My biggest beauty haul EVER!

So a month or so ago I participated in a Ulta sweepstakes.  And about a week ago I received an email saying I had actually won one of the prizes.  Turns out 10 lucky winners received a $250 gift card for Ulta and I was one of them!!!!!!  As soon as I received my gift card I checked out the Ulta website and started building my wishlist, and here is what I came home with (warning – this is a long post):

My hubby snapped a quick picture as we were about to go in =)

My new hair goodies =Redken Body Full Shampoo (1 liter) $15.99

Redken Body Full Shampoo (1 liter) $15.99

I am in desperate need of a good shampoo that will add volume to my very fine hair.  I originally was going to purchase the Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo but since Ulta was having a sale on the liter size of the Redken I figured why the heck not.  The liter is normally $24.50 and it was on sale for $15.99.  I’ll probably stop in for the Pureology one later this month since I usually like to use different shampoos during the week.  I’ve also heard great things about the En Root Give Me Volume Shampoo so that one might be an option as well.

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque (1 fl. oz.) $4

Since getting a haircut (post on that later this week) I haven’t used conditioner on a daily basis.  Honestly, I haven’t felt the need since all of my dead ends were chopped off – insert happy dance.  However, I am blow-drying and flat ironing (my ends) every single day.  So I knew I wanted to pick up a really good hair mask to use once or twice per week.  I have heard amazing reviews on this particular one which is why I picked it up.  Now, I only purchased the trial packet (probably get 4-6 uses out of it since my hair is only chin length) if it works well for me than I’ll get the full size.

L’Oreal Elnett Unscented Extra Hold Hairspray (11 oz.) $14.99

I’ve used this before and my mom has used this hairspray for years (and my grandmother did as well.)  Normally I get the original one, the scent doesn’t bother me too much since it does bring back memories; however, I figured I could try the unscented for a change.  I was so sad to finish my travel size last time I went for the full size =)

 

Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil (1 fl. oz.) $50

Now, if you’ve read My Skin…My Story post from last year you’ll know it isn’t the easiest to deal with but I’ve learn what works and what doesn’t.  I’ve been eyeing this little miracle worker for a long time but at $50 I never managed to take the plunge.  I knew this product was a must when I saw the small selection of Clarins products at Ulta.  I haven’t used it yet, but will be reporting on the outcomes probably sometime next month.  I’m thinking my face will love it since it has been feeling very dehydrated.

Shaveworks The Cool Fix (2 oz.)

As I was making my wishlist, I started feeling really guilty about buying all these things for myself.  So while I was walking the aisles I asked my hubby if he would like something and of course he said no (he actually wanted to go with me since he knew how unbelievably excited I was.)  But since I’m a pretty stubborn Cap’ I still managed to throw something in the bag for him.  Now, it isn’t much but he’s pretty excited about it.  Like most men he does struggle with ingrown hairs from shaving so hopefully this will help.

 

Stila In the Know Eye Shadow Palette $39

Of course, I had to get some makeup.  I’ll admit this was probably the most difficult part.  There are just so many things that I wanted to pick up…First I told myself I should stay away from drugstore items, I can pick those up here and there on a regular basis.  I love me some pretty eyeshadow palettes and originally I was leaning toward the Lorac Pro Palette since it has a great selection of matte colors; however, it also has very similar shimmer colors to my Naked palette.  I really needed (insert wanted) a matte palette but wasn’t really drawn to the Urban Decay Basics.  Then I came across the Stila In the Know…it pretty much, looks like it’s going to be perfect.  I always use a matte eyeshadow at the crease and to blend everything so I am really looking forward to using this beauty =)

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder (Medium) $59

Back to feeling guilty…I knew I wanted to treat my BFF to something, my Mom of course =)  So I gave her a call, spent about 20 minutes trying to convince her, and then she finally said she would love another one of the Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powders.  I have purchased this for her once or twice in the past couple years and she LOVES it.  She has dry skin and this adds just that bit of moisture.  I will say, she looks flawless when she does use it.  So, in to the basket she went.

Urban Decay b6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray (4 fl. oz.) $33

Lastly, I purchased the new UD b6 spray.  I remember receiving an email when this was first launched and was immediately sold on this: fights redness and oil while giving you some good stuff as well.  So when faced between making the decision of All Nighter and this one the decision was simple.  However, since I have a bit of money left over I have a feeling I’ll be going back for the All Nighter Setting Spray.

And there you have it ya’ll.  Words can’t express how Blessed I feel for having the opportunity to win such an awesome prize.  I am one grateful young lady!!!!

Lovingly,

Diana

Makeup Empties #1

One of the hardest products for me to go through – pre blogging – used to be eye makeup remover.  Truth be told it was hard for me to get through most products.  However, after purchasing several new eye shadow palettes I was newly inspired to “play” with some colors and managed to get through some of my eye makeup removers.

First up is my Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover.  I probably won’t be repurchasing this one and I am looking forward to finishing a second bottle left over from my Mary Kay days.  Overall it’s a good eye makeup remover if you don’t wear a lot of long wearing products.  Once I managed to use up the last drop I realized I had no eye makeup remover at all (expect for the 2nd bottle which I didn’t want to dive into just yet – mainly from boredom) and so I opened my ever-so-full sample drawer and came across my next empty.

One of my favorite counter reps at my local Neiman Marcus always treats me to great full or deluxe size samples.  At one point she treated me to Le Metier de Beaute Eye Makeup Remover which is the cutest lil’ eye makeup remover sample.  This was one of those bi-phase removers that you shake up to mix the oil and removing agent.  Sadly, I wasn’t too impressed.  AGAIN, if you usually just have a light wash of color and regular mascara than you would love this stuff but it takes a bit too much tugging to get liners and long wearing products dissolved.  Meanwhile, I’m working on a YSL sample and my Mary Kay bottle before I venture and continue my search for a Holy Grail eye makeup remover.

The next product is a disappointing story.  Since circa 2005 I had considered the Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials in Peach to be my Holy Grail eye shadow base.  It was perfect…amazing staying power, no creasing, great at concealing the lid, and a touch of brightening the dark area of the lid.  I must have gone through at least half a dozen tubes of the stuff.  It wasn’t till the last two tubes that I noticed it was drying out my lids and also made them look flaky =(  I tried everything but in the end it just wasn’t working out.  And so, I began looking for my new Holy Grail base.

After doing some searches, I came across the Smashbox Photo Finish Eye Lid Primer.  I decided to give it a go and try it out.  It didn’t offer the coverage or brightening effect of the Trish but the staying power and creaselessness was definitely there.  Overall this is a good product.  But, like most beauty aficionados I had to keep looking.  I’m currently working on a tube of the ever so popular Urban Decay Primer Potion and so far so good =)

Onto mascaras….  I absolutely LOVE the Trish McEvoy Curling Mascara and the Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara but at $30 and $25 a pop respectively I had to venture out and see if anything else would come close.  Haven’t found anything just yet.  I was intrigued by the Cargo Better Than Waterproof Mascara which I purchased at Ulta and figured I would try it.  Price wise it’s not that much cheaper BUT it did last (ie not dry out) a lot longer than the two afore mentioned.  The consistency is the same as far as building a lil tube around the lashes and then coming off with water which is great!  As far as volume and length it’s just average.  I would consider repurchasing but right now I’m checking out some drugstore faves before I splurge.

Speaking of….  After MakeupbyTiffanyD raved about the L’Oreal Voluminous Full Definition Mascara and compared it to Armany’s Eyes To Kill I just had to check it out.  Although it made her already amazing lashes even more amazing, I didn’t have such luck.  It’s good, but not impressive.  So on to the next one…currently trying out the Maybeline Falsies and so far so good.

Lastly; I know, you thought this post would never end, is my all time favorite eye brow pencil.  The MAC Eye Brow pencil in Spiked (mechanical) is amazing.  It’s super thin which is great for precision, great color for me, and pretty long lasting.  Only downfall (cost aside) is the fact that I basically ran out of it without noticing.  Which, in reality, is not a downfall.  I will definitely repurchase this one even though I am intrigued and have my eye on the new Hourglass one that Viviannadoesmakeup raves about.

Well, my lovelies, hope this was somewhat helpful or at least entertaining for you.  I’ll be doing my several empties post this week so look out for those =)

Any recommendations for a great eye makeup remover?  What’s your favorite mascara?

Lovingly,

Diana

All of these products were purchased by yours truly and the above opinions are my own.