SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Drugstore Makeup Haul

As I explained in my previous post, I have completed a series of retail therapy sessions due to work-related stress. Although these therapy sessions result in a depletion of my funds, I have to admit that I have fun shopping and it does help in relieving some of my stress…at least, that's what I tell myself…and that's my story and I'm going to stick with it. So, as part of my retail therapy, I ended up purchasing a few makeup items from the drugstore in addition to my purchases from Sephora. Here's a rundown of what I purchased over the course of this past Spring.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

1.  CoverGirl Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

I am totally in love with the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara, but the applicator is a bit too chunky to use on my tiny, measly bottom lashes. Thus, I usually go without applying mascara on my bottom lashes. However, I am always on the hunt for a mascara that would be great to create some volume and length to my nonexistent bottom lashes.

What instantly attracted me to this product was its skinny, long applicator that I thought would be better at grabbing my nonexistent bottom lashes rather than the short, chubby applicator of my Lash Blast Fusion mascara. The website states, "no clumps on the brush means no clumps on the lashes for a defined and long lash look". This product is also waterproof, which is a must, especially for my lower lash line.

So far, so good. I've been using this product off-and-on for about a month. The formula is waterproof, but comes off easily when I remove my makeup at the end of the day. I find that the applicator is great for my bottom lashes too. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

2.  L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

Like I previously stated, the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara is my favorite mascara, but that doesn't mean that I am not willing to try other mascaras available on the market. After all, cosmetic companies are constantly coming out with the latest and greatest.

I saw a number of positive reviews of this product on YouTube and decided to give it try. I have to admit that I haven't had much luck with L'Oreal mascara products. I tried the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes mascara and didn't like it. See, my previous beauty review. Thus, I was a bit skeptical about this mascara.

I should have trusted my initial skepticism because while I like the butterfly applicator brush, the formula is a nightmare to remove from your lashes. I still use this mascara from time to time, but I have learned my lesson and will only apply a light single coat to my lashes. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

3.  Physician's Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush in Rose

I don't know why I keep buying blushes. I'm getting a little better at exercising some restraint these days. I bought this product on a whim one night as I was perusing the makeup aisle of Longs. I am a fan of Physician's Formula products even though the you need to pay a little more.

I thought that the packaging of this product was super cute with the bow. The website states that the multi-colored palette of blushing shades brightens and enhances skin tone while adding a touch of naturally radiant color. This compact includes a small mirror and applicator brush on the bottom.

I haven't tried this product out yet. I have so many other blushes in my makeup drawer that I reach for those out of habit and routine. Speaking of makeup drawers, I have a new setup for my makeup, which I hope to post an entry soon (hopefully sooner rather than later)! I'll try to post a full review on this product later when I have a chance to try it out.

SOURCE: Walgreens.com

4.  Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow

I am a big fan of Wet n Wild products. Honestly, you are getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing Wet n Wild products because the quality is really good. I have a variety of the Wet n Wild ColorIcon products and love them!

I discovered the Fergie Center Stage line while watching YouTube beauty videos. I was intrigued by this new line, but decided to hold off because I knew that I already had way more than enough blushes. However, I then discovered that the Rose Champagne Glow was more of a highlighter than a blush. I was instantly sold because I wanted a couple more highlighter shades to add to my makeup collection. I always use NARS in Albatross, but sometimes I was in the mood for a more pinkish glow.

I like this product thus far and have been using it on-and-off for about three months now. It is not too sparkly and does give you a nice healthy glow. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

5.  Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

This is actually my most recent discovery, so I am not sure if this counts as a Spring or Summer purchase, but I'll just sneak it in under the Spring haul since who knows when I will be able to get around to posting a Summer haul entry. I am a huge fan of the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters and own seven shades thus far. However, I wanted a lipstick with more staying power than the Lip Butter lipsticks, but that apply just as smooth as the Lip Butter lipsticks.

The website claims that this product provides instant moisture and all-day color with a soft suede finish. I bought two colors in Fashionista and Socialite and then went back and bought two more in Couture and Iconic.

I like the smooth application of this lipstick and it truly provides all-day color. It doesn't rub off when you drink or eat, which I find fabulous. The one problem that I have with these lipsticks so far is that they can be a bit drying, but not to the point where your lips chap. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

So, that's it for Spring 2014. I admit that my retail therapy sessions were quite successful and stimulating. I also hope that these blog posts will help me get back into the swing of things and blog more often. I've been really terrible. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Makeup Haul from Sephora

I've been putting in super long hours at work. Long hours at work means major retail therapy. As much as I tell myself that I have way too much makeup, I still end up being suckered into buying the latest and greatest. Now that I have major retail therapy needs, I give into my buying temptations so much easier.

In fact, I collected so many things this past Spring that I decided to separate these posts with items from Sephora and items for the drugstore. Thus, here's the latest haul of makeup or beauty items from Sephora that I added to my ever growing makeup collection this past Spring.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

1.  NARS The NARSissist Cheek Kit

I discovered the NARSissist collection from NARS from Beautylish on my Flipboard app. By the way, if you haven't discovered Flipboard yet, you must! The NARSissist Cheek Kit comes with a highlighting blush in Devotee (luminous alabaster sheen), a soft sheer powder blush in Orgasm (peachy pink with gold shimmer), and a brown-based bronzer in Laguna (diffused brown powder with golden shimmer). It is a blush trio compact that is great for travel and includes a travel-size blush brush.

I am a fan of NARS blushes and own Albatross and Deep Throat. I've been meaning to try more colors, but I must admit that the price of these blushes are a bit too expensive for my modest budget. Thus, I thought that this trio was a perfect alternative for me to try other shades.

The only thing that threw me off a little when I opened the package was the size of the compact. It is about the same size of a regular sized NARS blush compact and each pan contains only 0.08 oz. of product. I guess when Sephora describes this palette as a great travel product, they weren't kidding. This palette is listed at $49, so I have to admit after looking at the product (next time I am going down to Sephora to see it in-person before placing my order online), I feel a bit cheated.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

2.  NARS The NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette

Since I was going to get the Cheek Kit from this collection, I also had to get the eyeshadow palette as well! This is my first time trying NARS eyeshadows and I thought that this palette would be a perfect way to be formally introduced.

This lovely palette contains fifteen neutral shades (0.003 oz. of product each):

• Row 1 from L to R: All About Eve (flesh toned neutrals), Madrague II (matte caramel), Fez (velvety cocoa), Bali (neutral), and Coconut Grove (deep brown infused with reflections);
• Row 2 from L to R: Madrague I (matte cream), Nepal (soft sheer rose), Ashes to Ashes (shimmery violet based brown), Brousse II (black violet), and Mekong (espresso infused with gold); and
• Row 3 from L to R: Bellissima I (shimmering beige with subtle glitter), Lhasa (lavender grey), Bad Behavior (deep pewter), Dogon II (charcoal black), and Pandora II (matte black).

I don't think that I have ever seen a NARS eyeshadow palette with this many shades, so I knew that I had to get it as soon as I heard about it. I know that I already own a ton of neutral palettes from Urban Decay and NYX, but this limited edition palette was too hard to pass up even at the retail price of $79…ouch.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

3.  NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

My newest obsession is setting powders. Ever since I fell in love with the Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher, I am sold on finishing powders. I was browsing through my YouTube page and saw videos from makeup gurus raving about this product.

According to the Sephora website, this setting powder is designed to enhance the look of foundation without a trace of color and extends makeup wear due to NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex that optimizes light reflection on the skin.

I live in sunny Hawaii where the air is humid and maintaining a makeup matte finish can be a challenge, especially with my oily skin. I love this product so far. I dust just a little on my face otherwise it can get a bit cakey. I also use a fluffy face brush to apply the product rather than the little puff that is included. I still love my Revlon Photoready finishing powder, but I am so happy that I found an alternative.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

4.  Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Palette

All I know is that there is a movie out called "Divergent". That's it. I don't know what the movie is about or who stars in the movie, but at least I know that there is a movie. Sephora has come out with a limited edition palette that includes an eyeshadow trio, blush, bronzer, and lip gloss.

What attracted me to this palette was the packaging. The set comes in a gorgeous iridescent metal box that makes it perfect for traveling because everything you need is right in the box. The eyeshadow comes in Candor Lace, Luminous Taupe, and Envious Chocolate, which are all nude shades that can be easily worn for day or night looks. The blush is a rosy-mauve shade while the bronzer is a deeper matte color for easy contouring. The lip gloss is in Artistic Mauve.

I haven't tried this palette out yet because I've have other palettes that I previously bought that I should and need to try first. Since this is a limited edition palette that was available in-store or online exclusively at Sephora, you need to act quickly. This palette is $32.50 while the Divergent Multi-Piece Collector's Kit is valued at $59.50. This kit is also limited edition and is an enormous collection with twelve eyeshadows, three high gloss transforming eyeshadows, two blushes, one shimmering bronzer, one illuminator, four lip glosses, and a double-ended eye and cheek brush. Sephora also offers a 7-Piece Nail Art Kit with five nail polishes, one high-gloss transforming nail lacquer, and nail water-transfer tattoos. I bought this set for a friend for her birthday and she loved the different shades.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

5.  Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray

I am always on the hunt for a good waterproof eyeliner that won't budge along the bottom of my eye line. I've tried so many eye pencils that honestly I lost count. I read good things about the Stila Waterproof Eye Liner Stick on the Internet as well as on YouTube that I have to try it out for myself.

The Sephora website states that this eyeliner is a highly pigmented, waterproof eyeliner that glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power. The application is soft, smooth, and easy on the eyes to create a high metallic, sultry, inky intensity that lasts. Sounds good, right? However, how many times have I heard that statement made about other eyeliners on the market?

Beside the claims of staying power, what really attracted me to this product is that it is a retractable eyeliner pencil. I am really adverse to regular pencils that need sharpening. I just find sharpening eyeliner and lip liner pencils to be so messy. I haven't used this eyeliner yet because lining my bottom eye line isn't part of my normal daily routine, but I will try to post a review once I finally get around to using this.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

6.  T3 SinglePass Professional Straightening & Styling Iron

I know what you're thinking. I already have straight hair, so why do I need a flat iron? I have naturally straight hair, but because I routinely wake up with bed head, a flat iron is a must for me to straighten out the kinks and allow my hair to fall nicely. I've been using my Conair flat iron for years (I previously posted a Beauty Review on that flat iron), but I noticed that after years of daily use, it was starting to become a little unreliable.

I already own two T3 hair tools, including the T3 SinglePass Twirl 1.25 Inch Curling Iron and the T3 SinglePass Whirl, so purchasing a T3 flat iron only seemed like a logical choice. The Sephora website states that this flat iron maintains the selected heat temperature for effortless, high-speed styling and smooth, shiny, long-lasting results. The results delivers frizz-free, healthy, cuticle-smoothing styling.

So far, I find that the T3 flat iron heats up relatively fast (although my Conair flat iron heats up faster) and maintains even heat throughout use. I like that the this flat iron has a curved body and beveled plate edges so I am able to curl under the bottom of my hair. My hair comes out silky and smooth and with some light hairspray, it stays this way throughout the day, including even throughout the most humid times.

SOURCE: Sephora.com

7.  Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I am a big fan of liquid eyeliner for my upper eye line and I find that I have greatest control using a felt tip rather than brush tip. However, ever since using the Physician's Formula eyeliner (I previously posted a Beauty Review on this eyeliner) I am becoming better at lining my eyes with a brush. I recalled the saleslady at Macy's a while ago telling me that the Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner was the best she has ever used. However, after already purchasing quite a few makeup items from her, I wasn't in the mood to drain my pocketbook even further.

Recently, I decided to try this eyeliner. Not because I need another eyeliner. I am more than happy and content with the Physician's Formula eyeliner, but because I was in the midst of a major retail therapy session. So far, I can't say that I hate this product, but I don't totally love it either. I am still using my Physician's Formula eyeliner on a daily basis. I hope to submit a more detailed review on this product later.

That's it for this past Spring. After all of that merchandise, I was still below obtaining VIB status at Sephora. That status would come during my summer purchase. However, that haul is rather boring because it includes backup items, such as Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. On to my drugstore haul! To be continued...