Tag: Urban Decay
Cyber Diamond
Here we go, here’s the haul that made me Ulta Diamond for 2022.
I’m sure it’s not shocking that finally bought the Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Cyber Eyeshadow Palette ($49), but it might be shocking that I paid full price. (I am still saving my Ulta points for a Dyson Airwrap – I’m up to $312!) It’s a very versatile palette, although I am concerned about the quality. The shadows are not as buttery as the first several Naked palettes – a few of the shimmers are downright CHALKY. Ugh. Use a primer and you’ll be fine, but it’s an annoying extra step. Also, watch out for fallout – the glitters get everywhere. I do wish there was at least one more dark, saturated shade besides the burnt orange, but I can mix and match with another palette.
I recently got new bleached streaks in my hair (another Ulta trip) and decided to dye them turquoise when I get sick of blond. I decided to try Arctic Fox in “Aquamarine” ($17) – my kids SWEAR by it. I feel like I’m cheating on Overtone, but their turquoise didn’t take well on my hair. Holding out hope for Arctic Fox.
I had seen the Kitsch Leopard Print Towel Scrunchies ($10.50, on sale from $14) at full price in the store, but was thrilled to find them for 25% online. I also splurged on Kitsch Moisturizing Spa Socks ($12, on sale from $16). I feel like the open toe design will be more comfortable to sleep in – it’s hard for me sleep in regular socks. I also threw in some Ulta Exfoliating Cotton Pads ($2.09), because why not?
I DID use the $20 off $100 coupon code that was out before the holiday sales, and I still qualified for the Hello Holidays 23 piece More Glow Beauty Bag. Inside the bag: Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream; Megababe Antibacterial Wipes in “Squeaky Clean” (note to self: do NOT confuse with makeup remover wipes); Good Molecules Silicone-Free Priming Moisturizer; Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Intense; Ellis Brooklyn Sweet; Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris Eau de Parfum Intense (What are all these “intense” perfumes?); Lancome La Vie est Belle (2 samples of this one); Not Your Mother’s Naturals Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Shampoo and Conditioner (I’ve been wanting to try this one; Joico Defy Damage Protective Shampoo, Conditioner, Masque & Shield (4 packettes!); MAC Lipstick Samples in “Ruby Woo”, “M-A-C Red” and “Cockney”; Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream; The Body Shop Body Butter in “British Rose” (I think this sample is why I chose this particular bag); Living proof. Restore Repair Mask; Jack Black Performance Remedy Turbo Wash (will go to the husband or the son); Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum; tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer; Dear, Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream (I’m scared that the package says “For Nighttime Only” – will I burst into flames if I use it in the daytime?); Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream; Biosilk Silk Therapy Leave-In Treatment; Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer in “Light Cool”; and NYX The Marshmallow Primer (made with marshmallow root – weird). The bag is super cushy, made out of ski-suit material.
(There were also a few gifts (not shown) from this haul – shhhhh…)
U Got the Look
Urban Decay released their Prince Collaboration back in May…but I patiently waited for the sale that I knew would come…
I don’t need new brushes or more eyeliner…but you know I’m always down for more eye shadow. I picked up the Urban Decay Cosmetics Prince U Got the Look Palette for 50% off ($27.50, down from $55). There are just 10 shadows, which is not many for $55…but not so crazy at half the price. There’s a nice mix of neutrals and purples and the quality is on par with other Urban Decay palettes. I’ve been enjoying using it this week. There is also a Let’s Go Crazy Palette, with more purple, but Ulta is sold old. Sephora has it, but since it is just purples – as one would expect – I’m skipping it for now.
I added a few other items to my order – a full size Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant ($14) and Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Balm ($8.99).
Even with the $3.50 coupon, my order qualified for a free Platinum & Diamond exclusive 13 piece gift with Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels; Philosophy Nature in a Jar; CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser; Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (love getting this serum); Clinique High Impact Mascara; MAC Fix+; Smashbox Photo Finish Primer; It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product; Perricone MD High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Serum; Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer; La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum; Sunday Riley CEO Brightening Serum; and Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar. Lots of good stuff for my skin!
Just $352 to Diamond in 2021!. I also have $262 in Ulta Points saved up…dare I splurge on a Dyson Air Wrap???
Megababe Ulta Haul
Get ready for post after post of Ulta Hauls – they keep having great sales on stuff I need!
I was attracted to one of the Wednesday Beauty Breaks a few weeks ago – it was a 4 piece sampler from Megababe with $50 purchase! I’d been dying to try Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant, but it’s always sold out. I got a deluxe sample of Rosy Pits, as well as Thigh Rescue Anti-Friction Stick, Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer, and Space Bar Detoxifying Charcoal Underarm Bar.
Ulta happened to be having some great sales on body products, so I picked up Megababe Chest-o Presto Clarifying Body Acne Mist ($18 – my son has not had overwhelming results with Pacifica Bacne Warrior, so I am trying this one out on myself and so far, it seems to be helping with the breakouts on my chest and back), Ulta Super Soothe Gentle Daily Cleanser ($10 – very cucumber-y scent), and Tweezerman Rose Gold Slant Tweezers ($20.70, down from $23 – my daughter wanted tweezers, so I gave her my old ones) for myself. I got Ulta Sunless Tanner Facing Mousse ($1.29, down from $3.24) for the boy child – I maybe regret buying him the Self Tanner. I got eos Shea Better Shaving Cream ($1.99, down from $3.99) for the girl child. I was able to use the usual $3.50 off $15 coupon.
My order also came with a 27 piece Beauty Sample Bag (free with $35 purchase): Australian Glow Facial Bronzing Mist with Rosewater (although I love rosewater, the boy will be getting this one); wet n wild PrimeFocus Primer Serum (I have one of these on my sink right now); Buxom Wanderlust Primer-Infused Blush Sample Card; Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum (again, to the boy); Weleda Skin Food; Crepe Erase Body Smoothing Pre-Treatment (just like the Infomercial!); Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris; Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir; Urban Decay Primer Potion; Hempz Pink Pomelo & Himalayan Sea Salt Herbal Body Salt Scrub; Hey Honey Sweet Treat Wild Berry & Honey Yogurt Recovery Mask (the tube is jacked up – pretty sure it is empty); it Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (I think I have two of these already); Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil; Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm (going to the boy); Alterna My Hair My Canvas Cool Hydrations Nourishing Masque; NatureLab.Tokyo Perfect Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner; The Route The Party Peel Golden Illuminizing Peel; John Frieda Frizz Ease Leave-In Conditioner; Nioxin Scalp Relief Cleanser, Conditioner & Soothing Serum; Banila Co Miss Flower & Mr. Honey Propolis Rejuvenating Ampoule; Estee Lauder Beautiful Magnolia (intriguing scent, I have a bottle of the original Beautiful and this one is very similar); NudeStix Lip Glace; Barefoot Scientist High Dive Hydration Cream (I NEED this for my dry ass feet); Lancome Hydra Zen Gel-Creme; Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask; Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Primer; and Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream. What a great batch of samples!
I’ve got three more orders to review after this, so I’ll post my spend to Diamond Status after the last one.
Decades Haul
I have been STALKING and WAITING for the Urban Decay Decades Mini Eyeshadow Palettes to go on sale ($12.50, down from $25). I’ve seen it on sale a few times, but the windows were so short, I missed the sale…but not this time!
I was most excited about the 90s palette – “1993” – a palette full of grungy, 90s shades. There is literally a metallic gold shade called “Grunge”. I’ve used it a few times and it is fairly versatile. The other palette I got was the 00s palette – “Soundtrack” – a palette full of shimmery shades, even one called “Y2K”. “Y2K” is my favorite – a color-shifting duochrome. This palette is not as versatile, but reminds me of my first few Urban Decay palettes, and “Throwback” is a dead ringer for “Polyester Bride”. If you know, you know.
Ulta just came out with a whole line of WandaVision makeup, but the only product that piqued my interest was the Ulta Beauty Collection x Marvel Studios WandaVision Wing Tip Liner Duo ($12). The felt tip eyeliner is nothing new, but the cat eye stamp is really cool! It took a few tries to get it right – on the first try, I put it on upside down, but I was able to fix it. I could’ve used this a few decades ago…my cat eye days are mostly behind me.
My poor son inherited my bacne, so I jumped at a new product designed to fight it – Pacifica Bacne Warrior Acne Fighting Spray ($16). He’s been using it, but the jury is still out on how effective it will end up being. It’s really hard to spray, so it’s not as easy to apply as you’d think. Pacifica products were BOGO 40%, so I got Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash ($6, down from $10) for myself. It smells SO good – like a coconut popsicle!
I picked up a pack of Kitsch Face Masks ($12.99) – my kids’ favorite masks for school. I qualified for a Tarte Beauty Break 4 Piece Gift with my $50 purchase. The set includes Shape Tape Foundation in “228 light beige”; Stay Spray Setting Spray; Maneater Voluptuous Mascara; and Base Tape Hydrating Primer. I haven’t tried any of them yet, but free is free. I didn’t forget to use that $3.50 off $15 coupon, either.
$919 to Diamond…
Naked Wild West
When a new Naked palette launches, you know I’ll be there.
Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Wild West ($49) launched in stores last Sunday, after launching online at urbandecay.com a few weeks ago. I had my husband drop me off while running errands – the store didn’t even have the display set up yet! I had to ask someone and they grabbed one out of the storeroom.
The palette is coppery neutrals with a few blues thrown in, reminiscent of a southwestern color scheme. I’ve only gotten to use it once, but so far so good. The turquoise was a nice compliment to the coppers – I have high hopes for this palette.
It was also the last day of my birthday month – the birthday gift this year was lame…a tiny vial of Dermalogica Daily Exfoliator. Meh. I didn’t even bother getting my Sephora gift. I’m burnt out, I guess.
Because the palette was $49, the salesgirl only let me redeem $36 – she kept looking at a chart and I think it was her first day, because she wouldn’t let me apply $50, even though I’ve done it online several times. I didn’t want to go all “Karen”, so I just paid my $14 or so and left…I am still annoyed though. I should just stick to online.
$1,052 to Diamond status in 2022.
First Ulta Haul of 2021
Remember how excited I was about NatureLabs.Tokyo Perfect Shine Shampoo & Conditioner? Turns out that it was the wrong product. I had sampled Perfect SMOOTH Shampoo & Conditioner. Oops. I bought a bottle of the NatureLabs.Tokyo Perfect Smooth Conditioner ($14) and I like it much better than the Perfect Smooth. Ugh. I’ll buy more Shampoo, I guess…
I am a sucker for Urban Decay foundation. Every time they release a new one, I’m all over it. Their newest is Urban Decay Hydromaniac Glowy Tinted Hydrator Foundation ($29). I was expected something like a tinted moisturizer, but it was a medium to full coverage foundation. I just put on on my face with my fingers and was like…oh NO. I grabbed my Beauty Blender and buffed it out. It gave nice, smooth coverage. If I left my house more than once a week, I’d use the hello out of it.
I also added a pack of Kitsch Face Masks ($12.99). My kids like these masks best, so I keep on buying them.
A few nice Platinum/Diamond freebies came with this order. I got a Too Faced Damn That’s Sexy Mascara set with my $25 makeup purchase and a deluxe sample of BareMinerals Original Liquid Foundation in “Fairly Light 03”. I haven’t tried either yet.
$1,145 to Diamond for 2022!
Stoned Vibes
While taking my daughter to Ulta for a back-to-school haircut, I had a moment to go shopping for myself…
Urban Decay Cosmetics just launched the “Stoned Vibes” Eyeshadow Palette ($54) and I had been on the fence about it, but seeing it in person lured me in…well, that AND a $10 off a $40 purchase coupon. I’ve had a chance to sample several of the “stoned” shades and they are very different than what you’d expect. They’re very sheer, but buildable. Be warned, they leave a lot of fallout all over your face. The colors are a nice range of colors, too. I’ve seen a few negative reviews, but it’s kind of nice to see Urban Decay branching out and releasing something different than another Naked palette.
I also scooped up some clearance goodies: a few 75% off Frida Kahlo x Ulta Beauty items – a back-up Blurring Primer and the Beso de Amor Cheek & Bronzer Duo. There were also a bunch of Jelly Belly x Sally Hansen polishes at 50% off – “French Vanilla”, “Jewel Very Cherry”, and the “Hop Into Spring” Duo with “Birthday Cake” and “Jewel Bubble Gum”.
I also bought 3 tiny Conair Quick Smooth Hair Brushes, because they have velcro in them to make your hair smooth. I couldn’t tell a difference, honestly. And, they were $6…and I expected them to be $3 because they were so tiny.
The cashier let me break my purchase into two transactions, so I could use the $10 off coupon on the eyeshadow and another $3.50 off coupon on everything else. Just $299 to Diamond status in 2021.
National Lipstick Day
I took a short vacation – a few days floating in the pool, no schedule, no plans was just what I needed. I’m a little bit behind on my beauty posts, but it was worth it.
National Lipstick Day was back on July 29th and Ulta had a lot of fantastic deals. I’m having to wear a mask whenever I leave the house, but just know that I am STILL wearing lipstick under that mask. Ridiculous, I know. The liquid lipsticks I’ve been wearing for the last few years have a tendency to be drying, so I decided to take advantage of a great BOGO sale to pick up Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick (regularly $24), a reddish balm; and Lipstick Queen Blue By You Metallic Lipstick (regularly $25), which turns to a metallic pink. I love Lipstick Queen Frog Prince so much, that I thought I’d try a few more shades. These lipsticks are really moisturizing and they match any skin tone. I also got a free Lipstick Queen Altered Universe Gloss mini with $25 brand purchase!
Speaking of color-changing lippies, Harry Potter X Ulta Beauty Bewitching pH Lip Balm ($10) was back in stock, so I got it (for myself). It turns my lips a glittery, peachy pink. It’s a bit gritty though, which is annoying. I also picked up a clearance Essence Fruit Kiss Caring Balm in “Raspberry Dream” ($1.49, down from $2.49). I’ve started leaving lip balm scattered around the house, so what’s one more?
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation was 40% off ($17.70, down from $29.50), so I decided to try it out – I picked shade “Ivory”. The packaging is really neat – it’s packed into a Lucite compact. It has less coverage than I was expecting, but it photographs really smoothly. I’ll have to use it a bit longer to determine whether it will be a permanent replacement for my KVD powder foundation.
Absent good sales at Bath & Body Works, I decided to try out Ulta’s Moisture Gel Hand Soap at BOGO 40% off (regularly $6). I chose “Pink Grapefruit” and “Sea Salt Splash”. I am obsessed with the “Pink Grapefruit” – it smells just like my favorite Albanese Gummie! Oh, and a clearance Ocean Vibes Foaming Hand Wash ($3).
To top off my cart, I added another pack of Kitsch Face Masks ($12.99). Face masks are definitely not going away any time soon. I also got a clearance travel size Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla Deodorant Stick ($2.49, down from $4.99). I thought that this one had given me a rash, but now that I’ve used other scents from Schmidt’s, I think it was something else. Gonna give this one a try again.
The National Lipstick Day gift with $70 purchase was a 10 piece lipstick sampler worth $70! Inside the Sampler: Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in “Dolly” (I’ve gotten their lip cream in “Dolly” before); tarte Sugar Rush Lip Sip in “Dragon Fruit”; Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in “Peachy Natural”; Ulta Beauty Jelly Gloss Lip Gel in “Suntan”; L.A. Girl glossy Plumping Lip Glossin “Plush”; Winky Lux Disco Kitten Gloss in “far out”; Milani Lipstick in “Bahama Beige”; Zoeva Pure Velour Lips in “Clear Message”; p/y/t Beauty Plumping Gloss; and Urban Decay Vice Lip Chemistry in “Physique” (these are fun stain/glosses). What a great bunch of new samples. I also qualified for another free tote with my $75 purchase. The white one was sold out, so I got another pink one, which I gave to Lily for her craft supplies. Oh, and I used a $3.50 off $15 coupon.
Just $481 to Diamond in 2021.
Ultraviolet Gryffindor
The new Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Ultraviolet Palette ($49) launched at Ulta on July 5th, several weeks after the launch at Sephora, but I wanted to wait to buy it at Ulta so that I could use points to get it. Patience is a virtue…
I’m glad that I used points to get the Ultraviolet Palette – it’s somewhat underwhelming. The color story is…odd. I never would’ve put peach and purple together, but it is doable. The shadows are not as “buttery” and soft as the first several Naked Palettes – I had a harder time blending them on my bare skin. The brushes included with the palette is very nice though. I’m still experimenting with this palette, but I feel like it will be easily forgotten, kind of like Naked Smoky.
Ohhhhh, Ulta just launched a Harry Potter Collaboration. Several items were already sold out – include all of the lip pencils and the Vault with all of the House Shadow Palettes. I did get the Harry Potter x Ulta Beauty Gryffindor Eye Shadow Palette ($16) for myself. The color story is reminiscent of the rosy chestnut tones that I love. The quality was very good, similar to last summer’s Frida Kahlo collaboration. I knew that my daughter would be Slytherin GREEN with envy, so I picked her up 2 of the Harry Potter Lip Glosses: “Hedwig” (a clear glitter topper) and “9¾” (a peachy topper). Normally $10, they were BOGO Half.
I cannot say no to inflatable Flamingos, to I snagged the Ulta Meet Me Poolside Kit ($10, down from $20). The inflatable Flamingo Drink floatie looks like the perfect size for Barbie. The kit also includes the Meet Me Poolside Eye Shadow Palette, You’re Golden Matte Bronzer, Dive-In Bouncy Blush, Summertime Shine Lip Jelly, all in a cute Cosmetic Bag.
Another reason that I’m glad I waited to order from Ulta is all the gifts with purchase I was able to rack up on my order. I got ANOTHER Palm Tree Tote 4 piece gift like the one I got last month with $25 in Ulta products purchase – I gave it to Lily. I also got a Platinum/Diamond Exclusive Gift with a $30 Makeup purchase…turns out it was the Fall 2019 gift with purchase that I got in November. The Zebra Beauty Bag (free with an $85 purchase) was NOT a dupe though. Inside the rainbow zebra bag: Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Profundo; Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist; Kenra Prime Conditioner Style Enhancing Shampoo & Conditioner (deluxe sizes!); Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (yes!); Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream; Bumble and bumble. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil; MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance; Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream; Becca Ignite Highlighter; Tan Towel Plus (NOPE); PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer; Ahava Deadsea Water Mineral Hand Cream; Mamonde Rose Water Toner (good, I’ve almost used up my last sample); touch in SOL No Poreblem Primer (Ooooh, I’ve been wanting to try this one); Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask; and philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Peeling Mousse (intrigued). Yeah, this bag is packed with cool new products I’ve never tried before and few ones I really love.
So I managed to use $50 in points and a $3.50 off coupon, ultimately only spending $39.51 for the whole box…$682 to Diamond.
On the Run
I am fully aware of the irony of continuing to buy eye shadow while under lockdown. I get to go to the grocery store once a week and I need to look HAWT when I go…
Sephora lured me in with 50% off the Urban Decay On the Run Mini Palettes ($12.50, down from $25). I’ve been drooling over these little 8 shade palettes. I Selected two of the five: “Detour” (blues and browns) and “Shortcut” (reds and mauves). I’ve had a chance to try both palettes and they are so blendable and smooth. I didn’t even have to pull out the shadow primer. I can see myself going back to these again and again. Now I want to get the other 3 colorways – please go on sale again!
I was able to snag a sample of Lord Jones Royal Oil, basically a CBD Beauty Oil. The only two ingredients are grapeseed oil and CBD oil…I’m hesitant to coat my face in grapeseed oil, as I’m recovering from a breakout. I’ll try it later, I think. I also got samples of Cristophe Robin Detangling Gelee with Sea Minerals and Marc Jacobs Youthquake Gel Creme.
Sephora is offering free shipping while their stores are closed. Don’t threaten me with a good time! Just $281 to VIB in 2021.