “Creme Vanillee” (actually smells good – like Blue Bell Natural Vanilla Bean – craving it so bad now, but I can’t have it); GlamGlow ThirstyMus Hydrating Treatment with a bonus foil pack of PowerMud DualCleanse Treament; Marula Pure Marula Facial Oil; and NUDESTIX Lip/Cheek Pencil in “Blush”.

The Mass Appeal Box has drugstore finds, but certainly not the cheap stuff: Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in “Sedona Sands” (can’t tell if the color will end up nude or not); Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths; LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask (Yes!); Olay Regenerist Luminous Dark Circle Corresting HydraSwirl Eye Cream (I still haven’t cracked the jar I got in my last Target Beauty Box); Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin’ Eyes Curves Mascara in “Black”; and Simple Skincare Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer (I am loving the new gel moisturizers).

You can still get these boxes from Birchbox – get to clickin’.

Target Beauty Boxes – Back to School 2015

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More Target Beauty Boxes – and just a month after the last duo! This month, there were 2 “Back to School” Target Beauty Boxes – just $5 each. Of course, I ordered both of them.

Inside the “Honor Roll” Box: a Bathery Delicate Pouf (they’re not quite as good as the Bath & Body Works ones, but not bad); John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Treatment; Olay White Strawberry Body Wash; NYX Butter Gloss in “Strawberry Parfait”; Goody Ouchless Elastics; Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Primer; and Burt’s Bees White Tea Facial Wipes (I hope these don’t burn my eye area like the Cucumber Sage ones I got in my December 2014 Allure Box).

Inside the “Head of the Class” Box: Goody Ouchless Elastics (I’m glad I got a pack of these in each box – now that my son’s hair is longer than mine, elastics are in short supply in my home); a Bathery Pumice Stone; Hollywood Fashion Tape; Cover Girl Colorlicious Lip Gloss in “Give Me Guava”; wet n wild Max Volume Plus Mascara (another mascara to throw in my box); Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil Spray; and Yes to Cucumbers 10-count Wipes.

A great value for about $10. I used my Target Red Card to get my 5% off – it’s just 50 cents, but every little bit helps.

Target Beauty Boxes – June 2015

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So I missed the last Target Beauty Boxes in April – I was too busy sleeping off a hangover in New Orleans…but I got them this time – oh, yes I did.

Again, there were “His & Hers” boxes. His box ($5) was kind of lame – my husband was really disappointed. Whatever, at least I got him a box open…that I opened for him. Inside his box: Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor (same one as in the last box; it was okay, but no great shakes); Axe Styling Messy Look Gel and Axe Styling Spiked Up Extra Hold Gel (My husband shaves his head and my son has longer hair than me, so needless to say – this stuff won’t get used in our house); Dove Men + Care Oxygen Charge Shampoo (will get thrown in the travel bag); and an Orabrush Tongue Cleaner (now THIS is cool and will get used).

Her box ($7) is decent: Olay Regenerist Luminous HydraSwirl Eye Cream; Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in “Gladiolus” (the same damn color that came in my Allure Beauty Thrills); Sinful Colors “Boom Boom” (I don’t have this one – YAY!); Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads; and Fekkai Blowout (my 3rd can – also received in my February Birchbox and the October 2014 Target Beauty Box).

Both boxes shipped free and I also got a 5% discount with my Red Card. Each box also came with a $3 off $15v Beauty/Personal Care purchase, so even though the boxes were not as good as previous ones, they were still worth it.

There’s No Such Thing as a Cheap Trip to Target

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After I got home from work last night, my husband informed me that I forgot to buy cat food. I offered to run to Target real quick – it will just take a few minutes to run in, grab it and get home for dinner. Yeah, right.

I can’t walk into Target for less than $100 – it’s just not possible. I only intended to grab a new “dip-it”, but then I decided to also grab the Sally Hansen “Kwik Off” to compare – it was even cheaper than the Target brand! Then I saw the Q-Tips…for anyone else, 750 Q-Tips would last 2 years, but that’s about 3 months worth for me. (Lots of eyeliner mishaps). Plus, it came with a St. Ives “Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange” travel scrub – my new favorite! Then I saw that I could get a $5 Target gift card for buying 2 Olay products, so I picked up another Olay Night Firming Cream (my go-to product when I’m not using a sample size from one of my subscriptions) and decided to try Olay’s Tone Correcting Moisturizer CC Cream. NADS facial wax strips…because…well, you know why. My last beauty purchase was a new tray to store all my single eye shadows.

Add to that…laundry detergent, fabric softener, boxer briefs for my son, My Little Pony socks for my daughter (I got berated because the pack didn’t include Apple Jack, so obviously, I’m a horrible mom) and a bunch of other miscellaneous crap. I also cashed in an Influenster ice cream coupon…but I’ll cover that in an upcoming post.

At least I remembered to get cat food. So yeah, there’s no such thing as a cheap – or a quick – trip to Target.