Making The Ulta Move From Sephora

Hey There!

I think I will probably make the switch from Sephora to Ulta. It's nuthin' against Sephora, really. It's just that I've noticed recently I haven't been purchasing a lot of high end products and when I do, I like to get the best point/perk value for them.

Sephora uses points and once you reach a certain point you can choose from some mini sized products. Well, I'm currently sitting on about 1000 points and nothing seems to tickle my fancy. That happens a lot and it's kinda a problem.

Ulta give you points that turn into cash. So, when you get 100 points you get $3 to spend. If you save up to 2000 points you get $125 to spend. Right now in Sephora world, I have $50 to spend in Ulta money but I've got 10 crappy perks or 3 or 4 kinda ok perks.

Also, Ulta sells a lot more stuff than Sephora. You can get NYX beauty products, a nail file, the latest Revlon nail polish and a pack of hair rollers. And then you get 15 points for your purchase.

Both places have "Baller Perks". Sephora has VIB Rouge (when you purchase $1000 worth of merchandise in a calendar year) and ULTA has Platinum (when you spend $400 in a calendar year). The Sephora VIB perks consist of free shipping, random gifts, makeup appointments, special events. The ULTA Platinum perks consist of earning points faster (1.25 points per $1 spent), your points never expire and you get a bonus birthday gift.

I've read the online reviews of both programs for months and I just have to say, ULTA is probably going to be my go-to. I like being able to get facial wipes, the new BareMinerals lippie, an EOS lip balm and a Zoya nail polish, all at the same store. That just works for me.

Have you thought about this showdown? Which place works better for your needs?

Sephora VIB Sale

Hey there!

You aren't going to believe it. Seriously, you'll call me a liar and walk away from me. You'll slam the door in my face. 

I only purchased 2 things during the Sephora VIB sale. 

Stop calling me a liar. 

I had sooo many things in my Sephora shopping cart and on my Loves List. I had potions and lotions and pretty lipsticks and glosses. I had picked a highend face powder and a lowerend one. I had 6 or 7 blushes to choose from and at least that many bronzers and highlighters. I had saved all my little pennies for this special week. I was ready. 

And I failed to pull the trigger. 

Everyday I'd go to my shopping cart, look at it and then remove things. Then by the 21st I decided that I wasn't going to make an online purchase at all. I did go in the JCP store and purchase 2 items but nothing close to what I planned on.

I looked at the items and decided I just really didn't need anything. When you are packing for a move, you get to look at really take inventory of what you have and it you quickly decide you just don't need any more stuff. At least that's what I did.

So in a few days I'll chat with you about the two things that I did get. Until then I'll just have to find other things to spend my pennies on.

And then I'll tell you about it.

Spring Sephora Sale

My Invitation - Borrowed (with love) from the Sephora website

Hey there!

Just like everyone else I already had a ton of stuff in my Sephora shopping cart. In case you didn't know the Sephora VIB sale is coming up soon. If you are VIB Rouge (meaning you have spent $1000 in a calendar year), you already have access to the 15% off savings. If you are VIB (meaning you have spent $400 in a calendar year) you get access to your 15% off on 4/16 (which IS my Birthday!) and if you are a Beauty Insider (meaning you signed up but haven't purchased nearly enough makeup recently) then you get 10% off beginning 4/17. I'm currently VIB.

So, like I said, I have several things in my shopping cart online but I plan to go into the store first. There are a couple of things that I need to touch before buying. While I'm waiting for April 16, I thought I'd share what I'm thinking about getting.

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer lipsticks ($18) have been in my basket for-eva just waiting to travel to my home. I’m excited about these lippies. Clinique makes good lipsticks and these shouldn’t be an exception. I’m ordering Grape Pop and Plum Pop.

Soap and Glory is no longer being sold in Sephora. That means get your sale on! I’m a bit scared that everything will all be gone with the quickness though. I’ve put a few of the Sugar Crush Hand Food lotions ($4.20) in my basket with my fingers crossed.

It’s no secret that I love my Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipsticks ($12.50). There are two that I have tried on in store and fallen in love with. Charmer and Mmmm are in my basket and will be coming home with me. No questions asked!

There are two facial wipes that I have been wanting to try. Sephora Collection Express Cleansing Wipes ($4 for 10) and Ole Henriksen Nurture Me Cleansing Cloths ($8 for 10). I figure this is a good time to try them and you have to have clean skin, right?!

I’m running low on my Caudalie Beauty Elixir and I noticed that there is currently a Caudalie Favorites Kit ($32) that comes with a 1 oz elixir as well as a 0.33 oz Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet, a 1 oz Hand and Nail Cream, a 0.15 oz Lip Conditioner, a 1 oz Gentle Cleansing Milk and a travel case. Sounds like I’ve hit the jackpot huh? I normally pay $18 for the the elixir so for 9 bucks more I can have a whole kit to try! I am very excited about the Moisturizing Sorbet. I mean come on! Who wouldn’t be excited about a Moisturizing Sorbet!

Someone mentioned really liking the Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water Clothes. I'm on the fence. Maybe, maybe not. It's $13 for 10 cloths. Not sure about it.

Now another maybe is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($28.50 for 3.8 oz). I have heard some good things about this. It's pricey but you only need a little bit.

I have two Bobbi Brown blushes ($27) on my Loves (The Sephora Wishlist) List. I've been looking at Nectar and Tawny. I also have the Estee Lauder Pure Color Blush in Pink Kiss and one in Mauve Mystique ($32) on my Loves List. While I'm in the store, I'll take the time to try these all out and see what I think. I don't think I'd ever buy a blush online without trying it in store first.

Shocker -- I have some nail polishes. Now, I'm almost 90% certain that I won't get any of these but I'll still take a look if I can. You never know what might happen. Givenchy ($22)  has 4 colors that I am loving - Rouge Précieux, Fuchsia Irrésistible, Rose Taffetas and Rose D'Exception. I have the Nails Inc Autumn Winter Mini Gel Collection ($29 for 6 minis) looks like a nice set. And, I've noticed that the Sephora+Pantone Universe Nail Ambrosia Trio is still available ($15). That's a possible.

There are other things that I'll swatch in store but may not come home with. I'm just ready to get in the mix of things and mingle with the crowd.

How about you? Are you planning your Sephora shopping spree? Have you been saving up? Are you ready?

Quickie Preview - Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift for 2015

Hey there!

Happy Birthday to me is coming up soon! You know what I do all April for my birthday. Oh yes, it is the month of treats! I am treating myself all month and celebrating the big 4-3! Yes, I said it loud and proud. 43!

In the month of April I treat myself to little goodies that I wouldn't normally treat myself to. That could be makeup but it also could be food, clothes, jewelry, you know, all the little things that you don't really need but you really want. If you need an excuse to pamper yourself a little, use my April birthday as an excuse. Go ahead! It's ok!

My first gift of the year was from Sephora. I went in and picked up my 2015 Birthday gift which is a NARS lippie duo. It's a NARS Satin pencil in Rikugien (.05 oz) and a NARS Velvet Matte pencil in Cruella (.06 oz). I am very excited to try these because I've never had a NARS lip pencil. The normal sizes are .07 oz and .086 oz respectively and they run $26. That's a birthday steal! Almost $50 worth of product for free (well, not free, not really).

If you haven't signed up for Sephora Beauty Insider, you really should, just for the goodies. Even if you only spend $25 for the year (like THAT is really gonna happen), it's still worth it. It's free to sign up. No, they didn't make me say that, I just like to tell you good people about good deals.

And I plan to catch ALL of the good deals in April. Just you wait and see folks! Just you wait and see!!

Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

Hey There!

Winter brings out my driest skin. I change over from body lotions to body creams. Static electricity follows me everywhere. My nose is always dry and I require a constant dose of hot beverages to keep me warm. 

I also have to change the products that I use on my face. My normal face lotion and cleanser are put away and I have to pull out super emollient creams. I wasn't sure what to do about my cleanser so I kept using the same thing. And, I kept getting dry patches on my face. No one recommended anything that caught my attention, so I was confused as to what I should try. 

When I was placing my Sephora VIB sale order, I needed to add about $7 to my order. I looked through some of the sale items but nothing jumped out at me. Then I looked through the skin care items and saw a tiny bottle of Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil for $10. I did some quick research and saw that several people recommend it for dry skin. I thought I'd give it a try. 

This stuff is so great. It smells of fresh herbs and a hint of mint or something. It's a thicker cleansing oil that warms in your hands and feels so good when you rub it onto your dry face. It's a facial massage every time you wash your face. It removes all of my makeup (concealer, primer, face powder, bronzer, blush, eye brow pencil) and leaves my skin feeling smooth and moist...not dry and tight! I love that. I feel like it's helping my moisturizer before I even get that far.

I purchased the 1.7 fl. oz for $10 but next time I plan to purchase the 5 oz for $28.

Has anyone else tried the Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil? Do you recommend anything else in the Boscia line?

Lavanila Deodorant in Pure Vanila

Hey There!

I am going to title this "YouTube Made Me Do It".  I hadn't even heard of Lavanila deodorant. Until about a year ago, I had been in my own blissful little world, loving my Secret deodorant. Then YouTube and all of its beauty gurus and healthy people told me about this healthy deodorant and I just had to have it! So, during the Sephora VIB sale, I bought it. Then one weekend I decided to test it.

I hated it.

It appears to be a solid but it's too wet to be a solid. I had to hold my arms up for several minutes just like a roll on. I don't like doing that. I like to swipe and go. And then after about an hour I felt wet again. I sniffed and I still smelled ok but I felt the need to hold my arms up and let them air out.

Then an hour later it was the same thing.

So the next day I used a bit more Lavanila deodorant. I thought perhaps I hadn't used it enough the first day. So, I swiped for a longer time, held my arms up even longer for maximum drying power and sure enough, an hour later...wetness.

I can't say that this deodorant doesn't work because I guess it does. I never smelled stinky but I didn't feel fresh and dry. The scent is very pleasant but I kept getting wet every hour and I can't sit at my desk with my arms up every day! People will talk!

I did do my fair share of research before I purchased this (surprise, surprise, huh?!) and apparently I am the only person in the WORLD that doesn't care for this deodorant. People really like it, just not me.

I do not have plans for repurchasing this. My Secret deodorant is safe.

What Came In My Sephora VIB Box?

Hey There!

Do I have to tell you how super excited I was to get this package of goodies? Of course not. I think I did the happy dance right there at work. I placed my order a week ago and have "patiently" been waiting for my box 'o goodies. And now, they are here!

I spent so many weeks plotting and planning what I'd purchase. I wanted to make good purchases and only get things that I REALLY wanted, not that I kinda wanted. There were some things that I wanted now and some things I could wait until Black Friday weekend to get. And, there were some things that I wanted but tried out in the store and decided I didn't need.

The first thing you see (and the first thing in my Sephora basket) is the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick Set. There are 9 lipsticks that I am soooo ready to play with. Well, 7 -- one of them. I already own the full size of Lovecraft and one of them the kiddo really liked in the store (Wonderchilde) and I said when I got this set, I was going to give it to her. I am going to have so much fun with this, just you wait and see.

The other large lipstick thing you see is the Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash. 6 gorgeous lippies and a glide on pencil. I own one of these in a full size (Liar -- that's the name! I'm not calling anyone a liar) and I'm excited about trying them.

(Sorry. I'm excited about everything I bought! Why the hell would I not be?! I'll try not to say how excited I am again).

Look right above the Urban Decay package. Do you know what that is? It's my new NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Biscuit (you have to say it like that, with your color added). I have been talking about trying this for so long. I put this bugger in my Sephora basket months ago and never took it out. I knew it was coming home this time.

Next to that is the small NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. I've said that I don't like foundation but I'll use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer or mix a foundation with some moisturizer. I wanted to try this one and see if I'll like it as much as my Lancôme BB cream (yes, I know they aren't the same thing).

I picked up the Hourglass Indestructible Matte Liquid Lipstick in Canvas because I wanted to see if it was really as nice as everyone said and I picked up the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Soft Brown because I had tried it in store before but I hadn't been using it correctly so I didn't like it. Now that I have learned how to use it, I think I'll like it better.

 

Samples that came in the box.

And those are all the goodies that I got! I love them, love them, love them (you know, through the packaging) and will rush back to let you know what I think of them after I use them. I'll also chat a bit about my Black Friday plans and why I didn't choose some other items that I had my eye one. I think it's almost as important to know what I didn't pick and why as it is to know what I did pick.

What did you get during either the Sephora Friends and Family sale or the VIB sale? Are you preparing for the Black Friday weekend? What are you waiting for?

Buxom Winner Takes All

Hey There!

Before the Sephora VIB sale I had to take a lipstick back and I exchanged it for the Buxom Winner Takes All 6 piece mini lip polish and lip cream collection. I have several Buxom glosses and really like them. I thought I'd enjoy the mini's because I've transitioned to smaller purses and the mini's are perfect for that.

I love this purchase. It gave me 6 new colors to try and man are they pretty displayed on my vanity (it's true!). If you haven't tried Buxom glosses before, you really need to run into a Sephora store and try one. They do tingle the tiniest bit but they are comfortable, last a good long while and the variety of colors that Buxom offers makes sure that you will find something you like.

Chloe, Sophia, Trixie (lip polishes), Creamsicle, White Russian & Berry Blast (lip creams)

I checked on line and there are one hundred full on lip polishes (ONE HUNDRED!), 10 lip creams and 10 lip glosses. That may seem like overkill to some people. As a brown skinned girl, I like that there are 100 glosses. Normally if a company has 20 lip gloss colors, only 5 or 6 really work on brown skinned girls. I might be able to get away with 2 or 3 more but with 120 colors total, well, I can wear a good 50% of these colors. So great!

These colors are probably more spring/summer colors for me but I love them. I wear the Berry Blast on its own when I just need a hint of color or I'm wearing very little makeup. I thought about picking up the large mama jama Buxom Roulette with 15 lip polishes and creams, but I decided that I wanted to pick my colors independently. Lip collections are nice when you are pretty sure you will like most of the colors but when you already have so many colors within a collection, being able to pick your own colors outweighs the bonus of a bunch of mini colors. I looked at this set and decided that only 3 of them were must haves (3 of them were already haves) and even at the $47.20 discounted price, I'd rather purchase the ones I really liked individually.

I'm not teasing that I did just that mind you.

You'll have to wait for the VIB unboxing to see what I did get!!

Wristlets a.k.a. The Sephora VIB Sale Wore Me Out

Hey There!

I know that wristlets are not makeup or beauty (well, kinda) but I spent all week putting beauty products in my Sephora basket for the 20% off sale and then all day Thursday trying to tweak it (amid the constant website traffic issue), finally pushing the buy button at 8pm ET AND going to a brick and mortar Sephora store earlier today and finishing the damage. Forgive me for not talking lipstick, blush or foundation today. BUT stay tuned. There will be a haul and of course a review on some new things. I'll mention but probably not review my refills and restocks.

So while fighting the crowds today and for the rest of the holiday season, I won't be dragging a big, overstuffed purse around. I have shoulder issues anyway so when I started seeing wristlets, I got excited. I use to carry a boatload of stuff in my purse. If you wanted to play the "do you have it in your purse?" game, I'd win every time. Safety pins, hair bands, 5 or more lipsticks, several pairs of earrings, a pack of instant coffee, strands of different colored yarn...you get the picture.

For about two months I've been carrying wristlets along with my crossbody bags (and then 2 crossbody bags broke from overuse and I went exclusively to wristlets). I've pulled everything out of my normal purses and made the decision that I only need a few things instead. I keep some money, 1 lipstick (ok, maybe 2), a half of a pack of tissue, 2 peppermints, my ear buds and my eyeglass cleaner. That's it! I'm searching of a small (tiny) lotion container but everything else is not needed.

When I am in my car, I have a small makeup bag with lotion, eye drops, a small e.l.f. face powder and hand sanitizer. That stays in the car because I don't need it with me when traveling in and out of stores or restaurants or movies or people's homes. When I'm at work, I have a duplicate of all of those things. When I take the train to work, I transfer the makeup bag into a work tote bag.

I thought it would be a pain not to have a small spiral notebook and nail clippers and a large hand lotion and 2 hair barrettes and 3 ink pens and... I quickly learned that I don't need to have those things on me at all times. And then I felt very liberated.

Smaller purses are cute and most of mine were under $20. I feel free and my shoulder definitely feels better. I can also have a wristlet to match every outfit for half the price it would cost me to have a purse for every outfit. And if I want to splurge on a really nice, name brand item, a small wristlet cost way less than a full size purse. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have big name wristlets for $49 and full size purses from that same maker at $149.

So now I have no use for big purses!

Well, except for when I go to the movies.

What's On My Sephora VIB wish list?

Hey There!

I have been scrimping and saving like a mad women for this very special day.

No, not Christmas.

No, not someone's birthday.

Did you not read the title? I've been saving for the Sephora VIB and VIB Rouge 20% off sale.

I know that it's not a lot off but instead of spending $50, I'll only spend $40 (as if). Or, instead of spending $100, I'll only spend $80 (warmer). Or, instead of $200, I'll only spend $160 (probably closest). And, it will put me at VIB Rouge status. If you don't know what that is, I'm almost to embarrassed to say.

I haven't spent any money yet. I've just been on their website, kinda like you do with the Sears and J.C. Penny's Christmas catalogs, marking off stuff, adding it to my loves list, seeing what it looks like in my basket, you know, what everyone is doing.

I decided since I'm playing "spend the money", I'd show you folks what I've been drooling over and what is probably going to come home with me. 

Everyone has lippie sets for the holidays. I am going to have so many lipsticks I won't know what to do with myself. I've been drooling over the Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash set ($39 for 6 minis and a clear lip pencil), Bite Beauty remix ($25 for 4 high pigmented pencils), the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick Set ($39 for 9 lipsticks) and the Tarte Kiss & Belle Lipsurgence set ($34 for 4 lip tints, 2 matte lip tints and 2 lip glosses). I'm a lip gloss girl but this is a hard choice! You can bet at least 2 of these lovelies will be in my next Sephora love package.

My summer tan is going away so I've been eyeing some face products to help out with that. The NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette ($65 for 1 highlighter, 1 bronzer and 3 blushes) has been calling my name. I'm on the fence about Benefit Cosmetics Cheeky Sweet Spot Box O' Blushes ($39 for 1 bronzer, 1 highlighter and 4 face/cheek powders). I've almost talked myself out of that and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette ($58 for 3 highlighting blushes). From the reviews I've seen, it almost seems that for my complexion (MAC NC42) these may not be the best bang for my buck. I have been looking at the Tarte Pin Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush Palette ($42 for 5 shades). It looks like that is a better shade match.

I've also been looking at the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Biscuit ($29). I've been using my samples of this and I really need to bite the bullet and invest. I also have peeped out some foundation samples that I NEED. So, yes, I'll be super excited to place my Sephora order on the 6th. My stuff will already be in the shopping cart.

What will be in your shopping cart?

Oh, this is also a good time to let you know I've been saving up my swagbucks in order to get Sephora gift cards. Some of you have heard of swagbucks but if not, the websites says that "Swagbucks.com is an online portal dedicated to helping you earn digital dollars called "Swag Bucks", which can be redeemed for exclusive Swagbucks.com merchandise."  This link <--- is the "How does Swagbucks work page". I try not to advocate too many things on my blog but this is a really good way to earn a few gift cards for searching things, watching videos, taking surveys (FYI - I never take the surveys) and just general goofing off. It normally takes me 3 - 4 weeks to earn a $50 gift card so not like super fast money but I also don't spend all day or an exorbitant amount of time on it. So far I have earned 4 gift cards totaling $200. I am currently holding a large portion of that for my Sephora purchase.

  

(This is my link <--- If you are interested in swagbucks, I'd be tickled pink if you used my link to do so. Yes, I do get points from your subscription and if that does not appeal to you, don't use it. You can go to swagbucks.com and take a peek without me benefiting from it. I just really want YOU to benefit from it).