Tag: stila
Birthday Splurge
But is it really splurging if it’s on the sale page?
I hadn’t used my $10 off birthday code at Ulta yet, so I filled my cart on the sale page. Actually, let me back up. I was scrolling the Sephora Presidents Day sale and saw that the Jackie Aina and Carli Bybel palettes from Anastasia Beverly Hills were 30% off, so I decided to redirect that purchase over to Ulta – not only because I have a coupon, but also because I feel like I get more value from being top tier at Ulta than being top tier at Sephora. Also, Ulta has BOMB GWPs.
Ulta didn’t have the Jackie Aina palette, but the DID have the Anastasia Beverly Hills Carly Bybel Palette ($31.50, down from $45). That’s fine, because the Jackie Aina palette looks a little cray. (I was hoping that the Alyssa Edwards palette would be back, but nope.) I only know Carli from the Allure Beauty Box she did last year. I was thinking that the palette would end up being pretty basic, but it’s got a nice selection of colors, with lots of shimmer and glitter. I’m enjoying using it, except that the glitter shades have the fallout from hell. It sprays all over my whole damn face. Primer helps a little bit, but it still gets everywhere. I’m gonna have to work on it.
I also decided to go out on a limb and try the Lime Crime Venus XS Vixen Palette ($10, down from $20). I’ve stayed away from Lime Crime for the most part because the owner was a shitbag, but since selling out in 2018, it appears they’ve turned their reputation around. The XS Vixen is a small red-themed palette. The quality is just OK – it doesn’t blend very well at all and the coverage is splotchy. Looks like I can continue to ignore this brand.
One more sale purchase – an Urban Decay Cosmetics Brow Beater Microfine Brow Pencil and Brush in “Dark” ($10, down from $20). I’m guessing that it’s on clearance because they are discontinuing it…which is fine. The quality is fine, similar to Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, but still not as good (for me) as the Ulta Ultra Slim Brow Pencil.
I picked up the new Pacifica Sunshine Highs Toning Shampoo & Conditioner ($10 each) for my son’s bleached locks. I got it in preparation for another round of highlights, so probably next week or so.
There was also a free 28 piece beauty bag with a $70 purchase. You know I cannot get enough of those GWPs. Inside this HUGE red bag: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum; LORAC Pro Plus Fiber Mascara (eek, those fiber mascaras scare me); PUR Fully Charged Mascara; Boots No7 Dark Circle Corrector; Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam (I have 3 sample bottles of this now – thanks, Ulta); Living proof. restore perfecting spray; Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Patina” (I really like this shade – I wonder if my old one is dried up?); proactivMD Deep Cleansing Face Wash (I used proactive back when it first came out; it worked for a while, but then ate all my skin off); Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector; Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly; First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream; It’s a 10 Miracle Finishing Spray; Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask; Patchology Flashpatch Illuminating Eye Gels (so many damn eye patches – I feel like a fucking pirate); TonyMoly Vital Vita 12 Ampoules Mix & Match Serums; Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Glow Powder; DevaCurl Supercream (no curls here, go will give away); Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon; Zitsticka (intrigued); Botanics Simply Calm; Ulta Beauty Matte Black Eyeliner; Biolage Airdry Glotion (what?); Pureology Colour Fanatic; Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control; Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio; e.l.f. Poreless Primer Putty (oh, this is some GOOD stuff – I like it); Cover FX High Performance Setting Spray and Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash (what does that girl from Stranger Things know about beauty products?) A dang good bag!
$1,088 to Diamond. I better step it up!
Sephora Play! Smarts – Glitter Eyes for Real Life
Every once in while, Sephora Play! puts out a supplemental box that can be purchased outside of the Play! subscription. I’ve passed the last few, due to either duplicative or lackluster products. I did not pass on THIS one.
The “Glitter Eyes for Real Life” box was $20 and the real reason I added the box to my cart was the rose gold mermaid pouch! My daughter is crazy for sequined mermaid fabric – she has a bunch of the pillows and she fusses with them constantly. When I get tired of playing with it, it’s hers.
Also in the “Glitter Eyes” box: Benefit Bad Girl Bang Volumizing Mascara (I just cracked it open today – this is my new go-to mascara); Grande Lash MD Lash Enhancing Serum (if I paint this on my upper lip every night, will it help me grow a John Waters mustache?); Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12HR wear Waterproof in “Black Lace”; stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Kitten Karma” (I just started using the sample I already had and this stuff is the SHIT); Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme; and Bite Beauty Prismatic Pearl Multistick in “Rose Pearl”. The kit also came with a set of cards for each product with application tips and eye shadow looks. There’s also a free webcast on July 15th. The box is still available – CLICK HERE.
OH! and I also added a $5 Sephora Watermelon after-sun mask to my cart – I have avoided sunburn so far this summer, but I still feel like my skin is taking a beating. My $25 purchase (and a promo code) granted me an extra sample – Benefit The POREfessional Pearl Primer (interested to try it). My other chosen samples were it Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser, IGK Hot Girls Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner, and Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum.
If you’re interested in finding out about the monthly box, join up now. Sephora Play is only $10/month. You can sign up at sephora.com/play.
DIVINE!
Anyone who knows me even casually, knows that I have a thing for pink flamingos. They’re in my yard, in my house, on my clothes. Those who REALLY know me, know how much I love Pink Flamingos, starring the one and only Divine. And thanks to Kat Von D, now I can have Pink Flamingos in my makeup!
I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of the Kat Von D x Divine Collection since sneak peaks started appearing online last year. It was finally released on VD, but didn’t hit Sephora’s site until the 17th. Yup, I ordered the morning of the 17th and it arrived just a few days later…
I ordered the whole collection, which consisted of the I am Divine Palette ($38), with eight all-new eye shadows, inspired by Divine. I also picked up the Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in “Divine” ($19), which is a creamy pinky nude. It’s the new Studded Kiss formula, too – super creamy and soft on the lips.
Before I start talking about the palettes, I’ll mention my samples. Yes, I finally received samples with a Sephora order! I placed my order via my PC instead of using the app and I hate to say it, but I think that might be the key. I got three foil packets: belif: The True Cream – Aqua Bomb (my jam); Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser; and Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil.
I also used a code to get a deluxe sample of of stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “kitten karma” (haven’t had a chance to try it yet).
Just $875 to Sephora Rouge for 2019. If Kat keeps up with the releases like she did laast year, that won’t be an issue.
Obviously, I couldn’t wait to play with the palette.
The first time I try an eye shadow, I put it straight on my face, without any kind of primer. As you can see, there’s a decent amount of pigmentation even without primer. The green (“Pink Flamingos” ironically) really needs a primer to pop, but the matte blue (“Waters”) pops without it, as does the dark blue shimmer under my eyes (“Baltimore”). I’ll be honest, I’ll get more use out of the neutral colors in the palette, but I WILL use this palette.
The lipstick is very close to my natural skin tone. I tried it alone and was not wowed. I overlined my lips with “Lolita” Everlasting Lip Liner and it made all the difference in the world.
I am not at all disappointed in this palette and lippie – great job Kat!
December 2017 Birchbox – On the Dot, Off the Cuff
This month’s Birchbox was a “Hail Mary” pass – I was all set to cancel my subscription until I saw the goodies in this month’s fabulous box. I’d had weak boxes for the last several months and now that the point system has been overhauled…but lo and behold…an amazing box! They’ve earned a brief reprieve.
I was expecting the Davines MINU Illuminating Shampoo – For Color-Treated Hair – it was my sample choice this month. The box also came with foil packs of Davines MINU Illuminating Conditioner – For Color-Treated Hair and Davines MINU Hair Serum – For Color-Treated Hair. Bahhhhh….foil packs….no….
The goodies I wasn’t expecting: Stila Cosmetics HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara (they messed up and I got TWO of these!); Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance Pure Vanilla Eau de Parfum (eh); LOC Liquid Shimmer Shadow in “Eclipse”; and Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. Oh, and I almost forgot…an eyelash curler. A FUCKING eyelash curler. Does anyone even use those anymore?
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
October Birchbox – Behind the Scenes Beauty
…And I’m back to the curated box option this month.
Really, I wanted the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Kiehl’s is really good stuff! I’m also happy to try the Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Uplift Shampoo and Conditioner – matching deluxe samples of each! No foil packs!
Also in this month’s “Behind the Scenes Beauty” box: [comfort zone] Hydramemory Cream Gel and Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (I feel like I have at least 6 of these).
Quite a good box this month…keep it up, Birchbox!
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
August Birchbox – Easy Does It
Yup, I had to get the curated box again. It’s like I just can’t handle surprises anymore…
I’m a big fan of the stila liquid lipsticks, so I mostly chose it just for the stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Aria”. I thought it would be a dusty red, but it turned out to be more berry – I love it. Also in this month’s box: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Ultimate Hydro Gel (I’m about to use up all my Water Drop, so woo!); Living proof. Restore Mask Treatment; pur-lisse Blue Lotus Seed Mud Mask (yasss); and amika Bombshell Blowout Spray (my 3rd or 4th one).
Box is somewhat mediocre, but enough to get me through. I heard that Wal-mart is in talks to buy Birchbox…if that happens – I don’t know if I’ll keep it. Hmmmm….
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
Review – Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Liquid Lipstick
It’s been a minute since I’ve done a full on product review, but I had ALL Saturday to myself and I had myself a little swatch party…
I’d been considering trying out Wet n Wild‘s new Megalast Liquid Catsuit Liquid Lipsticks since they launched at the end of 2016. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on liquid lipsticks in the past year or so – at $18-$20 each. Could a $4.99 product really match products that cost 3-4 times the price?
If you’re too lazy to read any further, the short answer is YES. If you’re NOT lazy, I’ll continue.
I started slowly, buying “Give Me Mocha” at Walgreen’s a few weeks ago. I was so impressed with the formula, that I started looking for a few more colors to test. It took a few trips to different Walgreen’s and Targets, but I also snagged “Rebel Rose” and “Goth Topic”, also snagging three more tubes to send to my lipstick buddy, Sally. They started their voyage to Scotland a week ago yesterday – I hope they get there soon!
Let’s start with “Goth Topic”. I’ll admit it, I only bought it for the name. I spent so much time at Hot Topic in the 90s!
I don’t wear dark lipsticks like this much anymore, but back in high school and college, this dark maroonish/brownish color was my jam. It’s the 90s in one color.
I only had one color to compare it too – and it’s not that hot a match. NYX Liquid Suede Creme Lipstick in “Club Hopper”. The NYX lipsticks are only a bit more expensive at $6.99, so it’s not much of a savings, but I found that “Goth Topic” – although thin – gave better coverage than “Club Hopper” and wore off my inner lips more slowly.
I’m suspecting that I’ll rarely wear either of these, unless I want to really annoy my husband.
On to “Rebel Rose” – a dusty rose. I’ll be honest, I thought that I had at least a handful of lipsticks that would match this one, but when I swatched them – they were all a little off. I wasn’t able to find ANY exact matches, but I decided to show off the closest ones I found.
Jeffree Star Cosmetics “Gemini” is somewhat similar, but a bit more Terra Cotta leaning. I suspect that it is a closer match to Jeffree Star “Doll Parts”, but I don’t have that one yet. Soon.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Patina” is a bit closer, but leans more lavender. I really like the Stila Formula – it’s not as drying as most others.
“Patina” lasts the longest of the three on me. It is also the most flattering, but “Rebel Rose” looks pretty amazing as well.
…and I saved the best for last. “Give Me Mocha” is similar to SO many of my lipsticks – at least a dozen, if not 20. I narrowed it down the the very closest of matches to share.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in “Lolita” is my absolute favorite matte liquid lipstick right now. It’s not an exact match, but fairly close. I was hoping that Jeffree Star “Androgyny” (another favorite) would be a dupe, but it leans more mauve.
I found two from NYX that are very close: NYX Lip Lingerie in “Exotic” and NYX Intense Butter Gloss in “Chocolate Crepe”. The Lip Lingerie has the matte staying power, but “Chocolate Crepe” is the closest color match….BUT, it’s not a matte liquid lipstick. The Butter Gloss is a slimy gloss that gets all over the place.
If you want to be a babe on a budget, don’t lose a minute’s worth of sleep over saving a dime (or 150 dimes) by picking the Liquid Catsuit Liquid Lipstick. It lasts just as long as Jeffree or Kat Von D and the colors are decent. It doesn’t smell weird and although thinner, a second coat fixes any thin coverage spots. I just wish they had more colors!
August Birchbox – Endless Summer
Seeing double? For some odd reason, I ended up with two identical Birchboxes this month…I guess I better check my credit card statement…
“Endless Summer”? Whoa…deja vu. I guess there’s no way to know ahead of time that another subscription box will be using the same theme…
This month’s curated Birchbox was an easy choice – I wanted that stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Patina” – that will be my lipstick tomorrow. Also in the box: Living Proof. No Frizz Nourishing Oil (it will go nicely with all the Living Proof. stuff I got in last month’s box); Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle; Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow; Acure Organics Coconut & Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes; and Hum Nutirition Raw Beauty Green Superfood Powder (not sure what the fuck I’m gonna do with this…maybe sprinkle on yogurt?)
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
Beauty in Bloom
The last few Limited Edition boxes from Birchbox haven’t been that exciting…but I was enticed by the “Beauty in Bloom” box. I can’t pass up flowery products.
Inside this flower-filled box: Darphin Intral Toner; Davines Oi/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion; Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist; Laura Geller Beauty Baked True Color Blush in “Maui” (so red – I can’t wait to try it); Lollia Relax Shea Butter Handcreme (Lavender and Vanilla, but I can’t smell anything through this blasted cold); Mally Eye-Amplifying Shadow Liner in “Stone” (taupe-ish); NEST Fragrances Grapefruit Classic Candle (even my husband said this smells “yummy”); NEST Fragrances Indigo Eau de Parfum (I’d been curious about NEST for a while – this one is very exotic smelling, almost like nag champa…but without the weedy undertones); Smith & Cult The Shining Lip Lacquer in “Hi-Speed Sonnet” (so glittery); stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara; and an Umbra Prisma Tray (I’m not big on gold, but I really like the geometric styling of this jewelry tray). A GREAT deal!
Although the box was $64, I found a 20% code and used $10 in points, so the total was just $41.20.
Oh…in my free sample pack: Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in “Silver” (my third one) and Cargo Swimmables Shadow Stick in “Dory” (like Finding Nemo!)
If you would like to try Birchbox, click on my referral link – https://www.birchbox.com/invite/5453f – I’ll get 50 points if you join.
Summerstash
Oh Nouveau Cheap, you are so dangerous to me…the moment she posted Sephora Favorites Summerstash on sale for $30 (regularly $45), I jumped all over it.
Even though this set came out a year or two ago, I neeeeeeeded it. Inside the sassy gold canvas bag: Buxom Divine Goddess Luminizer in “Venus” (the product I am least likely to use); Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in “Mermaid’s Dream” (yassss); Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee; Marc Jacobs Beauty Mini Lash Lifter in “Blacquer”; Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Pencil (my big sis called dibs); NARS Travel Size “Laguna” Bronzing Powder; Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in “New Wave” (AND it came with a brush!); stila Cosmetics Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in “Kitten” (YASSSS); and Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray.
I finally used some points to get some goodies – Buxom Objects of Obsession (500 pts), which includes Mini Vanity Lash Mascara in “Show-Off Black”; Mini Hold the Line Waterproof Eyeliner in “I’ll Be Waiting”; Mini Full-On Lip Cream in “Kir Royale”; and Mini Full-On Lip Polish in “Sophia”. I also got two 100 pt items – Pink Gel Coat Nail Strengthener & Brightener and Liquid Blendercleanser.
I also used a code to get two extra samples – NARS Audacious Mascara in “Black Moon” and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – in addition to the three regular samples, Marc Jacobs “Decadence” (smells like the inside of a rich old lady’s purse); Dr. Dennis Gross ferulic + retinol wrinkle recovery peel and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
I may have too much mascara now…