CVS Haul, Y'all!

Hey there!

I like to shop. I'm not fond of crowds so I get up early and head out. I can go to ten stores and only purchase 2 things. I can also run to one drugstore during my lunch break and come back on time, with 15 things.

I like to save money. I like deals and sales so I go to the back of stores and end caps. I like to have a store coupon with a manufacture's coupon on a 75% off item. It's the thrill of the chase really.

So that being said, I have a CVS haul. I had to go to 2 CVS locations but that's ok. I often have to mix and match because my CVS stores don't always have everything and they are in two totally different locations. I don't have to tell you how that works!

I didn't have a ton of coupons (Did I mention that I love getting stuff on the cheap?) but they had quite a bit of things discounted. I decided that's the perfect time to try brands. Even if the items that are being discounted are being discontinued, it still gives you a really good feel for the brand as a whole.

I know, I know. There are a lot of pink and green stickers. On my haul blogs you are going to have to get use to that. Now, I will do high end pretties but when I go discount, I go discount (so I can afford my high end pretties!). Don't fret. There will be Sephora and Ulta hauls but I can't go to those stores on my lunch break so they won't be as often.

This week I used 2 CVS coupons and 1 Wet n Wild  instant coupon.  I'm not proud of so few coupons but I hadn't been makeup shopping in 2 weeks so I was fiening. I needed to get into a store coupon or no coupon.

I used my first CVS coupon (buy 2 get 1 free + $2 off any 2 bath products) to get three CVS brand bubble baths. I picked up Comfort (a vanilla/brown sugar scent), Escape (a citrus scent) and Romance (a floral scent). These are pretty good. I mean, they aren't Bath & Body Works or anything but they are pretty nice and the kiddo likes them so for little of nothing, they are a great price.

I used the other CVS coupon (save $2 off $10 worth of makeup) and my Wet n Wild  instant coupon to get my CoverGirl Ultimate finish, Revlon Photo Ready bronzer, L'Oréal nail polish, Sally Hansen Inst-dry nail polish, Wet n Wild Megashield lip color and Wet n Wild Idol eyes cream shadow pencil.

I figured this was a decent as far as the makeup category goes. I've been trying different face powders and bronzers and seeing what I like, so for the price, I figured these two would be nice to add to my collection. I'm partial to face powders instead of liquid foundation so I can't wait to try the CG Ultimate finish and the Revlon bronzer just looks like a color I'd like (can you say neutral! LOL).

I love nail polish so both of these colors will work nicely. Both are suitable for fingernails (I have a weird thing about softer colors on my hands and wild colors on my toes -- sorry folks. I didn't say I was sane). I've used Sally Hansen polishes before so I know that there won't be a problem with the formula. I've never tried a L'Oreal polish so I'll have to let you know how I like it.

And then I rounded off the makeup purchases with lip color and eye color. Again, I go with very neutral, natural face colors. I like the just barely made up look. Amazing how much makeup I have to use to accomplish that!

I also got a Sally Hershberger Go With The Blow Thermal Styler for $3.24. I use my flat iron every day during the week so this might help with some of that damage. I'll let you know how it works. I like trying hair products but I'm picky. You may see this in my empties bin if I don't love it.

So there you go! My first haul of the year. Not a large haul. Just something I did at lunch and after work.

Just wait till this weekend folks. I've got a shopping trip with the kiddo planned and I just got paid!

(Originally posted on 1/10/2014).

Pour something to drink, pull up a chair and come on into my world!

Welcome to my makeup room! Inside you'll find find the perfect makeup lighting, the best storage for cosmetics and all the products you need to create the perfect face. Or....you'll find a bathroom counter with dirty makeup brushes, skin care samples, wrong concealer shades and more lip gloss than anyone could ever wear in a year.

Two years ago I had smooth, blemish free, problem free skin. I wore a little bit of eyeliner, some lip gloss and on special occasions I'd add some face powder and eye shadow from a CoverGirl trio that was at least three years old. My bathroom counter was pretty empty. The only makeup brushes that I had came with the Bare Minerals face powder and I very rarely used them.

Then I turned 40. Yep,the big 4.0. My body celebrated one day and then turned to pot the next! My skin became dry and in desperate need of moisture. Hairs grew out of places on my face that hair should never be. And, to accentuate the hair, black spots popped up. Wrinkles appeared and my once smooth skin changed texture. I knew that if I ever wanted to appear in public again, I'd have to make some changes.

So, I started researching moisturizers and frequenting makeup counters. I asked everyone I knew what makeup they used. I began trying out colors that I had never worn before. Yes, there were many days that I looked like a clown and yes, I have several drawers of products that didn't work. I have gifted so many products to friends and family, I'm sure they thought I was running a makeup store out of my house.

Now, two years later, I'm a little bit wiser (I know to research before I buy and shop were I can return) and I've managed to stop some of the damage that time has brought on. The clean bathroom vanity top that I use to have, well, now it's filled with makeup brushes, lip colors, face creams, lotions and potions.

I don't have the perfect makeup room or the most glamorous makeup collection but I'm learning and it's growing and lucky you, you get to come on the journey!

(Original post 1/4/2014).